Digital and Technological Transformation

Investigator: Luke Strickland

Integrated models of learning and decision making in complex tasks. How do people learn to make decisions in complex work systems when assisted by automation? This project will develop computational models of human learning and decision making that explain and predict complex decisions relevant to industries such as aviation and defence. It will examine how humans learn to use automated advice, how learning affects remembering to perform planned (deferred) actions, and factors that pose a risk to learning and adaptation. The expected outcome is a significant theoretical advance in human factors and cognitive psychology, and a tool for informing work design (e.g., computer interface, task allocation) and training, with the potential to reduce human error in safety-critical workplaces.

This project is funded by the Australian Research Council.

Investigator: Mingming Cheng

This project is a pioneering initiative that aims to harness the power of social listening to identify and combat modern slavery online. It uses advanced social media analytics to detect potential instances of forced labour and trafficking activities across a range of social media platforms (e.g., TikTok). The expected outcomes of the project are twofold: firstly, it will provide a more comprehensive understanding of how victims of modern slavery use social media platforms; and secondly, it will develop effective strategies for identifying and aiding those at risk. By leveraging the vast amount of data available on social media, the project has the potential to make a significant impact in the fight against modern slavery, offering new insights and tools to assist with prevention and intervention.

This project is funded by the Social Media Research Lab and the Minderoo Foundation.

Investigators: Elizabeth Jackson, Anwar Sadat Shimul, Isaac Cheah and Harold Sealy

The Federal and WA State governments have been supportive of the forthcoming mandatory implementation of eID traceability in the Australian sheep industry. Despite this progressive and technology-based response for improving biosecurity for Australian livestock, evidence suggests that more work is needed to mitigate the perceived mental and financial burdens of this new technology for many sheep producers. This project aims to enhance producer trust and adoption of eID traceability technology in the WA sheep industry by demonstrating value-add and return on investment through the development of new extension and support materials targeted at “crossing the chasm” between early technology adopters and the early majority, and those that follow.

This project is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.

Investigators: Harj Singh, Nigar Sultana and Tālis Putniņš

This project addresses the urgent need for companies to develop expertise in carbon accounting that enables them to adhere to national and international climate change regulations. It will produce reports that highlight the need for Australian companies, particularly commodity exporters, to comply with emerging legislation in the international marketplace that requires Australian exporters to disclose GHG emission levels in their products when exporting to countries such as those in the EU. As the significance of sustainable operations continues to grow, carbon accounting is becoming increasingly important for achieving the dual objectives of (1) recording and reporting greenhouse gas emissions (GHG); and (2) reducing GHG emissions. Digital technologies can make a critical difference in streamlining and automating emissions reporting and reduction outcomes. Importantly, the project’s findings emphasise the need for companies to fundamentally change their operational practices and develop targets to reduce emission levels annually, to maintain strategic competitiveness in the international marketplace.

This project is funded by the Digital Finance CRC Limited.

Investigators: Mark Griffin, Keyao Li (ECU) and Jianxin Li (ECU)

Digital innovations generate vast amounts of data, producing data-driven insights that can crucially enhance productivity and value creation. However, data workflows often lack integration with human systems, leading to very high failure rates for digital initiatives. This project identifies ways in which organisations can better integrate data workflows with appropriate human skills and employee roles. It also investigates how workflows disrupt management structures and how new coordination methods and training can improve implementation. Resources for designing roles and developing skills to support new data workflows will be created to promote more resilient organisations and a thriving workforce in the fast-evolving digital era.

This project is funded by the Australian Research Council.

Investigators: Alan Duncan

This project explores the dynamics of housing stress in Australia, using predictive analytics to identify leading indicators that can help target households at risk of housing stress, arrears, default or eviction. Dynamic event analysis and multi-stage budgeting will cast light on the journeys into housing stress and identify potential mitigators.

This project is funded by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute.