Publishing a Scorecard for Evaluating the Use of Open-Access Journals Using Linked Data Technologies

Open access journals collect, preserve and publish scientific information in digital form, but it is still difficult not only for users but also for digital libraries to evaluate the usage and impact of this kind of publications. This problem can be tackled by introducing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), allowing us to objectively measure the performance of the journals related to the objectives pursued. In addition, Linked Data technologies constitute an opportunity to enrich the information provided by KPIs, connecting them to relevant datasets across the web. This paper describes a process to develop and publish a scorecard on the semantic web based on the ISO 2789:2013 standard using Linked Data technologies in such a way that it can be linked to related datasets. Furthermore, methodological guidelines are presented with activities. The proposed process was applied to the open journal system of a university, including the definition of the KPIs linked to the institutional strategies, the extraction, cleaning and loading of data from the data sources into a data mart, the transforming of data into RDF (Resource Description Framework), and the publication of data by means of a SPARQL endpoint using the OpenLink Virtuoso application. Additionally, the RDF data cube vocabulary has been used to publish the multidimensional data on the web. The visualization was made using CubeViz a faceted browser to present the KPIs in interactive charts.This work has been partially supported by the Prometeo Project by SENESCYT, Ecuadorian Government

Evaluating open access journals using Semantic Web technologies and scorecards

This paper describes a process to develop and publish a scorecard from an OAJ (Open Access Journal) on the Semantic Web using Linked Data technologies in such a way that it can be linked to related datasets. Furthermore, methodological guidelines are presented with activities related to each step of the process. The proposed process was applied to a university OAJ, including the definition of the KPIs (Key Performance Indicators) linked to the institutional strategies, the extraction, cleaning and loading of data from the data sources into a data mart, the transformation of data into RDF (Resource Description Framework), and the publication of data by means of a SPARQL endpoint using the Virtuoso software. Additionally, the RDF data cube vocabulary has been used to publish the multidimensional data on the Web. The visualization was made using CubeViz, a faceted browser to present the KPIs in interactive charts.This research was supported by National Polythecnic School of Quito, Ecuador. Alejandro Maté is funded by the Generalitat Valenciana (APOSTD/2014/064)

Embracing the future: embedding digital repositories in the University of London

Digital repositories can help Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to develop coherent and coordinated approaches to capture, identify, store and retrieve intellectual assets such as datasets, course material and research papers. With the advances of technology, an increasing number of Higher Education Institutions are implementing digital repositories. The leadership of these institutions, however, has been concerned about the awareness of and commitment to repositories, and their sustainability in the future. This study informs a consortium of thirteen London institutions with an assessment of current awareness and attitudes of stakeholders regarding digital repositories in three case study institutions. The report identifies drivers for, and barriers to, the embedding of digital repositories in institutional strategy. The findings therefore should be of use to decision-makers involved in the development of digital repositories. Our approach was entirely based on consultations with specific groups of stakeholders in three institutions through interviews with specific individuals. The research in this report was prepared for the SHERPA-LEAP Consortium and conducted by RAND Europe

Integrating Web Services with Competitive Strategies: A Balanced Scorecard Approach

The significance of aligning IT with corporate strategy is widely recognized, but the lack of appropriate methodologies prevented practitioners from integrating IT projects with competitive strategies effectively. This article addresses the issue of deploying Web services strategically using the concept of a widely accepted management tool, the balanced scorecard. A framework is developed to match potential benefits of Web services with corporate strategy in four business dimensions: innovation and learning, internal business process, customer, and financial. It is argued that the strategic benefits of implementing Web services can only be realized if the Web services initiatives are planned and implemented within the framework of an IT strategy that is designed to support the business strategy of a firm

Reports Of Conferences, Institutes, And Seminars

This quarter\u27s column offers coverage of multiple sessions from the 2016 Electronic Resources & Libraries (ER&L) Conference, held April 3–6, 2016, in Austin, Texas. Topics in serials acquisitions dominate the column, including reports on altmetrics, cost per use, demand-driven acquisitions, and scholarly communications and the use of subscriptions agents; ERMS, access, and knowledgebases are also featured

