Centre for Sustainable and Responsible Organisations (CSaRO)
News Archive
Research Using the Audit Fee Model
Dr Elizabeth Carson, Associate Professor in Financial accounting and auditing at University of NSW visited the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance at Deakin University in August 2012. Dr Carson's research interests include economics of global and national audit markets, industry specialisation by auditors and audit reporting. As well as meeting with faculty members she presented a workshop for the Centre for Sustainable and Responsible Organisations (CSaRO) on Thursday 16 August titled Research Using the Audit Fee Model - Classic Studies to Emerging Research.
CSaRO's Professor Michael Polonsky has won a much coveted ARC Linkage grant
The approved project title "Developing culturally relevant social marketing interventions to increase blood donation amongst migrant communities: the case of African migrants", has secured a total of $229,905.00 funding over 3 years from the Australian Research Council. Professor Polonsky's fellow researchers on this project are Renzaho, A/Prof Andre M; Jones, Prof Sandra C; Smith, Dr Geoffrey.
Their research will be centred around the topic of: "To increase blood donation amongst migrant communities, a culturally relevant intervention will be developed and tested. This will ensure migrants are integrated into Australian society and that blood supplies are sustainable, by overcoming migrants' potential lack of understanding of local blood donation processes and perceptions that they may be excluded."
Congratulations Michael on this achievement.
Final Call for CSaRO Research Seeding Grant Applications
The Centre for Sustainable and Responsible Organisations, (CSaRO), is calling for applications for Research Seeding Grants. In addition to these grant applications, CSaRO has set aside two projects - $20,000 each for research on the following two areas:
- Managing Carbon
- Sustainable Social Innovation: the Role played by Business.
Please peruse the guidelines [164KB PDF] and application form [156KB PDF] for further information.
Applications close on Monday 23rd July 2012
Professor Subramaniam will attend the United Nations Global Compact Forum in Rio
The United Nations Global Compact has recently welcomed Deakin University as a signatory and as a member of the UNGC Network in Australia. Professor Nava Subramaniam has been instrumental in leading Deakin's engagement with the Global Compact. In recognition of this Professor Subramaniam has been invited to attend the Rio+20 Corporate Sustainability Forum in Rio de Janeiro from the 15th to 18th June. Whilst there, Professor Subramaniam has been asked to form part of a panel that will be convened jointly with the Australia, Indonesian and Japanese UNGC Local Networks to discuss risk management, outreach, dialogue facilitation and how that maps through to the development of more sustainable UNGC Networks.
The Forum aims to strengthen the business contribution to sustainable development globally - seeking to bring greater scale to responsible business practices, to advance and diffuse sustainable innovation, and to stimulate broader collaboration between companies, governments, civil society and the UN. For more information visit the UN Global Compact Network website.
Award at Rio World Public Health 2012 Congress for CSaRO member Dr Paul Harrison
Congratulations to CsaRO member Dr Paul Harrison, along with his co-authors in achieving an award for the work entitled 'Accountability of public-private partnerships with food, beverage and restaurant companies to address global public health nutrition challenges'.
The paper by Vivica I. Kraak, Boyd Swinburn, Mark Lawrence, and Paul Harrison, received an award in the category 'research report' in the World Nutrition Rio2012, from 27 to 30 April 2012 at the State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Dr Paul Harrison partners with the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University, USA
The Centre for Sustainable and Responsible Organisations has signed a research memorandum of understanding with the Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity at Yale University in New Haven, USA. The MOU builds upon a research partnership already informally established through Dr Paul Harrison of the Social Impact Cluster of CSaRO, and Professor Jennifer Harris at Yale. Paul and Jennifer are currently working on research examining children's exposure to marketing messages, and the new partnership will further support and develop the research programs between the two institutions.
