The Faculty of Business and Law specialises in research that is topical and highly relevant to industry, government and the community. Through commissioned and self-generated research, we are passionate about helping to solve a range of real-world problems. Applied research is our strongest focus, however, we also undertake pure research that drives forward academic knowledge.

The Faculty has a history of excellence in applied research, with clients ranging from small businesses and community organisations, through to large organisations such as the US-based Merck Company Foundation (in the pharmaceuticals area) and government agencies. Some government clients of our commissioned research include: Department of Justice, Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development (DIIRD), Department of Education, Science and Technology (DEST) and the Victorian Multicultural Commission. Staff researchers have enjoyed excellent collaborations with smaller organisations such as JobWatch Inc., the Multicultural Centre for Women’s Health, Victorian local councils and Relationships Australia.

There have been hundreds of research projects over the years. They range from developing software tools to support negotiated decision making, and building ethical standards into corporate governance, to assessing the economic impacts of climate change, and studying the impact of WorkChoices legislation on Victorian workers. We also have a leading role in the Sustainable Tourism Co-operative Research Centre (STCRC), reflecting the Faculty's pioneering role in tourism research. Our Centre for Hospitality and Tourism Research has undertaken numerous successful CRC research projects over the years which have helped the industry identify opportunities, develop tools and assess industry trends. Recently, the Centre has begun expanding into international collaborative research, focusing particularly on environmentally sustainable tourism.

We host three University research centres. These are:

• Centre for Tourism and Services Research (CTSR)
• Centre for International Corporate Governance Research (CICGR)
• Centre for Strategic Economic Studies (CSES)

The Faculty also hosts the Communications Law Centre, which is widely know for its consulting and research in media and communications law.

The Faculty's emphasis on applied research and its strong links with industry, government agencies and community bodies has very real benefits for research students.

We can provide them with topics useful in the real world and link them with industry partners. This can also often lead to funding to help them in their research. As well, research students studying with the Faculty can benefit from belonging to a research centre or university institute, with all the resources and networking opportunities that involves.

Further Information

For general inquiries regarding research conducted by the Faculty of Business and Law contact Santina Bertone, Associate Dean (Research and Research Training) at Santina.Bertone@vu.edu.au.