ANNUAL REPORT 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS (CBE) 2024 @ A GLANCE 1 INTRODUCTION 3 STAFF 4 Demographic profile: academic and support, international, designated, qualification profile 4 Staff development 5 NRF-rated researchers 12 Recognitions and awards 12 TEACHING AND LEARNING 19 Enrolment and student profiles 20 Programme qualifications mix and academic excellence 20 Academic governance support and success 20 Teaching and learning innovation 21 Staff development 21 Non-subsidised programmes 21 Moving forward 21 RESEARCH AND INNOVATION 22 Overview 23 Research growth and focus 24 Patents 24 Research leadership 25 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS RESEARCH HUBS 27 DHET-NRF SARChI Chair in Entrepreneurship Education 28 DST/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development 32 Centre for Competition Regulation and Economic Development (CCRED) 40 Centre for Local and Economic Development (CENLED) 46 Food evolution research laboratory (FERL) 50 Institute for Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) (Africa) & TETA 4IR Research Chair 54 Technopreneurship Centre 64 Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair (Gauteng)(WRSLC) 70 PARTNERSHIPS, STAKEHOLDER AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 80 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROJECTS 81 ALUMNI 82 TRANSFORMATION 84 FACULTY GOVERNANCE AND RISK MANAGEMENT 85 SOCIETAL IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY 85 RESOURCE AND FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 85 FUNDRAISING INITIATIVES 87 THE WAY AHEAD 87
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND ECONOMICS (CBE) 2024 @ A GLANCE
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 3 Amidst a world grappling with fragile systems, overwhelming negativity, unpredictable events, and rapid shifts, the College of Business and Economics (CBE), through its six academic schools (Accounting, Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems, Economics, Management, Public Management, Governance and Public Policy, and Tourism and Hospitality) and three SARChI chairs (Entrepreneurship Education, Industrial Development, and Transformative Innovation), fosters academic excellence and societal impact. The composite undergraduate throughput rate (n-1) fulltime contact increased to 45,6% (43% in 2023). Similarly, the postgraduate throughput rate (n-1) full-time contact increased to 62,5% (57,9% in 2023). Various initiatives aimed at supporting undergraduate students saw a decrease in the dropout rate in year 2 to 9,5% (10% in 2023). The effect of these initiatives was also evident in the average module success rate (n-1), which saw a drastic improvement to 86% (83,9% in 2023). These initiatives yielded an undergraduate student satisfaction rate of 89%, and postgraduate student satisfaction of 88%. The CBE strengthened its commitment to research excellence, registering 648 research output units, an increase from 596 in the previous year. CBE’s NRF-rated researchers increased from 47 in 2023 to 50 in 2024. This growth solidifies the role of CBE researchers in meeting rigorous standards of excellence and contributing significantly to their respective fields. These ratings underscore the high quality and impact of the research conducted within the College, further enhancing its reputation as a leading academic institution. Prof Tankiso Moloi Executive Dean: College of Business and Economics INTRODUCTION 2023 2024 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% UG throughput rate PG throughput rate Average module rate Dropout rate 45.6% 57.9% 83.9% 86% 10% 9.5% 43% 62.5% Research output 2023 Research output 2024 NRF-rated researchers 2023 NRF-rated researchers 2024 596 648 47 50 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 Student Success Rate 2023-2024 Research Excellence 2023-2024 The College of Business and Economics’ vision is clear, we develop critical thinkers and problem solvers who address business, economic and societal challenges.
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 The CBE also hosted several events commemorating the 30 years of democracy in South Africa. A key highlight was an event co-hosted by SARChI Industrial Development, the Centre for Data and Digital Communication, and the Department of Employment and Labour. President Ramaphosa delivered the inaugural UJ Public Lecture, honouring the legacy of Elijah Barayi, a pivotal trade unionist in the country’s democratic movement. The College also conferred three honorary doctorates on recipients who are leaders in their fields and have made a significant impact on society: Mr Thebe Ikalafeng, a highly respected and influential leader in African marketing and branding; Ms Nonkululeko Gobodo, the first South African black female chartered accountant, an eminent figure within South Africa’s business and accounting spheres; and Prof Raphie Kaplinsky, a highly respected academic with a significant career focused on development studies, industrial policy, and global value chains. STAFF Demographic profile: Academic and support, international, designated, qualification profile The CBE recognises that its success is driven by the dedication and excellence of its staff. The CBE workforce is remarkably diverse with a staff complement of 510 employees. Of these, 324 are from the designated groups. Most of our staff members are academics (357), contributing 70% of our staff complement. The remainder of our staff members are professional staff (153), contributing 30% of our staff complement. These staff members fulfil a variety of crucial roles, including administrative, technical, support functions, and professional services. In the staff complement of 510, we have a female representation of 303 (59%) employees. Our international staff members contribute 12% of our academics, which equates to 61 appointees. Elijah Barayi Inaugural Public Lecture Dr Thebe Ikalafeng Dr Nonkululeko Gobodo Prof Raphie Kaplinsky 4
