The purpose of this case study is to report on the activities and outcomes of a facilitated group of new librarians in one Australian university. The aims of the librarians are to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this case study is to report on the activities and outcomes of a facilitated group of new librarians in one Australian university. The aims of the librarians are to increase professional networking, to promote career development, to enhance job satisfaction and retention of motivated staff, to grow participants' sense of responsibility for organisational progress, and to develop willingness to take initiative in presenting good ideas for service improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
The primary author was the initiator of, and facilitator for, the New Professionals' Group and was able to influence approaches taken. A variety of learning experiences were utilised including an action learning project. Monthly meetings were held face‐to‐face and an online group was used as an additional communication avenue. The progress of the group was monitored by facilitator observation, by a participant survey after several months of operation, and by feedback and analysis after one year.
Findings
Participation in the New Professionals' Group had positive impact on networking activity, career advancement, contribution to the organisation and job satisfaction. No significant impact on staff retention was established.
Research limitations/implications
Self‐report was the only means of identifying the level of influence coming from participation in the group as compared with the impact of prior capabilities and attitudes.
Originality/value
Induction and socialisation of new employees commonly covers organisational structure, policies and procedures as well as job‐specific training. An emphasis on career advancement strategies and being a positive and effective voice for organisational improvement are distinctive in the reported work.
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Julia Leong and Craig Anderson
The paper aims to demonstrate a range of approaches to promoting innovative thought and action which can be applied in a variety of organisational contexts.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to demonstrate a range of approaches to promoting innovative thought and action which can be applied in a variety of organisational contexts.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes strategies adopted by one large academic library which sought to increase employee engagement and levels of innovation. Included is the background situation, a description of cultural change activities undertaken, information on provision of a suite of practical innovation process tools, and reference to relevant literature.
Findings
The leadership framework of RMIT University, and associated developmental opportunities, benefit the library which also offers a tailored developmental programme for its leadership group. Specific purpose groups are used in the library to build capacity and promote cultural change. The library promotes involvement in professional associations and supports innovation through the provision of practical tools and techniques which can be used by staff at all levels. Building an innovative culture is challenging in a large organisation, but sustaining effort over time, utilising a variety of approaches and developing positive sub‐cultures among motivated staff have been found to be beneficial.
Originality/value
By describing strategies to promote an innovative organisational culture, the paper has originality. Most related library literature addresses specific innovations.
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The study aims to identify strategies to enhance change readiness and professional competence in academic reference librarians in a time of organizational change and challenge.
Abstract
Purpose
The study aims to identify strategies to enhance change readiness and professional competence in academic reference librarians in a time of organizational change and challenge.
Design/methodology/approach
The author, as departmental head, was able to influence strategies taken and to directly observe and record processes and outcomes. Staff also participated in two surveys to establish and trace competence. Motivation to deal proactively with the changing environment was built through good communication and looking at likely future scenarios. Required competencies were established, skills assessed, goals set for professional development, and progress assessed. Staff participated in determining directions and took responsibility for implementing agreed actions.
Findings
The paper finds that reference staff responded positively to enhanced opportunities to influence directions. They willingly took responsibility, developed new skills for a changing environment, and demonstrated effectiveness in new ways. Positive outcomes included recognition through a national award, successful grant applications and project work, and positive attitudes shown by staff at a time of organizational restructuring and downsizing.
Practical implications
Reference staff capability to provide innovative services and to adapt to changing expectations and opportunities is enhanced by participation in management of library directions and through staff development.
Originality/value
This case study offers insight into practical and inexpensive approaches to enhancing reference librarian change readiness and competence.
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Abstract
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The aim of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this paper is to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting‐edge research and case studies.
Design/methodology/approach
This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context.
Findings
The paper finds.that organizations have to learn the lesson that change can be welcomed by employees if they are given compelling reasons why change is needed, convincing evidence why the status quo is no longer an option, effective involvement in managing the change process, sufficient time to get used to and involved in the new systems, and relevant training and development to equip them to take on new challenges.
Practical implications
The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world's leading organizations.
Originality/value
The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy‐to‐digest format.
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Doreen Sullivan, Julia Leong, Annie Yee, Daniel Giddens and Robyn Phillips
– The purpose of this paper is to offer an effective model for increasing professionals' competence, enthusiasm and success in writing and publishing.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to offer an effective model for increasing professionals' competence, enthusiasm and success in writing and publishing.
Design/methodology/approach
Recent articles on writing groups in the field of library and information science are reviewed and a case study of a group at RMIT University Library is presented. The authors were the facilitator and group members who were librarians, most with relative inexperience in research, writing, presenting, and getting published. A self-rating confidence survey was created to establish developmental priorities which were then addressed through input from experts, practical application and reflection, and constructive advice and support from group members. Group effectiveness and outcomes were evaluated at mid- and end-point review meetings, through a post-intervention confidence survey and by tracking publication output.
Findings
The group became a cohesive, task-focused and productive team. A post-intervention confidence survey evidenced improvements on all survey items at a team level. Each member affirmed that they had gained substantial knowledge of writing, presentation and research techniques and understanding of the publication process. Publication output increased over the benchmark year of 2010, and in 2011 and 2012 exceeded initial targets.
Practical implications
The model presented offers a practical and effective approach to increasing competence and output in writing, presenting, research, and getting published and can be easily adopted by others.
