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1 – 10 of over 3000Statistical methods are important for meaningful analysis, critique and interpretation of results. The current study aims to investigate the use of statistical methods used in LIS…
Abstract
Purpose
Statistical methods are important for meaningful analysis, critique and interpretation of results. The current study aims to investigate the use of statistical methods used in LIS research articles produced by Pakistani authors during 2001–2016.
Design/methodology/approach
Content analysis method with both the qualitative and quantitative components was used. LIS articles published by Pakistani authors in national and international journals from 2001 to 2016 were selected. The descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the usage of statistical techniques.
Findings
The findings show that use of descriptive statistics remained higher as compared to inferential statistics in the LIS research produced by Pakistani authors. However, a visible growth trend in the use of inferential statistical techniques is found. Males are two times more likely to use inferential statistics as compared to female authors. Articles published in foreign journals and impact factor journals used more inferential statistics as compared to local and nonimpact factor journals. Parametric inferential statistics is more popular among Pakistani authors as compared to nonparametric. Faculty was more inclined toward using parametric statistic. The percentage of collaboration was higher in the papers using parametric statistics. Few articles reported the tests to fulfill the assumptions of parametric and nonparametric statistics.
Originality/value
This study can be used to better understand the trends of statistical techniques used in LIS research and authors' orientation in this regard. It will be helpful for future researchers in the selection of appropriate statistical techniques to be used.
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Jin Zhang, Yanyan Wang and Yuehua Zhao
The statistical method plays an extremely important role in quantitative research studies in library and information science (LIS). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the…
Abstract
Purpose
The statistical method plays an extremely important role in quantitative research studies in library and information science (LIS). The purpose of this paper is to investigate the status of statistical methods used in the field, their application areas and the temporal change patterns during a recent 15-year period.
Design/methodology/approach
The research papers in six major scholarly journals from 1999 to 2013 in LIS were examined. Factors including statistical methods, application areas and time period were analyzed using quantitative research methods including content analysis and temporal analysis methods.
Findings
The research studies using statistical methods in LIS have increased steadily. Statistical methods were more frequently used to solve problems in the information retrieval area than in other areas, and inferential statistical methods were used more often than predictive statistical methods and other statistical methods. Anomaly analysis on statistical method uses was conducted and four types of anomaly were specified.
Originality/value
The findings of this study can help educators, graduates and researchers in the field of LIS better understand the patterns and trends of the applications of statistical methods in this field, depict an overall picture of quantitative research studies in LIS from the perspective of statistical methods and discover the change patterns of statistical method applications in LIS between 1999 and 2013.
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Soledad Estrella, Maritza Mendez-Reina, Raimundo Olfos and Jocelyn Aguilera
This study aims to describe the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of a kindergarten educator who implements a lesson plan about informal inferential reasoning designed in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to describe the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of a kindergarten educator who implements a lesson plan about informal inferential reasoning designed in a lesson study group.
Design/methodology/approach
To this end, we analyzed teaching interventions in two kindergarten lessons focused on the playful task of tossing two coins, associated with inferential statistical reasoning. The study highlights the importance of arguing and promoting this reasoning to develop statistical thinking. It is crucial to recognize how early students can be subject to learning experiences that promote a language of uncertainty, assess the evidence provided by the data, and make generalizations.
Findings
The results reveal that while the educator demonstrated knowledge and skills relevant to the curriculum and conceptual teaching strategies, the understanding of the content by the students and the integration of the PCK components still present a challenge.
Practical implications
The lesson study collaborative teaching practices that promote PCK have proven effective for informing the design and implementation of instructional practices supporting the development of early statistical thinking in young children.
Originality/value
The study enriches the knowledge regarding the potential of the lesson study (LS) in the professional learning of kindergarten educators. It also contributes to a comprehensive approach based on authentic playful experiences in grade K that supports the development of early statistical thinking in young children.
