Search results

1 – 10 of over 1000
Article
Publication date: 17 February 2012

Vesna Župan

This article aims to overcome the attitude that information is most important for social development. It also aims to stress the ways of human resources development in the…

1031

Abstract

Purpose

This article aims to overcome the attitude that information is most important for social development. It also aims to stress the ways of human resources development in the academic librarianship of Serbia.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical method is implemented in this paper.

Findings

This article shows how librarians in Serbia follow world positive practice and adjust themselves in order to achieve higher levels of professional competence.

Research limitations/implications

The bibliography of researchers is pointed out as an achievement in the Serbian academic environment which is very important for the development of collaboration between readers in a professional field and researchers.

Practical implications

Human resources managers in academic libraries may rely on the experience of Serbian librarians and implement those solutions they would estimate the most useful for their academic practice.

Social implications

Some results of librarians' work are to be found in free access. These are the results of cataloguing and subject indexing through which librarians also contribute to global knowledge. Generally speaking librarians instruct users in the information society; therefore, the professional environment should create conditions for permanent improvement of human resources quality in academic libraries.

Originality/value

This article provides librarians with an alternative method to achieving stronger professional skills from information literacy tutorials and to produce reporting without the need for conventional learning management systems (LMS).

Details

Library Management, vol. 33 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 16 May 2016

Allan Best, Alex Berland, Carol Herbert, Jennifer Bitz, Marlies W van Dijk, Christina Krause, Douglas Cochrane, Kevin Noel, Julian Marsden, Shari McKeown and John Millar

The British Columbia Ministry of Health’s Clinical Care Management initiative was used as a case study to better understand large-scale change (LSC) within BC’s health system…

3222

Abstract

Purpose

The British Columbia Ministry of Health’s Clinical Care Management initiative was used as a case study to better understand large-scale change (LSC) within BC’s health system. Using a complex system framework, the purpose of this paper is to examine mechanisms that enable and constrain the implementation of clinical guidelines across various clinical settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Researchers applied a general model of complex adaptive systems plus two specific conceptual frameworks (realist evaluation and system dynamics mapping) to define and study enablers and constraints. Focus group sessions and interviews with clinicians, executives, managers and board members were validated through an online survey.

Findings

The functional themes for managing large-scale clinical change included: creating a context to prepare clinicians for health system transformation initiatives; promoting shared clinical leadership; strengthening knowledge management, strategic communications and opportunities for networking; and clearing pathways through the complexity of a multilevel, dynamic system.

Research limitations/implications

The action research methodology was designed to guide continuing improvement of implementation. A sample of initiatives was selected; it was not intended to compare and contrast facilitators and barriers across all initiatives and regions. Similarly, evaluating the results or process of guideline implementation was outside the scope; the methods were designed to enable conversations at multiple levels – policy, management and practice – about how to improve implementation. The study is best seen as a case study of LSC, offering a possible model for replication by others and a tool to shape further dialogue.

Practical implications

Recommended action-oriented strategies included engaging local champions; supporting local adaptation for implementation of clinical guidelines; strengthening local teams to guide implementation; reducing change fatigue; ensuring adequate resources; providing consistent communication especially for front-line care providers; and supporting local teams to demonstrate the clinical value of the guidelines to their colleagues.

Originality/value

Bringing a complex systems perspective to clinical guideline implementation resulted in a clear understanding of the challenges involved in LSC.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 30 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 12 June 2007

Ahmed Taha

This paper aims to focus on how the e‐library interoperates with the e‐learning process within the academic computing environment (ACE) at the United Arab Emirates University…

2313

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to focus on how the e‐library interoperates with the e‐learning process within the academic computing environment (ACE) at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU).

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is inspired by the existing findings of a questionnaire survey conducted by the Laptop Project at the UAEU (2002‐2003) and sequel research (2004‐2005) on the acceptance and adoption of the Blackboard, a web‐based instructional platform, by the students. Personal interviews were conducted with the instructors who were involved in the e‐learning initiative to find out the appropriate e‐information services that should be provided to support their respective Blackboard‐aided courses.

Findings

The paper finds that the instructors have viewed e‐learning as a sound instructional tool and an evolving genre capable of providing more than just textual information. According to their viewpoints, the e‐library could support e‐learning courses with a bundle of networked e‐information services such as development of course‐related electronic collections, virtual reference help, current awareness and SDI, online document delivery, etc. E‐literacy was found to play an essential role in fostering adoption and acceptance of e‐learning, whereas the language barrier has constrained e‐learning initiative in the colleges where Arabic is the teaching language, i.e. Blackboard does not support creation of Arabic contents and interface so far.

Practical implications

The capabilities of the e‐library in providing networked e‐information services have made the integration with the e‐learning process a highly urgent requirement.

Originality/value

A model representing the integration of the e‐library functions with the e‐learning process is presented in the paper. The proposed model could be applicable in learning settings within an academic computing environment.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 25 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 August 2010

Dillip K. Swain

This study aims to focus on the keenness of students of business schools of Orissa (India) on the use of electronic resources and attempts to evaluate the level of electronic…

3528

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to focus on the keenness of students of business schools of Orissa (India) on the use of electronic resources and attempts to evaluate the level of electronic information services offered by the primary information reserves of the respective business schools with an opinion pool of sample respondents. Moreover, it intends to elicit the barriers in use of e‐information with recommendations for the improvement of services and usage of e‐resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper examines the use of electronic resources by students of business schools of Orissa (India) through structured questionnaires. SPSS is used for data analysis.

Findings

The study finds that students express keen interest in the use of e‐journals, followed by e‐books, e‐newspapers, e‐reports, and e‐articles. Least interest is shown towards the use of electronic theses and dissertations. The study reveals that the majority of students are aware of EBSCO, and Emerald Management Xtra. However, the awareness of all other databases is not quite so encouraging. Further, it is revealed that the use of printed materials is slightly more compared to that of e‐resources. Use of Web OPAC is also less than expected.

Practical implications

The paper highlights the practicality of the use of electronic resources, compared to print, among the students of business schools of Orissa (India).

Originality/value

The paper reveals the degree of use of electronic resources by business students and makes some useful deductions for its subsequent generalization.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 28 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 September 2011

Sunil Bhatt and Madan Singh Rana

The main objective of this paper is to analyse and evaluate the use of e‐resources by the engineering academics of Rajasthan state. It aims to consider the various factors of e…

1317

Abstract

Purpose

The main objective of this paper is to analyse and evaluate the use of e‐resources by the engineering academics of Rajasthan state. It aims to consider the various factors of e‐resources usage such as purposes, impact, importance, problems, acceptance, and satisfaction with e‐resources.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey method of research was applied to ascertain the present status of use of e‐resources. The survey was conducted with the help of a structured questionnaire followed by interview as and where it was felt necessary. Two formats of questionnaire were prepared; first, a printed format and second, an electronic format using Google Docs spreadsheet. The data so collected were analysed and interpreted with the help of MS Excel.

Findings

The study finds many aspects of e‐resources use among engineering academics of Rajasthan. It reveals that academic staff were using many types of e‐resources. They were also using the latest sources of information like e‐groups, virtual conferences. Using the e‐resources, their academic/professional competency also improved. The teaching methodology also involved the e‐resources uses and the students' ability was also affected in a positive manner by this methodology. Some problems were also explored in using e‐resources. The majority of users were quite satisfied with using e‐resources.

Originality/value

The study was an attempt to evaluate the use of e‐resources by academic staff of engineering colleges of Rajasthan. Results from the study are encouraging and it is hoped that the findings will provide meaning and a useful platform for further research as well as usability among engineering academics will also be improved.

