Business Commons^™

Bring On The Broadband: A Case For Regional Centres In Australasia, William J. Smart, George M. Coles

George M Coles

The need and processes of implementing a broadband network into isolated communities and its economic, social and environmental impact for Australia and its neighbours are discussed in this paper. Results of Case Studies conducted to identify needs and challenges of the project are given to build a case for government support for the project. The benefits to communities in the region, Australia and worldwide are highlighted. Lessons for political agenda building and implementation of Government can be drawn from this article.

The Impact Of The Perceived Usefulness Of Workplace Social Networks Upon The Innovative Behaviour Of Sme Employees: A Social Capital Perspective, Matthew Xerri, Yvonne Brunetto

Matthew J Xerri

This research includes an examination of the impact of three organisational factors upon the perceived usefulness of workplace social networks for problem solving in engineering SMEs. As well this research examines the impact of the perceived usefulness of workplace social networks upon the innovative behaviour of engineering SME employees. More specifically, the dimensions of Social Capital Theory are applied as a lens to develop an understanding into the effect of the strength of workplace social network ties, sociability and organisational culture upon the perceived usefulness of workplace social networks for problem solving. This study examines the proposed model by applying …

Building Trust In Online Customers, George M. Coles, William J. Smart

George M Coles

Although significant progress has been made towards securing the Internet environment, many consumers remain reluctant to participate in making on-line purchases. Cyber- crime continues to have a negative influence upon the uptake and acceptance of E-Commerce by consumers. As a result commercial website operators are faced with the problem of overcoming user distrust in their systems. The main argument put forward in this study is that a consumer’s trust depends more upon traditional marketing strategies than it does upon their beliefs in the security of on-line systems. In many cases these issues have been overlooked by web developers and vendors …

Supply-Side Evolution Of Caravanning In Australia: An Historical Analysis Of Caravan Manufacturing And Caravan Parks, Rod Caldicott

Rod Caldicott

This exploratory study reviewed internal and external supply-side elements of caravanning in Australia, an area largely overlooked to date in the demand-side focused literature. More specifically, it investigated how caravan parks have developed over the passage of time and what role the caravan manufacturing sector (external element) and the park-based site-mix options (internal element) have had in shaping that development.

In 2011, the caravanning industry is only a mere shadow of its former glory days of the mid seventies, as recognised within its own national peak body, the Caravan, Recreational Vehicle and Accommodation Industry of Australia (CRVA), despite the current …