RSS 1.0Centre for Professional and Economic Development
The Centre provides education and training opportunities for a wide range of individual and group learning and development needs, and provides advice and consultancy to businesses and organisations both large and small. The Centre for Professional and Economic Development encompasses Strategic Economic Development, Work Based Learning and Work Based and Integrative Studies.
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Academics’ weak(ening) resistance to Generative AI: The cause and cost of prestige?The disruptive potential of generative AI (GenAI) tools to academic labour is potentially vast. Yet as we argue herein, such tools also represent a continuation of the inequities inherent to academia’s prestige economy and the intensified hierarchy and labour precarisation endemic to universities as prestige institutions. In a recent survey of n = 284 UK-based academics, reasons were put forward for avoiding GenAI tools. These responses surface concerns about automative technologies corrupting academic identity and inauthenticating scholarly practice; concerns that are salient to all who participate within and benefit from the work of scholarly communities. In discussion of these survey results, we explore ambivalence about whether GenAI tools expedite the acquisition or depletion of prestige demanded of academics, especially where GenAI tools are adopted to increase scholarly productivity. We also appraise whether, far from helping academics cope with a work climate of hyper-intensifcation, GenAI tools ultimately exacerbate their vulnerability, status-based peripheralisation, and self-estrangement.
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Misogyny, misogynoir and violent online rhetoric against women and girls in sport: The case of Joey BartonResearch question: This study adopts an intersectional feminist lens to investigate misogynistic and violent online rhetoric directed at women and girls in sport, focusing on the case of former footballer and heavy social media user, Joey Barton. This research aims to fill the gap in understanding how online platforms provide an outlet for, and in many ways amplify, misogyny, creating a hostile environment for female athletes. Research methods: The study employs a thematic analysis of social media data, examining three specific trigger events where Barton targeted women with abusive language: his comments on goalkeeper Mary Earps winning Sports Personality of the Year, his attacks on football pundit Eni Aluko, and his criticism of young goalkeeper Ava Easdon. This qualitative analysis focuses on the nature of the public response and the discursive strategies used. Results and Findings: The findings reveal a pervasive culture of misogyny and online violence directed at women in sport. Barton's behaviour highlights the intersection of gender, race, and online violence, demonstrating how social media platforms can amplify harmful content. Key themes identified include widespread public condemnation, calls for accountability, intersectional violence, and the symbolic use of emojis to convey hostility. Implications: The study highlights the urgent need for effective countermeasures to protect women athletes from abuse and the role of social media platforms in perpetuating harmful content. It also calls for increased accountability and the implementation of robust policies to safeguard female athletes online.
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The role of social capital in SMEs for polycrisis managementSince 2020 several crises have brought unexpected and complex economic, political and social challenges to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs have had to innovate to survive but urgent responses often preclude strategic consideration for long-term repercussions. This paper explores the role of social capital in organisations and considers how it can assist in navigating external crises and buffering against future change. Using a hybrid social capital perspective we examine the prospects for SMEs to survive crises using two rounds of purposive and convenience sampling driven semi-structured interviews undertaken twelve months apart with the same respondents drawn from a diverse range of industries such as catering, digital agencies, education, and sport organisations. The interviews explored social capital through the attributes of stakeholder trust, reciprocity and shared values also discerning how integration with, and provocation from, wider networks impacts SMEs. The paper critically evaluates the role of social capital in SMEs during current times of seemingly ever-present crisis. Having clear awareness of the influence and role of social capital, its attributes and its role in shaping the continuity of an organisation through crises is a key application of this work that can be directly used within other organisations of this type.
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Global fan activism in sports: Digital collective action and the case of #EmptyOldTraffordAt a time of growing consumer activism facilitated by digital communications, the phenomenon of collective action increasingly confronts sports clubs. This study examines an episode involving fans of a globally recognized football club (Manchester United) who were able make the hashtag #EmptyOldTrafford trend globally in protest towards the club’s ownership at the time.
