Newly-published archival research conducted by Dr David Paulson compares the business history and culture in two manufacturing regions: the West Midlands in the United Kingdom and Stuttgart in Germany. Dr Paulson’s research led to the development of the Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Programme, a professional development course run jointly with the Centre for Competitiveness and the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute at Queen's Business School.

Dr Paulson’s research was sponsored by the Economic History Society. His monograph, Family Firms in Postwar Britain and Germany: Competing Approaches to Business, was published by Boydell & Brewer in February 2023. The research aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the differences between small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the UK and Germany. Driven by the struggles faced by the manufacturing businesses he ran before becoming an academic, Dr Paulson sought to uncover the historical roots of German SMEs’ market leadership.

The monograph is the first comprehensive study in book form that explores the detailed histories of SMEs in a comparative and transnational manner. The study provides good evidence that the German and British varieties of capitalism, which have evolved over time, are not fixed or static.

The German companies examined in his study are part of the Mittelstand, a class of family-owned firms that is unique to German-speaking countries. The book investigates how their principles of close identification with the local region and a patriarchal culture within a "family" atmosphere were put into practice in the past, and whether they still hold relevance today.

Dr Paulson compares the Mittelstand with British SMEs to uncover the differences in their approaches to business management. His study examines the business ecosystems of both countries, focusing on aspects such as funding and vocational education. The book concludes that there was potential for a British Mittelstand, but British companies often suffered from inferior management capabilities at all levels, largely because they operated in a less supportive external environment than that enjoyed by their German counterparts.

From historical research to contemporary impact

The historical insights gained from the management of these companies still have relevance in today's business landscape and can contribute to understanding contemporary disparities in business performance. In particular, Dr Paulson realised that his research affirmed the importance to the Mittelstand of vocational training for frontline managers, including Germany’s Meister qualification.

The Meister qualification is a highly sought after professional development opportunity available to Germany’s foremen/forewomen and team supervisors. This qualification is gained after an extended course of demanding personal study. Inspired by the Meister model and wanting his research to have an impact beyond academia, Dr Paulson began to explore opportunities for Queen’s Business School to contribute to the skills training and vocational education that are so critical to regional productivity.

Before conducting his archival research and entering academia, Dr Paulson was the managing director of two internationally focused SMEs. Having observed numerous talented frontline managers during his business career who lacked formal education in business and operations management. He wanted to develop a course to assist such individuals. By combining his research findings with his own business experience, he aimed to create a course that would benefit both the professional lives of individuals and the overall effectiveness of businesses by utilising their existing talent more effectively.

Development of the Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Programme

Dr Paulson, in collaboration with The Centre for Competitiveness and the William J. Clinton Leadership Institute, developed a course called the Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Programme (AMLP). It offers a comprehensive curriculum covering various aspects of operations management, general business, finance, leadership, and people skills. The course also focuses on improving factory efficiency.

Dr Paulson pays particular tribute to his collaborator in the development and delivery of the programme: William Ussher of the Centre for Competitiveness. As a vastly experienced automotive manufacturing leader, Mr Ussher’s expertise in operations has ensured that AMLP is relevant to ambitious manufacturers and their high-potential emerging leaders.

AMLP was launched in January 2022 and recently completed its third cycle. It has attracted a diverse range of businesses with operations in Northern Ireland. More than 20 different businesses and 60 students have been involved across the first three cohorts. Several participating firms enrolled employees in multiple cohorts. Cohort four begins in September 2023 and is fully subscribed. Applications have already been received for cohort five, beginning in February 2024.

Positive feedback

The strong interest in the course is evidence of a gap in Northern Ireland’s training ecosystem; participants and their employing businesses recognise the impact on their manufacturing operations that learning and sharing ideas during the course can have.

As the following feedback from recent AMLP employers and participants shows, there is a positive sense of its value to companies:

“Great to support our team leader through this programme. An excellent development programme that we’ll definitely be using again… thanks to Sue Burns and William Ussher, as well as David Paulson for the commitment to manufacturing leadership development.” (Operations Manager of a major manufacturer.)

“Delighted to host and speak to an enthusiastic team of students from Queen’s University Belfast studying on the Advanced Manufacturing Leadership Programme. Our company can truly recommend this course designed by David Paulson and William Ussher as a number of our young up and coming Leaders have already graduated through this programme.” (Executive Director of an international industrial business.)

“Feedback I’ve heard has been very positive, an excellent course, very relevant to a manager’s role in manufacturing today.” (Chair of the Mid & East Antrim Manufacturing Task Force.)

“A very comprehensive course designed to inspire and develop capable leaders for business, evoking structured thought processes to manage industry challenges.” (Senior Project Manager at an international manufacturer.)

Media attention

The course has garnered significant attention through articles in publications like the Belfast Telegraph, The Newsletter, and The Irish News. Additionally, Dr Paulson was interviewed on BBC Radio Ulster to discuss the course's impact.

An essential aspect of the programme is its funding, provided by Northern Ireland’s Department for the Economy. This funding ensures that the course can continue to support increased productivity and better training for managers.

Participating companies

The following companies have participated in the company to date (August 2023):

Andor, Balcas Timber Ltd, Boomer Industries, Brett Martin, Canyon Europe Ltd, Cooneen, Dale Farm, Denroy Plastics Ltd, Donite Plastics, Encirc, ETRUX Ltd, Genesis Bakery, Interface, Jans Composites Ltd, McCloskey International, Moore Concrete Products Ltd, Moyola Precision Engineering, Norbev, Nugent Fabrication Ltd, Precision Switchgear and Controls Ltd, RLC (Global Point), Ryobi Aluminium Casting (UK) Ltd, Seagate Technology, SpecDrum Ltd, Specialist Group, Spirit AeroS

Dr David Paulson

Professor of Practice, Queen's Business School (2019-2023)