URL normalization and assessing website structures in higher education websites

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Website Design ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Website Usability ◽  
Web Resource ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Machine Reading ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This study aims to explore the character and attainment of an effective URL system by expanding the concept of URL normalization, originally connected to machine-reading access of web pages, to form a broader understanding of URL systematization that includes user-focused cognitive and practical elements. Design/methodology/approach A revised understanding of URL normalization will be used to critically analyzed URLs of main admissions pages from M1 universities, as designated by the Carnegie Foundation. Findings The study found that very few institutions implemented well-organized systems of Uniform Resource Locators (URLs) and redirects and that many included unintelligible and impractical URLs that would hinder the effective use of their websites. Practical implications A broader understanding of URL systematization will result in more effective website design. URLs must serve an indexical function pointing to a unique web resource, whatever the URL's format. However, URLs should also consider human usability issues and strive to be simple, short, communicable, intelligible and ultimately useful as part of social interactions. Poorly designed URLs create frustration, if not failure, by being difficult to use, confusing or interminable. An effective URL system should also include redirects to anticipate alternate, meaningful URLs that are different from the canonical path. The framework and recommendations arising from this study are applicable to many website structures. Originality/value The expanded understanding of the concept of URL normalization and subsequent evaluation principles can be used to assess the overall coherence and completeness of the website in general, thus improving website usability.

Performance measurement and management systems as IT artefacts

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (7) ◽  
pp. 1214-1233 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marie Marchand ◽  
Louis Raymond
Keyword(s):  
Performance Measurement ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Business Value ◽  
Management Systems ◽  
Nomological Network ◽  
Content Type ◽  
It Business Value ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
And Task

Purpose Considering performance measurement and management systems (PMMS) to be “mission-critical” information systems for many business organisations, calls have been made for researchers to shift from studying the use of such systems to studying their “effective” use, and in so doing to focus on their characterisation as information technology (IT) artefacts. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach In seeking to answer these calls, the authors apply Burton-Jones and Grange’s theoretical framework to study the dimensions, contextual drivers and benefits of the effective use of PMMS. This is done through a field study of 16 PMMS artefacts as used in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Findings In characterising, contextualising and valuing the effective use of PMMS, this study provides answers to the following questions: What constitutes the effective use of PMMS? What are the user, artefactual and task-related drivers of such use? And what are the benefits for SMEs of using performance measurement and management (PMM) systems effectively? Practical implications With regard to the design of a PMMS artefact, the findings imply that one should concentrate on those artefactual attributes that most enable informed action on the part of owner-managers, as it is these actions have the greater consequences for the realisation of IT business value in SMEs. Moreover, the nomological network resulting from this research provides the theoretical and methodological underpinnings of a diagnostic tool meant to develop the PMM function in SMEs. Originality/value This study provides further empirical grounding and understanding. This study provides further empirical grounding and understanding of the concept of effective use, as well as further applicability and actionability to this concept and to the nomological network of its dimensions, contextual drivers and benefits in the case of PMMS and in the context of SMEs.

Instruction through virtual reference: mapping the ACRL framework

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 243-257
Author(s):  
Rebecca Hill Renirie
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Threshold Concepts ◽  
Virtual Reference ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Libraries ◽  
Instructional Content ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine teaching intent of information literacy threshold concepts via asynchronous reference transactions. Instructional content in academic librarians’ replies to research requests are analyzed for and mapped to threshold concepts contained in the Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL) framework. Design/methodology/approach The author mapped the instructional content of a research request reply template to the content of the ACRL framework, then took a random sample of research requests using the template during the calendar year 2016. Additional instructional content provided in the sample replies was also mapped to the framework. Findings In providing written instruction for students to create searches from keywords and search subject-specific databases, every frame is at least partially addressed in the template except Scholarship as Conversation. However, individual librarians adapt the template to teach as needed and there are examples in this case study of teaching aspects of all six frames asynchronously. Practical implications This study provides support for librarians to teach the threshold concepts of the ACRL framework asynchronously at the point of need during virtual reference, and the effective use of a research reply template to accomplish this instruction. Originality/value Few recent studies examine instructional intent in asynchronous/email reference. This study examines teaching the ACRL framework via reference rather than instructional sessions. A portion of this research was presented as a poster at the 2017 ACRL Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.

