Conference showcases innovative projects addressing global societal challenges

Cardiff Business School’s Public Value Engagement Fellowship conference, held on 9 October 2024, showcased inspiring projects addressing society's most pressing issues.

Staff from across the school presented their work, each focused on delivering real impact in line with the school’s public value ethos of using business for societal good.

Through the Public Value Engagement Fellowship programme, staff are given the opportunity to dedicate time and resources to action research projects which create value locally and globally. By leveraging their expertise and engaging with diverse partners, fellows work on projects that extend far beyond the university, driving meaningful change in communities.

From social care analytics to gender equality and empowering rural communities, the projects highlighted at the event show the diverse ways Cardiff Business School is making a difference and creating public value.

Professor Peter Wells, Pro Dean of Public Value for Cardiff Business School, said:

He added: “The projects were unified by some clear themes: building on existing collaborative networks, leveraging support from Cardiff Business School, delivering measurable benefits to people in need, and being driven by enthusiasm, energy, skill, and deep personal commitment.”

Here are the projects:

Improving social care with data analytics - Dr Seongsoo (Simon) Jang

Dr Simon Jang’s project explored how data analytics can improve service quality and inclusion in social care. Collaborating with international partners, his research examined how service recipients evaluate care, aiming to reshape the way social care is delivered. His work hopes to influence health and social care systems in the long term, focusing on the people who need it most.

Promoting women in economics - Professor Melanie Jones

Professor Melanie Jones’ project focused on promoting women in economics across Wales. By engaging school pupils, university students, and professional economists, she aimed to diversify the field and encourage more women to pursue careers in economics. Through local events and partnerships, her work is breaking down barriers and empowering the next generation of female economists in Wales. The approach has been shared as best practice within the UK Women in Economics Network.

Net Zero Neighbourhoods in South Wales - Dr Qian Li

Dr Qian Li’s project focused on overcoming barriers to adopting net zero solutions in local communities in South Wales. Involving post-graduate and PhD students, the project combined workshops and baseline research, and collaboration with key stakeholders in the private and public sectors. This initiative has laid the groundwork for future efforts toward sustainable, carbon-neutral neighbourhoods.

How technology can revolutionise sustainable seafood practices - Dr Maryam Lotfi

Dr Maryam Lotfi’s project tackled social issues in global supply chains, particularly focusing on shrimp farming in Bangladesh. Her research explored the potential of digital technology to address challenges like modern slavery and workers' rights deep in supply chains. Her findings highlighted the complexities of creating socially sustainable food systems and the importance of field research in shaping ethical practices.

Optimising Welsh community-led food systems - Professor Jane Lynch

Professor Jane Lynch’s work focused on optimising community-led food systems in Wales, supporting local micro-businesses in sustainable procurement. She helped small food producers connect with public sector opportunities and laid the groundwork for future developments in public value procurement.

Democratic technology for co-operatives - Dr Genevieve Shanahan

Genevive Shanahan’s project explored how digital tools can boost participation and decision-making in co-ops. Aiming to create a website offering guidance on the best technologies for member engagement and control, she partnered with various organisations, blending theory with practical case studies. While the full impact is still emerging, the initiative is already driving co-ops toward a more democratic and equitable future.

Empowering women in Nepal - Helen Whitfield

Helen Whitfield's project addressed period poverty in rural Nepal by providing hygiene products to women and girls, alongside support for school uniforms and other basic needs. Her project, which was built on years of personal charitable work, helped tackle period poverty and provided critical support for a remote community. Helen’s dedication and fundraising efforts ensured that her project made a tangible difference, delivering lasting support to women in need.

For more public value stories from Cardiff Business School, listen to the latest series of our podcast, The Power of Public Value.