This postgraduate conference will take place at Nottingham Trent University on Friday 18th May 2012.

This website provides general information about the conference, the call for papers, submission dates, and the guidelines for authors. It presents the research profile and abstract of each speaker and the Keynote speaker, and following the conference will publish the conference papers.

The website will continue to be updated in the months prior the conference.

Austyn Uchennia Akahalu

Keywords: Conflict, Frustration-Aggression, Niger Delta, Actors, Human Insecurity.

Abstract:

Knowledgeable studies yielding copious literature on Nigeria’s Niger Delta conflict from both Nigerian and Western scholars abounds. This, ostensibly, is attributable to the international awareness created by the extra judicial murder of Ken Saro-Wiwa and others, over this conflict. But, what has glaringly eluded all these scholarly debates is the burning paradigmatic phenomenon of the vicious circle of frustration-aggression claims and counter-claims by all actors. This dearth of erudite literature on this virgin and uncharted aspect of this conflict, has transformed this neglected angle into a fertile ground for both research and researchers’ interests. This motivates this unprecedented qualitative investigation aided by a mixture of multidisciplinary theoretical construct of Psychology based Frustration-Aggression Theory (FAT), the IR  Human Needs Theory (HNT) and the Critical Social Theory (CST) to weave through the labyrinth of these problematic claims and counter-claims to discover and free the knowledge encapsulated therein, thereby  empowering contribution to knowledge. Invariably, whereas the Psychology based FAT and the IR HNT are analytically immersed in dissecting the causes and consequences of this conflict, the CST tries to emancipate society from the fangs of such conflicts. Thus, this paper examines how oil and gas exploration activities by multinational oil corporations (MNOCs) have had a double-edged sword impact on both the lives of Niger Delta communities and the global communities’ energy security. It argues that whereas it assuages the energy prices in the international market, it debilitates and short-changes the existence of Niger Delta communities via creation of adverse and aversive human insecurities.

Research Profile:

Austyn Uchennia Akahalu is a doctoral (PhD) candidate in International Relations. His primary research interests are International Political Economy (IPE), Conflicts – Negotiations and Resolutions, Human security/insecurity. His publications include “Evaluating the effects of the strategies and behaviour of large multinational corporations on food security and the contemporary global economy”. His thesis is interrogating the role human insecurity vis-a-vis frustration-aggression counter-claims plays in this conflict and its implications for global energy security. It examines how oil and gas exploration activities by MNOCs have had a double edged-sword impact on both the lives of local oil and gas-bearing communities and the global communities’ energy security.

Soil Caked into Dried Crude Oil from oil spillage

Source: UNEP, 2011. Oil Damage in Niger Delta Will Take Decades, Billions to Restore

Martha Glazzard 

Keywords: Knit, design, methodologies, discipline, perspective, aesthetic, technical.

Abstract:

As a student of knitwear design, the key area of intrigue for me became the relationship between aesthetic and technical elements. As a fledgling researcher, the question then appeared – why does so little of the existing research in knit represent any of the knowledge or perspective that I have come to possess through my design education?

A mixed-method design perspective, represents a large fraternity of knit design-educated practitioners, alienated from the research base of engineering or technology-focused work.  Since research into all forms of knitted textile design is relatively young, there is still a need to formalise some thoughts from our design practitioners. Existing research into knit tends to be pedagogic, from a perspective outside design, entirely technical or exclusively quantitative – design is underrepresented. This paper accounts for the lack of knit design representation in literature.

By recognising the gap in current literature, this research argues that the previously unrepresented knowledge base of the design practitioner within knit can offer a lot by way of innovation. This is not only in design research, but to knit research (that is, any research in which knit is a factor) within any academic discipline. It is important in this time of restructuring academic funding and concern over survival of textile businesses in the UK to put forward a good case for the perpetuation of those ‘applied arts.’ It must be recognised that the nature of the vocational skills achieved can be highly transferrable and contribute to individual, institutional and national innovation.

Research profile:

After studying knitwear design and working in the technical education of knitting, Martha Glazzard worked on collaborative research projects. In these she was able to diversify her thinking about the nature of the knitted stitch and how it may be applied. She was led to analyse how the way she had been taught design had both sheltered her from and led her to a myriad of possibilities. She is interested in specific and generic knit methodologies and the application of knowledge for creating functional textiles.

Leah Bleakley

Keywords: prostitution, criminality, persecution, legislation, mobility, class, gender, local management, local press, Contagious Diseases Act, Criminal Law Amendment Act, Chester, Birkenhead, Crewe, Nantwich.

Abstract:

Within the academic study of history, a great deal of research has been dedicated to establishing the role of the female prostitute and her impact on communities throughout the centuries. This has involved efforts to interpret the way in which societies reacted historically to these women, including the extent to which they have been labelled as deviant. However, despite the extensive enquiries that have been previously undertaken on the topic, there remains a need for substantive work, including projects which look beyond traditional boundaries. This has usually involved a focus on extraordinary events such as the late Victorian prostitute murders committed by Jack the Ripper or a focus on particular urban locations, such as London.

Such work emphasises the ‘extraordinary’ and challenging public presence of the prostitute in urban areas. However, by shifting the focus away from unusual events and individuals, and away from the attitudes found in large conurbations such as London, it is argued that a better comprehension can be gained of the ‘ordinariness’ of prostitution in the everyday life of communities. Consequently, a more nuanced and accurate evaluation of the role played by prostitutes in the daily life of provincial communities can be developed. Critical reflection on historical studies such as those by Judith Walkowitz underlines the need for local or micro-studies as, too often, general comments applied to provincial locations such as Portsmouth, Nottingham or Aldershot are derived from research focusing on London, York, Manchester or Liverpool. This research project instead addresses the issues through a case study approach on unstudied smaller provincial urban locales, focusing on the northern towns of Chester, Birkenhead, Crewe and Nantwich.

The sources used are predominantly the local media and local petty sessions records. It was the summary courts which acted as advice and policy making centres for their localities, and thus a greater comprehension of the extent to which prostitution was tolerated or persecuted can be achieved. The end result will be a promotion of a more nuanced historical geography of deviance; in turn allowing for the evolution of a more inflected comprehension of Victorian prostitution nationally.

Research Profile:

Leah Bleakley is a part time doctoral research student exploring nineteenth century prostitution in Victorian England, and in 2009 received the Nottingham Trent University History Prize for Best Dissertation for her undergraduate thesis Prostitution: The Unexpected Consequences of Legislation, 1864-69 and 1885. Her postgraduate studies expand upon this work and employ an inter-disciplinary methodology, integrating the ideas and approaches of law and history and enabling a more robust investigation. Leah is currently assisting the SOLON Network in the organisation of their June 2012 conference ‘Modern Activism’ and operating their social media platforms.

Source: Punch Magazine 1857

Rhiannon Slade

Keywords: Artistic Practice, Inspiration, Conversation as Art, Dialogical Methodology, Community, Scar stories.

Abstract:

An acknowledgement and understanding of the role of artistic inspiration within an academic and artistic research context is explored in this paper. A position is made, that inspiration can be located by application of an artistic practice and through the process of mapping and reciting. To discuss this, the paper makes reference to the practice based research enquiry currently being read at Nottingham Trent University by Rhiannon Slade. The paper provides snippets of transcripts collected during Slade’s research as they investigate the performativity of human scar stories, by establishing connections between the moment of a scar’s creation, (actuality) and the recollection (expression) of its story. Fragments of transcripts are woven into the paper to provide clear examples of how inspiration has been understood and applied to Slade’s research. Furthermore, the paper considers artistic inspiration as a critical process for practice based research. The paper, whilst acknowledging the opportunities often experienced when engaging in an artistic practice; also highlights the potential challenges of inspiration-led-research. The paper closes by asking its reader to acknowledge the complexities and intricacies that are often overlooked when consideration is first made to the use of artistic inspiration. It is indeed a ‘slippery fish’ but an essential one in the formulisation of a research methodology, and in turn, one’s artistic practice.

