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The Echo
Issue 8, November 2006

return from the Apple Isle, for your information
By Rod Beecham Stewart did his postgraduate work an academic. If I’d wanted to do “Firstly, financial accounting is
STEWArT Leech may not be well in Tasmania, and, “with the exception that I would have stayed a chartered very much related to capital markets,
known to undergraduate students of one small stint at the University of accountant or been in business.” financial statements and analysing
because he currently teaches only Sydney,” spent the next 26 years of financial information. Management
postgraduates. But as Head of the his life in Hobart. Accounting vs accounting looks at performance
Department of Accounting and “I was appointed to the Chair in Information Systems evaluation in organisations and,
Business Information Systems, he Tasmania in 99 and had been Head Asked about the relationship between finally, accounting information
is an important figure in the Faculty, of Department down there ever since. the long-established practice of systems is looking at things like the
and his history and the direction of It was a three-year appointment but accounting and the relatively new effect of an ErP (Enterprise resource
his research are of great interest. no one else ever wanted to do it!” phenomenon of information systems, Planning) system on organisations.”
Stewart is a Commerce graduate Friendly pressure was placed on Stewart comments: “It’s an uneasy Stewart’s major research, over
of the University of Melbourne, Stewart by his old university to return relationship. Especially in Australia, the last 5 years, concerns the effects
and after a short period in industry, and he did so in July 2000, partly to there are probably few of us who of computer-based decision-aids on
he was attracted back in 970 as a be closer to his elderly father and cross the boundary between the two. insolvency and corporate recovery.
Senior Tutor to support staff in the partly to escape the responsibilities The distinction between financial The research has evolved from an
first course offered in Electronic Dataof being Head of Department and accounting and that of management interest in exactly how insolvency
Processing (EDP) in the Faculty of to devote more time to pursue his accounting is fairly clear,” he says. practitioners make decisions about a
Economics and Commerce. research and his teaching, which company they’ve been put in charge
have always been important to him. of when it’s in financial difficulties.
The Apple Isle “I think these days there are “This seemed to me to be much
The University of Melbourne was two careers in academia,” Stewart more significant than an auditing
not the first institution in Australia reflects, “I had previously been judgement, because the judgement
to offer EDP: the University of offered a Dean’s job and I’d said no. of the insolvency practitioner was
Tasmania introduced such a subject If you go down that track you end up essentially affecting the future of the
in 965. After three years, Stewart being Pro-Vice-Chancellor, maybe company, its staff and its creditors.
left Melbourne for Hobart to take even Vice-Chancellor, but that’s a We discovered we could model
over this subject. very different career-path from being continued on page 2

Do you want to experience
learning in a new culture
or country?
Exchange at U Penn? You bet!
Pasarn Intarangsi is a third-year Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Science student who recently began his
The Faculty of Economics exchange at the University of Pennsylvania (Wharton School of Business) in the USA.
and Commerce promotes My exchange journey began in New did not have time to properly unpack
opportunities for Australian York where I spent a week enjoying or settle down until the week after!
the sights, crowds and atmosphere The first taste of classes at the
students to take part of
of the Big Apple – America’s Wharton School of Business was not
their degree at an overseas
biggest and busiest city – before only overwhelming and intimidating,
university. making my way to the University of but also challenging and intriguing.
It’s never too early to start Pennsylvania. I found myself in a class where half
thinking about exchange My first impression of U Penn of my classmates were MBA students
and applications for was that the campus was very old, and half were undergraduates who
Semester Two 2007 close charming. It made me feel like I had had Wall Street internships!
was walking through a historical In lectures I was also bombarded
on Monday December 4,
landmark, rather than a university. by screenshots from Bloomberg,
2006.
However, I soon realised that and managed to get myself three
See www.ecom.unimelb. this should not be a surprise to me assignments due in a week.
edu.au/students/ because I was walking through Overall, the first three weeks of
exchange/ for details. America’s first university, an actual my exchange have been fascinating
historical landmark. and thanks goes to all the staff from
Exchange – what an During my first week there were Melbourne University who helped to Commerce exchange student
experience! so many orientation activities that I make this exchange possible. Pasarn Intarangsi at Capitol Hill

