scholarly journals Three key affordances for serendipity

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 1053-1081 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lennart Björneborn
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Interesting Phenomenon ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Research ◽  
Motor Abilities ◽  
Physical Environments ◽  
Digital Environments

Purpose Serendipity is an interesting phenomenon to study in information science as it plays a fundamental – but perhaps underestimated – role in how we discover, explore, and learn in all fields of life. The purpose of this paper is to operationalize the concept of serendipity by providing terminological “building blocks” for understanding connections between environmental and personal factors in serendipitous encounters. Understanding these connections is essential when designing affordances in physical and digital environments that can facilitate serendipity. Design/methodology/approach In this paper, serendipity is defined as what happens when we, in unplanned ways, encounter resources (information, things, people, etc.) that we find interesting. In the outlined framework, serendipity is understood as an affordance, i.e., a usage potential when environmental and personal factors correspond with each other. The framework introduces three key affordances for facilitating serendipity: diversifiability, traversability, and sensoriability, covering capacities of physical and digital environments to be diversified, traversed, and sensed. The framework is structured around couplings between the three key affordances and three key personal serendipity factors: curiosity, mobility, and sensitivity. Ten sub-affordances for serendipity and ten coupled personal sub-factors are also briefly outlined. Related research is compared with and mapped into the framework aiming at a theoretical validation. The affordance approach to serendipity is discussed, including different degrees and types of serendipity. Findings All the terminological “building blocks” in the framework are seen to resonate with the included related research. Serendipity is found to be a commonplace phenomenon in everyday life. It is argued that we cannot “engineer” nor “design” serendipity per se, but can design affordances for serendipity. Serendipity may thus be intended by designers, but must always be unplanned by users. The outlined affordance approach to serendipity points to the importance of our sensory-motor abilities to discover and explore serendipitous affordances. Research limitations/implications Implications of the framework for designing physical and digital environments with affordances for serendipity are briefly considered. It is suggested that physical environments may have a primacy regarding affordances of sensoriability for facilitating serendipity, and digital environments a primacy regarding traversability, whereas physical and digital environments may afford similar degrees of diversifiability. In future research, the framework needs further empirical validation in physical and digital environments. Originality/value No other research has been found addressing affordances for serendipity and connections between environmental and personal factors in similarly detailed ways. The outlined framework and typology may function as a baseline for further serendipity studies.

scholarly journals The concept of neutrality: a new approach

2019 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 333-353 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen Macdonald ◽  
Briony Birdi
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Social Institutions ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Normative Framework ◽  
Contextual Awareness

Purpose Neutrality is a much debated value in library and information science (LIS). The “neutrality debate” is characterised by opinionated discussions in contrasting contexts. The purpose of this paper is to fill a gap in the literature by bringing these conceptions together holistically, with potential to deepen understanding of LIS neutrality. Design/methodology/approach First, a literature review identified conceptions of neutrality reported in the LIS literature. Second, seven phenomenographic interviews with LIS professionals were conducted across three professional sectors. To maximise variation, each sector comprised at least one interview with a professional of five or fewer years’ experience and one with ten or more years’ experience. Third, conceptions from the literature and interviews were compared for similarities and disparities. Findings In four conceptions, each were found in the literature and interviews. In the literature, these were labelled: “favourable”, “tacit value”, “social institutions” and “value-laden profession”, whilst in interviews they were labelled: “core value”, “subservient”, “ambivalent”, and “hidden values”. The study’s main finding notes the “ambivalent” conception in interviews is not captured by a largely polarised literature, which oversimplifies neutrality’s complexity. To accommodate this complexity, it is suggested that future research should look to reconcile perceptions from either side of the “neutral non-neutral divide” through an inclusive normative framework. Originality/value This study’s value lies in its descriptive methodology, which brings LIS neutrality together in a holistic framework. This framework brings a contextual awareness to LIS neutrality lacking in previous research. This awareness has the potential to change the tone of the LIS neutrality debate.

A systematic review of work-life integration and role of flexible work arrangements

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sourabh Kumar ◽  
Sankersan Sarkar ◽  
Bhawna Chahar
Keyword(s):  
Work Life ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Flexible Work Arrangements ◽  
Flexible Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Policies ◽  
Work Arrangements ◽  
Future Research Agenda

Purpose The growing demands of work and life have shifted the concept of work-life balance to work-life integration (WLI). The success of integration depends upon the flexibility to perform the duties. This paper aims to explore the factors that affect WLI and the role of flexible work arrangements (FWAs) in the process of WLI. Design/methodology/approach Systematic literature review was used to explore the concept of WLI and FWAs. A bibliometric analysis was carried out with Bibexcel and VoSviewer. Findings This paper explained the organizational and personal factors that create the demand for WLI. The FWAs, perceived flexibility, technology and self-efficacy have important roles in WLI. The result of WLI can be enrichment or strain, depends upon how effectively the work-life domains are integrated. Originality/value This paper explores the work-life from both personal and organizational views. The findings of this paper will be useful to design the organizational policies and work arrangements that match the requirements of employees and organizations. This paper helps to develop the future research agenda of investigating the relations of WLI to performance, organizational policies and personal factors.

