Dr John Lewer

Biography

Was appointed to the University in 1999. As an early career researcher have completed my PhD in 2006. The thesis was approved by the examiners without revisions.

The research examined the performance of the workforce at BHP's Newcastle steelworks from the closure announcement to the plant's final day some two and a half years later. Performance counterintutitively improved in a phenomenon known as the closedown effect. This was identified by a Swedish researcher - Associate Professor Rune Wigblad. Associate Professor Wigblad and I have collaborated on two conference papers and a journal article to be published this year. He visited the University of Newcastle in 2007. This is an under researched issue offering significant opportunities for further study.

As a Lecturer at Level B I have considerable course co-ordination and teaching responsibilities. Plus, I'm a member of the Faculty of Business and Law's Teaching and Learning Committee.

Qualifications

• PhD, University of Newcastle, 2006
• Master of Commerce, University of New South Wales
• Bachelor of Commerce, University of New South Wales
• Graduate Diploma in Education, Sydney Teachers College

Research

Research keywords

• Business
• Management

Research expertise

Presently engaged as a doctoral candidate in examining the workforce performance during the closure of BHP's Newcastle steelworks. Other research interests include: the study of the impact of organisation change and restructuring; skill formation; and the impact of socially responsible investment on industrial relations and human resource management practices.

Fields of Research

Centres and Groups

Centre

• Research Institute - The Centre for Institutional and Organisational Studies