The aim of the visit was threefold. Firstly to explore opportunities for collaborative research, secondly to expand current research projects, and lastly to present a guest lecture to master’s degree students in the International Marketing class. Drs Maree and Van Heerden secured a staff exchange bursary from the University of Pretoria (UP) to initiate international research collaborative projects with Prof Lütters.

Prof Lütters, an expert in online market research, shared his expertise in innovative research techniques with the team from UP and joint research projects were explored. To fulfill the second aim of the visit, Dr Wiese liaised with Prof Lütters to expand her Thuthuka-funded research project entitled ‘Attitudes and behaviours towards advertising and privacy on social network systems’, with the aim of including a German sample. This extension is possible due to a renewal of Dr Wiese’s Thuthuka funding for 2014.

The guest lecture presented was received very positively by the culturally and nationally diverse group of students. The UP team shared interesting marketing insights into the South African market and explained the unique research challenges that are faced in Africa. The class included an interactive taste experience, where Proudly South African products were sampled. The class enjoyed a taste of South African products, such as Mrs Ball’s flavoured Simba Chips and also Wilson toffees. The students were amazed by the weird but wonderful idea of Walki Talki flavoured chips.

An opportunity to liaise with the Head of the International Office at HTW, Daniela Englisch, to discuss possible staff and student exchange programmes between the two universities, and to bring the two universities’ international offices into contact with one another, also arose from the visit. The visit was an interesting learning experience and stimulated new ideas and exciting research possibilities for the future. 

The visit concluded on a positive note as Dr Maree secured Stephan and Pierre Viljoen Award funding, to enable a visit from Prof Lütters to the Department of Marketing Management later this year.
 

 
The UP researchers with the International Marketing master’s class.



From the left: Dr Van Heerden, Dr Wiese, Dr Maree and Ms Englisch.