School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (SCiiS) College of Business and Economics JUNE 2023 NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 12
2 Message from the Director As I write this final newsletter as Director of the School, I am filled with a myriad of reflections on our remarkable six-year journey. The memories we have created, the challenges we have conquered, and the milestones we have achieved will be forever cherished. As I prepare to pass the baton to my successor, I want to express my deepest gratitude to each one of you for your dedication, support, and commitment to our shared vision. Like many others before, this newsletter reflects on the semester we are closing. It is a celebration of the results of our shared passion for knowledge, innovation, and transformative education. Highlights include the following: The introduction of our ground-breaking Master’s degree in Applied Data Science: Recognising the growing demand for professionals skilled in harnessing the power of data, we have meticulously designed this programme to equip students with the expertise to navigate the complex world of data and to become leaders in data-driven business decision-making. We have assembled a stellar team of experienced local and international faculty members whose wealth of knowledge, industry experience, and commitment to excellence will serve as invaluable resources to inspire and guide the next generation of data science leaders in business. We have forged strong partnerships with industry leaders and organisations at the forefront of data science innovation. These collaborations will give our students access to industry projects, ensuring that their learning experience remains current and relevant to the rapidly evolving data landscape. The launch of the University of Johannesburg and W&RSETA Youth Employment Pilot Project: This pilot project is specifically designed to uplift 100 unemployed youth by providing them with skills development opportunities that will improve their prospects of finding permanent employment in the wholesale and retail sector. This collaboration with the W&RSETA exemplifies the strength of academia–industry partnerships. Together we have embarked on a path that will bring hope to countless young individuals seeking meaningful careers. Celebration of the outstanding accomplishments of our esteemed individual faculty members: It is with immense pride and joy that we celebrate with Dr Stella Bvuma, Head of the Department of Applied Information Systems, on her being the winner of the prestigious ‘Women in Technology’ award at the 2023 Women of Stature South Africa awards ceremony. This remarkable recognition will inspire all who are working hard to break barriers and to lead the way for women in technology. In addition, we applaud Dr Sithembiso Khumalo of the Department of Information and Knowledge Management and Dr Kwete Nyandongo of the Department of Applied Information Systems, who have both attained their doctoral degrees. I invite you to read these and many other inspiring stories in this edition of our School newsletter. As my term of office ends, it is stories like these that fill me with optimism for the future. I am confident that the spirit of excellence that defines our School will continue to flourish under its new leadership! With deepest appreciation, Prof. Mercy Mpinganjira Prof. Mercy Mpinganjira Director: School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems
3 Student News First intake of Master of Applied Data Science students welcomed The Centre for Applied Data Science (CADS) celebrated a significant milestone on 24 February 2023, when it warmly welcomed its inaugural cohort of students into the innovative Master of Applied Data Science (MADS) programme. The welcome session was led by Mr Siyabonga Mhlongo, Acting Head of the Centre for Applied Data Science; Prof. Hossana Twinomurinzi, Vice Dean: Research, Innovation and Internationalisation, College of Business and Economics; and Prof. Mercy Mpinganjira, Director: School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems. As part of the welcome session, the CADS organised an engaging evening that fostered interaction among the students. It was an opportunity for the students not only to familiarise themselves with the faculty members who are involved in the programme, but also to promote knowledge exchange and collaboration among their peers. The Master of Applied Data Science programme is designed to equip students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the everevolving field of data science. The programme’s first cohort boasts a total of 40 students, each ready to embark on this exciting educational journey. In their first semester the students delved into various modules, including Competitive Intelligence, Marketing Analytics, and Data Exploration. CADS’ commitment to offering a cutting-edge educational experience, coupled with the enthusiasm and dedication of the first MADS cohort, sets the stage for a vibrant and successful programme that will contribute significantly to the field of data science.
4 Technopreneurship Centre emerges at NEMISA Colloquium 2023 After achieving victory at the preceding innovation hackathon hosted by the University of Johannesburg in November 2022, the Technopreneurship Centre (TPC) team, also known as the ‘A team’, received an invitation from the board of the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA) to showcase their innovation at the 2023 NEMISA Colloquium held in Durban, Umhlanga, from 15 to 17 February 2023. The A-team comprises students from the Departments of Applied Information Systems (AIS) and Strategic Commutation: Kenan Kasongo (AIS), Ibrahim Lukombe (Strategic Commutation), Malebo Moleleki (AIS), Sanah Rasethaba (AIS), and Aaron Kibambe (AIS). They students developed an intelligent AI-based system named Falsify App, designed to track and verify fake news. The primary goal of their solution is to prevent the spread of misinformation by verifying it before it spreads. The remarkable innovation of the A-team led to their selection as the overall champions of the 2023 national NEMISA hackathon, earning them the substantial cash prize of R100,000. They’ll use this prize to enhance their solution. In addition, we are delighted to announce that the TPC will be responsible for incubating the A-team project in collaboration with NEMISA. Incubation is a critical phase in project development, and we have great confidence in the support and resources that TPC and NEMISA will provide, helping the team to transform their innovative concept into a successful product. Congratulations to the A-team on their success, and best of luck with the next steps in developing their solution!
