Digital Commons Network^™

Terahertz-Driven Nonlinear Electrical Transport In Semiconductor Nanostructures, C. Zhang

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

In this work, we used the quantum transport equation and density matrix formalism to calculate the frequency dependent electrical current of a two-dimensional electron gas directly driven by an intense terahertz laser. It is found that due to increased electron-photon coupling, the electron-impurity scattering decreases rapidly with the electric field.

Skill Acquisition In Transfer Of Manipulation Skills From Human To Machine Through A Haptic Virtual Environment, Y. Chen, F. Naghdy

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

A new paradigm for programming a robotics manipulator is developed. It is intended that the teaching of the machine will begin with the necessary skills being demonstrated by the human operator in a virtual environment with tactile sensing (haptics). Position and contact force and torque data generated in the virtual environment combined with a priori knowledge about the task is used to identify and learn the skills in the newly demonstrated tasks and then to reproduce them in the robotics system. The peg-in-hole insertion problem is used as a case study. The overall concept is described. The methodologies developed to …

Selective Laser Excitation Spectroscopy Of Gallium And Phosphorous In Germanium, C. A. Freeth, R. A. Lewis

Faculty of Engineering - Papers (Archive)

Shallow impurity states of donors and acceptors in Ge have been investigated by far-infrared laser magnetospectroscopy. The Zeeman splitting of the impurity states produces resonant absorption of the laser radiation at certain magnetic fields. The data are compared to measurements made using a conventional spectrometer and good agreement is found.

A Grounded Theory Of The Leadership Process In A Large Government Bureaucracy, George K. Kriflik, R. Jones

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

This paper presents a theory of the leadership process within the particular substantive setting of a large government bureaucracy. The study organisation (labelled AGRO) possesses a dominant engineering culture and has a history characterised by non- tumultuous change. The research methodology of orthodox grounded theory was employed. The main concern of the participants was found to be a desire to close the gap between their current work reality and that level they perceived themselves to be capable of achieving. This was resolved through the basic social process of Minimising Attainment Deficit. Leadership aspects of charisma and vision where not evident …

A Review Of Unquestioned Standards In Using Cluster Analysis For Data-Driven Market Segmentation, Sara Dolnicar

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

Clustering is a highly popular and widely used tool for identifying or constructing databased market segments. Over decades of applying cluster analytical procedures for the purpose of searching for homogeneous subgroups among consumers, questionable standards of utilization have emerged, e.g. the non-explorative manner in which results from cluster analytic procedures are reported, the black-box approach ignoring crucial parameters of the algorithms applied or the lack of harmonization of methodology chosen and data conditions. The purpose of this study is threefold: (1) to investigate whether and which standards of application of cluster analysis have emerged in the academic marketing literature, (2) …

Strategic Brand Image Analysis For Heterogeneous Markets – Applying Dynamic Perceptions Based Market Segmentation (Dynpbms) To Dishwashing Brand Data, Sara Dolnicar

Faculty of Commerce - Papers (Archive)

The aim of this article is to illustrate the usefulness of an exploratory tool called dynamic perceptions based market segmentation (dynPBMS, based on the PBMS approach introduced by Mazanec and Strasser (2000) and Buchta, Dolnicar and Reutterer (2000)) for the investigation of image patterns in the marketplace as well as structural changes of such patterns over time. As starting point for analysis typical brand image data is used: repeated surveys questioning respondents about their evaluation of multiple brands with regard to multiple attributes. The advantages of using dynPBMS as compared to traditional tools applied in market structure analysis include (1) …

Developing On-Line Tools To Support Learners In Problem-Solving Activities, Gwyn Brickell, B. Harper, Brian Ferry

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

In recent years, research has focused on understanding how learners can benefit from tools that can assist in the development of informal reasoning skills when constructing arguments in collaborative learning with web-based learning environments. A common approach taken by each of these systems is to use support mechanisms (scaffolding) to facilitate student learning through the development of improved reasoning and argumentation skills. The authors of this paper have been developing computer-based learning environments for the past ten years, and have developed several award winning CD-ROM packages that feature a range of cognitive tools designed to assist learning. The development of …

Implementing Generic Learning Designs Based Upon Quality Ict Exemplars, J. Hedberg, R. Oliver, Barry Harper, Sandra Wills, S. Agostinho

