The Open University

Inflation, recession fears and tax cuts: any new UK chancellor faces an unenviable in-tray

8 July 2022

Alan Shipman, Senior Lecturer in Economic at The Open University and Phil Tomlinson, Professor of Industrial Strategy at Bath University, talk about the range of ministerial resignations in Boris Johnson’s government and the unenviable job of the new chancellor. The flood of ministerial resignations from UK prime minister Boris Johnson’s government in recent days started […]

It’s tough going for UK businesses, finds the OU’s 2022 Business Barometer

29 June 2022

According to The Open University’s Business Barometer 2022, published in partnership with the British Chambers of Commerce, UK organisations are experiencing the knock-on effect of ongoing skills shortages and recruitment challenges. The OU’s annual report provides a temperature check on the UK skills landscape and found more than three quarters (78%) are seeing reduced output, […]

Joy for academic on news of her OBE in Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours

27 June 2022

An academic from The Open University’s Business School has just learned she is to receive an OBE for her work promoting Black history and heritage. Joyce Fraser (Joyce King to her OU colleagues) founded the Black Heroes Foundation in memory of her late husband ‘Flip’ Fraser, the first editor of The Voice newspaper (a publication […]

New report reveals flexible learning and hybrid working are the key to public sector talent retention challenge

28 April 2022

Almost three quarters (73%) of public sector workers would be more likely to stay in a job that allowed hybrid working, according to The Open University’s new report into public sector skills. The Embracing Flexibility report was published in partnership with the Public Sector Executive and highlights a desire for more flexibility and learning-and-development opportunities […]

Stuffed chocolate easter egg on a wood table with hazelnuts

Want to buy guilt-free Easter chocolate? Pick from our list of ‘good eggs’ that score best for the environment and child labour

8 April 2022

Dr Cristiana Bernardi, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Financial Management at The Open University, John Dumay, Professor of Accounting and Corporate Governance at Macquarie University and Dr Stephanie Perkiss, Senior Lecturer at University of Wollongong, write for The Conversation about the most sustainable chocolate eggs on offer this Easter. What do Beyond Good, Alter Eco, Tony’s Chocolonely […]

Ground-breaking survey seeks better understanding of how early pregnancy endings impact a woman’s working life

28 March 2022

The Open University is leading a research project that aims to positively change women’s experiences at work after an early pregnancy ending. Jo Brewis, Professor of People and Organisations, is encouraging women, transgender men and other gender diverse people who have experienced an early end to a pregnancy during paid employment to take part in […]

How firms can support employees to address the climate change challenges

17 November 2021

As COP26 leaves its mark it’s clear we are entering a pivotal time in terms of the climate change emergency, with implications for Learning & Development and HR leaders to support their employees through potential future change and disruption. Here, the OU’s Dr Volker Patent, Chartered Psychologist and Lecturer in the School of Psychology at […]

Entrepreneurs’ Day: turning an idea into a moneyspinner with help from the OU

15 November 2021

The Open University is celebrating Entrepreneurs’ Day by highlighting the achievements of others and showing how, with OU support, wishful thinking could turn into reality. Plenty of individuals with brilliant ideas, or a hobby, harbour a desire to turn them into a business. In fact according to an OU-commissioned survey, three in ten young women […]

Accolades bestowed in Business and Law Student and Alumni Awards

1 November 2021

In a year like no other, The Open University’s Faculty of Business and Law (FBL) enjoyed a double celebration for the achievements of its students and alumni. The pandemic put paid to its awards in 2020 but this year they returned, although they looked a lot different. Around 50 people gathered for the event, mostly […]

Is your business agile? OU’s new microcredential designed to upskill managers and leaders

6 April 2021

Leaders are having to learn to adapt to increasingly complex and uncertain environments. As we adjust to ‘the new normal’, many leaders and managers will need to develop their skills to motivate and empower teams, and build resilience and sustainability. The Open University (OU) in collaboration with the Agile Business Consortium is launching a new 12-week […]

OU News

Category: Business