Details

Library Hi Tech, vol. 29 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0737-8831

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 10 September 2020

Sidra Shehzadi, Qasim Ali Nisar, Muhammad Sajjad Hussain, Muhammad Farhan Basheer, Waseem Ul Hameed and Naveed Iqbal Chaudhry

This study is undertaken to examine the role of information and communication technology (ICT), e-service quality and e-information quality towards brand image of universities by…

17600

Abstract

Purpose

This study is undertaken to examine the role of information and communication technology (ICT), e-service quality and e-information quality towards brand image of universities by concentrating on students’ e-learning, e-word of mouth and satisfaction.

Design/methodology/approach

The target population was the students of public and private universities in Pakistan. Data collected using an e-questionnaire by 408 students were subjected to PLS-SEM for analysis.

Findings

Findings revealed that ICT, e-service quality and e-information quality are positively contributed toward students' e-learning which ultimately leads to create positive e-word of mouth and students' satisfaction. Meanwhile, results also identified that e-word of mouth and students' satisfaction lead to generate a positive brand image of universities.

Practical implications

This study has unique implications for universities to develop an e-learning platform to facilitate their students in this situation of COVID-19. It provides guidelines for educational institutions to implement the learning management system effectively with a view to facilitate the students with education.

Originality/value

This study has novel contribution in literature in the domain of digital learning. It is unique in a way to integrate the usage of technology with students' e-learning and satisfaction that ultimately create brand image of universities.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 July 2021

Oluwayemi IbukunOluwa Olatoye, Fhulu Nekhwevha and Ndakasharwa Muchaonyerwa

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy proficiency and experiences amongst Universities of Fort Hare and…

8156

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the levels of information and communication technology (ICT) literacy proficiency and experiences amongst Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes undergraduate students, on the utilization of electronic resources amongst South Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

This research comprised of undergraduate students from the Universities of Fort Hare and Rhodes, who registered for a three- or four-year study. The study implemented the stratified random sampling procedure. The study’s sample size was proportionally distributed amongst all the faculties common to both universities. The mixed method was applied in the study. Of the 377 administered copies of the questionnaire, 285 were returned, of which 266 were deemed useable, thereby generating a 70.6% response rate. The results were analysed using the SPSS version 26.

Findings

Findings revealed that there is underutilization of electronic resources by the undergraduate respondents due to their low level of ICT proficiency and experience.

Originality/value

This original research article investigated the influence of ICT literacy skills proficiency and experience on the use of electronic resources amongst undergraduate students in selected Eastern Cape Universities, South Africa.

Details

Library Management, vol. 42 no. 6/7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-5124

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 25 January 2021

Raphael Ebiefung and Airen Adetimirin

This study aims to investigate the adherence to cyber ethics by undergraduates in public universities in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria when using electronic information resources

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the adherence to cyber ethics by undergraduates in public universities in Akwa Ibom state, Nigeria when using electronic information resources (EIRs).

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive survey research design was used for this study. A total of 7,771 undergraduates of University of Uyo (UNIUYO) and Akwa Ibom State University (AKSU), Nigeria constitute the study population. The sampling technique used for the study is the multistage technique. A sampling fraction of 5% was used to arrive at a sample size of 389.

Findings

This study revealed that in UNIUYO, more than four-fifths of the undergraduates – 55 (84.6%) in science, 55 (82.1%) in engineering and 61 (81.3%) in education – noted that they used the internet on a daily basis, and in AKSU, almost all the respondents in science (50, 90.9%) and about four-fifths in engineering (45, 80.4%) observed that they also used the internet on a daily basis for academic work. Adherence to cyber ethics guidelines was high at UNIUYO in education (44.2) and science (43.0) and at AKSU in engineering (42.9) and science (44.7).

Practical implications

The use of EIRs in universities has brought enormous changes, especially on how information are accessed and used by undergraduates. As EIRs have become important component in university libraries and continuously used by undergraduates for academic work, there is the possibility that frequent accessibility and utilization could increase the chances of unethical usage. This study is therefore significant in taming the tide of abuse and misuse of e-information resources in universities.

