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Library Annual Report 2011, University Of Wollongong Library

University of Wollongong Library Annual Reports

No abstract provided.

Undergraduate Student Peer Mentoring In A Multi-Faculty, Multi-Campus University Context, Robert A. Townsend, Melinda Delves, Tracy Kidd, Bev Figg

Journal of Peer Learning

This article explores research that utilised a mapping strategy to investigate the elements of peer mentoring and peer tutoring programs across a multi-campus Australian university. Peer mentoring, peer tutoring and peer learning activities at the multi-campus university are occurring in a manner that may be considered ad-hoc which does not necessarily reflect an organisational commitment to, or philosophy of peer activities in the higher education setting. There is a significant body of research that reveals that mentoring activities benefit all students, mentoring particularly increases access, progress and success of students who traditionally struggle in tertiary education (Barnett, 2008; Walker and …

'Portraits Of Moments' : Visual And Textual Entanglements In Narrative Research, Maria Tamboukou

Current Narratives

In this paper I consider questions of coherence and sequence in narrative research and explore their conditions of possibility and their effects. What happens, I ask, when the Aristotelian plot and the coherent self cannot be identified? Who gets excluded and to what effect when narratives are trapped within restrictive models of analysis? In focusing on a quantifiable and divisible model of time that underpins the conception of narratives in terms of linearity, completeness and closure, the paper charts a plane of analysis wherein narratives are taken as ‘portraits of moments’—textual and visual traces of eruptions and events. Such an …

Transforming Inequality In The Classroom: Not As Easy As It Sounds, Shawn Tyler

Journal of Student Engagement: Education Matters

Within every classroom there exists the potential for inequality in various forms. It is essential to recognise the role of the educator in either the reproduction or transformation of these potential inequalities. As transformation of inequality should be the desired outcome, the teacher must understand the complexities of inequality and the external factors that inform and shape it, such as class, race and gender. Internal factors such as meritocracy, individual habitus, social marginalisation and social capital should also be considered if the teacher is to adopt pedagogy and practice that will transform inequality within educational contexts.

Adding Value To Public Hospital Pathology: Identifying Key Attributes That Requestors Associate With Quality, Louise Wienholt

Business HDR Student Conference 2010-13

Pathology services are undergoing a period of dynamic change in the Australian health market. As costs continue to be rationalised there has been an increasing requirement to quantitate and improve the clinical utility and value of pathology in healthcare delivery.

Through literature review we propose a model to assess how this service is valued by clinicians and the dimensions that influence the perception of quality.

A number of concepts of service delivery are examined and their applicability to pathology service discussed. From these 14 dimensions are proposed as having substantial influence on the perception of the quality of pathology services …

The Aging Workforce: How Can Australian Universities Address Future Workforce Challenges?, Susan Loomes

Business HDR Student Conference 2010-13

Australia is facing major demographic challenges fueled by low workforce participation rates and the exit of the baby boomers from the workforce. Universities are likely to face the same workforce challenges. However, they may be in a better position than mainstream businesses due to the skills required, the flexibility of hours, and the nature and casualization of the workforce. This opens the door to attract retiring business professionals and aiding them to transition into academic teaching roles. For this non-traditional recruitment pathway to succeed, universities will need to ensure they have appropriate education and training pathways, mentoring along with peer …

Determining Demographic Influences On Managers’ Use Of Accommodation Or Non-Accommodation In Communication With Direct Reports In Australian Workplaces, Ann Rogerson

Business HDR Student Conference 2010-13

This paper outlines a project aiming to identify demographic influences that influence communication by managers with their direct reports in Australian workplaces. A study has been designed using an online survey to identify whether and in what circumstances managers, in the interests of effective communication at work, consciously alter modifiers such as words, tone and the pace of speech, to accommodate perceived demographic differences. The study will also capture whether and in what circumstances managers decide not to alter the way they communicate when demographic differences are perceived. Managers’ responses rating the outcome of a critical interpersonal communication event will …

Long Term Care Needs And Service Utilisation Of Individuals Catastrophically Injured In Motor Vehicles In Nsw, Robert Gordon

Business HDR Student Conference 2010-13

This paper presents an update on the status of a thesis examining long term care

needs and service utilisation patterns of individual whom sustain a moderate to

severe injury in a motor vehicle accident in NSW. A sample of 126 individuals, from

four cohorts at 2, 5, 10 and 15+ years post traumatic brain or spinal cord injury have

participated in a semi-structured interview during which demographic, clinical, service

utilisation and life events data were collected using 10 separate instruments.

