Think: Business Futures

Degrees, Dreams & Detours: Rethinking Graduate Employment

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0000

What happens when you finish your degree, full of hope and ambition - only to find that the job you trained for doesn’t exist, or isn’t hiring?

In the final episode of this series, Think: Business Futures explores the difficult and often disheartening journey that many young graduates face in low-income contexts, particularly in West Africa.

Host Ali Aitken is joined by three expert guests from UTS in a candid conversation that spans continents, cultures, and career paths. From public sector dreams to entrepreneurial pivots, they look at the optimism gap, mismatched expectations, limited opportunities, and systems that don’t always support the transition from education to employment - and how these challenges compare to the Australian landscape.

They are:

Dr Esther Mirjam Girsberger, Senior Lecturer, Economics Discipline Group at the UTS Business School. Esther Mirjam currently runs a study on young graduates and their labour market opportunities in Cote d'Ivoire (West Africa). Esther Mirjam and her team surveyed more than 2,000 high school and university graduates about how they search for jobs and how they perceive the labour market to learn more about why they face high unemployment rates.
Dr Rebecca Addo, Research Fellow at the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE), and
Professor Jua Cilliers, Associate Dean of Research at the Faculty of Design and Society.

What can we learn from each other? And how can we build systems that support young people, wherever they are?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

The Nature of Change: Biodiversity, Power, and Financial Systems

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 20:00:00 -0000

What if the way we invest money could either destroy ecosystems or help regenerate them?

In this episode of Think Business Futures, we’re taking a look at the urgent and complex challenge of the biodiversity crisis. But this isn’t just a story about endangered species or vanishing rainforests. It’s about the invisible threads that connect nature to our economy, our wellbeing, and our future.

We are joined by Madeline Combe, a PhD researcher at UTS whose work explores how systems change happens and how we can transition to a biodiversity-positive funds management system; and Mayleah House, Business Development Manager at Fremantle Seaweed and former Head of Stewardship at Ethical Partners Fund Management, who brings deep insight into the barriers and breakthroughs happening in the industry today.

Find out how our financial systems - shaped by Western capitalist paradigms - have contributed to biodiversity loss, and what it will take to reverse the damage.

From the concept of “super wicked problems” to the role of retail investors and the need for paradigm shifts in governance and fiduciary duties, this important conversation challenges conventional thinking and offers a hopeful, action-oriented vision for change.

Whether you're in finance, policy, or simply care about the planet, this episode will leave you thinking differently about the power of money, and the stories we tell about value.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Changing the Game: How Marketing Fuels Gambling Harm

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Gambling is no longer just a weekend activity, it’s embedded in our daily lives.

In this episode, Think: Business Futures talks to Professor Ross Gordon, Director of the Change for Good Research Centre and professor of Behaviour and Social Change At UTS Business School, about the growing normalisation of gambling and the strategic marketing tactics driving it.

From sports betting apps to ‘bet with mates’ features, Ross explains how gambling is being embedded into Australian culture, especially among young men. He shares insights from his research on the cumulative harm caused by low and moderate risk gamblers, the lobbying power of the gambling industry, and the urgent need for policy reform.

We also explore the role of banks, the parallels with tobacco and alcohol marketing, and what it will take to shift the narrative from public health campaigns to behaviour change programs.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Digital Decarbonisation: Clouds, Code, and Climate Goals

Tue, 22 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0000

As businesses race to meet net zero targets, many are turning to digital technologies to reduce emissions. But are innovations like AI, sensors, and blockchain truly delivering on their promise?

In this episode of Think: Business Futures, we explore digital carbonisation and how Industry 4.0 technologies are reshaping climate strategy with Dr Yun Shen from the UTS Centre for Climate Risk and Resilience, and Dr Matthew Grosse, Senior Lecturer in Accounting and Program Director of the Master of Business Analytics at UTS Business School.

In a practical, forward-looking conversation, we discuss whether digital innovation can meaningfully accelerate emissions reduction, what businesses often misunderstand about tech-driven decarbonisation, and the real-world barriers to adoption.

Discover how AI and automation are transforming emissions tracking, and the critical mindset shift leaders must make to harness their full potential.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Startups & Strategy: The Cost of Ignoring Marketing

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0000

If you had $100,000 to grow your startup, how much would you spend on marketing?

Chances are - not enough. And you wouldn’t be alone.

In this episode of Think: Business Futures, Ali Aitken is joined by Dr Ofer Mintz, Associate Professor and Associate Head of Marketing at UTS Business School, whose research uncovers a surprising truth: more than half of startups don’t invest in marketing at all.

Ofer discusses:

Why marketing is often misunderstood - and misused - by founders
How skipping marketing hurts product-market fit, funding chances, and long-term growth
Why adding a marketer to your founding team could double your odds of getting funded
When to invest in marketing (and what that investment should look like)
How to use AI tools wisely, without falling into the ‘shortcut trap’

So what’s going wrong? And what does it really mean to be customer-centric in a fast-moving, resource-strapped startup?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Debt, Downsizing & Dignity: Financial Planning for Retirement

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Retirement isn’t what it used to be. More Australians are entering retirement with debt, navigating complex pension rules, and feeling financial pressure from family.

To unpack how the concept of retirement is shifting, and the growing financial pressures facing older Australians, Think: Business Futures is joined by Kathy Walsh, Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) and Professor of Finance at UTS Business School, and Jemma Briscoe, Head of Research and Technical Advice at Aged Care Gurus.

They explore practical strategies for managing debt in later life, weigh the pros and cons of using superannuation to pay off a mortgage, and break down the challenges of downsizing, including barriers to accessing the downsizer contribution. They also examine retirement options for renters and non-homeowners, and confront the rising issues of inheritance impatience and financial abuse within families.

Kathy and Jemma offer valuable insights on how retirees can protect their financial independence and adapt to this evolving landscape with greater confidence.

So why is retiring with debt becoming the new norm - and what can be done about it?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Hemlines & Headlines: Fashion’s Climate Story

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 20:00:00 -0000

What if your clothes could help fight climate change?

Think: Business Futures explores how Australia is leading the charge to decarbonise the fashion and textile industry. From circular supply chains and rental models to designing garments for reuse and repair, we look at how research, design, and industry collaboration are reshaping the future of fashion.

We are joined by three experts working at the intersection of research, design, and industry - Dr Maruf Hossan Chowdhury, Associate Professor at UTS; Seamless CEO Ainsley Simpson; and Timo Rissanen, fashion and textiles researcher and academic lead at the UTS/TAFE NSW Centre of Excellence.

Find out why decarbonising fashion is urgent, how rental and circular models reduce environmental impact, and how Australia’s first clothing stewardship scheme is helping brands and consumers shift toward circular fashion by 2030.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Reclaiming the Narrative: Indigenous Leadership and the Future of Work

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0000

What if the future of work for Indigenous Australians was shaped entirely by Indigenous voices?

In this powerful episode of Think: Business Futures, we spotlight a groundbreaking initiative: the Centre for Indigenous People and Work at the University of Technology Sydney - the first Indigenous-led, self-determined research centre of its kind in Australia.

We are joined by two trailblazers - Professor Nareen Young, Co-Director of the centre and one of Australia’s leading thinkers on workplace diversity, and Tanya Hosch, Chair of the centre’s Advisory Board and a nationally recognised advocate for Indigenous rights and inclusion.

Find out the vision behind the centre and why Indigenous leadership is central to its mission, how the centre is challenging outdated employment systems and reclaiming the narrative around Indigenous work, and we look at the role of research, policy, and corporate culture in creating lasting, systemic change.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Waves of Change: Women, Surfing, and the Fight for Equity

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Think: Business Futures, we dive headfirst into the shifting tides of women’s surfing.

We are joined by two changemakers making serious waves: Dr Ece (AJ) Kaya, Senior Lecturer at UTS Business School and co-author of the landmark report Waves of Change: Women and Surfing in Australia, and Shanice Ryder from Surfing Australia, who’s leading the charge to support women and girls in the sport.

Together, we unpack the deep-rooted barriers women have faced in surfing - from being sidelined in the lineup to fighting for equal prize money and leadership roles. We spotlight the grassroots programs, research, and local clubs that are flipping the script and shaping a more inclusive surf culture.

What does it take to carve out space in a sport that wasn’t built for you?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

From Diversity to Unity: The Power of Cultural Festivals

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0000

How celebration can be a catalyst for change?

In this episode, Think: Business Futures dives into the vibrant world of cultural festivals and their powerful role in shaping a more inclusive Australia. Ali Aitken is joined by Pavlina Jasovska, and Najmeh Hassanli, both senior lecturers at UTS Business School, and Fatma Mohamed from the Africulture's Festival Committee. The conversation explores how events like the Africultures Festival go beyond celebration to foster cross-cultural understanding, economic opportunity, and social integration.

They unpack how these community-led festivals break down cultural stereotypes and promote mutual respect, provide platforms for cultural exchange and small business development, and help new migrants connect with local communities and essential services.

The episode also highlights the critical role of ongoing support from governments, local councils, and individuals in sustaining these initiatives and ensuring their long-term impact.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Strategic By Design: Rethinking How We Solve Complex Problems

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:00:00 -0000

How does strategy get smarter when it’s designed?

In a world of accelerating complexity, traditional strategy alone isn’t enough. Enter design thinking - a mindset and methodology that’s reshaping how we solve problems, lead innovation, and build resilient organisations.

Joining Think: Business Futures for a dynamic conversation about design, systems thinking, and strategic leadership are Leanne Sobel and Selwyn D’Souza.

Leanne is Director of Strategic Design at Snow Melt, where she helps organisations reimagine strategy through collaborative, artefact-driven processes. She’s also a PhD candidate at UTS Business School, exploring how design transforms strategic thinking.

Selwyn is Director of SIM Lab, a strategic advisory practice that partners with boards and executive teams to navigate uncertainty through experimentation, simulation, and systems-based thinking.

Together, they explore what it really means to integrate design and strategy, why co-design and collaboration are essential to strategic success, and how organisations can use design thinking to make smarter, more informed choices.

Discover how design thinking can spark new ways of thinking, planning, and acting - unlocking deeper insights and building strategies that are ready for the future.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Brand Activism: Risks, Rewards and Realities

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:00:00 -0000

In today’s hyper-connected world, brand activism has emerged as a defining feature of modern marketing. No longer confined to selling products or services, brands are increasingly expected to articulate values, take stances, and engage with the social and political issues that matter to their audiences. This shift reflects a deeper transformation in consumer-brand relationships, where alignment on values can be as important as price or quality.

But stepping into activism is not without its challenges. The line between authenticity and opportunism is razor thin, and consumers are quick to call out brands that appear to be capitalising on causes rather than contributing meaningfully to them. For some companies, activism can build loyalty and trust; for others, it can provoke backlash and division. The key lies in understanding not just what to say, but why and how to say it - grounding every message in genuine purpose and consistent action.

Leading the conversation in this episode of Think: Business Futures are Dr Geetanjali Saluja, Deputy Head of Marketing at UTS Business School, and Cath King, Chief Strategy Officer at Leo Burnett. Together, they explore the fine line between meaningful engagement and perceived opportunism, offering insights into how brands can navigate this terrain with integrity.

As the marketplace becomes more polarised, the question isn’t just whether brands should take a stand, but whether they can afford not to.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

The Hybrid Work Revolution: Balancing Flexibility and Productivity

Tue, 20 May 2025 20:00:00 -0000

When you think about your best day at work, what made it great? Was it where you were, who you were with, or how you worked?

In this episode we dive into a topic that's transforming workplaces around the world: hybrid work.

Flexible work modes have come a long way since the 1980s, evolving from part-time and job sharing to the comprehensive hybrid systems we see today.

But what does this mean for you? Whether you're an employee navigating the balance between home and office, an employer rethinking productivity, or a manager adapting to new supervisory techniques, hybrid work impacts us all.

Unpacking the complexities and opportunities of hybrid work are Dr Rowena Ditzell and Dr Andrew Heys from the UTS Business School. Rowena’s research focuses on hybrid work, while Andrew is the Program Director of the Masters of Human Resources Management and Course Coordinator of the HR Masters subject Future of Work.

So what does the future of hybrid work really look like?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Higher Education, Higher Hurdles: The Struggles of Immigrant Parents & Students

Tue, 13 May 2025 21:43:00 -0000

Imagine if language barriers, unfamiliar systems, and everyday challenges constrained your dreams for your children's education. This is the reality for many immigrant families living in our diverse communities here in Australia.

In this episode of Think: Business Futures we are looking at the challenges faced by immigrant parents as they navigate their children's educational pathways.

Joining the discussion are Dr Rayan Merkbawi, a researcher from UTS Business School, and Rola Abdullah, an immigrant parent from South West Sydney who has first-hand experience with these challenges.

We explore the significant barriers these families face, including language difficulties, financial pressures, and complex higher-education pathways. We'll also delve into some potential solutions identified by UTS researchers, including targeted language support programs, comprehensive parent education initiatives, and strengthened school-community partnerships

So how can we break down barriers to higher education and create equal opportunities for all students?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

From Branches to Bytes: The Rising Risk of Consumer Fraud

Tue, 06 May 2025 20:00:00 -0000

Is digital banking making fraud easier?

Think: Business Futures looks beyond bricks to the evolving world of digital banking and the rising tide of consumer fraud.

We explore the impact of bank branch closures on consumer behaviour, the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters, and the measures financial institutions are taking to combat these threats.

Bringing invaluable insights to this conversation are Kenny Phua and Sean O’Malley.

Kenny is a senior lecturer in finance from UTS and a renowned expert in digital banking trends and consumer behaviour. His research sheds light on how the shift from physical bank branches to digital platforms is reshaping the financial landscape and exposing consumers to new fraud risks.

Sean is group executive of AMP Bank, and has been at the forefront of implementing innovative strategies to protect consumers in this digital age and safeguard their interests.

So what will it take to guarantee a secure and trustworthy digital banking experience for all?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Capitalism at Different Scales: Radical Insights and Corporate Realities

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 00:12:00 -0000

Can businesses truly drive social change, or are they merely paying lip service to social responsibility?

In this episode of Think: Business Futures, we delve into the fascinating intersections of business, society, and social change. We explore the role of business in shaping our world, examining the different scales of capitalism, from small radical businesses to large corporations, and how each contributes to or detracts from social responsibility.

We also dive into the integration of social causes within business practices, the current state of corporate social responsibility (CSR) and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the future directions for creating a more equitable economic system.

Joining us are Professor Lucy Delap and Professor Carl Rhodes. Lucy is Professor of Modern British and Gender History at the University of Cambridge, and her work on radical businesses explores how small enterprises, particularly feminist bookshops and publishers, have historically contributed to social change.

Carl is Dean of the UTS Business School and author of the thought-provoking books Stinking Rich and Woke, which offers a critical examination of large corporations and their often cynical use of 'woke' causes.

So how can businesses, big or small, genuinely contribute to social change?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

From Policy to Practice: DV in the Workplace

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0000

In this powerful episode of Think: Business Futures, we explore how domestic violence extends beyond the home and into the workplace, affecting productivity, safety, and economic security.