Research Profile:

Rhiannon Slade is a doctoral researcher based in the department of Visual and Narrative Arts at Nottingham Trent University. It is an artistic exploration into the performativity of human scar stories caused by unexpected and accidental moments encountered from everyday life. Stories are collected to examine the potential role of Conversation as Art by application of a dialogical methodology. Slade’s research aligns with the theorization of self as subject and object and is grounded within a historical tracing of Live Art.

George Agyekum-Mensah 

Keywords: Project Management, Construction, Project, 4Es.

Abstract:

This paper introduces a conceptual model ‘4Es’ (Effective, Economic, Efficient, Ethics) to close the gap of performance control and assessment within construction project management since the existing so-called project triangle (time, cost and quality) seems insufficient. 4Es are essential to the competitiveness of industries today. Nonetheless, the construction industry is far behind many other industries and has been heavily criticised for its performance.

The failure of construction projects in performance is a global phenomenon which is arguably due to ineffective project management. This paper thus investigates the understanding of the project and project management through a detailed literature review and face to face interviews with academics and practitioners. The groups were chosen because they form the chain of knowledge in the industry. It was established that there were diverse views on the understanding of key terms within the construction industry, though a clear difference was made between construction and project management. 4Es is discussed as the necessary tool for strategic management. The possibility of standardising the main terms in the construction project management through the academic chain is also discussed.

Research Profile:

George Agyekum-Mensah is a doctoral student at Nottingham Trent University. George has a degree in Quantity Surveying and masters degree in Construction Project Management. He is a Chartered Builder, Professional Project Manager, Professional Cost Manager and has practised for over 15 years, but now spends his time researching to improve performance and processes within Construction Project Management. Hence, his PhD aims to develop the Total Planner model using IDEF0 methodology to enhance effective project management. His research interest lies in Project Production, Project Planning,  Project Control, Construction Project Management, Work Flow and Cost Management.

Greg Koabel

Keywords: 17^th century, gender history, history of masculinity, history of sexuality, martial culture, early modern politics.

Abstract:

This research project explores the connections between political authority and masculinity in early modern England, in particular the 1620s.  The 1620s have long been fertile ground for political historians as the numerous wrangles in parliament appeared to presage the conflict of the Civil War in the 1640s.  As a result historians have taken a keen interest in the political ideologies behind these debates.  However, gender, rather than political ideology, as a source of dissension in the period have only recently been explored.

Studies of masculinity in the early modern period have primarily been works of social history, focusing on family dynamics and sexual behaviour.  Historians of gender such as Elizabeth Foyster, Alexandra Shepard and Anthony Fletcher have mined court records, marriage guidance books, and domestic correspondence in order to determine how men defined their manhood in the early modern period.

This study attempts to incorporate this research into the study of early modern politics.  Sources which have traditionally been examined for political purposes, parliamentary records, political poetry, and diplomatic correspondence, also hold within them important information on how the manhood of political leaders were established or challenged.

The focus of this project is the royal favourite of both James I and Charles I, the Duke of Buckingham.  Buckingham’s manhood proved problematic on several fronts.  He was young, more accomplished as a dancer than a soldier, and owed his position to a close, and most likely sexual relationship with James I.  This research seeks to determine how Buckingham, and his opposition, saw him as a man worthy or unworthy of leading the kingdom.

Research Profile:

Greg Koabel is a PhD research student working on masculinity and political authority in early modern England with the support of the Vice Chancellor’s Bursary from Nottingham-Trent University.  He completed both his BA with Honours and MA, entitled “Religious Loyalism: The Anglican Church and the Conservative Movement of 1792-3” at the University of Regina, Canada.  Recent research presented at conferences includes “The Duke of Buckingham as Youth” at the Aberystwyth University History Department Colloquium, July 1-3, 2011.

George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham

Image courtesy of National Portrait Gallery

Amy Manktelow 

Keywords: Migration, Post-Colonialism, European Union, Policy, North Africa, Criminalization, Economy.

