Research Thesis Topics
Current Opportunities (click to show/hide)
AI-powered Automated Condition Assessment of Civil InfrastructureDescription: The detection of cracks is a crucial task in monitoring structural health and ensuring structural safety. The manual process of crack detection is painstakingly time-consuming and suffers from subjec...
The detection of cracks is a crucial task in monitoring structural health and ensuring structural safety. The manual process of crack detection is painstakingly time-consuming and suffers from subjective judgments of inspectors. This project develops an innovative and practical condition assessment approach for in-situ evaluation of cracks as soon as they appear in civil infrastructure using cutting-edge computer vision, image enrichment, AI deep learning and micro-computing technologies. The research outcome will facilitate cost-effective, quick and reliable ways of assessing and maintaining key civil infrastructure.
Keywords: Structural health monitoring, computer vision, image enrichment, micro computing
Research categories: Civil Engineering Locations: Centre for Future Materials,School of Engineering and Built Environment Principal Supervisor: Dr Andy Nguyen Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Addressing the mental health nursing workforce shortage by tapping into student nurse potential.Description: Mental health is a vital component of a person's sense of health and wellbeing. Supporting and caring for people experiencing a mental disorder and or symptoms of mental health concerns include a tea...
Mental health is a vital component of a person's sense of health and wellbeing. Supporting and caring for people experiencing a mental disorder and or symptoms of mental health concerns include a team of health professionals. Part of this team include mental health nurses who aim to deliver 'good' mental health nursing care from a professional, respectful, evidenced based and person/client-centred, goal directed approach. This type of approach is important to support the person's growth, development and recovery (Lakeman, 2012).
The National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (Australian Bureau of Statistics [ABS], 2022, p. 1) has highlighted that "1 in 5 people aged 16-85 (42.9%) had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life." An age group of concern are young people aged "16-24 (38.8%) showing they had a 12-month disorder". These statistics indicate an increase in demand for mental health care. In light of the current nursing shortage, this increase in demand for mental health care means more mental health nurses are urgently needed in this sector to provide this vital care for people, and to support them towards achieving their personal sense of health and wellbeing.
The innovation inherent in this project is to addresses the mental health nursing workforce shortage by tapping into the underutilised workforce resource, student nurses as paid employees, by supporting their preparation and mentorship with targeted mental health knowledge and skills and support. This type of design is to increase student nurses' immersive, authentic experience, and help them to contribute meaningfully, competently and confidently as part of the mental health team. Furthermore, to support their career pathway into mental health as a registered nurse and grow the pipeline of mental health nurses.
Interested HDR students to contact Dr Natasha Reedy at natasha.reedy@unisq.edu.au
References
ABS. (2022). National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing (2020-2022).
https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/mental-health/national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing/latest-release
Lakeman, R. (2012). What is good mental health nursing? A survey of Irish nurses. Archives of Psychiatric Nursing, 26(3). www.psychiatricnursing.org
Keywords: workforce; nursing; pre-registered nurse; mental health; rural; remote; regional
Research categories: Nursing Locations: School of Nursing and Midwifery Principal Supervisor: Assoc Prof Daniel Terry Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Piggery Wastewater Treatment in an Anaerobic Baffled ReactorDescription: In Australia, conventional treatment of piggery wastewater is carried out in anaerobic ponds occupying a large surface. Residence times are typically long (>100 days) and solids removals are low. Tow...
In Australia, conventional treatment of piggery wastewater is carried out in anaerobic ponds occupying a large surface. Residence times are typically long (>100 days) and solids removals are low. Towards the end of the design lifespan of the pond, sludge accumulation may encroach on the pond treatment volume, adversely affecting pond function. At this point in time, the pond effluent may become unsuitable for flushing sheds and irrigation onto agricultural land, due to higher total solids concentrations, while the large surface area may emit high levels of offensive odours as pond biological function becomes impeded. Producers are then faced with the major practical and financial problem of determining how to desludge a relatively large pond without interfering with the ongoing operation of the piggery. These issues and more will be addressed using an anaerobic baffled reactor.
Keywords: anaerobic baffled reactor; piggery wastewater
Research categories: Chemical Engineering,Environmental Engineering Locations: School of Engineering and Built Environment Principal Supervisor: Dr Antoine Trzcinski Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Bushfire Attenuation FenceDescription: This research is to design a wire mesh fence to withstand bushfire conditions and retard bushfire progress, and determine necessary structural requirements based upon detailed design simulations.
This research is to design a wire mesh fence to withstand bushfire conditions and retard bushfire progress, and determine necessary structural requirements based upon detailed design simulations.