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 1 2 3 4 510 Employees 357 (70%) Academic employees 153 (30%) Professional employeest 61 (12%) International academic employees 303 (59%) Female staff members A significant number (48%) of our permanent and fixed-term academic staff hold a doctoral degree, an improvement from the 45% in the previous year. In line with the UJ values, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Our staff reflect this commitment, with a strong emphasis on academic qualifications and a culture of continuous learning. We actively encourage all staff to pursue higher education by providing resources, such as teaching relief and research assistance. This dedication to professional development is evident in the increasing number of staff with advanced degrees. Prof Calvin Mabaso Staff development The College remains committed to fostering a work environment that supports career development, continuous learning, and academic excellence. Investing in its staff ensures the CBE’s ongoing success in teaching and learning, research, and societal impact. Staff are encouraged to chart their professional development through personal development plans. A comprehensive array of workshops caters to diverse needs, encompassing academic writing, research methodologies, support for early career researchers, leadership development, and data analysis skills. Staff also have access to courses focusing on various aspects of well-being, including managing work stress and raising mental health awareness. These initiatives aim to enhance staff skills, promote well-being, and contribute to a more productive and supportive work environment. We congratulate Prof Calvin Mabaso, appointed as Head of Department for Industrial Psychology and People Management. We also congratulate Dr Darelle Groenewald who was appointed as CBE’s new Head of Quality Assurance. Dr Darelle Groenewald 5
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Dr Lawrence Sesani Dr Mariska Mckenzie Dr Naiefa Rashied Dr Carmen Joel Dr Logistic Makoni Dr Muneer Hassan Dr Simona Pillay Dr Letebele Mphahlele Dr Senzo Ngcobo A total number of 27 staff members graduated in 2024. We congratulate the following staff members for obtaining their PhDs: 6
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Daneel van Lill (with distinction) Ms Nthabiseng Gratitude Khoza Ms Christine Tapedza Ms Trinity Nyathi Mr Kholofelo Masola Ms Charlotte Mamadi Ms Funeka Montjane Ms Mary-Ann Ebigo We congratulate the following staff members for obtaining their master’s qualifications: 7
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 We congratulate the following staff members for obtaining honours and postgraduate diplomas: Dr Fumani Mabasa (with distinction) Prof Musawenkosi Saurombe (with distinction) Ms Caroline Hungwe Ms Olushola Akilo Ms Sphokazi Mbetha Ms Asanda Dahile Mr Mpho Abel Hlungwani Ms Yasmiena Sallie-Joyce Ms Mashudu Nkosi 8
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 We congratulate the following colleagues for obtaining their advanced diplomas: We further acknowledge the following staff members on their promotions. A total of 17 academic staff members were promoted in 2024. Ms Rakgadi Tsosane Prof Natanya Meyer Ms Adila Adams From associate professor to professor: 9
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 From senior lecturer to associate professor: Prof Riyad Moosa Prof Marinda Pretorius Prof Jules Mba Prof Rozanne Smith Prof Stella Bvuma Prof Bulelwa Maphela Prof Jeremy Mitonga-Monga Prof Calvin Mabaso Prof Nicole Cunningham Prof Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole 10
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 From lecturer to senior lecturer: Mr Semanga Mabuza Dr Naiefa Rashied Dr Tracy Daniels Ms Charlotte Mamadi Ms Tasneem Gathoo Ms Lethabo Kosene From assistant lecturer to lecturer: 11
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 NRF-rated researchers In 2024 the number of NRF-rated researchers increased by 3, from 47 in 2023 to 50 NRF-rated researchers. This growth solidifies the role of CBE researchers in meeting rigorous standards of excellence and contributing significantly to their respective fields. These ratings underscore the high quality and impact of the research conducted within the College, further enhancing its reputation as a leading academic institution. We congratulate the following newly rated researchers: Prof Daniel Kofi Maduku, Deputy Head Research and Postgraduate Studies, Department of Marketing Management for his C2 rating; Prof Tembi Tichaawa, Academic Head Tourism, School of Tourism and Hospitality for his C2 rating; and Prof Mike Ewing, a distinguished visiting professor for his NRF B1 rating. Prof Daniel Maduku Prof cecile Nieuwenhuizen Prof Tembi Tichaawa Prof Erica Kraemer-Mbula Prof Mike Ewing Prof Fiona Tregenna Recognition and awards The College proudly acknowledges the achievements of its academic and professional staff, who continue to shape the institution’s reputation as a leading university. The DHET-NRF South African Research Chair Entrepreneurship Education, held by Prof Cecile Nieuwenhuizen, was renewed for a further five years by the NRF. Similarly, the DHET-NRF South African Research Chair in Transformative Innovation, the 4th Industrial Revolution and Sustainable Development, held by Prof Erika Kraemer-Mbula, was renewed for a further five years by the NRF. Prof Fiona Tregenna was reappointed to the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC). Prof Tregenna served in the inaugural Presidential Economic Advisory Council appointed in 2019 and will serve again in the PEAC of the 7th Administration. 12
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole was appointed to the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) SA Board of Directors, for a term from 2024 to 2026. Prof Diane Abrahams was appointed to the Tourism Transformation Council of South Africa for a three-year term. Prof Peter Baur was appointed Deputy Chairperson of the Premiership EDHE Community of Practice (DHET). Dr Muneer Hassan was appointed as Deputy Chairperson of the SAICA National Tax Committee (NTC). Dr Musimuni Dowelani was appointed to the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Board. Prof Lethiwe Nzama-Sithole Prof Diane Abrahams Dr Muneer Hassan Dr Musimuni Dowelani Prof Peter Bauer 13
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Talita Greyling won the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies Research Fellow Award. She is only the second scholar from Africa to have won the award. Ms Nokulinda Ngwenya from the School of Economics won the prestigious Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) Founders’ Medal for best paper in Economics, titled ‘Understanding the impact of the informal sector on economic growth and employment in South Africa: An empirical analysis’. Prof Natanya Meyer from the SARChI Entrepreneurship Education Chair received the Long-Term Contribution Award, 20 years, on behalf of the South African Global Entrepreneurship Monitor team in Prof Natanya Meyer Prof Marius Venter Prof Naude Malan Prof Ben Marx Prof Talita Greyling Ms Nonkulinda Ngwenya Prof Talita Greyling won the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies Research Fellow Award. She is only the second scholar from Africa to have won the award. Ms Nokulinda Ngwenya from the School of Economics won the prestigious Employment Services of South Africa (ESSA) Founders’ Medal for best paper in Economics, titled ‘Understanding the impact of the informal sector on economic growth and employment in South Africa: An empirical analysis’. 14
