Kirsten Barclay and Charles Oppenheim
A number of methodologies exist for managing information as an asset. Horton's information entity modelling technique, entitled Information Resource Mapping, is amongst the best…
Abstract
A number of methodologies exist for managing information as an asset. Horton's information entity modelling technique, entitled Information Resource Mapping, is amongst the best known. He also developed a software, InfoMapper™, which is based on the principles of the information mapping methodology. Hitherto, no publications have appeared describing the application of InfoMapper™ in a commercial organisation. This paper describes experiments to test the software and the underlying methodology to assess their applicability in commercial environments. Trainload Coal, part of the British Railways Board business, Trainload Freight, agreed to co‐operate in this test to evaluate the software. The paper concludes that the software is too slow, and too US biased for general applicability. The usefulness and relevance of InfoMapper™ are limited. However, the underlying ideas were ones which Trainload Coal felt they could adopt. It is apparent then, that information resource methodologies do have potential. However, before a software such as InfoMapper™ can be used extensively, users must test it in a wide range of environments to assess its usefulness and suitability, and some of the problems with the software must be eliminated.
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Sebastian Oliver, Ben Marder, Laura Lavertu, Kirsten Cowan, Ana Javornik and Elena Osadchaya
Everyday users of professional networks such as LinkedIn are flooded by posts presenting the achievements of their connections (e.g. I got a new job/award). The present research…
Abstract
Purpose
Everyday users of professional networks such as LinkedIn are flooded by posts presenting the achievements of their connections (e.g. I got a new job/award). The present research takes a self-discrepancy perspective to examine the mixed-emotional and behavioral consequences of viewing such idealized self-promotional content on professional networks.
Design/methodology/approach
The emotional and behavioral consequences following viewership of idealized self-promotional content on LinkedIn are explored through one pilot study (N = 109) and one online experiment (N = 714), which is evaluated using structural equation modeling.
Findings
Viewership of idealized self-promotional content on professional social networking sites acts as an emotional double-edged sword for LinkedIn users. Users feel both dejection and symhedonia (i.e. happiness for others), dependent on their reported career-based self-discrepancy. We find the experience of symhedonia to be bound by the relational closeness of the poster (acquaintance vs close friend). Furthermore, we show how resultant emotions drive self-regulatory compensatory IT-use behaviors (i.e. direct resolution, fluid compensation, dissociation, and escapism).
Originality/value
We offer four distinct contributions. Firstly, we disentangle inconsistent findings of mixed emotions by introducing symhedonia to IT literature. Secondly, we investigate the boundary condition of relational closeness. Thirdly, we extend our findings by investigating compensatory-consumption behaviors that stem from mixed-affective outcomes. Finally, we do so in the context of professional networks, which are greatly understudied and are distinctive from personal networks. Practical implications are discussed.
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PMD have appointed David H. Ormerod to the position of printed circuits products manager as part of their marketing organisation.
Tom Schultheiss, Lorraine Hartline, Jean Mandeberg, Pam Petrich and Sue Stern
The following classified, annotated list of titles is intended to provide reference librarians with a current checklist of new reference books, and is designed to supplement the…
Abstract
The following classified, annotated list of titles is intended to provide reference librarians with a current checklist of new reference books, and is designed to supplement the RSR review column, “Recent Reference Books,” by Frances Neel Cheney. “Reference Books in Print” includes all additional books received prior to the inclusion deadline established for this issue. Appearance in this column does not preclude a later review in RSR. Publishers are urged to send a copy of all new reference books directly to RSR as soon as published, for immediate listing in “Reference Books in Print.” Reference books with imprints older than two years will not be included (with the exception of current reprints or older books newly acquired for distribution by another publisher). The column shall also occasionally include library science or other library related publications of other than a reference character.
This paper aims to propose an effective response by business organizations to the impact of global challenges and sustainable development (SD). It also presents an overview model…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to propose an effective response by business organizations to the impact of global challenges and sustainable development (SD). It also presents an overview model of organizational performance employing such an approach.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper is a conceptual work based upon a review of theories, research findings and reports gathered from relevant literature. The review yielded the following research framework: many countries are facing global challenges; these global challenges are affecting business organizations as external factors; SD is a concept employed to address these challenges; SD can be applied in business organizations through corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate governance (CG) and sustainability policy and practices; and embedding CSR, CG and sustainability concepts at a strategic level is an effective response to global challenges.
Findings
Global challenges are impacting on business organizations and will continue to do so into the future. CSR, CG and sustainability concepts are increasingly being adopted by leading business organizations throughout the world. Embedding CSR, CG and sustainability concepts at a strategic level can sustain long-term organizational performance, as they help businesses face global challenges in a positive manner and maintain their position in societies on good terms with all stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
Different cultural or socio-economic environments may limit the interpretation and application of the findings or propositions in this research.
Practical implications
How CSR, CG and sustainability concepts can be holistically implemented in business practices.
Social implications
The role of business in lessening the effect of global challenges and supporting SD is illustrated in the proposed model.
Originality/value
This paper demonstrates connections among the following critical influences on organizational performance: global challenges; SD; and CSR, CG and sustainability.
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Vilani Sachitra and Siong-Choy Chong
The agribusiness sector has long been acknowledged as a major source of livelihood to many people in developing countries. Hence, determining the resources and capabilities…
Abstract
Purpose
The agribusiness sector has long been acknowledged as a major source of livelihood to many people in developing countries. Hence, determining the resources and capabilities influencing farm-level competitive advantage are vital to better understand and formulate appropriate strategies to increase the competitiveness ofminor export crops farms. This study aims to understand of the link between resources-capabilities-competitive advantage for appropriate measures to be recommended to enhance the competitive position of the smallholding farms.
Design/methodology/approach
This study adopts the resource-based view in combination with dynamic capabilities. The scope comprises owners of farms who possess experience in commercial cultivation of minor export crops in Sri Lanka. A self-administrated structured questionnaire was used to collect data.
Findings
Based on the responses from 456 farm owners, results of the multiple regression analysis indicate that variables representing resources such as human assets, physical assets, financial assets, institutional capital, collective action and entrepreneurial identity; and dynamic capabilities such as organisational learning, relationship building, quality management and marketing are significantly associated with competitive advantage of the minor export crops farms. Reputation and farm process management capability are the only two insignificant variables. Taken together, the resources and dynamic capabilities investigated explain 89.3 per cent of the variation in competitive advantage, in which 82 per cent is contributed by resources.
Originality/value
The findings provide useful insights not only in terms of understanding the link between resources, dynamic capabilities and competitive advantage but also how resources and capabilities can be channelled and leveraged to bring about competitive advantage to the minor export crops farms. Theoretical and practical implications as well as future research directions are provided.