Dr. Ben Duke (PhD from Keele University, United Kingdom (UK) 2017) has had thirty three peer reviewed discussion papers published: including three book chapters, two conference papers and two book reviews. The most recent publication being in September 2023. He has further papers submitted for peer review. Ben Duke has developed expertise in the use of NVivo10 for critical discourse analysis. He has literature research skills, useful for providing a critical appraisal of policy documents. Has worked in research with five different UK universities. He does voluntary work for a cancer charity and an older person charity. He is an NHS Deputy Governor for a Health Foundation Trust. He also assists children and adults with learning disabilities for MENCAP.
PUPIL: International Journal of Teaching, Education and Learning
Purpose of the research: This article discusses the different aspects to consider when deciding t... more Purpose of the research: This article discusses the different aspects to consider when deciding the pedagogical choices by which various political sciences can be taught and learnt. Pedagogy is the educational process a teacher uses to teach a learner a new skill. Pedagogy can be teacher-centred or learner-centred, the latter focussing on students having an active role in the learning process. Research methodology: This critical review was written by conducting several internet searches using clearly relevant keywords. Grey literature, policy documents from numerous state actors, associated democratisation, higher education practitioners and stakeholders, feature extensively in this critical review. Findings: Political science students could be taught using experiential learning-centred pedagogy, to learn how equality, diversity and inclusion affect political processes. A basic understanding of political science concepts e.g., agenda-setting and media manipulation, are crucial in co...
The employment landscape is going through a radical transformation, substantive change which was ... more The employment landscape is going through a radical transformation, substantive change which was well underway before the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020. There are numerous causal factors that are policy drivers, resulting in the societal transformation of the landscape for workers. The 1990s digital revolution has created a new dimension to the employment landscape. Society now has digital platform workers who have a unique relationship with traditional workplace issues. Digital platform owners can be based in a different continent to the worker, who sometimes doesn't know who they are working for. Many digital workers work alone which makes collective bargaining and union formation virtually impossible, enabling exploitation of digital workers. Anxiety, stress-related conditions, physical and mental health conditions caused by the workplace, are of significant concern to digital platform workers. Technological panopticism, workplace surveillance, discipline and control, masquerading as algorithmic management, will become the norm for increasing numbers of workers. Artificial intelligence, smart devices and the internet of things (IOT) are other features of digitalisation, which will significantly reduce the number of workers. The employment landscape in the 2020s, will be shaped by the continued proliferation of insecure temporary work, the gig economy and precarity.
This paper is delivered from a conceptual theoretical review of grey literature: identifying key ... more This paper is delivered from a conceptual theoretical review of grey literature: identifying key concepts and pragmatic policy interventions, which are required to address various aspects of the digital workforce. The main objective and purpose of this study is to analyze then articulate how technological panopticism, digital surveillance has changed the world of work. The study alerts us to the significant changes in work relations, which have been imposed by the digital age. At a nascent level society is asked to consider; how prepared are we to address the effects of technological panopticism on the mental (and physical) wellbeing of digital workers. On a nuanced basis the study fulfils another societal role: acting to introduce consideration of the digital surveillance aspects of how interaction with artificial intelligence and/or the internet of things could develop in the 2020s.
Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls o... more Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls of structured finance, when applied to “Third Sector” organisations. Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review of existing studies and grey literature are considered in a critical evaluation of the risk governance of structured finance arrangements. Voluntary sector observers inform us, the ‘Third Sector’ comprises of ‘…nonprofits, charities, social enterprises, social movements, and other community-based. Clearly civil society organisation (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and supranational organisations should also be added to the list. Findings: ‘Quality control’ and ‘Social implications’ issues surrounding the effect of structured finance agreements on ‘Third Sector’ organisations are revealed. Practical Implications: This conceptual theoretical review details the ‘Practical implications of Third Sector organisation risk governance’ with structured finance. The brea...
