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Purpose This paper aims to present findings from a recent study examining current records management as fit for digital government in Australia.Design/methodology/approach This paper draws on findings from the first phase of research for a postdoctoral degree. This research was collected through an online quantitative survey of government records management professionals in Australia. The survey’s purpose was to understand whether the profession has kept pace with advances in, and expectations of, digital government. Building on the findings of the survey, this paper explores the concepts of methodology and methods and applies them to current digital records management in the Australian Government. Methodology for Australian Government digital records management is contained in the 2015 Digital Continuity 2020 policy. However, measuring method proved more difficult. The researcher supplemented data published by the National Archives of Australia and the Department of Finance with data from her own research to measure the validity of methods by examining suitability of current requirements.Findings Australian Government records management professionals overwhelmingly feel requirements, organisational culture and behaviour form a barrier to implementing successful records management programs. This paper finds that the Australian Government is buying ten times more digital storage per year than the sum of all of the digital Australian Government records known. This suggests perhaps not all records are recognised. While there will always be more storage than records, the ratio should not be so inflated. Further problems are found with requirements for records management being seen as mostly paper-based and too resource intensive to be of use. This research, combined with a contemporary literature review, shows that there is an imbalance with the current methodology and methods and asks the question: Has a methodology (Digital Continuity 2020) been created without suitable and known methods being in place?Research limitations/implications The method for collecting survey data was based on self-reporting, which can lead to limitations in that the population sample may exaggerate their response or demonstrate bias. However, responses to the survey were common enough to eliminate bias. The study is based on the Australian Government; however, findings may translate to other governments. This paper presents findings from the first phase of research of a postdoctoral degree. Not all findings are presented, only those relevant to the topic.Originality/value As the Australian Government moves to become a true digital government, records management is still required to ensure accountability of government actions and decisions. However, while the government transitions to digital, and information stores continue to grow, the question of whether records management has kept up with the rapid pace of digital information flow and expansion does not need to be asked. Instead, the time has come to ask, “What can we do to keep up?” [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - As neoliberal reforms take hold in the vocational education and training (VET) sector in Australia, there is renewed interest in the quality of teaching practice. However, despite the value of practitioner inquiry to the quality of teaching in schools, scholarly practice in higher education, and established links between the quality of teaching and outcomes for learners and between practice-based inquiry and pedagogic innovation in VET, the practices has received little attention. The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of a college-wide culture of scholarly activity to learners, enterprises, VET institutions, educators and the national productivity agenda. Design/methodology/approach - Drawing on the education literature, empirical examples of scholarly activity drawn from the authors' experiences of working with VET practitioners, this paper asks what constitutes research and inquiry in VET, why should these practices be integral to educative practice and what value do they bring to the sector? In addressing the questions, the authors explore how research and inquiry is defined in the literature and draw on three empirical examples of scholarly activities to provide a national, institutional and individual view. A discussion about the value of scholarly activities to VET stakeholders and how the practices might be fostered and sustained concludes the paper. Findings - The paper concludes that practice-based scholarly activities in VET cultivate rich potential for renewed and innovative pedagogies that improve outcomes for learners, respond to industry demands for innovative skills, build "pedagogic capital" for VET institutions, enrich the knowledge base of policy makers and build resilience and professionalism. The authors conclude by positioning VET educators as scholars in their own right along a continuum of scholarly activity and posing the proposition that when valued, scholarly activities are practices for new times that will build a strong and vibrant profession for the future. Research limitations/implications - This paper brings together the authors' experiences of working with VET practitioners as the authors engage in scholarly activities. While each vignette was drawn from a formal research project in each case, the paper itself was not structured around a formal research activity, although a small survey was undertaken for vignette 1. This poses limitations to the findings of the study. However, the purpose of the paper is not to be conclusive but to forward an argument for more scholarly activity in VET in order to promote further research and debate. Originality/value - This paper contributes to the current debate in Australia about the quality of teaching in VET and the sectors' capability to produce "work-ready" graduates. It brings to the fore the value of scholarly activity for educators, learners, industry and communities, VET institutions and the broader national innovation agenda. As such, it has relevance to all VET stakeholders, most particularly policy makers, leaders and practitioners in VET. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the growth in quality assurance maturity within the six Australian and New Zealand university libraries which make up the Libraries of the Australian Technology Network (LATN). Design/methodology/approach – The paper is based on benchmarking surveys of library quality assurance commissioned by LATN in 2005/2006, with a follow up study in 2010. The author led the conduct and analysis of both surveys. The 2005/2006 study reviewed quality assurance practices at the member libraries, to draw out examples of best practice and identify gaps and possible areas for improvement within the libraries. It was based on a review of member libraries' websites, a questionnaire completed by a nominee from each member library, and follow-up in-person interviews with each nominee and the University Librarian of each institution. In 2009/2010 the same questionnaire was re-administered to investigate whether changes had occurred in the intervening period, including what improvements had been made and where there were still gaps. Had the conduct of quality audits by the Australian Universities Quality Agency had an impact? Had members made improvements to their quality assurance processes based on the findings of the first study or for other reasons? To elicit additional information, follow-up interviews are being carried out in 2011. Findings – In 2005/2006 the reviewers found three models of responsibility for quality assurance: centralised, within a manager's portfolio and devolved. Each was appropriate to a different level of quality maturity, with a centralised model considered to be most appropriate at the early stages of development. Whereas in 2005/2006 only one library had a centralised model, by 2010 three libraries had adopted this model and one had moved on from it. The paper compares applications of these models in the libraries and looks at the extent to which growth in quality assurance in the libraries is associated with adoption of the centralised model. It distinguishes the formal creation and appointment of a quality officer position from the ad hoc individual efforts in quality which can and do occur in many libraries. In 2005/2006 only two libraries had a functioning and well-maintained quality framework which the LATN reviewers considered to be a hallmark of best practice in quality assurance. By 2010 this number had doubled to four. The paper looks at the quality, planning and/or performance frameworks in place and whether they were selected or developed by the library or imposed by their parent university. The impact of the adoption of a framework on the development of quality policies, procedures and documentation to achieve comprehensiveness, standardisation and repeatability in quality assurance are considered. A notable change between the 2005/2006 and the 2010 surveys was the growth in individual work planning and performance review, which was identified by the LATN reviewers as a sector-wide gap in 2005/2006. Ideally, use of such plans and assessments should assist in the taking quality beyond library management, to develop amongst the library staff a culture of continuous improvement.Originality/value – The paper provides real examples of how quality assurance can and has been improved in libraries, within a five year timeframe. While it is based on the experience of Australian and New Zealand libraries, it addresses concerns and provides solutions which are appropriate internationally. It provides a range of options which an individual library could adopt depending on its own context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present and analyse the context, the current issues and the opportunities for project management (PM) research within Australia. The paper contributes to researcher and industry practitioner knowledge and debates on supporting and promoting the development of national PM research agendas. Design/methodology/approach – This is a research paper which draws on and interprets empirical data generated from a comprehensive national survey of Australian PM researchers. Findings – The paper first profiles the current landscape of Australian PM research. Thereafter, it explores the future opportunities/risks for PM research in this country, as perceived by the researcher community. Research limitations/implications – This research was limited to the collection of data from PM researchers across Australia (80 percent response rate to the survey tool). Clearly, this study was confined to one country and to one category of respondent. Practical implications – This paper will make contributions to national and international debates and analysis on current research trajectories and future opportunities in the PM field and thereby also aid comparative knowledge development within the researcher community. Originality/value – This paper represents the first comprehensive national PM researcher study undertaken in Australia. It provides a compelling national insight into the current state of PM research as perceived by PM researchers and illustrates issues concerning their research contexts, their links to industry partners and perceptions of industry and industry representative body engagement in PM research activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose |!|#8211; The purpose of this paper is to expose the impact of the shortage of senior academics, particularly professors, in Australian accounting schools, to relate the way one school addressed this shortage through a mentoring scheme, and to challenge existing institutional arrangements. Design/methodology/approach |!|#8211; This is a contextualised qualitative case study of a mentoring scheme conducted in an Australian accounting school. Data collected from semi-structured interviews, personal reflections and from Australian university web sites are interpreted theoretically using the metaphor of a |!|#34;green drought|!|#34;. Findings |!|#8211; The mentoring scheme achieved some notable successes, but raised many issues and challenges. Mentoring is a multifaceted investment in vocational endeavour and intellectual infrastructure, which will not occur unless creative means are developed over the long term to overcome current and future shortages of academic mentors. Research limitations/implications |!|#8211; This is a qualitative case study, which, therefore, limits its generalisability. However, its contextualisation enables insights to be applied to the wider academic environment. Practical implications |!|#8211; In the Australian and global academic environment, as accounting professors retire in greater numbers, new and creative ways of mentoring will need to be devised. The challenge will be to address longer term issues of academic sustainability, and not just to focus on short-term academic outcomes. Originality/value |!|#8211; A mentoring scheme based on a collegial networking model of mentoring is presented as a means of enhancing academic endeavour through a creative short-term solution to a shortage of accounting professors. The paper exemplifies the theorising power of metaphor in a qualitative study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The paper aims to explore the beliefs of doctors in leadership roles of the concept of “the dark side”, using data collected from interviews carried out with 45 doctors in medical leadership roles across Australia. The paper looks at the beliefs from the perspectives of doctors who are already in leadership roles themselves; to identify potential barriers they might have encountered and to arrive at better-informed strategies to engage more doctors in the leadership of the Australian health system. The research question is: “What are the beliefs of medical leaders that form the key themes or dimensions of the negative perception of the ‘dark side’?”.Design/methodology/approach The paper analysed data from two similar qualitative studies examining medical leadership and engagement in Australia by the same author, in collaboration with other researchers, which used in-depth semi-structured interviews with 45 purposively sampled senior medical leaders in leadership roles across Australia in health services, private and public hospitals, professional associations and health departments. The data were analysed using deductive and inductive approaches through a coding framework based on the interview data and literature review, with all sections of coded data grouped into themes.Findings Medical leaders had four key beliefs about the “dark side” as perceived through the eyes of their own past clinical experience and/or their clinical colleagues. These four beliefs or dimensions of the negative perception colloquially known as “the dark side” are the belief that they lack both managerial and clinical credibility, they have confused identities, they may be in conflict with clinicians, their clinical colleagues lack insight into the complexities of medical leadership and, as a result, doctors are actively discouraged from making the transition from clinical practice to medical leadership roles in the first place.Research limitations/implications This research was conducted within the Western developed-nation setting of Australia and only involved interviews with doctors in medical leadership roles. The findings are therefore limited to the doctors’ own perceptions of themselves based on their past experiences and beliefs. Future research involving doctors who have not chosen to transition to leadership roles, or other health practitioners in other settings, may provide a broader perspective. Also, this research was exploratory and descriptive in nature using qualitative methods, and quantitative research can be carried out in the future to extend this research for statistical generalisation.Practical implications The paper includes implications for health organisations, training providers, medical employers and health departments and describes a multi-prong strategy to address this important issue.Originality/value This paper fulfils an identified need to study the concept of “moving to the dark side” as a negative perception of medical leadership and contributes to the evidence in this under-researched area. This paper has used data from two similar studies, combined together for the first time, with new analysis and coding, looking at the concept of the “dark side” to discover new emergent findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper studies the experiences of asylum seekers in Australia. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between mental wellbeing, living conditions, and Australia’s detention policies in light of human rights. Design/methodology/approach – Using grounded theory, data were collected via observations, semi-structured interviews, key-informant interviews, and document analysis. Participants included seven asylum seekers and three professionals working with them. Findings – In light of a human rights framework, this paper reports on the mental distress suffered by asylum seekers in detention, the environments of constraint in which they live, and aspects of detention centre policy that contribute to these environments. The findings highlight a discrepancy between asylum seekers’ experiences under immigration detention policy and Australia’s human rights obligations. Research limitations/implications – This research indicates human rights violations for asylum seekers in detention in Australia. This research project involved a small number of participants and recommends systemic review of the policy and practices that affect asylum seekers’ mental health including larger numbers of participants. Consideration is made of alternatives to detention as well as improving detention centre conditions. The World Health Organization’s Quality Rights Tool Kit might provide the basis for a framework to review Australia’s immigration detention system with particular focus on the poor mental wellbeing of asylum seekers in detention. Originality/value – This study links international human rights law and Australian immigration detention policies and practices with daily life experiences of suffering mental distress within environments of constraint and isolation. It identifies asylum seekers as a vulnerable population with respect to human rights and mental wellbeing. Of particular value is the inclusion of asylum seekers themselves in interviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Nurses with specialised knowledge, experience and education are needed to provide specific care in nursing subspecialties such as child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) nursing. However, some of these attributes are implicit and not clear to the wider nursing community. The purpose of this paper is to explore the applicability of a conceptual framework for CAMH inpatient nursing practice to other areas of CAMH nursing practice. This paper presents an exploratory study regarding the applicability of the framework to two small cohorts of CAMH nurses. This study was conducted in Tasmania, Australia and Northern Denmark. These settings were chosen due to the self-perceived knowledge gap surrounding the role and professional identity of these Australian and Danish CAMH nurses.Design/methodology/approach An exploratory qualitative study within the social constructivist paradigm was undertaken. The method of data collection was two focus groups of CAMH nurses in Tasmania, Australia and Northern Denmark. The data were analysed using an adaptation of a six-phase thematic analysis process.Findings The analysis of the data resulted in three themes: individual preparation and experience of CAMH nurses, knowledge transfer and nurses’ perceptions of their individual and team roles. The findings have contributed new knowledge of CAMH nursing.Originality/value The findings of this study may support the applicability of the conceptual framework with participants’ endorsing that it reflects their