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2 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
Research office
Foreword
Da Vinci supervisors
Da Vinci purpose, dream and brand promise
Research positioning at Da Vinci
Research philosophy
Institutional research output
Da Vinci organogram
Research policies and procedures
Innovation and Technology awards programme
The Da Vinci TIPS framework
Externally funded research projects
The 2015 annual Da Vinci Council awards
Research publications
Conferences
Research development
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CONTENTS
4 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
1 RESEARCH OFFICE
Dr Ronel Blom, PhD
Dean: Academic Development and Research
Raymond Toga
Project Manager: Research
Dewald Kruger
Information Officer
Prof Richard Chinomona
Facilitator: Research
2014 -2015 5
FOREWORD 2
The Da Vinci Institute is proud to present its first Research
Report on studies undertaken by Masters and PhD students
who have graduated in 2015. Our research output has
steadily increased over the years, and the 2015 Research
Report reflects our considerable progress so far. In this
Report, we showcase the work of our most recent post-
graduate students. We would like to congratulate all of them
on their achievements and hope that their success will inspire
other students to undertake their own research journeys.
We have taken as a theme for this Research Report, one
of the Da Vinci’s principles, namely ‘Connesione’ – or big
picture (systems) thinking. Leonardo da Vinci maintained
that ‘everything comes from everything, and everything
is made out of everything, and everything returns into
everything’, suggesting that everything is connected in
some or other way. He therefore encourages us to focus on
the whole and to recognize that there are many parts that
make up the whole.*
These connections are reflected in the work that our
students undertook for their research: in some cases
the connections became evident as a result of a policy
decision, for example Greyling’s Masters study, while in
others, direct connections between interventions and
improvement could be made, as in the studies of Naidu-
Chetty’s, Nel’s and Paulsen’s.
Others, such as in Bhebhe PhD study, an interconnectedness
of many different elements became evident. Likewise, the
PhD study by De Swardt make the links between high level
planning, implementation and performance; and Du Plessis
shows that spiritual self-awareness in leaders in organisations
enhance the connections between self and others.
Some of the studies connect the African context with
the needs of developing countries, for example Kasu’s,
Marombeza’s and Rushesha’s PhD studies on Ubuntu-
preneurship, exogenous and indigenous knowledge, and
African entrepreneurship development in emerging African
economies – an approach which is becoming increasingly
important against the background of social and economic
development for the continent.
All the studies reflect an exciting variety of focus areas,
ranging from Mulea’s study on the impact of regulation on
industry, Rajab’s study on the world of work, the unemployed
and employability, and Ritz’ study on customer-centricity in
developing economies.
Nevertheless, regardless of the theoretical frameworks
drawn upon, in a Mode 2 higher education institution,
the students were required to address real work-based
challenges in all its forms and varieties and had to present
their findings within the context of application. The Da Vinci
Institute’s students are thus able to contribute to different
bodies of knowledge from a Mode 2 perspective. The
Institute will therefore continue to strive to inculcate all the
Leonardo da Vinci’s principles in our teaching and learning,
and research.
We would also like to take the opportunity to congratulate the
award winners for the 2014/15 academic year. These awards
are presented to students who have, over and above their
scholarly contributions, displayed exceptional characteristics.
The following awards were conferred:
• The Ann van Dyk Applied Research Award: Ms V Scholtz;
• The Leonardo da Vinci Award: Dr D C Taljaard;
• The Da Vinci PhD Excellence Award: Dr S A Lloyd
We hope that you will enjoy paging through the Da Vinci
2015 Research Report. As the Institute we are proud to be
associated with these new scholars and we are expecting
great things from them!
Ronel Blom
Dean: Academic Development and Research
* In ‘How to think like Leonardo da Vinci’, by Michael J Gelb (1998)
‘Connessione’ – A recognition of and appreciation for the
interconnectedness of all things and phenomena (systems thinking)
6 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
3 DA VINCI SUPERVISORS
Clifford Adamson
Bennie Anderson
Sue Armstrong
Alan Barnard
Andre Bekker
Bharath Belle
Mayur Bisani
Sadhvir Bissoon
Ronel Blom
Ivor Blumenthal
Peter Bonfrer
Jan Bosman
Andre Botha
Cory Botha
Andy Brauer
Henk Bredell
Andrew Brough
Tim Brown
Dirk Burger
Ola Busari
Mark Bussin
Nonhlanhla Cele
Hlupheka Chabalala
Ernest Chetty
Blessing Chikwiri
Richard Chinomona
Linda Chipunza
Michael Clark
Robin Clark
Ferdie Coertze
Johann Coetzee
Lize Frances Coetzer
Jacob Cornelius
Rabelani Dagada
Attilio Dalvit
Deon De Beer
Nico De Klerk
Andre De Kock
Patrick Devine
Jeann Dickinson
Ralf Dominick
Charlene Downing
Mlungisi Sizwe Duma
Grant Easton
Sydney Eckley
Emeka Egbeonu
Pierre Esterhuysen
Sean Fenn
Keith Ferguson
Tanja Ferreira
John Fogelin
Erna Fourie
Leon Fourie
Howard Fox
Pieter Geldenhuys
Hendri Geldenhuys
Alex Georgiev
Karel Gevers
Nceba Ggaleni
Paula Goatley
Gillian Godsell
Wynand Goosen
Dalray Gradidge
Bill Graham
Keith Gray
Carel Grove
Wilma Guest-Mouton
Marc Gush
Mehmood Haffejee
Nico Harris
Paul Anthony Hearn
Marius Herholdt
Stefan Jacobs
Steve Kada
James Keevy
Hlamalani Jimmy Khoza
Rikus Kloppers
Johan Klut
Raymond Kodi
Jan Kruger
Dirk Kruger
Quintin Laljit
Victor Lawrence
Brave Leballo
Steve Lennon
Ronald Lessem
Simon Letsoalo
George Lindeque
Elijah Litheko
Dumisani Magadlela
Elias Mahlasela
Mike Maile
Willie Majola
Azwi Mammanyuha
Ntavhanyeni Samuel Managa
Anton Maneschijn
Debra Lynn Marais
Roy Marcus
Motlalepula Matsabisa
Gilbert Matsabisa
Dan Matsapola
George Mavunga
Nonhlanhla Mbatha
Linda Meyer
Ismail Mohamed
Katse Rodney Moloko
Mothai Amos Monareng
Vanessa Moodley
Julian Moses
Morne Mostert
Fredrick Mphephu
Bulumko Msengana
Chidara Paul Muchineripi
Sean Michael Mulcahy