Professor Nava Subramaniam speaks at the Green Summit
The summit was organised for companies wanting to position themselves as leaders within the corporate sustainability arena. Topics included sustainable business initiatives, highlighting the priorities and providing insights into the future direction of this growing market. Professor Subramaniam's speech centred around the review of the strategies currently employed in risk management relating to Carbon Emissions as well as examining the planned approaches and evolving ideas in relation to handling carbon tax. Findings of a recent survey of Australian firms that are required to report carbon emissions under the NGER Act, suggest that much more needs to be done under risk management. Risks related to carbon are not straight forward, but are complex and inter-related with impacts on costs as well as reputation. Survey results suggest there needs to be a greater level of staff training, clear risk management processes, reporting and involvement by internal auditors in the assurance of carbon emission management.
Professor Paresh Narayan appointed Alfred Deakin Professor
Deakin University Council has conferred the title of Alfred Deakin Professor on Professor Paresh Narayan. Professor Narayan is Chair in Finance with the School of Accounting Economics and Finance in the Faculty of Business and Law.
Professor Narayan was awarded this title, along with three other Deakin Professors, for his outstanding and sustained contribution to the University.
Professor Paresh Narayan is a prolific researcher whose passion and talent for Financial Econometrics has translated into a meteoric career rise. His work has been recognised with numerous awards, in 2009 he was ranked in the top ten authors in Australia by RePEc (Research Papers in Economics); and in 2010 he received the Vice Chancellor's award for Distinguished Research and the Deakin University Award for Research Excellence.
In making the announcement the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Jane den Hollander said, "The title of Alfred Deakin Professor is the highest honour that Deakin (via its Council) can bestow upon its academic staff members and it is testament to the calibre of our staff that four Alfred Deakin Professors have been conferred in a single year."
The Faculty congratulates Professor Narayan on this significant accomplishment.
Nava Subramaniam named ICMA member of the month
CSaRO Director, Professor Nava Subramaniam was named the first Member of the Month in the Institute of Certified Management Accountants newsletter for 2012. Her key message in the article is that there needs to be more professional engagement and support from industry in order for researchers to embrace more industry relevant projects. Read the article in full.
CSaRO researchers present their findings
Several CSaRO members presented their current research projects at the Symposium held on the March 2nd at Deakin's Melbourne Burwood Campus. After a delicious lunch prepared by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), a forum on Small to Medium Business Enterprises (SME) was undertaken to explore possible research projects. For further information regarding SME opportunities please contact George Tanewski.
Read the presentation abstracts [141KB PDF].
CSaRO's Paul Harrison active in the media
Dr Paul Harrison, a CsaRO member, has been out and about in the media recently. His article Economics and the brain: how people really make decisions in turbulent times appeared in The Conversation and was interviewed on ABC Radio National on the topic Does loyalty or laziness keep people from switching banks?
CSaRO members research
CSaRO members have been active in the field of research securing joint grants with various external organisations. Andrew Noblet is conducting his research,"Identifying and addressing the organisational sources of job stress" with VicHeath. Peter Carey and George Tanewski are conducting research in partnership with Kingston University (UK) and Paul Harrison is working alongside The Open University (UK) in researching "Positive effect and message framing in social marketing".
Dr. Deryl Northcott on the challenges and rewards of qualitative research
Deryl Northcott, Professor of Management Accounting at AUT Business School and the chief editor of Qualitative Research on Accounting and Management (QRAM) visited our School of Accounting, Economics and Finance in Deakin University for one week between 9 and 15 February, 2012. Apart from meeting faculty members with interest in qualitative research, she presented a seminar for the Centre for Sustainable and Responsible Organizations (CSaRO) that highlighted the methodology and clarified the significant features of qualitative research methods. The interest was evident by the large number of participants to the Seminar.
In the seminar, Professor Northcott began with a more inclusive definition of the term 'qualitative' and clarified that it related to the processes of meanings-making, the outcome of which ultimately leads to generalization back to the theory. The purpose of such generalization is to expand the domains of the extant theory. Expansion can be achieved by inquiring into the exceptional events or 'outliers' or perhaps into understanding the underlying reasons for the existing practices, if there are none. In short, theory development by inquiring into the data, rather than by measuring the spread of the data, is the key to successful qualitative research.
View Dr Northcott's presentation notes [210KB PDF].
