Abstract

Over the recent years, MySpace has been vital to fostering the growth of independent musicians’ followings and have played critical roles in helping mainstream artists maintain fan communities. The popularity of MySpace has been accompanied by the establishment of social protocols which allow musicians to network with one another in an efficient and successful way. These protocols have inspired the publication of various books (such as «MySpace Music Profit Monster!: Proven Online Marketing Stra - tegies!» by Nicky Kalliongis devoted to providing tips and strategies for musicians. While some of these protocols pertain to being savvy with the technological aspect of MySpace, other protocols are directly related to learning a particular manner to network on MySpace. Furthermore, these practices are considered a serious work as they require a lot of time and networking skills to achieve a certain level of success, i.e. increasing the number of friends on one’s network. Thus, this article examines the emerging social protocols on MySpace as a form of affective and immaterial labor. The author argues that the implementation of various tips as provided by MySpace expert will possibly have a regressive effect on musicians’ social networking practices as these could become a standardized and repetitive practice. As a whole, this article traces the evolution of MySpace, especially in regards to the decreasing popularity of the site as a current trend.

Abstract

Recent changes in the economic, social, and technological environment have impacted the careers of information professionals. On one hand, new jobs and opportunities have appeared, and on the other hand, layoffs in mainstream media companies indicate that the net impact has been negative. This article attempts to analyze the most important changes in the media environment, the main forces affecting supply and demand, and the impact of changes on the careers of information professionals. Finally, we propose that some of the new radical paradigms in the world of information professionals are not conceptually new.

Abstract

Recent changes in the economic, social, and technological environment have impacted the careers of information professionals. On one hand, new jobs and opportunities have appeared, and on the other hand, layoffs in mainstream media companies indicate that the net impact has been negative. This article attempts to analyze the most important changes in the media environment, the main forces affecting supply and demand, and the impact of changes on the careers of information professionals. Finally, we propose that some of the new radical paradigms in the world of information professionals are not conceptually new.

Abstract

"Der populäre Schrei nach mobilen, flexiblen Arbeitskräften bestimmt den öffentlichen Diskurs seit Jahren. In den 80ern, als die Dauerhaftigkeit großer Arbeitslosenzahlen nicht mehr zu leugnen war, galt individualisierte Mobilität als – wie sich zeigte nicht sehr erfolgreiches – Allheilmittel zur Bekämpfung der Arbeitslosigkeit. In den 90er Jahren entwickelte sich der Begriff Mobilität im Rahmen der Debatten rund um Globalisierung und Informationsgesellschaft zum Synonym für einen zeitgemäßen Arbeits- und Lebensstil. Alles scheint mobil zu werden: die Technik, die Kapitalflüsse, die sozialen Beziehungen und – nicht zuletzt – die Arbeit. Öffentliche Debatten neigen naturgemäß zur Polarisierung; Keywords dieser Debatten werden zu gerne einseitig positiv oder negativ aufgeladen, um die jeweilige Weltsicht argumentativ zu untermauern. Dabei gerät die Komplexität – Widersprüchlichkeit und Gegenläufigkeit – die sozialem und gesellschaftlichem Wandel immanent anhaftet, oft genug aus dem Blick." (Autorenreferat) Document type: Part of book or chapter of book

Abstract

The role of habits in influencing transportation behaviour is acknowledged in many studies. However, most of these analyses draw on a narrow perspective of habits. In this paper, we adopt a reversed perspective regarding the interplay between habits and rationality. The insightfulness of this perspective is illustrated with the findings of two empirical studies on urban transportation. This paper shows that the underlying structure (i.e. the "genotype") behind the phenotypic manifestation of a habit is essential to grasp for getting a better understanding of the role played by habits in explaining car use. The framework of habitual practices is then put forward in discussing the results. Its rationale is to provide a characterisation of the interconnected elements that make and shape the transportation practices, together with important aspects regarding how they are formed and sustained over time. Adequately picturing both constituent elements as well as dynamic aspects is crucial for explaining the strength of habitual practices and thus car dependence. In doing so, the framework of habitual practices could thus well be of help for policy-makers in reflecting on the design of efficient and innovative interventions for the transition towards more sustainable transportation behaviours. SCOPUS: ar.j info:eu-repo/semantics/published Document type: Article