Barriers to effective use of human capital analytics

2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (7) ◽  
pp. 30-32
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Cutting Edge ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Efficiency And Effectiveness ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings Greater focus is the key to better HR analytics. The authors summarize their six recommendations that will ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of HR analytics. Practical implications The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

scholarly journals Experiential sponsorship activation at a sports mega-event: the case of Cisco at London 2012

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 404-425 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leah Gillooly ◽  
Philip Crowther ◽  
Dominic Medway
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Design Principles ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
London 2012 ◽  
The Creation ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Mega Event ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the application of event design principles in the creation and execution of effective experiential sponsorship activations (ESAs) by B2B brands and examine the challenges posed by the sponsorship context to sponsors seeking to create ESAs, with proposed potential solutions. Design/methodology/approach A case study of Cisco’s ESA activities as part of its London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games sponsorship activation is developed, drawing on interviews with key Cisco employees and secondary sources of data, both internal and external to Cisco. Findings Blending the event design principles typically associated with B2B events with those more commonly found in corporate hospitality or B2C events enables sponsors to address the cognitive needs of attendees as business representatives, while also satisfying their needs as individuals seeking more sensorial experiences. Effective use of event design principles, creative marketing and promotion, and collaboration with other sponsors allow brands to overcome constraints placed on them by the unpredictable nature of sponsorship, sponsorship rights agreements and the increased clutter in the sponsorship environment. Research limitations/implications Existing knowledge on sponsorship activation is extended, drawing on principles of event design to offer a sponsor-focused perspective on the creation and execution of effective ESAs for B2B brands. Existing thinking around B2B event design is challenged and augmented when considering its application to ESA design. Practical implications Inter-sponsor collaboration and the blending of cognitive and sensorial elements of event design are important for sponsors seeking to create and deliver effective ESAs. Originality/value The paper draws on the event design literature to appraise the execution of ESA by B2B brands within the context of event sponsorship.

Evaluation of researchers’ satisfaction with electronic resources in two universities of Pakistan

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 20-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shamshad Ahmed ◽  
Anam Amjad
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Information Need ◽  
Electronic Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Survey Response Rate ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The main aim of this paper is to evaluate the satisfaction level of researchers with electronic resources as well as the uses, purposes, reasons and problems faced by them in using of these resources in the context of Pakistani Universities. Design/methodology/approach – This paper opted for a quantitative study using a questionnaire for survey. Response rate was 80 per cent and data were analyzed from 261 researchers of two universities of Pakistan. Five-point Likert scale ranked from “Dissatisfied” (5) to “Extremely Satisfied” (1) was used to evaluate the satisfaction level of researchers. Findings – The paper found that mostly researchers were “Very Satisfied” with electronic resources though they faced problems in using of these resources. Research limitations/implications – Research scholars from Faculty of Arts, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, and Bahauddin Zakariya University of Multan, Punjab, Pakistan, were included in this paper. Practical implications – This paper advances knowledge about the current status of the use of university library electronic resources, helps librarians in Pakistani university libraries understand the information need of the researchers more specifically, and provides some guidelines for the efficient and effective use of these resources. Originality/value – This paper fulfils the identified need of researchers and indicates how researchers can utilize electronic resources in a better way.

Embodied “inter-practice” in organizations – the contribution of Merleau-Ponty to carnal organizational practices and studies

2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (7) ◽  
pp. 1449-1469
Author(s):  
Wendelin Küpers
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Lived Body ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Relational Approach ◽  
Organizational Contexts ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Phenomenological Point

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to develop a critical and extended understanding of practices in organizations from a phenomenological point of view. It explores the relevance of Merleau-Ponty's advanced phenomenology and ontology for understanding the role of the lived body and the embodiment of practices and change in organizational lifeworlds.Design/methodology/approachBased on the literature review and phenomenology, the role of embodied and relational dimension, the concept of an emergent and responsive “inter-practice” in organizations is developed systematically.FindingsBased on the phenomenological and relational approach, the concept of (inter-)practice allows an extended more integral and processual understanding of the role of bodily and embodied practices in organizational lifeworlds as emerging events. The concept of inter-practice(ing) contributes to conceiving of new ways of approaching how responsive and improvisational practicing, related to change, coevolves within a multidimensional nexus of organizations.Research limitations/implicationsSpecific theoretical and methodological implications for exploring and enacting relational practices as well as limitations are offered.Practical implicationsSome specific practical implications are provided that facilitate and enable embodied practices in organizational contexts.Social implicationsThe responsive inter-practice is seen as embedded in sociality and social interactions and links to sociocultural and political as well as ethical dimensions are discussed.Originality/valueBy extending the existing discourse and using an embodied approach, the paper proposes a novel orientation for reinterpreting practice that allows explorations of the emergence and realization of alternative, ingenious and more suitable forms of practicing and change in organizations.

Entrepreneurship resources in US public libraries: website analysis

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (1) ◽  
pp. 69-90 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley E. Faulkner
Keyword(s):  
Nonprofit Organizations ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Us ◽  
Multiple Support ◽  
Website Analysis ◽  
Library Websites ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore the entrepreneurship resources patrons can discover and/or access on the web pages of the largest 46 US public libraries to assess the strength of public libraries’ current support to their entrepreneur-patrons, and where, and by what means, public libraries may wish to expand, or further promote, their support. Design/methodology/approach The author completed a website analysis of the largest 46 US public libraries, as defined by the criteria in the ALA publication The Nation’s Largest Public Libraries. Website analysis was completed via a standardized checklist assessment of each library website. Findings Public libraries often have print and electronic resources, meeting spaces and programming that could be of use to entrepreneur-patrons, but these resources are sometimes difficult to discover on library websites. Libraries have strong partnering relationships with other government and nonprofit organizations, but they may wish to expand these partnerships further. Practical implications Public libraries in the US often have multiple support services to offer entrepreneur-patrons. However, if libraries would like to reach entrepreneur-patrons beyond their walls, as well as within them, they may wish to consider further refining the resources both accessible via their website and promoted on it. Originality/value While there are research articles exploring how both academic and public libraries support entrepreneur-patrons, as yet, there has been no in-depth research into how public libraries support their entrepreneur-patrons through not only their in-library offerings but also the materials highlighted and/or available via their website. This research addresses this gap in the literature.