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Enhancing workplace eLearning with branching scenarios: An action case studyPurpose: This study explores how learner engagement evolves over time in workplace eLearning when branching scenarios are used to simulate real-world decision-making. It addresses a gap in understanding how instructional design influences sustained motivation and cognitive processing across multiple stages of digital training. Design/methodology/approach: A quasi-longitudinal Action Case Research design was employed. Ten adult learners participated in thirty semi-structured interviews conducted before, during, and after completing a branching scenario-based e-learning module. Thematic analysis was used to explore shifts in engagement, motivation, and cognitive responses over time. Findings: Engagement was strongest when scenarios mirrored real job tasks, enabling learners to make contextual decisions and experience “safe failure". Structured progression, authentic relevance, and timely feedback supported sustained motivation. However, engagement declined when content became repetitive, insufficiently challenging, or cognitively overwhelming. The findings highlight how scenario design can balance cognitive load and foster experiential learning. Practical implications: The findings provide guidance for learning and development professionals seeking to implement engaging, job-relevant digital learning programmes. Design recommendations include using authentic scenarios, scaffolding task complexity, and incorporating adaptive feedback mechanisms. Originality: This study contributes to the limited body of workplace longitudinal research on digital learning engagement by applying Cognitive Load Theory and Experiential Learning Theory to examine how branching scenarios influence learner engagement, motivation and knowledge retention over time. It offers practical insights for designing scenario-based training that is both cognitively efficient and contextually relevant.
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Exploring mentorship in apprenticeship success: the relationship between construction degree apprentices and their work-based mentorsPurpose: Degree apprenticeships are becoming more established within the higher education sector, however within England there are growing concerns around the completion rates of apprentices. Whilst there are a number of factors which could be impacting this, the support structure surrounding apprentices throughout their programme is a key consideration. This study aims to investigate the support relationship between construction degree apprentices and their work-based mentors through the lived experiences of both the apprentice and the mentor. Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted a qualitative cross-sectional approach, collecting data from three focus groups involving Level 6 apprentices from a higher education institution and their work-based mentors based in England. The data was analysed inductively using NVivo 12 software to identify codes and key themes. Findings: The relationship between the apprentice and their work-based mentor is key to the success of degree apprenticeships. The data analysis recognised three key themes: knowledge of the apprenticeship process, support structure and employer provider relationship. Originality/value: This study is an original contribution addressing a gap in the literature around higher-level apprentices and their work-based mentors, generating and analysing new primary data, identifying ongoing issues and formulating subsequent recommendations for practice. There are also implications for the current English apprenticeship model and those seeking to adopt or adapt it more widely.
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Reclaiming work design in the age of automation: A call to human-centric strategyPurpose: This paper revisits work design theory in light of rapid advancements in workplace automation, arguing that traditional models are no longer sufficient for addressing the complexities introduced by digital automation technologies (DAT). It aims to reposition work design as a central strategic concern for organisations navigating technological change. Design/methodology/approach: The paper adopts a narrative review, drawing from contemporary academic literature and recent empirical studies, to offer reflective commentary grounded in current research. Findings: Despite increasing attention to automation’s impact on job displacement, there remains a limited focus on how work design can respond to negative outcomes and promote employee engagement, innovation, and retention. Originality/value: This paper offers a timely call to action for HR leaders and work design researchers. It urges a shift away from purely technical implementations of automation toward more human-centred, strategically designed work environments. The piece contributes original value by framing work design as both a challenge and an opportunity in the digital economy.
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Women’s football subculture of misogyny: The escalation to online gender-based violenceGiven the global expansion of women's football and its significant social media presence, it is vital to investigate fan culture and perspectives. This article examines how fans react to the rising visibility of female athletes on TikTok. Our goal is to assist other scholars interested in examining complex platforms and how gender-based violence literature enables us to explore broader social concerns such as privacy and security. The present study answers a call by Dá-Lameiras and Rodrguez-Castro (2021) for empirical research into newer digital video social media channels and women’s football. We, therefore, post the following research questions: RQ 1 How do fans react to women’s football on TikTok in the framing of gender-based violence? RQ2 How can brands respond to gender-based violence on TikTok? We investigated these topics through a netnography (Kozinets 2020) in which researchers used immersive data operation to study women's football on TikTok. We studied (2) English Premier League football (EPL) clubs’ use of social media in the United Kingdom and situated it within the context of gender sports studies politics. More specifically, text and video were analysed, but primarily fan text comments/responses to videos were examined as this was the primary fan response mode. We kept a netnography team digital immersion journal over seven months containing screenshots, field notes in text and video. The study examined public posts on TikTok and gained University ethical approval (see also Fig 1). We used an inductive approach to examine all posts. Our findings provide fresh insights by identifying themes from social media responses to women's football and providing brand recommendations pertaining to gender- based violence. The study set out to investigate how the EPL represents and promotes female football players on social media and how professional women football players are perceived as “sporting topics” (Jones, 2008). We were particularly interested in how fans (re)construct women footballers’ identities and the fan-based mentality at play here, revealing what we perceive as vulnerabilities when these athletes are made available via social media. The study raises questions of how these clubs navigate the complexities and contradictions inherent in sports regarding how women are empowered individually while also being used as targets for harassment. It contributes to and expands on current studies on how football teams and their fans utilise social media to represent, promote, and advertise themselves and their sport, particularly emphasising the identities of female players featured in their content. We identify the escalation of gender- based violence on social media against women players. Academics interested in analysing complex platforms such as TikTok and the ways in which gender-based violence literature enables us to analyse broader social issues such as privacy and security will find our research useful.