Keywords: Bushfire, wildfire, firebrand attack, thermal stress
Research categories: Biomedical Engineering,Mechanical Engineering Locations: School of Engineering Principal Supervisor: Dr Ahmad Sharifian-Barforoush Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Light Activated Shape Memory Polymers for Aerospace/Space ApplicationsDescription: Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites (SMPCs) can hold a programmed temporary shape and recover to their original shape once exposed to a particular external stimulus. This project intend...
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) and their composites (SMPCs) can hold a programmed temporary shape and recover to their original shape once exposed to a particular external stimulus. This project intends to investigate SMP/SMPC stimulated by near infrared (NIR) light. The project will study the use of rare earth materials in SMP to increase the photo-thermal effect. Further the project will perform in-depth investigations of thermo-mechanical properties and shape memory effects of the developed SMP/SMPC.
Keywords: shape memory polymer, shape memory polymer composites, NIR, optical fires, Light activation, Smart Materals, Functional Materials
Research categories: Aerospace Engineering,Engineering Design,Materials Engineering,Mechanical Engineering Locations: Centre for Future Materials Principal Supervisor: Assoc Prof Jayantha Epaarachchi Other Supervisors: Assoc Prof Mainul Islam View More Details |
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Privacy Preservation for digital identity federationDescription: this research will address the challenges over digital identity for its privacy preservation
this research will address the challenges over digital identity for its privacy preservation
Keywords: Digital Identity Privacy
Research categories: Information Systems Locations: School of Management and Enterprise Principal Supervisor: Professor Jianming Yong Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Numerical Simulation of Arterial Blood FlowDescription: We analyse a model of the fluid flow between elastic walls simulating arteries actively interacting with the blood. The lubrication theory for the flow is coupled with the pressure and shear stress f...
We analyse a model of the fluid flow between elastic walls simulating arteries actively interacting with the blood. The lubrication theory for the flow is coupled with the pressure and shear stress from the walls. The resulting nonlinear partial differential equation describes the displacement of the walls as a function of the distance along the flow and time. The equation is solved numerically using the one-dimensional integrated radial basis function network (1D-IRBFN) method. Solutions in the form of self-sustained trains of pulses are explored. Numerical experiments demonstrate the process of formation of the pulses from randomly chosen initial conditions.
Keywords:
Research categories: Applied Mathematics,Numerical and Computational Mathematics Locations: Computational Engineering and Science Research Centre Principal Supervisor: Other Supervisors: Professor Thanh Tran-Cong View More Details |
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Enhancing the Properties of FRP Tubes to be Used as ColumnsDescription: The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) tubes in structural applications such as columns and beams dates back to decades. USQ was engaged in investigating the behaviour of pultruded FRP beams and t...
The use of Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) tubes in structural applications such as columns and beams dates back to decades. USQ was engaged in investigating the behaviour of pultruded FRP beams and this research came into practice when Queensland Transport MainRoads starts using FRP composite girders to rehabilitate the deteriorated timber bridge girders. On the other hand, FRP confinement is predominantly used in columns to improve the properties of concrete such as ductility and strength and it is very well researched and documented. This research aims to investigate the use of FRP tubes especially in slender column applications and the possibility of using them to replace the timber piles in aging timber bridges in Queensland.
Keywords: FRP tubes; columns; timber bridges; rehabilitation; structures; materials engineering
Research categories: Civil Engineering,Interdisciplinary Engineering,Materials Engineering Locations: Centre for Future Materials,Institute for Resilient Regions,School of Engineering,School of Engineering and Built Environment Principal Supervisor: Professor Thiru Aravinthan Other Supervisors: Assoc Prof Weena Lokuge View More Details |
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Dietary Interventions to Reduce Exercise-induced Bronchoconstriction and Airway Inflammation.Description: Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that affects 235 million people worldwide (World Health Organisation). The disease is characterised by reversible airway narrowing, mucus hypersecreti...
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that affects 235 million people worldwide (World Health Organisation). The disease is characterised by reversible airway narrowing, mucus hypersecretion and the pro-inflammatory response of cytokines and chemokines that results in the respiratory symptoms of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath and tightness in the chest. This can have a detrimental effect upon quality life, leading to disability and in some cases death. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma and the treatments available to help manage the condition can lead to the user becoming tolerant and have several undesirable side effects. The care for individuals with asthma is also very costly. Accordingly, there is an urgent need to develop cheaper, more effective and less harmful treatments to manage and potentially cure asthma. Recent novel research suggests that nutritional interventions may represent a cost-saving, effective and safe method for reducing the incidence of asthmatic attacks. Several nutritional interventions have been shown to be effective at reducing a specific phenotype of asthma called exercise induced bronchoconstriction without any harmful side effects. This PhD will investigate further dietary interventions to reduce exercise induced bronchoconstriction and airway inflammation. The candidate will join a successful team of multi-disciplinary scientists from several institutions, and will work in state-of-the-art laboratories with exceptional core facilities.