Preliminary demographic results are consistent with the profile of incidence data

reported previously in terms of gender, age and level …

Are Accounting Metrics Applicable To Human Resources? The Case Of Return On Valuing Assignments, Adam Steen, Denice Welch

Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal

The importance of accounting for human resources has long been recognised by the Accounting profession. Until recently, Human Resource Accounting (HRA) literature has been dominated by discussion as to whether humans fit the traditional definition of assets, and how to measure and report them. We investigate the concept of human capital and its measurement through a review of the HRA literature, as well as the literature in Human Resources (HR). This paper then draws on the findings of a small exploratory study into the measurement of Return on Investment (ROI) for international assignments. Interview data reveals that intangible costs and …

Commentary: Getting Behind Closed Doors: The Process Of Conducting Research In A Criminal Justice Setting, Jenny Wise

Current Narratives

Engaging with narrative inquiry research methods, such as indepth interviews, can provide researchers with valuable qualitative data. However, the processes involved with conducting in-depth interviews can often be problematic. This paper examines the barriers in the way of conducting research into criminal justice organisations within New South Wales (Australia) and in the Thames Valley (United Kingdom). It presents the personal experiences of the researcher in trying to gain access to organisations such as the police, judiciary, corrective services and forensic science services. Such organisations are often considered to be ʻclosed organisationsʼ because they are resistant to externally-based research. The paper …

Dealer Group Or Financial Planning Group? A Brief Technical Note, Lujer Santacruz

Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal

This technical note examines whether the industry practice of using the term dealer group when referring to a financial planning group contributes to the general perception that financial advisers are not objective when making financial product recommendations. An experimental design carried out through an online survey is used. This is supplemented by a direct comparison survey on the two terminologies. The results provide a case for the industry to adopt a new terminology.

Financial Literacy: A Review Of Government Policy And Initiatives, Sharon Taylor, Suzanne Wagland

Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal

Over the last two decades there has been robust discussion by many governments and financial community leaders generally, that financial security can only be achieved when a country’s population is considered to be financially literate. Hence individuals need to be financially literate if they are to make informed decisions about savings, investments, debt and most importantly when considering retirement issues. No longer can there be a reliance on social security in retirement due to the ever increasing ageing population and a declining tax base worldwide.

In both Australia and New Zealand, governments have put structures in place as a result …

Determinants Of Client-Professional Relationship Quality In The Financial Planning Setting, Katherine Hunt, Mark Brimble, Brett Freudenberg

Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal

Advice provided by financial planners has the potential to impact the financial and emotional well being of clients. Despite the outcomes of quality financial planning relationships, there is little direct evidence to support the importance of ‘relationship quality’ in financial planning. Previous research has emphasised the importance of relationship quality in psychology, nursing, and business settings. This research investigates determinants of client-professional relationship quality in financial planning, measured in a survey of clients and financial planners regarding relationship factors of trust, engagement, empowerment, ownership, client activity and commitment. Ratings for relationship dimensions were compared between clients and financial planners, with …

The Role Of Financial Education In Retirement Planning, Michael Ntalianis, Victoria Wise

Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal

Governments in many countries are facing the challenge of providing sufficient retirement incomes for a population that is ageing as a result of lower mortality and fertility rates. An ageing population places considerable financial stress on government budgets as spending on welfare increases, further compounded by a proportional reduction in working-age taxpayers. Exposure to financial education programs can positively influence the retirement planning and savings behaviour of individuals. Research indicates that seminars, written communications and website information are effective methods in communicating financial education. In this study an investigation is conducted into the views of retirement fund members regarding elements …

Framework For Assessing Financial Literacy And Superannuation Investment Choice Decisions, Natalie Gallery, Cameron Newton, Chrisann Palm

Australasian Accounting, Business and Finance Journal

There is a worldwide trend towards rapidly growing defined contribution pension funds in terms of assets and membership, and the choices available to individuals. This has shifted the decisionmaking responsibility to fund members for managing the investment of their retirement savings. This change has given rise to a phenomenon where most superannuation fund members are responsible for either actively choosing or passively relying on their funds’ default investment options. Prior research identifies that deficiencies in financial literacy is one of the causes of inertia in financial decision-making and findings from international and Australian studies show that financial illiteracy is wide-spread. …

