A Disney case study Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a voluntary decision, there is no requirement for a company to act in the interests of the greater good, protecting social and environmental values, without government regulation. This is why, as I discussed in my last post, it is important for governments to enforce the adoptionContinue reading “Corporate social responsibility”
Tag Archives: whitmore
The role of policy
Many of us who embark on a PhD do so because we want to change the world. It might only be a very small part of the world, but we seek positive change, nevertheless. This might be through building greater understanding of an issue or developing new ways to address an issue. The ideal outcomeContinue reading “The role of policy”
Shifts and turns
I read a great blog post by Patter about having to adjust the planned trajectory of your research to work around the obstacles that come across your path. This connected with me on multiple fronts: I sometimes get concerned that, each time I draft a paper or a presentation, I am slightly adjusting my researchContinue reading “Shifts and turns”
Travel light
Reducing the environmental footprint of my travels I am excited about heading overseas for the first time since January 2020, and to start my research field work. I will be away for three weeks, presenting at a conference in Norrkoping, Sweden and visiting Disneyland Paris, France. I have spent quite a bit of time leadingContinue reading “Travel light”
Research approach
My research aims to provide a better understanding of the Disney-plastic assemblage and to propose more environmentally responsible alternatives to existing plastic practices to reduce plastic waste at Disney theme parks. As supported by Latour (2005) and DeLanda (2006), no individual or decision exists in isolation, all situations and positions are influenced by human andContinue reading “Research approach”
Tackling a presentation
Giving a presentation is not one of my favourite things to do. I hate standing up in front of people and having my words tumble over the top of each other. I am much happier being in the background and working on a written document. But, being able to present in front of peers andContinue reading “Tackling a presentation”
Stakeholders and research impact
There is an inherent risk in PhD research to become very insular and self-centred. After all, you need to focus intently on one very small problem for a long time. To do this you also need to reduce, or at least balance, other distractions in your life. You limit time with family and friends soContinue reading “Stakeholders and research impact”
Status update
I am at a significant milestone in my PhD candidature and my work life. First my PhD. I recently submitted my Confirmation of Candidature (CoC). At my presentation the panel recommended minor modifications, which I made then resubmitted. My CoC is now finalised. I can progress with my PhD as proposed (hooray!). While the CoCContinue reading “Status update”
Visions for Epcot
Walt Disney’s (Walt) original vision for Epcot – the Experimental Protype Community of Tomorrow – was a city of the future ‘where residents would live and work and test new, innovative products’ (Bodden 2009:32). Walt died before he could make his vision a reality. When the park eventually opened in October 1982 it was largelyContinue reading “Visions for Epcot”
Disney and plastic materiality
The Walt Disney Company (Disney) and plastic are ubiquitous. While the former demands our attention the success of the other is demonstrated in the fact that it has become so common that it is often ignored. Disney and plastic both experienced incredible growth in popularity in the post WWII economic boom. Both are often labelled as fake. Disney has been described as presenting a ‘Disneyfied’ aesthetic, an inauthenticContinue reading “Disney and plastic materiality “
Into my own 