Dissertations / Theses: 'Knowledge management Australia'

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Brigg, Morgan James. "Asking after selves : knowledge and settler-indigenous conflict resolution /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2005. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe18625.pdf.

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Kritikos, Vicky. "INNOVATIVE ASTHMA MANAGEMENT BY COMMUNITY PHARMACISTS IN AUSTRALIA." University of Sydney, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/2123/2064.

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Doctor of Philosophy
Excerpt Chapter 2 - A review of the literature has revealed that asthma management practices in the Australian community are currently suboptimal resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. In adolescent asthma there are added challenges, with problems of self-image, denial and non-adherence to therapy where self-management skills assume a greater importance (Forero et al 1996, Price 1996, Brook and Tepper 1997, Buston and Wood 2000, Kyngäs et al 2000). In rural and remote areas in Australia, asthma management practices have been shown to be poorer and mortality rates from asthma are considerably higher compared to metropolitan areas (AIHW ACAM 2005, AIHW 2006). Limited access and chronic shortages of specialist services in rural areas are shifting the burden more and more towards the primary sector (AIHW 2006). It becomes paramount that people with asthma in rural settings become involved in self-management of their asthma and that community based health care providers be more proactive in facilitating these self-management behaviours by appropriate education and counselling. Health promotion activities, which are a broad range of activities including health education, have been acknowledged as having the potential to improve the health status of rural populations (National Rural Health Alliance 2002). Community pharmacy settings have been shown to be effective sites for the delivery of health promotion, screening and education programs (Anderson 2000, Elliott et al 2002, Cote et al 2003, Hourihan et al 2003, Watson et al 2003, Boyle et al 2004, Goode et al 2004, Paluck et al 2004, Sunderland et al 2004, Chambers et al 2005, Saini et al 2006). In the case of asthma, outreach programs have been shown to have beneficial effects in terms of reducing hospital admissions and emergency visits and improved asthma outcomes (Greineder et al 1995, Stout et al 1998, Kelly et al 2000, Legorreta et al 2000, Lin et al 2004). We proposed to extend the role of the community pharmacist beyond the traditional realm of the “pharmacy” into the community in rural Australia with the first asthma outreach programs designed for community pharmacy. The outreach programs were designed to include two health promotion strategies, the first targeting adolescents in high schools and the second targeting the general community. The project aimed firstly, to assess the feasibility of using community pharmacists to deliver two asthma outreach programs, one targeting adolescents and one for the wider community in a rural area and secondly, to assess the programs’ impact on adolescent asthma knowledge and requests for information at the community pharmacy. Excerpt Chapter 3 - Patient education is one of the six critical elements to successful long-term asthma management included in international and national asthma management guidelines, which have emphasised education as a process underpinning the understanding associated with appropriate medication use, the need for regular review, and self-management on the part of the person with asthma (Boulet et al 1999, National Asthma Council 2002, National Asthma Education and Prevention Program 2002, British Thoracic Society 2003, NHLBI/WHO 2005). The ongoing process of asthma education is considered necessary for helping people with asthma gain the knowledge, skills, confidence and motivation to control their own asthma. Since most health care professionals are key providers of asthma education, their knowledge of asthma and asthma management practices often needs to be updated through continuing education. This is to ensure that the education provided to the patient conforms to best practice guidelines. Moreover, health care professionals need to tailor this education to the patients’ needs and determine if the education provided results in an improvement in asthma knowledge. A review of the literature has revealed that a number of questionnaires have been developed that assess the asthma knowledge of parents of children with asthma (Parcel et al 1980, Fitzclarence and Henry 1990, Brook et al 1993, Moosa and Henley 1997, Ho et al 2003), adults with asthma (Wigal et al 1993, Allen and Jones 1998, Allen et al 2000, Bertolotti et al 2001), children with asthma (Parcel et al 1980, Wade et al 1997), or the general public (Grant et al 1999). However, the existing asthma knowledge questionnaires have several limitations. The only validated asthma knowledge questionnaire was developed in 1990 and hence, out of date with current asthma management guidelines (Fitzclarence and Henry 1990). The shortcomings of the other knowledge questionnaires relate to the lack of evidence of the validity (Wade et al 1997, Grant et al 1999, Bertolotti et al 2001), being outdated 81 with current concepts of asthma (Parcel et al 1980) or having been tested on small or inadequately characterised subject samples e.g. subject samples consisting of mainly middle class and well educated parents (Brook et al 1993, Wigal et al 1993, Moosa and Henley 1997, Allen and Jones 1998, Allen et al 2000, Ho et al 2003). Furthermore, most of the published asthma knowledge questionnaires have been designed to assess the asthma knowledge of the consumer (i.e. a lay person with asthma or a parent/carer of a person with asthma). There is no questionnaire specifically developed to assess the asthma knowledge of health care professionals, who are key providers of asthma education. It is hence important to have a reliable and validated instrument to be able to assess education needs and to measure the impact of training programs on asthma knowledge of health care professionals as well. An asthma knowledge questionnaire for health care professionals might also be used to gauge how successful dissemination and implementation of guidelines have been. Excerpt Chapter 4 - Asthma self-management education for adults that includes information about asthma and self-management, self-monitoring, a written action plan and regular medical review has been shown to be effective in improving asthma outcomes (Gibson et al 1999). These interventions have been delivered mostly in a hospital setting and have utilised individual and/or group formats. Fewer interventions have been delivered in a primary care setting, usually by qualified practice nurses and/or general practitioners or asthma educators and, to date, their success has not been established (Fay et al 2002, Gibson et al 2003). Community pharmacy provides a strategic venue for the provision of patient education about asthma. Traditionally, patient education provided by community pharmacists has been individualised. However, group education has been shown to be as effective as individualised education with the added benefits of being simpler, more cost effective and better received by patients and educators (Wilson et al 1993, Wilson 1997). While small group education has been shown to improve asthma outcomes (Snyder et al 1987, Bailey et al 1990, Wilson et al 1993, Yoon et al 1993, Allen et al 1995, Kotses et al 1995, Berg et al 1997, de Oliveira et al 1999, Marabini et al 2002), to date, no small-group asthma education provided by pharmacists in the community pharmacy setting has been implemented and evaluated.

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Preece, Michael. "Knowledge management : a residential aged care perspective." Thesis, Curtin University, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/561.

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This research explores perceptions of knowledge management processes held by managers and employees in a service industry. To date, empirical research on knowledge management in the service industry is sparse. This research seeks to examine absorptive capacity its four absorptive capacity capabilities of acquisition, assimilation, transformation and exploitation and their impact on effective knowledge management. All of these capabilities are strategies that enable external knowledge to be recognised, imported and integrated into, and further developed within the organisation effectively.The research tests the relationships between absorptive capacity and effective knowledge management through analysis of quantitative data (n=549) drawn from managers and employees in 35 Residential Aged Care organisations in Western Australia. Responses were analysed using Partial Least Square-based Structural Equation Modelling. Additional analysis was conducted to assess if the job role (of manager or employee) and three industry context variables of profit motive, size of business and length of time the organisation has been in business, impacted on the hypothesised relationships.Structural model analysis examined the relationships between variables as hypothesised in the research framework. Analysis found that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities correlated significantly with effective knowledge management, with absorptive capacity explaining 56% of the total variability for effective xiv knowledge management. Findings from this research also show that absorptive capacity and the four capabilities provide a useful framework for examining knowledge management in the service industry. Additionally, there were no significant differences in the perceptions held between managers and employees, nor between respondents in for-profit and not-for-profit organisations. Furthermore, the size of the organisation and length of time the organisation has been in business did not impact on absorptive capacity, the four capabilities and effective knowledge management.The research considers implications for business in light of these findings. The role of managers in providing leadership across the knowledge management process was confirmed, as well as the importance of guiding routines and knowledge sharing throughout the organisation. Further, the results indicate that within the participating organisations there are discernable differences in the way that some organisations manage their knowledge, compared to others. To achieve effective knowledge management, managers need to provide a supportive workplace culture, facilitate strong employee relationships, encourage employees to seek out new knowledge, continually engage in two-way communication with employees and provide up to date policies and procedures that guide employees in doing their work. The implementation of knowledge management strategies have also been shown in this research to enhance the delivery and quality of residential aged care.

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Kennelly, Jason. "IT Management Consulting in Australia: A Major Issues Study." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2005. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/16190/1/Jason_Kennelly_Thesis.pdf.

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We are amidst a period of radical change in Management Consulting worldwide. The latter half of the twentieth century has seen major extensions to the range of services promoted under the umbrella of Management Consulting. The traditional Management Consulting Firms, such as McKinsey & Co., tend to provide strategy consulting. By contrast, the other multinational Management Consulting Firms have focused on Business Process Re-engineering and other services with an Information Technology emphasis. Significantly, several multinational Management Consulting Firms have come under the control of Information Technology companies. As yet, very little research has been conducted into the issues that Management Consultants face in Australia. This research project provides an empirical investigation aimed at identifying these issues. In doing so, the study intends to answer the following research question "What are the major issues facing Management Consulting Firms in Australia?" To assist in answering this overarching question the study endeavours to address three investigative questions (1) What is the relative severity of issues facing Management Consulting Firms in Australia? (2) What are the Knowledge Management related issues facing Management Consulting Firms in Australia? And (3) What distinctions can be made between Knowledge Management issues and approaches of small-medium sized Management Consulting Firms and large Management Consulting Firms? This thesis is a compilation and comparison of evidence gathered from four separate but related sub-studies into the Management Consulting industry. The first, a Context Case Study of Management Consulting issues faced by small-medium sized firms, aimed to generate a rich, qualitative description of the study context, which, in turn, provides background to a larger follow-up Issues Delphi Study. Interpretation of the data gathered for the Context Case Study focuses on gaps between the literature and observed practice. The Issues Delphi Study garners response from members of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) in two survey rounds that inventory issues and then gauge their importance. In addition, an exploratory and descriptive case study was performed to investigate Knowledge Management Strategies and Practices in the Australian branch of Accenture, a well known International Management Consulting Firm. Though the Accenture Case Study has an operational emphasis, both macro and micro issues of Knowledge Management are considered; macro issues pertain to the strategic leverage of Knowledge Assets, while micro issues pertain to creation, transfer and reuse of knowledge within the firm, and between the firm and its clients. Knowledge Management is identified as essential to the achievement of sustained competitive advantage for all Professional Service Firms; of which Management Consulting Firms are a subset. As such, a conceptual analysis of the Knowledge in Professional Service Firms model, developed by Empson and Morris (1998), was performed to enhance the researchers understanding of Knowledge Management in Management Consulting Firms. The analysis of the model's constructs and their relationships assists the researcher's analysis of data gathered from the other three sub-studies. In addition, the attempt to develop several model variants is explored and an argument for the resulting final model variant which incorporates a new construct, Knowledge Management, is presented. Finally, the study compares the issues identified from the four separate sub-studies. The issues gathered are mapped into Knowledge in Professional Service Firms model, providing useful insights into the importance of sound Knowledge Management practices in small, medium and large Management Consulting Firms.

