Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS

Ready to dive into a world of innovation and entrepreneurship? We're excited to launch the inaugural event of the Entrepreneurs Connect Forum and we'd love for you to be a part of it!

📅 Date: 16 August 2024
🕝 Time: 14:30 to 16:00
📍 Location: Genmin Lectorium A

This event is the perfect place to meet like-minded innovators, share ideas, and find inspiration to fuel your entrepreneurial spirit.

Congratulations to Prof Nicolene Barkhuizen and Dr. Tafadzwa Maramura from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS

Prof Barkhuizen (NRF C2 Rating) and Dr. Maramura (NRF Y2 Rating) have achieved remarkable NRF ratings. Your hard work and dedication inspire us all!

Meet our Exceptional Support Staff!

👏 Mrs. Hettie van Tonder is a Chief Officer at the Department of Economics and Finance. Mrs. van Tonder embodies persistence and dedication, proving that "Persistence pays off." Her unwavering commitment ensures the smooth functioning of the Economics and Finance department.

👏 Ms. Ntswaki Moshwaisi is a Programme Coordinator at the UFS Business School. Ms. Moshwaisi lives by the motto, "Every journey has its reward." Her dedication and hard work make a significant impact on our students and programmes.

Let us celebrate these remarkable individuals for their outstanding contributions! 🎓✨

Celebrating Excellence in Teaching and Learning!👏

🎉 Mrs. Jana Lamprecht, a Senior Lecturer at the School of Accountancy, is recognized for her profound and multi-layered teaching philosophy. Jana's approach is akin to the layers of an onion, where each layer of her philosophy interlocks with others, creating a robust and cohesive teaching methodology. Her dedication to teaching encapsulates not just the what and how, but also the why behind her instructional strategies, ensuring comprehensive and impactful learning experiences for her students.

🎉 Prof. Liezel Massyn, Associate Professor and Programme Director of the BML Programme at the UFS Business School, is celebrated for her inspiring perspective on the purpose of education. Prof. Massyn believes in the transformative power of education to enrich lives, promote growth, and foster significant change. Her teaching philosophy is deeply influenced by the words of Nelson Mandela, emphasizing education as a powerful engine for personal and societal development. In her role, she emphasizes mutual learning and the value of real-world experiences, positioning herself as a facilitator who helps students apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

These awards highlight their exceptional commitment to educational excellence and their significant contributions to shaping the future of their students. We are honored to have such dedicated educators as part of our Faculty. 🎓✨

🎉 Meet Our Outstanding Researchers! 🌟

👏 Dr. Tafadzwa Maramura - Recipient of the Emerging Researcher Award

Dr. Maramura holds a Ph.D. in Public Management and Water Governance from North-West University, where she was the Valedictorian. She also earned a Master of Public Policy and an Honours Public Policy and Administration degree, both with Cum Laude honors. Her research focuses on Water Governance, Sustainable Service Delivery, and Public Policies. As an NRF-rated researcher, Dr. Maramura is making significant strides in her field.

👏 Prof. Chijioke Nwosu - Recipient of the Senior Researcher Award

Prof. Nwosu is an associate professor of economics with a Ph.D. in economics and a master's degree in health economics. His research interests include health, labor markets, poverty, inequality, and climate change. Prof. Nwosu has published extensively in leading academic journals and has held senior research and postdoctoral positions in South Africa and the United States.

Join us in congratulating these exceptional scholars for their dedication and contributions to advancing knowledge and making a positive impact in their respective fields. 🎓✨

Professional Development Workshop Week 10-14 June 2024: Developing the Future Industrial Psychologist

The Department of Industrial Psychology has been committed to exposing the Professional Master’s students to the industrial psychology sector. This aids in enhancing the students’ skills and competencies required to become successful industrial psychologists. One such initiative has been introducing the Professional Development Workshop Week: Developing the Future Industrial Psychologist, where professional members within the industrial and organisational psychology field engage with our students on different topics. The sessions are conducted virtually and are extremely engaging. The Department was privileged to have a star-studded lineup of experts joining the development workshop week.