5 Media masterclass with Carat Third year Strategic Marketing students who won Best Project in 2022 presented their industry projects to executives of Absa Bank this past semester. he winning group was given an exceptional opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of marketing media organisations for a day. Under the guidance of Shihaam Abrahams, General Manager at Carat, Ms Relebohiseng Matubatuba (BCom Marketing Programme Manager) and the UJ Marketing students enjoyed a day-long visit to several leading companies. The day of immersion started at the Google SA offices, where the students were educated about the media landscape and strategy. They were introduced to Google and the role it has played in marketing before they toured the Google SA office, which was pretty cool. The students could not believe that they were sitting at Google; the experience was surreal. The next stop on their itinerary was Kaya FM, where the students learnt all about the role of radio in media placement and marketing, connecting it to the media strategy they’d heard about earlier. They had a little fun in the studio, where they recorded their own segment of a show they had created, incorporating key elements of a radio programme. One of the students remarked, “I never knew that being on radio was such a tough job – I thought the presenters just speak”. This experience provided valuable insights and learnings. The final stop for the day was at the TikTok SA offices, where the students were introduced to the company. They received comprehensive information about the platform’s growth, its unique proposition, and how brands leverage it to promote themselves. At the end of the talk, the students took part in a TikTok challenge, which they thoroughly enjoyed. Undoubtedly, this was a master class and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our students. We are grateful to the organisations that warmly welcomed our students and took time from their busy schedules to engage with them, enriching their learning experience. New book, new read! Congratulations to Frank Einhorn, a PhD graduate from the Department of Applied Information Systems (AIS), on the publication of his book, Managing business projects: The essentials. This outstanding achievement was made possible by the excellent supervision of Prof. Carl Marnewick of AIS.
6 Marshmallow Challenge for Advanced Retailing students On 15 February 2023, Advanced Retailing students attended several academic workshops and orientation sessions, which included an introduction to the programme curriculum, a visit to the library, and an information session from the Writing Centre. One of the most exciting activities was the Marshmallow Challenge – a team-building exercise that involves building the tallest structure possible using only marshmallows, spaghetti, and tape. This challenge tests students’ creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. Through this activity, the students learnt important skills that are essential for success in the retail industry. First, the Marshmallow Challenge encouraged the students to think ‘outside the box’ and to be innovative in their approach to problem-solving. With limited resources, they had to come up with creative solutions to build the tallest structure. This is an important skill for those working in the retail industry, as innovation is key to staying ahead of the competition. Second, the Marshmallow Challenge helped the students to develop their teamwork skills. They had to work together effectively, communicate their ideas clearly, and delegate tasks to one another to ensure that the structure was successfully built. Teamwork is a critical skill in the retail industry, as employees must work collaboratively to achieve common goals and objectives. Third, the Marshmallow Challenge taught the students about the importance of time management. With only 20 minutes to complete it, students had to work efficiently and manage their time effectively. This is a valuable skill in the retail industry, where employees often have to complete tasks quickly and accurately. The Marshmallow Challenge was an engaging and fun way to start the Advanced Diploma in Retailing programme. In addition to the academic workshops and the Marshmallow Challenge, the students received some products from Colgate-Palmolive as part of the community outreach programme led by Dr Isolde Ward, which sweetened the orientation day! Applied Information Systems and Marketing Management students’ team building event The Marketing Management Department has an award-winning work-integrated learning (WIL) programme in which marketing and retail students are required to sell products as part of their direct sales management project. The students are taught the theoretical knowledge about direct selling during the first semester, and are then required to put this knowledge into practice in the real world. The Marketing Department signed an agreement with the Direct Selling Association (DSA) as their industry partner. This year, they had three companies from which the students could choose: Avon, Justine, and Table Charm. These companies came to the campus every Friday to assist the students in reaching their sales targets. This project also runs live on an app that was developed by Prof. Marius Wait and Prof. Abejide Ade-Ibijola and that won the Vice Chancellor’s ‘Innovation of the Year’ award in 2019. The Head of the Department of Marketing Management, Prof. Marius Wait, is glad to report that this year’s turnover of the DSA-UJ Project was R 1.5 million, which meant that R 375 000 went back to the students in the form of sales commissions. This is indeed a success story!