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Kennelly, Jason. "IT Management Consulting in Australia: A Major Issues Study." Queensland University of Technology, 2005. http://eprints.qut.edu.au/16190/.

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Abstract:

We are amidst a period of radical change in Management Consulting worldwide. The latter half of the twentieth century has seen major extensions to the range of services promoted under the umbrella of Management Consulting. The traditional Management Consulting Firms, such as McKinsey & Co., tend to provide strategy consulting. By contrast, the other multinational Management Consulting Firms have focused on Business Process Re-engineering and other services with an Information Technology emphasis. Significantly, several multinational Management Consulting Firms have come under the control of Information Technology companies. As yet, very little research has been conducted into the issues that Management Consultants face in Australia. This research project provides an empirical investigation aimed at identifying these issues. In doing so, the study intends to answer the following research question "What are the major issues facing Management Consulting Firms in Australia?" To assist in answering this overarching question the study endeavours to address three investigative questions (1) What is the relative severity of issues facing Management Consulting Firms in Australia? (2) What are the Knowledge Management related issues facing Management Consulting Firms in Australia? And (3) What distinctions can be made between Knowledge Management issues and approaches of small-medium sized Management Consulting Firms and large Management Consulting Firms? This thesis is a compilation and comparison of evidence gathered from four separate but related sub-studies into the Management Consulting industry. The first, a Context Case Study of Management Consulting issues faced by small-medium sized firms, aimed to generate a rich, qualitative description of the study context, which, in turn, provides background to a larger follow-up Issues Delphi Study. Interpretation of the data gathered for the Context Case Study focuses on gaps between the literature and observed practice. The Issues Delphi Study garners response from members of the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC) in two survey rounds that inventory issues and then gauge their importance. In addition, an exploratory and descriptive case study was performed to investigate Knowledge Management Strategies and Practices in the Australian branch of Accenture, a well known International Management Consulting Firm. Though the Accenture Case Study has an operational emphasis, both macro and micro issues of Knowledge Management are considered; macro issues pertain to the strategic leverage of Knowledge Assets, while micro issues pertain to creation, transfer and reuse of knowledge within the firm, and between the firm and its clients. Knowledge Management is identified as essential to the achievement of sustained competitive advantage for all Professional Service Firms; of which Management Consulting Firms are a subset. As such, a conceptual analysis of the Knowledge in Professional Service Firms model, developed by Empson and Morris (1998), was performed to enhance the researchers understanding of Knowledge Management in Management Consulting Firms. The analysis of the model's constructs and their relationships assists the researcher's analysis of data gathered from the other three sub-studies. In addition, the attempt to develop several model variants is explored and an argument for the resulting final model variant which incorporates a new construct, Knowledge Management, is presented. Finally, the study compares the issues identified from the four separate sub-studies. The issues gathered are mapped into Knowledge in Professional Service Firms model, providing useful insights into the importance of sound Knowledge Management practices in small, medium and large Management Consulting Firms.

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Wong, Susan. "Regional development and telecommunications policy in Western Australia: accessing knowledge to inform policy through complexity and action research." Thesis, Wong, Susan (2006) Regional development and telecommunications policy in Western Australia: accessing knowledge to inform policy through complexity and action research. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2006. https://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/id/eprint/455/.

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This study explores how governments use knowledge to inform telecommunications policy-making and policy-implementation in regional development. It focuses on epistemological aspects and assumptions made within the parameters of Enlightenment thinking or the Newtonian paradigm, also known as the classical scientit1c paradigm. It argues that lmowledge formed within this paradigm, usually generated at a distance, has been individ,uated, detached, segmented and abstracted. 'Individuation' focuses on individuals and things rather than communities and processes. 'Detachment' separates the subjective mind from the objective environment to produce reliable information. 'Segmentation' produces validity of information by parsing the objective environment from its social and historical context. 'Abstraction' allows objectivity and systematisation of information. When used to inform policy, such knowledge creates a narrow 'standardising gaze' that 'disciplines' communities to conform to dominant social behaviour and beliefs. Case studies are used to demonstrate that the two major models of development, as products ofthis paradigm, employ this gaze rendering replicability difficult ifnot impossible. These models are the top-down and bottom-up approach that are epitomised by the Silicon Valley model and telecentre moveluent respectively. How this gaze inhibits/facilitates development in policy implementation is then examined in the Goldfields Esperance region in Western Australia. An holistic approach using cotnplex adaptive systems is used to understand the multidisciplinary aspects involved in development. This is combined with action research, a reflexive methodology. Action research has the ability to access local knowledge to provide data and evaluation in situ rather than on a post hoc basis. The findings demonstrate that complex systems analysis and action research provide a modus operandi that: a) recognises the interplay of various factors (such as power relations, economic cycle, social and political institutions) at different levels of the system; b) recognises time, context and path-dependence of regional development; c) provides a filter that minimises the 'standardising gaze' and d) gives an access to knowledge and insight to local issues, which can facilitate policy implementation of development that is sympathetic to regional communities.

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Wong, Susan. "Regional development and telecommunications policy in Western Australia : accessing knowledge to inform policy through complexity and action research /." Wong, Susan (2006) Regional development and telecommunications policy in Western Australia: accessing knowledge to inform policy through complexity and action research. PhD thesis, Murdoch University, 2006. http://researchrepository.murdoch.edu.au/455/.

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This study explores how governments use knowledge to inform telecommunications policy-making and policy-implementation in regional development. It focuses on epistemological aspects and assumptions made within the parameters of Enlightenment thinking or the Newtonian paradigm, also known as the classical scientit1c paradigm. It argues that lmowledge formed within this paradigm, usually generated at a distance, has been individ,uated, detached, segmented and abstracted. 'Individuation' focuses on individuals and things rather than communities and processes. 'Detachment' separates the subjective mind from the objective environment to produce reliable information. 'Segmentation' produces validity of information by parsing the objective environment from its social and historical context. 'Abstraction' allows objectivity and systematisation of information. When used to inform policy, such knowledge creates a narrow 'standardising gaze' that 'disciplines' communities to conform to dominant social behaviour and beliefs. Case studies are used to demonstrate that the two major models of development, as products ofthis paradigm, employ this gaze rendering replicability difficult ifnot impossible. These models are the top-down and bottom-up approach that are epitomised by the Silicon Valley model and telecentre moveluent respectively. How this gaze inhibits/facilitates development in policy implementation is then examined in the Goldfields Esperance region in Western Australia. An holistic approach using cotnplex adaptive systems is used to understand the multidisciplinary aspects involved in development. This is combined with action research, a reflexive methodology. Action research has the ability to access local knowledge to provide data and evaluation in situ rather than on a post hoc basis. The findings demonstrate that complex systems analysis and action research provide a modus operandi that: a) recognises the interplay of various factors (such as power relations, economic cycle, social and political institutions) at different levels of the system; b) recognises time, context and path-dependence of regional development; c) provides a filter that minimises the 'standardising gaze' and d) gives an access to knowledge and insight to local issues, which can facilitate policy implementation of development that is sympathetic to regional communities.

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Burton-Jones, John Alan, and n/a. "A COMPARATIVE CASE STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE SUPPLY AND ORGANIZATIONAL EFFECTIVENESS." University of Canberra. School of Professional Communication, 2007. http://erl.canberra.edu.au./public/adt-AUC20070814.114351.

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It has been widely observed that economic activities are increasingly dependent on intangible, knowledge-based resources (Hayek, 1945; Drucker, 1966; Bell, 1973; Brinkley, 2006). One result of the move to a knowledge economy is that traditional notions of work and human resources have broken down and organizations have adopted new methods of sourcing knowledge. This thesis addresses the question of how organizations can optimally determine their requirements for knowledge from within and outside their boundaries. The objective of the thesis is to develop a theory of organizational knowledge supply and to test the theory in explaining and predicting the effectiveness of an organization's knowledge sourcing strategies. The research question driving this thesis therefore is: "eCan knowledge-based theory of the firm explain the relationship between organizations' mix of internal and external human resources and organizational effectiveness?"e The aim of this thesis is to contribute to human resources and organizational theory through its theoretical model and empirical evidence of the relationship between knowledge sourcing and organizational effectiveness. The thesis also aims to contribute to practice by informing organizations about the effectiveness of different human sourcing practices. Knowledge-based theory of the firm and contingency theory were used to develop an initial theoretical model of fit and effectiveness. To extend existing theoretical models, and to support the case study, the initial theoretical model was refined so that it not only included fit and effectiveness (as in past research), but it also posited a model of the intervening process by which fit leads to effectiveness. To test the posited theoretical model, a comparative case study was commenced in mid- 2004, in two 4.5 star inner city hotels in Australia, each a member of a different hotel group. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used, with semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as the key data collection methods. The main data collection process was completed in April 2005. The findings from the study generally support the theoretical model. The case study however also revealed that much of the effect of the fit of human capital on organizational effectiveness was constrained and enabled by two other organizational resources (hotel systems and processes, and the hotel brand standard). This finding suggests that existing theoretical models that suggest an independent effect of human capital fit on performance may be incomplete. In summary the thesis research question was answered with a conditional affirmative. In other words, knowledge-based theory can explain the relationship between organizations' mix of internal and external human resources and organizational effectiveness, but existing knowledgehuman capital-based models of this relationship can be extended and thus improved in two ways: 1) By positing a model of the intervening process by which human capital fit leads to organizational effectiveness. 2) By positing a model of the degree to which the effect of human capital fit on organizational effectiveness depends on other organizational resources.

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Etemadi, Ramtin. "Adoption of social media for professional knowledge sharing by construction professionals in Australia." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2019. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/127290/2/Ramtin_Etemadi_Thesis.pdf.

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This study examines the adoption of social media for work-related knowledge sharing (KS) in the Australian construction industry. A new model has been developed. Mixed research methods including a survey and interviews were conducted. Performance expectancy, knowledge sharing self-efficacy, and facilitating conditions were the factors affecting the adoption of social media for KS by construction professionals in Australia. Trust played a critical role in enhancing potential enablers and reducing barriers for social media Verification, and monitoring mechanisms are suggested for improving levels of trust. The findings contribute to improving KS in the construction industry.

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Ockwell, David G. "Knowledge claims and environmental policy : an interdisciplinary analysis of fire management in Cape York, Australia." Thesis, University of York, 2007. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.440982.

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Chapman, Kelly. "Complexity and creative capacity : reformulating the problem of knowledge transfer in environmental management." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2013. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/696.

