Indian company to invest in Parramatta

Leading Indian software developer, Polaris Software, plans to establsih a software lab in Parramatta, at a cost of $4.8 million, with a staff of 35. The expectation is that this number could increase to 160 in five years. Some 80 per cent of the initial staff would come from India. The facility would service clients in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong. At the close of business in Parramatta, clients' work would be transferred to the company's facilities in India, Ireland and Canada. Clients include banks, Toshiba and Canon. Director, Anil Verma, said it was a "big win" for Australia as Singapore was a contender. Polaris will collaborate with the University of Western Sydney in software development.

Woman of the West Award

The University of Western Sydney is inviting nominations for its 2008 Woman of the West Award - nominations close on December 13. "Now in its fourth year, the award is an opportunity to formally recognise the achievements and contributions of women in the region," vice-chancellor, Professor Janice Reid said. For the first time this year, UWS will partner the Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (WSROC) to conduct the Young Woman of the West Award, which is open to women aged 18-28 who are participating in WSROC's Young Women's Leadership Program. The winners will be announced at the university's International Women's Day celebrations in 2008.

Dymocks not to acquire Borders

Dymocks has decided not to seek to acquire Borders Australia store in Parramatta, along with 23 others, which is being sold by its US parent for an estimated $100 million, leaving A&R still in the running. Instead Dymocks will focus on its online business. The company has expanded its online offering to include more than 120,000 digital books customers can download at home or using in-store kiosks and a Dymocks-branded USB stick

Courses in corporate innovation

Macquarie Graduate School of Management attratced 13 participants to its first, three-day course in corporate innovation following the identification of a gap in the market for such a course. The school, which has resolved to target this market, plans to run short-intensive courses on strategic innovation management twice as year. The program has three themes: strategic innovation, translating ideas into money and resistance to change. The aim is to have more than 20 to 25 participants per group.