UGBS collaborates with UFS to explore research opportunities

The Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Ghana Business School has facilitated a strategic three-day international business interaction for a delegation from the University of The Free State Business School (UFS) – South Africa from the 15th to the 18th of July 2019.

The three-member delegation comprised Professor Helena van Zyl (Director of the University of the Free State (UFS) Business School), Mr. Deon Barnard (Head of the centre for Business Dynamics – UFS) and Dr. Johan Coetzee (Lecturer, Department of Economics and Finance – UFS).

The delegation reiterated their intention of exploring the benefits and opportunities of strong research and executive education with institutions such as the University of Ghana.

The delegation were welcomed at the UGBS Executive Hall upon their arrival at the University by the Provost of the College of Humanities, Professor Samuel Agyei Mensah, together with the Head of Department, Finance, Dr. Charles Andoh, Dr. Abdul-Gafaru Abdulai (Coordinator, UGBS Executive Education), Dr. Mahmoud Abdulai Mahmoud (Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship), in addition to other staff and students of UGBS.

In his welcome address Professor Agyei Mensah (Provost, College of Humanities) expressed his joy at the potential for collaboration with the UFS Business School.

He noted that the College of Humanities was building relationships with several universities the world over; and had existing relationships with Universities from South of Africa as well. He assured the delegation of their total support for their visit to the University of Ghana Business School.

In her response to the Provost of the College of Humanities, Professor Helena van Zyl expressed her delight at the hearty welcome offered as well as the chance to meet esteemed members of faculty of the business school.

Prof van Zyl went on and further extolled Professor Robert Ebo Hinson whom she defined as a personal friend has over the years shown the potential to transform business education within the African context. She further recognised this relationship and his person as one of the key ingredients for UFS’ immense interest in relating with the UGBS. Professor Robert Ebo Hinson on his part reiterated his commitment towards pushing the University of Ghana brand towards the excellent status it so deserves. After the exchange of pleasantries, Professor Helena van Zyl went on to introduce her team to the faculty present and asked Mr. Barnard to take the floor.

As Head of Executive Education, Mr. Barnard introduced the many different executive programmes currently offered by their institution. He spoke at length about the wealth of experienced garnered over the years in crafting tailor-made training programmes meant to aid business executives take advantage of opportunities by honing their skills. He expressed interest in collaborating with the UGBS in all areas where joint programmes can be designed at the benefit of both institutions. Dr. Johan Coetzee supported this statement asserting their intention to undertake joint research projects with the UGBS due to the relatively strong academic credentials of their staff such as Professor Robert Ebo Hinson.

The Provost for the College of Humanities Professor Agyei Mensah commended Professor Hinson and restated that his outfit will offer whatever necessary support to ensure that both institutions can take advantage of the prospects as they present themselves. Professor Helena van Zyl as a symbol of friendship presented UFS branded novelties to the Provost, who accepted graciously accepted same.

After the formal meeting, a networking session was held were the team and members of the academic body present engaged in casual discussions. PhD students present took the opportunity to interact with Dr. Coetzee on varied research areas of mutual interest. Mr. Baah Kusi a third year Finance PhD student expressed joy at the opportunity and professed his interest in working with Dr. Cotezee and the UFS, especially due to the socio-economic contextual differences and issues present within the two countries on the same continent (Ghana & South Africa).

During their three-day stay in Ghana the delegation was led to have interactions with a number of academic and business institutions namely, the China Europe International Business School, WestBlue Consulting, Omni BSIC Bank, The Coastal Development Authority, and the Ministry of Information in Ghana. This liaison between the South African delegation and the Ghana based institutions was facilitated by a team; led by Professor Robert Ebo Hinson (Head, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship).