Centre for Research Dispatch: March/April 2024
Welcome to the Centre for Research’s first Dispatch for 2024
This issue brings you all the latest IMM Graduate School’s Centre for Research and other industry-related news, including an overview of academic events attended or contributed to by the IMM Graduate School staff and faculty. This issue also has updates on upcoming conference opportunities for the submission of research outputs, including abstracts, works in progress and full papers.
New Staff Member
Welcome Dr Ernst van Biljon to the Centre for Research. He joined the IMM Graduate School at the beginning of February 2024. We believe that Dr Van Biljon will be a huge asset to the Centre for Research team, with his wealth of knowledge and experience in the Supply Chain Management research field.
Colloquia and Conferences Attended by the IMM Graduate School Faculty
IMM Graduate School Faculty members attended and presented papers at several academic conferences and took part in colloquiums over the past two months, including:
Date: 22 & 23 September 2023
Enabling Quality Postgraduate Education Colloquium
Both Dr Helena van Wyk and Mr Aobakwe Ledikwe participated in a colloquium organised by Rhodes University in collaboration with the Council of Higher Education and Universities South Africa (USAf).
The colloquium sought to delve into several key questions, including how to enhance postgraduate education within our respective fields and institutions on a national scale. It also aimed to identify and address pressing issues concerning postgraduate studies in our fields and institutions.
Additionally, discussions centred on fostering collaborations, networking opportunities, and formulating plans, such as potential joint research projects where applicable.
Date: 27 & 29 February 2024
Deans and Directors of Higher Education Summit
Dr Shenall Israel, the Head of Quality Assurance at the IMM Graduate School, delivered a research paper focusing on the Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Her presentation delved into various facets of RPL within the workplace context.
She explored the definition and significance of RPL, emphasising the importance of ensuring that individuals lacking formal qualifications are not disadvantaged in terms of career advancement or job opportunities.
Also discussed were strategies for promoting RPL in the workplace and outlined potential mechanisms for advancing individuals who have the requisite skills, knowledge, and competencies but have been previously hindered from pursuing further studies due to disadvantages.
Upcoming Conferences with Approved IMM Graduate School Abstracts
Date: 29 – 31 May 2024
e-Learning Africa 2024: Pan-African and International Conference on Digital Education, Training and Skills Development
Dr Helena van Wyk and Ms Riana Prins will be presenting papers at this comprehensive knowledge-sharing event for digital education being held in Kigali, Rwanda.
The event is the foremost gathering for digital education, training, and skills development across the African continent.
Established in 2005, it serves as a global platform for professionals invested in education and technology, offering invaluable insights into the evolving landscape of digital learning.
Dr Van Wyk will present a collaborative paper with Dr Cecelia Rosa, titled An Exploratory Study to Determine the Most Effective Teaching Strategies to Facilitate Online and In-person Student Engagement in the Hybrid Higher Education Classroom.
Ms Prins will present a paper co-authored by Dr Helena van Wyk, focusing on The Use of ChatGPT as a Digital Assessor Tool within a Private Higher Education Environment: A South African Context.
For further details, please visit the conference website at: https://www.elearning-africa.com/conference2024/
Upcoming Conferences and Events in South Africa for Abstract Submissions
Date: 22 – 24 May 2024
National Association of Distance Education and Open Learning in South Africa (NADEOSA) National Hybrid Conference
This event, held in Johannesburg, is a forum dedicated to increasing access to affordable, cost-effective and quality learning environments.
The National Association of Distance Education and Open Learning in South Africa (NADEOSA) is extending an invitation to all South African entities and individuals dedicated to enhancing access to quality education.
With a focus on fostering affordable and effective learning environments that empower learners to become self-sufficient members of society, NADEOSA aims to drive meaningful change in education.
The 2024 NADEOSA Conference will adopt a hybrid format, offering both in-person and virtual participation options. Hosted by MANCOSA at its Johannesburg Campus, the event promises to be a pivotal platform for collaboration, innovation, and dialogue within the realm of distance education and open learning.
