Journal under review

By Dennis Long

Federation's journal, Education, is the subject of a comprehensive review, including a survey, focus groups and the opportunity for members to make submissions.

The review arises from a decision of Federation Executive to consider "the nature, content and frequency" of the journal.

A scientifically valid survey of members is being conducted by Value Enhancement Management, on behalf of Federation, to get reliable information about how effective the journal is as a method of communication. The survey will include questions that were asked in previous surveys to allow valid comparisons.

Questions about the journal were included in a 1998 survey of members in marginal electorates evaluating the Federation's federal election campaign, the 2001 study of members' attitudes conducted by the Australian Centre for Industrial Relations Research and Training and a 2005 Ipsos-McKay survey.

The current survey follows a series of focus groups which were used to shape the questions for the survey.

A sample of 1500 members will be mailed a short quantitative survey to complete. Members who are contacted are urged to participate.

Federation is also costing how much it would cost to send a few copies of the journal to each workplace as well as the feasibility of sending a poster advertising what is in the current edition (for both potential members and non-reading members).

Further areas of investigation are the training needs of the union in terms of writing and photography skills; the advertising revenue from the journal; and the number of letters to the Editor.

Have your say

Submissions should be addressed to the General Secretary.

The deadline is September 12.

Dennis Long is the Editor.

For further information

July 2007 contents