College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 62 November 2024, was designed to provide participants with both foundational and applied knowledge of drone technologies. This included practical insights into drone operations, data collection techniques, and the regulatory frameworks that govern their usage. As drone systems become indispensable tools in modern industries—spanning agriculture, urban planning, logistics, surveillance, and disaster management— the programme provided timely and crucial training for professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts eager to harness the potential of these technologies. Participants gained exposure to the latest trends and developments, learning how drones, enhanced by AI, machine learning, and the Internet of Things, can solve complex challenges, reduce labour costs, and improve operational efficiency across various sectors. With no prior experience required, the course was accessible to a wide range of attendees, including students and mid-career professionals. Over seven in-person sessions, they explored not only technical skills, such as flight operations and data processing, but also ethical, legal, and environmental considerations related to drone deployment. Topics like social responsibility and the role of drone systems in sustainable development were woven throughout the curriculum, reinforcing the department’s commitment to promoting technological innovation that is both equitable and impactful. The programme’s emphasis on real-time data analysis and decision-making aligned with global trends in digital transformation, establishing the department as a key player in shaping futureready talent for South Africa and beyond. Ultimately, this Short Learning Programme served as a compelling example of how the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management is leveraging 4IR technologies to drive societal impact, support sustainable practices, and cultivate the next generation of digitally literate, ethically grounded professionals. In doing so, the department continues to transform not only how transport and supply chains operate but also how they serve communities in an increasingly interconnected and data-driven world. Stakeholders and partners - NATIONAL AND GLOBAL FOOTPRINT TETA Since its establishment in 2022, the 4IR Research Chair—housed within the Department of Transport and Supply Chain Management at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and funded by the Transport Education and Training Authority (TETA)—has steadily become a vital contributor to national innovation and global scholarly engagement. Under the leadership of Prof. Noleen Pisa, the Chair has grown into a dynamic platform for research, education, and societal transformation, with 2024 marking a particularly productive and impactful year in its evolution. Central to the Chair’s 2024 activities was the expansion of its flagship Short Learning Programme (SLP) on Drone Systems and Applications in 4IR, which has become a tangible symbol of UJ’s strategic integration of 4IR technologies into skills development. In parallel with the drone course, the Chair advanced its applied research agenda, most notably through its ongoing project on discrete choice modelling of travel behaviour. This sophisticated study seeks to understand the underlying decision-making patterns of commuters, drawing on a wealth of quantitative data collected in previous phases of the project. By 2024, this work entered a pivotal dissemination phase, with a peer-reviewed journal article under development, alongside the submission of a conference paper to an international academic forum. These publications illustrate how the Chair has begun shaping academic discourse on transport behaviour in the Global South, positioning UJ as a thought leader on the global stage. Furthermore, the research activities culminated in the drafting of a comprehensive report for TETA, capturing the cumulative insights and societal relevance of the Chair’s work. The final versions of this report, together with peerreviewed publications, are set for completion in 2025, underscoring the sustained impact of the Chair’s research outputs. The significance of the TETA 4IR Research Chair extends beyond its academic and training achievements. It exemplifies
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