From the Teaching and Learning Unit - 205 Babel Building, (03) 8344 3645/4464
CommuniKate Hot dates and red tape
Thursday 26 October: Call for expressions of interest in mentor positions
for the First-Year Peer Mentoring Program. Applications (statement of
Dear CommuniKate, interest and CV) and enquiries to rebecca at ralever@unimelb.edu.au.
Now that the semester has ﬁnished, I would like to get some work monday 30 October – Friday 3 november: SWOT Vac period.
experience over the summer break. I just don’t know how to go about monday 6 november – Friday 24 november: Semester 2 exam period.
this though…any thoughts? Thursday 16 november: Applications for the National Youth roundtable
Thanks, close. The Government’s youth consultation process, roundtable brings
Jess together young people from across Australia to discuss issues that impact
Dear Jess, upon youth. For information visit www.thesource.gov.au/involve/NYr.
Good for you! I applaud the initiative. Here are some ideas. Friday 24 november: Honours applications close.
Saturday november 25: Last day for timely 2007 re-enrolment.
Put together a list of companies that do work in fields you are interested in or Sunday 26 november – Saturday 9 December: You can still enrol for
that would be useful to you for when you graduate. Do some initial research 2007 but you will incur a $250 late enrolment fine.
either by phone or internet and find out the name of the manager in charge of monday 4 December: Study Abroad/Exchange applications due for travel
the division/unit/store that you would like to work in. If you are not sure of in Semester 2, 2007.
the specifics, find out the name of the HR manager. Make sure you ask your After Saturday 9 December: If you have not successfully re-enroled you
networks for recommendations and referrals. will be cancelled from your course and will need to re-apply for admission.
Send a one-page letter to this person. You want the tone to be open and Tuesday 5 December – Friday 15 December: Special Consideration
friendly, and demonstrate that you are professional and competent. Start by Exam & Final Subject rule Exam period.
explaining who you are and make it clear what you would like of them.
Don’t waffle, get straight to the point. For example:
Dear Ms Jones,
Babel Babble
Exam information again, exams come around so quickly! Please be sure to
I am a second-year Economics and Commerce student at the
read the exams section of the SIS webpage thoroughly, especially if you are
University of Melbourne and I would like do some work in your
in your first semester. Exams can be stressful, so don’t add to the pressure
organisation over the semester break.
by not knowing where your exam venue is and arriving late. Allow for unex-
Now you want a concise statement about what you have to offer the pected events such as public transport or traffic problems (What? Never?).
organisation. If you only had 60 seconds of somebody’s time what would • Your seat number will be available three days before your exam on the SIS
you say to influence them? Highlight the ways in which you could add value website. remember, this changes for each exam.
– quick learner, enthusiastic, strong analytical skills, attention to detail. • Check and re-check your exam times, venues and dates! Unfortunately,
missing an exam because you misread your timetable is not grounds for
I believe I could be a valuable addition to your team over the next
special consideration.
three months because I am/have [insert value-adding qualities].
• Take your student ID, pens and pencils. Check first if you are allowed to
Suggest the type of work you want to do, but leave their options open. Attach take a calculator and, if so, make sure you have the appropriate type.
a one-page executive summary of relevant work experience or transferable
Students who have failed a subject in their final year should familiarise them-
skills you possess, but beware of embellishing. Think confident but factual.
selves with the Final Subject rule (FSr). Please refer to the Undergraduate
Ideally, I see myself in a support role in [accounts division, HR Handbook or talk to us in the Undergraduate Student Centre (ground floor,
division]; however I am open to other opportunities you may have. Babel Building) if you are unsure about your eligibility for the FSr.
I have enclosed a one-page executive summary to provide you with Summer Semester times are available on the SIS timetable. Please check
information on the skills and abilities I can bring to a position. I will these times carefully and ensure that if you are enrolled in two subjects,
call you by the end of the week to discuss this request. there are no lecture clashes. Also be aware of the census dates for withdraw-
Yours sincerely, ing from Summer subjects, available at http://fee.acs.unimelb.edu.au/csp.
Jess Smith aspx. Summer Semester is very short so you have less time to withdraw. You
Executives are so overloaded with emails, you may make more impact with may only enrol in subjects up to the first day of teaching.
sending the letter on good quality paper. Be very, very careful with proof- Information about Special Consideration, contacts and links to the applica-
reading. First impressions count, and if you have made errors you may not tion are available at http://www.ecom.unimelb.edu.au/students/special/.
get a second chance. Finally, make sure you follow up; the cost of hesitating
It is your responsibility to remain in contact with the University during the
may be huge. Great careers have started on such humble beginnings!
holidays so please check your University email account regularly. The Un-
CommuniKate dergraduate Student Centre will be closed from 25 December – January 3
If you have a question that you would like CommuniKate to answer, please and will re-open from 8.45am –5.00pm, Monday to Friday.
send your queries to: ralever@unimelb.edu.au.
continued from page 1 Journal of Digital Accounting

