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1 – 10 of 17Steve O’Connor, Ian Smith and Waseem Afzal
The skill set required to be a professional in any profession is inherent in the qualifications required for entrance to that profession. The ability to demonstrate leadership in…
Abstract
Purpose
The skill set required to be a professional in any profession is inherent in the qualifications required for entrance to that profession. The ability to demonstrate leadership in the middle to upper echelons of that profession is demonstrably different. The School of Information Studies at the Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga Australia sought to explore what a postgraduate qualification in the leadership of the profession might look like and what the demand for such a qualification might be. The purpose of this paper is to detail that research effort and the outcomes.
Design/methodology/approach
The study undertook a number of different approaches including engaging in networks of professional colleagues globally and a series of focus groups in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne. The outcomes were analyzed in terms of the expectations of what a new degree might contain as well as the enrollment prospects for such a degree.
Findings
There was a strong ground-swell of support for a new degree of Masters of Information Leadership. The combination of subjects from the LIS environment together with subjects from a MBA environment was strongly endorsed. These areas of interest were documented in the paper along with recommendations.
Research limitations/implications
There is a fertile ground for research here in two ways. First, there is much scope for the examination of the course requirements and how they sit in a future work environment. This is especially the case where there is a convergence of the interests of the galleries, libraries, archives and museums sectors. Second, there is much to be done as the authors look at leadership skills sets for future information environments which are highly speculative.
Practical implications
This study has produced a set of requirements for a new Masters of Information Leadership. It is a very useful set of requirements to base future studies. There was also a very strong requirement for real life aspects to such a course rather than theoretical exercises as has been the current academic practice.
Originality/value
This study is quite original as it sought to engage practitioners in different areas and sectors in Australia aiming to ensure that the resulting academic program was closely aligned with practitioner need.
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Mary Anne Kennan, Sheila Corrall and Waseem Afzal
How academic libraries support the research of their parent institutions has changed as a result of forces such as changing scholarly communication practices, technological…
Abstract
Purpose
How academic libraries support the research of their parent institutions has changed as a result of forces such as changing scholarly communication practices, technological developments, reduced purchasing power and changes in academic culture. The purpose of this paper is to examine the professional and educational implications of current and emerging research support environments for academic libraries, particularly with regard to research data management and bibliometrics and discuss how do professionals and educators “make space” as new service demands arise?
Design/methodology/approach
The present paper uses data from a recent survey of research support provision by academic libraries in Australia, New Zealand, the UK and Ireland, (authors 2013), and provides additional in depth analysis of the textual responses to extend the analysis in the light of forces for change in higher education. The original online questionnaire surveyed current and planned research support in academic libraries, and constraints or support needs related to service developments. It was distributed to 219 institutions in Australia, New Zealand, the UK, and Ireland, and obtained 140 valid responses (response rate of 63.9 percent). Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics with thematic categorization and coding for the textual responses.
Findings
Most academic libraries surveyed are already providing or planning services in the focal areas of bibliometrics and data management. There was also increasing demand for other research support services, not the focus of the study, such as eresearch support, journal publishing platforms, and grant writing support. The authors found that while many academic libraries perceive increasing research support services as a “huge opportunity” they were constrained by gaps in staff skills, knowledge, and confidence and resourcing issues. With regard to staff education and training, it was reported they require a broader understanding of the changing research and scholarly landscape, the research cultures of different disciplines, and technological change. There was a near-universal support for development of more comprehensive, specialized, LIS education to prepare professionals for broader research support roles.
Originality/value
This further analysis of the implications of our survey in relation to influences such as economics, academic culture, technology, raises questions for both educators and practitioners about the future direction of the profession and how the authors collectively “make space” as new potential services arise.
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Marium Khalid, Mehreen Afzal and Waseem Iqbal
This article aims to provide an interactive model for hands on training of malware analysis. Cyberwar games are the highly stylized representation of cyber conflicts in a…
Abstract
Purpose
This article aims to provide an interactive model for hands on training of malware analysis. Cyberwar games are the highly stylized representation of cyber conflicts in a simulation model. Game models are helpful in understanding the phenomenon of cyber attacks as well as to evolve new techniques of detection. Cyber security trainings are generally very challenging. Cyber test beds make such trainings easy both for trainees and trainers. However, it is not feasible for each organization to build a network for the sole purpose of hands-on training for employees. Therefore, it is desirable to build an interactive environment that is interesting and free of cost as well.
Design/methodology/approach
After exploring existing cyberwar games and their techniques, limitation and strengths, this paper presents a design to merge the cyber attacks into a unique model of war game for detection and analysis of malware. This research designs a malware analysis testbed using online free resources. The authors have used the platform of Cyber Defense Technology Experimental Research (DETER). This study proposed model of a testbed that supports malware reverse engineering scenarios, exercise logs and analysis to develop reverse engineering tactics.
Findings
The proposed cyber testbed is an automated system that can be used as a platform to train cyber warriors. A few features of the proposed testbed are as follows: testbed provides real or seemingly real malware communication with the real world. It includes automated decisions for the detection of malicious behavior without human intervention. The author gives a design to develop free of cost mechanism for remote learning of highly technical cyber security areas, and this simulation is for malware analysis.