Successful 3 day course on SEM
CSaRO ran a very successful 3 day course on SEM from 15th February 2012 at Deakin University, Burwood. With 21 attendees, the course focused on Structural Equation Modelling for existing AMOS users who wish to convert to Mplus. The course was conducted by Professor Phillip Holmes-Smith, Director of SREAMS who is an experienced educational psycho metrician, statistician, researcher, program evaluator, Professional Learning facilitator and lecturer in the field of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). The course introduced Mplus programming language by revising basic models and introducing the treatment of non-continuous data. Topics included linear regression, Probit, Logistic, and Multinomial logistic regression, Poisson regression for count dependent variables, advanced single-level models and Latent Growth-Curve Modelling. Professor Holmes-Smith's passion and knowledge in the field generated a lively discussion throughout the three days and participants agreed that the course was a great success.
Opportunities for Indigenous Australians to enter the accounting profession
Professor Barry J. Cooper, together Ms Luisa Lombardi have received two grants in order to support their research project 'An introduction into the role of educators, employers and the accounting profession in providing opportunities for Indigenous Australians to enter the profession,' CPA Australia have approved a Global Research Perspectives Program grant for $60,000. CSaRO has given approved to supplement this project with a $10,000 grant.
The objectives of this research are:
- To determine why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands are effectively excluded from the accounting profession.
- How, given insights into why this situation exists, can this be addressed?
- What practical strategies can be employed to implement change that will lead to providing opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders entering the accounting profession in credible numbers.
CSaRO's New Frontiers in Sustainable Governance Symposium a huge success
CSaRO and the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance hosted a very successful 'New Frontiers in Sustainable Governance' Symposium on Friday 18th November, 2011 at The Westin Hotel, Melbourne.
With nearly 70 attendees, including academics from around Australia and industry representatives, the Symposium focused on Carbon Risk Management and Emerging Reporting Challenges.
Speakers on the day included:
- Matthew Tukaki, CEO, The Sustain Group Pty Ltd
- Ms Virginia Wheway, EHS Director, Boeing Australia
- Professor Ken Trotman, UNSW
- Professor Roger Simnett, UNSW
- Professor Nava Subramaniam, CSaRO Director, Deakin University
- Mr Mike Dodd, Project Manager, Sustainability Victoria
- Associate Professor Brad Potter, University of Melbourne
- Professor Peter Carey, Chair in Accounting, Deakin University
The morning session focused on the current challenges with Carbon Risk Management. Matthew Tukaki discussed the global developments with Carbon Management. Virginia Wheway followed with a talk on the Carbon Risk Strategies that Boeing Australia is currently under taking. Professor Nava Subramaniam spoke of the Risk Management in Australian Carbon Intensive industries.
A panel discussion followed with Professor Roger Simnett sharing his views on developments and challenges facing Carbon Assurance and Carbon Risk Management research in general.
Mike Dodd shared the successful approaches to Carbon Management and Energy Efficiency undertaken by the Victorian State Government.
The morning ended with a lively question and answer discussion on the topics discussed by the various speakers.
The afternoon session began with Professor Ken Trotman describing the importance of water accounting and findings from his current research investigating auditor judgment in assuring water accounts.
The next session, presented by Professor Roger Simnett, updated the audience on current international developments in integrated reporting. Integrated reporting aims to blend financial, environmental and social issues in a concise report and the heated discussion following the presentation highlighted the many challenges ahead before the concept gains broad acceptance.
The final session of the day focussed on the governance of small and medium sized entities. In particular, the presentation by Professor Brad Potter and the panel discussion by prominent members of the accounting profession focussed on financial reporting challenges in the SME environment. The lively debate spilled into the drinks session at the close of proceedings and participants agreed the day was a great success.
Associate Professor Andrew Noblet obtains a research grant through beyondblue Victorian Centre of Excellence in Depression, Anxiety and Related Disorders
Associate Professor Andrew Noblet together with Associate Professor Tony Lamontagne (Melbourne University) and Dr Tessa Keegle (Monash University) have secured a research grant through beyondblue for $299,260 over a 36 month period (2012-2014). The project title of their investigation is Integrated Workplace Mental Health Promotion for the Prevention and Management of Mental Illness in the Workplace: A Controlled Experimental Intervention Study.
