3659 research outputs found
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What Former ICS Students Say About Their UTS Study Abroad Experience
Full text linkSince 1994 more than 3500 students have completed the Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BAIS) and its successor, the Bachelor of International Studies (BIS) at the University of Technology (UTS), which allows them to spend two semesters at one global partner university. This contribution focuses on specific situations students have experienced as transformative in light of facilitating the development of soft skills such as Intercultural Engagement, Communication skills, Intercultural Refection, Independence, Resilience, Self-Management/Project-Management, Teamwork, Creative Inquiry, Research-led Analytical Skills, and Ethics
First Nations People and Energy Transition: How to Increase Employment in Clean Energy
Full text linkTraining and employment will be a key determinant of whether the socio-economic position of First Nations peoples is improved through the energy transition, but there are few studies on how to increase First Nations employment in renewable energy. Our study, which focusses on Renewable Energy Zones in Australia, has four key findings. Firstly, employment and training mandates and incentives in government renewable energy auctions can increase First Nations employment, but a ‘coordinated flexibility’ approach is required which accommodates regional variations, differences in occupational structure between technologies and integrates First Nations businesses. Secondly, training-led initiatives have a poor job-creation record, but programs for school students and the unemployed are required to build the labour supply to meet procurement targets. Thirdly, wherever possible, demand and supply-side instruments should be integrated within clean energy programs (e.g. housing retrofits). Fourthly, complementary measures are required which resource industry to achieve targets, improve cultural safety in workplaces and build the capacity of First Nations organisations
Gender’s Moderating Effect on Perceived Organizational Politics and Withdrawal Dimensions Among Construction Professionals
Full text linkThe current study examines the impact of perceived organizational politics on employee organizational withdrawal dimensions within the construction sector, a field characterized by a challenging work environment and high employee turnover. Grounded in Equity Theory, the research examines the moderating role of gender in the relationship between perceived organizational politics and psychological and physical withdrawal behaviors. Data from 318 construction professionals were collected through a quantitative survey and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that perceived organizational politics significantly influences withdrawal behaviors, with female professionals showing a greater tendency to disengage compared to their male counterparts. This research contributes original insights to the construction management literature by highlighting the gendered effects of organizational politics on employee withdrawal, a previously underexplored area. The study underscores the critical need for organizations to address political dynamics in the workplace to foster a fair and supportive environment, ultimately enhancing employee well-being and organizational performance
Machine Learning Applications for Predicting Longitudinal Cracking in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement
Full text linkThis study addresses the critical issue of longitudinal cracking in Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement (CRCP), a paramount concern in pavement engineering due to its significant impact on infrastructure performance and longevity. methodology. The research uses a dual-phase methodology to leverage data from the Long-Term Pavement Performance (LTPP) database. Conventional regression models provide insights into influential factors, but recognizing their limitations, the study extends to machine learning models. Gaussian Process Regression with a Squared Exponential kernel emerges as a standout performer, emphasizing its efficacy (RMSE: 11.84, R-squared: 0.78). Ensemble Tree models, especially Boosted Trees, also exhibit competitive results. Feature importance analysis highlights critical variables like temperature and AADTT. The study\u27s findings underscore the superiority of certain machine learning models over traditional regression methods in predicting longitudinal cracking, offering practical implications for optimizing maintenance strategies and enhancing CRCP infrastructure longevity
Assessing and improving labour productivity management in construction: A practical framework and measurement tool
