3,412 search results
Is public spending a drain on the economy or the mark of a civilised society?
Society, Politics & Law

Is public spending a drain on the economy or the mark of a civilised society?

...Open University economics professor Mariana Mazzucato (2013) suggests that most of the technology in smart phones started, not with private business, but with the government (mainly through research for the defence industry). The private sector has a role to play in innovation, but often takes a short-term view, focusing on a quick return to shareholders, and will not...
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Article 10 mins
Telephone bereavement support: does it work?
Health, Sports & Psychology

Telephone bereavement support: does it work?

...open possibilities of access for some groups of people, who might have not otherwise sought out ongoing bereavement support or counselling. This can be because coming to an office or consulting room in another part of town might be impractical. Given the difficult economic situation for many, transport can be unaffordable. Fitting support around a busy life can be a...
View article Telephone bereavement support: does it work?
Article 10 mins
The five billion dollar franchise: How much will Disney make from Star Wars merchandise
Money & Business

The five billion dollar franchise: How much will Disney make from Star Wars merchandise

...open through the night to usher in “Force Friday” where, we were told by the official Star Wars website, we could begin to buy a wide range of products – from toys to books, comics, ebooks and apps, to clothing and lifestyle accessories – all available at mass retailers worldwide. It’s an incredible undertaking across a variety of media platforms which is...
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Article 5 mins
Clinton / Trump II: America comes off the loser
Society, Politics & Law

Clinton / Trump II: America comes off the loser

...opening questions about Trump’s attitude to women. Trump was asked repeatedly by Cooper if he was advocating or had carried out sexual assault. He didn’t answer at first, repeatedly saying it was “locker-room talk” and oddly deflecting this by repeating that he would attack Islamic State. Eventually, asked again if he’d ever sexually attacked women, he said...
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Video 5 mins
The gift of being a foster carer
Health, Sports & Psychology

The gift of being a foster carer

...Open University's Social Work and Early Years courses The concept of foster care emerged in the mid-16th century, becoming regulated in the mid-19th century. This history is poignant and has shaped our understanding of who are foster carers, what is foster care and what should it look like. It's about relationships, not preconceptions The words ‘foster carer’ may...
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Article 5 mins
Dealing with Change
Health, Sports & Psychology

Dealing with Change

...openness of the purpose and impact of change: being clear about the need for change, what will happen, and how it will affect everyone helps to minimise fear and uncertainty. Understanding the rationale for change, and the impact of the change, is effective in reducing ambiguity. Support in acceptance and implementation of change: when change is forced upon an individual...
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Article 10 mins
English Literature, Racism and Rehabilitation
History & The Arts

English Literature, Racism and Rehabilitation

...open to question: the assumption that those who hold violently racist views might be rehabilitated by reading works of English literature. Most readers of literature in English would like to think that the process of reading improves or enriches them, and a common societal assumption is that reading is an intangible good: we encourage children to read on the grounds that...
View article English Literature, Racism and Rehabilitation
Article 10 mins
How do you become British Prime Minister?
Society, Politics & Law

How do you become British Prime Minister?

...Open University's Politics courses and qualifications. Transcript Britain, like France, is a unitary state, but is a parliamentary democracy, not a semi-presidential system. British voters thus do not directly elect the government or the head of the government, the Prime Minister. And the head of state, the Monarch, is hereditary, apolitical, and not subject to election...
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Video 5 mins