The COVID-19 global pandemic has revealed a class divide between workers. A class divide manifest... more The COVID-19 global pandemic has revealed a class divide between workers. A class divide manifest as salaried workers whose needs were recognised and catered for, in most Western liberal democracies by March 2020. This response is in sharp contrast to self-employed workers whose equal needs have not been prioritised. Self-employed people who have been forgotten, dispossessed, find themselves at the back of a critical resource allocation queue.
This conceptual theoretical review utilizes Dewey’s (2003 [orig. 1938], p290) ‘Social Inquiry’ et... more This conceptual theoretical review utilizes Dewey’s (2003 [orig. 1938], p290) ‘Social Inquiry’ ethos as a backdrop. The paper discusses how effective have social enterprises (SEs) been in delivering sustainable societies, without market overlap or operational fragmentation. The paper analyses grey literature sources, to articulate delivery of sustainable societies assisted by SEs involvement. Society’s recognition of the increasing reliance on SEs to deliver societal and corporate needs, is quite implicit.
Globalisation is inextricably linked with international development in the early 2020s. Human dev... more Globalisation is inextricably linked with international development in the early 2020s. Human development in Australasia, China, the Indo-Pacific and Africa are affected by global shocks e.g. COVID-19 and continuing climate change. Different countries have their own demographic development profile: some countries are low or middle income countries; other countries have cash crops, whilst others don't. There are similar income effects caused by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank. This means there are numerous unique reasons why globalisation has positive and negative effects upon international development in different neighbouring countries in Africa. The United Nations (UN) in their Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) inform us international development is a multifaceted concept. Using the UN MDGs as a template, international development includes: education; poverty eradication; protecting the environment; human rights, democracy and good governance; and protecting the vulnerable. These international development issues are significant for all weaker countries globally, the UN confirm they are of particular importance in Africa. The overarching UN document, MDG VII specifically mentions 'Meeting the special needs of Africa'. The later SDGs add a sustainability remit to the MDGs delivering international development, crops and minerals exports should be obtained in a sustainable manner. The SDGs indicate global north countries should pay weaker African nations more for their goods and produce. The COVD-19 global pandemic has been a truly shocking event, which had killed 2.72 million people by the end of March 2021. Due in part to globalisation proliferating online misinformation, many African people is refusing COVID-19 vaccine. If vaccine hesitancy continues throughout the 2020s, Africa's development will be arrested compared to other Global South areas e.g. Latin America. Extreme weather events have become more frequent in Africa since 2000. The main cause of climate change is the continued use of CO2 emitting fossilized fuel in the global north. There is a paradox, I argue weaker African nations need to continue to use their carbon rich fuels, for international development to make progress.
The case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is overwhelming. It has long been recognized ... more The case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is overwhelming. It has long been recognized that technology company staff rosters are insufficiently diverse. Tech industry studies report that the situation is worse now than it was in 1984.1 An often-cited report from the World Economic Forum provides a stark warning: at the current rate of progress, it will take another 100 years to achieve global gender equality.2 A wide range of business studies have shown that companies that incorporate DEI into their mission are often market leaders and more profitable. These business studies also found that both diverse boards and diverse teams outperform.3
This paper provides a critical theoretical review of the political factors, which significantly i... more This paper provides a critical theoretical review of the political factors, which significantly influenced the June 2016 Brexit decision to leave the European Union (EU). This paper also provides a critical investigation of the likely impact of Brexit on certain social, political and economic aspects of the UK landscape. To this end the paper also analyses the effect EU policies on the economy, migration, sovereignty and democracy had on Brexit views. During the 2014 European Parliament elections, the UK Conservative Party haemorrhaged electoral support to the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP). During the 2016 Brexit Referendum campaign, the ruling elite had an unfounded expectation that UK citizens would vote to remain in the EU. Under the policy vacuum of no change, the political mantra of UKIP became appealing to an increasing majority in the UK. The failure to ensure that UK citizens were informed of the finalised EU-UK Brexit deal before the referendum took place (as in...
