University of Exeter Business School

Professor John Burns

Professor John Burns

Professor

 j.e.burns@exeter.ac.uk

 -

 Streatham Court 1.16

 

Streatham Court, University of Exeter, Rennes Drive, Exeter, EX4 4PU, UK

Overview

John joined the University of Exeter since 2010, having previously worked at Dundee University, the University of Colorado-Denver (USA), and the University of Manchester. His research is qualitative in its approach, and the outputs of which are mostly theoretically-informed case studies. Much of John's earlier research, though continuing, focused on (theorising) management accounting change, and the roles of accountants. More recently, he has been involved in various studies of the use of accounts and accountability mechanisms in organisations, and across society more generally. Current publications and work-in-progress, for example, explore accounts and accountability issues in relation to hospitals, professional sports, festivals, homelessness, sustainable development, forestry, and higher education.

Qualifications

PhD, Doctorate in Philosophy (Manchester, 1993-96)

MSc (Econ), Economics (Manchester, 1992-93)

PGCE (Secondary education) (Manchester, 1991-92)

BSc (Econ) Hons, Economics (Hull, 1985-88)

Career

Time period Organisation Positions held
2010 - now University of Exeter Professor, ex Head of Department, ex Director of Research
2004 - 2010 University of Dundee Professor, (founding) Dean of School, ex Head of Department, ex Director of Research
2002 - 2004  University of Manchester Senior Lecturer
2001 - 2002 University of Colorado (Denver), USA Associate Professor
1996 - 2001 University of Manchester Lecturer
1993 - 1996 University of Manchester CIMA Research Fellow
1988 - 1991 Ernst & Whinney/Young Assistant Accountant

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Research

Research interests

John's research is qualitative in its approach, and the outputs of which are mostly theoretically-informed case studies. Much of his earlier research, though continuing, focused on (theorising) management accounting change, and the roles of accountants. More recently, he has been involved in various studies of the use of accounts and accountability mechanisms in organisations, and across society more generally. Current publications and work-in-progress, for example, explore accounts and accountability issues in relation to hospitals, professional sports, festivals, homelessness, sustainable development, forestry, and higher education. Most of this recent and current research is undertaken with Exeter colleague, Dr Stephen Jollands.

Research projects

Recently (and externally) funded projects, research ongoing:

  • Accounting for the vulnerable, homelessness (with S. Jollands) [funding: British Academy, ICAEW]
  • Natural capital accounting and accounting for forestry (with S. Jollands) [funding: CIMA]

Research networks

European Network for Research of Organisational and Accounting Change (ENROAC)

Co-founder, in 1998 

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Publications

Books

Burns J, Oliveira J, Quinn M, Warren E (2013). Management Accounting., McGraw-Hill.
Burns J, Ezzamel M, Scapens RW (2003). Challenge of Management Accounting Change. London, Elsevier/CIMA.
Scapens RW, Burns J, Ezzamel M, Baldvinsdottir G (2003). The changing nature of management accounting in the UK. London, Elsevier/CIMA Publishing.

