Applying reinforcement learning in playing Robosoccer using the AIBO
- Authors: Mukherjee, Subhasis
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "Robosoccer is a popular test bed for AI programs around the world in which AIBO entertainments robots take part in the middle sized soccer event. These robots need a variety of skills to perform in a semi-real environment like this. The three key challenges are manoeuvrability, image recognition and decision making skills. This research is focussed on the decision making skills ... The work focuses on whether reinforcement learning as a form of semi supervised learning can effectively contribute to the goal keeper's decision making when a shot is taken." -
- Description: Master of Computing (by research)
- Authors: Mukherjee, Subhasis
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: "Robosoccer is a popular test bed for AI programs around the world in which AIBO entertainments robots take part in the middle sized soccer event. These robots need a variety of skills to perform in a semi-real environment like this. The three key challenges are manoeuvrability, image recognition and decision making skills. This research is focussed on the decision making skills ... The work focuses on whether reinforcement learning as a form of semi supervised learning can effectively contribute to the goal keeper's decision making when a shot is taken." -
- Description: Master of Computing (by research)
The effectiveness of using static features in identifying scam genres
- Authors: Stabek, Amber
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Thesis details a cybercrime classification framework stemming from a mixed methodological approach, which is both top down and bottom up and is designed to be multidisciplinary and adaptable across sectors.
- Description: Master by Research of Mathematical Sciences
- Description: Variation in scam classification is regularly identified as a primary cause of discrepancy in victim report data resulting in unsuccessful scam identification and insufficient rates of interception by law enforcement, which results in the low prosecution rate of scammers. The result of such discrepancies lead to complex concerns, such as the under reporting of scam incidence, and reduced rates of successful follow up by investigative and enforcement agencies consequential to difficulties in making correct referrals. Without a shared and common lexicon of scam labels and descriptions, communication between investigative agencies and cross-border cooperation is obstructed. With no compatible comprehension of the scam lexicon, timely progression in scam-case management leading to the identification, tracking and interception of scammer communications cannot be realised. Ambiguities leading to interpretational impedances are aiding scammers by enabling their scams in cross-jurisdictional and multi-national platforms. If the wide variety of known scam types could be condensed to recognisable and traceable instances, the business models that scammers use could be identified and future scamming events predicted, monitored, and interrupted. Following a mixed methodology, this research aims to address some of these concerns. This is achieved by clustering scam descriptions and partitioning them into scam types, called scam genres. The result of which reveals homogeneous groups of scam cases and allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of using static features in identifying scam types. Second to this, identification of the most suitable model for reducing scam cases into the fewest number of clusters with the least number of scam cases within in each cluster at an accuracy level of at least 95% is achieved. Through the use of hierarchical clustering, this research grouped publically available scams into homogeneous clusters of scam genres. Two-hundred and seventy-seven scams from 38 separate categories of scam classification were condensed into as few as 7-clusters of scam genre. Following a mixed methodological, grounded theoretical approach and using discriminant function analysis, 82 static features were derived from the 277 scam descriptions analysed. Of the 82 static features derived, it was concluded that only 68 significantly predicted scam type and explained 95% of the total variation found in scam case assignment. The most significant static features determined to be crucial to any scamming campaign and useful in identifying the type of scam genre a scam case belongs to were; what the scam offered, the role of the victim, the goal of the scammer and the method of scam introduction. The results of this research provide empirical evidence of the inconsistent use of definitions across jurisdictions in scam descriptions, and will contribute to the development of a uniform lexicon of scamming terminology as well as become foundational to further research on the impact of scams for law enforcement, the public and private sector, the community and the individual.
- Authors: Stabek, Amber
- Date: 2010
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Thesis details a cybercrime classification framework stemming from a mixed methodological approach, which is both top down and bottom up and is designed to be multidisciplinary and adaptable across sectors.
- Description: Master by Research of Mathematical Sciences
- Description: Variation in scam classification is regularly identified as a primary cause of discrepancy in victim report data resulting in unsuccessful scam identification and insufficient rates of interception by law enforcement, which results in the low prosecution rate of scammers. The result of such discrepancies lead to complex concerns, such as the under reporting of scam incidence, and reduced rates of successful follow up by investigative and enforcement agencies consequential to difficulties in making correct referrals. Without a shared and common lexicon of scam labels and descriptions, communication between investigative agencies and cross-border cooperation is obstructed. With no compatible comprehension of the scam lexicon, timely progression in scam-case management leading to the identification, tracking and interception of scammer communications cannot be realised. Ambiguities leading to interpretational impedances are aiding scammers by enabling their scams in cross-jurisdictional and multi-national platforms. If the wide variety of known scam types could be condensed to recognisable and traceable instances, the business models that scammers use could be identified and future scamming events predicted, monitored, and interrupted. Following a mixed methodology, this research aims to address some of these concerns. This is achieved by clustering scam descriptions and partitioning them into scam types, called scam genres. The result of which reveals homogeneous groups of scam cases and allows for the assessment of the effectiveness of using static features in identifying scam types. Second to this, identification of the most suitable model for reducing scam cases into the fewest number of clusters with the least number of scam cases within in each cluster at an accuracy level of at least 95% is achieved. Through the use of hierarchical clustering, this research grouped publically available scams into homogeneous clusters of scam genres. Two-hundred and seventy-seven scams from 38 separate categories of scam classification were condensed into as few as 7-clusters of scam genre. Following a mixed methodological, grounded theoretical approach and using discriminant function analysis, 82 static features were derived from the 277 scam descriptions analysed. Of the 82 static features derived, it was concluded that only 68 significantly predicted scam type and explained 95% of the total variation found in scam case assignment. The most significant static features determined to be crucial to any scamming campaign and useful in identifying the type of scam genre a scam case belongs to were; what the scam offered, the role of the victim, the goal of the scammer and the method of scam introduction. The results of this research provide empirical evidence of the inconsistent use of definitions across jurisdictions in scam descriptions, and will contribute to the development of a uniform lexicon of scamming terminology as well as become foundational to further research on the impact of scams for law enforcement, the public and private sector, the community and the individual.
A randomized controlled trial of a high intensity interval training intervention using a body sensor network and facebook
- Authors: Foy, Daryl
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct an impact evaluation on adherence to a 5 week high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention by the use of a body sensor network and social networking site (SNS) software. The study design used was experimental, comprised of two-groups with random allocation to each and pre- and post-tests of repeated sprint performance. Setting University of Ballarat, Australia. Subjects Participants (N = 16) included university student members of a State League 5 field hockey club. The study employed a convenience sample consisting of an intervention group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). Intervention Both groups were given a 5 week HIIT program specifically designed to improve performance in repeated sprint activity (RSA). This program comprised twice weekly training sessions over the 5 weeks with gradual increases in training load and concomitant reduction in rest and recovery. The intervention group used a garment with sensors to gather heart rate and accelerometer data (speed, distance and cadence) that published the physiological data via Bluetooth and GPRS to a purpose-specific software application called SPUTNIK which ran on the Facebook social networking site (SNS). This group could socialise their data amongst themselves and share detailed graphical analysis of their training programs. They were also able to set, change and share their goals and comment on each other’s training, goals and progress. The intervention group could train together as they required. The control group used a heart rate monitor (HRM) to guide their training sessions and a paper-based
- Description: Master Human Movement: Bio-Science
- Authors: Foy, Daryl
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Purpose The purpose of this pilot study was to conduct an impact evaluation on adherence to a 5 week high intensity interval training (HIIT) intervention by the use of a body sensor network and social networking site (SNS) software. The study design used was experimental, comprised of two-groups with random allocation to each and pre- and post-tests of repeated sprint performance. Setting University of Ballarat, Australia. Subjects Participants (N = 16) included university student members of a State League 5 field hockey club. The study employed a convenience sample consisting of an intervention group (n=8) and a control group (n=8). Intervention Both groups were given a 5 week HIIT program specifically designed to improve performance in repeated sprint activity (RSA). This program comprised twice weekly training sessions over the 5 weeks with gradual increases in training load and concomitant reduction in rest and recovery. The intervention group used a garment with sensors to gather heart rate and accelerometer data (speed, distance and cadence) that published the physiological data via Bluetooth and GPRS to a purpose-specific software application called SPUTNIK which ran on the Facebook social networking site (SNS). This group could socialise their data amongst themselves and share detailed graphical analysis of their training programs. They were also able to set, change and share their goals and comment on each other’s training, goals and progress. The intervention group could train together as they required. The control group used a heart rate monitor (HRM) to guide their training sessions and a paper-based
- Description: Master Human Movement: Bio-Science
Green IT: Sustainability by aligning business requirements with IT resource utilization
- Authors: Subburaj, Srikanth
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The term “green IT” is defined as “Optimal use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for managing the environment sustainability of enterprise operations throughout their life cycles.” Its objective is to create a positive impact on environment through net lowered emissions. The heart of green IT (Information Technology) is the concept of “Environmental Sustainability,” its initiatives are multifaceted to support enterprises “business as usual model,” in low-carbon economy. Many green IT initiatives have provided short–term financial benefits, based on which organizations are now focusing on increased energy efficiency. Since many of these approaches provide less financials benefits’ which are harder to implement but provides improved environmental performance. So the financial benefits and environmental performance should be the multiple objectives in the green IT study.
- Description: Master of Computing (by Research)
- Authors: Subburaj, Srikanth
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The term “green IT” is defined as “Optimal use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for managing the environment sustainability of enterprise operations throughout their life cycles.” Its objective is to create a positive impact on environment through net lowered emissions. The heart of green IT (Information Technology) is the concept of “Environmental Sustainability,” its initiatives are multifaceted to support enterprises “business as usual model,” in low-carbon economy. Many green IT initiatives have provided short–term financial benefits, based on which organizations are now focusing on increased energy efficiency. Since many of these approaches provide less financials benefits’ which are harder to implement but provides improved environmental performance. So the financial benefits and environmental performance should be the multiple objectives in the green IT study.
- Description: Master of Computing (by Research)
Multi-label classification on shorter featured dataset using optimization techniques
- Authors: Banerjee, Arunava
- Date: 2012
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text: false
- Description: Classification of objects based on inherent properties is a general problem area encountered in diverse fields of knowledge. In terms of text classification, the problem presented in this work is based on two particular criteria for documents as given below: • Informativeness of feature sets - A feature set would comprise of words in a document. Presence of words that can be used to characterize a document in a corpus (database) is the informativeness of a feature set. • Multilabelness - documents can have content dealing with diverse topics These criteria are not localized to documents only, but can be generalized to other areas as well with little adaptation. In this thesis, the classification problem that is being investigated involve datasets containing the prescence of smaller number of features associated with a larger number of classes. The acronym SFML (Shorter Featured & Multi-Labeled) has been used to denote these types of datasets. Further, SFML type datasets can be encountered in various walks of life, like Medicine, SMS Services, Text Classification to name a few. In this thesis, the performance of various existing classification algorithms were tested on SFML datasets and their results compared. Further, a new classification algorithm based on optimization is also proposed for these types of datasets. Applications to the Adverse Drug Reaction problem and phishing profiling problem have been considered here. Classification results show that the proposed algorithm performs better than existing classification algorithms as the number of features tend to decrease.
- Description: Master of Computing (By Research)
Revealing the essence of the sacred
- Authors: Nash, Vikki
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research project, ‘Revealing the Essence of the Sacred’, examines the archetypal forms of the dot, cross and the mandorla. Their appearance and meaning are traced back through history and across cultures. The commonalities between the physical act of making imagery using these pared back abstracted forms and the experience, in the maker, of embodied immanence are examined. By extension the research also considers how creating and contemplating artwork can be a curative spiritual practice. I identify how the artwork correlates with, and is informed by, my spiritual practice. The research takes a phenomenological approach and is based on my own subjective experience of bodily sensed knowledge whilst making and viewing the image. Intuitively accessing the source or essence of the subject matter has been a primary motivating factor in the images used in the artwork. This approach is grounded in the innate belief that what has been distilled and purified has great transformative power. Informing this is an alignment with both the Jungian Collective Unconscious and the ancient Indian spiritual system of Tantra. The artworks, rendered within a ritualistic structure and using abstracted form, are an individual expression of the universality of intuitive mark making. A similar connection is established in the practice of contemporary artists who strongly identify with a level of spirituality in their personal lives
- Description: Master of Arts
- Authors: Nash, Vikki
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research project, ‘Revealing the Essence of the Sacred’, examines the archetypal forms of the dot, cross and the mandorla. Their appearance and meaning are traced back through history and across cultures. The commonalities between the physical act of making imagery using these pared back abstracted forms and the experience, in the maker, of embodied immanence are examined. By extension the research also considers how creating and contemplating artwork can be a curative spiritual practice. I identify how the artwork correlates with, and is informed by, my spiritual practice. The research takes a phenomenological approach and is based on my own subjective experience of bodily sensed knowledge whilst making and viewing the image. Intuitively accessing the source or essence of the subject matter has been a primary motivating factor in the images used in the artwork. This approach is grounded in the innate belief that what has been distilled and purified has great transformative power. Informing this is an alignment with both the Jungian Collective Unconscious and the ancient Indian spiritual system of Tantra. The artworks, rendered within a ritualistic structure and using abstracted form, are an individual expression of the universality of intuitive mark making. A similar connection is established in the practice of contemporary artists who strongly identify with a level of spirituality in their personal lives
- Description: Master of Arts
Secure network solutions for cloud services
- Authors: Huang, Chengcheng
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Securing a cloud network is an important challenge for delivering cloud services to cloud users. There are a number of secure network protocols, such as VPN protocols, currently available to provide different secure network solutions for enterprise clouds. For example, PPTP, L2TP, GRE, IPsec and SSL/TLS are the most widely used VPN protocols in today’s securing network solutions. However, there are some significant challenges in the implementation stage. For example, which VPN solution is easy to deploy in delivering cloud services? Which solution can provide the best network throughput in delivering the cloud services? Which solution can provide the lowest network latency in delivering the cloud services? This thesis addresses these issues by implementing different VPNs in a test bed environment set up by the Cisco routers. Open source measurement tools will be utilized to acquire the results. This thesis also reviews cloud computing and cloud services and look at their relationships. It also explores the benefits and the weaknesses of each securing network solution. The results can not only provide experimental evidence, but also facilitate the network implementers in development and deployment of secure network solutions for cloud services.
