Invalid-Resource-Aware Spectrum Assignment for Advanced-Reservation Traffic in Elastic Optical Network

Elastic optical networks (EONs) can make service accommodation more flexible and precise by employing efficient routing and spectrum allocation (RSA) algorithms. In order to improve the efficiency of RSA algorithms, the advanced-reservation technique was introduced into designing RSA algorithms. However, few of these advanced-reservation-based RSA algorithms were focused on the unavailable spectrum resources in EONs. In this paper, we propose an Advanced-Reservation-based Invalid-Spectrum-Aware (AR-ISA) resource allocation algorithm to improve the networking performance and the resource alignment of EONs. By employing a new index, Invalid Spectrum Rate (ISR), to record the proportion of unavailable spectrum resources in EONs, the proposed AR-ISA algorithm set a network load threshold to trigger the postponement of an arriving service. Compared with the traditional slack-based AR mechanism, the proposed algorithm has more concerns about the current spectrum usage of the path designated by the service than the conflicts between AR services and other existing services. To further increase the networking performance, the proposed algorithm adopts defragmentation to increase the number of available spectrum resources when postponing a service. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that the proposed AR-ISA algorithm has obvious effectiveness in reducing the service blocking rate and increasing the spectrum alignment rate.

How resource alignment moderates the relationship between environmental innovation strategy and green innovation performance

Purpose Empirical evidences support the benefits of environmental innovation to improve performance. However, previous research has not considered the role of resource alignment in green supply chain management. To fill the research gap, this paper aims to identify resource alignment as a potential moderating mechanism and to examine the relationships between environmental innovation strategy, resource alignment and green innovation performance. Design/methodology/approach The empirical study uses a questionnaire approach designed to collect data. Regression analysis is used for hypotheses testing. Findings The findings indicate that environmental innovation strategy and resource alignment between partners are positively related to green innovation performance. This study also provides considerable support to the key contingent moderator of resource alignment. The positive effect of environmental innovation strategy on green innovation performance is stronger under the conditions of a higher level of resource alignment between partners. Research limitations/implications This study provides empirical support of the ecological modernization theory and integrates partner analysis literature and green management literature. Higher resource alignment may facilitate firms to develop environmental innovation strategy to attain green innovation performance. Practical implications Environmental innovation strategy enables firms to integrate ecological issues into their business operation. Managers could learn how to execute environmental incentive programs to promote sustainable development of green new product and green process. Managers need to pay attention to resource alignment that may have moderating influence on the performance outcomes of environmental innovation strategy. Originality/value This study highlights the importance of environmental innovation strategy and resource alignment in the process of green management and helps scholars and managers to better understand the moderator of resource alignment in quest of environmental innovation and green management.

Curriculum-Engaged School Libraries and Teacher Librarians Value Curriculum-Alignment of Resources

Australian school libraries have an expressed need to organise resources according to Australian Curriculum (AC) outcomes. The Schools Catalogue Information Service (SCIS) at Education Services Australia creates and distributes MARC records to 93% of Australian school libraries, but has not traditionally provided curriculum-alignment data. This paper describes a SCIS survey of 586 Australian school libraries, examining the factors driving demand for curriculum alignment. Libraries with a teacher librarian and those that were already actively engaged in curriculum resourcing saw the most value in resource alignment. Curriculum-engaged libraries were more prominent in secondary schools, Catholic schools, and large schools with larger libraries and a teacher-librarian. They were also more prominent in schools where teachers actively engaged with library staff. Library engagement is discussed as a concept of potential interest for further research.