7 Taz and Somizi motivate W&R SETA Youth To inspire and motivate the youth of the employment project, the Wholesale & Retail (W&R) SETA Chair, Dr Beate StiehlerMulder, organised an event on 5 April 2023 dubbed ‘Eat Love Pray’. This captivating event was graced by two renowned celebrities. Taz, who is well-known for her exceptional abilities as a medium, provided the students with fortune readings that left them in awe. Somizi, a multi-talented entertainer and radio and television personality, shared his valuable entertainment insights and offered invaluable advice to the aspiring youth over a delightful lunch. His words resonated deeply with the young attendees, encouraging them to pursue their dreams fearlessly and to embrace their unique talents. The youth left the event more motivated and energised, and equipped with a renewed sense of purpose and direction. By bringing together these two influential figures, the Chair demonstrated her dedication to nurturing the potential of the youth. The Chair is committed to supporting the youth by providing them with meaningful opportunities for growth and success. IKM alumni share their experiences In seeking to understand the value that Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) has on students’ workplace readiness, IKM alumni were asked to share their IKM experiences. Some of their comments follow: My IKM experience was a seasoned journey that prepared me to take on any challenges with a strategic mindset. I was exposed to a broad range of research, which focused on the quality of analytical findings. I currently work in the marketing industry and conduct post-campaign reporting. I was exposed to different types of reporting, such as dashboard analytics through learning how to practise IKM principles effectively. I am now able to design and maintain dashboards for clients to view their postcampaign performance. I have further learnt how to manage and connect thirdparty data sources using IKM practices on dashboards. The IKM degree has equipped me with a seasoned analytical foundation, which has helped me immensely to make the transition into the corporate world. Kshani Reddy My experience in IKM has been more than fruitful over the past few years. The field has a vast pool of divisions and focuses that fit in almost every industry. Kabelo Khanye During my time studying at IKM, I was intellectually challenged and provided with a lot of support from the university, which allowed me to excel academically. I believe that IKM provided me with a very rich amount of knowledge in different subject areas, which has benefitted me greatly in my career. Two years later, while furthering my career at Investec, I still refer back to what I have learned from IKM. Steven Kadima
8 Students’ community engagement project As part of a group assignment, second-year Personal Selling and Consumer Behaviour students were tasked to ‘sell a cause’ using the knowledge they had gained from their module. The focus of the project was on Goal 2 of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which is ‘zero hunger’. The students were asked to collect instant noodles as part of a noodle collection drive, and had to make posters and videos to create awareness and promote the noodle drive. They collected noodles from fellow students, the community around UJ, and their respective communities. Community engagement is a fundamental UJ value that encourages ubuntu – participating in helping the community. Through this project the students achieved their module outcomes – and collected over 10 000 packs of instant noodles to be donated to a number of deserving charities. In the end, the students enjoyed the project, and felt that they had made a positive contribution to fighting hunger. Thank you to Marketing lecturers Ms Relebohiseng Matubatuba and Dr Mthobisi Nhlabathi for coordinating this impactful initiative. Department of Government Communication and Information Systems internship won by third-year marketing student 31 March 2023 marked the end of a one-month internship awarded to the winning third-year marketing students who had developed an effective communication strategy to inform South Africans about all of the government services offered by the Department of Government Communication and Information Systems (GCIS). This partnership between GCIS and the Department of Marketing Management aims to contribute to the education and empowerment of young individuals who are pursuing careers in marketing and communication. As part of the internship, GCIS placed the winning student in sections that were aligned with their Marketing Management qualification, and conducted a brief orientation programme to highlight their expectations about the placement and the expected quality of service, and to ensure that student received the necessary support for successful experiential learning. Shanice Jones, the third-year student who took part in the internship, shared the knowledge she had gained during her internship, and noted that she had learnt about governmental entities, about the Mac charter, and about efforts to create a code for the marketing sector. She had also contributed significantly to the GCIS’s Vukazenzele newsletter, actively engaged in public outreach to raise awareness about the GCIS’s product offerings, and played a crucial role in preparing for the 30th anniversary celebration of the Freedom Charter. Work-integrated learning experiences are key, as they expose students to the world of work, and help them to put their learned theory into practice. The Marketing Department is proud about this industry partnership through which marketing students are mentored and empowered by industry experts.
9 AIS first-year seminar On 8 -10 February 2023 the Department of Applied Information Systems welcomed first-year students in the programmes of Diploma Business Information Technology and BCom Information Systems. The 2023 first-year seminar was the first contact orientation session to be held since the advent of Covid-19. During the encounter, the students explore a wide range of internal academic and non-academic prospects, engaged in activities, participated in simulations, and took part in discussions. All faculties, schools, and departments are encouraged to plan and organise these events within the spirit of the institution. Is Marketing or Retail for me? First-year online engagement On 25 January 2023 the Department of Marketing Management hosted an online engagement session for firstyear applicants. The purpose of the session was to provide an informative platform to help applicants to decide whether studies in Marketing or Retail were for them. The session educated them about the different qualifications that the departments offer, their relevance in industry, and their importance in the global community. The session featured a panel comprising an Honours student, who shared their valuable experience as a UJ Marketing student, and esteemed alumni who are now actively working in the industry. They provided valuable insights into how their Marketing or Retail qualification had greatly assisted them in their professional careers, and highlighted its significant impact on their respective fields. The session also featured a time for questions and answers, allowing prospective students to enquire about various marketing-related topics, career prospects, and the university experience. Dr Nicole Cunningham, a senior lecturer in the Marketing Department, joined the panel to provide expert insights and to answer specific programme-related questions. The session was skillfully facilitated by Nompumelelo Maduna, a former Miss Earth and current MCom Marketing Management student, who ensured a smooth and engaging experience for all participants.
10 FNB visits W&R SETA youth On 17 May 2023, an enthusiastic team from First National Bank (FNB) visited participants in the Youth Employment Project, which is under the guidance of the W&R Leadership (Gauteng) Chair. The team dedicated a full day to engaging with and educating the participants about financial literacy. We are grateful for the partnership and collaboration between FNB, the University of Johannesburg, and the School of Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems (SCiiS), and for the invaluable connections made by Bradley Shodries, a UJ alumnus who now works in the banking industry. Together they are making a positive impact on the youth of South Africa, equipping them with the tools for a brighter financial future. Successful integrated assessment with Cresta Shopping Centre The BCom Honours Marketing Management students engaged in an integrated assessment across three of their first semester modules: Services Marketing, Strategic Brand Management, and Strategic Digital Marketing. The integrated assessment is used to improve the congruence between programme- and module-level learning outcomes and assessment design, to help students to understand better how they are progressing in the different modules, and to equip them effectively with skills of selfregulation for professional learning beyond the programme. As part of the assessment, the Department of Marketing Management partnered with the Cresta Shopping Centre. The students were required to develop marketing solutions for specific challenges facing Cresta. The lecturers who facilitated this project were Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder and Prof. Ilse Struweg. Students preparing for shopper intercept interviews at the Cresta Shopping Centre on 13 May 2023
11 Outreach event at the Osizweni Special School The Department of Applied Information Systems, in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, organised a successful outreach event at the Osizweni Special School Hall in Leslie/Leandra, Mpumalanga Province on 26 May 2023. The event aimed to provide valuable information and guidance to grade 11 and 12 learners about the admission requirements of and opportunities in the Department of Applied Information Systems (AIS) and the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Johannesburg (UJ). The participation of Paradigm Shift Holdings enhanced the impact and reach of the event. During the event, Dr Lucas Khoza (AIS Lecturer) and Israel Lwamba delivered a comprehensive presentation covering various topics such as the courses on offer, career prospects, and exciting opportunities in the field of applied information systems. Their presentation emphasised the importance of cross-platform technologies and transformative learning practices, shedding light on their influence in the industry. Inter-module collaboration between Vuleka School and the UJ Marketing Department Vuleka School approached the University of Johannesburg’s Marketing Department with a request to help the school to develop a strategic marketing plan in order to increase donor contributions and brand awareness. Students in the Advanced Diploma in Marketing programme, guided by Dr Thabang Mofokeng and Mr Melusi Makhoba, were given this mammoth task. They were guided in develop ingan integrated strategic plan for Vuleka School, based on knowledge gained in their respective strategic marketing and digital marketing modules. Vuleka School was founded in 1989 by parishes in the Diocese of Johannesburg (Anglican Church of Southern Africa) in response to the growing education crisis and the inability of parents to give their children an adequate education. Students presented their strategic and digital marketing plans to Samantha Koopman (Marketing Manager, Vuleka School) and Greg Royce (Executive Head, Vuleka School) on 17and 18 May 2023. The most successful group was that of Thokozile Mahlangu, Matsanape Matsepe, Molebogeng Seshoka, and Qhama Sontundu. The team from Vuleka was extremely impressed by all of the student presentations, and expressed a wish to work closely with the top three groups, with the possibility of an internship, as Vuleka would hope to implement the strategies proposed by those groups. The Marketing Department is proud that industry partners find value in our offerings and in our students’ ability to solve industry problems with effective marketing strategies.
12 Launch of the University of Johannesburg and W&RSETA Youth Employment Pilot Project 11 February 2023 marked the official launch of the University of Johannesburg and W&RSETA Youth Employment Pilot Project. Millions of people are employed in the South African retail sector, which contributes a significant amount to the country’s gross domestic product. Historically, however, retail has not been associated with professional careers in South Africa. The principal objective of this youth empowerment project is to introduce, educate, inspire, and equip 100 young people with sales, marketing, business, and merchandising skills. The programme also seeks to provide them with a broader perspective on the multiple careers they could pursue when they choose to work in retail, and focus on growing in it. Among the many careers that could be pursued are store manager, marketer, buyer, and logistics. Some could also start their own businesses. By providing valuable training and employment opportunities in the thriving retail sector, this initiative will empower and uplift 100 young people, who have been placed with retailers across Gauteng for work experience. Of those young people, 80 have also been enrolled in an NQF5 Certificate in Retail Business Management at the University of Johannesburg and 20 youth are enrolled at Star Schools to complete their matric. Congratulations to W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng, Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder, and her team (Sandile Maseko, Assistant & Industry Liaison: W&R SETA Chair Gauteng), for launching the Youth Employment Pilot Project – the first of its kind in the country – with the help of Batho Pele Sales and Merchandising, Konke Business Solutions, Star Schools (Pty) Ltd, The Youth Owned Brands Awards (YOBAs), and Telkom. Go SA youth! From left to right: Tom Mkhwanazi (CEO: W&R SETA), Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder (W&R SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng), and Prof .Mercy Mpinganjira (Director: SCiiS)
