Papers by Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs
Sustainability science, Apr 29, 2024
Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely use... more Language matters in shaping perceptions and guiding behaviour. The term stakeholder is widely used, yet little attention is paid to the possibility that its use may inadvertently perpetuate colonial narratives and reinforce systemic inequities. In this article, we critically examine the limitations of the stakeholder concept and its ambiguity, normativity, and exclusionary implications. We emphasise the importance of using language that gives a voice to marginalised groups, promotes inclusion and equity, and fosters meaningful and reflexive participation in decision-making processes. In critiquing the use of the term and calling for alternative practices, we aim to contribute to the decolonisation of research norms and the creation of more inclusive and equitable societies. Therefore, rather than advocating a single alternative term, we suggest a focus on the people, places, and species affected by decisions, interventions, projects, and issues.
World sustainability series, 2024
Bloomsbury Publishing eBooks, May 4, 2017
Journal of Organizational Ethnography, Jul 8, 2019
Armstrong-Gibbs, FD On becoming an organizational autoethnographer; considering the ethical persp... more Armstrong-Gibbs, FD On becoming an organizational autoethnographer; considering the ethical perspectives of the research application process.
Action Learning: Research and Practice, May 4, 2022
This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological ... more This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological approaches appropriate for practice-based research. It is aimed at the professional doctorate candidate, whether a generic professional doctorate, an EdD, a DBA or one of the many professional doctorates on offer. It covers the general principles of practice-based research and is not tied to a particular discipline or professional group. Common to all professional doctorates is the relation to practice, and most professional doctorates require a final dissertation or thesis which details the focus and original development of an aspect of practice. Research on the impact from graduates of professional practice doctorates is beginning to reveal an alignment with the needs of communities, organisations and professions and how the graduates’| research can generate a wide variety of outcomes that have an impact. Their ability to transform research into action can meet the needs of employers and society, demonstrate improvements in practice and help society adapt well to the ever-increasing pace of change. Research into practice involves carrying out research directly on practice actually in the practice area. Research through practice is, as it implies, using practice as the very focus of the research. This book explores research approaches in the context of practice-based research and as such it covers a very broad area. The focus is on research into practice and research through practice. A key argument is that there is commonality about practice and the development of that practice that transcends disciplinarity. When considering practice, there is great value in approaching research into practice and practice development in a structured and focused manner. This book aims to explore both the underlying principles and the methodological approaches which are relevant to research across the curriculum, often addressing complex, ‘real-world’ problems and that will ensure a careful, systematic approach. Practice is both broad and to a degree nebulous, and it is often used in a ‘cover-all’ way: for example, concepts of practice can differ greatly between work environments. However, comparatively recently there has been an increasing aware-ness of the ways knowledge can be generated from practice. The increasing popularity of professional doctorates has been an important factor in this development whereby experienced practitioners can develop their professional work to doctoral level. Practice research can take many forms and much depends on the focus and nature of the practice and practice area which are being explored. This book aims to explore the relevant methodological approaches which will facilitate this, not by presenting an exhaustive list, but rather by a consideration of relevant and commonly chosen approaches. What we aim to do in this book is to explore a range of options and we have purposefully drawn on examples from different disciplines and practice areas. It is also worth mentioning that often practitioners choose methodological approaches which are not valued in their particular area of practice. For example, an engineer wishing to implement a new technique might look to approaches involving human interaction and the management of change involving methods that are sometimes undervalued within a scientific discipline. In practice-research, the ‘self” is important because researchers who are also practitioners are not outside observers but are centrally involved in the research and the research process, possibly carrying out research on themselves. This requires a different skill set from more conventional research approaches. Practice researchers and practitioner–researchers are often, but by no means exclusively, mid-career professionals, coming to the research with a wealth of experience and a variety of projects already completed. The challenge can be to develop this previous work using reliable methodical approaches that result in useful and rigorously achieved outcomes. This provides challenges for all involved and it is important that researchers position themselves within the research process, which requires a reflective and reflexive ability at a sophisticated level. Ethical issues are also important and do require much thought as the research often constitutes what is referred to as insider knowledge and part of this is the importance of the positionality of the researcher. Additionally, many ethical committees can classify practitioner research as service improvement where formal approval is not required. However, this is not to say that there are no ethical issues involved as full consent of all involved needs to be gained. There also needs to be some thought to potential ethical problems: for example, in exploring practice, suboptimal or bad practice might be uncovered. Not only at the beginning, but also throughout the process, ethical issues need to be given some detailed consideration.…
Abstract: The purpose of this preliminary case study paper is to establish the historic context a... more Abstract: The purpose of this preliminary case study paper is to establish the historic context and evolution of Baltic Creative Community Interest Company (CIC) in Liverpool and identify the key activities that have defined its success as a social enterprise business over the past five years. Baltic Creative CIC was established in 2009 to provide work space for the creative & digital sector. It has overseen the implementation of £4.5m acquisition and redevelopment scheme, attracted 65 businesses to the space and implemented systems and controls to operate as a fully functioning commercial landlord through a social enterprise business model. It has also played a key part in transforming the Baltic Triangle area of Liverpool which was once a derelict, unloved and under-used part of the city. By 2014 the space was fully let supporting businesses and creating jobs and the area is home to a vibrant community of creatives and technologists. During the first five years of Baltic Creative,...