- Description: Master of Computing (Research)
- Authors: Huang, Chengcheng
- Date: 2013
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Securing a cloud network is an important challenge for delivering cloud services to cloud users. There are a number of secure network protocols, such as VPN protocols, currently available to provide different secure network solutions for enterprise clouds. For example, PPTP, L2TP, GRE, IPsec and SSL/TLS are the most widely used VPN protocols in today’s securing network solutions. However, there are some significant challenges in the implementation stage. For example, which VPN solution is easy to deploy in delivering cloud services? Which solution can provide the best network throughput in delivering the cloud services? Which solution can provide the lowest network latency in delivering the cloud services? This thesis addresses these issues by implementing different VPNs in a test bed environment set up by the Cisco routers. Open source measurement tools will be utilized to acquire the results. This thesis also reviews cloud computing and cloud services and look at their relationships. It also explores the benefits and the weaknesses of each securing network solution. The results can not only provide experimental evidence, but also facilitate the network implementers in development and deployment of secure network solutions for cloud services.
- Description: Master of Computing (Research)
The effect of an eight week jump training program performed on indoor and sand surfaces on verticle jump performance in elite volleyball players
- Authors: Riggs, Michael
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Purpose – The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week jump training program, completed on either a hard or sand surface, on vertical jump performance in elite volleyball players. It was of major interest to determine if training on one surface yielded meaningful gains on the other surface. Further, this study sought to determine if the short term jump training program was effective for developing leg muscle function. Method – Eighteen elite national and state volleyball players were split into two groups and trained on either a hard surface (HS, n=10) or a sand surface (SS, n=8). The participants completed 1380 jumps during the 8-week training program progressing from 120-jumps/week to 240-jumps/week. Participants were assessed on both a hard and a sand surface, pre and post training, on volleyball performance tests the block jump (BJ), spike jump (SPJ), as well as leg muscle function via ground reaction force (GRF) data collected during countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) and drop jump (DJ) performance. Results – The HS group demonstrated significant gains in jump height for BJ on the hard surface (2.6%, p= 0.033) and sand surface (6.7%, p= 0.019) while the SS group only made significant gains in BJ on the sand surface (9.8%, p= 0.009). Neither group demonstrated significant (p<0.05) gains in SPJ performance. Strong correlations between pre intervention BJ and SPJ data suggested a level of consistency in the participants jumping ability regardless of the type of surface or skill (jump). GRF data demonstrated that leg muscle function predictors accounted for 86-89% of the variance associated with volleyball performance jump tests (BJ, SPJ). Conclusion – The 8-week jump training program did not greatly improve the overall vertical jump performance of elite volleyball players. It appears surface does impact performance directly but any gains made from training on either surface are not necessarily isolated to performance on the same surface being trained on. Interestingly, SPJ performance did not demonstrate a strong link to DJ variables, in fact, within this study it appears that the skill of performing a BJ and SPJ are closely related, both rely heavily upon concentric power and this is part of why such strong correlations were seen between the two jump types.
- Description: Masters of Human Movement
- Authors: Riggs, Michael
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Purpose – The main purpose of this study was to determine the effect of an 8-week jump training program, completed on either a hard or sand surface, on vertical jump performance in elite volleyball players. It was of major interest to determine if training on one surface yielded meaningful gains on the other surface. Further, this study sought to determine if the short term jump training program was effective for developing leg muscle function. Method – Eighteen elite national and state volleyball players were split into two groups and trained on either a hard surface (HS, n=10) or a sand surface (SS, n=8). The participants completed 1380 jumps during the 8-week training program progressing from 120-jumps/week to 240-jumps/week. Participants were assessed on both a hard and a sand surface, pre and post training, on volleyball performance tests the block jump (BJ), spike jump (SPJ), as well as leg muscle function via ground reaction force (GRF) data collected during countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ) and drop jump (DJ) performance. Results – The HS group demonstrated significant gains in jump height for BJ on the hard surface (2.6%, p= 0.033) and sand surface (6.7%, p= 0.019) while the SS group only made significant gains in BJ on the sand surface (9.8%, p= 0.009). Neither group demonstrated significant (p<0.05) gains in SPJ performance. Strong correlations between pre intervention BJ and SPJ data suggested a level of consistency in the participants jumping ability regardless of the type of surface or skill (jump). GRF data demonstrated that leg muscle function predictors accounted for 86-89% of the variance associated with volleyball performance jump tests (BJ, SPJ). Conclusion – The 8-week jump training program did not greatly improve the overall vertical jump performance of elite volleyball players. It appears surface does impact performance directly but any gains made from training on either surface are not necessarily isolated to performance on the same surface being trained on. Interestingly, SPJ performance did not demonstrate a strong link to DJ variables, in fact, within this study it appears that the skill of performing a BJ and SPJ are closely related, both rely heavily upon concentric power and this is part of why such strong correlations were seen between the two jump types.
