What can we learn from Indigenous polycentric self-governance?

Introducing the breadth of articles and topics in the new issue of BESS® – the Journal of Behavioural Economics and Social Systems.

For midsize businesses to grow they need to act strategically

Midsize enterprises use innovative practices to grow and chartered accountants must also prepare themselves for a shift in their traditional role, just like the medium-sized clients they serve. Prof James Guthrie of CA ANZ considers the role shift.

Why all education matters to us

Federal ministers, policy makers, CEOs and academics recently gathered to discuss the current state and future of Australian education. James Guthrie summarises what happened at this year’s GAP summit.

Beyond the financial: Re-thinking the capitals in practice and assurance

To be socially responsible in business is gaining momentum. James Guthrie reflects on the role accounting has on transforming the world’s thinking about the value of nature and society.

How automation will transform the economy

The trend in the computerisation of jobs is not new. James Guthrie, Head of Academic Relations at Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand, says new technologies will change the job market of tomorrow.

As we pick up pace in the 21st century, things previously considered science fiction are starting to creep over the horizon. Driverless cars will just be known as "autos" and so many of the things we do at work will be replaced by computer software.

If you think about what you do for a living, how soon could it be replaced by a robot or algorithm? Do you spend hours a day creating algorithms to make your job easier?

As we focus on creating efficiencies, we open up endless possibilities to do things even better. Imagine if we had stopped developing the car after the model T, or if we were satisfied with the mobile phones of the 1980's.

Engaging with Asia in higher education

Australia’s higher education system is a major export market in particular in Asia. James Guthrie argues that we need to protect this important source of revenue by maintaining and improving the quality of higher education in Australia.

Putting human rights into practice

The United Nations recently formulated the first guiding principles for corporate human rights responsibilities. James Guthrie from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia was part of the launch of research on the implications of these principles for corporate Australia.

The Virtual University — impact on accounting and business education

Massive Open Online Courses or MOOCs have been widely discussed in the last year. James Guthrie from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia examines if they are an opportunity or threat for educators and students.

Academic accounting research: ERA needs to measure impact

I read with great interest in The Australian Higher Education pages recently about how 19 of our universities made it onto the Academic Rankings of World Universities. While this is certainly good news for Research Minister Kim Carr, it’s important he now turns his attention to the impact and quality of research.

Currently the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) 2012 draft guidelines set by Senator Carr do not refer to measuring the impact or the relevance of academic research. This needs to be addressed otherwise what is the point of producing research if it’s not going to have some impact to the business or policy worlds?