Mr Alexander Samuels.Supply Chain Academic Actively Producing Research
School of Management, Information Technology and Governance academic, Mr Alexander Samuels is actively publishing research in the field of supply chain management.
During the month of September, Samuels presented at the Business Management Conference in Cape Town; the 5th Annual NWU Teaching and Learning Conference 2022: Digital Transformation in Higher Education held in Gauteng; and the 1st Joint Annual International Conference 2022 (JAIC 2022) held in Windhoek, Namibia.
‘It’s been a busy year with conferences especially traveling both nationally and internationally. My papers are on the focal area of total quality management, procurement, logistics, suppliers selection criteria, service delivery and operations management. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal in the field of Supply Chain Management,’ said Samuels.
In relation to his doctoral research, Samuels addresses the sustainable supply chain management practices of the eThekwini Municipality in becoming a future smart city.
His paper titled: An Analysis of the Quality Management System on Water Management Practices at eThekwini Municipality explores the accessibility of water supply to consumers in the eThekwini Municipality region.
His other paper titled: An Assessment of Water Management Practices within the KwaZulu-Natal Region, South Africa, examines the amount of rainfall and water supplied to the eThekwini Municipality, Durban, South Africa, and reports the remedies that it has in place to overcome these constraints.
‘This area of research has become an interesting phenomenon to address within the eThekwini Municipality. As much as there are challenges, research investigation has shown that South Africa is currently adopting practices and transitioning into the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I look forward to working with my colleagues as well as Professor Micheline Naude and Dr Patmond Mbhele on various academic work, as there is a lot more to add to the body of knowledge within supply chain management,’ he said.
Apart from presenting his research, Samuels is currently collaborating with academics from the University of Johannesburg, the University of the Witwatersrand, and Tshwane University of Technology on the writing and publishing of supply chain management textbook chapters. He is extensively involved with curriculum development at various public and private Higher Education Institutions as well as being an examiner, internal and external moderator for assessments and examinations.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photograph: Supplied