Developing an evidence‐based model to implement co‐governance

Simple SummaryA common method of alleviating impending threats to wildlife populations is to relocate them from danger, which is known as mitigation translocation. However, these translocations have high failure rates because they lack appropriate funding, resources, and a knowledge of species requirements. Here, we use the endangered western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) as a case study to exemplify how targeted ecological research can be used to help inform translocation planning. We found that the skinks have specific requirements for predator management, foraging and prey availability, and log pile structures, which can all help improve the targeted selection of translocation sites in the future. Application of a similar scientific framework to planning is likely to improve mitigation translocation success for a range of threatened species.Translocation science has made considerable progress over the last two decades; however, reptile translocations still frequently fail around the world. Major knowledge gaps surround the basic ecology of reptile species, including basic factors such as habitat preference, which have a critical influence on translocation success. The western spiny-tailed skink (Egernia stokesii badia) is used here as a case study to exemplify how empirical research can directly inform on-ground management and future translocation planning. A combination of studies, including LiDAR scanning of microhabitat structures, camera trapping, plasticine replica model experiments and unbounded point count surveys to assess predation risk, and visual and DNA analysis of dietary requirements, were all used to better understand the ecological requirements of E. s. badia. We found that the skinks have specific log pile requirements, both native and non-native predator management requirements, and a largely herbivorous, broad diet, which all influence translocation site selection and management planning. The use of E. s. badia as an Australian case study provides a clear strategic framework for the targeted research of meaningful ecological factors that influence translocation decision-making. Similar approaches applied to other reptile species are likely to fundamentally increase the capacity for effective management, and the likelihood of future successful translocations.

ABSTRACTThis paper reports on the second stage of a comparative study between two higher education institutions: one in Australia and the other in the United Kingdom, which explored the contributions of professional staff to student outcomes. The first stage acted as a scoping exercise to ascertain how the contributions of professional staff to student outcomes could be investigated. The second stage of the study aimed to undertake a more in-depth exploration of self-reported behaviours in a range of professional staff roles, within the two case studies. The main finding of the comparative study is the broad similarities between the case studies, in self-reported behaviours that contribute to successful student outcomes. Four key factors were identified, which enable or inhibit the contributions of professional staff to successful outcomes. Three of the four factors were found to be the same in both case studies, whereas technology was more important in the Australian case study.

Assessing “gas transition” pathways to low carbon electricity – An Australian case study

Drawing on the institutional work perspective, we examine participatory budgeting (PB) implementation at Bayswater City Council, Western Australia, focusing on how institutional practices recalibrated the process following an initial failure. We show that the initial failure stemmed from insufficient discursive, material, and relational work, leading to low community engagement and trust deficits. Subsequent recalibration included reframing PB narratives, introducing accessible tools, fostering stakeholder relationships, and enabling alignment of community viewpoints with the council’s strategic goals. This study contributes insights into how intentional institutional practices transform participatory governance systems, offering valuable lessons for implementing inclusive and effective PB processes.

Chapter 6 begins the analysis of the Australian national jurisdiction, presenting the first of two Australian case studies — the Australian Crime Commission’s (ACC) application of strategic intelligence within the context of transnational organized crime (TOC). Findings are based on multi-stage qualitative analysis (using content and discourse analysis techniques) of ACC corporate documents and reports, as well as data derived from a series of semi-structured interviews with key informants within the ACC. Comparing and contrasting the ACC’s application of strategic TOC intelligence with contemporary academic theories and the two international case studies, the chapter reveals that while there are significant differences between the ACC’s strategic intelligence model and that of CISC and SOCA the three organizations share a number of organizational, cultural, methodological and theoretical factors that inhibit the effectiveness of strategic intelligence.

PurposeIntervention for young people engaging in harmful sexual behaviour has been largely based on individual-level conceptualisations and assessment. Prevention efforts reflect this individual-focus, relying primarily on offender management and justice responses. Risk of sexual abuse, however, is often situated outside the individual, within the broader social and physical systems in which young people are embedded. Lack of recognition for how contextual factors contribute to sexual abuse narrows the focus of prevention and intervention, overlooking the very contexts and circumstances in which this behaviour occurs. This paper aims to demonstrate the utility of contextual practice with young people who sexually harm, and implications for prevention.Design/methodology/approachAn Australian case study is used to showcase the “why”, “what” and “how” of a contextual approach to assessment and treatment of young people who sexually harm.FindingsContextual approaches extend the focus of clinical practice beyond the individual to include the physical and social contexts that may contribute to risk. Adding a contextual lens broadens the approach to assessment, affording new opportunities to tailor the intervention to local contextual dynamics, and identifying new targets for primary and secondary prevention.Originality/valueThis is the first known attempt to extend understanding of contextual approaches to clinical assessment and intervention for young people who sexually harm, using a case study method. The case study showcases contextual assessment and intervention processes that challenge traditional thinking and practice in this field. Importantly, the case study also reveals new opportunities for primary and secondary prevention that emerge through this contextual clinical practice.

This paper addresses issues of participation in the development of integrated assessment and modelling approaches in catchment management, drawing on lessons from an Australian case study in the management of diffuse source pollutants in the Ben Chifley Dam catchment of south‐eastern Australia. In discussing the nature and outcomes of the interactions with catchment managers and the catchment community, particular emphasis is given to activities associated with the development of a scenario‐based modelling tool that enables users to evaluate the biophysical and economic trade‐offs associated with a range of potential management changes. The case study demonstrates the extent to which the development of models and software can provide a focus for communication between researchers, catchment managers and the catchment community. Benefits of the participatory activities included: (i) ensuring that the research addressed the primary concerns of catchment stakeholders, (ii) improving the flow of information between researchers and catchment stakeholders, and (iii) fostering cross‐agency collaboration. However, there were substantial resources required for participatory activities; these were initially underestimated. Features of the participatory processes which contributed to their success included: (i) early identification of the need for participatory activities and their continuation over the course of the case study (ii) incorporating a broad range of catchment stakeholders in participatory activities, (iii) tailoring participatory activities to specific groups of catchment stakeholders, and (iv) gaining the higher level support of local management organisations. Improvements to the process which were identified included reducing the reliance on a single management organisation and establishing an ‘exit strategy’ in the initial planning of the case study.