This paper seeks to provide a critical theoretical comparative review of the effect upon democrac... more This paper seeks to provide a critical theoretical comparative review of the effect upon democracy, constitutional reform could have on new smaller states. This paper posits that it is an untried, untested assumption that democratisation will follow, if nation states’ populations choose constitutional reform. This paper also posits that social, economic, political, historical and cultural generic domains influence the drive for constitutional reform in very different ways globally. This paper intends to discuss the pressure for constitutional reform, from a globalisation perspective. This paper will demonstrate how globalisation itself is a significant causal factor, increasing the propensity towards constitutional reform of smaller states. This paper will also demonstrate that the EU anti-globalisation sentiment, asking for constitutional reform, is globally replicated elsewhere.
Abstract
‘Student Learning Through Work Placements’
The core aim of this research study is t... more Abstract
‘Student Learning Through Work Placements’
The core aim of this research study is to analyse the effects of experiential learning
pedagogy on students, received during work based student placements. This study
identifies and examines the perceptions held by higher education (HE) stakeholders,
regarding the effects of experiential learning work placements on students.
My research is situated in Bourdieusian concepts, which include ‘habitus’, ‘field’, and
‘cultural reproduction’ (Bourdieu, 1977b, p72; 1986a, p60; 1977a, p487). My research
found employability is an agency in its own right. Employability had a doxa (a societally
embedded opinion) (Bourdieu, 1977b, p169) effect on my research study. Most of the
research responses were given in employability terms. The majority of research
participants clearly indicated other aspects of experiential learning, e.g. students
developing self-efficacy were a secondary consideration. Preparedness for work was
the key priority. My research found, all HE stakeholders have been influenced to
‘ideologically reproduce’ the employability agenda, in order to ‘fit in’ with the current
HE landscape (Bourdieu, 1977a, p490; Bourdieu, 1990, p53; Brady, 2012, p346).
This research study found that Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012, p386) ‘reproductive’ or
‘deconstructive’ concepts present in their ‘Student Volunteering’ study, were replicated
by students on unpaid experiential learning work placements, with either a ‘Third
Sector’ organisation or a statutory agency. This study also identified hitherto
undiscovered causal factors, absent in Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012) study. These
are additional social actors, which significantly influence whether students become
‘reproductive’ or ‘deconstructive’ during experiential learning work placements.
13
This research found the ‘wider society’ is an existential agency, which has a strategic
governance role representing society as a whole. The ‘wider society’ has a societal
remit to coordinate delivery of all society’s needs, which includes social care provision
and environmental management. Trained people are required to deliver this societal
remit, so the ‘wider society’ is an experiential learning higher education stakeholder.
Europeanisation: New Ways to Conceptualise European Union Integration Abstract This paper intends... more Europeanisation: New Ways to Conceptualise European Union Integration Abstract This paper intends to provide pragmatic, durable solutions and suggestions on policy formulation, for the way forward for the European Union (EU) integration process. There will be a similar analysis for the policy transfer process of Europeanisation. This paper aims to provide a conceptual theoretical review of the recent workings of EU policy implementation, during and after the financial crisis. This paper seeks to offer a critical assessment of what happened in the EU area. This paper posits that the recent global financial crisis has not finished, the effects of the crisis have not yet fully manifest themselves in the EU. This paper seeks to inform the audience, why the nature of EU relations with non-EU countries has changed due to the crisis. The paper will conclude with an overview of the likely future effects of the global financial crisis on the EU. Challenges and threats to Europeanisation will...
‘Small is Beautiful’, Analysing the Democratising Effect of Localism, Greater Regional Autonomy, ... more ‘Small is Beautiful’, Analysing the Democratising Effect of Localism, Greater Regional Autonomy, Decentralisation and Constitutional Reform Ben DUKE PhD candidate, Keele University, UK, b.duke@keele.ac.uk Abstract This paper seeks to provide a critical theoretical comparative review of the effect upon democracy, constitutional reform could have on new smaller states. This paper posits that it is an untried, untested assumption that democratisation will follow, if nation states’ populations choose constitutional reform. This paper also posits that social, economic, political, historical and cultural generic domains influence the drive for constitutional reform in very different ways globally. This paper intends to discuss the pressure for constitutional reform, from a globalisation perspective. This paper will demonstrate how globalisation itself is a significant causal factor, increasing the propensity towards constitutional reform of smaller states. This paper will also demonstrate...
