Victor Gekara

Professor Victor Gekara

Director of Global Transport and Logistics Research Group

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Contact details

COBL | School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain

Global Business Innovation ECP

Global Transport and Logistics Research Group

Email: victor.gekara@rmit.edu.au

Phone: +61 39925 5550

Campus: Melbourne City

Programs

 MC198 - Master of Supply Chain and Logistics Management

 BP255 - Bachelor of Supply Chain and Logistics Management

More information

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Victor Gekara profile photo. He faces forward and is smiling

Contact details

  COBL | School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chain

 Global Business Innovation EIP

 Global Transport and Logistics Research Group

  Email: victor.gekara@rmit.edu.au

    Phone: +61 39925 5550

   Campus: Melbourne City

Programs

 MC198 - Master of Supply Chain and Logistics Management

 BP255 - Bachelor of Supply Chain and Logistics Management

More information

iD icon - ORCID

- Google Scholar

- LinkedIn

Professor Victor Gekara is a leading scholar of industrial transformations and the future of employment, work and skills in transport, logistics and supply chains.

Overview

Victor Gekara is a Professor in the School of Accounting, Information Systems and Supply Chains at RMIT's College of Business and Law. He is a Nippon Foundation Fellow with a Ph.D. in political economy from Cardiff School of Social Sciences and a Master of International Transportation from Cardiff Business School.

Prof Gekara's research and teaching focus on technology transformations in transport and logistics, technology management and the implications for work, employment, and workforce skills. His research is diversely located across Sociology of work, Political Economy and Management, in which he has developed and led several large-scale industry and government funded research projects. He is internationally recognised for his contribution in the form of high quality publication, influential industry research reports and other scholarly outputs.

As Director of the Global Transport and Logistics Research Group at RMIT University College of Business and Law, Prof Gekara leads a high performing group of senior and early career researchers, including higher degree by research students, who develop high quality research on a variety of related themes, and disseminate findings through high quality and impactful industry-led research events, in addition to academic publications.

Victor Gekara video thumbnail

Impact through Insight: Victor Gekara | RMIT University

Influenced by his upbringing in the port city of Mombasa, Victor Gekara’s research focuses on industrial transformation and how to prepare both the employer and its workforce for the skills of the future. His research aims to influence policy and strategy to improve outcomes for both workers and the economy. Victor Gekara is the director of the Global Transport and Logistics Research Group.

Web

Research

Prof Gekara's research focuses on technology transformations in transport and logistics, technology management and the implications for work, employment, and workforce skills. He is currently focusing on the technology-mediated future of work, particularly on the changing nature of transport and logistics work, workforce skills needs and job quality.

Research keywords

Industrial Transformation, Future of Work, Workforce Skills, Transport and Logistics, Supply Chains

Research output summary

59

Publications

11

Grants

13

Media engagements

Web

Supervisor interest areas

  • Digital transformation and future of work
  • New technologies, changing job roles and changing workforce skills needs
  • Global transport networks
  • New transport technologies and the future of mart Mobility

Supervisor projects

Current:

  • Ms Thanh Xuan Vi Nguyen (MR) – Technological transformation and the implications for work in the Vietnam seaport industry (2021 Commence)
  • Mr Sherry Thomas (PHD) – The impact of COVID-19 on workplace digitalisation and implications on workforce skills development, a study of the transport and mobility sector (2021 Commence)
  • Ms Semirah Adebayo (PHD) – AI Affordances, actualisation and affordance effects in driving sustainability: An investigation of the logistic industry (2020 Commence)
  • Mr Benjamin Nicholson (PHD) – Using big data analytics for improved value proposition and customer relationship management in the heavy vehicle industry (2021 Commence)
  • Miss Ran Wei (MR) – Improving VET completion rates for mature disadvantaged learners: A study based on the learners’ voice (2021 Commence)
  • Mr Pipattawade Wanaree (PHD) – Examining the Challenges and Opportunities in the Thai Sugar Industry (Under examination)

 

Completed:

  • Mr Saeid Ahmadi Nasab – Investigating the nature and structure of horizontal collaborations in the Australian Transport and Logistics industry (Completed 2019)
  • Dr Sherene Smith – An Investigation of the Creation and Application of Board Capital in Australian Corporate Business (Completed, 2018)
  • Dr Ruchada Paradonsaree - Business Process Changes for ERP Upgrades: Impact on organisational capabilities and improvements (Completed 2017)
  • Dr Akim Bunny - Retaining Skilled Workers in a Conflict Setting: A Study of Human Resource Management Approaches in International Non-Governmental Development Organizations in South Sudan (Completed 2017)
  • Dr Aljowaidi Majed Ahmady - A study of e-commerce adoption using TOE framework in Saudi retailers: firm motivations, implementation and benefits (Completed 2015)
  • Dr Ismail Elferjani – Investigating port competitiveness in the context of Libya (Completed 2015)
  • Dr Qasim Al-Mamari – Investigating the adoption and implementation of e-government in Oman (Completed 2013)

Feature publications

New technologies and the transformation of work and skills: a study of computerisation and automation of Australian container terminals

New Technologies Work and Employment, 33(3): 219-233

Gekara, V. O. and Nguyen, T. X. (2018).