role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to make a contribution to the current lack of literature in the Australian context by reviewing qualitative feedback collected from students in five private higher education institutions. In particular, the paper seeks to examine factors influencing student choice to study at private higher education institutions and student perceptions of such institutions. Previous studies on this topic are mostly focussed on universities with lack of research with the booming private higher education sector. Design/methodology/approach – This study draws data from five different private for-profit higher education institutions in Australia. It involved feedback from 120 students undertaking higher education courses in different discipline areas at different stages of study. The study involved 15 focus group interviews with eight students in a group. The selection of students was based on the representation of different characteristics of student such as: male/female, domestic/international, and discipline areas. Findings – An analysis of the data collected from the students across these five institutions indicated that the main factors influencing student choice can be grouped in six domains. These are: student perception; access and opportunity; learning environments; quality of teachers; course design; and graduate success. This study reinforces that student perception of the private for-profit higher education institutions is an important factor in influencing student choice to study at the institution. Research limitations/implications – The limitation of the study was the ability to interview more students from larger colleges, across all discipline areas. However, the time and length of the focus group interviews was largely managed by the five institutions. Originality/value – The private higher education sector has experienced consistent growth in the last few years in Australia. Currently, there is no qualitative research done in Australian private higher education on factors influencing student choice to study with private institutions. The rise of such providers require research on insights about student choice, student expectation and their experience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Given that prisoners have significant health needs across most areas, the paucity of prisoner health research, and the difficulties involved in the conduct of research in this setting, there is a need to develop research priorities that align with key stakeholder groups. One such group are those responsible for health service provision in prisons - prison health service directors. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Prison health service directors in each Australian state and territory were invited to participate in a national (deliberative) roundtable where the consensus building nominal group technique was utilized. This involved the identification of research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research with prisoners, and ranking research priorities. A thematic analysis was conducted on organizational issues. Findings In total, 13 participants attended the roundtable. Participants identified 28 research priorities and 12 organizational issues. Top ranked research priorities were mental health, cognitive and intellectual disability, post-release health maintenance, ageing prisoners, chronic health conditions and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. Themes identified from the organizational issues included prisoner access to research participation, health and research literacy of custodial staff, and institutional protectionism in response to research that may discover negative information about the custodial setting. Research limitations/implications These findings should inform future efforts to improve research infrastructures to undertake research to improve the health of people in Australian prisons, and help to align researchers' efforts with those of a key organizational stakeholder. Originality/value This is the first paper to determine the research priorities and organizational issues in conducting research in prisons of prison health service directors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider the national and international political-economic environment in which Australian university research grew. It considers the implications of the growing significance of knowledge to the government and capital, looking past institutional developments to also historicise the systems that fed and were fed by the universities.Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on the extensive archival research in the National Archives of Australia and the Australian War Memorial on the formation and funding of a wide range of research programmes in the immediate post-war period after the Second World War. These include the Australian Atomic Energy Commission, the NHMRC, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, the Australian Pacific Territories Research Council, the Commonwealth Office of Education, the Universities Commission and the Murray review. This research was conducted under the Margaret George Award for emerging scholars for a project entitled “Knowledge, Nation and Democracy in Post-War Australia”.Findings After the Second World War, the Australian Government invested heavily in research: funding that continued to expand in subsequent decades. In the USA, similar government expenditure affected the trajectory of capitalist democracy for the remainder of the twentieth century, leading to a “military-industrial complex”. The outcome in Australia looked quite different, though still connected to the structure and character of Australian political economics.Originality/value The discussion of the spectacular growth of universities after the Second World War ordinarily rests on the growth in enrolments. This paper draws on a very large literature review as well as primary research to offer new insights into the connections between research and post-war political and economic development, which also explain university growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an example of how applied phronesis can be used as a methodological approach in social research. The example consists of an exploration of the discourse of productivism in elderly care policy in Australia. Design/methodology/approach - The research interrogates arrangements of objective facts within recent representations of the aged which render particular policy discourses rational. An analysis of selected secondary data and texts is offered to demonstrate how applied phronesis may be used to discern when objective facts are presented in particular ways to sustain useful discourses, such as productivism. Findings - The paper demonstrates that, rather than being rational discourse, productivism employs suitable arrangements of objective facts leading to particular rationalisations, including that the elderly should be viewed as a separate "category", that they are a burden on society and that they contribute to increasing health care costs. Alternative interpretations and arrangements of the same objective facts indicate that what is rendered as rational within the discourse of productivism may also be seen as a construct of power rather than an unavoidable and logical outcome. Research limitations/implications - Because it is intended mainly as a demonstration, this paper offers a limited application of applied phronesis. Originality/value - The research is employed as a practical demonstration of the efficacy of applied phronesis in social research. At the same time, this is the first phronetic exploration of productivism in aged care policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe the challenges of post-traditional, distance PhD supervision and suggest pedagogical interventions to bridge the distance. The paper investigates the skills and understandings necessary for mediating the supervisor-supervisee dyad within faceless encounters. Design/methodology/approach – Grounded in a literature review and using interview-based narratives, the paper describes a case study investigating the needs and experiences of three part-time, trans-Tasman PhD students, writing practitioner- or practice-led research (PLR) higher degrees by research (HDR) by artefact and exegesis. Findings – Findings reveal the importance of proactivity, dialogue and mutual trust and the necessity of knowing which interactions, including e-moderated supervisions and fast-turnaround electronic communications, potentially help to bridge the gulf. Research limitations/implications – While this small-scale study makes no major claims that results can be generalised, the results are pertinent to those involved in distance HDR supervision, particularly in PLR. Originality/value – As distance supervisions become increasingly commonplace, HDR supervisors need to build best practice models from shared personal and professional understandings of effective supervisory interventions in this mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to focus on pedagogy as a crucial element in postgraduate research undertakings, implying active involvement of both student and supervisor in process of teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach – Drawing on Australian higher degree research supervision practice to illustrate their argument, the authors take issue with reliance on traditional Oxbridge conventions as informing dominant practices of supervision of postgraduate research studies and suggest pedagogy as intentional and systematic intervention that acknowledges the problematic natures of relationships between teaching, learning, and knowledge production as integral to supervision and research studies. Findings – The authors examine issues of discursive practice and the problematic nature of power differentials in supervisor-supervisee relationships, and the taken-for-grantedness of discursive practice of such relationships. The authors do this from the perspective of the student involved in higher degree research programs, a departure