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Areas of Study

Accounting

The Discipline of Accounting is home to a vibrant community of internationally recognised scholars. The Discipline undertakes research on fundamental issues of accounting affecting the business community and regulatory authorities.

In particular the research focus embraces: the role of accounting information in decision making generally and capital markets in particular; the modelling of corporate failure and credit risk; corporate takeovers and reconstructions; corporate governance; accounting standard setting; market price accounting; environmental and social reporting; accounting history and critical accounting research; public sector accountability and financial reporting.

Business Information Systems

The overall imperative of the Discipline of Business Information Systems (BIS) is business innovation through the application of information technology to business processes.

The Discipline has a strong research agenda with a commitment to practice-based, industry-relevant inquiry, with particular strengths in information systems strategy; decision support and business intelligence systems; information policy and knowledge management; IS assurance and control; management of enterprise systems and business processes.

Business Law

The significance of Business Law flows from the influence of business law in setting key aspects of business practice and opportunity, domestically and internationally.

Researchers within the Discipline of Business Law have a wide variety of expertise. Our research is cited by the court in tax judgements and judgements on a variety of commercial matters. Our books and articles on commercial law, corporations law, employment law and taxation law are used extensively by practitioners and tertiary institutions. Our submissions to enquiries and law reform bodies make a difference. The Discipline has links with large accounting firms and top tier law firms.

Economics

The Discipline of Economics is one of the strongest groupings of theoretical economists in Australia, influential in developing the economic ideas which form the intellectual foundation of the discipline.

The group undertakes world class research in economic theory, applied economics, economic policy, and the history of economic thought and our staff enthusiastically embrace every opportunity to share their research experience with students. Particular areas of research expertise include: game theory, empirical and theoretical industrial organisation, international trade, economic growth and inequality, exchange rate intervention, empirical labour economics, economic development in China and India, and health and housing policy. The Discipline embraces the interface between business and economics, especially in the areas of strategic management and decision making where our expertise in game theory comes to the fore.

Finance

The Discipline of Finance is at the forefront of research internationally in corporate finance and security market microstructures. In a recent study of finance schools in the Asia Pacific region, (Chan, K.C. et.al), ?The Productivity of the Finance Profession in the Asia Pacific Region?, Pacific Basin Finance Journal, the Finance discipline within the University of Sydney was ranked fourth in the Asia Pacific region in terms of research productivity and ranked first in Australia.

This research platform is supported by a significant set of industry and Australian Research Council funded research grants and access to major datasets of financial activity, including access to trade and quotation data from 250 exchanges throughout the world. Access to this data, and our partnerships with some of the most significant financial institutions and investment banks in Australia and internationally, has given our work an impressive level of professional relevance and influence. We play a part in shaping regulatory and professional practices within the industry through, for instance, participation in the development of product initiatives of the Australian Stock Exchange, Sydney Futures Exchange and Dow-Jones, and in developing the surveillance practices of the Australian Stock Exchange.

Graduate School of Government

Established in June 2003, the Graduate School of Government (GSG) at the University of Sydney offers a premier learning environment for current and future leaders in public administration. GSG is considered to be one of the leading schools of government in the region.

GSG provides high-quality research and teaching in public-sector management, engaging high-profile academics and practitioners.

International Business

Within the Discipline of International Business our programs and research encompass a broad domain, including: multinational and transnational business activities; strategic and managerial processes that cross national boundaries; managing cultural differences and international negotiations; joint ventures and strategic alliances; and mergers and acquisitions.

Our interdisciplinary perspective supports, for instance, work on international risk management and crisis management for business organisations, governments and NGOs; business-government relations, including government incentives and FDI policy for attracting and managing MNEs; and country-specific studies, such as the impact of Japanese MNEs on the Asia-Pacific region, foreign investment in China, and the contribution of foreign firms to the development of Australia.

International Security

The Centre for International Security Studies has ties to some of the most prestigious academic and research institutions working in the field in Australia, the US and Asia. It pursues collaboration and exchange with these partners, and undertakes joint research, teaching and executive education. Participation in commissioned research, government assessment work and private sector risk analysis gives the Centre a unique role in the formulation of practical strategic responses to international security issues.

One of the Centre's priorities is to develop the next generation of academics and practitioners by providing high quality postgraduate education in international security studies.

Marketing

The Discipline of Marketing is positioned as one of the leading Marketing research groups in the region. Areas of expertise include consumer decision-making and behaviour, international marketing and consumer culture. Many members of the Discipline are considered world leaders in their areas in terms of top tier journal publications, editorial review board memberships, and awards won.

The Discipline also has a vibrant PhD program which has grown substantially over the past four years. Our research benefits from strong links with business, professional associations, government and not-for-profit organisations.

Operations Management and Econometrics

The Discipline of Operations Management and Econometrics has theoretical interests and strengths in microeconometrics, computational methods, including intensive data analysis, time series econometrics, models of international trade and management decision sciences.

Examples of significant collaboration spanning differing subject areas include projects in: international trade policy; energy demand modelling; econometrics of financial markets including models of intervention by Central Banks and volatility in stock markets; theoretical and applied data analysis for time series in finance, economics and elsewhere; and the modelling of consumer choice.

Transport and Logistics Studies

The Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) is a world class research centre, with strong industry links and a key role in developing innovative ideas in transport policy and professional practice in Australia. It is recognised as a centre of excellence within Australia and is ranked amongst the top five such institutes in the world in transportation and logistics research and education.

ITLS has an extensive portfolio of research projects in areas of transport economics, modelling, passenger and freight, planning and management, and in logistics and supply chain management, across all modes. Many of the research and consulting projects involve several aspects and modes of transport management.

Work and Organisational Studies

The Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies (WOS) has developed an innovative and comprehensive approach to all aspects of work, employment relations, organisation studies, business history and management.

WOS researchers have demonstrated expertise across the whole spectrum of work and organisational studies: from business and labour history and industrial relations to human resource management; from organisational development and strategic management to public policy.