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Article
Publication date: 23 January 2023

Osagie Oseghale

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of digital information literacy (DIL) skill and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to assess the level of digital information literacy (DIL) skill and use of electronic resources by humanities graduate students at Kenneth Dike Library, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the survey research design and 200 graduate students from the 12 departments that made up the Faculty of Arts in the University of Ibadan participated in the study. A self-devised structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. A pilot questionnaire was first sent to a small random sample of the respondents, with feedback used to fine-tune the final questionnaire. Respondents were requested to rate their level of proficiency in the use of digital devices, web-based tasks, information finding, evaluation and utilisation of available e-resources and challenges encountered. Ethical consideration of informed consent, institutional permission, confidentiality and anonymity of participants was strictly followed. Data collected were analysed and result presented using descriptive statistics including frequencies, percentage, mean and inferential statistics such as regression analysis and Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient were used to test the research question and hypothesis, respectively.

Findings

Humanities graduate students at the University of Ibadan possessed high level of DIL skills in respect of digital devices usage, web-based tasks, information finding and evaluation, but low in e-resources utilisation. This study identified inadequate knowledge of e-resources availability, irregular internet access, inadequate training on e-resources utilisation, inadequate staff assistance, lack of continuity in e-resources subscription and paucity of local contents in the e-resources as main challenges encountered by graduate students in the use of e-resources. To ensure that those who can most benefit from e-resources utilisation are not further marginalised, this study recommends that active steps should be taken to increase e-resources awareness, regular internet access, training/support, continuity of e-resources subscription and increased local content so that all may benefit from the opportunities of the information age.

Originality/value

This paper has demonstrated that DIL skills can enhance effective utilisation of e-resources if users have adequate knowledge of e-resources availability, regular internet access, adequate training and assistance on e-resources utilisation, continuity in database subscription and adequate local contents e-resources.

Article
Publication date: 16 March 2010

Youngtae Choi, Richard T. Hise, Richard P. Bagozzi and Paul A. Fadil

The purpose of this paper is to explore post‐international strategic alliance (ISA) establishment processes by exploring the interrelationships surrounding utilization as a…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore post‐international strategic alliance (ISA) establishment processes by exploring the interrelationships surrounding utilization as a resource coordinating activity, two communication dimensions (four communication factors) as the antecedents of utilization, and the implications of utilization for ISA performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the mail and e‐mail surveys, the structural model is analyzed by using LISREL. The moderating effects of cultural sensitivity and host government interference on the relationship between utilization and international alliance performance are measured by a moderated multiple regression. The mediating effect of utilization is also examined.

Findings

Three of the four communication factors (all except for informal communication) affect the effective utilization of the resources contributed by each ISA partner. Utilization contributes to the achievement of each ISA partner's objectives. Utilization is also found to fully mediate the relationships between the three significant communication factors (formal, two‐way, and participative) and ISA performance.

Practical implications

The study suggests the practical and academic importance of implementing and researching the resource coordinating activities after an ISA has established to successfully manage ISA operation.

Originality/value

The concept of utilization is introduced and empirically tested to investigate the post‐formation alliance process and how the process affects ISA performance.

Details

International Journal of Commerce and Management, vol. 20 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1056-9219

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 9 January 2017

Xiaomi An, Wenlin Bai, Hepu Deng, Shuyang Sun, Wenrui Zhong and Yu Dong

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between different mechanisms for integrating national archival resources, leading to the development of a knowledge…

3133

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between different mechanisms for integrating national archival resources, leading to the development of a knowledge management-based framework for facilitating the optimal utilization of national archives resources in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach consisting of a review of existing mechanisms for integrating national archival resources and site visits and interviews for investigating the effectiveness of these mechanisms in real world practices for managing and utilizing national archives resources in China.

Findings

The knowledge management-based framework is shown to be useful for building interdependence, interconnections and interactions between diversified integration mechanisms to meet national, societal and public needs in China. The framework is significant for rearranging the role of knowledge management in collaboration to protect the value of national archives resources as the knowledge asset of a state. It can reengineer the knowledge management activities in communication to share the value of national archives resources as the knowledge asset of a society. Furthermore, the framework can reconfigure knowledge management artifacts in connectivity to increase the value of national archives resources as the knowledge asset of the public.

