Search results

21 – 30 of over 5000
Article
Publication date: 1 August 2005

Robert L. Williams

Aims to provide the reasons why libraries might consider using a thin client architecture for library public workstations.

880

Abstract

Purpose

Aims to provide the reasons why libraries might consider using a thin client architecture for library public workstations.

Design/methodology/approach

A summary of the main features of thin clients.

Findings

This article provides an overview of terminal services: what it is, how it works, and its benefits.

Originality/value

This paper is useful for information management professionals who seek greater understanding of thin client architecture implementations in libraries.

Details

Library Hi Tech News, vol. 22 no. 7
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0741-9058

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 6 November 2018

Mio Fredriksson and Linda Moberg

The purpose of this paper was to study the unfolding of an urgent and extensive decommissioning program in Sweden, focusing on the public’s reactions and their arguments when…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to study the unfolding of an urgent and extensive decommissioning program in Sweden, focusing on the public’s reactions and their arguments when opposing the decommissioning activities.

Design/methodology/approach

The public’s responses were studied through local media. Its content was surveyed and divided into actions and arguments. The arguments were further analyzed and categorized into inductively developed themes.

Findings

Protest activities, such as demonstrations, meetings and petitions, were not coordinated, but mostly carried out for withdrawals of unique services and services in remote areas. The public questioned the decision makers’ information, calculations and competence, the adequacy of the consequence analyses and whether the decommissioning activities would lead to any real savings. Patient and public safety, the vulnerable in society, and effects on the local areas were important topics. Thus, it seems the decision makers did not fully succeed in communicating the demonstrable benefits or create clarity of the rationales for decommissioning the particular services. Furthermore, it seems the public has a more inclusive approach to health services and their value compared to decision makers that need to keep the budget.

Originality/value

Decommissioning is an emerging field of research, and this study of the unfolding of an urgent and extensive decommissioning program contributes with evidence that may improve decommissioning policy and practice. The study illustrates that it may be possible to implement a decommissioning program despite public protest, but that the longer-term effects on the health system’s legitimacy need to be studied.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 32 no. 8
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 June 1998

Robert E. Williams and Vicki L. Melton

This research investigated the use of two relatively new technologies, abrasive flow machining (AFM) and stereolithography (SL), to minimize the time to develop a finished…

1588

Abstract

This research investigated the use of two relatively new technologies, abrasive flow machining (AFM) and stereolithography (SL), to minimize the time to develop a finished prototype. Statistical analysis was used to determine effects of media grit size, media pressure, build style, build orientation and resin type on flatness, material removal rate and surface roughness. Results indicated that media pressure, grit size, and build orientation were significant in at least one of the experiments performed. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images showed the stair‐stepping effect of the SL process before AFM and the removal of the stair‐stepping after AFM. The SEM images showed a lack of typical AFM flowlines on the surface and suggested that the workpiece material is removed by brittle fracture. Data dependent systems analysis techniques were also used to study the surface roughness profiles.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 4 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 4 July 2024

Larry W. Isaac, Daniel B. Cornfield and Dennis C. Dickerson

Knowledge of how social movements move, diffuse, and expand collective action events is central to movement scholarship and activist practice. Our purpose is to extend…

Abstract

Knowledge of how social movements move, diffuse, and expand collective action events is central to movement scholarship and activist practice. Our purpose is to extend sociological knowledge about how movements (sometimes) diffuse and amplify insurgent actions, that is, how movements move. We extend movement diffusion theory by drawing a conceptual analogue with military theory and practice applied to the case of the organized and highly disciplined nonviolent Nashville civil rights movement in the late 1950s and early 1960s. We emphasize emplacement in a base-mission extension model whereby a movement base is built in a community establishing a social movement school for inculcating discipline and performative training in cadre who engage in insurgent operations extended from that base to outlying events and campaigns. Our data are drawn from secondary sources and semi-structured interviews conducted with participants of the Nashville civil rights movement. The analytic strategy employs a variant of the “extended case method,” where extension is constituted by movement agents following paths from base to outlying campaigns or events. Evidence shows that the Nashville movement established an exemplary local movement base that led to important changes in that city but also spawned traveling movement cadre who moved movement actions in an extensive series of pathways linking the Nashville base to events and campaigns across the southern theater of the civil rights movement. We conclude with theoretical and practical implications.

