Digital librarianship practice and open access technology use for sustainable development in Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Omorodion Okuonghae ◽  
Edwin Iroroeavwo Achugbue
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Open Access ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Access Technology ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Education Fund ◽  
Social Media Tools ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The continuous advancement in technology has disrupted practices in many sectors, including education. Thus, this study aims to examine digital librarianship practice and open access technology use for sustainable development in Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach The survey type of descriptive research design was adopted in this study while the population of the study comprised librarians in universities in Delta State. A total of 38 randomly selected librarians from four universities in Delta State were used for this study, and the data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings This study revealed that the level of digital librarianship practice in university libraries in Delta State for sustainable development is low; just as social media tools, open source integrated library systems and Google Cloud Platforms are the most commonly used open access technologies in the libraries. Furthermore, this study showed that perennial factors such as poor funding of education, inadequate quality educational infrastructure, mismanagement of education fund among others are hindrance to sustainable development in the country’s educational sector. Research limitations/implications This study is limited in its use of only one state (out of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja) in Nigeria for this research. Also, social desirability bias on the part of the respondents could have influenced the pattern in which the respondents reacted to items in section D. Practical implications This study has practical implications for the sensitization and training of librarians towards leveraging on the various open access technologies in delivering effective library and information services required in the Fourth Industrial revolution. Originality/value This study seeks to pioneer a new area of focus by examining digital librarianship practice and open access technology use as enablers of sustainable development.

The identity crisis of sustainable development

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Catalin Ratiu ◽  
Beverlee B. Anderson
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Identity Crisis ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Clear Understanding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Public ◽  
Larger Sample ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – There are many different conceptualizations to sustainable development and these different approaches may have led to confusion amongst the public. The purpose of this paper is to explore the identities of the term and how the confused identity may be leading to problems for sustainable development efforts. Design/methodology/approach – The design is exploratory, using both secondary and primary data to understand the different sustainable development concepts. Findings – There is no consistent understanding or use of the term “sustainable development” among various groups. Research limitations/implications – Future research should include a larger sample that is more representative of people from different backgrounds and geographical areas. Practical implications – The public is generally willing to support only projects that it understands. Without a clear understanding of sustainable development, the public will be less inclined to support these efforts. Originality/value – This study examines the perceptions and understandings of the term by the general public representing different generations.

Teachers' learning in extraordinary times: shifting to a digitally facilitated approach to lesson study

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
James Calleja ◽  
Patrick Camilleri
Keyword(s):  
Technology Use ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Group Discussion ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Self Reflection ◽  
Opportunities For Learning ◽  
Study Process ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe research reported in this paper brings forth the experiences of three teachers working in different schools. These teachers learned about lesson study through a course offered at the University of Malta while, at the same time, leading a lesson study with colleagues at their school. With the COVID-19 outbreak, these teachers had, out of necessity, to adopt and accommodate for their lesson study to an exclusive online approach. This paper, hence, focuses on teachers' learning as they shifted their lesson study online.Design/methodology/approachThis paper presents a case study that delves into the experiences and perceptual insights that these teachers manifested in shifting to an exclusive online lesson study situation. Data collection is derived from a focus group discussion, teacher reflective entries and detailed reports documenting the lesson study process and experiences. Employing technological frames as the theoretical lens, a description-analysis-interpretation approach was employed to analyse and interpret reflections and grounded experiential perceptions that the respondents disclosed during their lesson study journey.FindingsNotwithstanding their initial discerned sense of loss and unpreparedness of being constrained to migrate lesson study to exclusive online means, teachers eventually recognised that digitally mediated collaborative practices enhanced self-reflection about the lesson study process. Therefore, the extraordinary situation that the teachers in this study experienced not only disrupted their modus operandi but also allowed them to discern new opportunities for learning about digital technology use in lesson study.Practical implicationsDisruption, brought about by unforeseen circumstances, takes teachers and professional development facilitators out of their comfort zones, invariably helping them grow out of their limitations and rethink lesson study practices.Originality/valueIntentionally driven disruptions prompt teachers to resolve their dissatisfactory situations by thinking out of the box, eventually helping them to improve their professional practices.

Open Access Publishing, academic research and scholarly communication

2015 ◽  
Vol 39 (5) ◽  
pp. 637-648 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robin Osborne
Keyword(s):  
Open Access ◽  
Best Practice ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Open Access Publishing ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Research Councils ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Wrong Place

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the difference between Open Access and accessibility, to argue that accessibility is the most crucial feature, and to suggest some ways in which Open Access militates against accessibility. Design/methodology/approach – Analysis of best practice by journals and monograph publishers is used to highlight the degree to which accessibility is enhanced by input from readers and editors. The expense of this, both real and hidden, is shown to be compatible only with difficulty with publishing methods where keeping costs low is essential, and Open Access alternatives that make available manuscripts “as submitted” are shown to make available less accessible scholarship. Findings – Scholarship is markedly improved by referees and editors; the emphasis needs to be put on making available the most accessible scholarship, not on making more scholarship available. Practical implications – Journals and publishers should concentrate on, and research councils and similar bodies insist upon, ensuring high quality critical review and editing, not cost-free access. Originality/value – The debate on Open Access has put its emphasis in the wrong place. Rather than easier access to more scholarship, increased resource devoted to pre-publication review, revision and editing is the most important development to ensure the greatest advances in research and scholarship.

