Denise Pan, Gayle Bradbeer and Elaine Jurries
This case study aims to demonstrate that the combination of teamwork and technology enabled troubleshooting librarians to transform Web 2.0 social networking (blog) software into…
Abstract
Purpose
This case study aims to demonstrate that the combination of teamwork and technology enabled troubleshooting librarians to transform Web 2.0 social networking (blog) software into a knowledge management tool for resolving issues with electronic resources.
Design/methodology/approach
Current library management software is ill‐equipped to cope with the complexities of troubleshooting problems with online materials. After implementation of a commercial Electronic Resources Management (ERM) system overwhelmed the librarians with access issues, they naturally formed a community of practice to initiate knowledge creation through developing a custom solution – the AurProblem Blog. In doing so, they recognized unintended benefits of using social networking software to communicate with one another, colleagues and patrons, and to facilitate improvements in their workflow.
Findings
The paper describes the processes in which the librarians established a self‐identified and formed group which enabled them to create their own troubleshooting tool and procedures. Since their relationship initially developed as peers, with mutual respect for the others' complementary and non‐competing capabilities, they achieved authentic shared leadership – where each member shifted between leader and follower roles depending on the circumstance.
Research limitations/implications
The troubleshooting team attributes their success to voluntary and spontaneous formation of a shared leadership environment. While achievement of knowledge creation among equals is more challenging in traditional hierarchically defined establishments where roles and responsibilities are assigned, the authors believe that many of the case study findings are transferable.
Practical implications
The paper describes steps taken to convert a generic blog into a customized troubleshooting management tool. As a result, readers will be able to set up blog labels and templates, establish problem‐solving protocol with colleagues, and develop their own custom solutions.
Social implications
This paper demonstrates that blogs can become essential workplace tools for improving organizational efficiency.
Originality/value
Based on literature reviews, this paper presents a unique perspective, which re‐imagines the use of Web 2.0 technology for troubleshooting e‐resources.
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The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of collaborative evidence based information practice (EBIP) as an organizational effectiveness model.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the efficacy of collaborative evidence based information practice (EBIP) as an organizational effectiveness model.
Design/methodology/approach
Shared leadership, appreciative inquiry and knowledge creation theoretical frameworks provide the foundation for change toward the implementation of a collaborative EBIP workplace model. Collaborative EBIP reiterates the importance of gathering the best available evidence, but it differs by shifting decision‐making authority from “library or employer centric” to “user or employee centric”.
Findings
University of Colorado Denver Auraria Library Technical Services department created a collaborative EBIP environment by flattening workplace hierarchies, distributing problem solving and encouraging reflective dialogue. By doing so, participants are empowered to identify problems, create solutions, and become valued and respected leaders and followers.
Practical implications
In an environment where library budgets are in jeopardy, recruitment opportunities are limited and the workplace is in constant flux, the Auraria Library case study offers an approach that maximizes the capability of the current workforce and promotes agile responsiveness to industry and organizational challenges.
Originality/value
Collaborative EBIP is an organizational model demonstrating a process focusing first on the individual and moving to the collective to develop a responsive and high performing business unit, and in turn, organization.
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The purpose of this monograph is to present the first English translation of a unique French colonial report on women living under colonial rule in West Africa.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this monograph is to present the first English translation of a unique French colonial report on women living under colonial rule in West Africa.
Design/methodology/approach
The issue begins with a discussion of the contribution this report makes to the history of social development policy in Africa, and how it serves the on‐going critique of colonisation. This is followed by the English translation of the original report held in the National Archives of Senegal. The translation is accompanied by explanatory notes, translator’s comments, a glossary of African and technical terms, and a bibliography.
Findings
The discussion highlights contemporary social development policies and practices which featured in identical or similar forms in French colonial social policy.
Practical implications
As the report demonstrates, access to basic education and improving maternal/infant health care have dominated the social development agenda for women in sub‐Saharan Africa for over a century, and will continue to do so in the foreseeable future in the Millennium Development Goals which define the international community’s agenda for social development to 2015. The parallels between colonial and post‐colonial social policies in Africa raise questions about the philosophical and cultural foundations of contemporary social development policy in Africa and the direction policy is following in the 21st century.
Originality/value
Though the discussion adopts a consciously postcolonial perspective, the report that follows presents a consciously colonial view of the “Other”. Given the parallels identified here between contemporary and colonial policy‐making, this can only add to the value of the document in exploring the values that underpin contemporary social development practice.
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Ahmad A. Khanfar, Reza Kiani Mavi, Mohammad Iranmanesh and Denise Gengatharen
Despite the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to increase revenue, reduce costs and enhance performance, their adoption by organisations has fallen short of…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) systems to increase revenue, reduce costs and enhance performance, their adoption by organisations has fallen short of expectations, leading to unsuccessful implementations. This paper aims to identify and elucidate the factors influencing AI adoption at both the organisational and individual levels. Developing a conceptual model, it contributes to understanding the underlying individual, social, technological, organisational and environmental factors and guides future research in this area.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors have conducted a systematic literature review to synthesise the literature on the determinants of AI adoption. In total, 90 papers published in the field of AI adoption in the organisational context were reviewed to identify a set of factors influencing AI adoption.
