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1 – 10 of 29

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate similar and different wayfinding strategies used by novice and expert patrons at an academic library.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a usability study approach. In total, 12 people, places, or things were identified as important for students to be able to locate within an academic library. Students from one of three groups (high school, freshmen, and seniors) were randomly assigned a scenario requiring them to find the indicated person, place, or thing. Student researchers video recorded participants and took field notes during the wayfinding activity and conducted an interview about participant’s experience following the exercise.

Findings

Total and average time needed to locate the person, place, or thing indicated in the scenario were determined for each group. In addition, wayfinding tools (signs, maps, help desks, technology, and experience) used by participants were identified.

Originality/value

The research compares novice and expert wayfinding strategies. It is unique in its use of student researchers as part of a sociology class project, to collect and analyze the data.

Details

Performance Measurement and Metrics, vol. 17 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1467-8047

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 April 2002

Jette Hyldegaard, Haakon Lund and Piet Seiden

To meet a perceived need for information professionals engaging in projects on document and knowledge management, a new course on enterprise information portals (EIP) and…

Abstract

To meet a perceived need for information professionals engaging in projects on document and knowledge management, a new course on enterprise information portals (EIP) and intranets has been established at the Royal School of Library and Information Science (RSLIS). The aim of the course has been to provide the graduates with a better understanding of fundamental theoretical, methodological and practical aspects of developing and implementing an EIP. This paper addresses the theoretical, methodological and pedagogical aspects of developing the course and how or whether the expected learning outcome has been reached.

Details

Library Review, vol. 51 no. 3/4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 20 November 2009

Sukwon Kim, Thurmon Lockhart and Karen Roberto

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of participating in an eight‐week physical training (ie. balance or weight training) on psychosocial outcomes for…

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of participating in an eight‐week physical training (ie. balance or weight training) on psychosocial outcomes for independently living healthy older adults. Eighteen older adults (65 years old or older) voluntarily participated in this study. Participants were randomly and evenly distributed in three different groups such as balance, weight or control group; six participants in each. Fear of falling and social activity levels were statistically tested by evaluating questionnaires validated in previous studies. Psychological factors improved in all groups after eight weeks (P < 0.05). Social interaction levels did not improve in any of the three groups, although all participants exhibited improvements in being physically independent (P < 0.05). Results suggested that being physically active as well as being socially active could result in being less fearful of falls, more confident of leaving residency, being more independent, and being more active.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 10 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 2003

Gustav From, Lone Mark Pedersen, Jette Hansen, Morten Christy, Thomas Gjørup, Niels Thorsgaard, Hans Perrild, Olaf Bonnevie and Anne Frølich

Evaluates care plans documented in two different ways, using controlled and randomised studies of consecutive acutely admitted medical patients. Within 24 hours after admission, a…

2520

Abstract

Evaluates care plans documented in two different ways, using controlled and randomised studies of consecutive acutely admitted medical patients. Within 24 hours after admission, a care plan was made for the hospital stay, specifying active problems, a plan of action and a time‐schedule. In study 1, patients had care plans written directly into their medical records during the intervention period, while the normal admittance procedure was followed in the control period. In study 2, all patients had a care plan made on a planning form and in the medical record. Patients were randomised either to have the form stay in the medical record or to have it removed. Study 1 results showed that care plans were associated with earlier recognition of patients’ active problems, whereas the tendency to initiate solutions to active problems earlier was insignificant. Length of stay (LOS) and risk of readmission remained unchanged. In study 2, planning forms were associated with a 1.5‐day lower LOS and higher accuracy of planned LOS. Risk of readmission and accomplishment of plans of action were unaltered.

Details

Clinical Governance: An International Journal, vol. 8 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7274

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 7 September 2012

Helen Frost, Sally Haw and John Frank

The population of older people in the UK is expected to rise rapidly over the next 20 years and therefore identification of effective interventions that prevent functional decline…

Abstract

Purpose

The population of older people in the UK is expected to rise rapidly over the next 20 years and therefore identification of effective interventions that prevent functional decline and disablement is a public health priority. This review summarises the evidence for interventions in community settings that aim to prevent or delay disablement in later life.