Zubair Munshi
Nikesh Nageshar
Pat Naidoo
Veni Naidoo
Loffie Naude
Ozias Ncube
Shannon Nell
Louise Niemand
Emile Notnagel
Blondel Nyamkure
Sanjeev Orie
Logan Padayachee
Shanita Padayachee
Roy Page-Shipp
Paddy Pampalis-Paisley
Andre Parker
Phillip Parsons
Mary-Lou Penrith
Morris Pereira
Ratnik Pesic
Ditlhake Phiri
Willem Pienaar
Winston Plaatjes
Ismail Poolo
Craig Potgieter
Norman Prince
Melanie Prinsloo
Gerard Prinsloo
Hannelie Rabie
Lorraine Rajagopaul
Priya Rajmoney
Piet Retief
Ian Rheeder
Wolfgang Richrath
Laetitia Rispel
Norma Romm
Nkqubela Ruxwana
Alexander Schieffer
Willie Scholtz
Cindy Scott
Michele Serfontein
Victor Shikoana
Derek William Shirley
Sixtus Sibethe
Sidney Owen Siphman
René Smit
George Smith
David Smith
Nkazimulo Sokhulu
Stephen Sproule
Gill Staniland
Paul Steyn
Colin Steyn
Robin Stoutjesdyk
Barend Taute
Fransie Terblanche
Thaabit Toefy
Makgopa Freddy Tshehla
Len Turner
Andries van der Linde
Pieter van der Walt
Jaco van der Westhuizen
Rex Van Olst
Joanee van Wyk
Bernie van Zijl
Jay van Zyl
Terrence van Zyl
Andre Vermaak
Rica Viljoen
Pamela Vythelingam
Conrad Walker
Salegh Williams
Dennis Yao Dzansi
2014 -2015 7
DA VINCI PURPOSE, DREAM AND BRAND PROMISE 4
Purpose
To cultivate managerial leaders
Dream
To contribute to the development of
a sustainable society
Principles
Seeking the truth (Curiosita)
Taking responsibility (Dimostrazione)
Sharpening awareness (Sensazione)
Engaging the shadow (Sfumato)
Cultivating balance (Corporalita)
Embracing holism (Connessione)
Brand promise
To co-create reality
8 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
5 RESEARCH POSITIONING AT DA VINCI
Research at Da Vinci focusses on assisting students to
realize their own core and call to address the burning issue
or work-based challenge set within the context of their own
ontology, epistemology, organisation, community and society
at large – taking the world view into account.
As a scholarly community we join the student on the
research journey to co-create and move from the mess that
is, to where the ideal hopes to be. It combines current data
collection methods, Design thinking and The Management
of Technology, Innovation, People and Systems (TIPS)
modules to create a Mode 2 university level research
journey as applied to different contexts.
The research journey contributes towards innovation and
transformation of the person, enterprise, community and
society.
Our contribution: facilitating the development of a holistic
ecosystem for enterprise innovation, open and transparent
knowledge creation, equitability, healthy and participatory
co-existence and sustainable livelihoods.
Researchers are required to have ethical clearance of their
projects. Therefore, The Da Vinci Institute is committed to;
• undertake and promote research that will benefit all
communities at large
• being guided by integrity, accountability and rigour in
research
• promoting an institutional ethos that is conducive to
critical discourse, intellectual curiosity, tolerance and a
diversity of views
• maintaining an environment for researchers in which
they may be autonomous and ethical in their work
2014 -2015 9
The institution strives for excellence in research that can
withstand public scrutiny and espouses the constitutional
values of human dignity, equality, social justice and
fairness. As an institution we also affirm the constitutional
principles of academic freedom and freedom of scientific
research.
It is a well-known fact that research can be regarded as
an important game changer within the global economy,
contributing significantly to the enhancement of a knowledge
economy and ultimately, the development of communities.
The Da Vinci Institute has positioned itself as an institution
of higher learning, specialising in The Management of
Technology, Innovation, People and Systems (TIPS). The
core objectives informing the research agenda at Da Vinci
include:
• Upholding the TIPS framework and the facilitation of TIPS
related research initiatives
• Conducting applied research as informed by industry and
business
• Establishing associations with business, industry and
government
• Creating knowledge in the context of a Mode 2 Knowledge
Generation methodology
• Facilitating scholarly engagements for students and
supervisors alike
• Research projects leading to TIPS qualifications
In essence the research development agenda at Da Vinci is
directed towards:
• Enhancing scholarly work of researchers and supervisors
• Building capacity amongst new researchers at The
Institute
• Expanding the enrolment of Masters and PhD students at
The Institute
• Contributing to the body of knowledge.
10 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
Research at The Da Vinci Institute is defined as a process of
critical analysis to solve an industry/work-based challenge. This
approach embodies the search for and the generation of new
knowledge through scholarly work supported by partnerships
with business and industry.
Being a Mode 2 educational institution, The Institute is
focused on the creation of knowledge that is trans-disciplinary
in nature, socially relevant and of which the intent is to solve
practical problems and to contribute towards the professional
development of the people involved.
It is in this context that The Institute facilitates a journey of self-
discovery for prospective business leaders and entrepreneurs.
As a Mode 2 institution Da Vinci is characterised by knowledge
production in the context of professional applications, trans-
disciplinary engagements, heterogeneity and organisational
diversity, enhanced social accountability and a broad based
system of quality control.
6 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
Master of Science (MOTI): HEQSF - NQF LEVEL 9
2014 -2015 11
BANGAAR, Dhanum
Near Field Communication (NFC) payment system imple-
mentation: An innovation perspective
Academic supervisor: Mr AP Vermaak
Field supervisor: Mr A Georgiev
BOTHA, Riaan - Cum Laude
Guidelines for sustainable Contract Management: A survey
of Eskom’s coal-fired power stations
Academic supervisor: Dr MA Monareng
Field supervisor: Dr R Clark
COETZEE, Kim - Cum Laude
Customer loyalty in a price sensitive market: The Rand-Air
Case Study
Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock
Field supervisor: Mr L Erasmus
The following dissertations and theses were completed and registered by the NRF in 2015.
The Graduation ceremony took place on 10 September 2015.
GREYLING, Dorothy Margaret - Cum Laude
The National Credit Act and rental companies: A retro-
spective analysis
Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock
Field supervisor: Ms B Loubser
KHAN, Farouk
Capturing critical pipeline failure data for optimal main-
tenance management of a water supply network: A Rand
Water proposition
Academic supervisor: Dr M de Kock
Field supervisor: Mr M Haffajee
12 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
MODIKA, Constance
Determining why Water Service Authorities do not utilise
the proficiency testing scheme of the South African Bureau
of Standards
Academic supervisor: Mr M Matsapola
Field supervisor: Mr BM Sehlapelo
MUNILALL, Anandran - Cum Laude
The steady state electromagnetic and thermal effect of
galvanised steel wires in low voltage (LV) single phase
concentric cables
Academic supervisor: Dr V Lawrence
Field Supervisor: Mr H Scholtz
NAIDU-CHETTY, Thavabashini - Cum Laude
The implementation of ISO9001 standards to reduce risk
within Altech Multimedia
Academic supervisor: Dr V Naidu
NEL, Hendrik Jacobus - Cum Laude
The Benefit of a Centre of Excellence in Outage Maintenance
Management for Eskom’s Generation Division
Academic supervisor: Mr K Gevers
Field supervisor: Mr S Williams
PAULSEN, Louis Michael - Cum Laude
Planned behaviour as a predictor of flight performance: A
South African Airline Case Study
Academic supervisor: Dr R Viljoen
Field supervisor: Prof JJL Coetzee
RHEEDER, Denis Ian
Creating an alternative model for leadership development
Academic supervisor: Dr D Magadlela
Field supervisor: Dr N Levy
ROSSOUW, Andre Johannes
Eskom innovation expediting wealth creation
Academic supervisor: Dr A van der Linde
Field supervisor: Dr V Lawrence
SEEKOE, Lemone Dan
Assessing challenges facing fruit and vegetable street
traders within South Africa: The Buffalo City Metro
Municipality Case Study
Academic supervisor: Dr Thakathi
Field supervisor: Mr M Clark
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 13
ABRAHAMS, Rashid
A framework for broadband fulfilment and assurance in the
telecommunications environment: A South African case study
Telkom SA faces a situation in which slow revenue
growth is experienced primarily due to the decline in
telecommunications traffic proceeds, while expenditure
is escalating. The combined results of Telkom SA’s
inability to rapidly respond to changing market
conditions, shifting customer requirements and the
decline in fixed-line business have affected profitability.
For Telkom SA to succeed and stay relevant it should
re-invent itself by continuously transforming from within
a traditional telecommunications services provider
paradigm by employing innovative services, state-of-
the-art technology and skilled people. The focus of
the research was to benchmark the current network
technology against international Next Generation
Networks (NGN), and explore the present skills capacity
and transformation of Telkom SA’s Fulfilment and
Assurance services. It was to determine capabilities
and capacities that could expand Telkom SA’s ICT
services, and significantly reduce its fault and repeat
report rates. Research findings and recommendations
are presented in a framework for implementation of
essential strategic imperatives. Timeous deployment of
strategies could lead to building an invincible network,
resulting in the successful turn-around of the current
Broadband Fulfilment and Assurance service offering,
and significantly enhancing Telkom SA’s broadband
customer experience.
Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock;
Field supervisor: Mr DC Phiri
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
Doctor of Philosophy (MOTI): HEQSF - NQF LEVEL 10
14 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
BHEBHE, Vulumuzi
Total early stage development of small, micro and medium
enterprises (SMMEs): Creating a sustainability framework for
emerging economies
The study investigated the total early stage development of
SMMEs in emerging markets, and the tributary objective
of this thesis is to create a sustainability framework.
The study’s pinnacle focus was on five constructs
(Internal Market Capacity; Relationship Marketing
Capacity; Innovative Capacity; Customer Satisfaction
and Business Performance) that affected sustainability
and performance of start-ups and SMMEs in emerging
markets. These business performance constructs are
comprised of one predictor variable (Internal Marketing),
three mediator variables (Relationship Marketing,
Customer Satisfaction and Innovative Capacity) and
one outcome variable (Business Performance). The
research results reveal that all the business constructs
(Internal Marketing, Relationship Marketing, Innovative
Capacity and Customer Satisfaction) are antecedents of
business performance. However, it was also observed that
paramount and central to these constructs for business
performance is Customer Satisfaction. The analysis
revealed that Internal Marketing positively influences
the mediators and outcome variable in a significant
way. Academic discernments drawn and pragmatic
implications provided are based on the thesis’ findings.
Academic supervisor: Prof R Chinomona;
Field supervisor: Dr M Ncube
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 15
CHINNIAH, Jennitha
Data privacy and the Energy Distribution Market: Revisiting
implications of the Smart Grid Framework
The study explores best practise information security and
privacy principles as a systemic solution to the issues
presently experienced in the smart grid. The Delphi
technique was utilised to collect information from an
expert information security panel to construct a SAFE
framework implying Supporting Service; Assurance;
Functional requirements and Enterprise Security Strategy,
Architecture and Governance. This culminated from
data being interpreted and constructed with the intent to
outline all of the critical security considerations already
in place. The assurance is data privacy in the automated
metering infrastructure (AMI) and more specifically in
the home area network (HAN). The interview technique
combined with the outcomes of the SAFE framework was
tested against three utilities that are currently rolling out
AMI in South Africa. The findings were then presented
by benchmarking three case studies against the SAFE
framework demonstrating that the SAFE framework can
be implemented to provide an assurance to other utilities
on national and international level.
Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock;
Field supervisor: Dr H Geldenhuys
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
16 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
DE SWARDT, Marlo
Strategy formulation, performance implementation and performance
execution: Developing an integrated framework to enhance
organisational performance
The researcher conducted a quantitative study applying a
positivist research paradigm combining the philosophy of
ontology, epistemology, and axiology in order to understand
the social phenomena resulting in the failure of performance
management systems in organisations. The rationale for the
study was based on global evidence of the high failure rate
of strategic planning processes where it is noted that almost
70% of strategic plans are not implemented successfully.
A detailed survey of the planning, implementation and
execution processes was undertaken across a spectrum
of organisations. Through the use of a cross correlational
check between the research findings and a comparison with
the findings in the literature it was concluded that key to the
failure is the disjuncture between the strategic plan and the
performance management system. Further it was noted that
the failures were compounded by a linear approach to the
planning process itself in which the views of key stakeholders
were not considered. The study culminated with the
development of an integrated framework which provides the
key linkages between a well-developed strategic plan and an
executable performance management system. The findings
are significant and will make a demonstrable contribution to
the sustainability of businesses.
Academic supervisor: Prof RM Marcus;
Field supervisor: Dr AJ Parker
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 17
DU PLESSIS, Rean
The spiritual self of the corporate leader
The researcher initiates this study from a deep existential
question: How does the transpersonal impact on corporate
leadership within the context of deep ecology? The
researcher convincingly follows Geisler and Geisler (2014)
in separating spirituality from religion in defining spirituality
as the ontological essence of the self, but from a functional
stance, as ‘a yearning for guidance and connection with
God’. The term God is understood simply as a cause
greater than self. This anthropologically seated need is
necessitated by the overwhelming issues that confront
the corporate leader today. The researcher argues that the
current complexities of life and management per se require
a normative system that transcends human abilities. In
this regard the content fully reflects the title of the script
and the research focus makes a promising contribution
to the development of a more holistic understanding of
corporate leadership. The researcher found a qualitative
approach, with reference to grounded theory, the best
methodological angle to yield inductive research findings.
In doing so the outcome is co-determined by corporate
leaders with the potential of funding new theories that may
serve as indicators for the future. Epistemological issues,
ethical norms and personal values and world views are
all synthesized into a coherent whole that follows a logical
development of the train of thought. Due consideration is
given to applicable matters one would expect to be covered
by the study such as spirituality and God and the potential
role of religion.
Academic supervisor: Prof B Anderson;
Field supervisor: Prof JJL Coetzee
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
18 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
FURUMELE, Musa Stefane
Front-end governance of large water infrastructure investments within
developing economies: A South African perspective
The study aimed to offer insights into how front-end
governance could be improved in pursuit of better project
outcomes. It follows a qualitative exploratory research
approach and embraces critical realism to emphasise
the interface between the natural and social sciences.
The study focused on multiple-case designs concerning
large water infrastructure projects in their real settings.
Sources of evidence include interviews and case related
documents. Research findings indicate that six salient
elements of front-end governance influence the outcomes
of large water infrastructure investments: 1) Large water
infrastructure investments should be approached in a
cross-cutting manner and planned to be multi-purpose
and address broader societal challenges as access to
water will remain the rallying point for social progress,
sustainable livelihoods and poverty alleviation. 2) Clear and
well-understood project-specific objectives, responsive to
the needs and priorities of critical stakeholders contribute
to better outcomes. 3) Strategic depth and flexibility,
represented by consideration of major risks and iterative
screening of project concepts within an interactive and
adaptive decision-making process are important in
securing a robust investment case and in turn, the accrual
of favourable results. 4) While continual leadership is
important in turbulent environments, strategic and timeous
intervention is vital in salvaging those projects that seem
destined to fail. 5) Empowerment and co-production of
project outcomes with critical stakeholder as opposed to
mere consultation of stakeholders leads to better results. 6)
While a supportive policy and regulatory framework together
with enabling political, social and economic factors, is
crucial, precise definition of roles and responsibilities of key
parties and sensitivity to historical contexts is important. It
is important that critical stakeholders are empowered and
equipped to engage meaningfully during the conception
of the investments. Four important interventions are
proposed: focusing political leadership on critical points
of strategic intervention; formulating multi-dimensional
project definitions to secure robust investment cases;
building the capacity of stakeholder groups; and the
establishment of quality assurance protocols overseeing
the front-end phase.
Academic supervisor: Dr MG De Kock;
F
ield supervisor: Dr O Busari
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 19
KASU, Elliot
Ubuntupreneurship within rural communities: Creating community
colleges for a developing economy
The study utilised the four world rhythm, the 4Cs (Lessem
and Schieffer, 2014) and the CARE (Lessem and Schieffer,
2009) pattern in collaboration with the Tangwena
people. The ideas of ‘mushandirapamwe’ or collective
wealth generation are indeed relevant for purposes of
this thesis. The focus on ‘Zunde ra Mambo’ is a relevant
security arrangement and indeed an effective way towards
indigenous volunteering. The study has also indicated
that the use of ‘permaculture’ could assist communities to
create sustainable habitats by following nature’s patterns.
The study has demonstrated a sincere focus towards
ensuring meaningful life for the Tangwena community.
The use of African Ubuntu values as tool of solidarity and
interdependence seem to provide a solid foundation of
African economic redemption, which in turn could lead to
effective African economic humanism. The model ‘towards
co-creation in Zimbabwe’ is well argued and structured. The
story telling aspect of the research is informative which has
truly reflected traditional values while African humanism has
been well articulated throughout the thesis. The indigenous-
exogenous community based learning and innovation
research facility within the community seems to contribute
towards the institutionalisation of the community college.
The researcher followed the appropriate southern path and
effectively demonstrated a good practice of the Participatory
Action Research (PAR) aimed at community activation in
alignment with the needs of the Tangwena people. The
‘ubuntuneurial spirit of agriculture’ ideology is sound, and,
indeed an effective approach to solving communal poverty
issues, which is the strength in the study.
Academic supervisor: Dr A Schieffer;
Field supervisor: Dr PC Muchineripi
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
20 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
MAROMBEDZA, Mark Kenneth
The relevance of integrating exogenous and indigenous knowledge
systems within an African education system: A Zimbabwean case study
The study sought to assess the relevance of integrating
exogenous and indigenous knowledge systems within an
African education system. The problem is that the education
system in Zimbabwe is now out of step with the current
reality of life, mainly because it is dominated by Western
philosophy, values and culture. The system seems to
produce outputs which are inappropriate for the community
and society at large. The type of research that was followed
is integral research. The research path that was followed is
the Southern Relational Path whose trajectory followed the
methodologies of description, phenomenology, feminism
and participatory action research. The emancipatory
critique of the education system in Zimbabwe uncovered
the following imbalances: traditional cultural knowledge
was not part of the content of the system; the system is
still based on Western philosophy, values and culture; the
system is developing students in academic knowledge
only; and focus on individual research, education, learning,
knowledge and self-development. To the above imbalances,
St Vincent’s Secondary School embarked on building
a knowledge creating school. It adopted the concept
of societal advancement and development. The school
uncovered imbalances in its curriculum in the disciplines of
permaculture, agriculture, arts, sports, culture and music.
