The Centre for Applied Risk Management (UARM) at the North-West University (NWU) recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its master’s-degree programme in behavioural risk work.
The theme, "Celebrating 10 years of excellence in applied risk management", was inspired by the programme’s pioneering role in offering an applied risk management course in South Africa. At the time it was introduced, only two other universities abroad offered a similar course, making the NWU's initiative a significant milestone in the region.
The anniversary celebrations took place on 3 and 4 October and was a big success with 90 participants in attendance. The first day involved a breakfast event at the Johannesburg Country Club, followed by a behavioural research workshop the next day. Prof Hermien Zaaiman and Prof Marise Born from Erasmus University in the Netherlands facilitated the workshop, which was sponsored by the FNB First Rand Group, with the support of the NWU’s Optentia research unit.
“We celebrated the first intake of master’s-degree students in the UARM programme in 2014, with many of our alumni and course presenters attending the event," says Fred Goede, programme leader.
“Their active participation indicates a high level of enthusiasm for the future of the UARM, and alumni and other contributors shared their eagerness to contribute as supervisors and presenters in the future.”
He adds that, apart from the celebrations, participants also provided meaningful information on the suggested future focus of the research programme, for example, the risks and opportunities posed by artificial intelligence and technology. “Alumnus Fhulu Nemukula's testimony to the audience was an eye-opener on how the master’s degree in applied risk management had improved her career prospects and added value to her organisation.”
One of the highlights of the event was when Prof Herman van der Merwe, deputy dean for teaching and learning in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, received a trophy for his enthusiasm and support of the UARM since its inception more than a decade ago.
Celebrating 10 years of excellence in applied risk management.