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When YouTubers launch a sports drink: A social network analysis case study of the virality related to Prime HydrationWhen entertainment influencers launch products like sports drinks, it often leads to significant online conversations that shape public perception and consumer behaviour. This case study examines such discussions surrounding Prime Hydration on X (formerly Twitter) from December 2022 using Social Network Analysis (SNA). A total of 1,562 tweets were retrieved from d posted by 1,536 Twitter users. The analysis identifies two main groups: isolated users sharing individual opinions, sometimes questioning the hype and central influencers KSI and Logan Paul, whose posts drove widespread engagement. The most active discussions during our time period were in the United Kingdom and North America, where the product was heavily promoted and readily available at retailers. Australia and Southeast Asia showed moderate interest, while Africa and South America had less activity, potentially reflecting varying levels of market penetration. Our research highlights how SNA can effectively map social media conversations, offering valuable insights into the influence of key users and global consumer reactions. The findings emphasize how influencer-driven marketing significantly impacts public dialogue and regional brand visibility, underscoring the importance of credibility and authenticity of social media influencers.
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Digital Innovation in Sport – Barriers and Opportunities for Branded Fitness Apps for FansThe COVID-19 pandemic is challenging the growth and future of businesses globally and technological innovation, via digital means, has been identified as a key factor for brands to survive the pandemic. However, whilst the majority of decision-makers in sports clubs recognise the value of innovation, less than half have a clear strategy in this area generally let alone in digital innovation. This chapter examines the opportunities and barriers for sporting brands in adopting digital innovations to engage fans. Using a branded fitness smartphone app as an example of a digital innovation to stimulate discussion, we interviewed 13 decision-makers in sport primarily working in marketing, communications and managerial roles within professional sports clubs. Following thematic analysis, the themes from the interview data were, perceived benefits, barriers to adoption, and overcoming barriers. The study also presents potential solutions to enable sports clubs to overcome such adoption barriers in the future. It provides important managerial and tactical recommendations to sports clubs. The need for a clear strategy for digital innovation is identified and we conclude that digital innovation is missing from typologies of sport innovation, reflective of its overlooked importance within the sector and call for greater recognition.
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A netnography of international students studying in the UK: Leveraging social capital to enhance employabilityThis study utilises a netnography approach to investigate the perceptions of employability and social capital among Indian and other international students and prospective students. There is a strong relationship and understanding between the UK and India who both place great emphasis on the value of University study and studying abroad. Both countries have high quality Universities and value the idea of cultural and international exchange of staff and students. Whilst there are a range of studies regarding international students, little is known about international students and their perceptions and motivations for studying abroad with regards to employability. Employment and seeking further opportunity are generally a considerable motivator for students wishing to study abroad and Indian students are no exception. In recent years, changes from the UK government to Visa and post study work rules have had positive and negative effects to student’s employability, networks and mobility. Furthermore, the rise of Artificial Intelligence and other disruptive technologies has also challenged what we know about the job market. The concept of widening one's network is also seen as critical to finding and securing skilled and desirable jobs. The concept of social capital and building relationships is seen as critical in many cultures. By incorporating social capital theory, our research focuses on bonding, bridging, and linking social capital. The primary research question addresses the perceptions and influences of Indian students regarding employability through social media research using a netnography approach. Social media influencers are also ever present on platforms and sometimes influence students in their perceptions of employability and study abroad. We also highlight the role of social capital in connecting these influencers with the students.