Monday, 10 June 2024

Jana Van Heerden, a registered industrial psychologist and the Director of T&OE Solutions at JvR, accompanied by Michelle Fourie, an intern industrial psychologist at JvR, presented on Leveraging Employee Engagement to Drive Business Success: Putting Theory into Practice.

Tuesday, 11 June 2024

UFS alumni and previous Professional Master’s student of the Department, Tyra Oberholzer, a registered industrial psychologist currently in a leading role at Neurolift, presented on Creating your unique offering as an Industrial Psychologist: Start to Finish Journey.

Wednesday, 12 June 2024

Peter Cameron James, the Global Markets Graduate Programme Manager and Colleague Experience Specialist at ABSA Bank, presented on the topic of A Practical Look at Assessment Centres.

Thursday, 13 June 2024

A registered industrial psychologist and lecturer in the Department of Industrial Psychology, Carmine Nieman presented on navigating industrial psychology internships by understanding the differences between structured and unstructured internships.

Friday, 14 June 2024

Marelie Botha, a registered industrial psychologist and the Chairperson of the Interest Group for Emerging Industrial Psychologists and Project Manager for the Learning Academy Enhancement with the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology South Africa (SIOPSA), discussed all the offerings provided by SIOPSA.

Ruani Nel, a counselling psychologist at the Student Counselling and Development of the University of the Free State, presented a final workshop on Dealing with pressure and feeling overwhelmed.

The Broadening Curricula Debate series returns for its second session!

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted the second session of the Broadening Curricula Debate series on 23 May 2024, at the Equitas Senate Hall on the UFS Bloemfontein campus.

The motion under discussion was: “Issues on socio-environmental sustainability should feature in each and every curriculum.” Prof Frans Prinsloo, Vice-Dean of Learning, Teaching, Innovation, and Digitalisation in the EMS Faculty at UFS, stated, “The motion was chosen very intentionally to elevate the need for socio-environmental considerations to be included in the curricula of the academic programmes offered by the EMS faculty.’’ He further highlighted that the motion encourages academics, particularly within the faculty, to discuss sustainability given its importance in the workplace and in society.

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2024/june/the-broadening-curricula-debate-series-returns-for-its-second-session

Assessment Centres Workshop

The Professional Master’s students from the Department of Industrial Psychology participated in a training workshop on Assessment Centres from 31 May to 1 June 2024.
Facilitated by industry-leading expert Sandra Schlebusch, the workshop teaches aspiring industrial psychologists to observe, note, classify, and evaluate participant behaviour in the context of assessment centres. The workshop involved practical exercises, role-playing activities and workplace simulations.
Sandra Schlebusch is the managing director of LEMASA (Pty) Ltd and former Chairman of the Assessment Centre Study Group (ACSG). She co-established the AC Academy in 2012; the academy’s goal was to educate potential assessment centre users. She has published the following books: Assessment Centres: Unlocking People Potential (1st and 2nd Edition) and several peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals on this subject. She is a part-time lecturer at various South African universities, including the University of the Free State. She also presents on the topic of assessment centres at both national and international conferences. Her 30 years of work experience encompass the domain of people development – from selecting to developing and nurturing talent.

The Professional Master’s students provided their insights on the workshop. Zinhle Nhlabathi highlighted the importance of differentiating between exact behaviours and our own interpretations in assessment centres. Sune Foord shared that they were exposed to how assessors score simulations and role-plays, which was very practical and useful. Lastly, Mthobisi Sibeko stated that the workshop highlighted the role of industrial psychologists and how important identifying the correct behaviours is within assessment centres.
The workshop is one of many practical sessions facilitated by the Department of Industrial Psychology to provide Professional Master’s students with first-hand exposure from industry experts.

The School of Accountancy at the University of the Free State (UFS), in collaboration with the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA), hosted a two-day governance function at the UFS Bloemfontein campus. The event, themed “Building a Sustainable Future: Corporate Governance and Responsible Business Practices,“ aimed to engage with internal and external stakeholders and contribute to the advancement of corporate governance in South Africa.