Reconfigurable manufacturing system: a systematic review, meta-analysis and future research directions

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Rajesh Pansare ◽  
Gunjan Yadav ◽  
Madhukar R. Nagare
Keyword(s):  
Manufacturing System ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Future Trends ◽  
Reconfigurable Manufacturing ◽  
Research Papers ◽  
Reconfigurable Manufacturing System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Related Research ◽  
And Performance

Purpose Uncertainties in manufacturing and changing customer demands force manufacturing industries to adopt new strategies, such as the reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS). To improve the implementation and performance of RMS, it is necessary to review the available literature and identify future trends in this field. This paper aims to analyze existing literature and to see trends in RMS-related research. Design/methodology/approach The systematic literature review and analysis of RMS-related research papers from 1999 to 2020 is carried out in this literature. The selected studies are analyzed based on the year of publication, journals, publishers, active authors, research design, countries, enablers, barriers, performance evaluation parameters and universities. Findings After the analysis of selected RMS-related research papers, the top countries, universities, journals, publishers and authors are identified in this domain. Research themes and trends in research are identified in this study. Besides, it has been noted that there is a need for further research in this domain and for the creation of a generalized framework that can guide researchers and practitioners to increase RMS adoption. Practical implications Research insights, guidance and observations from this paper are provided to RMS-related researchers and practitioners. Important research gaps are identified in this study, which can provide direction for future research and trends in RMS research. Originality/value The study presented focuses mainly on the method of collecting, organizing, capturing, interpreting and analyzing data to provide more insight into RMS to identify future trends in research.

Professor Hamlet’s dilemma: to retire or not to retire?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Janet E. McDaniel ◽  
Beverlee B. Anderson ◽  
Jennifer Jeffries
Keyword(s):  
Research Question ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Retirement Plans ◽  
Pull Factors ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Push And Pull Factors ◽  
Faculty Retirement ◽  
Contractual Agreements ◽  
Push And Pull

PurposeThe purpose of this paper was to explore the experiences of tenured academic retirees and the decision-making process leading to their retirements. The inquiry addressed the research question, What were the factors that most influenced the decision to retire?Design/methodology/approachTwenty retirees from a public university were interviewed. The interview began with a multipart question about the variables that influenced the decision to retire – the positive and negative factors that “pushed against” and “pulled towards” retirement. The researchers coded the interviews, identifying common themes that contributed to responding to the research questions. Data analysis was done using the constant comparative procedure. The analysis interpreted the data to form three propositions to serve as prompts for further study.FindingsThree propositions addressed the participants' “tipping point” where retirement was more attractive than remaining employed, the relative importance of financial vs other factors and the strong role of familial/personal factors pulling toward retirement.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was conducted in a university system with contractual agreements on retirement policies and benefits and therefore might not be generalizable to dissimilar institutions. Three propositions form the basis for further research to validate. The new conception of “push” and “pull” factors can serve as a basis for future research.Practical implicationsDefined Phased Retirement Plans are recommended as a “win-win” for faculty members and the institution.Originality/valueThis paper reconceptualizes the definitions of push and pull factors in the literature on faculty retirement and enriches the understanding of the complex factors influencing the decision to retire.

scholarly journals Pakistani LIS scholars’ altmetrics in ResearchGate

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (2) ◽  
pp. 152-169 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Yousuf Ali ◽  
Joanna Richardson
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Research Performance ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Impact Factor Journal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Google Docs ◽  
Resultant Data ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Demographical Data

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyse the research performance of Pakistani library and information science (LIS) scholars, using the altmetrics provided by ResearchGate (RG). Design/methodology/approach Purposive sampling was used to collect profiles between 15 January 2015 and 30 April 2016 of all members of RG who had self-identified as being an LIS scholar of Pakistani nationality. Additional demographic data were obtained through a small survey administered via Google Docs. Resultant data were analysed in SPSS Version 21. Findings Study results were broadly consistent in terms of demographical data with previous studies of this cohort. There was a positive correlation between publications, reads, and citations for scholars who had recorded at least one publication. The majority of publications had not been published in a high impact factor journal. Academic networking site profiles create the potential for collaboration, building connections, and exchanging information. Research limitations/implications Some scholars eliminated from this study may have published at least one output but neglected to upload details to RG. It is a purposive, exploratory study that provides insights into future research. Practical implications The paper produces findings of relevance to researchers in other countries and/or disciplines who may wish to conduct a similar study of a defined cohort. Originality/value There have been no previous published research studies on altmetrics associated with Pakistani LIS scholars.

