an article by David Bamman, Brendan O'Connor and Noah Smith published in First Monday Volume 17 Number 3 (March 2012)
Abstract
With Twitter and Facebook blocked in China, the stream of information from Chinese domestic social media provides a case study of social media behavior under the influence of active censorship. While much work has looked at efforts to prevent access to information in China (including IP blocking of foreign Web sites or search engine filtering), we present here the first large-scale analysis of political content censorship in social media, i.e., the active deletion of messages published by individuals.
In a statistical analysis of 56 million messages (212,583 of which have been deleted out of 1.3 million checked, more than 16 percent) from the domestic Chinese microblog site Sina Weibo, and 11 million Chinese-language messages from Twitter, we uncover a set a politically sensitive terms whose presence in a message leads to anomalously higher rates of deletion. We also note that the rate of message deletion is not uniform throughout the country, with messages originating in the outlying provinces of Tibet and Qinghai exhibiting much higher deletion rates than those from eastern areas like Beijing.
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Wednesday, 11 April 2012
From the alternative society to the Big Society? …
Voluntary organisations and drug services in Britain, 1960s-2010s
an article by Alex Mold published in Voluntary Sector Review Volume 3 Number 1 (March 2012)
Abstract
This article presents an overview of the changing nature of voluntary action in Britain from the 1960s to the present.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a dramatic upswing in voluntary activity. Many new groups were established, some with connections to the alternative society. By the 1980s, the value of these organisations was apparent to those in the mainstream as well as those outside it, something that can be seen in increased government funding for voluntary groups working in the drugs field and more broadly.
Indeed, during the 1990s and 2000s, voluntary organisations became a key part of the mixed economy of provision in health and social care. Recent calls for the strengthening of the 'Big Society' point to an ever-more important role for voluntary organisations, but many questions can be raised about the impact that close relations between the state and the voluntary sector has for both parties.
Hazel’s comment:
It’s not only this article that raises issues about the relationship between the state and the voluntary organisations that deliver services that many perceive to be the responsibility of the state. When all is said and done it is the person who pays the piper who can call the tune.
an article by Alex Mold published in Voluntary Sector Review Volume 3 Number 1 (March 2012)
Abstract
This article presents an overview of the changing nature of voluntary action in Britain from the 1960s to the present.
The late 1960s and early 1970s saw a dramatic upswing in voluntary activity. Many new groups were established, some with connections to the alternative society. By the 1980s, the value of these organisations was apparent to those in the mainstream as well as those outside it, something that can be seen in increased government funding for voluntary groups working in the drugs field and more broadly.
Indeed, during the 1990s and 2000s, voluntary organisations became a key part of the mixed economy of provision in health and social care. Recent calls for the strengthening of the 'Big Society' point to an ever-more important role for voluntary organisations, but many questions can be raised about the impact that close relations between the state and the voluntary sector has for both parties.
Hazel’s comment:
It’s not only this article that raises issues about the relationship between the state and the voluntary organisations that deliver services that many perceive to be the responsibility of the state. When all is said and done it is the person who pays the piper who can call the tune.
Being Dissimilar:
Religious Dissimilarity, Gender Dissimilarity, Value Dissimilarity and Job Satisfaction
an article by Irfan Ullah, Muhammad Usman, Abdus Sattar Niazi, Muhammad Farooq, Waheed Afzal and Muhammad Asif Khan (Iqra University, Islamabad, Pakistan) published in Information Management and Business Review Volume 4 Number 2 (February 2012)
Abstract
The aim of this research is to study the impact of religious dissimilarity, and gender dissimilarity on job satisfaction. Religious dissimilarity and sexual dissimilarity definitely exaggerated supposed value dissimilarity, which in line, detained a pessimistic relationship with job satisfaction.
These properties are capable, though, by a considerable religious difference, religious personal identity relations such that, for people whose religious values are a vital element of who they are, becoming religiously dissimilar in the place of work robustly impact their supposed value dissimilarity.
Full text (PDF 6pp)
an article by Irfan Ullah, Muhammad Usman, Abdus Sattar Niazi, Muhammad Farooq, Waheed Afzal and Muhammad Asif Khan (Iqra University, Islamabad, Pakistan) published in Information Management and Business Review Volume 4 Number 2 (February 2012)
Abstract
The aim of this research is to study the impact of religious dissimilarity, and gender dissimilarity on job satisfaction. Religious dissimilarity and sexual dissimilarity definitely exaggerated supposed value dissimilarity, which in line, detained a pessimistic relationship with job satisfaction.
These properties are capable, though, by a considerable religious difference, religious personal identity relations such that, for people whose religious values are a vital element of who they are, becoming religiously dissimilar in the place of work robustly impact their supposed value dissimilarity.
Full text (PDF 6pp)
The Return to Cognitive Skills in the Australian Labour Market
an article by Garry F. Barrett (University of Sydney, Australia) published in Economic Record Volume 88 Issue 280 (March 2012)
Abstract
The labour market returns to education and cognitive skills are examined using the Australian component of the IALS [not clear but possibly International Adult Literacy Survey] from 2006. A key feature of the data is the availability of objective measures of literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills, along with a rich array of personal and job-related characteristics.
