
eMIG Conference a Resounding Success
UKZN academics and postgraduate students presented their research at the Conference on Global Trends in Management, IT and Governance in an e-World (e-MIG 2019) held in Mauritius from 14 to 15 May.
The multidisciplinary conference is a joint initiative of the College of Law and Management Studies and the Open University of Mauritius. Its roots lie in a casual conversation between Dr Upasana G Singh of UKZN and Mr Govin Appavoo of the Open University in 2015.
The 84 delegates included academics, postgraduate students and representatives of business and government. They hailed from Mauritius, South Africa, Angola, Namibia, Nigeria, Zambia and Zimbabwe, making this an opportunity to promote African scholarship.
‘The presence of the Acting President of the Republic of Mauritius, His Excellency, Mr P Vyapoory, at the opening ceremony and his stimulating speech gave a great impetus to pursue our existing collaborations and partnerships to enhance research, innovation and scholarship on the African continent,’ said Singh. Acting Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Management, IT and Governance, Professor Stephen Mutula presented a talk on Global Trends in Higher Education – An African Perspective.
The conference offered a multidisciplinary platform for collaboration, networking, and scholarship across the Disciplines of Law, Management, Governance, and Information Technology. This was evident in the interesting range of topics covered by the more than 75 presentations.
eMIG 2019 attracted 126 abstract submissions, of which 16 full paper submissions have been earmarked for potential publication in the peer-reviewed, Department of Higher Education and Training accredited cross-disciplinary journal Alternation. Another 36 full paper submissions have been accepted for possible publication in the conference proceedings.
The conference also offered an opportunity to young emerging academics to engage in debate with leading scholars, industry players and government officials.
One of the highlights was a spectacular dinner themed Mauritius – the Melting Pot. The UKZN delegation presented an African wedding scene in true Zulu fashion.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photograph: Supplied