What’s The Echo?
The Echo is a student newspaper created exclusively for students stud-
insolvency decisions. We built an
expert system to test the theory that
Research.
He has been recognised by the
such a system could be used in the American Accounting Association
ying in the Faculty of Economics and Commerce. The Echo is de- where he was awarded the Artificial
field by a novice – say, someone two
signed to reflect student opinions and ideas, but to do that we need Intelligence/Emerging Technologies
or three years out – to make the same
to hear from you. We welcome student contributions, including
decisions an expert would make.” Section 2003-2004 Outstanding
stories and articles about interesting people or events within the Faculty.
Indicative of his experience and Educator Award “for pioneering
If you would like to contribute to The Echo please email ralever@unimelb.
standing in the field are Stewart’s work and inspirational leadership in
edu.au.
positions as Associate Editor of the the teaching of artificial intelligence
International Journal of Accounting in accounting” and the 2005-2006
The Echo is a monthly newspaper for all students in the Faculty of Economics and Outstanding researcher Award “for
Information Systems, as well as his
Commerce, published by the Teaching and Learning Unit. All information in The Echo is
provided in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be accurate and current as membership on the editorial board extraordinary academic achieve-
at the date of publication. Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily endorsed or of a number of leading academic ments and leadership in research”.
approved by the Faculty or the University of Melbourne. Print run: 2000. Contributors: journals, including: the Journal of And how did he end up being
rod Beecham, Pasarn Intarangsi, Ben Le, Geraldine Fitzgerald, Yee Fei Liew, Thomas Information Systems, Intelligent a Head of Department again?
Nguyen, Emily Zhang, Dr. Martin Davies, Rees Quilford and the Undergraduate Office.
Production and Layout: rebecca Lever. Printed by: Streamline Printing. Systems in Accounting Finance and Stewart laughs. “Maggie was very
Management and the International persuasive!”

From the Teaching and Learning Unit - 205 Babel Building, (03) 8344 3645/4464 2
Students at work, rest and play Twenty questions - with Yee Fei Liew
WheRe to now? Ben Le chats to some recent economics and Com-
merce graduates to ﬁnd out where their paths have taken them. Hui Ling is in her final semester of the BCom.

Reality is hitting home for final-year “It was one of the scariest things Describe yourself in three words…Way too old.
Commerce students who are about to I’ve ever done,” said the bubbly 22- Describe a typical day for you…Wake up, eat,
graduate and embark upon pursuits year old. sleep, typical everyday stuff…oh yeah, classes.
in work, further study and travel. “But the experience was awesome What are you passionate about? Lots of things.
The Faculty of Economics and and I’d definitely recommend to stu- my favourite day of the week is…No preference.
Commerce’s Graduate Destination dents to go out and see the world.” What are you reading at the moment? Fleur-
Survey revealed that 89 percent of Travel was also a must for Jason de-lis by Isolde Martyn.
students from the 2005 cohort joined Dang, who currently works as a full- how do you feel being at melbourne Uni? Great! I’m loving it.
the full-time workforce within four time auditor at mid-tier accounting I’m at my happiest when…happy things happen. A trip to the Bahamas
months of graduation. firm William Buck. or a Lamborghini wouldn’t be too far off.
Job descriptions were dispersed Jason backpacked through Europe What do you think deﬁnes Australian culture? Diversity.
across the four disciplines from ac- and Asia as part of his three-month Who would you most like to meet? Can’t think of anyone right now.
countant to research economist, adventure with two friends. Seen any good movies lately? Step Up. Nothing like a guy, a girl and a
while employers ranged from the “Oh my god, it was so much fun. fantastic final production to rev things up.
prestigious Big 4 accounting firms Although I really enjoy the work I’m I’m most afraid of…Chucky, maybe.
to banks and management consult- doing as an auditor too. I’m just glad When I was a kid I really loved…Barbie. Chucky ruined that.
ing firms. I have done both work and travel What music are you listening to at the moment? Everything. If I like it,
While most students did pursue since graduating.” I listen to it.
full-time work, taking time off to Michael Lie, a final-year account- People would say my worst habit is…they don’t say, they just laugh,
travel still remains a popular option ing and finance student, has chosen a frown, or poke.
for many students. different path and hopes to join the Where would you most like to travel to? There are so many places I
For 2005 graduate, Melissa Yap, Faculty’s honours program in 2007. don’t even know where to begin.
now working as a full-time mar- “I really like the idea of further my last meal would be…a fantabulous affair. Hopefully my dentures
keting intern at Mini Cooper, the study, plus an extra year at uni isn’t would hold out then.
prospect of travel and work seemed really that bad either,” said the ambi- What annoys you? Bad service.
equally appealing. tious student. how would you describe your style? Casual chic.
After much deliberation dur- All three students agreed that it The most embarrassing trend I followed was…I don’t remember
ing her final semester, Melissa pur- was important for students to try dif- anything particularly embarrassing…no scandalous stuff here.
chased her tickets and set off alone ferent things before settling into a If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? An end
on a two-month trip to Europe. permanent job. to all suffering.