The mean return to an additional year of education is estimated to be 6.2 per cent, almost one-third of which may be attributed to the acquisition of cognitive skills. Controlling for cognitive skills in the earnings equation has a small effect on the estimated return to labour market experience, while accounting for approximately half of the negative wage gap for immigrants from NESBs.
The return to cognitive skills is uniform across quantiles of the conditional hourly earnings distribution. There is strong evidence of credentialism in the returns to education in Australia. A significant component of the ‘sheepskin’ effects in the returns to education is attributable to the higher cognitive skills associated with the completion of a credential.
Abstract
The labour market returns to education and cognitive skills are examined using the Australian component of the IALS [not clear but possibly International Adult Literacy Survey] from 2006. A key feature of the data is the availability of objective measures of literacy, numeracy and problem-solving skills, along with a rich array of personal and job-related characteristics.
The mean return to an additional year of education is estimated to be 6.2 per cent, almost one-third of which may be attributed to the acquisition of cognitive skills. Controlling for cognitive skills in the earnings equation has a small effect on the estimated return to labour market experience, while accounting for approximately half of the negative wage gap for immigrants from NESBs.
The return to cognitive skills is uniform across quantiles of the conditional hourly earnings distribution. There is strong evidence of credentialism in the returns to education in Australia. A significant component of the ‘sheepskin’ effects in the returns to education is attributable to the higher cognitive skills associated with the completion of a credential.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Move into the Cloud, shall we?
an article by Sharon Q. Yang (based at Moore Library, Rider University, Lawrenceville, New Jersey) published in Library Hi Tech News Volume 29 Issue 1 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the latest information on cloud computing in a library context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts an investigative approach including literature review and vendor-provided information.
Findings
Cloud computing is both a trend and technology to deliver software and hardware as a service, not as a product. It involves a centralized data center, virtual server space, and secure transfer of data over the internet. The alleged advantages of cloud computing include low cost to own (CTO), agile updates, openness, zero initial investment, just to name a few. Lately library system vendors have begun to deliver cloud computing options. For instance, Ex Libris will release Alma in early 2012. It is an Integrated Library System with a discovery layer based on cloud computing. Amazon (Elastic Compute Cloud called Amazon EC2) and other vendors also offer virtual servers for cloud computing and charge customers by hours, usage, and capacity. If this trend continues for the next several years, it is just a matter of time before librarians will face the decision as to whether they should move into compute cloud.
Originality/value
The paper discusses this new trend, focusing on the pros and cons of moving into cloud computing for libraries.
Hazel’s comment:
The problem is, of course, that technology is moving so fast that the research is out of date before it is published.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to discuss the latest information on cloud computing in a library context.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper adopts an investigative approach including literature review and vendor-provided information.
Findings
Cloud computing is both a trend and technology to deliver software and hardware as a service, not as a product. It involves a centralized data center, virtual server space, and secure transfer of data over the internet. The alleged advantages of cloud computing include low cost to own (CTO), agile updates, openness, zero initial investment, just to name a few. Lately library system vendors have begun to deliver cloud computing options. For instance, Ex Libris will release Alma in early 2012. It is an Integrated Library System with a discovery layer based on cloud computing. Amazon (Elastic Compute Cloud called Amazon EC2) and other vendors also offer virtual servers for cloud computing and charge customers by hours, usage, and capacity. If this trend continues for the next several years, it is just a matter of time before librarians will face the decision as to whether they should move into compute cloud.
Originality/value
The paper discusses this new trend, focusing on the pros and cons of moving into cloud computing for libraries.
Hazel’s comment:
The problem is, of course, that technology is moving so fast that the research is out of date before it is published.
Youth unemployment rate and impact of financial crises
an article by Misbah Tanveer Choudhry (University of Groningen, The Netherlands) Enrico Marelli (University of Brescia, Italy) and Marcello Signorelli, (University of Perugia, Italy)published in International Journal of Manpower Volume 33 Issue 1 (2012)
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of financial crises on the youth unemployment rate (YUR). The authors consider different types of financial crises (systemic banking crises, non-systemic banking crises, currency crises and debt crises) and different groups of countries, according to their income level.
Design/methodology/approach
After a review of the existing (theoretical and empirical) literature on the determinants of the YUR in general and at the occurrence of economic crises, the authors present empirical estimations on the impact of past financial crises on young workers. The relationship between financial crises and YUR is investigated by employing fixed effects panel estimation on a large panel of countries (about 70) around the world for the period 1980-2005. The “persistence” over time of the impact is also investigated. Finally the Arellano-Bond dynamic panel is estimated, confirming the significance of the results.