Designing and delivering skills transferability and employment mobility: the challenges of a market driven vocational education and training system

Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 70(1): 107 - 129

Gekara, V. O. and Snell, D. (2018).

Understanding Attrition in UK Maritime Education and Training

Globalisation Societies and Education, 7(2): 217 – 232

Gekara, V. O. (2009).

Key publications by year

Expand all sections

  • Gekara, V. O. and Nguyen, T. X. (2020), Challenges of Implementing Container Terminal Operating System: The Case of the Port of Mombasa from the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Perspective, Journal of International Logistics and Trade 18(1): 49–60
  • Chhetri, P. Gekara, V. O. Scott, H. and Thai, V. (2020), Assessing the Workforce Adaptive Capacity of Seaports to Climate Change: An Australian Perspective, Maritime Policy & Management, Routledge, United Kingdom, pp. 1-18 ISSN: 0308-8839
  • Snell, D. and Gekara, V. O. (2020), Unions and corporate social responsibility in a liberal market context: The case of Ford’s shutdown in Australia, Journal of Industrial Relations, Sage, United Kingdom, pp. 1-22 ISSN: 0022-1856

  • Gekara, V. O. Chhetri, P. Snell, D. and Yeoh, Y. (2019), The workforce ageing challenge and employer response: a study of the Australian transport and logistics industry, Labour and Industry, 29(4): 313-336

  • Tang, L. and Gekara, V. O. (2018), The importance of customer expectations: An analysis of CSR in container shipping, Journal of Business Ethics, 165: 383-393. DOI: 10.1007/s10551-018-4062-4
  • Gekara, V. O. and Nguyen, T. X. (2018), New technologies and the transformation of work and skills: a study of computerisation and automation of Australian container terminals, New Technologies Work and Employment, 33(3): 219-233
  • Chhetri, P. Gekara, V. O. Manzoni, A. and Montague, A. (2018), Productivity benefits of employer-sponsored training: A study of the Australia Transport and Logistics Industry, Education and Training, 60 (9): 1009-1025
  • Gekara, V. O. and Snell, D. (2018), Designing and delivering skills transferability and employment mobility: the challenges of a market driven vocational education and training system, Journal of Vocational Education and Training, 70(1): 107 – 129

  • Fairbrother, P. and Gekara, V. O. (2016), Multi-Scalar Trade Unionism: Lessons from Maritime Unions, Industrial Relations/ Relations Industrielles, 17(4): 589 – 610
  • Nyamori, R. O. and Gekara, V. O. (2016), Performance Contracting and Social Capital (Re)formation: A case Study of Nairobi City Council in Kenya, Critical Perspectives on Accounting, 40: 45 – 62
  • Chhetri, P. Jayatilleke, G. Gekara, V. O. Manzoni, A. and Corbitt, B. (2016), Container terminal operations simulator (CTOS) - Simulating the impact of extreme weather events on port operation, European Journal of Transport and Infrastructure Research, 16(1): 195-213

  • Chhetri, P. Corcoran, J. Gekara, V. O. Maddox, C. and McEvoy, D. (2015), Seaport resilience to climate change: mapping vulnerability to sea-level rise, Journal of Spatial Science, 60(1): 65-78
  • Gekara V. O. Snell, D. and Chhetri, P. (2015), Are older workers ‘crowding out’ the young? A Study of the Australian Transport and Logistics Labour Market, Labour and Industry 25(4): 321-336

  • Gekara, V. O. Snell, D. Chhetri, P. and Manzoni, A. (2014), Meeting Skills Needs in a Market-Based Training System: A Study of Employer Perceptions and Responses to Training Challenges in the Australian Transport and Logistics Industry, Journal of Vocational Education & Training, 66(4): 491 – 505

  • Bloor, M. Sampson, H. and Gekara, V. O. (2013), Outsourcing the Labour Supply and the Training Double Bind: the Case of the Regulation of Seafarer License and Certification Assessments, Regulation and Governance, 8(4): 455 - 471
  • Gekara, V. O. Acejo, I and Sampson, H (2013), Re-imagining Global Union Representation Under Globalisation: A Case of Seafaring Labour and the Nautilus International Cross-border Merger, Global Labour Journal, 4(3): 167-185
  • Gekara, V. O. and Chhetri, P. (2013), Upstream transport corridor inefficiencies and the implications for port performance: a case analysis of Mombasa Port and the Northern Corridor, Maritime Policy and Management, 40(6): 559 – 573
  • Gekara V. O. and Fairbrother, P. (2013), Managerial Technologies and Power Relations: A Study of the Australian Waterfront, New Technologies Work and Employment, 18(1): 51 – 65
  • Al-Mamari, Q. Corbitt, B. Gekara, V. O. (2013), E-Government Adoption in Oman: Motivating Factors from a Government Perspective, Transforming Government: People, Process and Policy, 7(2): 199 – 224