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2024/june/advancing-corporate-governance-efforts-by-the-school-of-accountancy-and-the-iodsa

Are you interested in applying for the Professional Master’s Degree in Industrial Psychology?

Then please join the information session presented by the Department of Industrial Psychology to get all your questions answered.

Congratulations to the UFS Accountancy graduates in the Class of 2023 for attaining an 86% pass rate in the January 2024 Initial Test of Competence examination of the SA Institute of Chartered Accountants. This outcome compares favourably with the national pass rate of 79% for first-time attempts and an overall national pass rate of 67%. A special congratulations also to Mia Pretorius for being placed sixth in South Africa in this demanding examination.

The International Association of Schools and Institutes of Administration (IASIA) 2024 Conference will be held at the University of the Free State Bloemfontein, South Africa, from 1 to 5 July 2024, with the theme "Alternative Service Delivery and Sustainable Societal Responsiveness."

The Department of Public Administration and Management will host this event.

Conference website link: https://lnkd.in/du3ZadRJ

Important deadlines for panel submissions:
• Submission: 15 April 2024
• Authors’ Notification: 15 May 2024
• Registration of the Panelists before 25 June 2024

Join us as we host the Master and Doctoral Orientation on 26 April 2024 at 08:30.

BlackBoard collaborate link: https://eu.bbcollab.com/collab/ui/session/guest/09600cd6823242018d6c1e1a425d57e6

Let's make this journey memorable together!

Did the Sixth Budget Speech in the New South African Democratic Dispensation Address Current Challenges?

Opinion article by Eugene Msizi Buthelezi, nGAP Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Finance.

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2024/february/did-the-sixth-budget-speech-in-the-new-south-african-democratic-dispensation-address-current-challenges

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS has proudly clinched two prestigious awards at the inaugural Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Leadership Award ceremony. Organised by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, comprising AICPA and CIMA, this event recognises the outstanding contributions to the finance and accounting industry on the continent.

Michelle de Lange, Lecturer in the School of Accountancy and Programme Coordinator of the B.Com Honours in Management Accounting, received the ‘Elite University Educator of the Year Award’ in the CGMA Leadership Award category

Read More: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2024/january/ufs-achieves-double-honours-at-inaugural-chartered-global-management-accounting-(cgma)-professional-awards-africa

Dr Tafadzwa C Maramura, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Public Administration and Management at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS participated in a study with Drs Eugine Maziriri (University of Johannesburg), Miston Mapuranga (University of Pretoria), Brighton Nyagadza (Marondera University of Agricultural Sciences) on couplepreneurs and ways in which they influence their children to become better entrepreneurs. The interinstitutional study drew on several fields of expertise and was a fresh addition to the research on access to water that Dr Maramura is doing.

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2024/january/couplepreneurs-stirring-legacies-one-kidpreneur-at-a-time!

Register for EDED3712 in the first semester OR EDED3722 in the second semester. This 8 credit module is FREE and will equip you with the skills you need to build your career!

🎓👏 A Huge Congratulations to the Amazing Graduates of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS! 🎉

Yesterday was a momentous day as we proudly witnessed our talented and dedicated graduates donning their caps and gowns, and stepping into a new chapter of their lives. 🎓Your hard work, perseverance, and unwavering commitment have brought you to this remarkable milestone, and we couldn't be prouder!

STAFF ACHIEVEMENT 🎉🎉

Michelle De Lange wins prestigious Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) Professional Award Africa 2023 presented by AICPA & CIMA: 27 November 2023

Michelle has been awarded
CGMA Leadership Award (Educator)
Elite University Educator

This award recognises lecturers specialising in CGMA related subjects who has demonstrated excellent engagement with students and effectively helped them enhance their understanding of the subject taught in Bachelor of Commerce Honours in Management Accounting, at School of Accountancy, UFS.

