Dr Sean Jugmohan from the Durban University of Technology (DUT) Business School and Dr Andrea Giampiccoli, from the Faculty of Management Sciences’ Department of Hospitality and Tourism, recently visited Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, Poland.
The visit was in accordance with the memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the institution’s Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management and DUT’s Faculty of Management Sciences’ Department of Hospitality and Tourism.
They were hosted in Poland by the Polish university staff (specifically Prof Jolanta Rodzoś, Dean of the Faculty of Earth Sciences and Spatial Management, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, and Prof Anna Dłużewska).
Prof Rodzoś and Prof Dłużewska are both Honorary Research Associates at the Faculty of Management Sciences.Prof Dłużewska was awarded Research Fellow, platinum category in terms of publications affiliated to DUT showing the positive spirit of the collaboration.
The two DUT guests were invited as visiting academics and were expected to deliver presentations and lectures.
“Following the ongoing deliverables of this MoU, the purpose of the visit was twofold. One of the deliverables was to continue with staff exchange. Secondly, the visit also included meetings to extend the collaboration with the Economics Department of the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University and the DUT Business School,” said Dr Jugmohan.
Dr Jugmohan delivered presentations on Community-based tourism in South Africa and, beyond. He also had several meetings with various staff members of the Polish university including the Vice Chancellor, ProfessorDobrowolski. These meetings resulted in a proposal to extend the existing MoU to include collaboration with the DUT Business School and the Faculty of Economics.
Dr Andrea Giampiccoli who initiated this Polish collaboration delivered presentations and conducted several lectures for third-year international Tourism Management students.
“The presentations led to interesting discussions. The feedback from international students also expanded our knowledge of international cases,” said Dr Giampiccoli.
The recent visit has also created new opportunities for increased staff and possibly student exchange.
“Through international exchange programmes, students have the opportunity to gain global exposure, enhance academic and research opportunities, and improve their career prospects. Besides strengthening global ties, these experiences foster personal growth, independence, and cultural awareness,” said Dr Jugmohan.
The expansion of the MoU is expected to bring numerous benefits.
“As a result of the proposed collaboration between the DUT Business School and Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, we will be able to improve academic quality, expand our global reach, and develop joint research initiatives. Furthermore, it will increase student and faculty mobility, enhance international experiences, and foster economic growth through entrepreneurial initiatives,” explained Dr Jugmohan.
Pictured: Dr Sean Jugmohan chatting to students at the Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin, Poland. (Photography by Anna Dłużewska).
Zandile Mahlobo
