College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 29 4IR In the realm of 4IR-related research, the CBE has shown notable achievements, with 148 ROUs generated from 200 publications, a substantial increase from 123.67 ROUs derived from 181 publications in the preceding year. This advancement highlights the CBE’s engagement with cutting-edge topics that are vital for shaping the future of business and economics. Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) In terms of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), there was a marginal decline with ROUs moving to 58.30 ROUs from 96 publications, down from 72.81 ROUs from 127 publications in 2022. This decrease is reflective of an expected transition as the academic community moves beyond the intensive online and hybrid teaching modalities necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, there was a surge in SoTL research to address the urgent needs of adapting teaching and learning strategies. As we progress beyond this period, the focus areas are naturally diversifying, and resources may be reallocating towards emerging research priorities, including a deeper exploration into 4IR themes. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) With an intentional focus on societal impact, the CBE demonstrated a strategic and impactful engagement with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), reflecting its commitment to addressing global and local challenges through research. In its inaugural assessment of interactions with the SDGs, the CBE has highlighted significant contributions, particularly in areas that resonate deeply with the South African context. The most pronounced emphasis was on SDG 1 – No Poverty, with 331 publications illustrating the CBE’s dedication to tackling poverty, a critical issue in South Africa. This focus is a testament to the College’s alignment with national priorities and its contribution to generating insights and solutions that address one of the country’s most pressing challenges. Following closely, the College’s engagement with SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, resulted in 301 publications. This engagement is especially pertinent given South Africa’s current socioeconomic context, characterised by a need for sustainable economic development and employment generation. The CBE’s research output in this area underscores its role in contributing to discussions and strategies aimed at fostering economic growth and decent employment, directly addressing South Africa’s triple challenge of inequality, poverty, and inclusion. The third most emphasised SDG was SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, reflecting the growing recognition of the need to bolster industry, spur innovation, and develop robust infrastructure in South Africa. With the CBE’s focused research in this area, it demonstrates an active engagement with key issues that underpin economic development and competitiveness. To further underscore the CBE’s comprehensive engagement, it is pivotal to acknowledge its multidisciplinary approach, as evidenced by its involvement in SDG 14 – Life Below Water, among others. This broader engagement not only highlights the CBE’s adaptability and commitment to addressing a variety of global challenges but also showcases its role in promoting environmental sustainability and conservation. Such a wideranging approach exemplifies the CBE’s dedication to holistic and impactful research, underlining its position as a key player in advancing sustainable New CBE Doctoral Candidates Onboarding Forum 2023
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