Digital Commons Network^™

Educating Professional Software Engineers: Pathways And Progress In The Australian Experience, Rick Duley, David Veal, Stanislaw P. Maj

Research outputs pre 2011

Australia has seized the international initiative in the recognition of software engineers as professionals. Of the 37 universities in Australia offering undergraduate courses in computing, eleven offer courses in software engineering which are accredited by the Institute of Engineers, Australia (IEAust) and which may lead the graduate to membership of the Institute. In this way, the Institute has plausible claim to being the first national professional engineering body in the world to have accredited four-year undergraduate software engineering degrees as professional qualifications. The paper traces the development of the relationship between the Institute of Engineers and the computing industry and …

Improving Assessment: Rubrics In A Tertiary Multimedia Course, Barnard Clarkson, Joseph Luca

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper explains how alternative assessment methods were implemented in a first-year tertiary course on web design. The aim was to make assessment clearer for the students to understand, and more focussed, using a rubric—a detailed, criterion-referenced marking guide. The results of a post-course evaluation of this action research showed that students strongly appreciated the use of this type of assessment. Our conclusion is that the rubric approach improves student satisfaction and can save lecturers time when marking.

Women In Leadership Commemorative Issue: Selected Conference Papers 1998-2000, Adrianne Kinnear, Lelia Green

Research outputs pre 2011

Includes:

1998 Women as Leaders: A Global Challenge

1999 Looking at our Future: Listening to the Past

2000 Keeping Gender on the Agenda

What Moves Stock Markets? Evidence That Uk Stock Prices Deviate From Fundamentals, David E. Allen, Wenling Yang

Research outputs pre 2011

This article examines the deviation of the UK market index from market fundamentals implied by the simple dividend discount model and identifies other components that also affect price movements. The components are classified as permanent, temporary, excess stock returns and nonfundamental innovations in terms of a multivariate moving average model (Lee (1998)). We find that time varying discounted rates play an active role in explaining price deviations.

Supporting Students With Learning Difficulties In A School Of The Air, Judith Rivalland, Mary Rohl, Pru Smith, Centre For Inclusive Schooling Learning Difficulties Team, Department Of Education

Research outputs pre 2011

This project was funded by Edith Cowan University and the Centre for Inclusive Schooling (Department of Education, formerly Education Department of Western Australia) as an Institute for the Service Professions Collaborative Grant. It was carried out in order to examine the following questions:

• What are the ways in which identification, assessment and teaching processes make provision for students with learning difficulties who are enrolled in a School of the Air?

• In what ways do Support Officers Learning Difficulties support these children, their home tutors and their teachers?

Heckman's Methodology For Correcting Selectivity Bias : An Application To Road Crash Costs, Margaret Giles

Research outputs pre 2011

Aggregate road crash costs are traditionally determined using average costs applied to incidence figures found in Police-notified crash data. Such data only comprise a non-random sample of the true population of road crashes, the bias being due to the existence of crashes that are not notified to the Police. The traditional approach is to label the Police-notified sample as 'non-random' thereby casting a cloud over data analyses using this sample. Heckman however viewed similar problems as 'omitted variables' problems in that the exclusion of some observations in a systematic manner (so-called selectivity bias) has inadvertently introduced the need for an …

B-Nodes: A New Scalable High Level Abstraction Model, Stanislaw P. Maj, Craig William Caulfield

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper proposes a new modeling technique called B-Nodes. B-Nodes represent a new, high-level abstraction that allows technical detail to be controlled using top-down recursive decomposition. This abstraction. is independent of architectural detail and can therefore accommodate rapid changes in technology. The use of recursive decomposition allows B-Nodes to be used not only for entire e-commerce system but also sub-modules within this system. The use of fundamental units allows the performance of heterogeneous technologies to be compared and other units to be derived. Results to date indicate no comparable model exists. Should further work validate this technique the authors recommend …

Aboriginal And Torres Strait Islander Health At The End Of The 20th Century, Neil Thomson (Ed.)