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Using bibliometrics to examine eight core journals in the year 2000 for the disciplines of higher education and library science, characteristics of the authors were determined…
Abstract
Using bibliometrics to examine eight core journals in the year 2000 for the disciplines of higher education and library science, characteristics of the authors were determined, including gender or sex; Carnegie Classification or institutional affiliation; and position of the authors. Characteristics of the articles were also examined, including the research methods used such as descriptive statistics, inferential statistics, or qualitative analysis. A content analysis of each article was performed to determine the subjects discussed in each literature. For both disciplines, it was learned that males publish more, the highest Carnegie Classification, extensive research institutions, were represented the most, and authors came from academic departments other than their own disciplines. In higher education, inferential statistics were used frequently; in library and information descriptive statistics were used frequently; both disciplines failed to use research methodologies regularly. From these findings, it appears that both disciplines are still emerging and are in their early stages of development.
Kaveh Hasani and Saman Sheikhesmaeili
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and employee empowerment in institutions of higher education.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and employee empowerment in institutions of higher education.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method in this study was the descriptive-correlative type, and was based on the goal of the method applied. Subjects in this research included the staff members of higher educational institutions in Iran. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. To analyse research data, descriptive statistics, and for inferential statistics, the Pearson correlation, the Friedman ranking test and stepwise regression, were used. For data analysis, SPSS software was used.
Findings
The results from the study show that all alternative hypotheses were confirmed and there was a significant relationship between KM and employee empowerment. In addition, KM predicted the aspects of employee empowerment in institutions of higher education.
Originality/value
Through this study, the positive role of KM in employee empowerment in institutions of higher education has been described, and the importance of considering such studies has been specified for researchers.
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Saeed Sadeghi Boroujerdi, Kaveh Hasani and Vahid Delshab
This study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and organizational innovation (OI) in higher educational institutions.
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the relationship between knowledge management (KM) and organizational innovation (OI) in higher educational institutions.
Design/methodology/approach
The research method in the study was the descriptive – correlative type and was applied research based on the target. The study population consisted of managers and staff members of 63 Iranian higher educational institutions. In this research, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. To analyse research data, descriptive statistics, and for inferential statistics, the Pearson correlation coefficient test, the simple linear regression test and multiple regression tests were used. For data analysis, SPSS software was used.
Findings
The results of the study demonstrated that there was a significant relationship between KM and OI, and all alternative hypotheses were confirmed. In addition, KM predicted the aspects of organizational innovation in higher educational institutions.
Originality/value
This study supported the members of higher educational institutions to understand how to increase OIbetter and to improve the knowledge and experience of the employees through KM.
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This article aims firstly to show how the introduction of new computer hardware can bring considerably more power and control to data processing for marketing researchers…
Abstract
This article aims firstly to show how the introduction of new computer hardware can bring considerably more power and control to data processing for marketing researchers. Secondly, it discusses the use of basic statistical techniques as an aid to effective marketing decision making. Thirdly, it comments on the effective use of multidimensional and mutivariate techniques. It concludes that, given that the major expense in marketing research is often data collection, it is essential that data analysis be effectively used to unveil the true marketing implications of the findings.
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Tian Ming, Wang Teng and Susan Jodaki
Decision-making and problem-solving are ongoing progressions of evaluating situations or problems, considering substitutes, making choices and following them up with the necessary…
Abstract
Purpose
Decision-making and problem-solving are ongoing progressions of evaluating situations or problems, considering substitutes, making choices and following them up with the necessary actions. The relationship between managers’ decision-making and information technology (IT) has long been of interest to researchers. This study aims to examine the changes in novel technologies in facilitating managers’ decisions that influence the quality and timeliness of information and decision-making.
Design/methodology/approach
The present paper is a descriptive-correlative study in terms of the data collection method and is applicable in terms of purpose. In addition, the library-field method was used to collect information. Because of the target and subject of the research of the statistical population, this research contains all managers of a management organization that are 100 people. The present study is used in the structural equation modeling method to examine causal models and evaluate the reliability and validity of the measurement model. The presented model and the gathered information from the questionnaires were analyzed through SmartPLS software.