Participants are encouraged to seize this opportunity to engage with like-minded peers and contribute to the ongoing discourse surrounding educational accessibility and quality.
Abstract submissions deadline is 29 March 2024. Find out more on the NADEOSA website here: https://www.nadeosa.org.za
Date: 24 – 25 July 2024
MANCOSA Quality Conference
The theme for this event is Fostering Innovation Ecosystems: Where Quality Management and Education Converge and is presented by MANCOSA distance educational provider.
Attendees can expect engaging discussions and insights into the intersection of quality management and education.
Abstract submissions deadline is 15 April 2024. For further details, visit the conference website at: https://qrco.de/bemgMg
Date: 5 – 6 November 2024
South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE) Conference
This year’s theme is Leading Innovation in Higher Education: The Role of the Private Education Sector in Higher Education addressing current and emerging challenges in higher education.
The event will also explore a variety of themes pertinent to the private education landscape, including Innovation in Learning and Teaching, Fit-for-Purpose Quality Assurance practices, Technology-based solutions for Higher Education, Personalised Student Experiences, Professional Development within Private Higher Education Institutions, Community Engagement, and the sector’s contribution to Sustainable Development Goals and National Development Plans.
Through these discussions, the conference seeks to foster dialogue and collaboration towards transformative advancements in higher education.
Abstract submissions deadline is 30 April 2024. Find out more here: https://www.saphe.ac.za/
Date: 21 – 22 November 2024
International Conference on Education Research (ICER)
Hosted by the Independent Institute of Education, South Africa at the IIE Varsity College Cape Town campus as a platform for shared research and insights related to teaching and learning in higher education.
Topics of interest include the integration of technology in education, fostering active learning and student engagement, effective assessment and feedback strategies, innovative curriculum design and delivery methods, promoting inclusive teaching practices, and advancing teaching for social justice.
Abstract submissions deadline is 1 May 2024. Find out more information here: http://www.academicconferences.org/conferences/icer/
Upcoming International Conferences
Date: 17 – 19 April 2024
Quality in Postgraduate Research Conference
Held in Adelaide, Australia, this event brings together researchers, policymakers, students and more to discuss the processes and practices of doctoral education.
The event is aimed at advancing doctoral education, bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, including educational researchers, policymakers, university leaders, research students, and supervisors of research degrees.
The conference serves as a platform for deepening understanding of the processes, practices, pedagogies, and theoretical frameworks that underpin doctoral education.
Globally, doctoral education is undergoing rapid evolution in terms of its scale, structure, diversity, and intended outcomes.
This evolution sparks ongoing debates about its future trajectory, delivery methods, and the transformative learning and innovation it fosters.
These discussions involve a wide spectrum of participants, ranging from individual research students to influential international bodies like the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) and the World Bank.
For further details, visit the conference website: https://www.qpr.edu.au
Date: 27 – 29 March 2024
7th International Conference on Modern Research in Education, Teaching and Learning
Held in Oxford, United Kingdom, this event brings together academia, researchers and scholars to address the latest trends and common challenges in global education.
With a carefully curated programme, attendees can expect insightful presentations covering a diverse range of topics, including the role of technology in education, cultural and geographical variations in approaches, innovative methodologies, and more.
This event promises to be a must-attend for anyone passionate about staying abreast of developments in education.
Find out more about the event here: https://www.icmetl.org/
American Marketing Association (AMA) Events
Multiple conference events on a variety of marketing topics are being held during 2024.
- Virtual Conference: Customer Experience (6 March 2024)
- 2024 AMA International Collegiate Conference (11 – 13 April 2024)
- Virtual Conference: Marketing in Higher Education (24 April 2024)
- Virtual Conference: Build your Brand (15 May 2024)
For more information, visit the AMA website here: https://www.ama.org/
Date: 26 – 28 April 2024
8th International Conference on Future of Teaching and Education
This conference creates a global forum for scientists, researchers, and students to discuss and exchange ideas and more on all aspects of teaching and education.
Covering a broad spectrum of topics, participants will engage in discussions surrounding Education, Learning, Teaching, e-Learning, English Language Teaching (ELT), and Foreign Language Teaching (FLT), among others. This conference serves as a vital hub for fostering collaboration and advancing knowledge in education.