Abstract

Due to a variety of reasons, the previous century is characterized by an extraordinary growth in car use that has continued into the current century. This has resulted in serious environmental repercussions. Despite technological advancements, the externalities remain an ecological threat that can not be discarded by policy makers. Therefore, it is essential that policy makers focus on reducing car use and on stimulating the shift towards more environment-friendly transport modes. In this study, Q-methodology is adopted as the technique to segment people, and to ascertain which approaches and determinants matter to medium distance travel. Segmentation is important, as policy measures will be more efficient and effective if they are fine-tuned on specific target groups. The analysis revealed that four discourses preponderate the paradigm of environmentally sustainable transport: travelers who use public transport as a dominant alternative, car-dependent travelers, travelers with a positive perception of using public transport, and travelers with a preference for car use. Concerning rational, economic motives, individuals evaluate travel time reliability as most important. To increase the reliability policy makers should consider the use of separate bus lanes and traffic light manipulation. In addition, public transport can be made even more attractive, when costs of cars are made more variable by road or congestion charging. When the subjective motives are discussed, the differences between the different groups of travelers were more pronounced. Next to increasing the benefits of using public transport, policy makers should also pay attention to removing psycho-social barriers. Peer reviewed

Abstract

Climate change may affect inland waterway transport through disturbances in waterway hydrology: longer periods with strong water swells and drops. To allow fully loaded barges, the water level must be neither too high (limited air draught) nor too low (limited draught). Therefore, the water level impacts the load factor of barges and thus the transportation costs. Moreover, in winter, ice jams can paralyze inland waterway traffic on the river. In this paper, the effect of various climatological changes on the capacity of inland waterway in terms of barge transport is examined. The paper focusses on the development of a methodology for assessing the sensitivity of inland waterway systems to climatological changes and takes into account an experts' opinion survey that provides insight into the perceived likelihood of the different scenarios that are investigated. The analysis focusses on the inland waterway systems in Belgium, which has the second highest density of European inland waterways. It enables the integration of inland waterway transport in the intermodal supply chain. The results are related to investment planning and management in inland waterways transport. They are intended to be interesting to researchers and to inland waterways actors developing intermodal transport as well. Peer reviewed

Abstract

Despite the spread of automation and new supply chain management paradigms, logistics remains dependent on a rather specific set of skills and competencies, whether for managerial, administrative, or blue-collar jobs, such as trucking or warehousing. This dependence implies that the logistical performance of businesses, industries, and nation states is strongly influenced by the quantity and quality of the workforce. Insufficient resources of a competent and properly trained workforce in logistics adversely affect the quality of service, reduce productivity in sectors dependent on logistics, and ultimately reduce trade competitiveness. While other interventions that affect logistics performance—such as international infrastructures, trade corridors, regulations, and services—have already been reviewed extensively, this report is the first to cover the contributions of human resources and explore how to develop skills and improve competencies, especially in developing countries. The study proposes a framework for the skills needed according to the logistics activity (such as transportation or warehousing) or the type and level of responsibility. Based on several sources, including recent surveys carried out by the World Bank and the Kühne Logistics University, the report uncovers where the skills constraints are according to the type of job or countries. Findings include that logistics is an industry struggling to hire skilled workers, although with differences between developed countries (where trucker shortages are more acute) and developing economies (where managerial shortages are more widespread). Typically, blue-collar logistics jobs have lower status and lower pay than blue-collar jobs in other industries; they are thus less attractive for skilled workers. In developing countries with a potentially available workforce, lack of vocational preparation for careers in logistics means that less-skilled workers are not easily re-skilled. Logistics tasks at the upper end of the occupational hierarchy and those with high information technology content often require an upskilling of employees to keep pace with new technology. Yet the problem is not confined to recruitment. The surveys point to limited resources, money, and staff time allocated to training, especially in developing countries. Realizing the promise of quality jobs from the growth of logistics worldwide requires a coordinated effort by logistics companies, professional associations, training providers, and policy makers. Through a combination of facilitation, regulation, advice, financial instruments, and land use planning, governments can exert significant influence. Document type: Book