Education, Learning and Teaching, an Interdisciplinary Europeanization Neo-Troika: Facilitating C... more Education, Learning and Teaching, an Interdisciplinary Europeanization Neo-Troika: Facilitating Cross Border and Transport Aspects of Travelling Europe Abstract This paper considers the challenge of equipping the populous with the necessary critical thinking skills to benefit from Europeanization. The Shapley-Value decomposition technique lists education as an important factor in countries reducing inequality. The knowledge-generating neo-troika, consisting of education, learning and teaching, is critical in enabling people to make informed decisions. Educated people are able to evaluate complex, theoretical, abstract ideas e.g. democratic participation, representation and neoliberalism. This paper posits that Europeanization, including the interconnectedness of place and spatial awareness in travelling Europe and crossing borders, is more effective with an educated population. This paper seeks to provide a brief overview of epistemology and ontology, two concepts that have a signif...
International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management , 2020
Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls o... more Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls of structured finance, when applied to "Third Sector" organisations. Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review of existing studies and grey literature are considered in a critical evaluation of the risk governance of structured finance arrangements. Voluntary sector observers inform us, the 'Third Sector' comprises of '…nonprofits, charities, social enterprises, social movements, and other community-based. Clearly civil society organisation (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and supranational organisations should also be added to the list. Findings: 'Quality control' and 'Social implications' issues surrounding the effect of structured finance agreements on 'Third Sector' organisations are revealed. Practical Implications: This conceptual theoretical review details the 'Practical implications of Third Sector organisation risk governance' with structured finance. The breadth, depth and remit of these agencies, demonstrates the societal need for risk governance for all such third sector organisations. The paper explains why those needs may differ for larger, more corporate 'Third Sector' organisations. Originality/Value: It has become increasingly clear that structured finance arrangements, have the ability to influence the ethos, focus and legitimacy of 'Third Sector' organisations. Analysis of issues to consider, when implementing risk governance strategy regarding structured finance agreements has become critical.
PUPIL: International Journal of Teaching, Education and Learning
Purpose of the research: This article discusses the different aspects to consider when deciding t... more Purpose of the research: This article discusses the different aspects to consider when deciding the pedagogical choices by which various political sciences can be taught and learnt. Pedagogy is the educational process a teacher uses to teach a learner a new skill. Pedagogy can be teacher-centred or learner-centred, the latter focussing on students having an active role in the learning process. Research methodology: This critical review was written by conducting several internet searches using clearly relevant keywords. Grey literature, policy documents from numerous state actors, associated democratisation, higher education practitioners and stakeholders, feature extensively in this critical review. Findings: Political science students could be taught using experiential learning-centred pedagogy, to learn how equality, diversity and inclusion affect political processes. A basic understanding of political science concepts e.g., agenda-setting and media manipulation, are crucial in co...
The employment landscape is going through a radical transformation, substantive change which was ... more The employment landscape is going through a radical transformation, substantive change which was well underway before the COVID-19 global pandemic in 2020. There are numerous causal factors that are policy drivers, resulting in the societal transformation of the landscape for workers. The 1990s digital revolution has created a new dimension to the employment landscape. Society now has digital platform workers who have a unique relationship with traditional workplace issues. Digital platform owners can be based in a different continent to the worker, who sometimes doesn't know who they are working for. Many digital workers work alone which makes collective bargaining and union formation virtually impossible, enabling exploitation of digital workers. Anxiety, stress-related conditions, physical and mental health conditions caused by the workplace, are of significant concern to digital platform workers. Technological panopticism, workplace surveillance, discipline and control, masquerading as algorithmic management, will become the norm for increasing numbers of workers. Artificial intelligence, smart devices and the internet of things (IOT) are other features of digitalisation, which will significantly reduce the number of workers. The employment landscape in the 2020s, will be shaped by the continued proliferation of insecure temporary work, the gig economy and precarity.
