Andrew (2007) in her research paper focuses on the issue of privatisation of prisons in Australia, and how this has resulted in "private sector" notions of accounting and accountability being imposed onto operations which should be shaped by "public sector" principles and practices.

Required:

Explain what the author means by "private sector" notions of accounting and accountability, and how this has negative consequences for prisoners held within the privately owned prisons. Discuss whether this research would be classified as mainstream or critical research, with reference to the underlying philosophical assumptions (ontology, epistemology and methodology).