Administration and cross-functional teams in libraries

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (4/5) ◽  
pp. 219-225
Author(s):  
Joy M. Perrin ◽  
Justin Daniel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Library Administration ◽  
Functional Teams

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assist library administration in avoiding cross-functional team pitfalls. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports the results of years of cross-fucntiional teams at an academic Library. Reports results of years of cross-functional teams at an academic Library. Findings Through shared trial and errors, readers will be able to avoid pitfalls and formulate questions not previously considered for their pursuit of cross-functional teams. Research limitations/implications While this is a case study, the lessons learned can be applied at any library where cross-functional teams are considered. Originality/value This study provides an account of teams at an academic library spanning a decade. Trials and tribulations are discussed.

Unlocking the value of HR to drive a change-ready culture

2017 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 171-176
Author(s):  
Campbell Macpherson
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Culture Change ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
World Culture ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Large Organization ◽  
The Real ◽  
Personal Experiences

Purpose This paper aims to present a case study focused on developing a change-ready culture within a large organization. Design/methodology/approach This paper is based on personal experiences gleaned while driving an organization-wide culture change program throughout a major financial advisory firm. Findings This paper details over a dozen key lessons learned while transforming the HR department from a fragmented, ineffective, reclusive and disrespected department into one that was competent, knowledgeable, enabling and a leader of change. Originality/value Drawing on the real-world culture change intervention detailed here, including results and lessons learned, other organizations can apply similar approaches in their own organizations – hopefully to similar effect.

scholarly journals Product returns: a growing problem for business, society and environment

2020 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1613-1621
Author(s):  
Regina Frei ◽  
Lisa Jack ◽  
Steve Brown
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Business And Society ◽  
Product Returns ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Operational Management ◽  
Functional Teams ◽  
Financial Impacts

PurposeThis article sheds light onto the increasing problem of product returns, which is exacerbated by growing e-commerce. Many retailers and academics are oblivious to the nature and scale of this challenge. Interdisciplinary research is needed to develop supporting theory, and cross-functional teams are required to implement measures addressing economic, ecological and social sustainability issues.Design/methodology/approachThe initial project adopted a multi-case study approach, whereby returns processes were mapped, vulnerabilities identified and a returns cost calculator was developed.FindingsProduct returns processes are usually complicated, prone to internal and external fraud, inefficient and lack sustainability. They can generate considerable losses to the business, especially as returns data are often not systematically collected, monitored or reported to senior management. There are important implications for strategic and operational management, namely the need to develop a concept for Lean returns systems.Originality/valueProduct returns are a unique and understudied but growing field in academic research, with only few publications over the last two decades. Yet the phenomenon is causing increasing problems in business and society. Robust solutions could achieve great financial and non-financial impacts.

Leaning into sustainability at University of Alberta Libraries

2016 ◽  
Vol 37 (3) ◽  
pp. 136-148 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerald Beasley ◽  
Trish Rosseel
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Building Design ◽  
Library Services ◽  
Staff Time ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Principles ◽  
University Of Alberta ◽  
Staffing Model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a case study that considers the links between cost avoidance, lean design, and sustainability in relation to two different library projects at University of Alberta Libraries (UAL) – the design of the Research and Collections Resource Facility and the development of new fee-based library services at UAL’s John W. Scott Health Sciences Library. Design/methodology/approach – This case study describes the analysis of each project’s workflows in relation to lean design in order to enhance processes and service delivery. Findings – Findings to date in both of these ongoing projects suggest that consideration of the lean philosophy has already led to process and service improvements. With regard to the new building design project, revised task design is already resulting in significant savings in staff time, and work space. And the staffing model for fee-based specialized services has already been redesigned, an alignment with lean principles. Research limitations/implications – While this paper does discuss and define lean design, it does not provide a comprehensive summary of research in this area. Originality/value – This paper highlights the value of lean design as a framework for designing, developing, and reviewing academic library buildings, services, processes, and workflows to ensure they are sustainable.

scholarly journals Transformation to self-managing teams: lessons learned

2018 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 81-84 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maarten Renkema ◽  
Tanya Bondarouk ◽  
Anna Bos-Nehles
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Systematic Approach ◽  
Transformation Process ◽  
Healthcare Organization ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Management Board ◽  
Stakeholder Groups

Purpose Although self-management is not a new phenomenon, there is a lack of understanding about how to transform organizations towards self-managing teams (SMTs). The purpose of this paper is to propose a guiding framework for how the empowerment process can be managed. Design/methodology/approach The paper sets out 12 guidelines on how to address the transition towards SMTs based on a case study at a large Dutch healthcare organization. The lessons are drawn from observations, documents and more than 55 interviews with key informants. Findings This paper provides a holistic overview of lessons learned from the transformation process towards SMTs. The 12 recommendations are targeted at four stakeholder groups, namely, the management/board, HRM department, coach-managers and members of the SMTs. Originality/value The originality lies in the systematic approach including lessons learned for all levels of the organization.