The Effects of Single-Sex Schooling on Achievement and Attitudes in Nigeria

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the role of community of practice in sustaining teachers' participation in a blended (face‐to‐face and online) professional development course.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal multiple‐case study methodology was used in researching groups of five teachers in Australia and four teachers in the UK. The two groups independently participated in an initial face‐to‐face training day and then completed the professional development course via an online learning environment (Blackboard). The course was designed to facilitate community of practice cohesion. Data collection included surveys, data mining of online activity, discussion forums and e‐mails, and semi‐structured interviews.FindingsThe paper finds that the participants of both case studies demonstrated sustained engagement for more than twice the minimum requirement. While the Australian case study was sustained through a community‐defined regime of participation, the UK case study increasingly relied on the course facilitator to broker both practices and a community rhythm by which they could participate. Sustained participation in the Australian case study was supported by mutuality as seen in reciprocity of interaction and social engagement.Originality/valueTransformative professional development is dependent on a number of design principles, including that it needs to be sustained over time. The literature reveals that neither face‐to‐face nor online professional development, per se, sustains engagement. This research demonstrates that teacher participation can be sustained by designing for community of practice cohesion, in a blended mode of delivery with small groups of participants.

Few studies have addressed the experiences of a graduate’s transition from university to the world of work. Understanding how graduates react and respond to this journey will provide universities with the ability to prepare and equip students for the road ahead. The purpose of this particular Australian case study was to extend understanding of the experience of making the transition from university to work, and to identify questions for further study. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews, which were transcribed and analysed for clusters of common themes. Four themes emerged from the case study: “an uncertain feeling”, “inflated expectations”, “the work experience paradox” and “a low time”. It is hoped that understanding this graduate’s experiences will assist higher education institutions, recruiting companies and students to better understand and prepare for this significant life passage.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) play an important, albeit limited, role in the United Nations most recent human rights monitoring mechanism, the Universal Periodic Review (UPR). Drawing on empirical data from an Australian case study and interviews with international stakeholders, the study explores the NGO role and influence in this state-centric, peer review mechanism. Case study findings indicate that recommendations made by NGOs, in particular a coalition of domestic NGOs, correlate closely with many UPR recommendations but that United Nations sources are more influential. This suggests that other United Nation human rights mechanisms complement the UPR, so that NGOs should continue to engage with both these and the UPR.

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to consider primary prevention from the perspective of person-based crime prevention. This crime prevention measure is illustrated by an Australian case study. The report also recognises the integral role the community plays in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention. Design/methodology/approach This short paper adopts a case study approach. Findings The paper illustrates the purpose and achievements of primary person-based crime prevention, including the success it has in reducing crime and improving feelings of safety in the community. The important role of community members and their contribution to this crime prevention method is offered. Practical implications The practical implications this paper offers are to ensure community members are involved in the delivery of primary person-based crime prevention, to explicitly measure the contribution community members make to primary person-based crime prevention initiatives, to explicitly measure the contribution primary person-based crime prevention makes to the reduction of crime, and to build on the known success of primary person-based crime prevention through the implementation of more initiatives within this area of crime prevention. Originality/value Primary person-based crime prevention can be overlooked in favour of primary place-based crime prevention. This short paper offers an insight into an overlooked aspect of crime prevention.

Purpose– Most barriers and enablers of sustainable projects are related to procurement. The purpose of this paper is to propose a framework for evaluating green procurement practices throughout the lifecycle of road construction projects and demonstrates its application through an Australian case study.Design/methodology/approach– The study is based on linking the phases of road construction with incentive mechanisms for proactively motivating behavioural change. A holistic view on utilised and potential incentives is attempted with a literature review and a state-of-practice review. The latter is based on interviews and 90 policy and procurement documents across five Australian states.Findings– An evaluation framework with seven procurement stages is suggested to describe current state green procurement incentives throughout the delivery lifecycle of road construction projects. The Australian case study was found to provide useful data to identify gaps and strong points of the different states regarding their level of integration of sustainability and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) reduction elements in their procurement practices. This understanding was used to draw recommendations on future advancement of green procurement.Originality/value– Government entities across the globe can impact considerably the achievement of sustainability and GHG targets, by using their procurement practices and requirements to create incentives for contractors and suppliers to engage in more GHG conscious practices. The present study provides a systematic account of how green procurement practices can be underpinned using the Australian road construction industry as a case study, and distinguish between strong and weak links in the green procurement chain to draw recommendations for future initiatives.

This paper traces the theoretical perspective of organisational change and development and relate it to an Australian case study. It starts with a review of literature on various types of change, strategies, and processes of change advocated by different scholars and organisational experts. It is followed by another review of literature on organisational development and how organisational change and development could be related to institutional mergers in higher education. This theoretical analysis is followed by the results of a research project on the merger between the La Trobe University and the Lincoln Institute of Health Sciences in Melbourne. For the collection of data, a case study approach has been adopted employing mainly qualitative methodologies. Thus the results are based on an analysis of the archival material, interviews with key personnel in both institutions and the amalgamated institution as well as observations by the researcher. On the basis of what has been achieved within a ...

Lessons learned from measuring safety culture: An Australian case study