About: Journal of Commercial Education
Aim
The journal aims to disseminate original ideas related to Commercial Education (and cognate fields, including the educational aspects of commerce). It is also interested in publishing abstracts of recently approved research degree dissertations, reports and theses.
Placement
The Journal of Commercial Education marks a pivotal moment for the Commercial Education Society of Australia (CESA), offering a platform that both honours its historical roots and addresses the evolving needs of commercial education in a globalised world. This journal reflects CESA’s mission to prepare individuals for careers that not only contribute to the economy but also ensure profitability and sustainability in an increasingly complex and competitive landscape.
Defining Commercial Education
Commercial education is fundamentally associated with equipping individuals with the knowledge and skills to excel in business, commerce, IT, and related fields. It extends beyond traditional notions of business studies, encompassing independent tertiary education, the arts, and social sciences. In today’s dynamic world, this includes preparing people for roles that require innovative thinking, practical problem-solving, and the ability to navigate the technological and economic challenges of a global marketplace.
Prime Minister John Gorton captured this sentiment in his congratulatory note to CESA on its 60th anniversary in 1970:
“Over these years the Commercial Education Society of Australia has made a valuable contribution to our commercial and business life. This increasingly competitive and complex world places great responsibilities on those who are in a position to set and influence educational standards. These days there is much glamour surrounding the scientific and technological age, but a nation would not get far without the commercial skills that are the concern for your Society.”
This emphasis on the practical and economic importance of commercial education resonates with CESA’s foundational goal of preparing individuals not only to enter the workforce but also to thrive in it.
Historical Foundations and Evolution
CESA’s origins date back to 1910, when it was first established as the Incorporated Phonographic Society of Australia, reflecting its connection to the Pitman family and their pioneering work in shorthand and commercial training. The influence of Jacob Pitman, brother of Sir Isaac Pitman (the inventor of phonography), left an indelible mark on Australia’s commercial education landscape. By the late 1960s, CESA had evolved from an independent shorthand examination board into a leading educational society with a diverse membership spanning typing teachers, university lecturers, chartered accountants, and even senior politicians, such as Sir Eric Archibald Willis, a lifelong supporter.
Its national significance is exemplified through endorsements from Australian leaders, including the Premier of New South Wales and the Prime Minister, as well as international recognition, as evidenced by a telegram from Queen Elizabeth II in 1970. These acknowledgements highlight the Society’s role in shaping educational and professional standards.
A Century of International Connections
The Commercial Education Society of Australia has fostered over a century of educational connections with scholars and institutions across the Pacific, Melanesia, Asia, and the Middle East. These connections, established through professional society membership and educational courses—some of which continue to this day—have cemented CESA’s reputation as a leader in international educational outreach.
A glance at the Membership Register reveals the diversity of CESA’s global network, with members from 33 countries. The back cover of this journal proudly lists the names of 11 Australian Governors-General who have served as Patrons of the Society, endorsing its mission of international collaboration. This global engagement has grown in recent years, with contributions from international scholars to CESA’s Periodic Discussion Papers and growing memberships in Associate, Member, Licentiate, and Fellow grades.
Affiliated with the Société Internationale pour l’enseignement Commercial-International Society for Business Education (SIEC-ISBE), CESA aligns with evolving global developments while maintaining its unique focus. This journal, while not in competition with SIEC-ISBE, furthers CESA’s international outreach, enriching its global partners and welcoming new participants.
A Modern Vision for Commercial Education
In keeping with its tradition of adaptability, CESA has embraced a broader, more inclusive definition of commercial education. The field now extends into IT, creative industries, and even the arts and social sciences, recognising that the principles of commerce—such as efficiency, profitability, and strategic thinking—are applicable across virtually all sectors. The journal seeks to champion this modern understanding by publishing innovative research, practical insights, and abstracts of theses that advance the boundaries of commercial education.
The recent influx of young academics and students from diverse countries has brought renewed energy to CESA. This journal aims to capture their enthusiasm and expertise by providing a platform for original ideas and research related to commercial education and its many intersections. Given the pervasive influence of commerce, the journal also invites submissions that explore how these principles are applied across different fields of education. In this issue, there are two articles which relate to Cybersecurity; these are by young IT graduates, and there is a related letter by an older CESA Fellow.
Honouring the Pitman Legacy
The journal also honours the historical contributions of the Pitman family, whose influence laid the foundation for commercial education in Australia. The original Pitman’s Journal of Commercial Education, published in the 1920s, serves as an inspiration for this modern iteration. By incorporating archival materials and reintroducing key historical works now in the public domain, the journal bridges CESA’s rich history with its forward-looking vision. Indeed, Sir James Pitman was a former Vice-President of CESA and Mr Alfred Pitman was previously a Patron of CESA. In fact, it is worth noting that Sir Isaac Pitman, invented Shorthand in the English-speaking world in 1837, and his grandson, John Hugh Pitman was invested as an Officer of the British Empire for his services to vocational education. Thus, the Pitman contribution to international education in general and to CESA in particular makes it appropriate for this attempt to revive their commercial education journal.
A Platform for the Future
CESA’s commitment to maintaining relevance in an ever-changing world is evident in its embrace of new ideas and emerging voices. By publishing contributions from young academics and experienced professionals alike, the journal ensures that commercial education remains a dynamic and responsive field. It also aims to educate stakeholders about the contemporary definition of commercial education, focusing on training individuals not only for jobs but also for entrepreneurial and leadership roles that drive economic growth.
A call to action
The Journal of Commercial Education is both a tribute to CESA’s century-long legacy and a bold step into the future. By promoting research, sharing innovative ideas, and championing the evolving definition of EDUCATION in commercial education, it ensures that CESA continues to be a leader in setting and influencing educational standards in Australia and beyond.
Please consider submitting your contribution to this ongoing endeavor.
Emeritus Professor A.G. (Tony) Shannon AM
Founding Editor-in-Chief (2025)
Journal of Commercial Education