scholarly journals The dogs bark and the circus moves on

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 7-18
Author(s):  
John D Robinson
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Bottom Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Full Responsibility ◽  
Managed Services ◽  
Library Function ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The paper aims to set out challenges that libraries face while developing their Digital Library capabilities and capacity and propose an approach to estimating the costs for these functions. There is a skills challenge as well as an organisational challenge. The opportunities to build new teams or re-train existing staff are discussed. Design/methodology/approach – The approach builds on a 2008 paper about Digital Library economics and discusses the changes in the environment since then. A model is described in which a library takes on the full responsibility for building and operating a Digital Library function in-house. This is used to benchmark other options such as managed services, outsourced infrastructure and “cloud” services. Findings – The Open Access Publication and Research Data Management mandates present challenges to all libraries based in academic institutions in the UK. New working methods and new costs are unavoidable. There are a number of ways to deal with this depending upon the institutional circumstance. The bottom line can be increases in revenue budgets of around 10 per cent with variable requirements for capital investment. Originality/value – Libraries and librarians have different experiences in closely working with colleagues in information technology (IT). A number of propositions are presented about the value of cooperation and collaboration between library and IT and also with external partners and service providers.

Technological, organisational and environmental factors influencing managers’ decision to adopt cloud computing in the UK

2015 ◽  
Vol 28 (6) ◽  
pp. 788-807 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anabel Gutierrez ◽  
Elias Boukrami ◽  
Ranald Lumsden
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Trading Partner ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adoption Decision ◽  
Computing Services ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Cloud Computing Services ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine the factors influencing managers’ decision to adopt cloud computing in the UK using the “Technology-Organisation-Environment” (TOE) framework. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected through a self-created questionnaire based survey that was completed by 257 mid-to-senior level decision-making business and information technology (IT) professionals from a range of UK end-user organisations. The derived hypotheses were tested using various data analysis techniques including principal component analysis and logistic regression. Findings – The results show that four out of the eight factors examined have a significant influence on the adoption decision of cloud computing services in the UK. Those key factors include competitive pressure, complexity, technology readiness and trading partner pressure. The latter predictor; trading partner pressure, was the most significant factor for the adoption decision of cloud services reflecting organisations’ concerns on legal regulations, co-creation and customisation, service linkage and vendor locking which adds complexity to the process of selecting an appropriate vendor. Research limitations/implications – This research found trading partners (cloud service providers) significantly influence managers’ decisions to adopt cloud services, however, further research is required to fully understand all the aspects involved especially with the growing number of vendors available. Although over 250 usable responses to the questionnaire were received and analysed, there was not a sufficient quantity of responses from each industry sector or organisation size to conduct further analysis. Practical implications – The findings reveal the important role of cloud computing service providers to enable end-users to better evaluate the use of cloud computing. It also reveals that top management support is no longer a driver as organisations are starting to adopt cloud computing services on the basis of cheaper and more agile IT resources in order to support business growth. Originality/value – This research provides original insight for cloud computing adoption within the UK from a managerial perspective.

International evidence of changing assurance practices for carbon emissions disclosures

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rina Datt ◽  
Pranil Prasad ◽  
Connie Vitale ◽  
Krishan Prasad
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
North America ◽  
Carbon Emissions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
International Evidence ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Intensive Growth ◽  
Do So

Purpose The market for the assurance of carbon emissions disclosures is showing intensive growth. However, due to the largely voluntary nature of carbon reporting and assurance, there are currently no clear standards or guidelines and little is known about it. The purpose of this paper is to examine the reporting and assurance practices for carbon emissions disclosures. Design/methodology/approach This study provides evidence on this market, with a sample that includes 13,419 firm-year observations across 58 countries between 2010 and 2017 from the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) database. Findings The results show that the demand for carbon emissions reporting comes mainly from North America, the UK and Japan. Recently, markets such as South Africa have also shown increased demand for carbon reporting. The data also shows that more firms are seeking assurance for their carbon emissions reports. Legitimacy, stakeholder and institutional theories are used to explain the findings of this study. Research limitations/implications The results have important implications for firms that produce carbon emissions disclosures, assurance service providers, legislators, regulators and the users of the reports and there should be more specific disclosure guidelines for level and scope of reporting. Originality/value Amongst the firms that do provide assurance on their carbon emissions reports, a majority do so using specialist assurance providers, with only limited assurance being provided. The results further show that a myriad of assurance frameworks is being used to assure the carbon emissions disclosures.

