College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 60 behavior and their connections to a wide range of disciplines such as urban planning, environmental research, applied psychology, public health, etc. The research group addresses the need for scientific work on the above topic, as existing empirical evidence originating from high-income countries is vast, while developing countries have a smaller share. This need becomes more apparent, when the problems and challenges of the Global South in connection with rapid urbanization, urban sprawl, lack of transport infrastructure, and the neglected preferences of end-users are depicted by a limited number of existing studies and projects on emerging markets. To date the research group has successfully recruited a Master’s student, two PhD students, and a post-doctoral research fellow. The research group members have published two articles on related topics. The research team includes: Prof Noleen Pisa Prof Houshmand Masoumi (Visiting Professor) Dr Hazvinei Tamuka-Moyo (Visiting Senior Researcher) Dr Chengete Chakamera Dr Enock Musau (PDRF) Ofentse Sebitlo (PhD student) Praise Chikandiwa (PhD student) Masimba Mapfurira (PhD student) Hilma Nuuyandja (PhD student) Takudzwa Mutekwe (Master’s student) The team has published the following articles in 2024: Nuuyandja et al., (2024). “A Systematic Review of the Influence of Urban Form on Mode Choice in African Cities“. Journal of Transport and Land Use Masoumi et al. (2024). “The Commuting Behavior and Perception Correlates of Commuting Trips: A Comparative Study on the Egyptian and Migrant Populations in Cairo and Alexandria “. Journal of Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development (RESD) Masoumi et al. (2024). “Logit and Probit Models Explaining Mode Choice and Frequency of Public Transit Ridership among University Students in Krakow, Poland“. MDPI Masoumi et al. (2024). “Street connectivity and active mobility in emerging economies: disparities of socioeconomic features and travel behavior in sprawling versus compact urban neighborhoods “. International Planning Studies Masoumi et al. (2024). Unveiling transportation disparities: investigating accessibility gaps in metropolitan cities using GIS Frontiers in Sustainable Cities Achievements and Research Projects The research group has achieved a significant milestone by securing an Erasmus Plus grant worth 31,000 Euros. This prestigious grant underscores the group’s commitment to advancing knowledge at the intersection of transport and sustainable tourism. The funding will enable the group to explore innovative strategies that enhance the role of transportation systems in promoting eco-friendly tourism practices. By integrating sustainability principles, the project aims to contribute to reducing the environmental impact of tourism while fostering economic and social benefits in the regions involved. This achievement not only highlights the group’s dedication to impactful research but also positions it as a leader in the field of sustainable mobility and tourism development. Smart Mobility Research Group Overview The Smart Mobility Research Group explores the dynamic intersection of advanced technologies, public transport modal integration, and sustainability to deliver socio-technical solutions for transport systems in emerging cities. Its research also addresses critical themes in smart logistics and sustainability in Africa, making it a vital hub for innovative and impactful scholarship in the region. Group composition The group adopts a multidisciplinary approach, drawing expertise from diverse fields within the College of Business and Economics (CBE). Key members include: Prof. Joash Mageto – Group Leader Prof. Rose Luke (Transport and Supply Chain Management) Prof. Hossana Twinomurinzi (Vice Dean of Research and Applied Data Science) Dr. Siyabonga Mhlongo (Applied Information Technology) Dr. Bokaba Tebogo (Applied Information Technology) The group is also committed to nurturing future researchers, currently supervising three postgraduate students: Mr. Douglas Mitieka – PhD Student Mr. Peter Mugisha – PhD Student Mr. Timoth Makotore – Master’s student Achievements and Research Projects Since its establishment in 2022, the group has achieved significant milestones: Funding: In 2023, the group secured R300,000 in research funding, facilitating data collection in
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