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The UWA Business School's inaugural Interdisciplinary PhD Conference has celebrated the wide range of research being conducted by the School's research students.

Coinciding with UWA Research Week , the Conference featured presentations from the UWA Business School's doctoral students across the disciplines of Accounting and Finance, Economics, Management and Organisations, and Marketing.

Attendees were welcomed by the School's Associate Dean (Research and Research Training) Professor Richard Heaney and UWA's Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Professor Robyn Owens.

UWA Chair (Academic Board and Council) Winthrop Professor John Cordery, from the UWA Business School, delivered an entertaining Plenary Session, likening the PhD journey to that of Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings , with the role of Gollum - of course - representing the haggard PhD supervisor!

Professor Cordery recalled his own PhD studies, when he relocated from New Zealand (otherwise known as the land of the hobbits!) to Sheffield to begin his research in organisational psychology.

Recounting his experience of homesickness, rising student fees, and living in a two-star motel of questionable standards, Professor Cordery encouraged all PhD students to build strong personal support networks and reach out for support when they need it.

Professor Cordery also urged PhD students to build skills in a range of areas ranging from teaching to media skills, to assist them in finding employment beyond academia.

Over the one-day conference, the UWA Business School's students presented on topics ranging from workplace relations and monetary policy to environmental sustainability practices and building safer operating theatres.

The Conference Organising Committee included UWA Business School PhD students and staff and comprised Tom Barratt, Joseph Carpini, Ying Huang, Fatima Khushnud, Mei Han, Manal Shehabi, Alex Veen and Longfeng Ye. Preeti Chukowry, Robyn Oliver, Alisoun Nicol and Becky Munro from the UWA Business School Research Office provided the Committee with support and advice.

The UWA Business School Interdisciplinary PhD Conference was held on 6 November 2014.

Media references

Verity Chia (UWA Business School)                                                   (+61 8) 6488 1346
Karen Della Torre (UWA Business School)                                          (+61 8) 6488 8538