Reporting on the BTech Research Expo 2015

It was during one of those unstable days (sunny for a moment then suddenly windy and rainy for the next one) of spring in Cape Town; precisely on October 8 2015. That day was the department's research day. The essence of the event was for our BTech students to showcase their year-long research. The event kicked off at 9am and ended at 4pm.

Mr Laban Bagui who lectures the Research Methodology subject welcomed the audience comprising students and academics. He then invited Prof Maurice Dassah, who is the research coordinator for the faculty of Business and Management Science of CPUT, to open the BTech Research Expo 2015.

Before the opening address, the students already put up their research posters on display for the adjudication. The posters were adjudicated by Mr Tichaona Buzy Musikavanhu who is completing an MTech research in Retail Management.

Prof Maurice Dassah  addressing the audience

In his opening address, Prof Dassah welcomed the audience and congratulated Dr Moira Bladergroen who is the external moderator of the subject and Prof Chux Iwu (Head of Department of Entrepreneurship and host of the event) for the hard work in preparing the next generation of researchers as well as for an impressive research output over the years.

He then stressed that students should consider research as a necessary undertaking in their studies, their careers, for the development of the country and beyond. After the opening of the event, Prof Dassah spent some time to listen to the students presentation and took part in adjudicating the first presentations.

After the opening address, the students went to their different venues where they had to present their research. The panels were of high academic quality with very experienced researchers and teachers. In the first venue were Prof Iwu (Session Chair), Dr Edward N. Dakora, Mrs shameema Raja-Yusuf, Ms Moonde Kabinga, and Mr Lose Thobekani. In the second venue was Dr Robert Tengeh (Session Chair), Dr Moira Bladergroen, Mr Chris Cupido, Mr Fatinnald Rangongo and Mr Sera Tlhomola.

Students were very anxious but came prepared. They pulled through with confidence, even suggesting that it was less frightening than expected. They all appreciated the experience for its educational influence.

Panel members expressed a lot of enthusiasm for the progress that the students achieved and for the confidence with which they presented their research. Many projects were identified  as having an MTech potential if they were to be further investigated.

We look forward to another event next year 2016, with more research wonders to witness.