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UFS launches groundbreaking RPA challenge on innovating with power automation

29 October 2024 | Story Jacky Tshokwe | Photo Supplied

RAiN Automate Innovate Challenge 2024 — The University of the Free State accounting students rise to the challenge in the RAiN Automate to Innovate Challenge.

The School of Accountancy at the University of the Free State (UFS) is leading a forward-thinking initiative by introducing the RAiN Automate to Innovate Challenge in 2024. This marks the first time that the UFS has run this challenge, and it is already making waves in the accounting education landscape. As one the few Accountancy department in South Africa to host such an event, the UFS is paving the way for technological integration in the academic world, setting the stage for future inter-university competitions.

The RAiN Automate to Innovate Challenge invited second-year BAcc students enrolled in the EIDE2724 module to participate in groups of three to four. Their task was to identify and solve a real-world problem related to either students or business by developing a robotic process automation (RPA) bot using Power Automate.

The challenge followed an exploratory learning approach, empowering students to dive into the world of automation with minimal formal lecturing. This approach develops students’ creativity and problem-solving skills. The students worked hard to master Power Automate and applied their knowledge to build automation bots that successfully solved business and student life problems.

Presentations and the final showdown

After presenting their bots on 10, 11, and 14 October, the top six groups were announced in class, eagerly awaiting the grand finale. The final round took place on 18 October from 12:00 to 14:00, where the top six groups competed head-to-head.

A distinguished panel of judges, consisting of three judges from RAiN Auditors and three from the UFS, evaluated the bots based on creativity, functionality, and potential impact. By the end of the event, the winning groups were announced, and the following prizes were awarded:

First place: R1 500 each
Second place: R1 200 each
Third place: R1 000 each

The prizes were generously sponsored by RAiN Auditors, showcasing their commitment to fostering innovation in education.

Looking ahead

As the first South African university to run this type of challenge, the UFS aims to inspire other institutions across the country to follow suit. The School of Accountancy is eager to expand this competition, with the hope of challenging other universities in 2025 and beyond, creating a platform for students to showcase their technical skills and business acumen in the rapidly evolving field of accounting.

Stay tuned for the impact and future growth of the RAiN Automate to Innovate Challenge, where we continue to push boundaries and prepare the next generation of accountants to excel in a digital world.

For more insight into the competition, check out the video recap [here](insert Vimeo link). Be sure to explore the image gallery, showcasing the incredible work and teamwork of our students.

Check out the video here for more details.

News Archive

UFS Camerata ends concert season on a high note

2017-11-02

The final concert at Endler Hall at Stellenbosch University, presented by the
Endler Concert Series, was attended by the UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor,
Prof Francis Petersen and Mrs Cheslyn Petersen. Here, on stage, is Prof Petersen
with the Camerata.
Photo: Supplied

The OSM Camerata (OSMC) of the Odeion School of Music at the University of the Free State ended the 2017 concert season on a high note with two gala concerts presented in the Western Cape as part of the ensemble’s fifth birthday celebrations. The first concert took place at the well-known Hugo Lambrechts Auditorium in Parow on 20 October 2017. A Stellenbosch University audience also had the privilege of listening to the Camerata at Endler Hall the following day.

A substantial part of the concert programme recited during the concerts was dedicated to prolific South African composer, Prof Hendrik Hofmeyr, in honour of his 60th birthday on 20 November 2017. The ensemble recited Super Flumina Babylonis, Notturno Elegiaco & Spokewals/Phantom Waltz - all works commissioned from Prof Hofmeyr for the OSMC.

The Odeion School of Music awarded the Order of the OSM to Prof Hofmeyr during the concert in gratitude for his tremendous contribution as a South African composer.

The final concert at Endler Hall, presented by the Endler Concert Series, was attended by the UFS Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Francis Petersen, and Mrs Cheslyn Petersen.

According to Marius Coetzee from the Odeion School of Music, the OSMC was strategically founded in 2012 as the OSM’s flagship chamber orchestra with its main objective being to create a catalyst for excellence. From a pedagogical perspective, the OSMC serves as an incubator to nurture fully rounded musicians who are thoroughly prepared for the demands of their trade as orchestral musicians, soloists and conductors.

Responding to the demand for excellence, on 1 September 2017 it was announced that the OSMC received first prize for the 2017 Ictus International Music Competition (US) as the winner of the category for Conservatory and University Orchestras.

Louis van der Watt, head of strings at the University of Stellenbosch Conservatory and vice conductor of the university’s symphony orchestra, remarked that the OSMC presented an excellent concert. Audience members concurred, saying the OSM Camerata was setting new standards for orchestral playing in South Africa.

Review from Louis van der Watt, University of Stellenbosch (available in Afrikaans)

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