- Description: Masters of Human Movement
The warrior woman in contemporary romance fiction
- Authors: Chivers, Marian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Master of Arts by Research
- Description: The warrior woman is a recurring figure in myth and history. She could be seen as an ambiguous character as she challenges patriarchal assumptions about gender roles with her capability for masculine aggression while being recognisably female and “feminine”. In the new millennium, she has reappeared as the action heroine in films, televisions, comics and video games and she has also infiltrated romance fiction, a genre often considered one of the most conservative genres in terms of gender roles and equality. The Silhouette Bombshell line was created by the multinational publisher Harlequin to capitalise on the popularity of “action heroines” in popular culture. The romance genre, perhaps the most derided of all scorned literature, is often accused, particularly by feminist critics, of reinforcing the patriarchal structure of society. This thesis examines how this character type in romance fiction can provide a means to question and even subvert traditional or patriarchal gender expectations. It will undertake the close examination of the first six books of the Athena Force series, which were published in 2004-2005 as part of the Silhouette Bombshell line. Both the warrior woman and the romance genre are defined and historically reviewed, together with an outline of the workings of the contemporary romance industry with regard to category, genre and publishing guidelines. There follows a detailed analysis of the warrior woman character as she appears in the Athena Force series with regard to agency, violence, sisterhood, professional career, performance of femininity and romantic relationships. This study of the warrior woman in romance fiction challenges many critical and social preconceptions about the romance genre in general, and its treatment of gender roles in particular
- Authors: Chivers, Marian
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Master of Arts by Research
- Description: The warrior woman is a recurring figure in myth and history. She could be seen as an ambiguous character as she challenges patriarchal assumptions about gender roles with her capability for masculine aggression while being recognisably female and “feminine”. In the new millennium, she has reappeared as the action heroine in films, televisions, comics and video games and she has also infiltrated romance fiction, a genre often considered one of the most conservative genres in terms of gender roles and equality. The Silhouette Bombshell line was created by the multinational publisher Harlequin to capitalise on the popularity of “action heroines” in popular culture. The romance genre, perhaps the most derided of all scorned literature, is often accused, particularly by feminist critics, of reinforcing the patriarchal structure of society. This thesis examines how this character type in romance fiction can provide a means to question and even subvert traditional or patriarchal gender expectations. It will undertake the close examination of the first six books of the Athena Force series, which were published in 2004-2005 as part of the Silhouette Bombshell line. Both the warrior woman and the romance genre are defined and historically reviewed, together with an outline of the workings of the contemporary romance industry with regard to category, genre and publishing guidelines. There follows a detailed analysis of the warrior woman character as she appears in the Athena Force series with regard to agency, violence, sisterhood, professional career, performance of femininity and romantic relationships. This study of the warrior woman in romance fiction challenges many critical and social preconceptions about the romance genre in general, and its treatment of gender roles in particular
Towards an understanding of the strategic influence of the occupational health and safety professional
- Authors: Pryor, Pam
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: As indicated by the emergence of occupational health and safety (OHS) professional bodies in the United States of America (1911), United Kingdom (1945) and Australia (1949), OHS advisors have had a role in industry for over 50 years. However, despite changes in legislation and in the major paradigm for OHS together with changes in the industrial and economic environment, it appears that the role of the OHS professional has changed little from the technically-oriented, people-focused, compliance approach of 50 years ago. It appears that senior managers may not seek the input of OHS professionals on strategic business matters that may impact on workplace health and safety, and the activities of OHS professionals do not position themselves to be influential with senior managers. This lack of strategic influence may be inhibiting improvement in OHS in Australian workplaces. This document outlines the rationale, research framework and research design for a study that applied grounded theory analysis methods to data collected through interviews of senior managers and OHS professionals, supported by observations, to develop a theory and model to explain the way OHS professionals interact with senior managers and how the manager processes and perceives OHS professional advice. The implications for OHS professional practice are presented in the form of a letter to a young colleague. The outcomes of this research should assist OHS professionals in developing the capability to enhance the acceptance of OHS professional advice at senior levels of management and so optimise safety and health in Australian workplaces.
- Description: Master of Applied Science (Research)
- Authors: Pryor, Pam
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: As indicated by the emergence of occupational health and safety (OHS) professional bodies in the United States of America (1911), United Kingdom (1945) and Australia (1949), OHS advisors have had a role in industry for over 50 years. However, despite changes in legislation and in the major paradigm for OHS together with changes in the industrial and economic environment, it appears that the role of the OHS professional has changed little from the technically-oriented, people-focused, compliance approach of 50 years ago. It appears that senior managers may not seek the input of OHS professionals on strategic business matters that may impact on workplace health and safety, and the activities of OHS professionals do not position themselves to be influential with senior managers. This lack of strategic influence may be inhibiting improvement in OHS in Australian workplaces. This document outlines the rationale, research framework and research design for a study that applied grounded theory analysis methods to data collected through interviews of senior managers and OHS professionals, supported by observations, to develop a theory and model to explain the way OHS professionals interact with senior managers and how the manager processes and perceives OHS professional advice. The implications for OHS professional practice are presented in the form of a letter to a young colleague. The outcomes of this research should assist OHS professionals in developing the capability to enhance the acceptance of OHS professional advice at senior levels of management and so optimise safety and health in Australian workplaces.
- Description: Master of Applied Science (Research)
Walking the trade route to a dead end? Exploring journey stories of early completers of Victorian School Vocational Programs
- Authors: Grinham, Fiona
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: In Victoria, there are some school students who, having completed Year 11, as Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Intermediate students, leave school. They do not go on to complete Year 12 [or equivalent] either in other institutions or as part of an apprenticeship or traineeship. This group of students is quite a substantial proportion of the total VCAL student cohort, and their numbers are increasing every year. This behaviour is juxtaposed with government policy that is emphasizing youth participation in schools or vocational alternatives. The Compact with Young Australians (COAG, 2009) set a new target of 90% attainment of Year 12 or equivalent by 2015 and expects an additional 92,527 young people across Australia (23,500 in Victoria) to remain in school. A survey of the literature indicates that there is a significant gap in our knowledge of what behavioural intentions drive vocational students to leave school early. By using in-depth conversations with selected students, this study seeks to determine the factors that students see act as drivers in their decision to get to this level, and then to leave school. This study provides, in the words of the students, some of the reasons for their choice for their non-continuance of the secondary school programs that are available to them. This will enable education policy makers to understand these students’ perspectives and to examine the VCAL programs in a new light. As educators, they can then respond to the challenge to develop and sustain vocational programs and retention strategies that will engage young people and assist them to build work-ready skills.
