scholarly journals Data ecosystems for protecting European citizens’ digital rights

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-147 ◽  
Author(s):  
Igor Calzada ◽  
Esteve Almirall
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Digital Rights ◽  
European Cities ◽  
Data Infrastructures ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Research And Policy

Purpose This paper aims to spark a debate by presenting the need for developing data ecosystems in Europe that meet the social and public good while committing to democratic and ethical standards; suggesting a taxonomy of data infrastructures and institutions to support this need; using the case study of Barcelona as the flagship city trailblazing a critical policy agenda of smart cities to show the limitations and contradictions of the current state of affairs; and ultimately, proposing a preliminary roadmap for institutional and governance empowerment that could enable effective data ecosystems in Europe. Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on lessons learned in previous publications available in the sustainability (Calzada, 2018), regions (Calzada and Cowie, 2017; Calzada, 2019), Zenodo (Calzada and Almirall, 2019), RSA Journal (Calzada, 2019) and IJIS (Calzada, 2020) journals and ongoing and updated fieldwork about the Barcelona case study stemming from an intensive fieldwork action research that started in 2017. The methodology used in these publications was based on the mixed-method technique of triangulation via action research encompassing in-depth interviews, direct participation in policy events and desk research. The case study was identified as the most effective methodology. Findings This paper, drawing from lessons learned from the Barcelona case study, elucidates on the need to establish pan-European data infrastructures and institutions – collectively data ecosystems – to protect citizens’ digital rights in European cities and regions. The paper reveals three main priorities proposing a preliminary roadmap for local and regional governments, namely, advocacy, suggesting the need for city and regional networks; governance, requiring guidance and applied, neutral and non-partisan research in policy; and pan-European agencies, leading and mobilising data infrastructures and institutions at the European level. Research limitations/implications From the very beginning, this paper acknowledges its ambition, and thus its limitations and clarifies its attempt to provide just an overview rather than a deep research analysis. This paper presents several research limitations and implications regarding the scope. The paper starts by presenting the need for data ecosystems, then structures this need through two taxonomies, all illustrated through the Barcelona case study and finally, concludes with a roadmap consisting of three priorities. The paper uses previous published and ongoing fieldwork findings in Barcelona as a way to lead, and thus encourage the proliferation of more cases through Cities Coalition for Digital Rights (CCDR). Practical implications This paper presents practical implications for local and regional authorities of the CCDR network. As such, the main three priorities of the preliminary roadmap could help those European cities and regions already part of the CCDR network to establish and build operational data ecosystems by establishing a comprehensive pan-European policy from the bottom-up that aligns with the timely policy developments advocated by the European Commission. This paper can inspire policymakers by providing guidelines to better coordinate among a diverse set of cities and regions in Europe. Social implications The leading data governance models worldwide from China and the USA and the advent of Big Data are dramatically reshaping citizens’ relationship with data. Against this backdrop and directly influenced by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Europe has, perhaps, for the first time, spoken with its own voice by blending data and smart city research and policy formulations. Inquiries and emerging insights into the potential urban experiments on data ecosystems, consisting of data infrastructures and institutions operating in European cities and regions, become increasingly crucial. Thus, the main social implications are for those multi-stakeholder policy schemes already operating in European cities and regions. Originality/value In previous research, data ecosystems were not directly related to digital rights amidst the global digital geopolitical context and, more specifically, were not connected to the two taxonomies (on data infrastructures and institutions) that could be directly applied to a case study, like the one presented about Barcelona. Thus, this paper shows novelty and originality by also opening up (based on previous fieldwork action research) a way to take strategic action to establish a pan-European strategy among cities and regions through three specific priorities. This paper can ultimately support practice and lead to new research and policy avenues.

scholarly journals No strings attached? Challenges and successes in creating a flexible, wire-free active learning classroom

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (2) ◽  
pp. 211-224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gillian (Jill) D. Ellern ◽  
Heidi E. Buchanan
Keyword(s):  
Active Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
High Tech ◽  
Learning Space ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Electronic Classroom ◽  
Technical Details ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper serves as a case study, detailing an academic library’s three-year process of redesigning, implementing, and using a library electronic classroom. The purpose of this paper is to share the challenges and successes of a library’s attempt to create a high-tech space that both accommodates active learning and is entirely flexible and free of wires. The paper provides technical details for implementing features such as wireless screen sharing and offers practical advice for librarians who are creating new teaching and learning spaces at their institutions. Design/methodology/approach This is a descriptive case study, which details the lessons learned in implementing an active learning space that incorporates technology such as wireless display to multiple screens. Findings There are still major challenges in having a truly wire-free classroom including authentication policies, wireless display technology, instructor’s station mobility, and student laptop control. Successes include flexible furniture, battery-power management solutions, and using multiple wireless devices in a single room. Practical implications Practical implications of this paper include recommendations for planning this type of upgrade in a library electronic classroom. Originality/value The unique feature of this case was the effort to combine the mobile features of a flexible learning space with some of the robust technology of a hardwired active learning classroom. This paper features technical details beyond what can be found in the library literature. For example, very little has been written about the issues involved in wirelessly displaying a computer screen to multiple devices in a classroom.