Digital library readiness in Africa: A strategic human resource perspective

The success of any digital library endeavour significantly depends on the human capital of the implementing organisation. Many African institutions and academic libraries in developing countries are focusing and channeling significant resources into planning and setting up digital libraries. However, the main hurdle for many of these efforts is the human resource capacity of staff expected to implement these projects as several studies show a considerable skills gap in many digital library projects leading to sustainability challenges. The aim of this paper is to propose the application of the Balanced Scorecard (BSC) in evaluating digital library resources and services in Ghana to determine the readiness of academic libraries in implementing sustainable digital library services. As a result, the study examines the strategic plan of a multi-campus public university in Ghana with a view to aligning it to the same university’s library digital strategy using the BSC. The study proposes to academic libraries involved in digital initiatives to be mindful of the digital, financial and societal contexts in which they operate. The study is expected to contribute to efforts at finding strategic measures to drive the vision of the digital library African institutions

Understanding the Use of Balanced Scorecard in the Context of State-Owned Enterprises in Developing Countries: A Case from Ghana

This paper examines the conception, adoption and implementation of BSC from the context of a developing country and relatively less researched tier of the public sector – State-owned enterprises. The study adopts a case study approach where data was collected via semi-structured interview. Results show a BSC that emphasizes performance measurement and management and to some degree strategic management. Evidence on the extent of normalisation is mixed. Less than 50% of the interviewees on the average assert that there is collective action when it comes to the BSC. Furthermore, on the average a higher percent of the interviews took a neutral position (N) under each of the four elements that provide evidence in establishing the normalisation of the BSC. The limitation of this study are primarily those associated with case studies. This limitation instigates future studies drawing on other research strategies.   At public sector level and SOEs in particular, this the findings of this study provide a first view of BSC being used in a Ghanaian state-owned enterprise Keywords: state-owned enterprises, balanced scorecard, Normalisation process theory, Ghana

Three essays on intellectual capital in Mexican SMEs

Cette thèse s’intéresse à la mesure du capital intellectuel (CI) ainsi que son impact sur les avantages compétitifs de petites et moyennes entreprises (PME) au Mexique. La principale question de recherche est : Comment le capital intellectuel devrait-il être mesuré et quel est son impact sur l’avantage compétitif des PME au Mexique? Afin de répondre à la question de la recherche, le premier article offre une perspective méthodologique du CI. Dans cette revue, les limites des méthodes quantitatives utilisées lors de l’étude du CI sont soulevées. L’utilisation de la modélisation par équations structurelles est discutée et privilégiée. Dans le deuxième article, un modèle de mesure adapté aux réalités des PME mexicaines est proposé. Les résultats suggèrent que, le capital humain et le capital organisationnel sont cohérents avec les études précédentes portant sur le CI dans les PME. Par contre, le capital externe présente des caractéristiques uniques au contexte du Mexique. De plus, malgré les disparités socio-économiques entre les différentes régions au Mexique, suite à une analyse comparative, il est démontré que la vision des gestionnaires ne semble pas différer en termes de CI. Finalement, malgré la multitude de programmes gouvernementaux à la fois aux niveaux national et local, très peu de PME semblent en récolter les bénéfices. Le troisième article tient compte de la théorie basée sur les ressources et la théorie des capacités dynamiques afin d’examiner le CI dans les PME mexicaines ainsi que leur relation avec l’avantage compétitif. Une typologie est proposée et les PME examinées y sont catégorisées en conséquence. Les résultats suggèrent que les PME avec des capacités dynamiques ont institué des processus à l’interne afin de répondre plus rapidement au changement, leur permettant ainsi de gérer les opportunités et les menaces. De plus, elles prennent plus de risques que les PME moins dynamiques lorsqu’il s’agit de saisir des opportunités et de les transformer en avantages compétitifs. De tels processus sont intrinsèques aux PME dites dynamiques parce qu’ils deviennent partie de la culture organisationnelle.The objective of this thesis is to measure intellectual capital (IC) and its impact on the competitive advantage of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico. The main research question is: How should intellectual capital be measured and what is its impact on the competitive advantage of SMEs in Mexico? To answer the research question, the first essay offers a methodological perspective of IC. In this review, the limitations of quantitative methods used in the study of IC are noted. Subsequently, the use of structural equation modeling is discussed and promoted. In the second essay, a measurement model adapted to the realities of Mexican SMEs is proposed. The results suggest that human capital and organizational capital are consistent with previous studies of IC in SMEs. As for external capital, it presents some characteristics unique to the Mexican context. Moreover, despite the socio-economic disparities across regions in Mexico, a comparative analysis shows that the vision of managers does not seem to differ in terms of IC. Finally, despite the multitude of governmental programs at both national and local levels, very few SMEs seem to be reaping their benefits. The third essay takes into account the resource-based and the dynamic-capabilities views to examine IC in Mexican SMEs and its relation to competitive advantage. A typology is proposed and the examined SMEs are categorized accordingly. The results suggest that SMEs with dynamic capabilities have instituted processes within their organizations to respond more rapidly to change, allowing them to manage opportunities and threats. Moreover, they are willing to take more risks than their counterparts, who are characterized by less dynamism in seizing opportunities and transforming them into competitive advantages. Such processes are intrinsic to SMEs because they become part of the culture of organizations

