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Compiled by Marketing Update/website editor Paula Ruzek, editor@ami.org.au

Member seeks assistance with PhD research on not-for-profits

AMI member and PhD research student Julia Zivanovic, of Murdoch University in Western Australia, is undertaking research to explore how not-for-profits (NFPs) of all sizes and budgets operate in reality rather than in textbook theory and whether there are opportunities to better help all NFPs overcome some of the barriers in managing "the business" of a NFP.

Julia particularly encourages small to medium NFPs to consider being interviewed and get their voices heard. She is looking for people involved in the management or the running of all types and sizes of NFPs (whether that's a paid position or a volunteer one) to participate in an interview of around 30-45 minutes (in person if they are in WA or by phone if they are located outside of WA, or by phone if is just more convenient for those in WA).

The aim of the research is to assist the development of a metrics framework that will enable NFPs of any size and structure to better evaluate their organisational outcomes and be able to enhance their performance for constituents, funders and volunteers.

Her thesis contends that the NFP sector is an important part of everyday life, but very little is known about how they operate on the ground in reality. Research has shown that few NFPs are run using a corporate style of management, or provide formal reporting on activities in the way NFP textbooks outline. This makes the sector a difficult one in which to gather information to assist with organisational developments, particularly with smaller NFPs. The sector has also sometimes been portrayed in a negative light by the media for its lack of transparency and accountability to members, funders and volunteers. There may be simple ways to overcome the negative perceptions.

If you are willing to be interviewed, please contact Julia Zivanovic on 0419 841 309 or email 30384073@student.murdoch.edu.au.

The university has a strict privacy and ethics policy on research and individuals and their comments are confidential and not identified in the research thesis. This study has been approved by the Murdoch University Human Research Ethics Committee (Approval No. 2007/282).