Testing some myths about I.T. outsourcing : a survey of Australia's top 1000 firms

This study examines the extent to which surveyed outcomes of IT outsourcing supported several commonly-argued propositions. Following confirmatOl), factor analysis, eight measures of success were used: access to skilled staff, technology benefits, economies of scale, cost reductions, strategic benefits, technical service quality, capacity to concentrate on core business, and overall satisfaction/value. The analysis produced some surprising findings. Some widely-promoted benefits of outsourcing were reported by most respondents, but other benefits that have been similarly promoted (such as cost savings) were reported by only a minority of respondents. There were no differences in success outcomes between medium-sized «500 employees), large (500 to 1000 employees), and very large (1000+ employees) organizations. There were some minor differences between government agencies and finns from the private sector, but no differences for key outcomes. Contrary to findings from case study research, "selective" outsourcing was no more successful than "total" outsourcing, although "total" outsourcing was uncommon. On the basis of these results, decision makers are urged to be cautious when planning to outsource IT services, and to be critical of claims that they will make substantial savings from outsourcing, or that outsourcing will automatically allow them to refocus more on their core business.

Thaipusam in Malaysia : a Hindu festival misunderstood?

[No Abstract]

Common myths about business ethics

Being clear about the nature and demands of business ethics, particularly in the context of Hong Kong, means dispelling a number of popular myths.

Myths, symbols and branding

This thesis explored the hypothesis that myths + symbols + branding, created the Republic of Türkey's collective group identity, and the identity of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. The same formula tested the 'creation' of Europe/EU's group identity. Three formulas were created: bridge-word formula; composite-word formula; cyclical-word formula, to test this premise.

Celluloid dreaming : cultural myths and landscape in Australian film 1970-1990

Examines the way in which cultural myths in selected Australian feature films of the 1970s and 1980s reflect changing attitudes towards nationalism, Australian identity, gender roles, mateship and how the Australian settler culture defines (or fails to define) its relationship with indigenous Australians.