Mary Anne Barclay

Enhancing the benefits of local content: integrating social and economic impact assessment into procurement strategies

One of the most encouraging recent developments in supply chain management has been the concerted effort to incorporate local small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) into the supply chains of multi-national corporations. However, local SME procurement can lead to adverse social impacts. This paper demonstrates how the integration of social and economic impact assessment (SEIA) into sourcing strategy can be an effective tool to enhance the benefits associated with projects to local communities. Drawing on research into the mining, oil and gas sectors, the contribution of this paper is the application of impact assessment methodologies to local procurement. The paper recommends the development of a local procurement strategy and offers a step-by-step process for applying a Local Procurement Social Risks and Opportunities Assessment to local procurement planning.

Geologists, FIFO work practices and job satisfaction

This paper presents the findings of a study into the factors linked to the job satisfaction and well-being of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the Australian resources sector, focusing on geologists. The findings indicate that geologists have high levels of job satisfaction and most appear to have adapted successfully to the demands of the FIFO lifestyle. While a number of studies have raised a range of concerns about the impact of FIFO work arrangements on the health and well-being of FIFO workers, this study provides a more granular examination of factors that may contribute to a greater understanding of the link between job satisfaction and physical and mental health. The main finding from the study was that job satisfaction was high among these early career professionals who are motivated by intrinsic career rewards and who have limited domestic responsibilities. The second major finding was that, although respondents reported good physical and psychological health, a small number were experiencing serious psychological distress.