Centre for Organisational Change and Agility (COCA)
About the centre
COCA focuses on sustainable solutions for key commercial and societal challenges within the context of globalisation, climate change, the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and other trends. We embed our research with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals as we seek to engage in impactful research. Our practice-informed research approach spans research topics from finance and global project management, global supply and value to leadership, business systems and organisational behaviour.
Professor Roslyn Cameron, Centre Director
Professor Cameron is Co-Convenor of the Mixed Methods Research Special Interest Group of Australia and New Zealand Academy of Management, a Board Member of Mixed Methods International Research Association (MMIRA), and a member of the Australian Human Resource Institute Advisory Research Panel in Australia. She has been awarded research grants for research into workforce development, skilled migration, workforce employability and the future of work. Professor Cameron leads our Human Resource Management cluster.
Contact Professor Ros Cameron for project partnerships or to learn more about our research centre.
Explore our areas of research
-
Tourism & HospitalityThe Tourism and Hospitality Research and Practice cluster focuses on contemporary experiences in tourism, hospitality, and related service and business industries, addressing global and Australian challenges. Foci include the sustainable design, delivery, and management of places and destinations; contemporary travel experiences through technology, leadership, and education; and comprehensive skill development for the workforce of the future, including aspects of inclusivity, well-being, and sustainability for marginalised groups. We deliver new theoretical insights and practical solutions for the future of the tourism and hospitality industry through strategic industry partnerships and collaborations.
-
Human Resources & Industrial RelationsThis cluster aligns with Torrens University Australia's “People and Industry for Impact” research theme, focusing on the transformative effects of the Fourth and Fifth Industrial Revolutions (4IR/5IR) and associated digital technologies. These advancements are reshaping industries and workforce dynamics, necessitating new skills and competencies for various professions. Key research areas include the impact of Smart Technology, Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Algorithms (STARA) on the future of work and workplace relations. The cluster also explores regional skill shortages, skilled migration, regional workforce sustainability, and leadership and management development. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the workforce is a significant area of interest, a theme that permeates many of COCA’s research clusters.
-
Strategy, Management & Organisational BehaviourOur research cluster operates at the dynamic intersection of contemporary organisational challenges, positioning itself as a catalyst for transformative research across public and private sectors. We advance knowledge through two complementary research streams, which collectively address the multifaceted nature of modern organisational environments. The streams are focused on technological innovation and human-centred organisational design, respectively.
Stream 1: Project, Engineering & Operations Management
This stream advances sustainable engineering, operations, and project management by embedding AI, predictive analytics, and decision‑support tools into lifecycle management, governance, and performance systems. We examine how emerging technologies transform decision‑making, risk allocation, and value creation, integrating systems thinking, adaptive management, and sustainable delivery models. Our goal is to produce evidence‑based insights that shape policy, guide investment, and set new benchmarks for sustainability in engineering and project management.
Stream 2: Leadership, Strategy & Organisational Behaviour
This stream explores the human dimensions of organisational excellence, investigating entrepreneurship, international business dynamics, and ethically responsible frameworks. Our research includes leadership, sustainable performance metrics, and innovative business model design. -
Business Information SystemsThe Business Information Systems (BIS) Research Cluster is a dynamic and interdisciplinary group dedicated to advancing the knowledge and application of information technology and systems in business environments. This includes Emerging Technologies: At the forefront of our research are cutting-edge technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, and Big Data. AI Leadership: We are committed to exploring the transformative potential of AI in business and the leadership strategies required to successfully implement and manage AI technologies within organisations. Ethics of Data: Our research addresses data privacy, security, and governance issues. Women in Technology: We are dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion within the technology sector. Our research cluster actively supports initiatives to empower women in technology, encouraging their participation and leadership in the field. We believe that diverse perspectives enhance innovation and drive better business outcomes.
