Joan Woodward, a lady of the future

Joan Woodward (1917-1971) is perhaps remembered mostly for her social studies - indeed it is in this field that Imperial College offers an annual undergraduate & post-graduate thesis prize, together with a series of memorial lectures. However, Joan Woodward also stood out for her pioneering research into how technology was influencing the behaviour and performance of organisations. At Imperial College she might also be remember for having been only the second lady to be made Professor (Professor of Industrial Sociology), which took place in 1970.

"...the most ambitious and stimulating comparative study using technology as an independent variable is Joan Woodward's survey of 100 industrial organizations" - Charles Perrow

In testament to her contributions to knowledge, her work continues to be referenced in renowned journals.

related links:
- en.wikipedia/Joan_Woodward (finally posted on 16 December 2009, see note below)
- Resource Centre for Women in SET (Science, Engineering & Technology)

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Note: the wikipedia entry for Joan Woodward formed part of my pledge for “AdaLovelaceDay”. This in turn was just one contribution from a community initiative that was initiated by Suw Charman-Anderson, with the aim "to draw attention to women excelling in technology":

I will publish a blog post on Tuesday 24th March about a woman in technology whom I admire but only if 1,000 other people will do the same.
— Suw Charman-Anderson

Mesmerising collaboration

beautiful... now to find a way to emulate just a little bit of this in homecamp/currentcost projects! ;o)


Microsoft Office Labs view 2019 from antares500 on Vimeo.

Innocent vs Coke : The start of the Carbon Wars

Which has a higher Carbon Footprint: Innocent or Coca-Cola?

Surprising perhaps, the answer is Innocent! - a Carbon Trust study has shown that 330ml can of Coke is equivalent to 170g of carbon dioxide, and the same sized Diet Coke or Coke Zero 150g; 250ml bottle of mango & passion fruit smoothie has a carbon footprint of 209g, and small bottle of crushed strawberries & bananas has 230g (guardian.co.uk). There are other aspects which can be considered, but this is quite a shocking statement for a company that prides itself on its ecological and social contributions... and I mean Innocent!

It might not yet be the start of a "Carbon War", but has already resulted in an exchange of words/marketing... It makes financial sense to reel-in many of the ecological costs, smaller and more efficient packaging means less storage space required, less transport costs, and less packaging material! both companies also get involved in various community activities, although it is not evident if this is primarily done as a marketing channel, or if it is meant mostly for social good.

In other news, it would also seem that Coke could obtain a minor stake in Innocent (brandrepublic.com)