Collaborative learning : An exploration of actionable knowledge creation

E

Creating value to tourism products through tourism networks and clusters : Uncovering destination value chains

E

.comUnity : A study on the adoption and diffusion of internet technologies in a regional tourism network

This thesis describes the initiation and evolution of an action research project, which investigates the adoption and diffusion of Internet technologies in a regional Australian tourism network. The research evolved out of a portal development consultancy. The aim of the study was two-fold: to investigate the nature of the change process when a collaborative network seeks to adopt e-commerce; and to determine how the change process differed in the face of incremental change (adding some e-commerce solutions to the network), or radical change (changing the overall business model). The purpose of the study was to gain a better understanding of the economic, strategic and social potential of regional business networks in the current techno-economic climate. The study builds on Rogers' (1995) seminal work on the diffusion of innovations and makes a unique contribution to existing diffusion studies by its focus on the nature of the network links as the unit of analysis; and by its application of an action-oriented methodology to untangle the effects of the embedded network structure on diffusion. The study suggests a strong relationship between diffusion and network positioning, both in terms of place (status and position in the network) and space (the geographic make-up of the network). Diffusion further hinged on network cohesion, actors' trust in and engagement with the network. Adoption of e-commerce was obstructed by actors’ worldview; lack of time, reflexive learning, and commitment to change. The incorporation in the study’s diffusion framework of contextual moderators such as network position, worldview, trust, time and commitment considerably extends Rogers’ traditional diffusion framework. Based on its emergent analysis framework, the study introduces a dynamic change model towards sustainable regional network development. It is suggested that both the diffusion framework and the regional innovation model developed in this study may, either jointly or separately, be applicable beyond the tourism and service sector.Doctor of Philosoph

Action research methods : Case study

B

Action research and network development : Creating actionable knowledge

To make a valuable contribution to our society today, knowledge must be relevant, applicable and actionable. On the side of managers it calls for collaborative approaches to knowledge creation and knowledge transfer between their organisations and knowledge institutions. On the side of academics, it calls for engaged scholarship aimed at knowledge transfer and knowledge contribution to the practical know-how of managers and organisations. Action researchers have long advocated collaborative knowledge creation processes as the way forward, despite the fact that working within an environment that aspires for knowledge to be become applicable and actionable can be complex and challenging. This paper discusses actionable research methods with a focus on networks and learning in a regional development context.E

Clever health: A study on the adoption and impact of an ehealth initiative in rural Australia

This chapter reports on the evaluation of Clever Health, an Australian e-health project. The evaluation took place from mid-2007 through 2010 and consisted of both qualitative and quantitative approaches to capture awareness, expectations, and use of Clever Health components-which included video-conferencing for patient care, professional development, and peer support-and to compare initial perceptions and expectations to perceived changes in awareness and uptake of Clever Health components. The study found that while use of components increased at a satisfactory pace, health services and professionals struggled with change management issues, which, in turn, impacted changing work practices. Findings suggest that it is imperative to address and integrate the human factors of e-health delivery in the rollout of future e-health programs. The study proposes a robust evaluation framework for future telemedicine projects that uses a patient-centred unit of analysis and examines the costs and benefits that accrue for different stakeholders

Looking for a C-change : Factors contributing to regional development and change

E

Networking tourism SMEs : E-commerce and e-marketing issues in regional Australia

Networks, knowledge, and relationships have become crucial assets to business survival in the new economy. Research indicates that network building is a major new source of competitive advantage and an essential regional and indeed global management requirement. Because regional policies encourage interfirm alliances and the development of regional economic communities, the fostering of a culture of connectivity, networking, learning, and trust between regional Australian small and medium- size tourism enterprises (SMTEs) may offer a potential solution to the possible loss of competitive advantage for Australian tourism enterprises. It is suggested that SMTEs would benefit from increased information flow through regional networking and cooperative e-marketing campaigns to enhance market visibility, global positioning, and strategic leverage in the new economy.C

Looking for a C-Change : Factors contributing to regional development

"This book provides a cross-disciplinary perspective on participation and governance issues in regional development - processes now regarded as essential for sustainable regional development. It brings together a group of respected social researchers from across Australia to consider these issues and places Australian regional development experiences within their broader international context."--BOOK JACKET.B