News Archive

Once again the Business School was host to many exciting international and local events, including alumni events, public lectures by world-renowned presenters, student events and conferences. Some event highlights include:

The Financial Crisis: What it means to you and the Western Australian economy - A Panel Discussion.
There was huge public interest in the Financial Crisis public lecture and panel discussion held on Thursday 23rd October. The event was over booked with over 240 guests attending.

The panel consisted of 5 panel members - Professor Raymond Da Silva Rosa, Director, WA Centre for Capital Markets Research, UWA Business School, Professor Ken Clements, Professor of Economics and BHP Billiton Research Fellow, UWA Business School, Dr Michael McLure, Economic Historian and Senior Lecturer, UWA Business School, Associate Professor Phil Hancock, UWA Business School, Member CPA Australia Centre of Excellence, Financial Reporting and Governance, Alex Passmore, Head of Metals and Mining, Pattersons Securities Limited.

The panelists presented diverse perspectives on the crisis without any agenda, which perhaps is what accounted for a large part of the attraction of the forum. Professor Da Silva Rosa gave a concise overview of the crisis, Professor Clements noted that the crisis has severely damaged investor confidence which is a foundation of financial markets and observed that restoring this confidence is the prime challenge for governments and regulators. Dr McLure put the crisis into historical context and noted that present-day governments, in particular the Australian government, is much better placed to deal with the crisis than has been in previous episodes. Professor Hancock gave a critique of some common misconceptions about the role of financial reporting in precipitating the crisis - his quotation of Thomas Jefferson stating his belief that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies brought the audience to its feet with fervent applause!  Alex Passmore finished the formal presentations by providing an insightful analysis of the likely impact of the crisis on WA's resources companies.

The question and answer session that followed was lively and, unfortunately, had to end without all queries being addressed because the session was well over time.

For those who attended and those people that were unable to attend, a web forum has been set up to allow for further discussion:

https://bits-ticket.biz.uwa.edu.au/cgi-bin/yabb3/YaBB.pl

Breakfast by the Bay Series with Trevor Nesbitt
On 10 September 2008, Trevor Nisbett, Chief Executive Officer of the West Coast Eagles Football Club, addressed a full house to provide an insider's view on the challenges one faces when it comes to managing a sport of passion and what it means to provide strong leadership.

"Leadership entails staying positive through the controversy and the tough times.  You are judged on how you've managed the tough times and the desired outcomes".  Trevor said.  He also added that thanks to the great support the club has received, the tough and controversial times have been easier to overcome.

Based on his years of experience, Trevor has learned that when running a business one should adhere to five guiding principles which include: leading by example, living and sharing the vision of success, challenging yourself, developing your people, and finally innovating in order to improve.  This rang true for many members of the audience.

Business School Dean Tracey Horton closed the breakfast, and thanked Trevor for providing an inspirational story of overcoming challenges and hard work in what we all know as the passionate sport of football.

Trevor Nesbitt commenced his career with the Club in September 1989 as Football Manager.  In March 1999, he became the Acting Chief Executive and was later appointed to the position of Chief Executive in June 1999.  Like many businesses, the West Coast Eagles is responsible to their stakeholders but along the way the Club has faced many additional challenges in their journey to success.  It is during these tough times that leadership is required.

Breakfast by the Bay Series: the Future of Perth's Property Market - A Panel Discussion
On 12th November 2008, a panel of property experts addressed a full house at the University Club to discuss the issues facing the Perth property market. The panel was facilitated by UWA Business School Professor Raymond da Silva Rosa and included Russell Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer of Hawaiian; Nigel Satterley, Managing Director of Satterley Property Group and Andrew Whitechurch, State General Manager of nab Business & Premium Banking WA.

The panel highlighted that the Perth property market was at its lowest level in 20 years. It was believed that the boom Perth experienced in 2001 - 2006 saw house prices rise too quickly, with some property prices jumping up to 170%. The general consensus of all speakers was that the market has almost reached its lowest point with prospects of a further drop of only 5% at most. The current Federal Government assistance programs were positively perceived from the panel and they believed that it would continue if it showed that measures were stimulating growth. Nigel Satterley pointed out that in the face of the current economic crisis that an investment in real estate was still safer than the stock market.

Engendering Leadership Conference
In July 2008, at the invitation of Blackwell publishing and the Gender Work & Organisation journal, the UWA Business School hosted the international Engendering Leadership conference.  This multi-disciplined forum attracted over 200 delegates, including 120 presenters, from 13 countries.  Exciting new research was presented on areas relating to leadership in the arts, government, business, policing, engineering, education, resources, law, social and community services.  Internationally renowned key note speakers included: Jill Blackmore, Pat Dudgeon, Joyce Fletcher, Jeff Hearn, Debra Myerson, Judi Marshall, Joanne Martin, Christine Nixon and Amanda Sinclair.  A highlight of the conference was the participation of Indigenous researchers and community members.

In addition to the conference itself, a range of other activities were organised, designed to provide opportunities for the local Western Australian community to engage with the conference themes and speakers.

Attracting over 350 people, one of the most successful initiatives was ‘Conversations About Ethical Leadership' a moderated discussion between people from a variety of backgrounds who provided a different and personal perspective on ethics and leadership.  Moderated by Mr. Mark Scott (ABC Managing Director), conversationalists were Professor Debra Myerson (Stan and Jean Perron Fellowship in Ethical Leadership), Mr. John Poulsen (Managing Partner Minter Ellison and State Chair CEDA), Professor Amanda Sinclair (Alcoa Visiting Professor) and Mr. Wayne Osborn (inaugural Chair GESB Mutual and former Alcoa Australia Managing Director).