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The Ningaloo Reef is Australia’s largest fringing coral reef and an iconic tourist destination; however tourism development in Ningaloo has been ad hoc and the area is challenged by human pressure on numerous fronts. In response to these challenges a number of research agencies brought together a range of scientists to study the effects of human interaction on the reef. Moving from research to practice has been understood to depend on the adaptive capacity of the institutions responsible for governing human activities, in this case in the Ningaloo area. Knowledge transfer describes the suite of strategies used to try to bridge the gap between research and management. Knowledge transfer efforts, however, seldom have the desired impact of seeing research applied to decision-making. The ubiquity of knowledge transfer difficulties across disciplines suggests a common root to the problem, based in our shared cultural assumptions. This study pairs a multidisciplinary theoretical investigation with action research to shed light on why knowledge transfer efforts so often fall short in terms of seeing research applied to practice. Recent environmental management perspectives on knowledge transfer illustrate the shift towards stakeholder participation as a means of improving knowledge transfer success. As such, the action research study involved the researcher embedding herself in the Ningaloo community for 18 months, adopting the role of a knowledge broker and engaging and collaborating with modelling researchers and local stakeholders on knowledge transfer efforts. However, despite intensive stakeholder engagement, evaluation interviews at the end of the process indicated that although the knowledge transfer process had the effect of catalysing relationships between stakeholder groups in the region, and between regional stakeholders and scientists, it appeared to have relatively little effect on the representational knowledge of local stakeholders or the actual application of research in practice. This led to the question of whether knowledge transfer is itself is part of the research uptake problem, as per the principles of problem formulation, which specify that resolving seemingly intractable problems requires examining the assumptions that underpin our thinking about the problem situation. On this basis, the theoretical component of this study explored the Newtonian assumptions that inform our understanding of knowledge transfer. An alternative complexity-based ontology is proposed, unifying the metaphysics of materialism and idealism, based on a synthesis of process philosophy, mathematical logic, quantum theory, general systems theory and the complexity sciences. The phenomena of cognition, learning, knowledge and organising are compared in relation to how they’ve been understood within the Newtonian paradigm, and how they are now being explained from the perspective of a complexity-based paradigm. By reframing the action research results from a complexity perspective, the Ningaloo knowledge transfer process does not constitute a failure in terms of enhancing the capacity of the Ningaloo system to make more sustainable decisions. Rather, the increased connectivity between stakeholder groups and scientists can be viewed as more importantly enhancing the creative capacity of Ningaloo’s governance system. It is posited that the research uptake problem should be reformulated from the basis of complexity paradigm, and the notions of knowledge transfer and adaptive capacity reconceptualised accordingly. Instead of devising rational objective arguments for someone else to improve the ‘adaptive capacity’ of human systems, scientists should focus instead on improving their own creative capacity in their local interactions.

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O'Shea, Keith. "An examination of the theory and practice of project management knowledge and its transferability in Western Australia." Thesis, Curtin University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/2230.

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Acceptance and understanding of project management tends to be limited by project managers (PMs) who have a specific technical training and follow one or two major theories on project processes. Consequently, project managers may encounter difficulty in being ‘recognised’ by employers and moving from one professional discipline to another. The current research examines knowledge areas applied ‘in the field’ by project managers (PMs), and provides them with knowledge about the constancy of application of project theories; further, a new model of what constitutes PM and enables flexibility for PMs is suggested. As there was little extant literature about PMs being able to transfer from one professional discipline to another, or to what degree different knowledge areas were applied, it was determined that exploratory research was appropriate. The results strongly indicate that organisations that rely on programs and projects to support the delivery of their strategic objectives will benefit from implementation of the project management revised hypothetical model (Figure 13). The model incorporates the nine knowledge areas of The Project Management Institute (USA) and six knowledge areas extracted from the PM methodology PRINCE2. Further, the additional focus of People Specific Management (PSM) at Level 3 of the revised hypothetical model (Figure 13) is recommended. Qualifications for PMs do make a difference! In addition to demonstrating the importance of PM qualifications to augment PM’s successful transfer across disciplines, further research is suggested regarding the need for training to be ‘compulsory’ and follow the developmental levels described in the up-to-date model developed during the research (Figure 13).

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O'Shea, Keith. "An examination of the theory and practice of project management knowledge and its transferability in Western Australia." Curtin University of Technology, Curtin Business School, 2008. http://espace.library.curtin.edu.au:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=21429.

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Acceptance and understanding of project management tends to be limited by project managers (PMs) who have a specific technical training and follow one or two major theories on project processes. Consequently, project managers may encounter difficulty in being ‘recognised’ by employers and moving from one professional discipline to another. The current research examines knowledge areas applied ‘in the field’ by project managers (PMs), and provides them with knowledge about the constancy of application of project theories; further, a new model of what constitutes PM and enables flexibility for PMs is suggested. As there was little extant literature about PMs being able to transfer from one professional discipline to another, or to what degree different knowledge areas were applied, it was determined that exploratory research was appropriate. The results strongly indicate that organisations that rely on programs and projects to support the delivery of their strategic objectives will benefit from implementation of the project management revised hypothetical model (Figure 13). The model incorporates the nine knowledge areas of The Project Management Institute (USA) and six knowledge areas extracted from the PM methodology PRINCE2. Further, the additional focus of People Specific Management (PSM) at Level 3 of the revised hypothetical model (Figure 13) is recommended. Qualifications for PMs do make a difference! In addition to demonstrating the importance of PM qualifications to augment PM’s successful transfer across disciplines, further research is suggested regarding the need for training to be ‘compulsory’ and follow the developmental levels described in the up-to-date model developed during the research (Figure 13).

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Walsh, Fiona Jane. "To hunt and to hold : Martu Aboriginal people's uses and knowledge of their country, with implications for co-management in Karlamilyi (Rudall River) National Park and the Great Sandy Desert, Western Australia." University of Western Australia. School of Plant Biology, 2009. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2009.0127.

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[Truncated abstract] This ethnoecological study examines land uses by modern Martu Aboriginal people on their country. They occupy very remote settlementsParnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritjiin the Great and Little Sandy Deserts. In 1990, their country included Crown Lands and Rudall River National Park. The study investigated the proposition that the knowledge and practices of Martu were of direct relevance to ecosystem processes and national park management. This research commenced in the wider Australian research context of the late 1980s early 90s when prevailing questions were about the role of customary harvest within contemporary Aboriginal society (Altman 1987; Devitt 1988) and the sustainability of species-specific harvests by Australian indigenous people (Bomford & Caughley 1996). Separately, there was a national line of enquiry into Aboriginal roles in natural resource and protected area management (Williams & Hunn 1986; Birckhead et al. 1992). The field work underpinning this study was done in 19861988 and quantitative data collected in 1990 whilst the researcher lived on Martu settlements. Ethnographic information was gathered from informal discussions, semi-structured interviews and participant observation on trips undertaken by Martu. A variety of parameters was recorded for each trip in 1990. On trips accompanied by the researcher, details on the plant and animal species collected were quantified. Martu knowledge and observations of Martu behaviour are interpreted in terms of the variety of land uses conducted and transport strategies including vehicle use; the significance of different species collected; socio-economic features of bush food collection; spatio-temporal patterns of foraging; and, the 'management' of species and lands by Martu. The research found that in 1990, hunting and gathering were major activities within the suite of land uses practiced by Martu. At least 40% of trips from the settlements were principally to hunt. More than 43 animal species and 37 plant food species were reported to be collected during the study; additionally, species were gathered for firewood, medicines and timber artefacts. Customary harvesting persisted because of the need for sustenance, particularly when there were low store supplies, as well as other reasons. The weight of bush meats hunted at least equalled and, occasionally, was three times greater than the weights of store meats available to Parnngurr residents. ... Paradoxically, hunting was a subject of significant difference despite it being the principal activity driving Martu expertise and practice. There is potential for comanagement in the National Park but it remains contingent on many factors between both Martu and DEC as well as external to them. The dissertation suggests practical strategies to enhance co-management.

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Duczynski, Guy A. "To what extent can knowledge management systems build and reinforce consensus around initiatives for change?: A self-reflective analysis of professional practice." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2001. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1518.

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This thesis reports on my attempts to 're-align' the purpose, behaviour and underlying culture of a large military organisation through heuristic, self reflective enquiry - to 'find its future' - with and through its people. I use the word re-align with great care as I recognised that change would have been too ambitious and would (probably have) result(ed) in failure. Whilst I cannot claim total success, I have made new and valuable discoveries in knowledge elicitation and methods of integrating the views of a large number of people to 'build and reinforce consensus around initiatives for change'. In the process of completing this research I developed a novel approach to strategic planning/policy making that advances the ends, ways and means construct of decision-making into a purer and more refined approach. One that anchors these elements firmly to the organisation and its environment simultaneously through a knowledge management system, enabling the strengths and weaknesses within the organisation to be drawn into sharp focus - an effects based planning approach. I have also fused together the more systematic and disciplined approaches embodied within a knowledge management system with existing and more creative scenario planning/future focussed methods. Thus allowing organisations to undertake 'self-constructed' audits that have an immediate interest or are situated well into their future, doubling its value as a planning device. As I report, the methods have been presented at the highest levels of Defence, attracting interest from the Australian Minister of Defence. The New Zealand Defence Force, Naval Warfare Development Command of the United States Navy and Australia's Chief of Air Force have also expressed an interest in the potential of an effects-based orientation to planning and policy-making. Whether the concepts and underpinning ideas become established, leading to the discovery of a post-modem military is uncertain. What is clear is that there is a definite move away from a pre-occupation with the means, or the things that are done, towards a more comprehensive understanding of what are we trying to make happen as a guiding principle. This is certainly of value within military 'organisations and has potential for others involved in complex problem-solving in social settings. A heuristic, self-reflective approach has enriched this search for focussed and 'change-finding' knowledge, allowing a more purposeful, complete and forthright account of the involvement of others.

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Beckett, Ronald C., University of Western Sydney, College of Law and Business, and School of Management. "Learning organisations in high technology industries." THESIS_CB_MAN_Beckett_R.xml, 2001. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/299.

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This study describes an action research program, primarily within one company pursuing learning organisation concepts. The research was an integral part of the implication process, not involving case studies carried out after the event, or analysis prior to it, but an iterative mixture of both.Both the literature and case studies of various aspects of the operations of an Australian Aerospace company are used to help identify some particular practices that support organisational learning. A range of issues arising from the research are also discussed. A multi-faceted systems model of corporate memory is developed, and possible ways of obtaining leverage from that memory are discussed.The research identifies a number of competencies, processes and practices that need to be in place for organisational learning and knowledge management to be effective. It is suggested that a particular organisation may take many years to establish this portfolio of capabilities to the extent that they become the operating room.
Doctor of Business Administration

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Hughes, Vince. "An examination of facilitators and inhibitors to knowledge sharing in a policing environment : lessons from intelligence-led crime management units of the Western Australia Police Service." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2005. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/638.

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The objective of this research project was to gain an understanding of the inhibitors and facilitators to knowledge sharing within a policing environment. Although it did not begin with the intention of applying interverntions of any kind, in the course of the thesis it became clear that a form of action research was being employed. Initially, I presented my research proposal as a hermeneutic examination of the facilitators and inhibitors to knowledge sharing in the Western Australia Police. However, somewhere along my research journey I realised that rather than me simply collecting and analysing data from and about my colleagues, we had all become part of the process of changing, acting and reflecting. This is when my hermeneutic approach crossed paths with action research. Using this dual approach, my research explored knowledge sharing in the Western Australia Police within three separate but Integrated dimensions; historical, current and future.

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Buranaburivast, Vorapoj. "Applying social capital to electronic networks of practice : blog communities." UWA Business School, 2009. http://theses.library.uwa.edu.au/adt-WU2009.0209.

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Blogging is a recent phenomenon with research currently focusing on how it facilitates both personal and organisational knowledge exchange (Aimeur, Brassard & Paquet 2005; Hsu & Lin 2008). Social capital is shown to be a crucial factor facilitating knowledge transfer (Nahapiet and Ghoshal 1998). Blogging is a new social communication technology enabling individuals to collaborate and share knowledge. This research investigates how three dimensions of social capital affect individual knowledge sharing in weblog communities. In particular, it explores how individuals exploit weblogs as a tool for conversational knowledge management in educational institutions. Following Wasko & Faraj's (2005) study, the conceptual model is developed by setting eight independent variables from social capital dimensions and a dependent variable is set from individual behaviour in online knowledge sharing. Eight hypotheses are developed to test the relationship between these variables. A quantitative approach was applied for data collection and analysis. For data collection, an online survey was published in several Australian university weblog communities. An additional paper-based survey was distributed to the respondents in order to gain adequate sample size. For data analysis, confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to eliminate measurement items that shared a significant residual value with other measurement items. Further, the models obtained from confirmatory factor analysis were used to test the hypotheses by multiple regression analysis. Results from multiple regression analysis on online knowledge sharing suggest that trust, personal reputation and enjoy helping are positively associated with individual online knowledge sharing. The stepwise estimation procedure was further adapted in the regression model. The results show that four independent variables became significant to the study. These four significant variables were individual expertise, trust, personal reputation and enjoy helping. Lastly, several limitations in this study such as the sample of university online setting and respondents' activities on weblogs are discussed. These limitations lead to the direction of future research provided in conclusion of this study.

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Reynolds, Mary Elizabeth. "The Contribution of Knowledge Management to Learning : an Exploration of its Practice and Potential in Australian and New Zealand Schools." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/25994.

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The purpose of this qualitative research was to investigate the relatively new concept of knowledge management as it applies to schools as learning organisations. Literature on knowledge management abounds and is covered by authors in a wide variety of fields. However, literature relating to knowledge management in schools is limited, particularly literature by in-school practitioners. The study provides a teacher-librarian’s view gleaned largely from interactions with colleagues in the profession. The fieldwork for the study was undertaken in a small cross-section of Australian and New Zealand schools in 2001. Semi-structured interviews yielded answers to questions on how teachers shared their knowledge, on how ICTs enabled knowledge management, the implications of knowledge management for teacher-librarians and the concept of the knowledge-enabled school. The findings relate to the structuring of human resources and decision making processes, information literacy and knowledge construction, the critical learning community that optimises learning, the parallel development of social and ICT infrastructures, information management tools, the role of the teacher-librarian and the incorporation of knowledge management into systemic reforms. The study recommends that the ways in which teachers share knowledge requires further scrutiny, that research should establish the capacity for knowledge management in schools, that tools and systems are integrated as a KM Toolbox and that one particularly successful model of systemic reform based on knowledge management principles be piloted in South African schools. The study provides a singular record of knowledge management practice and potential in schools.
Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2006.
Curriculum Studies
MEd
Unrestricted

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Yuan, Mei. "An integrated knowledge management framework for managing sustainability knowledge in the Australian infrastructure sector." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2011. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/46843/1/Mei_Yuan_Thesis.pdf.

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In Australia, it has been increasingly accepted that sustainability needs to be at the top of the agenda when contemplating infrastructure development. In practice however, many companies struggle to find effective ways to embrace sustainable ideas and implement them in real projects beyond minimum compliance. One of the reasons is the lack of underpinning knowledge and evidence to demonstrate and measure the linkage between sustainability implementations and the relevant outcomes. This is compounded by the fact that very often there are no common understandings between the stakeholders on sustainability and there is a big divide between research advancement and real-life applications. Therefore it is both feasible and timely to develop and expand the body of sustainability knowledge on infrastructure development and investigate better ways of communicating with and managing it within the infrastructure sector. Although knowledge management (KM) is a relatively new and emerging discipline, it has shown its value and promise in existing applications in the construction industry. Considering the existing KM mechanisms and tools employed in practice, this research is aimed at establishing a specific KM approach to facilitate sustainability knowledge identification, acquisition, sharing, maintenance and application within the infrastructure sector, and promote integrated decision-making for sustainable infrastructure development. A triangulation of questionnaire survey, semi-structured interviews and case studies was employed in this research to collect required qualitative and quantitative data. The research studied the unique characteristics of the infrastructure sector, the nature of sustainability knowledge, and evaluated and validated the critical elements, key processes, and priority issues of KM for the Australian infrastructure sector. A holistic KM framework was developed to set the overall context for managing sustainability knowledge in the infrastructure sector by outlining (1) the main aims and outcomes of managing sustainability knowledge, (2) the key knowledge activities, (3) effective KM strategies and instruments, and (4) KM enablers. Because of the highly project-oriented nature of the infrastructure sector, knowledge can only add value when it is being used in real projects. Implementation guidelines were developed to help the industry practitioners and project teams to apply sustainability knowledge and implement KM in infrastructure project scenarios. This research provides the Australian infrastructure sector with tools to better understand KM, helps the industry practitioners to prioritize attention on relevant sustainability issues, and recommends effective practices to manage sustainability knowledge, especially in real life implementation of infrastructure projects.

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Fache, Élodie. "Impérialisme écologique ou développement ? : Les acteurs de la gestion des ressources naturelles à Ngukurr en Australie." Thesis, Aix-Marseille, 2013. http://www.theses.fr/2013AIXM3037.

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En Australie du Nord, une nouvelle catégorie d'acteurs sociaux aborigènes a émergé dans les années 1990 : les « rangers ». Fondés sur la professionnalisation et la formalisation de responsabilités « traditionnelles » envers la terre et la mer, leurs emplois et programmes sont présentés comme des mécanismes de « gestion des ressources naturelles » et de conservation de la biodiversité contrôlés par les communautés autochtones, tout comme un support de « développement » local. Cette thèse propose un regard critique sur le système des rangers en partant de la question suivante : constitue-t-il une manifestation « d'impérialisme écologique » ? L'ethnographie (2009-2010) des interactions sociales mises en jeu par les activités du groupe de rangers de la communauté de Ngukurr (Terre d'Arnhem, Territoire du Nord) y est associée à une contextualisation et à une analyse articulant échelles locale, régionale et nationale et discours international. Le système des rangers reflète diverses logiques endogènes et exogènes qui dépassent ses objectifs affichés de résilience environnementale et socio-économique. Il repose sur des rapports de pouvoir et des négociations complexes entre les différents acteurs impliqués (dont l'État australien), entre « savoirs écologiques traditionnels » et science, et entre rapports sociaux locaux et bureaucratiques. Cette étude met au jour le processus de bureaucratisation et les multiples ingérences et ambivalences inhérents à ce système, qui (re)produit des distinctions et tensions sociales. Elle souligne également la fonction de médiateurs qu'endossent les rangers ainsi que l'ambiguïté de la position de chercheur dans un tel contexte
In Northern Australia, a new category of Indigenous social actors emerged in the 1990s: “rangers”. Their jobs and programmes are based on the professionalization and formalization of “traditional” responsibilities for the land and sea. They are presented as natural resource management and biodiversity conservation mechanisms controlled by Indigenous communities and as a basis for local “development”.This thesis proposes a critical view of the ranger system, starting from the following question: is this system a form of “ecological imperialism”? The ethnography (2009-2010) of the social interactions at work in the activities of the Ngukurr community's ranger group (Arnhem Land, Northern Territory) is combined with a contextualization and an analysis linking local, regional and national levels with the international discourse.The ranger system reflects various endogenous and exogenous logics that go beyond its stated aims of environmental and socioeconomic resilience. It is based on complex power relations and negotiations between the different actors involved (including the Australian State), between “traditional ecological knowledge” and science, and between local and bureaucratic social relationships. This study reveals the bureaucratization process and the many external interventions and ambivalences inherent in this system which (re)produces social distinctions and tensions. It also highlights the mediator or broker role played by the rangers as well as the ambiguous position of the researcher in such a context

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Antoniak, Edward Information Technology &amp Electrical Engineering Australian Defence Force Academy UNSW. "A study of organisational effectiveness : contingent coupling of human, structural and financial resources through knowledge management practices." Awarded by:University of New South Wales - Australian Defence Force Academy, 2008. http://handle.unsw.edu.au/1959.4/39033.

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This dissertation presents the findings of an empirical study of the effectiveness of knowledge management practices in an environment of principal-agent and market testing conditions in the Australian Defence Organisation (ADO) during the period 2001-2005. Using a grounded theory research approach and a longitudinal case study, the ADO's workforce planning community of practice is the focus of the study. The research is conducted in the context of the knowledge-based view of the firm, which holds that organisational effectiveness and thus sustained competitiveness is dependant on the continual creation, application and protection of new and unique knowledge. Pertinent knowledge management theories are reviewed and reframed in terms of loose coupling concepts, which are then used to describe the variety of knowledge creating relationships and opportunities for workforce planning that become apparent during the course of field research studies. The impact of market testing, as a precursor to outsourcing, on the creation of new knowledge in workforce planning is examined progressively during field studies. The role of leadership in maintaining effective workforce knowledge management practices emerges as the primary category in the loose coupling analysis process. The paper suggests that in order to sustain competitive advantage in workforce planning that is conducted in a commercial support or market testing environment, trust-based leadership and the use of appropriate knowledge management practices are necessary. The dissertation has important implications for research and practice. Specifically, the loose coupling framework provides a focus for literature reviews in future research of knowledge management and, in terms of professional practice, the framework is developed into an aide-m??moire that can be used to enhance knowledge management practices to meet workforce planning objectives. The aide-m??moire potentially has wider application as a tool to assess the effectiveness of knowledge management within the organisation as well as informing the selection of remedial knowledge management practices. Limitations of the paper are acknowledged and recommendations are made for further research.

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Reynolds, Mary E. "The contribution of knowledge management to learning an exploration of its practice and potential in Australian and New Zealand schools /." Pretoria : [s.n.], 2005. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-07022005-062930/.

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Leavy, Brett A. "Australian Aboriginal virtual heritage." Thesis, Queensland University of Technology, 2014. https://eprints.qut.edu.au/72790/1/Brett_Leavy_Thesis.pdf.

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Wilson, Geoffrey David. "Strategies for designing and implementing knowledge management systems: An interpretive case study of two Western Australian house-building firms." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2006. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/406.

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Knowledge management is a relatively new concept that has received substantial attention in the academic and industry literature particularly in the information systems field. Proponents of knowledge management argue that it has been driven by the desire of organisations for greater innovation, cost reduction and process improvements (Wilson. Jackson & Smith 2003). Little research, though, has been conducted from a knowledge management perspective into how Western Australian house-building enterprises develop and implement information systems. The WA house-building industry forms part of the wider building and construction community. Most construction firms are small to-medium-sized enterprises that differ from large organisations in that they generally lack internal expertise, financial resources and have IS and IT landscapes that have been shaped by the dominant role played by the owner or manager of the firm (rink 1998). The exponential rise in communication technologies - such as the Internet, Intranets and mobile digital imaging - is rapidly changing the environment in which the WA house-building industry operates. These emerging technologies are reducing the need for firms to rely on sophisticated proprietary systems to collect, store and disseminate their knowledge. This situation brings with it its own sets of issues that must be intelligently managed. A strategic approach will leverage technologies to support knowledge-in-action within the social and cultural context of the organisation. At the same time, space must be created to permit the emergence of tools that may strengthen organizational performance and sustainable competitive advantage. The critical point taken up by this research was that there is a range of considerations in the planning and implementation of an information system, and the use of multiple knowledge management theories in tandem may facilitate this. The theoretical problem guiding this study was to expand knowledge management theory to include the W A house-building industry. The first objective of this study was to identify how WA house-building enterprises approached their knowledge management initiatives. The second was to construct a framework for analysing the factors that may be used to assist local managers in predetermining the critical success factors and outcomes of their knowledge management initiatives. A case study methodology incorporating an interpretive perspective was adopted within the research. Case samples were limited to two Western Australian house building enterprises. This study contributes to a better understanding of the Western Australian house building industry and their approach to developing and implementing knowledge management systems. Furthermore, the discoveries and recommendations presented in this research can be applied to the wider construction industry and small to medium sized business community

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Norman, Karma C. "Grasping Adubad : Badulgal management, tenure, knowledge and harvest within the marine environment of the Torres Strait /." Thesis, Connect to this title online; UW restricted, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/1773/6547.

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Nasir, Uddin Mohammad. "Impact of knowledge management and inter-organizational system on supply chain performance : the case of Australian agri-food industry." Thesis, Curtin University, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11937/2621.

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Motivated by the problems of cost competitiveness, profitability and market development issues in the Australian agri-food industry, this study was designed to addresses research questions as to how levels of knowledge asset management, inter-organizational systems (IOS) and relationship structures impact on the performance of a supply chain and differentiate the performance of the industry. Supply chains in the Australian agri-food industry have been based mainly on market arrangements with operation production pushed and, often, adversarial, resulting in profitability problems and a lack of innovative actions in developing products and a business based on insights from customers.With the main objective of investigating sources of supply chain performance in the Australian agri-food industry, five specific objectives were investigated. The preliminary conceptual model were developed principally using supply chain management and marketing literature in agribusiness and concepts from resource-based view (RBV), knowledge-based view (KBV) and transaction cost economics (TCE). The study objectives were addressed by a mixed method research methodology through a pragmatist approach that involved a first phase of qualitative data collection to enhance the theoretical model and develop survey instruments, followed by a second phase of quantitative data collection and analysis to test the research hypotheses.The qualitative first phase was based on in-depth interviews with eight agri-food firms to explore the research questions in real-world conditions. Content analysis of the interview transcripts helped identifying important factors and variables related to the performance of the supply chain which, later, were aligned with the literature and enhanced the initial theoretical research model and hypothesized relationships. The second phase involved finalizing the research model that used 22 hypotheses targeting factors of supply chain performance in the specific agri-food industry; viz., the Australian beef industry. A questionnaire was developed and pretested, followed by a pilot study of 68 participants. Finally, data were collected through a random telephone survey of 315 firms including input suppliers, producers, processors and retailers in the beef industries of Western Australia and Queensland. The data were analyzed using partial least square (PLS) based structural equation modelling (SEM).Assessment of the research model demonstrated that 18 of the 22 hypotheses, made up of 11 primary factors and 15 sub-factors, were supported. Results indicated that, among the predictive factors, knowledge asset management was the strongest predictor of supply chain performance, followed by negotiation power, price uncertainty, inter-firm relationship strength and environmental management practices. Competition intensity, vertical coordination and transaction climate were significant antecedents of knowledge asset management, IOS use and inter-firm relationship strength in the Australian context. Results established that relationship strength in the supply chain depends on the level of commitment, mutual investments, trust and interdependence of the firms. The non-significant relationship between IOS and supply chain performance indicated that IOS, by itself, cannot produce sustained performance advantages unless pre-existing complementary human and business resources are exploited in an integrated way. Finally, statistical evidence proved that the supply chain is a source of competitiveness in the industry and that competitive advantage lies in system efficiencies in the performance of the supply chain.Finally, the study provides frameworks for developing the strategies of inter-firm relationships, knowledge asset management and the use of electronic systems in the supply chain to align the best principles of value-creating strategy in firms and in the industry, for competitive advantage. Thus, the results have provided a comprehensive, reliable and valid model of supply chain performance that contributes to knowledge at the strategic level for appropriate planning and benchmarking to improve performance of the agri-food industry. Finally, although the hypothesized relationships in the model have been tested in the beef industry in Australia, the issues can be examined not only in other sectors of the Australian agri-food industry supply chain but also in other agricultural sectors within Australia and overseas.

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Walker, Roz. "Transformative strategies in Indigenous education a study of decolonisation and positive social change." Click here for electronic access, 2004. http://adt.caul.edu.au/homesearch/get/?mode=advanced&format=summary&nratt=2&combiner0=and&op0=ss&att1=DC.Identifier&combiner1=and&op1=-sw&prevquery=OR%28REL%28SS%3BDC.Identifier%3Buws.edu.au%29%2CREL%28WD%3BDC.Relation%3BNUWS%29%29&att0=DC.Title&val0=Transformative+strategies+in+indigenous+education+&val1=NBD%3A.

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Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Western Sydney, 2004.
Title from electronic document (viewed 15/6/10) Presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Western Sydney, 2004. Includes bibliography.

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Georgiou, Jonathan. "Exploring the benefits of attracting, recruiting and retaining mature age employees up to and beyond the traditional age of retirement: Perspectives from Western Australia." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2015. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/1632.

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There has been a recent upsurge in media attention surrounding Australia’s ageing workforce. A review of academic, media and grey literature highlighted inadequacies in existing workplace polices, as well as flaws in financial and social security schemes. Of particular concern were persistent negative attitudes and counterproductive policies regarding mature age employees (MAEs). Poor retention rates among this cohort of workers aged 45 years and over are leading to skilled labour shortages and losses in corporate knowledge. This expected mass exodus of mature cohorts into retirement has been predicted to negatively impact the socio-economic sustainability of ageing societies world-wide and is a pertinent issue for Western Australia (WA). The overarching objective of this study was to identify the ‘place’ of mature cohorts within WA workplaces and promote strategies that will improve the employment conditions and overall quality of life of ageing workforces. Research questions aimed to address the need for greater mature age employment up to and beyond pensionable age; identify ‘gaps’ in policies and programmes; and explore how mature cohorts were perceived (valued) and the extent their departure may affect WA society (labour force). By using a mixed methods research design, this Doctoral dissertation developed a conceptual framework for limiting significant issues individuals, businesses and society may experience as a result of WA’s ageing workforce; whilst simultaneously promoting the benefits of maturity and mature age employment. This Re-Model draws upon the community development work principles of social justice, empowerment and social capital; and is further contextualised by methods of best practice identified from the triangulation of secondary sources, quantitative data and qualitative inquiry. Primary data collection involved the completion of 362 surveys, followed by 27 semistructured interviews and four focus group activities, with a cross section of MAEs, volunteers, their employers, retirees and unemployed cohorts from across WA. Over one-third of current MAEs, employers and volunteers in this study reported they intended working later than the traditional age of retirement, with 71 per cent of this sample planning to semi-retire. Furthermore, almost 60 per cent of a sample that had previously exited the labour force was working at the time of data collection as semi-retirees or rehired retirees (rehirees). Collectively, these statistics indicated that despite predictions of mass disengagement among mature cohorts, most of this crosssection of Western Australians are seeking to remain in (or re-enter) the WA workforce beyond pensionable age. However, quantitative and qualitative findings revealed several barriers to their continued engagement, including access to ‘age-friendly’ workplaces; a dearth of targeted training (career) development and employment assistance; and a lack of value attributed to mature age skills and experience, particularly deleterious in WA’s youth-centric culture. Primary data also highlighted several enabling factors for mature age employment. ‘Flexibility’ and ‘autonomy of choice’ were cited as key dimensions across all aspects of paid work, volunteering and retirement – whether in terms of worklife- balance; the individuation of training and development; or options available to those transitioning out of traditional employment. Data indicated that sustainable cultural change required more than just the removal of negative policies or introduction of punitive legislation. Maintaining a positive outlook among mature age individuals and simultaneously educating (younger) co-workers, employers, policy-makers (stakeholders) and society about the virtues of maturity and non-traditional work (skills) were considered essential to changing societal attitudes, behaviour and culture.

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Migdadi, Mahmoud Mohammad. "An integrative view and empirical examination of the relationships among knowledge management enablers, processes, and organizational performance in Australian enterprises." Access electronically, 2005. http://www.library.uow.edu.au/adt-NWU/public/adt-NWU20060511.153300/index.html.

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Dean, Anthony Francis. "Australian universities in the information economy electronic commerce and the business of distance education /." Access electronically, 2004. http://www.library.uow.edu.au/adt-NWU/public/adt-NWU20050929.114913/index.html.

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Larkin, Devitt. "Aligning with the rapidly shifting technological goalposts : the review and update of the RIMPA technology survey." Thesis, Edith Cowan University, Research Online, Perth, Western Australia, 2012. https://ro.ecu.edu.au/theses/516.

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In 2008 the Records and Information Management Professionals Australasia (RIMPA) organisation (then known as the Records Management Association of Australasia – RMAA) launched its Technology Survey. The survey attempted to capture a snapshot, predominantly but not exclusively in Australia and New Zealand, and gain empirical evidence about the use of technology adoption trends, RIM capabilities in host organisations and the role of RIM personnel in technology selection and adoption. The survey had a particular focus on Records Management (RM) and Enterprise Content Management (ECM) systems and processes, but also featured questions on the demographics of the participants, organisational policies and processes around these technologies and peripheral devices. In 2010 the survey was repeated. Consequently, the survey became more than a one-off cross-sectional snapshot and could lay claim to being a longitudinal study, however as a longitudinal study instrument the current survey is lacking validity and reliability. A consensus exists, however, that changes are required going forward if the survey is to continue. This consensus is based on issues that have emerged from analysis of the two iterations of the current instrument. The issues that need to be addressed are: • Low participation rate • The relatively high number of questions skipped • The overall length of the survey • Ensuring the survey has a clear and distinct aim • Ensuring what is captured is core to the survey’s aim • Ensuring what is captured is relevant to the RIM profession • The ambiguity of questions • Misunderstanding of questions • Scope – expansion of the instrument to encompass technology learning, knowledge and skills of RIM professions These issues were identified by Brogan and Roberts in their analyses of the 2008 and 2010 data (2009, 2011 and 2012). This study is an examination and revision of the current technology survey instrument, aimed at ensuring that issues of relevancy, currency, usability, design and clarity of terms and definitions are all addressed, resulting in a valid and reliable longitudinal study instrument. The research design employed involved: a) investigation of the peer reviewed literature on survey participation and instrument design; b) investigation of peer reviewed and non-peer reviewed literature on technology in the RIM space; c) Convening of a panel of experts (focus group) to provide feedback on the existing instrument; d) Re-design of the existing instrument taking into account outcomes from a-c; and e) Validation of the re-designed instrument via the Focus Group The Focus Group review involved six highly regarded and knowledgeable participants pro-active in the RIM profession who trialled the instrument in a subsequent Pilot Test. The Focus Group provided additional feedback on scope and usability from a user perspective. The final survey produced will enable RIMPA to be informed on the technology education and training needs of its members, as well as continuing to track technology adoption and RIM program trends in the workplace.

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Forbes, Sharon L. "The influence of individual characteristics, product attributes and usage situations on consumer behaviour : an exploratory study of the New Zealand, Australian, UK and US wine markets : a thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Marketing at Lincoln University /." Diss., Lincoln University, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10182/901.

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Previous research has suggested that the country of origin cue is important to consumers during their purchase decision making process; the cue is utilised as an indicator of product quality and thus has an effect on purchase decisions. However, country of origin research has been heavily criticised in terms of methodology and has tended to focus on durable, manufactured products such as automobiles, electronics and apparel. This research investigates whether consumers do utilise the country of origin cue during actual wine purchase decisions and whether consumer perceptions of wine will vary based upon the country from which it originates. In addition, this study also seeks to identify all of the product attributes which are utilised by wine purchasers, and the degree to which these attributes are important to them during the purchase decision process. Finally, the research seeks to understand the influence that individual consumer characteristics (i.e. demographic variables, product knowledge and product involvement) and usage situations will have upon attribute utilisation and importance. In order to examine these broad research questions, a structured survey was developed and administered to respondents in four countries immediately following an actual wine purchase. Analysis of the collected survey data revealed that consumers typically utilised only a small number of attributes during their purchase decisions, and that the attributes which were most frequently utilised were not necessarily the most important to wine consumers. The country of origin cue was the eighth most frequently utilised attribute and the fourth in terms of importance. The majority of consumers could accurately identify the country of origin of the wine they had just purchased and their perceptions of wines were found to vary based upon the country of origin. Individual consumer characteristics were found to have varying effects upon attribute utilisation and importance ratings. Three-quarters of all wine purchases were made to resolve just four usage situations, and these situations were found to moderate the origin of the wine that the consumer selected during their purchase decision. From a theoretical standpoint, this study supports the idea that consumers utilise only a small number of attributes during their decision making process, and that this number will increase as product knowledge and product involvement levels increase. The most important attributes for consumers were found to be intrinsic in nature. Country of origin theory has also been advanced by this study; consumers were found to hold stereotyped perceptions of wine based upon its national origin, and both the nationality and education level of the consumer were found to moderate the utilisation of the country of origin cue. Whilst earlier researchers had suggested that any home country bias may be product specific, this study suggests that it may actually be a product dimension specific phenomenon. The high reliability of the product involvement and subjective knowledge scales should also be of value to future consumer behaviour researchers. Similarly, the idea that the usage situation influenced which product was purchased, but not how it was selected, expands current knowledge. Practical implications arising from this study include the identification of the importance of having previously tried a wine; marketers could increase sales through the provision of wine tasting opportunities for consumers. The significant correlation between involvement and the frequency of wine consumption also provides wine producers with an opportunity to increase sales through initiatives which will increase consumer involvement with wine. The results indicate that the wine industry should focus on the production and marketing of wines which are suitable for consumption in the identified four dominant usage situations and should seek to increase consumption in dining situations in the US. Finally, promotional strategies linking New Zealand wines with high quality appear to have been successful, but these messages will need to be repeated in order to reinforce the positive consumer perceptions.

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Algeo, CT. "How do project managers acquire and exchange knowledge? An action research study of project managers in Australia." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10453/28074.

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University of Technology, Sydney. Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building.
This research study is based on a concern in the project management community, and Australian industry in general, about intergenerational loss of project management knowledge because of a talent exodus, resulting in a loss of capability within organisations. The results of an investigation conducted to understand how knowledge is acquired and exchanged in the delivery of projects in Australia by project managers are presented in this thesis. Two primary research questions were formed for this investigation: 1. How do project managers acquire project management knowledge?; and 2. How do project managers exchange project management knowledge? A secondary research question was developed to identify the knowledge sources which project managers use to acquire and exchange project management knowledge. The research also aims to demonstrate how a project manager’s personal behaviour, and the environment, influence how they acquire and exchange knowledge. An approach was required to separate what transpired during the acquisition and exchange of knowledge from the act of managing projects. The experiential approach is also used to examine the rhetoric of project managers, compared to observing actual behaviour. In the context of being situated in the workplace, conducting the investigation using an interpretivist research paradigm allowed themes to emerge and contribute to theory. A review of contemporary project management literature and practice resulted in a research framework based on a review of project management training, education and competency, and the areas underpinning knowledge acquisition and exchange. To structure this approach, four clusters were constructed to allow for interpretation covering knowledge acquisition; knowledge exchange; knowledge environment; and knowledge drivers. As the research evolved, emerging information and related topics to address the research questions, could be accommodated within these clusters. To accommodate the research paradigm an action research methodology was selected for the study, which involved iterative cycles of interaction and reflection to examine the project manager’s situation. Within these cycles, changes were made in order to evaluate how project managers could exchange knowledge more effectively. Several spin-off cycles were also employed to generate timely input from an external reference group to augment the rigour of the investigation. To identify research participant led, themes a systematic process was designed to collect, transcribe, and analyse the data, while recording the researcher’s reflections for interpretation. The themes relating to how project managers acquire and exchange knowledge were compared to the literature to identify divergence or convergence, and compare theories of social exchange, action, and reasoned action. The evidence from the research indicates experienced project managers in Australia acquire knowledge primarily from workplace experiences and interaction with, and guidance from, work colleagues. Further, project managers in the study were observed using formal ways to exchange knowledge and did so in an impersonal manner. However, in the exchange of knowledge, inconsistencies existed between project managers’ observed behaviour, opinions of their work colleagues, and the project managers’ view of themselves, indicating different perspectives of practice. Findings from the research contribute to social, action, and reasoned action theory relating to project management, with opportunities to apply the action research methodology to project management research, and to embed knowledge acquisition and exchange in project management policy. The research advances the practice of project management by establishing how knowledge is exchanged at project manager level.

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Smith, Annabel L. "Reptile dispersal and demography after fire : process-based knowledge to assist fire management for biodiversity." Phd thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/149596.

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The disruption of natural fire regimes has threatened animal species in many ecosystems around the world. A combination of prescribed burning and fire suppression is often used to promote successional variation in vegetation (i.e. fire mosaics), with little knowledge of how this will affect animal persistence. Understanding the processes that govern species responses to fire regimes is essential to build a predictive capacity for ecological fire management. I examined life-history, demographic (survival, reproduction and mortality) and dispersal attributes of reptiles to investigate mechanisms of fire responses in reptiles. I studied reptiles in conservation reserves of semi-arid southern Australia dominated by mallee vegetation (multi-stemmed Eucalyptus spp. with a shrubby understory). An introduction describes the ecological and management context of my research (Chapter 1). A community-level framework was used to determine if a generalised model of fire responses could be developed based on traits shared by groups of species (Chapters 2-3). I found a number of fire responses in reptiles that were previously undetected in analyses of smaller, but substantial subsets of the same data (Chapter 2). Nocturnal burrowers tended to be early-successional, while diurnal leaf-litter dwellers tended to be late successional, but a trait-based model of succession had limited power to describe responses among the community. I also documented some observations that suggested non-burrowing reptiles were more vulnerable to mortality during wildfire than burrowers (Chapter 3). A species-level framework was then used to examine variation in demographic and dispersal attributes within species among different post-fire successional stages (Chapters 4-7). These studies focussed on three species with significant and contrasting responses to fire: Amphibolurus norrisi (Agamidae; mid/late successional species), Ctenotus atlas (Scincidae; late successional) and Nephrurus stellatus (Gekkonidae; early/mid successional). Using mark-recapture modelling (Chapter 4), I described changes in abundance of N. stellatus that incorporated detectability, and showed that variation in survival and fecundity are possible drivers of this species strong population response to fire. Microsatellite DNA data were then used to examine gene flow in the three target species and gain insights into the effects of fire on dispersal. Chapter 5 begins this section with a description of the markers I used to generate the genetic data. I then used spatial models of landscape resistance to assess the importance of post-fire succession and other landscape features (e.g. topography) on gene flow in the three species (Chapters 6 and 7). For N. stellatus these analyses were combined with direct observations of movement (Chapter 6). Results showed that long-unburnt vegetation restricts dispersal in N. stellatus, which may result from, or contribute to its decline in population density with increasing time since fire. In Chapter 7 I found that fire affected gene flow in A. norrisi, but not in C. atlas, while genetic diversity in both species was affected by post-fire succession. My thesis demonstrated how examining demographic and dispersal attributes of reptiles can give insights into the mechanisms underlying species responses to fire. I concluded by providing management recommendations and highlighting key points for future research on fire ecology (Chapter 8). -- provided by Candidate.

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Chugh, Ritesh. "Knowledge ubiquity through the transfer of tacit knowledge in Australian universities." Thesis, 2014. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/24840/.

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Knowledge management is a process through which organisational intellectual capital and information can be managed. In order to be successful, both large and small organisations rely on their acquired information and intellectual capital. Sharing of tacit knowledge in organisations can contribute to improvements in organisational processes and is a key element in creating and sustaining competitive advantage. Universities are knowledge organisations, with knowledge embedded in people and processes, where the transfer of tacit knowledge is necessary for continual improvement and responding to the external changing environment. This research explores six dimensions (workplace, behavioural, workplace expectations, technology, learning, and culture, age and gender as a group) that have an impact on the transfer of tacit knowledge in four Australian universities. The research also identifies the enablers, inhibitors and processes that will aid in capturing, managing and distributing tacit knowledge.

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Hamilton, Serena. "Modelling freshwater ecological systems under limited data and knowledge." Phd thesis, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/151053.

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Freshwater ecological systems throughout the world are extensively altered, with threatening processes being physical, chemical and biological. Data is often lacking to describe the processes within the system and their interactions. This thesis explores how modelling can be used to help understand and manage such complex systems under limited data and knowledge, by examining two Australian case studies. The first case study explores how fish species are distributed in the Murray-Darling Basin (MDB), Australia's largest river system, and attempts to understand the variations in fish assemblages across the Basin. The second case study involves the development and evaluation of a habitat suitability model for an endangered species Astacopsis gouldi, the Giant Tasmanian Crayfish. The MDB fish case study adopted a suite of multivariate analysis techniques, including cluster analysis and non-metric multidimensional scaling, which were applied within the framework of a data-mining process, Knowledge Discovery from Data. This is the first known study to describe the large-scale patterns in fish assemblages in the Basin. The analysis identified regions in the Basin sharing similar fish assemblages; these patterns were generally consistent with the temperature, precipitation and elevation of the streams and the temperature and water quality preferences of the species. The delineation of the Basin into regions can be an important basis for future ecological studies, for example by providing context for finer-scale studies or a benchmark for studies examining temporal changes to the fish communities. Bayesian networks were applied to model A. gouldi habitat suitability in the second case study, with a focus on the evaluation process. A series of 18 models were built and tested, based on the same structure but with their parameters estimated from different combinations of expert opinion and training datasets. The data-based A. gouldi habitat suitability models achieved better performance accuracy than the expert models. The combined data- and expert-based models performed equally well as the data-based models but were considered more robust. The model evaluation process revealed interesting insights into the habitat suitability of the species, including that elevation seemed to have little influence on habitat suitability, contrary to other studies. It was also found that the species is not in equilibrium with its environment, suggesting that future models must consider temporal dynamics and avoid using species presence-absence as an indicator of habitat suitability. Both case studies highlighted the subjective nature of modelling and the importance of good modelling practice in producing meaningful and purposeful outputs. Good practice guidelines are provided for Bayesian network modelling, with emphasis on the need of thorough evaluation of the model and its results, and transparent reporting of the modelling process. For models built under limited data and knowledge, it is especially important to acknowledge and embrace the uncertainties. Modelling cannot overcome a lack of data, but can help to integrate information, develop and test hypotheses, and refine knowledge about the system and its processes. Modelling can also help guide future monitoring and research toward data and knowledge gaps most crucial to our understanding of the system.

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Gratani, Monica. "Promoting the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in natural resource management: a case study from the Wet Tropics of Queensland, Australia." Thesis, 2015. https://researchonline.jcu.edu.au/43662/1/43662-gratani-2015-thesis.pdf.

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The Indigenous Australian perspectives on how to live in the natural environment and use its resources has been historically marginalised in the post-contact era. Internationally however, the body of knowledge, practice and belief about the relationships between living beings and their environment held by indigenous people, often referred to as indigenous knowledge (IK), has been steadily gaining currency over the past few decades on the grounds that IK can support the biological and cultural diversity of ecosystems, can add to the understanding provided by science, and is instrumental to achieving social justice. Hence, combined with advances in Indigenous health, education and law, a higher representation of IK in Australian Natural Resource Management (NRM) is being pursued. The application of IK in NRM is hindered by some research gaps as well as poor understanding of what IK is and attitudes towards IK. Firstly, debate about IK often implicates its relationship with science. The way and depth in which IK and science are perceived and understood determines how they are approached, and ultimately how they are integrated and used with NRM. Nevertheless, an investigation of perceptions of different knowledge systems is seldom conducted by any parties before cross-cultural NRM is attempted. Secondly, a lack of clarity exists as to whether IK or science should be considered a worldview; this conceptualisation is sometimes hinted at in the literature but not fully explored, and the implications of looking at IK as a worldview are not discussed. Finally, while integration of IK in NRM is happening in practice, there are few theoretical frameworks and little academic debate. There is a need to discuss more theoretical aspects of integration processes. My thesis sets out to address these knowledge gaps through a participatory case study conducted in collaboration with the Malanbarra and Dulabed Yidinji people, traditional owners of a UNESCO heritage area within the Wet Tropics of Queensland in tropical northern Australia. I began by exploring local Indigenous and non-Indigenous NRM experts' perceptions of IK and science, and their integration in cross-cultural NRM (Chapter 3). In this initial phase of the study, I found that, (1) in terms of knowledge, conceptualising integration of different NRM perspectives was limiting, and IK is perceived as a worldview; (2) issues relating to the epistemological understanding of different knowledge systems and their mutual recognition need to be addressed to promote use in NRM; (3) platforms for collaborative knowledge validation need to be specifically developed; and (4) environmental values and ethic are essential parts of IK as a worldview, hence integrating different values is necessary for cross-cultural NRM. My exploration of these themes adds to the current understanding of IK in the Wet Tropics. The findings from Chapter 3 provided research directions that I tackle in the following data chapters. In Chapter 4, I research conceptualisation of IK and, based on data from my field work and surveys and a systematic review of the literature, I propose that IK should be conceptualised as worldview. I found that themes discussed during my surveys with IK holders and in the literature on integration of IK in NRM align with dimensions of worldviews, as outlined in the worldview literature and, in particular, a model of the "worldview" theorised in the 1990s by the philosophers Apostel and Van der Veken. Based on my results, I argue that the debate on integration should not revolve around integrating IK and science – or scientific knowledge – but rather focus on developing an integrative worldview. In Chapter 5 I further develop the importance of integrating different environmental values and ethics for NRM. I use a framework to relate human values to environmental ethics that was developed in the field of environmental psychology and is informed by the theory of universal human values prepared by Schwartz. My results show that the community of Indigenous Australians I collaborated with holds altruistic values and an eco-centric environmental ethic. My study is the first in Australia to look at indigenous environmental values as human values through the lens of Schwartz's universal theory of human values. In this chapter I also propose to use such theory as a platform to understanding and integrating different environmental values. In Chapter 6, I tackle the perceived need in my study area for a better understanding of the epistemological recognition of IK. I do this by shedding some light on the current processes of knowledge production used to produce IK, and I also look at how such processes could be integrated with scientific processes. In this chapter I also discuss how collaborative environmental monitoring and joint hypothesis setting and testing can support the epistemological validity of IK and ultimately cross-cultural NRM in the Wet Tropics. Moreover, the chapter presents an indigenous worldview-informed monitoring system for freshwater environments as an avenue for fostering inclusion of indigenous worldviews in NRM. In Chapter 7, I design a platform to support knowledge sharing and validation for NRM. My study brings to light and discusses in favorable terms the process of "validation", which is often perceived as disrespectful to indigenous people. My results for this chapter suggest validation is a natural process of the human mind in seeking to understand, and that collaborative and respectful validation has great potential in building mutual exchange of understanding around the natural world. I argue the adoption of such a platform for knowledge validation by Wet Tropics NRM agencies would increase our understanding and use of IK. My final discussion, Chapter 8, further develops some themes recurrent in my thesis, and I conclude that, (1) the satisfactory inclusion of IK in Wet Tropics NRM would be achieved by indigenising NRM, and by infusing the eco-centric values and ethic that is held by local indigenous communities, which may also increase the sustainability of local NRM; (2) validation and integration are processes favorable to the representation of IK in NRM; and, finally, (3) the constructivist approach to knowledge production and action research are instrumental to ensuring IK is truly represented in Australian cross-cultural NRM.

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Kueh, Yee Cheng. "Modelling knowledge, attitudes, self-management, and quality of life in type 2 diabetes mellitus." Thesis, 2014. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/24836/.

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The aim of this thesis was to investigate the relationship between diabetes knowledge, attitudes, self-management, and quality of life (QoL) of people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). The main hypothesis was there would be significant relationships between diabetes knowledge, attitudes, self-management, and QoL in the path model. I conducted two studies on two different populations, one in Australia and the other in Malaysia. In addition, these two samples represented different cultures. In research on the Australia-based population, I examined the relationship between diabetes knowledge, attitudes, self-management, and QoL in people with T2DM living in Melbourne, Australia. In research in the Malaysia-based population, I examined the relationship between diabetes knowledge, attitudes, self-management, and QoL in people with T2DM living in Kelantan, Malaysia.

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Lazarow, Neil Sherman. "Managing and valuing coastal resources : an examination of the importance of local knowledge and surf breaks to coastal communities." Phd thesis, 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/150598.

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Kannan, Selvi. "Perspectives on knowledge retention and loss from expert attrition : an organisational case study." Thesis, 2016. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/34846/.

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The dissertation’s major theoretical contribution involves constructing an experts’ perspective conceptualisation that is guided by Nonaka and Takeuchi’s (1995) SECI Model. A framework is developed for managing and retaining knowledge based on the identification of critical knowledge areas that have been lost.

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McLaughlin, Karen. "Asthma and pregnancy: a qualitative descriptive study of midwives' current knowledge about asthma in pregnancy and their perceived role in antenatal asthma management in Australia." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/1051134.

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Masters Research - Masters of Philosophy (Midwifery)
Asthma continues to be one of the most common potentially serious conditions that can complicate pregnancy. At least 12% of pregnant women in Australia are affected by asthma. Many studies have examined the link between poorly controlled asthma and increased exacerbations during pregnancy with increased foetal and maternal morbidity. Despite asthma management guidelines advocating a collaborative approach to antenatal asthma management among health professionals, the role of the midwife in antenatal asthma management has not previously been examined. This study set out to explore what midwives currently know about asthma in pregnancy and their perceived role in antenatal asthma management. A qualitative descriptive design was used and data were collected via face-to-face interviews with 13 midwives who consented to participate in the study. Data collected from these interviews were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The findings from these data are as follows: that midwives’ current knowledge about asthma in pregnancy varies among the sample group with some participants having an awareness of possible changes in asthma symptoms during pregnancy but few participants knowing the range of potential consequences of poor asthma management for both mother and baby. The perceived role of midwives in antenatal asthma management also varies with some midwives stating that they feel their role is to educate women regarding their asthma and others stating that their role is to refer women to other health professionals. Barriers to providing antenatal asthma management were also identified by the midwives. Participants also offered suggested solutions to the barriers that were identified. Overall, there was found to be no uniform approach to the antenatal asthma management being undertaken in the facility in which this study took place. The development of an antenatal asthma clinical pathway could help to change current clinical practice regarding asthma management of pregnant women, and make that process more uniform. Increasing opportunities for asthma education for those who provide antenatal asthma management could also help determine the role of the midwife when caring for a pregnant woman with asthma. The findings of this study also have implications for further research into the role of the midwives working with women who have complex needs during the antenatal period.

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Sood, Hitu. "Exploring Open Innovation in the Biotechnology Industry: A Qualitative Study." Thesis, 2020. https://vuir.vu.edu.au/41807/.

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Open Innovation (OI) is a new paradigm in innovation suitable for organisations characterised by Research and Development (R&D), and for organisations that are global and operating in high- technology industries. Although exceedingly relevant to Australian businesses due to the location challenge faced by Australia, to date OI is only sparsely researched in the Australian context. The majority of research published on OI is in the European or American context. This qualitative case study therefore, investigated OI in the Victorian Biotechnology Industry, which meets the characteristics of organisations suitable for OI. The aim of this research is to understand the micro-foundations of OI and its implications from individual managers’ perspective in Biotechnology organisations; and to explore how organisations and individuals can manage these implications. The results of this study show how the implications of OI can be managed at an individual level and also at, the organisational level without heavy investment or major changes. Applying the lens of Knowledge Based Theory of the firm, this research examines the perspectives of various stakeholders on OI in the Biotechnology industry. This research explored individual managers’ interpretation of the OI phenomenon based on their overall experience of OI in their organisations. The interpretivist paradigm enabled an understanding into the reality of the phenomenon as seen by the practitioners of OI. It allowed the Researcher to search for patterns of meaning while describing meanings that the managers assigned to OI; their view of the implications of being open for innovation, and examining how OI was managed in their organisations. The data for this study was collected based on the considerations of theoretical saturation which was achieved from eight Biotechnology organisations in the state of Victoria in Australia. A total of twenty interviews were conducted with ten participants from the eight Biotechnology organisations. In addition, for triangulation, six interviews with five participants from: a Contract Research Organisation (CRO), a premier Australian Research Institute (RI), and an Industry Body (IB) for the Biotechnology industry were conducted. By including a variety of stakeholders from the industry this research is able to present a holistic picture of OI in the Victorian Biotechnology industry. Although a small sample, saturation of information was reached from the rich data that emanated from the semi-structured interviews, analysis of documents collected, and from information posted on websites. The data set was so rich that issues of validity and reliability were easily justified from the analysed data. Literature on OI has suggested that one of the implications of OI is that it requires considerable changes in the policies, processes and systems of organisations. The findings of this research suggest that the nature of the Biotechnology industry is such that it is knowledge intensive, participates in R&D, is technology based, and adopts OI without much effort in change management. OI was viewed as ingrained in the nature of scientific work and not an entirely novel phenomenon within the Biotechnology industry in Victoria. The Biotechnology firms investigated did not have to incorporate any major changes to realise OI, nor required implementing any specific systems, processes or procedures for the management of OI. Consequently, the changes experienced by individuals in these organisations for OI were minimal. The findings of this research, vary from earlier studies on OI in the American and European context that suggest that there are considerable implications due to the ‘not-invented-here’ syndrome. This research instead suggests that there are other implications that need more attention. For the Biotechnology organisations in this research OI promoted greater learning, improved staff morale and more team work. OI also required individuals to balance diverse stakeholder demands, learn better time management and communication, be more open to change as well as overcome ego, fear and distrust while attempting to form external partnerships. Additionally, these research findings suggest that entrepreneurial thinking, team work and cross-disciplinary knowledge are major enablers for OI in organisations. The findings on the implications of OI in terms of the benefits and challenges highlight the dichotomy of saving time and money due to OI while also facing the challenge of risking time and money when working with external partners. To realise the benefits of OI these organisations had to harness the advantages of opposing forces such as: revealing and being open, efficiency and innovation, hierarchy and networks, teamwork and individual accountability, maintaining cost control and ensuring quality, as well as a centralised vision with decentralised autonomy. For individuals in the Biotechnology organisations this meant dealing with these paradoxes. The findings highlight that at an individual level OI can lead to a struggle to manage timelines and resource constraints while striving for quality; learning to balance between disclosure and discretion when interacting with external partners; retrieving internal knowledge while gaining new knowledge; working collaboratively internally and externally while being individually responsible. The findings of this study suggest that OI increasingly requires knowledge exchange while contending with dualities and paradox at both individual and organisational level. Importantly this research highlights that Organisational Fluidity and Agility enables balancing and managing these dualities and paradox. The characteristics of Organisational Fluidity and Agility such as: porous boundaries, fluidity in processes and systems, resource mobility and temporary project teams are useful for OI as determined from the Biotechnology organisations. As these organisations were also Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that are generally known to be responsive and flexible, it is deemed that the overall agility and fluidity of these organisations further provided on-going support for OI. This research confirms that OI was facilitated in these Biotechnology SMEs due to their Organisational Fluidity and Agility at an individual and organisational level. At the individual level, Organisational Fluidity and Agility was supported through the use of flexible processes, systems, roles and responsibilities. This allowed employees to better handle the dual demands placed on their time, knowledge and skills for OI. The contribution this study makes is that OI is closely linked to Organisational Agility and Fluidity, both at the individual and organisational levels. Organisations do not necessarily need to undergo major transformation to gain the benefits of OI. The characteristics of agile and flexible organisations (such as: porous boundaries, fluidity in processes & systems, resource mobility and temporary project teams) appear to facilitate OI in the Biotechnology industry. At the individual level, individuals in Biotechnology SMEs are orientated towards collaboration (internally and externally) due to their scientific training and overall nature of knowledge intensive drug development process. Additionally, the small size and resource constraints of these Biotechnology organisations is the reason for individuals to adopt a more collaborative attitude towards innovation to stay ahead of competition. However, these findings are from one industry compromising of SMEs. Future research is required to explore these findings in other industries.

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Ligtermoet, Emma. "People, place and practice on the margins in a changing climate: Sustaining freshwater customary harvesting in coastal floodplain country of the Alligator Rivers Region, Northern Territory of Australia." Phd thesis, 2018. http://hdl.handle.net/1885/164233.

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Human-environment interactions will be profoundly affected by anthropogenic climate change. Coastal communities, dependent on freshwater ecosystems for their livelihoods and cultural practices, are likely to be seriously impacted by rising sea level. For communities already subject to marginalising forces of remoteness, poverty or the legacies of colonisation, climate change impacts will likely compound existing stressors. The freshwater floodplains of the Alligator Rivers Region in the Northern Territory, spanning Kakadu National Park and part of West Arnhem Land, represent such a place. This area is at risk from sea level rise, particularly saltwater intrusion, while also home to Aboriginal Australians continuing to practice customary or subsistence harvesting based on freshwater resources. In seeking to support sustainable adaptation to climate change in this context, this thesis examines Indigenous people’s experiences, in living memory, of responding to past and persisting social-ecological change. A place-based, contextual framing approach was used to examine vulnerability and adaptive capacity. Through semi-structured interviews, trips on country, cultural resource mapping and archival work, contemporary patterns of freshwater resource use and Aboriginal people’s perceptions of changes to their freshwater hunting, fishing and gathering activities (collectively termed ‘harvesting’) were examined. Qualitative models were used to conceptualise factors influencing an individual’s ability to engage in freshwater customary harvesting and the determinants shaping adaptive capacity for customary harvesting. The social-ecological drivers of change in freshwater harvesting practices raised by respondents included: existing threats from introduced animals and plants, altered floodplain fire regimes and the ‘bust then boom’ in saltwater crocodile population following recovery from commercial hunting. These all had implications for sustaining customary harvesting practices including restricting access and the transmission of knowledge. Impacts driven by the introduced cane toad, invasive para grass and saltwater crocodile population change, represent examples of solastalgia, particularly for women’s harvesting practices. In addition to environmental conditions, determinants of adaptive capacity of customary harvesting included; mobility on country- particularly supported through on country livelihoods and outstations, social networks facilitating access and knowledge sharing, health and well-being and inter-generational knowledge transmission. Past experience of saltwater intrusion facilitated by feral water buffalo in Kakadu was examined through the lens of social learning, as a historical analogue for future sea level rise. These experiences were shown to influence contemporary perceptions of risk and adaptive preferences for future sea level rise. Customary harvesting was also found to offer unique opportunities to improve remote Indigenous development outcomes across diverse sectors. To build adaptive capacity supporting freshwater customary harvesting practices in this context it will be essential to; understand historical trajectories of social-ecological change, recognise the potential for diversity within groups- including a gendered analysis of adaptive capacity, address existing social-ecological stressors and foster knowledge collaborations for supporting knowledge transmission, the co-production of knowledge and sustaining social networks. Facilitating a social learning environment will be particularly crucial in supporting local autonomy, leadership and experimental learning, and is particularly beneficial in jointly managed protected area contexts. Most importantly, incorporating local Indigenous knowledge, values, perceptions of change and risk into locally-developed adaptation strategies will be essential in developing more culturally relevant and thus sustainable, adaptation pathways.

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Larkin, Roslyn. "Human resource management and knowledge transfer in Australian subsidiaries of MNE's operating in the international hospitality industry." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/932645.

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Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
The objective of this thesis was to examine the influences of Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on knowledge transfer between Australian subsidiaries of an International hotel chain. Generally, the research enabled understanding of the organisations commitment to knowledge transfer within and between its subsidiaries, the organisations use of knowledge transfer mechanisms including Information Technology Communication systems and socially constructed mechanisms, and the effects of HRM practices on each within the context of the organisations strategic and operating environments. The research used Gupta and Govindarajan’s (2000) knowledge transfer dimensions to establish a framework for analysis thereby incorporating both motivational and ability aspects of knowledge transfer behaviours. The research used a qualitative, single complex case study approach which was chosen due to its ability to capture both human and situational influences impacting on the social phenomena. This approach was called for by commentators, for example Litteljohn (1997) in order to capture the complexity of the increasing internationalisation and geocentric nature of the hotel sector. Refer to Appendix 1 for the ‘mix’ of research constructs investigated in this study. Data collection involved interviews with 32 respondents from 3 primary groups. These were regional or executive management, site or hotel general managers and site, regional or state regional HR staff and managers. Primarily, the findings demonstrated that a number of HR practices clearly influenced knowledge transfer across the organisations subsidiaries. Further, most practices were identified as influential to knowledge transfer across a number of dimensions. In many cases however, the key factor separating the influences was the actual transfer mechanism, that is, either Information Technology Communications or social systems. In all cases, the usefulness of the HR practice was either further facilitated or moderated by the organisations contextual factors and decision making processes, many of which were as a result of the decentralised HR system. Aside from the findings that were established through the application of the framework, this study offers additional insight across a number of areas as a xiii consequence of the research. These findings included the need to consider the effect of HR practices on knowledge transfer as an interrelated system of practices, the potential negative effects of the organisations competitive or market strategy on knowledge transfer outcomes, and the requirement for purposeful integration of both knowledge transfer mechanisms when seeking to understand organisational knowledge transfers.

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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Knowledge management Australia'

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