This paper is delivered from a conceptual theoretical review of grey literature: identifying key ... more This paper is delivered from a conceptual theoretical review of grey literature: identifying key concepts and pragmatic policy interventions, which are required to address various aspects of the digital workforce. The main objective and purpose of this study is to analyze then articulate how technological panopticism, digital surveillance has changed the world of work. The study alerts us to the significant changes in work relations, which have been imposed by the digital age. At a nascent level society is asked to consider; how prepared are we to address the effects of technological panopticism on the mental (and physical) wellbeing of digital workers. On a nuanced basis the study fulfils another societal role: acting to introduce consideration of the digital surveillance aspects of how interaction with artificial intelligence and/or the internet of things could develop in the 2020s.
Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls o... more Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls of structured finance, when applied to “Third Sector” organisations. Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review of existing studies and grey literature are considered in a critical evaluation of the risk governance of structured finance arrangements. Voluntary sector observers inform us, the ‘Third Sector’ comprises of ‘…nonprofits, charities, social enterprises, social movements, and other community-based. Clearly civil society organisation (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and supranational organisations should also be added to the list. Findings: ‘Quality control’ and ‘Social implications’ issues surrounding the effect of structured finance agreements on ‘Third Sector’ organisations are revealed. Practical Implications: This conceptual theoretical review details the ‘Practical implications of Third Sector organisation risk governance’ with structured finance. The brea...
The COVID-19 global pandemic has revealed a class divide between workers. A class divide manifest... more The COVID-19 global pandemic has revealed a class divide between workers. A class divide manifest as salaried workers whose needs were recognised and catered for, in most Western liberal democracies by March 2020. This response is in sharp contrast to self-employed workers whose equal needs have not been prioritised. Self-employed people who have been forgotten, dispossessed, find themselves at the back of a critical resource allocation queue.
This conceptual theoretical review utilizes Dewey’s (2003 [orig. 1938], p290) ‘Social Inquiry’ et... more This conceptual theoretical review utilizes Dewey’s (2003 [orig. 1938], p290) ‘Social Inquiry’ ethos as a backdrop. The paper discusses how effective have social enterprises (SEs) been in delivering sustainable societies, without market overlap or operational fragmentation. The paper analyses grey literature sources, to articulate delivery of sustainable societies assisted by SEs involvement. Society’s recognition of the increasing reliance on SEs to deliver societal and corporate needs, is quite implicit.
Globalisation is inextricably linked with international development in the early 2020s. Human dev... more Globalisation is inextricably linked with international development in the early 2020s. Human development in Australasia, China, the Indo-Pacific and Africa are affected by global shocks e.g. COVID-19 and continuing climate change. Different countries have their own demographic development profile: some countries are low or middle income countries; other countries have cash crops, whilst others don't. There are similar income effects caused by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank. This means there are numerous unique reasons why globalisation has positive and negative effects upon international development in different neighbouring countries in Africa. The United Nations (UN) in their Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) inform us international development is a multifaceted concept. Using the UN MDGs as a template, international development includes: education; poverty eradication; protecting the environment; human rights, democracy and good governance; and protecting the vulnerable. These international development issues are significant for all weaker countries globally, the UN confirm they are of particular importance in Africa. The overarching UN document, MDG VII specifically mentions 'Meeting the special needs of Africa'. The later SDGs add a sustainability remit to the MDGs delivering international development, crops and minerals exports should be obtained in a sustainable manner. The SDGs indicate global north countries should pay weaker African nations more for their goods and produce. The COVD-19 global pandemic has been a truly shocking event, which had killed 2.72 million people by the end of March 2021. Due in part to globalisation proliferating online misinformation, many African people is refusing COVID-19 vaccine. If vaccine hesitancy continues throughout the 2020s, Africa's development will be arrested compared to other Global South areas e.g. Latin America. Extreme weather events have become more frequent in Africa since 2000. The main cause of climate change is the continued use of CO2 emitting fossilized fuel in the global north. There is a paradox, I argue weaker African nations need to continue to use their carbon rich fuels, for international development to make progress.