13 TPC and CBE hackathon The Technopreneurship Centre (TPC), in collaboration with the College of Business and Economics (CBE) and Geekulcha, organised the TPCHackCBE Hackathon, an exciting event focused on the theme of ‘Digitising CBE: The future of smart working people’. With 14 impressive teams competing, the energy and creativity were off the charts. Congratulations to the winners of each category: Administration Challenge winners: Team Fearless, made up of Kerin Moodley, Zwivhuya Dahana, Kelebogile Nethengwe, Kimberley Isaac, and Nolifa Mondlana. They focused on digitising the appointment of temporary staff and short learning programme applications. Postgraduate Challenge winners: Team Hack_Are_Tech, made up of Caleb Diba, Sabelo Ndlovu, Gradi Mudiangombe, Nokuhle Ngubane, Mukelani Mashoba, and Nombali Mafa. They digitised the HDS process, which focuses on managing postgraduates. The Research Challenge winners: Team X, made up of Zwivhuya Nyambeni and Aaron Kibambe. They digitised all of the researchers in CBE in order to promote collaboration among them by consolidating their profiles, citations, publications, and more. Each team displayed remarkable talent and dedication throughout the event. The TPC is grateful to all of the participants, who poured their hearts and minds into developing innovative solutions for the CBE. The hard work and passion demonstrated during the hackathon were truly inspiring. A special ‘thank you’ also goes to everyone who supported the hackathon, especially the mentors, judges, and sponsors. Together, we are shaping the future of smart working and creating a reimagined future.
14 Guest lecturers Bringing industry into the classroom IKM Honours students’ guest lectures IKM Honours students were in for a treat on 30 March 2023, when they were exposed to three amazing guest lecturers from different industries. Artificial intelligence – ethical and regulatory considerations The first guest lecture was presented by Advocate Kathryn Deppe from InfoBib on ‘Artificial intelligence – ethical and regulatory considerations’. The lesson was so informative that the IKM decided to convert it into a public lecture for all to join. The discussion focused on whether we should embrace or fear AI, especially with developments such as ChatGTP 4, which is said to perform more like human intelligence than any other AI system thus far. Strategy and philosophy in business intelligence The second guest lecture was by Mr Shaun Rampursat, a business intelligence manager at FNB. He spoke on the topic of ‘Strategy and philosophy in business intelligence, and described how intelligence dashboards facilitate decisionmaking through data analysis. The key takeaways from the lesson included the importance of collaboration and innovativeness. MTN’s data strategy The third and final guest lecture was by Ms Alet Smith (General Manager: Business Intelligence Competency Centre) and Ms Tlale Rasethaba (Senior Manager: Data Governance) from MTN, who presented on ‘MTN’s data strategy’. The discussion focused on the role of data, data strategy, and the importance of data governance. Students were also invited to apply for the MTN graduate programme, which has a strong focus on the girl child, and gives students workplace and external training and international certification (coding, visualisation, and machine-learning skills).
15 Information portals On 22 March 2023, Ms Mpho Maud Raseroka of Lodirile Consulting (Pty) Ltd delivered an informative guest lecture to the first-year students in the Dzepartment of Information and Knowledge Management. The lecture focused on student readiness for industry and the world of work. She touched on her personal background, such as her upbringing and her career in HR and finance. During the lecture students were provided with valuable insights into particular things to note when applying for jobs, including the preparation of their CVs and the value of information as a resource to strengthen decision-making. The session ended with a lively discussion on financial saving tips, offering practical advice to the students. No more limits! Dikeledi Seleka – business coach, mentor, speaker, and author – addressed Personal Selling students in preparation for the 2023 academic year on 21 February 2023. The title of her talk was ‘No more limits’, and its purpose was to set the tone for the year. She touched on matters of self-leadership, and how students should prepare themselves to participate in local and international platforms, as the world is driven by globalisation. As part of the longstanding collaboration between the Direct Selling Association of South Africa (DSA) and the Department of Marketing Management, Personal Selling students are required to sell products and to meet sales targets in the selling component of the curriculum. This can be daunting for some students, so the objective of this talk was to motivate and encourage them, sharing tips for success and building their confidence to go out there and achieve their academic and career goals. Industry masterclass by Markham for Retailing students Operations Manager Racy Hlahla from Markham presented an insightful master class to the Retailing 2 students on the Bunting Road campus on 17 May 2023. After he had shared a relatable story about how his retail career had started, students became more enthusiastic and excited about the prospect of working in the retail industry one day. They had many questions, and were deeply engaged, with some saying how appreciative they were to hear a success story such as Racy’s that inspired them to undertake a career in retail. Racy has been one of our retail industry partners for a few years now, and Markham sponsored our top performers in 2022 and again in 2023. Markham is excited to get on board in future for more industry-collaborative projects with the Retail students. We look forward to an ongoing partnership with Racy and his team at Markham in the years to come.