For this important discussion we are joined by Dr Mahajla Gavin, senior lecturer at UTS Business School, and an expert on domestic violence workplace policies, Thomas Shortridge, Policy and Research Project manager at UTS Business School, and Lisa McAdams, founder and director of Safe Space Workplace, which helps organisations support employees or clients impacted by domestic violence.

We unpack the real cost of domestic violence on employment and education, the journey to securing paid DV leave in Australia, and the critical role businesses play in supporting affected employees.

What will it take to create safer and more supportive workplaces for everyone?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Driving Change: The Future of Electric Vehicles in Australia

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0000

As the country races towards a more sustainable future, what are the broader social and economic impacts of widespread electric vehicle (EV) adoption in Australia?

We are joined by Theresa Harada, a researcher leading the Race for 2030 project, which aims to understand Australian consumers' attitudes towards electric vehicles, and Nathan Moore, a PhD student from UTS Business School who focuses on designing practical strategies and behavioural nudges to make the switch to electric cars more appealing and accessible.

We delve into the current state of EV adoption in Australia and the challenges and opportunities in the market, as well as the social justice implications of the shift to electric vehicles, including who stands to benefit the most.

So what will it take to convince more Australians to make the switch to EVs?

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

The Consumption Conundrum: Navigating Sustainability and Consumerism

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 20:00:00 -0000

How do you balance your own consumption habits with sustainability?

In this episode, we delve into the complex relationship between consumerism and sustainability. Featuring insights and highlights from a recent panel discussion held during the 2025 Climate Action Week at UTS, the conversation covers the urgency of decarbonisation, the impact of consumer behaviour, and the role of businesses in driving sustainable change.

The discussion also tackles the complex balance between profitability and sustainability, the necessity for transparency to combat greenwashing, and the emerging need for collaboration across sectors to drive meaningful change. Professor Martina Linnenluecke joins host Ali Aitken to provide further insights on these important issues.

The panel:

Professor Martina Linnenluecke, Director, UTS Centre for Climate Risk and Resilience
Catherine King, Chief Strategy Officer at Leo Burnett
Nicky Sparshott, Former Global Chief of Transformation Unilever & CEO Unilever ANZ and Chair, UTS Vice-Chancellor’s Industry Advisory Board
Siobhan Toohill, Sustainability advisor
John Lydon, Co-Chair of the Australian Climate Leaders’ Coalition, Chair of Generation Australia and Industry Professor at UTS

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Decarbonising Down Under: Trump's Ripple Effect

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 19:00:00 -0000

Welcome to a new series of THINK: Business Futures!

In this first episode we ask the question: How have international climate policies, particularly during Trump's presidency, influenced Australia's efforts to decarbonise?

We are joined by Dr Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, a post-doctoral research fellow at the Centre of Climate Risk and Resilience at UTS, and Professor Damien Giurco, an expert in sustainable resource management and Associate Director of Research at the UTS Institute of Sustainable Futures. Dr Rajabi shares fascinating research on how net zero announcements by the US, China, and the UK impact global markets and encourage other countries to act. Professor Giurco discusses Australia's decarbonisation journey, the importance of international collaboration, and the ripple effects of policy changes on global financial markets.

We also delve into the effects of Trump's withdrawal from the Paris Agreement and the positive market reactions to Biden's net zero commitments. Plus, we analyse China's role in global decarbonisation and what Australia's upcoming federal election might mean for its climate policies.

Hosted and produced by Ali Aitken

Gari Yala: the truth about work for First Nations Australians

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 00:41:08 -0000

Recently the University of Technology Sydney's Jumbunna Institute of Indigenous Education and Research, the UTS Business School and the Diversity Council Australia (DCA) announced that they will partner on a new Gari Yala report, due to be released in 2025.

Gari Yala means 'speak the truth' in the Wiradjuri language. The Gari Yala report aims to detail the lived experience of First Nations Australians at work. It also aims to make recommendations to create culturally safe workplaces free of racism, discrimination and bias.

Host Veronika Aleshina and a guest panel of experts discuss cultural safety, the psychosocial impact of racism, and identity strain.

Conceiver of the Gari Yala Report Professor Nareen Young, Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) at UTS and Professor for Indigenous Policy at the UTS Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research;
Trent Wallace, Head of First Nations Strategy at Ashurst; and
Nikolai Haddad, Managing Solicitor of Employment and Discrimination Law Unit of the Aboriginal Legal Service.

Super: what is it and what is the Super Gap?

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 23:00:00 -0000

In this episode of Think: Business Futures, we’ll be diving into just one area of personal finance–superannuation.

What is super? Why is a percentage of your potential income siphoned off into a super account I can’t touch for decades, and what does that mean for your future? And, if you’re a woman, why are you retiring with–on average–almost 25% less super than men?

To discuss these and other issues related to the superannuation gender gap, we’re joined by Professor Kathy Walsh, Associate Dean (Research and Innovation) and Professor in Finance at the UTS Business School and Dr Danny Yeung, Lecturer in Finance Discipline at the UTS Business School.

Executive Producer: Veronika Aleshina. Produced by: Cody Giunta.

Social Enterprises: The Future Of Business? Part 2

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 07:42:05 -0000

Think: Business Futures is back, with another stimulating panel discussion. In this episode, we ask the question: are social enterprises the future of business?

Joining our panel discussion are Associate Professor Paul Brown from the UTS Transdisciplinary School, Shaun Christie David, the founder of Plate It Forward, and Dr. Adam Cohen, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management from UTS Business School. Paul, Shaun and Adam each shared unique insights, in this two-part podcast.

Executive Producer Veronika Aleshina. Produced by Cody Giunta.

Social Enterprises: The Future Of Business? Part 1

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 04:36:00 -0000

Think: Business Futures is back, with another stimulating panel discussion. In this episode, we ask the question: are social enterprises the future of business?

Joining our panel discussion are Associate Professor Paul Brown from the UTS Transdisciplinary School, Shaun Christie David, the Founder of Plate It Forward, and Dr. Adam Cohen, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management from UTS Business School. Paul, Shaun and Adam each share their unique insights into how social enterprises work in this two-part podcast.

Executive Producer Veronika Aleshina. Produced by Cody Giunta.

Australia And China Learn To Get Along

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 23:21:39 -0000

Following on from the visit of the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi we return to the Australia China relationship and find that it is moving ahead despite major headwinds. Our guest this week was Professor James Laurencson.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

We Need To Talk About Ultra-Fast Fashion

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 23:29:39 -0000

This week we look at the world of fast fashion that is now moving into ultra-fast fashion with companies like Shein. In this episode, we take a deep dive into ultra-fast fashion and ask why we all should be worried about this trend becoming our new normal. Our guest this week is Dr. Talyor Brydges.

Produced and Hosted by Anthony Dockrill.

Squeezed By Our Supermarket Giants

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 06:14:58 -0000

This week we look at our supermarket sector and ask is a lack of competitiveness behind some of the practices of Coles and Woolworths? Our guest this week is Dr Sanjoy Paul

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

China, Trade And Our Research Security

Fri, 23 Feb 2024 00:11:49 -0000

This week we have a detailed look at China and what it means it to us, our terms of trade, our supply chains, and the risks it poses to our Universities. To discuss this and more we are joined by Professor James Laurenceson who is the Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at UTS.

Produce and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

World Trade - Do We Need A Plan B

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 06:33:00 -0000

With the continuing attacks on shipping in the Red Sea countries like Australia that are dependent on world trade have been left exposed. In a world of conflict and risk what can we do to protect ourselves? To discuss the problems and some possible solutions we spoke with Dr Sanjoy Paul.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

Was 2023 A Landmark Year in Climate?

Fri, 22 Dec 2023 02:19:37 -0000

This week we look at the ways business and finance need to change as the economy transitions to a low-carbon future. Our guests were Alison Atherton and Gordon Noble.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

The Incredible Growth Of Women's Sport

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 23:44:41 -0000

2023 has been a landmark year for women's sport. In this episode, we talk about this incredible rise and ask what this means for the business of sport and how women's sport will need to change and adapt. Our guest this week is Professor Tim Harcourt

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

What Lessons Can We Learn From PwC, Qantas and Optus?

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 05:37:52 -0000

This week, we shift our focus to the fallout from PwC, Qantas, and Optus. In many ways, it has been the dominant corporate story of the year. Our guest this week is Professor Carl Rhodes.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

Why Are Our Boards So White And Male?

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 23:28:17 -0000

This week, we explore the lack of diversity in our corporate boards and discuss potential solutions. Our guest is Professor Sue Wright, Head of the Accounting Discipline Group at the UTS Business School.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

Embracing the Power of AI in Enterprise

Thu, 09 Nov 2023 06:18:38 -0000

This week we have a recent panel discussion that was given at the University of Technology Sydney titled Embracing the power of AI in Enterprise: Bridging academica & industry for a transformative tomorrow

The discussion was moderated by: Michael Blumenstein Deputy Dean, Faculty of Engineering and IT

Produced by Anthony Dockrill

Ageing with Dignity - Full Panel Discussion

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 12:24:00 -0000

This week we have a recent panel discussion that was given at the University of Technology Sydney titled Ageing with Dignity: Imagining the Future of Aged Care Services in Australia

The discussion was moderated by: Nicole Sutton from the UTS Business School.

Produced by Anthony Dockrill

Turning Black Friday Green

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:09:00 -0000

This week we look at a new initiative to make shopping and finding a bargain more sustainable. Green Friday is in its third year and brings 260 brands front and centre to shoppers looking for a more sustainable way to shop. We spoke to the CEO of Green Friday Melissa Drennan.

2023 Intergenerational Report with Professor Roy Green

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 05:52:29 -0000

This week we take a look at the 2023 Intergenerational Report and talk about the real story of the report that the media has missed. We now need to seriously decide if we want to live in a hotter and poorer Australia or one where we become a green industrial powerhouse. Our guest is Professor Green.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

Has The Housing Rental Crisis Just Been Solved?

Thu, 24 Aug 2023 00:44:41 -0000

Last week, the federal government unveiled its new housing plan. The centerpiece of this plan is the construction of 1.2 million homes over a span of 5 years. While some are skeptical about the plan's ability to achieve this ambitious target, if successful, could it effectively solve our current rental crisis? Additionally, how does this plan address the pressing issue of social housing? To delve into these questions and analyze the government's strategy, we spoke to Professor Alan Morris, from the University of Technology Sydney.

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

Returning to the Idea of a Carbon Tax

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 06:24:52 -0000

This week we talk about why Australia should revisit the idea of a carbon tax. We spoke with Mona Mashhadi Rajabi who recently published an article on the economic benefits of a carbon tax.

https://theconversation.com/a-carbon-tax-can-have-economic-not-just-environmental-benefits-for-australia-210380

Produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

Australia's Need For Innovation With Professor Roy Green

Tue, 18 Jul 2023 07:06:29 -0000

This week we discuss just how ready is the Australian economy for future shocks caused by climate change and AI. Our guest was Professor Roy Green

Producer and host Anthony Dockrill

Businesses' Climate Change

Fri, 07 Jul 2023 06:41:10 -0000

This week we look at businesses' growing awareness and efforts in fighting climate change. We spoke to Professor Martina Linnenluecke from the UTS Business School.

Hosted and produced by Anthony Dockrill

Making AI Work For Us

Wed, 21 Jun 2023 07:51:40 -0000

This week we turn to the number one topic of 2023 AI. To help us in the discussion we spoke to Dr Amanda White from UTS Business School and Professor Edward Santow from the Human Technology Institute of UTS.

Hosted and Produced by Anthony Dockrill

Small Business Case Study: Savvy Beverage

Tue, 13 Jun 2023 07:02:00 -0000

This week we take a look at what it takes to start your own business and what is the difference between having an idea and being an entrepreneur. Our guests were Mark Curry CEO of Savvy Beverage and Professor Prabhu Sivabalan a Professor of Management Accounting and Control at UTS Business School.

This edition was produced and hosted by Anthony Dockrill

PwC - When Business and Government Don't Mix

Wed, 07 Jun 2023 03:30:47 -0000

Our first episode of 2023 is a look at the PwC scandal and we ask where the line should be between business and government. To help us work through some very difficult questions we were lucky to speak with the Dean of UTS Business School Professor Carl Rhodes.

Produce and presented by Anthony Dockrill

The Future Of Super

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 20:59:00 -0000

The Morrison Government's Your Super, Your Future legislation has taken superannuation in a new direction, applying strict performance benchmarks to funds, stapling super to individuals as well as trying to improve integrity and transparency. But has this legislation led to perverse incentives in the industry which leads to lower performance and worse outcomes for some fund members? On this episode we weigh up the impacts of Your Super, Your Future.

Guests: Lorenzo Casavecchia - Associate Head of External Engagement of the Finance Department at the UTS Business School and Kris Glover - Senior Lecturer at the Finance Discipline Group at the UTS Business School.

The Fight For Ethics In Tech

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 09:57:40 -0000

Big tech is literally changing the way we live. With the speed of innovation and lack of regulation, issues of dignity and ethics seem to often fall by the wayside as the influence of large platforms grows. On today’s show we explore centering dignity in the tech start-up and entrepreneurial space.

Guests: Lorenn Ruster, PHD candidate at the ANU School of cybernetics & Anne-Marie Elias – Professional Fellow at UTS Startups.

The Gig Work Dilemma

Tue, 18 Oct 2022 04:11:00 -0000

Gig work has provided countless Australians with unprecedented occupational flexibility. At the same time, the Labor Government has proposed legislation which looks to afford gig workers entitlements like minimum pay, leave and superannuation. One clear dilemma is how to implement these entitlements without compromising flexibility and the business model of tech startups like Uber, Airtasker and Menulog. This episode we discuss the potential impact of the proposed legislation on gig work.

Guests: Giuseppe Carabetta, Associate Professor of employment law at the UTS Business School and Katie Sweatman, employment, industrial relations and discrimination lawyer at Kingston Reid.

Homes For Homes

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 09:00:00 -0000

The Big Issue have been fighting homelessness in Australia for decades, and now they have a new project, in collaboration with the NSW Land Registry Service. Homes for Homes allows homeowners to pledge a tiny portion of the sale price of their property to help develop social and affordable housing. There's much to be admired about the Homes for Homes model, and this week on the show we take a look at how it works.

Guests: Adam Bennett - Adjunct Professor at UTS and outgoing CEO of Land Registry Services NSW and Tracy Longo - National Operations Manager of Homes for Homes.

App Goals

Tue, 27 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Goal enabling technology is the integration of goal setting into tech-based products and services. Things like step-counts, savings targets and fitness goals all have a general benefit to app users and tech companies, however the specifics of how to optimise goals in apps is not well-known. This episode we explore new research and modelling around the most effective ways to utilise goal enabling technology.

Guest: Jake An, UTS Business School lecturer

Struggling With Social Welfare

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Australia's social security system is notoriously difficult to navigate. It's also punitive in nature. So why are some of our most vulnerable people finding getting a leg up so hard? This episode we explore the complexity of social security, and how things can change.

Guests: Leanne Ho - CEO of Economic Justice Australia and Julius Golab - solicitor at the Welfare Rights Centre.