The case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is overwhelming. It has long been recognized ... more The case for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) is overwhelming. It has long been recognized that technology company staff rosters are insufficiently diverse. Tech industry studies report that the situation is worse now than it was in 1984.1 An often-cited report from the World Economic Forum provides a stark warning: at the current rate of progress, it will take another 100 years to achieve global gender equality.2 A wide range of business studies have shown that companies that incorporate DEI into their mission are often market leaders and more profitable. These business studies also found that both diverse boards and diverse teams outperform.3
This paper provides a critical theoretical review of the political factors, which significantly i... more This paper provides a critical theoretical review of the political factors, which significantly influenced the June 2016 Brexit decision to leave the European Union (EU). This paper also provides a critical investigation of the likely impact of Brexit on certain social, political and economic aspects of the UK landscape. To this end the paper also analyses the effect EU policies on the economy, migration, sovereignty and democracy had on Brexit views. During the 2014 European Parliament elections, the UK Conservative Party haemorrhaged electoral support to the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP). During the 2016 Brexit Referendum campaign, the ruling elite had an unfounded expectation that UK citizens would vote to remain in the EU. Under the policy vacuum of no change, the political mantra of UKIP became appealing to an increasing majority in the UK. The failure to ensure that UK citizens were informed of the finalised EU-UK Brexit deal before the referendum took place (as in...
This paper seeks to provide a critical theoretical comparative review of the effect upon democrac... more This paper seeks to provide a critical theoretical comparative review of the effect upon democracy, constitutional reform could have on new smaller states. This paper posits that it is an untried, untested assumption that democratisation will follow, if nation states’ populations choose constitutional reform. This paper also posits that social, economic, political, historical and cultural generic domains influence the drive for constitutional reform in very different ways globally. This paper intends to discuss the pressure for constitutional reform, from a globalisation perspective. This paper will demonstrate how globalisation itself is a significant causal factor, increasing the propensity towards constitutional reform of smaller states. This paper will also demonstrate that the EU anti-globalisation sentiment, asking for constitutional reform, is globally replicated elsewhere.
Abstract
‘Student Learning Through Work Placements’
The core aim of this research study is t... more Abstract
‘Student Learning Through Work Placements’
The core aim of this research study is to analyse the effects of experiential learning
pedagogy on students, received during work based student placements. This study
identifies and examines the perceptions held by higher education (HE) stakeholders,
regarding the effects of experiential learning work placements on students.
My research is situated in Bourdieusian concepts, which include ‘habitus’, ‘field’, and
‘cultural reproduction’ (Bourdieu, 1977b, p72; 1986a, p60; 1977a, p487). My research
found employability is an agency in its own right. Employability had a doxa (a societally
embedded opinion) (Bourdieu, 1977b, p169) effect on my research study. Most of the
research responses were given in employability terms. The majority of research
participants clearly indicated other aspects of experiential learning, e.g. students
developing self-efficacy were a secondary consideration. Preparedness for work was
the key priority. My research found, all HE stakeholders have been influenced to
‘ideologically reproduce’ the employability agenda, in order to ‘fit in’ with the current
HE landscape (Bourdieu, 1977a, p490; Bourdieu, 1990, p53; Brady, 2012, p346).
This research study found that Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012, p386) ‘reproductive’ or
‘deconstructive’ concepts present in their ‘Student Volunteering’ study, were replicated
by students on unpaid experiential learning work placements, with either a ‘Third
Sector’ organisation or a statutory agency. This study also identified hitherto
undiscovered causal factors, absent in Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012) study. These
are additional social actors, which significantly influence whether students become
‘reproductive’ or ‘deconstructive’ during experiential learning work placements.
