From campus to Canberra: ECU student project shapes national freight policy

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From campus to Canberra: ECU student project shapes national freight policy

Thursday, 04 December 2025

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A team of ECU School of Business and Law students have taken their classroom project all the way to the Productivity Commission, contributing directly to a submission on the future of electric freight vehicles in Australia.

As part of their MMIS Capstone Project, the students worked with Western Roads Federation to explore how Western Australia could move more quickly towards using electric trucks for freight.

The team’s research and recommendations were so strong that the organisation chose to include them in its official submission to the Productivity Commission.

Industry learning in action

The student team included: Dharaben Kathiriya, Haque Shaikh, K. M. Akhteruzzaman, Muhammad Zohaib Munawar and S. M. Ashiquddaulla.

The group spent the semester analysing how electric trucks could be introduced in a practical, affordable way, exploring things like:

how freight currently moves around Perth
which routes are most suited to electric trucks
what changes would make the shift easier for transport companies
how this transition could save money and reduce emissions over time

Their work helped Western Roads Federation strengthen its submission and provide clear, evidence-based suggestions for improving WA’s freight future.

“It didn’t feel like a uni assignment — it felt real.”

For many of the students, knowing their work would be read by national decision-makers was the highlight.

“I never imagined our project would reach the Productivity Commission,” said student Haque Shaikh. “It made me feel proud that our work could help shape future decisions.”

Others said the project gave them confidence, industry experience, and a clearer idea of their career goals.

“Knowing our analysis would be used in a Productivity Commission submission made the work feel meaningful,” said S. M. Ashiquddaulla. “It pushed us to work at a professional standard, and I felt proud that our findings could contribute to national discussions.”

“The highlight was applying real data and systems knowledge to a real organisational problem. Working directly with Western Roads gave me practical insight into their operations and allowed me to develop meaningful, data-driven recommendations that had genuine value beyond the classroom,” added Muhammad Munawar.

A pathway to confident, work-ready graduates

This project shows how ECU students get the chance to work on real problems, with real organisations, and create work that genuinely matters outside the classroom.

For the students, the opportunity was a standout moment in their degree.

“This was one of the most meaningful academic experiences I’ve had. It showed me how MIS knowledge can influence policy, infrastructure planning and organisational decision-making,” said Dharaben Pareshbhai Kathiriya.

The group reported the project strengthened their technical expertise, teamwork, and left them feeling more confident to enter the workforce.

“These projects make you a better professional and give you confidence that stays with you.” said Shaikh.

The School of Business and Law congratulates the student team on their achievement and thanks Western Roads Federation for supporting hands-on learning opportunities that create genuine impact.

School of Business and Law