Monitoring People Using Location-Based Social Networking And Its Negative Impact On Trust: An Exploratory Contextual Analysis Of Five Types Of “Friend” Relationships, Sarah Fusco, Katina Michael, Anas Aloudat, Roba Abbas

Associate Professor Katina Michael

Location based social networking (LBSN) applications are part of a new suite of social networking tools. LBSN is the convergence between location based services (LBS) and online social networking (OSN). LBSN applications offer users the ability to look up the location of another “friend” remotely using a smart phone, desktop or other device, anytime and anywhere. Users invite their friends to participate in LBSN and there is a process of consent that follows. This paper explores the potential impact of LBSN upon trust in society. It looks at the willingness of individuals to share their location data with family, friends, …

Cultural Sustainability In Regional Australia: Young Women Out And About In The Bega Valley, Anna De Jong

Science, Medicine & Health - Honours Theses

No abstract provided.

Why Students Leave Their Ict Degrees: A Gender Comparison, Madeleine Rh Roberts, Tanya Mcgill, Peter N. Hyland

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Student attrition is of particular concern in the field of ICT because the industry faces staffing shortfalls, generally and a noticeable lack of female employees. This paper explores the reasons students give for leaving their ICT courses and examines gender differences in them. An online survey of early leavers from four Australian universities was conducted. The results show that, for many students, a combination of issues lead to their withdrawal. Whilst the gender imbalance was certainly noted, sexist behaviour from male staff or students was not rated highly as an issue in terms of the withdrawal of female students from …

The ‘Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids’ Community Effectiveness Trial: Study Protocol Of A Community-Based Healthy Lifestyle Program For Fathers And Their Children, Philip J. Morgan, David R. Lubans, Ronald C. Plotnikoff, Robin Callister, Tracy Burrows, Richard Fletcher, Anthony D. Okely, Myles D. Young, Andrew Miller, Victoria Clay, Adam Lloyd, Clare E. Collins

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

Background: The 'Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids' program was designed to help overweight fathers lose weight and positively influence the health behaviors of their children. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the previously established program in a community setting, in a large effectiveness trial. Methods/Design: The Healthy Dads, Healthy Kids community trial consists of three stages: (i) Stage 1 - program refinement and resource development (ii) Stage 2 - community randomized controlled trial (iii) Stage 3 - community effectiveness trial. The program will be evaluated in five Local Government Areas in the Hunter Valley Region of NSW, …

Building Future Sustainability And Democratic Practices: The Role Of Adult Education In Post-Conflict Communities , Georgia Lysaght, Peter Kell

Faculty of Law - Papers (Archive)

This paper documents and analyses a range of literature and policy statements that identifies issues and looks at the role which adult education plays in building communities and peace in post-conflict states. This paper explores and documents these developments in countries in close proximity to Australia which have been viewed by the former Australian government as constituting an 'arc of instability'. This is a term which will be critically discussed in the paper for the way in which it positions the nations of the Pacific and Australia's foreign policy as well as its aid and development policy. This paper reviews …

Decent Work, Older Workers And Vulnerability In The Economic Recession: A Comparative Study Of Australia, The United Kingdom, And The United States, Susan Bisom-Rapp, Andrew D. Frazer, Malcolm Sargeant

Faculty of Law - Papers (Archive)

In countries with aging populations, the global recession presents unique challenges for older workers, and compels an assessment of how they are faring. To this end, the International Labour Organization's concept of decent work provides a useful metric or yardstick. Decent work, a multifaceted conception, assists in revealing the interdependence of measures needed to secure human dignity across the course of working lives. With this in mind, in three English-speaking, common law countries - Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States - this article considers several decent work principles applicable to older workers and provides evaluations in light of …

Misreporting Of Energy Intake In The 2007 Australian Children's Survey: Identification, Characteristics And Impact Of Misreporters, Anna Rangan, Victoria M. Flood, Tim Gill

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Misreporting of energy intake (EI) is a common problem in national surveys. The aim of this study was to identify misreporters using a variety of criteria, examine the impact of misreporting on the association between EI and weight status, and to define the characteristics of misreporters in the 2007 Australian Children‟s Survey. Data from the 2007 Australian Children‟s Survey which included 4800 children aged 2–16 years were used to examine the extent of misreporting based on EI, physical activity level (PAL), age, gender, height and weight status. Three options for identifying misreporters using the Goldberg cut-offs were explored as was …

