scholarly journals Management of Academic Libraries in Poland During the COVID-19 Lockdown

2020 ◽  
Vol 58 (2A(116A)) ◽  
pp. 29-43
Author(s):  
Bożena Jaskowska
Keyword(s):  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Crisis Situation ◽  
The Future ◽  
Rapid Adjustment ◽  
Task Oriented

Purpose/Thesis: The article considers the management strategies employed at Polish academic libraries during a crisis situation, using the lockdown imposed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic as a case study. (The lockdown is defined here as the period between March 12th and June 2020). The study identifies the most significant obstacles to operating efficiently in the unstable VUCA environment. Approach/Methods: The author uses research methods of sociology, collecting data from the directors of Polish academic libraries by the means of an online survey, with the response rate approximating 30%. The survey included questions about the organization of information and library services during the lockdown, and about the management obstacles the libraries faced.Results and conclusions: The results suggest that both directors and staff of academic libraries did their best in the crisis situation. They adjusted the information and library service procedures, seeking to efficiently organize remote work, and manage the dispersed work environment. The most often mentioned management obstacles included the necessity for rapid adjustment, the impossibility of long-term planning, and the changing duties. However, the libraries implemented a number of solutions, which may serve them in the future if need be, such as rotational shifts, higher flexibility of organization, and task-oriented approach to professional duties. Practical implications: The study presents procedures to be applied in the case of another lockdown, identifies good practices, and relays the experiences of other academic libraries in order to improve information services at the reader's place of employment; it may inspire them to optimize information and library processes. Originality/Value: It is the first such study of the activity of Polish academic libraries during the lockdown. The results may contribute to discussions about the organizational flexibility of academic libraries and their capacity for adjustment, and well as about the future development or phaseout of certain areas of their activity.

Investigation of a New Approach to Predict Water Quality Extremes with a Case Study of Chemical Determinands in Stream Water

1991 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 25-33
Author(s):  
A. J. Jakeman ◽  
P. G. Whitehead ◽  
A. Robson ◽  
J. A. Taylor ◽  
J. Bai
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Stream Water ◽  
Probability Distributions ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Hybrid Modelling ◽  
Trend Model ◽  
Environmental Extremes ◽  
Modelling Approach

The paper illustrates analysis of the assumptions of the statistical component of a hybrid modelling approach for predicting environmental extremes. This shows how to assess the applicability of the approach to water quality problems. The analysis involves data on stream acidity from the Birkenes catchment in Norway. The modelling approach is hybrid in that it uses: (1) a deterministic or process-based description to simulate (non-stationary) long term trend values of environmental variables, and (2) probability distributions which are superimposed on the trend values to characterise the frequency of shorter term concentrations. This permits assessment of management strategies and of sensitivity to climate variables by adjusting the values of major forcing variables in the trend model. Knowledge of the variability about the trend is provided by: (a) identification of an appropriate parametric form of the probability density function (pdf) of the environmental attribute (e.g. stream acidity variables) whose extremes are of interest, and (b) estimation of pdf parameters using the output of the trend model.

scholarly journals Assessing the Capacity of Adaptive Policy Pathways to Adapt on Time by Mapping Trigger Values to Their Outcomes

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 1716 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luciano Raso ◽  
Jan Kwakkel ◽  
Jos Timmermans
Keyword(s):  
Monitoring System ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Level Of Confidence ◽  
Adaptive Policy ◽  
Misclassification Errors ◽  
The Future ◽  
Adaptive Action ◽  
The Face

Climate change raises serious concerns for policymakers that want to ensure the success of long-term policies. To guarantee satisfactory decisions in the face of deep uncertainties, adaptive policy pathways might be used. Adaptive policy pathways are designed to take actions according to how the future will actually unfold. In adaptive pathways, a monitoring system collects the evidence required for activating the next adaptive action. This monitoring system is made of signposts and triggers. Signposts are indicators that track the performance of the pathway. When signposts reach pre-specified trigger values, the next action on the pathway is implemented. The effectiveness of the monitoring system is pivotal to the success of adaptive policy pathways, therefore the decision-makers would like to have sufficient confidence about the future capacity to adapt on time. “On time” means activating the next action on a pathway neither so early that it incurs unnecessary costs, nor so late that it incurs avoidable damages. In this paper, we show how mapping the relations between triggers and the probability of misclassification errors inform the level of confidence that a monitoring system for adaptive policy pathways can provide. Specifically, we present the “trigger-probability” mapping and the “trigger-consequences” mappings. The former mapping displays the interplay between trigger values for a given signpost and the level of confidence regarding whether change occurs and adaptation is needed. The latter mapping displays the interplay between trigger values for a given signpost and the consequences of misclassification errors for both adapting the policy or not. In a case study, we illustrate how these mappings can be used to test the effectiveness of a monitoring system, and how they can be integrated into the process of designing an adaptive policy.

