Author Archives: Robert Dingwall

The Sociology of Quality and Accountability – Virtual Special Issue of Sociology of Health and Illness

The Sociology of Quality and Accountability is the third Virtual Special Issue of Sociology of Health and Illness, examining the Francis Reports into the failures of care at North Staffs Hospital. Robert Dingwall’s editorial introduces the challenges of developing appropriate regimes for quality and accountability in health care. The editorial also reviews 18 papers previously… Read More »

Black History and the Myth of Mary Seacole

Mrs Seacole might be celebrated as a Black entrepreneur. For much of her life, until her health failed, she was a successful businesswoman and an adventurous traveller. Her kindness and generosity are well-documented. They are reflected in the support for two public appeals when she fell on hard times. In the way of her business,… Read More »

CHOICE connect recommends Sage Handbook of Research Management

From the October 2016 issue of CHOICE connect:A publication of the Association of College and Research Libraries Faculty engage in research typically as a function of their positions at universities, for professional interest, or to help advance their fields. However, managing a research project involves more than just disciplinary expertise. This unique volume is intended… Read More »

Why Chan and Zuckerberg cannot cure all diseases

It has been described as a ‘brilliantly bold’ initiative, as ‘audacious’, and a ‘game-changer’. This is the proposal by Mark Zuckerberg, principal shareholder in Facebook and his wife, Priscilla Chan, a paediatrician, to invest $3 billion in a programme to cure all diseases by 2100… Why discourage a well-intentioned donor by asking hard questions or… Read More »

New paper on professions published

Professions and Metaphors: Understanding Professions in Society edited by Andreas Liljegren and Mike Saks has just been published. It includes a chapter in which I review the history of the ecological metaphor in the study of work, occupations and professions. The book as a whole explores the way that two traditions have contributed to our… Read More »

Handbook of Research Management in Vietnam

During a recent visit to Hanoi, co-editor Mary Byrne McDonnell presented a copy of The Sage Handbook of Research Management to Nguyễn Quang Thuấn, the President of the Vietnamese Academy of Social Sciences. The story and photos can be found here (in Vietnamese).

Research Management Webinar now online

Let’s deal with the bad news about becoming a research manager first. Research management is hampered by the old-fashioned approaches taken by many universities, great researchers don’t necessarily translate into great managers, and there’s not a lot of outside resources  to help prospective managers excel. But there is hope! In the hour-long seminar, Robert Dingwall discusses the… Read More »

Some thoughts on the Stern Report

A response to the Stern Review of the 2014 REF – and why portability matters to all of us. Economists generally prefer markets to planning – so what have Lord Stern and his colleagues got against a well-functioning market in academic talent, other than it challenging the authority of managerial elites? When did wanting to… Read More »

Update on Research Management Webinar

Sage have now confirmed that this will be at 4pm BST – or equivalent wherever you are – on Tuesday 2 August. Please register at https://t.co/lWgHovhx2k Let’s hope for better luck with the technology this time. Don’t forget that this webinar accompanies the Sage Handbook of Research Management. There is a discount code for webinar… Read More »