10th International Conference of Business and Management Dynamics

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The School of Management Information Technology and Governance’s (SMIG), Dr Anisha Ramsaroop and her student Dr Prashanti Maharaj, made a mark at the 10^th International Conference of Business and Management Dynamics (ICBMD) themed: “Economic Inequality and the Industrialisation of Developing Countries: The Challenges and Solutions”.

The event was a joint partnership between the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), University of Fort Hare, Durban University of Technology (DUT), North-West University (NWU), and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN).

The conference brought together experts to discuss the pressing issues of economic inequality and industrialisation in developing nations, with a particular focus on education and entrepreneurship.

Ramsaroop presented a paper on behalf of Maharaj titled: “Emotional Intelligence in Higher Education: A Path to Reducing Economic Inequality”.

‘The research highlights how academics with high emotional intelligence are better equipped to foster supportive, inclusive environments, especially for emerging academics from disadvantaged backgrounds. By promoting a culture of empathy, collaboration, and fairness, universities can help mitigate economic disparities within their own academic communities.

‘Maharaj’s research underscores the importance of Human Resource Management (HR) in supporting academics through adversity, with a call for HR departments to adopt data-driven, tailored initiatives to meet the specific needs of staff,’ said Ramsaroop.

The conference also included a panel discussion themed: “Access to Quality Education and Skill Development as Barriers to Industrialisation and Entrepreneurship” which featured Ramsaroop and UKZN’s postgraduate students, Ms Nosihle Dlamini and Ms Nikkita G Shankar.

‘The event was thought-provoking, it highlighted the need to focus on the necessity of inclusive policies that give human capital development, technological transfer, and fair access to resources priority which really stood out to me. It was full of fresh ideas emphasising need for social interventions that empower underprivileged populations and overcome institutional hurdles,’ commented Dlamini.

The panel stressed the importance of introducing entrepreneurship education from a young age, thus encouraging innovation hubs and learning centres where students can apply their knowledge in practical ways was identified as key to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

Words: Ayanda Radebe

Photograph: Supplied