Latest News Archive
Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
15 February 2024
|
Story Anthony Mthembu
|
Photo SUPPLIED
Crespen Ndlovu (PhD Research Fellow in the Higher Education and Human Development Research Group (HEHD) at the University of the Free State) and Reabetswe Parkies (Senior Officer in Marketing in the Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State).
The University of the Free State (UFS) proudly sent two PhD students to the inaugural ‘Swiss-African PhD Winter School on Innovation and Entrepreneurship for Sustainable Development,’ held by the Bern University of Applied Sciences Business School from 22 to 26 January 2024 in Switzerland. Representing UFS were Reabetswe Parkies, a Senior Officer in Marketing within the Faculty of Economics Management Sciences and Crespen Ndlovu, PhD Research Fellow in the Higher Education and Human Development Research Group (HEHD). They were among 30 PhD students selected across several African and European countries to attend the school on the institution’s campus.
‘’The winter school was indeed a beacon of holistic learning, where the promotion of sustainable development was seamlessly woven into the fabric of academic exploration. It provided a platform to engage with sustainable development's complex challenges and explore innovative, actionable, and impactful research pathways,’’ said Parkies.
The purpose of the winter school
The primary goal of the winter school was to convene PhD students specialising in innovation and entrepreneurship to foster research insights conducive to sustainable development. It served as a forum for interdisciplinary dialogue, enabling participants to exchange ideas aimed at advancing this common objective. Ndlovu noted the significance of considering both global and local perspectives on sustainability challenges, emphasising the crucial role of ethical considerations, equity, and inclusivity in propelling sustainability initiatives forward.
Insights and experiences
In addition to collaborative discussions, the winter school facilitated activities such as the sharing and deliberation of individual research projects. A highlight for Ndlovu was the opportunity to engage with influential scholars like Prof Sophie Bacq from the International Institute for Management Development, who continues to inspire his work on social entrepreneurship and human development.
Parkies and Ndlovu both affirmed that the experience not only contributed to their personal growth but also provided valuable insights into their respective research projects. Ndlovu stressed the importance of ensuring research relevance across various scales to contribute effectively to broader sustainability goals while addressing localised needs. Parkies echoed this sentiment, underscoring the significance of impactful research in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications.
Students get practical training in banking
2009-05-13
 |
At the official announcement of the ABSA Internship Programme were, from the left: Ms Venete Klein, Executive Director: ABSA Retail Banking, Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the School of Management at the UFS, and Ms Christa de Bruin, Programme Leader: Internships at ABSA; back: Tebogo Mekgwe and Chantelle de Coning. Both are Honours students in Financial Economics and Investment Management at the UFS.
Photo: Stephen Collett |
The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) has launched a unique programme that will give provide postgraduate B.Com. students with the opportunity to work at the ABSA Regional Office in Bloemfontein for three weeks and obtain practical experience on what banking entails.
“It is the first time in the history of our faculty that we are getting involved with a programme of this nature where theory and practice will meet,” said Prof. Helena van Zyl, Director of the School of Management at the UFS at the official announcement of the ABSA Internship Programme this week.
The ABSA Internship Programme was born out of the faculty’s long-standing relationship with ABSA. The programme, the brain child of Mr Deon Loots, former Regional Manager of ABSA in the Free State, offers the ten hand-picked students the opportunity to equip and empower themselves better for their future. They will be working at the ABSA Regional Office from 22 June to 10 July 2009 and will be exposed to as many focus areas of the bank as possible in order to give them a good overview of what banking entails.
“A degree, even an honours degree, is not enough. When graduates knock on an employer’s door he/she already assumes that the student will have a certain set of knowledge. We must once again look at ways to enhance our students’ practical and softer skills in order for them to compete in the labour market,” said Prof. Van Zyl.
“With this programme we want to equip and empower our students and develop their talents. In the end the student must be able to answer the question, “What makes me better than the 27 000 other students on our campus and on campuses elsewhere?” Prof. Van Zyl said.
Ms Venete Klein, Executive Director: ABSA Retail Banking and Visiting Professor at the University’s School of Management stated that it was always good to meet and engage with young talent, the leaders of tomorrow. “The students are entering the world of work at a crucial and difficult stage; a time when financial services worldwide are transformed. They have proven themselves academically. Now they have the opportunity to complement theory with work experience. With this programme they can develop into competent and compassionate professionals. I am proud that ABSA is part of this programme,” she said.
Media Release:
Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
13 May 2009