Open Access
Article
Publication date: 19 July 2024

Inga-Britt Gustafsson, Lars Wallin, Ulrika Winblad and Mio Fredriksson

A local healthcare organisation providing healthcare to 288,000 residents in Sweden struggled with a longstanding budget deficit. Several attempts to overcome the demanding…

Abstract

Purpose

A local healthcare organisation providing healthcare to 288,000 residents in Sweden struggled with a longstanding budget deficit. Several attempts to overcome the demanding financial situation have failed. A decommissioning programme was launched, and two years later, an evaluation indicated positive outcomes. The aim of this study was to explore factors politicians and public servants perceived as enablers to the successful implementation of the programme.

Design/methodology/approach

A deductive content analysis approach using a framework of factors facilitating successful implementation of decommissioning decisions was applied to analyse interviews with 18 informants.

Findings

Important factors were: (1) a review report contributing to the clarity of evidence, which (2) made the clarity of the rationale for change undeniable and (3) strengthened the political support for change. Additional factors were: (4) the strength of executive leadership, (5) the strength of clinical leadership supported by (6) the quality of project management and (7) a cultural and behavioural change seen as an important outcome for the path forward. A way to maximise the potential for a successful implementation of a large-scale decommissioning programme is to build a shared vision and a collaboration grounded in convincing evidence. Include public servants with a clinical background in the executive leadership team to contribute with legitimacy, competence, and trust in the decommissioning programme’s intention.

Originality/value

The paper addresses the limited knowledge of best practices in decommissioning processes and contributes empirical knowledge from a successful case.

Details

Journal of Health Organization and Management, vol. 38 no. 9
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7266

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 March 2006

Richard Bibb, Dominic Eggbeer and Robert Williams

The aim of this study was to explore the application of rapid manufacturing (RM) to the production of patient specific, custom‐fitting removable partial denture (RPD) alloy…

3754

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to explore the application of rapid manufacturing (RM) to the production of patient specific, custom‐fitting removable partial denture (RPD) alloy frameworks. RPDs are metal frameworks designed to retain artificial replacement teeth in the oral cavity.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken by applied case study. An RPD was designed using computer‐aided design software according to well‐established dental technology design principles, based on a digitally scanned cast produced from an impression of the patient's mouth. The RPD design was then exported as an STL file in preparation for direct manufacture using selective laser melting. Dimensionally accurate frameworks were manufactured in 316L stainless steel and chromium‐cobalt alloy. These were assessed for accuracy of fit and function on the patient cast and on the patient in clinic.

Findings

This successful case study demonstrates that an RM approach can produce fully functional, precisely fitting RPD frameworks for specific individual patients.

Research limitations/implications

The study was based on a single design produced using two materials. Further studies are in progress to show that the results can be achieved on a regular and predictable basis.

Practical implications

This study provides some practical guidance for the application described and suggests that similar success may be achieved in related custom‐fitting applications.

Originality/value

The paper demonstrates the successful application of a novel approach to the design and manufacture of custom‐fitting dental devices.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 12 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 19 July 2019

Paul Robert Patton

The purpose of this paper is to examine some influential accounts of the basis for Indigenous rights, consider their strengths and weaknesses, and ascertain whether and in what…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine some influential accounts of the basis for Indigenous rights, consider their strengths and weaknesses, and ascertain whether and in what degree they support effective self-government and self-determination for Indigenous people.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper begins with a brief discussion of the emergence of specifically Indigenous rights, the significance of self-determination as a means of improving the economic and social conditions of communities, and the problem such rights pose for late 20th versions of egalitarian liberalism. It then examines the liberal culturalist argument for minority rights developed by Will Kymlicka, before turning to James Tully’s elaboration of the historical approach to the justification of Indigenous rights that draws on the tradition of treaty relations in North American colonialism. Finally, it outlines a third approach based on the political liberalism of John Rawls.

Findings

The conditions of legitimate government set out in Rawls’ political liberalism are a better way to provide normative foundations for Indigenous rights in contemporary postcolonial democracies.

Research limitations/implications

The discussion of Indigenous rights is confined to those countries established by colonization with largely British political institutions and populations. The arguments for Indigenous rights are confined to those advanced within the liberal tradition of political thought.

Originality/value

Some of the criticisms of the liberal culturalist argument and of Tully’s approach are original. The case for Indigenous rights based in the legitimacy requirements of political liberalism is original and based on conceptual work by the author.