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Achieving Purnam through Equitable Education: A Pathway to Wholeness in Health Service ManagementThe concept of Purnam, or wholeness, emphasizes achieving balance and fulfilment (Chatterjee, 2022). In the context of education, Purnam entails providing equitable opportunities and support for all students, regardless of their background. This paper explores how equitable education can help achieve Purnam, particularly for international students from India. International mobility of student from India to the rest of the world has been a key feature of the power shift from global North to Global South. For Indian students coming to study in the UK for the first time, it is the duty of these host Universities to foster Purnam and satisfaction for international students. By examining theoretical frameworks such as Vygotsky's Social Constructivism, Deutsch's Social Interdependence theory, and Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory, the paper delves into the importance of collaborative learning in fostering wholeness. The discussion will also address the unique challenges faced by international students and propose strategies for bridging cultural gaps in education. Finally, the paper highlights the significance of management education in healthcare as a means to achieve Purnam for both students and the healthcare sector.
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Gender stereotyping in student perceptions of teaching excellence: Applying the shifting standards theoryExisting characterisations of student conceptions of teaching excellence (TE) implicitly position it as an objective construct. This study investigated gendered differences in student-submitted nominations (n = 418) for an excellence award in a mid-sized university in England. Biernat’s shifting standards theory, which proposes that evaluative standards can shift due to stereotyping effects, was used to interpret the findings. Chi-square tests revealed significant effects of gender on the distribution and thematic content of nominations. Results suggested that students were more likely to nominate teachers of the same gender, but also that male students were disproportionately less likely to nominate a female teacher. Student conceptions of TE generally conformed to gender biases, particularly for male students. These findings indicate that students’ perceptions of high quality teaching are inextricable from sociocultural influence. Future research can continue to engage with the shifting standards theory to investigate the influence of gender and student perceptions of high quality teaching.
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Physiological responses of fire service training instructors to live fire trainingAbstract available in hard copy
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The influence of IT outsourcing on organisational success and innovationThis study investigates the domain of IT outsourcing (ITO), focusing on its implications for organisational success or failure, and its impact on innovation. Through a comprehensive literature review, significant gaps were identified, including a lack of empirical studies assessing ITO outcomes for organisations, how ITO impacts innovation, and if an organisation’s industry impacts ITO success. In response, three research questions are formulated to address the identified gaps, leading to the creation of a novel conceptual model designed to evaluate the influence of ITO on organisations. Employing a deductive approach, the model informed a triangulation research approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data. A survey garnered responses from 112 senior IT professionals across three industries, complemented by eight interviews with senior and executive management. Findings indicate a concerning rate of perceived ITO failures and reveal that the specific industry of an organisation can affect ITO success. The study also concludes that ITO adversely impacts organisational innovation. Based on these insights, eight best practices are recommended to enhance ITO outcomes, including market research on vendor skillsets and experience, the establishment of well-structured contracts, adherence to SLAs without grace periods, shorter project durations, multi-sourcing strategies, bolstering internal IT capabilities, helping employees to understand ITO value, and rigorous governance. Acknowledging its limitations, this paper calls for future research involving broader industry representation and larger sample sizes to validate and expand upon these findings.
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A creativity training gap? - Employers’ perceptions of apprentices’ creativity and contributions to the creative and cultural workplaceTo address skills and diversity challenges, the UK Government has introduced a range of apprenticeships for the creative sector. These have been problematic for various reasons and the ways in which apprentices support creative practice in such creative workplaces is unknown. The purpose of this research is to share employers’ insights into apprentices’ creativity and their contributions to the creative and cultural workplace. Drawing on existing literature, a symbiotic framework is designed to explore and analyse experiences. The findings suggest that apprentices’ curiosity, openness, flexibility, and adaptability contribute to their creativity and that employers facilitate motivational and empowering environments. Creative employers emphasise the benefits of co-location and most perceive that their physical environments are inspiring. Outside of these physical environments, insights suggest that apprentices’ youth play a vital role in fostering engagement between creative employers and their audiences, as well as facilitating their expansion with new audiences through digital and social media. Moreover, employers’ altruistic values provide a nurturing ethos to support apprentices’ creativity, but the research found that no systematic processes were employed to develop apprentices’ creativity. These altruistic values, however, suggest that employers are well-placed to develop apprentices’ creativity, which in turn supports the sustainability of creative talent. These insights have implications for informing the implementation of training initiatives and shaping future policy directions. Further limitations arise from the participant sample.
