vi, 316 leaves ; 30 cm. / Title page, contents and abstract only. The complete thesis in print form is available from the University Library. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Adelaide, Dept. of Politics, 1978

Thesis (DBA) -- Macquarie University, Macquarie Graduate School of Management, 2007. / Bibliography: p. 209-223. / Introduction -- The biotechnology industry -- Literature review -- Methodology -- Case studies -- Discussion -- Conclusion. / Australia has a strong record of medical science research. Of the country's seven Nobel Prize winners, six have been within the bioscience sector. But Australia has been struggling to produce an FDA-approved blockbuster drug. The high level of research output in biotechnology is inconsistent with the low level of commercialisation of products resulting from the research.-- What distinguishes the successful companies in the Australian biotechnology industry? In particular, what obstacles are encountered by Australian scientists attempting to commercialise their inventions and are these obstacles spicific to the Australian context? Biotechnology impacts on an extraordinary range of industries, particularly in the health care sector, and is one of the major drivers of sustainable economic growth in the 21st century. The contrast between the Australian biotechnology industry's potential and achievements inhibits its ability to contribute to national wealth. This study investigates the difficulties encountered by Australian biotechnology firms in their attempts to commercialise their research.-- Garnsey's (1998) small firm growth model, based on engineering firms with in-house production, has been used to identify obstacles to biotechnology innovation and problems encountered in commercialising the research before the firm has been established. The research question asks to what extent the model can assist in understanding the obstacles that impede the growth of Australian biotechnology firms.-- Taking a qualitative approach and using an integrated and coherent case study methodology, the research identifies major obstacles to the growth of five firms through three clearly identifiable phases. Findings from the comparative case study analysis show that the firms' growth patterns generally conform to the model, but with major deviations due to specific differences between the engineering and biotechnology industries, Although biotechnology firms worldwide face similar obstacles to their growth, Australian firms encounter additional problems that seriously impede potential commercialisation of their biotechnology research. / Mode of access: World Wide Web. / xiv, 378 p

This thesis seeks to establish whether Australia’s manufacturing competitiveness improved during the Hawke-Keating period of government (1983-1996), based on its performance prior to 1983. To achieve this aim it was necessary to identify what are the key characteristics impacting on competitiveness, and indeed, how do these factors interact? Importantly, the review was conducted from a broad-based strategic management perspective and not from an econometric standpoint. As a means of determining the above a detailed examination of the development of competitiveness was undertaken. It was found there was no single determinant insofar as, competitiveness cannot be attributed to one specific aspect, but is in fact influenced by a number of factors acting simultaneously. This involved a review of the informed contributions reflecting the development of competitiveness. Findings suggested the roots of competitiveness could largely be traced back to the doctrine of comparative advantage. However, much of this thinking was inevitably surpassed, when the correlation between competitiveness and strategy was better understood. Thus, in terms of manufacturing, this demanded the analysis of factors which appeared to independently and jointly influence competitiveness. It also showed within the manufacturing sector there was an inextricable link between productivity, increased competitiveness and growth. The contribution to the assessment of competitiveness by Professor Michael Porter was also studied in detail. The application of his work was examined with a view to the appropriateness of using his Determinants of National Advantage model in an Australian manufacturing context. Notably, this model provided a process which consistently explained the unique differences between participants within industrial environments. It also facilitated the identification of specific reasons for failure within an industry, which if left unchecked impacted on a nation’s competitiveness. Relative to competitiveness and, to the significance of Porter’s theories, an amended version of the ‘Diamond Model’ was considered more appropriate for this thesis. Historically, Australia’s manufacturing sector has been traditionally underpinned by tariff protection to sustain its existence. Political efforts to counter the impact of competition appeared to remain a central part of industry policy. For instance, politicians such as McEwen shaped Australia’s post-war interventionist role by the use of politically imaginative industry policies to help shelter manufacturing from the threat of growing international competition. In 1965, the manufacturing sector underwent its first major restructure, driven by the objective to make it less reliant on government subsidies and support. This was followed by similar reform initiatives such as the Jackson Report (1977) and Crawford Committee Report (1979). The Hawke-Keating Government came to office in 1983 amidst a shattered economy. Mid-way through its administration period, however, the Hawke-Keating Government had to contend with the internationalisation of world economies. This led to a deliberate change in industry policy, particularly at a microeconomic level to a free market persuasion. An accelerated tariff reduction program was also introduced. Whilst there was genuine support for the manufacturing sector to improve its competitiveness, many thought a more measured and strategic change was warranted. Research suggested Australian manufacturing was highly dependent on multinationals for technology and employment but by the same token, lacked specialization, and economies of scale and scope in terms of utilising its capabilities. Australia’s manufacturers similarly failed to capitalize on aspects of research and development and innovation, languishing in a climate devoid of competition. Moreover, the manufacturing sector was not considered a prime investment target for international finance. In order to test these assertions a number of key hypotheses were developed. Following analyses, with the exception of the impact of manufactured imports on the economy, it was determined that manufacturing had improved in each of the categories assessed. However, largely, the sector’s performance was well below that of its international counterparts. Overall, these results add to the body of knowledge of competition literature, and also contribute to a better understanding of the factors which influence growth, sustainability, and the competitiveness of Australia’s manufacturing in general. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1268524 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Adelaide Graduate School of Business, 2007

