These are unusual times for all of us. The Covid-19 pandemic has meant a complete reassessment of the way we work, both in terms of teaching and for research. As Darren Dalcher notes in his piece in this edition on the lessons to be learned from the pandemic for project management – both the profession and the process at large – there are both challenges and opportunities presented by Covid-19. This is equally true for academic research, and as this issue – presented to you in a new digital format, which we hope you enjoy – demonstrates, our LUMS researchers have been working hard to put their skills to work around the pandemic. Michael West has a long track record when it comes to improving the mental health of healthcare staff , and never has his expertise been more pertinent than in these last fewmonths. His collaborations with the NHS have helped provide vital support networks for those key-workers who have been so much in our thoughts of late, and he hopes the pandemic offers the chance for long-term positive change. Marwan Izzeldin looks at the consequences of the pandemic on countries and economic sectors around the world, Monideepa Tarafdar has been examining the issue of tracing apps, and Eyal Winter and Darren Dalcher each have their own valuable areas of expertise, allowing them to provide insight into the wider crisis and its impact on people and businesses. Though it is hard to fathom at times right now, there is life beyond Covid-19, and that is reflected by a selection of pieces looking at the wider research taking place in the School – no more so than in the work of Mike Ryder as he examines the relevance of sciencefiction to marketing. Ben Harrison, who has come in as Director of the Work Foundation at a fascinating time, explains what the organisation will be doing alongside LUMS and wider Lancaster University experts to shape the future of the world of work. Valerie Stead’s work on the Gender Matters project highlights the issues around the pursuit of gender equality and inclusivity in the UK workplace, many of which have come to the fore event more during the pandemic. This work reflects our long-term commitment to positively influence business and society. We are building on two decades of successful partnerships with North West SMEs. This is the focus of Sarah Jack’s research on the influence and impact universities can have on the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. LUMS has an established reputation for working with businesses large and small, and that is one we strive to maintain and expand. You canfind further information on the research contained within this issue by following the hyperlinks or clicking on the videos that have been embedded in the articles. Professor Angus Laing is Dean of Lancaster University Management School and Chair of Academic Advisory Board at Nurture Higher Education Group. a.w.laing@lancaster.ac.uk Foreword Within these (electronic) pages, youwill learn about some of thewide-ranging, impactful research we have been carryingout at Lancaster University Management School. FIFTY FOURDEGREES | 5
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTI5NzM=