Dr. Luke Kirke

As the world undertakes a paradigm shift in how it consumes its resources, companies and governments are looking for cleaner and more efficient ways to undertake business. The supply and consumption of electricity is no exception, with one possible solution to greater electrical efficiently via demand side management.

With this, governments and electricity companies have conducted numerous trials to determine whether the perceived benefits from demand side management initiatives apply… Show more

As the world undertakes a paradigm shift in how it consumes its resources, companies and governments are looking for cleaner and more efficient ways to undertake business. The supply and consumption of electricity is no exception, with one possible solution to greater electrical efficiently via demand side management.

With this, governments and electricity companies have conducted numerous trials to determine whether the perceived benefits from demand side management initiatives apply to their set of circumstances.

This paper reports upon the results of a joint trial undertaken by Energex Limited and Ergon Energy Corporation Limited in Queensland, Australia. In examining the performance of two alternative, yet popular dynamic pricing structures, the paper focuses upon the behaviour of 3,000 participants across three distinct climatic regions between January 2011 and February 2012.

Via utilising statistical techniques such as independent-sample t-tests, this paper finds that customers on both dynamic pricing structures reduce electricity consumption during peak periods on event days in both summer and winter seasons. Results further indicate that differing participant attributes affect the magnitude of response in various ways. Show less

Once the fourth largest US investment bank, Lehman Brothers came to a dramatic and well publicized end in the autumn of 2008. Today, images remain of onlookers outside the New York offices of Lehman Brothers, watching wades of employees existing offices with boxes of personal belongings. Yet in the period of that one, long autumn week, the company’s share price all but evaporated, dropping from an early 2007 high of $86.18 to less than $4 in September 2008…a 93% plunge.

Within 72 hours… Show more

Once the fourth largest US investment bank, Lehman Brothers came to a dramatic and well publicized end in the autumn of 2008. Today, images remain of onlookers outside the New York offices of Lehman Brothers, watching wades of employees existing offices with boxes of personal belongings. Yet in the period of that one, long autumn week, the company’s share price all but evaporated, dropping from an early 2007 high of $86.18 to less than $4 in September 2008…a 93% plunge.

Within 72 hours, Lehman Brothers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings and with that, the 15th September 2008 will forever be remembered as the time upon which Lehman Brothers (Lehman) also became the largest bankruptcy in US history, owing USD $613bn to creditors.

By performing a thorough literature review and also scanning recent empirical studies, articles and events, this paper details what caused the failure of Lehman Brothers and how it could have been prevented. Show less

Whilst the international banking system continues to recover and repair the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the banking industry is encountering a new period of volatility. But whether aimed at the GFC, or as what some call, the impending second GFC, countless conferences and summits have been held in an attempt to structure an organism that eliminates or at best, minimize the impacts and risks that reside within the international banking system. Whilst easy to comment upon… Show more

Whilst the international banking system continues to recover and repair the impacts of the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), the banking industry is encountering a new period of volatility. But whether aimed at the GFC, or as what some call, the impending second GFC, countless conferences and summits have been held in an attempt to structure an organism that eliminates or at best, minimize the impacts and risks that reside within the international banking system. Whilst easy to comment upon, undertaking such a task is gargantuan in nature.

Today, it is not one risk the system faces, but many. Alone each are problematic. However, these risks are intertwined, with changes in one being felt in another, and together they indeed represent a clear and present danger to the international banking system. Show less

It retains no odor and is colourless, yet CO2, also known as Carbon Dioxide, is one of the major components that contribute towards greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Due to increased environmental awareness, greater scrutiny is being placed upon these emissions, with an increasing number of global forums held in an effort to reduce the impact of emissions upon the environment.

Kyoto, Toronto, Copenhagen and Bonn are just a few localities that are becoming increasing associated with… Show more

It retains no odor and is colourless, yet CO2, also known as Carbon Dioxide, is one of the major components that contribute towards greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Due to increased environmental awareness, greater scrutiny is being placed upon these emissions, with an increasing number of global forums held in an effort to reduce the impact of emissions upon the environment.

Kyoto, Toronto, Copenhagen and Bonn are just a few localities that are becoming increasing associated with environmental change. Such transformation has seen corporations, governments and countries coming to understand GHG emissions, appreciating their impacts and developing strategies so as to minimise such effects.

Australia is looking to undertake is own carbon pollution reduction scheme. A current contentious political, economic and social issue, both proponents and critics continue to debate the best approach. Due to begin in 2012, the second phase of the proposal incorporates a fully operational Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

This paper delves into carbon-based derivatives, by firstly outlining the current carbon trading environment, discussing the specifics of carbon derivatives in greater detail and then briefly outlining their context within Australia. Show less