by Phaphama Tshisikhawe and Kgaugelo Selane
The Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) embarked on a bold and strategic initiative to establish Research Niche Areas that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These seven niche areas are carefully designed to address South Africa’s most pressing challenges while driving economic development. Each niche area focuses on conducting research that is locally impactful, nationally significant, and globally relevant, contributing positively to the University’s reputation and the betterment of society.
Research Niche Area Leader in the Faculty of Management Science Prof Molefe Maleka.
Let’s explore the Faculty of Management Sciences research niche area:
This niche area focuses on The Living Wage, Executive Remuneration, Human Resource Data Analytics, and Human Resource Outcomes. It examines workplace factors such as job satisfaction, employee engagement, organisational commitment, and retention, with an emphasis on rewards like incentives, training, recognition, and work-life balance. The research also highlights the importance of a living wage to improve quality of life and workplace productivity. Additionally, it addresses the skills required for the gig economy, including data analytics using tools like Excel, SPSS, and Python. The research delves into executive remuneration, exploring the gender wage gap, financial predictors of income, and transparency in line with King IV principles.
This niche area aligns with SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), ensuring its research contributes to reducing poverty, promoting education and equality, and promoting economic growth.
TUT embarked on a bold and strategic initiative to establish Research Niche Areas that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These seven niche areas are carefully designed to address South Africa’s most pressing challenges while driving economic development. Each niche area focuses on conducting research that is locally impactful, nationally significant, and globally relevant, contributing positively to the University’s reputation and the betterment of society.