By Dr Harriet Clarke Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology Social science researchers often consider whose voices could advocate for social change. So – and do bear with me – do social scientists have any business asking, ‘Can ‘listening’ to non-human animals support our role in building better lives for all living beings’? Colleagues and I … Continue reading “Can Humans Learn “Straight from the Horse’s Mouth”?”
A winter of discontent for pensioners?
By Professor Martin Powell Health Services Management Centre Professor of Health and Social Policy ‘How we treat our old people is a crucial test of our national quality. A nation that lacks gratitude to those who have honestly worked for her in the past while they had the strength to do so, does not deserve … Continue reading “A winter of discontent for pensioners?”
The two-child cap: who benefits?
By Dr Emily Ball Department of Social Policy, Sociology and Criminology The controversial continuation of the two-child cap by the Labour administration means low-income families will not receive welfare support under Universal Credit, nor will they be able to claim child tax credits, for their third or any subsequent children. This impacts 1 in 9 families … Continue reading “The two-child cap: who benefits?”
What is AI doing to parent teacher relationships? Collection pot messages and template school reports
By Dr Stephen Jeffares Department of Public Administration and Policy Associate Professor Director of Postgraduate Research, INLOGOV For parents of young children, the end of term errand list includes “pick up a present for the teacher”. It seems best teacher mugs and budget prosecco is being replaced by online collection pots. The most organised parent … Continue reading “What is AI doing to parent teacher relationships? Collection pot messages and template school reports”
Football Governance Bill 2.0: An Opportunity to Embrace Responsible Business Practices
By Idlan Zakaria Associate Professor in Accounting, Birmingham Business School The Football Governance Bill, aimed at setting up an independent football regulator to oversee non-sporting matters impacting the football industry, was mentioned in the Kings’ Speech on 17 July; one of 40 that underlined the government’s legislative priorities in the upcoming parliamentary session. The bill … Continue reading “Football Governance Bill 2.0: An Opportunity to Embrace Responsible Business Practices”
Following the King’s Speech: The role Social Science can now play
“My Government’s legislative programme will be mission led and based upon the principles of security, fairness and opportunity for all.” – His Majesty’s most gracious speech to both Houses of Parliament. The scrutiny now begins. Wednesday 17th July marked a new parliamentary session, and the hotly anticipated King’s Speech announced 36 full bills and four … Continue reading “Following the King’s Speech: The role Social Science can now play”
Beneficial constraints: stronger workers’ rights can underpin better work in left-behind UK regions
By Professor Tony Dobbins Professor of Work and Employment Relations, Birmingham Business School The King’s Speech 2024 commits to legislating for an Employment Rights Bill, reflecting promises in Labour’s Plan to Make Work Pay-New Deal For Working People. The extensive policy proposals include: creating a single enforcement body (Fair Work Agency); a new Fair Pay … Continue reading “Beneficial constraints: stronger workers’ rights can underpin better work in left-behind UK regions”
King’s Speech: Will government’s more active role in housing improve availability and affordability?
By Dr Jacob Salder Lecturer in Entrepreneurship and Organisation, Birmingham Business School Housing availability, housing affordability, and access to housing and the housing market have been a critical issue for many people in the UK in recent years. Seeking to resolve these issues has therefore become a priority for successive UK governments. The success of … Continue reading “King’s Speech: Will government’s more active role in housing improve availability and affordability?”
Is AI’s future in the past?
By Professor Stephanie Decker Department of Strategy and International Business, Birmingham Business School Much of the buzz around Artificial Intelligence (AI), and more specifically Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI), focuses on what the widespread access to these new technologies will mean for the future of society, professions and the workplace. But AI also has the potential … Continue reading “Is AI’s future in the past?”
How can universities use GenAI?
By Dr Kamilya Suleymenova & Dr Mary Dawood Department of Economics, Birmingham Business School The first open-to-general-public GenAI tool was launched in November 2022 and headlines ranged from exceptionally optimistic to dramatically alarmist. The ability to generate text (as well as code, and later images, audio, and video) was immediately spotted by those involved in … Continue reading “How can universities use GenAI?”