News Archive

Business School

Business School Professor Focuses on Small Business in New book

Professor Tim Mazzarol is celebrating the release of his new book, "The Strategy of Small Firms: Strategic Management and Innovation in the Small Firm" by Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd.

It is widely recognised that the majority of all businesses throughout the world are small firms which play a crucial role in the economic growth of the world's economies.

It is with this in mind that authors Prof Tim Mazzarol and Sophie Reboud address questions such as, what is the value of planning for small firms, and how should these firms approach strategic planning?

The book offers a conceptual framework supported by original case study data to explain how and why a small firm should approach strategic planning, the forces influencing the planning process, and the nexus between innovation and planning.

"Critically, this book analyses the theory and conceptual frameworks associated with planning and There is in-depth analysis of the theory and conceptual frameworks associated with planning and strategy in small firms and an exploration of key issues linked with why and how small firms should plan and the associated benefits.

This timely book is considered invaluable to academics, postgraduate research students and professional advisors working in the field of small business management and entrepreneurship

Supported by original research and comprehensive key theories, entrepreneurs and practicing managers with an interest in understanding the foundations of planning and strategy will find this book of great importance.

Groundbreaking Book into the Economics of Marijuana

While the legalisation of marijuana continues to present itself as a topical subject on the public agenda, UWA researcher Professor Ken Clements has just published a book (co-authored with Xueyan Zhao from Monash) of a unique study of the economics of the drug.  The prime focus of the research is to identify the economic determinants of consumption and the possible impact its legalisation might bring to the market.

Key questions answered in the book are do marijuana users cut back on consumption when the price rises? To what degree is marijuana consumption related to drinking and tobacco usage? What would happen if marijuana were legalised and taxed in the same way as alcohol and tobacco? Is marijuana priced in a similar way to other goods?

The book applies the economic approach to drugs to analyse consumption, pricing and the economics of legalising the use of marijuana.

This research has already generated considerable outside interest from the media, policy makers, students and academics.

"It seems this is due to a distinct change in society's attitudes toward illicit drugs. A more tolerant approach to the use of some drugs is now being reflected in the workings of the police, the courts and parliament in a number of jurisdictions," Ken said.

The result is a fascinating analysis of this widely used, but little understood illicit drug that provides much needed information and policy advice for a wide range of readers, including economists, policy makers and health professionals.

Note:  The above book is for research and education purposes.  The University of Western Australia does not endorse the sale, usage and / or legalisation of marijuana.

Effective Negotiation: Book Announcement

Negotiation is a core skill for business leaders.  Almost every aspect of organisational life needs negotiation and agreement - dealing with suppliers, enterprise bargaining, setting up a new venture, managing change.

Professor Ray Fells' book is essential reading for students and professionals in the fields of business, law and management.  Solidly grounded in research, Effective Negotiation offers a realistic and practical understanding of negotiation and the skills required to reach a high quality outcome.

The author draws on his extensive experience as a teacher and researcher to examine key issues such as trust, power and information exchange, ethics, strategy and cultural differences.  Recognising the complexity of the negotiation process, he provides advice on how to improve as a negotiator by turning the research on negotiation into practical recommendations.

The principles and skills outlined here focus on the business context but also apply to interpersonal and sales-based negotiations, and when resolving legal, environmental and social issues.

Grounding Globalization

Rob Lambert's book 'Grounding Globalization: Labour in the age of insecurity' was selected as distinguished book of the year by the American Sociological Association, Labour Studies discipline.

Claims have been made on the emergence of a new labour internationalism in response to the growing insecurity created by globalization. However, when persons face conditions of insecurity they often turn inwards. The book contains a warning and a sign of hope. Some workers become fatalistic, even xenophobic. Others are attempting to globalize their own struggles.