Anna Jones is a Lecturer in Higher Education
in the Teaching and Learning Unit.
Describe yourself in three words…Hard-
working, patient and a bit moody sometimes.
Describe a typical day for you…Get up, walk
the dogs, come to work, go to the gym, go home,
do some work on my Ph.D thesis and sleep.
What are you passionate about? Ideas, the
environment and the state of the world. And
travel, which is my favourite thing.
my favourite day of the week is… Saturday because I don’t have to go
to the office.
What are you reading at the moment? Apart from books for my thesis,
Love Over Scotland by Alexander McCall Smith. It is a really gentle,
funny and very perceptive book.
how do you feel being at melbourne Uni? Loving it! It’s a great place
London calling: Melissa Yap and her friend take time out to visit the to be.
world’s most famous department store, Harrods I’m at my happiest when…I’m in the countryside.
What do you think deﬁnes Australian culture? relaxed, its friendliness
and self-deprecating humour.

Jelly Slice From the kitchen of Geraldine Fitzgerald
Who would you most like to meet? Colin Firth. How superficial is that?
Nelson Mandela maybe.
Seen any good movies lately? Jindabyne. I like seeing Australian
Who’s Geraldine? Geraldine is one of the friendly faces in the Undergradu-
ate Student Centre in the Babel Building. If you try any of her recipes let movies but the ending of this one was a bit unconvincing.
her know how you liked them at: glf@unimelb.edu.au. I’m most afraid of…Failing my Ph.D. No, global warming really.
When I was a kid I really loved…Playing with my sister. Going
Top layer ingredients: packet of raspberry/strawberry quick set jelly – camping with my Dad.
-/2 cups of boiling water. What music are you listening to at the moment? Dixie Chicks. Mozart
Base ingredients: packet of Marie biscuits – 25g of melted butter. when I’m working.
middle layer ingredients: can of condensed milk – 2 lemons, juiced – People would say my worst habit is…Getting grumpy when I am tired.
Tbsp of plain gelatin – cup of boiling water. Where would you most like to travel to? The Arctic Circle. I want to
method: Dissolve jelly in water; let cool. Crush biscuits and mix with but- go to Iceland, Alaska and northern Canada.
ter, press into a 9x9” baking pan lined with foil and put in fridge until set my last meal would be… A masala dosai - an Indian dish.
(5-0 minutes). Dissolve gelatin in water and add to condensed milk. Mix What annoys you? Car alarms and bossy people.
gently. Add to base once it is set. Put back into fridge. Once the condensed how would you describe your style? Scruffy. I don’t like ironing.
milk layer is firm, gently spoon the raspberry gelatin on top so as not to dis- The most embarrassing trend I followed was…Overalls.
turb the other layers. Allow to set firm in fridge, then cut into squares. If you could change one thing in the world what would it be? War.

