On 8 September 2023, the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) celebrated its contributions to knowledge and the transformative power of research in the fields of economic, financial and management sciences by hosting its inaugural Research Day.

Prof Margaret Chitiga-Mabugu, Dean of the Faculty of EMS, noted that the journey that has led to this day has been characterised by dedication, collaboration, and a commitment to the advancement of knowledge.

“This Research Day serves as evidence of our collective belief in the power of ideas, inquiry, and discovery, but also in the importance of sharing these. It is a day where the EMS staff and students come together to showcase their intellectual vitality and innovation,” she added.

Prof William Mcluskey, an Extraordinary Professor in the African Tax Institute delivered the keynote address, which was followed by a panel discussion that delved into how research contributes to industry. The day included presentations from EMS staff and postgraduate students on research they are undertaking in their respective disciplines in their quest to contribute to knowledge production and to solve complex societal problems.

The research conducted in the Faculty of EMS has much to offer business, governments and non-governmental institutions in order to foster innovation as well as shape the future and create a lasting impact on society. The Faculty is home to brilliant minds, each with unique perspective and expertise. Some of these brilliant minds were awarded on the day, as part of two research-based competitions.

Nyasha Dhlembeu of the Department of Financial Management won the 3-minute PhD thesis competition, sponsored by PPS, with the topic ‘the behavioural determinants of household savings’. Saeeda Ismail of the School of Public Management and Administration came in second place with her work on assessing engineering graduate programmes against future-fit public sector skills in South Africa’s National Department of Transport, and Charite Kambala Leta of the Department of Economics third with the topic ‘the impact of blockchain technology on climate change: A global perspective’.

Dr Zack Enslin of the Department of Financial Management won the poster presentation competition, sponsored by Momentum, with his poster on cognitive decision-making behaviour and management accountants. Yasmeen Ebrahim of the Department of Human Resource Management was announced as runner-up with the theme ‘exploring race talk in the workplace: Preliminary insights from an ongoing qualitative study’, while Sara-Xiaoxing Huo of the Department of Auditing was placed third with her work on how to develop internal auditors’ professional identity.

Prof Chitiga-Mabugu expressed her appreciation to the Faculty’s staff members, researchers, and students for their dedication to advancing the frontiers of knowledge. “Your work is not just about producing publications; it is also about making a positive impact on society. It is about addressing the pressing challenges of our time, finding innovative solutions, and fostering sustainable practices.”

She added that academics have traditionally mainly focussed on ensuring that their work finds homes in well regarded journals or scholarly books.

“However, we do realise that if we are serious about making contributions to solving the wicked challenges in our world, we need to share our knowledge and cultivate collaborations. We would therefore also like this day to be one that offers an opportunity to foster a culture of curiosity, critical thinking, and a quest for excellence and partnerships in the true spirit of transdisciplinarity where we cross disciplines and work across and with our societal partners,” she said.

Prof Karin Barac, Deputy Dean for Research and Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty who conceptualised the Research Day, expressed her gratitude to the the sponsors for the day: Bovest, Momentum, Oxford University Press, PPS and Sanlam for their contribution in ensuring the event was a success.  “Thank you, your generous sponsorships elevated this event. Your support does not go unnoticed,” she said. Prof Barac also extended her gratitude to the industry partners who also took time to attend the Faculty’s first Research Day.