All publications

This project focuses on the interpersonal networking processes, or non-market mechanisms, through… Show more

This project focuses on the interpersonal networking processes, or non-market mechanisms, through which training needs are signalled to VET providers in a rural region. A detailed single case-study approach shows that VET users also consider interpersonal relationships, based on trust, when selecting programs for participation. Show less

This study examined the implementation of an intensive reading pedagogy, Reading-to-Learn, in adult … Show more

This study examined the implementation of an intensive reading pedagogy, Reading-to-Learn, in adult literacy classrooms. In this method, the teacher plays a crucial role in carefully selecting relevant topics, genres and texts that are slightly beyond the current reading ability of students, and in designing 'scaffolding moves' that build very deliberate preparation into every level of classroom Show less

This research examines how vocational education and training (VET) providers can create an… Show more

This research examines how vocational education and training (VET) providers can create an environment where learning becomes a central, natural, ongoing and integral part of the way they work. It does this by exploring what research says are the key features needed to foster effective learning in the workplace. It then uses this research to develop and trial an instrument which larger providers Show less

The findings of a study examining organisational culture and structure in ten public, private,… Show more

The findings of a study examining organisational culture and structure in ten public, private, community and enterprise-based Australian registered training organisations is presented in this report. It identifies the ways in which organisational cultures and structures shape what is possible within registered training organisations and how to manage change to build organisational capability. Show less

Building organisational capability relies on effective workforce development. This study examines… Show more

Building organisational capability relies on effective workforce development. This study examines the processes that registered training organisations (RTO) use to make workforce development decisions. It also looked at how well these align to the personal decisions RTO staff make about their own development. The research found that workforce development needs to be comprehensive, well integrated Show less

This report forms part of a comprehensive research program that has examined issues related to… Show more

This report forms part of a comprehensive research program that has examined issues related to building the organisational capability of vocational education and training providers. In particular, this report focuses on the current state of human resource management practice in both technical and further education and private registered training organisations. It also provides an assessment of Show less

This literature review, undertaken for Australian Industry Group, shows how multiple variations and … Show more

This literature review, undertaken for Australian Industry Group, shows how multiple variations and combinations of formal, informal and non-formal learning, accompanied by various government incentives and organisational initiatives (including job redesign, cross-skilling, multi-skilling, diversified career pathways, action learning projects, quality assurance arrangements, job rotations and Show less

This publication outlines the outcomes of forums held in 2005 to introduce the consortium research… Show more

This publication outlines the outcomes of forums held in 2005 to introduce the consortium research program which has investigated ways of building VET provider capability. It found a range of issues were of concern to participants as they considered how registered training organisations might position themselves to meet the demands of their various clients in the future. In particular, they noted Show less

Organisational capability is recognised as a key to organisational success. The combination of… Show more

Organisational capability is recognised as a key to organisational success. The combination of human capital (peoples' skills and knowledge), social capital (relationships between people) and organisational capital (the organisation's processes), is central to building an organisation's capability. The presentation highlights the lessons learnt about building VET provider capability from an Show less

In this interview Steve Davis talks with researcher Fran Ferrier about her report 'Vocational… Show more

In this interview Steve Davis talks with researcher Fran Ferrier about her report 'Vocational education and training providers in competitive training markets', which looked at how practices and policies are evolving in the increasingly competitive environment of Australia's vocational education and training sector. Show less

Design is an increasingly important component of our world-at-work. This project reveals the views… Show more

Design is an increasingly important component of our world-at-work. This project reveals the views of design educators working within vocational education and training (VET). Research participants called for a review of design education teaching methods in the VET context, with a particular focus on promoting innovation and creativity in diploma level programs. Show less

This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET)… Show more

This study explores the experiences and initiatives of vocational education and training (VET) providers in three areas: income sources and mixes, 'thin markets' in VET, and research and development. Practices and policies are evolving in these three areas. The report contributes to a deeper understanding of the scope and range of VET activities in a competitive environment and the factors that Show less

This interview was conducted by Steve Davis with Victor Callan, about his report 'Accelerated… Show more

This interview was conducted by Steve Davis with Victor Callan, about his report 'Accelerated apprenticeships', which looked at recent pilots of accelerated apprenticeships in the automotive industry in Queensland. Show less

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report… Show more

Mp3 of interview conducted by Steve Davis with Roger Harris and Berwyn Clayton about their report 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future'. Show less

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in… Show more

The two-year consortium program, 'Supporting vocational education and training providers in building capability for the future' focused on approaches to help VET providers build their capability. These eight papers include a program overview, key contextual issues of concern to VET stakeholders, as well as the overall findings and key messages of each specific research activity. An MP3 audio Show less

This paper presents some thoughts on the concept of the Tasmanian Polytechnic, drawing on a range… Show more

This paper presents some thoughts on the concept of the Tasmanian Polytechnic, drawing on a range of research mostly undertaken by NCVER. It considers a number of 'goals' that are relevant to judging the success of the endeavour, including Year 12 retention and the completion of Australian Qualifications Framework qualifications, before making a number of observations on relevant issues. Show less

This report reveals that the formation and maintenance of social partnerships depends on five key… Show more

This report reveals that the formation and maintenance of social partnerships depends on five key principles relating to purposes and goals; relations with partners; capacity for partnership work; governance and leadership; and trust and trustworthiness. Using four partnerships as case studies, the report set out to assess how these principles and practices can be used to develop social Show less

This study examines partnerships between formal and informal training providers in northern… Show more

This study examines partnerships between formal and informal training providers in northern Australia. The research finds that effective partnerships have a common purpose and provide training that supports community need. Effective partnerships also support stakeholders' goals and aims, build relationships and trust between partners, and recognise the importance of delivering a mix of formal and Show less

Vocational education and training (VET) has a role to play in sustainable regional development.… Show more

Vocational education and training (VET) has a role to play in sustainable regional development. Through five regional case studies this research examines how well VET is tailoring supply to skill needs, how VET has become more flexible to obtain a better match between demand and supply, and whether partnerships have been linked to whole-of-government frameworks in ways which support sustainable Show less

This paper draws on a research project which developed a change management strategy to assist two… Show more

This paper draws on a research project which developed a change management strategy to assist two TAFE institutes in addressing and improving their planning culture. It outlines the principles and processes which emerged from the research and presents the guidelines for linking the strategic planning process to actions and performance within the different levels of a complex vocational education Show less