Relationship Between Plantar Pressures, Physical Activity And Sedentariness Among Preschool Children, Karen J. Mickle, Dylan P. Cliff, Bridget J. Munro, Anthony D. Okely, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

It has been speculated that high plantar pressures might cause foot pain and discomfort which, in turn, may discourage children from being physically active and result in them spending more time in sedentary activities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether plantar pressure distributions generated by preschool children were correlated with objectively measured time spent in physical activity and sedentary behaviour. Dynamic plantar pressures were measured for 33 preschool children (age = 4.3±0.6 years; height = 1.06±0.1 m; mass = 18.4±2.9 kg; 17 boys) as they walked across an emed AT-4 pressure platform. Physical activity was objectively assessed …

Why Caregivers Of People With Dementia Don't Utilise Out-Of-Home Respite Services, L Phillipson, S C. Jones, C Magee

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Carers of people with dementia consistently report an unmet need for respite. Despite this, the overall proportion of carers who utilise available day centre, in-home and residential respite programs tends to be low and, even then, use is often delayed and only at very low intensities. In order to support carers in appropriate and supportive use of respite services, program planners and service providers need a good understanding of the factors influencing use and non-use of respite services. With this in mind, a community based survey of 152 help-seeking caregivers of people with dementia (NSW, Australia) was undertaken to establish …

Gait, Balance And Plantar Pressures In Older People With Toe Deformities, Karen J. Mickle, Bridget J. Munro, Stephen R. Lord, Hylton B. Menz, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.

Can Flexible Shoes Improve Function In The Older Foot?, Bridget J. Munro, Karen J. Mickle, Julie R. Steele

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

No abstract provided.

Does Technology Use Change When In A Developed Country? A Case Study Of Libyans In Australia, Fouad Elgahwash, Mark Freeman

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

With developing countries now gaining access to modern banking services for their customers, research is needed to understand how developing countries will adapt to these changes. Since the 1980s, in the Arabic region, technological expansion has occurred with a focus on trade and services offered by industries &¿ recently the banking sector has started to develop banking services through mobile devices and the Internet to improve customer relationships. In particular, the banking sector is an information intensive industry and aims to be at the forefront of advanced use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). One common trend is increasing the …

Age Estimation Based On Extended Non-Negative Matrix Factorization, Ce Zhan, Wanqing Li, Philip Ogunbona

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

Previous studies suggested that local appearance-based methods are more efficient than geometric-based and holistic methods for age estimation. This is mainly due to the fact that age information are usually encoded by the local features such as wrinkles and skin texture on the forehead or at the eye corners. However, the variations of theses features caused by other factors such as identity, expression, pose and lighting may be larger than that caused by aging. Thus, one of the key challenges of age estimation lies in constructing a feature space that could successfully recovers age information while ignoring other sources of …

Towards Greater Systemisation In Ci Research: An Exploration Of Social Development As A Framework For Comparison And Understanding, William Tibben

Faculty of Informatics - Papers (Archive)

The theme of complexity alludes to the difficulties community informatics (CI) researchers face when analysing use of ICTs by communities. In response, de Moor (2009a, 2009b) and Stillman (2010) identify the need for greater systemisation of CI research that enables complex socio-technical processes to be analysed over multiple cases. The principle by which such systemisation should occur is open to debate. It seems improbable that a single theoretical approach, at least in the short term, is going to satisfy everyone as greater systemisation is pursued. The paper suggests that, as a first step, efforts should be devoted to better appreciation …

Effects Of A Single Dose Of Exenatide On Appetite, Gut Hormones, And Glucose Homeostasis In Adults With Prader-Willi Syndrome, Lisa Sze, Louise Purtell, Arthur Jenkins, Georgina Loughnan, Ellie Smith, Herbert Herzog, Amanda Sainsbury, Katharine Steinbeck, Lesley V. Campbell, Alexander Viardot

Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Papers (Archive)

Context: Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is associated with hyperphagia and obesity, without effective pharmacological treatment. Exenatide, recently developed for treatment of type 2 diabetes, induces appetite suppression and weight loss with common side effects. Objective: The objective of the study was to investigate the initial safety and effectiveness of exenatide in adult PWS subjects compared with obese controls (OBESE). Design, Setting, Patients, and Intervention: Eight PWS and 11 OBESE patients underwent standardized meal studies after a single sc injection of 10 g exenatide or placebo in a single-blinded, crossover design. Main Outcome Measures: Glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, peptide YY (PYY; total)/PYY …