Journal articles

Burns J, Knardal PS (In Press). The use of accounting in managing the institutional complexities of a festival organisation pursuing financial and social objectives. Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change, 1-27.
Bertz J, Quinn M, Burns J (2023). Public service management reform: an institutional work and collective framing approach. Public Management Review, 1-25.
Burns J, Jollands S (2022). Examining accountability in relation to local football communities. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal Abstract.
Burns J, Jollands S (2022). Higher Education, Management Control and the Everyday Academic. Journal of Pragmatic Constructivism, 12(1), 18-33. Abstract.
Burns J, Jollands S (2020). Acting in the public interest: Accounting for the vulnerable. Accounting and Business Research, 50(5), 507-534. Abstract.
Jollands S, Burns J, Milne M (2020). Lessons from a natural capital case study. Financial Management, February 2020, 56-56.
Feger C, Mermet L, Vira B, Addison P, Barker R, Birkin F, Burns J, Cooper S, Couvet D, Cuckston T, et al (2018). Four priorities for new links between conservation science and accounting research. Conservation Biology
Burns J, Englund H, Gerdin J (2017). A structuration theory perspective on the interplay between strategy and accounting: unpacking social continuity and transformation. Critical Perspectives on Accounting Abstract.
Burns J, Nyland K, Morland C (2017). The interplay of managerial and non-managerial controls, institutional work. and the coordination of laterally dependent hospital activities. Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management, 14(4). Abstract.
Burns J, Nixon B, Jazayeri M (2015). Achieving full-cycle financial targets through collaboration. Financial Management
Burns J, Nixon B, Jazayeri M (2014). Balancing the relative emphasis on products and profits. Financial Management
Burns J, Euske KJ, Malina MA (2014). Debating diversity in management accounting research. Advances in Management Accounting, 24, 39-59. Abstract.
Burns J (2014). Qualitative management accounting research in QRAM: Some reflections. Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management, 11(1), 71-81. Abstract.
Burns J (2014). Reflections on the business partner. Controlling and Management Review
Burns J, Baldvinsdottir G, Norreklit H, Scapens R (2013). A business partner in the 1960s. Financial Managment
Contrafatto M, Burns J (2013). Social and environmental accounting, organisational change and management accounting: a processual view. Management Accounting Research, 24(4), 349-365. Abstract.
Burns J, Nixon WAJ, Jazayeri M (2012). Profitable new product design and development. Financial Management(April).
Burns J, Nixon B (2012). Strategic management accounting. Management Accounting Research, 23(4), 225-228.
Burns J, Nixon WA (2012). The paradox of strategic management accounting. Management Accounting Research, 23(4), 229-244. Abstract.
Burns J, Englund H, Gerdin J (2011). 25 years of Giddens in accounting research: achievements, limitations and the future. Accounting, Organizations & Society, 36(8), 494-513. Abstract.
Burns J, Quinn M (2011). The routinisation of management controls in software. Journal of Management Control, 22(1), 5-24. Abstract.
Baldvinsdottir G, Burns J, Norreklit H, Scapens RW (2010). Professional Accounting Media - Accountants Handing over Control to the System. Qualitative Research in Accounting & Management, 3(7), 395-414. Abstract.
Baldvinsdottir G, Burns J, Norreklit H, Scapens RW (2009). Images of the Profession. Financial Management (CIMA), 33-34.
Baldvinsdottir G, Burns J, Nørreklit H, Scapens RW (2009). The image of accountants: from bean counters to extreme accountants. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 22(6), 858-882. Abstract.
Baldvinsdottir G, Burns J, Norreklit H, Scapens RW (2009). The management accountant's role. Financial Management (CIMA), 34-35.
Ahrens T, Becker A, Burns J, Chapman CS, Granlund M, Habersam M, Hansen A, Khalifa R, Malmi T, Mennicken A, et al (2008). The future of interpretive accounting research - a polyphonic debate. Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 19(6), 840-866.
Burns J, Nielsen K (2006). How do embedded agents engage in institutional change?. Journal of Economic Issues, 40(2), 449-456. Abstract.
Burns J, Baldvinsdottir G (2005). An institutional perspective of accountants: new roles - the interplay of contradictions and praxis. European Accounting Review, 14(4), 725-757. Abstract.
Nixon W, Burns J (2005). Management control in the 21st century. Management Accounting Research, 16(3), 260-268.
Ezzamel M, Burns J (2005). Professional competition, economic value added, and management control strategies. Organization Studies, 26(5), 775-777. Abstract.
Burns J, Vaivio J (2001). Management accounting change. Management Accounting Research, 12(4), 389-402.
Burns J, Yazdifar H (2001). Trick or treats - the changing roles of management accountants. Financial Management (CIMA), 30-32.
Burns J, Scapens RW (2000). Conceptualising Management Accounting Change: an Institutional Framework. Management Accounting Research, 11(1), 3-25. Abstract.
Burns J (2000). The Dynamics of Accounting Change: Inter-play of New Practices, Routines, Institutions, Power and Politics. Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal, 13(5), 566-596. Abstract.
Burns J, Ezzamel M, Scapens RW (1999). Management accounting change in the UK. Management Accounting (CIMA), 28-30.
Burns J, Scapens RW, Turley S (1997). The crunch for numbers. Accountancy (ICAEW), 86-87.
Burns J, Scapens RW, Turley S (1996). Some further thoughts on the changing practice of management accounting. Management Accounting (CIMA), 58-61.