The Problem of Chronic Refugee Communities: Applying Complexity Theory to the Situation Along the Thai–Myanmar Border

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ora-Orn Poocharoen ◽  
Jeffrey D. Straussman ◽  
David E. Guinn
Keyword(s):  
Complex System ◽  
Complexity Theory ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Policy Options ◽  
Time Dynamic ◽  
Adaptive Techniques ◽  
Dynamic Development ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Intractable long-term or chronic refugee communities present serious challenges to common refugee-management strategies. We argue that they are best understood and managed by using adaptive techniques drawn from complexity theory. To illustrate this strategy, we use the refugee communities situated along the Thai–Myanmar border as a case study. The article outlines the key elements of complexity theory, the complexity lens, for use in analysis of the problem. It then applies the complexity lens to the case study: identifying and describing the actors and networks that compose the complex system of the Thai–My refugees (the complex system) and the dynamic developments within that community over time (dynamic development). Based on this analysis, the article utilizes the complexity lens to evaluate the policy options commonly offered for the management of this ongoing refugee situation.

scholarly journals The Progressive Response of Sahelian Dams to Sediment Intrusion: Case of Kano State between 1976 and 2009

2015 ◽  
Vol 773-774 ◽  
pp. 1301-1306
Author(s):  
Mahadi Lawan Yakubu ◽  
Usman Tasiu Abdurrahman ◽  
Muhammad Tajuri Ahmed ◽  
Amina Sallau Aliyu ◽  
Muttaqa Uba Zango ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Management Strategies ◽  
Water Storage ◽  
Time Frame ◽  
Mitigation Strategy ◽  
The State ◽  
Best Management ◽  
The Future ◽  
Short And Long Term

Reservoirs are built to store water during abundance for possible reuse during scarcity; sediment incursion is the leading phenomenon that limit reservoirs to sustain this function. Therefore, modelling the rate at which reservoir accumulates sediments is critical in understanding the nature of the problem, the time frame within which it is expected to occur, and the best mitigation strategy that will maintain the reservoir service. This study investigated the sediment influx in three typical Sahelian reservoirs in Kano state using the bathymetric method. The reservoir capacities were found to be declining at different rates but with grave consequences on the future, and economy of the state. In prolific terms, the state is losing 490 million litres of water storage each year. Presently, Magaga lost 39% of its capacity; Thomas has lost 13%; while Kafin-chiri has lost 5%. For sustainability, this trend needs to be addressed. The short and long-term best management strategies to curtail this trend have been outlined in this study.

scholarly journals Harnessing values to save the rhinoceros: insights from Namibia

Oryx ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 51 (1) ◽  
pp. 98-105 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff R. Muntifering ◽  
Wayne L. Linklater ◽  
Susan G. Clark ◽  
Simson !Uri-≠Khob ◽  
John K. Kasaona ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Joint Venture ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Regional Governance ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Individual Values ◽  
Context Specific ◽  
Simple Economic

AbstractThe rate at which the poaching of rhinoceroses has escalated since 2010 poses a threat to the long-term persistence of extant rhinoceros populations. The policy response has primarily called for increased investment in military-style enforcement strategies largely based upon simple economic models of rational crime. However, effective solutions will probably require a context-specific, stakeholder-driven mix of top-down and bottom-up mechanisms grounded in theory that represents human behaviour more realistically. Using a problem-oriented approach we illustrate in theory and practice how community-based strategies that explicitly incorporate local values and institutions are a foundation for combating rhinoceros poaching effectively in specific contexts. A case study from Namibia demonstrates how coupling a locally devised rhinoceros monitoring regime with joint-venture tourism partnerships as a legitimate land use can reconcile individual values represented within a diverse stakeholder group and manifests as both formal and informal community enforcement. We suggest a social learning approach as a means by which international, national and regional governance can recognize and promote solutions that may help empower local communities to implement rhinoceros management strategies that align individual values with the long-term health of rhinoceros populations.

scholarly journals The future of Wallace region in Lombok: the pristine natural resource under climatic and anthropogenic threat

2021 ◽  
Vol 913 (1) ◽  
pp. 012049
Author(s):  
Mahrup ◽  
M Ma’shum ◽  
MH Idris ◽  
Fahrudin
Keyword(s):  
Natural Resource ◽  
Tourism Industry ◽  
Natural Scene ◽  
Climate Data ◽  
Use Of Resources ◽  
The Future ◽  
World Class ◽  
Potential Impact

Abstract Wallace region is mostly comprised of the southeast archipelagoes of Indonesia, namely West and East Nusa Tenggara. Lombok is a west border of the Wallace line which biologically delineate the distinguished fauna and climate in the eastern Indonesia. However, the pristine natural resource is under climatic and anthropogenic threat. A case study by means of a Descriptive method was conducted to identify any contradictive use of natural resource leading to environmental degradation, as well as to study ruination impact of climate uncertainty. Long term satellite images of Lombok from 1980’s up to the latest date were traced to identify any changes in land cover, land use and settlement. Climate data were analyzed to find its trend and forecast its potential impact on the environment. Overall, the results showed that the pristine environments, namely forests, hillocks and cliffs, particularly in tourism destination sites had been accordingly overburdened by contradictive use of resources. Lack of law enforcements in environmental protection was a key point to be addressed as a major factor resulted in losses of the most valuable value of Lombok natural scene. In addition, manmade disaster is becoming more frequent with climate change commonly accused. In conclusion, the future of the natural resource in Lombok would not be merely relied on world class facilities of tourism industry, but on to what extend effort to naturally sustain the beauty of natural scene, stop degrading the lands and be responsible to protect environment in line with regional development.

scholarly journals “Is There Anybody There?”