The BIS Research Cluster is committed to fostering innovation and excellence in the field of business information systems. Through collaboration with industry partners, academic institutions, and policymakers, we aim to shape the future of business technology and create impactful solutions for real-world challenges. -
African Business StudiesOur vision is a thriving African business research environment that realises solutions and opportunities for the benefit of Africa, Africans and the world at large, guided by the UN Sustainable Development goals. Our mission is to conduct multidisciplinary research and help build capacity to address business issues for both diasporan and non-diasporan Africans. Key research areas include Models for Sustainable Business and Entrepreneurship, dynamics of Afropreneurship, markets and finance, technology, innovation and business, and education and capacity building.
Discover our live projects
This interdisciplinary and international event will bring together researchers, educators, students and practitioners from around the world who are passionate about advancing research and mixed methods across diverse fields and contexts.
Exploring digital competencies required of Human Resources Management professionals with increasing use of AI and associated technologies and impacts on the future of work. We explore the HR strategies and functions most likely to be affected in the 4IR digital age, the competencies and capabilities required by future HR professionals to better undertake these changing functions, and associated curriculum needs for HR professional education.
In partnership with Australian Human Resources Institute (AHRI), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (UK Charter) and Institute for Human Resource Professionals (Singapore Charter).
Exploring key challenges, enablers, and innovative strategies for attracting, developing, and retaining regional local government workforces and developing a comprehensive strategy and action plan for attracting, developing, and retaining local government workforces in regional South Australia. Legatus Project Advisory Committee.
Exploring innovative industry-based approaches to supporting adults in career transitions in a disrupted and rapidly changing landscape of work and employment configurations. The research will look at current career transition services, key impacts on adults currently in career transitions, and industry-based innovations to assist those in transition.
Investigating approaches to LMD programs by identifying models, frameworks and practices used in organisations globally. Currently there is little evidence as to how and why LD professionals and practitioners give priority to different approaches in the design and implementation of LMD programs in their organisations.
The application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) to WHS management, particularly in Australia, has been varied and inconsistent, and the extent to which it can improve WHS outcomes in construction is unclear. This project examines the opportunities to achieve WHS objectives through application of BIM in major construction projects.
Investigating the readiness of postgraduate business alumni for the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR) and associated changes impacting the nature of work and business professions. Findings will inform the employability skill sets required for teaching and delivery of future undergraduate/postgraduate business courses.
Against the backdrop of children’s rights and child labour protection, our researchers sought to understand the perception of children themselves in undertaking tourism-related work.
This project explores the concept of thriving within the hospitality sector, an industry marked by high-contact interactions, emotional labour, and rapidly evolving demands.
Discover our partners
Our partnerships are national and international with organisations that align with our Be Good Principles. Partnerships are developed at an individual, group, centre and institutional level and align with our university research themes and build our reputation and profile.
Our partnerships are national and international with organisations that align with our Be Good Principles. Partnerships are developed at an individual, group, centre and institutional level and align with our university research themes and build our reputation and profile.
-
LegatusLegatus Group is the peak regional local government organisation focusing on the wealth, wellbeing and social cohesion of its communities via sustainable productive landscapes and the natural environments and representing 15 local government areas in regional South Australia. Torrens University Australia partners with Legatus to study the local government workforce and their needs in regional South Australia.
CPA AustraliaCPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies with over 168,000 members in over 100 countries. Core services are provided to members including education, training, technical support and advocacy. The research project also provided benefits to the wider business community.
Association for Strategic ProfessionalsThe Association for Strategic Planning (or ASP) is a non-profit professional association setting global standards for strategic planning and management through thought leadership, professional development and certification.
Discover our partners
Our partnerships are national and international with organisations that align with our Be Good Principles. Partnerships are developed at an individual, group, centre and institutional level and align with our university research themes and build our reputation and profile.
Legatus Group is the peak regional local government organisation focusing on the wealth, wellbeing and social cohesion of its communities via sustainable productive landscapes and the natural environments and representing 15 local government areas in regional South Australia. Torrens University Australia partners with Legatus to study the local government workforce and their needs in regional South Australia.
