127,191 research outputs found

    A Hybrid Solution for Advice in the Knowledge Management Field

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    This paper presents a hybrid artificial intelligent solution that helps to automatically generate proposals, aimed at improving the internal states of organization units from a Knowledge Management (KM) point of view. This solution is based on the combination of the Case-Based Reasoning (CBR) and connectionist paradigms. The required outcome consists of customized solutions for different areas of expertise related to the organization units, once a lack of knowledge in any of those has been identified. On the other hand, the system is fed with KM data collected at the organization and unit contexts. This solution has been integrated in a KM system that additionally profiles the KM status of the whole organization

    Understanding the consumption process through in-branch and e-mortgage service channels: A first-time buyer perspective

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    This article is (c) Emerald Group Publishing and permission has been granted for this version to appear here (////BURA web address here). Emerald does not grant permission for this article to be further copied/distributed or hosted elsewhere without the express permission from Emerald Group Publishing Limited.Purpose – The twin aims of this paper are to explore the differences in the consumption process between the traditional in-branch and web-based (e-mortgage) service channels and how the differences relate to any problems identified in the electronic service environment, with respect to information search and product evaluation. Design/methodology/approach – A process-oriented approach comparing the two service channels (in-branch vs e-mortgage) was conducted in two study phases. Data from the e-mortgage process were collected using protocol analysis with 12 first-time buyers (FTBs) applying on a website belonging either to a hybrid or to an internet-only bank. Results of the e-mortgage process were mapped on to stages of the in-branch process, which was captured by observation of six FTB mortgage interviews to determine the level of correspondence and emergent issues. Findings – Support for the FTB in the e-mortgage process was problematic and service provision was found to be product- rather than consumer-oriented. Practical implications – The study highlights the importance of design issues in the electronic service environment for creating confidence in the online advice and information available on home mortgages for FTBs. Originality/value – The paper promotes increased understanding by financial service providers of the characteristics that support the consultative selling process for complex products such as mortgages and inform multichannel retailing

    Grass clover ley species, variety selection and management

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    Grass clover leys form the basis of most organic farming systems yet the selection of seed mixtures is often founded on tradition or cost. Based on a review of recent and past research this review provides a wealth of information on grass and legume species and varieties, mixture selection, ley establishment and pasture management. The objective of the Grass Clover Ley research review are: 1. To identify all the relevant research undertaken 2. Collate the results of the research 3. Draw on farm and commercial experience 4. Summarise the practical implications of the research for organic farming 5. Facilitate access to the results of research to advisers in a form which allows easy transfer to farmers. The report presents key conclusions about the choice of legume and gras species and varietes, the management of swards and their role for fertility building

    The resilience of indigenous knowledge in small-scale African agriculture: key drivers

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    The successful use of indigenous knowledge (IK) in development practice in rural Africa over the last couple of decades has proved to be elusive and disappointing. Using empirical field data from northern Malawi, this study suggests that the two key drivers for farmers in this area are household food security and the maintenance of soil fertility. Indigenous ways of knowing underpin the agricultural system which has been developed, rather than the adoption of more modern, ‘scientific’ ways, to deliver against these drivers. Such IKs, however, are deeply embedded in the economic, social and cultural environments in which they operate

    Who do they think they are? The changing identities of professional administrators and managers in UK higher education

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    Contemporary universities, serving mass higher education markets, find themselves delivering complex, broadly based projects such as student support and welfare, human resource development, and business enterprise. Established concepts of academic administration and devolved management have been overlaid by more fluid institutional structures and cultures, with a softening of internal and external boundaries (Whitchurch 2004; 2005). These developments have caused major shifts in the identities of professional administrators and managers, as they adopt more projectoriented roles crossing functional and organisational boundaries. This paper considers the dynamics of these changes, in terms that move beyond conventional assumptions about ‘administration’ and ‘management’. While identities have been defined traditionally via structured domains such as professional knowledges, institutional boundaries, and the policy requirements of the higher education sector, an emergent ‘project’ domain has fostered the development of an increasingly multi-professional grouping of staff, with implications for career futures

    Application of Artificial Intelligence in Transportation Demand Management: Development and Implementation of E-sutra

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    Allowing traffic to grow to a level at which there is extensive and regular congestion is economically inefficient. Although the construction of additional roads can alleviate some of the effects of congestion, the benefits may be counterbalanced unless the growth in traffic volumes can be restrained. Therefore, another alternative is by implementing Transportation Demand Management (TDM), which means people still travel but at the same time the private car USAge is reduced. This paper presents the development of an expert system for sustainable transportation (E-SUTRA) through implementation of TDM. The overall result of 69% accuracy indicates the high possibility of the E-SUTRA system to be used as an advisory tool for sustainable transportation through TDM

    Partnering with Intermediaries

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    The purpose of this paper is to explore the dimensions of foundation-intermediary partnerships in order to inform future philanthropic strategy and practice
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