Academic News

Prof Nico Smit appointed as adjunct professor at the University of Miami

North-West University (NWU) academic and researcher, Prof Nico Smit has been appointed as an adjunct professor in marine biology and ecology at the Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science at the University of Miami (UM), USA.

The title of adjunct professor is the equivalent of an extraordinary professorship,…

Capability development is key to sustainable employment – North-West University

Imagine an hourglass and think of one of the countless impoverished communities in South Africa. Ask yourself: How do we enrich the lives of the people in these communities and equip them with the skills to secure sustainable employment opportunities? If you fill the hourglass with resources and turn it over, these resources will trickle down…

Academic explores the link between talent management and small business performance

Associate research professor Petronella Jonck from the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences recently shed light on the relationship between talent management and the financial performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMMEs) operating within the informal sector.

As the keynote speaker at a…

Insightful public lecture looks at harnessing strengths in the workplace

Prof Marianne van Woerkom examined the importance of identifying and utilising the strengths and talents of employees in the workplace during a recent public lecture hosted by the Optentia research unit on the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Vanderbijlpark Campus.

Prof Van Woerkom, a professor of positive psychology and human resource…

Xcel – opening closed doors in engineering

A second chance to achieve better matric results may just be the key to a thriving career in engineering. Through the innovative Xcel programme, the North-West University (NWU) is giving talented matrics whose final results stand in the way of their dream to become engineers the opportunity to pursue their passion.

Xcel allows students…

NWU and AOSIS unveil new works on prayer in Biblical theology

The North-West University (NWU), in collaboration with AOSIS – an open access publishing platform – recently released two volumes in the Reformed Theology in Africa series.

The books titled Biblical Theology of Prayer in the Old Testament and Biblical Theology of Prayer in the New Testament, have diligently been crafted by co-editors…

Is it still ethical to conduct coal research in South Africa?

As the debate on the effect of fossil fuels on climate change rages on, questions regarding the use of fossils fuels as a major part of the country’s energy-producing package are hotly disputed. Now, Prof Marco le Roux of the Faculty of Engineering at the North-West University (NWU) asks: Is it still ethical to conduct coal research in South…

Public finances remain on a slippery slope

Prof Raymond Parsons, economist from the North-West University (NWU) Business School, says in the face of pressing economic and fiscal challenges, the Medium-Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS) offered a realistic but vulnerable fiscal picture for South Africa.

In commenting on the MTBPS that was presented to Parliament on 1 November…

Two centres launched to foster academic excellence

On Friday, 20 October, the Faculty of Education at the North-West University (NWU) launched the Centre for Higher Education Professional Development (CHEPD), and the Centre for African Language Teaching (CALT) – Setswana.

Clad in a variety of African cultural attires, distinguished speakers and esteemed guests descended on the beautiful…

Experts share insights on latest trends in human resource management

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) School of Industrial Psychology and Human Resource Management on the Vanderbijlpark Campus recently organised an Industry Day to expose students to human resource management in the workspace.

According to the event organiser, Zama Chacha, the event was aimed at encouraging students to pursue careers…