Will Stamp Duty Reform Work?

Tue, 13 Sep 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Amid a perpetual rise in interest rates, the NSW Government have announced their First Home Buyer Choice scheme. A reform to stamp duty which gives first home buyers the option to opt out of stamp duty - and into an annual tax. This episode, we explore stamp duty as an impediment to property purchasing, and how the NSW government’s policy might affect housing affordability.

Guests: Harry Scheule - Professor of Finance at the University of Technology Sydney and Simon Pressley - Founder, and head of property market research at Propertyology.

Australia 2030

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 05:37:00 -0000

What will Australia look like in 2030? Rocky Scopelliti is a futurologist, an author, a speaker and a researcher of the confluence of demographics and technological change. He joins the show this week to talk about the major trends that will affect the trajectory of Australia as we move into the next decade.

Contract Brewing: Opportunity vs Stigma

Sun, 04 Sep 2022 22:46:00 -0000

Contract brewing is having your brand's beer made by a third party, at a facility often far from the stated home of your label. This episode we discuss the opportunity contract provides industry up-starts and also the stigma that is often associated with the practice.

Guests: Pavlina Jasovska – Lecturer in International Business and Strategy at the UTS Business School, and Sam Maccaulay - Senior lecturer in strategy and innovation at the University of Queensland.

How To Strengthen Supply Chains

Tue, 23 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Over the last two years global supply chains have been massively disrupted and are still on their way to recovery. This episode we ask the question of how to we strength supply chains and build in resilience to copy with unforeseen events.

Guest: Sanjoy Paul from the UTS Business School

The Future Of Buy Now Pay Later

Tue, 16 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Buy now pay later apps have seen a boom in the last five years. But as with any emerging industry, regulation is lagging. This episode we look at the growth of buy now pay later and what might the industry see in the future.

Guests: Thomas Matthys from the UTS Business School and Nikesh Lalchandani from the Emerging Payments Association of Asia.

Copycats & Contrarians

Tue, 09 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Why do we follow the crowd? When is it a good idea and when is it not? Michelle Baddeley from the UTS Business School is the author of the book Copycats and Contrarians. She joins the show to talk about the concept of herding and how it manifests in the business world.

Will AI Replace Marketing Jobs?

Tue, 02 Aug 2022 10:00:00 -0000

The use of AI in marketing is growing rapidly. This week we take a look at how it's used, how much it's growing - and whether AI presents a danger to marketing jobs.

Guests: Tae Woo Kim and Ashish Sinha from the UTS Business School.

Democracy Forum: Government's Role In Innovation

Tue, 26 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

For this very special episode, we bring you address by Nobel Prize winning economist Joseph Stiglitz. This address was from an event organised as part of the UTS Vice Chancellor's Democracy Forum. Professor Stiglitz's address is followed by a conversation with UTS behavioural economist Michelle Baddeley. The theme of this episode is Government's role in innovation.

The Billion Dollar University Surplus

Tue, 19 Jul 2022 11:56:00 -0000

Sydney University recently reported by far their largest surplus in history. Almost a billion dollars, compared to a 20 year average of just over $120 million. A huge profit, even through the crippling effects of the pandemic. So what happened? Dr David Bond, senior lecturer at the UTS business school has been looking into it. He joined Think Business Futures to tell us what he found.

The Story of a Startup

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 22:59:00 -0000

Following from last week's show about educating entrepreneurs, this week we take a look at the story of a startup and its founder. We explore the highs and lows - and what entrepreneurship looks like from the ground. Mark Curry is the CEO of Savvy Beverages, an award winning nutrition business that makes healthy products that enhance energy and mental wellbeing.

How To Make An Entrepreneur

Tue, 05 Jul 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Are entrepreneurs born with the characteristics that make them who they are, or is it something you can teach? This episode we explore what entrepreneurship means today and how to educate people to become entrepreneurs.

Guests: Martin Bleimel, Associate Professor and the Director of Research at the Transdisciplinary School at UTS and Jochen Schweitzer, Associate Professor of Strategy and Innovation and the Director of Entrepreneurship at the UTS Business School.

Is E-waste really waste?

Tue, 28 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Each month, Australians produce tens of thousands of tonnes of E-waste. This week we explore the problem, and the opportunity for business to turn this trash into treasure.

Guests: Maruf Chowdhury, Senior lecturer and expert in closed loop systems and supply chain sustainability at the UTS business school and Lisa Saunders, Co-Founder and CEO of Arnie’s Recon.

The Hidden World Of Economic Abuse

Tue, 21 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

A significant yet largely un-recognised aspect of domestic abuse is financial or economic abuse. It manifests as the restriction of a person's financial independence and often limits one's ability to take action to change their situation. This episode we discuss the prevalence of economic abuse, how to identify it and what can be done to make change.

Guest: Kathy Walsh - Professor of finance and master of financial planning course director at the UTS business school.

Rethinking Accessible Travel & Tourism

Tue, 14 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Australians living with disability often face enormous challenges when travelling. From using digital devices to purchase tickets, to boarding planes, to finding accessible attractions at a destination - the experience of travel and tourism is not equal for all Australians. This episode we look at the challenges and opportunities of accessible tourism.

Guests: Simon Darcy, Professor of Social Inclusion at the UTS Business School and Ben Gauntlett, Disability Discrimination Commissioner at the Australian Human Rights Commission.

What Is Sustainable Business?

Tue, 07 Jun 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Modern business is now more than ever grappling with the question of sustainability. Is it possible for businesses to have a positive impact on the world while maintaining longevity, profitability and shareholder satisfaction? This episode we look at the mechanisms business use to contribute to sustainability, and what may be needed to make sustainable business a reality.

Guests: Melissa Edwards, Director of the Executive MBA program at the UTS Business School and Tim Williams, Lecturer at the UTS Business School Management Discipline Group.

Social Impact - Can Business Change The World?

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Many modern companies incorporate social or environmental principles into their structures. Is this incremental progression enough? Or do we need a complete restructure of incentives in order to see the change that's needed. This episode we look at the potential future for business & social impact.

Guests: Bronwen Dalton, Director of the Masters of Not-for-Profit and Social Enterprise Program at the UTS business school & Claire Wright, business historian at the UTS Business School.

Mythbusting Housing Affordability

Tue, 24 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

With a new government in office - housing affordability remains a big concern. The big questions are: What effect will rising interest rates have on house prices? And how far will the suite of Labor housing policies go in addressing the challenges for first home buyers? On this episode - we delve into these questions and try to unearth the harsh truth.

Guests: Harry Scheule - Professor of Finance at the University of Technology Sydney Business School & Simon Pressley - Founder and head of property market research at Propertyology.

Aged Care's Financial Crisis

Tue, 17 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Aged care is often described as being in crisis due to things like neglect, poor nutrition and under-staffing. However another crisis of aged care is found in the finances - with many residential homes either lacking financial viability, or not meeting the minimum standards parties are proposing ahead of the election. This episode we explore a new report by the UTS Ageing Research Collaborative that aims to provide ongoing insights into the finance of aged care.

Guests: Dr. Nicole Sutton & Dr. Nelson Ma - UTS Business School

How Sports Betting Impacts Sports Culture

Tue, 10 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Sports betting and advertising is ubiquitous throughout the channels of any regular sports fan. With sports codes, media, advertising and betting agencies all being interdependent - where does the boom in ads, odds and engagement end? This episode we explore the good, the bad and the fascinating impact sports betting is having on sports culture.

Guests: Adam Cohen, Lecturer for Sport Management at the UTS Business School & David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research at the Institute for Culture and Society, Western Sydney University

The Teacher Walk Off

Tue, 03 May 2022 10:00:00 -0000

NSW Teachers haven't gone on strike for over ten years but this week they'll walk off the job to raise their voice about unfair pay and workload conditions. So how did we let such a fundamentally important profession get to this place? This week we look at the current state of teachers conditions in NSW and what needs to change.

Guest: Mihajla Gavin - Senior Lecturer in employment relations and human resource management at the UTS Business School.

Donations, Lobbies, Integrity, Corruption

Tue, 26 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

In the lead up to the election, the establishment of a Federal corruption commission is an important issue for voters - but how exactly does federal corruption intersect with the private sector? On today's episode we dive into the impact of corruption on democracy and what attributes a Federal commission needs to have in order to clean ups politics.

Guests: Marie dela Rama - lecturer at the University of Technology Sydney and Adam Graycar - professor of public policy and director of the Stretton Institute at the University of Adelaide.

How Covid Is Changing Tourism

Tue, 19 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

Covid's catastrophic impact on the tourism sector has exposed many of the industry's vulnerabilities when it comes to managing crisis. So what has tourism learnt from the pandemic, and how will it move forward? This episode we look at how tourism was crushed by Covid, how it responded and what's in store for the future.

Guest: David Beirman - Adjunct Fellow at the University of Technology Sydney Business School and author of Tourism Crises and Destination Recovery.

Women in Leadership: Business & Politics

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

The second wave feminist movement of the 1960s and 70s brought sweeping changes to women's roles in both business and politics. This episode we explore the history of women in leadership. We ask what does the landscape of women in leadership looks like today? What the continuing barriers are, and how we can progress to not only increase the number of women in leadership positions but also to expand the diversity of women in these roles.

Guests: Claire Wright - business historian at the University of Technology Sydney Business School and Blair Williams - Research Fellow and Lecturer with the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at the Australian National University.

Short Term Budgets vs Long Term Solutions

Tue, 05 Apr 2022 10:00:00 -0000

The 2022 Budget was described by many as a cash splash focusing on temporary fixes and pre-election problem solving. With inflation, interest rates and the cost of living set to be a continuing challenge - what options are available to governments to help address these issues long term? Has the global playing field that budget forecasts are based on changed? And how can reform take place when big economic policy announcements seem too politically dangerous for either party?

Guests: David Bond: Senior Lecturer at the UTS Business School & Cameron Curko - Head of Macroeconomics and Strategy at Pitcher Partners Accountants.

Can a Four Day Work Week Work?

Tue, 29 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

The pandemic has completely overhauled our relationship with work. Priorities are shifting with an increasing number of people looking for job satisfaction and a harmonious work/life balance. One proposed solution is a shift to a four day work week. On this episode we discuss what four day work week can look like, and how companies and individuals maintain productivity working less hours.

Guest: Rowena Ditzell - PHD candidate and lecturer at the UTS business school, currently researching the four day work week.

The Ethics Of Sanctions

Tue, 22 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Most media outlets talk about Russian sanctions in reference to their effect on an economy... But what about their impact on people? Does forcing a recession on a nation of mostly innocent civilians require a deeper level of ethical enquiry? And are the associated business boycotts and pullouts a moral decision, or they just what's best for the corporate bottom line?

Guests: Carl Rhodes - Dean and Professor of Organisation Studies at the UTS Business School & Steven Hamilton - Visiting Fellow at the Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at The Australian National University.

Capitalising On Post-Covid Consumer Behaviours

Tue, 15 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

The Covid-19 pandemic has changed the what, where, when and how we shop - presenting a range of opportunities for business unlike anything we've seen before. So what are the changes? And how can businesses capitalise?

Guest: Ofer Mintz - Associate Head of the UTS Marketing Department and Author of The Post Pandemic Business Playbook.

How Is Crypto Taxed?

Tue, 08 Mar 2022 09:00:00 -0000

Crypto is here to stay. Individuals, businesses and banks have all jumped on board - so its time to ask some simple questions. Do we pay tax on crypto? If so, when? And in an ever-evolving, technologically driven, decentralised world - how will tax authorities keep up?

Guests: Roman Lanis - Associate Professor from the UTS School of Accounting and Shane Brunette - Founder of Sydney-based tech start-up Crypto Tax Calculator.

The Cost of a Clean Bill of Health

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 07:37:00 -0000

Over the past 18 months, COVID has demonstrated the need for a well funded health system. The cost of dealing with a pandemic has been most clearly borne by our hospitals. So how does the Australian healthcare system stack up comparatively?

Guests:

Kees Van Gool, Deputy Director and Professor at the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation at UTS and researcher on the ICCONIC project

Woke Capitalism

Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:59:00 -0000

In the past few years, businesses have begun signalling their support for traditionally progressive ideas like marriage equality and environmental sustainability. This has been called woke capitalism, where multinational corporations enter the public sphere by taking and amplifying political positions. Corporations talk a good game on social credibility, but can we rely on them when the going gets tough? Or are they just following public sentiment to profit? And how does this newfound corporate morality impact on liberal democracies?

Guest:

Carl Rhodes, Professor of Organisation Studies and Dean of the UTS Business School and author of Woke Capitalism: How Corporate Morality is Sabotaging Democracy

Deck the Malls

Tue, 09 Nov 2021 07:36:00 -0000

We’re coming up to the most wonderful time of year - Christmas. Tinsel is up and Mariah Carey is blaring through shopping centre speakers. Most retailers make around 30% of their annual income from this time alone. But is consumer confidence still high after a long year of covid lockdowns? And will issues with global supply chains led to empty stockings under the chimney?

Guests:

Sanjoy Paul, senior lecturer in operations and supply chain management at UTS
Brian Walker, CEO and founder of Retail Doctor Group

Taxing Times for Multinationals

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 08:31:00 -0000

While the attention is on COP26 and Glasgow, there was a less discussed meeting of international leaders going in Rome. On Sunday, the leaders of the G20 endorsed the OECD changes to international tax laws designed to crack down on multinational companies. Tax havens and profit shifting are key targets, as well as creating new rules for the digital era and ending the race to the bottom for corporate taxation. So, what's in the rules? Who are the winners and losers? And will it actually work?

Guests:

Roman Lanis, associate professor in accounting at UTS
Miranda Stewart, professor in tax law at Melbourne University

Populate or Perish?

Tue, 26 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0000

As Australia heads towards reopening its international border for the first time since the pandemic began, migration has been flagged as critical to the Australian economic recovery. Last year was the first time that more people left Australia than arrived since World War 2. Immigration has been critical to Australian economic growth for nearly 80 years, but has the way temporary migrant workers have been treated soured the appeal? Will there be an influx of migrants to help Australia grow its way out of debt?

Guests:

Jock Collins, Professor of Social Economics at UTS
Gabriela D'Souza, senior economist, Committee for the Economic Development of Australia

Big Tech and the Future of Democracy

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0000

Technology platforms have become ubiquitous in our lives, effectively public utilities despite being run by private corporations. For years, Google operated on an ethos of "Don't be evil" before quietly retiring the phrase from their code of conduct. More and more questions are being asked about how these businesses are run and their overarching impact on our lives, as well as the access they have to our information. Facebook has been the subject of numerous inquiries of late regarding its internal leaks about conduct.

This week, Rana Foroohar, global business columnist and associate editor at the Financial Times and global economic analyst for CNN joins Roy Green, emeritus professor at UTS for a wide-ranging conversation about big tech, its expansive reach and whether a big state can reign in these platforms.

This is an edited conversation taken from the UTS Vice Chancellor's Democracy Forum 2021.

What's the Beef With Fake Meat?

Tue, 12 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0000

The plant-based meat industry in Australia is booming. Australians forked out $185 million for meat alternatives in 2020, and the industry is only set to grow from here. As more of us look to ditch meat, or eat less of it, there are questions being asked about the seemingly healthy alternatives. Many are highly processed to simulate meat, which raises the question: just how "plant-based" are they? How much bigger will this industry get? Are we headed for a world without meat, or is it just phoney baloney?

Guests:

Natalina Zlatevska, Associate Professor of Marketing at UTS
Hope Johnson, Senior Lecturer of Business and Law at Queensland University of Technology

Producer / Presenter: Josh Green

Spooks and Economists

Tue, 05 Oct 2021 08:30:00 -0000

Evergrande is the name on everybody’s lips. China’s second largest property developer is struggling to service debts of up to US$300 billion. With Evergrande in a trading halt and on the verge of collapse, there's a broader question to ask about what this means for Australia. Australian iron ore has helped build the Chinese property market which has been the engine of their economic growth. If the Chinese economy suffers a slowdown, will this impact Australian exports? What should the trading relationship between these two countries look like?

Guests:

James Laurenceson, Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute at UTS
Tim Harcourt, Industry Professor and Chief Economist at Institute for Public Policy and Governance at UTS
Bob Gregory, Professor Emeritus at the Research School of Economics at ANU and former member of the Reserve Bank of Australia Board

Combating Vaccine Hesitancy

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

After a slow start, Australia is surging ahead in vaccine uptake. The number of Australians who are unsure whether they’ll get the jab has plunged from heights in May of 29% down to around 9%. As NSW and Victoria get closer to restarting their economies, vaccine saturation is going to be critical to reaching herd immunity whilst limiting the number of people who will get a serious infection. So how do we identify and break through those final barriers of vaccine hesitancy to keep people safe while reopening Australia? Is FOMO going to be enough to convince free riders to get off the sidelines and get vaxxed?

Guests:

Leonora Risse, economist and senior lecturer at RMIT University
Ofer Mintz, associate head of the marketing department at UTS Business School
Paul Burke, deputy director of the Centre for Business Intelligence and Data Analytics at UTS Business School

It's Quitting Time!

Tue, 21 Sep 2021 10:00:00 -0000

Are you thinking of quitting your job? You're not alone. Overseas, people are switching careers or leaving the workforce in such volumes that it's being called The Great Resignation. COVID-19 has shifted many people's priorities or motivated some to pursue their dream career, while others are sick of employers putting excessive demands on their time. Australians have remained loyal to their employers so far, but this week we're asking whether the big quit is coming down under.

Guests:

Kyoung-Hee Yu, associate professor at UTS
Cat Wratten
Nusardel Oshana
Liam Unwin

The Crisis in Australia's Universities

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Public universities in Australia are in a dire state. This week, two reports outlined that 1 in 5 academics have been made redundant over the past year and that the government’s changes to funding student places, last year’s Job-Ready Graduates program, doesn’t cover the cost of cuts made in years prior. International students were the third largest export in Australia prior to COVID-19, and universities have become heavily reliant on their fees to cover teaching and research costs. But with borders closed and no additional government support forthcoming, can these institutions continue to meet demand as the financial support runs dry?

Guests:

Alison Barnes, NTEU national president
Mark Warburton, honorary senior fellow at the Melbourne Centre for the Study of Higher Education
Roy Green, emeritus professor at UTS

The Ebbs and Flows of Water Markets

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 09:30:00 -0000

It’s no secret that water is essential to life as we know it. By 2025, it’s estimated that over 60% of the world will live in water stressed areas. So it’s no shock that access to and ownership of water is big business. Australia has the most sophisticated market system for the trading of water entitlements, predominantly built around the Murray-Darling Basin. But does the market work effectively? Should something as valuable as water be commoditised like shares?

Guests:

Mike Young, professor of water policy at the University of Adelaide
Scott Hamilton, author of Sold Down the River

What Makes a Modern Leader?

Tue, 31 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

To lead or not to lead, that is the badly paraphrased question. Trendsetters and thought leaders proliferate across every aspect of our lives, from our workplaces to our social media. But what makes a leader? Does leadership just come down to how many people follow you on LinkedIn? Or is there something more intangible than that? Does the cream always rise to the top?

Guests:

Dan Caprar, associate professor at the University of Sydney
David Goldbaum, associate professor in economics at UTS.

When the Computer Chips are Down

Tue, 24 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0000

Semiconductors are the tiny microchips that are critical to the operation of electronic devices. Working from home means that people want newer smarter devices, driving demand for semiconductors up. At the same time, its fragile global supply chain has been impacted during the pandemic. Industries relying on these tiny silicon chips, like carmakers, are losing money and running out of chips. How did this happen? And should Australia start making its own chips to build up sovereign capability?

Guests:

Jim Rabeau, director of quantum technologies future science platform at CSIRO
Moira Scerri, lecturer in strategic supply chain management at UTS

Paying the Price for Carbon Emissions

Tue, 17 Aug 2021 19:00:00 -0000

The latest Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report is yet another warning to decarbonise the economy as soon as possible. To reach net zero, countries are putting a price on carbon emissions through cap and trade schemes or taxation. The EU and US are looking at going one step further by considering additional tariffs on trade partners who lack an emissions trading system through border adjustment mechanisms. The Australian government is hostile towards emissions targets, let alone carbon pricing. So will we continue to hold out against meaningful change or will we be forced to take action in order to keep up with our trading partners?

Guests:

Bob Carr, former Foreign Minister and Industry Professor of Climate and Business at UTS
Nicki Hutley, economist and councilor to the Climate Council

A Square Deal for Afterpay

Tue, 10 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Afterpay is the darling of the financial world following its acquisition by US payments fintech Square in the largest acquisition in Australian corporate history, valued at $39 billion AUD. It caps off a monumental run for the pioneer of the Buy Now, Pay Later market. The payment scheme allows its target users to purchase goods upfront and pay them off over 4 fortnightly installments. So is this credit by another name operating in a regulatory loophole? Or is this modern day form of lay-by the future of payments? Square seems to think so, but will they be paying in 4 fortnightly installments too?

Guests:

James Sleep, policy advisor at Financial Counselling Australia
Marta Khomyn, post-doctoral researcher in economics at UTS
Lien Duong, senior lecturer in economics and finance at Curtin University

Bursting the Housing Bubble

Tue, 03 Aug 2021 09:30:00 -0000

Around the world, house prices are surging. In Australia, house prices are climbing at their fastest annual rate in 17 years. This is propelled by a combination of low interest rates and government stimulus along with a small number of properties on the market and a strong demand from people looking to buy. To be fair, it always feels like house prices are impossibly high in state capitals like Sydney or Melbourne, with young people feeling locked out from owning their own patch of affordable land. So how can we change this? What policy levers can be pulled to burst the bubble and make housing more affordable for Australians?

Guests:

Janet Ge, Associate Professor in the School of Built Environment at UTS
Matt Grudnoff, senior economist at The Australia Institute
Saul Eslake, economist at Corinna Economic Advisory

JobKeeper Resurrected? Stimulating an Economy in Lockdown

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 04:30:00 -0000

As NSW faces a protracted lockdown, stimulus is back on the agenda to keep the economy from crashing and burning. The Federal government has come out with a COVID-19 disaster payment while avoiding the magic word on everyone's lips: JobKeeper. Do we need to bring back a new refined version of the wage subsidy program or will the current stimulus plan be enough to save businesses?

Guests:

Mary Aldred, CEO of the Franchise Council of Australia
Peter Docherty, Associate Professor of Economics at UTS
Steven Hamilton, Assistant Professor at George Washington University and Chief Economist at Blueprint Institute

Going for Gold: The Economic Impact of the Olympics

Tue, 13 Jul 2021 09:30:00 -0000

It may be 2021 but the 2020 Olympics are only just about to get underway. Tokyo has been a saga, with spectators banned from attending due to COVID-19 outbreaks and calls for the event to be cancelled. With Brisbane working hard to get a guernsey and host the 2032 Olympics, we're asking: are the Olympics fit enough to go the distance?

Guests:

David Rowe, Emeritus Professor of Cultural Research, Institute for Culture and Society at WSU.
Tim Harcourt, Chief Economist with the Institute of Public Policy and Governance at UTS.

Sweet Charity

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 09:45:00 -0000

Well, the financial year has come and gone, and you may have received emails or phone calls or postage from any number of charities calling for tax-deductible donations. The not-for-profit sector makes up 11% of the economy, employing around 1.4 million Australians.

Indeed, a glimpse at the sector in 2019 paints a rosy picture of a broad industry made of large businesses and smaller volunteer outfits, a sector growing in donations, assets and government support. But this was before the pandemic where operations were shuttered and volunteers were sent home while at the same time, demand for services increased.

To discuss a sector under pressure, I was joined earlier by Dr Bronwen Dalton, Head of the Department of Management at the UTS Business School and co-ordinator of the Masters of Not-for Profit and Social Enterprise Management and Tim Costello, Chair of the Community Council for Australia.

ESG For You and Me

Tue, 29 Jun 2021 09:40:00 -0000

More and more, companies are investing based around the buzzword of ESG.

That stands for Environmental, Social, Governance, which broadly describes the non-financial factors that are increasingly important to investors. These can include incorporating gender diversity in a company board, to not supporting carbon emitting investments or other such ethical commitments.

As the European Union and the United States take steps to regulate the ESG investing industry, the question is whether Australia can match up in a socially conscious manner.

Cassandra Williams, Certification and Ratings Manager at the Responsible Investment Association Australiasia and Danielle Logue, Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Business and Sustainable Development at the UTS Business School joined me to discuss this further.

School Daze: Funding Private and Public Education

Wed, 23 Jun 2021 04:00:00 -0000

Where did you go to school? Over the last 30 years, non-government schools have doubled in size as more and more parents are opting for greater school choice. How these schools are funded has been a point of contention.

School funding is provided by partnerships between the federal and relevant state governments. Private schools are predominantly funded by the federal government, while public education is mostly drawn from state funding. A funding model for private schools is set to come in next January, but will this ensure all independent schools are fairly funded? And is the amount of money going to private schools fair and equitable when compared to the staffing and resources struggles of public schools?

This week, host Toby Hemmings was joined by Glenn Fahey, research fellow at the Centre for Independent Studies and Associate Professor Jane Hunter from the University of Technology Sydney School of Education to discuss how money is spent on private and public education in a post-Gonski world.

Confidence is Key

Wed, 16 Jun 2021 05:19:00 -0000

They say confidence is key to many things in life, but when a pandemic brings a city to a lurching halt, how does it bounce back?

As restrictions in Melbourne begin to ease, and government stimulus payments attempt to stem the bleeding, how will Melbournians regain the spring in their step when it comes to spending?

It’s a question for a behavioral economist really, and today, we’re joined by Professor Michelle Baddeley from the UTS Business School, to help us understand why confidence is key.

Cradle and Ore

Tue, 01 Jun 2021 06:59:00 -0000

The Chinese Government have made a monumental policy shift, announcing that it will allow couples to have up to three children, after census data showed a steep decline in birth rates.

China scrapped its decades-old one-child policy in 2016, replacing it with a two-child limit which has so far failed to generate the uptick in the birth rate needed to keep pace with the countries rapidly ageing population.

An online poll conducted by state media outlet Xinhua news found 29000 out of 31000 respondents would never dream of having three children, so will the governments easing of the rules make any difference?

And, iron prices are once again unsettling nerves, as Chinese regulators attempt to cool-off the countries white-hot recovery in manufacturing and industry. Joining the program today, Professor James Laurenceson from the Australian China Relations Institute and Industry Professor and Chief Economist with the University of Technology Sydney’s Institute of Public Policy and Governance, Professor Tim Harcourt.

Is Money Enough To Fix Aged Care?

Wed, 19 May 2021 06:55:00 -0000

It’s been a big week since the Treasurer handed down the Budget 2021, but the biggest story- and certainly biggest handout- was in the Aged Care Sector. $17.7 billion dollars has been allocated to making a once in a generation change to a sector that has been plagued by horror stories from the Royal Commission, underpaid staff and limited career opportunities.

But is almost $18 billion dollars enough when the funding is set to be drip fed over a five year period? The Treasurer announced the plan as ‘practical’, but what do the experts think?

The Quarter Acre Bubble

Mon, 10 May 2021 08:27:00 -0000

The Morrison government has announced the New Home Guarantee will allow 10,000 first home buyers to purchase a new home with a deposit of just 5 per cent, while over the next four years the Family Home Guarantee will let 10,000 single parent families put down a deposit of only 2 per cent.

But can we bank upon the housing market with interest rates at uneasily low levels? What happens when they jump? To break this down today is Professor Harry Schuele, Professor of Finance at the University of Technology, Sydney. An expert on the housing market, and a long time contributor to Think: Business.

Streamers and Schemers

Tue, 04 May 2021 08:11:00 -0000

Australia has had a touchy relationship with Multinationals since the economy was opened to the world during the Hawke-Keating years.

But now, the distinction between those well-known multinationals in primary industries such as Rio Tinto or Adani Mining, and the new-age arrivals like Facebook, Google, Netflix and Spotify, is making the argument about why less corporate tax gives Australia competitive advantage a little harder to argue.

The Real Costs of Climate Change

Tue, 20 Apr 2021 08:54:00 -0000

When I ask you what the cost of climate change is, you’re most likely to answer with a bigger macroeconomic picture.

But what are the actual figures?

Natural disasters already cost Australians over $13 billion on average every year, expected to rise to $39 billion per year by 2050. The National Climate Disaster Fund is a proposal by independent think-tank the Australia Institute for an independently administered fund to reduce the cost burden of natural disaster response and recovery to Australian households, businesses and taxpayers.

Joining me today is the Australia Institutes Principle Climate Advisor Mark Ogge.

The Burst-Proof Travel Bubble

Tue, 06 Apr 2021 08:15:00 -0000

This week, we’re taking on the biggest news story in the country.

The gates have been opened across the ditch, and the New Zealand-Australia travel bubble, an idea first floated in April of last year, is finally upon us.

Joining me today to help 'burst the bubble' is Senior Lecturer in the Management Discipline Group at the UTS Business School, co-chair of the CAUTHE (Council of Australasian Tourism and Hospitality Educators), and member of DFAT’s Consular Consultative, Dr. David Beirman.

Future Submarines; A Shipload of Trouble

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 06:25:00 -0000

It's time to dive to periscope depth and take a closer look at the Federal Government's $90 billion dollar Future Submarine Deal.

With former Home Affairs minister Peter Dutton now sworn in as Defense Minister, many are expecting a decision on whether to stay the course with this white elephant of a defense contract, or simply torpedo the whole thing and start again.

We ask former Submariner, and now Independent Senator for South Australia Rex Patrick, why the largest defense contract in Australian history could be already dead in the water.

It's time to find that je ne sais quoi which makes a Submarine float.

A Tale of Stocks & Memes

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 07:33:00 -0000

Earlier this year, struggling businesses GameStop (NYSE: GME) and AMC Entertainment Holdings saw their stock prices skyrocket overnight, thanks to a short squeeze initiated by a group of investors on Reddit.com.

