Samuel Olu Adeyoyin and H.I.T. Akinyosoye
This article describes a project of retrospective conversion in a Nigerian research library where the migration from one software program TINMAN/TINLIB to another – the newly…
Abstract
This article describes a project of retrospective conversion in a Nigerian research library where the migration from one software program TINMAN/TINLIB to another – the newly acquired CDS/ISIS was carried out. The paper analyses the step‐by‐step approach taken in carrying out the migration successfully. Reasons for the retroconversion and the method of acquisition of the new software are discussed. Also, the problems emanating from the peculiarities of the software and the practical approach used in solving such problems are discussed in detail. The treatment given to accession numbers, reference materials, books with multiple authors and gifts and donations to the library is highlighted. Also, the benefits of the project to the Development Policy Centre (DPC) and other libraries were discussed. The paper concludes that with the successful migration project of the DPC library, the conditions are favourable for a wider usage of the software in Nigerian libraries.
Details
Keywords
Reports on the 41st National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association held at Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, which had the theme Access Point…
Abstract
Reports on the 41st National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Library Association held at Makurdi, Benue State, Nigeria, which had the theme Access Point Library: Media, Information, Culture.
Details
Keywords
The impact of information technology (IT) on society is tremendous. Globalization of trade, the emergence of information economies, and the growth of the Internet and other global…
Abstract
The impact of information technology (IT) on society is tremendous. Globalization of trade, the emergence of information economies, and the growth of the Internet and other global communications networks have recast the role of information systems in managing global corporations. The purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which personal characteristics such as gender, age, education, income, and experience predict IT managers' job satisfaction in Nigeria. A sample of 360 IT managers selected from business organizations in Nigeria were used for this research. The results of this study suggest that IT managers were satisfied with their job, co‐workers, and supervision, whereas they were dissatisfied with their pay and the promotion system. The results of regression analyses also showed that personal characteristics were significant predictors of job satisfaction.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the application of project management principles to retrospective conversion of a library catalogue and to share the experience with…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the application of project management principles to retrospective conversion of a library catalogue and to share the experience with other libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
Presents the case of retrospective conversion involving the conversion of card catalogue records and the serials automation at the Faculty of Engineering and Technology Library of the University of Botswana.
Findings
Highlights project management concepts as a means of managing library projects for the optimum benefit of the institution, staff and patrons.
Research limitations/implications
The project involved the conversion of 10,000 manual records and the automation of 250 current journals.
Practical implications
Identifies constraints such as staffing, training and retraining; equipment malfunction and access to online resources; and conflict of work priorities.
Originality/value
A case study of project management applications in academic libraries. Both projects involved project scheduling, staff training, scheduling of duties, and writing of in‐house manuals, all based on project management principles.
Details
Keywords
Ghulam Sarwar and Dale G. Anderson
A simultaneous equation model is used to estimate export demand andsupply functions for US soybeans. Price, income, exchange rate and othereffects on exports to four world regions…
Abstract
A simultaneous equation model is used to estimate export demand and supply functions for US soybeans. Price, income, exchange rate and other effects on exports to four world regions are estimated. Inclusion of export supply relationships have very significant implications for estimated price‐, income‐, and exchange‐rate elasticities of export demand. Results fail to support the usual empirical assumption of infinite supply price elasticity for soybeans.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of food insufficiency and its determinants among farming households in Southwestern Nigeria.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the dynamics of food insufficiency and its determinants among farming households in Southwestern Nigeria.
Design/methodology/approach
A combination of cluster and systematic random sampling was used to select 40 households in each local government area of the selected two states. This gives a total of 160 households per state and 320 households in all for the first data collection. Visiting the same households during the second data collection, only 150 households’ data were useful for analysis. Panel primary data were adopted and they were collected in two periods of late and early rain, respectively, over a period of nine months. Primary data were collected with the aid of a well-structured questionnaire, administered on farming households in the area of study. The needed information was collected through the use of interview schedules/questionnaires.
Findings
The transition of food insufficiency households to food sufficiency indicated a differential of 4.25 percent, and the transition of food sufficiency to food insufficiency a differential of 9.33 percent. During the agricultural harvest season more households moved to food sufficiency status (16 percent), while off season insufficiency status was 25.3 percent. The probability of households escaping food insufficiency is 0.25, and the probability of households entering food insufficiency is 0.38. The study provides evidence of transient and high incidence of food insufficiency.
Originality/value
Past studies of this nature only captured the food insufficiency status of households using a snapshot study. Hence, this study brought in innovation by examining the dynamics of food sufficiency/insufficiency in two periods. Therefore the question this study asks is: can a farm-household be food sufficient over a particular period of time and food insufficient in other time?
