Structure of a Research Action Plan

Steps

Process

Step 1

Identify the aim/purpose of the investigation.

Step 2

Generate a number of focus questions to be addressed by

the investigation.

Step 3

Decide which primary and secondary data are needed to

answer the focus questions.

Step 4

Identify the techniques that will be used to collect the data.

Step 5

Collect primary and secondary data.

Step 6

Process and analyse the data collected.

Step 7

Select presentation methods to communicate the research

findings effectively.

Step 8

Propose individual or group action in response to the

research findings and, where appropriate, take such action

Types of Maps
Map Projections

Factors that are causing change in Australias Communities

Factor
Immigration (Cultural Integration)

Reason(s)

The Health Care System in Australia is one of the best in the world, It is
of high quality, has standards of excellence and is provided through
Medicare free public facilities.
The weather is enjoyable from the four seasons of Victoria, SA, NSW
and WA to the subtropical and tropical Queensland, WA and NT states.
Freedom of choice to succeed in life based on your ambitions, abilities
and work ethics.
Australia is a Multicultural Society and although English is the main
language, many other languages are widely spoken.
The crime rates are lower than other western nations, such as USA and
UK.
There is no class or caste system.
Majority of Australians follow Christianity but other faiths are also widely
practiced, including Hinduism, Islam, Buddhism, Judaism. There is a
freedom of religion in Australia.
There is harmony between people of different ethnic backgrounds.
High standard of living and a relaxed lifestyle.
High standards of Education and Australian Universities are amongst the
best in the world.

Demographic Change

Declining fertility rates and an increasing aged population will influence

communities, causing significant change. Fertility rates (that is the number of
children a women may have in her life) have decreased with women delaying
their decision to have children, due to increased participation in the workforce.
Also, the increased availability of contraception has meant women have the
power to make their own decisions as to when they want to have children.

Patterns of Work

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s the dominance of Australias manufacturing

industry (e.g agriculture, mining, construction and fishing) saw a dramatic
decline, and there was a significant increase in the importance of our service
industry (banking, finance and tourism). In 1986-87, 16% of all persons who
were employed, were in the manufacturing industry (the largest group). By
2001-02 it had fallen to 12%.
There are a number of reasons for this change in industry dominance:
1. The increased number of women in the workforce results in increased
demand for child care services
2. Australias ageing population increases the need for medical services
3. An increased pattern of eating at restaurants increases the employment
opportunities in restaurants

The following ABS figures compare the Australian workforce in 1971 with the
Australian workforce in 2001. During this period:
The proportion of employed persons with full time work declined from 89
to 69 per cent.
The number of women participating in the workforce increased from 37
to 55 per cent.
There was an increase in the proportion of employed persons with a
bachelor degree or higher from 3 to 19 per cent.
There was an increase in the number of 15-24 year olds participating in
the education system from 35 to 54 per cent.