It was r/wallstreetbets, a coalition of largely amateur investors on the site- known as the front page of the internet- that created a surge of interest in a number of stocks being shorted by some of Wall Street’s largest hedge funds.

It was seen as a brave new form of financial activism by some, and a terrifying new brand of speculation by others.

Today, Think: Business looks back on those whirlwind months of January and February, when it seemed like occupy wall street had moved online.

Joining me to discuss this today is Noam Korbl, Director of Compare Forex Traders, an Australian online trading platform.

And Professor Michelle Baddeley, Professor in Economics and Director of Research and Development at the UTS Business School.

Hot Property

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 06:36:00 -0000

They say there's never a bad time to buy Real Estate, but do we believe it?

Predictions in March of last year were dire, with a 30% drop in market value expected across the country. Instead, figures suggest the real situation may be the exact opposite. Auction clearance rates are at record highs, asset prices are through the roof, and first home buyers are leading the charge with a 50% share of purchases over 2020.

But, with all this hot-air in the system it isn’t easy to imagine one enormous bubble.

From Pharma to Table; Australia's Vaccine Odyssey

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 06:56:00 -0000

In this, our glorious return to the airwaves, we ask;

What does the global pharmaceutical industry have to gain from the roll-out of vaccines?

Household names like Pfizer are their own kettle of fish, but for the AstraZenecas and Novavaxs of the world, it’s a rare coalition of public goodwill and government assistance that could fundamentally change the industry moving forward.

But, when a global health crisis greases the wheels of the world's pharmaceutical regulatory bodies; what happens when the virus is controlled?

Joining me today to discuss this is Jennifer Herz, Managing Director of Biocelect, an Australian company now partnered with Novavax to deliver 51 million doses of the global brands Covid19 vaccine, ofcourse pending approval by the TGA.

And Dr. John Rose, Professor and founding Director of the Business Intelligence and Data Analytics (BIDA) Research Centre in the UTS Business School.

New Age Bureaucrat; QR Codes and The Future of The Public Service

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 04:49:00 -0000

How many pubs, clubs or restaurants have you signed into over the last few weeks using a QR code on your phone?

It’s become the go-to method for digitally tracing outbreaks and hot-spots of COVID19 in NSW, as well as other countries like Singapore.

Around 2.2 million NSW residents now have the Service NSW app on their smartphone, up from 1.7 million last month, while another 5 million have a MyServiceNSW account.

But, how exactly does one run an operation of this magnitude? And more importantly, how does the data on millions of private citizens stay private?

Joining the program today is NSW Minister for Customer Service, The Honorable Victor Dominello MP.

Road to Somewhere; The Financial Sector's Guide to The Future

Tue, 24 Nov 2020 06:18:00 -0000

Today, the 24th of November 2020, marks the release of the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative's new roadmap to reshape the countries financial system in the wake of droughts, bushfires and a global pandemic.

Comprising of 80 organisations across major banks, insurers, super funds, civil society, and stakeholders, the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative has handed down 37 recommendations that will enable the financial services sector to deliver a transition to a net zero, resource-efficient and inclusive economy.

Joining me today to discuss the road map, are three contributing academics from the University of Technology Sydney.

Dr. Scott Kelly, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology Sydney.

Professor Robynne Quiggin, Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement), The Dean's Unit at The University of Technology Sydney

And Dr. Deborah Cotton, Senior Lecturer in the Finance Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney.

Under New Management: What Will The World Look Like Under A Biden Presidency?

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 06:46:00 -0000

It was one of the founding fathers, and the United State’s third President Thomas Jefferson who said of the presidency ; “No man will ever bring out of that office the reputation which carries him into it. The honeymoon would be as short in that case as in any other, and its moments of ecstasy would be ransomed by years of torment and hatred.’

In today’s episode, we’re taking a wider scope, and asking; ‘What happens to the rest of us with the United States under new management?’

Joining Max Tillman is University of Technology Industry Professor, and Former Australian Foreign Minister, The Honourable Bob Carr and Associate Dean of Research and Development for The Dean's Unit at The University of Technology Sydney, Michelle Baddeley.

'That's Just, Like, Your Opinion Man'; The Mechanics of Political Polls

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 05:52:00 -0000

Well, the quadrennial circus of rallies, rhetoric and state roll-calls has finally reached its last stop on the road.

And by roughly lunchtime, the world will most likely know whether the polls were right, or whether- once again- political science’s own creation will turn on its masters as the polls did in 2016.

Joining me today is Professor Lionel Page, from the Economics Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney’s Business School. Professor Page has just released some new research, including an article in The Conversation, outlining the possible effects of political polls on voter patterns, and whether they are a blessing or a burden for the modern democracy…

Is The Federal Budget Fair to Women?

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 03:50:00 -0000

Criticism has been leveled at the Federal Government's $240 million Women’s Economic Security funding package, that aims to support a return to the workforce for many women, greater opportunities in STEM industries, and channels for female entrepreneurs and start-ups.

It’s a mere fraction of the spending, but how little is too little to help women who have been disproportionately affected by the pandemic?

To discuss this, I’m joined today by Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director of The Sydney Business Chamber, and Dr. Alice Klettner, Senior Lecturer at The University of Technology Sydney's Business School.

Is Money The Cure to All Ills?

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 07:38:00 -0000

It was the 18th century philosopher Voltaire who once said; ‘“The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.”

And, with the Federal Budget’s delivery in health funding of a record $115.5 billion in 2020–21- and $467 billion over the forward estimates-there’s more than enough to amuse ourselves with here at Think Business Futures.

It’s a lot of money, a dizzying amount, but what are the real stories behind that wall of zeroes?

Joining me today to pull apart the portfolio is Dr Stephen Duckett, Health Program Director at the Grattan Institute and former Departmental Secretary to the Australian Government Department of Human Services and Health from 1994 to 1996.

Budget Bite #2: Extended Interview With Industry Professor Warren Hogan

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 03:10:00 -0000

The full, unabridged interview with former ANZ chief economist Warren Hogan on this year's Federal Budget.

Budget Bite #1: Nicole Sutton breaks down the $2 Billion R&D Tax Incentive

Fri, 16 Oct 2020 02:43:00 -0000

We covered the murky waters of R&D tax incentives in this week's coverage of The Federal Budget 2020. But for those who's curiosity was piqued, Nicole gives further detail on the evolution of the R&D tax incentive scheme from the Turnbull days of 2016 until now.

A Tale of Two Budgets

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 05:54:00 -0000

Deck the halls with forward estimates!

Christmas for the finance world has finally arrived, with the Federal Budget 2020 putting pen to paper on a fiscal year for the ages.

And with a deficit to the piercing tune of $213 billion dollars, this year’s tea leaves do not paint a pretty picture.

Can we hitch our recovery wagon to tax cuts?

Will big-spending in business add up alongside a continuation of social distancing?

As they say in economics, ‘You can never judge a budget until it’s at least a week old.’

Joining me to find out whether this financial Christmas we'll be getting a new bike, or a pair of socks is Nicole Sutton from the UTS Business School’s accounting discipline, Richard De Abreu Lourenco with the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation at the University of Technology Sydney and UTS Business School Industry Professor Warren Hogan.

Carrot and Joystick; The Future of Australian Video Games

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 05:44:00 -0000

You’ve probably heard of Flappy bird, and you’ve definitely heard of Fruit Ninja and Temple Run. Little did you know, those games were developed in Australia. And despite their global popularity and literally billions of downloads, the domestic game deployment industry can’t seem to get past the first level.

In anticipation of this evening’s budget, the Australian video game industry have asked for a 30% refundable tax offset and a restored Interactive Games Fund for video game development to be featured in the 2020-2021 Federal Budget.

Joining us today is Ron Curry, CEO of the Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA), Australia’s industry body for game developers.

Viable Gas or Hot Air? Can Hydrogen Power a Post-COVID Economy?

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 07:46:00 -0000

The last time the Liberal Party turned their heads to energy, we had the NEG, which drove a factional wedge between the party room and led to the downfall of a PM. This time, it’s a global pandemic. You’d think once bitten twice shy, but politics is full of surprises.

Are we going to be lifted above the pandemic by a hydrogen powered economy? Or is it just a lot of hot air?

Max Tillman is joined by Richie Merzian, Climate & Energy Program Director at the Australia Institute. And Dr. Paul Brown, Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Trans-disciplinary Innovation at the Centre for Business and Social Innovation at The University of Technology Sydney.

The 'Black Box' of Super Funds; How much tax does your super fund pay?

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:11:00 -0000

How far would you be willing to get financial data on your super fund? A quick google search? Some clandestine cyber-sleuthing? Or, would you sign up to 20 odd super funds as a member, in the hopes of gaining access that way?

Well, that’s exactly what today’s guest, Dr. Thulaisi Sivapalan, a recent PhD graduate from the UTS Business School, did for his thesis. And if you're wondering where the ‘fun’ in super fund went, or if it ever existed at all, today’s episode may have the answer.

Mr. Zuckerberg, Tear Down That Wall!

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 07:51:00 -0000

On July 31st, The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission introduced it's draft news media bargaining code.

Under the code, Google and Facebook would be forced to pay for Australian news published on their sites to help fund public interest journalism.

It’s being characterised as a Mexican stand-off between the giants of modern tech, and Australia’s consumer watchdog; but is that necessarily true?

And, should Facebook and Google submit to the ACCC’s new guidelines; what effect could this world first agreement have upon Google and Facebook’s position in other markets around the world?

Joining me today to go behind the Facebook Wall is Dr. Ofer Mintz, Associate Head (External Engagement) of the Marketing Department and a Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

And Professor Glenn Withers, Professor of Economics at The College of Business and Economics at ANU and a member of the Public Interest Journalism Initiative.

Laid Off or Paid Off? Modern Redundancy

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 08:40:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we’re tackling the wave of mass redundancies that have swept millions of Australians out of reliable work, and left many wondering what there chances are when the dust settles; and the job they once had is no longer required?

Our guest today is Associate Professor Jonathan Tyler from the Accounting Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney’s Business School.

Shot In The Arm: The Numbers Behind a Vaccine

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 09:08:00 -0000

We’re all anxiously awaiting news in 2020 about a successful vaccine for COVID19, with the Australian Government securing a ‘letter of intent’ with Oxford University and pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.

But, as we do at Think: Business Futures, it is important to take a closer look at the petri dish, and find out whether the vaccine could bust the virus, or break the bank?

Joining us is Dr. Richard De Abreu Lourenco, Associate Professor at the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation at the University of Technology Sydney.

And Jennifer Herz, managing director of Biointellect, an Australian strategic planning and market research firm for the biopharmaceutical and medical device sector.

The Peaks and Troughs of Day Trading

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 09:01:00 -0000

In the words of the world’s most successful investor Warren Buffet, there are only two rules to playing the stock market.

“Rule number one: Don’t lose money. Rule number two: Don’t forget rule number one.”

It’s a dangerous hunting ground for the average punter, but, that hasn’t deterred many from trying to make a quick buck between the breakneck speed of peaks and troughs in the COVID economy.

Associate Professor Gerhard Van de Venter, from the University of Technology Sydney’s Business School, is currently working on a deeper study into whether these investors are playing to win, or bound to loose.

The Graveyard Shift: Hotel Quarantine & The Private Security Sector

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 07:28:00 -0000

In late March, the Victorian government put private security firms in charge of hotel quarantine in Melbourne.

Since then, a long list of breaches of quarantine conditions by private security personnel, including sleeping with guests, allowing fresh-air breaks or bursting into rooms frantically searching for the TV remote have become public knowledge.

But is the industry at large to blame? Or have a few bad apples ruined the whole bunch?

Joining Max Tillman today for our weekly round is Bryan De Caires, CEO of Australian Security Industry Association, the nation’s peak industry body for the security sector.

And Professor Emmanuel Josserand, a Professor of Management at the University of Technology Sydney and Director of the Center for Business and Social Innovation.

'Never Waste a Good Crisis'; Aged Care after COVID19

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 07:39:00 -0000

It seems that it often takes a national crisis for cracks in a system to become visible.

And under the harsh light of COVID19, the aged care sector has revealed systemic issues in it’s ability to provide adequate care, workers and now, protection against an invisible enemy.

Joining host Max Tillman is Professor Michael Woods, Professor of Health Economics at the Center for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE) at the University of Technology Sydney. He is on the Board of the Australian Digital Health Agency and is a member of the Aged Care Financing Authority.

Joining Professor Woods is Ian Henschke, chief advocate for National Seniors Australia.

The Hedonic Treadmill & The Pursuit of Happiness

Wed, 22 Jul 2020 05:13:00 -0000

We all know big life events like marriage, parenthood, job loss and the death of a loved one can affect our well-being; but by how much and for how long?

In today's episode, we talk about happiness in the language of numbers, and talk to one particular researcher who has put a value on the effects of love, grief and everything in between.

This Rorting Life; Can Gambling Boost Women's Sport?

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 06:51:00 -0000

In today’s episode, we’ll be discussing whether women’s sport should do more to welcome the rivers of gold from sports betting.

Dr. Adam Cohen is a Lecturer in Sport Management at The University of Technology Sydney, who’s piece for The Conversation in March, entitled ‘Can gambling juice fandom for Women’s Sports?’ makes the case that when a fan places a bet, it motivates them to watch a sport and root for a team they might otherwise have little interest in.

For women’s sport, with the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup on the horizon, that increased interest and better fan retention is worth debating.

Joining Dr. Cohen is Margaret Quixley, the Campaign Director for #EndGamblingAds for the Alliance for Gambling Reform.

Do Androids Dream of Electric Sales?

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 08:26:00 -0000

This week, we take a closer look at the role of Artificial Intelligence in marketing. We already accept the fact that Amazon, eBay and Spotify can predict what we want to buy, or how we’re feeling.

But are there greater ethical questions hidden within those ones and zeros?

Joining us today is Dr. Tae Woo Kim, lecturer in the marketing discipline group from the University of Technology Sydney’s business school, who has recently released a research paper on Artificial Intelligence and Persuasion in marketing.

And Naomi Simson, one of Australia’s most recognisable entrepreneurs and Co-founder of Big Red Group, who are the Australian and New Zealand distributor for Albert AI; an marketing Artificial Intelligence that processes and analyses audiences for it’s clients.

The Canary In The Boardroom

Tue, 30 Jun 2020 05:53:00 -0000

In the last few weeks, a conga-line of some of the world’s largest companies have announced pay cuts for their CEO’s and boards of directors.

In Australia alone, $25 million dollars in base pay for company directors and CEO’s has been waved in what appears to either be a sign of solidarity, or a sign that ‘recovery’ is a long way-off.

But, with feathers being ruffled on the top-floor; and COVID’s role as the ultimate corporate disrupter, does waving the CEO’s salary give any hope to the rest of the workforce, or is it the corporate canary in the coalmine?

Joining us is is Vishy Narayaran; Chief Digital & Information Officer at PwC Australia, Dr. Anna Loyeung, Senior Lecturer in the Accounting Discipline Group at The University of Technology Sydney’s Business School and Dr. Samir Ghannam, also a lecturer in the accounting discipline group.