- Description: Master of Business (Research)
- Authors: Grinham, Fiona
- Date: 2014
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: In Victoria, there are some school students who, having completed Year 11, as Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) Intermediate students, leave school. They do not go on to complete Year 12 [or equivalent] either in other institutions or as part of an apprenticeship or traineeship. This group of students is quite a substantial proportion of the total VCAL student cohort, and their numbers are increasing every year. This behaviour is juxtaposed with government policy that is emphasizing youth participation in schools or vocational alternatives. The Compact with Young Australians (COAG, 2009) set a new target of 90% attainment of Year 12 or equivalent by 2015 and expects an additional 92,527 young people across Australia (23,500 in Victoria) to remain in school. A survey of the literature indicates that there is a significant gap in our knowledge of what behavioural intentions drive vocational students to leave school early. By using in-depth conversations with selected students, this study seeks to determine the factors that students see act as drivers in their decision to get to this level, and then to leave school. This study provides, in the words of the students, some of the reasons for their choice for their non-continuance of the secondary school programs that are available to them. This will enable education policy makers to understand these students’ perspectives and to examine the VCAL programs in a new light. As educators, they can then respond to the challenge to develop and sustain vocational programs and retention strategies that will engage young people and assist them to build work-ready skills.
- Description: Master of Business (Research)
"So what I do is bang in the search term and see how I go" The information-seeking approaches of Arts Academy students
- Authors: Claridge, Cheryl
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: In this qualitative research project I investigated the use of library systems by a cohort of students from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. The purpose of the study was to build a clearer picture of how these students use the library resources for their information-seeking, with a view to improving the provision of library services, resources and training. In particular I aimed to identify whether this cohort had a common approach to information-seeking. In this study I thematically analysed the data from eight think-aloud protocols and semi- structured interviews. Participants were Arts Academy students studying Performing Arts, Visual Arts or a Visual Arts/Education dual-degree who were searching for information to complete an assessment task. With the exception of two second year dual-degree students all participants were first year students. The steps taken by participants in information-seeking were identified and the successes and difficulties they experienced with the library’s systems highlighted. The participants in this cohort did not share one specific ‘information-seeking style’ however I identified some common factors across this group of students. All of the participants engaged in a staged process to source the information they required, although in some cases this process was non-linear. They did not however utilise the full capabilities of the search tools they used or access potentially useful tools and resources which the library provides. A number of participants were reticent about using eResources as they had been instructed not to use internet resources for assessment tasks. As a result of this inquiry I have made recommendations relating to the provision of library training and services, collection maintenance and library record standards. Collaboration between library and academic staff would be required to implement these recommendations to ensure optimum outcomes. Areas highlighted for future research include similar studies with student cohorts from different disciplines and an examination of students’ approaches to choosing a topic or focus for assessment tasks.
- Description: Master of Education (Research)
- Authors: Claridge, Cheryl
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: In this qualitative research project I investigated the use of library systems by a cohort of students from the University of Ballarat Arts Academy. The purpose of the study was to build a clearer picture of how these students use the library resources for their information-seeking, with a view to improving the provision of library services, resources and training. In particular I aimed to identify whether this cohort had a common approach to information-seeking. In this study I thematically analysed the data from eight think-aloud protocols and semi- structured interviews. Participants were Arts Academy students studying Performing Arts, Visual Arts or a Visual Arts/Education dual-degree who were searching for information to complete an assessment task. With the exception of two second year dual-degree students all participants were first year students. The steps taken by participants in information-seeking were identified and the successes and difficulties they experienced with the library’s systems highlighted. The participants in this cohort did not share one specific ‘information-seeking style’ however I identified some common factors across this group of students. All of the participants engaged in a staged process to source the information they required, although in some cases this process was non-linear. They did not however utilise the full capabilities of the search tools they used or access potentially useful tools and resources which the library provides. A number of participants were reticent about using eResources as they had been instructed not to use internet resources for assessment tasks. As a result of this inquiry I have made recommendations relating to the provision of library training and services, collection maintenance and library record standards. Collaboration between library and academic staff would be required to implement these recommendations to ensure optimum outcomes. Areas highlighted for future research include similar studies with student cohorts from different disciplines and an examination of students’ approaches to choosing a topic or focus for assessment tasks.
- Description: Master of Education (Research)
Integrated project-based curriculum: A case study in a Victorian School.
- Authors: Bendall, Derek
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Leaders of research in the field of effective education have recognised that in the late twentieth century traditional styles of teaching were no longer sustaining student interest, nor helping students achieve their fullest potential. Sir Ken Robinson, a leading commentator, has spoken about the problems with the current Western educational system that was designed during the Industrial Revolution to accommodate the needs of that time. Education reform has been broadly researched and discussed and a wide range of strategies and theories have been developed, including integrated Project-Based Curriculum. This study investigates the development of an integrated Project-Based Curriculum program, what this type of program involves, the implementation of the program and an analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected throughout the program highlighting its potential benefits. Making use of a mixed method approach, this project examined the outcomes of an integrated Project-Based Curriculum program case study consisting of six teachers and fifty Year 7 students. The context of the study involves a private Christian school located in a suburban outer fringe area of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The study investigated the overarching question of whether integrated Project-Based Curriculum programs are constructive and beneficial to today’s schools. The research showed three key findings: that integrated Project-Based Curriculum programs are set up to allow students to make choices in their own education, which creates an appreciation of each discipline and a connection to the ‘real world’; that integrated Project- Based Curriculum involves a great deal of group work which develops a number of ‘lifelong’ 21st century work related skills, including collaboration, communication and creative and critical thinking; and most significantly, that integrated Project-Based Curriculum programs engage students to self-learn and come to class with a greater prior knowledge, enabling teachers to teach a more in-depth content that creates a deeper learning.
- Description: Masters in Education
- Authors: Bendall, Derek
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Leaders of research in the field of effective education have recognised that in the late twentieth century traditional styles of teaching were no longer sustaining student interest, nor helping students achieve their fullest potential. Sir Ken Robinson, a leading commentator, has spoken about the problems with the current Western educational system that was designed during the Industrial Revolution to accommodate the needs of that time. Education reform has been broadly researched and discussed and a wide range of strategies and theories have been developed, including integrated Project-Based Curriculum. This study investigates the development of an integrated Project-Based Curriculum program, what this type of program involves, the implementation of the program and an analysis of qualitative and quantitative data collected throughout the program highlighting its potential benefits. Making use of a mixed method approach, this project examined the outcomes of an integrated Project-Based Curriculum program case study consisting of six teachers and fifty Year 7 students. The context of the study involves a private Christian school located in a suburban outer fringe area of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. The study investigated the overarching question of whether integrated Project-Based Curriculum programs are constructive and beneficial to today’s schools. The research showed three key findings: that integrated Project-Based Curriculum programs are set up to allow students to make choices in their own education, which creates an appreciation of each discipline and a connection to the ‘real world’; that integrated Project- Based Curriculum involves a great deal of group work which develops a number of ‘lifelong’ 21st century work related skills, including collaboration, communication and creative and critical thinking; and most significantly, that integrated Project-Based Curriculum programs engage students to self-learn and come to class with a greater prior knowledge, enabling teachers to teach a more in-depth content that creates a deeper learning.
