scholarly journals Public libraries in Switzerland: RDA and the FRBRization watershed

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 98-112
Author(s):  
Elisa Banfi ◽  
Arnaud Gaudinat
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Public Libraries ◽  
Local Level ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Linguistic Structure ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate how Swiss public libraries are experiencing a normative revolution connected to new cataloging standards, such as RDA and the FRBRization of catalogs.Design/methodology/approachThanks to semi-structured interviews, the paper analyzes the current positioning of Swiss public libraries on the “bibliographic transition” issue by using a case study of the network of municipal libraries in Geneva.FindingsIn Switzerland, the federal and multi-linguistic structure of the library networks increases the organizational obstacles to the adoption of new cataloging principles and formats. At the local level, the Swiss municipal libraries have to cope with this complexity to transform their structures and continue to offer competitive and effective services to their users.Practical implicationsThe paper proposes six scenarios of technology watershed for the analyzed case study and their consequences for cataloging standards and rules.Social implicationsThe paper shows how the adoption of technological and conceptual innovations has to be done in the face of real organizational and administrative constraints, especially in the case of public lending libraries.Originality/valueThe paper analyzes at the empirical and theoretical levels how, especially in Switzerland, the variety of governance levels and linguistic areas have made strategizing more complex for public lending libraries.

scholarly journals A place to call our own: perspectives on the geographical and social marginalisation of homeless people

2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (3) ◽  
pp. 105-116
Author(s):  
Caroline Hughes ◽  
Iolo Madoc-Jones ◽  
Odette Parry ◽  
Sarah Dubberley
Keyword(s):  
Public Space ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Homeless People ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Private Sphere ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Spatial Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Mainstream Society ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Notwithstanding heightened awareness of the issues faced by homeless people, the notion that homelessness is the result of individual failings and weaknesses persists. The purpose of this paper is to challenge that perception by giving voice to this marginalised group and exploring the mechanisms through which they made and remade as homeless and may be protected. Design/methodology/approach Semi-structured interviews (n=23) were carried out with a sample of homeless people who had accessed a range of homelessness services in the study area. Findings It is argued that largely deprived of the private sphere, which arguably renders them in most need of public space, homeless people find themselves most subject to scrutiny, surveillance, social disapprobation and exclusion. Research limitations/implications The authors reiterate that rather than simply being associated with rooflessness, homelessness is as a function of ongoing geographical marginalisation and social alienation. Practical implications The authors suggest that dedicated spaces for homeless people to occupy during the day continue to be in need of development because, whilst not unproblematic, they can disrupt processes associated with homelessness. Social implications Further resources should be directed towards homelessness and the issues that arise during daytime for homeless people. Originality/value The paper supports the literature which highlights the spatial practices by which stigmatised groups come to be separated from mainstream society.

Informal learning spaces (ILS) in university libraries and their campuses

2016 ◽  
Vol 117 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 49-62 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew Cunningham ◽  
Graham Walton
Keyword(s):  
Informal Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Comparative Approach ◽  
University Libraries ◽  
Learning Spaces ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to explore at Loughborough University (UK) how informal learning spaces (ILS) are used by students in the Library and elsewhere on campus. Focus includes learning activities undertaken by students, reasons why the ILS is chosen, suggestions on how they can be improved and how technologies are used. Comparison will be drawn between how students use Library ILS and other ILS. Design/methodology/approach – Case study based at Loughborough University and its Library. Semi-structured interviews were held with 265 students in various ILS spaces across campus. Findings – Similarities and differences are present in the way students use Library ILS compared with other ILS campus spaces. These include impact of campus geography and individual academic levels of students. Research limitations/implications – This is a single case study and the results can only relate to Loughborough University. There may be some lessons and themes that are relevant to other universities. The number of interviewees is relatively small. Practical implications – Highlights the need for cooperation between various university stakeholders to strategically and operationally manage different ILS on campus. Originality/value – This is one of the very few studies that investigate together the range of ILS including the Library in a comparative approach.

scholarly journals Hollowing out national agreements in the NHS? The case of “Improving Working Lives” under a “Turnaround” plan

2017 ◽  
Vol 39 (2) ◽  
pp. 145-159
Author(s):  
Ian Roper ◽  
David Etherington ◽  
Suzan Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Performance Management ◽  
Local Level ◽  
National Level ◽  
Case Study Research ◽  
Employee Relations ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Working Lives ◽  
The Face

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the resilience of a national-level initiative (Improving Working Lives (IWL)) in the face of local-level initiative (Turnaround) in an NHS hospital and compare to Bach and Kessler’s (2012) model of public service employment relations. Design/methodology/approach Case study research consisting of 23 in-depth semi-structured interviews from a range of participants. Findings The principles behind IWL were almost entirely sacrificed in order to meet the financial objectives of Turnaround. This indicates the primacy of localised upstream performance management initiatives over the national-level downstream employee relations initiatives that form the basis of the NHS’ claim to model employer aspiration. Research limitations/implications The case study was conducted between 2007 and 2009. While the case study falls under previous government regime, the dualised system of national-level agreements combined with localised performance management – and the continued existence of both Turnaround and IWL – makes the results relevant at the time of writing. Originality/value Some studies (e.g. Skinner et al., 2004) indicated a perception that IWL was not trusted by NHS staff. The present study offers reasons as to why this may be the case.

