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.

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

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

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

Knowledge mediation in software quality engineering

The risk of failure of the software development process remains high despite many attempts to improve the quality of software engineering. Contemporary approaches to process assurance, such as the capability maturity model have not prevented systemic failures, nor have project management methodologies provided guarantees of software quality. The paper proposes an approach to software quality assurance based on a knowledge mediated concurrent audit, which incorporates essential feedback processes. Through a tightly integrated approach to quality audit, programmers would be empowered to use any chosen methodology to advantage, supported by intelligent monitoring of the essential interactions which occur in the development process. An experimental application implementing some aspects of the proposal is described <br /

Decomposing Surplus-Value: An Analysis of Distribution and Unproductive Labour of the UK Economy, 1992-2020

This article examines the trajectory of the surplus value (SV) rate in the UK economy, in the period 1992–2020, using ONS macroeconomic data (Blue Book) and micro-datasets (Understanding Society). We initially define productive and unproductive labour, proposing a “Marxist Productive Labour Classification System”, framed in critical context. Standard occupational (SOC) and standard industrial (SIC) codes are uniquely combined, using UK data, to derive empirical estimates of Marxian categories, specifically an aggregate model based on the New Interpretation framework. Then, movements in this rate are examined in terms of absolute and relative SV changes. We find that, prior to the 2008 Crisis, SV extraction is more reliant on production-related drivers, while after this dislocation SV is more reliant on the sphere of distribution, with the pandemic impacting all drivers negatively

Decomposing Surplus-Value: An Analysis of Distribution and Unproductive Labour of the UK Economy, 1992-2020

This article examines the trajectory of the surplus value (SV) rate in the UK economy, in the period 1992–2020, using ONS macroeconomic data (Blue Book) and micro-datasets (Understanding Society). We initially define productive and unproductive labour, proposing a “Marxist Productive Labour Classification System”, framed in critical context. Standard occupational (SOC) and standard industrial (SIC) codes are uniquely combined, using UK data, to derive empirical estimates of Marxian categories, specifically an aggregate model based on the New Interpretation framework. Then, movements in this rate are examined in terms of absolute and relative SV changes. We find that, prior to the 2008 Crisis, SV extraction is more reliant on production-related drivers, while after this dislocation SV is more reliant on the sphere of distribution, with the pandemic impacting all drivers negatively

Environmental and societal attitudes to working hours in gendered perspective: patterns, preferences and policy

This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Taylor and Francis in Review of Political Economy on 31/01/2019, available online: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09538259.2018.1495352 The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.This paper begins from the premise that environmental degradation is a profound and present threat and that work time reduction (WTR) ― with an associated reduction in consumption ― is one of a number of strategies which can be adopted to combat it. As a precursor to looking at how such policies can be supported, our research questions whether environmental attitudes are congruent with work time patterns and preferences. Our initial hypothesis was that those who care most for the environment would work less hours than those who exhibit lower levels of environmental concern, and prefer to do so. However, contra our expectations, our empirical analysis of the European Social Survey shows that those who state they care most about the environment are more likely to work longer hours, and prefer to do so. Overall, men tend to be less concerned about the environment, and work longer. Caring responsibilities, in contrast, fall disproportionately on women. We argue that this reflects traditional gender roles which are a residual from the social norm of the male breadwinner model. Given WTR as an environmental policy the task is to influence preferences and “green” human behaviour, especially among men

Safety Implications of Mandated Truck Speed Limiters on Freeways

ABSTRACT This paper presents the results of a study funded by Transport Canada to investigate the safety implications of mandated truck speed limiters. The study adopted a microscopic simulation approach that was applied to a number of maximum speed control strategies including 105km/h. The sensitivity of safety performance with respect to changes in geometric and traffic scenarios was investigated. The study found that truck speed limiters produced positive safety gains for different assumed volumes and percentage trucks and different compliance levels. Under certain conditions such as high volumes and high percentage of trucks, speed limiters produced a reduction in safety