13
This research found the ‘wider society’ is an existential agency, which has a strategic
governance role representing society as a whole. The ‘wider society’ has a societal
remit to coordinate delivery of all society’s needs, which includes social care provision
and environmental management. Trained people are required to deliver this societal
remit, so the ‘wider society’ is an experiential learning higher education stakeholder.
Europeanisation: New Ways to Conceptualise European Union Integration Abstract This paper intends... more Europeanisation: New Ways to Conceptualise European Union Integration Abstract This paper intends to provide pragmatic, durable solutions and suggestions on policy formulation, for the way forward for the European Union (EU) integration process. There will be a similar analysis for the policy transfer process of Europeanisation. This paper aims to provide a conceptual theoretical review of the recent workings of EU policy implementation, during and after the financial crisis. This paper seeks to offer a critical assessment of what happened in the EU area. This paper posits that the recent global financial crisis has not finished, the effects of the crisis have not yet fully manifest themselves in the EU. This paper seeks to inform the audience, why the nature of EU relations with non-EU countries has changed due to the crisis. The paper will conclude with an overview of the likely future effects of the global financial crisis on the EU. Challenges and threats to Europeanisation will...
‘Small is Beautiful’, Analysing the Democratising Effect of Localism, Greater Regional Autonomy, ... more ‘Small is Beautiful’, Analysing the Democratising Effect of Localism, Greater Regional Autonomy, Decentralisation and Constitutional Reform Ben DUKE PhD candidate, Keele University, UK, b.duke@keele.ac.uk Abstract This paper seeks to provide a critical theoretical comparative review of the effect upon democracy, constitutional reform could have on new smaller states. This paper posits that it is an untried, untested assumption that democratisation will follow, if nation states’ populations choose constitutional reform. This paper also posits that social, economic, political, historical and cultural generic domains influence the drive for constitutional reform in very different ways globally. This paper intends to discuss the pressure for constitutional reform, from a globalisation perspective. This paper will demonstrate how globalisation itself is a significant causal factor, increasing the propensity towards constitutional reform of smaller states. This paper will also demonstrate...
Education, Learning and Teaching, an Interdisciplinary Europeanization Neo-Troika: Facilitating C... more Education, Learning and Teaching, an Interdisciplinary Europeanization Neo-Troika: Facilitating Cross Border and Transport Aspects of Travelling Europe Abstract This paper considers the challenge of equipping the populous with the necessary critical thinking skills to benefit from Europeanization. The Shapley-Value decomposition technique lists education as an important factor in countries reducing inequality. The knowledge-generating neo-troika, consisting of education, learning and teaching, is critical in enabling people to make informed decisions. Educated people are able to evaluate complex, theoretical, abstract ideas e.g. democratic participation, representation and neoliberalism. This paper posits that Europeanization, including the interconnectedness of place and spatial awareness in travelling Europe and crossing borders, is more effective with an educated population. This paper seeks to provide a brief overview of epistemology and ontology, two concepts that have a signif...
International Journal of Finance, Insurance and Risk Management , 2020
Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls o... more Purpose: This conceptual theoretical review aims to inform readers of the benefits and pitfalls of structured finance, when applied to "Third Sector" organisations. Design/Methodology/Approach: A literature review of existing studies and grey literature are considered in a critical evaluation of the risk governance of structured finance arrangements. Voluntary sector observers inform us, the 'Third Sector' comprises of '…nonprofits, charities, social enterprises, social movements, and other community-based. Clearly civil society organisation (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and supranational organisations should also be added to the list. Findings: 'Quality control' and 'Social implications' issues surrounding the effect of structured finance agreements on 'Third Sector' organisations are revealed. Practical Implications: This conceptual theoretical review details the 'Practical implications of Third Sector organisation risk governance' with structured finance. The breadth, depth and remit of these agencies, demonstrates the societal need for risk governance for all such third sector organisations. The paper explains why those needs may differ for larger, more corporate 'Third Sector' organisations. Originality/Value: It has become increasingly clear that structured finance arrangements, have the ability to influence the ethos, focus and legitimacy of 'Third Sector' organisations. Analysis of issues to consider, when implementing risk governance strategy regarding structured finance agreements has become critical.