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Within the context of an AUTC funded Project: Information and Communication Technologies and Their Role in Flexible Learning, this paper presents an analysis of learning designs using ICTs and how this grounded approach might be a more useful structure to design effective learning environments. The project has developed generic or reusable frameworks for technology-enhanced high quality learning experiences in higher education and this paper will present several examples, of the original design and how the key elements were selected and developed for use by others. As this project is currently developing these generic exemplars of learning designs, the final presentation …

Societas Europaea: Harmonization Or Proliferation Of Corporations Law In The European Union?, J. M. Marychurch

Faculty of Law - Papers (Archive)

A significant development was made recently to the range of corporate forms available to businesses operating in the European Union (EU). A company's incorporation, regulation and dissolution had hitherto been the sole domain of the EU's member states. On 8 October 2001, this changed when Council Regulation (EC) No 2157/ 2001 on the Statute for a European Company (the Regulation) was adopted, making the form of a European company or Societas Europaea (SE) open to some businesses in the EU after the Regulation enters into effect. This article will examine the form and analyse the likely impact the national law …

The Changing Role Of Tutors: Forming A Community Of Practice In A Distributed Learning Environment, Geraldine E. Lefoe, J. Hedberg, C. Gunn

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

An evaluation of a distributed learning environment (DLE) of a regional NSW university provided the context to examine the changing role of tutors in new learning environments. It examines how the tutors started to form a community of practice in the first year of operation. The distance from the main campus made communication difficult for the tutors, lecturers and students and the use of information and communication technologies (ICT), at times, added to the challenge. This paper identifies ways that the tutor role changes in a DLE and how the development of a community of practice can support this change.

Journalism Ethics: Mainstream Versus Tabloid Journalists, R. Y. G. Er, H. Xiaoming

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Through a survey of 356 journalists working for various newspapers under the Singapore Press Holdings, this study shows that despite the influence of newsroom culture, journalists working for the mainstream and tabloid newspapers may not differ in terms of their professional values and ethical standards. It is the content orientation of their newspaper or their perception of it that leads them to act differently in covering certain kinds of news. In other words, the institutional influence does have an impact on the ethical decision-making process among journalists in their daily operations even though it may not determine the direction of …

Book Review: Media Fortunes, Changing Times: Asean States In Transition, S. Ramanathan

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Heng, Russell (ed) (2002)
Media Fortunes, Changing Times: ASEAN States in Transition,
Institute of Southeast Asian Studies, Singapore. ISBN. 252 pp.

Reviewed by Sankaran Ramanathan

Are ASEAN states in transition? If so, how many of the 10 states are? Are there changing times that the presumed transition brings, and if there are, have media fortunes been affected? If so, how have they been affected? If we were to gauge on the basis of political uncertainty, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia qualify as being states under transition. If we were to broaden the definition to include countries whose economies are under transition …

Using On-Line Discussion To Develop Preservice Teacher Understanding Of Classroom Management, Brian Ferry, J. Kiggins, G. Hoban

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

This paper describes how a knowledge building community (KBC) of preservice teachers used an on-line discussion forum to develop knowledge about the role of the teacher in modern schools. It traces their initial use of the technology and follows the evolution of its use over a three-year period describing the role of the students and university lecturers in facilitating discussion. The paper then focuses on how members of the KBC used an on-line discussion forum to reflect on and share learning experiences as they developed classroom management strategies.

The Disenchantment Of Southeast Asia: New Media And Social Change Post 9/11, J. Woodier

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Although governments around Southeast Asia bemoan their failing ability to control the flow of news and information in the Internet age, the terrorist attacks on the US and, in particular, those in Bali in October 2002, are likely to provide a fillip for the region’s hard-liners, and underpin surveillance states in the region. As culture becomes a major factor in national security and international relations, the role of the media and communications technology in political change has become ambiguous. The Internet allows the high-tech mobilisation of radical constituencies, and threatens to shake dominant political visions and cultural traditions to the …

Teaching Journalism In Guangzhou, A. Zeitlin

Asia Pacific Media Educator

At the core of an effort to teach journalism in English to students in the People’s Republic of China is the question whether there is a point to exposing—for want of a better term—western values to students. They will work under a one-party, totalitarian police state which closely monitors a state-owned news media designed to suppress the bad news and exploit the good for the benefit of the Communist Party of China. A long-time American journalist writes of his experience teaching in an English-language journalism program at a Chinese university and his search for an answer to that question.

A Conceptual Model For Capacity Building In Australian Primary Health Care Research, Elizabeth Farmer, Kathryn M. Weston

Graduate School of Medicine - Papers (Archive)

Background: Many general practitioners and primary health care practitioners lack research and evaluation skills. In response, the Australian Government has funded important capacity building initiatives.

