Dr Andrew Smith

Research

Low-paid employment Work-life balance The Meaning of Work ‘Lean’ working methods in the public sector New Public Management Trade Unionism and Collectivism Labour Process Theory Privatisation and Public-Private Partnerships Organisational Cultures and Subcultures Andrew’s research and teaching are broadly based around the sociology of work and employment relations. He is interested in the experiences of work, employment change and the complexities and challenges of work-life ‘balance’. Andrew’s current research critically explores the application of ‘lean’ production techniques to the civil service, the articulation of work and life, and low-paid multiple employmen Low-paid employment Work-life balance The Meaning of Work ‘Lean’ working methods in the public sector New Public Management Trade Unionism and Collectivism Labour Process Theory Privatisation and Public-Private Partnerships Organisational Cultures and Subcultures Andrew’s research and teaching are broadly based around the sociology of work and employment relations. He is interested in the experiences of work, employment change and the complexities and challenges of work-life ‘balance’. Andrew’s current research critically explores the application of ‘lean’ production techniques to the civil service, the articulation of work and life, and low-paid multiple employmen Current Projects Andrew is currently involved in two large research projects with leading academics. He is working with Professors Bob Carter (University of Leicester), Andy Danford (University of the Leicester), Debra Howcroft (University of Manchester), Helen Richardson (Sheffield Hallam University) and Phil Taylor (University of Strathclyde) on a large project that critically examines the application of lean working methods in the civil service. The project involves detailed qualitative and quantitative research. The team have published articles in the journals ‘New Technology, Work and Employment’, ‘Public Money and Management’, ‘Industrial Relations Journal’, ‘Public Administration’, ‘Capital and Class’ and ‘Work, Employment and Society’, and are currently working on further publications. Andrew is also conducting cutting edge research with Dr Jo McBride (Newcastle University) focusing on the working lives of low-paid workers with more than one job, in the regions of Yorkshire and the North-East of England. This research is important, timely and has never been conducted in the UK before. The team are exploring the experiences and realities of multiple employment, together with the challenges of attempting to achieve work-life ‘balance’. They are working with trade unions, community groups and third sector organisations and will widely disseminate the research findings. Current Projects Andrew is currently involved in two large research projects with leading academics. He is working with Professors Bob Carter (University of Leicester), Andy Danford (University of the Leicester), Debra Howcroft (University of Manchester), Helen Richardson (Sheffield Hallam University) and Phil Taylor (University of Strathclyde) on a large project that critically examines the application of lean working methods in the civil service. The project involves detailed qualitative and quantitative research. The team have published articles in the journals ‘New Technology, Work and Employment’, ‘Public Money and Management’, ‘Industrial Relations Journal’, ‘Public Administration’, ‘Capital and Class’ and ‘Work, Employment and Society’, and are currently working on further publications. Andrew is also conducting cutting edge research with Dr Jo McBride (Newcastle University) focusing on the working lives of low-paid workers with more than one job, in the regions of Yorkshire and the North-East of England. This research is important, timely and has never been conducted in the UK before. The team are exploring the experiences and realities of multiple employment, together with the challenges of attempting to achieve work-life ‘balance’. They are working with trade unions, community groups and third sector organisations and will widely disseminate the research findings.