I became an Emeritus Professor in the Faculty of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Queensland in 2021. Prior to that I was Professor of Economics and Director of the Australian Institute for Business and Economics at the University of Queensland (John Mangan’s profile) I have been lucky enough to have held visiting positions at the Universities of Kiel, Lancaster, Ulster, and the National University of Ireland and was a visiting fellow at Queensland Treasury and an Eminent Visitor at the Department of Employment and Education.
Since taking up the role as Emeritus Professor I have concentrated on consulting for a number clients including Synergies Economics, Jobs Queensland, BMD, Tasmanian Wine Association, and the Wentworth Group on projects on the Australian. Queensland, Western Australian and South Australian economies.
All these areas of complement my main areas of expertise and interest in applied economics, particularly labour economics, and economic modelling. My other strong interest is in the economics of professional sports where I have written on Cricket, Soccer and Rugby league. I am currently working on a project involving applying the wellness and fitness programs of professional sports and applying them to the construction and other workforces.
I am starting this blog for several reasons. The first is for personal enjoyment. I hope to explore a range of contemporary economic topics in a more general, less formal manner, than what is required for academic writing. In this way I will be able to start a dialogue with readers and subscribers around contemporary economic issues in an interactive manner. As the blog develops it is intended that readers will both suggest new areas for research and make contributions of their own to be housed on the blog.
I also intend to maintain my economics consulting activities and to use the blog as a means by which interested parties can contact me to discuss their research needs. Economics, particularly in its applied form is a fascinating area of study for which no topic is beyond consideration. I, independently and in collaboration with others have researched in the economics of bigotry, multiculturism, spousal abuse, workplace injuries, test match and Indian Premier League cricket, referee basis in the NRL and others have worked in the economics of happiness and other socio-economic issues. In essence the research question, “the economics of” can be applied almost universally. Therefore, I intend the blog to be wide ranging and welcome suggestions by readers for additional research topics.
Finally, I am grateful to have had the opportunities to teach, research and, in a small way, to influence public policy. As such I wish to use the blog to assist others wishing to study economics who, for a variety of reasons, require additional help to pursue their studies. In the blog I will establish a donation fund, to be administered by an independent board and the proceeds used to purchase equipment and care assistance for these students.
John Mangan