Complementary theories to supply chain management revisited – from borrowing theories to theorizing

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 574-586 ◽  
Author(s):  
Árni Halldórsson ◽  
Juliana Hsuan ◽  
Herbert Kotzab
Keyword(s):  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chain Management ◽  
Theory Development ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chain Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Academic Scholarship ◽  
Key Characteristics ◽  
Theory Application

Purpose – The aim of this paper is to identify ways by which the theorizing of supply chain management (SCM) takes place, with particular attention to complementary theories. SCM suffers as well as benefits from a “conceptual slack”. Design/methodology/approach – The nature of SCM is discussed, and the role and relevance of theorizing is addressed by using key characteristics of “academic scholarship” based on a literature review of SCM and evaluation of application of theory and theory development. Findings – The integrative and multi-layered nature of SCM sets the conditions for “theorizing SCM” that can take place through various forms: theory application, new theoretical combinations and sensitivity to managerial practice. It is pivotal that future research explore further the performative potential of SCM. Research limitations/implications – Research with focus on theory development or using complementary theories to advancing understanding of SCM can benefit from the five building blocks of theorizing SCM proposed in the paper. Practical implications – Theoretical principles in SCM are not only used to describe practical problems but also to “produce the world”; supply chains can be seen as organizational units that act or consummate an action that delivers a particular performance. Originality/value – This paper portrays SCM sensitivity to managerial challenges by moving from borrowing to a more bilateral view on theorizing of SCM, reflecting the nature of SCM.

Determinants of personal factors in influencing the buying behavior of consumers in sales promotion: a case of fashion industry

2017 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 408-424 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fazal ur Rehman ◽  
Rosman Bin Md Yusoff ◽  
Shafie Bin Mohamed Zabri ◽  
Fadillah Binti Ismail
Keyword(s):  
Personal Characteristics ◽  
Partial Least Square ◽  
Sales Promotion ◽  
Equation Modeling ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Fashion Industry ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Buying Behavior ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Market Maven

Purpose This study aims to investigate the influence of personal factors on the buying behavior of consumers with the intentions of sales promotion in the fashion industry. Precisely, it focuses on the marketing techniques and practices in sales promotion activities to influence the buying intentions of consumers in personal ways. Design/methodology/approach Based on a comprehensive literature review of personal factors, sales promotion and buying behavior, this study has applied a positivist approach to collect data in quantitative way through questionnaires-based survey. The study has analyzed the collected data using structural equation modeling through smart partial least square. Findings Personal factors and its sub-dimensions such as market maven, stability and open minded have demonstrated a positive relationship in the conceptual construct. In the same manner, sales promotion and its sub-dimensions like social factors and physical layout have also positive effects. Research limitations/implications This study is only limited to the fashion industry of Pakistan and future research may be conducted in other services and manufacturing industries. Future research may assess the role of moderating variables like gender. Practical implications This study clarifies the influence of personal characteristics on consumers buying behavior in sales promotion activities in the fashion industry to achieve business objectives. Originality/value By integrating personal factors and sales promotion literature, the main contribution of this paper is the analysis of personal characteristics and promotional practices in the fashion industry of Pakistan, during Eid-ul-Fitter holidays to enhance the consumers buying behavior. Precisely, this study has assessed the effect some unique characteristics of consumers like market maven, stable, open minded and agreeable on their buying behavior in sales promotion activities. This study has apprised marketing professionals to apply the conception of personal characteristics in sales promotion activities to boost up the buying behavior of consumers in enthusiastic way.

Brands in the arts and culture sector

2014 ◽  
Vol 4 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 2-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carsten Baumgarth ◽  
Daragh O’Reilly
Keyword(s):  
Building Blocks ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Chinese Art ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Arts ◽  
Arts And Culture ◽  
Research Scholarship ◽  
Chinese Art Market ◽  
Cultural Branding