Originality/value
Cyberwar games are built for strengthening offensive and defensive capabilities in cyberspace. For this purpose, many simulations, as well as emulation platforms, can be found. Some are free and open-source, whereas others are commercial and quite expensive. Existing testbeds have limitations in respect of cyberwar games for creating innovative scenarios. Existing literature does not offer any attack and response scenario developed for malware detection through some existing open-source and online simulation or emulation environments. This research includes an analysis of the existing platforms as well as the design of a new model for malware analysis and training.
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The paper seeks to document attitudes and patterns of behavior in Pakistan's criminal justice system over the past 30 years.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to document attitudes and patterns of behavior in Pakistan's criminal justice system over the past 30 years.
Design/methodology/approach
A conceptual discussion and approach are taken following extensive interviews, conducted in 1992‐1993, with members of the police, judges, civil service bureaucrats, torture victims, psychiatrists, political detainees, criminal lawyers and others.
Findings
The patterns of behavior are longstanding and deeply rooted despite periodical changes in political leadership. Cynicism about law enforcement is widespread throughout the country and much crime goes unreported as a result. There is a lack of faith and support for police officials and legal safeguards for criminal suspects are often ignored.
Originality/value
The conditions in Pakistan's criminal justice system are explained theoretically with reference to the concept of hegemony in Pakistan's prevailing political culture.
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Subhabrata Ghosh and Krishna Singh
Sustainability promotes specific and balanced circumstances which favours the survival of human population with the surrounding Mother Nature with proper synchronization. This…
Abstract
Sustainability promotes specific and balanced circumstances which favours the survival of human population with the surrounding Mother Nature with proper synchronization. This practice ensures the use of all available natural resources in an equilibrated manner to satisfy the present needs along with the requirements of the succeeding generations. Agricultural sustainability reckons the role of healthy environment; society and economy in an integrated manner to promote food security and socio-economic development of the rural individuals. Normal agricultural practices have an unfathomed burden on the environment. This leads to various forms of environmental degradation like air and water pollution, soil depletion, climate change and loss of biodiversity. The sustainable agricultural practices aim to protect the environment, expand the Earth’s natural resource base and preserve or improve fertility of soil. Sustainable agriculture comprises with environmentally friendly farming methods that allow crops to be produced without harming natural systems. This prevents adverse impacts on soil, water, biodiversity as well as surrounding or downstream resources. In this present article we will analyse all issues related to mitigating environmental degradation through agricultural sustainability. Along with the proper assessment for agricultural sustainability is very crucial to understand the real scenario. This helps to take necessary measures for designing and its actual execution. The study constructed a composite index of agricultural sustainability by applying the principal component analysis method. Significant differences in agricultural sustainability were found among the states in India. It is important to mention that agricultural sustainability improved for all states in 2019 compared to 2016.
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Tanvir Ahmed, Waseem Ahmad and Bashir Ahmad
The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of the castrated and intact attribute of the male goat on its price in Pakistan.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study was to find out the impact of the castrated and intact attribute of the male goat on its price in Pakistan.
Design/methodology/approach
Five major goat markets of Punjab, Pakistan, representing various cropping systems, climatic conditions and socio-economic conditions, were selected for the study. Data about the market location, traits of traded male goat (weight, age, breed, castration, etc.), buyer attributes (education level, experience of buying goats), the purpose of buying and price of 383 traded male goats were collected by using a pretested questionnaire. The hedonic regression model was used to estimate the impact of male goat attributes on its price.
Findings
Results indicated a significant price difference between castrated and intact male goats and recommended castration of male goats for a better price. Additional findings showed a significant positive impact of live weight, age, breed and the selling marketplace on the male goat prices.
Research limitations/implications
By targeting and marketing male goat characteristics like castration, weight, breed and selling markets, goat producers can receive a premium price for their animals.
Originality/value
In livestock markets of developing countries, buyers strongly prefer castrated or intact male goats for several reasons. However, as existing literature did not document the effect of male goat's castrated and intact attribute on its price; therefore, the study is important to fill this gap.
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Muhammad Waseem, Shahid Iqbal and Khalid Khan
This study aims to determine the effect of humble leadership on project success (PS). According to the authors, such an effect is mediated by team engagement and moderated by…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to determine the effect of humble leadership on project success (PS). According to the authors, such an effect is mediated by team engagement and moderated by organizational culture. The direct and indirect effects of team engagement provided helpful insights. Moreover, organizational culture did not moderate the relationship. The authors’ objective is to contribute to the literature on project management (PM) and leadership of how team engagement plays a significant role in PS.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from 317 employees working in Pakistan’s telecom sector projects. Five project-related telecom companies were the target population of this study, and the reason behind choosing the telecom sector for investigation is their valuable contribution to the revenue and technology introduction in the country. A time-lagged approach was selected for data collection to avoid the common method bias, which served the purpose. SPSS v23 and AMOS v23 were used for constructing structural equation modeling and path analysis to examine direct and indirect effects.