Action Learning: Research and Practice
This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological ... more This book addresses both the underlying principles of practice-based research and methodological approaches appropriate for practice-based research. It is aimed at the professional doctorate candidate, whether a generic professional doctorate, an EdD, a DBA or one of the many professional doctorates on offer. It covers the general principles of practice-based research and is not tied to a particular discipline or professional group. Common to all professional doctorates is the relation to practice, and most professional doctorates require a final dissertation or thesis which details the focus and original development of an aspect of practice. Research on the impact from graduates of professional practice doctorates is beginning to reveal an alignment with the needs of communities, organisations and professions and how the graduates’| research can generate a wide variety of outcomes that have an impact. Their ability to transform research into action can meet the needs of employers and society, demonstrate improvements in practice and help society adapt well to the ever-increasing pace of change. Research into practice involves carrying out research directly on practice actually in the practice area. Research through practice is, as it implies, using practice as the very focus of the research. This book explores research approaches in the context of practice-based research and as such it covers a very broad area. The focus is on research into practice and research through practice. A key argument is that there is commonality about practice and the development of that practice that transcends disciplinarity. When considering practice, there is great value in approaching research into practice and practice development in a structured and focused manner. This book aims to explore both the underlying principles and the methodological approaches which are relevant to research across the curriculum, often addressing complex, ‘real-world’ problems and that will ensure a careful, systematic approach. Practice is both broad and to a degree nebulous, and it is often used in a ‘cover-all’ way: for example, concepts of practice can differ greatly between work environments. However, comparatively recently there has been an increasing aware-ness of the ways knowledge can be generated from practice. The increasing popularity of professional doctorates has been an important factor in this development whereby experienced practitioners can develop their professional work to doctoral level. Practice research can take many forms and much depends on the focus and nature of the practice and practice area which are being explored. This book aims to explore the relevant methodological approaches which will facilitate this, not by presenting an exhaustive list, but rather by a consideration of relevant and commonly chosen approaches. What we aim to do in this book is to explore a range of options and we have purposefully drawn on examples from different disciplines and practice areas. It is also worth mentioning that often practitioners choose methodological approaches which are not valued in their particular area of practice. For example, an engineer wishing to implement a new technique might look to approaches involving human interaction and the management of change involving methods that are sometimes undervalued within a scientific discipline. In practice-research, the ‘self” is important because researchers who are also practitioners are not outside observers but are centrally involved in the research and the research process, possibly carrying out research on themselves. This requires a different skill set from more conventional research approaches. Practice researchers and practitioner–researchers are often, but by no means exclusively, mid-career professionals, coming to the research with a wealth of experience and a variety of projects already completed. The challenge can be to develop this previous work using reliable methodical approaches that result in useful and rigorously achieved outcomes. This provides challenges for all involved and it is important that researchers position themselves within the research process, which requires a reflective and reflexive ability at a sophisticated level. Ethical issues are also important and do require much thought as the research often constitutes what is referred to as insider knowledge and part of this is the importance of the positionality of the researcher. Additionally, many ethical committees can classify practitioner research as service improvement where formal approval is not required. However, this is not to say that there are no ethical issues involved as full consent of all involved needs to be gained. There also needs to be some thought to potential ethical problems: for example, in exploring practice, suboptimal or bad practice might be uncovered. Not only at the beginning, but also throughout the process, ethical issues need to be given some detailed consideration.…
Enterprising students learn by doing, learn from each other and from debate and discovery. They a... more Enterprising students learn by doing, learn from each other and from debate and discovery. They also learn by borrowing from others and making mistakes. Tutors and curriculum designers must also take an entrepreneurial approach to the design and delivery of a course of this kind. By taking part in the business project, students develop a higher order of thinking or metacognition. They can identify and understand how they approached a problem, goal, challenge and so on, thereby increasing levels of self-efficacy.
Marketing Fashion Footwear
This book addresses the strategic issues surrounding the marketing and distribution of footwear, ... more This book addresses the strategic issues surrounding the marketing and distribution of footwear, including brand identity, consumer behavior, production and manufacturing, and the impact of globalization and regional trends. Detailed case studies explore the evolving retail and e-tail landscape while industry perspective interviews focus on the issues faced by designers, brands and retailers. You'll also learn the critical success factors for brand longevity, the scope of marketing communications, and the channels used to reach key opinion leaders and consumers. Beautifully illustrated with examples from some of the world's most influential footwear designers and retailers, this is the ultimate guide to a multi-billion dollar industry.
Journal of Organizational Ethnography
Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the process and challenges of applying an autoeth... more Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the process and challenges of applying an autoethnographic research method to a professional doctoral thesis ethics application. It examines the traditional university ethical approval process and if it is appropriate for this evolving qualitative research method within an organizational context. Design/methodology/approach A short introduction to the literature on ethics prefaces an autoethnographic account of the author’s experience as doctor of business administration candidate tackling the application process for ethical approval of primary research. The account is a reflection of the review process and critiques with reference to the existing literature. Findings The majority of the literature relating to ethics has focused on the private, personal and largely evocative accounts of autoethnography. This paper highlights some of the differences and potential for organizational autoethnography and ethical conduct. It highlights the ...
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Papers by Fiona Armstrong-Gibbs