65 FOUR Did NHS productivity increase under the Coalition government? Chris Bojke, Adriana Castelli, Katja Grašič, Daniel Howdon and Andrew Street Introduction In the light of seemingly inexorable pressures to increase NHS expenditure year on year, it is not surprising that the productivity of the health system looms large in political debate. It has long been argued that the impacts of an aging population and the development of new technologies place ever greater demands on the health system. The question is whether these demands should translate
137 FOUR Infrastructure and rural productivity in Africa Maurice Mubila and Tito Yepes Introduction Rural activities remain highly relevant to the overall development process of Sub-Saharan Africa. The African population is mainly located in rural areas, ranging from 53% to 78% of the population in the Economic Community of Central African States (ECCAS) and the East African Community (EAC) respectively. Almost two-thirds of the labor force is engaged in agricultural-related activities and agriculture makes up a very significant share of gross domestic
183 11 Professional abuse of power: discreditation or a lowering of productivity? Introduction De-professionalisation as defined by abuse of power implies a discrediting or deprivation of professional status, resulting in a weakening of respect or tendency away from a position of strength or equal rights. Similarly, the concept may be defined through a perception of low productivity, where low economic value becomes associated with low status. In both cases a person’s work situation may become vulnerable and subordinate, and professional identity
, who play a key role as food providers in the household. Their urban gardens and communal land plots constitute well-known principal locations of food enterprises and informal home-based economic activities, thus offering potential to contribute to local economic development (Majale, 2008 : 271). Their food production is vitally important for the food and nutrition security of vulnerable urban populations. On the one hand, the rising number of urban poor and marginalised people stresses the demand for increased urban food productivity, which may not suffice to ‘feed
This is the first book to challenge the concept of paid work for disabled people as a means to ‘independence’ and ‘self determination’. Recent attempts in many countries to increase the employment rates of disabled people have actually led to an erosion of financial support for many workless disabled people and their increasing stigmatisation as ‘scroungers’. Led by the disability movement’s concern with the employment choices faced by disabled people, this controversial book uses sociological and philosophical approaches, as well as international examples, to critically engage with possible alternatives to paid work. Essential reading for students, practitioners, activists and anyone interested in relationships between work, welfare and disability.
Robust university–industry partnerships are vital to achieve the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create a better world for everyone.
Developing the theory and practice of the ‘5th Generation University’, this book shows how cross-sector collaboration and innovation are crucial to maximising the societal benefits of research, education and knowledge exchange, while also driving economic growth and productivity.
The authors bring extensive experience in working at the interface between academia, industry and government to demonstrate how universities can effectively combine transdisciplinary programmatic activities and strategic corporate philanthropy. They explain how long-term alliances can be forged to have a transformational impact on the greatest challenges facing our world such as climate change.
Austerity’s impacts on the healthcare, social care and education professions are under the spotlight in this important book.
From scarcer resources to greater stresses, and falling training budgets to rising risks, it charts how policies and cuts have compromised workers’ ability to undertake their professional roles. It combines research and practice experience to assess the extent of de-professionalisation in recent years and how workers have responded.
This book is a vital review of how austerity has resculpted our notions of professionalism.
Critically assessing growth-based models of innovation policy, this enlightening study sparks new debate on the role and nature of responsible innovation.
Drawing on insights from economics, politics, and science and technology studies, it proposes the concept of ‘responsible stagnation’ as an expansion of present discussions about growth, degrowth, responsibility and innovation within planetary limitations.
This important intervention explores real-world relationships between the political economy, innovation policy and concepts of responsibility, and will be an invaluable resource for individuals and civil society organizations who seek to promote responsible innovation.
Labour exploitation is a highly topical though complex issue that has international resonance for those concerned with social justice and social welfare, but there is a lack of research available about it. This book, part of the Studies in Social Harm series, is the first to look at labour exploitation from a social harm perspective, arguing that, as a global social problem, it should be located within the broader study of work-based harm.
Written by an expert in policy orientated research, he critiques existing approaches to the study of workplace exploitation, abuse and forced labour. Mapping out a new sub-discipline, this innovative book aims to shift power from employers to workers to reduce levels of labour exploitation and work-based harm. It is relevant to academics from many fields as well as legislators, policy makers, politicians, employers, union officials, activists and consumers.
EPDF and EPUB available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence.
Whilst the COVID-19 pandemic affected all parts of the country, it did not do so equally. Northern England was hit the hardest, exposing more than ever the extent of regional inequalities in health and wealth.
Using original data analysis from a wide range of sources, this book demonstrates how COVID-19 has impacted the country unequally in terms of mortality, mental health and the economy.
The book provides a striking empirical overview of the impact of the pandemic on regional inequalities and explores why the North fared worse.
It sets out what needs to be learnt from the pandemic to prevent regional inequality growing and to reduce inequalities in health and wealth in the future.
