First-year Bachelor of Business Science and second-year Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting students were given the opportunity to put theory into practice when they participated in the annual Integrated Business Studies (IBS) Business Proposal Presentation.
IBS is a second-semester core course offered by the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance (SAEF). The module makes use of interesting and exciting teaching methodologies which involve students in active learning.
‘The aim of the course is to deliver innovative and inspiring content while developing the pervasive skills that will set our students apart in the workplace,’ said Dr Michelle Hatch, senior lecturer at the SAEF.
To test their business acumen, 14 groups had the task of coming up with a business concept and developing a proposal presentation that involved the eight main business functions, namely top management, finance, information technology, marketing, human resources, research and development, corporate social responsibility and operations management.
There was an initial round of presentations on Westville and Pietermaritzburg campus where the 14 groups were judged by SAEF lecturers and tutors. Four groups made it to the final.
The four groups: Vibrant, Roboshine, Home Café, and Splash and Dash presented their concepts, Home Café emerging victorious. The winning concept aims to provide a relaxing retreat and unique and affordable culinary experience for UKZN staff and students. The judges were particularly impressed by the group’s financial plan which is core for any business’ success.
Event sponsor, Mr Avinash Sanichur of Business Partners who announced the winners, said they were impressed by the students’ innovative ideas and the high calibre presentations. ‘Every year, we are astonished by the standard of these presentations. South Africa currently faces numerous challenges and, in this room, we have some of the most brilliant minds who we believe are the solution to many of these social ills,’ he said.
Words: Lungile Ngubelanga
Photographs: Andile Ndlovu