Centre for Regional Engagement
The ASU has undertaken the following projects on a consultancy basis. Projects undertaken prior to the establishment of the ASU are credited to John Petkov and can be seen on his home page.
2003 (Stage one completed )
2004 (Stage two completed)
The Barometer Survey: A survey of Whyalla residents’ opinions
Client: Whyalla City Council
A longitudinal study of residents' attitudes toward the various services that are traditionally offered by Council. The baseline survey was followed by two further surveys to gauge any changes in those opinions, hence the title ‘barometer’. In addition, questions were included regarding specific proposed plans and/or changes, to provide Council with an indication of the general population’s reaction.
Stage Three incorporated a section for questions about the proposed Whyalla Foreshore and Town Master plan. This was an integral part of Council’s community consultation process in regard to the proposed development.
· Design survey
· Implement survey
· Collate & key data
· Analyse & report results with recommendations
2005
Mount Gambier University Campus Feasibility Study
Client: Mount Gambier University Campus Steering Committee
An exploration into the viability of establishing a university campus in Mount Gambier; involving quantitative and qualitative reporting. Surveys were conducted to assess the current and future needs of a campus; perceived benefits to the Limestone Coast Region for its establishment and to assess the level of support from the different sections of the community.
Library User Survey: Customer Use and Satisfaction
Client: Whyalla City Council
Council’s library staff sought feedback from its users about the services it currently provides and ideas on future services to make using the library a more enjoyable experience.
Stay on your feet, Whyalla: Elderly people’s perceptions of falls risks, pre and post program
Client: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
Study of older people’s perception of fall risks, before and after the introduction of the ‘Stay on your feet – Whyalla’ program. Two part study to determine the effectiveness of the program.
Analyse & report results
Investigation of recreational drug use in the tuna industry at Port Lincoln
Client: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
Analysis of a survey of industry workers, both on and off-shore, to ascertain the level of recreational drug use.
Report results
Coke Oven Coal Trials
Client: OneSteel
Analyse the properties of seven different coal types/blends during each stage of the coal-to-coke process to determine the significant differences and yield.
Recommendations
Hammer Mill Coal Trials
Client: OneSteel
Analyse four coal sizes under varying conditions at the hammer mill, against stated target specifications.
Recommendations
Air Quality in Whyalla – An analysis of EPA report into dust emissions at Whyalla’s operation
Client: OneSteel
An in-depth analysis of historical data and review of the EPA’s report.
Report results and recommendations
Industrial Relations in the Upper Spencer Gulf
Client: Upper Spencer Gulf Common Purpose Group
Provide quantitative and qualitative data to enable conclusions to be drawn about possible changes to enhance the efficiency and capacity of the region, and to allow decisions to be made in regard to attracting investment for the region. The ASU conducted surveys and interviews of employers, employees, unions and economic development agencies, including comparisons of similar regions in Australia.
Analyse & report findings with recommendations
Attitudes of medical students, pre & post rural placement
Client: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
Two part study of the perceptions of medical students regarding their rural placements. Students were interviewed before and after their rural placement, the results compared to see if their attitudes changed.
Report results
Comparison of measurement procedures for Warfarin levels
Client: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
Analysis of two different methods of measuring Warfarin (a blood thinning agent) to determine the differences of using venous vs capillary blood
Report results
Partners in Health
Client: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
Survey of patients’ wellbeing and progress in Whyalla and Port Lincoln, as perceived by the patients vs their health provider. This was a two-part study, the second conducted 6-months later to compare perceptions and changes, if any.
Report results
Prevalence of Shoe Types
Client: Spencer Gulf Rural Health School
An assessment of the popularity of shoe types among children and associated foot problems
Report results