These imbalances were addressed by the application of
participatory action research. This has made the school to
be the pioneer in the development of a balanced education
curriculum in Zimbabwe. The positive results have proved
that it is relevant to integrate exogenous and indigenous
knowledge in an African education system.
Academic supervisor: Dr PC Muchineripi;
Field supervisor: Dr S Kada
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 21
MHAKA, Winfrida Ndakaiteyi
Rural women entrepreneurship and sustainable development through
‘musha mukadzi’: The Case of the Svosve community in Zimbabwe
The study addressed the needs of the Svosve community
women, and aimed to truly take them out of their poverty
situation thereby making them independent while living
with dignity. The adoption of the southern relational path
was perfect for this study flowing through the layers of
descriptive, phenomenology, feminism and participatory
action research. While the description aligns with the
community social context, phenomenology assisted the
researcher to understand more of the inner experiences of
women within the Svosve community. On the other hand,
feminism allows a movement of the grassroots which in
this case are the indigenous people while the participatory
action research aimed at real social practice which is clearly
demonstrated in the research. The study clears a realistic
path towards making women more industrious as a result
of less support from men due to polygamous structures
or gross irresponsibility. The trans-cultural co-created
framework, resulting from the research process, adequately
combines SECI Spiral Nonaka (Takeuchi 2009; Lessem
& Schieffer 2014). The discussion on entrepreneurship
knowledge foundation and phenomenology duly recognizes
existing literatures which is intriguing, including the work of
Adam Smith saying ‘an entrepreneur is an economic agent
who transforms demand into supply’. The study identified
both the demand and supply side through ‘musha mukadzi’
working together in a complementary manner. The ‘musha
mukadzi’ integral community care model seems to have
the capacity to make a real life difference in community
members’ daily lives.
Academic supervisor: Dr A Schieffer;
Field supervisor: Dr PC Muchineripi
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
22 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
MULEA, RONEWA
Competition forces and regulatory constraints within the Information,
Communication and Telecommunication (ICT) industry: Developing a
repositioning framework for Telkom SA
The global ICT industry is facing numerous challenges of
which regulatory transformation is the most profound. The
primary objective of the study was to determine how ICT
businesses such as Telkom SA could reposition themselves
in consideration of existing regulatory constraints and
secondary factors such as margin pressure, globalisation,
competition, diminishing revenue and increasing cost
of doing business and convergence. Through a detailed
analysis of the global dynamics and the experience of
local executives and specialists within the ICT industry
it was concluded that the ever-changing ICT business
environment dictates the re-design of the current business
model. To create the desired outcomes for the repositioning
of an ICT business for competitiveness use was made of the
Da Vinci Design Thinking Methodology. The model draws
upon logic, imagination, intuition and systemic reasoning,
backed by the researcher’s experience within the ICT sector.
The research outcome provides a blueprint that is elegant
in its simplicity and which, if implemented effectively, could
have a profound impact on the sustainability of complex
ICT businesses within South Africa.
Academic supervisor: Prof RM Marcus;
Field supervisor: Dr R Dagada
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 23
NYATLO, Sheila Mavis
Creating an implementation framework to improve the effectiveness of
technology transfer offices at South African Universities
The researcher focused on analysing the technology
transfer mission within South African Universities as an
important component of the National System of Innovation.
The study introduced a holistic implementation framework
to improve the effectiveness of technology transfer offices
in South African Universities. The main motivation for
institutional technology transfer is to transfer knowledge,
to ensure products and processes are implemented
to improve competitiveness, for wealth creation and to
benefit society. The technology transfer office plays a
key role in ensuring local economy stimulation through
knowledge transfer, licensing revenues and application of
technologies in the market. Through a systems approach
the study identified the technology transfer elements,
characteristics and key relationships with an objective to
move the technology transfer system from an efficient to
an effective mode as a desired technology transfer state.
Technology transfer efficiency is a state of doing things
right, whilst effectiveness would be doing the right things.
This is attained through systems, holistic approach which
ensures that all stakeholders benefit from the technology
transfer system.
Academic supervisor(s): Prof R Marcus & Dr P Parsons;
Field supervisor: Prof G Prinsloo
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
24 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
RAJAB, Rooksana
Contributions of the workplace in enhancing the employability of
unemployed graduates through work integrated learning (WIL)
The study made an important contribution to the emerging
practice of work-integrated learning in South Africa. The
researcher is one of only a few South African scholars that
have tackled the issue of work-integrated learning as an
approach, a methodology and an emerging pedagogy, that
seeks to enhance the life chances of unemployed young
people in tangible and pragmatic ways. The researcher
investigated the workplace as a learning environment. This
differentiates the study from other studies in the field –
most studies are undertaken from the point of view of the
institution/provider, and with the procedures put in place by
institutions to enhance successful work placements. The
researcher not only explored the workplace as a learning
site, but also discovered what those elusive ‘employability
skills’ are that seem to define what employers want from new
entrants (but are seldom able to articulate). Furthermore, it
foregrounds what workplaces need to do in order to enable
meaningful learning – learning which is not necessarily
only related to the curriculum within which the workplace-
based programme is placed. A conceptual framework
was developed, ‘WIL programme DNA’ and was tested in
a real workplace. The conceptual frame evolved from a
complex synthesis of education and workplace learning
methodologies to illuminate the workplace as an important
learning site. Furthermore, close observation, through a
variety of innovative data collection methods (including
pictorial representations by students) of how the students
change first, themselves and second, the workplaces,
are exemplary. The research question, how does the
work environment during a WIL programme contribute to
enhancing unemployed graduates’ employability?, led to an
improved understanding of the intersection of learning and
work, and the ways in which WIL practices can be enhanced
to become a pedagogic practice which links knowledge
gained in institutions, with knowledge gained in workplaces
for the benefit of both the learner and the workplace.
