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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.

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Exam Edition of Reboot Pack provides practical steps to prepare
2016-11-23

The University of the Free State (UFS) remains committed to completing the academic year successfully in the interest of our students who want to complete their studies.

With the strategy to rescue the academic year and allow students to continue with their learning and achieve outstanding assessments (assignments, tests, and exams), whether on or off campus, the institution aims to provide students with the utmost support.

As part of this strategy, the UFS has developed the Academic Reboot Pack 1, 2.0, and now Exam Edition. The aim of Reboot Pack: Exam Edition is directed at providing students with practical steps on how to best prepare for the upcoming Main Year-end assessments.

Click here to get the Academic Reboot Pack (Exam Edition).

Academic Reboot Pack 2.0
 
Academic Reboot Pack 1.0


If students have any questions or queries regarding the Academic Reboot Pack, they can send an email to: advising@ufs.ac.za

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