Findings
The results revealed that humble leadership is positively related to PS. Furthermore, team engagement mediated the relationship between humble leadership and PS, while there was no interaction effect.
Originality/value
The impact of team engagement was the primary topic of interest with humble leadership in this study. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no study has investigated team engagement in the project context. The authors tried to contribute to the PM literature.
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Waseem Khan, Trilok Pratap Singh and Mohammed Jamshed
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of agribusiness firms in India, China and Pakistan, as well as the challenges they face in doing business.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of agribusiness firms in India, China and Pakistan, as well as the challenges they face in doing business.
Design/methodology/approach
This study is based on the World Bank’s Enterprises Survey (WBES) data. The survey was carried out through a questionnaire survey from the owner and top managers of 716, 247 and 174 agribusiness from India, Pakistan and China, respectively. This enterprises survey has comprised the information regarding the wide range of firms’ characteristics and 16 parameters of business obstacles. Simple statistical tools such as chi-square and analysis of variance have been used to analyze the data.
Findings
Chi-square test shows the statistically significance difference in firms’ characteristics across agribusiness firms of India, China and Pakistan. Chinese firms are better in terms of having an international quality certification, own websites and getting credit. In Pakistan, access to land for agribusiness is an obstacle while for India and China, it is easy to acquire land for agribusiness purposes. In Pakistan, tax rate and political stability is a moderate obstacle while in India and China, it is a minor obstacle in agribusiness. Labor regulation does not perceive any considerable obstacle in doing business in India and Pakistan.
Practical implications
This study provides an understanding of differences in the agribusiness environment in emerging economies such as India, Pakistan and China based on WBES data. This study can be helpful for agribusiness managers and government policymakers for promoting agriculture-based entrepreneurship.
Originality/value
It is the first attempt to compare the profile of agribusiness firms in growing Asian economies such as India, Pakistan and China, as well as perceived business hurdles, using a comprehensive enterprises survey data of World Bank.
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Saima Habib, Farzana Kishwar and Zulfiqar Ali Raza
The purpose of this study is to apply silver nanoparticles on the cellulosic fabric via a green cross-linking approach to obtain antibacterial textiles. The cellulosic fabrics may…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to apply silver nanoparticles on the cellulosic fabric via a green cross-linking approach to obtain antibacterial textiles. The cellulosic fabrics may provide an ideal enclave for microbial growth due to their biodegradable nature and retention of certain nutrients and moisture usually required for microbial colonization. The application of antibacterial finish on the textile surfaces is usually done via synthetic cross-linkers, which, however, may cause toxic effects and halt the biodegradation process.
Design/methodology/approach
Herein, we incorporated citrate moieties on the cellulosic fabric as eco-friendly crosslinkers for the durable and effective application of nanosilver finish. The nanosilver finish was then applied on the citrate-treated cellulosic fabric under the pad-dry-cure method and characterized the specimens for physicochemical, textile and antibacterial properties.
Findings
The results expressed that the as-prepared silver particles possessed spherical morphology with their average size in the nano range and zeta potential being −40 ± 5 mV. The results of advanced analytical characterization demonstrated the successful application of nanosilver on the cellulosic surface with appropriate dispersibility.
Practical implications
The nanosilver-treated fabric exhibited appropriate textile and comfort and durable broad-spectrum antibacterial activity.
Originality/value
The treated cellulosic fabric expressed that the cross-linking, crystalline behavior, surface chemistry, roughness and amphiphilicity could affect some of its comfort and textile properties yet be in the acceptable range for potential applications in medical textiles and environmental sectors.
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Mohd Arwab, Mohd Adil, Mohd Nasir and Mohd Ashraf Ali
The purpose of this study is to analyse the perception of employees towards training and also examine the mediation effect of employee engagement between training and task…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to analyse the perception of employees towards training and also examine the mediation effect of employee engagement between training and task performance.
Design/methodology/approach
An integrated model has been developed highlighting the relationship of the motivation for training and support for training and their implications on task performance through the mediating role of employee engagement. Using the sample of 397, structural equation modelling has been used with the help of SPSS and AMOS to validate the hypothesized relationship and evaluate the responses of employees working in travel agencies operating in Delhi (capital), India.
Findings
The findings of this study demonstrated a positively significant relationship between training and task performance of employees in the tourism and hospitality industry. Simultaneously, employee engagement positively mediates the relationship between training and task performance directly and indirectly. This study goes over the ramifications of the findings and offers some suggestions for practical implementations.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can be used by managers and HR professionals to organize exclusive training programs for improving employees’ performance based on the dimensions used in this study. This study also suggests that training program enhances employee engagement in organizational activities which leads to build up team work and overall organizational as well as individual performance.
Originality/value
This study also introduces a conceptual model and theoretical framework that provide a significant contribution to the training and task performance of employees. This study provides a strong theoretical foundation by incorporating the social exchange theory to confirm the role of employee engagement in performance. Further, this novel piece of research explores the relationship between training and task performance with employee engagement as a mediator, especially in the Indian tourism and hospitality industry.
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