Academic supervisor: Dr R Blom;
Field supervisor: Mr S Fenn
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
underlying epistemological perspective is influenced
by systems thinking. The relationship to the Cynefin
Framework (Snowden and Kurtz, 2006), which makes
reference to different market domains, was also referenced
and adopted for the study. The researcher identified the
customer centricity phenomenon as relevant to the Complex
and Chaotic domains where context is unordered , which
means there is no direct or obvious relationships between
cause and effect, and problem solving in these domains
is accomplished by determining emerging patterns. Lastly,
because the study was based on a particular socio-
economic context, the researcher found it appropriate to
base some of the thinking on Lessem’s (2001) principles
of the “Four Worlds”. In addition, a literature review was
carried out that confirmed the complexity of the matter
under review by looking at some constructs of customer
management (customer service, customer experience and
customer relationship management). It was established
how these components were complex in their own right.
From the same literature review, certain aspects of the
customer management phenomenon were identified, e.g.
business performance and culture. A Grounded Theory
methodology was followed utilizing a variety of data sources.
The proposed customer centric framework is based on
the findings derived from a developing context, which in
turn has been compared to a framework that was derived
from the 5 customer management frameworks utilized for
purposes of this research.
Academic supervisor: Prof B Anderson
2014 -2015 25
RITZ, Mary
Customer Management: Creating a sense making framework for
developing economies
The overriding goal of the study was to determine if the
customer management phenomenon should be treated and
managed differently in different economic environments to
improve its probability of success. This was based on the
viewpoint that most of the literature on customer centricity
seemed to be based on the developed world’s ways of
thinking and doing, and the assumptions given were that
these (often) western originated frameworks, would work
in any socio-economic environment. However, if, as part
of the study, the above was proven not to be true, the
researcher indicated her need to develop such a framework
for developing socio-economic contexts. The proposed
framework consists of attributes that were considered best
and most relevant for the developing world. Therefore, the
main objective of the study was to address the phenomenon
from a socio-economic perspective in the hope of offering
new knowledge that can possibly assist people in the
workplace to solve some of the challenges experienced
in the customer management domain. The researcher’s
INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT 7
26 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
RUSHESHA, Tapuwa Sherekete
African entrepreneurship development in emerging African economies:
A Zimbabwean Perspective
The study intended to create an enterprising process
that would be culturally, spiritually, socially, economically
and politically contextual. It further intended to develop
a framework that would have local application and global
integrity creating self-determination through collective
self-sufficiency and social consciousness in individuals,
communities, organisations and national and global
societies. The research method was identified as the 4C
process (Lessem & Schieffer, 2011), which builds on the
Integral Research to Innovation path (Lessem, 2011).
Integratively building on Calling and Context, the third C
emancipatorily considers the Co-creative elements of the
research community, specifically through critiquing the
research process and content, using existing knowledge
fields (literature review) and utilising Critical Theory. The
entire synthesis culminated in the Afrintuneurship-Kudzimba
framework that fully expresses African entrepreneurship.
The research manifest of an identifiable, culturally relevant,
contextual and home grown African entrepreneurship
emphasises self-sufficiency starting at the family unit level
and resulting in societal co-evolution. It synergistically
integrates indigenous and exogenous knowledge without
one dominating the other. Of particular interest is that the
singular development impulse initiated by this research
has produced a feedback loop into society that enhances
and develops its knowledge base and learning processes.
Most importantly, the resultant innovation ecosystem co-
created a number of outcomes: the aspired African form
of Entrepreneurship-Afrintuneurship has been formed; a
fundamental research institute called CISER (Zimbabwe)
has been institutionalised. All this evolves and transforms
onto the global platform through the coming together of
globally acclaimed Catalysers, Activators, fundamental
Researchers and Educators all striving for the CARE-ing
of the African Renaissance. These focused initiatives have
partially resulted in the publication of a book titled “Integral
Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising” published by
Gower Publishing in England in November 2014.
Academic supervisor: Dr A Schieffer;
Field supervisor: Dr PC Muchineripi
Doctor of Philosophy (MOTI): HEQSF - NQF LEVEL 10
7 INSTITUTIONAL RESEARCH OUTPUT
2014 -2015 27
DA VINCI ORGANOGRAM 8
Board
Council
StrategicAdvice
Secretariat
CommunicationAcademicDevelopmentRegistryClient
EngagementBusiness
DevelopmentOperations
OperationalSupport
Finance
HR
Bookkeeping
FacilitiesManagement
ICT
Cleaning
Key AccountManagement
Student Administration
Student Support
Reception
Project Learning Design
Research
Facilitation
Supervision
ExternalModeration
ExternalExamination
Printing
InformationCommons
Technology &Innovation Awards
ExecutiveOffice
ManagerCatering Client Engagement
Office Manager Technology &Innovation Awards
Office Manager Business Development/Communication/
Academic Development
Office Manager
Office
28 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
9 RESEARCH POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
• Research Policy Framework
• Procurement of Academic and SME supervisors
• Student supervisor relationship
• Promotion from Master to doctoral registration
• Nomination and appointment of external examiners
• Protection, management and exploitation of intellectual property
• Examination procedures
• Reasearch Ethics
2014 -2015 29
30 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
The TT100 Awards Programme, with support from
various partners (including The Department of Science
and Technology, Eskom, PwC and the IDC) was launched
in 1991 by the South African Engineering Association
(SAVI). The programme has been focused on drawing
attention to the importance of developing a local culture of
technological innovation and excellence.
TT100 has evolved into one of the foremost business
awards programmes that laud South African companies
for their prowess in the Management of Technology,
Innovation, People, Systems, Research and Sustainability,
regardless of their industry.
Entry numbers: 2015 70 companies
10 INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY AWARDS PROGRAMME
The programme is as an effective vehicle for achieving growth
and innovation advancement in our country, while raising
awareness of the critical need for South African companies
to embrace the management of technology, innovation and
people in a systemic and sustainable manner. Since 1994,
TT100 has enjoyed strong endorsement by the Department
of Science and Technology (DST) as the major government
sponsor. The TT100 Programme forms an integral part of
The Institute’s annual business operations.