This thesis seeks to establish whether Australia’s manufacturing competitiveness improved during the Hawke-Keating period of government (1983-1996), based on its performance prior to 1983. To achieve this aim it was necessary to identify what are the key characteristics impacting on competitiveness, and indeed, how do these factors interact? Importantly, the review was conducted from a broad-based strategic management perspective and not from an econometric standpoint. As a means of determining the above a detailed examination of the development of competitiveness was undertaken. It was found there was no single determinant insofar as, competitiveness cannot be attributed to one specific aspect, but is in fact influenced by a number of factors acting simultaneously. This involved a review of the informed contributions reflecting the development of competitiveness. Findings suggested the roots of competitiveness could largely be traced back to the doctrine of comparative advantage. However, much of this thinking was inevitably surpassed, when the correlation between competitiveness and strategy was better understood. Thus, in terms of manufacturing, this demanded the analysis of factors which appeared to independently and jointly influence competitiveness. It also showed within the manufacturing sector there was an inextricable link between productivity, increased competitiveness and growth. The contribution to the assessment of competitiveness by Professor Michael Porter was also studied in detail. The application of his work was examined with a view to the appropriateness of using his Determinants of National Advantage model in an Australian manufacturing context. Notably, this model provided a process which consistently explained the unique differences between participants within industrial environments. It also facilitated the identification of specific reasons for failure within an industry, which if left unchecked impacted on a nation’s competitiveness. Relative to competitiveness and, to the significance of Porter’s theories, an amended version of the ‘Diamond Model’ was considered more appropriate for this thesis. Historically, Australia’s manufacturing sector has been traditionally underpinned by tariff protection to sustain its existence. Political efforts to counter the impact of competition appeared to remain a central part of industry policy. For instance, politicians such as McEwen shaped Australia’s post-war interventionist role by the use of politically imaginative industry policies to help shelter manufacturing from the threat of growing international competition. In 1965, the manufacturing sector underwent its first major restructure, driven by the objective to make it less reliant on government subsidies and support. This was followed by similar reform initiatives such as the Jackson Report (1977) and Crawford Committee Report (1979). The Hawke-Keating Government came to office in 1983 amidst a shattered economy. Mid-way through its administration period, however, the Hawke-Keating Government had to contend with the internationalisation of world economies. This led to a deliberate change in industry policy, particularly at a microeconomic level to a free market persuasion. An accelerated tariff reduction program was also introduced. Whilst there was genuine support for the manufacturing sector to improve its competitiveness, many thought a more measured and strategic change was warranted. Research suggested Australian manufacturing was highly dependent on multinationals for technology and employment but by the same token, lacked specialization, and economies of scale and scope in terms of utilising its capabilities. Australia’s manufacturers similarly failed to capitalize on aspects of research and development and innovation, languishing in a climate devoid of competition. Moreover, the manufacturing sector was not considered a prime investment target for international finance. In order to test these assertions a number of key hypotheses were developed. Following analyses, with the exception of the impact of manufactured imports on the economy, it was determined that manufacturing had improved in each of the categories assessed. However, largely, the sector’s performance was well below that of its international counterparts. Overall, these results add to the body of knowledge of competition literature, and also contribute to a better understanding of the factors which influence growth, sustainability, and the competitiveness of Australia’s manufacturing in general. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1268524 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- Adelaide Graduate School of Business, 2007

This dissertation examines the evolution of the mining industry in three British dominions during the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Adopting a case study approach, it describes the establishment and growth of mining in Rossland, British Columbia; Broken Hill, New South Wales; and Waihi, New Zealand. Separate chapters trace developments in each area, focussing on the emergence of organised labour, the growth of mining companies and the sophistication of mining operations. These underline the need to consider diverse themes, maintaining that the mining industry's pattern of growth can be understood only by adopting such a broad approach. Following the three case studies, the final chapters of the dissertation offer a comparative analysis of Rossland, Waihi and Broken Hill. The study emphasises the similarities of these three communities, especially the cycle of growth, and identifies a crucial common denominator. Despite differences in climate, in the type and nature of the ore deposit and in the scale of mining activity, all three areas experienced a common trajectory of initial boom followed by subsequent retrenchment. The changing character of the resource base forced this fundamental alteration of productive relations. In each region, the mineral content of the ore declined as the mines went deeper. In addition, with depth the ore tended to become more difficult to treat. Faced with a decline in the value of the product of their mines, companies had to adopt sweeping changes in order to maintain profitable operations. This re-structuring was accomplished in a variety of ways, but the most significant factors, common to Rossland, Broken Hill and Waihi, were the heightened importance of applied science and economies of scale. Both developments underlined the growing importance of the mining engineer and technological innovations, principally in milling and smelting operations. In addition, new non-selective extractive techniques reduced the significance of skilled underground labour. The re-structuring of the industry not only had similar causes but also had a similar effect. The comparative chapter on labour relations, for example, argues that these managerial initiatives were closely associated with militant episodes in each community. While the leading companies in Rossland, Waihi and Broken Hill successfully reduced their working costs, they all faced the same ultimate end. Their long-term success or failure reflected the skill with which they coped with the inevitable depletion of their ore body. The common experience of Rossland, Waihi and Broken Hill demonstrates the importance of placing colonial development within a larger context. Regional historians should make greater use of the comparative approach, rather than continuing to focus on the unique and the particular. / Arts, Faculty of / History, Department of / Graduate