CPA Australia is one of the world's largest accounting bodies with over 168,000 members in over 100 countries. Core services are provided to members including education, training, technical support and advocacy. The research project also provided benefits to the wider business community.
The Association for Strategic Planning (or ASP) is a non-profit professional association setting global standards for strategic planning and management through thought leadership, professional development and certification.
A globally integrated real estate group with core expertise in shaping cities and creating strong connected communities. Safety is always our first consideration, boldness and innovation characterise our approach and doing what matters defines our intent. We work with purpose to design, build and curate places where people want to be and care about.
The Centre for Work Health and Safety builds on state-of-the-art research and data to create awareness, drive behavioural change and propose improvements in practices related to work health and safety in NSW, by catalysing collaborations among experts in research, insights and analytics, and science outreach.
Our partnership focuses on local economic independence by utilising local resources as processed sources, building communities through sustainable empowerment, training and coaching for local small business actors to be independent and compete globally, and dissemination of scientific research results to encourage social movements.
UniSA's Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments (IVE), specialises in research on Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) in the fields of computer science, engineering, neuroscience, art, architecture, and design.
MBAV represents the interests of the building and construction industry, partnering with members and skill development aiming to raising professional standards in the industry.
Meet our researchers
Professor Burgess has received numerous Discovery, Linkage, and International ARC grants and is a grant reviewer for national and
Dr Scerri is a senior lecturer and research fellow at Torrens University whose research focuses on service communication dynamics for the
Associate Professor Jantanee Dumrak is a Program Director at Torrens University Australia, plus a member of the Centre for Organisational Change & Agility (COCA) and HDR supervisor.
Dr Herrmann is an adjunct professor in the Australian Graduate School of Leadership at Torrens University. He is a member of scientific
/researchers-becks-malawi-tua.png?rev=3c187fe6016945e19d1a12d212d5ba88)
Dr Masawi has a PhD in Finance and is a researcher and lecturer in economics and finance at Torrens University. His professional experience
Dr Lee is a senior learning facilitator and a passionate researcher at Torrens University whose research interests include the tourist
Dr Neda Azizi
Dr Azizi is a lecturer in business information systems at Torrens University. Neda has been active as a project management
Professor Harper came to academe after a successful consulting career. He leads a team of Associate Deans, Program Directors in the Business and
Dr Arezou Pour Mirza
Dr Pour Mirza specialises in Business Analytics, Information Systems and is the first Australian female academic who holds the MIT University’s More
Adjunct Professor Nankervis has over 30 years experience as an academic at WSU, Curtin and RMIT; teaching and research experience at
Dr Pablo is a multidisciplinary researcher who uses interpretivist approaches, qualitative techniques and theories of socio-materiality,
Professor Khoo’s research focuses on advancing diversity and equality in tourism. She is Editor-in-Chief of Tourism Management
Emeritus Professor Anneke Fitzgerald has over 20 years experience in the health industry as a nurse and health services manager.
Dr Rajka Presbury is a seasoned academic specialising in hospitality management—her research portfolio centres on service quality, guest experiences, and management within the hotel industry.
Dr Hayden McDonald
Dr McDonald, an early-career Research Fellow within Torrens University's COCA, is in the process of developing a strong research profile
Claire is the Associate Dean for the School of Analytics and Business Information Systems at Torrens.
With industry, teaching and research experience since 1988, Professor Pawson is an academic leader, strategist, motivator and social justice advocate.
Dr Newham has been researching for over two decades, initially part-time while working as a senior manager in the Victorian Public Service and then leaving to be a full-time academic.
Khimji is a professor of Innovation and an industry scholar with over 3 decades of experience in a variety of fields industries ranging from defence, retail, banking and finance, renewable energy, government and data and A.I.
Dr Ali Ahsan is a distinguished academic and researcher with numerous high-impact publications. He has led extensive research and supervised numerous HDR students, making significant contributions to academia and industry.
Research stories
Learn more about some of impactful projects and partners at Torrens University's Centre for
Organisational Agility and Change.