Paper submissions deadline is 5 April 2024. Find out more here: https://www.icfte.com/
Date: 17 – 19 May 2024
International Conference on Teaching and Education (TECONF)
The conference, held in Liverpool, United Kingdom, will Explore Solutions and Share Expertise for the Future of Teaching and Education.
TECONF is set to host an insightful conference, bringing together educators and experts to navigate the complexities of the current educational landscape and address its significant challenges.
This event will delve into innovative solutions, help the exchange of expertise, and foster collaborative efforts among like-minded professionals to shape the future of teaching and education.
TECONF 2024 offers a distinctive platform for global knowledge dissemination and networking opportunities.
Paper submissions deadline is 3 May 2024.
Visit the event website here https://www.teconf.org/
Publications
Congratulations to Mr Aobakwe Ledikwe from the IMM Graduate School Marketing Faculty, who contributed a chapter to the textbook Brand Management: A Southern African Perspective.
Retail and Marketing Review Journal Issue 19 (1): Navigating the Digital Wave in Modern Retail: Insights and Implication.
Retail and Marketing Review Journal (Volume 19, Issue 2 for 2023)
This latest issue includes a wide variety of marketing topics and trends and is available to read on the IMM Graduate School eLibrary.
Authored by esteemed researchers and scholars, the articles delve into various aspects of consumer engagement and marketing dynamics in South Africa.
- Dr C.H. Bothma examines the multifaceted landscape of consumer engagement, while Prof Roland Goldberg and Dr Mia Bothma shed light on the place marketing factors that attract Millennials to shopping centres.
- Additionally, Dr Kirsty-Lee Sharp, Itani Listen Ramuthivheli, and Prof Bongazana Dondolo investigate the factors influencing students’ loyalty towards Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges.
- Hector Mothudi and Dr C.H. Bothma explore the use of social media marketing in laundry and dry-cleaning small businesses in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan area.
- Felix Amoah, Patrick Joel Turkson, and Marlé van Eyk investigate how gender and age impact customers’ perceived hedonic and utilitarian value in shopping malls.
Get this latest issue at the IMM Graduate School eLibrary here: https://learn2024-01.imm.ac.za/login/index.php
Find out more about the publication and read back issues here: https://retailandmarketingreview.co.za/
Knowledge Centre and eLibrary Events
New ProQuest Landing Page on eLibrary
Get access to over 25,000 business case studies through the ProQuest database on the IMM Graduate School eLibrary.
Users of the IMM Graduate School eLibrary can now enjoy comprehensive access to the ProQuest database, offering a wealth of valuable resources. Among these resources, users can explore full-text content including case studies and business cases conveniently found under the ‘Featured business cases’ section.
With over 25,000 business case studies available on ProQuest, individuals can delve into diverse and complex business-related topics via the Emerald business cases. To explore this new feature, users simply need to visit the ProQuest One Business landing page on the eLibrary and scroll down past the carousels after logging into eLearn.
Date: 4 April 2024 3-4pm (eLearn)
eLibrary Training Session: Identify and Select Information Sources
Clarivate/ProQuest is presenting a training session on choosing information sources. It is a must-attend for students and researchers.
The primary goal of this session is to equip participants with the ability to discern differences among major sources of information, find the appropriateness of specific source types for various purposes, and identify suitable source types from a diverse range of resources.
Hosted on the Big Blue Button tile situated on the eLibrary page next to Announcements, this training session offers valuable insights for both students and researchers.
Attendees can expect to gain crucial knowledge to enhance their research endeavours.
A recording of the session will be available on eLearn here: https://learn2024-01.imm.ac.za/mod/bigbluebuttonbn/view.php?id=13022
Contribute to Dispatch
If you would like to include updates or news on upcoming marketing- and supply chain-related events, publications by the IMM Graduate School’s Centre for Research associates, academics and students or any other industry-related information for the next edition of Dispatch, please email Dr Helena van Wyk at helenavw@immgsm.ac.za.