Aim: To propose a conceptual model to assist these initiatives.

Model: Four groups of research involvement are suggested: nonparticipants; participating (as part of a research team); managing/training (either leading research, or in formal training to do so); and academic (with, or leading toward, a doctorate). We outline six guiding principles for research capacity building: 1) a whole system approach, 2) accommodating diversity, 3) reducing barriers to participation, 4) enabling collaboration, 5) mentoring, and 6) networking. …

Quality Assurance And Online Teaching And Learning: First Steps, Robert M. Corderoy, Ray Stace, R. Pennell

Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education) - Papers

In the late 90s the University of Wollongong (Australia) recognised the need for the establishment of flexible course delivery. The increasing globalisation of the world of tertiary education has added to the pressure for all institutions to address issues associated with the delivery of a quality education. Many systems have been developed internationally, but to be truly useful in changing the process and ensuring the students (the clients) are happy, quality assurance has to have a local component. To address the issue of QA and online teaching and learning the authors are looking at a two phase process, the first …

Dilemmas Of Defending Dissent: The Dismissal Of Ted Steele From The University Of Wollongong, Brian Martin

Faculty of Arts - Papers (Archive)

The summary dismissal of Ted Steele from the University of Wollongong in February 2001 was the most significant case of its type in Australian higher education in half a century. The Steele dismissal case is placed in the context of academic freedom in Australia, the development of the University of Wollongong and Steele's own background. The moves made by key players in the drama - the university administration, the National Tertiary Education Union, the Department of Biological Sciences and Steele - are assessed in the light of possible alternatives. The case shows that rhetoric about free speech and academic freedom …

Editorial: In This Issue, J. Gomez

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Just as the American troops were building up their forces against Iraq in early 2003, a new and deadly virus was slowly beginning to make its rounds in Asia and beyond. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) had some media coverage before the Iraq war. But this was soon overwhelmed by the news on the war. Reportage on the SARS virus only became prime news after the focus on the war had subsided. Since September 11, international news coverage in Asia has largely focused on the US war led on terrorism and Iraq. There were many voices of protests against the …

New Regulatory Politics And Communication Technologies In Singapore, T. Lee

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Singapore’s status as one of the most networked society in the Asia- Pacific region is rarely disputed, though not much has been written critically about the city-state’s approach towards the regulation of information/communication technologies. This paper seeks therefore to disambiguate the social, cultural, economic as well as the political imperatives of such regulatory practices in Singapore. It begins by looking at the development of Singapore’s Internet and infocommunications scene, with highlights of political responses to key occurrences over the past decade. Taking on board the discourse of autoregulation – that regulating the Internet and new media in Singapore is mostly …

Hong Kong Anti-Terrorism Ordinance And The Surveillance Society: Privacy And Free Expression Implications, A. Maurushat

Asia Pacific Media Educator

This paper is a critical examination of the privacy and free expression implications of surveillance in the wake of new anti-terrorism law in Hong Kong. Surveillance has increased worldwide since the recent terrorist attacks. New technological modes of surveillance have become indispensable weapons in this ‘war on terrorism’. The extent to which such surveillance technology impacts on privacy and free expression has been explored extensively in the literature both in Europe and North America. The issue, however, has received little attention in Asia. European and North American anti-terrorism laws are set within the framework of legislative safeguards – safeguards as …

On The Cusp Between Global And Local: Young Journalists At The Straits Times, B. Josephi

Asia Pacific Media Educator

This article portrays the induction process of young journalists into the newsroom at the Singaporean English daily, The Straits Times. The enquiry, part of on ongoing world-wide study, is premised on the fact that professional journalistic education is greatly influenced by the newsroom socialisation process. The Straits Times is bound to its parent company’s editorial policy, which has as its “main concern the survival and continuing success of the Republic of Singapore”. This editorial policy impacts on what and how the young journalists learn. Front-end controls make the young reporters work in close cooperation with their assigned supervisor. This way …

Medium: An Exploratory Study Of Pr Professionals In Taiwan, S. H. Sun, T. Lau, R. Kuo

Asia Pacific Media Educator

This paper seeks to explore the attitudes and practices of public relations (PR) professionals in using the Internet as a PR medium in Taiwan. Specifically, the paper addresses three research questions: (1) What do PR professionals think about the function of the Internet and the roles of online communication in comparison with those of offline communication in Taiwan? (2) Will IT-related corporations be more likely to have a wider scope of Internet applications than non-IT related corporations? (3) Do IT corporations perceive the role of PR differently from non-IT related corporations? Using a semi-structured questionnaire, we conducted in-depth interviews with …

Book Review: Journalism: Theory In Practice, K. Wilson

Asia Pacific Media Educator

There was a time, not that long ago, when newspapers were an essential source of news. The advent of the Internet and 24- hour television news such as CNN and BBC World has changed all that. Thirty years ago Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein won the Pulitzer Prize for Watergate, the scandal which eventually brought down President Richard Nixon. The two young Washington Post reporters launched an entire generation into print journalism, not only in America but around the world.
Could the same be done today? Probably not.

