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Are you ready to advance your career and thrive in today’s ever-changing business landscape? We have exciting news for you! The DaVinci Institute is thrilled to announce the launch of a Management Development Programme (MDP) focused on Building and Managing Exponential Business.

Designed to Empower Present and Future Leaders

Starting in September 2023, our 12-week Management Development Programme is specifically designed to empower present and future leaders like you with the essential managerial skills and a deep understanding of exponential business growth. We know that navigating through change and driving growth can be challenging, so our comprehensive curriculum is tailored to address the complexities of today’s business world.

Flexible Blended Learning Approach for Busy Professionals

What makes our MDP truly unique is its relevance to today’s business landscape and its blended learning approach. We understand your busy schedule, so we offer a mix of on-campus and online delivery, allowing you to learn at your own pace while benefiting from interactive discussions and hands-on experiences. With the flexibility we provide, you can balance your professional and personal commitments while investing in your future success.

Comprehensive Curriculum for Building and Managing Exponential Businesses

The six modules for our Management Development Programme cover various topics crucial for building and managing exponential businesses. From fostering innovation and leveraging emerging technologies to developing effective leadership strategies, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to overcome challenges and drive growth in your organisation.

Applications Now Open for Both Intakes of the Management Development Programme

Applications for the first and second intakes of our MDP are now open. We encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries to apply and join our remarkable community of like-minded professionals. We believe in the power of collaboration and diverse perspectives to fuel innovation and create exponential impact.

Investing in your professional growth has never been more accessible. The programme fee for our MDP is R35,000, offering exceptional value for the transformative knowledge and expertise you’ll gain. Upon completing the programme, you’ll receive a certificate from the DaVinci Institute, recognising your commitment to personal and professional development.

Key Details for the Two Intakes of the MDP

Here are the key details for the two intakes of our MDP:

• Applications Open: 1 July 2023
• Applications Close: 1 September 2023
• Programme Starts: 4 September 2023
• Programme Ends: 27 November 2023

Apply or Enquire Now and Connect with Our Dedicated Team

To apply for our MDP or obtain more information, we invite you to contact our dedicated team at mdp@davinci.ac.za. We’re here to answer your questions and support you throughout your learning journey.

At the DaVinci Institute, we’re committed to unlocking your potential for exponential success and co-creating remarkable learning journeys. Join us in this exciting venture, connect with a community of remarkable professionals, and embrace the challenges and opportunities of the future. Your journey toward personal and professional growth starts now!

Johannesburg, South Africa – 26 June 2023 – Our business school, the DaVinci Institute, takes great pride in announcing that our President, Prof. Edward Kieswetter, has been appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organization (WCO) Council. The appointment occurred during the 141st/142nd Sessions of the WCO Council held at its headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, from 22 to 24 June 2023.

Professor Kieswetter, also the Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), is the second South African to chair the prestigious organisation, succeeding Ahmed Al-Khalifa, Director General of Bahrain’s Customs Clearance and Services.

The election of Prof. Kieswetter, a highly respected leader within South Africa’s business and customs community, acknowledges the effective leadership of the country’s tax services and marks a moment of national pride.

“Leadership is an inordinate responsibility and a rare privilege to assist international efforts to bring matters of customs to the centre of international trade facilitation. This election is ample evidence that the leadership of SARS in matters of customs is acknowledged after many years of State capture,” said Kieswetter.

During his tenure, Prof. Kieswetter has committed to achieving the objectives of the WCO through a practical, well-managed Secretariat, a transformational modernisation plan, and an appropriate set of priorities. His focus on technology, innovation, green customs, governance, and accountability aligns with the WCO’s 2022-2025 Strategic Plan.

Please join us in congratulating Prof. Kieswetter on this prestigious appointment, and wish him continued success as he embarks on this new journey.

About DaVinci

Founded in 2004, the DaVinci Institute is a business school committed to co-creating remarkable learning journeys that empower future leaders to change the world through teachings inspired by Nelson Mandela and Leonardo Da Vinci. DaVinci brings together experts and thought leaders in business and management to provide students with a well-rounded education. The dedicated faculty, with their qualifications, research expertise, and industry experience, ensures that students receive a high-quality education grounded in real-world applications.

For more information, please contact:

Ofentse Olunloyo

Executive Head: Marketing

ofentse@davinci.ac.za

www.davinci.ac.za

011 608 1331

Our Business School, the DaVinci Institute for Technology Management, proudly joined the Association of African Business Schools (AABS) this month, a milestone that marks our dedication to the promotion and enhancement of business education in Africa.