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Morocco. Prof Marius Venter, Director: CENLED and PASCAL (Africa), received a certificate of appreciation and an Honorary International Fellowship from the Centre for Neighbourhood Studies in Manila. Prof Naude Malan received the Food for Mzansi’s 2023 Mzansi Changemakers Award. Prof Ben Marx has been bestowed with the valued ABASA (Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants in South Africa) President’s Award for Transformational Impact. Prof Marius Wait from the Department of Marketing Management achieved the Best Paper Award at the GBATA Conference in Lisbon. Prof David Pooe received the award for the Best Paper Award: at the 17th International Business Conference (IBC), Stellenbosch, South Africa. Dr Dirk Rossouw and Dr Marie Bounds won the Best Paper Award for their paper ‘How strategy implementation shapes small enterprises’ at the 9th International Conference on Management Studies (ICMS-2023). Prof Carl Marnewick of AIS received a prestigious award and recognition for the best South African Computer Journal (SACJ) Paper Award. Prof Nelesh Dhanpat was appointed to the Editorial Board of the South African Journal of Economic and Management Sciences. Prof Marius Wait Prof Davis Pooe Dr Dirk Rossouw Dr Marie Bounds Prof Carl Marnewick Prof Nelesh Dhanpat Prof Magda Hewitt Ms Antoinette Kanfer and Ms Jacqueline Smit Ms Charmaine Minnaar The following colleagues received their UJ Long Service Awards: 35 Years 15
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Geoff Goldman 30 Years Prof Ben Marx Prof Vain Jarbandhan Prof Chris Rensleigh Dr Cor Niemand Dr Nadia Rhodes 25 Years 16
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 20 Years Prof Mduduzi Biyase Prof Marinda Pretorius Dr Leon Janse van Rensburg Ms Jana De Jager Ms Cynthia Mabaso Mr Dewald Joubert Mr Kevin Thomas Mr Craig Close Mr Jelvin Griffioen 20 Years 17
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Robert Ebo Hanson Ms Lonah Mbhalati won the Trailblazer in Academia by AWCA (African Women Chartered Accountants’ Forum). Ms Funeka Montjane received the 2024 African Women Chartered Accountants (AWCA) Organisation’s Woman of Substance Award. Prof Stella Bvuma was named one of ITWeb’s Top 100 Influential Women in Tech, earning Certified IT Business Executive Professional (CITBP-SA) status. Prof Carl Marnewick was awarded the Best Reviewer Award by Project Leadership and Society and appointed Associate Editor for the International Journal of Managing Projects in Business. Prof Robert Hinson, a Distinguished Visiting Professor, was recognised as one of the World’s Top 2% researchers in the Stanford/ Elsevier Top 2% Scientist Rankings. Ms Doret Heyneke received the 2024 Vice-Chancellor Distinguished Award in recognition of her pivotal role in developing and implementing the Postgraduate Applications Ranking System. Prof Mduduzi Biyase featured as economist for November 2024 by the International Economic Association (IEA). Prof Claude-Helene Mayer featured in Radiosendung Health-in-all rund um die Themen and in Deutschlandfunk (German National Broadcasting Radio). Prof Daniel Meyer did a live interview on NewzRoom Africa dealing with policy uncertainty killing SA’s economic growth. CBE Professors Forum 18
Teaching and Learning
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Thea Tselepis Vice Dean: Teaching and Learning Teaching and Learning Postgraduate Completion 2024 1461 1261 (86%) 158 (11%) 42 (3%) Postgraduate Graduates Honours Degree and Postgraduate Diplomas Graduates Doctoral Degree Graduates Master’s Degree Graduates UJenius enrollment 2023 UJenius enrollment 2024 Oranje Carpet students 2023 Oranje Carpet students 2024 494 781 349 464 700 600 500 400 300 200 100 UJenius and Orange Carpet Enrolments 2024 Enrollment and student profiles he CBE had an impactful 2024, focusing on responsible (response-able) student behaviour, academic success, and innovation in teaching and learning. Enrolment remained strong with 12 081 students in undergraduate diplomas and certificates, and 10 573 students in undergraduate degrees. There was increased participation from top-performing students with APS >35, namely 1 652 students (43% of new intake). Postgraduate completions showed steady progress with 1 461 postgraduate graduates in 2024 of which 1 261 graduates (86%) in honours and postgraduate diplomas, 158 graduates (11%) in master’s degrees, and 42 graduates (3%) in doctoral degrees. Programme qualifications mix and academic excellence Our programme quality mix is designed to provide flexible educational pathways, allowing students to enter at various levels and progress towards higher qualifications. The CBE offered 158 subsidised programmes in 2024. Key initiatives saw 4IR technologies, decolonisation, and sustainability embedded into curricula. Using the A2B Ashoka transformation methodology, CBE promoted student responsiveness and problem solving, with notable improvements in student performance, 12% improvement in pass rates across 32 modules, and a significant growth in academic excellence. UJenius enrolment increased from 494 (2023) to 781 (2024), representing a 36% growth. Orange Carpet students grew from 349 (2023) to 464 (2024), a 25% increase. Academic governance, support and success The CBE strengthened academic governance by developing innovative assessment tools that were adopted university wide. Artificial intelligence tools were integrated into curriculum design and assessment strategies, supporting both students and staff in creating innovative learning experiences. 20
