Services Fellows
Services Fellows Projects
This research programme will address the changing nature of professional identity within accounting and law firms, due to socio-cultural changes in which more women are entering professions. It will investigate the relationship between professional identity formation and visual identity, represented by the physical body, and the extent to which professional identities are gendered, or embodied in specific cultural forms, which may provide opportunities for, or inhibit, the recruitment, retention or career development of skilled professionals and practitioners.
Business-to-business (B2B) transacting is currently experiencing phenomenal growth. However, few studies examine B2B issues arising from the service concept. Existing literature often examines B2B issues within a service context, rather than understanding the impact of service characteristics on B2B transactions.
This research will look at the development of new business models in service organisations, which is an important means for innovation and generating value in services. An often-cited example of a distinctive business model is Amazon.com, the internet consumer goods retailer.
Most UK trade is between firms, not with consumers. This business-to-business – “B2B” – trade is therefore vital for export earnings and jobs. It covers service sectors like finance and consultancy as well as manufacturing. But even manufacturing firms are selling more and more services such as maintenance, repairs and spare parts.
This research project examines two creative industries, film and TV; and digital media, software and computer games. It considers:
1. how people working in creative industries acquire and develop skills;
2. the impact of social and reputational capital;
3. the way that work is controlled and the role played by managers and leaders.
The research concencentrates on the value adding activities and the innovation performance of British companies operating in the service sector. Particular emphasis will be put on the characteristics of their entrepreneurs. The latter play a key role in the innovation capability of their firms but are often criticized for failing or of being slow to react to economic opportunities while concentrating on low cost strategies.
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