Degree or Not Degree?

Tue, 23 Jun 2020 07:47:00 -0000

Last week, Federal Education Minister The Hon. Dan Tehan announced a raft of changes to the higher learning sector. Degrees deemed 'job-focused' will see a decrease in costs for students, while those determined not to be are going to be a lot more expensive for the average undergraduate.

In today's episode, we discuss what this means for the future of learning, and the role of the university in this brave new world with Professor Michelle Baddeley , behavioral economist and Associate Dean (Research and Development) at the University of Technology Sydney and Professor Kieth Dobney is the Head of School for School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry at the University of Sydney.

The Sirens of Summer; Australia's Return to Sport

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 06:51:00 -0000

Last Sunday, The Federal Government unveiled their Return to Sport Toolkit, a road map for the glorious return of community and professional sport. But, it is not without its catches.

Gone are handshakes, high fives, oranges at halftime and the familiar chanting wall of parents that populate the member’s end of every suburban park. Clubs at all levels will not require a COVID19 safety coordinator, which seems like a much harder task than running the barbecue or being a touch judge.

And in the professional ranks, the major codes have descended into talk of broadcast deals and steals over the last few months as the pressure mounts to secure playing time. Far more importantly, the future of elite women’s sport is at a fascinating crossroads, with COVID’s cleaning of the slate, and a potential women's Football World Cup on the horizon, it’s an interesting time to be in the space.

Joining us is Dr. David Bond, Course Director for the Master of Business Analytics at the University of Technology Sydney’s Business School, Gen Simmons , Deputy Chair of Women Sport Australia and John Didulica, Chief Executive of Professional Footballers Australia.

HomeBuilder; can we fix it?

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 08:14:00 -0000

Well, first we had Jobseeker, JobKeeper, and now in the naming tradition of COVID stimulus packages, we now have HomeBuilder. And while the Government’s plans to break the champagne over the bow were slightly interrupted by a need to ‘get off the grass’, the latest economic injection has raised voices on both sides of the political divide.

Joining the panel today is Federal Shadow Housing Minister, The Hon. Jason Clare and Master Builders Association of NSW Executive Director Brian Seidler.

The Middle Kingdom & The Middle Power Part 2.

Tue, 02 Jun 2020 07:53:00 -0000

This week, we ask; what impact have barley tariffs had on grain growers in Australia? What fears do the agricultural sector harbor for the future? And for the scores of Australian businesses that operate in other industries in China, including the countries booming e-commerce trade, how important is knowing the right people on the mainland, and what effect will the US China trade deal have?

Joining the discussion today is Professor Kathy Walsh, Professor of the Finance Discipline Group at the University of Technology’s Business School, Brett Hosking, Chairperson of Grain Growers Australia and Nicholas Henderson, Director of China Practice for Management consultancy firm Asialink Business.

The Middle Kingdom & The Middle Power

Tue, 26 May 2020 04:35:00 -0000

In this week's edition of Think: Business Futures, our gaze turns to the often tumultuous relationship between Australia, and our largest trading partner, The People's Republic of China.

Is brash ‘megaphone diplomacy’ the right move? Are there alternatives to Chinese markets elsewhere in the world? And, most importantly, how does Australia traverse the next few months as a middle power wedged between the twin axes of the US and China?

Joining the program is former Foreign Minister, N.S.W Premier and now Industry Professor at the University of Technology’s Institute for Sustainable Futures and Business School, Professor Bob Carr and the Director of the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) Professor James Laurenceson.

Where The Bloody Hell Are They? Tourism & The Bid For Virgin

Tue, 19 May 2020 05:01:00 -0000

Well, how much would you fork out for a stake in an airline?

On this week's episode, we take a closer look at the Queensland Government's potential stake in Virgin Australia, why inter-state tourism is the best next step and what the future of travel could look like.

Joining the program today is Mr Timothy Mander, Deputy Leader of the Opposition and Shadow Treasurer for the State of Queensland, Doctor David Beirman , senior lecturer in the Management Discipline Group specialising in tourism at the University of Technology Sydney's Business School and Daniel Gschwind, Chief Executive Officer of the Queensland Tourism Industry Council.

A Fair Go And A First Go?

Tue, 12 May 2020 04:46:00 -0000

Well, should Australians get a fair go and a first go at jobs in the post-covid economy? Labor Home Affairs Spokesperson Kristina Kennelly certainly thinks so, and the senator is not alone.

Immigration reform will be one of the key talking points as Australia scales down its global isolation and begins the economic and social re-building effort, but is immigration, and immigrants, a fair scapegoat?

Joining the program this week is Mohammad Al-Khafaji, Chief Executive Officer of Federation of Ethnic Communities’ Councils of Australia, Professor Peter McDonald, University of Melbourne Professor of Demography and Professor Jock Collins, Professor of Social Economics at UTS.

The State of The NDIS

Tue, 05 May 2020 03:00:00 -0000

On this week's addition of Think: Business Futures, we ask; what is the state of the NDIS during COVID19?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme has a particularly interesting role to play in ensuring that some of Australia’s most vulnerable are shielded from the physical, and by extension, economic impacts pf COVID19. But how important a piece of national infrastructure is the NDIS at a time like this?

This week's panel is Andrew Hyland, CEO of NDIS provider Lifestyle Solutions, Professor Simon Darcy from the UTS Business School, and The Hon. Bill Shorten, Federal Shadow Minister for the NDIS and Government Services.

Black Gold Lost It's Shine?

Tue, 28 Apr 2020 07:27:00 -0000

Could commodities be the light at the end of the COVID19 tunnel?

Australia has the second-largest accessible reserves of iron ore in the world, the fifth-largest reserves of coal and significant gas resources, so it isn't hard to imagine how the answers to our economic questions could be lying beneath our feet the entire time.

To help unpack what COVID19 has done to commodity markets is Dr Christina Nikitopolous, Senior Lecturer in the Finance Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney’s business school, Professor Warren Hogan, the former Chief Economist for big-four member ANZ, Matthew Doman, Director of External Affairs for The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association and Greg Bussen, secretary for the CFMEU’s Mining and Energy Western Australia District.

'The New Normal': The Impacts of COVID19 on Indigenous Businesses

Tue, 21 Apr 2020 09:23:00 -0000

As businesses across the country close up shop, adapt to working remotely or simply cease to exist, the big questions are how things will look on the other side of COVID19.

For indigenous-owned businesses, there is much to be asked, and answered, on the political, social and financial structures that will aid or abet businesses in returning to normal.

Joining the panel this week is Robynne Quiggin, Associate Dean of Indigenous Leadership and Engagement at The University of Technology Sydney, Laura Berry, CEO of Supply Nation, Stella De Cos, Business Solutions Director for Indigenous Business Australia and Kerry Colbung, owner of Mandanga Indigenous Cosmetics.

Cash Out Your Super?

Tue, 14 Apr 2020 07:46:00 -0000

Well, how safe is your super? And if you already know the answer, have you had thoughts about cashing out?

One of the victims of the COVID19 economic crisis has been Australia’s retirement industry, with over $3 trillion dollars worth of assets currently swirling around superannuation funds across the country in a state of absolute panic. Joining the panel this week is Professor Ron Bird, Emeritus Professor from The Australian National University, Russell Mason, Head of Superannuation at Deloitte Australia and Melissa Birks, head of advocacy for the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees.

Safe as Houses? Real Estate in the Age of COVID19

Tue, 07 Apr 2020 07:03:00 -0000

As we settle down to life in the midst of COVID19, the numbers show that Australia property values continue to rise. With widespread concerns about job security and the rapid sell-off of the share market, it’s an interesting time to talk about real estate.

Joining host Max Tillman are Professor Harald Scheule, Professor of Finance at the University of Technology Sydney, Professor Heather MacDonald, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Design, Architecture, and Building at the University of Technology Sydney and Leroy Magee, Principal of Magee Real Estate in Sydney's West.

Working From Home or Hardly Working?

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 05:25:00 -0000

Fire up the printer, dust-off a table and get ready for the future of employment.

In this week's episode, we take a deeper look at the viability of working from home, and whether it's still possible to separate Church and State in the post-COVID19 business world.

Host Max Tillman is joined by Dr. Robyn Johns, Senior Lecturer in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations at The University of Technology Sydney, Katherine O’Regan, Executive Director of the Sydney Business Chamber and Angela Vithoulkas, independent Councillor for the City of Sydney and the Deputy Chairperson of the City of Sydney Economic Development and Business Sub-Committee.

How Healthy Are Our Hospitals?

Tue, 24 Mar 2020 05:23:00 -0000

How capable are Australia's hospitals and healthcare systems of handling COVID19?

This week on the program, host Max Tillman is joined by Stephen Duckett, The Health Program Director at The Grattan Institute, Prabhu Sivabalan, Associate Dean of Engagement at the University of Technology Sydney, and Rosalie Viney, Director of the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation at the University of Technology Sydney to talk about the risks our hospitals face when dealing with a pandemic.

The Battle of The Bowser; Will Petrol Drop To a $1 a Litre?

Tue, 17 Mar 2020 05:13:00 -0000

Last week, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman announced huge price cuts for Saudi crude oil and a planned increase in the country's daily production from 9 million barrels to 11 million barrels per day, with the extra production beginning next month.

But what does this mean for petrol prices in Australia?

Doctor Nicolas de Roos, an Associate Professor of Economics at The University of Sydney, Mark Mckenzie, CEO of the Australian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association and Michael Day, National Treasurer for The Australian Electric Vehicle Association join host Max Tillman to talk Black Gold and the precarity of the pump.

The Law of Attrition And Gender Equality In Corporate Australia

Tue, 10 Mar 2020 03:44:00 -0000

This Sunday marked the 43rd International Women’s day, and with it, a broader retrospective on gender equality in Australia.

In this week's edition, we take a look a closer analysis shows that all-too-familiar barriers to entry such as lower numbers of females in management roles and sexual discrimination are still very much present in the Australia workforce.

Dr. Alice Klettner and Professor Thomas Clarke from the UTS Business School, Katherine O'Regan, Executive Director at The Sydney Business Chamber, and The Australian Human Rights Commission’s Commissioner for Sex Discrimination, Kate Jenkins join the panel.

When The Economy Sneezes, Do We All Get Sick?

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 04:57:00 -0000

COVID19 has rapidly become one of the biggest health emergencies in recent history; but how has the virus effected our economy? Host Max Tillman is joined by behavioural economist Professor Michelle Baddeley, ABC Business Reporter Carrington Clarke and supply-chain expert and industry consultant Rob O'Byrne to make a prognosis.

Making Think Business Futures

Fri, 20 Dec 2019 05:30:00 -0000

A behind the scenes look at the team's favourite stories, research and episodes.

Music:

Episode 36- The Carbon Neutral Economy

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 02:00:00 -0000

The year is 2050, Australia has decarbonised its economy through an unprecedented collaboration between local communities, elected officials and the private sector.

The debate about whether or not renewable energy is financially viable or logistically possible has long since passed. Homes are powered by a mixture of wind and solar. Land use practices have been adapted and now capture large amounts of carbon, we previously emitted into the atmosphere.

How did this happen? How did we manage to transition fossil fuel workers into jobs into the renewable sector?

This episode is from a recent UTS Big Thinking Forum on the economic transition to renewables featuring Nicky Ison, Director of the Community Power Agency, Dr Sven Teske- Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, Chris Derksema- Sustainability Director, City of Sydney, Professor Brendan Mackey- Director of the Griffith Climate Change Response Program, Dr Muriel Watt- Principal Consultant, ITP Renewables and Elke Lindner- Sustainability & Environment Manager at Toyota.

Episode 35- Financial literacy and the cost of good advice

Wed, 27 Nov 2019 04:26:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re talking about savings, earnings and investing. In a nutshell, financial literacy. This is an episode for listeners who think to themselves, ‘I’ll think about my finances later!’

First, we calculate the retirement savings of a fictional 80’s soap opera character. Then, Jon Tyler from the UTS Business School joins us to explain why financial literacy is so important for everyone, not just ‘boring accountants.’

Further Reading:

Not sure where to start budgeting and personal financial planning? ASIC has a great (free) online tool called MoneySmart.
More information can be found on Jon and his work at the UTS Business School website.
Check out Adele Furgeson’s AFR article on the changing nature of the financial advice sector in Australia
ASIC has compiled helpful information on payday loans here

Music: Tomoko Aran, Taeko Ohnuki, Ethan Sloan, V.V. Campos and Neighbours Theme by Barry Crocker

**Information in this episode should not be taken as financial advice. Please consult an independent financial advisor for questions relating to personal finances.

Episode 34- Which marketing metrics actually matter?

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 20:00:00 -0000

Marketing has faced an existential questions for years. Traditionally, marketing was relegated to the creative art of persuasion in what is now referred to as “The Mad Men Approach.” But overtime, companies started to loose confidence in their marketing teams’ ability to justify their expenses. With the rise and pervasiveness of digital technology, marketers began to justify their actions using digital metrics. In 2019, marketing managers find themselves drowning in a sea of metrics and the industry as a whole can’t agree on which ones matter.

On this episode, we’re speaking Offer Mintz, Senior Lecturer of Marketing at UTS, about which marketing metrics are most widely used by marketing managers around the world.

Further Reading:

For more information on Ofer’s work, visit the UTS website
You can read Ofer’s global study of marketing metrics here.
How Target Found Out A Teen Girl Was Pregnant Before Her Father Did (Forbes)
Check out this segment on ABC’s The Checkout on data mining

Music: Mark Anson, Amaranth Cove, Gabriel Lucas, So Vea and From Now On (Epidemic Sound) Mad Men theme by RJD2

Episode 33- Local government and the power of citizensourcing

Wed, 06 Nov 2019 01:10:00 -0000

Have you ever had a great idea for ways to improve your neighbourhood and community?

What if you had the ability to design your own public park or playground?

On this episode, we’re looking at a new form democratic decision making that combines elements of community consultation and crowdsourcing. David is joined by Dr Krithika Randhawa, Senior Lecturer at the UTS Business School, to talk about what she terms ‘citizen sourcing.’

Plus, we hear from the Christchurch City Council about how they engaged the community directly to design the city’s new Tūranga Central Library, after the 2011 earthquakes.

Further Reading:

You can read Dr Randhawa's work on knowledge collaboration and open service innovation.
For more information on Bang The Table, visit their website.
Dr Randhawa's study, Crowdsourcing without profit: the role of the seeker in open social innovation, can be viewed here.
For more information on Krithika’s work, visit the UTS website.
Christchurch City Council responded to our questions about citizensourcing their new central library. Their responses can be found here.

Music: Peter Sandberg, Joseph Beg, In Dawn, Spectacles, Wallet and Watch (Epidemic Sound), The Seeker by The Who courtesy Spirit Music Group, Parks and Recreation theme by Gaby Moreno

Special thanks to Christchurch City Council for sharing their citizensourcing experience

Episode 32- Rethinking the cost of cancer care

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 02:10:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re looking at the costs (hidden and otherwise) of cancer treatment in Australia. David is joined in the studio by Professor Kees Van Gool from the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE) and Philip Haywood.

