Arts Based Approaches to Consumer Research

This evolving area of research aims to explore the value of arts-based approaches in enabling consumers, marketing researchers and other relevant stakeholder groups to engage in dialogues and devise solutions to diverse consumption issues.


Developing UK Motorsport: A Supply Chain Analysis

This project maps the supply chains of three areas of motorsport – Formula One, Formula E and Endurance Sports Car Racing – to identify strengths, weaknesses and local economic growth opportunities which may be targeted for economic development support by Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs), UKTI and BIS. 


Ethics of Social Media Research

The centre is currently exploring whether consumers are fully aware of, and concerned with, the common ethical pitfalls in the various types of social media research conducted by marketers and marketing academics, and whether such consumer attitudes and concerns have an impact on consumers’ willingness to take part in social media research.


The Emotional Power of Eco-Labels: an Exploratory Study of Consumer Emotions Evoked by Eco-Labels and the Effect on Green-Brand Image

This research investigates the emotions evoked by ecolabels and how they impact the brand image and influence consumers’ choices for “green brands”.


Responsible Business Practices in SMEs: the case of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

Using the context of the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, this exploratory study aims to understand how SMEs integrate responsibility into their everyday business practice and consumer attitudes to jewellery consumer social responsibility (CSR).


Tackling Financial Exclusion: data disclosure and area-based lending

In 2013, the UK launch of the voluntary framework for disclosure of bank lending data was a significant step forward in creating transparency about the provision of banking services at a geographic level. This project assessed the first three quarterly releases of this major new development in data disclosure.


Evaluating the Impact of the Master Gardener Programme

The Master Gardener programme is a volunteer support network, proving free local advice and support growing food to local people and communities. 


A KnowledgE Elicitation aPproach to understanding railway SAFEty (KEEPSAFE 1)

This project provided a proof of concept to the railway community for making decisions on safety on trains, stations and other infrastructure.


Harnessing Growth Sectors for Poverty Reduction: What Works to Reduce Poverty through Sustainable Employment with Opportunities for Progression

Employment has been seen as a key route out of poverty, however there are also increasing concerns about the prevalence of in-work poverty in the UK. The proposed research seeks to fill a gap in evidence about 'what works' in harnessing growth sectors for poverty reduction.


Sustainable cut-flowers project

Between 2015 and 2019 Dr David Bek and Dr Jill Timms managed externally funded projects examining different facets of sustainability within the global cut-flower industry.


From the East End of London to the Favelas of Rio de Janeiro: The relevance and transferability of the social legacy programmes of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games (LONRIO)

Project findings highlight how clear communication with the local community and proper inclusion in the planning and implementation phases can potentially greatly improve the satisfaction levels of the host community with regard to the event and the legacies it may bring.


Your money, your life: Lived experiences of young people’s borrowing

This research will explore young people’s (aged 18-24) lived experience of borrowing, their use of credit and perceptions of their current (and of their future) financial vulnerability. Young people will actively participate in designing solutions to reduce their financial vulnerability.


Tackling loneliness and social isolation: An evaluation of the Chatty Café Scheme services

This research project is designed to explore the impact of the Chatty Café Services. To explore how people perceive these services, the difference they make in people’s lives and to understand if there are ways in which these services can be improved.


Co-designing Digital Strategies for the Museum and Education Sectors

The objective is to investigate the challenges and ‘good digital practice’ activities undertaken by museums, primarily with schools, during the pandemic.


The Roles of Science Diplomacy in Combating Global Plastic Pollution

This project is proposed to explore the roles of science diplomacy in combating the global plastic pollution.


Export-readiness in the Thai edible insect industry: Devising a Roadmap

Thailand is the world’s largest producer of edible insects, supplying into domestic and regional markets. This research will underpin the development of a roadmap to overcome barriers and which will enable Thailand's edible insect industry to achieve export readiness.


Be Digital to be Strategic in the Museums Sector: Surviving the Pandemic

This project addresses particular economic and social issues museums in Coventry and West Midlands are facing, whose issues have been exacerbated by the current pandemic.