Dr James Coutinho

Biography

Dr. James Coutinho received his PhD from the University of Manchester, UK. His research uses social network analysis (SNA) to understand and improve the functioning of organisations. He is a member of the MelNet Social Networks Group, and the Mitchell Centre for Social Network Analysis at the University of Manchester. Outside of academia he has worked in research and public policy for both local and national government.

Ongoing research projects include working with the Boeing Company to understand how informal relationships drive innovation in their R&D operation, working with UAP to help employees collaborate effectively in the design and manufacture of public artworks, and working with Canadian Law Enforcement to study the behaviour of organised criminal groups in illicit markets. In the past he has conducted research on worker co-operatives (firms that are collectively-owned and democratically-managed by their employees).

Interests: Organisation studies, social network analysis, innovation, criminal networks