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Co-opetition and Higher Education – A Grounded Theory Study into the Evolution of a Shared Vision for Health Care Practice Learning within the North-West Practice Education GroupThe aim of this study was to explore how co-opetition is experienced by healthcare academics who are members of the North-West Practice Education Group [NWPEG]. The research was undertaken across seven universities in the North-West of England. Healthcare academics who had a role associated to practice learning and who were members of the North-West Practice Education Group [NWPEG] participated in the study. Constructivist grounded theory [CGT] was the chosen methodology, with interviews and focus groups being the preferred data collection strategies. Constant comparative analysis as outlined by CGT was undertaken during the data collection and analysis phase, which facilitated the emergence of codes and categories. Integral to CGT is that of the researcher, their position within the research and how they interact with the processes. Reflexivity and critical thinking are intertwined within the research process, as this enables the researcher the opportunity to contextualise their position within the research. The findings identified three major categories, which highlighted both strengths and tensions of working within co-opetition. Co-opetition supported collaboration across the universities, and this was strengthened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Tensions and tussles arose when there was an imbalance between internal and external relationships and strategic and operational expectations of the participants’ roles. The impact of these tensions affected participants’ ability to work within co-opetition. There was an overarching sense of pride from participants regarding the work developed and produced within the NWPEG, yet this was not celebrated. The study contributes to the existing literature and evidence base of co-opetition and offers unique insights into how co-opetition supports the development and evolution across informal networks. This study also offers unique recommendations for future research specifically for healthcare education and practice learning.
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Seeking ambidexterity through hyperautomation: What next for GBA logistics in their evolution from local labour entrepreneurs to global players in logisticsBased in the Northwest of England, GBA Logistics (GBA) is a global logistics provider focussing on the transportation of goods. Founded in 1987 as GBA Services, this family firm has transformed from being a provider of labour for local companies, to a major player within the national and international logistics sector, now ranking in the top 50 operators in the UK. Starting as a sole trader, GBA became a limited company in 2000 and now employs around 400 staff across 16 locations in the UK and Europe. Working in a highly competitive, dynamic environment, the company constantly faces the challenge of optimising its existing services whilst needing to explore new opportunities to meet the changing demands of its clients. Balancing these two opposing requirements is known as organisational ambidexterity. Part of GBA’s strategic response to this challenge, is to explore how it can employ advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotic process automation to enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, whilst identifying novel ways to adapt to market conditions. The application of these emerging technologies to automate and optimise operations is known as hyperautomation. For GBA, striking a balance between offering standardisation versus a customised service to customers is increasingly crucial to its success. However, this family firm’s underlying culture of entrepreneurial spirit and adaptability together with its commitment to remain relevant and competitive in logistical services means it is keen to explore how it can exploit hyperautomation to achieve its aim of organisational ambidexterity.
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The productivity dilemma: Examining the truth behind automation’s impact on employment, and the mediating role of augmentationThis paper provides a comprehensive review of the literature examining the relationship between automation and employment, with a focus on understanding the debates of automation displacement and enablement, and the mediating role of employee augmentation in driving organisational productivity. Design/methodology/approach: A semi-systematic literature review was conducted across the areas of automation, work-design, and employee skills over the past 3 years. Findings: The academic literature was found to still be in its infancy, with empirical evidence in an organisational setting scarce. However, research suggests that automation does not cause job displacement or a negative impact on employment. In contrast, data suggests that automation leads to new job creation, task enlargement and skills enhancement. The findings suggest that organisations should employ augmentation alongside automation to drive productivity, in a way that promotes strong work-design, builds trust, and leverages human creativity. A further recommendation is made for organisations to focus on continuous upskilling to combat the shortening shelf-life of skills and adapt to the constant change brought around by advances in automation. Originality/value: Through a synthesis of diverse perspectives and academic evidence, this paper contributes to the nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding automation and its impact on employment. This literature review underscores the need for organisational strategies that leverage augmentation to harness productivity savings, alongside a renewed focus on widespread employee skills enhancement. In addition to creating new recommendations for practitioners and organisational leaders, this paper also furthers the research agenda through a list of research gaps for scholarly attention.
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Internationalization of liquor in the age of social media: Navigating the digital silk road through netnographyWe presented Internationalization of baijiu in the age of social media: Navigating the digital silk road through netnography