2014 -2015 31
Excellence in the management of technology
Emerging Eurocom (Pty) Ltd
Small Smoke Customer Care Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Medium Intense Technologies (India)
Large ELB Engineering Services (Pty) Ltd
Excellence in the management of innovation
Emerging ADDaBIT
Small X/procure Software SA (Pty) Ltd
Medium Globaltrack
Large Allied Electronics Corporation Limited
Excellence in the management of people
Emerging Eurocom (Pty) Ltd
Small X/procure Software SA (Pty) Ltd
Medium Globaltrack
Large ELB Engineering Services (Pty) Ltd
Excellence in the management of systems
Emerging Eurocom (Pty) Ltd
Small Smoke Customer Care Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Medium No Award given
Large Allied Electronics Corporation Limited
Director-General’s award for overall excellence
Emerging Eurocom (Pty) Ltd
Small X/procure Software SA
Minister’s award for overall excellence
Medium Itemate Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Large ELB Engineering Services (Pty) Ltd
Minister’s award for sustainable performance
Emerging Campus Labs Pvt Ltd
Fraxion (Pty) Ltd
Innovation Agency
LucidView (Pty) Ltd
Small Smoke Customer Care Solutions (Pty) Ltd
Technetium (Pty) Ltd
Verirad (Pty) Ltd
X/procure Software SA
Globaltrack
Medium ID Control Solutions cc
African Oxygen Limited
Allied Electronics Corporation
Large Altech Multimedia (Pty) Ltd
De Beers Technologies South Africa
(DebTech)
QK Meats SA (Pty) Ltd
The winners for the 2015 TT100 Awards Programme include:
32 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
Tools/Metrics
to achieve
differentiation
Human
Interface
Organisation
System
Ideation - to
create value
Performance output
ALIGNMENT
ENGAGEMENT
Workplace Integration
AGILITY
Perf
orm
ance
and
val
ue r
etur
ns
T
P
S
I
11 THE DA VINCI TIPS FRAMEWORK
2014 -2015 33
The management of technology (MOT)
The management of technology argues that we are
all technologists, every one of us who knows how to do
something in a certain way and uses tools to do it, be they
pencils or personal computers, machine tools or video
screens. Teachers, auto designers, builders of factories
or financial plans, whether we use language labs or lasers
in whatever we do, we participate in the management of
technology of our age.
The management of innovation (MOI)
This is essentially about how an organisation firstly
capitalises on the ideation process to develop an innovative
product, service, process or system and as a result to
commercialise and implement such innovation.
The management of people (MOP)
The understanding of the human bridge in implementing
organisational processes and how the organisational
human factor is leveraged, showing how and where people
make the real difference in sustaining organisational growth
and competence.
The management of systems (MOS)
The synthesis of all organisational activities and
performances systemically, in an attempt to solve unique
problems. The re-design of a competitive landscape may
result in being hyper competitive. It also assumes that one
perceives reality as a combination of known, knowable,
complex and chaotic dimensions.
In linking and integrating the above domains with each
other, Da Vinci argues that people should be able to
demonstrate the following behaviours:
Being agile
Integrating the dynamics of the management of technology
and the management of innovation such that as the
organisation develops, improves and adapts its technology
needs, appropriate amounts of innovation are applied to
generate real market value and profitability.
Being aligned
Integrating the management of technology and the
management of people by ensuring that the organisation
upskills (by acquisition or development) the appropriate
human capabilities to match and ideally exceed the
technological needs at any one time.
Being engaged
Integrating the management of people and the management
of innovation by way of evaluating the commitment and
motivation of people at the workplace. It is measured in
terms of the total incentive cost within the organisation.
34 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
Atlas COPCO
The Master of Science qualification in the Management
of Technology and Innovation is characterised by the
emphasis placed on the need for students to become
critical and creative thinkers, and eventually, elected
representatives and employees, who utilise innovative
approaches in managing their work life within their
organisations. To this end, the programme equips students
with the required competence to serve in transformation
management leadership positions, enabling them to initiate
socio-economic transformation within society.
Altron TMT
Altron TMT provided a sponsorship for Master students to
conduct research in The Management of Technology and
Innovation to serve in transformation management and
leadership positions within the telecommunications, multi-
media and information technology industry.
Eskom
Eskom provided a sponsorship for Master students to
conduct research in The Management of Technology and
Innovation customised for prospective managerial leaders
within the energy generation, transmission and distribution
industry.
Henley air
Henley Air provided a sponsorship for Master students to
conduct research in The Management of Technology and
Innovation, customised for managerial leaders within the
Aviation Industry.
South African Bureau of Standards
The South African Bureau of Standards identified the need
for a Master’s qualification in the Management of Technology
and Innovation customised for prospective managerial
leaders within the standards generation industry.
12 EXTERNALLY FUNDED RESEARCH PROJECTS FOR 2015
2014 -2015 35
The Ann van Dyk Applied Research Award
The Ann van Dyk Applied Research Award recognises
students who, through excellence in applied research,
contribute to a new understanding of what is core to the
Da Vinci Institute’s offerings in terms of Management
Leadership in Technology, Innovation, People and
Systems Thinking. The student(s) should, through re-
search activities, demonstrate an unquestionable contri-
bution(s) towards the creation of new knowledge and
application as related to the Management of Technology,
the Management of Innovation, the Management of
People and the Management of Systems (systemic way)
within a specific organisational context. The award aims
to encourage students to become business driven action
learning research activists, presenting outputs which
demonstrate excellence, quality and relevance to their
respective workplace environments.
Recipient: Ms V Scholtz
The Leonardo Da Vinci Award
This award recognises individuals who display per-
sistence, cheerfulness, a sense of adventure, tenacity,
courage and helpfulness to others and who have either
ably balanced their academic studies with extramural
activities, or have balanced their achievements with real
life challenges and opportunities in such a way to benefit
society at large.
Recipient: Dr D C Taljaard
The Da Vinci PhD Excellence Award
The aim of the Da Vinci PhD Excellence Award is firstly,
to acknowledge academic excellence demonstrated by a
Da Vinci PhD graduate; secondly, to serve as an example
of excellence for the Da Vinci students; and thirdly, to
promote The Da Vinci Institute through the quality of its
students’ work.