16 Integrated assignment panel presentations The integrated assignment, the first of its kind to be piloted in the SCiiS, combined the efforts of the Department of Applied Information Systems (AIS) and the Department of Marketing Management (MM). The idea behind integrating the assignment across the two departments was to support the main aim of SCiiS ‘to form a pan-African epicentre of critical intellectual enquiry in the areas of consumer intelligence and information systems through the unique combination of the three knowledge fields’, of which MM and AIS are a part. With the problem of joblessness in South Africa, the AIS students were asked to develop a start-up idea that could be monetised in the future. The start-up idea entailed the AIS students developing a product or application that focused on a real-life problem using use Design Thinking and Agile. The MM students were then responsible for designing a digital marketing strategy that focused on developing a website to promote the product/application. The MM students worked with the AIS students, and used their insights into and creativity in website development to create the promotional website. All of their efforts throughout the semester culminated in the final presentation that took place on 22 May 2023 at School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) on the Auckland Park Bunting Road (APB) campus, to which a number of academics and industry experts were invited to participate on a marking panel. They were: Lysandra Harding (junior graphic designer from SocialPath) Semona Pillay (lecturer in Marketing Management at UJ) Lauren Espach (operations manager from SocialPath) Melusi Makhoba (lecturer in Marketing Management at UJ) Sandile Thamie Mhlanga (lecturer in Applied Information Systems at UJ) Xavier de Buck (marketing director at ImmoAfrica, and founder & CEO of Luxury Homes Johannesburg) Prof. Josef Langerman (lecturer in Applied Information Systems at UJ) Emma Dougherty (business development manager and marketer for ImmoAfrica) Our panel members were impressed with all of the presentations, and specifically commended the students for their creativity, problem-solving abilities, and collaboration. They also shared some constructive insights that many of the groups found helpful. Special mention goes to the top performing group, ‘A Little Source of Hope’ (pictured on the right), who were commended for their heart-felt application and creative digital marketing campaign. The student groups enjoyed learning from one another, interacting with students from a different department and working together on the presentation, and also appreciated the practicality of the assignment, which simulated a real-life working experience. As this was a pilot project, there was some room for improvement, and both the students and the panel members made suggestions to be considered for next year. ‘All in all it was a fun, collaborative experience that encouraged students to work outside of their comfort zone and provide innovative solutions to real-life problems. We are proud of both groups of students and acknowledge their efforts.’ – Ms Pillay and Prof. Langerman, lead academics on the project.
17 Design Thinking workshop by AIS, MM, and Liberty Group The Department of Applied Information Systems (AIS) and the Department of Marketing Management (MM) joined forces to work together on their respective third-year projects. They support the aim of SCiiS to form a pan-African epicentre of critical intellectual enquiry in the areas of consumer intelligence and information systems through the unique combination of the three knowledge fields. On 20 February 2023 they kicked off the first part of this initiative by joining forces with industry to workshop the AIS students’ project ideas using Design Thinking. Six Design Thinking coaches from Liberty took the students through its steps of emphasising, definition, ideation, prototyping, and testing. At the end of the day each team developed an idea of what their prototype would be and how it would serve their stakeholders. The Marketing Management students will use these ideas to develop digital marketing strategies. Jabu from Real Beds Jabu Gama from the Real Beds shop was invited as a guest lecturer for the third-year Retailing students on 19 April 2023. He spoke about his inspiring journey. He had started as a cleaner, but – thanks to his natural sales skills – he was able to move up the ladder to become a store manager. He credits his childhood experience of selling fat cakes and vegetables for his sales skills. Jabu’s journey to management began when his supervisor gave him management tasks that they didn’t have time for. He seized the opportunity to learn from them and, when a new store opened, his manager suggested a three-month trial for Jabu as manager. He excelled in that role, making his targets within the first month. However, he also realised that he needed more training, and approached the company. Today, Jabu looks back on his 17-year journey in retail, and is proud to manage a retail store with passion and dedication. He admitted that, like many retail students, he didn’t actively choose a career in retail. However, he expressed his gratitude for the opportunities that the retail industry has provided him. During his lecture, Jabu shared tips on how to convert customers into sales, how to deal with difficult customers, and the importance of understanding your product and your market. He also gave the students guidance on how to develop their leadership skills so that they could become retail managers. Overall, Jabu’s journey is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and taking advantage of the opportunities presented to you. The students were inspired and motivated by his story, and they left with valuable insights into how to succeed in the retail industry.