- Description: Masters in Education
Meeting point : The physical and emotional environment
- Authors: Joy, Cody
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This investigation uses a phenomenological framework to explore how an engagement with artistic process might create a meeting point through which to consider the internal and external environments. As a practice-led research project, it is the identification and exploration of artistic process that has led and revealed the theoretical issues to be explored alongside the creation of studio work. The shifting, interwoven oscillation between analytical and intuitive components that occurs in both conceptual underpinnings and the central processes of making, are recognised as being interdependent and mutually beneficial. This reflects both the nature of creative practice and artistic process, that is influential in both the realisation and progression of the theoretical and studio based outcomes. Significantly mark-making is established as a way of co-incidentally entering and extending the intuitive state while engaged in artistic activity. Those engaged with artistic practice are well placed to move between and across boundaries, absorbing and combining knowledge. Individual growth when shared, contributes back to the wider network of knowledge that feeds realisation and development of insight, both within the field of visual art and in other disciplines. The resulting body of work reveals the intuitive artistic development which is realised through a commitment to, and engagement with, individual artistic process. This investigation strengthens acceptance of self in its perfect state of imperfection, ultimately reflected in the wider process of creation going on both within and around all of us. The processes of creating art and creating self are therefore linked through engagement with materials and an awareness of the place where all things meet, the work. Realisation of the significance of art practice and the subsequently heightened focus on discovery, change and adaptability, aids physical and emotional recovery following adversity and raises areas of potential research for the future.
- Description: Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)
- Authors: Joy, Cody
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This investigation uses a phenomenological framework to explore how an engagement with artistic process might create a meeting point through which to consider the internal and external environments. As a practice-led research project, it is the identification and exploration of artistic process that has led and revealed the theoretical issues to be explored alongside the creation of studio work. The shifting, interwoven oscillation between analytical and intuitive components that occurs in both conceptual underpinnings and the central processes of making, are recognised as being interdependent and mutually beneficial. This reflects both the nature of creative practice and artistic process, that is influential in both the realisation and progression of the theoretical and studio based outcomes. Significantly mark-making is established as a way of co-incidentally entering and extending the intuitive state while engaged in artistic activity. Those engaged with artistic practice are well placed to move between and across boundaries, absorbing and combining knowledge. Individual growth when shared, contributes back to the wider network of knowledge that feeds realisation and development of insight, both within the field of visual art and in other disciplines. The resulting body of work reveals the intuitive artistic development which is realised through a commitment to, and engagement with, individual artistic process. This investigation strengthens acceptance of self in its perfect state of imperfection, ultimately reflected in the wider process of creation going on both within and around all of us. The processes of creating art and creating self are therefore linked through engagement with materials and an awareness of the place where all things meet, the work. Realisation of the significance of art practice and the subsequently heightened focus on discovery, change and adaptability, aids physical and emotional recovery following adversity and raises areas of potential research for the future.
- Description: Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)
Relic of memories : An examination of nostalgia and longing in an old victorian manse
- Authors: O’Síocháın, Nó
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: An old Victorian manse and its accumulations are especially potent symbols of place and memory. The old dwelling and garden stir collective as well as individual memories which are deeply personal and spiritual. Elements of the building, as well as old and new plantings in the garden, converge as unique and irreplaceable marks of human existence, nostalgia, and longing. The character of the house and garden is an exposition of European identity; my investigation is an attempt to explicate the hybrid nature of the manse through the lens of visual art to convey an atmosphere of age, memory, and continuity.
- Description: Master of Arts
- Authors: O’Síocháın, Nó
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: An old Victorian manse and its accumulations are especially potent symbols of place and memory. The old dwelling and garden stir collective as well as individual memories which are deeply personal and spiritual. Elements of the building, as well as old and new plantings in the garden, converge as unique and irreplaceable marks of human existence, nostalgia, and longing. The character of the house and garden is an exposition of European identity; my investigation is an attempt to explicate the hybrid nature of the manse through the lens of visual art to convey an atmosphere of age, memory, and continuity.
- Description: Master of Arts
The cultural interactions of Aborigines with Whales, Whalers and Whaling in southwest Victoria 1828-1850
- Authors: Eldridge, Richard
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The primary aim of this thesis is to reconstruct the history of Aboriginal cultural associations with whales and whaling in southwest Victoria in the nineteenth century. Despite there being a considerable corpus of information about Aboriginal peoples and whaling in southeast South Australia and southern New South Wales, there is a relative poverty of information on southwest Victoria. One of the primary objectives of this thesis is to offer explanations for this absence of information. Through an analysis of the Convincing Ground massacre that is believed to have taken place in the early period of whaling at Portland Bay, it will be argued that the violence characterised by this event fundamentally transformed race relations at Portland to such an extent that Aboriginal people avoided interaction with whalers. The rationale for this research is twofold: first to contribute to the history of frontier relations in Victoria; second, to reconstruct from archival sources the cultural and economic associations between Victorian Aboriginal people and whalers.
- Description: Master of Business (Research)
- Authors: Eldridge, Richard
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The primary aim of this thesis is to reconstruct the history of Aboriginal cultural associations with whales and whaling in southwest Victoria in the nineteenth century. Despite there being a considerable corpus of information about Aboriginal peoples and whaling in southeast South Australia and southern New South Wales, there is a relative poverty of information on southwest Victoria. One of the primary objectives of this thesis is to offer explanations for this absence of information. Through an analysis of the Convincing Ground massacre that is believed to have taken place in the early period of whaling at Portland Bay, it will be argued that the violence characterised by this event fundamentally transformed race relations at Portland to such an extent that Aboriginal people avoided interaction with whalers. The rationale for this research is twofold: first to contribute to the history of frontier relations in Victoria; second, to reconstruct from archival sources the cultural and economic associations between Victorian Aboriginal people and whalers.