Recipient: Dr S A Lloyd
THE 2015 ANNUAL DA VINCI COUNCIL AWARDS 13
These awards are conferred on doctoral and master graduates who, over and above
their scholarly contributions, have displayed exceptional characteristics. These awards
are bestowed at the annual graduation ceremony.
36 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
The following contributions were published or forwarded
for publication during 2015:
1. Goosen, W. 2014. Human Capital Management: A
South African Perspective. Sociology Study, Vol. 4, No.
3, pp. 269 – 282.
2. Grundling, J. 2014. Training and Development; Com-
petency-Based HR Development. In Warnich, S.,
Carrell, R.M., Elbert, F.N & Hatfield, D.R. In Human
Resources Management in South Africa 5th edition. pp.
340 – 395; 554 – 579.
3. Mamukwa, S.E. 2014. The phoenix rising: Towards an
Integral Green Zimbabwe. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R
& Schieffer (eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African
Phoenix Rising. Gower.
4. Muchineripi, C.R & Kada, M.H.S. 2014. The ‘Chinyika-
model’: A Case of an Integral Community and Rural
Self-Sufficiency. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R &
Schieffer (eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African
Phoenix Rising. Gower.
5. Kundishora, M.S. 2014. Community-Technology-Inte-
gration: ICT-Based Rural Transformation in Chinyika
and Beyond. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer
(eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix
Rising. Gower.
6. Mandevani, M.K. 2014. Kushanya Mumamisha:
Integral Community Activation via Community-Based
Tourism. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds)
Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising.
Gower.
7. Benjamin, C.E. 2014. Goko Routungamiri: The GENE
of Leadership. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer
(eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix
Rising. Gower.
8. Rushesha, S.T & Mhaka, N.W. 2014. Afrintuneurship:
Towards Integral African Enterprise Development. In
Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds) Integral
Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising. Gower.
9. Matupire, M.P. 2014. Utungamiriri Uzere: Integral
Ubuntu Leadership as Caring for Society. In Mamukwa.
L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds) Integral Green
Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising. Gower.
10.Mamukwa, S.E. 2014. African Knowledge Rhythms:
The Calabash of Organisational Knowledge Creation.
In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer (eds) Integral
Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix Rising. Gower.
11. Chinyuku, M.J. 2014. Zimbabwean Industrial Ecology:
Weaving the Web of Technological and Social
Innovation. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer
(eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix
Rising. Gower.
12. Marombedza, K.K.M. 2014. Permaculture: Nature
as a Guide for Community Learning and Sustainable
Livelihoods. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R & Schieffer
(eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African Phoenix
Rising. Gower.
13. Shindi, M.J. 2014. Co-creating Chinyika Valley:
Towards a Rural ‘Integral Green’ Economy Powered by
Mobile Communication. In Mamukwa. L., Lessem, R
& Schieffer (eds) Integral Green Zimbabwe: An African
Phoenix Rising. Gower.
14. Mugadza, G. 2015. Systems Thinking and Design
Thinking: Complimentary Approaches? Systems
Thinking World Journal: Reflection in Action. [Online
Journal].3. [Referred 2015-2-6]. Available: http://stwj.
systemswiki.org. ISSN-L 2242-8577 ISSN 2242-8577
15. Marcus, R. 2015. Unintended Consequences – A case
for hope in the future. Available at: https://www.davinci.
ac.za /publishedpublishable-articles/
16. Marcus, R. 2015. Wicked Problems. Available at: https://
www.davinci.ac.za /publishedpublishable-articles/
17. Marcus, R. 2015. Systems thinking and the 4 states
of the system. Available at: https://www.davinci.ac.za /
publishedpublishable-articles/
18. Ritz, M. 2015. Customer Centricity: A Sense Making
Framework for Developing Economies. LAP LAMBERT
Academic Publishing.
14 RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Researchers, including students, staff and alumni have the right and the duty to publish
research findings in scientific journals, books and/or other media.
38 DA VINCI RESEARCH REPORT
The following interventions were held in terms of research
development for 2014 and 2015.
14.1 Publication workshops
The following workshops were scheduled and conducted
in the year 2015. The research and publishing workshops
were facilitated on the following dates.
• Publishing workshops were held on 13-14 August
2015 and 19 November 2015. Facilitated by Research
professor, Richard Chinomona and attended by Da
Vinci alumnus and students, the workshop served to
indicate certain formulas to use when writing, editing
and attempting to publish articles in journals.
14.2 Curiosita sessions
Curiosity is one of the Da Vinci principles referring to “an
insatiably curious approach to life and an unrelenting quest
for continuous learning” (Gelb, 1998)
The Curiosita forum is a monthly colloquium for con-
temporary thinking on the Management of Technology,
Innovation and People in a systemic context, hosted by
Faculty of The Da Vinci Institute. It involves a community
of enquirers including PhD students who raise burning
issues concerning their work based challenges and
application as experienced during their PhD research
journey or are interested in supporting their co-researchers
in their journey. Debates include experts from the business
environment; Da Vinci staff and other interested individuals
assemble to present and discuss interesting topics and
to provide mutual support in the quest for continuous
learning.
The Curiosita forum strives for enhanced participation and
discourse for greater experiential learning rather than just
“death by PowerPoint” - to capture Aristotle’s notion of
dialectic rather than that of rhetoric speech.
Objectives
The Curiosita sessions intend to:
• facilitate the execution of quality research by Da Vinci
students, faculty and associates
• allow an opportunity for Da Vinci researchers to obtain
experience in presenting their research verbally to
experts in the world of work, and to obtain feedback
and input on their research
• to provide mutual support by sharing knowledge,
experiences, contacts, tips and techniques within the
research and working community
• to provide formal input on research methodology to the
Da Vinci research community.
16 RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
The research office at The Institute aims to create an enabling environment for students
and staff to conduct research and obtain new knowledge and skills.
2014 -2015 43
Da Vinci House
16 Park Avenue
Modderfontein
Johannesburg
South Africa
T: +27 11 608 1331
F: +27 11 608 1332
I: www.davinci.ac.za
The Da Vinci Institute for Technology
Management (Pty) Ltd
Registered with the Department of Higher Education
and Training as a private higher education
under the Higher Education Act,
1997. Registration No. 2004/HE07/003
institution