Welcome from Professor Geoffrey Stokes Deputy Pro Vice-Chancellor, Business Research

The College of Business inaugural Summer Conference for Higher Degree by Research (HDR) candidates will be held from Monday to Wednesday, 17 - 19 February, 2014. The Conference aims to enhance the research experience and enrich the intellectual climate for our research candidates. It also aims to provide effective management of the HDR milestone requirements. HDR candidates are the key to the future of research. These candidates often undertake some of the most exciting work that promises to drive our research performance and future innovation. It is therefore important to provide a common platform for research candidates to learn, share ideas, network, and participate in the broader research culture. This year around 70 of our HDR candidates will present papers on a diverse range of research topics for their candidature milestones. The Conference will also feature keynote addresses, professional development sessions, networking sessions, and a reception. I encourage all College HDR candidates and supervisors to attend the Conference and make the most of these excellent opportunities. I look forward to seeing you all there.

Best wishes,

Geoffrey Stokes

Message from Associate Professor Peter Macauley Chair, Organising Committee

Dear Research Candidates,

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the inaugural College of Business Higher Degree by Research Summer Conference. We are bringing together over one hundred candidates and supervisors to showcase the diverse nature of research currently being undertaken in the College. The conference enables candidates to present their work through their milestone reviews (Confirmation of Candidature, Mid-Candidature Review, and Completion Seminars) over a three day period. The conference provides a wonderful opportunity to interact with other researchers in a supportive, intellectual environment which will also include plenty of time for social interaction. The conference will reflect the structure of an academic conference with keynote speakers, concurrent presentations, and social events. The keynote speakers include Dr Kathy Alexander, CEO of the City of Melbourne, Mr Rob Hulls, Director of the Centre for Innovative Justice at RMIT, and Associate Professor Marta Poblet, Vice Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow at RMIT. I hope you join me in supporting your colleagues by attending as many sessions as you can and making the most of this valuable research event.

Kind regards,

Peter Macauley

Organising Committee Chair Associate Professor Peter Macauley

Associate Professor in the School of Business IT and Logistics

Associate Professor Siva Muthaly

Associate Professor of Marketing and HDR Coordinator – Graduate School of Business and Law

Dr Ashton De Silva

Higher Degree Research Coordinator - School of Economics, Finance and Marketing

Ms Tania Tambiah

Senior Manager - Research Development, College of Business

Ms Prue Lamont

Administrative Officer – Research

Ms Marita Shelly

Research Coordinator – School of Accounting and Graduate School of Business and Law

Ms Priyanka Erasmus

Administrative Officer – School of Business IT and Logistics

Ms Esther Ng

Administrative Officer – School of Economics, Finance and Marketing

Ms Sherrin Trautmann

Administrative Officer – School of Management

Ms Aastha Swaroop

Administrative Officer – Research

Keynote Speaker Dr Kathy Alexander Chief Executive Officer, City of Melbourne

As a former South Australian Telstra Businesswoman of the Year, Kathy has a national reputation for stakeholder engagement and community participation in social planning. She has extensive experience in leading change, both in large and complex organisations and smaller community organisations and businesses.

In her current role as CEO of the City of Melbourne, Kathy heads up an organisation responsible for the workings of a dynamic and cosmopolitan 24-hour city that consistently rates at the top of international surveys on liveability. At the City of Melbourne, Kathy manages a large and complex organisation comprising more than 25 businesses, with an annual operating budget of $365 million and a Council works program of $117 million. Since taking up the position in April 2008, Kathy has focused on improving the City of Melbourne’s operational efficiency through implementing a program of Lean Thinking and has established a comprehensive community engagement framework that guides how the organisation works across government and with residential and business communities. These programs have helped improve financial outcomes and public relations performances over four years of implementation.

Prior to her appointment at the City of Melbourne, Kathy ran her own consultancy and was well known as the former CEO of Women’s and Children’s Health, which governed Melbourne’s Royal Children’s Hospital and Royal Women’s Hospital, two of the world’s leading teaching hospitals. In this role Kathy led a successful capital bid to the State government for the construction of a new $250 million women’s hospital. An outstanding communicator, Kathy’s skills include strategic planning, financial and business management and policy development and advocacy.

Putting the public in policy: Lessons learnt from a failed psychologist

When: Monday, 17 February

10:30 -12:00 (following the Welcome Address)

Where: Building 80, Level 1, Room 2

(Cinema Theatre)

Keynote Speaker Associate Professor Marta Poblet Vice Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow at RMIT University

Associate Professor Marta Poblet is one of the co-founders of the Institute of Law and Technology at the

Autonomous University of Barcelona and past researcher at ICREA (Catalan Institute for Research and

Advanced Studies). She holds a Juris Doctorate from Stanford University (2002) and a Master degree in

International Legal Studies (Stanford Law School, 2000). Her research interests are law and conflict resolution,

Alternative Dispute Resolution or Online Dispute Resolution (ADR-ODR), mobile technologies for

development, and crowdsourced crisis mapping. Marta has published over 30 scientific articles on these topics

in international journals and books. Marta is also a team coordinator of the Standby Volunteer Task Force, an

international network of crisis mappers working in humanitarian response.

The geomobile revolution: New opportunities for social sciences research

When: Wednesday, 19 February

11:30-12:15

Where: Building 80, Level 1, Room 2 (Cinema Theatre)

Keynote Speaker

Rob Hulls Director of RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice

Rob Hulls is the Director of RMIT’s Centre for Innovative Justice. In October 2012 Rob was appointed Adjunct

Professor at RMIT and was invited to establish the new Centre for Innovative Justice as its inaugural Director.

The Centre’s objective is to develop, drive, and expand the capacity of the justice system to meet and adapt to

the needs of its diverse users.

In his state political career Rob held the offices of Attorney-General; Minister for Manufacturing Industry and

Minister for Racing, Minister for Work Cover, Minister for Planning and Minister for Industrial Relations.

As Attorney-General, Rob instigated significant changes to Victoria's legal system which saw the

establishment of the state's first Charter of Human Rights and reform to Victoria's Upper House. He

established special courts for Victoria's indigenous community and introduced an open tender process for

applicants to Victoria's judiciary.

Rob completed his law degree at RMIT and began his career as a Solicitor for the Legal Aid Commission of

Victoria from 1984–86. Rob served one term in Federal Parliament from 1990–93 as the member for

Kennedy, Queensland and in 1994 on return to Melbourne was appointed Chief of Staff to the Victorian

Leader of the Opposition.

Keynote address by Rob Hulls

When: Wednesday, 19 February 19:00 (followed by the Conference Reception)

Where: Building 80, Level 7 (Foyer)

Information and Development Sessions

Research Resources at your fingertips! (with a library focus)

When: Tuesday, 18 February 11:30-12:00 Where: Building 80, Level 1, Room 2 (Cinema Theatre) Presenters: Annie Yee and Jennifer Hurley, Liaison Librarians

Tips for Publishing Articles: Meet the Editors

When: Wednesday, 19 February 13:00-14:00 Where: Building 80, Level 1, Room 2 (Cinema Theatre) Panel:

• Professor Geoffrey Stokes, Deputy PVC Research, College of Business

• Professor Brian Corbitt, Professor Mentor, College of Business

• Professor Garry Carnegie, Head of School, Accounting • Professor Jason Potts, ARC Future Fellow,

School of Economics, Finance & Marketing Chair: Associate Professor Siva Muthaly, HDR Co-ordinator, Graduate School of Business & Law

HDR Speed Networking

When: Wednesday, 19 February 14:00-15:00 Where: Building 80, Level 2, Room 16

Facilitator: Professor Brian Corbitt, Professor Mentor, College of Business

Conference Reception

You are cordially invited to the Conference Reception

on

Wednesday, 19 February, 19:00 onward Building 80, Level 7, Foyer

(following the keynote address by Rob Hulls, Director, Centre for Innovative Justice)

All are welcome!

Anyone who has registered for the Conference can attend.

Register before the Conference at: www.rmit.edu.au/bus/hdrsummerconference

HDR Summer Conference Program, 17-19 February Day 1 – Monday, 17 February

Welcome &

Keynote Address

10:30- 11:00

WELCOME ADDRESS BY PROFESSOR GEOFFREY STOKES, DEPUTY PRO VICE- CHANCELLOR, BUSINESS RESEARCH B80.01.02 (Cinema Theatre)

11.00: 12.00 KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY DR KATHY ALEXANDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CITY OF MELBOURNE B80.01.02 (Cinema Theatre)

Break 12:00-13:00 LUNCH B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 1 Venue Stream 1: B80.07.02

Stream 2: B80.07.06

Stream 3 : B80.09.06

Stream 4: B80.10.16

Chair/College Rep Jason Potts / Steve Dellaportas

Doug Thomson / Shams Rahman

John Glover / George Cairns

Shahadat Khan / SinclairDavidson

13:00-13:40

Benjamin Reynolds

Bushfire Governance Structures in Victoria

Nickolai Hubble

The Ethics of Australia's Sub-Prime Scandal

Ahmed Hammad Al-Kalbani

A Compliance based framework for information security in e-government in Oman

Jianqiu Kou

The implementation of Closed Loop Medication Administration using mobile nursing information system

13:40-14:20

Samaiyah Alalmai

Robust and Fragile Determinants of Capital Structure: International Evidence

Madi Almadi

Board Structure and Firm Performance in the Emerging Saudi Arabian Market

Huda Abdullah Alqasmi

Towards Sustainable Consumer Law

Jiang Zhou

Culture and international trade credit risk management: a qualitative exploration of

Chinese SMEs

14:20-15:00

Musa'Ed S A M Al-Ali

The Profitability of Carry Trade: A GCC Perspective

Ilya Yasnorina Ilyas

Corporate Governance Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Performance: A positivist

study on Singapore Public Listed Companies

David Goodwin

Mitigating the dark side of green: Coherent regulation and governance of

environmental NGOs

Thomas Doumani

A study at workplace of expatriates and corporations (Anglo cluster) operating in

Thailand

Break 15:00-15:30 TEA BREAK B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 2 Venue Stream 1: 80.07.02

Stream 2: 80.07.06

Stream 3: 80.11.07

Stream 4: 80.10.16

Chair/College Rep Say Yen Teoh / Sandra Jones Carlene Boucher / Clive Morley

Angela Dobele / Mohini Singh

Warren Staples / Roslyn Russell

15:30-16:10

Shiva Madani Mousavi

Competitive Global Port Cities: A Path Development Analysis

Farhina Ahmed

E-procurement as an Instrument in Improving Public Procurement Process:

A Bangladesh Perspective

Nirav Parikh

On the Discretionary relationship between Underwriter and Institutional Investors in IPO

markets: The case of Indian Pre and Post IPO market

Thi Phuong Nguyen

The introduction of the Law on external audit and its impacts on the auditing profession in

Vietnam

16:10-16:50

Arabella Volkov

Assessing the Benefits of Integrating an Extended Internship into Undergraduate Accounting Programs

Masud Isa

Micro-financing as an Inclusive Financial Paradigm and its Viability as a Social Business Enterprise in

Australia

Lijuan Abigail Wong

Unveiling your ‘self’ within an organizational context: Do private social networking sites

help?