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 The CBE implemented multiple effective initiatives during 2024 to enhance student access, success and support. These included: Learning management system optimisation: Comprehensive training and communication to facilitate the Blackboard-to-Moodle transition. Enhanced peer mentoring: Structured programme with financial compensation for mentors. Strengthened tutoring: Improved integration and monitoring of tutoring practices. Targeted revision classes: Structured support during assessment periods. Workload management: Systematic approach to balancing academic demands. Holistic student support: Regular check-ins and multi-modal communication. Integration with university-wide support platforms, including student advisors, PsyCaD, and the Academic Development Centre, provided comprehensive assistance. Collaborative engagement with the SRC ensured the student voice informed institutional decisions. Teaching and Learning innovation Innovation in teaching and learning focuses on quality education and opening opportunities for diverse learning and perspectives. The School of Accounting launched a traffic light project in modules to enable students to monitor their progress and to locate sets of activities for students who needed to remedy their situation. The Schools of Management, Accounting, and Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems introduced self-reflection as an enabler for selfdirected learning. The Master’s in Sustainability specifically allowed students to immerse themselves in global online travelling opportunities to enrich thinking on sustainability in the global context. The School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy introduced design thinking and collaborative learning approaches. The Schools of Tourism and Hospitality and Consumer Intelligence and Information Systems have strong Work Integrated Learning simulation initiatives aligned to industry. The School of Economics integrates generative AI in the classroom. Staff development Staff development was prioritised through training initiatives, and promotions were aligned with UJ’s broader goals. The six CBE schools co-designed the Teaching and Learning Toolkit for the staff of the CBE. An insightful golden thread in all the practices shared was how AI tools for Teaching and Learning can support awareness when assessing students for learning. Non-subsidised programmes The CBE also expanded its non-subsidised and online programme offerings, emphasising accessibility and adaptability in the digital age. Seventy non-subsidised programmes across a diverse range of fields were offered. Moving forward, the CBE aims to streamline governance, expand blended learning models, refine AI-driven teaching strategies, and launch the Response Able Teaching Toolkit in 2025 to foster independent, critical-thinking students equipped for the future. 21
Research and Innovation
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Hossana Twinomurinzi Vice Dean: Research and Innovation Research and Innovation Publication Categories’ Growth 2023-2024 Journal Articles 629.25 2024 2023 Journal Articles 755.69 Books 23.00 Book Chapters 39.63 Conference Proceedings 65.04 Books 39.93 Book Chapters 51.42 Conference Proceedings 79.34 20.1% 73.6% 29.7% 22% OVERVIEW The College continued to demonstrate remarkable growth in research output, achieving a total of 1 492 research submissions in 2024 approved for the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET), up from our 1 263 research submissions in 2023. Between 2023 and 2024, the ROUs increased across most academic ranks, indicating a broad-based rise in research impact and productivity. The year saw a remarkable growth in research output units increasing from 756.92 in 2023 to 926.38 in 2024, an impressive 22.4% growth across all publication categories. Journal articles increased from 629.25 to 755.69 (+20.1%), books from 23.00 to 39.93 (+73.6%), book chapters from 39.63 to 51.42 (+29.7%) and conference proceedings from 65.04 to 79.34 (+22%). CBE grew in its Scopusindexed publications with 875 Scopus publications, up from 787, a 11,8% increase. Professors maintained the highest output growing from 204.43 to 209.70. We also saw a substantial rise in the research output units by postdoctoral research fellows (PDRFs) from 100.24 to 197.54. Outputs by master’s and doctoral students also showed significant growth, increasing from 107.71 to 139.46. 23
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 RESEARCH GROWTH AND FOCUS ere was an increase in the number of PDRFs, from 87 at the start of the year to 95 by the end of 2024. PDRFs are an important mechanism for growing research capacity through exposure to critical research resources and capability. The CBE actively aligned its research output with the strategic shift towards Societal Impact and Sustainability, Global Footprint and Partnerships, and Technology for the Future. The strongest emphasis was on Societal Impact and Sustainability (843.33 units). Technology for the Future (266.82 units), which replaced the previous 4IR focus, indicates CBE’s dedication to innovation, digital transformation, and future-ready business practices. The Global Footprint and Partnerships (11.10 units) reflects the research focus on international collaborations. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) output saw a marginal increase in contributor units. CBE also saw significant progress in aligning its research outputs with key UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) from 2024 to 2025, reflecting a broader and more impactful research agenda. The most notable growth has been in Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), which increased from 173.91 to 251.95 units, reinforcing the College’s commitment to labour market dynamics, economic resilience, and financial inclusion. The CBE annually hosts the Honours Research: Poster Presentations skills development project, and 2024 saw a huge number of participants, individuals and groups, with great topics and research posters. PATENTS The CBE still has not yielded any patent registered even though there are some software projects that remain under development. This is an area for improvement. Post Doctoral Research Fellows Forum Honours research posters presentations 2024 finalists 24
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Doctoral Candidates 2024 RESEARCH LEADERSHIP In 2024, the CBE College Research Committees pioneered a multidisciplinary research project aimed at facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration and to support researcher professional development. Looking forward, CBE remains committed to research excellence and high impact research aligned with the University of Johannesburg’ 2035 strategy and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Strengthen faculty focus on innovative research in sustainable finance, digital finance, ethical AI-driven business models, Africa’s digital economy transformation, and sustainable economics, reinforcing the CBE’s position as a global thought leader. 25
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Doctoral and Master’s Cum Laude Graduates Acknowledgement event 26
