
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This PhD is presented with sincere thanks to the many people who have helped me
reach this significant point in my life. Firstly, I would like to express my gratitude to all
the academic and support staff in the School of Economics, Finance and Marketing,
College of Business, RMIT University for their help and professional guidance along
the way.
Special acknowledgement goes to my two supervisors, Associate Professor Mike
Reid and Dr Foula Kopanidis. Put simply, Mike is a great bloke to know and to work
for. But, as an academic quite a remarkable man who possesses that rare ability to
impart and explain even complex academic practices and procedures with just the
required dose of reality. Foula, who first approached me about a PHD, has always
been the source of moral support and encouragement needed to keep pushing
through. To Mike and Foula, it has been a pleasure working with you on this thesis,
thanks for your advice, support, kind words but most of all your patience.
Further acknowledgement must also go to numerous other HDR candidates and
school colleagues for their support and assistance throughout the journey.
Gratitude also needs to be shown here to my parents. It is with much sadness that
my father, Phillip Thornton, a man who dedicated his life to teaching has not lived to
read this study; thankfully, his calm and humorous influences live on. To mum Jean
and sister Alison thanks for your support via Skype from thousands of miles away in
the UK.
Finally, the biggest hugs of all need to go to my wonderful clan here in Melbourne. To
my amazing wife Melinda, and children Isabelle and Tomas, you are my life and I can
now look forward to spending a little more time with you all.