College of Business and Economics | Annual Report 2024 79 to embrace flexibility and invest in technology that enhances supply chain visibility,” Kildase noted. “By leveraging data analytics and automation, they can anticipate disruptions, optimise routes, and maintain cost efficiency. Collaboration with local suppliers and understanding regional logistics trends will also be critical in ensuring resilience and adaptability in a rapidly changing retail landscape.” Adding to the event’s success, Michelle Kemp, Communications Manager, discussed the crucial role of communication strategies in retail success. Her insights rounded out the program, emphasising the importance of effective communication in achieving retail goals. Throughout the day, students actively participated in various interactive activities, with three students winning gifts for their enthusiastic engagement. Dr. Pillay closed the event by expressing her gratitude to the speakers, attendees, and students, highlighting the value of collaboration and continuous learning in shaping the future of retail. UJ FM Interview On May 6th, 2024, Dr. Semona Pillay and Mr. Sandile Maseko participated in a radio interview on UJFM to discuss the W&R SETA Youth Project—its purpose, origins, and goals. They explained that the project was launched to provide hope and opportunities to students who had completed their Grade 12 but did not achieve the marks required for university admission. A total of 11 students participated in the program, all of whom graduated on April 26th, 2024. The graduation ceremony was attended by various strategic partners, and the top academic achievers delivered powerful speeches, highlighting how the project transformed not only their lives but also the lives of their families. During the interview, Dr. Pillay and Mr. Maseko announced that applications for M&D bursaries were now open. They clarified that these bursaries are available to students whose proposals have been accepted and who intend to pursue Master’s or PhD studies in 2024–2025, as well as those already enrolled in Master’s or PhD programs in 2024. They noted that preference would be given to research focused on Wholesale and Retail, Retail Business Management, Retail Marketing, and Wholesale Business Development. The bursaries will cover the full cost of annual study fees, including funds for data collection and language editing. They emphasized that the application deadline is October 31st, 2024. The interview concluded with a discussion of previous bursary recipients and their current career paths, along with an overview of some of the initiatives the Chair is currently pursuing. RESEARCH PROJECTS IN 2024 The Chair has contributed a total of 9 research projects. Below is a list of impactful research papers published by the W&R SETA Leadership Chair in 2024, each addressing key issues within the retail sector: Design Thinking And Problem-Solving In The Fuel Retail Sector: A Framework For Enterprising People- This paper, co-authored by Mr. Norman Mafuratidze and Dr. Beate Stiehler-Mulder, focuses on how design thinking can empower fuel retail employees to adopt a proactive, problem-solving approach. It proposes recommendations like customer reward programs and improved training to enhance motivation and communication. Exploring New Developments And Trends In Retail Education- This paper co-authored by Dr. Isolde ward (Nee Lubbe) and Dr. Semona Pillay. This study explored integrating contemporary skills, such as ‘green skills’ and 4IR, into higher education curricula through qualitative interviews with academic and industry experts. Reviewing Retailing curricula: The role of higher education institutions and industry-This study also by Dr. Isolde Ward (Nee Lubbe) and Dr. Semona Pillay, investigates the alignment between curricula offered by South African higher education institutions (HEIs) and retail sector requirements. The study assessed retailing curricula and the roles of HEIs and industry in curricula development through two phases: secondary data analysis and proposing alignment strategies. Youth Empowerment Project Report 2024 - This study by Mr Norman Mafuratidze, examines the outcomes of a Positive Youth Development (PYD) program by the W&R SETA in South Africa, aimed at equipping 100 youth with retail sector skills. Using a longitudinal mixed-methods approach, the study tracked progress over a year, assessing completion rates, skill acquisition, and career trajectories. Unlocking the potential of lower-level employees: a collaborative approach for upliftment and empowerment in South Africa’s FMCG retail sector- This paper co-authored by Dr.Semona Pillay, Ms Vickey de Villiers, and Mr Frans Van der Colff, explores upliftment and empowerment of lower-level employees in South Africa’s FMCG retail sector. It examines existing initiatives and provides recommendations for enhanced efforts. Read up more on our research here: https:// www.uj.ac.za/faculties/college-of-businessand-economics/schools/school-of-consumerintelligence-and-information-systems/ marketing-management/uj-wholesale-and-retailseta-chair-gauteng/research-projects/
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