Full text linkDespite numerous studies and resources available, the global construction sector has witnessed a decline in productivity over the past two decades, highlighting the need for practical tools and strategies to enhance labour productivity management. This study proposed a tool to support labour productivity management in construction. To achieve this, initial data were gathered through literature reviews and on-site observations, followed by interviews with ten experienced site managers to refine a comprehensive set of productivity factors. These factors were then used to construct a system of factors before developing a quantitative management tool, inclusive of a measurement scale and an instructive guide. Finally, this tool was evaluated by the experts using a 5-level Likert scale to ensure its practicality and accuracy. The results show that the tool offers a structured and informative approach to assess and enhance labour productivity in construction projects, thereby supporting managers in making informed decisions and improvements towards more successful project outcomes. The insights gained from this research contribute to the ongoing efforts to address labour productivity challenges in the construction industry, paving the way for future developments and enhancements in productivity management tools
A Claim-based Risk Mapping of Construction All-Risk Insurance in Indonesia
Full text linkConstruction All-Risk (CAR) insurance is widely used within the construction market. Although constituting a modest fraction of the global insurance market, it registers more claims than other types of insurance. Therefore, identifying the root cause or origin of potential losses is pivotal. This study aims to map the risks that CAR covers based on historical data from the policies and claims of two major Indonesian insurance firms. The study employed descriptive statistics to summarize the frequency and characteristics of claim values for each risk and inferential statistics to determine significant differences in claim values among various attributes. A total of 15 risks were found to cause CAR claims, with six risks accounting for 77% of the overall claim values: “hurricanes and storms,” “poor quality of work,” “heavy rain, lightning, and flooding,” “landslides,” “fire, exposure, short circuit, and electrical failure,” and “material or equipment damage due to accidents or disasters.” Geographical area emerges as a determining factor in claim values. No significant differences in normalized claim values were found for different work progress statuses or types of construction projects. Most risks causing substantial claims are attributed to natural disasters based on their characteristics. This study acknowledges its limitations, notwithstanding its strengths
Malaysia’s Warm Weather as a Metaphor
Full text linkConveying one’s sense of belonging to a country can be challenging. Often, it is expressed in a rather cliché, impersonalised manner. However, the clever use of imagery could evoke relatable, authentic and lasting impressions. Borrowing from a local Chinese folk song genre, Tan & Teoh (2006)’s “Yong Malaixiya de Tianqi Shuo Ai Ni (Let Me Use Malaysia’s Warm Weather To Say, I Love You)” carries immense love for their native land using an apt metaphor of the “warm” Malaysian weather. Located on the Equator, Malaysia experiences high temperatures all year round. Malaysian hospitality is likened to its weather, and this admirable quality is apparent in the way of life of Malaysians, the country’s culture and traditions. Unable to exploit the vibrant or changing seasonal colours of temperate countries, Malaysian songwriters use this endearing weather metaphor to call attention to its warmth, serenading readers with a unique romance and catchy refrain
Rethinking the UTS International Studies Degree Post-Covid 19
Full text linkThe Bachelor of Arts in International Studies (BAIS) at UTS has been reimagined to address the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting priorities in higher education. The redesign introduces flexible global mobility options, including virtual experiences and localised intercultural learning, while embedding the Indigenous Graduate Attribute (IGA) across the curriculum. By blending physical, virtual, and local experiences, the program fosters critical reflection and equips students with ethical and professional intercultural skills, ensuring meaningful engagement with both local and global communities
Writing research differently
Full text linkThis themed volume explores writing research differently: both the social practices that might foster experimentation and participation and the semiotic innovations needed to articulate knowledge plurality in our published scholarly texts. This collection of community-based research articles explores the many ways in which the standard genre conventions of the research article – order, structure, headings, images and quotes – can be creatively called upon to make visible on the page other worlds, other futures, other ways of knowing and being. Together, they demonstrate that coherence and cohesion – clarity – come in more shapes and forms than generally admitted, and can be welcoming frameworks for the rarely admitted: hope, sustenance, complexity, conflict and change
‘How the Hell Did You Wind Up in Australia?’ or You Teach What You Know
Full text linkOn Thanksgiving in 2024, while sharing a meal with fellow expats in Brisbane, I reflect on my unexpected journey to Australia and my role in the International Studies program at UTS. This personal narrative explores how my own experiences of cultural adaptation—navigating new customs, language quirks, and everyday challenges—mirror those of the students I teach. This reflection celebrates 30 years of International Studies at UTS, expressing gratitude for a career that intertwines my cultural roots with a global academic community, and underscores the importance of empathy and shared experiences in fostering intercultural understanding
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