Polarisation has been an integral part of how the retail financial services market operates in the UK, since its implementation in 1988. The term ‘polarisation’ refers to the…
Abstract
Polarisation has been an integral part of how the retail financial services market operates in the UK, since its implementation in 1988. The term ‘polarisation’ refers to the practice whereby financial advisers must belong to one of two groups: either independent advisers able to advise the consumer on a range of financial services products, or tied agents who can only advise on the products of one company. In this paper, the author first sets out how the process of polarisation was implemented, before going on to consider the impact of the current two‐stage review by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) of competition in financial service provision. He argues that while some change in the retail financial services market would be helpful there are considerable dangers in the FSA’s clear recommendation that polarisation should be abolished.
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The recent increase in unemployment has been accompanied by much discussion of the structure of unemployment. Many have occupied themselves by trying to allocate the increase…
Abstract
The recent increase in unemployment has been accompanied by much discussion of the structure of unemployment. Many have occupied themselves by trying to allocate the increase between the conventional categories of frictional, structural and cyclical and in trying to separate the voluntary and involuntary components of the problem. Others have investigated the nature of the problem in terms of job turnover or duration, while a number have busied themselves with the issue of whether the published unemployment figures are an accurate measure of the pressure of demand or of social distress.
In order to succeed in an action under the Equal Pay Act 1970, should the woman and the man be employed by the same employer on like work at the same time or would the woman still…
Abstract
In order to succeed in an action under the Equal Pay Act 1970, should the woman and the man be employed by the same employer on like work at the same time or would the woman still be covered by the Act if she were employed on like work in succession to the man? This is the question which had to be solved in Macarthys Ltd v. Smith. Unfortunately it was not. Their Lordships interpreted the relevant section in different ways and since Article 119 of the Treaty of Rome was also subject to different interpretations, the case has been referred to the European Court of Justice.
Purpose – This chapter focuses on the role evolution has played in our development of politics and public policy and reviews the theoretical approaches and studies of the last…
Abstract
Purpose – This chapter focuses on the role evolution has played in our development of politics and public policy and reviews the theoretical approaches and studies of the last decade that address biopolitics and evolution, such as the “gene-culture co-evolution theory.”
Design/methodology/approach – In this chapter some of these theoretical developments will be reviewed, including what has been called the “Synergism Hypothesis,” with particular emphasis on what is relevant for understanding the role of politics and public policy in the evolutionary process.
Findings – A new, multileveled paradigm has emerged in evolutionary biology during the past decade, one which emphasizes the role of cooperative phenomena in the evolution of complexity over time, including the evolution of socially organized species such as humankind. I refer to it as “Holistic Darwinism.”
Practical implications – This study develops an understanding of the complicated relationship between human biology and the role of evolution in shaping politics and public policy.
Originality/value – This study addresses several existing biopolitical concepts and presents new explanations and terminology for its understanding.
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Ellie Norris, Shawgat Kutubi and Glenn Finau
This paper examines the state’s accountability to its citizens, in particular the First Peoples of settler colonial nations such as Australia, and how these responsibilities may…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the state’s accountability to its citizens, in particular the First Peoples of settler colonial nations such as Australia, and how these responsibilities may be enacted via a process of compensatory justice in Native Title claims. We focus on the landmark Timber Creek ruling and the impacts of racialized preconceptions on the accountability outcomes of the case.
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on critical race theory to reveal embedded racialised perspectives that perpetuate exclusion and discriminatory outcomes. Court documents including hearing transcripts, case judgements, witness statements, appellant and respondent submissions, expert reports and responses from First Nations leaders, form the basis of our analysis.
Findings
The case highlights how the compensation awarded to Native Title holders was based on racialised assumptions that prioritised neoliberal values, commercial activities and reaching a “socially acceptable” judgement over valuing Aboriginal uses of land. A critical analysis of court documents reveals the pervasiveness of presumed “objectivity” in the use of accounting tools to calculate economic value and the accountability implications of a process based on litigation, not negotiation. These findings reveal the hiding places offered by calculative practices that equate neoliberal priorities with accountability and reaffirm the importance of alternative accountings to resist inequitable distributive outcomes.
Originality/value
Novel insights, drawing on First Nations peoples’ connections to land and their perspectives on accountability and justice, are offered in this study. Our analysis of Native Title holders’ submissions to the courts alongside historical and anthropological sources leads to the conclusion that compensation decisions regarding Native Title land must be approached from the perspective of Aboriginal landowners if accountable outcomes are to be achieved.
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Paul Lynch, Richard Baty, Farouk Abdullah and Claire Seaman
To report on an investigation amongst small firm owner‐managers in the service sector into potential demand for an MBA.
Abstract
Purpose
To report on an investigation amongst small firm owner‐managers in the service sector into potential demand for an MBA.
Design/methodology/approach
Relevant recent literature is critiqued concerning small firms and learning, and MBAs and small firms. A description is given of the research methods employed involving a mail questionnaire sent to 600 small and microenterprises eliciting 99 completed questionnaires, and follow‐up interviews with a sample of 20 respondents.
Findings
Identifies a potential market for an MBA tailor‐made to the requirements of a “learning segment” of small firm owner‐managers. Finds owner‐managers have sophisticated product requirements to be satisfied which would necessitate significant changes in higher education course provision and processes.
Research limitations/implications
The research was not concerned with investigating price. Bridging the gap between meeting the educational needs of small firms and higher education provision would help to address issues of social exclusion and potentially enhance the competitive economy.
Practical implications
Higher education institutions need to make significant changes to course provision and teaching, learning and assessment processes in order to develop an MBA product appropriate for the small firm market.
Originality/value
Assists with planning and designing a small firm MBA. Furthers debate concerning small firms and lifelong learning in order to develop a more competitive economy.
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The visit to Aberdeen of Her Majesty The Queen on June 27 confirmed what had been obvious for a little time—that the epidemic of typhoid fever in the city is over, notwithstanding…
Abstract
The visit to Aberdeen of Her Majesty The Queen on June 27 confirmed what had been obvious for a little time—that the epidemic of typhoid fever in the city is over, notwithstanding that sporadic “secondaries” may continue to occur from time to time. The number of confirmed cases admitted to hospital exceed 400 and the outbreak is among the largest of this century in Britain. The largest number of cases on any one day was 64 on June 1, but by the second week in June, cases had begun to fall and the outbreak was on the decline. The total included about 90 children and there were 38 suspected cases which proved not to be typhoid fever. The infection spread beyond Aberdeen and on June 8, the Secretary of State for Scotland said in the House of Commons that 31 patients (29 in Scotland and two in (England) were in hospital with typhoid contracted in Aberdeen and that 40 other cases were under investigation.