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.

The current status of innovation in the university libraries of Pakistan

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (8/9) ◽  
pp. 541-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sania Awais ◽  
Kanwal Ameen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Innovation Adoption ◽  
International Market ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
Current Status ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The University ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the current status of innovations in the university libraries of Pakistan because the desire for reshaping the university libraries is now necessary to fulfill the mission of higher education, i.e. to be competitive and compatible in the international market. Design/methodology/approach The content is based on the literature. For this purpose, the researchers’ 20 years’ experience and the websites of all the 183 universities of Pakistan have been reviewed. A checklist of 40 innovations (Jantz, 2013), used in ACRL libraries and prepared by the researcher, is used as a yardstick to measure the innovation status of university libraries. Findings The findings indicate that a large majority of university libraries, ranging from 70 to 100 percent, have not adopted these innovations. Only 15 percent of university libraries all over Pakistan are relatively better on the innovation adoption scale. Research limitations/implications The data are explored by reviewing the websites of university libraries of Pakistan. Viewpoint of librarian and administrators of university librarian is not taken at this stage. Practical implications It will be helpful for the practitioner community to brain think on serious grounds for future improvements by having a clear picture of current status. Social implications By analyzing the standings of university libraries of Pakistan vs developed countries, the professionals would get awareness and they might be take initiatives for extending the services suitable and compatible with the present and future needs of users. Ultimately, profession and users satisfaction could be obtained. Originality/value The aspects discussed in the context of Pakistan may catch the attention of policy makers for the sake of improvement of university libraries, and growth of their professionals. It is further assumed that this situation is similar to the other neighboring developing countries. So, the work will raise the awareness among professionals of other countries too.

A directed content analysis of viewpoints on the changing patterns of Lean Six Sigma research

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (4) ◽  
pp. 641-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bryan A. Rodgers ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Zhen He ◽  
Elizabeth A. Cudney ◽  
Chad Laux
Keyword(s):  
Continuous Improvement ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Changing Patterns ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper, builds on previous studies that explored the research patterns over 15 years, is to consider the current status of the integration of Lean and Six Sigma. More specifically, this research addresses whether Lean and Six Sigma are stronger together and explores the reasons why Lean researchers and practitioners may be less likely to integrate Six Sigma in their work. Design/methodology/approach The research utilises a survey of 25 established and respected academics and practitioners from 16 countries. The questionnaire is analysed using a direct content approach and coded in NVivo. Findings The findings suggest that challenges may lie in the perception and understanding of statistics as well as short-term rather than long-term focus on improvement. The findings also suggest that academics and practitioners believe that Lean Six Sigma has developed over time and will continue to develop and improve as a methodology rather than being replaced with a new methodology. Research limitations/implications The survey has a sample size of 25, albeit all respondents are established and very experienced practitioners and academics. Practical implications For organisations that are introducing or refreshing their continuous improvement initiatives, this research identifies some of the challenges and provides the opportunity to address them to maximise the opportunities for success and sustainability. Originality/value The value of this paper is that it further addresses the debate over the integration of Lean and Six Sigma for many organisations which still employ Lean alone, but beyond this it explores how they will continue to develop and whether they are a permanent edition to the quality management landscape or a transition to something else.

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.

Are Kenyan lecturers motivated to teach?

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 599-607
Author(s):  
Harry Kipkemoi Bett
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Contextual Factors ◽  
General Assumption ◽  
Faculty Members ◽  
Current Status ◽  
General Belief ◽  
Teaching And Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a discussion on the overlooked side of motivation among Kenyan lecturers: the motivation to teach. Design/methodology/approach The paper is generally a review of the current status of lecturer motivation in Kenya in relation to their teaching and research. This has been done anchored on Herzberg’s two-factor theory. Findings While the general belief is that lecturers are more motivated to teach than to engage in research owing to immediacy of returns (from teaching), arguments are given showing that contextual factors may contribute to lecturer demotivation in their teaching. Practical implications There is need to increase the number of lecturers in higher education in Kenya so as to mitigate against the overwhelming workload affecting many faculty members. A balance between hygiene and motivators should also be borne in mind, especially in relation to teaching and research. Originality/value The general assumption in literature is that since many lecturers in Kenya are not engaging in research, they must be motivated to teach. This study, however, argues that many contextual challenges do not motivate lecturers in the country to teach.