AABS is a prestigious African association, housing the largest community of business schools across the continent. It represents over 60 esteemed institutions across numerous African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, South Africa, DRC, Egypt, Morocco, Ethiopia, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Senegal, and Mali.

Membership in the AABS is only granted to organisations with a physical campus in Africa, that offer programmes in business education approved by a higher education authority in an African country. Each member is unique, independent in philosophy, and committed to their mission while accountable to their community.

“We are excited to join this leading network of quality business education in Africa, focussing on relevance, impact, and sustainability, supporting African businesses through capacity building, collaboration, and quality education programmes” said Professor HB Klopper, the Chief Executive of DaVinci.

This affiliation further solidifies our Business School’s commitment to providing world-class education in South Africa and Africa at large. DaVinci is also affiliated with the South African Private Higher Education (SAPHE), the South African Business School Association (SABSA), the South African Association of Freight Forwarders (SAAFF), and the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport (CILT), a global professional body that represents the transport and logistics industries.

“We will not only have access to various tailored workshops and network events but will also actively participate in offering workshops together with other member institutions,” adds Prof Klopper.

DaVinci is dedicated to co-creating exceptional learning journeys, providing educational solutions that yield a substantial return on investment for business leaders and individuals. Our mission is to broaden access to education and empower future leaders to effect positive change in the world.

Our Business School places a unique emphasis on the Management of Technology, Innovation, People, and Systems Thinking (TIPS™), a proprietary framework integrated into all our programmes. This approach enhances the performance of our students and their teams, particularly within developing economies and markets.

Offering a range of business degrees tailored to meet various needs, DaVinci allows students to study at their own pace, from anywhere and at any time. Our approach to learning transcends the traditional, ensuring a personal, social, and economic return on investment in students’ learning journey, whilst upholding best practice models.

DaVinci’s membership with AABS sets a new precedent for our commitment to business education and strengthens its impact in shaping the future of business and innovation in Africa. This partnership will widen access to quality business education further, encourage innovative thinking, and empower more individuals to effect meaningful change in society.

Business leaders play a critical role in shaping the culture, values, and practices of their organisations. They set the tone for how employees behave and what is considered acceptable in the workplace. In today’s competitive and fast-paced business environment, ethical behaviour has become more critical than ever before. In this blog, we explore why ethics are essential for business leaders and why South African businesses that value higher education training should prioritise ethics in their leadership development programmes.

Protecting Reputation and Brand

Business leaders who prioritise ethics help to protect their company’s reputation and brand. Companies that behave unethically can face severe consequences, such as legal action, financial loss, and reputational damage. Ethical leaders establish a culture of integrity, honesty, and transparency that helps to protect the company’s reputation and maintain the trust of stakeholders.

Building a Stronger Organisational Culture

Ethical leaders create a positive and inclusive work environment that fosters productivity, motivation, and loyalty. They establish a culture of trust, respect, and fairness that supports employee wellbeing and job satisfaction. Employees who work for ethical leaders feel valued and engaged, and they are more likely to stay with the company long-term.

Meeting Stakeholder Expectations

Business leaders who prioritise ethics meet the expectations of stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulators. Stakeholders expect companies to behave ethically and operate with transparency, honesty, and accountability. Companies that fail to meet these expectations can lose the trust and support of their stakeholders, leading to significant consequences for the business.

Fostering Innovation and Creativity

Ethical leaders encourage innovation and creativity by creating a safe and supportive work environment. Employees who work for ethical leaders feel empowered to share their ideas and take risks, knowing that their contributions will be valued and appreciated. This culture of innovation and creativity can lead to new ideas, products, and services that drive business success.

Demonstrating Social Responsibility

Business leaders who prioritise ethics demonstrate social responsibility by considering the impact of their actions on society and the environment. They operate in a sustainable and responsible way, contributing to the well-being of their employees, customers, and the wider community. Ethical leaders recognise that businesses have a responsibility to be a force for good, and they act accordingly.

At DaVinci Business School, we offer a range of leadership qualifications. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation cultivate ethical and effective leaders.

Organisational culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours that define how things get done within a company. The way a company operates can have a significant impact on its success, and leadership plays a critical role in shaping organisational culture. In this blog, we’ll explore how leadership influences organisational culture and why it’s essential for South African businesses that value higher education training to understand this relationship.

