Adaptive decision making to improve strategic resource allocation

Adaptive decision making to improve strategic resource allocation

Advisor/s

A/Prof Ulf Schmitz, Dr Daniel Xing, Prof Andreas Lopata

College or Research Centre

College of Medicine & Dentistry; College of Public Health, Medical & Veterinary Science

Summary of Project

Join our dynamic research team at JCU and the Townsville Cancer Centre (TCC) for an exciting HDR (Higher Degree by Research) project that merges cutting-edge technology with critical clinical applications. Our umbrella project encompasses two groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at improving cancer treatment outcomes and patient care. Project 1: Enhancing Glioblastoma Treatment with Magnetic Resonance and Radiotherapy Glioblastoma (GBM) remains one of the most aggressive brain cancers, with limited survival rates despite recent advances in treatment. Our research focuses on the novel application of tumour treating fields and the integration of a magnetic resonance linear accelerator (MRL) to explore the biological effects of combining magnetic fields with ionizing radiation. We aim to uncover how these combined modalities impact tumour and immune cell interactions, ultimately seeking to improve GBM treatment efficacy. Project 2: Developing Blood-Based Surveillance for HPV-Associated Oropharyngeal Cancer Human papillomavirus (HPV)-associated oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPV-OPSCC) presents unique challenges in post-treatment surveillance, particularly for patients in remote regions. Our research aims to develop and validate a blood-based circulating HPV-DNA (cHPV-DNA) test using next-generation sequencing (NGS). This innovative approach will enable earlier detection of recurrent disease, reduce patient burden, and improve survival outcomes for HPV-OPSCC patients.

Strategic decisions regarding the allocation of resources within the realm of business are inherently complex and imbued with uncertainty. The progression of modelling complex systems to furnish insights for these strategic decisions – such as those concerning substantial capital investments – not only offers a more nuanced comprehension but also holds significant potential for enhancing, or even revolutionizing, this decision-making process. Nonetheless, the precise manner in which senior management incorporates data from complex systems modelling into their decision-making that essentially is adaptive remains unclear. Adaptive decision-making denotes a process of assimilating knowledge, refining comprehension, and ultimately tailoring managerial decision making in an effective manner, directed at effectively managing uncertainties.

We welcome expressions of interest from prospective doctoral students for research projects that aim to elucidate how the adaptive decision-making of senior management functions, particularly in instances where they can harness the insights derived from complex systems modelling data.

Advisors: Professor Siggi Gudergan, Professor Nico Adams,

Key Words

brain cancer; head and neck cancer; radiation oncology; biomarker; bioinformatics next generation sequencing

Would suit an applicant who

We invite motivated students with a passion for oncology, molecular biology, and innovative technology to apply. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to transformative research with the potential to significantly impact patient care and treatment outcomes.

is a professional and wants to advance thought leader knowledge and competencies as a means to move into senior consultant, advisor, director, partner, top management, and similar roles; or aspires to be a future academic who wants to have a successful career in business schools around the globe.

Updated: 11 Aug 2023