Make it work! Creating an integrated workplace concept

2016 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-29 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mari Ekstrand ◽  
Geir Karsten Hansen
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Questionnaire Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Continual Improvement ◽  
Secondary Material ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the relationship between organisational flexibility and individual adaptation in the implementation of integrated workplace concepts. The focus is on the interconnectedness between different concepts and organisational aspects, as well as on overcoming challenges to fully achieve the intended ends. Design/methodology/approach The discussion builds on a triangulated research design including: semi-structured interviews, observation studies and analysis of secondary material in the form of internal evaluation reports and quantitative questionnaire data. Findings To fully achieve the intended ends, organisational, cultural and managerial aspects need to be aligned with the interconnected workplace concept. To create alignment, the concept also needs to be supported by a process of continual improvement and organisational learning. Research limitations/implications The case study was conducted in one organisation. Additional empirical research is needed to provide more definite conclusions, guidelines and theories. Practical implications The findings highlight the importance of applying a socio-material perspective towards implementation and development of integrated workplace concepts. Emphasising change, learning and development rather than standardisation and equality, may, in the end, allow for better concept interconnectedness. Originality/value The originality of this study lies in the perspective of studying the implementation of integrated workplace concepts from a socio-material perspective, shedding light on employee and managerial adaptation to different interrelated aspects and measures.

“Own store” vision for Finnish co-op

2015 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 13-15
Keyword(s):  
Case Studies ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Reading Time ◽  
Alternative Strategy ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Guidelines ◽  
Pertinent Information ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – This paper aims to review the latest management developments across the globe and pinpoint practical implications from cutting-edge research and case studies. Design/methodology/approach – This briefing is prepared by an independent writer who adds their own impartial comments and places the articles in context. Findings – The case-study article illustrates how a Finnish grocery retailer introduced a compelling alternative strategy, based on co-operative principles, to transform the organization’s fortunes in the face of increasing competition from rivals with global buying power. The study presents the four focal tasks of the vision and concludes with five practical guidelines for executives. Practical implications – The paper provides strategic insights and practical thinking that have influenced some of the world’s leading organizations. Originality/value – The briefing saves busy executives and researchers hours of reading time by selecting only the very best, most pertinent information and presenting it in a condensed and easy-to-digest format.

The professional basis of development work: suppose the person you are assisting to learn decides to leave the organization

2014 ◽  
Vol 28 (3) ◽  
pp. 3-5
Author(s):  
Ian Cunningham
Keyword(s):  
Personal Experience ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Development Work ◽  
Learning And Development ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Social ◽  
Development Professionals ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this article is to challenge some assumptions about development work. It raised moral and ethical dilemma facing learning and development professionals. Design/methodology/approach – The article draws on personal experience and theory. It also uses an extract from Sainsbury’s case study. Findings – Learning and development professionals need to consider their role in relation to people with whom they work. Practical implications – The article provides practical advice based on real examples. Social implications – The article is clear about the social implications of one aspect of learning and development work, namely, where the activities of learning and development may cause a person to leave the organization. Originality/value – It appears to be a unique analysis of a real issue, namely, what should learning and development professionals do if a person wants to leave the organization as a result of their learning.

Remarkable lives: Chantelle Garth in conversation with Jerome Carson

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Chantelle Garth ◽  
Jerome Carson
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Adult Life ◽  
Childhood And Adolescence ◽  
Case Study Approach ◽  
Short Account ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Study Approach ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to provide a profile of Chantelle Garth. Design/methodology/approach Using a case study approach, Chantelle provides a short account of her background and is then interviewed by Jerome. Findings Chantelle gives an account of her very troubled childhood and adolescence. Her adult life has been no easier. Life is a continuous challenge. Research limitations/implications It is hard to imagine a tougher life than Chantelle’s, yet her ambition has carried her through. A single account, yet one of the most powerful accounts in this series. Practical implications There are few better accounts of resilience in the face of at times what seem like insurmountable obstacles. Social implications The belief that can be instilled by a single professional can have a profound effect in encouraging someone facing adversity. Originality/value There are numerous accounts of individuals facing difficulties in life, then there is Chantelle’s. This is in a category of its own.