Application of Lean Six Sigma in conservative dentistry: an action research at an Indian dental college

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajay Noronha ◽  
Shreeranga Bhat ◽  
E.V. Gijo ◽  
Jiju Antony ◽  
Suma Bhat
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Six Sigma ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Lean Six Sigma ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Healthcare Sector ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conservative Dentistry ◽  
Tools And Techniques

PurposeThe article evaluates the obstacles, lessons learned and managerial implications of deploying Lean Six Sigma (LSS) in a dental college hospital in India.Design/methodology/approachThe work adopts the action research (AR) methodology to establish a case study, which is carried out using the LSS define–measure–analyze–improve–control (DAMIC) approach in a dental college. It uses LSS tools to enhance the productivity and performance of the Conservative Dentistry Department of a dental college and to unravel the obstacles and success factors in applying it to the education and healthcare sector together.FindingsThe root cause for high turn-around time (TAT) is ascertained using LSS tools and techniques. The effective deployment of the solutions to the root causes of variation assists the dental college to reduce the TAT of the Conservative Dentistry process from an average of 63.9 min–36.5 min (i.e. 42.9% improvement), and the process Standard Deviation (SD) was reduced from 2.63 to 2 min. This, in turn, raises the sigma level from 0.48 to 3.23, a noteworthy successful story for this dental college.Research limitations/implicationsWhile the results and recommendations of this research are focused on a single case study, it is to be noted that the case study is carried out with new users of LSS tools and techniques, especially with the assistance of interns. This indicates the applicability of LSS in dental colleges; thus, the adopted modality can be further refined to fit India's education and hospital sector together.Originality/valueThis article explains the implementation of LSS from an aspiring user viewpoint to assist dental colleges and policymakers in improving competitiveness. In addition, the medical education sector can introduce an LSS course in the existing programme to leverage the potential of this methodology to bring synergy and collaborative research between data-based thinking and the medical field based on the findings of this study. The most important contribution of this article is the illustration of the design of experiments (DOE) in the dental college process.

Macroeconomic environment of bull markets in Malaysia

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 72-96 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yoke Yue Kan
Keyword(s):  
Stock Market ◽  
Capital Flow ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Policy Implications ◽  
Background Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Bull Markets ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The aim of this paper is to investigate the circumstances and events surrounding bull runs in Malaysia from 1990 to 2015. The research question posed here is: What were the historical circumstances and events surrounding bull runs in Malaysia? Design/methodology/approach Case study approach is used. This research resorts to multiple resources such as academic journals, macroeconomic statistics, official publications, stock broker reports, annual reports of listed companies as well as articles from regional newspaper and magazines. Findings The results show that the bull runs in recent years happened with lower volatility after the Asian Financial Crisis. It can be conjectured that the specific environment in which the bull runs occurred can be somewhat different from period to period. Based on stylised facts and historical evidence, this study identified five major themes that were behind the bull markets in Malaysia, which include capital flow, spill-over effect from global development, change in ratings, speculative activities and investors’ sentiment, as well as government policies announcement. The findings have practical implications for investors who seek to understand and predict stock market boom through lessons learned from historical perspective. Research limitations/implications The analysis in this paper may have limitation, as the facts gathered are from secondary sources, which sources are derived from the observations of others. Therefore, secondary sources inevitably reflect the assumptions and biases of the people who wrote them. As the availability of data is limited by factors that are not under the control of the researcher, results may likely be limited in their generalizability. This case study does not attempt to establish causality or relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock prices. Further studies would therefore be necessary to examine the evolving nature of the relationship that may exist. Practical implications The findings of this study have significant policy implications for Malaysia, and also for other emerging markets. First, a prudent macroeconomic measures and concerted stance on fiscal, monetary and exchange rate policy to improve fundamentals and smooth volatility in the business cycle is vital for a bullish stock market. Second, the stock market derived significant benefits from openness to foreign capital and its resilience can be enhanced by fostering deeper and more liquid capital markets with diverse institutional investors, including domestic and foreign participants. Third, the environment that affects a stock market could be related to the political, regulatory and global environments. Malaysia stock market is susceptible to extreme events, capital flow, speculative activities and government interventions. Having a good grasp of which themes are operative at any point in time is central to investment decision making. Continuous rebalancing of portfolios based on information arriving in the market is also vital. Originality/value Previous studies on Malaysian stock market movement focus on quantitative analysis based on macroeconomic variable. This research is original in terms of giving background information and additional context to explain phenomena missed by quantitative research methods. The construction of quantitative model is also constraint by the measurability of non-quantitative data and data with different frequencies (such as annual, quarterly and monthly data). Therefore, it is important to contemplate the importance of non-quantitative factors, such as political, legal, regulatory and governance considerations. This study seeks to fill in this void.

