Electronic copies of Management, Work and Organisation reports and discussion papers. http://hdl.handle.net/1893/33472 2026-10-03T16:09:33Z 2026-10-03T16:09:33Z Knox, Stephen Mwaura, Samuel Oziri, Victoria http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37796 2026-01-24T01:26:45Z 2024-10-30T00:00:00Z

Title: The relationships between business support, managerial practices and firm performance over time Author(s): Knox, Stephen; Mwaura, Samuel; Oziri, Victoria Abstract: Governments have long favoured business advisory services and grants as key tools for supporting firms. While existing research generally underscores their positive impact on firm performance, there is less clarity on how this support influences specific managerial practices. These practices, which encompass a firm's strategies and activities, are thought to be first shaped by business support, which then in turn more directly impact firm performance. In this research paper, we analyse data from the Longitudinal Small Business Survey (LSBS) between 2018 and 2022 to examine the links between receiving business support in 2018, the managerial practices implemented in 2019, and firm performance (turnover growth and employee growth). Our study reveals that although business advice and government grants enhance the likelihood of adopting managerial practices, their individual and combined direct and indirect effects on firm performance are marginal. Additionally, the impact of business support on performance seems lagged, as SMEs require time to implement the support before observing any noticeable improvements. We discuss the implications of these findings and highlight the need for further research to explore these results in greater detail.

2024-10-30T00:00:00Z Choksy, Umair http://hdl.handle.net/1893/37487 2025-10-15T00:17:11Z

Title: Global supply chain resilience and traceability in developing economies Author(s): Choksy, Umair Abstract: The report funded through the UKRI Impact Acceleration Business Boost scheme, investigated resilience and traceability in the UK–South Africa apple global value chain (GVC). The research aimed to understand how sustainability governance, particularly retailer-led traceability systems, interacts with production-level resilience to environmental risks. The scope included mapping the full supply chain from orchards in South Africa’s Western Cape to UK supermarkets, conducting interviews with growers, packhouses, exporters, and UK buyers, alongside document analysis of standards and audit requirements. The findings revealed that UK retailers’ governance models effectively ensured traceability and environmental compliance at the first-tier supplier level (export packhouses and large commercial farms) but lacked visibility beyond this point. Second-tier actors—such as independent packhouses, contract growers, and smallholder farms—were outside direct governance oversight, despite being critical in early-stage production. Moreover, buyer-imposed environmental standards often assumed stable infrastructure and consistent water availability, leading upstream suppliers to adopt short-term coping responses such as altering irrigation schedules, temporarily reducing orchard area, or reallocating water from other crops. While these measures helped meet seasonal export commitments, they were not embedded in longer-term adaptation strategies, leaving upstream suppliers exposed to recurring water stress.

Webster, Christopher William Miranda, Diana Leleux, Charles http://hdl.handle.net/1893/34461 2025-09-24T01:46:40Z 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Scrutiny, Oversight and Public Engagement - Analysis from Interviews Author(s): Webster, Christopher William; Miranda, Diana; Leleux, Charles Abstract: This is a supporting evidence document got the main report entitled 'Rapid Research Project: Evidence Review into Public Experience and Confidence of Body Worn Video in a Policing Context'

2022-06-01T00:00:00Z Webster, Christopher William Miranda, Diana Leleux, Charles http://hdl.handle.net/1893/34460 2025-09-24T01:45:52Z 2022-06-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Evidence Review into Public Experience and Confidence of Body Worn Video in a Policing Context Author(s): Webster, Christopher William; Miranda, Diana; Leleux, Charles Abstract: This report provides research findings from a rapid research project reviewing the use of Body-Worn Video (BWV) cameras in a policing context, with specific reference to police-citizen interactions and scrutiny mechanisms. The research was conducted in November and December 2021, using a methodology consisting of a literature review and a sequence of semi-structured interview with BWV experts. The research was undertaken with a view to providing advice and guidance to Police Scotland for the potential widespread future roll-out of BWV in Scotland. It is evident, from the research reviewed here, that BWV is being deployed internationally by law enforcement agencies and other public service providers. Typically, BWV is recognised to provide evidence of incidents, provide a level of personal protection and increased transparency in policing. The rationale for the use of BWV in policing is well established and is afforded a good level of public support. It is also evident, that across UK police forces there is differentiated use of the technology and associated governance mechanisms. In this respect, Police Scotland is in an advantageous position in that it can learn from what is perceived to be ‘best practice’ elsewhere in the UK and beyond. It is apparent that across the UK there are novel emergent mechanisms used to govern BWV in relation to scrutiny and accountability. These include dedicated Scrutiny Panels and practices referred to as random ‘dip sampling’, as well as dedicated codes of practice and use protocols. Here, it is suggested that Police Scotland review what other police forces are doing in this area and design processes that are compatible with Police Scotland’s institutional arrangements. The research presented here also suggests that BWV use protocols and data management procedures are established prior to the widespread deployment of the technology. One aspect in which published literature was lacking was in relation to the impacts of BWV on minority groups and ethnic minorities. Here, the evidence is mixed with some authors claiming BWV strained community relations, whilst others claimed BWV made police interactions more transparent. This points to both, a need for further research, plus the use of caution in the use of BWV in certain situations. It is also noted, that whilst there is a general level of public support for BWV, this relates primarily to basic BWV camera units and that this level of support cannot be assumed from more sophisticated data processes, such as those associated with face recognition and live streaming technologies. Here, it is recommended that Police Scotland implement mechanisms that ensure a degree of oversight and accountability in how BWV cameras are used. This can ensure legitimacy of use and facilitate public confidence in the use of the technology.

2022-06-01T00:00:00Z