Setting the Tone for the Organisation

Leadership sets the tone for the organisation. The values, behaviours, and attitudes demonstrated by leaders create the standard for how employees should behave. Leaders who exhibit positive qualities such as integrity, accountability, and transparency set the expectation for employees to do the same. Leaders who are not aligned with the desired culture can create confusion and undermine the efforts to create a positive culture.

Driving Behaviour Through Communication

Effective communication is essential to shaping organisational culture. Leaders who communicate regularly and clearly help employees understand what is expected of them and why it is important. They help build trust, establish a sense of belonging, and create a positive work environment. In contrast, leaders who communicate poorly can create confusion and misunderstanding that can damage the culture and the organisation as a whole.

Demonstrating the Right Behaviours

Leadership behaviour is one of the most significant influences on organisational culture. Leaders who demonstrate the desired behaviours set the standard for what is acceptable in the organisation. If the leaders do not follow the same values or behaviours they promote, they will undermine the efforts to shape the desired culture.

Creating a Sense of Belonging

Leadership plays a critical role in creating a sense of belonging within the organisation. Leaders who foster a positive work environment, provide clear communication, and demonstrate respect and inclusivity help employees feel valued and included. A sense of belonging can help foster motivation and productivity and build a more cohesive and effective team.

Leadership has a significant impact on organisational culture, and it is crucial for South African businesses that value higher education training to understand this relationship. Leaders set the tone, drive behaviour through communication, demonstrate the right behaviours, and create a sense of belonging. By investing in leadership development, businesses can create a positive culture that supports their values and goals, and ultimately contributes to their success. At DaVinci Business School, we offer a range of leadership development programmes that can help businesses develop effective leaders and shape the desired culture. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help your organisation.

If you’re considering pursuing higher education in business, you may be wondering if it’s worth the time and investment. The answer is a resounding yes! In today’s competitive business world, a business education can give you a significant advantage in the job market and set you up for long-term success. In this blog, we’ll explore ten reasons why you should go to business school, particularly if you’re a business professional who values higher education training.

Develop Business Skills

A business education can provide you with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in a wide range of business fields, from finance and marketing to operations and management.

Increase Your Earning Potential

A business education can increase your earning potential by preparing you for high-paying jobs in the business world.

Expand Your Professional Network

Business school provides an excellent opportunity to connect with other business professionals and build a valuable network of contacts.

Learn From Experienced Faculty

Business school professors have years of experience working in the business world, which means they can provide valuable insights and real-world examples that you can apply to your own career.

Gain International Exposure

Many business schools offer study abroad programs, providing you with the opportunity to gain international exposure and develop a global perspective.

Improve Your Critical Thinking Skills

Business school courses require critical thinking and analysis, which can improve your ability to make informed decisions and solve complex problems.

Build Your Leadership Skills

Business school courses often focus on leadership and management, providing you with the skills necessary to lead and inspire teams.

Enhance Your Communication Skills

Effective communication is critical in the business world, and business school can help you develop strong communication skills through coursework and presentations.

Access to Career Services

Most business schools offer career services that can help you find internships and job opportunities, prepare your resume, and improve your interviewing skills.

Gain Credibility

A business degree can increase your credibility in the business world and demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

Going to business school can provide you with numerous advantages in the business world, including developing business skills, increasing earning potential, expanding your professional network, learning from experienced faculty, gaining international exposure, improving critical thinking and communication skills, building leadership skills, accessing career services, and gaining credibility.

At The DaVinci Business School, we offer a range of business programmes, including undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, executive education, and professional development courses. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you achieve your career goals.

Back then, there were no crèches. Children played with other children outside the house from morning till parents came back from work. It was fun and there was much that was learnt from the older girls and boys who were already at school and showed off their writing skills as they wrote their names in the sand or taught us to count up to 10 or even 20, using whatever means we could find such as maize or lucky bean seeds and small stones. We all knew who the patient teachers among the older children were and we all jostled to be in their play group.

Both my parents were teachers and my earliest memory of listening to a story being read was when my mother would sit with my younger sister and I and read from the small hard cover lime green book. This was a story about the exploits of the clever rabbit and her family. My most favourite part of the story was when they went on a picnic one Sunday afternoon, and oh how I so wished I could have joined them. The pictures in the book were so interesting to look at and I must say they stretched my imagination.

