Response to the editorial by Dr Geraghty

This article is written in response to the linked editorial by Dr Geraghty about the adaptive Pacing, graded Activity and Cognitive behaviour therapy; a randomised Evaluation (PACE) trial, which we led, implemented and published. The PACE trial compared four treatments for people diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome. All participants in the trial received specialist medical care. The trial found that adding cognitive behaviour therapy or graded exercise therapy to specialist medical care was as safe as, and more effective than, adding adaptive pacing therapy or specialist medical care alone. Dr Geraghty has challenged these findings. In this article, we suggest that Dr Geraghty’s views are based on misunderstandings and misrepresentations of the PACE trial; these are corrected

The role of investment, exchange and accumulation of non-economic capital international project performance

Recently there has been an increase in construction firms internationalising. The internationalisation process particularly, market entry strategies has been well researched. There has been less research concerned with investigating long term sustainability for exporting firms. The cornerstone of a sustainable business model is construction performance. Construction performance is a combination of project and client organisation objectives and the design and construction process. An understanding of client and project objectives as well as process is impacted upon by cultural factors. Client organisational and project objectives is a critical part of the early stages of a project which involves brief development. Firms involved in design stages achieve sustainability through an explicit understanding of non economic factors. Non-economic factors have been identified as cultural, social and intellectual capital which ultimately underpin financial capital. This paper explores how exporting firms invest, accumulate and exchange 'softer' capital to achieve sustainability. The preliminary results of an architectural design firm case study are presented. The findings indicate that project and process performance can be improved through various strategies. Project performance can be enhanced through accumulation of social and cultural capital to develop intellectual capital and process performance can be increased through accumulation of cultural in exchange for social capital

Internationalisation of Australian construction design firms: final report

This project aims to assess the extent of economic sustainability of working in international markets by Australian construction design-related firms. This investigation also identified barriers and success factors firms experience, which ultimately increases or reduces their exposure to financial risk. This study explored new research territory by developing a detailed understanding of the way three successful firms have maintained their longevity in various international markets. The firms are not considered to be large firms by international standards. The manner in which the firms achieve long term sustainability, deal with problems and barriers in international markets and develop successful strategies rely upon being adaptable to different markets and changes within markets

Adopting reflexive capability in international briefing

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to investigate the architectural firm's role in the briefing process on international projects and to identify the strategies of successful firms to overcome barriers. Design/methodology/approach: A model is developed based on a critique of briefing models and international design management theory. The development of a reflexive capability model borrows cultural theory concepts of capital and reflexivity. The model is based on maximizing reflexive capability through the management of social, cultural and intellectual capital. Two case studies of architectural firms identify barriers during the briefing process and strategies to overcome these barriers. Data collection involved 16 interviews with senior management and design team staff. Findings: There are various barriers and strategies used to achieve success in the briefing process. However, the management of a firm's capital is key to successful briefing on international projects and is a characteristic of reflexive practice. Reflexivity is based in a positive interpretation of change, and a continual responsiveness to change by participants in a system. The study provides useful information on management of the design and briefing stages of international projects. Research limitations/implications: The study is limited by the number of case studies used and the difficulty of generalisability of findings. Practical implications: The research is that it provides useful information about how to approach constant change during briefing for the architects and clients who work on international projects. Originality/value: The model is original and has value as it assists in explaining why some firms are more successful than others. The case studies provide new knowledge on international projects and the briefing process. The value of the paper is for the academic community, professionals in the built environment and clients involved in international projects

ACON's Multicultural Engagement Plan 2021 - 2024

The Plan provides a three-year framework to guide the way ACON engages with and empowers community members and staff from culturally, linguistically and ethnically diverse, migrant, and refugee backgrounds, and people of colour