Embedding research and enterprise into the curriculum

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 29-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amy Brown
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Social Enterprises ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Enterprise Education ◽  
Effective Use ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Specific Learning

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review a year-long project entitled SaP@Parsons, which aims to bridge the gap between our current foundation degree curriculum and a revised curriculum where research and enterprise education were interwoven throughout, helping to better equip our graduates with the enhanced capacity to generate ideas and the skills to make them happen QAA (2012). The project used Student as Producer as a theoretical framework to embed research and enterprise into the curriculum. It was originally led by Professor Mike Neary at the University of Lincoln. Design/methodology/approach The paper reflects on the process of embedding research and enterprise education into the curriculum, including the experiences of the author and students. Findings It was found that reorientation of the curriculum is possible, without integrating enterprise specific learning aims into the programme to embed enterprise and research, can have a positive impact on both staff and student experience. Practical implications The paper provides a summary of strategies and examples of the effective use of Student as Producer as a framework for helping to embed research, enterprise and employability into a foundation degree curriculum and the resultant positive outcomes. The setting for this was HE provision within an FE college. Originality/value This paper highlights the innovative nature of the project in seeking to engage students in research and enterprise from level 4, rather than levels 6 or 7 within College-based Higher Education, through working with local social enterprises.

Website communications for campus sustainability: an analysis of Canadian universities

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 531-556 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leaya Amey ◽  
Ryan Plummer ◽  
Gary Pickering
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Average Score ◽  
Web Pages ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Campus Sustainability ◽  
Mixed Methods Approach ◽  
Canadian Universities ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Present Understanding

Purpose This study aims to better understand the communication of sustainability by Canadian universities, specifically the use of websites, interactive features and sustainability plans. Design/methodology/approach A total of 95 Canadian universities were included in this study. The mixed-methods approach sought to capture the communication of sustainability via websites, the interactive features used, as well as to evaluate the quality of sustainability plans. Findings The study revealed that 67% of universities address sustainability on their websites. On average, universities offer three to four interactive features on their sustainability-related Web pages, and the average score of the quality of campus sustainability plans was 29 (out of 41). Research limitations/implications This study does not investigate the extent to which interactive features enhance the involvement and participation in sustainability efforts or the extent to which the sustainability plans were put into practice by universities. Practical implications The findings assist with understanding how higher education institutions (HEIs) can enhance their sustainability communication via their websites to encourage interaction and engagement in campus sustainability. The findings can also help universities to enhance the effectiveness of sustainability plans. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first research to assess sustainability content and the interactive features on sustainability-related pages of Canadian universities’ websites. The quality of sustainability plans is also evaluated. The study informs the present understanding of communicating sustainability by Canadian universities and provides a basis for future investigations in HEIs in Canada and beyond.

scholarly journals Belonging at work: the experiences, representations and meanings of belonging

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (2) ◽  
pp. 116-142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathrine Filstad ◽  
Laura E.M. Traavik ◽  
Mara Gorli
Keyword(s):  
Social Interactions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organizational Boundaries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Visual Method ◽  
Practice Turn ◽  
Emotional Aspects ◽  
Social Components ◽  
Affective Dimensions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to explore what belonging is through the represented experience of people at work. The aim is to investigate employees’ interpretations of belonging at work and its interrelation with the material, aesthetic and emotional aspects associated to the where, the how and the when workplace is inhabited. Design/methodology/approach In line with the practice turn in social sciences, this study uses the visual method (snaplogs), which includes pictures and texts. Findings Belonging is situated in and integrated with social interactions, materiality, emotions and aesthetics. Belonging is about being part of something, the process of becoming through constant mediation between material aspects and social components, the process of experiencing boundaries and the attempt to perform, engage and participate (and find spaces for shared practices) in a workplace. Together, they constitute the situatedness, the here and now, of experiences of belonging and the perceived interpretation of being one among equals across organizational boundaries. Research limitations/implications Data were only collected at one point in time. The authors also relied on their own interpretations of pictures and texts and did not involve the informants in the analysis. Practical implications Being, becoming and belonging comprise material, social and affective dimensions. These dimensions should be addressed for employees to belong at work. Originality/value This study contributes to the belonging literature on perceived interpretations of what belonging is at work. The paper is also original in terms of the visual method used to grasp the practice representation of belonging experiences.

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