Measuring the academic library

2018 ◽  
Vol 119 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 109-120 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fiona Salisbury ◽  
Jennifer Peasley
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
National Standards ◽  
Digital Environment ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Outcomes ◽  
Service Data ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide an Australian perspective of impact and value by examining how the broader international and national perspectives play out in practice in the Australian context and where adaption for local requirements is necessary. Design/methodology/approach This paper will explore the assessment of impact and value in academic libraries and the tools available to translate today’s inputs into future impact and value. It will focus on a range of methods and procedures, including international and national standards, frameworks and benchmarks. Findings The La Trobe University Library is presented as a case study to examine the challenges of leveraging tools to assess impact and communicate the value of the library across the university community. Originality/value Assessing the impact and demonstrating the value of the academic library in a digital environment is a constant challenge. While usage and service data are plentiful, traditional metrics no longer sufficiently demonstrate the academic library’s contribution to university learning, teaching and research outcomes.

scholarly journals Supporting faculty through an open education and affordability gratitude campaign

2020 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 353-371
Author(s):  
Mandi Goodsett
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Campus Culture ◽  
Open Education ◽  
Campaign Strategies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Grant Programs ◽  
Future Events ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how an academic library can use a library-led, public, positive, and broad faculty gratitude campaign to help a campus embrace a culture of open education. Design/methodology/approach Using a literature review of faculty outreach efforts in the area of open education and an examination of the psychology of persuasion, this library developed a gratitude campaign that consisted of a faculty video, letters from the provost, signed cards from students, door hangers, and the delivery of swag bags to faculty offices. Findings While it is challenging to assess how much an initiative may have changed campus culture, initial responses to the gratitude campaign have been overwhelmingly positive. In addition, it cost little or nothing to develop the campaign and materials can be reused in future events and initiatives. Practical implications Changing campus culture, maintaining momentum in a program with limited funding, and reaching reluctant faculty are all challenges for open education initiatives. Initiating a gratitude campaign can begin to address all of these by being public, positive, and inclusive. This case study describes how a campus could adopt any or all of the gratitude campaign strategies and it includes openly licensed examples, templates, and models for readers to use. Originality/value Open education and affordability efforts that use presentations, grant programs, and awards are common on academic campuses. However, when funding is tight or these efforts fail to reach new audiences, a gratitude campaign can make inroads where these traditional efforts are limited.

From apprentice to construction manager and beyond: developing a talent pipeline

2009 ◽  
Vol 51 (3) ◽  
pp. 220-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eamonn McGettingan ◽  
Donal O'Neill
Keyword(s):  
Construction Industry ◽  
Peer Support ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Integrated Approach ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Global Construction

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to outline the approach taken within Kentz Engineers and Constructors to develop electrical technicians and other apprentices on an international basis.Design/methodology/approachThe approach adopted is that of a case study which describes activities and processes within the college and the rationale behind them supported by appropriate material.FindingsAn integrated approach is needed to developing qualified tradespeople as junior supervisors involving work rotation, mentoring, learning and development workshops and peer support. Corporate will, together with systems and infrastructure, is needed to be successful organization‐wide.Research limitations/implicationsThe paper is a case study that focuses on reflections from practice. Lessons learned and proposed will need to be tested in other organizations.Originality/valueThe paper provides original, tested solutions to problems that face the majority of organizations in the global construction industry and which will be familiar to all who manage the transition of apprentices into supervisory positions.

Reimagining career collections to increase usage and engagement

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (4) ◽  
pp. 131-134
Author(s):  
Lateka Grays ◽  
James Cory Tucker
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Academic Library ◽  
Career Services ◽  
Circulation Rate ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this study is to describe a case study of building a career collection at an academic library and to assess the use of materials and the services provided to students and the career services office. Design/methodology/approach This study reviewed circulation statistics and COUNTER reports to identify usage of career services resources. Findings The major findings of this study indicated that items in the print career collection experienced higher circulation rate than items in the circulating collection at Lied Library. Originality/value The information and findings of this study can provide a background of services and information on how to build a career collection in an academic library that can be used as an example for other libraries interested in providing career services and/or collections.

Re-layout of an assembly area: a case study at Bosch Rexroth Oil Control

2015 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chengyao Ren ◽  
Carmine Barlotti ◽  
Yuval Cohen ◽  
Barbara Frangipane ◽  
Mario Garofalo ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Productivity Improvement ◽  
Layout Planning ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Assembly Area ◽  
Unique Experience ◽  
Parameters Analysis ◽  
Comparison Criteria

Purpose – The purpose of the paper is to highlight the considerations and lessons learned from a re-layout project in an assembly area for productivity improvement. The case study took place in Bosch Rexroth Oil Control Nonantola (Italy) with satisfactory results. The paper suggests how to approach reorganization projects with focus on productivity improvements following defined targets. Design/methodology/approach – After an analysis of the initial status, the authors examine several plausible layout alternatives: the main comparison criteria and their weights are defined. Then a scoring/measuring procedure follows for the criteria of each alternative, and the alternatives are compared using principal parameters analysis (PPA). Findings – The paper lists common considerations and lessons learned in the re-layout process. Using the PPA, the authors validate the best solution for the company. Originality/value – This paper shares a valuable experience that is general enough to be shared with many other assembly systems. A unique experience combining re-layout planning, MTM and use of PPA is shared with the readers.

Developing an institutional repository using Digital Commons

2019 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-40 ◽  
Author(s):  
Denise A. Brush ◽  
Jonathan Jiras
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Academic Librarians ◽  
Institutional Repository ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Rowan University ◽  
Digital Commons

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to share the knowledge and lessons learned about the process of developing an institutional repository (IR) using a hosted solution, Digital Commons from bepress, and to make the case that Digital Commons is still the best IR solution for smaller university libraries.Design/methodology/approachThis is a case study based on Rowan University Libraries developing an IR using the Digital Commons platform.FindingsTo implement a hosted solution successfully, key actions include defining the repository’s scope and mission early in the process, including a variety of stakeholders in promoting the repository, integrating the repository with a faculty profile system and being able to effectively work collaboratively with both internal and external professionals in developing the system.Originality/valueThis paper will be valuable to academic librarians considering implementing an IR on, or migrating an existing repository to, the Digital Commons platform.

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