Purpose – The purposes of this editorial are first, to review the background to, and development of, the Special Issue call for papers issued in March 2013 on the topic of “Brands in the Arts and Culture Sector”, second, to introduce the eight papers in the double issue (seven in the Special Issue plus one paper (by Caldwell)) which was submitted to the journal in the normal course and whose topic fits well with the arts and cultural branding topic, and third, to set out a framework designed to facilitate the analysis of individual arts and cultural brands, as well as the directions for future research in the area. Design/methodology/approach – The papers in this Special Issue use a variety of approaches-some qualitative (e.g. ethnography, expert interviews), others quantitative (e.g. laboratory experiment, surveys); others deal with conceptual issues for individual artists and for the arts market. Findings – Findings and insights relate to topics such as: how the “in-between spaces” (e.g. art studios) can be key building blocks of a strong artist’s brand; the importance of western ideas for the Chinese art market; how pro-activeness, innovation, and risk-taking are the three key drivers for the decision to integrate blockbusters as a sub-brand in museum brand architecture; the importance of experiential design for low-involvement museum visitors; the utility of the notion of brand attachment in explaining volunteering; the potential of visual arts branding for general branding theory; the concept of millennial cultural consumers and how to reach them; and celebrity casting in London’s West End theatres. Research limitations/implications – The authors believe that all of the papers have implications for future thinking, research, scholarship, paedagogy, and practice in the area of arts and cultural branding. Originality/value – As far as the editors are aware, this is the first ever journal Special Issue on arts and cultural branding. More specifically, the authors have taken the opportunity to present in this editorial essay the “C-Framework” of arts and cultural brands, which offers a new way of thinking about arts and cultural brands − one which can accommodate classical or so-called “mainstream” branding ideas as well as insights from cultural, media, and consumer studies, and other disciplines. This framework can be applied to individual arts and cultural brands as well as to the entire field.

scholarly journals Time and temporality in library and information science

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jutta Haider ◽  
Veronica Johansson ◽  
Björn Hammarfelt
Keyword(s):  
Information Science ◽  
Temporal Dynamics ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Science Field ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Approaches ◽  
Time Regime ◽  
Information Work ◽  
Late Modern

PurposeThe article introduces selected theoretical approaches to time and temporality relevant to the field of library and information science, and it briefly introduces the papers gathered in this special issue. A number of issues that could potentially be followed in future research are presented.Design/methodology/approachThe authors review a selection of theoretical and empirical approaches to the study of time that originate in or are of particular relevance to library and information science. Four main themes are identified: (1) information as object in temporal perspectives; (2) time and information as tools of power and control; (3) time in society; and (4) experiencing and practicing time.FindingsThe paper advocates a thorough engagement with how time and temporality shape notions of information more broadly. This includes, for example, paying attention to how various dimensions of the late-modern time regime of acceleration feed into the ways in which information is operationalised, how information work is commodified, and how hierarchies of information are established; paying attention to the changing temporal dynamics that networked information systems imply for our understanding of documents or of memory institutions; or how external events such as social and natural crises quickly alter modes, speed, and forms of data production and use, in areas as diverse as information practices, policy, management, representation, and organisation, amongst others.Originality/valueBy foregrounding temporal perspectives in library and information science, the authors advocate dialogue with important perspectives on time that come from other fields. Rather than just including such perspectives in library and information science, however, the authors find that the focus on information and documents that the library and information science field contributes has great potential to advance the understanding of how notions and experiences of time shape late-modern societies and individuals.

Differences between LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries: a drawing analysis approach

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Yun-Fang Tu ◽  
Gwo-Jen Hwang ◽  
Shu-Yen Chen ◽  
Chiulin Lai ◽  
Chuan-Miao Chen
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Information Science ◽  
Preliminary Evidence ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Library And Information Science ◽  
Digital Resources ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Information Appliances ◽  
Technology Services ◽  
Access To Books

Purpose This study aims to compare similarities and differences in library and information science (LIS) and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions and perceptions of smart libraries via drawing analysis. Design/methodology/approach In this study, a total of 156 undergraduate students described their perceptions of smart libraries as drawings and textual descriptions. A modified coding scheme with 8 categories and 51 subcategories was used to analyse the undergraduate students’ drawings. Findings Most of the undergraduate students’ conceptions of smart libraries still involve self-checkout and learning/reading, focusing on information appliances, technical services, activities and objects. The differences are that the LIS undergraduates’ drawings showed smart libraries with robots, interactive book borrowing with technology tools, intelligent services, location-aware services or mobile applications, whereas non-LIS undergraduates presented smart libraries as readers (learners), other activities and no smart technology services. LIS undergraduates focused on providing patron services with technologies. Non-LIS undergraduates were more likely to draw a complex space with immediate access to books or digital resources, quiet reading and the freedom to engage in library activities. Originality/value The results provide a baseline for future research on the topic and provide preliminary evidence of using the methods to discern LIS and non-LIS undergraduates’ conceptions of smart libraries.

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