Details
Keywords
Bankole Awuzie and Peter McDermott
Extant literature highlights the increasing inability of project-based organisations (PBOs) to meet infrastructure client’s expectations, particularly as it concerns the delivery…
Abstract
Purpose
Extant literature highlights the increasing inability of project-based organisations (PBOs) to meet infrastructure client’s expectations, particularly as it concerns the delivery of socio-economic outcomes during the delivery process. Unclear communication channels and poor processing of information especially as it pertains to client’s strategic objectives results in a misalignment of objectives among participating parties. As its central proposition, the purpose of this paper is to hold that unclear communication channels between parties within infrastructure project PBOs affects their degree of internal cohesion hence posing strong challenges to their overall viability.
Design/methodology/approach
Applying the Viable Infrastructure Delivery Systems Model (VIDM); a model premised on the tenets of the Viable Systems Model, this qualitative study proceeds to assess a particular PBO within a developing country to understand its communication and control channels and to identify where gaps likely to affect the internal cohesiveness of the PBO, if any, existed. Whereas semi-structured interviews and project/policy documents were used as data collection tools, data were analysed using pre-set themes.
Findings
According the study’s findings, an absence of a prevalent common identity was observed among the various parties to the PBO. Contractors’ capabilities to deliver on time and to budget based on their expertise remained pivotal within the PBO thus abandoning the attainment of the client’s pre-defined socio-economic objectives. Cases of faulty and ineffective organisational architecture, functional and communication issues were observed.
Research limitations/implications
Based upon these findings, it is recommended that the VIDM be adopted at the commencement of the PBO lifecycle and used at various intervals by project managers and other stakeholders for assessing the levels of organisational viability.
Originality/value
The methodology and findings resulting from this study represent information from fieldwork conducted by the author and as such have not been used elsewhere.
Details
Keywords
Oyedele Martins Ogundana, Ugbede Umoru, Deborah Ikhile and Chinwe Lucia Egbe
Using an intersectional lens, this article explores the disproportionate effect of health-related crises on vulnerable groups, specifically focusing on migrant women entrepreneurs…
Abstract
Purpose
Using an intersectional lens, this article explores the disproportionate effect of health-related crises on vulnerable groups, specifically focusing on migrant women entrepreneurs and exacerbated by ingrained societal biases related to gender, ethnicity and class.
Design/methodology/approach
Employing an inductive, phenomenological approach, we conducted face-to-face interviews with migrant women entrepreneurs affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Supplementing our findings, we analysed documents such as UK policy briefings and government task force meeting reports.
Findings
Our research uncovered a substantial decline in the customer base of migrant women entrepreneurs, which was attributed to the perceived susceptibility to the virus. Balancing business responsibilities with childcare resulted in a significant time commitment, influencing mood, well-being, family welfare and financial stability. Through our findings, we highlight that the issue of intersectionality extends beyond sociocultural factors to encompass disruptive events like health-related crises. To mitigate the adverse effects, we advocate for migrant women entrepreneurs to undertake crucial entrepreneurial actions, embrace entrepreneurial orientations, utilise available support systems and cultivate essential soft skills.
Originality/value
Emphasising a holistic approach, this article underscores the necessity of addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by migrant women entrepreneurs during health crises, contributing significantly to a broader understanding of intersectionality beyond sociocultural dimensions.
Details
Keywords
Nayra Sh. Mehanna, Amna A.H. Rayes and Sabah M.M. El‐Naggar
The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effects of the intake of fermented milk containing the probiotic bacteria Lactobacilli spp. and Befidobacteria sp. as a…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to examine the potential effects of the intake of fermented milk containing the probiotic bacteria Lactobacilli spp. and Befidobacteria sp. as a supplementation for daily food and the possible prevention of hepatic lesions induced by the oral administration of a carcinogenic mutagen 3 amino‐I methyl‐5H‐pyrido (4, 3‐b) indole.
Design/methodology/approach
In total, 20 mice were divided into four groups. A control group was fed the murine pallet food for 30 days. Another three groups were given orally one dose of the toxic mutagen at the beginning of the experimental period and then fed the normal diet. At the 15th day, mice of the first group were dissected while the mice of the second group were given a second dose then continued feeding normal diet. Animals of the third group were given the second dose of the toxic mutagen and started feeding fermented milk for another 15 days. The quality of life was measured by specific strain count in stool, histopathological, histochemical changes of liver and count of lymphocytes were studied.
Findings
The variable count of Lac. sp. and Bif. sp. in stool of mice indicated that feeding these mice on the fermented milk repaired the slightly damaged areas and prevented the progressive damage effects of the toxic mutagen in these areas, while those which were severely damaged remained unrepaired. Moreover, the presented histochemical study recorded slight depletion in the total carbohydrate and total protein contents only in group C in comparison with controls.
Originality/value
The paper shows that the potential effect of fermented milk ingestion was capable of endorsing protective measures to hepatic tissue architecture and decreasing the toxic effect induced by mutagen administration.