18 Electronic records management On 13 April 2023, Mr Kabelo Khanye, who recently graduated with a BCom Honours in Information Management with distinction, was invited as a guest lecturer to speak to the IKM Honours students. The Honours students marvelled at Kabelo’s enthusiasm and his practical examples of the application of electronic records management in the workplace. He greatly encouraged the students, and offered advice on how to apply successfully for graduate development programmes. He currently worked for the Road Accident Fund as a cyber security graduate trainee, leaving the Honours students feeling amazement and filled with hope that, with a BCom Honours Information Management degree, great career opportunities would await them. Massmart in the building! Retail 1A students had the privilege of being lectured by Massmart’s Marketing Vice President, Katherine Madley, on 17 May 2023. The students were engaged and eager to hear what the drivers of retailing are, and how to overcome obstacles to achieving their desired outcomes. The Department of Marketing Management is proud to continue giving its students relevant and real industry exposure, to allow them to thrive and to learn how to put theory into practice. Cyber security knowledge mentoring On 12 April 2023, two alumni of the Department of Information and Knowledge Management – Fiona Chipinda and Anirusha Ganesh from Mobius Consulting South Africa – shared their journey of becoming young professionals in the information and cyber security space, assisting clients with information security assessments, IT, and data governance, and third-party risk management. The core of the guest lecture was that no company is immune to attacks in the cyber world; therefore students should equip themselves with knowledge and skills to add to a company’s ability to understand current cyber risks and to assess their cyber readiness. The guest lecturers shared with the students the importance of being realistic about education, and emphasised the need to equip oneself with knowledge about cyber vulnerabilities, which are constantly changing, and many remain unknown or unrevealed. Mobius uses simulated attacks to probe companies’ systems for vulnerabilities. At the end of the guest lecture, the students engaged in a discussion with the guest lecturers on how to develop cyber security knowledge and improvement plans.
19 Staff news PhDs in the bag! Congratulations to Dr Sithembiso Khumalo of the Department of Information and Knowledge Management (IKM), who has graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Information Management at UJ. The title of his thesis was ‘Strategic information management system for commercialisation dynamics of entrepreneurial universities’. The thesis was prepared under the supervision of Prof. Tanya du Plessis from IKM. On the day of Dr Khumalo’s graduation, he was accompanied and supported by his colleagues from the IKM. Congratulations to Dr Kwete Nyandongo, lecturer in the Department of Applied Information Systems, on the award of his Doctor of Philosophy degree in Information Technology Management at UJ. His thesis, entitled Realising strategy through agile portfolio management: A conceptual framework’, was prepared under the supervision of Prof. Carl Marnewick. Congratulations to our colleagues on their remarkable achievement! Staff promotion Congratulations to Dr Sithembiso Khumalo on his promotion from lecturer to senior lecturer. Here are a few words from him about it: “The promotion represents my milestone achievement as an academic. My goals going forward are to achieve the Associate Professor milestone, grow professionally as an academic, and continue contributing to IKM’s and the University’s growth and success”. UJ long service award recognition The school extends heartfelt congratulations and expresses gratitude to our staff members for their unwavering commitment and dedication through the years. Your hard work and contributions, both individually and collectively, have been instrumental in shaping and enriching your respective domains, departments, students, and the overall success of the school. You are truly appreciated and valued. From SCiiS: Prof. Mercy Mpinganjira: Director – 15 years long service award From AIS: Prof. Carl Marnewick: Full professor – 15 years long service award From AIS: Dr Stella Bvuma: Head of Department – 15 years long service award From IKM: Ms Tracey Lefika: Lecturer – 10 years long service award From MM: Prof. Mornay RobertsLombard: Full professor – 15 years long service award
20 Prof. Roberts-Lombard’s NWU teaching session and EMAC conference and more! Prof. Mornay Roberts-Lombard (Head of Master’s and PhD programmes in the Department of Marketing Management) was invited by the North West University (NWU) Business School in Potchefstroom to present to its MBA students as a subject specialist on 2 February 2023. The talk covered various crucial aspects of consumer behaviour, encompassing the concept itself, the underlying conceptual DNA, notable changes in consumer behaviour over the past 12 months, and insightful predictions about the future of consumer behaviour in the next decade. In his engagement with the MBA students he used case studies for practical applications. EMAC Conference Prof. Mornay attended the European Marketing Academy (EMAC) conference at Odense in Denmark from 23 to 27 May 2023. He presented a research paper entitled ‘A seller perspective on economic and non-economic satisfaction elements in formalising B2B relationships in Spain’. Prof. Mornay Roberts-Lombard ranks top in South Africa and Africa The Global Scientific Index has ranked Prof. Mornay Roberts-Lombard top in South Africa and Africa for marketing, as of June 2023. He is among the top two per cent most prolific academics for marketing at the University of Johannesburg, among the top three per cent for marketing management in South Africa, among the top 10% for marketing in Africa, and is ranked 8 456 out of 1 354 503 globally. Welldone, Prof. Mornay, on this great achievement! Thank you for your valuable contribution to the marketing management field. Prof. Josef Langerman speaks at University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute Every year the University of Manchester’s Global Development Institute (GDI) visits Cape Town and surrounding areas to expose their Master’s students to the issues and opportunities in developing countries. Prof. Josef Langerman from the Department of Applied Information Systems was invited to give a lecture on IT strategy on 30 January 2023. The aim was to give the GDI’s students a sense of what is happening in the boardrooms of the financial sector of South Africa. The group also visited Capitec, where its CIO and CEO gave an overview of their strategy. The students concluded that the IT strategies of the large banks in South Africa are all roughly the same, covering themes such as simplification, resilience, digitisation, cloud, big data, and AI, but that they differentiate themselves in execution. The Global Development Institute is a world leader in IT for development (IT4D), and aims to strengthen the ties between the two departments through these interactions. All these events aimed to accelerate skills development among the youth and to develop business startups that will boost the South African economy.
21 New book, new read! Congratulations to Prof. Mornay for his contribution to the fifth edition of the book Personal selling with an insightful chapter on ‘Prospecting’ (Chapter 6). The book, published by Juta, is highly regarded, and offers excellent case studies that provide valuable insights into the field of personal selling. Women in Technology winner + SITA Robotics Challenge – Dr Bvuma tells all! Congratulations to Dr Stella Bvuma, Head of the Applied Information Systems Department, on being named ‘Women in Technology Winner’ at the 2023 Women of Stature South Africa awards ceremony on 10 March 2023! The Woman of Stature Annual Recognition Awards aim to inspire women to achieve and to make a deep impact on those around them, and to acknowledge them for achieving success in their industry. Other news Dr Stella Bvuma delivered a keynote address at the State Information Technology Association (SITA) Robotics Challenge held at the University of Mpumalanga on 25 March 2023. She applauded the learners for their confident presentations, and encouraged them to hold on to that confidence in their future endeavours. Dr Bvuma emphasised the importance of accessible information in decisionmaking during complex operations. She also highlighted SITA’s belief that a lack of information should never hinder decision-making, and stressed the need for thorough planning, especially in high-risk situations. On 13 January 2023, Dr Bvuma was admitted to the MISQ Scholarly Development Academy, which supports IS scholars and scholarship. The objective of their newest initiative was to help IS scholars who are systemically prevented from producing the finest scholarship because they suffer disproportionately from the emotional toll of academic life, especially in the time of COVID-19. Through an intersectional approach, it acknowledges gender, racial, economic, social, and other inequalities. In 2023 the focus was on untenured scholars from the Global South. Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder featured on CMO Council Senior Marketing Lecturer and Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng, Dr Beate StiehlerMulder, is featured on the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) Council. Read her latest press feature here: https://bit.ly/4408lIA, in which she emphasises the need for agility and a learning attitude in an ever-changing digital landscape. Dr Beate is revolutionising the marketing and retail industry in South Africa. With a PhD in Industrial Economics and Management, 17 years of experience, and a fearless attitude, she’s driving critical thinking, conducting research, and providing innovative educational experiences. OHM University visit in Nuremberg The Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng, Dr Beate Stiehler-Mulder and Head of Research at the Wholesale and Retail SETA, Mr Mxolisi Maphakela visited OHM University in Nuremberg from 19 - 23 June 2023. Their visit objective was to strengthen relations and get familiar with the surroundings, as the Chair and the Department of Marketing Management will be sending 6 Retail students on an exchange program there from the start of September to mid October 2023. This opportunity will be an educational, life changing experience, for the students. The Chair and Mxolisi thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and were treated to campus tours, presentations, hosted an International Exchange Day session and even got to tour Nuremberg and Rothenberg.
22 Retail lecturers attend intensive capacitation programme at Woolworths Northgate From 27 to 30 March 2023, lecturers in Retail from the Department of Marketing Management, Ms Semona Pillay and Ms Mariette Frazer, attended an intensive five-day lecturer capacitation programme designed by the W&R Retail Seta. The programme aims to enhance the practical knowledge of lecturers who teach Retail. They spent the last week of March at Woolworths Northgate, where they gained valuable insights into all areas of managing a retail store. The programme covered topics such as operations management, inventory management, asset and risk management, customer service, staffing, and cash office management. The lecturers were impressed by the comprehensive nature of the programme and the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the field. During their visit to Woolworths Northgate, they engaged with several members of the passionate and dedicated team, and gained practical knowledge that they could apply in their teachings. Speaking about the experience, Pillay and Frazer highly recommended the programme to any lecturer looking to enhance their understanding of the retail industry. They expressed their gratitude to Woolworths Northgate for hosting them and to the W&R Retail Seta for providing such a valuable learning experience. IDIA Conference 2023 -2024 Committee On 17 January 2023, Dr Patrick Ndayizigamiye and Dr Stella Bvuma were nominated and accepted to be part of the International Development Informatics Association (IDIA) conference 2023-2024 committee. The IDIA conference provides a platform for scholars, academics, and IT practitioners to discuss new developments in the context of the paradigm shift from ICT4D to ‘digitalfor-development’. This conference is being organised and hosted by the University of Mpumalanga’s School of Computing and Mathematical Science and the University of Johannesburg’s Department of Applied Information Systems. IKM Department celebrate Africa Day The Information and Knowledge Management (IKM) Department decided to celebrate Africa Day in style on 25 May 2023. Staff members were asked to team up and cook traditional African meals to share after a departmental meeting. The starter was an Ethiopian ensemble, while one main course was chicken curry with pancakes (Cape Malay’ style). A second main course was tlhakwane (pork trotters) and mogodu (tripe) served with pap. The desserts were home-made custard and melktert (milk tart). The feast was shared over stories. The IKM departmental culture continues to thrive through sharing such memories and occasions.
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