My sister and I named the river that ran past the picnic spot Lily, gazed at the sheep grazing close by and played a game where we earned points by naming the colours of the flowers in the meadow. Many years later, when I had my own children, I had the pleasure of opening the same book and reading to them the fascinating stories about the rabbit and her family.

On the big day of my first day at school, I remember I wore my prized green school uniform with white socks and black shoes. This was the first and last day I wore my socks and shoes as I was just about the only child in the elementary section that had shoes on. I remember feeling very awkward and soon took them off at break time and put them carefully at the bottom of my school bag.

My classroom was on top of raised ground. This was a long room with square openings for windows but with no glass to shut out the elements. When it was hot, it was pleasant to sit by the window but on days when it was raining, the teacher, a Mrs. Khumalo, helped us move the long desks away from the windows. Occasionally, a wandering cow would come to listen in to the children’s laughter, stick its head into the classroom and sometimes show appreciation of the lesson by mooing so loud, much to the amusement of all of us. If my memory serves me well, there were about 13 of us in sub-B, eager beavers ready to learn.

Our day started early. This was a mission school and the priests and nuns believed in discipline. Everything was bound by timelines and strict demarcations. Before school, the sub-A and sub-B classes, equivalent to modern day grades 1 and 2, had their own assembly and morning prayers. The prayers were followed by choruses that we often sang at Sunday school. The prayers were conducted by the headmistress who was a nun. We were happy if the prayers and notices took a bit of time because then it meant the arithmetic period which was always the first period was shorter than usual. At the beginning of sub-A, arithmetic seemed easy as our informal teachers on the playground had taught us to count but as time went on, things started to get a little tricky. I for one, being very practical by nature, did not see the point of adding 1+3 or whatever other numbers that were written on the board. The relevance of this exercise was also never explained.

Afterall, we went to school back in the day when only the teacher had a textbook and everything we needed to know was written on the board!

My worst memories of Little St Augustine’s, as the early primary school was called, was the time it took before we could write anything in an exercise book. Before one could be given an exercise book, one had to practice writing Arithmetic and English class exercises in the sand outside. It was important to find a good clear space where the sand was fine to enable one to write clearly. Initially, we had to use our forefinger to write perfect letters and numbers. Only when Mrs Khumalo was satisfied that you had mastered the art of writing in the sand, was one allowed to use a small stick which resembled a pencil. The next stage in the early learning stage was to be given a black slate and piece of chalk to practice writing at home. Needless to say, there was competition around who would get an exercise book first. This meant that we all took the practice sessions very seriously.

It was a huge relief when I eventually graduated from using a slate board to getting an exercise book and a brand-new pencil sharpened by Mrs. Khumalo.

At break time, we played in the field below. Games included chasing after each other, tickling each other and this, after sharing what was in our lunch boxes.

Home time was at 12:30, but we had to stop working and stand up from our desks in order to say the Angelus before leaving. This prayer was preceded by a loud bell rung from the church. Even when one was walking, one had to stop in their tracks and say, “Hail Mary, full of grace, blessed is thy womb that bore our Lord Jesus Christ, mother Mary pray for us sinners now and for evermore Amen.” I have often wondered what sins I had committed at that tender age to be asked to confess them.

The most memorable day of my early years of schooling was when one day, a green jeep appeared from the distance and was parked behind the classrooms.

Two men – one white and the other black – dressed in white long jackets, came out, set up a long table and put some boxes and bottles on the table. Before long, were summoned to come out of our classrooms and to line up. Once we had been accounted for, we were summarily asked to roll up our sleeves. This was followed, to our horror, by one of the men giving us a good jab on the top of the left shoulder and the other, following with a pinkish sweet that melted instantly in the mouth. There were no letters of consent to take home or explanation to us children of what was going on. I guess the head mistress had already granted them permission to give us the TB Jab and the booster for the Polio jab that each one of us had got at birth or at their first visit to the clinic. We learnt much later that there was a serious outbreak of TB and the government had put into action a plan to get all children under 13 vaccinated against the two menacing diseases.

The modern concepts of human rights, democracy, and parental autonomy over their children, were foreign back then. Do not get me wrong, I am not complaining as I believe that saved many children, me included, from illness or certain death.

In my next episode, I shall recount my experiences of what was known then as upper primary.

(Dr Linda Chipunza is responsible for Student Support at The DaVinci Business School.)

