Seyed Vahid Aqili and Alireza Isfandyari Moghaddam
The purpose of this paper is to show how the digital divide has become a common metaphor originating from now nearly obsolete phrases such as “information have and have nots” and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to show how the digital divide has become a common metaphor originating from now nearly obsolete phrases such as “information have and have nots” and “information rich and information poor”. The article aims to focus on several dimensions of the digital divide that pertain to service as well as the responsibilities of libraries.
Design/methodology/approach
This article places emphasis on the role of librarians and information professionals in bridging the digital divide by indicating some aspects related to it as evidenced in the literature including its definition, aspects, factors affecting, and internet users.
Findings
Libraries are treated as one of the major social tools which can solve the information divide rooted in the digital divide and contribute to the realization of democratic society.
Research limitations/implications
This article revolves around the authors' points of view. So, further studies, especially comparative research between developed and developing countries which vary in terms of digital divide rate, can help to understand the real role librarians and information professionals play.
Practical implications
Rethinking the digital divide, librarians must redesign and redefine their service menu for their customers through thinking functionally. They also need to review the various IT devices and information services available and examine which can be employed to present a more effective library service. In addition, policy‐makers should consider the vital role that librarians can play in the realization of knowledge‐based society and sustainable development.
Originality/value
This paper provides a theoretical basis for librarians to be more active and sedulous and policy‐makers to be vigilant and place much value for information sector and its professionals, particularly librarians working in various libraries.
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Eating out is part of the pattern of food production and consumption byindividuals in their household context. Changes in the importance andpattern of eating out indicate changes…
Abstract
Eating out is part of the pattern of food production and consumption by individuals in their household context. Changes in the importance and pattern of eating out indicate changes in its economic function. These changes reflect variations in household organization stemming from long‐term increases in income per head reinforced by significant changes in technology. Consumers will switch towards simpler eating habits and meals bought out will reflect commercially provided time‐intensity or skill‐requirement reduction. With changing technology, consumers will constantly upgrade the kinds of meals that they buy outside. Patterns of experimentation and cellularization of household members in eating out are influenced by economic factors. Re‐examines the concepts of social and convenience eating in the light of economic variables, particularly changes in work and leisure activities that affect food consumption.
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To describe the methodology used to introduce Clinical Governance into the NHS and to review progress.
Abstract
Purpose
To describe the methodology used to introduce Clinical Governance into the NHS and to review progress.
Design/methodology/approach
The RAID (Review, Agreement, Implementation, Demonstration) process and its use in introducing the Clinical Governance Development Programme into the NHS are described.
Findings
The NHS Clinical Governance Programme employs RAID, a modification of an accepted “bottom‐up” approach to achieving successful organisational change, as the means of effecting service improvement. The “Review” stage involves analysis and understanding of the service; “Agreement” ensures that all staff, the organisation and stakeholders are committed to recommended changes; the “Implementation” phase tests effects that the changes have made to the service and “Demonstration” allows evaluation and monitoring. Lessons learned from the process can lead to further improvements. Initially staff from the Clinical Governance Support Team introduced the Programme but thereafter the process can be run internally. Specialised programmes, e.g. The Stroke Programme, have developed out of the general programme and the RAID process has been disseminated to other public sector services. Over half of NHS organisations have participated.
Originality/value
RAID is described in the context of the NHS and its implementation is summarised.
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Andrew J. Newman and Peter Cullen
Sets out to consider the way in which food retailing has altered in the face of competitive and other forces. Specifically, the space allocated in respect of the mix of food and…
Abstract
Sets out to consider the way in which food retailing has altered in the face of competitive and other forces. Specifically, the space allocated in respect of the mix of food and non‐food product areas, and the redistribution of priorities as traditional retailer policies and strategies become transformed by consumer demands. Discusses large food supermarket chains to provide a context for development. A framework of four major factors, time, location, space and merchandising, is used to help to identify and analyse key factors in the customers’ and retailers’ expectations and strategic thought behind the merchandise arrangements.
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Scientists are constructing knowledge about global warming by adapting evidence-based disciplines to reflect the Precautionary Principle. It is equally important to communicate…
Abstract
Scientists are constructing knowledge about global warming by adapting evidence-based disciplines to reflect the Precautionary Principle. It is equally important to communicate the complexities and uncertainties underpinning global warming because inappropriate vehicles for giving accounts could result in defensive decisions that perpetuate the business-as-usual mindset: the method of communication affects how the risk associated with global warming is socialised. Appropriately constructed accounts should facilitate reflective communicative action. Here Beck's theorisation of risk society, Luhmann's sociological theory of risk and Gandhi's vehicle of communicative action (or satyagraha) are used to construct a risk-based accountability mechanism, whilst providing insight into Schumacher's concept of total accountability. These accountability constructs will be illustrated through the lived experiences of South Australian citrus horticulturists in the context of a richly layered narrative of competing discourses about global warming. The reiterative process of theory informing practice is used to construct a couple of dialogical vehicles of accountability.
