College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2023 84 These efforts are supported by evidence from the workshops and study, enabling informed decision making grounded in real-world experiences. By aligning policies with industry requirements, policymakers ensure that training programmes meet employer demands, enhancing workforce readiness and productivity. Continuous dialogue and feedback foster continuous improvement in programme design and delivery, allowing for agile responses to sector dynamics. Geographic diversity in workshop locations promotes inclusivity, ensuring all stakeholder voices are heard in policymaking, leading to more equitable initiatives benefiting the entire sector. Overall, these mechanisms enable policymakers to create effective, inclusive strategies driving growth, innovation, and sustainability in transport skills development. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND IMPACT: SOCIETAL IMPACT, SUSTAINABILITY, INNOVATION AND FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) The TETA 4IR Research Chair’s overarching objective is to enhance the authority’s mandate of facilitating skills development and training within the transport sector. Notably, in 2023 the Research Chair spearheaded the development of two significant short learning programmes (SLPs): the Green Transport SLP and the Drone Applications in 4IR SLP. The former, presented to a cohort of 100 participants in July 2023, played a pivotal role in disseminating knowledge on sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation practices. The Green Transport Short Learning Programme (SLP) brought together a diverse cohort of participants, comprising postgraduate students specialising in fields such as transport, geography, and engineering, along with industry practitioners and government representatives. This unique blend of backgrounds and expertise ensured a holistic and comprehensive exploration of green transport principles. This six-week SLP aimed to deepen participants’ understanding of green transport, providing them with valuable insights and practical knowledge. The programme played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and government, contributing to a multifaceted approach to sustainable transportation solutions. The Drone Short Learning Programme (SLP) offers a comprehensive exploration of drone technology and its wide-ranging applications across various industries. Participants gain insight into the evolution of drone technology, tracing its development and growth over time. The programme highlights the transformative role of drones in driving innovation and efficiency, particularly within the context of the Fourth Industrial Revolution. A key component of the SLP is the examination of the theoretical requirements for drone pilots to obtain licensure. Participants delve into the essential knowledge and skills necessary to operate drones safely and effectively, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Moreover, the programme provides hands-on software training tailored to drone applications and deliverables, enabling participants to harness the full potential of drone technology in real-world scenarios. Through practical, experiential learning opportunities, participants acquire proficiency in using drones for a variety of tasks and objectives.
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