College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 76 Norman presents design thinking and problem-solving paper at GBATA Conference in Lisbon On the 7th of July 2024, our research assistant, Norman Mafuratidze, embarked on an enriching journey to Lisbon, Portugal, to present a research paper at the Global Business and Technology Association (GBATA) conference. Co-authored with Dr. Beate Stiehler-Mulder, former Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng, the paper, titled “Design Thinking and Problem-Solving in the Fuel Retail Sector: A Framework for Enterprising People,” explored design thinking and innovative solutions for the South African fuel retail industry. The GBATA conference, renowned for fostering dialogue among scholars, researchers, and practitioners in business and technology, provided a platform for exploring the application of design thinking in addressing industry uncertainties. Norman’s presentation focused on three key objectives: To investigate the challenges faced by fuel retailers in designing their working environment To examine the ability of retailers to communicate with employees and establish relationships in their businesses To assess the capacity of retailers to design and deliver product and service offerings that enhance the experience for staff and customers The reception was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees expressing keen interest in the practical applications of the research findings. Norman noted that the primary challenge in preparing the presentation was condensing extensive research into a concise and engaging format. Despite this, the feedback and discussions sparked new ideas and inspiration. Beyond the conference, Norman’s trip to Lisbon was marked by an exploration of the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and delightful local cuisine. He describes the experience as a highlight of his professional journey, offering a perfect blend of cultural immersion and scholarly exchange. Additionally, the conference saw Professor Marius Wait from the Department of Marketing being awarded Best Paper for his research, further emphasising the high calibre of work presented. Prof Wait’s topic on ‘Do retailers serve their communities? 5W1H evidence from South Africa,’ aligns with the W&R SETA’s mandate of ‘Promoting employability and sustainable livelihoods through skills development’ and includes community-based co-operatives supported by skills development. Dr Semona Pillay Overall, the conference not only provided valuable insights into the latest trends and methodologies in design thinking but also fuelled Norman’s enthusiasm for continued research and publication. The experience in Lisbon has inspired him to push boundaries and explore new frontiers in his field. Also, the W&R SETA Leadership Chair at the University of Johannesburg has two conferences papers accepted at the International Business Conference in Stellenbosch taking place from 22-24th September. The two papers have been coauthored by Dr Isolde Ward, Dr S Pillay and Mr N Mafuratidze. Paper 1: Future-proofing South Africa’s retail workforce: Strategies for bridging the skills gap in the 4IR. Paper 2: Exploring the Relationship Between Industry and Academia for Future-Fit Retail Higher Education Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair: Gauteng hosts Learning Session On the 17th of July, 2024, the Auckland Park Kingsway Campus Library served as the venue for the highly anticipated quarterly learning session of the Wholesale and Retail SETA Leadership Chair. This event, a cornerstone of our yearly activities, brought together leadership chairs from leading universities, including CPUT, CPU and UJ. The gathering provided a unique platform for sharing insights, discussing initiatives, and exploring collaborative opportunities within the sector.
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