Improved efficiency and strengthening the research and innovation objectives of the Tshwane University of Technology’s Department of Educational Foundation, was at the core of the Departmental Research and Innovation Committee’s (DRIC) strategic planning and team-building session held at a venue in Edenvale on 7 February.
Alternating between strategic discussions on setting research priorities for the year, identifying funding opportunities and aligning departmental initiatives with the Faculty of Humanities Niche: Sustainable Prospering Communities for Existing and Future Generations, the day’s activities also included fun activities and engaging team-building exercises to promote a cohesive team dynamic.
“During the day, we could reflect on our past achievements, identify areas of improvement and collectively develop a roadmap for future success. The synergy that it brought about is crucial to foster a strong research culture within our department,” said Prof Sibongile Mnisi, Chairperson of DRIC.
According to him, the collaborative workshops to discuss innovative research methodologies, interdisciplinary partnerships, community engagement and strategies to enhance research output that is impactful to society, all contributed to a plan for improved research excellence and efficiency in the Department.
Dr Mnisi added that the team-building activities focused on enhancing communication, trust, critical thinking and teamwork among members.
“The interactive exercises and problem-solving challenges, encouraged a collaborative spirit essential for executing the Department’s research agenda effectively among the DRIC members,” he said.
Commending the initiative, DRIC members agreed that the experience reinforced their shared vision as well as cultivating a stronger sense of solidarity.
A number of participants shared their feedback on the day:
- “The reflective exercise was very useful, giving us an opportunity to look back at 2024. Prof Mnisi’s ability to provide feedback on collaboration, sharing of progress and where one is at in the writing process, as well as the ease with which he could shine the light on the department, was remarkable. Supporting one another as well as sharing skills and knowledge, will enable us to achieve together.”
- “Sharing the broad plan for 2025 assisted in ensuring our research practices are aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals. This will go a long way in seeing to it that we produce research outputs that will assist the education system, provide answers to challenges experienced in education broadly and allow for interaction and exchange of programmes, ideas and knowledge.”
- “The sessions were refreshing and improved my well-being, especially the massage. Solving a murder case with my team was an exciting experience for me.”
With a renewed focus and strengthened team cohesion, the Department of Educational Foundation is well-positioned to achieve new milestones in research and academic contributions in the coming year.
Members of the Department of Educational Foundation’s Research and Innovation Committee (DRIC) during the strategic planning and team building engagement.