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Research matters

International excellence

The December 2008 Research Assessment Exercise rated 75 percent of WBS research at 3* and above, placing us 3rd in the UK. WBS submitted 130 academics for assessment, nearly 90 percent. This statistic is a real reflection of high quality running across the breadth and depth of research at WBS.

Research-led ethos

This research-led ethos is one of our defining characteristics; it is driven by our faculty and doctoral researchers who are motivated by a strong desire to develop new research ideas, as well as to challenge and critique existing thinking through their contributions to key debates. Our positive research culture, the range of disciplines and approaches represented across the school, and strong links with industry, Trade Unions and Government encourage researchers to develop their own research; we do not set research agendas for individuals or groups, nor do we promote a particular methodology or way of doing research. Rather we provide an environment in which all our researchers can flourish.

Leading by example

We also lead by example. Enthusiasm for individual research is championed by our most senior staff, especially our Dean, Howard Thomas, who continues to publish leading research on strategic management issues. Our research output can be seen in the 600 to 700 works that we publish each year, ranging from authored and edited books, journal articles, commissioned reports for policy-makers, through to research papers and conference proceedings. These result from individual research and cross-subject collaboration across the faculty and with other leading experts throughout the world.

Professor Glen Morgan, Associate Dean (Research)