Abstract:

This paper will explore the relationship that Europe has with human migration. It will look at how the EU balances between allowing the right number of migrants in to improve the economy with the social and political issues that surround the “issue” of human migration. This paper will look at how states have used human migration throughout history to economic advantage and now find themselves with established routes, often these routes are fused with a shared colonial history. There are two problems with this, firstly immigration to developed states (especially after 9-11) causes moral panic among factions of the receiving society, which often leads to the criminalization of migrants. The second problem which arises is how the EU maintains economic relations with its peripheral North African neighbours whilst keeping the fortress doors firmly closed.

What this paper will focus on directly is how the relationship could develop into an exchange of capital that will appeal to both sides of the Mediterranean. This idea will be explored by analysing the economic benefits that could be felt by both parties if dealt with correctly. This could be done by a more focussed version of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) or an opening of multilateral talks between states, regional institutions and non-governmental organisations to encourage and develop economic ties. This paper is by no means a definitive prescription to the problems that lie between the two regions, but a concise look at how two regions could economically be of advantage to one another.

Research Profile:

Amy Manktelow is currently in her second year at Nottingham Trent University studying for her PhD in International Relations. Her thesis explores the links between post-colonialism and migration. The research analyses how the creation and maintenance of EU migration policy effects its external relations with other state actors, namely the previously colonized North African states. Amy’s previous research includes an in-depth exploration of human trafficking policy within the EU and also international attitudes towards human trafficking over the past decade. In the future Amy wishes to study the effects of Mexican migration to the USA on relations between them.

Alan Abela 

Keywords:  Energy certificates, calculation methodology,  benchmark energy values, residential property,  Malta, cost optimisation.

Abstract: 

The Maltese methodology for the issuance of energy performance certificates for residential property was developed and introduced by the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs in 2010.  This was implemented  to comply with the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive 2002/91/EC.

This methodology differs from that of most other European countries since the energy used for cooling in summer is taken into consideration when carrying out the calculation.  Most  states only consider the energy for heating in winter for residential energy certificates.

Research is currently being carried out on the Energy Certification of Mediterranean Housing.  Although this research is at its preliminary stages, it is clear that there are significant variations between the methodology implemented by other states with a similar climate to Malta, and consequently, the results produced differ widely.

This study examines the results produced by the Maltese certification process and analyses the certificate values by comparing them with theoretical and actual data for energy use in residential property in Malta.  This comparison is used to identify whether the methodology implemented is providing an accurate value for predicted energy use in Maltese residential property.

The analysis is utilised to establish a benchmark for energy use in different residential property types.   This benchmark can be further developed to provide  guidelines for cost optimisation of the minimum requirements for residential  buildings in a Maltese context.

Research Profile:

Alan Abela is a doctoral research student  in the School of Architecture, Design and the Built  Environment at Nottingham Trent University.  He is currently researching the energy certification of residential buildings in Mediteranean climates.    His doctoral research compares and analyses the different approaches taken in Italy, Spain, Cyprus and Malta.   Prior to taking up his studies, he participated in the development and introduction of the Maltese calculation methodology.

Emhamad Hamad

Keywords: SMEs, Economy, Developing Countries.

Abstract: 

In this paper, I will discuss the contributions and benefits of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the economy of developing countries. The main focus of this research will be to reflect on the contributions of SMEs in terms of job creation, employment and other economic indicators. For this purpose, this paper has taken into account studies and findings from previous research work. Secondary research has been used to find conclusions and data from a number of developing countries has been utilised for the objective of this research.

The study highlights role of SMEs and their significance in the growth and development of economies. Moreover, the study emphasises on the need for establishing SMEs as they play a vital role in providing employment opportunities and increasing the overall standard of living. Developing countries can benefit from SMEs because they assist economies to flourish. Poverty has been a major issue for most of the developing economies. Therefore, the study provides rationale as how SMEs can cut the poverty rate and increase income generation.

Research Profile:

Emhamad is a PhD researcher at Nottingham Trent University. He was a public sector employee from 1985 to 2005 and has been a Faculty member of the Collage of Economics, Omar Al Mukhtar University, Libya from 2005 to 2008. He was a Coordinator of the Faculty of Economics, Al-Qubbah Branch in 2006, and Head of the department of Business Administration, Omar Al- Mukhtar University in 2007. Emhamad has published papers in different academic conferences. His Ph.D research is on business incubators in the Arab World.

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