Gregory M. Diskin and Thomas J. Michalak
The LS/2000 integrated library system at Carnegie‐Mellon University has been enhanced to include an Information Function. Existing, as well as planned functions, screen displays…
Abstract
The LS/2000 integrated library system at Carnegie‐Mellon University has been enhanced to include an Information Function. Existing, as well as planned functions, screen displays, and selection options are described and illustrated. Options include announcements, guides to book locations, library hours, access to library guides and bibliographies, library policies and services, and information describing the use of the LS/2000 online catalog.
Nancy Evans and Thomas Michalak
The Carnegie Mellon University Library Information System (LIS), introduced in March 1986, is one of the most popular services the university libraries have offered. Distributed…
Abstract
The Carnegie Mellon University Library Information System (LIS), introduced in March 1986, is one of the most popular services the university libraries have offered. Distributed access to online library catalogs and other computer‐based information resources is no longer a novel approach to library services. However, Carnegie Mellon's LIS is unusual in several respects. The search interface and retrieval system, though based on IBM's STAIRS proprietary retrieval software, were custom designed by the libraries’ staff. In addition, since LIS access is not password‐controlled, anyone with access to both the campus asynchronous and TCP networks can use the system. Moreover, the Carnegie Mellon environment is particularly well suited to innovation and experimentation that goes beyond merely providing access from terminals in faculty offices or public terminal clusters. The Andrew system, an extensive campuswide network of powerful personal workstations under development by the university and IBM, is the basis for much innovation in applications of computing to teaching and research. By linking basic information resources to the Andrew campus network, the university libraries will increase the integration of information resources with routine class assignments and research.
Kimberly Key, Teresa Lightner and Bing Luo
This study investigates the relation between residential property values and both property taxes and public services in Georgia’s counties. Capitalization theory predicts that…
Abstract
This study investigates the relation between residential property values and both property taxes and public services in Georgia’s counties. Capitalization theory predicts that property values relate negatively to property taxes, and positively to public services. Palmon and Smith (1998) state that errors in public service measures create a capitalization coefficient bias that makes it difficult to isolate tax effects from public service effects. This paper is a first step in defining and quantifying public services and their marginal effect on housing values. It develops public service measures in four quality-of-life areas – economy, education, health, and public safety. The models suggest a strong negative relation between effective tax rates and property values, and a significant positive association between the public service measures and property values. Analyses indicate that property taxes are capitalized into housing prices at greater than 100%, suggesting prior underestimations based on measurement errors in public service variables.
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Diarmuid J. Pigott and Valerie J. Hobbs
Modelling complex knowledge resources can be problematical as there is currently no formalism that can represent the nature of the data‐seeking process at a conceptual level. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Modelling complex knowledge resources can be problematical as there is currently no formalism that can represent the nature of the data‐seeking process at a conceptual level. The purpose of this paper is to develop a knowledge representation formalism, the functional entity relationship diagram (FERD), which comprises a set of extensions to the industry standard entity relationship diagram established by Chen.
Design/methodology/approach
The research uses a design science approach to extend the existing ER formalism using the question‐answering (QA) paradigm. It is an extension of standard data modelling theory and is consistent with category theory.
Findings
The authors defined the functional entity, an encapsulated data resource that acts as a QA system and enumerated a typology of nine functional entities generated from two established principles to produce a modelling framework that can depict all existentially quantifiable relations, and demonstrated a satisficing extension to that framework (non‐Aristotelian functional entities) for those situations that do not permit such relations. Further, the authors discussed the system of knowledge mixins for qualifying the relations, and presented an adjunct to the framework, cartographic functional entities, to permit formally verifiable documentation.
Research limitations/implications
Future research will address the pragmatic/sociological dimensions of FERD modelling, and test its utility in field case studies.
Practical implications
The FERD conceptualisation incorporates traditional IS modelling as one aspect of a richer modelling system, and thereby includes all of traditional IS repositories as first class, unmediated sources of knowledge. The establishment of standard types of functional entities can provide a framework for the methodical conversion of the declarative design level to the imperative implementation level. It thus has significant practical implications for the management and use of knowledge in organisations.
Originality/value
The research is original and provides a valuable contribution to conceptual modelling and representation of complex knowledge systems.
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This paper considers the dark side of organisational effectiveness and the processes by which and organisation can move into a state of crisis. The paper sets out a series of…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper considers the dark side of organisational effectiveness and the processes by which and organisation can move into a state of crisis. The paper sets out a series of arguments around the relationships between people and processes and the manner in which they contribute to the incubation of crises within organisations. The purpose of this paper is to provide an introduction to many of the issues that are raised in this issue of the journal and calls for more research that explores the relationships between effectiveness and failure.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper draws upon a range of literatures to set out the case for considering the negative aspects that surround organisational attempts at achieving effectiveness. In particular, it considers the role of both people and processes in a symbiotic relationship within the incubation of crisis. The paper highlights the importance of innovative practices in bypassing organisational controls.
Findings
The paper outlines issues around management practices that serve to focus the attention of practitioners on the ways in which they can contribute inadvertently to the failure of the organisation. In particular, it highlights some of the potential vulnerabilities that can exist within the organisation and which, if unchecked, will result in failure.
Originality/value
The paper highlights the need for further research within the field of organisational effectiveness around the ways in which crises can be incubated as part of the normal processes around effective working.