Findings
This study categorised the factors influencing AI system adoption into individual, social, organisational, environmental and technological factors. Firm-level factors were found to impact employee behaviour towards AI systems. Further research is needed to understand the effects of these factors on employee perceptions, emotions and behaviours towards new AI systems. These findings led to the proposal of a theory-based model illustrating the relationships between these factors, challenging the assumption of independence between adoption influencers at both the firm and employee levels.
Originality/value
This study is one of the first to synthesise current knowledge on determinants of AI adoption, serving as a theoretical foundation for further research in this emerging field. The adoption model developed integrates key factors from both the firm and individual levels, offering a holistic view of the interconnectedness of various AI adoption factors. This approach challenges the assumption that factors at the firm and individual levels operate independently. Through this study, information systems researchers and practitioners gain a deeper understanding of AI adoption, enhancing their insight into its potential impacts.
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An evaluation of staff food safety behaviour in 91 butchers’ shops was conducted using direct observation and questionnaires. The investigation focused on behaviour that could…
Abstract
An evaluation of staff food safety behaviour in 91 butchers’ shops was conducted using direct observation and questionnaires. The investigation focused on behaviour that could lead to cross‐contamination during the handling of ready‐to‐eat high‐risk products. It was found that the businesses lacked separate staff for handling cooked products but had separate equipment, surfaces and utensils for raw and cooked products. Equipment that was most likely not to be segregated included vacuum packers, film wrappers and chillers. Work routines appeared to provide many opportunities for contamination of hand and food contact surfaces. Unsatisfactory cleaning procedures were observed; the main defects being inadequate cleaning frequency, incorrect use of wiping cloths, improper use of cleaning chemicals, neglect of hand contact surfaces. The results are discussed in relation to the establishment of an effective HACCP system and recommendations for improving food safety behaviour that will control potential cross‐contamination are given.
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Constantin Bratianu, Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Francesca Dal Mas and Denise Bedford
Constantin Bratianu, Alexeis Garcia-Perez, Francesca Dal Mas and Denise Bedford
Rujiu Gao, Denise Koh and Ling Wang
Based on the theory of embodied cognition, this study uses the Mehrabian–Rusell model to explore the influence of tourists’ body involvement during sports vacations on their…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the theory of embodied cognition, this study uses the Mehrabian–Rusell model to explore the influence of tourists’ body involvement during sports vacations on their post-trip behavioral intention, as well as the regulatory role of tourism involvement in this process.
Design/methodology/approach
Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses, mediating effects and moderating effects. The data were collected through an online survey of 631 visitors to sports tourism destinations in China.
Findings
Proprioception and kinesthesia in sports tourism activities can affect post-trip behavioral intention through body arousal and tourism satisfaction. Tourism involvement positively regulates the influence of body embeddedness and body arousal on tourism satisfaction. Furthermore, a “threshold effect” exists in the emotional effect of tourists’ body involvement.
Practical implications
To develop sports tourism, it is important to take the following steps: create multi-sensory stimulation to improve the physical participation of tourists in sports tourism activities, design sports resorts that cater to people of different age groups, evaluate tourists’ satisfaction and use their feedback to make continuous improvements, improve the basic convenience services offered at sports resorts, use social media to display the unique physical environment and others characteristics of sports destinations to expand popularity.
Originality/value
This study constructs a conceptual model of the influence mechanism of tourists’ body involvement on post-trip behavioral intention to present valuable insights that could help promote the sustainable development of sports tourism.
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Denise Jackson, Grant Michelson and Rahat Munir
Technological advances have led to accounting roles shifting from transaction focussed tasks to using data generated by technology to inform stakeholder strategies, resulting in…
Abstract
Purpose
Technological advances have led to accounting roles shifting from transaction focussed tasks to using data generated by technology to inform stakeholder strategies, resulting in changing skill requirements. This study aims to investigate how early career accountants (ECAs) and organisations value different skills among ECAs, how technology is impacting on these skills and the preparedness of ECAs for future technological work in different organisational settings.
Design/methodology/approach
The research adopted a multi-stakeholder, mixed-method approach, surveying 315 ECAs and 175 managers/recruiters and interviewing 10 from each group. The sample drew from different industry sectors and organisation types in Australia, with all states represented.
Findings
There was broad agreement among ECAs and managers on requisite skills for technology. Most ECAs and managers believed new technology is influencing the skills required in accounting, yet the impact was considered greater among ECAs and effects varied by organisational setting. Overall, the research did not support ECAs as “digital natives” and illuminated the importance of exposure to technology, a change mindset and lifelong learning to better prepare them for new technology.
Originality/value
This study makes an important contribution to understanding how and why skills for success in accounting are evolving in the context of new technology and how prepared ECAs are for technology from both their own and managers/recruiters’ perspectives. It highlights the need for greater dialogue, benchmarking and evaluation of performance in technology-related skills among new accountants and their managers. Further, it identifies areas where ECAs would most benefit from targeted support, aiding personal career success and organisational competitiveness.