The purpose of the research is to plan, implement, and evaluate an integrated job stress and mental health literacy intervention in a predominantly male, blue-collar work setting. This intervention will aim to:
- Promote mental health literacy and help-seeking for those with a mental illness regardless of the cause of that illness
- To identify and address psychosocial working conditions that contribute to job stress, depression and other adverse mental health outcomes (including excessive job demands, lack of support, unfair treatment).
Sustainable Management and Local Government Seminar
Thursday, 1 December 2011
CSaRO are holding a special seminar on Thursday in the Deans' Meeting Room (Building LB, room 3.323 at Deakin University's Melbourne Burwood Campus) from 4pm to discuss potential research opportunities in the industry around carbon research.
The speakers on the day will be:
- Ms. Prue Robertson - Who will discuss how Frankston City Council has been managing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Mr Matthew Tukaki - CEO of the Sustain Group and Australia's representative to the UN's Global Impact Committee
If you would like to attend this seminar please advise Carolyn Mead by 9am, Wednesday 30th November.
Several researchers within CSaRO are planning a series of research projects with the Sustain Group and potential local city councils, if you have research interest in this area please contact Nava Subramaniam.
Round Table Event on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Accounting Profession
29-30 September 2011
A Round Table was organised in conjunction with the Institute of Koorie Education (IKE) headed by Prof. Barry Cooper and Ms. Luisa Lombardi on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Accounting Profession.
The two day event, jointly funded by the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, CPA Australia and CSaRO attracted 25 key stakeholders from around Australia and received a letter of support from the Governor General, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC. She sent a message to the Round Table, in which she acknowledged the need to address the serious issue of the lack of Indigenous Australians in the accounting profession. Ms. Bryce further observed that action is needed 'to ameliorate this grave disadvantage'. In a recent media release, the Director of the Institute of Koorie Education, Professor Wendy Brabham, also noted that 'this initiative goes beyond increasing the number of accountants; it's about creating people whose work will make a lasting impact on the position of their communities.'
A key part of the Round Table was hearing the stirring personal stories of the young people who attended, who had been successful in qualifying as professionals. Also, students from IKE related their personal stories. Also a network has been established which will be formalised as the Friends of Indigenous Accountants Network (FIAN).
23 November 2011
New Frontiers in Sustainable Governance Symposium
CSaRO and the School of AEF are sponsoring the 'New Frontiers in Sustainable Governance' Symposium to be held on Friday 18th November, 2011 at The Westin Hotel, Melbourne. The Symposium will focus on Carbon Risk Management and key speakers on the day include:
- Matthew Tukaki, CEO, The Sustain Group Pty Ltd
- Virginia Wheway, EHS Director, Boeing Australia
- Professor Ken Trotman, UNSW Professor
- Robyn Moroney, Monash University
- Professor Roger Simnett, UNSW
For more details and to register go to the Symposium website.
Academy of Marketing (UK) Research Initiative grant success
Dr Paul Harrison in collaboration with Dr Fiona Harris of Open University (UK), and Anne-Marie Mackintosh of the Institute of Social Marketing, Stirling University, has been successful in gaining one of the highly sought after and prestigious Academy of Marketing (UK) Research Initiative grants. The research grant will be used to conduct an experiment examining the effectiveness of positively-framed messages in social marketing within the context of smoking cessation. The £2000 grant will be funded by the European Journal of Marketing. Dr Harrison leads the Impacts of Marketing research cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Dr Paul Harrison.
15 July 2011
Research influenced new legislation that will ban unsolicited credit card limit increase offers
Legislation was introduced into the Federal Parliament in June which was influenced by research conducted by CSaRO Cluster Leader, Dr Paul Harrison, with Dr Marta Massi (a visiting scholar to Deakin, and now at Carleton University, Canada) in 2009. The National Consumer Credit Protection Amendment (Home Loans and Credit Cards) Bill 2011 will ban unsolicited credit card limit increase offers (what Paul and Marta called UCCLIOs) from 2012. An article published in The Age Newspaper ('Green MP seeks wider credit card reforms', Eric Johnston, 20 June 2011) describes the proposed laws.
