Business and Management Research (UoA17)

Dr Tilba pioneered research into the governance and investment practices of UK pension funds.

It has had significant impact on the regulation of pension funds and the organisations involved in them. We achieved this impact in two main ways when looking at investment intermediaries.

We shaped the Law Commission’s investigation of the fiduciary duties. We also influenced policies of the Financial Conduct Authority and the Competitions and Market Authority.

Tilba’s research influences the behaviour of fund management and investment advice organisations.

Sustainable research

We've been able to sustain our research on transformational change long term across many business contexts.

Research interventions in the manufacturing and service sectors have increased competitiveness by:

• improve productivity
• operational efficiency
• lead-times

The study highlights two holistic interventions tailored to their organisational contexts. It includes the competitive environment, processes, human resources, and training needs.

Business impact

Hartlepool Steel Mill represents one of our long-term collaborations. We helped to develop a lean capability and an enhanced people management strategy, preventing closure in 2017.

We entered into a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) with Benfield Motors between 2014 and 2016. It focused on reducing costs and improving customer experience in aftersales.

The KTP resulted in:

• reduced customer waiting times
• increased turnover
• improved operational efficiency

We led this case in partnership with the Social Enterprise Research Innovation Foundation. We develop Gibbon’s expertise in measuring social value through innovative participatory methods. This addresses a significant knowledge gap in how we can value social enterprise in criminal justice settings.

This evidence base has influenced prison policy and strategy. It uses dissemination activities to look at the role of social enterprise in prisoner rehabilitation.

The research measures and promotes the value of social enterprise to many stakeholders. It contributes to a more joined-up approach to social enterprise in public prisons in the North East of England. It also supports the skills development of long-term prisoners by providing social audit training.

Many small-scale food producers are currently economically vulnerable due to unfair trading practices. 

We carried out research to explore how:

• to reduce the risk of these producers becoming victims of opportunistic behaviour
• they could achieve better financial returns
• they could foster better relationships with consumers

The study also looked at ways in which alternative business models and quality food markets can improve small-scale producers’ market returns and satisfy consumer needs.

The research is based around two major EU-funded projects:

• COMPETE
• Strength2Food

This case study shows how we have mobilised high-quality conceptual and original research ideas. They effect change through deliberative outreach, engagement and partnership working.

Harvey, Maclean and Suddaby have led extensive research on entrepreneurship and philanthropy.

The research impacts in three significant ways:

• shaping the work and strategy of a sector-leading philanthropic foundation
• enhancing public understanding of entrepreneurial philanthropy
• inspiring and educating philanthropists and philanthropy professionals

This case documents direct involvement in high-level international advisory roles mobilising policy change.

Hughes has global expertise in researching labour standard regimes and multilateral organisations. This has led to collaborations with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and United Nations (UN).

The research looks at the ‘Decent Work’ agenda for:

• employment creation
• social protection
• rights at work
• social dialogue
• gender equality

Sustained contributions have led to many impacts on policy formation, implementation and upskilling. We have:

• shaped the UN strategy for mainstreaming ‘Decent Work’
• influenced the ILO’s strategic approach to its ‘Decent Work’ agenda
• influenced ILO and UN policy development and implementation through partnership building

This case study shows the power of high-quality research to effect change in Chile, an emerging economy.

Through engagement activity, we influence government socio-economic policy and direct allocation of resources.

We influence the adoption of innovative methods of policy implementation. We also advise the conduct and decisions of entrepreneurs and business incubators.

Precise impacts have included:

• the initiation of the first Social Impact Bond programme in 2018 ($50m)
• supporting implementation of Social Impact Bonds
• the redesign and implementation of the Chilean economic development agency’s seed-funding programme
• upskilling social entrepreneurs and incubators through impact assessment training

Newcastle University is home to a group of internationally recognised academic leaders in:

• the economics of safety
• health
• the environment
• risk

Our pioneering research uses sophisticated quantitative methodologies based on ‘willingness to pay’. It has been highly significant in driving UK government policy where health and safety is a major concern.

This approach enables the estimation of:

• preference-based values
• preventing premature fatalities
• the value of life years lost

We use these values to monetise safety benefits arising from government-funded projects. We follow guidance of the HM Treasury on Cost-Benefit Analysis and also DEFRA, to estimate the damage costs of air pollution.

Our research was central in the decision to change HM Treasury guidance in relation to workplace cancers.

It led to the UK Government commissioning a new primary study. This provided direct empirical evidence to update its values for life expectancy gains.

The reputation of Newcastle’s research has also led to an increase in demand for the team’s expertise in the private sector and on a global scale.

This case demonstrates how funding has stimulated lasting impacts for micro-businesses. They have had far-reaching implications for the design and delivery of micro-business support.

Newcastle researchers have impressive research expertise on business engagement and micro-businesses. They work with over 130 micro-businesses and 30 larger businesses in the north east of England.

Each micro-business partnered with a ‘mentor manager’ from a larger local firm. Together, they attend a series of researcher-facilitated workshops.

It resulted in enhanced capabilities and improved performance over time for:

• the micro-businesses
• policy learning
• enhanced capabilities of ‘mentor managers'

Further research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic has supported 20 businesses. This helped them to build their resilience and adaptability.