College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 69 Additionally, the institute showcased its expertise at the 15th International Business Conference held in the Western Cape Winelands during the same month. Presentations by Chakamera and Pisa addressed the intricate relationship between transport infrastructure, environmental degradation, and socioeconomic development in 33 African countries. Meanwhile, Luke and Heyns explored young people’s perceptions of road safety aspects in developing countries, focusing specifically on the South African perspective. Furthermore, Erens, Kilbourn, and Makan delved into the impact of industry 4.0 technologies on mining logistics, highlighting potential advancements and challenges in the sector. Moreover, Sirenya, Mkhabela, Du Toit, Malan, Robertson, and Van der Walt explored the emerging field of study concerning social media and urban agriculture. Continuing their academic endeavours, Mvubu and Kilbourn presented a systematic literature review on the implementation of AI-driven solutions in warehousing, emphasising the potential benefits of technological integration in logistics operations. The institute’s presence extended beyond South Africa as well. In October 2022, Robson, Sirenya, Robertson, O’Connell, and Van der Walt participated in the Social Sciences International NATIONAL, CONTINENTAL, AND INTERNATIONAL FOOTPRINT Prof Luke and Dr Mageto visited the University of Nairobi where they spearheaded the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the ITLS (Africa) and the University of Nairobi in 2023. The primary objectives of this MOU encompass collaborative research endeavours, facilitating the enrolment of master’s and doctoral students within the TSCM department, and fostering joint grant applications. This partnership signifies a significant step towards enhancing academic collaboration and advancing research initiatives between our institutions. The Institute’s national and international footprint is vividly illustrated through its active participation and contributions to various conferences, both within South Africa and abroad. In September 2022, ITLS (Africa) made its mark at the 17th Biennial Conference on Competition and Ownership Issues in Public Transport (Thredbo) in Sydney, Australia where Walters and Pisa presented a comprehensive review of South Africa’s public transport system, shedding light on its sub-optimal performance and offering insights into potential areas of improvement.
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