Paul and Marta conducted a major research project called "Congratulations, You're Pre-Approved" that investigated the psychological underpinnings of these UCCLIOs. The research report was a key document that assisted consumer groups in advocating for the ban. Although some elements of the UCCLIOs are still a concern to many consumer groups, such as the capacity for financial institutions to offer the increases over the telephone, the banning of written offers is a small win for the vulnerable consumers that Paul and Marta found were most often targeted by the banks. Dr Harrison leads the Impacts of Marketing research cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Dr Paul Harrison.
29 June 2011
CSaRO welcomes visiting Associate Professor Mahbub Zaman
Associate Professor of Corporate Governance and Auditing, Mahbub Zaman, is visiting the school of Accounting, Economics and Finance and CSaRO during June, July and August. Associate Professor Zaman has been at Manchester Business School, since May 2005. His areas of expertise and interests include Corporate Governance Effects of Audit Committees; Globalisation and Convergence in Corporate Governance; Auditor and Governance Reporting; Auditor Independence; Risk Management and Internal Control (in multinationals); Audit Quality and Regulation; Islamic Perspectives on Governance and Accounting. Whilst at Deakin, Associate Professor Zaman will give speeches on the changing and emerging challenges related to governance from a multinational perspective.
29 June 2011
CSaRO Knowledge Partnership with ICSTSD 2011
CSaRO Director, Professor Nava Subramanian, and CSaRO Cluster Leader, Dr Paul Harrison, recently attended the First Annual International Conference on Society, Technology and Sustainable Development (ICSTYD) at Amrita University in Kochi, India. As well as CSaRO, the interdisciplinary conference has knowledge partnerships with UNESCO India, the Society for Energy, Engineers and Managers (SEEM). Dr. Sunil D. Santha, Chairperson of the Department of Social Work, Amritapuri, stated ICSTYD aimed to "promote greater awareness and interest in matters related to sustainable development."
The key-note speech of ICSTYD was given by Dr. Shantikumar Nair from Amrita University. Dr. Nair provided an overview of the potential for nanotechnology to help solve the most pressing problems of humanity. Then, Professor Subramanian, stated in her speech that "Amrita University (is considered by CSaRO) to be one of the thought leaders in the area of sustainable development," and that "there is an enormous potential for it to become a global champion in this area."
The conference included 17 invited talks and 35 research paper presentations covering different dimensions of sustainable development including the scope of renewable energy, combating global warming, waste management and the different roles and interactions between spirituality, ethics and sustainable development. The experts from multiple disciplines also spoke on the implications for policy making, research, planning and grass roots level implementation. CSaRO's Dr. Paul Harrison, along with Prof. Pravin Patkar and Dr. David Patterson, provided the closing summary of the conference.
29 June 2011
2011 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research: Early Career Researcher
Dr Melissa Parris, School of Management and Marketing, has been selected to receive a 2011 Vice-Chancellor's Award for Outstanding Contribution to Research: Early Career Researcher.
Dr Parris has achieved publication in highly rated journals and has been successful with Faculty Research Grants and recently with an ARC Discovery Grant (in collaboration with Dr Uma Jogulu). The ARC Discovery Grant examines the relationship between managers' cultural backgrounds and career aspirations. Dr Parris is also exploring final year students' expectations of the workplace as they prepare for graduate employment with co-investigator, Dr Kerrie Saville. In other research, Dr Parris, is looking at middle managers' understanding of authentic leadership and expression of values in the workplace.
Congratulations Melissa on receiving the Vice-Chancellor's recognition of your research.
Dr Parris' research falls within the Employee Health and Wellbeing cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Dr Melissa Parris.
14 June 2011
ARC Linkage Grant Success
CSaRO member, Professor Graeme Wines, is on a team that has been awarded an ARC Linkage Grant, administered through Victoria University.
