College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 30 development and improving quality of life on a global scale. These areas of focus highlight not only the CBE’s responsiveness to the national and global agenda but also underscore its commitment to producing research that has tangible, real-world impacts. By aligning its research endeavours with the SDGs, the CBE is contributing to a body of knowledge that supports policymaking, informs business practices, and fosters collaboration across sectors to achieve sustainable development and improve the quality of life in South Africa and beyond. The College’s strategic emphasis on these SDGs illustrates its role as a proactive and socially responsible participant in the global academic community, dedicated to addressing the complexities of the modern world through rigorous scholarship and meaningful engagement with societal needs. RESEARCH CAPACITY NRF-rated researchers By the end of 2023, the CBE had achieved a commendable increase in the number of its NRF-rated researchers, rising from 37 at the beginning of 2022 to 44. This increment of seven rated researchers underscores the CBE’s growing research stature and commitment to academic excellence. The breakdown of these ratings is as follows: B1 category: 2 researchers B2 category: 1 researcher B3 category: 1 researcher C1 category: 3 researchers C2 category: 10 researchers C3 category: 16 researchers Y1 category: 1 researcher Y2 category: 10 researchers These ratings are indicative of the high calibre of research being conducted at the CBE, with categories ranging from B (internationally acclaimed researchers) to Y (promising young researchers), reflecting the diversity and potential within the College’s academic community. Additionally, as of the end of 2023, 11 applications were pending a rating decision, highlighting the proactive stance of CBE researchers in seeking recognition for their research excellence. In early 2024, seven new applications were submitted, which included three for new ratings and four for re-ratings, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to enhancing the College’s research profile. This focus on achieving and improving NRF ratings not only boosts the individual researchers’ careers but also enhances the overall reputation of the CBE, attracting more funding opportunities, facilitating collaborations, and drawing top-tier talent to the institution. Postdoctoral Research Fellows (PDRFs) The CBE has significantly intensified its Postdoctoral Research Fellow (PDRF) programme, reflecting a strategic commitment to enhancing research capacity and nurturing the next generation of scholars. The increase in the number of PDRFs − from 71, including one senior PDRF at the start of 2023, to 81 by the year’s end, including 10 senior PDRFs − underscores the College’s dedication to CBE Postdoctoral Research Fellows Forum
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