The paper gives a brief introduction to the Electronic Reference Library concept, which enables LAN and WAN access to compact disc databases using client/server technology. Its…
Abstract
The paper gives a brief introduction to the Electronic Reference Library concept, which enables LAN and WAN access to compact disc databases using client/server technology. Its introduction to South Africa in the project known as ELSA is related and the interaction between SilverPlatter as technology provider, SABINET as the network supporter and CD‐ROM Information as manager of the project, is outlined. Technology and network requirements for participants are listed. As a first in the world, ELSA was launched on 1 November 1994, serving 26 university and Technikon libraries on an experimental basis throughout South Africa. On going commercial on 1 March 1995, the service had been introduced to the all major libraries in Southern Africa that have the required networking capabilities. The paper gives performance figures for ELSA under test and operational conditions, and concludes with a description of the application of ELSA technology in mounting organisations' own databases on the network enabling joint access to purchased and in‐house databases from a compact disc or hard disk platform.
Chinho Lin, Shu-Fang Ting, Leslie Lee and Sheng-Tun Lin
This study proposes an objective assessment model to evaluate the performance of internal and external capabilities of firms. It facilitates firms to invest appropriate resources…
Abstract
Purpose
This study proposes an objective assessment model to evaluate the performance of internal and external capabilities of firms. It facilitates firms to invest appropriate resources to cultivate the organizational capability necessary to meet the requirements of the performance indicators.
Design/methodology/approach
This study integrates the concepts of resource-based theory, the organizational capability concept, and conduct a performance analysis to the four perspectives of the BSC by implementing the fuzzy set theory and data employment analysis.
Findings
The findings show that the appropriate strategies help allocate available resources and capabilities during the different product life cycle, which provides practical guidelines for firms to achieve sustaining competitive advantage.
Research limitations/implications
The selected factors were focused on four resources and capabilities rather than all possible factors.
Originality/value
An objective assessment model was created based on internal and external competitive performance efficiency in this research field. This model facilitates the ability of the top management to make decisions for resource allocation that will enhance firm's performance.
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Leslie A. Lee and Michelle M. Wu
In this beginner’s guide, the authors review considerations for format selection decisions. There is no one‐size‐fits‐all solution when it comes to how libraries make format…
Abstract
In this beginner’s guide, the authors review considerations for format selection decisions. There is no one‐size‐fits‐all solution when it comes to how libraries make format choices. Ultimately, these decisions will vary depending on a library’s specific needs as outlined by its mission statement and collection development policy. Factors such as content, functionality, longevity, users, and cost play important roles in determining the most suitable option.
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Michael R. De Martinis and Ashley W. Burrowes
In reviewing contemporary literature on materiality judgement and the audit expectations gap (AEG), this paper considers an apparent void concerning that aspect of the AEG caused…
Abstract
In reviewing contemporary literature on materiality judgement and the audit expectations gap (AEG), this paper considers an apparent void concerning that aspect of the AEG caused by the non‐disclosure of materiality and risk thresholds and criteria in the financial reports. The review enables the formation and discussion of two premises: first, disclosing cornerstone concepts, such as materiality and risk judgements, in financial reports enhances users' understanding of the limitations of information contained therein; and second, expanding the wording in audit reports reduces the AEG and enhances users' understanding of the objectives and limitations of an audit. In supporting the validity of these premises, it is concluded that the disclosure of materiality and risk judgements in financial reports may reduce the AEG. This hypothesis may be useful for future empirical research.
In setting the scene, in my editorial for the Proceedings of the Second Southern African Online Information Meeting (The Electronic Library, 11(4/5), August/October 1993), I…
Abstract
In setting the scene, in my editorial for the Proceedings of the Second Southern African Online Information Meeting (The Electronic Library, 11(4/5), August/October 1993), I considered attendance in relation to the ‘interesting and difficult times’ in which we then found ourselves as the country teetered towards the first democratic election. Much has changed since that miracle play acted out by millions of ordinary people in April 1994, and much continues to change as the rainbow nation struggles to take again its place in the international community. In spite of — maybe even because of — the euphoria following the election, the times are no less difficult and interesting. It was against this colourful backdrop that the Third Southern African Online Information Meeting was held on 6–9 June 1995. The effect of another colourful production, the Rugby World Cup, was another unsettling factor.
