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Research in the gap between the obvious and the improbable

Robin Wensley (Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry, UK)

Journal of Historical Research in Marketing

ISSN: 1755-750X

Article publication date: 21 August 2017

175

Abstract

Purpose

In considering my academic history as a professor both in marketing and management, I hope to demonstrate that it is possible to research challenging and interesting topics in a variety of guises.

Design/methodology/approach

The presentation is primarily chronological but also, to some degree, selective. I have focused on my research activities but not forgotten the importance, at least to me, of both academic administration and indeed a broader set of interests in more general terms.

Findings

While there is inevitably a significant degree of path dependency in my academic career, I have also been quite keen to explore more broadly both the boundaries of my subjects and the application of various different research methods. I have been particularly fortunate to have worked with some excellent academic colleagues and stimulating doctoral students.

Research limitations/implications

I believe there are a twin set of implications for other academics; however, I would emphasise that there is no single right way. For me it has been important to pick topics which are of interest to others and at the same time try and demonstrate some distinctive value added in my approach.

Originality/value

I hope that those who are earlier in their career will take heart from two principles, one being to do one’s best to be in interesting places and the other to work closely with colleagues who have challenging and different perspectives.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

Comments and improvements are thanks to academic colleagues – Sally Dibb and Alex Wright in particular – for their helpful advice and suggestions and also to the joint editors of the Journal for their advice on the overall text and general encouragement. The author remains solely responsible for any errors or omissions in the final manuscript.

Citation

Wensley, R. (2017), "Research in the gap between the obvious and the improbable", Journal of Historical Research in Marketing, Vol. 9 No. 3, pp. 302-318. https://doi.org/10.1108/JHRM-04-2017-0010

Publisher

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2017, Emerald Publishing Limited

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