Other team members: Prof Beverley F Jackling (formerly from Deakin), Dr Sally A Weller, Prof Paul de Lange, Dr James R Faulconbridge
Project Title: How migration reshapes labour markets: a study of professional service firms
Partner/Collaborating Organisations: Adult Multicultural Education Services, Institute of Public Accountants (formerly NIA)
Project Summary: Australia needs skilled migration to maintain its economic growth and replenish its skill base as the population ages. It needs the skills of migrant accountants. This project will identify the barriers migrants face when seeking work in the financial services industry and discover how migration is changing the financial services labour market. The research will examine market segmentation in the financial services labour market.
Funding amount: $188,000.
1 June 2011
Rebuilding trust is the way to restore Labor's brand
Dr Paul Harrison has had an article published at The Conversation ('Rebuilding trust is the way to restore Labor's brand', 19 May 2011). The article (also seen on the ABC's The Drum) examines contemporary Australian politics from a marketing and consumer behaviour perspective. Dr Harrison analyses the current Government branding and voting behaviour, showing that restoring the Australian Labor Party (ALP) brand it is not simply a matter of the ALP selling itself better. Instead, Dr Harrison argues that the Labor Party must rebuild trust in their heavily eroded brand. Resurrecting this trust may be done, Dr Harrison posits, by explaining to the Australian people what the Labor party stands for and showing them incrementally through their actions in a consistent and respectful way. Dr Harrison leads the Impact of Marketing research cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Dr Paul Harrison.
1 June 2011
Explaining our budget attention deficit
Dr Paul Harrison has had an article published at The Conversation ('Same old cycle - explaining our budget attention deficit', 12 May 2011). The article examines how the responses to Wayne Swan's recent budget announcement are a reflection on the capacity of humans to process complex and detailed information. Dr Harrison argues the best opportunity for a considered response to the budget would take place at least a couple of days after the budget is delivered. He writes that this gives experts the time to consider the detail of the budget and hopefully to reflect 'over and above the immediate "headline" reaction'. Dr Harrison leads the Impact of Marketing research cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Dr Paul Harrison.
Industry grant success
Associate Professor Andrew Noblet has received a large industry research grant with VicHealth. The project, will be based at the Deakin Graduate School of Business and will be undertaken by Andrew and Associate Professor Tony LaMontagne (School of Population Health, Melbourne University). The purpose of this research is to plan and implement an intervention project aimed at preventing and reducing job stress. Both the processes used to develop the stress prevention strategies, as well as the outcomes associated with the strategies themselves, will be evaluated with the aim of identifying those systems, practices and methods that can contribute to the development of healthier and less stressful working environments. VicHealth will be funding the project over 3 years (2011-2013) at $100k per year. CSaRO will also be contributing $30k per year for the first two years of the project. Associate Professor Noblet leads the Employee Health and Wellbeing research cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Associate Professor Andrew Noblet.
The debate on plain cigarette packaging
Dr Paul Harrison has had an article published at The Conversation ('Plain cigarette packaging will change smoking...slowly', 11 April 2011), a new publication that combines 'academic rigour with journalistic flair'. The article examines the impacts of marketing in the tobacco industry, focusing on the effects of branding, logos and promotion on the packages of tobacco products. Dr Harrison writes that the next step in the continuing shift of discouraging smoking is to introduce plain paper packaging for cigarettes to stimulate cessation attempts and deter smoking initiation.
Dr Harrison was recently interviewed by Radio Australia on this topic ('Questions over whether plain packaging will deter smokers', 20 April 2011). He leads the Impact of Marketing research cluster at the CSaRO. Contact Dr Paul Harrison.
Keynote Speech for Australian Securities and Investment Commission
Dr Paul Harrison was invited by the Chairman of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) to deliver the keynote speech at the ASIC Summer School: The New Regulatory Landscape, held in Sydney in February, 2010. Dr Harrison's speech ('Where is the consumer in consumer protection?', now available on YouTube) examined the Australian regulatory regime, which assumes rational decision-making, and relies upon a program of disclosure to help consumers make appropriate financial choices. Dr Harrison's research in this field suggests that disclosure and information may not be processed by consumers in the way that regulators assume. His comments were reported in the The Australian Financial Review ('ASIC may get power to ban products' [1MB PDF], 23 February 2011) and The Australian ('Emotions in play despite rationality' [158KB PDF], 2 March 2011).