Research outputs pre 2011

The papers were presented originally at the 1999 Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP). Reflecting the importance that the RACP attaches to the issue, Indigenous health was a major theme of the ASM. Six sessions over two days were devoted to various aspects of Indigenous health - the general policy context, lessons from the experiences of Indigenous peoples internationally, consideration of specific health services initiatives, and detailed examination of individual health topics...

Developing On-Line E-Commerce Business Plans To Provide Students With Context And Job Opportunities, Joseph Luca, Catherine E Mcloughlin

Research outputs pre 2011

This action research presents a description of how an on-line E-commerce business-planning unit was developed. Initially, an intensive ten-day E-commerce course was developed in collaboration with government, industry and university sectors with a view of raising awareness and promoting electronic business planning issues. The course utilised a range of learning approaches, including peer teaching, in which participants were trained as team leaders to facilitate group learning. Based on the evaluation of this course, a full semester course for final year tertiary studentswas developed and evaluated. An overview of both case studies is given with recommendations for future developments.

An Intelligent Imaging Approach To The Identification Of Forensic Ballistics Specimens, Clifton L. Smith

Research outputs pre 2011

The characteristic markings on the cartridge and projectile of a bullet fired from a gun can be recognised as a "fingerprint" for identification of the firearm. Over thirty different features can be distinguished. The intelligent imaging of the class characteristics of ballistics specimens will provide the potential to identify the make and model of the firearm. Precise measurement of features allow ballistics metrics to be obtained for the identification of the weapon. This paper will describe progress in the development of a multidimensional cluster analysis model for forensic ballistics specimens. The cluster analysis will provide classification that is based on …

Concept Mapping As A Collaborative Activity: Using Concept Mapping Software In A Distributed Learning Environment, Carole Steketee, Ron Oliver, Janice Herrington

Research outputs pre 2011

As part of an ongoing study into distributed learning environments, this paper examines the effects of concept mapping software when used as a collaborative learning tool. Preliminary findings are explored in relation to pre-service teachers' endeavour to distribute their learning collaboratively while working with the software in small groups.

Learning With Cyberfriends: The Development Of Professional Reflection-On-Action Skills Through Online Partnerships, Catherine Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca

Research outputs pre 2011

One the crises facing the professions is the scepticism surrounding the nature of professional knowledge and whether individuals can cope with the increased complexity of society and the changing demands of the workplace. Tertiary institutions have now strengthened their links with industry and have produced lists of attributes and communication skills they aim to cultivate in graduates. In order to develop these skills students need to be able to reflect on their learning experiences, integrate them with prior knowledge, self-evaluate and develop their own decision-making and planning processes. Online technologies can be used to support the process skills underpinning reflection-onaction …

Engaging Parents In The Drug Education Of Their Pre-Adolescent Children : Practical Problems And A Promising Program, Shelley E. Beatty, Donna S. Cross

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

Quality In Online Delivery: What Does It Mean For Assessment In E-Learning Environments?, Catherine E Mcloughlin, Joseph Luca

Research outputs pre 2011

While a great deal has been written on the advantages and benefits of online teaching, and research continues to proliferate, many practitioners are seeking guidelines that can be applied to the design of assessment in online environments. The last decade has seen the convergence of traditional distance education with on-campus modes of delivery and work-based training signalling new models of flexible delivery. In addition, demand driven education accentuates the learner’s role and needs while the teacher has become a manager, mediator and motivator of student learning. Issues raised by national and international bodies and quality assurance agencies now seem to …

Skewness Is The Name Of The Game, Y. H. Cheung

Research outputs pre 2011

Theoretical models of risk taking attempt to explain why risk-averse individuals participate in unfair gambles. This paper evaluates the two explanations as to why rational individuals would accept gambles with negative expected returns. It is found that it is skewness, not the mean or the variance of the prize distribution that attracts risk-averse gamblers. However, evidence shows that there seems to be an optimal trade-off between operators’ sales revenues and skewness of the pay-off; a point that designer of gambling games needs to heed to.