- Description: Master of Business (Research)
The effects of playing Nintendo Wii on depression, sense of belonging, social support, and mood among Australian aged care residents : A pilot study
- Authors: Chesler, Jessica
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Adults aged 65 years or older constitute the fastest growing age group worldwide, leading to greater numbers of people requiring care in residential facilities. Adults in these facilities have higher levels of depression, lower levels of social support, and lower levels of sense of belonging compared with older adults living in the community. Research has begun to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the mental health of aged care residents. Within this population, cognitive and physical benefits of playing video games have been documented in the literature, as well as greater social interaction, and decreased loneliness. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of playing Wii bowling twice weekly, with up to 3 other residents, for 6 weeks. An Australian sample of 31 women and 8 men between the ages of 65 and 95 years (Mean age = 85.68, SD = 9.62) were randomised to either a treatment or control group based on their place of residence. The residents completed demographic information, The Veterans Affairs Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form, the Social Provisions Scale, and three visual analogue scales to measure sense of belonging and mood. These scales were completed pre-intervention (0 weeks), postintervention (6 weeks), and at 2-month follow up (14 weeks). Qualitative data on social interaction between group members was also collected at weeks 1, 3, and 6. Results did not support the use of the Wii to improve residents’ self-reported levels of depression, social support, sense of belonging, or mood. Social interaction increased over the 6 weeks, as measured by interaction analyses and also residents’ comments. Overall, findings indicate that Wii bowling may be a useful intervention as part of a comprehensive care program to increase social interaction within aged care. Pervasive environmental problems associated with aged care, as well as participant characteristics, may have reduced the effectiveness of the intervention program.
- Description: Master of Applied Science by Research (Psychology)
- Authors: Chesler, Jessica
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Adults aged 65 years or older constitute the fastest growing age group worldwide, leading to greater numbers of people requiring care in residential facilities. Adults in these facilities have higher levels of depression, lower levels of social support, and lower levels of sense of belonging compared with older adults living in the community. Research has begun to assess the effectiveness of interventions aimed at improving the mental health of aged care residents. Within this population, cognitive and physical benefits of playing video games have been documented in the literature, as well as greater social interaction, and decreased loneliness. The aim of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of playing Wii bowling twice weekly, with up to 3 other residents, for 6 weeks. An Australian sample of 31 women and 8 men between the ages of 65 and 95 years (Mean age = 85.68, SD = 9.62) were randomised to either a treatment or control group based on their place of residence. The residents completed demographic information, The Veterans Affairs Saint Louis University Mental Status Exam, the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form, the Social Provisions Scale, and three visual analogue scales to measure sense of belonging and mood. These scales were completed pre-intervention (0 weeks), postintervention (6 weeks), and at 2-month follow up (14 weeks). Qualitative data on social interaction between group members was also collected at weeks 1, 3, and 6. Results did not support the use of the Wii to improve residents’ self-reported levels of depression, social support, sense of belonging, or mood. Social interaction increased over the 6 weeks, as measured by interaction analyses and also residents’ comments. Overall, findings indicate that Wii bowling may be a useful intervention as part of a comprehensive care program to increase social interaction within aged care. Pervasive environmental problems associated with aged care, as well as participant characteristics, may have reduced the effectiveness of the intervention program.
- Description: Master of Applied Science by Research (Psychology)
Visualising the land: Ways of seeing surface and depth
- Authors: Peters, Laraine
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Cyanobacteria and their stromatolites act as interesting foci, providing an effective lens through which to visualise land surface and spatial, temporal and sacred depth in landscape. Stromatolites date back some 3.5 billion years and form a thread through history, from deep time to the present. Believed to be the progenitors of all life forms on earth, the close connection of cyanobacteria to soil, water, air and sunlight mirrors similar relationships which exist between other descendant life forms and the land. The intimacy of these aerobes with the natural world can be conceived of as being a metaphor depicting a deep desire in the psyche of modern, technologically inclined humans to revisit a similar intimacy with the land. Some would recognise this as a Jungian, archetypal need to be connected with the earth. Cyanobacteria are a rich source of visual material. Deterministic fractal patterns are inherent in their diurnal microbial rhythm and stromatolite layer formation. The stromatolites provide interesting sculpted forms and mellifluous lines and patterns, to be visually explored in drawings. The interfaces between the macroscopic and the microscopic elements involved in this unique relationship with the land are fraught with artistic tension and visual drama, sufficient to inveigle any artist. Cyanobacteria, their aerobic cousin, A xylinum, and the stromatolites themselves act as microcosms which reflect the balance to be found throughout nature.
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
- Authors: Peters, Laraine
- Date: 2015
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: Cyanobacteria and their stromatolites act as interesting foci, providing an effective lens through which to visualise land surface and spatial, temporal and sacred depth in landscape. Stromatolites date back some 3.5 billion years and form a thread through history, from deep time to the present. Believed to be the progenitors of all life forms on earth, the close connection of cyanobacteria to soil, water, air and sunlight mirrors similar relationships which exist between other descendant life forms and the land. The intimacy of these aerobes with the natural world can be conceived of as being a metaphor depicting a deep desire in the psyche of modern, technologically inclined humans to revisit a similar intimacy with the land. Some would recognise this as a Jungian, archetypal need to be connected with the earth. Cyanobacteria are a rich source of visual material. Deterministic fractal patterns are inherent in their diurnal microbial rhythm and stromatolite layer formation. The stromatolites provide interesting sculpted forms and mellifluous lines and patterns, to be visually explored in drawings. The interfaces between the macroscopic and the microscopic elements involved in this unique relationship with the land are fraught with artistic tension and visual drama, sufficient to inveigle any artist. Cyanobacteria, their aerobic cousin, A xylinum, and the stromatolites themselves act as microcosms which reflect the balance to be found throughout nature.
