The role of visual cues in organisational decision-making

School: Business

Project Description:

The last decade or more has seen an unprecedented boom in the use of dashboards, infographics and other forms of visualization by practitioners as part of an organisational Management Control System (MCS). However, although most organisations have adopted an array of data visualisation techniques enabled by emerging data analytic technologies, these have been variously described as time-consuming, messy, and mysterious.

In particular, visual cues are often viewed as standalone constructs or, at best, minor moderating influences instead of powerful influencers which may trigger a re-framing of a problem space. Further, the adoption of visualization and impact of audio-visual cues on MCS and organisational decision-making performance has been under-researched.

In response to these gaps in current practice and organisational literature, the central research questions are: how can visualization be used to communicate risk and other decision-making cues in an effective and timely manner within organisational management decision and control processes? Given the fact that we integrate knowledge within our pre-formed cultural and subjective norms, what is the best presentation mode to overcome knowledge integration barriers? By investigating those two questions and associated causal links between management control design and organisational decision making processes, how can we improve decision-making performance?

Investigation of risk and decision-making in this context has many challenges, as it is simultaneously abstract and well known to organisational leadership (directors, executives, and managers), as well as other key stakeholders. Further, a more nuanced understanding of complex problems such as supply chain resilience is an area of research priority in Australia as well as globally. In that specific context, there have been a growing community of interested and engaged researchers, particularly as the impacts on Australian supply chains of unanticipated shocks such as COVID19 have emerged. 

Desired Background:

We are looking for a PhD candidate from the fields of (i) operations research and systems science; or (ii) economics, sociology or ecology (qualitative or quantitative perspectives).

We welcome expressions of interest (EOIs) from 1st August 2023 until the positions are filled. We will review EOIs upon arrival and fill the available positions accordingly. The commencement of enrolment will be discussed with the successful candidate.

• First-class honours or equivalent (e.g. MPhil/Master by Research + publications)
• Demonstrated experience with either (i) operations research and systems science; or (ii) qualitative investigation of economic, social or ecological problems (e.g., income enhancement, cross-cultural cooperation or biodiversity loss), preferably in a context of problem measurement or mitigation.
• Self-motivation and enthusiasm to work successfully within an inter-disciplinary, cross-institutional research environment
• Ability to work in a team and strive for research excellence
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

Desirable:

• Demonstrated background in (i) simulation modelling (in general) and system dynamics (in particular); or (ii) social science fieldwork
• A strong intent to pursue an academic career.

Supervision team

The joint supervision team will include three leading academics and two early career academics, including Associate Professor Sondoss Elsawah from the School of Systems & Computing and Associate Professors Omar Hussain and Jim Rooney from the School of Business. The supervisory team possesses a strong research track record of applying systems thinking and modelling across different applications, including global supply chains and defence. The team has extensive experience disseminating research results via peer-reviewed publications and will guide and support the candidate to access relevant subject matter experts, as well as to publish and develop a solid basis for future career development.

If this project appeals to you, please apply by sending the following documents in an email to james.rooney@adfa.edu.au

• A recent CV
• An expression of interest document explaining why you are interested in this specific opportunity and how you meet the required and desired skills and experience. It would be helpful to include information about the relevant courses/training you have completed.

If have any questions, please contact Associate Professor Jim Rooney.