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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

Kovsie's netball players triumph

2009-07-24

The Free State U-19 team that won the 2009 SA’s tournament that was held in Mafikeng.

In action are Danique du Toit (left) and Mioné Steinman of the Free State U-19 team against the Western Province. They also won the 2009 SA’s tournament that was held in Mafikeng.
Photos: Markus Steinman

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) first netball team brought the silver medal home this year after they ended second in the University Sport South Africa (USSA) Tournament that was held in Johannesburg. According to Ms Burta de Kock from KovsieSport at the UFS and coach of the team, the team suffered somewhat due to injuries and the fact that eight of their players were newcomers.

In spite of these challenges, six of the UFS players were included in the USSA team. They are Carine Terblanche, Shirolene Smith, Lienke Perold, Anuschka Greeff, Karla Mostert and Anja Zandberg. Karin Venter, also from KovsieSport at the UFS, was appointed as coach of the SA Universities Team.

Kovsie’s netball players also recently played for the Free State U-19 team in a tournament in Mafikeng. The entire team consisted of Kovsies. They won the gold medal by winning all their matches against other regions and provinces. Four of the Kovsie players were also included in the South African U-19 group. They are Karla Mostert, Mione Steinman, Cleopatra Kgoputso and Anuschka Greeff. Anuschka was named as the best goal shooter during the tournament.

The entire Free State U-21 team, which brought home the silver medal after they had lost to Gauteng in the final match, also consisted of Kovsie netball players. Six of these players were included in the South African U-21 team. They are Anja Opperman, Anja Zandberg, Poppie Thethele, Rika Stevenson, Nadia Nieuwoudt and Iselma Parkin. Iselma Parkin was also named the best defender of the tournament and Poppie Thethele the best centre player.

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