Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and the Entrepreneurial University

The purpose of this paper is to outline one way in which less research intensive universities can contribute to entrepreneurship by examining the achievements of a number of Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) within the University of Gloucestershire. The paper adopts a qualitative case study approach and four case studies of KTPs at Beacons Business Interiors, Dowty Propellers, EnergistUK and Muddy Boots Software, all of which have operating bases within 40 miles of the University, are researched and analysed. The findings reveal that the four KTPs delivered a number of benefits for the companies, the university and the staff directly involved in these projects, and more generally that the KTPs successfully met their initial aims. The authors identify a number of challenges involved in looking to maximise the benefits of KTP activity within the University, and suggest how KTPs can actively foster the development of the entrepreneurial university. This paper is an accessible review of KTP initiatives within the University of Gloucestershire and as such it will interest academics and business practitioners, who are looking to develop university-industry partnerships. It also offers some reflections on how a programme of KTPs can advance entrepreneurial development and support Growth Hub initiatives

Delivering business benefits through Knowledge Transfer Partnerships

This paper offers four small case studies that illustrate how Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) are helping small companies to adapt to changing environments and meet changing customer needs. The paper outlines the principal characteristics of KTPs and explores some of the key issues in the development of improved customer service

Corporate Social Responsibility and UK Retailers

This paper offers a preliminary examination of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitmentsand agendas being addressed and reported by the UK’s leading retailers. The paperbegins with a short discussion of the characteristics and origins of CSR and of the current structureof retailing in the UK. This is followed by an illustrative examination of the CSR issuespublicly reported by the UK’s top ten country of origin retailers and the paper draws its empiricalmaterial from the CSR reports posted on the World Wide Web by these retailers. The findingsreveal that the UK’s top ten retailers are addressing and reporting on four sets of CSRthemes namely those relating to the environment; the marketplace; the workplace and the community.The paper concludes with a discussion of a number of general issues relating to thesethemes. Copyright © www.iiste.or

A rural undergraduate campus in England:virtue from opportunity and necessity

The implementation of new curriculum at Keele University Medical School, UK has made heavy use of general practice as a locus for learning. This has necessitated a substantial expansion in the School's teaching network. The School's hinterland includes a large rural area with a number of excellent general practices and associated community hospitals that, to date, have been unable to teach undergraduates because of their inaccessibility. This article describes how the School and its partners articulated a vision to establish a rural campus with an associated rural accommodation hub, and the challenges involved in establishing and sustaining the campus

Corporate Social Responsibility and UK Retailers

This paper offers a preliminary examination of the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitments and agendas being addressed and reported by the UK‟s leading retailers. The paper begins with a short discussion of the characteristics and origins of CSR and of the current structure of retailing in the UK. This is followed by an illustrative examination of the CSR issues publicly reported by the UK‟s top ten country of origin retailers and the paper draws its empirical material from the CSR reports posted on the World Wide Web by these retailers. The findings reveal that the UK‟s top ten retailers are addressing and reporting on four sets of CSR themes namely those relating to the environment; the marketplace; the workplace and the community. The paper concludes with a discussion of a number of general issues relating to these themes

The Sustainable Development Goals and Information and Communication Technologies

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a wide range of global sustainable development targets for the environment, society and economy and they were launched by the United Nations in 2015. In launching the SDGs, the United Nations called on all member states to embrace what are an ambitious and demanding set of challenges but it also emphasised the vital role that businesses, would have to play if these challenges were to be met. The aim of this preliminary commentary paper is to review a number of the ways the Information Communication and Technology industry believes it can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. The paper outlines the characteristics of the concept of sustainable development and how ICT relates to sustainable development, reviews a number of theways two leading ICT companies, namely Ericsson andMicrosoft and two industry bodies, namely the GSMA which represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide, and the Global e-Sustainability Initiative, believe they can contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. The paper also examines some of the challenges the industry may face in making such a contribution and offers some reflections on the role of ICT in promoting the transition to a more sustainable future for people and the planet

Innovation in the Construction and Property Management Industries

Purpose – The purpose of this practice paper is to examine how the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) scheme has been employed to introduce change and deliver business benefit in the construction industry. Design/methodology/approach – The paper begins with an introduction to the KTP scheme and its context within the University of Gloucestershire which serves as an introduction to three case studies, each one covering a 21‐24 month time span. The cases draw their empirical material from the experience of managing the KTPs, interviews, meeting minutes, board papers and final reports. Findings – All three case studies have been successful in the introduction of new thinking or new ways of working in different areas of business. In one case study, a new marketing strategy was developed and implemented; in another, a new consultancy capability has been developed and embedded in the company; and in the third, new information systems were introduced to support corporate growth. Originality/value – The value of the case studies lies in their originality and the paper highlights the value of the KTP scheme as a catalyst for the introduction of new ideas and initiatives in three different sectors of the construction industry. The paper also illustrates how academics can work productively in a commercial environment with industry partner