Findings
According to the authors’ empirical estimates, two key results are relevant: financial crises have an impact on the YUR that goes beyond the impact resulting from GDP changes; and the effect on the YUR is greater than the effect on overall unemployment. The inclusion of many control variables – including in particular GDP growth – does not change the sign and significance of the key explanatory variable. The results suggest that financial crises affect the YUR for five years after the onset of the crises; however, the most adverse effects are found in the second and third year after the financial crisis.
Research limitations/implications
Although fully aware of the peculiarities of the last crisis, the authors believe that the econometric results facilitate a better understanding of the impact of the 2007-2008 financial crisis on the youth labour market.
Practical implications
The main policy implication is that effective active labour market policies and better school-to-work transition institutions are particularly needed to reduce the risk of persistence and structural (long-term) unemployment, since young people have been worst affected by the last crisis.
Originality/value
There are many studies on the characteristics and causes of youth unemployment; considerable research has also been carried out into the labour market impact of financial crises. This paper brings the two strands of literature together, by econometrically investigating the impact of financial crises on YUR.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess the impact of financial crises on the youth unemployment rate (YUR). The authors consider different types of financial crises (systemic banking crises, non-systemic banking crises, currency crises and debt crises) and different groups of countries, according to their income level.
Design/methodology/approach
After a review of the existing (theoretical and empirical) literature on the determinants of the YUR in general and at the occurrence of economic crises, the authors present empirical estimations on the impact of past financial crises on young workers. The relationship between financial crises and YUR is investigated by employing fixed effects panel estimation on a large panel of countries (about 70) around the world for the period 1980-2005. The “persistence” over time of the impact is also investigated. Finally the Arellano-Bond dynamic panel is estimated, confirming the significance of the results.
Findings
According to the authors’ empirical estimates, two key results are relevant: financial crises have an impact on the YUR that goes beyond the impact resulting from GDP changes; and the effect on the YUR is greater than the effect on overall unemployment. The inclusion of many control variables – including in particular GDP growth – does not change the sign and significance of the key explanatory variable. The results suggest that financial crises affect the YUR for five years after the onset of the crises; however, the most adverse effects are found in the second and third year after the financial crisis.
Research limitations/implications
Although fully aware of the peculiarities of the last crisis, the authors believe that the econometric results facilitate a better understanding of the impact of the 2007-2008 financial crisis on the youth labour market.
Practical implications
The main policy implication is that effective active labour market policies and better school-to-work transition institutions are particularly needed to reduce the risk of persistence and structural (long-term) unemployment, since young people have been worst affected by the last crisis.
Originality/value
There are many studies on the characteristics and causes of youth unemployment; considerable research has also been carried out into the labour market impact of financial crises. This paper brings the two strands of literature together, by econometrically investigating the impact of financial crises on YUR.
The teaching of qualitative research methods in information systems: an explorative study utilizing learning theory
an article by Robert D Galliers (Bentley University, Massachusetts) and Jimmy C Huang (Warwick Business School, The University of Warwick) published in European Journal of Information Systems Volume 21 Issue 2 (March 2012)
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that the Information Systems field continues to be dominated by the positivist paradigm and the use of quantitative methods. This is so despite the diversity of research methods available, the emergence of an interpretivist tradition, and some isolated examples of methodological pluralism.
While there have been significant contributions in guiding qualitative research methods teaching, little research has been undertaken that considers the training actually provided, and the possible impacts this may have on the quality and quantity of qualitative research articles in our journals. This explorative study aims to provide some insight into what training is provided, the issues confronted, and possible impediments to publishing qualitative research.
Data were collected from interviews with a panel of international colleagues who have a range of experience in teaching and applying qualitative methods. Grounded Theory is used to identify emergent and interconnected themes. Experiential and social learning lenses are used to reflect on the results, providing some initial understanding of the complexities of teaching and undertaking qualitative research.
Theoretical as well as practical contributions are made regarding the means by which qualitative research may be introduced, developed and extended within the IS academy, and further theorisation of social and experiential learning.
Hazel’s comment:
Whilst trying to find the volume/issue number I came across this interesting figure from the article.
Abstract
Empirical evidence suggests that the Information Systems field continues to be dominated by the positivist paradigm and the use of quantitative methods. This is so despite the diversity of research methods available, the emergence of an interpretivist tradition, and some isolated examples of methodological pluralism.
While there have been significant contributions in guiding qualitative research methods teaching, little research has been undertaken that considers the training actually provided, and the possible impacts this may have on the quality and quantity of qualitative research articles in our journals. This explorative study aims to provide some insight into what training is provided, the issues confronted, and possible impediments to publishing qualitative research.
Data were collected from interviews with a panel of international colleagues who have a range of experience in teaching and applying qualitative methods. Grounded Theory is used to identify emergent and interconnected themes. Experiential and social learning lenses are used to reflect on the results, providing some initial understanding of the complexities of teaching and undertaking qualitative research.
Theoretical as well as practical contributions are made regarding the means by which qualitative research may be introduced, developed and extended within the IS academy, and further theorisation of social and experiential learning.
Hazel’s comment:
Whilst trying to find the volume/issue number I came across this interesting figure from the article.
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