Unisa online - Students applaud CEMS' first M&D orientation week

From left: Prof Elmarie Sadler (Deputy Executive Dean CEMS), Prof Kobus Wessels (Head: CEMS Office of Graduate Studies and Research), Prof Mari Jansen van Rensburg (CEMS Office of Graduate Studies and Research) and Prof Elana Swanepoel (CEMS Office of Graduate Studies and Research)

Prof Hellicy Ngambi (Executive Dean: CEMS) welcoming students to the programme

What started as a lonely expedition turned into an exciting journey for more than 170 students who came from as far as Cameroon, Nigeria and Kenya to attend the first orientation week for master’s and doctoral students in the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS). The CEMS M&D orientation week took place at the Sunnyside campus from 7 to 10 May 2012.

Conversations that started in lecture rooms were continued on the stairs of the buildings as buildings were locked up; yet the discussions continued still. Students couldn’t get enough and the feedback from staff and students suggests that they saw this event as a valuable opportunity to interact with one another, says Prof Mari Jansen van Rensburg, CEMS M&D coordinator.

At the start of the week, Prof Hellicy Ngambi, the Executive Dean of CEMS, told students in her welcoming address that they are not alone in this journey as they will enjoy the support of dedicated supervisors which may include one of the CEMS NRF-rated researchers. She added that master’s and doctoral students, along with the academic community are the lifeblood of this university. “Our focused approach, with several research initiatives in place, ensures that we consistently produce world-class research, in many instances with strong local and African relevance.”

CEMS offers students research opportunities for master’s and doctoral studies in more than 19 disciplines within its three schools. These disciplines are ranging from Taxation to Economics, Public Administration and Management to Industrial and Organisational Psychology. Throughout the College, research is undertaken in association with business and government to ensure the relevance of research projects. This is an opportunity to conduct focused and meaningful research in one of CEMS’ exciting research focus areas, enabling them to contribute to new knowledge which can make a difference to their communities and work environment, Prof Ngambi said.

‘This is how I am going to approach this’ – two students in discussion during the CEMS M&D orientation week

According to Prof Elmarie Sadler, Deputy Executive Dean responsible for research in CEMS, the week provided an opportunity for students to interact with industry experts and highly esteemed academics who have travelled down the same road. “We hope this orientation week will provide a platform where a constructive exchange of knowledge and information will take place and make a contribution to the advancement of these students’ studies”, she said.

Feedback from the students was overwhelmingly positive, said Prof Mari Jansen van Rensburg, CEMS M &D coordinator, who planned and organised the week. Results from the evaluation sheets indicated that all students considered the orientation week to be a worthwhile experience that made them more confident about their studies.  Participants applauded the college for this initiative and expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to benefit from the programme and interact with their peers, supervisors and master’s and doctoral departmental coordinators.

The general consensus from students was that what started as a lonely expedition in search of a master’s or doctoral degree turned into an exciting journey and students departed with renewed energy, motivation, and enthusiasm, Prof Jansen van Rensburg said.

The purpose of the orientation week was to:

• Showcase research support offered within Unisa (including support from the College of Graduate studies such as training workshops as well as funding and bursaries; research support offered by CEMS; and support provided by myUnisa and the library services).
• Recruit students to pursue their research in identified key research focus areas.
• Offer several tracks to provide registered students with targeted training in each stage of research.
• Offer the students the opportunities to consult with subject specialists to address research problems.
• Offer a platform for faculty members to engage with students.
• Offer colloquia during which students could present their research.
• Dr Eric Hofstee, CEO of Exactica, encouraged students to take the first steps towards their master’s and doctoral qualifications. It is not easy, but it is an exciting journey, he told the audience.