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Article
Publication date: 11 September 2007

Ben Johnson and Charles Oppenheim

The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation into the social and citation networks of three information scientists: David Nicholas, Peter Williams and Paul Huntington.

1379

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to report an investigation into the social and citation networks of three information scientists: David Nicholas, Peter Williams and Paul Huntington.

Design/methodology/approach

Similarities between citation patterns and social closeness were identified and discussed. A total of 16 individuals in the citation network were identified and investigated using citation analysis, and a matrix formed of citations made between those in the network. Social connections between the 16 in the citation network were then investigated by means of a questionnaire, the results of which were merged into a separate matrix. These matrices were converted into visual social networks, using multidimensional scaling. A new deviance measure was devised for drawing comparisons between social and citation closeness in individual cases.

Findings

Nicholas, Williams and Huntington were found to have cited 527 authors in the period 2000‐2003, the 16 most cited becoming the subjects of further citation and social investigation. This comparison, along with the examination of visual representations indicates a positive correlation between social closeness and citation counts. Possible explanations for this correlation are discussed, and implications considered. Despite this correlation, the information scientists were found to cite widely outside their immediate social connections.

Originality/value

Social network analysis has not been often used in combination with citation analysis to explore inter‐relationships in research teams.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 63 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 December 2003

Rob Kling

Looking back over the 1990s, it is easy to see the widespread troubles of many ventures that depended upon advanced IT applications, including business process re‐engineering…

1802

Abstract

Looking back over the 1990s, it is easy to see the widespread troubles of many ventures that depended upon advanced IT applications, including business process re‐engineering projects, enterprise systems, knowledge management projects, online distance education courses, and, famously, some of the dot‐com businesses. These “troubles” vary from substantial underperformance (i.e. projects that were much more costly and/or produced much less social or business value than most of the participating IT professionals anticipated) and many outright failures. Many of these “troubles” could have been avoided (or at least ameliorated) if the participating IT professionals had much more reliable and critical understanding of the relationships between IT configurations, socio‐technical interventions, social behavior of other participants in different roles, and the dynamics of organizational and social change. Social informatics is the name of the field that studies and theorizes this topic, and is discussed in more detail in this paper. The key issue addressed in this paper is who will produce social informatics research for IT professionals, and where will they learn about important findings, theories, design approaches, etc.? The paper examines the record of computer science in the US as a major contributor to the relevant research and teaching. It also examines the possibilities for new kinds of academic programs – sometimes called “information schools” and “IT schools” – that are being developed to expand beyond the self‐imposed boundaries of computer science and to integrate some organizational and social research as sites for social informatics.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 16 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 February 2007

Anna Marie Johnson and Sarah Jent

The purpose of this paper is to set out to provide a selected bibliography or recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

4682

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to set out to provide a selected bibliography or recent resources on library instruction and information literacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Introduces and annotates periodical articles, monographs, and exhibition catalogues examining library instruction and information literacy.

Findings

Provides information about each source, discusses the characteristics of current scholarship, and describes sources that contain unique scholarly contributions and quality reproductions.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians and interested parties as a quick reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 35 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Content available
Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

271

Abstract

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Article
Publication date: 31 August 2021

Tessa Withorn, Jillian Eslami, Hannah Lee, Maggie Clarke, Carolyn Caffrey, Cristina Springfield, Dana Ospina, Anthony Andora, Amalia Castañeda, Alexandra Mitchell, Joanna Messer Kimmitt, Wendolyn Vermeer and Aric Haas

This paper presents recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy, providing an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of…

5454

Abstract

Purpose

This paper presents recently published resources on library instruction and information literacy, providing an introductory overview and a selected annotated bibliography of publications covering various library types, study populations and research contexts.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces and annotates English-language periodical articles, monographs, dissertations, reports and other materials on library instruction and information literacy published in 2020.

Findings

The paper provides a brief description of all 440 sources and highlights sources that contain unique or significant scholarly contributions.

Originality/value

The information may be used by librarians, researchers and anyone interested in a quick and comprehensive reference to literature on library instruction and information literacy.

Details

Reference Services Review, vol. 49 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0090-7324

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Mathias Hatakka, Annika Andersson and Åke Grönlund

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of students’ 1:1 laptop use from a capability perspective by investigating increases and decreases of students’ opportunities and…

2686

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate effects of students’ 1:1 laptop use from a capability perspective by investigating increases and decreases of students’ opportunities and choices. The paper investigates changes that have taken place and how these changes enable or restrict students to do and be what they desire.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper undertakes an interpretive case study based on group interviews and questionnaires. Sen's capability approach is used as theoretical framework and has informed the data collection and the analysis.

Findings

1:1 laptops in schools have provided students with new opportunities and choices, but also restricted others. An evident opportunity is the equalization of access to computers. Other opportunities relate to schoolwork efficiency and increased access to information. Gains also include the use of different media for overcoming disabilities or to fit individual learning styles. Regarding students’ well‐being, a “fun” learning environment is mentioned. However, the “fun” is often about playing games or using social media – something which diverts the students’ attention from the learning. Students also find that they are less social, too computer dependent, and that they miss using pen and paper. Additionally, health issues such as back problems and headaches are reported, as well as an increased risk of being robbed.

Originality/value

Most research on 1:1 laptops in education focuses on easily quantifiable measures and reports from a teacher perspective. The paper takes a broader approach and investigates the impact 1:1 laptops have on students’ well‐being and agency.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 26 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 13 June 2019

Fotis Kitsios, Maria Kamariotou, Michael A. Madas, Konstantinos Fouskas and Vicky Manthou

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that managers have to take into consideration when they implement the strategic information systems planning (SISP) process to…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors that managers have to take into consideration when they implement the strategic information systems planning (SISP) process to develop information systems (IS) in the logistics sector.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected using questionnaires to IS executives in Greek small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) of the logistics sector. Factor analysis is performed on the detailed items of the SISP process constructs.

Findings

The results of this paper indicate that IS executives do not focus on defining goals, which will be used to improve the operations of the supply chain for the IS development. Both IS executives and managers from the logistics department of each organization should participate in the process of information technology (IT) strategy formulation and implementation. Executives from the logistics department of each organization should be aware of implementing environmental and organizational analysis with greater meticulousness, to identify IT opportunities and apply IT strategy with greater agility rather than now.

Practical implications

A strategic planning process for IS development in the logistics sector is required to achieve the consistently IS planning objectives. This is an important challenge for executives in SMEs who do not concentrate on implementing a strategic planning process for IS development.

Originality/value

This paper examines the factors that influence the strategic development of IS in the logistics sector and improve the effectiveness of decision-making regarding the supply chain’s operation.

Article
Publication date: 4 February 2020

Vasiliki Brinia, Vasiliki Poullou and Angeliki-Rafailia Panagiotopoulou

This paper aims to explore the perceptions of pre-school educators for the application of total quality philosophy in kindergartens in the prefecture of Corinthia, Greece…

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the perceptions of pre-school educators for the application of total quality philosophy in kindergartens in the prefecture of Corinthia, Greece. Dimensions, such as the adoption of quality philosophy in the pre-school unit by the superiors, the active participation of teachers in decision-making and human resource management parameters, are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodological approach of qualitative research was selected for the collection, processing and analysis of data based on the methodological tools of the interview with a semi-structured questionnaire and deliberate random sampling of kindergarten teachers serving in public units where they have teaching and/or administrative tasks.

Findings

The analysis of the data shows that there is no particular familiarity with the basic parameters of total quality philosophy in pre-school education and is related to empirical planning and lack of long-term vision. However, participatory decision-making and emotional intelligence are found as essential elements for ensuring an efficient and open-ended school culture.

Originality/value

The study is the first of its kind in Greece and abroad and its findings can be used to enrich the thematic scope of application of total quality management dimensions to pre-school education and in particular, those dimensions related to the leadership profile of teachers exercising responsibility tasks.

Details

Quality Assurance in Education, vol. 28 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0968-4883

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Trevor Wood‐Harper and Bob Wood

This paper is intended to pay tribute to the inspiration provided by Rob Kling by showing how his ideas about social informatics in general and the use of web models in…

1841

Abstract

Purpose

This paper is intended to pay tribute to the inspiration provided by Rob Kling by showing how his ideas about social informatics in general and the use of web models in particular, have helped us to formulate and develop our own work in the field of information systems development methods.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual discussion and approach are taken.

Findings

Illustrates how Kling's advocacy of the need for a more holistic form of explanation of the behaviour of what he (and Walt Scacchi) termed “computer resources” gave shape to ideas emerging from others' action research studies at that time, and how his attempts to set the agenda for the emerging field of Social Informatics have informed subsequent developments in work in the area of methodological inquiry.

Originality/value

Provides an evaluation of Kling's pioneering and inspirational work on information and communication technologies.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2005

Keith Horton, Elisabeth Davenport and Trevor Wood‐Harper

To provide a view of Rob Kling's contribution to socio‐technical studies of work.

2472

Abstract

Purpose

To provide a view of Rob Kling's contribution to socio‐technical studies of work.

Design/methodology/approach

The five “big ideas” discussed are signature themes in Kling's own work in the informatics domain, and of his intellectual legacy.

Findings

This paper conveys something of Kling's presence in social informatics (SI) thinking by focusing on a number of “big” ideas – “multiple points of view”, “social choices”, “the production lattice” (and its corollary, the problematization of the user), “socio‐technical interaction networks”, and “institutional truth regimes”.

Research limitations/implications

A growing research community has demonstrated the power of SI techniques. It is essential that this body of work is sustained and developed, demonstrating how to undertake investigation and observation, that is not driven by instrumentalism but is informed by and leads to “technological realism”.

Practical implications

The SI corpus, exposing the dangers of naïve instrumentalism as an approach to information systems design and management, can guide practitioners on how to unpack the history of what is in view. This may be a specific technology, a social formation, or a sociotechnical circumstance. Practitioners may draw on the concepts presented, not as a prescriptive toolkit, but rather as a sensitizing frame to assist those who wish to re‐vision the workplace.

Originality/value

Central to the successful utilisation of computers in work, we argue, is the continuing development of a portfolio of interpretive concepts (such as STINs, regimes of truth, production lattices) that can consolidate Rob Kling's “big” ideas that are the core of this paper.

Details

Information Technology & People, vol. 18 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0959-3845

Keywords

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