From the Teaching and Learning Unit - 205 Babel Building, (03) 8344 3645/4464 3
Money guru shares a wealth of knowledge
The entrepreneurial Investment motivating and interesting, and re- about the sharemarket, entrepreneur- If you are interested in joining,
Club’s (eIC) last blockbuster ceived extremely positive feedback ial success stories and leadership. please email eic.clubs@gmail.com
guest speaker event for 2007 was a from students who warmed to his EIC will be organising many or call to speak with one of the club
smashing success. presentation style. more guest speaker and corporate founders on 0423 774 970.
A packed lecture theatre of bud- “As his feet are grounded, you networking events in 2007. - Emily Zhang
ding entrepreneurs were mesmerised can relate to what he says and there
by the motivating words of reuben is a genuine sense he wants to help”
Buchanan, described by students as one student said.
“awesome”, “inspirational” and “full Other students said they enjoyed
of knowledge”. his sense of humour and remarked
reuben is founder of the Wealth that he wasn’t like other presenters
Creator magazine and host of the they had heard.
2005 TV show by the same name, This isn’t surprising as reuben
as well as being the face the popular has had over 3 years of experience
Money Market Report. in TV advertising.
reuben has wealth of knowledge EIC is a new and exciting club run
and experience in wealth creation entirely by University of Melbourne
and public speaking, having inter- students, and is the only student in-
viewed a host of great entrepreneurs vestment club in Australia.
such as Sir richard Branson, robert EIC aims to raise awareness of en-
Kiyosaki, rupert Murdoch and Don- trepreneurial investment opportuni-
ald Trump, to name just a few. ties by creating a vibrant educational Budding entrepreneurs: Donald Payne, Evgueni Filippov, Simon Wang ,
reuben’s tips on investment/en- atmosphere in which students can Phuong Mai Nguyen, Jolene Buchanan, Reuben Buchanan, Jess Logan,
trepreneurial strategies were both actively participate in discussions Navid Wasimi, Yi Ming Hu and Edward Payne

Good Mornington, noon and night
SOme 37 Postgraduate students Astounded by the isolation
recently attended an excursion and beauty, they also learned
to the mornington Peninsula, of the recent fight for the area’s
travelling to Point nepean preservation as public land.
national Park for an open-air We travelled on to three wineries:
tractor train ride, to the very Stoniers, Tuck’s ridge and The
end of the peninsula. Cup’s Estate and then to Arthur’s Seat
Students learned about the now for a slow lunch in perfect sunshine
abandoned military installation, and while enjoying the stunning views of
how it was the location of the first the bays. Home by 7.00pm, a fine
allied shots fired in anger in both day was had by all.
WWI and WWII. Excursions are intended to
Students also learned about the offer students an appreciation
loss of the then Prime Minister of Australia’s unique lifestyle
Harold Holt off Cheviot Beach in and culture, and allow them to
the 960s, and the paranoia that mix, make friends, and practice
followed during the days of the their English.
domino theory and the “red scare”. - Dr Martin Davies

Leading lights prove illuminating for students
On October 17, esteemed guests but also an understanding of human • Darren Saffin, President of the noted that emotional intelligence is
and students held an open discus- behaviour to lead effectively. Melbourne Junior Chamber of Com- becoming more important as an ef-
sion on leadership at the inaugural • Marilyn Forde, CEO of The CEO merce, encouraged students to “go fective tool of leadership.
Student Leader’s Forum. Circle Melbourne, offered a differ- out and play”, to develop leadership Questions flowed from the audi-
Organised by AIESEC Mel- ent view in that not everyone is a through extra curricular activities. ence and various topics were dis-
bourne, the event gathered various natural leader whereby they are the • Julia Fraser, Director of Leader- cussed including women in the work-
distinguished community leaders to first person that people turn to, but ship and Community Programs of force, leadership characteristics and
impart their wisdom, knowledge and that a good leader means doing the Asialink, suggested that good lead-
how to develop them, the changing
experiences, to help students become best that you possibly can. ers have good character, the ability
concept of leadership, culture and its
leaders in their own right. • Andrew Dexter, MD of JPMorgan, to build and maintain relationships
impact on developing leadership and
The concept and importance of suggested that having a vision, a per- across all cultures, and the mindset
leadership was discussed as the sev- sonal tool kit, and being aware of and to learn from past failures. leadership in politics.
en panellists shared their opinions: seizing opportunities allowed for the • Peter Ellyard, Executive Director of With the overwhelmingly positive
• Christopher Shen, Principal of CJS development of leadership. Preferred Futures, advocated the no- feedback from panellists, visitors and
High Performance Consulting, iden- • Peter Matthey, Partner Transaction tion that having preferred futures for students, AIESEC Melbourne hopes
tified that young people not only Services of KPMG, recognised the ourselves and taking steps to make that the event becomes a staple in the
need a strong work ethic, and the importance of teams and that leaders them happen will allow for effective University calendar.
belief and drive to become leaders, must have a team behind them. leadership in all other settings. He - Thomas Nguyen

From the Teaching and Learning Unit - 205 Babel Building, (03) 8344 3645/4464 4