Hybrid Learning: Preparing Students for the Post-Pandemic Future Workplace

By Dr Joachim Timlon, Assistant Professor in Strategy and International Business Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham Hybrid learning (also known as blended learning) is now fast becoming an essential part of the learning strategy at many British universities. Hybrid learning is a method of teaching that integrates digital technology with traditional … Continue reading “Hybrid Learning: Preparing Students for the Post-Pandemic Future Workplace”

Looking ahead: The Future Business District Study and the Future of the Office

By Hannes Read, Policy and Data Analyst City-REDI, University of Birmingham The Future Business District Study Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many people and businesses have been required to work from home rather than the office. The sudden shift away from working in the office has significantly impacted the Business, Professional & Financial Services (BPFS) sector. … Continue reading “Looking ahead: The Future Business District Study and the Future of the Office”

Life Under the new Epoch of Jenga Capitalism –The Mink Crisis and COVID-19

By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham Life has always been uncertain. This uncertainty is partly about balancing the trade-offs and feedback loops that exist between the biological, the biographical and the environmental. These three processes and outcomes are interrelated. They highlight the importance of exploring the tensions between … Continue reading “Life Under the new Epoch of Jenga Capitalism –The Mink Crisis and COVID-19”

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’”

A New High Street Experience

By Dr Sarah Montano Department of Marketing, University of Birmingham The impact of COVID-19 on UK retail activity has been virtually unprecedented, with a record 18.1% fall in retail sales, in April 2020, which followed a fall of 5.2% in March 2020. The impact of this fall in sales can be particularly seen by the … Continue reading “A New High Street Experience”

Does power turn people into lockdown rulebreakers?

By Dr Grigorios Lamprinakos Research Fellow, Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business The COVID-19 crisis has seen a whole new set of rules put into effect on lockdown, social distancing, face-covering and handwashing, affecting every part of our lives. The assumption underpinning these rules seems to be that the population are rational rule-followers, who … Continue reading “Does power turn people into lockdown rulebreakers?”

Why COVID-19 could boost business efforts on climate change

By Professor Andy Mullineux Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business, Department of Finance It’s a widely held belief that economic growth at a rate in excess of the combined rates of inflation and population growth (known as ‘real, per capita economic growth’) is imperative for social cohesion and political stability. Which is why there … Continue reading “Why COVID-19 could boost business efforts on climate change”

Furlough vital for mitigating redundancy and health & safety crises

By Professor Tony Dobbins, Professor of Employment Relations and HR Management President of the British Universities Industrial Relations Association It was always possible that economic interests and profit would override public health concerns too quickly. Furloughing measures restricting workplace presenteeism during COVID-19 are crucial for combatting both mass redundancies and contagion. The Job Retention Scheme (JRS) … Continue reading “Furlough vital for mitigating redundancy and health & safety crises”

How AI is helping banks meet the challenges of COVID-19

By Immaculate Motsi-Omoijiade Research Fellow, Lloyds Banking Group Centre for Responsible Business The coronavirus pandemic has brought to the fore the vital role that technology plays in our day-to-day lives. This role extends beyond keeping us connected and entertained. Technology is also being deployed to address the commercial and public health challenges that have arisen … Continue reading “How AI is helping banks meet the challenges of COVID-19”

Covid-19, Institutional Failure and the British Media

By Professor John Bryson Department of Strategy and International Business, University of Birmingham The British media should acknowledge that they play a key role in shaping the UK’s response to Covid-19 and this shaping often produces perverse outcomes, but with no accountability. The Covid-19 pandemic is still very much with us. I have written many … Continue reading “Covid-19, Institutional Failure and the British Media”