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11 – 20 of 921Efficient processing of XML queries is critical for XML data management and related applications. Previously proposed techniques are unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is…
Abstract
Purpose
Efficient processing of XML queries is critical for XML data management and related applications. Previously proposed techniques are unsatisfactory. The purpose of this paper is to present Determined – a new prototype system designed for XML query processing and optimization from a system perspective. With Determined, a number of novel techniques for XML query processing are proposed and demonstrated.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology emphasizes on query pattern minimization, logic‐level optimization, and efficient query execution. Accordingly, three lines of investigation have been pursued in the context of Determined: XML tree pattern query (TPQ) minimization; logic‐level XML query optimization utilizing deterministic transformation; and specialized algorithms for fast XML query execution.
Findings
Developed and demonstrated were: a runtime optimal and powerful algorithm for XML TPQ minimization; a unique logic‐level XML query optimization approach that solely pursues deterministic query transformation; and a group of specialized algorithms for XML query evaluation.
Research limitations/implications
The experiments conducted so far are still preliminary. Further in‐depth, thorough experiments thus are expected, ideally carried out in the setting of a real‐world XML DBMS system.
Practical implications
The techniques/approaches proposed can be adapted to real‐world XML database systems to enhance the performance of XML query processing.
Originality/value
The reported work integrates various novel techniques for XML query processing/optimization into a single system, and the findings are presented from a system perspective.
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Billy B.L. Lim and H. Joseph Wen
Over the past few years, business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐commerce has grown exponentially. To conduct B2B e‐commerce, companies need a common language. HTML is not suited for this…
Abstract
Over the past few years, business‐to‐business (B2B) e‐commerce has grown exponentially. To conduct B2B e‐commerce, companies need a common language. HTML is not suited for this task, because it defines only the information’s format instead of its meaning. XML has been shown to not only be the most natural evolution of Web technologies to support modern applications such as e‐commerce, but also be the preferred means of making legacy data available to users via the Internet. Since XML is still in its infancy, early versions of XML do not include the fundamental feature of specifying and enforcing integrity constraints, which is critical to making XML a viable and long‐term approach for representing data over the Web. In other words, XML provides little support to make sure the data being represented satisfy the business rules specified. Reviews the trends in B2B e‐commerce and discusses the critical needs to support constraints and the integrity of data, which are very important to the success of B2B e‐commerce. Also presents the next generation of XML technology for representing constraints. Concludes with a summary of the impact of the new XML on B2B e‐commerce and its future challenges.
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This paper aims to provide evidence of pro-worker orientation and acceptance of socialist idealism in scientific management, with particular focus on Walter Polakov.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to provide evidence of pro-worker orientation and acceptance of socialist idealism in scientific management, with particular focus on Walter Polakov.
Design/methodology/approach
A range of original texts have been examined to identify the ideas expressed or accepted by the early scientific managers. These include Bulletin of the Taylor Society and the early publications of the socialist engineer and scientific manager Walter Polakov.
Findings
This paper shows how an avowed socialist is outspoken but unremarkable for the members of the Taylor Society in the 1910s and 1920s, contrary to the views expressed in textbooks and other histories which assert a deep antiworker bias in scientific management.
Research limitations/implications
This is limited to a historical analysis of the role and extent of involvement of the Marxist engineer Walter Polakov in the US scientific management movement in the 1910s and 1920s.
Originality/value
This paper offers insights into the workings of the Taylor Society using a biographical approach. In so doing, it demonstrates, in a new way, the verity of claims that the original proponents of scientific management were not authoritarian or anti-worker in their views or ideals, but, rather, open to progressive and socialist ideals.
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Jay H. Hardy III, Carter Gibson and M. Ronald Buckley
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the early direction and maturation of the Journal of Management History (JOMH), evaluate the lasting impact of this primary work and…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the early direction and maturation of the Journal of Management History (JOMH), evaluate the lasting impact of this primary work and identify implications of findings of this paper for future developments in the study of management history. This article provides a review of the first five years (1995-1999) of the JOMH.
Design/methodology/approach
Articles published in the JOMH between the years of 1995 and 1999 were reviewed, and unifying thematic categories were developed. Two independent raters, then, sorted the articles into their respective categories. After agreement was established, general trends in the JOMH’s early direction and focus were considered. Lasting impact was evaluated using citations in Google Scholar by category and year. Similarities among the most cited articles during this period are discussed.
