As part of their research-based projects, four Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) students explored practical workplace challenges and emerging questions affecting employees and organisations. Their research demonstrates how the HPE learning approach enables students to investigate issues that are relevant to their organisations and translate their findings into practical insights.
Godswill Ehirim
Research topic: An Exploratory Analysis of Perceptions of Fashion in the Workplace
Godswill Ehirim explored workplace fashion as a form of self-expression, examining how employees use clothing and personal style to express their individuality within professional environments.
His research challenges traditional assumptions about workplace dress and considers whether employees can express themselves through their appearance while still maintaining professionalism.
For Ehirim, the research is already influencing how younger employees perceive self-expression at work. He believes organisations can create environments where young professionals are able to express their individuality without compromising professionalism.
“We have young people coming in who can express themselves through the way that they dress and still carry themselves professionally.”
Ehirim says studying at DaVinci has given him the freedom to explore subjects that genuinely interest him and to present his ideas within a business and academic context. He describes the experience as a different mode of learning that allows students to be themselves while developing their ability to apply their thinking to real-world challenges.
Amanda Mazibuko
Research topic: Wellness, Work-Life Balance and Organisational Support
Amanda Mazibuko‘s research examined employee wellness, work-life balance and the support organisations provide to help employees develop healthier and more positive relationships with work.
Her research highlights the connection between employee wellbeing and organisational performance. She believes that when employees feel supported and are able to achieve a healthy balance between work and their personal lives, they are more likely to be engaged, energised and committed to their responsibilities.
Amanda sees the potential organisational impact as significant: happier and more fulfilled employees can contribute to stronger performance, greater commitment and ultimately better business outcomes.
“Once that good balance is found, I think employees will have a better attitude and a better relationship with their work, and ultimately that will drive results,” stated Mazibuko.
She describes her experience at DaVinci as refreshing and different from traditional academic environments. The interactive approach gives students greater freedom to interpret, apply and present their learning in ways that connect with their professional experiences.
Lesego Mofokeng
Research topic: Integrating Interns into the Workplace
Lesego Mofokeng focused her research on the differences between permanent employees and interns, with particular attention to how organisations can improve the integration, engagement and collaboration of interns entering the workplace.
Mofokeng’s research explores how organisations can create stronger onboarding and workplace experiences for young talent and new graduates, helping them build confidence, develop their capabilities and collaborate effectively with existing employees.
He believes that organisations that take these considerations seriously can better equip young employees and interns to contribute meaningfully to the workplace.
“I think it could really sharpen and provide skills to allow younger employees and interns to compete with already existing employees,” stated Mofokeng.
For Mofokeng, studying at DaVinci has provided an opportunity to experience a different approach to learning. He describes the Mode 2 learning approach as eye-opening, particularly because it encourages students to explain, question and justify their thinking while connecting academic concepts to real-world experiences.
Together, these research projects demonstrate the practical nature of HPE learning at DaVinci. From workplace fashion and employee wellbeing to the integration of young talent, the students have explored questions that extend beyond the classroom and have direct relevance to organisations.
Their work reflects an approach to learning that encourages students to identify issues within their environments, investigate them critically and consider how their insights can contribute to meaningful organisational change.
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