HR’s new role: rethinking and enabling digital engagement

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 60-65 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ravin Jesuthasan
Keyword(s):  
Best Practices ◽  
Digital Technology ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Industrial Revolution ◽  
Digital Technologies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Of Work ◽  
The Future ◽  
Digital Engagement ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore how a new industrial revolution with digital technology at its core is disrupting the workplace. It shares how HR has an opportunity to use data and digital technologies to reinvent how organizations engage with their workforce. It answers the question of how HR pivots from its legacy focus on compliance and being a steward of employment to the work and helping the organization strengthen its connection with its workers through improved digital engagement. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on Willis Towers Watson thought leadership and references recent findings from their research. Findings The paper explores how digital technologies have changed how workers connect with their co-workers and the organization. In addition, it examines how digital technologies are changing how work gets done. Research limitations/implications The paper is not exclusively based on research. Practical implications The paper explores how digital technologies drive engagement, HR’s role as steward of the work and enabler of digital engagement and best practices for enabling digital engagement in the modern workplace. Originality/value This paper fulfills a need to assist HR leaders in thinking through the implications of the future of work and how digital technologies will shape that future.

Exploring the relationship between dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in HESD

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kerry Shephard ◽  
Qudsia Kalsoom ◽  
Ritika Gupta ◽  
Lorenz Probst ◽  
Paul Gannon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Critical Thinking ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Usa ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Higher education is uncertain which sustainability-related education targets should be sought and monitored. Accepting that something needs to be measurable to be systematically improved, the authors explored how measures relate to potential targets. This paper aims to focus on dispositions to think critically (active open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking in appraising reasoning) as measures and explored how they related to sustainability concern as an indicative educational target. Design/methodology/approach This research included the development and testing of research instruments (scales) that explored dispositions to critical thinking and sustainability concern. Authors researched these instruments within their own correspondence groups and tested them with university students and staff in Pakistan, the USA, Austria, India and New Zealand. The authors also asked a range of contextualising questions. Findings Respondents’ disposition to aspects of active, open-minded thinking and fair-minded thinking do predict their concern about facets of sustainability but their strength of religious belief was an important factor in these relationships and in their measurement. Practical implications This research demonstrates the complexity of monitoring dispositions to think critically and sustainability concern in educational systems, particularly in circumstances where the roles of religious beliefs are of interest; and suggests ways to address this complexity. Originality/value This research integrates and expands discourses on ESD and on critical thinking in diverse disciplines and cultures. It investigates measurement approaches and targets that could help higher education institutions to educate for sustainable development and to monitor their progress, in ways that are compatible with their culture and values.

scholarly journals The concept and application of ḍamān al-milkiyyah (ownership risk)

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-163 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lutfi Abdul Razak ◽  
Muhammad Nabil Saupi
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Islamic Law ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
For Profit ◽  
Descriptive Research ◽  
Financial Products ◽  
Financial Transactions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to elucidate the concept of ḍamān al-milkiyyah (ownership risk) and to assess its application in contemporary Islamic financial products and services. Design/methodology/approach The methodology adopted is that of descriptive research. Findings From an Islamic law of contract perspective, the concept of ḍamān al-milkiyyah is central to legitimate profit-making transactions and hence must be adhered to in practical applications of Islamic finance. Research limitations/implications This study should help motivate further investigation into the position of ḍamān al-milkiyyah among different parties in existing Islamic financial products and services. Practical implications Policymakers and regulators should ensure that Islamic financial products and services are structured in a way that does not allow parties to profit without adequately bearing the liability for potential loss. Social implications The condition of ḍamān al-milkiyyah as a source of legitimate profit reflects the idea that the role of finance in Islam is to promote and ensure social benefits. Originality/value This paper emphasizes the importance of ḍamān al-milkiyyah as a fundamental condition for profit in Islamic financial transactions.

Accessible and inclusive tourism: why it is so important for destination branding?