Impact of Balanced Scorecard on Value Chain and Financial Performance in the Jordanian Industrial Companies

This study aims to investigate the effect of the balanced scorecard, as a performance management tool that embeds technology, on different value chain stages and its impact on the performance of the industrial Jordanian firms. The study sample consists of 300 industrial employees from firms listed in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) with a response rate of 88%. The study developed an empirical questionnaire to collect the main data related to the perceptions of the employees regarding the balance scorecard (BSC), as well as the value chain stages. The study reveals a positive impact of the implementation of the BSC on the development of the value chain stages. It also reveals that BSC positively impacts the financial performance of the listed industrial Jordanian firms. The finding could be helpful to industrial firms adopting BSC and to the managers as well, by enhancing their satisfaction and by aligning firms results with those pre-established goals through the balanced scorecard and its sequences on the value chain stages and financial performances

Effectiveness of Staff Performance Management in the Motor Industry in Kenya: A Case Study of General Motors (East Africa) Limited

Purpose: This study was designed to investigate the effectiveness of staff performance management in the motor industry in Kenya, focusing on General Motors (EA) Ltd. The objectives of the study were: to assess the extent to which staff performance management has influenced employees’ productivity in General Motors (EA) Ltd; to analyze the challenges faced by General Motors (EA) Ltd in implementing staff performance management practices; and to make recommendations for measures that will facilitate effective implementation of staff performance management practices in General Motors (EA) Ltd. Methods: To undertake the study, a descriptive research design was used. This is a scientific study done to describe a phenomena or an object in this case study the phenomena is declining employees’ performance. The method was preferred as it permits gathering of data from the respondents in natural settings. A case study of General Motors (EA) Ltd was adopted for this study. All departments and functions of GM (EA) Ltd was considered in the study in order to provide a reasonable level of breadth without sacrificing the depth and richness of the data. Semi-structured questionnaires with both closed and open-ended questions were administered. The study utilized a combination of both quantitative and qualitative techniques in the collection of data. The study covered all the six departments of GM(EA) Ltd with respondents being drawn from the Headquarters. All cadres of staff were involved in the study. All the twenty seven questionnaires sent out were returned completed, 100% response rate. The data was analyzed by employing descriptive statistics such as percentages, frequencies and tables. Computation of frequencies in tables, charts and bar graphs was used in data presentation. In addition, the researcher used standard deviations and mean scores to present information pertaining to the study objectives. Results: Findings of the study revealed that the Null Hypothesis of the study tested positive: Staff performance management practices in General Motors (EA) Ltd has a positive influence on employees’ productivity. Performance management practices within the organization had a positive influence and facilitated success of the following management activities: Organizational strategy formulation; Management of strategy implementation process; Communication with internal stakeholders; Communication with external stakeholders; Evaluation and reward behavior; Benchmarking of performance of different organizations, plants, departments, teams and individuals; Managerial decision-making processes; and Encouragement of improvement and learning. The findings further point to the fact that the way to have good employees is to choose good employees. Look for people who are passionate and committed. Clear verbal and written communication is the key to a healthy working environment. Keywords: Effectiveness, Staff performance management, Motor Industr