JoAnne Sparks, Linda O'Brien, Joanna Richardson, Malcolm Wolski, Sanja Tadic and Joanne Morris
The purpose of this paper is to report on “turning a new page” (TNP), a business improvement initiative undertaken by Scholarly Information & Research (SIR). The aim is to embed…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to report on “turning a new page” (TNP), a business improvement initiative undertaken by Scholarly Information & Research (SIR). The aim is to embed innovation and integrate e‐research and library services. SIR is part of the Information Services (INS) division at Griffith University, one of the top research universities in Australia. SIR provides library services, publication support and eResearch services to over 43,000 students and staff at five campuses and online.
Design/methodology/approach
TNP combines methods from best practices around continuous improvement, change management and business planning to achieve better alignment operationally and to prioritise potential improvements to services. The focus is on services required in three to five years for the “new generation” of users who will need them.
Findings
Existing services were unevenly delivered and resources unevenly distributed. A key initial step is restructuring to collocate similar capabilities and redistribute resources, and provides a framework for developing future capacity. The integrated staffing approach nurtures innovation and skills development.
Originality/value
Integrating e‐research services with library services to this extent has not been achieved in an Australian context before. The combination of methods applied and the progress achieved to date illustrates the value of the approach and may be relevant for other research‐intensive universities.
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George Cairns and Joanne Roberts
The purpose of this extended editorial is to reflect on the journey of critical perspectives on international business over the past seven years and to look forward to future…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this extended editorial is to reflect on the journey of critical perspectives on international business over the past seven years and to look forward to future issues and potential concerns of the journal. In addition, the contents of the current issue are introduced.
Design/methodology/approach
Using the form of a conversation between the journal's co‐editors, the development of the journal and features of its content over the last seven years are discussed, and related to the ever changing external context. The current trends and concerns emerging in the field of international business are used to speculate on the future direction of the journal and its prospective content.
Findings
By tracing key points and features of the development of the journal over the past seven years, this paper identifies a growing need for critique of international business in all its various forms, and, especially from inter, multi and trans‐disciplinary perspectives.
Originality/value
This is the first attempt to evaluate critical perspectives on international business. As such, it offers a foundation from which to speculate on the future development of both the journal and the field of critical studies on international business.
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JoAnne Sparks, Grace Saw and Mary Davies
陰陽 (yinyáng in Pinyin) is about interconnectedness rather than opposites. The purpose of this paper is to highlight how collaboration connects and strengthens the efforts across…
Abstract
Purpose
陰陽 (yinyáng in Pinyin) is about interconnectedness rather than opposites. The purpose of this paper is to highlight how collaboration connects and strengthens the efforts across the sector and reinforces how the sum of the parts is greater than any one university alone. This paper shares the experience of conducting a collaborative project with three universities. It illustrates the fine balancing act of collaboration (yin) with competition (yang) amongst three of Australia ' s higher education institutions at a national level, with the aim of contributing to the career development of professionals in the fields of library services and eResearch.
Design/methodology/approach
Bond University, University of Western Australia and Griffith University have collaborated to develop a career mapping toolkit which builds on an earlier commissioned project completed by Council of Australian IT Directors (CAUDIT) focusing on enterprise information technology roles. This tri-institutional collaborative project reviews in detail the skills, knowledge and abilities of library and eResearch management roles in the respective organisations.
Findings
This project has been hugely rewarding for the initial three project partners who worked and collaborated well together, successfully completing project goals within agreed timeframes. Looking forward, career pathing will become more widespread as managers receive the requisite training, take ownership of these activities and grow to fully realise the value and potential of active career management to team performance. Ultimately, the use of the career pathing toolkit will enhance career satisfaction of the individual which in turn will lift the productivity of the organisational unit.
Research limitations/implications
To ensure the ongoing viability of the career pathing toolkit, it is necessary to measure its relevance and effectiveness: each institution is confident in adopting/modifying the final product for internal use. This demonstrates confidence in the quality of the work produced by the other collaborators; adoption of the product by institutions which were not part of the initial collaboration; and willingness of another institution (not originally involved) to join the collaborative project and make a contribution.
Practical implications
The catalyst for collaboration between the three universities was realised when the authors saw an opportunity to address the important and pressing issue of career and workforce planning as a partnership project. The main objective for collaboration was to achieve a more comprehensive and speedier project outcome.
