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UFS Accounting students win Project Alpha competition

21 June 2019 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo Ernst & Young

UFS Accounting Students win EY Project Alpha — At the Ernst & Young Project Alpha 2019 Awards, some of the members of the winning team, from left: Kyle du Bruyn, Luke Rhode, Janri du Toit, Nicolaas van Zyl, Mojalefa Mosala (Business Ethics Lecturer), Bianca Malan, Lorandi Koegelenberg and Frans Benecke.

A few years ago the news was saturated with Volkswagen’s (VW) fuel emission scandal. “Dieselgate”. Investigations in the US found the German automaker guilty of programming computers in their diesel cars to alter its engine operations to seemingly meet legal emission standards.

A question of ethics

A notice of violation of the Clean Air Act issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency had dire consequences for the automobile company, but positive implications for the economy and the environment. As part of a lawsuit settlement, vehicles were recalled, fines were paid, and approximately 21 million affected vehicles with VW diesel engines were refitted by September 2015.

Project Alpha tackles ethical issues

A group of eight students from the University of the Free State (UFS) presented their case study of “Dieselgate” to a panel of judges in this year’s Ernst & Young Project Alpha competition. They emerged as the ultimate winners.

The “Hoaxwagen” group’s 10-minute video demonstrated “a critical assessment of a multidimensional matter” captivating the judges. “I was impressed, because their presentation addressed other skills such as the ability to present, communicate, come out of their comfort zone and be innovative, while at the same time addressing an ethical issue,” said Mojalefa Mosala, a judge and Business Ethics lecturer at the UFS.

Centred on critical thinking

The UFS is the first university outside of Johannesburg that participated in the Project Alpha contest. Ernst & Young and the UFS have forged a strong relationship over the past few years, giving students a glimpse into the corporate world of accounting.

“Project Alpha encourages critical thinking and not taking things at face value, by looking a bit deeper, spending time to understand the pros and cons of any situation in order to make an informed decision,” said Frans Benecke, member. of the winning team that prevailed over 82 others. Benecke’s team walked away with R2000 shopping vouchers and a life-long learning experience.

Engaging in global conversations

Participation in the competition gave students the opportunity to be exposed to contemporary global thinking, which is strongly advocated in the UFS’s Integrated Transformation Plan.

UFS Accounting students win 2019 Ernst & Young Project Alpha competition from University of the Free State on Vimeo.

News Archive

Department arranges special excursion for disabled students

2008-11-26

The unique circumstances of students with disabilities often make it difficult for them to attend educational excursions of the Department of Communication and Information Studies. A special excursion was thus arranged for them to the National Museum in Bloemfontein. Work was recently done to make the museum more accessible for persons with disabilities. A lift was installed and exhibitions are equipped with Braille. Many exhibitions are equipped with sound and visitors can also make use of audio players.

Mr Tebogo Mohlakane, educational officer from the National Museum, and a team of well-trained museum guides welcomed the 13 students that were accompanied by Ms Elbie Lombard and other members of the department with open arms. Each student received special attention to make it an unforgettable experience.

Estine Smith, a first-year student with visual impairments, summarised her experience of a stuffed predatory bird which she held in her arms, as awesome. Touching replicas of elephants, rhinos and giraffes was the highlight of Shaun Jooste, a third-year student with visual impairments’ experience. Until recently it was difficult for Tshidiso Molehe to visit the museum with his wheelchair. He is now satisfied with the accessibility of the museum and is looking forward to his next visit to the museum.

Disabled students during their visit to the National Museum.

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