College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 32 RESEARCH LEADERSHIP In 2023, the CBE established three pivotal research committees, characterised by their broad-based and inclusive nature, to streamline and enhance its research functions. These committees aim to address various aspects of the research ecosystem within the College, ensuring that they encompass a wide range of disciplines and perspectives and foster an inclusive environment that values diverse inputs and collaborative efforts. The Research Excellence and Innovation Committee is dedicated to fostering research quality, integrity, and innovation across the CBE. Its key responsibilities include promoting best practices in research, facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, supporting researchers’ professional development, and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in research activities. It also aims to engage with external stakeholders to maximise research impact and recognize internal research achievements. The Research Funding and Resource Optimization Committee is focused on enhancing the CBEs research capacity through optimal funding and resource utilisation, this committee provides guidance on grant writing and funding opportunities. It establishes connections with funding bodies and industry partners and develops strategies for efficient internal resource allocation. By fostering a culture of research excellence and collaboration, the committee aims to attract more external funding and identify growth opportunities in the university’s research funding portfolio. The Academic Publications Quality Assurance Committee ensures the quality and compliance of academic publications. This committee reviews publications against standards set by regulatory bodies like DHET. It offers feedback for manuscript improvement, establishes review processes, and promotes a culture of high-quality research publication. Members are experienced in academic publishing and are knowledgeable about publication requirements and research methodologies, ensuring the University’s research outputs meet high standards of rigor and ethics. Together, these committees play a crucial role in advancing the CBE’s research agenda, ensuring research excellence, optimising resources, and maintaining publication quality, thereby contributing significantly to the College’s research productivity and reputation. RESEARCH POLICY In 2023, the CBE implemented a significant revision of its Thesis by Articles Policy to align with international best practices, thereby further enhancing the publication capabilities of its students. This change facilitates a more integrated approach to academic writing and research dissemination, encouraging students to produce peer-reviewed articles as part of their thesis work. The benefits of this updated policy are manifold, including increased research visibility, improved quality of research, advanced professional development, opportunities for timely degree completion, and enhanced collaborative prospects. By adopting this modernised approach, the College not only elevates the academic experience for its students but also positions them for greater success in their future research careers, reflecting the institution’s commitment to excellence and innovation in higher education. CBE Honours Research Poster Presentations 2023 finalists
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