Findings
The early years of the JOMH were characterized by shifts in contributions from various management and public administration perspectives, a transition from an early emphasis on historical individuals to a broader focus on topics and ideas and a balance between describing historical accounts (i.e. retelling or recording historical events and individuals) and historical analysis (i.e. considering the influence of historical events and ideas on future events and modern perspectives). The most influential early contributions to the JOMH were articles that focused on the histories of specific management concepts, an approach that is still important and relevant today.
Originality/value
This review provides insights into the development and maturation of the JOMH following its formation.
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Ammar P. Kaka and F. Khosrowshahi
One of the main challenges facing construction contractors is incorporating future unknown contracts into their annual financial budgets. This paper sets out to review current…
Abstract
Purpose
One of the main challenges facing construction contractors is incorporating future unknown contracts into their annual financial budgets. This paper sets out to review current academic work in this area and to argue that computer‐based simulation techniques are too complex to be adopted in the industry. Therefore, an alternative and a mathematically‐based technique needs to be developed and evaluated.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper proposes that, as the pattern of winning construction contracts lacks any seasonality, it may be possible to assume all future work to be starting at one point in time and, by using an average standard value build‐up curve, average duration and the total value work needed, contractors will be able to estimate the total value of contracts needed to achieve a target turnover. Based on the total value of contracts to be won, a proposed mathematical equation is then used to assess the levels of working capital requirements.
Findings
The paper evaluates the proposed mathematical model through a series of hypothetical scenarios (developed using a detailed and tested computer‐based simulation model). Results demonstrated the validity and reliability of the models.
Research limitations/implications
The working capital element of the proposed model applies to construction projects where traditional payment mechanisms have been applied (interim payments based on measurements).
Practical implications
The model is very practical in nature and will allow construction companies (particularly large ones) to assess the level of work (in terms of number and values of contracts) they will need to win for them to meet targets for turnover. The model also allows contractors to assess the associated level of funding required.
Originality/value
The mathematical model developed allows contractors to incorporate into their budgets future unknown contracts without the need for computer simulation.
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To help to clarify the role of XML tools and standards in supporting transition and migration towards a fully XML‐based environment for managing access to information.
Abstract
Purpose
To help to clarify the role of XML tools and standards in supporting transition and migration towards a fully XML‐based environment for managing access to information.
Design/methodology/approach
The Ching Digital Image Library, built on a three‐tier architecture, is used as a source of examples to illustrate a number of methods of data manipulation for presentation processing. An SQL relational database is implemented in the data tier and Microsoft Internet Information Server (IIS) is used to manage processes and sessions in the middle tier. Extensible Markup Language (XML) is used in the data tier to represent offers and in the presentation tiers to represent screen displays that can be manipulated using the XML Document Object Model (DOM), XML Data Islands, and XSL (eXtensible Stylesheet Language), before being delivered to the web browser as HTML.
Findings
It is demonstrated that, although XML itself is not a database, the XML family provides many, though not all, of the components found in databases. XML coupled with a database gives greater power than the sum of the parts in a web application.
Originality/value
This paper is a digital image library case study with practical generic tutorial elements about the role and function of XML in modern database‐backed web sites.
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Dulani Halvitigala, Laurence Murphy and Deborah Levy
This paper aims to examine the experiences of valuers when valuing market dominant and non‐dominant standard lease structures. The research compares the perceptions and approaches…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the experiences of valuers when valuing market dominant and non‐dominant standard lease structures. The research compares the perceptions and approaches of New Zealand valuers when valuing gross and net leases, two standard lease types commonly utilised in the New Zealand commercial property market.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a structured survey of 87 commercial valuers practising in Auckland (where net leases dominate) and Wellington (where gross leases dominate) complemented by in‐depth interviews with senior commercial valuers employed by large national/international multidisciplinary real estate companies.
Findings
The results suggest that valuers find the process of valuing standard non‐dominant lease structures more demanding than valuing dominant leases and tend to be comparatively less confident about carrying out valuations of leases with which they are less familiar. This lack of confidence tends to result from the lack of comparable evidence and the added complexity of the valuation process requiring additional valuer expertise and judgement. In addition the study uncovers the adoption of place‐based differential valuation practices that have built up over time between the two centres under study.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the literature relating to valuer behaviour by revealing that even within one country with the same rules and professional standards different valuation practices may evolve. This study specifically identifies different dominant lease structures as being one of the reasons for these differential valuation practices. The findings also highlight the difficulties perceived by valuers when valuing non‐dominant leases and in turn this may have implications when comparing the valuation outcomes of similar buildings within different markets.