Satisfaction level and competitiveness in subsistence small businesses

2018 ◽  
Vol 56 (5) ◽  
pp. 1108-1121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos M. Jardón
Keyword(s):  
Small Businesses ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Competitive Advantages ◽  
Satisfaction Level ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Wood Processing ◽  
Maximum Benefit ◽  
Manova Analysis ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Subsistence small businesses (SSBs) do not seek the maximum benefit; they only seek a benefit that enough satisfies their basic needs. In consequence, a dual behaviour of companies is expected and possibly the competitiveness of these companies is different. The purpose of this paper is to study the dual behaviour of SSBs and the differences about their competitive advantages. Design/methodology/approach Data were obtained by conducting surveys with owners and managers of wood processing companies located in a region of Misiones (Argentina). The results were checked by interviews in 2012 and 2015. The research uses principal component analysis and K-means to classify the different behaviour and MANOVA analysis to study the relationships. Findings The findings suggest two types of SSBs and show that competitive advantages are different into two groups of companies. Research limitations/implications The data used refer to a certain period of time, with interviews in next periods. Sample is in a particular region and sector and generalisations should be done carefully. The variables are measured with subjective questions. Practical implications The findings suggest instruments to change the strategy of unsatisfied SSBs to grow. Social implications The growth of SSBs is very important in poorest areas. The paper suggest governments’ politics that facilitate a stable environment for improving competitiveness of SSBs. Originality/value SSBs are very important in developing countries, but they are not sufficiently studied. The research shows the importance of satisfying principle in the competitiveness of subsistence entrepreneurs.

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.

Technology jump in the industry: human–robot cooperation in production

2020 ◽  
Vol 47 (5) ◽  
pp. 757-775
Author(s):  
Zoltan Dobra ◽  
Krishna S. Dhir
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Manufacturing Industry ◽  
Current Status ◽  
Robot System ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Directions ◽  
Academic Publications ◽  
Robot Cooperation ◽  
Human Robot Collaboration ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Recent years have seen a technological change, Industry 4.0, in the manufacturing industry. Human–robot cooperation, a new application, is increasing and facilitating collaboration without fences, cages or any kind of separation. The purpose of the paper is to review mainstream academic publications to evaluate the current status of human–robot cooperation and identify potential areas of further research. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review is offered that searches, appraises, synthetizes and analyses relevant works. Findings The authors report the prevailing status of human–robot collaboration, human factors, complexity/ programming, safety, collision avoidance, instructing the robot system and other aspects of human–robot collaboration. Practical implications This paper identifies new directions and potential research in practice of human–robot collaboration, such as measuring the degree of collaboration, integrating human–robot cooperation into teamwork theories, effective functional relocation of the robot and product design for human robot collaboration. Originality/value This paper will be useful for three cohorts of readers, namely, the manufacturers who require a baseline for development and deployment of robots; users of robots-seeking manufacturing advantage and researchers looking for new directions for further exploration of human–machine collaboration.

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.

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.

Dangerous liaisons?

2008 ◽  
Vol 29 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Rodwell ◽  
Linden Fairbairn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Service Delivery Model ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Role Description ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeMany university libraries are adopting a faculty liaison librarian structure as an integral part of their organization and service delivery model. This paper aims to examine, in a pragmatic way, the variations in the definition of the role of the faculty liaison librarian, the expectations of those librarians, their library managers and their clients and the impact of environmental factors. The faculty liaison librarian role is not entirely new, evolving from the traditional subject librarian and university special/branch library role. However the emerging role is characterized by a more outward‐looking perspective and complexity, emphasizing stronger involvement and partnership with the faculty and direct engagement in the University's teaching and research programs.Design/methodology/approachFollowing a review of the literature and other sources on the rationale and role of library liaison, the current developments, drivers and expectations are discussed.FindingsThe study finds that dynamic external and internal environments of universities are driving the evolution of library liaison, so the role description is still fluid. However, the breadth and weight of expectations is now such that the effectiveness and sustainability of the role has to be addressed.Practical implicationsWhile a dynamic, broader and more intensive role for the faculty liaison librarian is emerging, more thinking is needed about the extent of that role and its sustainability. What, for example, are the priorities for the faculty liaison librarian? What traditional activities can, and may, have to be abandoned? These considerations are necessary not only to guide the librarians, but also to help define the attributes and skills required for the position and to determine the institutional support it requires.Originality/valueThis is a contemporary critique of the well‐established, but diverse library service – the faculty liaison librarian structure.

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