Management & Enterprise
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Keywords
Strategy, business culture, corporate social responsi-
bility, business networks, international business
Expertise
Business history in Liverpool lies at the intersection
between history and business management studies.
It pursues both ‘traditional’ historical and social theory
informed research into domestic and international issues
of company strategy, structure and culture, their
networks, relationships with governments, and the
international business context.
The University of Liverpool has considerable expertise
in identifying businesses which have had a significant
impact on the economy of Britain and other countries,
researching their histories. Our expertise extends from
British to European, North American, Latin American,
Far Eastern and African business history.
The resulting histories can have a profound impact on
the way firms perceive themselves and engender a
stronger sense of corporate identity. They can encourage
stakeholders to identify more closely with the firm or
organisation. They can also explain an organisation’s
past strategies, structures and competitive positions to
inform understanding of its current position.
Exploring the successes and failures of businesses in
the past can provide evidence and support for improving
today’s business operations. Our research also informs
current strategic, financial and marketing decision-
making, influencing knowledge and technology
transfer strategies.
Capabilities and facilities
•
Extensive knowledge of available resources
•
Archival experience
•
Library databases.
Case Study
The University is currently working with the
Cooperative Group whose unique story is
particularly resonant in view of the current crisis in
modern financial capitalism and the vicissitudes
associated with orthodox economic thinking.
Our historians are producing a definitive history of
this important organisation and making a range
of contributions to its educational activities –
including an interactive website and material
for schools or schools.
6.
International business history