scholarly journals Public libraries in Switzerland: RDA and the FRBRization watershed

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 98-112
Author(s):  
Elisa Banfi ◽  
Arnaud Gaudinat
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Linguistic Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how Swiss public libraries are experiencing a normative revolution connected to new cataloging standards, such as RDA and the FRBRization of catalogs.Design/methodology/approachThanks to semi-structured interviews, the paper analyzes the current positioning of Swiss public libraries on the “bibliographic transition” issue by using a case study of the network of municipal libraries in Geneva.FindingsIn Switzerland, the federal and multi-linguistic structure of the library networks increases the organizational obstacles to the adoption of new cataloging principles and formats. At the local level, the Swiss municipal libraries have to cope with this complexity to transform their structures and continue to offer competitive and effective services to their users.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes six scenarios of technology watershed for the analyzed case study and their consequences for cataloging standards and rules.Social implicationsThe paper shows how the adoption of technological and conceptual innovations has to be done in the face of real organizational and administrative constraints, especially in the case of public lending libraries.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes at the empirical and theoretical levels how, especially in Switzerland, the variety of governance levels and linguistic areas have made strategizing more complex for public lending libraries.

The professional basis of development work: suppose the person you are assisting to learn decides to leave the organization

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Ian Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Development Work ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to challenge some assumptions about development work. It raised moral and ethical dilemma facing learning and development professionals. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on personal experience and theory. It also uses an extract from Sainsbury’s case study. Findings – Learning and development professionals need to consider their role in relation to people with whom they work. Practical implications – The article provides practical advice based on real examples. Social implications – The article is clear about the social implications of one aspect of learning and development work, namely, where the activities of learning and development may cause a person to leave the organization. Originality/value – It appears to be a unique analysis of a real issue, namely, what should learning and development professionals do if a person wants to leave the organization as a result of their learning.

Timeless tools to manage your time

2014 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 278-282 ◽  
Author(s):  
M.S. Rao
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Time Management ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Practical Experience ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Social Lives ◽  
Training Research ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to underscore the importance of time and outline timeless tools to manage your time. Design/methodology/approach – The tools are gleaned from author's 32 years of practical experience in industry, teaching, training, research and consultancy. It explains the significance of time and elaborates with illustrations to manage your time. Findings – The paper cautions that if you waste one second, you wasted one second of your life. Research limitations/implications – Qualitative/action research inevitably needs to be backed up by more formal research into the topic. This paper offers an agenda for action and further qualitative/quantitative research in time management. Practical implications – The timeless tools on time management can be applied in all areas of life such as personal, professional and social lives. Social implications – These time-tested tools are essential for everybody to make a difference for themselves and also for others. Originality/value – The paper enlightens that the biggest gift one can give to others is time, not money.

scholarly journals Implications of the use of different payment models

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-32 ◽  
Author(s):  
Felix Villalba-Romero ◽  
Champika Liyanage
Keyword(s):  
Private Sector ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Qualitative Content Analysis ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Road Infrastructure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Uk ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Payment Models

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to illustrate the payment models and financing structures used for road Infrastructure projects under public private partnerships (PPPs) in the UK. Comparison of funding and financial structures in the selected case studies exposes the risks and values of the models of payment utilised. This research also aims to identify relationships with payment certainty and financing debt restructuring. Design/methodology/approach – The paper compares several case studies representing the evolution of private finance initiative road infrastructure in the UK context. Templates were completed using semi- structured interviews during data collection; and a qualitative content analysis approach was employed for case study analysis. Findings – Lessons learned from using different payment methods show the benefit and limitations of adopting different forms of PPP in road development. Refinancing of projects presents substantial risks to the viability of a project, and benefits gained by the private sector. Further, refinancing brings no significant benefits to the public sector as well. Practical implications – Performance of selected case studies highlights emerging issues that need to be considered when adopting a PPP procurement route in roads projects. Financial markets have supported these projects under different risk profiles and payment models. They also have the potential to play a greater part in capitalising long-term investment in road projects and increase private sector participation in infrastructure development, generating more competition and innovation. Originality/value – This paper provides case study comparison and practical implications of recent PPP developments in road provision in the UK and the evolution of public policy in the subject.