Thi Ngoc Anh Ng

Managing of human resource and income inequality during economic reform: The case of

State Owned enterprises in Vietnam

16:50-17:30

Michael Wang

Logistics Capabilities, Supply Chain Uncertainties and Risks, and Logistics Performance in the

Australian Courier Industry

Julian Waters-Lynch

Images of the future of (co)work

Phuong Bac Nguyen

Trade union commitment in transition: The case study of Vietnam

Break 17:30-18:00 TEA BREAK B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 3 Venue Stream 1: 80.07.02

Stream 2: 80.07.06

Stream 3: 80.11.06

Chair/College Rep Adela McMurray / Geoff Stokes

Say Yen Teoh / Sandra Jones Shahadat Khan / Brian Corbitt

18:00-19:00

MD. Khalid Hossain

Climate Change Adaptation, MNC Strategy and Environmental Pragmatism: A Cross-country Perspective

Ismail Elferjani

Examining port performance in a developing economy context locally and globally: The case of Libyan ports

Mohd Hafiz Zulfakar

Critical success factor of halal meat supply chain implementation: perspective of various stakeholders in Australia

Day 2 – Tuesday, 18 February

Session 1 Venue Stream 1: 80.10.13 Stream 2: 80.10.17

Chair/College Rep

Roslyn Russell / Brian Corbitt Siva Muthaly / Adela McMurray

10:30-11:30

Nassar Saleh Al Nassar

The Profitability of Trading Rules in Stock Markets: Evidence from GCC countries

Christian Taniman

A Study of the Influence of the Professional Development and Work Context of the CEO between Australia, the United States and Hong Kong

Development Session

11:30-12:00

RESEARCH RESOURCES AT YOUR FINGERTIPS! B80.01.02 (Cinema Theatre)

Break 12:00-13:00

LUNCH B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 2 Venue Stream 1: 80.08.09

Stream 2: 80.09.07

Stream 3: 80.07.09

Stream 4: 80.10.16

Chair/College Rep Ashton De Silva / Peter Macauley Mohini Singh / Geoff Stokes Carlene Boucher / Brian Corbitt Nthati Rametse / Brendan O'Connell 13:00-13:40 Peter Gregory

Foreign Aid and Entrepreneurship

Sonariddh Mao

The Roadmap and Framework of Tax Reform and Inception of Personal Income Tax System:

A Case Study of Cambodia

Shahrooz Shahvarvari

A Multi Objective Location-Routing Model for Emergency Evacuation Planning in Bushfire Affected Areas

13:40-14:20

Min Liu

The profitability of momentum and contrarian strategies after green policies

announcements

Margaret Banks

An investigation into the industry needs of big data professionals

Stella Tan

A phenomenological account of the professional experiences of early-career graphic design practitioners

developing expertise in practice

Robyn Ward

The evolution of women’s financial capability from adolescence to maturity

14:20-15:00 Chao Rujikietkumjorn

Modelling managerial intention for sustainable supply chain management adoption

Somo George Marano

Internationalisation of the Australian Food Processing Industry: Critical Success Factors from an

Australian/Sino perspective

Hieu Ha

Understanding the variation in supportive behaviour toward climate change mitigation policies

Break 15:00-15:30

TEA BREAK B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 3 Venue Stream 1: 80.10.06

Stream 2:80.07.09

Stream 3: 80.10.14

Stream 4:80.10.16

Chair/College Rep Simon Feeny / Prem Yapa

Warren Staples / Sinclair Davidson

Prem Chhetri / Don Feaver

Sandra Jones / Steve Dellaportas

15:30-16:10 Roksana Hematizadeh

Does Green Effect Persist after Controlling for Macroeconomic Factors?

Muhammad Tauseef

Students in the workplace, Human resource development, and the ethical application of

vocational education and training qualifications in Australia and Pakistan

Justin Filippou

A Social Motivation Framework to Promote Learning using Gamification Techniques

Sarogini Thuraisingham

A study into the process of board deliberations and decision making in listed companies

16:10-16:50 Julie Bilby

Advertising creativity in China: the moderating effect of culture and individual

creativity on consumer processing of creative advertising

Matara Gunapala

Change Leadership and University Libraries: A Critical Examination of Factors Affecting the

Management of Change in Australian University Libraries.

Dian Tauriana Siahaan

An Empirical Analysis of Firm Innovation Capability and Performance in Indonesian ICT SMEs

Norah Albishri

Joint Ventures and why they fail?

16:50-17:30

Susan McLaine Looking Beyond Traditional Bibliotherapy: A New View Through the Lenses of 'Biblio' and 'Therapy'

Choon Yan Lee

Digital Business Strategy: A Digital Capabilities Perspective of Australian Organisations

in Dynamic Environments.

Break 17:30-18:00 TEA BREAK B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 4 Venue Session 1: 80.10.06 Session 2: 80.11.06 Session 3: 80.10.14 Session 4: 80.10.16 Chair/College Rep Mike Reid / Ben Sheehy Siva Muthaly / Angela Dobele Shahadat Khan / Geoff Stokes Mike Dempsey / Adela McMurray

18:00-19:00 Taylan Akay

Forecasting electricity prices with the aid of Extreme Value Theory and Copula functions

Vicky Dagres

Organisation Transformation : A Case Study on Telstra Corporation

Majed Ahmad Y Aljowaidi

An investigation of e-commerce adoption and utilisation in large companies in Saudi retail industry

Xiaoming Xu

Explaining noise trader risk in Chinese stock market

Day 3- Wednesday, 19 February

Session 1 Venue Stream 1: 80.10.12

Stream 2: 80.08.11

Stream 3: 80.09.10

Chair/College Rep Nthati Rametse / Tim Fry

Adela McMurray / Brendan O'Connell

Hepu Deng / Ben Sheehy

10:30-11:30 Ku Azizah Ku Daud

The Impact of Slow Career Growth on Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction: A Study of a

“Closed” Government Agency

Marco De Sisto

Bushfire Investigation: an all-agencies integrated approach

Sri Madhavan Nair

Post-harvest fruit and vegetables waste reduction through cold chain collaboration: a case study in Australia

Keynote Address

11:30-12:15 KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR MARTA POBLET B80.01.02 (Cinema Theatre)

Break 12:15:13:00 LUNCH B80.11.01 (Portal)

Development &

Networking Sessions

13:00-14:00 TIPS FOR PUBLISHING ARTICLES: MEET THE EDITORS B80.01.02 (Cinema Theatre)

14:00-15:00 HDR SPEED NETWORKING B80.02.16

Break 15:00-15:30 TEA BREAK B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 2 Venue Stream 1: 80.04.21

Stream 2: 80.07.02

Stream 3: 80.07.07

Chair/College Rep Paul Gibson / Peter Macauley

Mike Reid / Don Feaver

Say Yen Teoh / Shams Rahman

15:30-16:10 Jigme Nidup

Essays on the Bhutan economy

Andrew Scobie

Design and the limits of choice

Tyler McDonald

Occupational and Career Implications of Human Capital Specificity: A Fine Arts Case Study

16:10-16:50 Guang Huang

An examination of determinants of the use of derivatives in the ASX 200 companies in a Post-GFC

environment

Christopher Berg

Regulatory change and the political economy of financial regulation in Australia

Maria Mae Gange

The S&OP Process : Manufacturing Industry in Australia

16:50-17:30 Saiful Hussain

Estimation of VaR Using Time Varying Copula and EVT : Evidence from Emerging Markets

Peter Ngrimwa

An analysis of the emergence and growth of accountancy profession in developing economies: The Case of Sudan (1956-2010)

Sukanta Bakshi

Accounting Control System design: Insights from Ecotourism and Council Waste Management

Break 17:30-18:00 TEA BREAK B80.11.01 (Portal)

Session 3 Venue Stream 1: 80.04.22

Stream 2: 80.07.06

Stream 3: 80.07.02

Chair/College Rep Gillian Vesty / Adela McMurray

Ashton De Silva / Steve Dellaportas

Paul Cerotti / Geoff Stokes

18:00-19:00 Rindang Widuri

The Adoption and Use of Generalised Audit Software by Indonesian Audit Firms

Tri Tung Nguyen

Determinants of Vietnamese trade flows in the world integration process (1986-2010): Gravity Equation Approach

Darius Antoni

Investigating the relationship between information technology and organisational environment performance in the Indonesian ICT industry

Keynote Address

& Conference Reception

19:00 ONWARD KEYNOTE ADDRESS BY ROB HULLS, DIRECTOR OF CENTRE FOR INNOVATIVE JUSTICE

B80.07 (foyer)

followed by

CONFERENCE RECEPTION B80.07 (foyer)

13

Abstracts The following abstracts are presented according to the last name order.

Farhina Ahmed School of Management Title: E-procurement as an Instrument in Improving Public Procurement Process: A Bangladesh Perspective Abstract: Procurement is a core government activity. Due to the apparent inefficiency and wastefulness of the traditional procurement process governments worldwide have started embracing e-procurement as an opportunity to improve the process. While it provides governments with such an opportunity its implementation is not without challenges. The institutional political and legal complexities of public sector often make the diffusion of technology-based e-procurement process difficult. The lack of e-readiness is also a major concern. The existing literature largely deals with e-procurement policy and its adoption while little work is available on the impact of e-procurement on major governance indicators efficiency accountability transparency and responsiveness. Using a qualitative approach this research examines the extent of improvement likely to derive from the adoption of e-procurement in Bangladesh its associated challenges and possible ways to overcome them. The preliminary findings suggest despite some progress made in recent years in introducing ICT in Bangladesh the public sector institutions and their employees suppliers and contractors are yet to be fully ready to embrace e-procurement as they lack required commitments resources and capacity including infrastructure. The research has implications for government’s contractors, suppliers, and citizens. Taylan Akay School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Forecasting electricity prices with the aid of Extreme Value Theory and Copula functions Abstract: Actuaries have long been using the tools of Extreme Value Theory (EVT) in a number of areas. Some of these areas include but not limited to modeling loss indemnity claims, lifetimes of survivor annuitants, and natural catastrophe losses. Similarly, the dependence modeling with Copula functions is widely used in actuarial analysis. Copulas have a variety of actuarial applications in life a non-life insurance sector. For instance, with the aid of copula functions actuaries have been able to model joint lives and loss distributions for multi-line insurance losses. The objective of this paper is to explore how the combination of EVT and Copula functions can be used to forecast electricity spot prices. We believe that by combining these two techniques, a better understanding of the characteristics of electricity spot prices will result. This may potentially lead to lower risk management costs resulting in lower production and consumption costs of electricity.

14

Samaiyah Alalmai School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Robust and Fragile Determinants of Capital Structure: International Evidence

The objective of this project is to investigate the determinants of the capital structure of a large sample of firms from developed and emerging economies to find out if cross-country differences affect capital structure. The theoretical foundations of this research can be found in various theories of the capital structure including the trade-off theory the agency cost theory and the pecking order theory. The problem with this kind of research and the cross sectional models associated with it is that the theory is not precise enough to produce a limited set of determining variables which invariably leads to data mining. To overcome this problem we employ extreme bounds analysis (EBA) to distinguish between the robust and fragile determinants of the capital structure. We intend to reveal that a large number of variables that have been found to be statistically significant determinants of capital structure are in fact fragile and that they only appeared significant because of a particular selection of the explanatory variables. The original version of EBA is employed as well as the modifications introduced by Granger and Uhling and by Salai-Martin. Musa'Ed S A M Al- Ali School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: The Profitability of Carry Trade: A GCC Perspective Abstract: Carry trade is a strategy where investors borrow low interest rate currency and invest it in a high yield currency. This strategy is widely used not only by financial institutions but also by the common man. Carry trade has proven to be a very rewarding strategy exceeding the returns of the S&P 500 when conducted for long time. But despite the attractive rewards of carry trade it bears huge risk resulting from exchange rate fluctuation. In my study I examined the suitability of using GCC currencies in carry trade. Also I used forecasting methods in forecasting the exchange rate and based my investment decision based on it. The results showed that GCC currencies produced positive returns when used in carry trade. Also these results were enhanced when forecasting methods were used. The forecasting methods did not out-perform the random walk when it came to forecasting error but produced better results when it came to profitability direction accuracy risk measurements and risk-adjusted return measurement. I also examined carry trade using a portfolio made of GCC currencies and the effect of the drift factor.

15

Norah Albishri Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Joint Ventures and why they fail? Abstract: This research will uncover and articulate the proximate and ultimate causes of conflict in International Joint Ventures (IJV) paying particular attention to the impact of national cultures on these firms. The objective is to identify national level cultural characteristics that influence the performance of IJVs, and also explore how such characteristics impact the behavior of individuals employed within IJVs. This research will focus on trust, commitment and negotiation between IJV partners. Failure to address mistrust, conflict, and low levels of cooperation generally leads to higher rather than lower transaction costs and associated inefficiencies in international operations (Brett, 2007), which in turn has led to many American companies failing in international territories (Tung 1984). Conflict mediation can become part of an IJV manager’s daily routine (Miller, Glen, Jaspersen, Karmokolias, 1997), which makes it an important issue to address. Culture theories such as Trempenaars & Turner , Hall, and Hofstede alert us the need to more deeply understand the processes that produce cultural intelligence and cultural sensitivity. This study will employ a qualitative methodology - case studies - to investigate the development of trust and the reduction of conflict within Saudi and US Joint ventures. Majed Ahmad Y Aljowaidi School of Business IT and Logistics Title: An investigation of e-commerce adoption and utilisation in large companies in Saudi retail industry Abstract: In recent years there has been an increase in the adoption of e-commerce in organisations all over the world. The adoption of e-commerce system in most of these places particularly in Western economies has transformed the manner of business practices and processes by linking up supply chain members electronically reducing the human intervention and reducing inefficiencies. However the terrain of e-commerce adoption and implementation has not been flat and equal across regions. The uptake in developing economy regions has been relatively slow. Consequently there are many companies in Saudi Arabia that are yet to adopt e-commerce and those that have are mostly at the very basic levels of implementation. The objective this study is to explore the factors affecting the adoption and effective utilisation of e-commerce with particular emphasis on large companies in retail industry in Saudi Arabia. Qualitative case studies and semi-structured interviews were used for data collection and analysis. The research fulfils two objectives. Firstly it identifies the key factors motivating e-commerce adoption in Saudi organisations and examines the benefits resulting from the use of e-commerce the retail industry. Secondly it highlights those contextual factors which influence the successful implementation and effective utilisation of e-commerce systems in the Saudi retail industry. Following this strategies are proposed in an adoption and implementation framework aimed at helping enhance the adoption and effective use of e-commerce the deployment of more sophisticated e-commerce solutions by business organisation.

16

Ahmed Hammad Al-Kalbani School of Business IT and Logistics Title: A Compliance based framework for information security in e-government in Oman Abstract: The development of e-government has provided governments with new means to deliver better public services, engage citizens, and improve workflows in public organizations. Such a development, however, has opened the possibility that critical information can be exposed that may hinder the overall development of e-government. As a result, the security of information has become a critical issue that needs to be adequately addressed in e-government. This study proposes a compliance-based approach for adequately managing information security in e-government. With the use of this approach, the critical factors for affecting the adoption of information security compliance for information security in e-government are identified based on the use of semi-structured interviews and survey. The identified critical factors are related to the organizational compliance, operational processes compliance, and technology compliance. This study is expected to contribute to the information security research in proposing and validating an information security compliance model and by highlighting the criticality of the factors of adopting effective information security compliance in e-government in Oman. Madi Almadi Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Board Structure and Firm Performance in the Emerging Saudi Arabian Market Abstract: Earlier corporate governance studies demonstrate the role of different dimensions of board of directors’ structure in influencing firm performance. However the overwhelming majority of that research has been conducted within the advanced markets context. That has resulted in a general absence of research on emerging markets and especially the Middle East. The research supplements this line of research by empirically examining the effect of board composition board interlocks board equity ownership and board compensation on corporate financial performance on the Saudi Arabian context. The research will complement that by considering the unique social political and economic contexts as well as firm characteristics in Saudi Arabia. The research considers multi-theoretical perspectives provided by agency theory resource dependence theory hegemony theory stewardship theory and some theoretical considerations related to emerging markets context to better explain the effect of board structure on firm performance. From an original publicly available secondary data set of all 140 Saudi Stock Exchange companies between 2009 and 2013 potential significant findings of this research would update literature by filling the existing theoretical gap of corporate governance in emerging markets. Prospective recommendations of this research could lead to the improvement of corporate governance practices in Saudi Arabia.

17

Nassar Saleh Al Nassar School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: The Profitability of Trading Rules in Stock Markets: Evidence from GCC countries Abstract: The thesis provides empirical evidence on weak form efficiency in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) stock markets. To communicate the academic concepts to the practitioners’ intuition, we utilise several trading rules to test weak form efficiency in these markets. The trading rules are formulated on the basis of widely used technical indicators namely moving average-oscillator and trading range break as well as fundamental analysis using macroeconomic variables. Furthermore, we investigate the presence of seasonal effects in these markets specifically the weekend, the holiday, the turn-of-the-month and the month-of-the-year effects using several econometric estimation techniques. Once a seasonal effect is found to be statistically significant, trading rules designed on the basis of these seasonal effects are evaluated. In addition, the role of fundamentalists and technicians in price formation is also examined. The empirical results reveal that trading rules generally outperform the passive buy-and-hold trading strategy. However, the performance of the trading rules appears to be highly temporal and largely diminished when transaction costs are taken into consideration. Further, both fundamentalists and technicians have a role to play in price determination although technicians appear to be more influential. Huda Abdullah Alqasmi Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Towards Sustainable Consumer Law Abstract: Sustainability is a significant topic in nearly every type of study and is one of the biggest challenges in the 21st century. Studies show that in order to achieve sustainability, there needs to be a holistic approach that connects three bottom lines—economy, society and the environment—by using the principle of sustainable consumption. This study will investigate the possibility of incorporating the principle of sustainable consumption with consumer law to achieve a sustainable consumer law. To accomplish this, the research will include the current literature in the fields of consumer law and sustainability. The study will acknowledge the international law and the private law–Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), in relation to sustainable consumption. With the regulatory coherence theory, the study will analyse existing consumer law architecture (positive analysis) and existing models that incorporate the principle of sustainable consumption (normative analysis). Finally, the study will investigate the possible reformation of the Saudi consumer law by referring to previous analysis.

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Darius Antoni School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Investigating the relationship between information technology and organisational environment performance in the Indonesian ICT industry Abstract: Information technology (IT) can be adopted as a capability of organizations to improve its environmental performance in order to meet environmental regulations improve its profitability and enhance its competitive position in the market place. The purpose of this research to develop a IT capability model that consists of IT infrastructure quality competencies of IT human resources which is used organisations to support its business process digitalisation and develop its environmental competencies of IT in order to improve its environmental performance. The model is developed based on the resource-based view as theoretical foundation and related literature including green IT. The validity of the model is tested using structural equation modelling based on data collected from the Indonesian ICT industry. Findings show that the IT capability is critical abilities of an organisation used for developing business process digitisation and environmental competencies of IT. The results also indicate that the business process digitisation and environmental competencies of IT are positively associated with environmental performance of organisations. A new model of IT capability constitutes an original contribution to the information system literature especially in an area the relationship between IT capability business process digitisation environmental competencies of IT and environmental performance. Sukanta Bakshi School of Accounting Title: Accounting Control System design: Insights from Ecotourism and Council Waste Management Abstract: With an unprecedented increase in ecotourism waste management issues and sustainable development; has surfaced as a global challenge for government particularly for those operating in world heritage sites. The aim of this research is to focus on waste management accounting control practices in an Australian World Heritage Site. To date there is little research relating to emerging waste management accounting practices and how they contribute towards achieving sustainable eco-tourism. In addition there is minimal understanding of actual accounting practices given the normative concerns that traditional cost accounting fail to identify and allocate the costs of waste. Drawing on local council accounting practices this case study research aims to highlight the gaps between the theoretically proposed waste management accounting practices and actual practice. In depth interviews and access to archival data will identify any emerging new waste management accounting control techniques and how they contribute to improved waste management practice. Transaction Cost Economics (TCE) is used as the theoretical lens to explore the formal and informal contracting between government and stakeholders. It is proposed that this research will contribute to both theory and practice. Firstly TCE will be enhanced with a focus on network relation in highly specific waste related transactions between council and stake holders. Secondly this project will benefit the accounting profession with insights that will contribute to accounting for sustainability and Biodiversity.

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Margaret Banks School of Business IT and Logistics Title: An investigation into the industry needs of big data professionals Abstract: The literature illustrates Manyika et al 2011 ‘there will be a shortage of talent necessary for organisations to take advantage of big data'. Manyika et al 2011 estimates that within 5 years (2018) the US will have a shortage of 140 000 to 190 000 people who possess the knowledge 'to use the analysis of big data to make effective decisions'. In order to circumvent this there is a need to prepare the workforce by educating post graduate business / computer science students to analyse big data. The question the researcher is endeavouring to answer is 'which capabilities (skill set qualities) do postgraduate students need in order to work in today's big data world?'. The methodology for this research will incorporate a series of semi structured interviews with three distinct groups of individuals to ascertain the capabilities (skill set qualities) that are currently deployed in the world of big data professionals. The research will ultimately result in identifying specific capabilities (skill set qualities) that the world of big data requires in the future. Christopher Berg School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Regulatory change and the political economy of financial regulation in Australia Abstract: This thesis investigates the driving forces behind regulatory change in the financial sector. Why does regulation change? How are changes in political economy reflected in regulatory frameworks? The thesis offers an economic history of financial regulation in Australia, focusing on prudential regulation between the 1936 Royal Commission into Monetary and Banking Systems and the Global Financial Crisis. The thesis applies the typology of models devised by Randall S. Kroszner to characterise changes in political economy: public interest, private interest, ideology, institutions, and Leviathan. Furthermore the thesis situates reform in the political science literature focusing on the "regulatory state" framework. The thesis will also illuminate debates over contemporary regulatory policy. One such debate is the role and significance of the bank deposit guarantee in the Australian regulatory framework. A statutory deposit guarantee was first introduced in 1945. By the 1980s the Reserve Bank was denying such a guarantee existed. The Rudd government formally (re)introduced the guarantee in 2008. This thesis traces the introduction, disappearance, and reintroduction of the deposit guarantee as a case study of regulatory change during the period. The research findings are drawn from recently released and never-before examined Commonwealth cabinet documents, Treasury Department records, and Reserve Bank archives.

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Julie Bilby School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Advertising creativity in China: the moderating effect of culture and individual creativity on consumer processing of creative advertising Abstract: The Chinese advertising industry is relatively new having only began to re-emerge in China in the late 1970s after years of centrally planned economy. It has since become one of the largest and fastest growing advertising industries in the world. Yet it would seem that Chinese advertising is not very creative relying more on product demonstration and hard-sell than making emotional connections with the consumer. Interviews with advertising practitioners in China suggest that this is because Chinese clients do not value or understand ad creativity and are in fact contemptuous of their consumers particularly those from lower tier more rural cities - assuming they are uncreative uneducated and therefore unlikely to respond to creative advertisements. This research tests an existing advertising creativity processing model developed in and for western markets to determine its accuracy and validity in a Chinese context. It takes into account the possible moderating effects of cultural and individual values examining the response to creative ads between consumers from tier one and two cities and those from tier five and six cities in China Vicky Dagres Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Organisation Transformation: A Case Study on Telstra Corporation Abstract: This research study investigates the organisation transformation practices employed by Telstra’s top management team (TMT) when facilitating a major transformation. An in depth examination of the strategic practices are explored along with the outcomes to ascertain the key factors required to achieving an effective transformation. Organisation transformation is different from other forms of change due to the radical nature. Rafferty et al. (2013) highlight that due to the high rate of change failure researchers have sought to identify factors that may increase the likelihood of successfully implementing change. A significant learning from the literature is the need to better understand the practice of transformation (Peteraf and Reed 2007). A conceptual model has been developed that underpins the research findings and the contribution to both theory and practice. This research provides a view that value creation leadership and unique capabilities are key contributing factors in achieving an effective transformative change and a sustained competitive advantage. The research findings show that the complexity of the transformation was surprising to the TMT although not unexpected. More emphasis on planning pre-transformation was required to ensure the benefits were realised. An emerging theme was the need for the TMT to conduct regular assessments of the outcomes during the transformation change process.

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Marco De Sisto School of Management Title: Bushfire Investigation: an all-agencies integrated approach Abstract: Background: It has been widely demonstrated that a strong relationship between police, fire and land management agencies can increase capacities for successful bushfire investigation. The central question therefore is how can cooperative arrangements be improved upon, given current investigation practices. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to identify strengths and weaknesses in knowledge sharing between bushfire investigative related agencies. Design: International comparative analysis, via a case study design. Methods: Internal practices and procedures in undertaking bushfire investigation were examined in six investigative departments in Italy and Australia (Victoria). Using focus groups, face to face interviews and policy analysis, the intra and inter agency sharing knowledge was analysed. Such sharing is seen as the key factor of any organizational collaboration. Results: The ability of the investigators to “improvise”, based on their personal working experience, was found to be an integral, if not preferred, part of the investigator’s role. Tacit knowledge (personal initiative and creative input) is considered more valuable than explicit knowledge (rules and protocols) by the majority of bushfire investigators. The main difference between the two countries is that in Australia, bushfire investigators are more focused towards technical and process orientated skills (knowledge and experience – analytical mind). Conversely, in Italy, bushfire investigators give equal importance to both technical and social skills (communication and social abilities). Outcomes: The outputs reinforce the advantages of an all agencies approach as long as knowledge and information sharing processes support this adequately. This will result in more efficient and well-targeted fire prevention and suppression strategies. Thomas Doumani School of Management Title: Does culture affect the efficacy of performance management? A study at workplace of expatriates and corporations (Anglo cluster) operating in Thailand. Abstract: The research investigates performance management in the cross-cultural setting of Western corporations and expatriate workers from Anglo-cluster countries operating in Thailand. It addresses why national cultural differences may affect the efficacy of performance management. The research is from a phenomenological perspective and focuses on the efficacy of the environment (potential to produce an outcome) which are more aligned the Buddhist philosophy that underpins the Thai culture and Eastern philosophy generally than traditional Western philosophies. In the period from early March 2013 to mid-September 2013 the primary data was sourced from 36 semi-structured interviews with staff from executive to middle management of both expatriate and local Thai employees. Secondary data comprised of observations photos forms and presentations was also collected during this period through engagement with the business and general communities and with academics whose areas of interest lie in management in a cross-cultural context. An inductive and interpretive qualitative methodology is being applied to analyse the data. The computer qualitative analysis tool Nvivo is being employed to analyse the primary and secondary data. The preliminary findings show

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that national culture communication and relationship may be the primary keys to exploiting the efficacy of the performance management environment. Ismail Elferjani School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Examining port performance in a developing economy context locally and globally: The case of Libyan ports Abstract: Libya ports occupy a strategic location close to the Asia-Europe international trade route and between the producing and consuming countries. They therefore hold the potential to play an important role in the regional economies and as critical nodes in international logistics and supply chains. However the persistently poor performance of ports across the country undermines this potential. This thesis examines the factors that undermine Libyan ports performance. Through a detailed literature review key performance indicators are identified and their influence on port performance is examined from the perspective of local stakeholders using descriptive and one-way ANOVA analysis. A number of indicators emerged as influential which are used to examine the efficiency of 7 Libyan container ports using Data envelopment analysis (DEA). It is found that the most influential factors on Libyan ports performance and efficiency include inadequate and inefficient cargo handling equipment as well as poor land and sea-side accessibility. That is because of Libyan economy is driven by oil and all of the Libyan ports are owned and operated by public sector which put more emphasis on petroleum ports' development rather than general cargo and container ports. Justin Filippou School of Business IT and Logistics Title: A Social Motivation Framework to Promote Learning using Gamification Techniques Abstract: Social networking sites such as Facebook are immensely popular amongst students. Possibly due to the phenomenon known as the Fear of Missing Out students typically are spending larger amounts of time using these services; obsessing over what their friends are up to. This has caused problems as students are more motivated to spend time socialising online instead of studying. This research proposes a framework to outline how to use social forces and gamification to motivate students to study outside of class time and in turn improve their learning habits. By understanding the types of motivation experienced by students and the processes that can be used to modify behaviour social networking features that are used in a considered way are expected to lead to enhancements in learning. Teachers will be also able to better tailor the learning experience to engage students by using the framework to inform their teaching methods and assessment.

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Maria Mae Gange School of Business IT and Logistics Title: The S&OP Process: Manufacturing Industry in Australia Abstract: Disciplined business processes can identify pitfalls in company’s processes and provide improvements in the way the company does business. Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process provides methods to assist a company’s competency to conduct it’s own business. The recent announcements of Ford and GMH to cease manufacturing in Australia in 2016 and 2017 will affect 4,500 jobs. There are many others who pulled out due to decreasing profit appreciation of the Australian dollar or increasing costs and making it impossible for the organizations to justify its manufacturing presence in Australia. This study is aimed to investigate if successful implementation of S&OP process will help save or minimize the decline of the manufacturing industry in Australia. There are no well documented researches surveys or case studies of this process in this industry in Australia. Therefore the benefits of this process are not tested if they are achievable and it they will help companies compete globally as suggested by many publications literature and studies. David Goodwin Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Mitigating the dark side of green: Coherent regulation and governance of environmental NGOs Abstract: Non-government organisations (NGOs) have attained significant influence in environmental law and policy-making in Australia and internationally and access considerable funding. There is evidence that some methods being employed in modern-day activism are legally problematic and the track record of environmental NGOs in implementing best practice self-governance is inconsistent. Supporters of the sector contend it has a special moral character and challenge the legitimacy of constraints while others see benefits in enhanced transparency accountability and analysis of the efficacy of results achieved. This research will consider potential choices of mechanisms and coordination arrangements to regulate the activities of environmental NGOs and evaluate them for their appropriateness and likely effectiveness. Approaches to regulation which have been taken in developed countries and in the developing world will be contrasted with Australia and Indonesia providing the geographic focus. The challenge is for existing regulatory systems to be redesigned in ways that appropriately balance the interests of competing groups including rights traditionally protected by laws and lead to fair and efficient outcomes and sound public policy. The primary question to be investigated is: which approaches to the regulation of environmental NGOs would constitute “good regulation” when evaluated in terms of “regulatory coherence theory”.

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Peter Gregory School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Foreign Aid and Entrepreneurship Abstract: This research aims to establish a new critique of foreign aid in its current form that is that it negatively impacts on recipient nations by crowding out local entrepreneurs. The foreign aid status quo exemplified by the work of Jeffrey Sachs the UN government aid agencies and multilateral aid agencies holds that developing nations suffer from an ‘investment gap’ that creates a ‘vicious cycle’ of poverty. Foreign aid bridges this gap. Critics of this approach such as William Easterly Peter Bauer Peter Leeson and Dambisa Moyo raise various grievances often based on the fact that foreign aid has a negative impact on entrepreneurship. These grievances range from the belief that foreign aid erodes political legal and economic institutions exacerbates corruption incentivizes civil war and embeds a pattern of rent-seeking. This approach seeks to add to this list the notion that foreign aid in its current form crowds out local entrepreneurship by undercutting local producers. This not only causes a loss of jobs and income but knowledge skills and experience and the chance to undergo the process of economic development undertaken by developed countries. Matara Gunapala School of Management Title: Change Leadership and University Libraries: A Critical Examination of Factors Affecting the Management of Change in Australian University Libraries. Abstract: The proposed thesis aims to investigate the effectiveness of change management practices and the role of leadership in Australian university libraries within an environment of ongoing technological transition. This study will be qualitative study collecting information by interviewing chief librarians or the equivalent from university libraries. Other key research methodologies to draw additional information will be document analysis (literature review) and observations through attending seminars/conferences relating to librarianship and visits to libraries. Data from semi-structured interviews and relevant literature to this inquiry will be gathered coded thematically analysed and synthesised within the thesis. This study aims to provide a substantial body of knowledge as an original contribution to assist in managing rapid change and maintain a proficient service addressing the 21st century needs of university library stakeholders within an ever changing and technologically turbulent environment.

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Hieu Ha School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Understanding the variation in supportive behaviour toward climate change mitigation policies. Abstract: There is general consensus in the literature that public support for climate change mitigation policies (CCMPs) is crucial in mitigating climate change adverse effects. However there is little research on how the public support for proposed policies varies across the different CCMPs and the reason for this variation. This study aims to address this gap by providing insight into the variation in support by investigating the differences in the nature of the policies and the key drivers of the policy support through theoretical lenses of three dominant theories of the field. These drivers include perceived risks of climate change, perceived anthropogenic cause of climate change and evaluation in terms of effectiveness and feasibility of the policies. The model also investigates interaction effects between these key factors. The model is tested on two samples: the general public - the climate change information end-users and climate scientists - the most upper-end and trustful source of climate change information. This is to explore potential gaps in climate change communication between the two samples. Understanding the gaps and the mechanism of how the important factors influence the policy support will help identify areas for improving marketing communication to the general public and hence improve public support toward CCMPs. Roksana Hematizadeh School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Does Green Effect Persist after Controlling for Macroeconomic Factors? Abstract: This study aims to investigate the impact of announcements of environmental regulation on the equities listed in Middle Eastern countries. The plan is to apply event study methodology to assess whether there are abnormal returns around these announcements. Various asset pricing models will be used in the event study and robustness tests will include controlling for asynchronicity market integration spillover effects firm-specific information and macroeconomic effects. Our major contribution is the control of macroeconomic factors in event study. Based on the literature review the adjustment factors will include the growth rate of industrial production change in inflation unanticipated change in bond credit spread unanticipated term structure shift between long term and short term bond percentage change in the exchange rate unexpected change in money supply percentage change in interest rate and change in oil price. The results of my study will provide justification for (or disprove) the existence of green effects and will have serious implications for any user of event study methodology. Our preliminary results based on the simple average model market model CAPM and Fama and French model show significant abnormal returns around the announcement of water pollution air pollution and vegetable oils regulations in Turkey.

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MD. Khalid Hossain School of Management Title: Climate Change Adaptation, MNC Strategy and Environmental Pragmatism: A Cross-country Perspective Abstract: Academic literature hardly focuses on business adaptation strategies in addressing climate change impacts. This research aims to explore how multinational corporations (MNCs) in Australia and Bangladesh formulate and implement their climate change adaptation strategies. It primarily involves MNCs dealing with agricultural seeds while limited data from pharmaceutical and mining sectors have also been collected to observe any cross-sectoral variations. Using a qualitative method, the research unravels that no specific pattern of adaptation strategies exists across MNCs. They either follow a ‘deliberate’ strategy following a ‘precautionary’ approach, or an ‘emergent’ strategy relying on a ‘wait and see’ approach. Few companies also follow a ‘subliminal’ strategy contributing to climate change adaptation using a ‘business-as-usual’ approach. While agricultural seed MNCs follow a mix of ‘deliberate’ and ‘subliminal’ strategy, pharmaceutical and mining MNCs primarily follow ‘subliminal’ strategy. In Bangladesh, MNC strategies are influenced and dictated more by government policy interventions and consumer concerns about relatively more predictable climatic impact. However, in Australia, such strategies are mostly guided by individual corporate policies with little influence of consumer concerns about climate change predictability. The research has implications for national policies, corporate strategies and consumer welfare relevant to climate change adaptation. Guang Huang Graduate School of Business and Law Title: An examination of determinants of the use of derivatives in the ASX 200 companies in a Post-GFC environment Abstract: This research project aims to investigate what factors affects the use of derivatives in the ASX 200 listed firms during the period of 2007-2012 to understand if there has been any changes post Global Financial Crisis. To achieve this quantitative approach will be taken to determine what factors has the highest significance in affecting the probability of using derivatives but also the extent of derivatives use. Built on the agency theory market volatility and firm characteristics a theoretical framework has been developed based on outcome of literature review to account for both internal and external factors such as foreign exchange volatility firm size and corporate governance factors specifically manager compensation. Logistic tobit and linear regression will be used in this analysis to account for the combination of dichotomous and continuous variables used in the models. The results will serve as a contemporary update on what factors drive derivative use in Australia. Preliminary results based on the pilot study conducted on the top 100 mining firms shows that firm size and financial distress have the biggest impact on the use derivatives.

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Nickolai Hubble School of Management Title: The Ethics of Australia's Sub-Prime Scandal Abstract: There is evidence the practice of Loan Application Form (LAF) manipulation by lenders without the knowledge or consent of the borrower is pervasive in Australia’s mortgage industry. By misrepresenting the borrower’s financial position on LAFs, lenders make it possible to provide loans their lending standards would have prevented. These loans appear ‘prime’ on paper thereafter, but are in reality often unaffordable.The Australian legal system has broken from American and European decisions and sided with individual borrowers in many cases and on a case by case basis. Often, the discovery of LAF manipulation results in loans being cancelled without the borrower losing their home. Given the legal precedents set in Australia over the past decade, and if the pervasiveness of questionable lending is as significant as some evidence suggests, the Australian banking and mortgage industry is facing the potential of dramatic losses. Examining the ethics of LAF manipulation will provide insight into why and how this build up of LAF manipulation took place, how to prevent it in the future and how to deal with existing cases in an ethical manner. Saiful Hussain Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Estimation of VaR Using Time Varying Copula and EVT: Evidence from Emerging Markets Abstract: Value at Risk (VaR) is an important and widely used tool for financial risk management. VaR measures the risk exposure at a given probability level. There are several approaches for the estimation of VaR. Recently, time varying copula and Extreme Value Theory (EVT) have drawn a lot of attention in the risk management literature. However, most of the research works in the literature so far have been focusing on developed markets. This research aims to explore the effectiveness of time varying copula and EVT in estimating Value at Risk in the emerging markets including Brazil, Russia, India, China and Malaysia. In addition, the two approaches will be contrasted with other approaches based on well-known modelling techniques such as GARCH, Historical Simulation and Filtered Historical Simulation. In contrast to the existing results for developed markets, the findings of this research will have important implications for both asset pricing and financial risk management in the emerging markets.

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Ilya Yasnorina Ilyas Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Corporate Governance Corporate Social Responsibility and Firm Performance: A positivist study on Singapore Public Listed Companies Abstract: The objective of this study is to examine the relationship between corporate governance and firm performance moderated by corporate social responsibility (CSR) with reference to Singapore’s Public Listed Companies. Judging by what has been published in previous studies, there is a clear gap between the theory of CSR and how it is real practiced in corporations. This study takes a multi-theoretical view of corporate governance, CSR and firm performance issues which consist of agency, resource dependence, stakeholders and managerial hegemony theory. The underlying principles of this study are positivism and critical realism, and these entail employing quantitative research methods with several sources of data - the Kinder, Lydenberg and Domini (KLD) index for CSR, questionnaire survey and archived corporations’ annual reports in Singapore Exchange website. This study will seek to find correlations between variables from different measures used in the quantitative analysis. Questionnaires will be distributed to the 200 leading Singapore Exchange firms and their responses will be analyzed using SPSS software. The thesis will add knowledge to the theory by constructing a model that promotes better operating and reporting standards and measurement of CSR. These developments can assist Singaporean companies create business value through CSR and effective corporate governance. Masud Isa School of Management Title: Micro-financing as an Inclusive Financial Paradigm and its Viability as a Social Business Enterprise in Australia Abstract: In 2013, The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare revealed that 13% of the population lives in poverty, 1 in every 4 households is on social security payments, and 1 in every 204 Australians have no home. An unemployment rate among the aboriginal population is as high as 17%. The Australian Government’s Safety Net Program (SNP), however, provides a temporary means of support to the economically struggling people. Alternatives like micro-financing for economically disadvantaged capable individuals might be an option. It appears that no research has been undertaken contextualizing Australia’s socio-economic situation to explore the possibility of developing a viable micro-financing social business in Australia. Two recent studies reported that almost 100% NGOs and organizations, dispensing credit and saving services to the poor and marginalised communities, are financially unsustainable. The proposed research will investigate the actual poverty profile of Australia with the objective to adapt a self-sustaining microfinance model being successfully replicated elsewhere as an effective financial inclusion tool. One of the key outcomes of the research will be the development of a conceptual framework to initiate programs for replication of the Grameen approach or make recommendations for an alternative paradigm that would be appropriate in the Australian context.

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Jianqiu Kou School of Business IT and Logistics Title: The implementation of Closed Loop Medication Administration using mobile nursing information system Abstract: Medication error is a critical issue in healthcare field and IT solution is identified as an effective way to solve this kind of problem. The closed-loop medication administration using mobile nursing system will provide timely record and trace through the whole process of treatment and will achieve effective and high quality patient care. The research objective is to investigate the key points of implementing the benefits and the problems of using mobile nursing system to achieve closed-loop medication administration. The process of design and implementing the mobile nursing system in a hospital will be presented and analyzed in the research. The methodology of case study and user centered design and co-creation will be utilized. Some new technology such as WLAN barcode technology handheld tablet PC will be used is the related project. At the end of this research the benefits and problems of closed-loop medication administration using mobile nursing system in patient management will be analyzed and described. Furthermore some recommendations will be given towards the problems and the concerns from the clinical staff. Ku Azizah Ku Daud School of Management Title: The Impact of Slow Career Growth on Organizational Commitment and Job Satisfaction: A Study of a “Closed” Government Agency Abstract: This thesis examines the elements of career growth that influence and shape organizational commitment and job satisfaction in the context of “closed” government agency in Malaysia. Whilst a number of studies report empirical research in the private sector, as yet there is little research published on this in the public sector. To address this research deficiency, a combined methodological approach is employed in this study. Results of 40 interviews identify six dimensions of career growth: professional ability development, job rotation, promotion equity, career goal progress, promotion speed, and remuneration growth that could impact on organizational commitment and job satisfaction. Sequentially, survey results of 370 samples demonstrate the significant relationship between promotion equity, professional ability development, promotion speed and job rotation with organizational commitment. Furthermore, the regression analysis reveals the significant correlation between professional ability development, job rotation, and promotion equity with job satisfaction. Job satisfaction is discovered to give partial mediating effect on the relationship between career growth and organizational commitment. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by providing empirical evidence and a better understanding on the impacts of career growth on organizational commitment and job satisfaction in the context of “closed” government agency.

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Choon Yan Lee School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Digital Business Strategy: A Digital Capabilities Perspective of Australian Organisations in Dynamic Environments. Abstract: Business products and services in dynamic environments are increasingly embedded with digital technologies. This highlights the need to investigate the influence of digital business strategies on the speed of decision-making relative to the speed of the digital business competitive environment of Australia. Prior research on digital business strategies (DBS) largely focuses on how its processes impact business models competitive advantage and improved performances. There is very limited research that examines the influence of DBS on speed of decision-making and the firm’s capabilities to sense and respond to the rapidly changing digital platforms. Firms are increasingly adopting varied digital technologies in their customer side operations to better sense and respond to customer’s needs to capitalise on opportunities drive competitive advantage and create differential value by leveraging digital resources. This research will examine the influence of DBS focusing on customer service capabilities organisational learning and digital technologies enhanced speed of decision-making and its relationship on firm’s capabilities and performances. It is proposed to undertake this study using data collected from multiple respondents from Australian firms in dynamic environments. Min Liu School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: The profitability of momentum and contrarian strategies after green policies announcements Abstract: The existing literature on green announcement effects focuses predominantly in Western markets; it is almost inexistent on the Japanese market. Japan is a leading country when it comes to the implementation of green policies. In this research, I test whether there is momentum or contrarian profits around the announcements of environmental regulation. I am investigating the impact of 424 announcements of environmental regulations on the equities listed on the Japanese Stock Exchange over the period 2001–2012. Event study methodology, contrarian/momentum portfolio formation and seasonality models are used in this project. Daily abnormal returns are used to design the momentum and contrarian portfolios and we will check the return’s significance by adopting numerous robustness tests. We will also control for a number of factors including trading volume, firm size, sales, profitability ratios and industry effect. We plan to explore the effects of environmental factors (polluting industries, stringency of the regulations and the environmental performance index) on our portfolios. The objective of the research is to test the effectiveness of environmental regulation in Japan and to document its effects on equity portfolios. Our preliminary results show short term contrarian behaviour around the announcements of environmental regulation.

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Shiva Madani Mousavi School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Competitive Global Port Cities: A Path Development Analysis Abstract: The competitive environment affecting port operations is in a constant state of flux, to the extent that distribution and evolution of container traffic has been described as following a random walk instead of logic of scale. Maritime researchers attribute this to the interplay of a range of factors, including the redefinition of port hinterland, the rise of port-centric logistics, and the growth of China, among others. Drawing on the tenets of dynamic capability theory and resource-based view of the firm, this study examines how six global port cities - Rotterdam, Dubai, Kaohsiung, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Singapore - sustain their competitive positions among the top container ports during the last two decades. Focusing on the developmental paths that the selected case studies have traversed, this study will review how each phase of development was conditioned by the levels of infrastructure investment and associated capability building programs of previous phases. This research aims to offer a fresh perspective on understanding how ports compete, opening an avenue for building a theory on competitive global port cities based on operational capability building. Findings from the study would also form the basis for formulating a framework for strategic port development. Sri Madhavan Nair School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Post-harvest fruit and vegetables waste reduction through cold chain collaboration: a case study in Australia. Abstract: Food wastage is a huge global problem. About one third of all food produced for human consumption is lost in the distribution process every year. Cold chain, a temperature controlled supply chain, helps preserve the freshness of post-harvest produce. An efficient cold chain can therefore help reduce significantly food wastage and especially perishables such as fruit and vegetables. Cold chain relies heavily on massive capital investment on technologies to maintain, trace, monitor and transport perishable goods to ensure product quality. Fragmented operation and lack of coordination often lead to abuse in temperature control resulting in bruising, rotting, aging and wilting of perishable produce thus triggering safety issues. Many studies have found that cold chain collaboration allows companies to leverage expertise and experience of others to perform better than they do separately. In practice, however, successful collaboration is still not a commonplace. Through an in-depth case study of a major supermarket fruit and vegetables cold chain in Australia, this study reviews the various issues involved in cold chain collaboration and attempts to develop a framework to help standardise practices so as to improve agility, food safety and product quality.

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Sonariddh Mao School of Business IT and Logistics Title: The Roadmap and Framework of Tax Reform and Inception of Personal Income Tax System: A Case Study of Cambodia Abstract: The proposal aims to investigate and compile major steps of framework and policy implementation that allows for tax reform in the area of personal income for developing economy such as Cambodia. The proposal will focus on the implementations that concede established formulation of frameworks and policies from more advanced economies such as Australia and Japan while incorporating recently instigated steps of relative economies such as Thailand and Vietnam as well. This proposal will investigate the advantages and disadvantages of each step and modify the steps that account for Cambodia’s current stage of economy and welfare of the population in term of current and anticipated income. The methodology would account for profession interview with policymakers which are highly specialized in tax reform and the determinant of tax level intake; private and public enterprises which are the main determinant of salary level and welfare of employees; the general population which are the main recipients of the tax reform; and academics whom are the experts in the fields as well as the effective instructors in the formation of the guidelines. The proposal would be compiled to be the guideline and framework blueprint that provide great access capability for policymakers to create the most effective policies based on the views of the population private enterprises as well as expert in the field tax reform and personal income tax. Somo George Marano School of Management Title: Internationalisation of the Australian Food Processing Industry: Critical Success Factors from an Australian/Sino perspective Abstract: With the rise of China to become the second largest economy transference of traditional carbohydrate diets to Western eating patterns has been observed seeing an increase in consumption of processed animal and dairy products. This area is quickly becoming an export opportunity for Australian manufacturers. Despite extensive attention extant research is limited and one dimensional. This study will employ a dyadic approach by combining perspectives from both buyers and sellers. A resource-based view theory will be used as an underpinning theory to develop a conceptual framework. This framework will explore critical factors that influence the success of export trading between Australia and China. This study will utilise mixed methods for data collection and analysis. The data will be taken from a sample of 200 respondents and 10 participants in Australia and China and a multiple regression will be applied for data analysis. The findings will provide a comprehensive understanding for food manufacturers in Australia to take advantage of the demand for clean and safe food in China.

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Tyler McDonald School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Occupational and Career Implications of Human Capital Specificity: A Fine Arts Case Study Abstract: It has been suggested that at the heart of a degree in fine arts is a curriculum that gives students the freedom to experiment develop their problem-solving skills creative faculties and the ability to conceptualise. With this in mind it stands to reason that an individual with a fine arts education should be succeeding in the labour market. However contemporary data reveals that individuals holding tertiary degrees in fine arts rate the lowest in terms of employment gained relative to other degree holders and have a negative monetary rate of return (Beyond Graduation 2012). While the aforementioned statistics are important ex post data does not tell the full story. Treating an investment in education as a choice made under uncertainty particularly in light of the differences between specific and general human capital provides a more complete picture of the ex-ante gains from undertaking a fine arts degree. This research will attempt to map the professional lifecycle of fine arts graduates living in Melbourne in order to examine the trade-off between higher productivity and flexibility in the labour market. Susan McLaine School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Looking Beyond Traditional Bibliotherapy: A New View Through the Lenses of 'Biblio' and 'Therapy' Abstract: Bibliotherapy is defined as the use of literature to help people deal with psychological social and emotional problems. Traditionally applied in clinical settings cognitive behavioural therapy books are used to generate interaction between self-help books and a service user. This research study aims to look beyond the traditional use of bibliotherapy and focus on the therapeutic use of imaginative literature (fiction and poetry) in non-clinical settings by non-health practitioners. Adopting interpretative phenomenological analysis as a qualitative research approach this research has carried out semi-structured interviews with 17 facilitators. The focus of the interview questions is how training on the therapeutic use of imaginative literature prepared the interviewees for the subsequent delivery of creative bibliotherapy in non-clinical settings. Analysis to date suggests three potential emerging themes. 1. The different characteristics and delivery of the individual biblio and therapy components. 2. Social learnings specifically the importance of connecting people through interaction. 3. A call for more knowledge; particularly in regard to the therapy component. The data will be developed through a more detailed analysis using NVivo qualitative data analysis softwear and a focus group to explore the emergent themes and implications for future training.

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Thi Ngoc Anh Ngo School of Management Title: Managing of human resource and income inequality during economic reform: The case of State Owned enterprises in Vietnam Abstract: This research proposes to investigate key relationship between income differentials in the state owned-enterprises (SOEs) and human resource management (HRM) during the economic reform (Doi moi) in Vietnam at policy and practices levels. The study addresses three central questions: What are major reasons for the income inequality within Vietnam’s SOEs during the Doi moi process? How did the income inequality of the SOEs influence the changes in HRM practices, especially regarding compensation policy, during Doi moi? What should Vietnam’s government do to develop an HRM policy for SOEs designed to promote greater equity in income distribution?The study employs mix method approaches combining qualitative (case studies, in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis) and quantitative (VHLLS) to investigate its research questions.This research hopes to contribute to the current literature in several perspectives: Extending the existing theoretical understanding of the role of HRM in reducing income inequality in general and in Vietnam’s SOEs study in particular; providing original contributions to current literature on Vietnam’s wage inequality especially to assess the impact of HRM on income differentials of Vietnam’s SOEs during Doi moi; providing directions to policy makers to improve the current compensation policies of SOEs sector. Peter Ngrimwa School of Accounting Title: An analysis of the emergence and growth of accountancy profession in developing economies: The Case of Sudan (1956-2010) Abstract: This is an empirical investigation into the development of the accounting profession in the Republic of Sudan in the post-independence era as a case study. Taking the local accountancy association the Sudanese Council of Certified Accountants (SCCA) which was set up since the late 1980s as well as the Arab Society of Certified Accountants as a case the study researches the accounting professionalization process during the past five decades (1956-2010). The study conceptualise the process of professionalization as a series of interactions between occupational associations and other social institutions in relation to a particular set of conditions. The interactions involve negotiation posturing confrontation conflict and conciliation; other social institutions include the State corporations and higher education. The theoretical framework is drawn from the imperialism accounting from Islamic perspective and globalisation as well as the sociology of the professions for this study. The methodological approach of this study draws heavily upon the middle-range thinking approach from Laughlin (1995) and Llewellyn (2003) on qualitative accounting research using the case study method. The main data collection for this research was through oral history interviews and archival records. In addition secondary sources such as published articles relevant legislation government reports books and websites.

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Phuong Bac Nguyen School of Management Title: Trade union commitment in transition: The case study of Vietnam Abstract: This research aims to investigate the nature of transformation process of union commitment during the economic reform (Doi moi) in Vietnam. The scopes of this study are to exam changes of employees’ commitment to trade unions, the impacts of Doi moi on Vietnam’s union activities and particularly on union commitment. This research employs case study and grounded theory approaches to investigate union organisations in public servant and business sectors in Ho Chi Minh city and Ca mau province. This research hopes to contribute to the current literature in several perspectives: Findings from this study potentially provide original contributions to current literature on Vietnam’s trade unions in transition process especially on changes of union commitment during Doi moi; It hopes to give a better understanding for union leaders to develop their strategies to improve union capacities and to fulfil their roles as worker’s representatives ; It also hopes to give a new explanation for the nature of the union’s transitional process from a state’s agency to an independent organisation during the economic reform in Vietnam Thi Phuong Nguyen School of Accounting Title: The introduction of the Law on external audit and its impacts on the auditing profession in Vietnam Abstract: Vietnam has experienced significant reforms to auditing regulation in an effort to strengthen the public confidence in the auditing profession since the Law on external audit was passed on 29/03/2011. This study aims to investigate (a) the reasons for promulgating this Law (b) the costs and benefits of adopting this Law by the accounting profession. Utilizing qualitative semi-structured interview for collecting data and thematic analysis for data analysis this research aims to report on the perceptions of regulatory bodies professional bodies and audit firms in relation to the audit reforms in the Law on external audit after nearly three years of adoption. The Public Interest theory; the concept of the relationship between the state and the accounting profession in developing countries and the Agency theory will be used as the theoretical frameworks for this study. The purpose of the current study is to contribute to the literature on the impact of audit regulatory reforms and make suggestions for the development of audit profession in Vietnam.

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Tri Tung Nguyen School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Determinants of Vietnamese trade flows in the world integration process (1986-2010): Gravity Equation Approach Abstract: We define an augmented gravity equation to seek the key determinants of bilateral trade flows of Vietnam during the world economic integration process (1986-2010). We show this by estimating long- and short-run gravity models for Vietnam’s bilateral trade flows with her top 54 countries. Overall, the results make considerable contributions to policy implications as following: (i) Both nominal and real gravity models produce consistent results in terms of the signs of the trade gravity variables used to examine Vietnamese bilateral trade flows against income and regional panels; (ii) For most groups, factors such as income; per capital income; bilateral exchange rates; geographical distances ; and ASEAN; or APEC membership are crucial factors to boost bilateral trade flows in both short and long term; (iii) WTO dummy is found to influence trade flows in the short run, mostly; (iv) Short-and long-run coefficients of per capital income differences indicate that Vietnam trades with the low income countries in line with the Linder’s Hypothesis while being consistent to Heckscher-Ohlin theory for trading with rich nations; (v) Openness of trading partners is found to be significant but negative for most cases showing impediments to Vietnamese trade over the period studied. Jigme Nidup School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Essays on the Bhutan economy Abstract: This study comprises three essays on the economy of Bhutan. The objective of the first essay is to analyze the effectiveness of monetary policy in Bhutan. If the findings show that inflation is determined by external economic factors which are beyond the control of the central bank, then an alternative policy framework is required for the implementation of a more effective monetary policy. Bhutan is well known for developing the Gross National Happiness measure as an alternative to GDP. The second part of the thesis uses panel data to examine the determinants of household happiness and wellbeing in Bhutan during the last decade. Happiness will be mapped by region and the relationship between poverty and happiness will be a specific focus on the study. The results will be pivotal in formulating development policies that help improve the level of happiness of the poor. The third essay will assess whether employment in Bhutan has benefited from trade with India. If the findings show that employment in Bhutan has been disadvantaged by the trade agreements currently adhered to with India then these trade agreements may need to be reconsidered.

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Nirav Parikh School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: On the Discretionary relationship between Underwriter and Institutional Investors in IPO markets: The case of Indian Pre and Post IPO market Abstract: Financial regulators across the world are divided on the method adopted by underwriter in allocation of Initial Public Offerings (IPOs). It is equally debated in the academic literature. Discretionary allotment can benefit underwriters through rent seeking activity by favouring investors who are willing to reciprocate. However, disallowing discretion of underwriters by the regulator can have equally adverse implications due to uncertainty associated with successful subscription of IPOs. I investigate this investor welfare debate by examining 313 IPOs in the Indian market where IPO market underwent both discretionary and proportionate allocation regimes. I find that, when allocation powers are withdrawn, IPOs experience lower underpricing, decrease in retail and HNI participation, but no change in the participation of institutional investors. I further investigate whether underwrites discretion reduction affects grey market dynamics of the IPO market. Grey market can facilitate indirect discretion for underwriters as they can actively participate to secure shares and thereby reduce possible uncertainties associated with loss of discretion. I find that contrary to the expectation, grey market demand does not change due to regulatory intervention aimed at reducing underwriter discretion. Benjamin Reynolds School of Management Title: Bushfire Governance Structures in Victoria Abstract: Current discourse on bushfire preparedness in Victoria generally focuses on the continuation and improvement of a voluntary community-engagement approach to disaster management (e.g. CRCS 2010; Pooley et al. 2010; FSC 2010; McGee 2011; Molino Stewart 2011 cf. Sturzenegger, Hayes 2011). Though discussion of the weaknesses of the current model has increased post-Black Saturday (BRC 2010a; Campbell 2009; Evans 2009; Sigmund 2009; Bainbridge, Galloway 2010; Burns, Elthan 2010; Whittaker, Handmer 2010; Sturzenegger ,Hayes 2011) few have questioned the appropriateness of the voluntary community-engagement approach to bushfire. This project will address this gap by evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the key structures in Victorian bushfire preparedness activities: the Victorian State Government; Country Fire Authority (CFA); and the Victorian community. By critically analysing these bodies this research will identify failings in the current system and where possible suggest improvements to Victoria’s bushfire preparedness structures resulting in reduced risk of death injury or property loss in bushfire-prone communities.

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Chao Rujikietkumjorn School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Modelling managerial intention for sustainable supply chain management adoption Abstract: Business enterprises in the past two decades have turned their attention towards the area of environmental development. As the world moves towards sustaining future resources it is important for organisations to participate in such environmental innovation. Thus to understand the underlining aspects of sustainable supply chain management adoption among Thailand manufacturing industries this research utilises a well-known behaviour theory from the field of psychology known as the theory of planned behaviour to help underpinning the intention towards sustainable supply chain management adoption. Hence the objective of this research is to develop a framework by applying the theory of planned behaviour in the area of sustainable supply chain management. Based on the preliminary analysis our finding shows that not all sustainable adoption elements established by the existing literatures can be apply in the context of Thailand manufacturing sector. For example Governmental pressure appears to have the least influence towards the adoption of sustainable supply chain management. Andrew Scobie School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Design and the limits of choice Abstract: The same people make different choices under different conditions while different people make the same choices under the same conditions. The characteristics of systems and objects determine or influence individual behaviour. Choice of residential built environment is determining or influencing individual voting behaviour. To understand human behaviour as a relationship between rivalrous ends and scarce means valuation mechanism as well as price must be understood. Choices are determined influenced or the subject of a treatment effect therefore the nature of being itself is less certain. Choice is the foundation assumption of economic institutions. Ideas and choice derive from consciousness offering limitless opportunity for subjective value creation. Conversely risk is increasingly unknowable in systems enmeshed inextricably in other systems. The majority now lives in cities marking increasing enframement of choice in designed structure and technology. Complex economies in interacting systems are subject to effects that cannot be predicted from small group choice. The economic significance of these phenomena extends beyond efficiency and optimality. Design choice is limited and due to network effects not isolated. The subject-object problem means the consequence of design choice is not constrained to the object. Design impacts agency’s nature the Good the means and other systems.

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Shahrooz Shahparvari School of Business IT and Logistics Title: A Multi Objective Location-Routing Model for Emergency Evacuation Planning in Bushfire Affected Areas Abstract: Due to the nature of the evacuation process and high propagation of bushfire incidents the necessity of designing comprehensive evacuation plans in order to appropriately respond in emergency situations is undeniable. The major challenge in designing evacuation plans is to evacuate affected people from hazardous fire-prone areas to safe areas using the safest and shortest roads. To achieve this goal various conflictive and not conflictive objective functions with different constraints should be considered simultaneously. This research aims to develop an emergency evacuation plan by utilisation of a multi-objective optimisation model and graphical information systems (GIS). The model aims to minimise the number of people who are at the risk of being surrounded by fire and minimise the travelled distance to evacuate them. In doing so, this research will propose a two-phase approach for evacuation planning. In the first phase the number of affected people in fire-prone areas will be estimated and in the second phase the model will determine best egress routes toward shelters considering estimated demands. Finally a real case study for the proposed evacuation plan will be conducted and the results will be analysed to ensure the efficacy and validation of the evacuation plan in different bushfire propagation scenarios. Dian Tauriana Siahaan School of Management Title: An Empirical Analysis of Firm Innovation Capability and Performance in Indonesian ICT SMEs. Abstract: Innovation capability has been identified as a critical determinant for business performance and competitive advantage. Despite concerted attention there is still a dearth of research that investigates innovation capability and its linkage to firm performance in developing economies. Previous studies also acknowledge that a comprehensive examination is required that includes internal and external interactions between a firm and its surrounding environment in order to obtain more conclusive results. This research applies a multi-dimensional analysis to investigate factors that determine innovation capability and the performance of small to medium-sized enterprise (SMEs) in Indonesia. A combination of resource-based view dynamic capabilities and agglomeration theory are applied to develop a conceptual framework. The framework describes the extent intellectual capital learning capability technology orientation and innovative milieux impact on firm performance and whether this is mediated by innovation capability. This study adopts a mixed methods approach using an explanatory design to collect and analyse data. Data will be collected from a sample of Information and Communication Technology SMEs from Jakarta and Bandung and Structural Equation Modelling will be used to analyse the data. Outcomes of this study will extend theory on innovation capabilities and its relationship to firm performance provides useful guidance to SMEs managers/owners and policy-makers.

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Stella Tan School of Management Title: A phenomenological account of the professional experiences of early-career graphic design practitioners developing expertise in practice Abstract: The aim of this research is to build on and consolidate existing work identifying key factors influencing expertise development in early career graphic designers. Prior studies of novices and experts are fraught with ambiguity as regards the determination of expertise, which has been variously defined by length of engagement with practice and peer recognition in the field. However, at times, novices and experts have been found to behave similarly and so these factors appear to be poor indicators of expertise development. I will adopt a phenomenological framework and use qualitative methods to investigate early career graphic designers’ own socio-cultural experiences and self-perceptions of expertise. This will add value to research in the field by identifying and bringing further insight to additional, hitherto unrecognised but potentially important, factors shaping or generating designer expertise. Christian Taniman Graduate School of Business and Law Title: A Study of the Influence of the Professional Development and Work Context of the CEO between Australia, the United States and Hong Kong Abstract: This research explores cross-national differences in relation to the influence of the professional development and work context of the chief executive officer (CEO) on firm performance in the legal jurisdictions of Australia, the United States and Hong Kong. The sample includes the largest 200 companies from the Australian Securities Exchange, New York Stock Exchange and NASDAQ Stock Exchange (i.e. the Russell 200 Index) and Hong Kong Stock Exchange firms respectively. The total sample size is 600 firms. This research is topical with ongoing discussion in the literature on Anglo-American CEO and board practices being adopted in Asian countries. Quantitative analysis of the Australian, United States and Hong Kong data undertaken includes bivariate correlations, multiple regression analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and moderated regression analysis. This research makes a useful theoretical and practical contribution to the study of corporate governance identifying moments of convergence and divergence in corporate governance practices in the sample. Most notable points of divergence include the high cases of CEO duality seen in the United States context and the continuing importance of CEO share ownership in the Hong Kong context. In Australia, long CEO tenure and a lower outsider ratio jointly has a positive influence on firm performance.

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Muhammad Tauseef School of Management Title: Students in the workplace Human resource development and the ethical application of vocational education and training qualifications in Australia and Pakistan Abstract: This thesis aims to research the potential of two VET qualification models using massive open online courses (MOOCs) to issue AQF VET qualifications. The AQF framework will be applied theoretically to boost qualifications of students in workplaces in Australia and Pakistan. This is a qualitative and quantitative study that will research the capacity to use (MOOCs) for recognition of prior learning (RPL) assessment training and development that may culminate in AQGF qualifications being issued to workers thus benefitting industry and the broader societies.The research will be driven by the development of a conceptual assessment model that will be presented to senior human resource development (HRD) managers to assess its viability in the context of their industry sector and organisation. A problem that exists in Australian and Pakistani labour markets is the number of capable but unqualified people. This research will interview and survey key HRD staff in large organisations to make an original research contribution of the capacity of MOOCs as a form of skill recognition enabling people to be recognised and provided with qualifications for the skills and knowledge they may possess as a result of lifelong learning or having been obtained as a result of formal or informal education. Sarogini Thuraisingham School of Management Title: A study into the process of board deliberations and decision making in listed companies Abstract: This research aims to explore, describe and explain the process by which a Board of Directors develops a collective view in response to a strategic decision.This study focuses on the process aspects of the input-process-output model of the board as a decision making group. It also seeks to study and explain how the process is likely to be affected by input represented by various aspects of board diversity such as functional experience, tenure and background. This study is neither concerned with the nature or quality of the outcome (decision or action) but rather in the process of reaching a collective view on a given strategic issue. This study specifically focuses on the way in which a board accesses role related knowledge and experience to form a consciously shared set of norms, expectations and beliefs developed through dialogue and interaction around a common set of priorities and goals. The interactions ofdemographically diverse members to exchange knowledge, generate shared understanding, evaluate competing views and exercise the collective judgement that crystallises into this collective view is part of a social process, which this research will observe, study and understand.

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Arabella Volkov School of Accounting Title: Assessing the Benefits of Integrating an Extended Internship into Undergraduate Accounting Programs Abstract: This study assesses the potential benefits to undergraduate accounting students of undertaking an extended internship (work-based learning or WBL) with respect to their intrinsic interest in pursuing an accounting career; their engagement with their studies; their generic skill development; and their academic performance. There have been some attempts to measure the benefits derived by students from WBL experiences but the findings are mixed and lack a clear theoretical cohesion between the expected benefits of WBL and empirical evidence of these benefits in the form of improved student outcomes. A theoretical model has been developed to provide a framework by which the variables encountered in different WBL environments can be understood when analysing the actual benefits accruing to the students. The model is supported when applied to prior accounting-based studies that examined the benefits of WBL with respect to undergraduate students’ learning outcomes. The study is using a longitudinal quasi-experimental research design and will utilise quantitative methods with data being drawn from the administration of student surveys. Ethics approval has been obtained for this study and data collection commenced in 2013 and will continue until 2015. Data analysis of the initial responses has commenced. Michael Wang School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Logistics Capabilities, Supply Chain Uncertainties and Risks, and Logistics Performance in the Australian Courier Industry Abstract: Supply chain uncertainty and risk is an issue in supply chain and logistics industry. Due to increased globalisation, higher customer expectations and environment volatility, supply chains are more easily exposed to risks. During the past couple decades, logistics industry is booming worldwide, and the competition in third party logistics (3PL) market is very intensive. 3PLs now face more uncertainties and risks than ever. Courier is one of the typical 3PL companies. The purpose of this research is to develop a conceptual framework for mitigating supply chain uncertainties and risks in the Australian courier industry. This would result in achieving better logistics performance. There is a very limited number of researches conducted in the Australian courier industry. To achieve the study's aim, quantitative research method will be employed in this research. Structural equation modelling (SEM) will be used to investigate the significance of the relationship between logistics capabilities, supply chain uncertainties & risks and logistics performance in the Australian courier industry. The findings of the research will provide a finer understanding of the applicability of logistics capabilities for mitigating supply chain uncertainties & risks in order to achieve better logistics performance in the Australian courier industry.

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Robyn Ward School of Management Title: The evolution of women’s financial capability from adolescence to maturity Abstract: There is urgency for all women to have the opportunity to be confidently responsible and capable with finance matters. In 2011, women comprized almost 50% of the workforce in the UK and Europe, 58% in the USA, 62% in Canada, and 65% in Australia. These numbers are increasing as countries representative of developed economies adapt to the effects of the global financial crisis which sees pressures on societies having two income families in order to meet the costs of everyday living. The purpose of this study is to explore the evolution of women’s financial capability from female adolescence to their maturity. The study was conducted in two stages. Stage one was comprized of twenty-two participants of which five were adolescent females aged 14-16 years. Analysis of the qualitative interview data identified financial capability as a significant issue. This finding informed the study’s second stage which conducted a comprehensive review and analysis of the financial capability literature. Findings from the key literature informed the development of the financial capability progression conceptual model which illustrates the elements contributing towards women’s financial capability from adolescence to maturity. To date no study provides a consolidation of the financial capability literature culminating in a comprehensive holistic pathway model illustrating the evolution of financial capability from female adolescence to maturity. Julian Waters-Lynch School of Management Title: Images of the future of (co)work Abstract: In 1999 Bernie DeKoven coined the term 'coworking' to describe an emergent pattern of digital freelancers and startup entrepreneurs sharing space. By the end of 2013, there were more than 3000 spaces in operation, with approximately one opening each day somewhere in the world.This thesis combines futures research methodology (causal layered analysis) with ethnographic methods to explore the growing culture of coworking communities as proto-institutions and rich sites for investigation of new modes of collective activity (coordination, cooperation and collaboration) that integrate the purposes of previously separated sites of social organisation (learning, social, production). As the 'free agent' economy evolves and production, distribution and consumption take on more complex and collaborative forms, new modes of social agreements, organisation and shared metaphors that frame motivations around the work-life-passion nexus are emerging that point to alternative possible futures of work.

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Rindang Widuri School of Accounting Title: The Adoption and Use of Generalised Audit Software by Indonesian Audit Firms Abstract: This study investigates the adoption and use of Generalised Audit Software (GAS) by Indonesian audit firms. GAS is specialised software that enables the auditor to automate tasks including client risk assessment. The results of this study are based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 27 external auditors from firms of all sizes a senior member of a professional body and 2 Government agencies. This study contributes to the literature through its Indonesian focus use of interview rather than survey data and application of the Technology Organisation and Environment (TOE) framework. The TOE framework is a new theory to the body of audit literature. Major findings indicate that the use of commercially available software remains limited across audit procedures. The TOE framework implies that the influence of technological organisational and environmental factors on GAS adoption is spread equally however the findings of this study indicate that environmental influences are the most important in the Indonesian context. Specifically client related factors such as size industry sector needs and expectations dictated GAS adoption. The implications of GAS for the quality of the audit process are also discussed. Lijuan Abigail Wong School of Management Title: Unveiling your ‘self’ within an organizational context: Do private social networking sites help? Abstract: An individual’s identity is multi-faceted in which the way we portray ourselves depends largely on our environment and audience. In another sense, we keep individual selves “locked up” and put forward our “professional” selves just so we can be part of the identity set by the group, in this case, the organization. Studies have shown the positive effects of social networking sites have served the external networks of the organizations favorably. The introduction of private social networks (Yammer) offer organizations the opportunity of adopting the basic architecture of Facebook such as information sharing, interactive discussions in a private virtual setting. The core concept of social networking sites is built around the identity created by the individual user, identifying, connecting and forging relationships through technological networks. Whilst boyd’s research focused on how online relationships are built on the private and public arena, research has yet to be conducted on whether the use of social networking sites would be as socially-beneficial within a controlled space (organizations). My research seeks to determine how our individual selves that we try to suppress within the organizational space can be enhanced through the use of private social networking sites.

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Xiaoming Xu School of Economics, Finance and Marketing Title: Explaining noise trader risk in Chinese stock market Abstract: We test for noise trader risk in China stock market through the interaction between noise traders and information traders by applying the Information-Adjusted Noise Model. Information traders tend to underreact overreacts or increase information pricing error (IPE effects) on the stock market. The second question is whether the IANM can identify profit opportunities in the market and the third question is whether finance fundamentals (like volume capital expenditure leverage profitability sales and price to book value) explain noise trader risk. We use daily data covering the period 2002 to 2010 and our final sample consists of 180 firms listed on the A shares of the Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE). Information arrival is captured through the announcements made on the SZSE and is hand collected for 28 106 news arrival. Our results show that information traders in China drive price away from fundamental level rather than correcting for the price error. In other words Chinese market is informational inefficient. The most common violation of information efficiency is overreaction and information pricing error. Secondly we find that noise trader risk is priced in China with evidence of systematic noise effect and cash noise effect. Finally we explain noise trader risk with finance fundamentals. Jiang Zhou Graduate School of Business and Law Title: Culture and international trade credit risk management: a qualitative exploration of Chinese SMEs Abstract: Although the culture’s impact on trade credit and risk management has been recognised by academia there is a dearth of studies that: (1) explore the practices of international trade credit risk management (ITCRM) from the perspective of culture; (2) examine the bi-directional relationship between culture and ITCRM practices; (3) consider the interaction of different cultural elements (e.g. values practices beliefs). Based on data drawn from the integrated triangulated multiple qualitative methods (i.e. focus groups interviews non-participant observation and document analysis) this study provides a thick contextualized description of the interplay between culture and ITCRM practices of Chinese small and medium enterprises with consideration of the dynamic evolving attribute of culture. The study found that informants developed a repertoire of cultural stances toward ITCRM from which they choose to respond to troubling complexities (e.g. cultural ethnicities multiple-cultural identities of trading partners) and crises (e.g. global financial crisis). It also shows how Chinese traditional cultural values and practices have been evolved within the context of ITCRM and identifies the forces factors processes directions and outcomes of this evolution. Theoretical contributions to theories regarding credit risk management culture change and trust literature and practical implications for international trade practitioners are also included.

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Mohd Hafiz Zulfakar School of Business IT and Logistics Title: Critical success factor of halal meat supply chain implementation: perspective of various stakeholders in Australia Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the factors that are critical to the successful implementation of halal meat supply chain from the perspective of various stakeholders in a non-Muslim majority country environment. Australia predominantly a non-Muslim majority country is known as the major exporter of halal meat and meat-based food products to the Muslim countries especially to the Middle East and Southeast Asia regions. Domestically the demand for halal food particularly meat in Australia is expected to be growing as the number of Muslim population in this country has been increasing in the past decade and also due to the rising demand from the non-Muslim communities. As the demand increases so does the awareness of the halal food consumers. Halal food consumers have started to question the authenticity of the halal status of food products that comes from the non-Muslim majority countries. Therefore this qualitative exploratory study will attempt to explore factors that the stakeholders believed as critical to the successful implementation of the halal meat supply chain in this country which eventually leads to the increase in the consumer’s buying trust and confidence.

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Conference Conduct Guidelines

Guidelines for Panel Chairs1 1. Before the session begins:

• Be in the room at least 10 minutes before your session block begins.

• The organising team will upload the presentations and provide the following paperwork for the panel:

i. copies of presentation slides ii. milestone review submission paperwork (one copy) – the panel to bring their

pre-supplied copies iii. panel review forms and milestone review submission guidelines iv. timing flashcards

• Remind each presenter of their allocated time of 20 minutes and that you will use 5 and

1 minute warning flashcards.

[Please note if the candidate is presenting a completion seminar then they are allocated 35 minutes presentation time].

• Remind the audience of the “rules of engagement”, that is they are to keep their questions until the end of the presentation when they shall have 10 minutes to offer constructive views of the thesis.

2. During the session:

• Start on time.

• Hold each speaker to their allotted time printed in the program. Timing and floor discussion are your responsibilities.

• Do not allow even one extra minute, because then you will deprive the next speakers of

time that is allocated to them.

• If a presenter ends early or does not attend, DO NOT START the next paper early because someone from another session may have planned to listen to selected talks in your session.

• Make sure the presenters do not block the screen.

• Ensure the audience questions and answers/discussion time does not exceed the

allocated 10 minutes. 1 The International Institute of Forecasters, 2013, Forecasting with Big Data-The 33 rd International Symposium on Forecasting, June 23-26, Korea, 183-184.

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3. Following each presentation, questions and answers/discussion:

• Ask the audience to leave the room for the panel deliberation.

i. For confirmation and mid-candidature milestones the panel discussion is to take place in a private meeting where the candidate is not present.

ii. For the completion seminar, the panel discussion is to take place in a private

meeting with the candidate present.

• Lead the panel in determining the outcome (Section 4A of Milestone Review Form).

• Make sure the rest of the form (Section 4, 4B & 5) is filled out properly with clear, substantive & constructive comments in 4B. [Please note a copy of the form will be supplied to the HDR candidate by the School of Graduate Research].

Guidelines for HDR Candidates who are presenting2

• Arrive at the room at least 10 minutes before your session block begins with 10 copies of your presentation. Please hand these to the panel chair or HDR Research Administrator when you arrive.

• Introduce yourself to your session chair so they are aware of who you are.

• Confirmation and Mid-Candidature reviews have been allocated 20 minutes – in

addition, 10 minutes of audience question and discussion time has been allocated to each presentation.

• Completion milestones have been allocated 35 minutes – in addition, 10 minutes of

audience question and discussion time has been allocated to each presentation.

• Chairs have been instructed to be strict on time so parallel sessions are in synchronicity. You will be given a 5 minute and a 1 minute warning and the chair will stop your presentation at the end of the allotted time, regardless of whether or not you are finished.

• Please stay for the entire session to respond to any questions from the audience.

• Speak clearly and loud enough to be heard at the back of the room.

2 The International Institute of Forecasters, 2013, Forecasting with Big Data-The 33 rd International Symposium on Forecasting, June 23-26, Korea, 183-184.

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General Presentation Tips: Your effectiveness as a presenter is measurable by the number of constructive ideas you get and how much you are able to attract peoples’ attention to your own work. The tips and suggestions below are intended to help you. Please put them to good use. The best speakers are masters in presenting ideas in a way that everyone understands.

1. Content organisation:

• Put your material in a context that the audience can relate to.

• It is a good idea to aim your presentation for an audience of colleagues who are not familiar with your research area.

• Your objective is to communicate an appreciation of the importance of your work, not just

to lay the results out.

2. Preparing an effective presentation:

• Keep it simple.

• Only include the most important ideas. Think about what you want the audience to remember, and what is of secondary importance.

• Remember that many ideas are comprehended differently when heard orally than when

the reader can go back and forth over the printed words and symbols. Rehearse with some colleagues present, preferably people who know nothing in advance about your presentation.

• Pay attention to time. Don’t deliver a 40 minute talk in less than 20 minutes. Nothing

irritates an audience more than a rushed presentation. Guidelines for Audience

• Keep your comments brief and constructive. • Do not interrupt the presenter – wait until the allocated time has ceased. • Address all comments and questions through the chair.

Please arrive on time and do not leave in the middle of the presentation as this may disrupt the ongoing session. If you wish to leave the room, please wait until the presentation is over.

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We thank all the participants for their valuable contribution to the

inaugural Higher Degree by Research Summer Conference, 17-19 February, 2014.

We hope you have an enriching experience at the Conference,

and we welcome your feedback at hdr-bus-conference@rmit.edu.au

The Conference Organising Committee