Preservation practices of new media artists

2017 ◽  
Vol 73 (4) ◽  
pp. 716-732 ◽  
Author(s):  
Colin Post
Keyword(s):  
New Media ◽  
Cultural Heritage ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Art Museums ◽  
Artistic Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
New Media Art ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the preservation practices of new media artists, in particular those working outside of the scope of major collecting institutions, examining how these artists preserve new media artworks in their custody. Design/methodology/approach The paper builds case studies of seven new media artists of differing practices and artistic approaches. For each case study, semi-structured interviews with the artists were conducted in conjunction with visits to the artists’ studios. Findings The study finds that new media artists face a number of shared preservation challenges and employ a range of preservation strategies, and that these challenges and strategies differ markedly from that of art museums and cultural heritage institutions. Research limitations/implications This study considers preservation practices for new media artists generally. Further research into specific communities of artistic practice could profitably build upon this overall framework. Practical implications The findings of this research pose a number of implications for art museums and cultural heritage institutions, suggesting new ways these institutions might consider supporting the preservation of new media artworks before works enter into institutional custody. Originality/value The literature on new media art preservation emphasizes the importance of working with artists early in the life cycle of digital artworks. This study advances this by investigating preservation from the perspective of new media artists, deepening the understanding of challenges and potential preservation strategies for these artworks prior to entering or outside of institutional custody.

The outcomes of providing lean training to strategic suppliers: a Swedish case study

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ewout Reitsma ◽  
Peter Manfredsson ◽  
Per Hilletofth ◽  
Roy Andersson
Keyword(s):  
Training Program ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Potential Outcomes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Lean Practices ◽  
Practical Implications ◽  
Over Time

PurposeThe aim of this study is to investigate the outcomes of a leading Swedish truck maker (referred to as “TruckCo” for confidentiality reasons) providing lean training to its strategic suppliers.Design/methodology/approachA single in-depth case study is conducted, using on-site semi-structured interviews with representatives from TruckCo and its suppliers for data collection.FindingsThe lean training program resulted in four main outcomes. First, financially unstable suppliers were less receptive to the lean training program than financially stable suppliers. Second, the suppliers became easier to collaborate with over time, through improving their internal ways of working and thus creating more trust in terms of reliability. Third, the suppliers improved their ability to identify possible problems that could jeopardize deliveries. Fourth and finally, the suppliers improved their delivery precision.Research limitations/implicationsOne limitation of this study is that its findings are based on a single in-depth case study. Another limitation is that all the involved companies originate from Sweden. These limitations should be considered in attempts to replicate or further test the reported findings.Practical implicationsThis study provides insights into how a manufacturer can teach lean management to suppliers, and how suppliers can be involved in a manufacturer's journey towards a leaner supply chain. Furthermore, the study reflects more generally on the potential outcomes of a manufacturer providing lean training to suppliers.Originality/valueThis study highlights both TruckCo's and the suppliers' view of the outcomes of the lean training program and discusses how different suppliers adopt the taught lean practices. Avenues for future research are proposed as well.

Weathering the storm: what successful SMEs are doing to beat the pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Diego Antonio Bittencourt Marconatto ◽  
Emidio Gressler Teixeira ◽  
Gaspar Antônio Peixoto ◽  
Kadigia Faccin
Keyword(s):  
Economic Crisis ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Empirical Investigation ◽  
Qualitative Studies ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Working Capital ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Face ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to identify the configurations of working capital and customer and supplier diversification employed by successful small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.Design/methodology/approachThis study employed a combinatory methodology to analyze how 124 Brazilian SMEs configured – before and during the pandemic – the size of their working capital and their levels of dependency on clients and suppliers.FindingsHigh levels of working capital and supplier diversification were found to be key to SMEs' ability to thrive before and during the pandemic. However, while SMEs that were growing prior to the pandemic depended on a few major customers, firms flourishing during this time have divided their sales among many clients.Research limitations/implicationsThis study focuses on what configurations SMEs have adopted during the crisis. Qualitative studies are needed to identify how SMEs reconfigure themselves in the face of a major crisis.Practical implicationsThe results of this study indicate that SMEs hit by the pandemic should avoid retrenchment strategies. They might have better chances of success if they embrace their vulnerability and take risks to foster growth.Social implicationsThe results of the study can help SMEs respond to the economic crisis caused by COVID-19, which has already caused the failure of millions of businesses worldwide.Originality/valueThis is the first empirical investigation of SMEs that are weathering the pandemic, and in this study, the authors have analyzed the three aspects of their operations, which have been struck the hardest by the crisis.

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