Mary C. Lacity, Leslie P. Willcocks and Joseph W. Rottman
To identify key lessons, trends and enduring challenges with global outsourcing of back office services.
Abstract
Purpose
To identify key lessons, trends and enduring challenges with global outsourcing of back office services.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors extract lessons, project trends, and discuss enduring challenges from a 20 year research program conducted by these authors and their extended network of co‐authors and colleagues.
Findings
The authors identify seven important lessons for successfully exploiting the maturing Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO) and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) markets. The lessons require back office executives to build significant internal capabilities and processes to manage global outsourcing. The authors predict 13 trends about the size and growth of ITO and BPO markets, about suppliers located around the world, and about particular sourcing models including application service provision, insourcing, nearshoring, rural sourcing, knowledge process outsourcing, freelance outsourcing, and captive centers. The authors identify five persistent, prickly issues on global outsourcing pertaining to back office alignment, client and supplier incentives, knowledge transfer, knowledge retention, and sustainability of outsourcing relationships.
Originality/value
The authors present some experimental innovations to address these issues.
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The burgeoning of the convenience store in the UK is taking many forms — from the home‐grown variety (often via symbol groups) to transatlantic imports. What they have in common…
Abstract
The burgeoning of the convenience store in the UK is taking many forms — from the home‐grown variety (often via symbol groups) to transatlantic imports. What they have in common is extended opening hours and a broad variety of merchandise, hut within that band there are many variations, and the style of the operations are often dictated by the character of the parent company. We are now seeing the beginnings of an indigenous multiple, which, while springing from the roots of a floundering grocery chain, nevertheless has a mark of distinction and has pushed the c‐store into the upmarket bracket for the first time. Sue Sharples looks at the new style Cullen's convenience store.
Benjamin Jones and Daniel Campbell
Winner of the 2014 EFMD competition for best African Business case.In the 1990s, two entrepreneurs made daring, early entries into mobile telecommunications in Sub-Saharan Africa…
Abstract
Winner of the 2014 EFMD competition for best African Business case.
In the 1990s, two entrepreneurs made daring, early entries into mobile telecommunications in Sub-Saharan Africa, both seeing great market opportunities there. One firm, Adesemi, would ultimately go bankrupt. The other firm, Celtel, would ultimately succeed and make its founder, Mo Ibrahim, a star of the global business community. Why the difference in outcome? Emerging markets often present weak rule of law, bringing many challenges to business success—from the demand for bribes to regulatory obstacles, hold-up problems, and even civil war. This case explores strategies that can limit these critical non-market risks in foreign direct investment and entrepreneurship. Students will step into the shoes of both companies by exploring their entry strategies, wrestling with the challenges they faced, and diagnosing the reasons why a shared insight about a new business opportunity turned out to be prescient—and led to extremely different endpoints.
Identify key challenges to successful entrepreneurship in emerging markets
Evaluate government officials or competitors that might trigger regulatory obstacles or hold-up problems
Evaluate potential allies that can help avoid these problems
Assess strategies to avoid paying bribes
Understand the importance of incentive alignment in directing investment success, even in the face of difficult challenges
Identify and appraise the strategic value of partnerships with development agencie
Identify key challenges to successful entrepreneurship in emerging markets
Evaluate government officials or competitors that might trigger regulatory obstacles or hold-up problems
Evaluate potential allies that can help avoid these problems
Assess strategies to avoid paying bribes
Understand the importance of incentive alignment in directing investment success, even in the face of difficult challenges
Identify and appraise the strategic value of partnerships with development agencie
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Alan N. Beard and Jaime Santos‐Reyes
Fire safety management on offshore platforms has been a matter of major concern since the publication of the Cullen report into the Piper Alpha fire. In order to be able to…
Abstract
Fire safety management on offshore platforms has been a matter of major concern since the publication of the Cullen report into the Piper Alpha fire. In order to be able to achieve and maintain an acceptable level of fire risk it is desirable to consider the system as a “dynamic whole”. The intention in this research has been to construct a fire safety management system which is both efficacious and resilient. To this end a systemic approach to fire safety for an offshore platform has been pursued, employing the Viable System Model and the Failure Paradigm Method.