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This article describes the successful application of behavioral differentiation in transforming the culture of a large engineering‐oriented company as it strived to become more…
Abstract
Purpose
This article describes the successful application of behavioral differentiation in transforming the culture of a large engineering‐oriented company as it strived to become more customer‐centric.
Design/methodology/approach
Customer satisfaction surveys and interviews indicated that the company was difficult to work with and not customer‐focused. Subsequent benchmarking included an employee engagement survey, Lore's Behavioral Differentiation Survey, and the Denison Cultural Survey.
Findings
The results, which showed significant disagreement between internal and customer perceptions of the issues, indicated that the company had six behavioral improvement areas to focus on: customer relationship management, communication, execution‐related behaviors, information sharing, customer success, and organizational alignment.
Research limitations/implications
The cultural change initiative is ongoing, and further research is needed to identify the strength, effectiveness, and durability of the behavioral changes.
Practical implications
However, early anecdotal evidence shows that the company is transforming not only its behavior toward customers but customer perceptions of the company and, more importantly, the company is winning new business as a result of its behavioral changes.
Originality/value
This article illustrates one of the first attempts by a large company to transform its culture by focusing on behavioral differentiation. In businesses that are becoming increasingly commoditized, behavior is usually the final frontier in competitive strategy. The article will be of interest to any firms seeking large‐scale transformation of how employees behave toward customers.
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How can academic libraries unlock staff capacity for new initiatives as they transition their collections from print to digital? The following are four strategies for recapturing…
Abstract
How can academic libraries unlock staff capacity for new initiatives as they transition their collections from print to digital? The following are four strategies for recapturing staff time as libraries adopt new formats while still supporting older ones at a smaller volume. First, librarians should employ strategic collection development that takes into consideration opportunities for efficiencies as they make the print to digital transition. Second, libraries should implement creative reorganizations in order to scale down print services and effectively manage new digital formats. Third, libraries should rightscale their infrastructure, that is, choose the appropriate level – local, consortial/regional, national, or global – where collection management activities should take place. Fourth, libraries, library software vendors, and publishers should develop purchasing and resource discovery infrastructures that harness shared data to enable network level electronic resource management.
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David Kalema, Lore Van Damme, Sofie Vindevogel, Ilse Derluyn, Peter Baguma and Wouter Vanderplasschen
Given the scarce literature on alcohol use disorders (AUD) and their treatment in developing countries, this paper aims to explore motivation levels and their correlates among…
Abstract
Purpose
Given the scarce literature on alcohol use disorders (AUD) and their treatment in developing countries, this paper aims to explore motivation levels and their correlates among alcohol service users in two residential treatment centres in Kampala, Uganda. This study how motivation levels of Ugandan alcohol service users compare with those from American studies; and the specific factors affecting internal and external motivation in the Ugandan context.
Design/methodology/approach
The motivation for treatment was measured among 100 individuals entering AUD treatment using the Texas Christian University (TCU) Treatment needs and Motivation scale. The WHOQoL–BREF, Addiction Severity Index–6 and Hopkins Symptoms Check List–37 were used to measure addiction severity, quality of life (QoL) and psychopathology, respectively. Correlates of motivation were identified using linear regression analyses.
Findings
Ugandan service users demonstrated low treatment motivation in the treatment needs a domain. While addiction severity (recent heavy alcohol use) and participating in private treatment were associated with higher internal and external motivation, deterioration in physical and environmental QoL, depressive symptoms and lower education were linked with higher internal motivation.
Research limitations/implications
Different elements affect domains of treatment motivation, requiring attention for clients’ unique needs as influenced by their background, addiction severity, QoL, psychological needs and contextual factors (e.g. treatment setting). Further studies are needed to explore additional correlates of motivation for treatment among alcohol service users in Uganda and to assess the longitudinal impact of motivation on treatment outcomes.
Originality/value
Although motivation has been extensively studied, clinicians are challenged in understanding and explaining motivational dynamics given the multiplicity of factors influencing change-related decisions and behaviours and the diversity in substance-using populations. This need is even bigger in non-Western societies as cultural differences may require differential therapeutic management. This is one of the first studies measuring motivation for AUD treatment in a low-income country and offers insight for understanding motivation dynamics in similar settings.
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