Uploads
‘Student Learning Through Work Placements’
The core aim of this research study is to analyse the effects of experiential learning
pedagogy on students, received during work based student placements. This study
identifies and examines the perceptions held by higher education (HE) stakeholders,
regarding the effects of experiential learning work placements on students.
My research is situated in Bourdieusian concepts, which include ‘habitus’, ‘field’, and
‘cultural reproduction’ (Bourdieu, 1977b, p72; 1986a, p60; 1977a, p487). My research
found employability is an agency in its own right. Employability had a doxa (a societally
embedded opinion) (Bourdieu, 1977b, p169) effect on my research study. Most of the
research responses were given in employability terms. The majority of research
participants clearly indicated other aspects of experiential learning, e.g. students
developing self-efficacy were a secondary consideration. Preparedness for work was
the key priority. My research found, all HE stakeholders have been influenced to
‘ideologically reproduce’ the employability agenda, in order to ‘fit in’ with the current
HE landscape (Bourdieu, 1977a, p490; Bourdieu, 1990, p53; Brady, 2012, p346).
This research study found that Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012, p386) ‘reproductive’ or
‘deconstructive’ concepts present in their ‘Student Volunteering’ study, were replicated
by students on unpaid experiential learning work placements, with either a ‘Third
Sector’ organisation or a statutory agency. This study also identified hitherto
undiscovered causal factors, absent in Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012) study. These
are additional social actors, which significantly influence whether students become
‘reproductive’ or ‘deconstructive’ during experiential learning work placements.
13
This research found the ‘wider society’ is an existential agency, which has a strategic
governance role representing society as a whole. The ‘wider society’ has a societal
remit to coordinate delivery of all society’s needs, which includes social care provision
and environmental management. Trained people are required to deliver this societal
remit, so the ‘wider society’ is an experiential learning higher education stakeholder.
‘Student Learning Through Work Placements’
The core aim of this research study is to analyse the effects of experiential learning
pedagogy on students, received during work based student placements. This study
identifies and examines the perceptions held by higher education (HE) stakeholders,
regarding the effects of experiential learning work placements on students.
My research is situated in Bourdieusian concepts, which include ‘habitus’, ‘field’, and
‘cultural reproduction’ (Bourdieu, 1977b, p72; 1986a, p60; 1977a, p487). My research
found employability is an agency in its own right. Employability had a doxa (a societally
embedded opinion) (Bourdieu, 1977b, p169) effect on my research study. Most of the
research responses were given in employability terms. The majority of research
participants clearly indicated other aspects of experiential learning, e.g. students
developing self-efficacy were a secondary consideration. Preparedness for work was
the key priority. My research found, all HE stakeholders have been influenced to
‘ideologically reproduce’ the employability agenda, in order to ‘fit in’ with the current
HE landscape (Bourdieu, 1977a, p490; Bourdieu, 1990, p53; Brady, 2012, p346).
This research study found that Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012, p386) ‘reproductive’ or
‘deconstructive’ concepts present in their ‘Student Volunteering’ study, were replicated
by students on unpaid experiential learning work placements, with either a ‘Third
Sector’ organisation or a statutory agency. This study also identified hitherto
undiscovered causal factors, absent in Holdsworth and Quinn’s (2012) study. These
are additional social actors, which significantly influence whether students become
‘reproductive’ or ‘deconstructive’ during experiential learning work placements.
13
This research found the ‘wider society’ is an existential agency, which has a strategic
governance role representing society as a whole. The ‘wider society’ has a societal
remit to coordinate delivery of all society’s needs, which includes social care provision
and environmental management. Trained people are required to deliver this societal
remit, so the ‘wider society’ is an experiential learning higher education stakeholder.