Inference Of Regular Languages Using Model Simplicity, Philip Hingston

Research outputs pre 2011

We describe an approach that is related to a number of existing algorithms for the inference of a regular language from a set of positive (and optionally also negative) examples. Variations on this approach provide a family of algorithms that attempt to minimise the complexity of a description of the example data in terms of a finite state automaton model. Experiments using a standard set of small problems show that this approach produces satisfactory results when positive examples only are given, and can be helpful when only a limited number of negative examples is available. The results also suggest that …

M-Garch Hedge Ratios And Hedging Effectiveness In Australian Futures Markets [Working Paper], Wenling Yang

Research outputs pre 2011

This study estimates optimal hedge ratios using various econometric models. Applying daily AOIs and SPI futures on the Australian market, optimal hedge ratios are calculated from the OLS regression model, the bivariate vector autoregressive model (BVAR), the error-correction model (ECM) and the multivariate diagonal Vec GARCH Model. The hedging effectiveness is measured in terms of ex-post and ex-ante risk-return tradeoff at various forecasting horizons. It is generally found that the GARCH time varying hedge ratios provide the greatest portfolio risk reduction, particularly for longer hedging horizons, but they do not generate the highest portfolio return.

Supporting Beginning Teachers: A Web-Based Collegial Enterprise, Janice Herrington, Anthony Herrington, Arshad Omari, Ron Oliver

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper describes the design, development and evaluation of a website designed to ameliorate many of the problems encountered by beginning teachers. The site allows new teachers, and preservice teachers on school practice, to communicate with each other through a discussion board, and provides access to a range of resources including lesson plans, videos of exemplary teaching, annotated lists of useful websites and frequently asked questions. Such access may help to lessen the feelings of isolation and lack of support felt by many beginning teachers, and provide a link between the practical realities and constraints of the classroom and the …

Nidh - Network Intrusion Detection Hierarchy: A Model For Gathering Attack Intelligence, Craig Valli

Research outputs pre 2011

Internet proxy systems such as Squid exchange intelligence relevant to their function as caching proxy servers via a distributed and trusted hierarchy of machines. The required intelligence is broadcast based along the network based upon established trust relationships throughout the connected network via specific port and protocols of exchange. An intrusion detection system that incorporates this functionality for gathering attack intelligence could be a formidable foe even for the wiliest attacker. This paper will outline a possible model for the deployment of a network/distributed network intrusion detection system utilising technologies and techniques already in existence to provide the supporting infrastructure.

Developing E-Learning Environments That Support Knowledge Construction In Higher Education, Ron Oliver

Research outputs pre 2011

Much of the conventional development of Web-based learning environments the creation of electronic forms of existing print-based materials. In such instances the Web-based courses have tended to display limited evidence of an underpinning learning design and varying degrees of use of the opportunities and affordances of the new technologies. This paper provides an overview of instructional design principles that can guide the creation of Web-based learning materials that support learner engagement and knowledge construction. The paper describes the attributes of constructivist learning settings and provides some examples of explicit learning designs that can be applied in the design of Web-based …

Seeking Best Practice In Online Learning: Flexible Learning Toolboxes In The Australian Vet Sector, Ron Oliver

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper describes The Flexible Learning Toolboxes Project , a component of the Australian Flexible Learning Framework for the National Vocational Education and Training System 2000-2004 (AFL Framework). The AFL Framework is designed to support the accelerated take-up of flexible learning modes and position Australian VET as a world leader in applying new technologies to vocational education products and services. A Toolbox is a set of learning resources designed for web based delivwww.ascilite.orgs customisation and reuse in the National Training Framework, which forms the basis of qualifications and accreditation in the Australian VET sector. The paper describes aspects of the …

Systems In Management 7th Annual Anzsys Conference 2001: The Relevance Of Systems Thinking In The Contemporary World, William Hutchinson (Ed.)