Michelle De Lange we are proud of you at School of Accountancy, UFS. Continue making a difference in student learning.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS recently inaugurated its first Broadening Curricular Debate series, a concept conceived by the Dean of the Faculty, Prof Phillipe Burger. The inaugural debate, held on 22 November 2023 in the Equitas Senate Hall on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus, marked the beginning of a series designed to facilitate discussions among academics on crucial higher education matters

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2023/november/ems-faculty-hosts-inaugural-debate-in-broadening-curricular-debate-series

Prof Frans Prinsloo takes on new leadership role in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the UFS has appointed Prof Frans Prinsloo as Vice-Dean: Learning, Teaching, Innovation and Digitalisation. The appointment comes as an additional role for Prof Prinsloo, as he continues to serve as Director of the UFS School of Accountancy. He indicated that he is approaching the role with excitement, as it will allow him to guide the faculty in developing successful graduates who will not only sustain themselves and their families, but who can also function in and contribute positively to a dynamic world being transformed by technology.

Read more: https://ufsweb.co/3SFSmgd

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS, in collaboration with Allan Gray, recently hosted the annual Allan Gray Achievement Awards. This special event, held at the Awela Restaurant on the UFS’s Bloemfontein campus, was designed to celebrate the academic achievements of top-performing students within the faculty, recognising their excellence based on their year of study.

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2023/november/allan-gray-achievement-awards-recognise-outstanding-ufs-ems-faculty-students

The Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS, proudly announces a momentous stride towards enhancing its research excellence and international partnerships with the appointment of Prof Brownhilder Neneh as the Vice-Dean for Research Engagement and Internationalisation. This esteemed scholar, renowned for her outstanding contributions to academia, is poised to assume a pivotal role in shaping the future of research at our faculty and institution as a whole.

Read more: https://www.ufs.ac.za/templates/news-archive-item/campus-news/2023/october/prof-neneh-appointed-vice-dean-for-research-engagement-and-internationalisation

Department of Public Administration and Management at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS recently hosted its Public Management Memorial Lecture, which was delivered by the Honourable Mxolisi Dukwana, the Premier of the Free State. This year's Public Management Memorial Lecture, titled 'Public Administration and Management as a Method and Tool of Delivering an Ethical, Capable, and Developmental State,' delved into crucial aspects of governance.

Read More: https://ufsweb.co/3Q0DPZK

JSE Investment Challenge

The Department of Economics and Finance in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences has recently made headlines by achieving remarkable success in the prestigious JSE Investment Challenge competition. The 3rd-year group secured an impressive second position, while the Honours group claimed an outstanding third place. These achievements are truly commendable, given the fierce competition and rigorous evaluation of financial acumen that characterises this national competition.

Read more: https://ufsweb.co/49iGwPd

The Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS, Prof Philippe Burger, invites you to the Public Management Memorial lecture delivered by the Honorable Mxolisi Dukwana

RSVP on or before Friday 6 October 2023 https://events.ufs.ac.za/e/2023PublicManagementMemorialLecture

Let the Numb3rs add up!

Join the impactful accountancy virtual career evening on 24 August 2023 at 17:50 (for 18:00), to learn more about the EXCITING field of Accountancy!

Use the following link to sign up: https://bit.ly/CareerEve

Reach out | Get connected | Touch GREATNESS

Do you want to know more about the Professional Master’s Degree in Industrial Psychology?

Then make sure you join the information session held by the Department of Industrial Psychology.

🔓 Unlock your potential with a qualification from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS. 🌍💼

With Mathematics level 2 (30%) or Mathematics Literacy level 5 (60%) and an AP score of 28, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗕 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.

Visit https://apply.ufs.ac.za/Application/Start to apply.

Direct enquiries to
Tel: 051 401 3825
E: [email protected]

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🔓 Unlock your potential with a qualification from the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS. 🌍💼

With Mathematics level 2 (30%) or Mathematics Literacy level 5 (60%) and an AP score of 28, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗯𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗴𝗵𝗹𝘆 𝗽𝗼𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗕 𝗔𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟰.

Visit https://apply.ufs.ac.za/Application/Start to apply.
Direct enquiries to
Tel: 051 401 3825
E: [email protected]

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