2019 ◽  
pp. 151-172
Author(s):  
Helen Clough ◽  
Karen Foley
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Distance Learning ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Academic Libraries ◽  
Open University ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
Communities Of Learners ◽  
The Future

The Open University (UK) Library supports its distance-learning students with interactive, real-time events on social media. In this chapter the authors take a case study approach and concentrate on the examples of Facebook and Livestream to illustrate how live engagement events on social media have helped to build communities of learners in spaces they already occupy, raise the visibility of the library's services and resources with staff and students, and foster collaboration with other departments, while also being effective mechanisms for instruction. The chapter concludes with the library's plans for the future and recommendations for other academic libraries wishing to run live engagement events on social media.

scholarly journals Development Strategy of Ornamental Fish Cultivation Using The SWOT and QSPM Models: A Case Study of Betta Fish Cultivation Group Members in Kediri City

2019 ◽  
Vol 007 (01) ◽  
pp. 81-94
Author(s):  
Hutami Putri Puspitasari ◽  
◽  
Agus Tjahjono ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Development Strategy ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Matrix Analysis ◽  
Swot Matrix ◽  
Strategic Factors ◽  
Group Members ◽  
Study Techniques ◽  
Internal And External Factors

The main objective of this study is to analyze internal and external factors and recommend strategies for the development of betta fish cultivation. The method used is a descriptive qualitative method with case study techniques, while the selection of respondents uses a purposive sampling method through participatory observation with interviews based on questionnaires. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) and quantitative strategic planning matrix (QSPM) analysis techniques are carried out to plan the required management strategies. The results showed that the IFE matrix analysis had a total score of 3.159 and EFE 2.835. In the SWOT matrix, allocating the betta fish cultivation business is located in quadrant I which can be interpreted as an aggressive growth (growth-oriented strategy) and on profitable growth. QSPM analysis results obtained top priority is to improve the quality and number of betta fish produced with a STAS value of 5.749. Based on this top priority, it can be used as input and reference consideration in making policies on betta fish cultivation business which includes strategic factors in the long term.

scholarly journals An Empirical Research on Study Success in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic – a Case Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 17-35
Author(s):  
Christin Voigt ◽  
◽  
Jonas Kötter ◽  
Natallia Kukharenka ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Influencing Factor ◽  
Study Success ◽  
Path Diagram ◽  
Almost All ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Quantitative And Qualitative Methods

The COVID-19 pandemic and measures to contain it pushed many universities to switch to online learning in the spring of 2020. The changes took place very quickly and it became clear that the long-term consequences of such a transformation are uncertain and require more detailed study. This research attempts to analyze the impact of online learning on study success. This research makes use of a triangulation with quantitative and qualitative methods. Quantitatively, it contains path diagram with various factors that have an impact on the study success at a German university, which is based on a quantitative online survey with 1.529 participants. Qualitatively, 49 interviews were analyzed in order to identify reasons for the risk of failing to achieve study success. The relevance of technology becomes evident in the quantitative analysis, as it manifests itself in almost all categories that affect study success. Moreover, a new influencing factor appeared, the “adaption to digital teaching”, which was often considered important qualitatively.

The co-evolution of remote work and expectations in a COVID-19 world utilizing an expectation disconfirmation theory lens

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Colleen Carraher-Wolverton
Keyword(s):  
Online Survey ◽  
Remote Work ◽  
Research Issues ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Of Work ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
The Future ◽  
Expectation Disconfirmation ◽  
Intention To Continue ◽  
The Impact

Purpose As researchers are being called to examine the evolving technology research issues for COVID-19 and other pandemics, remote work has been accelerated and represents the future of work. Although it is known that one of the top forces shaping the future of work is changing employee expectations, the knowledge of remote work during a pandemic remains scant. Thus, this paper aims to determine the impact of remote worker’s expectations on their level of satisfaction and intention to continue to work remotely. Design/methodology/approach Using one of the prominent theories on expectations, Expectation Disconfirmation Theory (EDT), the authors conduct an online survey of 146 individuals who are currently working remotely. Findings By applying EDT, the findings demonstrate that an individual’s expectations regarding remote work impact their level of satisfaction with remote work and intention to continue to work remotely. Incorporating extant research, the findings extend the research stream to indicate that employees’ expectations about remote work significantly impact both their level of satisfaction and level of productivity. Originality/value The discussion elucidates the significance of understanding employee expectations regarding remote work in the evolving new normal. The findings from the study demonstrate the importance of an individual’s expectations regarding remote work on their level of satisfaction with remote work and intention to continue to work remotely. Thus, this study fills a gap in the literature by applying EDT to the remote work context.

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