Further Reading:

You can find more information on the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE) on their website.
The Sydney Morning Herald explains where out-of-pocket costs for cancer treatment comes from in this article from April 2019.
For more information on the 45 And Up Study, visit the Sax Institute website.
The full list of NHMRC grant recipients can be found here.

Music: Ecobel, Edward Joe Myers, Lotus, Brendon Moeller

SFX: Soundmary and freetousounds (Freesound.org) and Monty Python- Kettledrum Films 1971

Episode 31- Corporate Social Responsibility: Outsourcing Good?

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 04:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re doing something a bit different. Peter Fleming (Professor, Management, UTS Business) recently wrote an opinion piece in the Sydney Morning Herald on corporate social responsibility (CSR). Peter asks- Are corporations using CSR to take over social services formerly provided by governments?

Nicole and Peter explore the origins of CSR in the 60’s and 70’s, the critique by Economist Milton Friedman in the 80’s and CSR's return to popularity after the global financial crisis. Plus, Nicole and Peter take a close look at Uber's CSR policy, entitled 'Global Citizenship.'

Further Reading:

Human Rights Watch- Definition of Corporate Social Responsibility
You can read Milton Friedman’s 1970 piece in the New York Times Magazine The Social Responsibility of Business Is to Increase Its Profits.
In August of this year, the Business Roundtable in the US, released a statement on reframing the purpose of a corporation to include all stakeholders.
You can find more of Peter's research on the UTS Business School website.

Music: Lotus, Peter Sandberg, Ebb & Flod, Trevor Kowalski, Farrell Wooten (Epidemic Sound) and Mitch Kapor (Critique on corporations)

Credits: CNN Business, Wayne Heaney (Occupy Wall Street), Kino Library, Mitch Kapor

Episode 30- Can sustainable finance save us?

Tue, 03 Sep 2019 02:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re looking at sustainable finance, the idea that investors might not just want to maximise their financial returns, but also invest with an eye towards environmental and social issues. To help us understand this world, we are joined by Deb Cotton, Senior Lecturer in Finance at the UTS Business School.

Plus, we speak with Mark McVeigh, who decided to sue his superannuation fund over a lack of information around their climate impact.

Further Reading:

To learn more about impact investing in Australia, check out Social Ventures Australia
Principles for Responsible Investment breaks down the fiduciary duty of investors to integrate Environmental Social and governance issues into their processes.
Responsible Investment Association of Australasia
You can find out more information on Mark’s case McVeigh v Retail Employees Superannuation Pty Ltd on the Federal Court website.
Rest Super addresses their efforts to account for ESG issues when investing on their website.

*Rest Super did not respond to a request for comment on Mark's case.

Music: Lupus Nocte, Enigmatic, Trevor Kowaski, Spectacles, Wallet and Watch and Raymonde Grouse

Produced by: Jason L’Ecuyer with production support by Ben Robinson

Episode 29- Do we over reward luck?

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 04:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Think Business Futures, Nicole and David spoke with Professor Lionel Page about over rewarding luck in business, law and on the sporting field.

Later in the show, Darren O'Shaughnessy explains how data is used for useful decision making and for propaganda in the AFL.

Further Reading:

You can read more of Lionel’s work on the UTS website or on Twitter.
Darren O'Shaughnessy is a sports analyst for St Kilda Football Club. He can be found crunching and analysing the numbers on Twitter.
For more information on performance randomness, David recommends reading Nassim Talib’s book, Fooled by Randomness.

Music: Alan Ellis, Lotus, In Dawn, Lotus and Rand Aldo (Epidemic Sound)

Episode 28- Is this cheating?

Mon, 19 Aug 2019 03:00:00 -0000

Cheating isn’t a new phenomenon. By the time you’ve reached university, it’s likely you’ve been told what is considered cheating and what isn’t. Writing the answers to your exam on your arm-that’s cheating. Looking over classmate’s shoulder to see their answers- cheating. And of course- paying someone to take an exam or write a paper for you- that’s obviously cheating. Right?

On this episode, We speak with Amanda White, Senior Lecturer in accounting at the UTS Business School, about her solution- the Academic Integrity Board Game.

Further Reading:

Kane Murdoch- UNSW academic integrity
Phillip Dawson writes on legislating out contract cheating on the Deakin University blog.
The structure of Amanda’s board game, was framed on Donald Cressey’s 1979 Fraud Triangle Theory.
More information on Amanda White's work can be found at the UTS Business School or follow her on Twitter

Music: Mahlert, Farrell Wooten, Brendon Moeller, Valante

Additional Material: ABC News coverage of Operation Varsity Blues, CNN News comparison of Melania Trump v. Michelle Obama speeches and cejordi84 for FX via Freesound

Special thanks to Ben Robinson for additional production support.

Episode 27- The collective aggregation effect

Thu, 11 Jul 2019 05:10:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re looking at collective aggregation and the appeal for each of us to make small contributions to grand collective outcomes. Consumer Psychologist, Adrian Camilleri joins us to explain how this strategy works from a marketing perspective.

Plus, we speak to Andy Ridley, Co-Founder of Earth Hour, about the power of symbolism in aggregate action.

Further Reading:

Watch the Earth Hour 2007 ad here.

For more information on Adrian’s research visit his website or the UTS website.

Andy Ridley is CEO of Citizens of The Great Barrier Reef.

People from around the globe have continued to turn out the lights for one hour each year. More information on Earth Hour can be found on their website.

Music: Rupert Sachs, S.A. Karl, Isola James, Ookean, In Dawn

Credits: Earth Hour advertisement-City of Sydney/ James Newton Howard

Episode 26- Public research and the open access movement

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 00:10:00 -0000

On this episode of Think Business Futures, we took a look at the business behind academic publishing. We examine the production side, by speaking with Ros Attenborough, an early career researcher at the University of Edinburgh. Then, David speaks with a consumer- in this case, Belinda Tiffen at the UTS Library.

Finally, our producer, Jason, speaks with Ginny Barbour, Director of the Australasian Open Access Strategy Group about the vision for open access in the academic world.

Further reading:

For more information on open access, including the glossary of terms, check out this guide.

Virginia (Ginny) Barbour works at the Office of Research Ethics & Integrity and the Division of Technology, Information and Learning Services at Queensland University of Technology(QUT). She is also the Director of the Australasian Open Access Strategy Group.

Belinda Tiffen is the Director of Library Resources at the University of Technology Sydney library.

The UTS open access repository, known as OPUS is available here.

Music: Lotus, Ecobel, Spectacles Wallet and Watch, Raymond Grouse, Salino, Fabien Tell, In Dawn and Leimoti

Episode 25- Voting systems and the tyranny of the minority

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 21:00:00 -0000

In the lead up to the recent Australian federal election, David and Nicole interviewed social researcher Rebecca Huntley and senior lecturer in economics, Jingjing Zhang. The information was in and the polls had led to predictions of the outcome.

As we all now know, the outcome of the election was a surprise to everyone, particularly the major parties. In light of the shock results, the team went back into the studio to go back to the theory in light of the information and unpick what happened. By going back to the interviews, Nicole and David ask: What does it mean to have opinion polls and what does it mean to vote?

Further Reading:

Rebecca Huntley’s article, Australia Fair, is available from the Quarterly Essay in any good book shop.
You can find more information on Jingjing’s research on the UTS Business School website.
For official election information, visit the Australian Electoral Commission’s website

Music: Gunnar Johnsen, Fabien Tell, Dew Of Light, Peter Sandberg, Flouw, Rand Aldo and Mo Stacks

Episode 24- The social capital of celebrities and influencers

Mon, 03 Jun 2019 22:00:00 -0000

With the help of the internet, social media platforms and smartphones, we have seen the emergence of a new breed of celebrities - so-called ‘influencers’. Who are these people and how do they differ from more typical celebrities such as pop stars or athletes? On this episode, we’re looking at celebrity capital.

On this episode, we’re looking at celebrity capital with Francois Carrillat, Associate Professor of Marketing at the University of Technology Sydney. Plus, we find out how the business of influencer marketing works with Genevieve Day, Founder of Day Management.

Further Reading:

Genevieve Day is the Founder and Director of Day Management

You can find more information on Francois’ research on the UTS website

We just scratched the surface on Pierre Bourdieu but if you're interested- here's a starting point

Music: Gunnar Johnsen, Ramin, Trabant 33 and Brendon Moeller

Special thanks to: CNBC for Usain Bolt and Michael Vick coverage audio

Executive Producer: Jason L'Ecuyer

Episode 23- Planning for the end of life

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 05:30:00 -0000

On this episode, we’re talking about death. Specifically, we take a look at end-of-life care in Australia from an individual and societal view. Distinguished Professor Jane Hall from the University of Technology Sydney discusses how health economics and individual choice together can improve the way we do end-of-life care. Plus, Nicole speaks with a palliative care nurse about how to plan for the final stages of life.

Further Reading:

If you’d like to share your care experiences participate in professor Jane Hall’s survey, you can email endoflifecare@chere.uts.edu.au.
Starting the conversation about end of life care can be difficult, if you need help with where to start, visit dyingtotalk.org.au or Palliative Care Australia.
In Australia, you can find state-by-state information on advanced care directives through Advance Care Planning Australia
Thanks to Grace Keyworth and Kate Reid, Nurse Practitioner, National Clinical Advisor from Palliative Care Australia

Thanks to Grace Keyworth and Kate Reid, Nurse Practitioner, National Clinical Advisor from Palliative Care Australia

Music:

Photo: Supplied

Episode 22- How to make a federal budget

Mon, 01 Apr 2019 07:36:00 -0000

Every year, journalists from around the country are locked into a room in Canberra with the task of making sense of the government's proposed federal budget. The coverage usually falls along the lines of winners and losers. But how does something as massive as a country’s budget get made?

On this episode, we speak with Matt Flavel from the Department of the Treasury to find out how something so big and complex gets made. The answer- lots of takeaways and a usb sent to the printer.

Further Reading:

Matt Flavel is the Deputy Secretary at the Australian Department of the Treasury
The Federal Budget can be found here as of 7:30pm on April 02
Follow Treasury on Twitter @Treasury_AU
If you can't get enough of the federal budget process, you can visit the Department of Finance website to learn more.
The Charter of Budget Honesty Act 1998 (The Charter) sets out principles and requirements that guide the government’s management of fiscal policy.

Episode 21- The Intangibles: Accounting assets and adversaries

Mon, 25 Mar 2019 07:00:00 -0000

A hundred years, ago most businesses counted their value in solid objects like ships, buildings, pipelines and heavy machinery. But in the 21st century, the value of a company is much more likely to reside in the immaterial world…..Welcome to the world of The Intangibles!

On this episode, David and Nicole speak to Distinguished Professor Stephen Taylor from the UTS Business School Accounting Discipline the rift in the accounting world due to the calculation of intangible assets. Plus, Paola Norambuena (Interbrand) and Mark Ritson (University of Melbourne) discuss brand valuation and how companies make it onto the list of best global brands.

Further Reading:

Paola Norambuena is the Chief Strategy Officer at Interbrand Australia
Mark Ritson is an Adjunct Professor in Marketing at University of Melbourne
To find out more about Stephen Taylor’s research, visit his profile on the UTS Business School website.
Interbrand Best Brands
Top 15 brands timelapse since 2000
Publicly traded companies are required to release their financial statements. You can view Apple's 10-K report, with a list of their intangible and tangible assets here.

Music: Teddy Bergström, Sinfonietta Cinematica

Art: Vector Images

Grabs from: Accounting Instruction, Help, & How To, Accounting Plus, Accounting Play

Episode 20- The rise and rise of women’s professional sport

Mon, 18 Mar 2019 05:00:00 -0000

Women’s professional sport has quickly developed in Australia over the past few years. Historically, there have been far fewer women’s professional sport leagues with enough sponsorship to pay athletes full time. This started to change beginning with netball, basketball and rugby and now Australian rules football (AFLW).

The meteoric rise of the AFLW, it's become clear that the time has finally come for women’s professional sport. But there are still fundamental equity issues around sponsorship, media coverage and importantly, how athletes are paid.

On this episode, Nicole and David take a look at the professionalisation of women’s sport in Australia. Tracy Taylor from the UTS Business School joins us in the studio to tell us about her research into women’s professional sport. Later, we interrupt gold medal winner and AFLW rookie, Chloe Dalton, during Carlton training to tell us about her experience in professional sport.

Further Reading:

Tracy Taylor is Professor of Sport Management with the UTS Business School. Her research focused on human resource management and executive leadership development, covering areas such as cultural diversity management in sport, volunteer management, and sport and security. You can find more of Tracy Taylor’s research on the UTS Business School website
Chloe Dalton (@ChloeDalton7s) now plays for the Carlton Blues

Credits:

GWS Giants Theme song by Harry Angus of Cat Empire
Thank you to OMP Sports Management, GWS Giants and AFL Women’s for helping us with this episode.
Music: Gunnar Johnsén, Rand Aldo, Jobii

Episode 19- How much does a life cost?

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:00:00 -0000

During our lifetimes, we all make healthcare decisions. Do you go to the doctor to get something checked out, or wait for it to get better? In Australia, you may choose between Medicare and private health insurance. These healthcare decisions are made on a personal level by weighing the costs and benefits.

So how are these decisions made? How do you measure the value of healthcare? Fundamentally, how do you put a dollar figure on a life?

On this episode, we’re speaking with Richard De Abreu Lourenco, Associate Professor in Health Economics, about how we calculate the cost of life, and how these sorts of calculations figure in the way resources are allocated within our society.

Further Reading:

Episode 18- Why do we trust banks?

Fri, 14 Dec 2018 00:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we dive further into our collaboration with History Lab on the first deposit into Australia’s oldest bank by asking- Why do we trust banks?

We speak with Harry Scheule, Professor of finance, about how and why banks operate on trust and how that has changed since the Royal Commission into banking.

Harry is a member of the Retail Banking Council of FINSIA and occasional advisor to the financial service industry including banks, banking regulators and government.

Further Reading:

More information on Harry’s research can be found on the UTS website
The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) enforce and regulate company and financial services laws to protect Australian consumers, investors and creditors
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) promotes prudent behaviour with the key aim of protecting the interests of depositors, policyholders and superannuation fund members.
The Reserve Bank of Australia seeks to foster financial system stability and promotes the safety and efficiency of the payments system.
The Murray Inquiry Report

Music: Teddy Bergström, Henrik Neesgaard, Gunnar Johnsén and Anders Ekengren

Episode 17- What Is Money?

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 13:00:00 -0000

Money has been described as one of the most important systems of trust that humans have created to date. Whether you pay in cold, hard cash or with the tap of a credit card, you use it every day. But have you ever wondered, what is money?

This episode of largely based on an investigation for another podcast called History Lab. If you haven’t listened to the episode yet, we highly recommend you go listen to that first. The Bank, the Sergeant and his Bonus should be listed as the previous episode in your feed.

Peter Docherty is an Associate professor of Economics at the University of Technology Business School.