College of Business and Economics Research Hubs
SARChI: Entrepreneurship Education
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 Prof Cecille Nieuwenhuizen Chairholder SARChI: Entrepreneurship Education TALENT MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING Prof Meyer and Prof Schachtebeck hold Y2 ratings with the NRF. The Chairholder, Prof Nieuwenhuizen, obtained a C2 NRF rating in 2024. Prof Kraus, the Distinguished Visiting Professor to the SARChI EE and the Department of Business Management, obtained a B2 rating from the NRF and was awarded the Vice Chancellor’s award for being the most highly cited researcher of 2024 in UJ. Prof Tselepis was promoted to Vice-Dean for Teaching and Learning in the College of Business and Economics and Prof Schachtebeck replaced her in the SARChI EE team. Prof Meyer was promoted to full professor. The core team is presented in the international academic environment and is part of several editorial boards of well-reputable journals, most focused on business and entrepreneurship. Three new visiting professors were appointed and all the team members, including Visiting Scholars, serve on national and international journal editorial boards. Prof Schachtebeck and Prof Meyer serve on various research committees (i.e., the Ethics Committee and Post-graduate Research Committee). They are integral to the research development of the SARChI EE and the associated Department of Business Management. POSTGRADUATE PROGRAMMES Collectively, 15 PhDs and three Master students were supervised in 2024. Two PhD students supervised by Prof Schachtebeck and Prof Nieuwenhuizen and one PhD co-supervised by Prof Schachtebeck graduated in 2024. 29
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 POLICY AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES Prof Meyer has actively contributed to public discourse on entrepreneurship, particularly through her involvement with the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM). As the lead author of the GEM South Africa Special Report on Women’s Entrepreneurship (2023/2024), she has highlighted the challenges South African women entrepreneurs face, emphasising the need for tailored support to enhance their contribution to economic growth and job creation. The findings from the report were featured in several print, radio and TV broadcasts offering policy recommendations to foster entrepreneurial ecosystems. Prof Meyer has played a pivotal role in shaping the conversation around entrepreneurship policy and support mechanisms in South Africa. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES The core members of the Chair (Profs Nieuwenhuizen, Meyer, Tselepis and Schachtebeck) produced a total of 23 articles in refereed/Peerreviewed journals, seven conference proceedings and two book chapters totalling 10.8459 research outputs. In addition, the extended team consisting of visiting scholars, postdocs and students produced 9.9831 research outputs, resulting in a total of 20.829 research outputs for 2024 for the chair. 30 INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AI, AND SOCIETAL IMPACT, STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS - NATIONAL AND GLOBAL FOOTPRINT Prof Meyer co-authored the South African Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) report and contributed to the Global Women’s and Sustainability reports. She was the lead author of the first SA GEM Women’s report. Prof Schachtebeck and Prof Nieuwenhuizen also contributed to the reports. Prof Schachtebeck and Prof Meyer applied for funding and were awarded R300,000 through the NRF Competitive Programme for Rated Researchers and R200,000 from the URC. The project is for AI and Entrepreneurship Education and will include international collaboration.
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 31 Prof Nieuwenhuizen is a mentor in the Venture Mentorship Service (VMS) of the Technology Transfer Office. VMS is a mentorship programme based on the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)’ Venture Mentoring Service (VMS) Model. Mentors work together in teams to assist students who plan to start their businesses and those who have businesses but need assistance. The research produced by the team captures a wide range of entrepreneurial topics, contributing to the vital role and knowledge-building of the chair: Entrepreneurial Education & Intrapreneurship: Several studies assess the impact of entrepreneurial education on university students, emphasising its role in fostering an intrapreneurial mindset. Contributions explore how education influences entrepreneurial orientation and how institutions can better prepare students for dynamic business environments. Digital Transformation & SMEs: Research on digital maturity and transformation among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) is a prominent theme. Studies investigate digitally driven business model innovations, the role of digital platforms in shaping business ecosystems, and the factors influencing SMEs’ adaptation to emerging technologies. Sustainability & Business Model Innovation: Sustainability is a recurring focus, with research examining eco-innovators, AI-driven sustainability initiatives, and how business model innovation can contribute to sustainable entrepreneurship. Contributions explore the intersection of technology, sustainability, and business strategy. Entrepreneurship in Diverse Contexts: The collection includes comparative studies on minority entrepreneurship, female immigrant entrepreneurs, and family firms, offering insights into the unique challenges and opportunities faced by underrepresented groups in business. Artificial Intelligence & Innovation: The role of AI in business model innovation is explored extensively, including its applications in healthcare, sustainability, and digital transformation. Research also delves into AI’s impact on strategic management and top management roles. Systematic Literature Reviews & Bibliometric Analyses: Several contributions provide indepth bibliometric reviews across topics such as entrepreneurship in family firms, knowledge management, digital health innovation, and the evolution of entrepreneurship education post-COVID-19. These studies map existing research landscapes and identify future research directions. Regional & Sector-Specific Entrepreneurship Studies: Contextualised research includes investigations into entrepreneurial environments in national park tourism, townships, and emerging economies. Studies highlight how entrepreneurship training and education impact specific industries and regional economies.