Research limitations/implications

The review of the related literature is selective rather than comprehensive, and the interviews are based on a self-selected convenience sample, which is rather skewed demographically.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can be used to guide the development of a national strategy for the effective integration of national archives resources to promote a better delivery of public-centric knowledge services in a specific society.

Originality/value

This study provides a knowledge management framework for the effective integration of national archives resources toward their optimal utilization. It contributes to the examination of the role of different integration mechanisms in interactive knowledge management processes and the advancement of academic debate on the effectiveness of these mechanisms for the integration of national archives resources to facilitate their optimal utilization in China.

Details

Journal of Documentation, vol. 73 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0022-0418

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 27 April 2010

Badran Al‐Omar and Saad Al‐Ghanim

This paper seeks to show that there is inappropriate utilization of resources in hospitals in all three health care sectors (whether Ministry of Health, military or private). Such…

654

Abstract

Purpose

This paper seeks to show that there is inappropriate utilization of resources in hospitals in all three health care sectors (whether Ministry of Health, military or private). Such misuses can be tracked down by understanding the factors associated with such utilization.

Design/methodology/approach

The results were based on the assessment of some of the health staff and it could be argued that the rate of inappropriate utilization of hospital resources would have been different if it had been based on the patients' own assessments.

Findings

The results of this study show that regardless of the hospital type (or ownership), a substantial percentage of respondents perceive that hospital resources are inappropriately utilized. In fact, more than half of respondents in the three health care sectors indicate that the utilization of hospital resources is inappropriate. These results are inline with previous research which reported that the patient or the patient's family can contribute to unnecessary utilization by pressuring the physician to admit or by delaying discharge. In addition, although not examined in this study, patient characteristics such as lack of family support, age and lack of a health post‐discharge influence inappropriate hospital utilization.

Practical implications

If overutilization or underutilization continues in this vein, it will markedly increase the burden on these hospitals and adversely affect the delivery of health services to the Saudi population.

Originality/value

While several studies in different countries have described the problem of inappropriate utilization of hospital facilities, no previous studies in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia appear to have discussed this issue other than the present study.

Details

Clinical Governance: An International Journal, vol. 15 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7274

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 30 September 2014

Julius Ayodeji Fapohunda and Nicholas Chileshe

This paper aims to evaluate and present the essential factors that will enhance site managers’ efficient performance which will perpetuate optimal construction resources

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate and present the essential factors that will enhance site managers’ efficient performance which will perpetuate optimal construction resources utilisation. The capability of controlling and monitoring construction resources and the application of production information to achieve predetermined objectives of scope, cost, time, quality and clients’ satisfaction are the primary functions of site managers. However, the effective implementation of this production information is usually hindered by some factors, often resulting in conscious, unconscious or unavoidable resource wastage.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is triangulated. The investigations are based on an action survey, comprising structured quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interview surveys conducted with a few project managers in the UK construction industry.

Findings

The research evaluates problems associated with the site managers’ project delivery and establishes essential factors towards efficient resources utilisation. Among the identified predicaments are the design team’ attitudes towards site managers’ corrections, modification and alterations; communication gap between the design and construction teams; and production information inadequacy. Thus, the factors identified which will enhance the efficiencies of the site managers are communication effectiveness and effective information dissemination, conducive environment, production information simplicity and explicitness, in addition to skilled workers’ participation in knowledge transfer and sharing, to mention but a few.

Originality/value

The facts presented in this study will significantly enhance site managers’ optimal resources utilisation, and provide the opportunity for construction resources waste minimisation. Thus, the adequate implementation of the innovative measures presented in this study will not only enhance the performance of site managers on resources utilisation, but will also augment client satisfaction.