Research outputs pre 2011

Welcome to Perth, Western Australia, and to the Systems in Management 7th Annual ANZSYS Conference 2001 "the relevance of systems thinking in the contemporary world" hosted by the We-B Centre, School of Management Information Systems at Edith Cowan University. The conference provides an opportunity for sharing and networking among academics and industry specialists in systems and related fields. The conference has drawn participants from national and international organizations. All submitted papers were subjected to an anonymous peer review process managed by the Conference Committee. Stringent review criteria resulted in an unprecedented number of papers declined this year. Based on these …

Knowledge-Based Genetic Algorithm For Layer Assignment, Maolin Tang, Kamran Eshraghian, Daryoush Habibi

Research outputs pre 2011

Layer assignment is an important post-layout optimization technique in very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) layout automation. It re-assigns wire segments in a routing solution to appropriate layers to achieve certain optimization objectives. The paper focuses on investigating the layer assignment problem with application to via minimization, which is known to be NP-complete. A knowledge based genetic algorithm for the layer assignment problem is proposed, with the aim of utilizing domain specific knowledge to speed up the process of evolution and to improve the quality of solutions. Experimental results show that this knowledge based genetic algorithm can consistently produce the …

Pedagogical Challenges For The World Wide Web, Tony Fetherston

Research outputs pre 2011

The World Wide Web (Web) is the latest in a long line of technological tools which can be used in teaching and learning at universities. Current interest regarding its use coincides with increased use of different methods of teaching and learning at universities and with increasing use of the Web to deliver courses to internal and external students.

Your Place, My Place, Interface, Lelia Green (Ed.)

Research outputs pre 2011

This publication is the output of 2001 School of Communications and Multimedia post-graduate cohort. For many of us this is the first time our own work will be seen beyond the assignment or the essay destined for the tutor. For students from the interactive multimedia and film and video streams communicating in the written word without the assistance of pictures and electrical gadgetry can be a frightening experience. Further, most us of had little experience in creating or simulating an academic journal with all that it entails. Still, with assistance of our publications unit coordinator Lelia Green we soldiered on. …

On The Disappearance Of Tuesday Effect In Australia, Chien-Ting Lin, Lee Kian Lim

Research outputs pre 2011

Day of the week (DOW) effect has been well known in many markets. The United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Switzerland all have been found to exhibit significant average negative Monday returns [Agrawal and Tandon, 1998]. Other developing markets in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are also found to have the same seasonality [Choudhry, 2000]. Australia however displays its DOW effect on Tuesdays rather than on Mondays (Jaffe and Westerfield [1985], Easton and Faff [1994]). Jaffe and Westerfield [1985] suggest that there might be a linkage between the U.S. Monday seasonal and the Asia-Pacific DOW effect as they are one …

Survival In The E-Conomy: 2nd Australian Information Warfare & Security Conference 2001, William Hutchinson (Ed.)

Research outputs pre 2011

This is an international conference for academics and industry specialists in information warfare, security, and other related fields. The conference has drawn participants from national and international organisations.

Perceptions Of Their Teachers By Aboriginal Students, John Godfrey, Gary Partington, Kaye Richer, Mort Harslett

Research outputs pre 2011

No abstract provided.

A Case For Systems Thinking And System Dynamics, Craig William Caulfield, Stanislaw P. Maj

Research outputs pre 2011

Systems thinking is a way of thinking that focuses on the relationships between the parts forming a purposeful whole. System dynamics is concerned with building computer models of complex problem situations and then experimenting with and studying the behaviour of these models over time. This paper is a review of systems thinking that considers its unique history and influences, paradigms and methodologies, and presents a case for the system dynamics methodology as the best tool for the most diverse range of problem situations

A Virtual Organisation Model For E-Government, Greg Robins, Janice Burn

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper looks at the implementation of a new customer value alliance model in e-govemment. Firstly we review the issues of e-govemment and the drive towards customer centric organisations in the context of multiple government agencies. A model of e-Government is introduced and examined within the context of a virtual organisation model which can be applied along the customer value chain across multiple service agencies. A case study is used to demonstrate how this concept of a virtual organisation as a customer value-alliance model can effect a successful transition to e-Govemment from a traditional Government model. Finally, we examine how …