from the bulk of the literature that has as its focus the perspective of the supervisor and/or the institution. Originality/value – The paper examines the perspective of the student involved in higher degree research programs, a departure from the bulk of the literature that has as its focus the perspective of the supervisor and/or the institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – Building upon McLeod and Wainwright's paradigm for rigorous scientific assessment of study abroad programs, this paper aims to use social learning theory to assess mainland Chinese students' satisfaction of the Chinese Curtin Student Accounting Academic Programme. Design/methodology/approach – A sample of mainland Chinese students enrolled in Curtin units were invited to complete a short survey on their perspectives of the study abroad programme. Findings – The author's results suggest that preparation for study in Australia, in addition to differences between Australia and China concerning culture and technical teaching, is essential for a mainland Chinese student to flourish in the programme. Research limitations/implications – McLeod and Wainwright's social learning theory proposes that behaviour is predicted by the expectancy that if a person behaves in a certain way that person will be rewarded by the extent that the person values the reward. The expectancy which is linked to a local of control is reflected in the mainland Chinese students' preparation of studies in China. Social implications – Mainland Chinese students who feel they are better prepared for study in Australia showed higher satisfaction. Preparation is, therefore, an important factor in getting satisfaction out of the study abroad programme. Originality/value – The paper offers some helpful practical implications for managers and administrators wanting to continue the study abroad programmes. There is a clear need to convey to prospective students the need for sound preparation when students consider taking on a study abroad programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to reconceptualize public relations roles, particularly the organizational conscience role, by examining practitioner involvement in organizational value setting. Design/methodology/approach - Australian communication practitioners were interviewed to ascertain practitioner involvement in organizational value setting. The interview results were subjected to a multiple perspective analysis, which was used to develop a new framework for public relations roles. Findings - The research found that most respondents were involved in organizational value setting, albeit at the implementation stage. The results also showed the potential for practitioners to extend their involvement to a more leadership-oriented critical inquiry role. Based on this analysis, this paper proposes three agency roles: agency of corporate compliance, agency of concertive control, and an agency of critical conscience. Research limitations/implications - The small sample of Australian respondents and the novel approach used to analyse public relations roles require further research. The results offer new ways for practitioners to enact the conscience role through dialectical inquiry. Practical implications - The paper includes implications for embedding dialectical inquiry in public relations roles, and for integrating leadership into the technician-manager role typology. Originality/value - The paper examines practitioner involvement in organizational value setting through a multiple perspective lens and introduces a new public relations roles framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to determine what aspects of board independence, in terms of board structure and characteristics of non-executive directors (NEDs), are associated with effective monitoring of management, as evidenced through lower levels of earnings management. Design/methodology/approach – This paper examines the effectiveness of board independence requirements under the 2003 Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) Principles of Good Corporate Governance and Best Practice Recommendations (POGCG) for a sample of 231 firms listed on the ASX in the financial year 2005. The associations of board composition, share ownership and compensation of NEDs with the level of earnings management are estimated. To explore the characteristics of NEDs that are important for effective monitoring, NEDs are separated into "grey" (affiliated) directors and independent directors and compensation is separated into variable and fixed components. Findings – The results of the paper indicate a positive relation between earnings management and share ownership of NEDs, particularly that of grey directors. There is a negative relation between NED compensation and the level of earnings management, particularly the fixed compensation component for independent directors. Practical implications – This paper is important to shareholders, academics and policy makers because it shows the type of remuneration and ownership levels for NEDs that are consistent with good corporate governance. NEDs are more effective monitors when independent directors are compensated more as a fixed amount that is not related to the firm's performance. The compensation of grey directors is not associated with the level of earnings management. On the other hand, NEDs are less effective monitors as share ownership by grey directors increases. The share ownership of independent directors is not associated with the level of earnings management. To ensure the independence of the board and enhance its ability and incentives to effectively monitor management, the paper recommends that remuneration of NEDs should be a fixed amount, and the share ownership of NEDs should be limited. Originality/value – The findings provide guidance as to the meaning of board independence, in terms of the payments and returns that NEDs receive from a company. The results provide support for recommendation 2.1 in the ASX's POGCG that requires the majority of the board to be independent directors. The paper highlights the need for boards to be careful when choosing and rewarding NEDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper seeks to examine the relationship between corporate governance and the value-relevance of accounting information in Australia. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses board, audit committee and external audit related variables to proxy for corporate governance. Value-relevance is measured by the adjusted R2 derived from a regression of stock price on earnings and equity book values following Ohlosn's accounting-based valuation framework. Findings – Regression results show that firms with strong governance structure exhibit higher value-relevance of accounting information. Results further show that firm-specific economic variables are important determinants of the value-relevance of accounting information. Research limitations/implications – Significant regulatory reforms regarding corporate governance around the world give an impression that regulators believe that governance plays a key role in ensuring, among others, credible financial reporting. This paper provides support for such a view in Australian context. Originality/value – This paper uses the relationship between accounting numbers and share price as the measure of accounting information quality and also considers the impact of ASX Corporate Governance Best Practice Code on the changes in the value-relevance of accounting information. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many management researchers, it is important that the knowledge they create is utilised and has some impact on managerial practice. Sustainable competitive advantage depends less on who has the information and increasingly on those able to make the best use of that information. This paper focuses on two key questions: what are the barriers to research utilisation and what are the most effective strategies for facilitating the use of research by managers in the public sector, based on research evidence? The approach entailed extensive searches of on-line databases in the fields of management, education and medicine, from the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and Europe. Key themes to emerge from this review were the accessibility and relevance of research, trust and credibility; the gap between researchers and users, and organisational factors. Research use can be facilitated through: support and training; collaboration and partnership,' dissemination strategies; networks; and strong, visible leadership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many countries concerns have been expressed about the merits of educational research. This paper reports on the outcomes of a review of reviews of such research in Australia and the UK. Taken at face value, the latest round of reviews are largely critical in the UK (where they have generated much debate) and mainly favourable in Australia (where they have not). In accounting for this difference the paper suggests that it might be explained in part as a function of how the reviews were conducted. In the UK reviews have tended to begin with the research and work forward to practice whereas in Australia they have been inclined to begin with practice and work back to the research. It is suggested that policy makers, practitioners and researchers in Australia and the UK have much to learn from each other's experience, as have those in other countries planning similar reviews. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to convey the importance of improvements to Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). Design/methodology/approach – The paper takes the form of a poetic exposition. Findings – This paper highlights the necessity for alignment of research activity to ERA indicators of quality. Research limitations/implications – The paper emphasises the importance of research to academics and the need to allocate dedicated time in a school's curriculum. Originality/value – The paper is a reflective piece written during a research day inspired by proceedings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – A problem for many organisations today is what is referred to as the "knowing-doing gap" or the difference between possessing the knowledge and the actual application of it. This paper aims to explore the perception that differences exist with regard to soft or tacit knowledge-knowing and utilisation in the IT workplace, but at the level of gender and ethnic-culture specifically. Through a statistical examination of electronic survey results from two ICT organisations in Australia, the study explores the validity of such claims.Design/methodology/approach – Continuing from previous grounded theory research, a series of workplace scenarios testing for such knowledge utilisation were created. After trialling the initial scenarios on a pilot population, they were further refined and made part of an online survey questionnaire. Some 119 employees of two Australian ICT organisations rated how they would deal with soft knowledge situations both in principle and in practice. The sample was not selected along gender or cultural lines beforehand; however statistical analysis was conducted to determine if differences to situation-handling existed.Findings – The paper provides empirical insights into how genders and cultures deal with soft knowledge situations in different ways. The findings do tend to support certain stereotypes such as females generally appearing more passive, relationship and high context oriented and less individualistic. Whilst males appeared more achievement-oriented and individualistic, Anglo-males were closer to females for relationship and high context ideals.Research limitations/implications – Due to the limited sample size the research results may lack generalisability. Furthermore criticism of Likert scales also exists, as does the use of language other than English as a representation of ethnic culture.Originality/value – The study adopts a novel use of soft knowledge inventories when applied to the parameters of gender and culture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to provide an account of the author's negotiation of a methodological and personal crisis that emerged in the course of his PhD research. It provides a description of the research project and how, in its implementation, questions emerged for the author regarding the likely "indigenous credibility" of the work, and the repercussions of this for him as an indigenous researcher. Design/methodology/approach - The author provides a narrative account of the events and responses, identifying critical issues, courses of action and subsequent outcomes. Opportunity is also provided for the reader to consider their own response to the issues identified. Findings - The author discovered that the initial misgivings regarding the research project were misguided following a broader reading of the literature regarding Indigenous Standpoint Theory and Causal Layered Analysis. Indeed, as well as allaying the initial anxieties, a number of aspirational congruities between the approaches became evident which, in the opinion of the author, will lead to a differently rendered layering of the arena of indigenous mental health. The author also discovered that a source of his initial misgivings were related to his own essentialised constructions of what constitutes credible indigenous research. Research limitations/implications - The paper has implications for those indigenous researchers who may be grappling with methodological issues related to their research, particularly those considerations regarding Indigenous Standpoint and other nominally indigenous theories/ methodologies. Originality/value - The paper presents a novel attempt to compare and contrast methodologies specifically identified as indigenous, with those that could be utilised as complementary to them. Such attempts at collaboration serve to challenge essentialised expectations about what can constitute meaningful research by, and for indigenous Australian people. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the individual music research projects the authors were working on in Borroloola, Northern Territory of Australia, and the ways in which the lived and inter-subjective concepts of sisterhood and friendship strengthened the authors' shared experiences in the field and became the foundations of their method. Design/methodology/approach – Through an auto-ethnographic and inter-subjective narrative approach, the authors consider how the intertwined notions of relationship as research and "friendship as method", underpinned what was being researched, how the research was enacted, and finally how the authors came to further appreciate and understand the role that music-making plays in facilitating this process. Findings – The authors' independent and shared experiences during this research were stark reminders that it is indeed the quality of field relationships and friendships, rather than clever theoretical ideas or fancy methodological frameworks, which ultimately determine the quality and depth of their musicological and ethnographic research. Originality/value – This paper presents original, feminist-based research which places concepts of sisterhood, friendship and relationships at the centre of music research practice in Australia. More specifically, this research highlights the complexities of such research practice across the boundaries of race, with and in collaboration with, Indigenous Australian women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to demonstrate the work being done to develop a trusted digital archive for social sciences data relating to the indigenous peoples of Australia. It explores the issues that arise through respectful engagement with both indigenous communities and research communities as well as the development of pragmatic and effective data management planning strategies for higher education researchers. Design/methodology/approach – As a conceptual paper, the approach consists of a review of the current situation, a discussion of the work already undertaken by the project team, and an analysis of the challenges being faced and plans for ongoing development of the project. Findings – There are major challenges in tackling a project with issues of such complexity but the project has great significance because its success could contribute enormously to the indigenous communities to which the research relates while building the capacity of researchers to design respectful and effective data management strategies. Practical implications – This project is rapidly evolving and the strategies for managing it are dynamic as the layers of complexity are unfolded and the project team addresses issues arising from the materials and groups with which it is working. Social implications – The impact of this project has already reaped dividends for the communities involved. Indigenous communities whose intellectual property or knowledge has seeded the research are having material returned to them in digital formats that are useful to them and which provide accurate portrayals of their knowledge, communities and culture. Researchers using the service provided by ATSIDA are confident that their material is being curated and reused appropriately. The work done by the ATSIDA team in building protocols and guidelines around research data will influence public policy, particularly in the work of collecting agencies and in their application to situations other than indigenous. Originality/value – ATSIDA fills a gap in informed research management. There is no other project like it anywhere in the world. This paper is valuable to anyone working in or considering higher education research in an indigenous area and is applicable to other research dealing with identifiable and vulnerable communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between organizational commitment, perceived organizational support (POS) and turnover intentions. The objective is to identify practical as well as theoretical implications of the relationships. Design/methodology/approach – This research was undertaken via a questionnaire in a large Australian public sector organization. Findings – The interaction between POS and organizational commitment was a significant predictor of turnover intention. Employees with low levels of commitment, but high levels of support from the organization, are less likely to leave the organization. Research limitations/implications – This is a cross-sectional study, using self-reports for independent and dependent variables. Practical implications – As POS was found to influence turnover, this provides an avenue of approach for managers struggling to retain valuable employees whose commitment alone may not be enough to prevent them from leaving. Originality/value – The paper examines the impact of POS, a neglected variable in the study of turnover intention, and in particular in its interactive effect between commitment and turnover. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between board composition and firm performance variance in the context of recent corporate governance reforms, based on the agency and organisational literatures. Design/methodology/approach – This paper uses 384 of the top 500 Australian companies as its dataset. Board composition measures include the percentages of affiliated, executive and independent members on the board. Firm risk is represented by the standard deviation of shareholder return. Several control variables are introduced in the regression analysis. Findings – The results show a negative impact of executive directors on subsequent risk. Affiliated and independent directors, however, have no significant effect on the level of performance variance. Blockholders give a positive influence on firm risk. Moreover, companies with poor dividend payout or low managerial shareholdings tend to be riskier. Research limitations/implications – This paper does not examine the actual risk preference of individual directors, which could involve an attitudinal survey of board members. Future research may also examine the specific attributes towards risk for each type of affiliated directors. Practical implications – The findings cast doubts on the hope that promoting board independence would reduce agency conflicts relating to managerial risk aversion, and support the proposition that, although firms may comply with the demands for more independent directors, they could employ a number of tactics to neutralize the power of outsiders. Originality/value – The empirical work surrounding this topic has been scant. This study may present the first Australian empirical evidence on the relationship between board composition and firm performance variance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – This paper aims to investigate associations between related party transactions (RPTs) and governance and performance factors of new economy firms. Design/methodology/approach – Previous research has examined the RPTs of large US firms. In contrast, the authors focus on smaller, newly listed Australian firms. Referred to as "commitments test entities" (CTE), these firms are distinguished by the unique Australian Securities Exchange listing requirements applying to them, and associated additional (quarterly cash flow) reporting requirements. Findings – While strong corporate governance characteristics may be expected to constrain the amounts of payments and loans to related parties, we find only weak evidence to support that proposition. The results show that financial condition dominates the decision to engage in RPTs and suggest that external monitoring (associated both with larger firm size and the quarterly reporting phase) are a more effective restraint on the magnitude of RPTs for these high-risk CTE firms. Research limitations/implications – The findings are generally consistent with the "conflict of interest view" proposed by Gordon et al. suggesting RPTs do not serve shareholders' interests. Practical implications – The findings suggest that external monitoring may be a more effective control over RPTs than internal corporate governance mechanisms in this institutional context of small "cashbox" firms. Since RPTs may not be in the best interests of shareholders, extending mandatory RPT disclosures to all periodic cash flow reports warrants further consideration by regulators. Originality/value – This study contributes to the limited research on the effects and implications of RPTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse job ads as relatively accessible indicators of the knowledge, skills and competencies required of librarians by employers. It then uses a framework provided by the literature on professional jurisdiction to examine what may be trends and shaping factors for the Library and Information Studies (US) profession with regard to jurisdiction in a changing information landscape. Design/methodology/approach – Job ads were examined in two separate studies; one comparing job ads in Australia and the USA over eight weeks in 2004, and the other looking at one month snapshots of Australian job ads in 1974, 1984, 1994 and 2004. The text from the job ads was analysed using a content analysis software package. The literature on professional jurisdiction provided an interpretive framework. Findings – The Australian snapshots over time showed that there is an increasing lack of clarity about the skills and competencies required of librarians. The American job ads seemed to rank jurisdictional knowledge and professional qualifications more highly than their Australian counterparts. Interpersonal skills, behavioural characteristics and technical services skills are in demand in both countries. Originality/value – In addition to reporting on the knowledge, skills and competencies required of librarians, by applying an interpretive framework from the literature on professional jurisdiction the paper exposes some of the challenges ahead for the LIS profession. Research limitations/implications – The research used a small number of sources and a relatively small number of ads. It is acknowledged that job ads are only one source of information about knowledge, skills and competencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of the paper is to provide a contextual basis for the supply chain activity of the genetic Australian cereal products supply chain. It identifies the business-environment factors underpinning the cereal products supply chain efficiency. It also further highlighted the complex nature of the extended supply chain and all the factors to be considered in its management. The approach to the topic is that of developing a holistic overview of the extended supply chain, its networks and its business-environment influences in order to understand the complex reality of issues that a supply chain manager must deal with in order to optimise efficiencies. Design/methodology/approach - A qualitative methodology was used in the study, involving an examination of supply chain practices throughout the cereal product supply chain, determined through interviews with players at all stages from seed to supermarket supply. Identification of key business-environment influences impacting on the cereal products supply chain was achieved through thematic examination of the responses and comparison of the findings with literature relating to the Australian business-environment. Field research activity included semi-structured interviews throughout the supply chain for mapping and examining the status of supply chain networks and practices. Findings - The business-environment factor findings, depicted in a model, concerned the impact of globalisation and demand trends; industry complexity and realignment; power relationships; delivery imperatives; the competitive supply chain imperative; the information economy; industry accountability requirements; freight challenges; supply chain labour requirements and climatic conditions affecting crop yields. Research limitations/implications - The research was limited in that it represented a sample of viewpoints/supply chain activity in the Australian cereal products industry and lacked the comprehensiveness of a full industry study coveting the entire gamut of regional, crop-wide and circumstantial influencing factors. Practical implications - The paper highlights the influence of the identified business-environment factors on supply chain activity and points the way for supply chain managers in the cereal product industry to be aware of broad contextual factors as well as their own immediate operating environment. The identified business-environment influences present strategic challenges to players throughout the cereal products supply chain. A globally responsive cereal products supply chain will need to strategically align itself with the wider Australian grain industry, food industry and government to meet future market requirements. It will also need to maintain a constant supply chain dialogue focusing on common goals, being aware of constraints and future challenges. Originality/value - This research paper is original and of value to supply chain management theory in presenting a wide contextual view of the supply chain and hence supply chain management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose Quality of care in the residential aged sector has changed over the past decade. The purpose of this paper is to examine these changes from the perspectives of staff to identify factors influencing quality of residential aged care, and the role and influence of an aged care accreditation programme.Design/methodology/approach Focus groups were held with 66 aged care staff from 11 Australian aged care facilities. Data from semi-structured interviews were analysed to capture categories representing participant views.Findings Participants reported two factors stimulating change: developments in the aged care regulatory and policy framework, and rising consumer expectations. Four corresponding effects on service quality were identified: increasing complexity of resident care, renewed built environments of aged care facilities, growing focus on resident-centred care and the influence of accreditation on resident quality of life. The accreditation programme was viewed as maintaining minimum standards of quality throughout regulatory and social change, yet was considered to lack capacity of itself to explicitly promote or improve resident quality of life.Research limitations/implications For an increasingly complex aged care population, regulatory and societal change has led to a shift in service provision from institutional care models to one that is becoming more responsive to consumer expectations. The capacity of long-established and relatively static accreditation standards to better accommodate changing consumer needs comes into question.Originality/value This is the first study to examine the relationship between accreditation and residential aged care service quality from the perspectives of staff, and offers a nuanced view of “quality” in this setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the alternative study load measures (dichotomous full-time/part-time classification and the number of units enrolled) and their association to student performance by using student data from a final year accounting unit in a large Australian university. Design/methodology/approach – Using regression analysis, the authors compare the two measures to ascertain the explanatory power of the two approaches in explaining student performance. Findings – A positive association is found between study loads and student performance when using the “number of units enrolled” measure. This relationship was not found when the dichotomous measure (full-time vs part-time) was used. The results suggest that a scaled measure of study loads is a better measure compared to a binary (dichotomous) measure. Research limitations/implications – The study will assist future researchers to better control for study loads, and also to gain a better understanding of the association between study loads and student performance. This may possibly assist educational institutions and academics to use a more appropriate pedagogical design in the structure of courses when determining study load allocations across the different cohorts. Practical implications – This study will help in methodology of future researchers controlling for study loads and student performance. Originality/value – The study adds to existing literature by providing an alternate study load measure in methodology for controlling for student performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Evidence-based practice is pivotal to effective patient care. However, its translation into practice remains limited. Given the central role of primary care in many healthcare systems, it is important to identify strategies that bolster clinician-capacity to promote evidence-based care. The purpose of this paper is to identify strategies to increase Practice Nurse capacity to promote evidence-based sexual healthcare within general practice.Design/methodology/approach: A survey of 217 Practice Nurses in an Australian state and ten respondent-interviews regarding two resources to promote evidence-based sexual healthcare - namely, a clinical aide and online training.Findings: The perceived impact of both resources was determined by views on relevance and design - particularly for the clinical aide. Resource-use was influenced by role and responsibilities within the workplace, accessibility, and support from patients and colleagues.Research Limitations/implications: This is the first Australian study to reveal strategies to promote evidence-based sexual healthcare among Practice Nurses. The findings provide a platform for future research on knowledge translation processes, particularly among clinicians who might be disengaged from sexual healthcare.Practical Implications: Given the benefits of evidence-based practices, it is important that managers recognize their role, and the role of their services, in promoting these. Without explicit support for evidence-based care and recognition of the Practice Nurse role in such care, knowledge translation is likely to be limited.Originality/value: Knowledge translation among Practice Nurses can be facilitated by: resources-deemed informative, relevant, and user-friendly, as well as support from patients, colleagues, and their workplace. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to report research findings on the perspectives of overseas trained psychiatrists (OTPs) on the “The Overseas Trained Specialist Up-Skilling Programme” (OTSUP), initiated in Queensland, Australia to assist OTP's to prepare for the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist (RANZCP) Fellowship examination. Ascertaining and utilisation of OTP's views about the programme will enable improvements to be made to the programme and better implementation. Design/methodology/approach – An exploratory qualitative design was utilised for the study in order to provide insights on the quality and effectiveness of the OTSUP. Findings – Centred around two main themes. The first theme included participant's knowledge about the up-skilling programme with its subthemes of “finding out about the programme”; “perceived aims of the programme”; and “educational events supporting the programme”. The second theme revolved around participants’ perceived benefits of the up-skilling programme with its four subthemes such as, first, individualised support, second, the opportunity to improve practical and communication skills through OTSUP educational events, third, access to peer support and fourth, provision of specific information on the RANZCP examination process. Research limitations/implications – Limitations as this was a qualitative study, the findings can only be applicable to a similar context. Nevertheless, the findings do provide support for an educational initiative that assisted the OTS to better prepare for the RANZCP examination. To gain further insight into challenges faced by OTS with successfully passing the examination in less frequent attempts, programmes such as the OTSUP need to be improved and sustained. Originality/value – The findings provide valuable insight into how OTPs view the up-skilling programme. Moreover, the findings pave the way forward in how the programme can be improved in the future to assist OTPs prepare for the RANZCP examination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to identify factors that affect corporate governance in Australian state government departments. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with 65 executives and middle managers from 25 departments across Australia is used. The interviews identified managers' perceptions of the structures and practices of governance in four nominated areas: strategic planning, auditing, risk management and capacity building. A social capital model is utilised to analyse the data along structural, relational and cognitive dimensions. Findings – Aligned with the structural dimension, frequent departmental and leadership changes and the size and complexity of departments are reported as major barriers to good governance, while well-structured committees are perceived to strengthen governance. Aligned with the relational dimension, a culture of good working relationships between staff and strong leadership are recognised as critical for strong governance while, aligned with the cognitive dimension, a lack of shared understanding of risk, a short-term focus, and unclear individual roles and organisational goals are seen as barriers to effective governance. Research limitations/implications – The evidence is based on perceptions of participants and may not reflect actual practices nor the perceptions of others. Originality/value – A contribution of this study is the application of social capital theory to advance understanding of public sector governance. The study adds insights into the behavioural and organisational factors that encourage or impede effective governance based on the experiences of managers from key governance functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to analyse the performance of accounting researchers in winning competitive Australian Research Council (ARC) grants, when compared with researchers from the medical, engineering and law professions, during a period of heightened questioning of accounting methods, bounded by the end of the dot.com boom in 2001 and the global financial crisis in 2008. Protection and expansion of a profession's core knowledge through effective research is regarded as a hallmark of ongoing professional recognition and success in winning ARC grants is one indicator of the strength of this research. Reasons for the absolute and relative performance of accounting researchers in winning ARC grants are explored. Design/methodology/approach – ARC statistics for the 2000-2008 period were analysed, along with additional data from the relevant professional associations and the Commonwealth Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. Findings – The results indicate that Australian accounting researchers are performing poorly in absolute and relative terms when compared with their professional peers. Some evidence exists that accounting research cultures seem to flourish in only a handful of universities, and that accounting academics are overloaded with teaching to the detriment of research. Originality/value – The study adds to the growing interest in the value added by accounting research to the accounting profession, the corporate sector and society at large. While the publishing record of Australian accounting researchers appears healthy, when compared with their accounting peers overseas, they perform poorly in winning competitive grants relative to researchers from other professions. This may be a timely wakeup call to the accounting profession that the social acceptance of accounting knowledge should not be taken for granted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study which examined the relationship of self-efficacy beliefs in terms of research on publication output as well as the relationship of self-efficacy beliefs about research to the publishing outputs of new lecturers. To obtain responses from lecturers who work full-time at two Australian universities, a questionnaire was used and the data were analysed using factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. Results showed that the research self-efficacy construct have four underlying dimensions and was highly predictive of a measure of publication output.

Purpose - This paper has three aims: to assess the extent of the Australian population affected by intellectual disability who are also capable of accessing buildings independently; to investigate the extent of research and legislation covering building access for this group; and to consider implications for building designers, owners and facility managers. Design/methodology/approach - Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics report on Disability, Ageing and Carers are used to assess the size of this building user group and to make comparisons with other disabled user groups. Electronic databases are searched to assess the scope of existing research about building access for the intellectually disabled and current Australian legislation is searched for any references to this building user group. Findings - The paper suggests that the intellectually disabled building user group represents about 1.24 per cent of the Australian population but that there is limited published research and/or discussion about building access by this group. It also finds that they are not specifically referenced in either the Building Code or Australian standards affecting building design. Research limitations/implications - There may be unpublished research and/or discussion covering the topic. There is also some debate about the variability of responses in disability surveys. Practical implications - There is a need for more research about building access for the intellectually disabled to help building designers and ultimately building owners and managers to comply with Disability Discrimination Acts. Originality/value - There is limited reference to building access for the intellectual disability in literature and legislation. This paper adds to the literature and hopes that greater attention will be paid to their building access requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this paper is to establish a benchmark measure of attitudes to property held by major corporations within Australia. The paper aims to show how workplace use is predicted to change in the near future and the implications of that change for managers of those assets. Design/methodology/approach - The research in this paper is based on a survey of senior corporate property managers throughout Australia. Using Likert scale responses participants' attitudes to emerging asset management issues were examined. Findings - The research reveals that there exists a divergence between corporate property managers' perceptions of the role of property to the organisation and the perceived role by business managers. The research also reveals that workplace use is expected to change in the near future with greater need for flexibility in design, contracts and employee behaviour. Research limitations/implications - The survey response was limited to a small number of senior property executives. Future iterations of the research can seek to establish a broader response from industry. The research establishes a baseline from which future changes in the management of corporate property can be measured. Practical implications - The paper is important in that it highlights the divide between efficient and effective asset management and the perceptions of asset and business managers. It also indicates the growing need for flexible workplace design supported by flexible property contracts. Originality/value - The paper provides a basis for evaluating the use of property assets by large corporations within Australia. It will be of practical use to all practitioners and service providers involved in the delivery, design and management of property assets for large corporations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The aim of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the evolution of a new e-research paradigm and to outline key projects and developments in Europe, North America, Canada and Australia. The article also provides a detailed summary of the Dataset Acquisition, Accessibility and Annotation e-Research Technology (DART) project. Design/methodology/approach - A review of relevant government reports, documents and general literature was conducted. Findings - Projects currently being conducted in Europe, the USA, Canada and Australia are part of an international movement that aims to use modern ICTs to enhance e-research. The DART project is a significant part of this movement as it has adopted a "whole process" approach to e-research, and provides a platform for the examination of the technical, legal and policy issues that arise in the new e-research environment. Originality/value - Provides an overview of current projects that concern the development of e-research, with a particular focus on Australian research and the DART project. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to investigate reactions to the divine proportion (a ratio of 1: 1.618) in logo design across different cultures. Design/methodology/approach - The approach is a survey in three different countries: Australia, Singapore and South Africa. Findings - Results showed there is universal preference for the divine proportion across cultures. Logos based on forms found in nature that were expressed in the divine proportion were most preferred, but for artificially constructed logos, a 1:1 ratio was preferred. Research limitations/implications - A limited set of ratios were considered. Further research could investigate different ratios and different logos. Practical implications - International brand managers should commission designs that use natural forms based on the divine proportion. Different national cultures react similarly to logo designs, in contrast to many other fields of business where strong cultural differences exist. Originality/value - This paper is the first exploration of responses to the divine proportion in logo design across cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims to examine the state of leadership and HR focus in TQM research in Australia from published literature and to determine areas for future research. The literature search covered 31 reputable referred journals over the years 1985-1999 and identified 90 articles which focused on aspects of TQM. However, it was not possible to identify the primary focus of 23 articles, hence these were not considered for further analysis. The rest of the articles (67) were classified using the seven criteria of the Australian Business Excellence Framework and it was found that about 40 per cent of the reviewed articles had leadership and HR as primary focus. The review shows that considerable attention has been devoted to research in strategic direction, organizational culture of the leadership category and, involvement and commitment, and effectiveness and development of the people category. Further research is necessary in areas such as top management's role in environmental issues and community contribution, health, safety and well-being of employees, and dissemination of leadership throughout organizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to comment upon the state of property education in Australia. Design/methodology/approach: Statement of opinion Findings: Property education in Australia is heading down a one-way dead-end road Research limitations/implications: This article is a statement of opinion Practical implications: Highlights alternative forms of delivery for property education in Australia Social implications: Considers property education delivery in context of current social environment Originality/value: Statement of opinion based in experience in academia and practice [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to provide evidence on the category, quantity and quality of voluntary employee-related information Australian listed companies disclose in their annual report. An explanation is also sought to determine whether companies adopt employee-related disclosures to legitimise their relationship with society. Voluntary adoption of corporate governance best practice recommendations is used as a measure of companies' attempts to attain ex ante legitimacy. Media agenda setting theory is used as a measure of an attempt to gain legitimacy ex post following adverse publicity from the media. Design/methodology/approach – The annual reports of all companies with at least one employee listed on the Australian Stock Exchange with a 30th June balance date of 2004 are examined to identify employee-related disclosures. This employee-related information is categorised and identified as positive, negative or a combination of positive and negative information by three independent coders. Ordinary least squares regression is used to explain the quantity of disclosure with a corporate governance score and number of adverse newspaper articles included as experimental variables. Findings – Adopting voluntary corporate governance mechanisms is associated with the quantity of voluntary annual report employee-related disclosures. Higher levels of adverse publicity are also significantly associated with higher quantities of employee-related disclosures. The quality of these disclosures is questioned because 124 companies had adverse publicity relating to employees and only two of these companies reported any negative employee-related disclosures. Few companies from the whole sample reported any negative information relating to their employees in their annual report, with 98 per cent of companies reporting positive news or no news. Originality/value – Most previous social responsibility research has focused on environmental disclosures. This study is original because it focuses on employee-related disclosures. Honest, transparent employee disclosures are an international corporate governance recommendation by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development and studies have not previously tested the relation between reporting recommended corporate governance mechanisms and employee-related disclosures in annual reports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study which investigated the effectiveness of head teacher leadership within TAFE NSW, the largest vocational education training (VET) institute in Australia. Qualitative and quantitative methodologies were used to identify and measure the effective leadership attributes of the head teachers. The findings of the study suggest that head teachers in the VET institution need to substantially improve their leadership skills. The study also recommends the need to initiate leadership programs to assist in developing the leadership areas that need improvements.

The article focuses on the need in educational leadership for a perspective that is more sensitive to cultural diversity and what values such leaders draw on when making decisions. It is noted that European colonialism and western hegemony were responsible for dispersing a particular educational system to developing countries. A model for cross-cultural communication is presented to show a best practice method that could be used to improve education through cooperation. The article provides an examination of research that was done in which administrators from China were sent to study leadership in Australia and how an introduction to Western education models influenced the participants.

Focuses on several issues discussed during an Australian forum on differences in the importance given to research by the hospitality industry and the academe. Benefits for the industry of adopting a more academic understanding of research; Information on alternative means of communication of academic research findings that would be relevant to the industry; Importance of research skills to managers.