Article
Publication date: 7 February 2018

Irene Shubi Isibika and George Firmin Kavishe

This study aims to investigate the utilisation of subscribed e-resources at Mzumbe University (MU) main library. The study involved academic staff, undergraduate (third-year…

1719

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the utilisation of subscribed e-resources at Mzumbe University (MU) main library. The study involved academic staff, undergraduate (third-year) students and postgraduate students of MU.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used a mixed-method research design using cross-sectional and case study research designs. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were used. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical package for the social sciences version 20 and Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, and qualitative data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

The findings revealed that participants were moderately aware of the library-subscribed e-resources, and the major barriers that caused underutilisation were unstable network connectivity and lack of searching skills. It was recommended that MU Library should equip library users with intensive training on information searching skills to increase utilisation of the subscribed e-resources. Furthermore, it was strongly recommended that the library should market its subscribed e-resources to attract more users.

Originality/value

Many papers have been written on electronic resources, but this study specifically focussed on subscribed resources, and it is the first time that an investigation has been done on utilisation of subscribed electronic resources by library users in MU. The results of the study could be useful for MU Library and other academic libraries in Africa in ensuring that there is high utilisation of subscribed e-resources.

Details

Global Knowledge, Memory and Communication, vol. 67 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0024-2535

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 8 January 2018

Ying Guo, Dongpo Xia, Binghua Sun, Xi Wang, Dao Zhang and Jinhua Li

Because natural resource utilization is a predictor of sustainable development, an evaluation of the efficiency of resource utilization is critical for assessing developmental…

Abstract

Purpose

Because natural resource utilization is a predictor of sustainable development, an evaluation of the efficiency of resource utilization is critical for assessing developmental potentiality. The purpose of this paper is to apply three-dimensional (3D) ecological footprint theory to assess the effects of production and consumption on ecological systems in Hefei, China.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data for Hefei for the period 2005-2014, an ecological footprint model (EFM) was developed to calculate the area’s ecological footprint (EF), ecological carrying (EC) capacity and obtain two indices, namely, footprint depth and size. The relationship between economic development and natural resource utilization was subsequently evaluated based on the calculated ecological deficit and the EF demand per Renminbi 10,000 of gross domestic product (GDP).

Findings

Over the last decade, Hefei’s EF per capita evidenced a 9.87 percent growth rate, increasing from 1.16 hm2/person in 2005 to 2.70 hm2/person in 2014. EC capacity per capita increased from 0.21 hm2/person in 2005 to 0.36 hm2/person in 2014, evidencing a gradually increasing trend at an average annual growth rate of 6.24 percent. Thus, between 2005 and 2014, the ecological deficit increased annually by three times. The amplification of footprint depth significantly exceeded that of footprint size. Between 2005 and 2014, Hefei’s EF per capita Renminbi 10,000 of GDP decreased annually by 4.68 percent. Thus, energy consumption in Hefei exceeded the natural regeneration capacity of energy resources, with excessive development and resource utilization impacting on the regional ecological system.

Practical implications

The application of a 3D EFM sheds light on natural resource utilization within regional development. Moreover, footprint depth and size are significant predictors of the impacts of natural resource utilization. These findings will also benefit other countries or cities.

Originality/value

This is one of the first empirical studies to apply a 3D EFM to evaluate the relationship between natural resource utilization and economic development. Adopting a sustainable development framework, it provides insights into the effects of natural resource utilization in relation to the balance between the natural ecological system and economic development. This has far-reaching implications beyond Hefei and China.

Details

Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal, vol. 29 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1477-7835

Keywords

Article
Publication date: 5 February 2021

Yuzhong Li, Suicheng Li and Hecheng Cui

This study aims to examine the effect of supplier supply network (SSN) resources on buyer–supplier collaborative product innovation. The existing relevant studies from the network…

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effect of supplier supply network (SSN) resources on buyer–supplier collaborative product innovation. The existing relevant studies from the network perspective are focused more horizontally on the mobilization of the firm’s entire supplier network resources and less vertically on the utilization of the individual supplier's supply network resources. Therefore, this paper takes a contingency perspective, regards the buyer as the receiver of a supplier’s supply network resources and, based on the theoretical motivation–opportunity–ability framework, explores the important motivation and ability factors that may weaken or enhance the product innovation value of the network resources.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper develops a new research model that assesses how the innovation utilization effectiveness of SSN resources is contingent on a buyer’s perception of the SSN effects and relative absorptive capacity on the SSN. A large sample questionnaire is designed and collected from 300 Chinese high-tech manufacturing firms and their suppliers. An empirical test is carried out in which multiple regression analysis is applied to 246 valid sample data.

Findings

The results show that SSN resources can significantly enhance buyer–supplier collaborative product innovation; however, the innovation utilization effectiveness is limited by the buyer’s relative absorptive capacity for the SSN and perception of the SSN effects. Specifically, if a buyer perceives that a greater innovation effect of a supplier’s supply network is correlated with an improved relative position in the SSN or with higher network structural equivalence and network cognitive congruence between the buyer and the supplier on the SSN, then the buyer will be more motivated and capable of transforming the SSN resources into actual product innovation value.

Practical implications

The research results provide useful guidance for firms to effectively mobilize their SSN resources to tap into the supplier innovation value for a sustainable competitive advantage.

Originality/value

This paper extends the research on supplier innovation value to the SSN field. Through linking dyadic and network levels of analysis, this paper reveals the value and uniqueness of product innovation utilization of a specific supplier’s supply network resources in the buyer–supplier relationship and provides a new research perspective for future studies on related issues.

Article
Publication date: 17 January 2022

An Ping

The purpose of this article is to adhere to the construction of foreign print books. Of course, when the funds are limited or reduced, we can adjust the collection structure…

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to adhere to the construction of foreign print books. Of course, when the funds are limited or reduced, we can adjust the collection structure according to the utilization situation and reduce the subjects or languages that readers use poorly. Provide data support for library collection development plan.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper analyzes the development and utilization of printed foreign language books based on the case of the National Library of China (NLC).The quality of library collection is analyzed by list checking method, and the utilization of library collection is analyzed by comparative analysis method and the statistical analysis method is used for language and subject areas, the questionnaire analysis method is used for users in NLC.

Findings

Foreign printed books plays a certain role in supporting domestic social users. The construction advantages of these print books need to be adhered to and developed. They should not be interrupted or cut down sharply because of many libraries are developing towards digital library or smart library nowadays. Libraries need to balance printed and digital resources in their collection and optimize their printed collection composition in terms of subject areas and unique resources to keep up with evolving needs of their patrons.

Research limitations/implications

It is not compared with the utilization of e-books.

Practical implications

In the transition period from traditional library to digital library, quantitative analysis of the construction and utilization of printed book resources can provide research support for the formulation of collection development planning, better service to users and better use of funds.

Social implications

In the period of library transformation and development, it is of great practical significance to study the construction and utilization of printed books in NLC for resource transformation and service transformation. This paper gives the corresponding analysis and discussion on whether printed books should adhere to and whether they can be optimized.

Originality/value

In the period of Library Transformation and development, it is of great practical significance to study the construction and utilization of foreign language printed books in NLC. The printed book resources can provide research support for the formulation of collection development plan, better service to users and better use of funds.

Book part
Publication date: 11 May 2007

P. Geetha Rani

The paper critically examines the program on Education for All (EFA) in India, namely Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in a financing and development framework. In doing so, the paper…

Abstract

The paper critically examines the program on Education for All (EFA) in India, namely Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) in a financing and development framework. In doing so, the paper identifies a number of policy and implementation gaps in the program. A fine-tuning of the existing matching shares by discriminating the matching shares in terms of need for, ability to provide matching shares and to strengthen the absorptive capacity could go a long way in attaining the horizontal equity in terms of every child completing elementary schooling in India. This would also ensure the other desirable principles of intergovernmental transfers such as predictability, transparency, and incentive mechanism besides improving utilization.

Further, it clearly emerges that only after ensuring the basic minimum levels in terms of physical and human infrastructure, and ensuring equal access to all the child population of age group of 6–14, quality is given priority. Thus, the challenge is both improving the qualitative and quantitative targets of UEE with enhanced resource allocation to education. Hence, Center is to ensure release of funding for SSA through special efforts as the program requires enormous funding and serious commitment of both central and state governments.

On the developmental aspects, the scheme not only widens social inequity but also perpetuates the declining quality of public provision by encouraging alternate schools and para teachers, besides the financing norms. These low-cost options will result in serious ramifications on equity, quality, balance, and sustainability of the basic education structure.

Details

Education for All
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-0-7623-1441-6

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