Marlena A. Bednarska and Marcin Olszewski
There is an essential link between the success of hospitality organizations and the availability of appropriate labor resources, making employee attraction a critical concern for…
Abstract
There is an essential link between the success of hospitality organizations and the availability of appropriate labor resources, making employee attraction a critical concern for the industry. The purpose of this chapter is to investigate the role of work experience, both inside and outside the hospitality industry, in shaping students’ attitudes toward hospitality careers. The study was conducted on the group of 338 undergraduates and graduates enrolled in tourism and hospitality studies in Poznan, Poland. The findings suggest that work experience displays a stronger relationship with preferred than with perceived job and organization attributes. It is also related to perceptions of hospitality career attractiveness both in the long and in the short run as well as to intentions to apply for a job after graduation. The results underline the importance of providing students with quality work experience by the hospitality industry stakeholders as it can influence future career decisions.
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The topic of whistleblowing is achieving prominence as a question of social policy. Some influential voices are suggesting that far from whistleblowing — informing on…
Abstract
The topic of whistleblowing is achieving prominence as a question of social policy. Some influential voices are suggesting that far from whistleblowing — informing on organisations —, being socially undesirable, it may in certain circumstances be an activity deserving high praise. Inevitably it entails huge risks to the activist, and these risks need to be personally and carefully considered. John Banham, Director General of the Confederation of British Industry, wrote in support of the Social Audit report on the subject (Winfield 1990), and a committee established by the Speaker of the House of Commons has suggested the possibility of honouring whistleblowers in the British Honours system for their good corporate citizenship. There have also been landmark reports in America, Australia and Canada (Leahy 1978, Electoral and Administrative Review Commission 1990, Ontario Law Reform Commission 1986).
Lisseth Vasquez-Peñaloza, Maria Jesus Sánchez-Expósito and Laura Gomez-Ruiz
This study aims to explore the influence of management control on the performance of teams with surface levels of social diversity.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the influence of management control on the performance of teams with surface levels of social diversity.
Design/methodology/approach
Under the categorization-elaboration model perspective, an integrative literature review was conducted. Selecting articles published in the Scopus and Web of Science databases until 2023 and with the terms about gender diversity, age diversity, racial diversity and team performance, obtaining 122 documents. Results were analyzed in a matrix under the criteria of social diversity as a principal variable and examined the effects on team performance. Subsequently, it is synthesized according to the social diversity dimension and then integrated into an analysis with conceptual perspectives from management control systems.
Findings
The main negative effects of surface-level social diversity on team performance arise from stereotypical perceptions and social biases about differences in gender, age and race, affecting team members’ interactions. This scenario is related to the causes of the need for management control in the absence of direction, motivation problems and personal limitations, so control systems associated with possible solutions to improve group performance are proposed.
Originality/value
To the authors’ knowledge, this work opens the discussion on the influence of management control on the performance of teams with social diversity. Demographic changes require new perspectives for team management, from management control providing a way to guide socially diverse team behaviors to desired team performance.
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C.G.J. Schabmueller, A.G.R. Evans, A. Brunnschweiler, G. Ensell, D.L. Leslie and M.A. Lee
Reports the design, fabrication and packaging of a micromachined silicon/Pyrex based chip for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The anodic bonding method is used for sealing…
Abstract
Reports the design, fabrication and packaging of a micromachined silicon/Pyrex based chip for the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The anodic bonding method is used for sealing the chambers of 1μl volume with a Pyrex glass wafer. Platinum resistors on the back of the wafer are used as heaters and temperature sensors. The chip is externally cooled by forced air to achieve rapid temperature cycling. The transparency of the Pyrex makes it possible for using optical readout methods. The packaging is especially designed for easy handling, filling, power connection, temperature regulation and optical readout. The mass production of such silicon reactors could make single‐shot throwaway devices economically viable.