Originality/value
Most literature reviews on library professional writing groups relate to professionals required to publish. The Get Published Group comprised Australian librarians writing voluntarily.
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Ana Júlia Souto Carvalho, Jhonatan Rafael Zárate-Salazar, Michelle Cristine Medeiros Jacob, Patrícia Lima Araújo, Sávio Marcelino Gomes and Fillipe De Oliveira Pereira
This study aims to examine the role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet, considering their strategic significance in meeting nutritional goals within sustainable…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the role of edible mushrooms in the Brazilian diet, considering their strategic significance in meeting nutritional goals within sustainable development. Despite their potential in the nutrition of the Brazilian population, significant knowledge gaps still exist. To address this, the authors formulated this study into five main sections: the consumption of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the factors influencing the consumption, the occurrence of edible mushrooms in Brazil, the nutritional contribution of mushrooms consumed in Brazil and sustainable mushroom production in Brazil.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors compiled current literature to develop this viewpoint paper using systematic review, systematic search and narrative review search methods.
Findings
Mushrooms are sporadically consumed in Brazil, primarily by the urban population, with challenges in estimating the most used species. Social, economic and cultural factors, health considerations and reduced meat consumption influence mushroom consumption behavior. While Pleurotus ostreatus, Lentinula edodes and Agaricus bisporus are primary species, ethnomycological studies highlight a more diverse consumption among traditional indigenous communities. Brazil hosts approximately 133 wild mushroom species safe for human consumption. Some can be sustainably cultivated using substrates derived from agricultural and urban waste, offering high-protein, high-fiber, low-fat foods with bioactive compounds holding antioxidant and prebiotic potential.
Originality/value
To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous study has investigated how edible mushrooms contribute to the food and nutrition of the Brazilian population. This study emphasizes the crucial role of edible mushrooms in preserving Brazil’s cultural heritage, contributing to food and nutritional security and enhancing the overall diet quality.
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Julia Fan Li and Elizabeth Garnsey
Healthcare innovations for bottom-of-pyramid populations face considerable risks and few economic incentives. Can entrepreneurial innovators provide new solutions for global…
Abstract
Healthcare innovations for bottom-of-pyramid populations face considerable risks and few economic incentives. Can entrepreneurial innovators provide new solutions for global health? This chapter examines how a technology enterprise built a collaborative network and supportive ecosystem making it possible to steer an innovation for TB patients through discovery, development, and delivery. Ecosystem resources were mobilized and upstream and downstream co-innovation risks were mitigated to commercialize a new diagnostic test. Detailed evidence on this innovation for TB care uses ecosystem analysis to clarify core issues in the context of joint value creation. The case study shows how resources from private and public partners can be leveraged and combined by the focal firm to build joint value and to lower execution, co-innovation, and adoption risks in healthcare ecosystems combating diseases of poverty.
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Julia Anne Millard and Konstantin Korotov
While much research has been done on how attitudes toward therapy relate to engagement in it, the willingness to engage in coaching has not yet been studied. As coaching continues…
Abstract
Purpose
While much research has been done on how attitudes toward therapy relate to engagement in it, the willingness to engage in coaching has not yet been studied. As coaching continues to grow in popularity and makes its way into curricula of Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs, it is worth examining what factors may influence people's attitudes toward this new type of psychological support. With frequently noticed and discussed similarities between coaching and therapy, the purpose of this paper is to examine whether particular antecedents of engagement in therapy, namely mental health stigma and gender, would be equally relevant for engagement in coaching by MBA students.
Design/methodology/approach
This was survey research with 54 MBAs at a major European business school.
Findings
The results suggest that while gender does influence an individual's attitude toward therapy, it does not influence an individual's attitude toward coaching. Stigma, however, still impacts attitudes toward both therapy and coaching.
Research limitations/implications
This paper focusses on attitudes. Further research could explore how closely attitudes result in specific behaviors, such as requesting a coach or agreeing to be coached when suggested by MBA program educators.
Practical implications
Implications concern positioning of coaching within MBA programs and preparation of coaches and educators.
Social implications
Gender neutrality of willingness to engage in coaching suggests opportunities for acceptance of other forms of psychological support.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the early investigations of willingness to be coached, particularly in the MBA context.
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Francesco Sofo, Ta‐Yan Leong and Michelle Sofo
The purpose of this paper is to identify from the literature the successful R&D management cooperation factors and then examine their relevance to R&D management cooperation…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to identify from the literature the successful R&D management cooperation factors and then examine their relevance to R&D management cooperation efforts between China and Australia.
Design/methodology/approach
The case study method is used to encourage a deeper appreciation of the dynamics of R&D management projects. A theoretical framework is constructed based on the literature to highlight factors of successful R&D management, and this framework is then applied to a case study involving the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the Australian Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO).
Findings
The result is a hybrid multi‐dimensional model incorporating cultural and social capital variables. Several critical success factors were found to exist: funding, government support, institutional support, complementary technology and expertise, mutual respect and strong commitment from leadership. One additional critical success factor was the bilingual expertise of facilitators who manage to help bridge the gaps between both intellectual capital (technical expertise) and cultural differences.
Practical implications
The framework of successful R&D cooperation identified in this study can act as a springboard for applying the successful principles in broader cases of R&D management cooperation.
Originality/value
The value of this study lies in the development of a model for successful cross‐cultural application of R&D management cooperation between China, Australia and (by extension) other countries that may foster successful cooperation, build global empathy and create inclusive competitive advantage.