UKZN Doctoral graduates in Supply Chain Management Drs Gloria Tshoopara, Emilia Salomo and Masithembe Kafile are all ready to make a positive impact in the market.
Their research findings and recommendations have placed these women at the forefront to take the lead as the supply chain landscape evolves.
Tshoopara, who is the Head of Transport and Logistics at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), assessed the preparedness of the country’s transport system in becoming the regional logistics hub in a study titled: Transport Systems’ Preparedness Towards a Regional Logistics Hub in Namibia.
Through this research, Tshoopara introduced the valuable freight transport demand management framework (LOC TRUCK) for decision-makers to optimise Namibia’s transport system and foster seamless connectivity.
‘This innovative model enhances freight transport demand management and promotes sustainable and efficient transportation systems for developing countries aspiring to host regional logistics hubs,’ she said.
Tshoopara’s leadership skills were proven when she was appointed as a board member of one of the country’s most prominent transport companies, allowing her to play a pivotal role in realising Namibia’s potential as a logistics hub, a cause she passionately champions. Her passion for supply chain is also evident in the dedication and inspiration she has as a lecturer at NUST.
‘As an educator, I strive to foster a dynamic and engaging learning environment, encouraging critical thinking, creativity and a deep appreciation for the subject matter. I am excited to continue exploring and sharing knowledge with my students and colleagues at NUST.’
Salomo, also a lecturer at NUST, said her pursuit to obtain a doctorate stemmed from her deep passion for supply chain management and procurement, coupled with a strong commitment to advancing knowledge in these fields, particularly in the unique context of Namibia.
‘The complexity of procurement processes, the intricate regulatory landscape, the fast-paced technological advancement, and their profound impact on public governance have always held my intellectual curiosity. It became evident that public procurement practices are pivotal in shaping government operations in areas of efficiency, transparency, and accountability, significantly influencing the well-being of citizens and the world.’
Her research titled: The Role of Big Data Analytics in Enabling Sustainable Public Procurement: a Namibian Case Study, explores the potential of Big Data Analytics (BDA) to enhance sustainable public procurement practices (SPPP) in the country, focusing on the crucial yet unexplored aspect of decision-making in the face of escalating global challenges and limited resources.
Salomo hopes her achievements serve as an inspiration to younger generations, motivating them to pursue and achieve their career aspirations.
‘I am one of a few Namibians who have achieved a PhD in Supply Chain Management, and I am also the first in my family to attain this milestone.’
With nearly six years of lecturing at college level, for Masithembe, having a PhD means she can teach and supervise research in larger institutions.
‘My next step is pursuing a postdoc in Germany to further enhance my teaching and research supervision skills. My desire is to give back and make a meaningful contribution to education and society – my long-standing desire,’ she said.
Her research – titled: Application of the Internet of Things (IoT) to Last Mile Logistics (LML) in the Durban Region – investigated the application of advanced technologies, the IoT to promote the digitalisation of core logistics operations as a key enabler of agility while maintaining operational efficiency.
According to her research, while IoT promises a more effective and efficient Last Mile Supply Chain Logistics, the complexity of integration into existing systems, interoperability challenges, initial infrastructural costs, and the need for ongoing skill development and regulatory compliance are among the main challenges confronting the sector in the Durban region.
‘The study offers LML an IoT integrated framework to these challenges and its empirical findings will further inform the LML industry’s use of the IoT as a means to promote a more sustainable supply chain network in South Africa and elsewhere,’ said Kafile.
Also, the first in her family to obtain a PhD, Kafile hopes her achievement inspires someone from society.
The achievements of these three graduates attest to the growing strength and popularity of the School’s doctoral programme, which is listed among programmes of the future. Their research was supervised by seasoned academic, Dr Thokozani Mbhele of the School of Management, IT and Governance.
Words: Samukelisiwe Cele
Photograph: Sethu Dlamini