Design/methodology/approach

A search of review‐level literature was conducted for the period September 1999 and 2009 of Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases. It included interventions that aimed to prevent disablement of community dwelling older people (50+ years old). It excluded interventions carried out in institutional care and those focused on specific disease. The reviews were screened using the AMSTAR assessment tool.

Findings

The search identified 62 reviews of complex interventions (preventative home visits (n=9), integrated service delivery/case management and comprehensive geriatric assessment (n=6), falls prevention (n=17), exercise (n=15), nutritional needs (n=3), medication review (n=2), telecare/telehealth (n=5), social integration interventions (n=3) and vision screening (n=2).

Originality/value to Conclusion

The review identified many areas of unknown effectiveness, partly due to unstandardised use of outcomes and poor experimental design. The most promising complex interventions include: assessment of risk factors; and direct referral to an easily accessible, comprehensive range of interventions that are tailored to need and include long‐term follow up. There is consistent evidence that exercise can be beneficial, particularly in preventing falls, but overall, the evidence‐base for other specific interventions is limited.

Details

Quality in Ageing and Older Adults, vol. 13 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1471-7794

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 2 November 2015

Eerika Hedman and Maarit Valo

The purpose of this paper is to explore what kinds of communication challenges management teams (MTs) experience and to suggest ideas for developing competent communication…

15958

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore what kinds of communication challenges management teams (MTs) experience and to suggest ideas for developing competent communication practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Working according to the principles of qualitative research, a total of seven MT members from seven different international companies were interviewed. The thematic in-depth interviews were analyzed by first looking at all references of communication challenges, and then grouping them into six different dimensions.

Findings

Most of the communication challenges facing MTs are related to the teams’ meetings, where issues of leadership, decision making and participation may well be intensified. The meetings were experienced as formal communication forums, where MT members do not always express their true opinions either because other team members prevent it or because they are unable to do so. Informal communication plays a pivotal role in facilitating trust and competent communication practices.

Practical implications

MTs need to be mindful of how they communicate and develop a reflective practice in order to develop competent communication practices.

Originality/value

The study illustrates the essential themes that the MT members experience and perceive as central in MT communication and teamwork. Studying MTs from a communication perspective adds a valuable contribution to MT research.

Details

Leadership & Organization Development Journal, vol. 36 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-7739

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 1995

Patrick De Groote and Myriam Eerlingen

In this article, the authors want to present a general view of the evolution and the actual situation of the hotel business in Brussels by analysing data about supply, demand…

Abstract

In this article, the authors want to present a general view of the evolution and the actual situation of the hotel business in Brussels by analysing data about supply, demand, quality of the hotels, price level and hotel organisation. Furthermore, specific attention is devoted to the hotel crisis, its causes, consequences and possible solutions.

Details

The Tourist Review, vol. 50 no. 3
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0251-3102

Article
Publication date: 24 August 2023

Andriana Johnson, Natasha T. Brison, Hailey A. Harris and Katie M. Brown

Guided by self-presentation theory and social role theory, this study examines the different strategies elite female athletes used in personal branding on social media before and…

Abstract

Purpose

Guided by self-presentation theory and social role theory, this study examines the different strategies elite female athletes used in personal branding on social media before and after becoming mothers. Scholars have investigated the authenticity of female athletes’ frontstage versus backstage representation on social media for branding purposes, but this study further expands on existing literature to review how female athletes would present themselves in the same realm once entering motherhood.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a content analysis, researchers evaluated whether there was a shift in three elite female athletes’ (Serena Williams, Allyson Felix and Skylar Diggins Smith) Instagram posts and captions one year before their pregnancy and one year after motherhood. A total of 732 posts were examined and were organized into six main categories: athletic, professional, promotional, personal, motherhood and dual identity.