Be there or be square

2011 ◽  
Vol 27 (10) ◽  
pp. 9-11 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Demographic Characteristics ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Cultural Event ◽  
Special Events ◽  
The Right ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThis paper aims to consider the factors contributing to the successful marketing of one‐off special events.Design/methodology/approachUses a case study of Festival Melbourne 2006, a multi‐site, multi‐activity sporting and cultural event, to investigate ways of increasing participation through effective marketing communications.FindingsHave you ever been invited to something only to discover that it has already happened? That you have missed your chance to take part in something special? That is the marketing challenge facing the organizers and promoters of special events – large‐scale, never‐to‐be‐repeated happenings taking place in several venues: how do you attract prospective participants and get the right sort of information to them at the right time?Practical implicationsOffers guidance on what does and does not work in the marketing of special events and the level of information needed to deliver a memorable experience.Social implicationsHighlights the importance of tailoring marketing materials for local events to the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the community audience.Originality/valueDraws attention to the distinctive challenges of marketing special events.

scholarly journals The 11 commandments of publishing

2018 ◽  
Vol 31 (3) ◽  
pp. 442-457 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul De Lange ◽  
Lyn Daff ◽  
Beverley Jackling
Keyword(s):  
Journal Editor ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Scholarly Journals ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Publication Process ◽  
Publish Or Perish ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Editorial Review ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Publishing in scholarly journals is a practical necessity for academics. Put simply, this reality can be described as “publish or perish”. To be treated as a serious contender for tenure and promotion, scholarly research and activities directed towards publication are necessary aspects of faculty life. The purpose of this paper is to provide insights into “dealing” with the editorial review process of publishing from the perspective of a relatively new author. Design/methodology/approach Using the lens of Q and R theory, a case study approach combined with critical reflection provides a documented tour to enable other authors to enhance their understanding of the publication process through including references to associated reviews and correspondence with a journal editor. The review extracts from the editor and authors’ responses are discussed within the context of a theoretical schema and timeline. Findings Drawing from the theoretical schema, the paper identifies 11 lessons learned along the way to publishing, and these are summarised as the 11 commandments of publishing. Research limitations/implications Utilisation of the Q and R theory can assist researchers as they reflect on how to maximise their publication outcomes. Practical implications The 11 commandments provide a practical approach for those wanting to improve their understanding and likelihood of publishing success. Originality/value The originality of this paper is that it considers the publication process from a novice author who subsequently draws on the knowledge of more experienced co-authors. The findings are based on a theoretical schema that is transferable and able to be adopted by others to guide publication outcomes.

Maturing the lean capability of front-line operations supervisors

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-22
Author(s):  
Julie A. Sisson
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Training Program ◽  
Employee Engagement ◽  
Lessons Learned ◽  
Training Design ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Qualitative Methodologies

Purpose Research has shown that one of the reasons lean transformations fail is inadequate lean knowledge of supervisors. The purpose of this paper is to discuss the development of a lean training program for front-line manufacturing supervisors to provide them with the knowledge needed to engage their teams in daily continuous improvement. Design/methodology/approach A literature review was conducted on best practices in training design for positive transfer. Action research using qualitative methodologies was used to develop and pilot a new lean leadership training program for supervisors at one site within a case study company. The pilot was evaluated and continuously improved for future waves of training, consistent with action research, lean philosophies and training best practices. Findings Employee engagement has dramatically increased since the training class began and the number of lean improvements implemented in Operations at the case study company has increased 160 per cent. Manufacturing lead-time has also been reduced by more than 30 per cent. Because of the positive results from the training, it has been expanded at the pilot site and spread to other sites within the case study company. Research limitations/implications As with any case study, one must take care when attempting to generalize findings beyond the case being examined. However, the pilot training program was successfully extended to several sites across different business segments of the case study company, increasing the likelihood that similar results may apply in other cases. Originality/value The case provides empirical evidence of the development of an effective training program to mature the lean capability of supervisors. Other companies seeking to provide training to develop front-line lean leaders can benefit from the lessons learned from the case study.

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