Social implications
This paper shares the outcomes of the project which illustrates the fine balancing act of collaboration (yin) with competition (yang) amongst three of Australia ' s higher education institutions at a national level, with the aim of contributing to the career development of professionals in the fields of library and eResearch.
Originality/value
The aim is to develop a toolkit that: catalogues and maps the core professional roles needed in the next two to three years in the respective institutions; and specifies the knowledge and experience required in each core professional area including where there is overlap. In essence, the career map provides a toolkit for identifying the knowledge areas and skills, abilities and competencies required for each core area (organised by career streams) and professional role.
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Victoria Canning, Greg Martin and Steve Tombs
This chapter provides a context for The Emerald International Handbook of Activist Criminology. It offers an overview of the small, yet burgeoning literature dedicated to…
Abstract
This chapter provides a context for The Emerald International Handbook of Activist Criminology. It offers an overview of the small, yet burgeoning literature dedicated to ‘criminology activism’, which includes engagement with public criminology and various brands of critical criminology, as well as zemiology or the study of social harm beyond narrow state-centric definitions of crime. Among other things, the chapter considers the role academics might play in addressing social and criminal injustice, and the new opportunities afforded to both academics and activists – including citizen journalists and media professionals – by digital technologies and social media when intervening in campaigns for justice and formal criminal legal processes. To answer the question, why now, the chapter argues we are currently in the midst of an unprecedented period of upheaval requiring action from activists and academics alike, including criminologists engaged in social scientific research operating beyond the delusions of objectivity and value-neutrality, that is, politically engaged research aiming to remedy not only the absence of meaningful state intervention in crime and harm but also expose the role of corporations and the state itself in prosecuting and perpetuating crime and harm.
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Aims to report on the 2005 Annual Conference of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST), which had the theme “Sparking Synergies” in Charlotte. The…
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to report on the 2005 Annual Conference of the American Society for Information Science and Technology (ASIST), which had the theme “Sparking Synergies” in Charlotte. The conference was held in October in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Design/methodology/approach
Reviews some of the events of the conference.
Findings
Finds that the hot topics of the conference were: virtual reference, digital libraries, standards, and user interfaces and help documentation.
Originality/value
A report that will be of interest to library and information management professionals.
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Lauren Rosenthal and Heather Zabski
Public libraries are great at collecting data, but struggle with using it in meaningful ways. Presenting charts of numbers fails to engage community members in your library's…
Abstract
Public libraries are great at collecting data, but struggle with using it in meaningful ways. Presenting charts of numbers fails to engage community members in your library's successes. The Fox River Valley Public Library District streamlined statistical reporting to ensure the data were meaningful, and used online, interactive graphs highlighting a few key metrics and financial reports. To provide perspective, statewide data reporting was utilized to benchmark performance against libraries of similar size and location. Then these data were used to create an interactive platform to spark community discussions, soliciting feedback to help steer the Library's future direction. The result of one such platform led to the Library going fine-free, enabling economically disadvantaged patrons to once again check out items – especially younger patrons whose cards had been blocked due to parental use and late fees. Another charted the course for a future referendum question and building construction project, explaining how the district serves 70,000 which marks it one of the largest in the state; however, the small physical space prevents offering the whole range of products and services available in larger buildings and marks the district one of the smallest libraries in square feet per capita. The impact is more funding opportunities as well as positive feelings about the library's value demonstrated in improvements in community reactions via social media.
Joanne Zaida Taylor and Katherine Isabelle Rostron
The purpose of this paper is to describe the 16-year research and development journey of the Culture Excellence assessment tool, which is used widely to assess safety and quality…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to describe the 16-year research and development journey of the Culture Excellence assessment tool, which is used widely to assess safety and quality culture in the food industry. It is the third article in a theme issue of Worldwide Hospitality and Tourism Themes, discussing the importance of measuring food safety and quality culture.
Design/methodology/approach
An iterative process of in-depth interviews and mixed-method case studies led to the development of a conceptual model and an online assessment tool, which are used to gain insight into safety and quality culture.
Findings
The research process resulted in a conceptual model of four categories and 20 dimensions of safety and quality culture, alongside a practical online assessment tool to enable their measurement; these categories and dimensions are demonstrated using qualitative quotations.
Originality/value
This paper introduces qualitative data on safety and quality culture direct from the food industry with academic analysis to highlight new dimensions and issues. It will be of value to food safety and quality practitioners, trainers, auditors and other stakeholders involved in the food industry.