Learning and Assessment in a Reading Group Format

The purpose of this paper is to outline how a traditional learning format the reading group was used to deliver a third-year political economy module (Critique of Political Economy). We begin by outlining the module delivery which is student-centred and where assessment is via presentations. The presenter/discussant format we use mirrors that at many academic conferences. Thereafter, we consider the nature of the reading material we used (Marx's Capital (1976)) before discussing the criteria for a good text. Finally, on the basis of these experiences we consider problems and issues that emerged in the reading group format. In concluding we argue that the reading group format has much to commend it, though we would suggest it as a complement to, rather than a substitute for, the more traditional lecture/seminar approach.

Preferences, power, and the determination of working hours

Preferences, power, and the determination of working hour

SURPLUS-VALUE AND AGGREGATE CONCENTRATION IN THE UK ECONOMY, 1987-2009

This paper examines the movements in the Marxian surplus-value rate using a Quantitative Marxist methodology. It examines the relationship between surplus-value and the degree of monopoly power in the UK economy using quarterly data and a proxy for aggregate concentration — the ratio of market capitalisation in FTSE100 firms to market capitalisation in FTSE All Share firms. Two other forces are considered: (i) the size of the “reserve army” of the unemployed; (ii) working class militancy. Our results suggest that increases in the “reserve army” influence the surplus-value rate positively, and that working class militancy is negatively related to changes in the surplus-value rate, indicating that strike action in this period is largely a defensive measure by workers. Finally, our data suggests that rising aggregate concentration (when measured by market capitalisation) exerts a profound, significant and positive effect on the rate of surplus-value.Surplus-value, Monopoly Capital, Aggregate Concentration

Highlighting the effects of co‐eluting interferences on compound specific stable isotope analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons using comprehensive two‐dimensional gas chromatography

Accuracy is the most important issue when carrying out compound specific stable isotope analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons extracted from complex samples. It depends on two main factors: the possible isotopic fractionation of the compounds during extraction and the potential co‐elution with interfering compounds with different isotopic signatures. We present here a simplified pressurised liquid extraction method for compound specific stable isotope analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in non‐aqueous phase liquids of coal tar. Samples extracted using the new method and using fractionation on silica gel column were analysed using comprehensive twodimensional gas chromatography. We were able to evaluate the effect of coelution on carbon and hydrogen stable isotope signatures of the 16 US EPA priority PAHs in the coal tars with various proportions of aromatic and aliphatic content. Even in samples that presented a good baseline resolution, the PAHs of interest co‐eluted with other aromatic compounds with a notable effect on their stable isotope values; it demonstrated the necessity to check the quality of all extraction and clean‐up methods (either the simplified pressurized liquid extraction or more traditional labour‐intensive methods) for the more complex samples prior to data interpretation. Additionally, comprehensive twodimensional gas chromatography enabled visualisation of the suspected coelutions for the first time

Exploitation and the class struggle

This paper contributes to our understanding of the determinants and dynamics of Marxian exploitation using quarterly UK data, 1955-2008. Initially a simple model is introduced for the purpose of defining exploitation and its component parts, before elaborating on theoretical issues which are important in estimating the rate of exploitation. In the empirical analysis we seek to explain the effect of class struggle, for the UK economy, using quarterly data. Attention is paid to three forces which are traditionally seen as drivers of power in the class struggle: (i) political party; (ii) the size of the “reserve army” of the unemployed; (iii) working class militancy. Our results suggest a positive impact of unemployment on the rate of exploitation, and that growing working class militancy tends to diminish the rate. Changes in political party affect the rate of exploitation in a counter-intuitive way, with a positive short-run relationship between the rate and movements to left-wing government.quantitative Marxism, exploitation, class conflict

Entry Restrictions, Industry Evolution and Dynamic Efficiency: Evidence from Commercial Banking

This paper shows that bank performance improves significantly after restrictions on bank expansion are lifted. We find that operating costs and loan losses decrease sharply after states permit statewide branching, and--to a lesser extent--after states allow interstate banking. The improvements following branching deregulation appear to occur because better banks grow at the expense of their less efficient rivals. By retarding the "natural" evolution of the industry, branching restrictions reduced the performance of the average banking asset. We also find that most of the reduction in banks' costs were passed along to bank borrowers in the form of lower loan rates.

Harnessing Collaborative Technologies: Helping Funders Work Together Better

This report was produced through a joint research project of the Monitor Institute and the Foundation Center. The research included an extensive literature review on collaboration in philanthropy, detailed analysis of trends from a recent Foundation Center survey of the largest U.S. foundations, interviews with 37 leading philanthropy professionals and technology experts, and a review of over 170 online tools.The report is a story about how new tools are changing the way funders collaborate. It includes three primary sections: an introduction to emerging technologies and the changing context for philanthropic collaboration; an overview of collaborative needs and tools; and recommendations for improving the collaborative technology landscapeA "Key Findings" executive summary serves as a companion piece to this full report

Managing reductions in working hours: a study of work-time and leisure preferences in UK industry

This paper is predicated on the view that reductions in work-time are generally desirable. We analyse historical trends in working-hours, the organisation of production, and theories of power and authority in firms and other organisations. Then we consider this in relation to patterns of work in the UK, demonstrating empirically that managers are more wedded to a ‘long-hours’ culture than are other employees. We theorise that this is because managers’ roles align their attitudes with those desired by the firm or organisation and conclude that, as a consequence, the “voluntary” nature of work-time regulation should be revisited.Working hours, Hierarchy, Power, Preferences

How Shareholder Committees can control executive pay and restore responsible company ownership

UK public companies have a problem; they have become what Lord Myners refers to as ‘ownerless corporations’. Shareholdings have become fragmented and fund managers are often focused on the short term – which means shareholders often fail to exercise proper oversight of the companies they own. Chris Philp MP outlines how Shareholder Committees should be introduced to help rectify these issues

The emergence of ‘realism’ in political theory has the potential to change how we think about the real world of politics.

What should political theory aim to achieve? Mark Philp writes on the emergence of ‘realism’ in political theory and philosophy. While political philosophy has often been dominated by abstract normative debates of the kind epitomised by John Rawls, realism is based on the principle of determining how we should act in less than ideal circumstances. Outlining the main features of political realism, he notes that its growing prominence in debates partly reflects frustration with the intellectually indulgent approach of some political philosophers