Episode 16- The Bank, the Sergeant and his bonus

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 21:09:00 -0000

In 1817, the Bank of New South Wales opened as the first financial institution in the Australian colonies. But when the first customers arrived for the grand opening, they found someone had already made a deposit. Where did the money come from? Our producers, Jason and Nicole, follow the record trail and discover the uncertain foundations of Australia’s first bank.

This episode is a collaboration between the UTS Business School, The Australian Centre for Public History and 2ser Radio in Sydney. We'll have two bonus episodes on banks, trust and money in the coming weeks.

Further Reading:

Colonial Frontier Massacre Map – (University of Newcastle in consultation with The Wollotuka Institute and AIATSIS)

Executive Producer: Tom Allinson

Producer: Jason L'Ecuyer

Collaborating researcher: Nicole Sutton

Sound Design: Joe Koning

Host: Tamson Pietsch

Script Advisors: Lauren Carroll Harris and Ellen Leabeater

Episode 15- In The Mind of Design: On Business and Design Thinking

Sun, 18 Nov 2018 22:00:00 -0000

What is it like inside the mind of a designer? How can they see what makes a good design? Is it a particular shape, a feeling, an experience or process?

On this episode of Think: Business Futures, we speak with Casey Hyun about how to think like a designer. Casey is responsible for the iconic Hyundai Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy.

Plus, David and Nicole were also joined by Jochen Schweitzer, Associate Professor and Director Entrepreneurship at the UTS Business School, to tell us about what the business world can learn from design thinking.

Further Reading:

More information on Jochen Schweitzer’s Design Thinking course can be found here
More information on the design led innovation at U.Lab can be found here.
Casey is the founder and director of Global Design Index.

Episode 14- Indigenous Women In Business

Sun, 04 Nov 2018 20:00:00 -0000

As part of Indigenous Business Month in October, the UTS Business School and Jumbunna Institute for Indigenous Education and Research, hosted a panel event called UTS Women Mean Business. The panel featured three Indigenous business women who discussed and reflected on their experiences working in and founding their own commercial organisations.

On this episode, we drop in on the panel discussion to hear about Indigenous women’s experiences in the business world. Plus, David and Nicole are joined in the studio by Robynne Quiggin, a Professor of Practice in Indigenous Business and Director of Indigenous Strategy at UTS Business School

Further Reading:

You can find more information on Robynne’s work at the UTS Business School here.
Dean Jarrett is a proud Gumbaynggirr man and Lecturer in the Management Discipline at the UTS Business school. You can find more information on Dean here.

Episode 13- Goldilocks Economics with Warren Hogan

Tue, 16 Oct 2018 03:20:00 -0000

On this episode, we’ve crowd-sourced economics questions from friends, family and our listeners on Facebook and Twitter. A few of the toughest questions come from a few high school students studying for their Higher School Certificate (HSC).

Renowned Economist, Warren Hogan answers these questions and shares his insight into the economic forces that affect us from day to day.

Further Reading:

More information on Warren Hogan’s career at the Australian Government Treasury, NSW Government, Westpac, Credit Suisse and ANZ can be found here.
Professor Warren Hogan can be contacted via the UTS staff profile

Music by: Gunnar Johnsén, Rannar Sillard and Niclas Gustavsson

Episode 12- The Joys and Challenges of The Platform Business Model

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 08:30:00 -0000

Most of us would be hard pressed getting through a day without interacting with at least one platform business: Airbnb, Uber, eBay, Amazon, Kindle, Google. But do we really understand how these businesses work? How do they make money? How do they differ from conventional ways of doing business? And what wider implications does the rise of platforms have for our economy and society?

On this episode of Think Business Futures, David and Nicole look at the theory and practicalities of platform businesses with Professor Haim Mendelson.

Further Reading:

You can find more of Hiam Mendelson’s work at Stanford University Business School
You can find more information on Vanouhi's platform business, Kindershare, here.

Music by: Emil Axelsson, Johannes Bornlöf and Vieveri

Episode 11- The Best Possible Option: Choice and Consumer Well-Being

Mon, 03 Sep 2018 22:00:00 -0000

Is making better choices making you unhappy?

Homo Economicus, or ‘economic man,’ is someone who always makes the most rational financial decisions based on self interest. This idea forms the basis of many theories about how we consume.

If we always make the most rational decision, then having more options to choose from will allow us to maximise our decision in order to achieve the best outcome. But what if we don’t behave like homo economicus and prefer to choose the option that is ‘good enough?’

On this episode, we speak with early career researcher, Alex Belli, about choice and consumer well being.

Further Reading:

You can read more about Alex’s research here.
Barry Swartz is a professor of psychology and economics at Swarthmore College and the author of The Paradox of Choice.
You can read Iyengar and Leppar’s famous ‘jam study’ here.
Alain De Botton’s Status Anxiety examines the psychological impacts of consumption.
You can read Jennifer Aaker’s article How Happiness Affects Choice in the Journal of Consumer Research

Music:

Johannes Bornlof- Aqueous

Martin Gauffin- Southern Flavors

Aiolos Rue- Unscrambler

Rubik’s Cube- From Now On

Magnus Ringblom- 1970’s Cinema Era 2

Episode 10- Publicly Funded Research: You Can’t Turn Science Off Like A Tap

Thu, 23 Aug 2018 04:30:00 -0000

In the commercial context, research and development, or R&D, is a strategic choice made by a business in the pursuit of competitive advantage. But what does this for governments funded R&D? Should society expect an immediate return on investment in the same way?

On this episode of Think Business Futures, we turn the tables on our co-host Nicole Sutton, to ask why a society would choose to fund R&D with taxpayer money.

Further Reading:

You can read more about the CSIRO’s early history here
David Thodey (@davidthodey) is the current chair of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation or CSIRO
The Science and Industry Research Act (1949) established the CSIRO. You can read the act here.
Australia 2030: Prosperity Through Innovation
Oliver Williamson developed Transaction Cost Economics, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
You can read Nicole’s research on the Australian cotton industry here

Episode 09- Teaching Ethics to Finance Students

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 04:05:00 -0000

How would the finance industry and society as a whole benefit from a stronger ethical framework? After the fallout from the 2008 Global Financial Crisis, many people would say that ethics and finance are an oxymoron.

On this episode, we speak to Gerhard Hambusch, Senior Lecturer in finance at the University of Technology Sydney, about teaching ethics to finance students. Gerhard believes the finance industry can work to instill a public trust in the fairness of markets through ethical training and practice.

Further Reading:

You can find Gerhard on Twitter @GerhardHambusch, LinkedIn or on the UTS website.
Still not clear on the legal definition of insider trading in Australia? You can find the relevant legislation in the Corporations Act 2001 Section 1043A
Dr Simon Longstaff is the Executive Director of The Ethics Centre
For more information on the Chartered Financial Analyst Program, visit The CFA Institute

Music: Michael Meem, Peter Sandberg and Matt Haik

Episode 08- Income Mobility

Tue, 17 Jul 2018 21:00:00 -0000

On this episode, we speak to Peter Siminski, professor of economics at the University of Technology Sydney, about income mobility in Australia.

Plus, Nicole speaks to former New South Wales Premier and Foreign Affairs Minister, Bob Carr about the importance of equality of opportunities in Australia

Further Reading:

Household Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
Bob Carr’s new book Run For Your Life is available in bookstores now. All proceeds go to UNHCR to children displaced by the Syrian War.
Professor James Heckman on the ‘ returns on early childhood education’
More information on Peter Siminski’s research can be found on the UTS website

Episode 07- Studying Mindless Eating: Helping Us Help Ourselves

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 21:00:00 -0000

With obesity on the rise in many western countries, researchers have tried to understand why we’re overeating. Despite the large volume of research, there seems to be no simple solution. On this episode, we speak to Natalina Zlatevska, Senior Lecturer in Marketing at the University of Technology Sydney, about how plate and portion sizes affect the amount we eat.

Further Reading:

For more information on Natalina’s research, visit her website
The Small Plate Movement is an initiative to encourage people who want to be healthier and lose weight to reduce the size of their plates.
Mindless Eating:Why We Eat More Than We Think by Brian Wansink
Since 2014, food manufacturers and retailers have been voluntarily implementing the Health Star Rating System. Displayed on the front of food packages the star rating helps you to compare similar products.
For more information on Nudge theory, we recommend- Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein
Former New York City Mayor, Michael Bloomberg discusses a ban on sugary drinks

Episode 06- New Australian Enterprises: Why Refugees Start Businesses

Tue, 19 Jun 2018 21:00:00 -0000

In Australia, each year we take in approximately 14,000 refugees under our current humanitarian program, most of whom come from Iraq, Syria, Burma and Afghanistan.

At first glance, these new arrivals appear to be the most unlikely of entrepreneurs. And yet, these people create more business income than any other category of migrant.

On this episode of Think: Business Futures, Jock Collins joins Nicole Sutton to discuss the impact refugee entrepreneurs have on the Australian economy. Plus, David and Nicole, speak to an entrepreneur from Iran about his journey.

Episode 05- Corporate Leadership - Corporate Society

Fri, 08 Jun 2018 04:27:00 -0000

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was once seen as The Man In the Grey Flannel Suit, stuffy, stressed and serious. But something changed in the latter part of the 20th century, giving way to a cultural and political veneration of the modern CEO.

On this episode, we speak to Carl Rhodes (@ProfCarlRhodes), professor of organisational studies at the University of Technology Sydney, about how corporate has become the model for transforming all spheres of life.

Further Reading:

CEO Society- Carl Rhodes and Peter Bloom (Zed Books)
Gordon Gekko- ‘Greed is good’ (from the film Wall Street)
Jack Welch-Former CEO of General Electric- interview on Freakenomics
Larry Fink (BlackRock) Letter to CEO’s
Alan Joyce (Qantas) on supporting Marriage Equality
Dale Carnegie- How to Win Friends & Influence People
Richard Branson’s kitesurfing record- Guiness

Episode 04- Mindsets and Moral Decision Making

Thu, 31 May 2018 21:00:00 -0000

On this episode of Think Business Futures, Nicole and David speak to Dr. Geetanjali Saluja, about her research into moral decision making.

Plus, we track down Adam Ferrier, co-founder of Naked Communications and Thinkerbell to tell us how moral decision making plays out in the marketing world.

Episode 03- Beyond Budget Buzzwords

Thu, 17 May 2018 05:44:00 -0000

On budget night, the Treasurer announced the government’s vision for the economy. His speech contained vague phrases and euphemisms, tailored for a broader audience.

On this episode, we pick this speech apart and get behind some of those pesky budget buzzwords.

Budget Extra: On innovation with Professor Danielle Logue and Dr Krithika Randhawa

Tue, 15 May 2018 02:05:00 -0000

Professor Danielle Logue, Associate Professor of Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Management at UTS Business School

Dr Krithika Randhawa, Lecturer, Management Discipline Group at UTS Business School

Producers: Jess Klajma, Annastasia Annastasia.Diaczok, Tim Wang

Budget Extra: On Medicare with Associate Professor Kees Van Gool

Fri, 11 May 2018 07:51:13 -0000

Professor Kees Van Gool, Associate Professor at Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation (CHERE)- University of Technology Sydney

Produced by: Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok and Tim Wang

Budget Extra: On Industrial Relations with Martijn Boersma

Fri, 11 May 2018 07:22:45 -0000

Martijn Boersma, Lecturer in the Management Discipline Group at the University of technology Business School

Produced by: Jason L'Ecuyer, Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok and Tim Wang

Budget Extra: On the Pharmaceutical Benefit Scheme with Professor Rosalie Viney

Thu, 10 May 2018 00:30:10 -0000

Rosalie Viney, Professor of Health Economics and Director of the Centre for Health Economics Research and Evaluation at the University of Technology Sydney

Produced by: Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok and Tim Wang

Budget Extra: On the Environment with Dr Deborah Cotton

Thu, 10 May 2018 00:00:21 -0000

Dr Deborah Cotton, Senior Lecturer, Finance Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney Business School

Produced by: Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok and Tim Wang

Budget Extra: On the Not-For-Profit Sector with Professor Bronwen Dalton

Thu, 10 May 2018 00:00:00 -0000

Professor Bronwen Dalton, Associate Professor, Management Discipline at the University of Technology Business School

Produced by: Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok and Tim Wang

Budget Extra: On corporate tax with Dr Brett Govendir and Associate Professor Roman Lanis

Wed, 09 May 2018 21:30:45 -0000

Dr Brett Govendir and Associate Professor Roman Lanis, Accounting Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney Business School

Produced by: Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok, Tim Wang and Rohan Indra

Budget Extra: On banking with Dr Hardy Hulley

Wed, 09 May 2018 21:00:48 -0000

Dr Hardy Hulley, Senior Lecturer, Finance Discipline Group at the University of Technology Sydney Business School

Producers: Jess Klajman, Annastasia Diaczok, Tim Wang and Rohan Indra

Episode 01- Gigging: What Is It And Why Does it Matter?

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 21:30:00 -0000

Most likely you’ve seen the bright pink and green logos on delivery drivers zipping around on bicycles. Maybe you’ve thought, that looks like a fun and flexible job. Or maybe you’ve wondered how do they get paid? Does it provide a more flexible workplace? Are they paid superannuation?

On this episode of Think: Business Futures, Nicole and David speak to Sarah Kaine about the gig economy and how the legal definition of a ‘worker’ is important.

Sarah Kaine is an Associate Professor in the Management Discipline at the University of Technology Business School. You can find out more about her research here.

Caitlin Craufurd is a co-owner and manager of Petty Cash Cafe in Marrickville.

Further reading:

Criticism for Deliveroo superannuation

A new definition of ‘worker’ could protect many from exploitation- The Conversation

National Employment Standards- Fair Work Ombudsman

Music: Michael Meem

Episode 02- The Circular Economy

Mon, 30 Apr 2018 21:30:00 -0000

Much has changed in the global economy since the early days of industrialisation. Supply chains have reshuffled, technological has changed, labour practices have evolved. One thing that has remained largely unchanged over this time is the linear model for resource consumption that follows a take-make-dispose pattern.

On this episode of Think: Business Futures, Nicole and David speak to Melissa Edwards about designing goods to be reintroduced back into the consumption model. This model is referred to as the ‘circular consumption model.’

Melissa Edwards is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Technology Business School. You can find out more about her research here.

Rebecca Van Amber is a Research Associate at the Institute for Frontier Materials at Deakin University. For more information on the Circular Jeans project, visit Denim goes green thanks to Deakin innovation.

Further reading:

Key principles for a circular fashion industry

Patagonia- Don’t buy this jacket

What We Learned in the Rainforest: Business Lessons from Nature

Stella McCartney on fashion waste in the Guardian

Music: Michael Meem

Episode Teaser

Mon, 23 Apr 2018 05:00:00 -0000

It’s easy to talk about the future of work using words like ‘innovation’, ‘disruption’ and ‘blue-sky thinking’ — but it’s much harder to explain how it works and what it looks like in the real world. This is where Think: Business Futures comes in.

Hosts David Brown and Nicole Sutton go beyond the buzzwords, and takes cutting-edge research and real world examples, to explore the complexities of a current business story.