2024 W&RSETA RESEARCH CONFERENCE
Embracing Digital Disruption and Future of Work: Charting a Course for Success in the Wholesale and Retail Sector
CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
The W&RSETA Research Conference will provide a platform for sharing and dissemination of key research outcomes and trends for strategic implementation within the Wholesale and Retail sector:
Sub-themes:
The Role of Higher Education in Navigating Digital Disruption and Workforce Transformation
Impact of Digital Technologies on Economic Metrics and Workforce Dynamics
Strategic Adaptations in Response to Digital Transformation
Embracing Innovation for Competitive Advantage in Retail
The Future Skills Gap: Bridging the Divide Between Industry Needs and Labour Market Skills
DAY 1: MASTER CLASS (RESEARCH CONFERENCE)
Session 1: Opening & Welcome
09:00 AM - 09:20 AM
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Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at W&RSETA
Ms Lindiwe Nhlapo CA (SA)
Dr. Deborah Machard
Executive Strategic Planning, Performance and Evaluation (SPPE),W&RSETA
Topic: Navigating the Future of Work: Strategic Innovations and Skills Development in a Digital Economy
09:20 AM - 10:05 AM
Director and Full Professor, Institute for the Future of Knowledge University of Johannesburg
Prof. Arthur Mutambara
Prof. Pius Adewale
Owolawi
TUT and Expert in Remote Engineering, Mechatronics, and Robotics
Lecturer and W&RSETA Leadership Chair, College of Business & Economics at UJ
Dr. Semona Pillay
Managing Director Customer Research, 42 GmbH
Prof. Thomas Dobbelstein
Manager: Partnerships and Office of the Principal at Motheo TVET College
Mr BP Makea
Topic: Consumer Resistance to Augmented Reality in Retail Shopping
10:05 AM - 11:05 AM
Marketing Professional at University of Johannesburg
Ms Joyce Mxinwa
10:05 AM - 11:05 AM
Panel Discussions (40 mins)
Prof. Hesta Friedrich-Nel
Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical Sciences at the Central University of Technology (CUT), Free State
Session 2: Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Educational Outcomes with Industry 4.0 Demands
11:20 AM - 12:05 AM
Director: Center for Applied Food and Biotechnology & W&RSETA Research Leadership Chair Holder
Prof. Lues Ryk
Dr. Beate Stiehler-Mulder
Adjunct Professor at UBI Business School in Luxembourg, and an Associate Member of the Henley Africa Centre for Emerging Market Consumer Studies
11:20 AM - 12:05 AM
Topic: Bridging the Skills Gap: Aligning Educational Outcomes with Industry 4.0 Demands
Topic: Technology Adoption in the South African Wholesale and Retail Sector Strategies and Practices
12:05 PM - 12:50 PM
Department of Management and Entrepreneurship at University of the Western Cape
Prof. Victor Virimai Mugobo
Mr Norman Mafuratidze
Marketing Researcher and Lecturer, College of Business & Economics, University of Johannesburg
Marketing Researcher and Senior Marketing Tutor at the University of Johannesburg
Ms Ridwana
Ibrahim
Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of Cape Town
Dr. Nkholedzeni Netshakhuma
Principal at Mthashana TVET College
Mr Nhlanhla
Dimba
Topic: Revitalizing Retail: Innovative strategies for boosting employee morale in the age of digital technology
12:50 PM - 13:35 PM
Business Strategist and Chairman at Mind Newtrition
Mr Baphile Duba
12:50 PM - 13:35 PM
Panel Discussions (15 mins)
Dr. Terence Hermanus
Acting-Head of Department for Retail Business Management at CPUT)
Topic: Closure and Reflection
13:35 PM - 14:00 PM
