Faculty of Management Sciences lecturers from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) embodied the university’s ENVISION2030 values and internationalisation strategy, through their active participation at the Global Business and Technology Association’s (GBATA) 25th Annual International Conference. The event took place at the Altis Grand Hotel in Lisbon, Portugal earlier this month.
Representing DUT were Dr Mthokozisi Luthuli from the Department of Entrepreneurial Studies and Management, Dr Anna Womack from the Department of Business Law, Dr Jey Difference from the Department of Applied Management and Ms Lindokuhle Ntuli from the Department of Operations and Management. They joined a diverse group of participants from around the world, proudly showcasing DUT’s commitment to global engagement and academic excellence.
Their successful representation was marked by their outstanding contributions in paper presentations, networking, and exchange of information through the conference’s designated platforms which included paper sessions, plenary presentations, case studies, round tables, panels, workshops, and forums.
The conference’s latest edition, themed: “Developing Innovative Strategies for a Changing World” was aimed at encouraging submissions that take unique perspectives on the critical issues related to multicultural, economic, technological, social, legal, and regulatory challenges that public and private industries and organizations encounter. It provided a unique international forum to facilitate the exchange of cutting-edge information through multi-disciplinary presentations.
Dr Mthokozisi Luthuli presenting at the GBATA Conference.
Speaking on their overall participation, Dr Mthokozisi Luthuli said their participation followed a rigorous blind review of their submitted abstracts which were reviewed by field specialists who were selected based on their expert knowledge for which the final decision to reject or accept the abstract was based on their review recommendations.
“The motivation behind participating at the GBATA conference had to do with aligning with the DUT ENVISION2030 strategy which places research as one of the key strategic areas of the university that contribute to the body of knowledge,” said Luthuli.
He stated that the platform affords the participants an opportunity to cross paths with excellent academics with very varying institutional experiences which in turn equips them into becoming resound academics with great prestige across the globe.
“This platform was an incredible way for creating sound networks across the globe which the university encourages a lot, including our faculty,” he expressed.
Ms Lindokuhle Ntuli, Dr Jey Difference and Dr Anna Womack at the GBATA Conference.
Ms Lindokuhle Ntuli concurred that participating in this engagement has provided a transformative experience for them that will offer substantial benefits to DUT, and specifically the Faculty of Management Sciences and also their respective departments.
“This opportunity has exposed us to a diverse cohort of academics, each bringing unique institutional insights and methodologies, and would therefore stimulate fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that enrich our research capabilities and educational practices,” said Ntuli.
She added that embracing these diverse viewpoints, will enhance their ability to tackle complex challenges and drive forward-thinking research agendas and that the collaborations will not only strengthen their academic reputation but also position them to address global and regional challenges with innovative solutions grounded in rigorous research.
DUT lecturers, Ms Lindokuhle Ntuli, Dr Anna Womack, Dr Jey Difference and Dr Mthokozisi Luthuli networking at the GBATA Conference in Portugal.
Photo: Supplied.
Thulasizwe Nkomo