Keywords: Asthma; Exercise; Diet
Research categories: Biochemistry and Cell Biology,Human Movement and Sports Science,Immunology,Medical Physiology,Nutrition and Dietetics,Physiology Locations: Centre for Health Sciences Research,School of Health and Medical Sciences Principal Supervisor: Assoc Prof Dean Mills Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Compact Local Approximations, Based on Integrated Radial Basis Functions, For Solving Mechanics ProblemsDescription: The behaviour of mechanics problems can be modelled by differential equations (DEs). in solving DEs, one needs to express the field variables as linear combinations of nodal function values. Compact ...
The behaviour of mechanics problems can be modelled by differential equations (DEs). in solving DEs, one needs to express the field variables as linear combinations of nodal function values. Compact local approximations, where nodal values of DEs are also included, allow the achievement of high levels of accuracy of the solution and sparseness of the system matrix together. This project is concerned with the use of compact local approximations, based on integrated radial basis functions, to represent the field variables in DEs to enhance the efficiency of numerical solution procedures.
Keywords: Partial differential equation, radial basis function, mechanics, numerical method, compact local approximation
Research categories: Applied Mathematics,Interdisciplinary Engineering,Numerical and Computational Mathematics Locations: Computational Engineering and Science Research Centre,Institute for Agriculture and the Environment,School of Engineering Principal Supervisor: Professor Nam Mai-Duy Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Water Energy Food NexusDescription: The agri-food chain consumes about one third of the world’s energy production and 80-90% of total global freshwater use. The water energy food nexus is also well documented globally. Optimal water ef...
The agri-food chain consumes about one third of the world’s energy production and 80-90% of total global freshwater use. The water energy food nexus is also well documented globally. Optimal water efficiency in irrigation can only be achieved by piping irrigation networks. Operating such systems however involves far higher energy usage. This project will study and compare the different measures to optimise energy productivity and sustainability including the uses of renewable energy in agriculture.
Keywords: Water, Energy, Food
Research categories: Agriculture, Land and Farm Management Locations: Institute for Agriculture and the Environment Principal Supervisor: Assoc Prof Guangnan Chen Other Supervisors: Assoc Prof Troy Jensen View More Details |
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Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Business CycleDescription: To further evaluate the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions – particularly carbon dioxide – and the phases of the business cycle. This study would be quantitative in nature requiring the ca...
To further evaluate the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions – particularly carbon dioxide – and the phases of the business cycle. This study would be quantitative in nature requiring the candidate to be well skilled in advanced econometric techniques – such as cointegration analysis and error correction modelling, as well as the technique of decomposition analysis – and would extend existing published work by the Principal Supervisor (see, for example, Applied Energy, 2015).
Keywords: Greenhouse gas emissions, carbon dioxide, business cycle phases, cointegration analysis, decomposition analysis, error correction modelling.
Research categories: Applied Economics,Econometrics Locations: School of Business Principal Supervisor: Professor Allan Layton Other Supervisors: Professor Khorshed Alam View More Details |
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Effect of Early-diagnosed Dementia on Normal Gait COP PathDescription: In this research the effect of early-diagnosed dementia subjected will be tested to determine whether this chronic illness affect both low-limbs. The COP path of early-diagnosed dementia subjects wi...
In this research the effect of early-diagnosed dementia subjected will be tested to determine whether this chronic illness affect both low-limbs. The COP path of early-diagnosed dementia subjects will be tested on level surface and short access ramp upslope and downslope walking. Plantar pressure will be acquired during gait on these surfaces. A newly developed COP path analysis technique will be utilised to determine the effect on both low-limbs gait characteristics. COP path and plantar pressure distribution will be compared to the data of adults and older adults to determine the incidence of COP path anomalies.
Keywords: Plantar pressure, gait, dementia, COP path, older adult
Research categories: Human Movement and Sports Science Locations: Centre for Health Sciences Research Principal Supervisor: Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Machine Learning Techniques for Wireless Communications and Biomedical Signal ClassificationDescription: This PhD project aims to conduct research in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms towards developing a prototype for human-to-machine interfacing and brain-to-brain communi...
This PhD project aims to conduct research in artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) algorithms towards developing a prototype for human-to-machine interfacing and brain-to-brain communication.