Book Review: The Pacific Journalist: A Practical Guide, J. Herbert

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Robie, David (ed) (2001)
The Pacific Journalist: A Practical Guide,
University of the South Pacific. ISBN 9982-1-3851. 372 pp.

Reviewed by John Herbert

Countries in the developing world need their own books— urgently. What was needed, I said, was a series of books that gave students in countries such as Hong Kong, China and the South Pacific their own books on the practice of journalism, with their own examples, laws and ethics, their own cultural differences highlighted, and, where necessary in their own languages; or at least in English but with local situations and journalistic problems explored and explained. The …

Book Review: Journalism In The Digital Age: Theory And Practice For Broadcast, Print And Online Media, & Reporting In A Multimedia World, P. Iyer

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Herbert, John (2000)
Journalism in the Digital Age: Theory and Practice for Broadcast,
Print and Online Media, Focal Press, Boston. ISBN 0240515897. 349 pp.

Alysen, Barbara; Sedorkin, Gail & Oakham, Mandy (2003)
Reporting in a Multimedia World,
Allen & Unwin, Sydney. ISBN 2003 1865089109 Pbk. 312pp

Reviewed by Padma Iyer

Journalism, like many vocational courses, is prone to the chicken-or-the-egg conundrum: does practice precede theory or does theory pre-exist for changes in practice? Historically, perhaps it could be argued that the bird that laid the egg out of which the chicken ultimately emerged wasn’t a species of fowl as we …

Hong Kong's News Media Five Years After The Handover: Prospects For Press Freedom, J. Clarke

Asia Pacific Media Educator

This paper examines the current situation of Hong Kong’s news media in the context of the development of Hong Kong’s government and its relations with Beijing. Despite expectations that press freedom would be eroded under Chinese rule the news media remain very free and outspoken, especially in criticising the local administration. However, much of the ownership of the news media is already in pro-Beijing hands, and, with democracy declining and the role of the legislature and the opposition being eroded, concerns arise that restrictive laws already in existence as well as those due to be made may be used later …

Can The Poor Get Richer And Freer? The Internet, Development And Democracy In Asia, J. Rudolph, L. T. Tin

Asia Pacific Media Educator

The combination of the Internet, development and democracy provide poor countries with new opportunities to get richer and freer. In using examples from Asia, we show that despite the Internet being no panacea tends to have a positive effect on both development and democratisation. Due to the linkage between economic and political development, the Internet’s effect on political development will tend to be good for economic development, or vice versa. A digital divide exists, but so does a digital opportunity for developing countries, and the Internet’s unique decentred structure makes it difficult for authoritarian regimes to comprehensively instrumentalise this technology. …

Emails, Educators, Practitioners And Changing Professional Paradigms, J. Chia

Asia Pacific Media Educator

The management of relationships with stakeholders, key publics and clients is central to the practice of public relations. Maintaining relationships and valuing those that have been established between practitioners and their clients and between practitioners and other organisations, has become increasingly important to the practitioner. However within the changing communication environment of email and Websites can these relationships be managed effectively? Both the practitioner and the educator of public relations are communicating with virtual clients and virtual students through online discussion, email messages, chat rooms and organisational websites. This paper points to the way in which practitioners are adjusting to …

Internet And Media Freedom: A Study Of Media Censorship In Sri Lanka And The Effectiveness Of Web-Based Revel Media, K. Ubayasiri

Asia Pacific Media Educator

Sri Lanka, the former British colony of Ceylon, is the theatre for one of the world’s longest and bloodiest civil wars. For more than two-and-a-half decades the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) have fought to secure a separate Tamil state from the country’s predominantly Sinhalese government. However, the reportage of the conflict has remained a monopoly of the government and the pro-Sinhala mainstream media. This paper argues that alternative media such as the Internet has given the LTTE and pro-liberation supporters a media outlet which is not easily censored, shut or distorted by governments and mainstream media groups. The …