Research in the Department of Management and Marketing

The Department of Management and Marketing is recognised nationally and internationally for its research.

Our academic staff work with industry, government and the community on projects that transform business practice and drive social change.

Our research supports the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals of gender equality, decent work and economic growth, industry, innovation and infrastructure, responsible consumption and production, and climate action.

We are consistently rated at world standard in the Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research for Australia.

Our contribution aligns with La Trobe University’s research themes: Social change and equity, Healthy people, families and communities, Resilient environments and communities and Sustainable food and agriculture.

Find out more about how our partnerships enable transformative research.

Research areas

Our researchers engage with industry and other key stakeholders to deliver innovative solutions to a wide range of challenges facing business and society.

Our research is grouped into five key areas:

Our researchers explore how organisations create shared value through meaningful work, innovative management and governance practices, and inclusive work environments.

Our research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Eight, of decent work and economic growth.

Key research questions include:

  • How is the nature of work and employment changing?
  • How can we maximise decent and equally valued work for all genders and ages, and for people with disabilities?
  • How can we create greater agency and a voice for marginalised workers?

Our researchers examine sport, tourism and event management, and the impact these industries have on our economic and social wellbeing. We explore sustainable management and governance practices within these industries, and the evaluation and continuous improvement of programs and practices that promote social inclusion.

Our research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Four, of good health and wellbeing, and Goal Twelve, of responsible consumption and production.

Key research questions include:

  • What are the social dimensions of events and how do they support rural and regional regeneration?
  • How can cultural tourism attractions, including battlefield and dark tourist sites, be developed in a culturally appropriate manner?
  • How can sport organisations create inclusive environments for athletes, participants, coaches, officials, volunteers and employees?
  • How can sport, physical activity and active recreation contribute to physical, mental and social wellbeing across the lifespan?
  • How can sport organisations partner with public health agencies to reduce gambling, alcohol and violence related harm?

Entrepreneurship and innovation are thriving in Victoria, with the State’s start-up ecosystem currently valued at $23.6 billion. It has grown by 129% in the past three years, representing more than 2,600 start-ups that are rapidly becoming the heartbeat of a new economy.

Our researchers examine contemporary entrepreneurship and start-up challenges.

Our research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Eight, of decent work and economic growth, and Goal Nine, of industry, innovation and infrastructure.

Key research questions include:

  • How do we enhance the psychological wellbeing of senior entrepreneurs?
  • What are the barriers to social innovation in hybrid entrepreneurs?
  • What are the enablers to social and economic prosperity for Indigenous entrepreneurs?
  • How do we accelerate the impact of entrepreneurship education in Australia?
  • How do we advance specific United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives?

Our researchers examine real world issues faced by consumers, businesses and society. We build on deep market understandings to help organisations create strong engagement with consumers and stakeholders.

Our research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Twelve, of responsible consumption and production.

Key research questions include:

  • How do organisations compete for and deliver value to consumers and other stakeholders, in volatile and challenging environments?
  • How do we better understand consumers, and create and deliver value for them?
  • How can organisations innovate to sustain market advantages?
  • How can we effectively manage stakeholder experiences in sustainable ways?

Our researchers examine strategic and operational challenges relating to business and supply chain management in industries such as logistics and transportation, agribusiness and healthcare.

We develop data-driven solutions that support managers and policy makers to make informed decisions about sustainable business models and respond to supply chain trends and disruption.

Our research contributes to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal Nine, of industry, innovation and infrastructure, and Goal Twelve, of responsible consumption and production.

Key research questions include:

  • How do the design and execution of international trade policies impact the decision-making behaviour of logistics and supply chain managers, and influence the policy maker’s ability to enhance the resiliency of global supply chains?
  • How can we plan and manage circular logistics and distribution networks to maximise supply chain efficiency and resiliency, and promote sustainable development in developing countries?
  • What are the practical strategies and policies to reduce, audit and report carbon emissions from logistics and supply chain activities, and enhance environmental sustainability in critical industries?
  • What are the implications of disruptive technologies (including blockchains, digital twins, artificial intelligence and machine learning) in mitigating cyber security and other unknown risks in digital logistics and supply chains?

Graduate research

The Department of Management and Marketing is educating the next generation of business leaders and researchers.

We offer Masters and PhD opportunities, where candidates learn under the direction of experts in their field. Higher Degree by Research candidates may also work with an industry partner from government organisations, private enterprise or the not-for-profit sector via our Industry PhD program.

Our graduate researchers are well supported by supervision teams, progress committees and a carefully tailored milestone program.

They enjoy a research culture that includes reading groups, accountability circles and skill-enhancing workshops, and our annual Higher Degree by Research Colloquium. Some also teach in our undergraduate and postgraduate programs, preparing them for a career in academia.

All graduate researchers are part of La Trobe’s Graduate Research School, which nurtures an engaged research community and upskills researchers through the Research Education and Development (RED) team. The RED team hold workshops on topics ranging from preparing literature reviews, through to data manipulation and visualisation. They also run initiatives including Shut Up and Write! and the University's 3-Minute Thesis competition.

Find out more about graduate research opportunities at La Trobe, or contact the School’s Director of Graduate Research, Associate Professor Jing Zhao.

Research centres

Our staff lead La Trobe’s Centre for Sport and Social Impact, and play key roles in the Centre for Data Analytics and Cognition.

The Centre for Sport and Social Impact is shaping the future of Australian sport and physical activity through research and engagement with industry and government. Its research addresses health and social issues including physical inactivity, social exclusion, physical illiteracy, obesity, excessive alcohol consumption and gambling. The Centre supports its research partners to develop and deliver policies, strategies and processes to address these critical social issues.

Find out more about the Centre.