Systems approach to cloud computing adoption in an emerging economy

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahak Sharma ◽  
Ruchita Gupta ◽  
Padmanav Acharya ◽  
Karuna Jain
Keyword(s):  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Systems Approach ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Developing Economies ◽  
Resistance To Change ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Financial Loss ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cloud Computing Adoption

PurposeCloud computing (CC) services have given a tremendous boost to the creation of efficient and effective solutions. With developing countries at a slow pace of adoption, this research aims to identify factors and their interrelationships influencing the adoption of CC in a developing country context. The developing countries are enjoying numerous benefits from CC services; however, its low adoption is still a question in developing economies; hence, the authors have selected the context of information and communication technology (ICT) firms in India.Design/methodology/approachThe qualitative research method is used where experts from thirteen ICT firms in India are interviewed.FindingsSixteen factors, twenty-eight subfactors, and 25 interrelationships are revealed through content analysis. Further, causal loop diagrams are proposed to display the behavior of cause and effect of these factors from a system's perspective. This will help to understand the relationships among the factors in order to enhance the speed of CC adoption. Possible financial loss and resistance to change are found as the key barriers to adoption. The proposed interrelationships can guide both policymakers and service providers for designing effective CC policies.Originality/valueThis is the first scholarly work that identifies interrelationships among factors and subfactors, thereby providing a holistic picture to decision-makers while making a choice on whether to adopt cloud services or continue with on premise data centers and servers.

scholarly journals “Coke on Tick”: exploring the cocaine market in the UK through the lens of financial management

2017 ◽  
Vol 24 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra Hall ◽  
Georgios A. Antonopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Financial Management ◽  
Capital Investment ◽  
Relevant Literature ◽  
Organised Crime ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Number Of Factors ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Different Sources ◽  
Integral Feature

Purpose This paper aims to offer detailed preliminary data and analysis that focuses specifically on the structures and financial aspects of the UK cocaine market. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on in-depth interviews with – among others – four active criminal entrepreneurs involved in powder cocaine supply in the UK. Furthermore, along with a review of relevant literature and open sources, in-depth interviews were undertaken with a range of experts with knowledge of the cocaine market. These experts include law enforcement agents and independent academics/researchers who have researched the cocaine market in the UK and internationally. Findings The cocaine market is a fragmented business dependent on networks of individual entrepreneurs and groups. At the core of collaborations often lie family, ethnic or kinship relationships and relationships forged within legal businesses and in prison. Capital investment practices in this market are flexible, “messy” and mutating, and money comes from a range of different sources. Credit is an integral feature of the cocaine business in the UK. The financial management of the cocaine trade is a result of (and reflects) a number of factors, such as the fragmented and decentralised nature of the trade. Originality/value Empirical research into financial aspects of organised crime manifestations is important for the assumptions that are part of public debate to be tested. In addition, understanding the broader range of financial aspects of organised crime is an important component of the process of crimes for gain and can contribute to both better investigation and better prevention.

Accounting for needs? Formula funding in the UK schools sector

2010 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 82-110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gloria Agyemang
Keyword(s):  
Resource Allocation ◽  
Service Provider ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Local Education Authority ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Funding Formula ◽  
Formula Funding ◽  
Education Authority ◽  
The Uk

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to analyse whether the development of a needs‐based funding formula for resource allocation incorporates the needs of funders or the needs of the service providers.Design/methodology/approachThe paper analyses interview data and documentary evidence gathered from a UK local education authority about the creation of a “needs‐based” formula for sharing resources to schools. It employs and extends a framework developed by Levačić and Ross to evaluate needs‐based formula funding.FindingsAlthough formula funding is purported to be a more objective method of resource allocation, the paper finds that as with other resource allocation methods the power relations between the funder and the service provider impacts on the extent to which service provider needs are incorporated into the funding formula.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper considers only the funding of schools. Further work is needed to investigate formula funding for other public services.Practical implicationsDebates between funders and service providers should be encouraged by policy makers to ensure that allocations based on the funding formula are acceptable to service providers.Originality/valueThe paper provides a useful analysis of a needs‐based funding formula for resource allocation in schools and whether this incorporates the needs of funders or the needs of the service providers.

To seize the emerging historical opportunity of the networked knowledge

2015 ◽  
Vol 36 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 289-299
Author(s):  
Kai Lu ◽  
Beijun Shen ◽  
Dehua Ju
Keyword(s):  
Digital Library ◽  
Digital Libraries ◽  
High Efficiency ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Success Factor ◽  
Shared Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Resources ◽  
Marine Economy ◽  
Resource Ownership

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore a new way for knowledge services of the digital library which can transform knowledge resources into real social value. Design/methodology/approach – The “Internet of Knowledge” approach was proposed for the first time as an intentional means to organize “Too Big” and scattered knowledge resources into high-efficiency fuels for driving purposeful knowledge works. Findings – It is a new methodology and insight proposed for building digital libraries which stresses on active and diligent services with linked and shared resources rather than resource ownership. Research limitations/implications – The proposed knowledge organization is based on domain-specific body of knowledge. The engagement of domain experts is the key success factor. Practical implications – The whole design framework has been adopted in constructing the new Zhoushan Ocean Digital Library to support sustainable development of marine economy. Originality/value – The proposed knowledge cloud services will be pave a knowledge superhighway to help millions Chinese professionals stepping toward the technology peak.

scholarly journals Playing hide-and-seek? A legal perspective on the complex distinction between commercial and editorial content in hybrid advertising formats

Info ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 17 (6) ◽  
pp. 19-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liesbeth Hellemans ◽  
Eva Lievens ◽  
Peggy Valcke
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Legal Framework ◽  
Television Advertising ◽  
Editorial Content ◽  
Market Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Communication Techniques ◽  
Legal Perspective ◽  
Regulatory Instruments ◽  
The Uk

Purpose – This paper aims to examine the challenges raised by hybrid advertising strategies for principles of identification and separation, included in various regulatory instruments, and the Audiovisual Media Services Directive (AVMSD) in particular. Design/methodology/approach – First, this paper describes two examples of hybrid (television) advertising formats, with a potential interconnection between editorial and commercial content, such as advertorials and commercial overlays. This section is followed by an analysis of the origins and key elements of the identification and separation principle. Next, the implementation in legislation of Belgium (Flanders region), The Netherlands and the UK, and decisions of media regulators in those countries are explored to assess how the principles are interpreted in practice. Finally, the authors identify the concrete challenges that these formats raise and frame those against the background of European policy developments. Findings – The analysis shows that the current interpretation of the identification and separation principles conflicts with the inherently integrated features of hybrid advertising formats, especially commercial overlays. To remedy this, the authors propose strengthening the identification principle, for instance, by developing cross-media labels and framing this within a co-regulatory framework where advertisers and media service providers take up their responsibility to respect fundamental principles and protect less cognitively skilled consumers, such as children. Originality/value – This paper aims to contribute to the current re-thinking of the legal framework with regard to new commercial communication techniques, convergence and public interest goals. This can be framed against the background of the revision of the AVMSD and the Digital Single Market Strategy.

scholarly journals Choosing to be homeless? Persistent rough sleeping and the perverse incentives of social policy in England

2020 ◽  
Vol 23 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 135-147
Author(s):  
Graham Bowpitt
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Complex Needs ◽  
Perverse Incentives ◽  
Intimate Knowledge ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Recent Policy

Purpose With the temporary housing of rough sleepers in response to the Covid-19 emergency, some commentators have been tempted to believe that the rising population of rough sleepers in the UK has finally been reversed. This paper aims to examine the choices made by persistent rough sleepers and how far they are influenced by the perverse incentives of social policies, in order to challenge the view that they sleep rough out of choice. Design/methodology/approach Evidence for this paper is derived from two teams of frontline service providers with routine familiarity with the rough sleeping population: a street outreach team and a team of support workers working with adults with multiple and complex needs. Primary data from focus groups were combined with the secondary analysis of both numerical and narrative accounts routinely recorded by both teams. Findings The exercise of agency by persistent rough sleepers is constrained by a mixed baggage of complex needs, past negative risk assessments, limited resources and regulatory deterrents to generate choices to reject help that appear irrational. These need to be understood if recent policy initiatives to end rough sleeping are to be effective. Originality/value The paper draws on the experience and comprehensive records of practitioners with intimate knowledge of the rough sleeping population. It extends narrative accounts of causes by focusing on key choices to show how the perverse incentives of policy combine with personal factors to incline rough sleeping to persist.