SARChI: Industrial Development
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 33 Prof Fiona Tregenna Chairholder SARChI: Industrial Development OVERVIEW 2024 was another exciting and productive year for the DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID). In 2024, SARChI-ID developed new initiatives, and extended and built on previous collaborations, policy engagements, capacity building, and impactful research. Our activities have centred on: 1. Undertaking research of high quality and impact. 2. Building capacity, through postgraduate supervision, additional training of our postgraduate students and capacity-building more widely (beyond the university). 3. Contributing to policy and public engagement. The central themes of our work in 2024 included: structural change, industrialisation, innovation, the fourth industrial revolution (4IR) and frontier technologies, technology intensity and technological change, the green transition, trade, regional integration, political economy, and industrial policy. The domains of the work have ranged from the locality of Johannesburg, to national, regional, continental and global. SARChI-ID’s collaborations and activities have achieved an international footprint across African, European, South American, North American and Asian countries. Our research has shed light on how African countries can overcome barriers to industrial development, such as inadequate infrastructure, weak productive capabilities, limited technological adoption, and dependence on primary industries. A major research theme has been sustainable industrial development, including research on green manufacturing, resource efficiency, and low-carbon technologies, aiming to reconcile economic growth with environmental sustainability. Another key focus of our research in 2024 has been on innovation, including its links with structural change and the potential of innovation to contribute to development. Some highlights of the year included: In terms of research outputs, for the first time our team has collectively surpassed 35 Research Output Units (ROUs) in 2024. Completion of the project ‘Measurement Framework for the Contribution of Science, Technology and Innovation to Inclusive and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, that was commissioned and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). Our role as the Africa Regional Partner for the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO). Through this, we contributed to UNIDO’s flagship report, the Industrial Development Report 2024, leading the work on Africa. We hosted, co-hosted or partnered in several major events, including: the Fourth Young Scholars Conference on Structural Change and Industrial Policy in Africa; the Industrial Policy for Policy Makers (IPPM) programme; and the 2024 TIPS Annual Forum themed “Small Business, Inclusive Growth, and Industrial Policy in South Africa”. This is in addition to several impactful seminars, webinars, colloquia, symposia, and book launches. Hosting President Cyril Ramaphosa for the inaugural Elijah Barayi Lecture was a major event during 2024. SARChI-ID has since been awarded funding to host the Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture for the next three years, 2025 to 2027. The Second Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture will take place in May 2025.
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 34 TALENT MANAGEMENT AND CAPACITY BUILDING During 2024, our staff complement in addition to Prof Fiona Tregenna comprised Associate Professor Elvis Avenyo, Senior Researcher Dr Phumzile Ncube as well as administrator Ms 2 Koketso Manyane, Manager Mrs Melanie Ridgard and several research assistants. This is in addition to 7 postdoctoral research fellows (PDRFs). Our special appointees include 8 Distinguished Visiting Professors, 5 Visiting Professors, 5 Professors of Practice, 6 Visiting Associate Professors, 27 Senior Research Associates, and 5 Research Associates. Among these are leading global scholars, most of whom also published impactful journal articles and were engaged in SARChI-ID activities in various ways. We are proud of having such a dynamic team with related research interests, making for vibrant exchange and development of ideas. Our student registrations during 2024 comprised 12 doctoral students, 11 master’s and 2 honours students. We provide our students with a range of additional training and development activities, both within and outside of UJ. Our flagship doctoral programme ‘PhD in Economics with Specialisation in Industrial Development’ continues expanding each year. We were very proud of our master’s student, Nokulinda Ngwenya, who won the prestigious national award ‘Economic Society of South Africa Founders’ Medal’ in the Honours category for the year 2023, for her honours research project undertaken with us in the previous year that was judged the best honours research project in economics in South Africa. The DSI project on innovation built in a strong element of capacity development. Some PDRFs had the opportunity for mentored research and skills transfer through involvement in this project. As part of the project, we ran a three-day workshop in May 2024, building on the successful workshop we held in October 2023. The workshop, which comprised of lectures by local and international experts, was open and free of charge to students, innovation practitioners and policymakers. The primary emphasis was on how concepts in innovation, innovation policy and management can be applied to socio-economic outcomes of economies, sectors, and firms, as well as exploring its applications in the South African context. We continued to host our biweekly Industrial Development and Policy Seminar Series. This series provides opportunities for students, PDRFs and staff to present their research in a seminar format, which serves a vital role in the exchange of ideas Senior Researcher, Dr Phumzile Ncube, speaking at TIPS: a conference that we co-hosted President Cyril Ramaphosa addressing the Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture that we co-hosted Prof Elvis Avenyo and DVP Prof Antonio Andreoni speaking at the African Programme on Rethinking Development Economics (Aporde) course