  • Sampson H. Gekara V. O. Bloor M. (2011), Water-tight or sinking? A consideration of the standards of the contemporary assessment practices underpinning seafarer licence examinations and their implications for employers, Maritime Policy and Management, 38(1): 81 – 92
  • Gekara, V. O. Bloor, M. and Sampson, H. (2011), Computer-based assessment in safety-critical industries: the case of shipping, Journal of Vocational Education & Training, Volume, 63(1): 87-100

  • Gekara V. O. (2010), Union Renewal through Cross-border Merger; rationale, processes and challenges – the Nautilus International Merger, The European Journal of Industrial Relations, 16(4): 385 – 394
  • Gekara V. O. (2010), The stamp of neoliberalism on the UK tonnage tax and the implications for British seafaring, Marine Policy, 34(3): 487 – 494

  • Gekara, V. O. (2009), Understanding Attrition in UK Maritime Education and Training, Globalisation Societies and Education, 7(2): 217 – 232
Web

Feature projects

Enhancing Functional Resilience in Port Assets and Operations

Funded by the National Climate Change Adaptability Research Facility (NCCARF), $680,000

Darryn McEvoy, Prem Chhetri, Victor Gekara. Brian Corbitt

2013 (3 years duration)

Skilling the Australian Workforce for an Emerging Digital Economy

Funded by the National Centre For Vocational Education Research (NCVER), $99,320

Victor Gekara, Darryn Snell, Alemayehu Molla, Stan Karanasios

2019 (2 years duration)

Cross-occupational skill transferability: challenges and opportunities in a changing economy

Funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), $95,000

Darryn Snell, D and Victor Gekara

2016 (2 years duration)

Key projects by year

Expand all sections

  • Understanding the Skills Gaps and Training needs in the Australian Transport & Mobility Sector
    Funded by iMOVE CRC, $215,590
  • Benchmarking Workforce Transformation
    Funded by the Federal Department for Employment, $99,830.95

  • The Disability Skills Portfolio Scoping Project
    Funded by the National Disability Services, $68,8887

  • Skilling the Australian for a Digital Economy
    Funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), $99,320.92
  • Challenges and Opportunities in the Auto Skills Transition
    Funded by the Victoria State Government, $54,406.34

  • Cross-Sector Skills Transferability, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Economy
    Funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), $95,000

  • Workforce Sustainability: Assessing the Situation and Implications of an Ageing Workforce in the Australian Transport and Logistics Industry
    Funded Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), $115,000

  • Employee Training and Workforce Productivity in the Transport and Warehousing sub-sectors
    Funded by the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), $125,000

  • Enhancing Functional Resilience in Port Assets and Operations
    Funded by the National Climate Change Adaptability Research Facility (NCCARF), $680,000

  • The Future of Skills for the Australian Ports Industry workforce in Australia
    Funded by the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), $67,000
Web

Grants

  • 2020: Understanding the Skills Gaps and Training needs in the Australian Transport & Mobility Sector. Funded by iMOVE CRC, $215,590
  • 2020: Benchmarking Workforce Transformation. Funded by the Federal Department for Employment, $99,830.9
  • 2018: The Disability Skills Portfolio Scoping Project. Funded by the National Disability Services, $68,8887
  • 2016: Skilling the Australian for a Digital Economy. Funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), $99,320.92
  • 2016: Challenges and Opportunities in the Auto Skills Transition. Funded by the Victoria State Government, $54,406.34
  • 2014: Cross-Sector Skills Transferability, Challenges and Opportunities in a Changing Economy. Funded by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), $95,000
  • 2013: Workforce Sustainability: Assessing the Situation and Implications of an Ageing Workforce in the Australian Transport and Logistics Industry. Funded Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), $115,000
  • 2011: Employee Training and Workforce Productivity in the Transport and Warehousing sub-sectors. Funded by the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), $125,000
  • 2010: Enhancing Functional Resilience in Port Assets and Operations. Funded by the National Climate Change Adaptability Research Facility (NCCARF), $680,000
  • 2009: The Future of Skills for the Australian Ports Industry workforce in Australia. Funded by the Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC), $67,000
Web

Public and media engagements

2021

2020

  • Gekara, V. O. “ Post-COVID19 Return Office”, The Shift: A Working Disruption, May 2020. (Author)
  • Gekara, V. O. “COVID19 and the Digital Economy”, The Shift. March 2020. (Author)

2019

  • Gekara, V. O. “Digital Work Hazards in a Digitalised Workplace ”, The Shift:, Nov, 2019. (Author)
  • ABC Radio National interviews on “industry digital skills training requirement” (Sunday 12/05/2019 and Monday 13/05/2019).

2017

2014

  • Baum-Talmor, P. and Gekara, V. O. (2014), Flexibility, Security and the Need for Training, Seaways, January

2012

  • Gekara, V. O. (2012), Port Vulnerability and Economic Resilience, and the Gap in Comprehensive Research, APEC Currents, August

2008

2006

  • Gekara, V. O. (2006), Recruits in need of a better deal, The Sea, issue 181, May/Jun, p 4.
Web
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aboriginal flag
torres strait flag

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business.

More information