Dr Helena van Wyk

As an academic with over 20 years of teaching experience at various public and private institutions, I have developed a keen interest in the communication, branding and education fields. My research interests lie in these fields, with a particular focus on brand and corporate communication. I hold a PhD from UNISA, and the research for my PhD focused on the political brand and social media storytelling. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge and expertise with others, and I am always looking for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals in the field.

Qualifications

Ph.D. in Communication
UNISA, 2021
Master’s in Communication and Media studies
University of Johannesburg, 2012

Areas of Research

Communication, branding and education fields

Professional Experience

Dean: Postgraduate Studies and Research
Serving on the Open Window University Zambia Senate
Programme coordinator: IMM Graduate School MPhil in MArketing programme.
Supervising Postgraduate Students
Editorial Team: The Retail and Marketing Journal (DHET accredited)
IMM Graduate School Centre for Research: Chair

Dr Cecelia Rosa

With 35+ years experience in secondary and tertiary education, I am an educationist committed to fostering academic growth and personal development with a strong belief in the transformative power of education.

My research interests include delving into the intricacies of how individuals perceive, process, and retain information, innovative teaching methodologies, particularly in the dynamic landscape of blended/hybrid higher education and understanding the nuanced ways in which students engage with educational content in the higher education environment. A drive to stay at the forefront of educational practices reflects my commitment to preparing students for the challenges of the modern world and aligns with my vision for education that goes beyond traditional metrics to capture the true essence of a student’s capabilities.

Qualifications:

D.Ed. in Educational Psychology
UNISA, 2005
Master’s in Educational Psychology
UNISA,1995
Higher Education Diploma (PG)
UNISA, 1988

 Areas of Research:

 Cognitive Psychology; Neuroscience of Learning

Professional Experience:

Dean: Learning, Teaching and Assessment

Dr Ernst van Biljon

During a period of 17 years spanning from 1990 to 2007, I was a career academic, with 15 years spent at the Port Elizabeth Technikon (PET) and two years at the Nelson Mandela University (NMU). NMU emerged from the merging of PET and the University of Port Elizabeth (UPE). My academic and professional background lies in Logistics, Procurement, and Supply Chain Management. From 2007 to 2024, I was a consultant to international technology businesses assisting them with the commercialisation of technology and development of value chain and supply chain solutions. From 2010 to 2013, I was Director of the Commerce Edge Academy and developed the first supply chain management programme for three Polytechnics in Mozambique.

Qualifications:

D Com in Business Management (1999) specialising in Supply Chain Management,
University of Port Elizabeth, 1999
M Com in Business Management,
University of Port Elizabeth, 1993 (1993), University of Port Elizabeth.
B Com (1985) and B Com (Hons) (1986), University of Port Elizabeth

Areas of Research:

Automotive logistics
Supply chain integration
Lean supply chain management
World-class manufacturing and strategic supply

Professional Experience:

Current Position: Head Lecturer and Programme Coordinator in SCM – M Com
Previously:
Professor of Logistics Management and Executive Dean (Campus Principal: George) at Nelson Mandela University (1991 – 2007).
Member of Executive Research Committee. Member of University’s Executive Committee.
SCM and Tech Business Commercialisation Consultant in private sector (2007 – present).

Research profile:

15 Publications in national and international scientific, peer-reviewed and accredited journals.
5 Specialised research reports.
Peer-reviewer for 2 international accredited journals.
16 papers at national and international business conferences.
3 External examiner assessments for Masters studies.
9 Supervision of Masters studies.
2 Supervision of Doctorate studies.
1 Book on Purchasing and Supply Management (multiple editions).
2 Books on Supply Chain Management (multiple editions).

Mr Aobakwe Ledikwe

I am an academic and researcher who specialises in strategic marketing and branding. My PhD (in progress) is aimed at developing and validating a conceptual model that unearths the determinants of actual omni-channel continued usage within a South African banking environment. My research interests lie in SME marketing, branding, relationship marketing, digital marketing and omni-channel retailing. I have published numerous articles in accredited journals and presented my work across local and international conferences. I am passionate about collaborating with researchers and industry professionals in research projects that can contribute to the design and implementation of impactful marketing strategies.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Marketing Management
University of Johannesburg (in progress)
Master’s in Marketing Management
University of Johannesburg, 2018

 Areas of Research:

 SME marketing, branding, relationship marketing, digital marketing and omni-channel retailing

Professional Experience:

Head Lecturer: Parktown Campus
Programme coordinator: Postgraduate Diploma in Marketing
Centre for Research: Research Coordinator
Supervising Postgraduate Students
Reviewer for multiple conferences and journal articles
Published numerous work in international Scopus-Indexed journals and other DHET accredited journals

Ms Sinegugu Ntini

My research interests have evolved to focus on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) growth strategies, particularly in the context of marketing and supply chain management. My current PhD research delves into the intricacies of SMMEs growth strategies, exploring the best marketing and supply chain strategies that contribute to their success. This passion for SMMEs growth strategies stems from my desire to understand how businesses can thrive in today’s dynamic market landscape. By collaborating with like-minded professionals and continuously learning about the latest trends and best practices, I aim to contribute to the development of effective growth strategies for SMMEs, ultimately fostering their growth and sustainability.

Qualifications:

Ph.D. in Business Management
Wits University (in progress)
Master’s in Supply Chain Management
UKZN, 2016

Areas of Research:

SMMEs, Marketing, Supply Chain Management

Professional Experience:

Head Lecturer: Parktown Campus
Programme coordinator: Higher Certificate in Supply Chain Management and Higher Certificate in Project Management

Claudine Botha

Being in industry for most of my working life,  after approximately 12 years in the financial services sector and a four year family stint in Nigeria, the academic and lecturing sphere has introduced me to the new challenges in the marketing environment, not only locally but globally.  This has sparked a particular interest in global business and – marketing as well as cultural marketing and – communications. I am keen on learning from experienced researchers and as such are looking for opportunities to collaborate with researchers sharing similar interests to mine. 

Qualifications:

MBA
University of the Witwatersrand,2002
BCom Hons (Marketing): 
Rand Afrikaans University/ University of Johannesburg,1995

Areas of Research:

Global marketing, cultural marketing and – communications and consumer behaviour

Professional Experience:

Current:  Programme Coordinator:  BPhil Hons in Marketing Management
Previous:  Fulfilled various roles in marketing and communications, mainly in the Financial Services Sector.