Chapters

Burns J, Moll J, Major M (2018). Institutional theory in accounting research. In Hoque Z (Ed) Methodological Issues in Accounting Research: theories and methods, London: Spiramus, 225-247.
Burns J, Warren L (2018). The role of the management accountant in the United Kingdom. In Goretzki L, Strauss E (Eds.) The Role of the Management Accountant Local Variations and Global Influences, Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge, 182-199.
Dey C, Burns J (2010). Integrated reporting at Novo Nordisk. In  (Ed) Accounting for Sustainability: Practical Insights, 215-232.
Burns J, Dey C (2010). Integrated reporting at Novo Nordisk. In Hopwood A, Unerman J, Fries J (Eds.) Accounting for Sustainability, London: Earthscan, 197-214.
Burns J, Scapens RW (2008). Organizational routines in accounting. In Becker MC (Ed) Handbook of Organizational Routines, Cheltenham: Edward Elgar, 87-106.
Burns J, Baldvinsdottir G (2007). The changing roles of management accountants. In Hopper T, Scapens RW, Northcott D (Eds.) Issues in management accounting, Prentice Hall, 107-132. Abstract.
Moll J, Burns J, Major M (2006). Institutional theory. In Hoque Z (Ed) Methodological issues in accounting research, Spiramus Pr, 183-205.
Burns J (2004). Confessions of a research assistant. In Humphrey C, Lee W (Eds.) The real life guide to accounting research, Elsevier Science Ltd, 163-189. Abstract.
Dietrich M, Burns J (2000). Industrial policy, industrial change and institutional inertia. In Elsner W, Groenewegen J (Eds.) Industrial policies after 2000, Boston: Kluwer Academic Publishing, 145-173.

Reports

Jollands S, Burns J, Milne M (2019). Natural capital accounting: Revisiting the elephant in the boardroom. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA),  London, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). Abstract.
Burns J, Jazayeri M, Nixon WAJ (2011). The role of management accounting in new product design and development decisions. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA),  London, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). 10 pages.
Baldvinsdottir G, Burns J, Norreklit H, Scapens RW (2010). Risk manager or risque manager? the new platform for the management accountant. Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA),  London, CIMA. 7 pages.

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External Engagement and Impact

External positions

Visiting Professor at NTNU, Trondheim Business School, Norway. Previous visiting professorships held at Vaasa University, Finland; Mälardalens University, Sweden; UCD Dublin, Ireland; WHU- School of Management, Germany; Orebro University, Sweden; University of Colorado, Denver (USA).

Reader panel member of The Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Higher and Further Education (The Royal Anniversary Trust).

External Examining: previous positions held at: Warwick University (MBA); Edinburgh University (Undergraduate); Liverpool University (Undergraduate), Glasgow University (Undergraduate); Universiti Tenaga Nasional, Malaysia (Undergraduate)

Other previous representations: Expert Panel for Accounting for Sustainability; Research Board, Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA); Qualifications Board, Institute of Chartered Accountants in Scotland (ICAS); Scientific Standing Committee, European Accounting Association (EAA); Trustee and Council, Management Control Association (MCA)

Previous (journal) editorial duties

2014-17  Co-Editor for Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management

2002-14  Associate Editor for Management Accounting Research

2005-09  Associate Editor for Accounting and Business Research
 

Previous guest editorship

2017  Innovations in Public Services, Qualitative Research in Accounting and  Management (with I. Lapsley and P. Miller)

2015  Contemporary developments in management control, Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management (with B. Nixon)

2012  Strategic management accounting, Management Accounting Research (with B. Nixon)

2006  Management accounting change, Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management  (with B. Nixon)

2005  Towards new forms of control, Management Accounting Research (with B. Nixon)

2001  Management accounting change (I), Management Accounting Research (with J. Vaivio)
 

Previous editorial (advisory) boards

2018-20  Qualitative Research in Accounting and Management

2005-21  Journal of Accounting and Organizational Change

2001-22  Accounting, Auditing and Accountability Journal

2004-19  Journal of Management and Governance

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Teaching

Primary teaching responsibilities are:

BEA3027, Accounting, Organisations & Society (3rd year, Uundergraduate) [with Stephen Jollands]

BEAM025, Advanced Management Accounting (Masters) [with Stephen Jollands]

BEAM068, Accounting, Accounts and Accountability - examining its everyday use (Masters) [with Stephen Jollands]

Modules

2023/24


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Office Hours:

Academic Year 2023-24:

TERM 1: Email to make appointment (j.e.burns@exeter.ac.uk)

TERM 2: to be confirmed

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