Originality/value

The correlation between adherence to ethics guidelines and the use of EIRs was positively significant at both UNIUYO (r = 0.139*; df = 206; p < 0.05) and AKSU (r = 0.136*; df = 168; p < 0.05). A high level of adherence to cyber ethics by the undergraduates can be encouraged and maintained through the formulation of cyber ethics policy in the universities by academic librarians.

Article
Publication date: 22 June 2023

Javaid Ahmad Wagay and Saurabh Dutta

This paper focuses on the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The main aim is to determine the use of e-resources, users…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper focuses on the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The main aim is to determine the use of e-resources, users skills in handling e-resources and the purpose of their use. Further, this paper aims to highlight the problems faced by research scholars and post-graduate students in accessing e-resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The survey was conducted through a structured questionnaire circulated among 250 research scholars, both (M.Phil./Ph.D.) and post-graduate students, from different departments of Kashmir University, and the response rate was 80%. Random sample method was used for the selection of respondents and interacting with them. The responses received from the research scholars to 14 questions are presented in the form of tables.

Findings

Major findings of the study reveal that the majority of the students reported using electronic journal resources for various purposes including working on assignments, research proposal writing, literature review writing, research report writing, current awareness and leisurely exploration of ongoing scientific debates through peer-reviewed papers. The challenges encountered in the use of electronic journal resources include a power outage, inadequate bandwidth, slow download speed, inability to access the resources from home, lack of training, lack of awareness, limited access to computers and difficulty in searching. The paper concludes that electronic resources have become an integral part of the information needs of research scholars’ post-graduate students at Kashmir University. Further, it finds that e-resources can be good substitutes for conventional resources, if the access is fast, and more computer terminals are installed to provide fast access to e-resources. Finally, recommendations for improving the use of electronic journal resources are provided.

Practical implications

The paper restrains the study exclusively to use of e-resources by the research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University.

Originality/value

The paper highlights the use of e-resources by research scholars and post-graduate students of Kashmir University and makes some constructive suggestions for the improvement of electronic resources and services. This is the first time an effort has been made to assess the use of electronic resources by post-graduate students at Kashmir University. The study could be used to assess the post-graduate students’ needs for electronic resources at the Kashmir University and other users in higher learning institutions.

Details

Information Discovery and Delivery, vol. 52 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2398-6247

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 April 2021

Hugo K.S. Lam and Yuanzhu Zhan

This study empirically investigates how supply chain finance (SCF) initiatives together with different firm capabilities and resources (i.e. information technology (IT…

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Abstract

Purpose

This study empirically investigates how supply chain finance (SCF) initiatives together with different firm capabilities and resources (i.e. information technology (IT) capability, operational slack and political connections) affect the financial risk of service providers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study collects secondary longitudinal data to test for a direct impact of SCF initiatives on service providers' financial risk. It further investigates the moderating effects of the service provider's IT capability, operational slack and political connections. Additional tests and analytical strategies are performed to ensure the robustness of the results.

Findings

The findings indicate that SCF initiatives help service providers mitigate financial risk. The risk reduction is greater for service providers with higher IT capability, operational slack and political connections, but the last factor applies only to multinational corporations, not domestic companies.

Research limitations/implications

The data used in this research is limited to SCF service providers publicly listed in the United States, which may restrict the generalisability of the findings. Nonetheless, the research urges scholars to focus more on the financial risk implications of SCF in different market contexts.

Practical implications

This study encourages service providers to embrace the power of SCF initiatives for mitigating financial risk and allows them to evaluate their SCF investments in light of different firm capabilities and resources.

Originality/value

This is the first study investigating the impacts of SCF initiatives and various firm capabilities and resources on service providers' financial risk. The empirical findings provide important implications for future research and practices.

Details

International Journal of Operations & Production Management, vol. 41 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0144-3577

Keywords

1 – 10 of over 1000