More information about the conference can be found at: https://www.business.uwa.edu.au/research/conferences

Alcoa Visiting Professor Oded Shenkar
In the month of August, Professor Oded Shenkar came to UWA as part of the Alcoa Visiting Professor Program and presented at a public lecture, leader's lunch and academic seminar.  Mr. Shenkar is the Ford Motor Company Chair in global business management, and a Professor of Management and Human Resources at the Fisher College of Business at Ohio State University.  He has taught at the University of Cambridge, Chinese University of Hong Kong and Peking University among others; furthermore, he has written close to 80 articles for prestigious journals such as the Academy of Management Review.

In his public lecture, Professor Shenkar discussed the hot topic of "The Rise of China and the New Global Economy".  He provided great insights into what the implications are in doing business with China and left many people in deep thought and discussion.  The lecture was well attended.

Similarly, the Business Leaders' Lunch with 40 senior executives from both the public and private sectors, listened to Professor Shenkar talk on imitation as an essential ingredient in sustainable strategies.  In his last presentation, Professor Shenkar analysed his findings on "The New Cultural Geography" in the context of world cultures.

Shann Memorial Lecture
On 19 August 2008, Lieutenant General John Sanderson spoke before a large audience of 240 people at the University Cub of Western Australia.  Mr Sanderson is the Special Adviser to the Government of Western Australia on Indigenous Affairs and previously served as Governor in WA from 2000 to 2005.

Mr Sanderson spoke on the situation of Indigenous people in Western Australia and most importantly addressed the ever pressing question of "why do we spend all this money on Indigenous affairs and the situation only gets worse?"  In his address, Mr Sanderson explains how treating symptoms rather than causes is not the way to a real solution.  He argues that rather than taking on an assimilationalist approach and stance that individual engagement in the market is good for everyone, we should engage in a partnership that recognises Aboriginals' distinctive culture and importance with a sustained experience.

Prime Minister Kevin Rudd's national apology on 13th February 2008 marked an important shift in attitude and gave the possibility of a new philosophical framework to guide the engagement with Aboriginal people in a new partnership.  As responsible people and government, we must unite and work together to addresses these key issues we are facing in order to move forward into a better future for all.

Senior Executive Forum
From the 27-30th August 2008, more than 50 senior executives and leaders gathered at the Hyatt Regency Hotel for the Senior Executive Forum, as part of the AIM-UWA Business School Alliance.

Professor Ashish Nanda and David Collis from Harvard Business School gave deep insights into competitive strategy and building high performance teams.  Events included lectures, debates, case studies, and networking.  Through the expert guidance of both Professors, the forum discussed strategic thinking and also challenged conventional thought on how companies can successfully compete in a global economy.

The event was a great success and the positive feedback received reflected on the world class teaching and learning experience it delivered.  The forum is well known for providing excellent education at all levels to top decision makers.  Not surprisingly, the programs continue to grow and gain popularity as leaders realize the importance of staying informed to remain competitive in today's globalised economy.

For more information about our Alliance and its programs visit: https://www.aimuwaalliance.com/

Student's Studying Abroad - Barbecue
An informal barbeque was held at the University Club to welcome new incoming study abroad and exchange students to UWA Business School. The barbeque was hosted by Dean of the UWA Business School Tracey Horton and Associate Dean of International Relations, Ray Fells with approximately 30 excited students participating in the welcome lunch.

All students were encouraged by the Dean to make the most of their time here at the University by becoming actively involved in all that UWA has to offer.  Such involvement for students would mean living out the true "UWA experience" and fully enjoying their time here.  This networking opportunity allowed students to begin establishing connections for their stay in Australia.

A special thank you goes out to Michael Sutherland and Bev Partridge for organising such a wonderful event enjoyed by all.

International Alumni Events
Jakarta
On 7 August 2008, the Business School held an alumni cocktail event, poolside at the Gran Melia Hotel in Jakarta.  25 alumni from the MBA and undergraduate programs had the chance to re-connect with the UWA Business School and fellow graduates.  Hosted by Associate Dean of International Relations, Professor Ray Fells, Professor Roger Smith, and Marketing Manager and Jakarta Alumna Heather Merritt, addressed the audience placing a strong emphasis on the importance of our alumni to stay connected.

The event was enjoyed by all and we hope to make it an annual event.  We would like for those who attended to encourage other Business School alumni in Jakarta to get in touch with us and stay connected!

Kuala Lumpur
On 12th August 2008 over 80 UWA Kuala Lumpur alumni across all disciplines attended a cocktail party at the Malaysian Petroleum Club in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.  UWA Vice Chancellor Alan Robson hosted the evening with Professor Barry Marshall, UWA's first Nobel Laureate as guest speaker.  The event provided a wonderful opportunity for alumni to hear from distinguished UWA alumnus and also gave everyone the chance to catch up with old friends and reminisce about their time at university.  Alumni of all ages enjoyed the evening, taking in the spectacular views, and networking with fellow UWA alumni and their guests.

Singapore
88 UWA Singapore alumni attended a cocktail party at the Singapore Cricket Club on Thursday, 14 August, 2008.  The event, hosted by Chancellor Michael Chaney, gave alumni a chance to listen to distinguished UWA alumnus, most notably, key note speaker Professor Barry Marshall, Nobel Laureate Winner.  Professor Marshall talked about the Nobel Prize system and how he alongside Emeritus Professor Robin Warren, won a Nobel Prize in 2005.