The Covid-19 UK Recession – From Universal to Particular Experiences

By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham It is worth noting that we are living through an exceptional period in which a virus is responsible for an economic downturn. There are many aspects to this downturn that need to be considered. I am currently on holiday, during this break, … Continue reading “The Covid-19 UK Recession – From Universal to Particular Experiences”

Covid-19 response in developing countries: maintaining a fine balance

By Omasanjuwa E. Edun MBA Alumnus Prior to the onset of the current pandemic, developing countries were already at a disadvantage, with a significant proportion of their population at risk of being disproportionately impacted by the disease on account of living in poverty. Like a tsunami, Covid-19 is sweeping across the globe, wreaking a trail … Continue reading “Covid-19 response in developing countries: maintaining a fine balance”

COVID-19 bringing new life to dying high streets

By Dr Sarah Montano Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham COVID-19 has obviously had a severe impact on all businesses, from multi-nationals to independent, although the ONS states that there are signs of recovery with retail sales in June at near pre-lockdown levels. But how can independent businesses re-open and stay successful whilst maintaining social … Continue reading “COVID-19 bringing new life to dying high streets”

Decreasing ‘junk food’ consumption: whose responsibility is it?

By Professor Isabelle Szmigin Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham The UK government is planning a ban on the advertising of so-called junk food on TV and potentially online, saying that these ads are a ticking ‘time bomb’ of obesity. And the advertising industry hates it. Of course we know that the prime minster has … Continue reading “Decreasing ‘junk food’ consumption: whose responsibility is it?”

Will working from home become the new normal after the pandemic?

By Professor Stan Siebert Department of Management, University of Birmingham The University of Birmingham has a beautiful campus. A few months ago, another gleaming building opened, the £18 million extension to the Business School. This provides 120 new offices for the School. But the pandemic hit soon after staff had moved in, and all have … Continue reading “Will working from home become the new normal after the pandemic?”

Performative Improvisation or Rishi Sunak’s approach to ‘Turning on a Sixpence’

By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham I have no difficulty with improvisation, but this must also be focused on enhancing mental health and well-being and confronting some of the key challenges that face the UK. We live in interesting times in which a new approach to government is … Continue reading “Performative Improvisation or Rishi Sunak’s approach to ‘Turning on a Sixpence’”

Brexit: Where are we heading?

By Professor Pervez Ghauri Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham With a very little time left and both parties not moving much form their positions, it seems that we are heading towards a no-deal Brexit. Back in early 1960s when the economy was bad, Britain’s entry to Europe’s common market was denied … Continue reading “Brexit: Where are we heading?”

Covid-19 Policy U-Turn? The Shift from Nationwide to Localised Lockdowns

By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham On 23 March 2020, I published a piece on the Birmingham Business School blog under the title Social Distancing: People are the Problem. That does seem such a long time ago. This piece was written just as the UK entered lockdown and … Continue reading “Covid-19 Policy U-Turn? The Shift from Nationwide to Localised Lockdowns”

How to sustain SMEs productivity during a crisis

By Dr Margarita Nyfoudi Department of Management, University of Birmingham Popular belief has it that Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) are a close-knit community, in which the members go over and above their work duties to help their employer. Yet, the findings of our recent study revealed that during a crisis employees are less likely … Continue reading “How to sustain SMEs productivity during a crisis”