“Is this restaurant halal?” Surrogate indicators and Muslim behaviour

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (5) ◽  
pp. 1105-1123
Author(s):  
Ghazala Khan ◽  
Faiza Khan
Keyword(s):  
Service Providers ◽  
Small Sample ◽  
Muslim Country ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Personnel ◽  
Customer Base ◽  
Additional Information ◽  
Muslim Countries ◽  
The Uk

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate what cues or surrogate indicators Muslims use to determine whether restaurants are suitable for dining purposes in the absence of the halal logo and to examine if the cues used are different among Muslims from non-Muslim countries as opposed to Muslims from Muslim countries. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected via semi-structured interviews in one Muslim majority (Malaysia) and one non-Muslim country (the UK). A total of 16 adults participated in the study with an equal representation from both countries. Findings In the absence of the halal logo, participants relied on extrinsic cues such as the presence of other Muslim-looking customers and service personnel to determine whether a restaurant was deemed safe for dining in. The location of a restaurant was a strong indicator for Muslims in both Muslim and non-Muslim countries. In the absence of the halal logo, participants read the menus carefully, queried the service personnel for additional information and selected safer options, such as vegetarian and seafood. Research limitations/implications The study used a small sample, and therefore, the findings are tentative. Practical implications Given the growth of Muslim population in many non-Muslim countries, it is important for restaurants in non-Muslim countries not to marginalize this customer base. Trust is a key issue and service providers without the halal logo should gain the trust of Muslim customers by training service personnel and equipping them with knowledge of what halal means, developing menus with vegetarian and seafood options, providing detailed information on ingredients and communicating this on their websites and social media sites. They could also consider working with Muslim food and travel bloggers to promote themselves to a Muslim audience. They can develop a more Muslim sympathetic marketing approach and consider using separate cooking and serving utensils to gain trust and patronage of Muslim customers as well as to appeal to a larger market (vegans/vegetarians). Originality/value The present study is one of the first studies that concentrates on gaining an insight into how Muslims make decision pertaining to the selection and dining at a restaurant in the absence of the halal logo. A major contribution of the study is the identification of cues that assist Muslims when evaluating and selecting alternative food options in the absence of a halal logo.

A new trust management framework based on the experience of users in industrial cloud computing using multi-criteria decision making

Kybernetes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Liudmila Ivanovna Khoruzhy ◽  
Roman Petrovich Bulyga ◽  
Olga Yuryevna Voronkova ◽  
Lidia Vladimirovna Vasyutkina ◽  
Natalya Ryafikovna Saenko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Cloud Computing ◽  
Trust Management ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Cloud Services ◽  
Security And Privacy ◽  
Multi Criteria Decision Making ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Industrial Cloud

PurposeNowadays, cloud platforms are used in many fields, including e-commerce, web applications, data storage, healthcare, gaming, mobile social networks, etc. However, security and privacy are still two significant concerns in this area. The target of this paper is to present a system for trust management in industrial cloud computing using the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) approach. MCDM techniques have been developed to accommodate a wide range of applications. As a result, hundreds of approaches have been generated with even minor variations on current approaches spawning new study fields.Design/methodology/approachCloud computing provides a fully scalable, accessible and flexible computing platform for various applications. Due to the multiple applications that cloud computing has found in numerous life features, users and providers have considered providing security in cloud communications. Due to its distributive nature, dynamic space and lack of transparency in performing cloud computing, it faces many challenges in providing security. For security improvement, trust management can play a very influential role. This paper proposes a generic analytical methodology that uses a series of assessment criteria to evaluate current trust management testing prototypes in industrial cloud computing and related fields. The authors utilize a MCDM approach in the present article. Due to the multi-dimensionality of the sustainability objective and the complexities of socio-economic and biophysical processes, MCDM approaches have become progressively common in decision-making for sustainable energy.FindingsThe results of comparing and evaluating the performance of this model show its ability to manage trust and the ability to adapt to changes in the behavior of service providers quickly. Using a simulation, all results are confirmed. The results of simulations and evaluation of the present paper indicate that the proposed model provides a more accurate evaluation of the credibility of cloud service providers than other models.Practical implicationsThe number of cloud services and customers is vast and extremely competitive in cloud environments, where novel cloud services and customers can join at any time, while others can withdraw whenever they want. Because of cloud services' highly dynamic and dispersed design, trust management mechanisms must be highly flexible to obtain feedback and update trust outcomes as quickly as possible. The model presented in this article tries to improve users' trust in the cloud industry.Originality/valueUsing a method (MCDM) to find the best trust management solution based on user experience in industrial cloud computing is the novelty of this paper.

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