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 35 Perspectives and Models and Prof Eliane Araújo (Professor at State University of Maringa and UJ Visiting Professor), Prof Carmem Feijó (Professor at Fluminense Federal University) and Prof João Romero (Professor at Federal University of Minas Gerais) on their book titled Industrialization and Deindustrialization in Brazil: Theories, Evidence, and Policy Implications. Eight book launches have been held or lined up sofar for 2025. PhD students and PDRFs are supported to attend a wide range of external events and training courses. During 2024, we were pleased to support several of our students and PDRFs to present their research at national and international conferences in Africa, Europe, Asia and United States. Our PhD students and PDRFs also attended several other external events, for example, ‘Transforming Africa: Innovating Our Way Towards Sustainability’; ‘Industrial Policy and Strategy Review’ by the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition; ‘United Nations Youth Imbizo on the Summit of the Future’ by COSATU, ‘United Nations Gen Unlimited Launch’ by the United Nations with PwC South Africa; UK-SA International Economic Programme (IEP) - Trade Policy Research Roundtable. They attended training programmes such as the Development Leadership Dialogue training programme at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS) at the University of London and the 8th Edition of African Programme on Rethinking Development Economics (APORDE), among others. Our Masters student Nokulinda Ngwenya won the Economics Society of South Africa Founders’ Medal for the best honours research project in South Africa, which she did with us in the previous year SARChI-ID team at our Young Scholars Conference and capacity building. The seminars played a key role in building capacity in presentation, writing and research skills, and encouraging active research dialogue among students, PDRFs and emerging researchers. We initiated our SARChI-ID Book Launch Series in 2024. Through this series we host regular launches of significant new books related to our fields of research. Among the 2024 presenters were Prof Wim Naude (UJ Distinguished Visiting Professor) on a book titled Artificial Intelligence: Economic
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 36 POLICY AND PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES During 2024, we hosted, co-hosted, or partnered in several successful public events. Our biggest event was the inaugural Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture on 15 May 2024, delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa. We co-hosted this in partnership with the Centre for Data and Digital Communication and the Department of Employment and Labour. President Ramaphosa’s inaugural lecture paid tribute to workers’ struggles, with a special focus on the role and legacy of Elijah Barayi – one of the founding members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the first President of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). The President spoke to the collective responsibility of all citizens to build on the achievements of democracy and work vigorously to overcome poverty, unemployment, and inequality. He added that “building a future that promotes decent work, and social justice necessitates that we deepen our collaboration as government, business, labour, and civil society.” We continued to partner in the ‘Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies (TIPS) Annual Forum’, in partnership with TIPS, and in association with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic). The 2024 theme ‘Small Business, Inclusive Growth, and Industrial Policy in South Africa’ provided the opportunity to engage and discuss the systemic obstacles to the growth of small businesses in South Africa, and strategies for scaling up support and strengthening small business development as part of inclusive industrialisation. In doing so, the Forum encouraged discussions that considered the challenges and opportunities of the small business sector and inclusive industrialisation. We also partnered with APORDE, the dtic, and TIPS, to present the ‘Industrial Policy for Policy Makers’ (IPPM) programme. This five-day intensive training course, aimed at senior government officials from across Africa, focused on industrial policy and consists of lectures and seminars by leading scholars. The course contributes to developing advanced capacity among policymakers in Africa in the field of industrial policy. The theme for 2024 was ‘Green Industrialisation in Africa’. As the regional partner for UNIDO’s IDR24, Prof Tregenna and the team presented and engaged with experts in several expert group meetings (EGMs), including expert researchers and staff members of relevant government departments from across Africa. The UNIDO report identified key opportunities for Africa to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through industrial policies. The report highlighted concrete industrial policy experiences, showcasing specific actions that can drive progress in the region. SARChI-ID together with UNIDO and the Industrial Development Corporation hosted the regional launch of this report in Johannesburg. SARChIID has been re-appointed as the Africa Regional Partner for the IDR 2026. This is a significant role that enhances the profile of SARChI-ID and UJ and its impact in the field of industrial development. Prof Tregenna’s involvement to research dissemination, policy engagement, service and thought leadership continued in 2024. In terms of policy-She was re-appointed by President Cyril Ramaphosa to his Presidential Economic Advisory Panel (PEAC) (to which she was first appointed in 2019). As a member of the AfCFTA (African Continental Free Trade Area) Advisory Council, she advises on trade, industrialisation and regional integration in Africa. She has been appointed to the G20 Africa Expert Panel, the Advisory Board of Tricontinental Pan Africa, the Green Industrial Development Expert Panel and as Chair of the Scientific Committee, African Programme on Rethinking Development Economics. As a member of the International Commission of Experts on Financing for Development, she contributed to the Commission’s influential report and is part of the process leading up to the Financing for Development global summit. She has recently been appointed by the Premier of the Free State Province to the Investment and Economic Advisory Council. Prof Tregenna serves on various Boards, including those of the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER), the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), the Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO), and the Institute for Economic. Justice (IEJ). Other bodies that she serves on include the Panel of External Experts on the United Nations Global Policy Model, and Scientific Board member of IDEAs African Network. She also sits of the Advisory Boards of large international research initiatives including the Open Society University Network Forum on Democracy and Development and of TWIN-SEEDS. She serves on the editorial boards of various journals and book series. As well as being an elected member of the