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 46 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 1 November 2006

Richard Turner

This literature review aims to provide a synthesis of key information available about the management of independent secondary school libraries in England and Wales. The review has…

1637

Abstract

Purpose

This literature review aims to provide a synthesis of key information available about the management of independent secondary school libraries in England and Wales. The review has been the foundation of a PhD research project that is investigating issues about the management of school libraries in English and Welsh independent schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The literature review covers both hard copy and electronic formats identified from accessing library catalogues, contacting relevant organisations and key players, conducting online databases and wider internet searches plus other elements of the literature search. The review is structured to address the literature about independent schools, their libraries, national and international guidelines for best practice on school librarianship, previous research, the role of the school library manager and select key current issues.

Findings

The literature review indicates that there is a substantial current literature about general school librarianship, much of which is relevant to the management of independent school libraries. However, the independent school library sector itself has not been widely researched and the published information about it is scant.

Research limitations/implications

The literature review has largely focused on published information about general school librarianship where it impacts on independent school libraries. This is because there is little information specifically about the management of independent school libraries. Because each school library is different and is a reflection of its own school's culture, a general overview of the management of independent school libraries has not previously been produced. The review is a selective literature review, but identifies the key works relevant to the management of specifically independent school libraries.

Practical implications

The review has helped to structure and direct a PhD research project that is contributing to the literature and addressing some of the gaps in knowledge.

Originality/value

Literature on school librarianship tends to focus on issues that are topical at the time of publication. A review of the literature about the broader management of the school library is original. Also, a literature review that is relevant to the management of independent school libraries is unique. The review will be of value to the broader PhD research about the management of independent school libraries. It will be of particular interest and worth to independent school library managers, but also to general school library practitioners and those with an interest in the sector in the research, government and wider educational communities.

Details

New Library World, vol. 107 no. 11/12
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0307-4803

Keywords

Book part
Publication date: 21 August 2012

Robert L. Williams, Maktoba Omar and Ujvala Rajadhyaksha

Addressing potential markets in emerging countries is an important development in international marketing, and over the last decade research has been energized by the model of the…

Abstract

Addressing potential markets in emerging countries is an important development in international marketing, and over the last decade research has been energized by the model of the Bottom of the Pyramid (BOP). More recently the focus has shifted away from defining the BOP potential in terms of identifying the market at the BOP, and toward creating a market at the BOP, concurrent with the rephrasing of the potential as the Base of the Pyramid. The Value Flame at the Base of the Pyramid (VFBOP) model discussed here stresses not only that a leap in mindset and analysis is necessary to operate in the BOP, but that principles of mutual value and co-venturing are necessary, that is, not only enter into the BOP but collaborate within the BOP. Twenty-one VFBOP characteristics are summarized into four categories: (1) change the mindset; (2) don’t compete; (3) align all organization activities in pursuit of differentiation; and (4) create and capture new market demand. These characteristics can be a template of considerations for a company when designing and marketing a product or service to profitably meet the demands of the BOP market. To illustrate the VFBOP model and characteristics a case study is presented. Through the VFBOP model it can be seen that enormous opportunities may be available in these emerging economies.

Details

Interdisciplinary Approaches to Product Design, Innovation, & Branding in International Marketing
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-78190-016-1

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 21 November 2008

Thomas J. Friedmann, Anthony H. Zacharski, Margaret A. Bancroft, Roger Mulvihill, Susan A. Reading, Robert J. Williams and Alan Rosenblat

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyze the SEC's July 9, 2008 roundtable discussion regarding fair value accounting and auditing standards.

1025

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyze the SEC's July 9, 2008 roundtable discussion regarding fair value accounting and auditing standards.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper discusses investor, auditor/accountant/actuary, and corporation views concerning the usefulness of fair value accounting, potential market behavior effects from fair value accounting, challenges in applying fair value standards, possible improvement to the current standards, and working with auditors who provide assurance for fair value accounting.

Findings

Some investor panelists said fair value provides investors with the most current and relevant information of any accounting method and some believe fair valuation is important for market integrity and trust because it is a transparent measure for valuation. Auditors are especially challenged in determining fair values in illiquid or frozen markets. Roundtable participants viewed disclosure as critical for implementation of fair valuation, particularly regarding key inputs and assumptions. Auditors and corporations would like more guidance on applying fair value accounting from the SEC and Public Company Accounting Oversight Board.

Originality/value

The paper provides expert guidance by experienced securities lawyers.

Details

Journal of Investment Compliance, vol. 9 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1528-5812

Keywords

21 – 30 of over 5000