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 719-723
Author(s):  
Pedro Machado
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Active Part ◽  
Tourist Destination ◽  
Destination Branding ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Tourism Destinations ◽  
Destination Brand ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose By embracing the entire community of travellers, despite their capacity, tourism destinations that have the opportunity to appeal to the art of inclusive tourism policies in the Center of Portugal, are analyzed, showing the importance for a tourist destination to adapt these policies to the notoriety of the destination brand. Design/methodology/approach This paper offers a practical viewpoint based on the state-of-the-art of public policies relating to inclusive and accessible tourism in the Center of Portugal and their impacts on the destination branding. Findings Taking into account the territorial specificity of the Center of Portugal, the asymmetries of development and cohesion, Tourism Center of Portugal (TCP) has sought to develop projects and actions in partnership with the different actors in the territory that promote territorial cohesion, integrated and sustainable development and the attractiveness of the inland region. Practical implications All the projects developed to support accessible and inclusive tourism, in which TCP is an active part, create a network of tourist services to become destinations more accessible and inclusive for everyone. Originality/value Inclusive and accessible tourism is little explored by DMOs. In this paper, the case of the Center of Portugal region is presented, highlighting a series of unprecedented initiatives that are being developed, aiming to provide the destination with unique points of differentiation.

Capital flight and extent of corruption control in the least corrupt African countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-483 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thales Pacific Yapatake Kossele ◽  
Magalie Gabriella Ngaba Mbai-Akem
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Economic Environment ◽  
Capital Flight ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
The Government ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of corruption control on capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. Design/methodology/approach Using panel data covering the period of 1996-2010. Findings The results show that the extent of corruption, the total natural resources rent are statistically significant and affect positively the capital across the pooled, random and fixed effects. Inflation and economic growth are also found to have a negative impact on capital flight. Moreover, the exchange rate has a negative and significant effect on capital flight. Practical implications The findings of this study suggest that the extent of corruption control by responsible institutions can be considered as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. Social implications The paper recommends to the government of the least corrupt countries in Africa to create an enabling political and economic environment for investor’s attractiveness. This, in turn, will reduce the occurrence of capital flight and lead to the sustainable development. Originality/value The findings of this study suggest that the extent of corruption control by responsible institutions can be considered as one of the most effective weapons in the fight against capital flight in the least corrupt African countries. The paper recommends to the government of the least corrupt countries in Africa to create an enabling political and economic environment for investor’s attractiveness. This, in turn, will reduce the occurrence of capital flight and lead to the sustainable development.

Universities and smart specialisation strategy

2018 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 67-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chiara Rinaldi ◽  
Alessio Cavicchi ◽  
Francesca Spigarelli ◽  
Luigi Lacchè ◽  
Arthur Rubens
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Regional Economies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Sciences And Humanities ◽  
Smart Specialisation ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The paper analyses the emerging role of Social Sciences and Humanities (SSH) universities in contemporary society via third- and fourth-mission activities. In particular, the paper investigates the potential contributions that SSH universities can offer in developing and enhancing capacities, supporting the changing conception of innovation coherently through a Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3) approach. Design/methodology/approach The case study presents multiple third- and fourth-mission activities carried out by the University of Macerata (Italy). The activities are framed according to the roles universities could have in supporting S3. Findings Within third- and fourth-mission activities, SSH universities can play different and broader roles (generative, absorptive, collaborative and leadership), which could support regions in designing and implementing S3. Practical implications The paper shows the important contributions that SSH universities can make in their regions, both to support S3 and enhance the transition to sustainable development. Social implications The article emphasises SSH universities’ multiple contributions to sustainable development and to innovation in the knowledge society/economy framework. Originality/value This case study captures SSH universities’ contributions to S3 and the wider innovation paradigm, by highlighting their transformational effect on regional economies.

Sustainable financing and anti-squandering measures in Rastin banking

2017 ◽  
Vol 59 (6) ◽  
pp. 939-949
Author(s):  
Bijan Bidabad ◽  
Mahshid Sherafati
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Resources ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Investment Projects ◽  
The People ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Sustainable Financing

Purpose This paper aims to define a set of anti-squandering guideposts to improve the sustainability and efficiency of allocating financial resources to investment projects. Design/methodology/approach A set of sustainable financing and anti-squandering measures are proposed for a better allocation of the bank’s financial resources. These measures were derived from the doctrine of “ethic economics”, humanitarian principles and Islamic teachings. Rastin banking provides a base to apply these measures. Findings A draft of the regulations for sustainable financing and anti-squandering measures was compiled for Rastin banking operations, which is briefly presented in this paper and can be used as a basis for the codification of the respective laws. Research limitations/implications Such kinds of regulations are novel and need to be deeply discussed in the first place. After adaptation, adjustment and performing the necessary modifications, the text of the law can be codified. Practical implications Banks through granting loans, credits and other financial facilities can affect the investment projects in such a way to prevent the extravagant consumption of financial resources in investment projects and consider the sustainable development guidelines. Social implications The proposed guideposts can be detailed and adopted in other countries, especially those that are inefficient in their banking and financial operations. Originality/value Wasteful allocation of financial resources leads to the wastage of resources and reduction of productivity and provides benefit neither for the people nor for the society. Hence, the present paper tries to practically solve the problem for financial operations.

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