The candidate will conduct research on developing novel artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) based strategies for wireless communication and biomedical signal classification. The project will involve developing AI/ML algorithms in an experimental test-bed to demonstrate key concepts of the project.
This project will identify and address many challenges associated with vicarious transmission of information from people to people without using known human sensory channels or physical interactions. Key focus areas include developing a test-bed for capturing, training and testing brain signals for communication; designing and implementing suitable online/off-line training methods to interpret brain signals to human-readable languages.
The project will suit a Master of Research, or a PhD student interested in AI and machine learning. A student with a background in AI, machine learning, electrical engineering, physics, computing or data science is highly sought. The project is highly innovative and will feed into ongoing research within our team. It may have opportunities to collaborate with industry organisations and a strong emphasis on publications.
Our research team (Advanced Data Analytics) has a strong track record and industry collaborations in the application of machine learning for telecommunications, health, agriculture, solar radiation, air quality, etc.
Keywords: machine learning; artificial intelligence; telecommunications engineering; data science; brain communications; communication systems
Research categories: Artificial Intelligence,Artificial Intelligence and Image Processing,Communications Engineering,Communications Technologies,Computer Vision And Multimedia Computation,Electrical Engineering Locations: School of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Principal Supervisor: Professor Ravinesh Deo Other Supervisors: Professor Jeffrey Soar View More Details |
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Applying Social Ecological Approaches to Water MarketsDescription: Water trading systems provide an economic framework for the transfer of quantities of water—private ownership of which is endowed by statutory water rights legislation—to enhance/ensure highest value...
Water trading systems provide an economic framework for the transfer of quantities of water—private ownership of which is endowed by statutory water rights legislation—to enhance/ensure highest value end use (i.e. optimisation) of scarce water resources. In this way, water markets commoditise water within an economic production-focused framework. However, water resources have significant value beyond their function in short-term economic activity. In reality, there are many competing demands for water resources and ensuring and allocating sufficient water of acceptable quality for different uses and users is a highly complex task, often subject to value conflicts. Despite this, the environmental and social impacts of water markets are relatively unknown. The 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment espoused an ecosystem services framework for investigating the wider socio-ecological values associated with biodiversity and natural systems which has since gained acceptance as a guiding principle in environmental policy making. This research applies an ecosystem services valuation approach to contemporary water markets operating in the Murray Darling Basin, Australia, to better understand the socio-economic-ecological trade-offs and synergies associated with this form of water resource governance. It will investigate the broader socio-ecological values related to water trading to develop an integrated water benefits model of the total transaction system. It will also explore techniques to link bio-physical and socio-economic values, as well how these values change over different spatial, temporal and social organisational scales. Finally, it will critically analyse a range of policy settings (including a range of instruments and interventions) and provide a foundation for improved water resource decision-making and management.
Keywords:
Research categories: Agriculture, Land and Farm Management,Applied Economics,Environmental Science and Management Locations: International Centre for Applied Climate Sciences Principal Supervisor: Professor Shahbaz Mushtaq Other Supervisors: Dr Kathryn Reardon-Smith View More Details |
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Global Childhoods: Lifeworlds and Educational Success in Australia and AsiaDescription: This thesis topic will be undertaken as part of an ARC Discovery project that investigates how everyday lifeworlds of Year 4 (9-10 year of age) students in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore shape ch...
This thesis topic will be undertaken as part of an ARC Discovery project that investigates how everyday lifeworlds of Year 4 (9-10 year of age) students in Australia, Hong Kong and Singapore shape children’s orientations to educational success. Situated in the global cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Hong Kong and Singapore, the ARC Discovery project explores connections between policy contexts, school experiences and everyday activities of children growing up in the Asian Century.
This exciting ARC Discovery project is a partnership between Flinders University, The University of Southern Queensland, The University of Newcastle, the National Institute of Education in Singapore and the Education University of Hong Kong.
The ARC project has two funded PhD scholarships, one of which will be based at the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) with Prof Sue Saltmarsh as the Principal Supervisor. Associate supervision will be provided by the other members of the research team located within Australia (Professor Nicola Yelland, Flinders; and Dr I-Fang Lee, University of Newcastle), with Dr Sayan Chakrabarty as the USQ-based Associate Supervisor.
The USQ PhD scholarship candidate will focus on the intersection of policy and culture, with suggested topics including:
- The ways in which policy discourse shapes and is shaped by everyday practices of teachers, families and students
- How the articulation of testing and student outcomes within policy discourse is implicated in producing context-specific educational and cultural practices
- How local responses and resistances to policy discourse, policy effects and policy cultures compare to responses and resistances in the broader global context
In addition to the ARC scholarship, this program of research can accommodate additional postgraduate students interested in exploring aspects of the above topics, or other related topics in consultation with Professor Saltmarsh. The research team has expertise in social, cultural, educational and economic theory, and draws on qualitative research methodologies including ethnography, visual ethnography, discourse analysis, social semiotics and policy studies, and quantitative methods including surveys, questionnaires and statistical analysis.