Access to healthcare is a fundamental human right, but in many countries, including South Africa, many people face significant challenges in obtaining quality medical care. This is one of the harsh realities faced every day. South Africa’s health system is underfunded, overburdened, and struggling to meet the needs of its diverse and growing population. We know this because it is reported on frequently. Despite these challenges, there is hope for a brighter future in South Africa, where access to healthcare can be a reality for all. My PhD thesis covered much of these areas.

One of the main challenges facing the South African health system is the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals, particularly in rural areas, which results to a significant disparity in access to quality medical care between urban and rural areas. To address this issue, it is crucial to invest in programs that provide education and training opportunities for healthcare workers and increase the number of medical facilities in underserved communities. The realities of our youth having to leave SA or having to change career paths is fast becoming the norm.

Another significant challenge in South Africa is the high cost of healthcare, which puts it out of reach for many people, especially those living in poverty. To address this, the government should work to improve the affordability and accessibility of medical services for all citizens, regardless of their financial situation. This could potentially include implementing policies that increase the number of community health clinics, providing subsidies for medical services, and increasing funding for public health facilities, to name a few.

Moreover, it is important to address the social determinants of health that contribute to poor health outcomes and reduced access to care. This includes addressing poverty, inadequate housing, and limited access to safe water and sanitation. These social determinants of health play a significant role in preventing individuals from accessing essential medical care and must be addressed to improve overall health outcomes in South Africa. With the right investments in education, funding, and policy initiatives, our country can become brighter where access to quality medical care is a reality for everyone.

(Dr Claudia Sigamoney is a member of faculty at The DaVinci Business school.)

Are you intimidated by the thought of conducting research? Do you believe research is only for scholars and experts in a particular field? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are intimidated by the idea of research and believe it to be a complicated process. Research is not overly challenging and can be manageable with proper planning and preparation. Research can become much more straightforward by taking the time to clearly define the research question, determine appropriate methods for collecting and analyzing data, and stay organized throughout the process.

Additionally, utilising resources such as academic journals and expert opinions can greatly aid the process and make the experience less intimidating. With dedication and effort, conducting research can become a manageable and even enjoyable experience. We often hear friends and colleagues say research can seem like a crazy, scary monster when faced with it, but it’s not as difficult as it appears! But the truth is, research isn’t as difficult as it may seem. With the advancement of technology and the availability of numerous resources, conducting research has become much easier. This blog post aims to dispel some common research misconceptions and show why it’s not that difficult.

Here are a few reasons why research isn’t so bad after all:

1. Well-Defined Objectives: By clearly understanding the research question and objectives, the research process becomes much more manageable. This clarity helps guide the research’s direction and keeps it on track.

2. Accessible Resources: In today’s world, information and resources are readily available, making the research process much more manageable, and with the internet and academic databases at our fingertips, finding relevant information and data has never been easier.

3. Organised Approach: Staying organised throughout the research process is key to success. Keeping track of sources, notes, and data makes the process less overwhelming and easier to manage.

4. Collaboration: Working with others, such as peers, supervisors, or mentors, can make the research process much less daunting. Collaboration allows for sharing knowledge, resources, and ideas, making the process more efficient and enjoyable.

5. Adaptability: Research is a dynamic process, and it’s important to be flexible and open to change. By being adaptable, one can pivot when necessary and adjust their approach to meet the research demands.

While research may seem intimidating at first, it can be made much more manageable by approaching it with a clear understanding of objectives, utilising available resources, staying organised, collaborating with others, and being adaptable. Research can often seem daunting, but several ways to view it make it more accessible and manageable. For example, research can be considered a puzzle, where the researcher takes a complex problem, breaks it down into smaller pieces, and then puts it together to form a conclusion. Another way to think about research is as a treasure hunt, where the researcher is on a quest to uncover new knowledge and understanding, following clues and making discoveries along the way. Research can also be seen as a cooking show, where the process involves a series of well-defined steps to achieve a successful outcome, much like a recipe. Lastly, research can be viewed as a road trip, where the researcher embarks on an exciting and unpredictable journey filled with twists and turns and opportunities to gather new information and insights. These analogies provide a fresh perspective on the research process, making it seem less intimidating and more approachable:

Research is like solving a puzzle: Like solving a puzzle, conducting research involves taking a complex problem and breaking it down into smaller, more manageable parts. The process of gathering information and analysing data can be thought of as finding the individual puzzle pieces and putting everything together to form a conclusion can be seen as putting the puzzle together to form the big picture. The thrill of discovery and the sense of accomplishment that comes with putting the pieces together is a rewarding experience in solving a puzzle and conducting research.

Research is like a treasure hunt: Research is like a treasure hunt, where the researcher is on a quest to uncover new knowledge and understanding. Like in a treasure hunt, there are clues to follow and obstacles to overcome, but the sense of excitement and anticipation when making a significant discovery makes it all worth it. The thrill of finding that key piece of information that sheds light on a particular issue is truly satisfying, much like finding a hidden treasure. The research process can be just as exciting and adventurous as a treasure hunt, and the rewards are just as valuable.

Research is like a cooking show: Like in a cooking show, conducting research involves a series of well-defined steps, each with its purpose and significance. Whether it’s prepping the ingredients, cooking, or plating, each step must be completed with care and precision in order to achieve a successful outcome. Similarly, each step, such as formulating the research question, collecting data, and analysing it, must be executed correctly to reach a meaningful conclusion. And just like in a cooking show, the final product, in this case, the research findings, should be organised and easily digestible for others to enjoy and learn from.

Research is like a road trip: Like a road trip, conducting research can be an exciting and unpredictable journey full of twists and turns. The researcher never knows precisely what they’ll find, but that’s part of the excitement and the thrill of discovery. Along the way, there will be opportunities to gather new information and insights through reading articles, talking to experts, and making pit stops to reflect on what has been learned. The journey may have its challenges, but it’s all part of the experience and contributes to the growth and development of the researcher. And just like a road trip, the destination of the research journey, the conclusion, is what makes it all worth it.

That’s right! Research can be a fun, exciting, and rewarding experience when approached with a sense of adventure and curiosity. It offers the opportunity to explore new ideas, gather new information, and make discoveries, just like a puzzle, a treasure hunt, a cooking show, and a road trip all rolled into one. So don’t be intimidated by the thought of research; embrace it as a journey of learning and discovery and see where the road takes you! Research isn’t as difficult as it may seem. You can conduct the research efficiently and effectively with available resources and tools. So, if you’re intimidated by the idea of research, don’t be. Give it a try and see just how easy it can be.

The Da Vinci Institute’s Master’s graduate, Monyadiwe Selina Moloi’s career started in Eskom (Generation Division), from 2001 to date. She has experiences in life cycle planning, project management as well as portfolio management. In her experience with Eskom’s Generation Division, in recent years, Monyadiwe notes that there had been challenges with capital projects’ budget spending – hence the aim of her dissertation work entitled: Capital projects budget underspending in a South African power utility – a project management perspective, was at investigating factors contributing to capital projects’ budget underspending specifically in South African power utilities from a project management perspective.

This study focuses on Eskom’s Generation division with over 2000 capital projects across the generating fleet that consist of routine capitalised replacements and major modifications to deliver on the plant performance objectives. The inability to spend the budget capital translates to the project objectives and benefits being deferred or not realised, which works contrary to restoring the plant health and improved technical performance.

Consequently, the study identified factors that contributed to capital project budget underspending, and those included: insufficient support from some of the stakeholders involved in projects, insufficient resourcing of most departments that were involved in projects, and the unfair distribution of projects among the project management department personnel – based on skills and experience – and forced changes to the project execution plan and schedule due to outage deferments.

Further findings from the study indicate that the aforesaid factors negatively affected project schedules and, therefore, negatively affected project success and subsequent portfolio delivery. Findings from this study on factors which contributed to capital project budget underspending from the South African power utility were in line with findings from the construction sector. One positive aspect from the findings was that Eskom ensured that project managers were sufficiently trained on tools and systems that they required to do their jobs, which was contrary to what was found in literature regarding contributing factors to budget underspending on projects. Monyadiwe reckons that findings that emanate from this research will potentially assist the power utility to improve on its capital budget spending.

Was it a tough journey? “My study journey with The DaVinci Institute started a long time ago. It was not an easy one because there were many challenges along the way which may have easily persuaded me to give up on my studies. I am just grateful that after several re-registrations, especially for the research module, I was not deterred”, concedes Monyadiwe. Her willingness and persistence throughout the qualification process have been invaluable, she further admits.

Monyadiwe plans to continue working on her personal development in order to advance in her career. Monyadiwe encourages learners who are beginning the research journey to start early so that they can complete it on time. She also urges learners to enjoy the process and ask for assistance when facing challenges, instead of worrying about completing their work.