- Description: Master of Arts (Visual Arts)
A hand made wood object : Studio investigation into transformed nature
- Authors: Rein, Jeannette
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research explores the importance of retaining traditional hand skills in terms of their relevance to contemporary and future art practice. I examine the hand made and the process of transforming timber into a wooden sculptural form. I investigate how the artist thinks with the material, and how this process gives the artist the ‘sight’ to identify new and original possibilities. Furthermore, I explore how the transformative approach perpetuates new knowledge, and how skills are modified and adapted to suit the changes. I describe this as a dialogic process. The research examines the correlation between the transformative process and the hand made object, the imprint of the maker and how their memories of the processes used, remain embedded in the object. In addition, this research investigates the transformation processes used in creating an object, to provide individualisation within our highly mechanised world, while providing a bridge connecting the past and the future. Through the examination of traditional hand skills, I demonstrate how such skills provide an anchor, a standard of quality and artisanship that connects artists from traditional wood practice, through contemporary praxis, to hand made digital art. My research focuses on the transformation process and traditional hand skills, the vital role they play in the creation of digital hand made objects; as digital processes utilize new materials, processes and machinery that interfaces with traditional analogue tools.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Rein, Jeannette
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: This research explores the importance of retaining traditional hand skills in terms of their relevance to contemporary and future art practice. I examine the hand made and the process of transforming timber into a wooden sculptural form. I investigate how the artist thinks with the material, and how this process gives the artist the ‘sight’ to identify new and original possibilities. Furthermore, I explore how the transformative approach perpetuates new knowledge, and how skills are modified and adapted to suit the changes. I describe this as a dialogic process. The research examines the correlation between the transformative process and the hand made object, the imprint of the maker and how their memories of the processes used, remain embedded in the object. In addition, this research investigates the transformation processes used in creating an object, to provide individualisation within our highly mechanised world, while providing a bridge connecting the past and the future. Through the examination of traditional hand skills, I demonstrate how such skills provide an anchor, a standard of quality and artisanship that connects artists from traditional wood practice, through contemporary praxis, to hand made digital art. My research focuses on the transformation process and traditional hand skills, the vital role they play in the creation of digital hand made objects; as digital processes utilize new materials, processes and machinery that interfaces with traditional analogue tools.
- Description: Masters by Research
A philosophical analysis of the functions and operation of due process in accounting standard setting in Australia
- Authors: Mehta, Surinder
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The setting of accounting standards in the Australian context has undergone significant change over the past few decades because of both the introduction of international accounting standards and the outcomes of the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (CLERP). One major thrust of these reforms was to widen the breadth of participation and to introduce new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting regime. Though there have been recent changes to Australian accounting standard setting arrangements, due process still remains as the underlying procedure for incorporating stakeholder participation. Standard setting resides within a socio-political and economic realm which lies between a capitalistic economic individualism premised upon self-interest and interest group preferences, and an idealistic paradigm of the public interest (common good). Both notions are espoused within modern civil society and present in the formulation of policy and regulation through participation. Recent times have seen the promulgation of accounting standards given over by delegated legislation to private sector interests who compete for desired outcomes and more recently this has been entrenched within the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) which produces International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This research presents a two-fold investigation of the due process which is applied when developing accounting standards in Australia. Firstly, this study questions whether such standards provide an adequate avenue for incorporating both appropriate attributes of participation and accountability in line with the historical understanding of due process as developed through common law. Secondly, this study questions whether such standards provide an appropriate vehicle for widening participation by introducing new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting process. On the former question, common law due process resonates within a paradigm that supports fair dealing and equity between individuals with themselves and with government. On the latter question, this research identifies low and declining stakeholder participation within the due process of accounting standard setting. This is accompanied by the declining interest of previous major participants. In examining the longitudinal participation trends of submitters to the accounting standard setting regime, this research contends that the due process finds itself embedded within the confines of a procedural construct to the detriment of accommodating natural justice through a more enlightened substantive approach. As such, when considered in light of its common law roots, it fails both to provide an adequate level of openness along with accommodating only a limited opportunity to participate, specifically when taking into account opinions and interests. The very construct of common law due process rests upon its ability both to subsume participation within the decision-making process, and for that participation to be substantive in the outcome of the process. That is, such participation gives meaning to the outcome. Instead the current due process as applied within the accounting standard setting environment resonates such participation through abolitionist type approaches. Here self-interested parties compete for advantages from property rights and private benefits in line with the more modern interpretation of the public interest. The approach taken in this thesis is to consider the due process from a philosophical perspective by assessing the questions of accountability and participation within the due process in terms of civil society, the public good, economic individualism, libertarianism, liberalism, and agency, rather than to embed the discussion within the expansive existing studies concerning due process in the accounting standard setting process. The conclusion from this perspective is that due process is clearly a process past its due date.
- Description: Masters by Research
- Authors: Mehta, Surinder
- Date: 2016
- Type: Text , Thesis , Masters
- Full Text:
- Description: The setting of accounting standards in the Australian context has undergone significant change over the past few decades because of both the introduction of international accounting standards and the outcomes of the Corporate Law Economic Reform Program (CLERP). One major thrust of these reforms was to widen the breadth of participation and to introduce new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting regime. Though there have been recent changes to Australian accounting standard setting arrangements, due process still remains as the underlying procedure for incorporating stakeholder participation. Standard setting resides within a socio-political and economic realm which lies between a capitalistic economic individualism premised upon self-interest and interest group preferences, and an idealistic paradigm of the public interest (common good). Both notions are espoused within modern civil society and present in the formulation of policy and regulation through participation. Recent times have seen the promulgation of accounting standards given over by delegated legislation to private sector interests who compete for desired outcomes and more recently this has been entrenched within the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) which produces International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). This research presents a two-fold investigation of the due process which is applied when developing accounting standards in Australia. Firstly, this study questions whether such standards provide an adequate avenue for incorporating both appropriate attributes of participation and accountability in line with the historical understanding of due process as developed through common law. Secondly, this study questions whether such standards provide an appropriate vehicle for widening participation by introducing new voices into the Australian accounting standard setting process. On the former question, common law due process resonates within a paradigm that supports fair dealing and equity between individuals with themselves and with government. On the latter question, this research identifies low and declining stakeholder participation within the due process of accounting standard setting. This is accompanied by the declining interest of previous major participants. In examining the longitudinal participation trends of submitters to the accounting standard setting regime, this research contends that the due process finds itself embedded within the confines of a procedural construct to the detriment of accommodating natural justice through a more enlightened substantive approach. As such, when considered in light of its common law roots, it fails both to provide an adequate level of openness along with accommodating only a limited opportunity to participate, specifically when taking into account opinions and interests. The very construct of common law due process rests upon its ability both to subsume participation within the decision-making process, and for that participation to be substantive in the outcome of the process. That is, such participation gives meaning to the outcome. Instead the current due process as applied within the accounting standard setting environment resonates such participation through abolitionist type approaches. Here self-interested parties compete for advantages from property rights and private benefits in line with the more modern interpretation of the public interest. The approach taken in this thesis is to consider the due process from a philosophical perspective by assessing the questions of accountability and participation within the due process in terms of civil society, the public good, economic individualism, libertarianism, liberalism, and agency, rather than to embed the discussion within the expansive existing studies concerning due process in the accounting standard setting process. The conclusion from this perspective is that due process is clearly a process past its due date.
- Description: Masters by Research