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 37 Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), she serves on ASSAf structures including Chair of the Membership Advisory Committee for Humanities and Social Sciences, Vice-Chair of the Science for the Reduction of Policy and Inequality, and Steering Committee on the Just Transition. She is part the team leading the International Economic Association’s Women in Leadership in Economics Initiative (IEA-WE), a multi-year project focused on enhancing the role of women in the global economics profession. Prof Tregenna is affiliated in an honorary capacity with SOAS, University of London; both as a Professorial Research Associate and as a Fellow of the Development Leadership Dialogue. Prof Tregenna delivered numerous major public presentations during 2024, including several international keynote addresses in both the academic and policy domains. RESEARCH ACTIVITIES SARChI-ID produced 35 ROUs in 2024, our highest accredited annual research output thusfar. Our team collectively published 75 journal articles, one book, and several peer-reviewed book chapters. In addition to peer-reviewed research, we continue to publish the SARChI-ID Working Paper series and Policy Brief series. These series were launched in 2021 as a free resource with the aim of disseminating research and stimulating policy debate with a wider audience than would be reached by journal articles and identifying collaborative policy-orientated solutions through new knowledge. Highlights of our various research projects are covered in other sections of this report. INNOVATION, SUSTAINABILITY, AI, AND SOCIETAL IMPACT Sustainability, innovation and the 4IR are central themes across our research, capacity building and public and policy engagement activities. We approach issues of sustainability largely in relation to green industrialisation and green industrial policy: what feasible development pathways can meet the dual objectives of industrialisation and environmental sustainability? Issues of innovation and the 4IR continued to drive themes of several activities during 2024. Many of these initiatives engage with the relationships between innovation, technological upgrading and industrial development; and with the patterns, possibilities, and prospects of 4IR technologies for industrialisation, economic growth, and development. A key focus of our research activities during 2024 was the completion of the project ‘Measurement Framework for the Contribution of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) to Inclusive and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, that was commissioned and funded by the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI). This research analysed how innovation can contribute to socio-economic development, with a focus on the three main domains prioritised in the Decadal Plan: high-tech industrialisation; energy, and healthcare. We brought in research collaborators from the University of Pretoria, Percept Consultants and Actuaries, Process, Energy and Environmental Station (PEETS) of UJ’s Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, the Green Hydrogen SARChI Chair, and several individual research collaborators. This research yielded 14 outputs with significant relevance for policy, as well as various training and policy engagement activities and high-level presentations of the findings to senior policymakers. Another major research project, The Johannesburg Innovation Survey, aims to address critical gaps in the understanding of innovation activities by small and micro enterprises (MSEs), 5 specifically manufacturing enterprises. This project was initiated by SARChI-ID in 2019 with external funding. The survey is a tri-annual one, with the regularity of data collection essential for valid and robust statistical analysis, and hence the next wave of data collection will be implemented in 2025. In 2024, SARChI-ID received the UJ Global Excellence and Stature 4.0 for Societal Impact grant to contribute to the costs of the third wave in 2025. The African Trade and Industrialisation Observatory (AfTIO), being developed by SARChI-ID in partnership with the Nelson Mandela School of Public Governance at the University of Cape Town, aims to provide an open access portal for secondary qualitative data and research papers on trade and industrialisation in Africa. The portal will also serve as a repository for policy documents and research on trade and industrialisation in Africa. This is intended to be of benefit to policymakers, researchers and students.
College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 38 STAKEHOLDERS AND PARTNERS - NATIONAL AND GLOBAL FOOTPRINT WAY FORWARD Our national and global footprints have continued to expand and consolidate during 2024, through various new initiatives. Many of the research, engagement and capacity building activities mentioned above also contributed to both our and UJ’s national and international footprint. SARChI-ID has established strong partnerships with key stakeholders in government, industry, and academia. These relationships have enhanced the national and international impact of our research. Examples of our partnerships and collaborations during this period include various South African government departments, TIPS; the Young Scholars Initiative (YSI); universities in South Africa and abroad, and UNIDO. In collaboration with YSI, we were the lead organiser of the ‘Fourth Young Scholars Conference on Structural Change and Industrial Policy in Africa’. This event was held over two days, in a hybrid format. The conference opened with a keynote address from one of the leading global scholars in the field, Dr Taffere Tesfachew. Satellite conference venues in Benin, Ghana, Kenya, Nairobi, Namibia, Nigeria and South Africa convened inperson gatherings of groups of peers participating in the conference. 35 presentations were made by scholars from across Africa, as well as from scholars from other regions who are conducting research on Africa. This conference has become one of our flagship events that contributes to capacity-building, knowledge and skills transfer, and networking across Africa and beyond. Building on the successes of previous years, we are excited about prospects for 2025. SARChI-ID has already hosted several important international events in 2025. For instance, as the African regional partner of UNIDO, SARChI-ID hosted the Expert Group Meeting on UNIDO’s Industrial Development Report 2026, under the theme ‘The Future of Industrialization: building future-ready industries to turn challenges into sustainable solutions. Also, SARChI-ID successfully co-hosted a high-profile development dialogue with the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research (UNU-WIDER) in association with Econ3x3 and National Treasury. SARChI-ID is poised in 2025 to continue to produce novel cutting-edge research, strengthen and expand our collaborations and innovative activities towards impactful research, influence policy, stimulate public debates, forge new networks and collaborations, and strengthen capacity at UJ and beyond.
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