Findings
The results indicate that the IT infrastructure, expert systems, marketing information systems (ISs) and organizational variables significantly influence the ease of managers’ decision-making and considering these dimensions is a step in the success of managers’ decisions.
Research limitations/implications
This study used a questionnaire to collect information, which may result in some people refusing to provide a real answer and giving an unrealistic answer. This study is also cross-sectional, and therefore, makes it difficult to conclude about causality. In addition, access to statistics and information is one of the significant pillars of research.
Practical implications
The paper presents useful advice for improving decision-making. In addition, the topic is relevant to the ease of managers’ decisions. A better understanding of the impact of IT infrastructure, expert systems, marketing ISs and organizational variables could significantly enhance managers’ success.
Originality/value
The ideas and topics discussed are equally applicable to libraries and can provide new insights into the impact of IT infrastructures, expert systems, marketing ISs and organizational variables on the ease of decision makers as a source of competition.
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This study aims to identify the most frequently used tools and techniques within the measure phase of the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology in the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the most frequently used tools and techniques within the measure phase of the define, measure, analyze, improve and control (DMAIC) methodology in the Six Sigma Green Belt body of knowledge (BOK) to standardize training curriculum and reduce barriers to Six Sigma adoption.
Design/methodology/approach
This study measures the most frequently used tools within the Measure Phase of the Green Belt body of knowledge by surveying Six Sigma professionals from all industries as to how often they use tools specific to the Measure Phase. Professionals rated ten categories of tools based on frequency use as it pertains to a Green Belt level Six Sigma project. Descriptive analysis, t-tests, and ANOVA were performed on the data using Minitab to identify the most frequently used tool categories.
Findings
The findings of this study indicate that the most frequently used measure phase tools and techniques within in the Six Sigma Green Belt BOK are process mapping, control charts, descriptive statistics, graphical analysis, collecting and summarizing data, process capability analysis and Six Sigma statistics (defects per unit, defects per million opportunities, etc.). The research findings indicate that several tools that require a higher level of statistical understanding are used less frequently.
Research limitations/implications
The research study solely analyzed the measure phase tools within the Green Belt Six Sigma BOK. Other Six Sigma bodies of knowledge should be evaluated in their entirety.
Practical implications
Six Sigma training has been identified in previous research studies as a barrier to implementation. By identifying the most frequently used tools and determining that those tools are less statistically intensive, companies may be more inclined to adopt Six Sigma. Reducing the tools required to master to lead and carryout Six Sigma projects can also help to reduce the cost and time required for Six Sigma training.
Originality/value
Many studies have identified the lack of a standardized curriculum for Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma. This research serves to function as a supportive analysis in identifying the most optimal and useful tools to lead successful Six Sigma and process improvement projects and contributes to the journey of establishing a standardized Six Sigma training curriculum.
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Architecture influences people and the environment from the past, present and the future. Nevertheless architecture and design quality is viewed as subjective, and benchmarks to…
Abstract
Architecture influences people and the environment from the past, present and the future. Nevertheless architecture and design quality is viewed as subjective, and benchmarks to achieve consensus are necessary for design or evaluation of buildings. This paper establishes architectural design criteria for design quality of multi-storey housing buildings. A set of the criteria was established with literature review, an operational definition and survey on qualified persons or architects in the professional practice of architecture. The literature reviews identified seven concepts for architecture and design quality, and the operational definition translated this architectural design quality to measurable and observable cases and variables. The survey collected these variable data from a purposive sample of 95 respondents, and these data were examined by statistical analysis. The results of the descriptive statistics, inferential t-tests (p ≤ 0.05) and positive hypothesis testing verified that respondents in general agreed to these seven design concepts as architectural design criteria for design quality. These results established the first ever set of seven architectural design criteria which were ranked in descending order of significance as function, socio-culture, site context, cost, aesthetic of art, sustainability, and Feng Shui. These architectural design criteria can be applied to the design or evaluation of multi-storey housing buildings for the good of people and the environment.
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