Keywords: education, education policy, childhood studies, culture
Research categories: Specialist Studies in Education Locations: School of education Principal Supervisor: Other Supervisors: Dr Sayan Chakrabarty View More Details |
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Remote healthcare and diagnostics for treating glaucoma using cameras in mobile devicesDescription: This project aims to develop a novel non-clinical monitoring of intraocular health using cameras in mobile devices to capture and transmit required imaging data to the treating optometrist(s) and oph...
This project aims to develop a novel non-clinical monitoring of intraocular health using cameras in mobile devices to capture and transmit required imaging data to the treating optometrist(s) and ophthalmologist(s). Further scope narrowing is required to better understand the research problem(s) and its potential application in the rural and remote healthcare. The approach will include conducting a literature review, technical feasibility, and experimental design. The expected outcome is a desktop study for proofing the concept and potentially supported by industry partner(s). This project will involve initial scoping, definition, and evaluation of current technologies and practices, identify any constraints and parameters, and finally proposes conceptual design options that may fulfil the design objectives.
Keywords: Mechatronic engineering, biomedical engineering, wireless and remote healthcare, mobile devices, glaucoma
Research categories: Biomedical Engineering,Electrical and Electronic Engineering,Engineering Design,Ophthalmology And Optometry,Public Health and Health Services Locations: Centre for Health Sciences Research,School of Engineering Principal Supervisor: Assoc Prof Steven Goh Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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How do different mycorrhizal fungi affect plant defences against insect herbivores?Description: Most plants on land associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (subphylum: Glomeromycotina). These fungi can provide plants with access to important resources (i.e. phosphorus) while the plants...
Most plants on land associate with arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi (subphylum: Glomeromycotina). These fungi can provide plants with access to important resources (i.e. phosphorus) while the plants provide the fungi with carbon. In both natural and managed ecosystems, plants are attacked by at least one, if not many, insect herbivores. For crop production, this can mean significant impacts on yield.
The prophylactic application and reliance on many pesticides and fertilisers is unsustainable. As crop production must increase its sustainability the symbiosis between AM fungi and crop plants offers vast potential to increase plant growth, nutreint uptake and resistance to pests. This project will investigate how AM fungal community assemblage relates to plant defences against insect herbivores.
This project will incorporate field-based (soil and root sampling), controlled-environment experimentation (glasshouse experiments) and lab-based analyses (amplicon sequencing) to disentangle how different AM fungi impact the defences of important Australian crop species.
Keywords: arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, microbial ecology, plant defence, pest protection, plant defence
Research categories: Crop and Pasture Production,Ecology,Plant Biology Locations: Centre for Crop Health Principal Supervisor: Dr Adam Frew Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Studies in 20th Century Symphonic MusicDescription: My supervisory range is fairly widespread around a number of music history topics from 16th century music to concert music of the present. in particular I have expertise in 20th century Australian m...
My supervisory range is fairly widespread around a number of music history topics from 16th century music to concert music of the present. in particular I have expertise in 20th century Australian music and symphonic music from throughout the century.
Keywords: 20th Century Symphonic Music
Research categories: Historical Studies Locations: School of Humanities & Communication Principal Supervisor: Professor Rhod McNeill Other Supervisors: View More Details |
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Legal reforms in South East Asia and the benefits of legal transplantsDescription: This project squarely discuss legal reforms that are inspired by overseas experiences in one of these legal systems: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. These legal system...
This project squarely discuss legal reforms that are inspired by overseas experiences in one of these legal systems: China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Thailand. These legal systems are leading the legal development of their surrounding nations . There is a need to ensure that there are clear guidelines/procedures on the method/s that legal transplants are to be implemented.Legal reforms must be assessed in their sociological context and that includes an evaluation of the way norms interact with stakeholders, legal practitioners, and the judiciary. This assessment should not be confused with an evaluation of the success of a legal transplant. As Harding points, the success of a legal transplant can be measured by assessing its implementation and transplants can certainly fail. The thesis will consider law reforms as ‘driver of change’ that , among others sociological and political elements,seek to increase the competitiveness of national economies.
Keywords: Comparative law, legal reforms in Asia, legal transplants
Research categories: Language Studies,Law,Philosophy Locations: School of Law and Justice Principal Supervisor: Assoc Prof Vito Breda Other Supervisors: View More Details |