Higher Education Leadership Institute’s (HELI) 2^nd Master of Research (MRes) Milestone Presentation Conference held on 30 April 2025 brought together Higher Degree Research (HDR) Candidates to share their research progress. It was a great opportunity for the candidates to present their ideas, receive constructive feedback, and refine their projects with input from the Institute’s senior academic leaders.

A total of 15 HDR Candidates presented their research during the Conference — 3 Milestone One Presentations and 12 Milestone Two Presentations. The range of topics was broad and engaging, reflecting real-world issues and forward-looking innovations. A few of the research topics were ‘Enhancing Learning Support for Non-English Speaking Background International Students through Artificial Intelligence: A Qualitative Inquiry’, ‘The Influence of Online Reviews on Consumer Perception and Purchasing Considerations for Weight Loss Products (VLCD shakes) in Australia’ and ‘Assessment on the Service Quality of Banking: A Case Study on the Banking Experience of International Students in Melbourne’.

A Thesis Writing Support and Library Information Session was also incorporated into the Conference to further assist the HDR Candidates in developing their research abilities.

Best Presentation Awards

Celebrating the exceptional research projects showcased on the day, the Best Presentation Awards were presented to conclude the Conference. Congratulations to the awardees who have demonstrated excellent research clarity, rigour and engagement!

• Roma Rochita Chan (Winner, Milestone One), ‘Examining the Role of Leadership Support in AI Adoption for Accountants’
  

  Research Supervisors: Dr Rosa Faaliyat and Dr Pradip Royhan

• Ritu Devi (Winner, Milestone Two), ‘Exploring the Significance of Teacher-Student Relationship and Empathy in Higher Education’
  

  Research Supervisors:  Dr Fizza Sabir and Associate Professor Michelle Cavaleri

• Andres Usme (Runner-up, Milestone Two), ‘Challenges Faced by Latin American and Indian Subcontinent Students Studying at ECA Group-PHE (APIC, HELI & CHS): A Comparative Study’

  Research Supervisors: Dr Fizza Sabir and Dr Sujak Bakir

• Roumila Gooroochurn (Runner-up, Milestone Two), ‘Quantitative Study of Factors Influencing Online Purchasing Behaviour of Generation Z in Australia’
  

  Research Supervisors: Associate Professor Ahmad Saedisomeolia and Dr Rakesh Khanal 

• Sweety (Runner-up, Milestone Two), ‘Impact of Student-Teacher Relationships on Mathematical Achievement using SCT’
  

  Research Supervisors: Dr Parvesh Saini and Dr John Read

This Conference was made successful through the expert knowledge and dedication of the Panel Members, Associate Professor Michelle Cavaleri, Associate Professor Abeer Alsadoon, Associate Professor Ahmad Saedisomeolia, Dr Fizza Sabir, Professor Mary Cruickshank, Dr Ahmad Kaleem, Dr Parvesh Saini, Dr Sommala Sisombat and Dr Jahangir Alam, with coordination from Dr Eva Dakich who led the organisation of the event.