The near global implementation of public sector and social welfare reform as a result of neoliberal economic reform has impacted on social work and social inequality. State strategies to reduce social Corresponding author: Gary Spolander, Charles Ward Building, Coventry University, Priory Street, Coventry CV1 5FB, UK. Email: g.spolander@coventry.ac.uk 524964I SW0010.1177/0020872814524964International Social WorkSpolander et al. research-article2014Article 302 International Social Work 57(4)and economic inequality are being challenged and rolled back. This article uses the reflections from a six-country EU-funded social work research collaboration to promote debate and compare global social work perspectives, to highlight the complexity of research, to explore implications for practice and the Global Agenda. It concludes by highlighting that global comparisons are complex, multifaceted and that political, cultural and economic context is critical to develop effective responses.

This article seeks to reflect on knowledge and experiences gained from an International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES). Challenges and opportunities inherent in the development and Downloaded from 2 International Social Work management of a large-scale international research project in social work are explored. Through a synthesis of conceptual frameworks a process model for international research collaboration is constructed based chiefly on the stages of group development, a conceptual framework for cross-national research, an interdisciplinary teamwork process and collaborative knowledge building. The five stages of the process model, namely forming, norming, storming, performing and adjourning and associated steps are connected by a practice of reflexivity.

Digitalization is an important enabler for cooperation in teaching between educational levels. Higher education providers, secondary schools and vocational schools now have the means to develop shared learning offerings that harness the power of e-learning. These ventures aim to provide students with flexible learning opportunities that cross borders in the educational system. A key objective is to create a simple path for students transitioning to higher education, reducing the overall time spent in studies before students enter the work market. Study modules in higher education are being brought as a part of secondary and vocational degrees with a digital framework.

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Outplacement activities are a form of professional care toward dismissed employees. The purpose of outplacement is to offer support for re-employment and making a forced leave easier. Outplacement services often contain recruitment training for writing applications and self-presentation, career counselling, job placement or job search services, and psychological and legal counselling. In outplacement, activities that are common in seeking employment are paid by the downsizing organisation, and not the individual. The activities are often tailored to the organisation's specific needs, location, and industry. Outplacement serves to ease the individual's transition towards new employment, and also, to control the negative impact on an organisation's reputation. In Finland, nearly 12,000 employees were made redundant in 2015. Roughly 114,000 employees were under co-determination negotiations potentially leading to termination. Employees' rights against termination of employment can be seen as weaker in the Nordic countries in comparison to Europe in general. To support large-scale redundancies, the Republic of Finland has received support from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund.