The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. While the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication, neither the authors nor the editors nor the publisher can accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made. The publisher makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein.

The book can be of help to those in business and public organizations who have an interest in enhancing business strategies and government policies concerned with consumer behaviour. It will be of benefit to those with demographic skills who wish to build up their range of experience, and will also profit those with exposure to studies of consumer behaviour who wish to improve their know-how with the enhancement from demographic perspectives. The book also provides material for a full semester course on consumer demographics and behaviour or shorter courses using selected sections of the text. It is designed as a primer without requirement for previous exposure to demography or consumer behaviour studies.

Consumer behaviour, Demographics, Demography, Education, Marketing,

No abstract

This article identifies three relevant and valid constructs that are associated with personal and organisational performance that can be used in the training of current and future health service managers: personal engagement at work, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution. A review was undertaken of the literature in human resources management to identify key concepts that bind and strengthen the management of organisations. A curriculum content analysis was then performed of postgraduate health management courses in Australia to assess the extent of inclusion in these areas. Three concepts and practices of relevance to the human dimension of health management, namely personal engagement at work, emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, were found to: (1) have concept validity; (2) be associated with personal and organisational performance; and (3) be capable of being imparted by training. The analysis indicated that none of the competencies and/or skills identified has been given emphasis in postgraduate health management courses in Australia. Competence in the management of human relationships in health services has been given low priority in university postgraduate training in health management in Australia. The current situation poses challenges to all stakeholders of health services.