Findings

Results revealed there was a difference in the self-presentation strategies used by the three female athletes on their social media pages. Specifically, the researchers confirmed the presence of a combined role of athlete and mother.

Originality/value

The findings support existing literature on the importance and the challenges of “balancing” a third identity of blending being both a mother and elite athlete as one. Yet, the findings challenge the previous notion that women cannot continue to perform at an elite level and manage the expectations that society institutes of being a “good mother.”

Details

Sport, Business and Management: An International Journal, vol. 13 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2042-678X

Keywords

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 14 May 2018

Jan-Willem Bullee, Lorena Montoya, Marianne Junger and Pieter Hartel

When security managers choose to deploy a smart lock activation system, the number of units needed and their location needs to be established. This study aims to present the…

1578

Abstract

Purpose

When security managers choose to deploy a smart lock activation system, the number of units needed and their location needs to be established. This study aims to present the results of a penetration test involving smart locks in the context of building security. The authors investigated how the amount of effort an employee has to invest in complying with a security policy (i.e. walk from the office to the smart key activator) influences vulnerability. In particular, the attractiveness of a no-effort alternative (i.e. someone else walking from your office to the key activators to perform a task on your behalf) was evaluated. The contribution of this study relates to showing how experimental psychology can be used to determine the cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of physical building security measures.

Design/methodology/approach

Twenty-seven different “offenders” visited the offices of 116 employees. Using a script, each offender introduced a problem, provided a solution and asked the employee to hand over their office key.

Findings

A total of 58.6 per cent of the employees handed over their keys to a stranger; no difference was found between female and male employees. The likelihood of handing over the keys for employees close to a key activator was similar to that of those who were further away.

Research limitations/implications

The results suggest that installing additional key activators is not conducive to reducing the building’s security vulnerability associated with the handing over of keys to strangers.

Originality/value

No research seems to have investigated the distribution of smart key activators in the context of a physical penetration test. This research highlights the need to raise awareness of social engineering and of the vulnerabilities introduced via smart locks (and other smart systems).

Details

Journal of Corporate Real Estate, vol. 20 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-001X

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 15 March 2013

Jacqueline Damant, Martin Knapp, Sarah Watters, Paul Freddolino, Margaret Ellis and Derek King

The aim of this paper is to report results of the impact of the information and communication technology (ICT) platform and telecare services developed by the MonAMI consortium on…

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to report results of the impact of the information and communication technology (ICT) platform and telecare services developed by the MonAMI consortium on the quality of life (QOL) of older people in three European communities.

Design/methodology/approach

In a three‐month trial, the MonAMI technology was installed in the homes of older people with various needs, in the cities of Stockholm, Sweden; Zaragoza, Spain; and Kosice, Slovakia. Evaluation criteria and instrumentation were developed to assess the effects of the services on users' perceived QOL in the domains of independence, physical health, psychological wellbeing, social networking, and physical environment.

Findings

A total of 62 users, with a mean age of 79 years, participated in the trial. Results demonstrate that the MonAMI services had some positive, significant effects on users' QOL. For instance, users with a higher number of disabilities at baseline reported greater confidence in keeping intruders from entering their home compared to users with fewer disabilities (OR=2.51, 0.01 p<0.05). However, overall findings show that healthier, more independent users perceived more benefits from the services compared to users who report more health problems and are less independent.

Research limitations/implications

The complexities of conducting the MonAMI trial led to a small, heterogeneous sample of users over a short time span. This in turn created difficulties in observing the potential effects of the services and achieving significance on some indicators of QOL.

Originality/value

This paper provides quantitative analyses around the impact of telecare services; suggests important directions for further research; and highlights the methodological challenges of evaluating ICT‐based care services in a community setting.

Details

Journal of Assistive Technologies, vol. 7 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-9450

Keywords

1 – 10 of 29