Argumentative Writing for IEOM International Conference with a Focus on Literature Review - 3rd Work
- Aug 8, 2017
- 5 min read
Writing for research publication requires a combination of skills acquired in institutions of higher learning. These skills are passed on from experts who themselves never stop learning new ways of writing for various publications. It is evident that, as young researchers part of the IEOM UJ Student Chapter, our journey into academic research will be filled with wonderful experiences of knowledge sharing through our publications. Therefore it is imperative that we bring along the younger generation by sharing our expertise on how to write excellent research papers. This particular workshop focused on argumentative writing for the IEOM conferences with a special emphasis on literature review.
Ms Sebonkile Thaba started the proceeding with an introductory presentation on what IEOM UJ Student Chapter is about. She provided a background of the society, stating that IEOM UJ Student Chapter is championing research interest from undergraduate level at the University of Johannesburg, to postgraduate level. In a nutshell, Ms Sebonkile indicated that the society stands for the following:
Supports UJ Students from the newly formed College of Business and Economics (CBE), and from the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment (FEBE)
Advancing research capabilities of society members, as well as students at large
Working closely with local communities to alleviate poverty through evidence based solutions to socio-economic problems
Innovativeness and creativity in enterprise development of both start-ups, and existing Small, Medium, and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs).
Collaboration in research with other international institutes and universities, locally, regionally and globally.
Holding mini-workshops on operations management themes.
Ms Sebonkile Thaba welcoming students to the IEOM UJ Student Chapter’s 3rd Workshop
Ms Thaba further indicated that, as a society, the IEOM UJ Student Chapter is involved in various projects such as enterprise development in the recycling industry, primary and secondary school projects, the revitalization of the South African Poultry Industry, and the STITCH Cooperative project (In collaboration with UJ ENACTUS). Ms Thaba encouraged students to join the society as of next year, because the society will be formally registered within the University of Johannesburg structures.
The workshop, continuing from where the first Research Workshop held on the 13 June 2017 at the University of Johannesburg ended, aimed at covering practical aspects of academic writing in terms of literature review. The day was filled with exciting presentations by society members who covered the following topics:
(1) Literature Review (Basic and relevant information on literature review), by Mr Sizwe Mkwanazi. With his vibrant approach to keeping the audience captivated, Sizwe was able to excite the students on the topic of literature review for academic research papers. During his presentation, Sizwe was able to give the audience pointers on what a literature is, and what it is not. Using his experience as a young researcher, Sizwe pointed that literature review provides an indication that the researcher is well informed and provides room to cover the gap analysed through the review of the literature.
Mr Sizwe Mkwanazi presenting on Basic Literature Review for academic research
Finally, Sizwe concluded his presentation with pointing to the audience on fact that a Literature Review is NOT a commented on book reference, it is however an ESSAY that covers the significant discoveries of a field, how they identify with or are disparate from different discoveries, and major methodological and educational issues in the examination. For more information please contact Mr Mkwanazi (msmkwanazi@uj.ac.za).
(2) Argumentative Writing, by Mr Nelson Madonsela. Nelson took the audience through his experience as researcher currently busy with his PhD studies and explored the area of argumentative writing as way of enticing the reader into one’s research paper.
Mr Madonsela presenting on argumentative writing.
He indicated that although majority of writers tend to use “They said” as a way to justify their arguments, it is imperative to use a writing style that generate high interest from the reader, as well as admiration of the arguments put forward based on evidence. For more information please contact Mr Madonsela (nmadonsela@uj.ac.za)
(3) Writing to Publish with IEOM, by Tatenda Talent Chingono. Mr Chingono provided an insight into writing for IEOM publications. He encouraged the audience, even at undergraduate level, to start exploring opportunities to write research papers with the support of their respective lecturers.
Mr Chingono presenting on Publishing Your Paper with IEOM
Mr Tatenda provided more information on the different IEOM conferences held during the years that students could write for. He clarified the confusion surrounding claiming points from the DHET as a student who co-authored a research paper that would successfully be accepted at the IEOM conference. He gave several tips on how to write a successful IEOM research paper.
For more information please contact Mr Chingono (tt.chingono@gmail.com or ttchingono@uj.ac.za).
(4) Overview of the Society Current Research Projects – Re-Engineering the South African Poultry Industry for High Competitive Advantage in the BRICS Region, by Sambil Charles Mukwakungu. Mr Sambil considered the fact that students have been introduced to the IEOM UJ Student Chapter’s activities, but not to any of the on-going projects. He took this opportunity to present this exciting new project which is a proposed joint research collaboration with the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro. This project aims at revitalizing the South African poultry industry through a bench-marking exercise of the Brazilian poultry industry. The choice of Brazil is because the country alone is responsible for more than 50% of chicken imported into south Africa.
Sambil Charles introducing the audience to one of the projects the society is working on – Re-Engineering the South African Poultry Industry for High Competitive Advantage in the BRICS Region
Another reason for choosing Brazil, as indicated by Sambil during his presentation, is that it is the third largest producer of poultry globally, and second largest producer of poultry in the BRICS region, yet the country shares certain similar socio-economic conditions as South Africa. Sambil further noted that the proposal for the project has been forwarded to the Brazilian counterpart and feedback will be provided by the end of August with the way forward. Since the poultry industry is experiencing tremendous strains due to a failure to compete globally, thousands of jobs are expected to be lost, therefore it is our duty as researcher to bring evidence based solution to the fore to rescue this giant of the African poultry industry so that it can become more competitive in the BRICS region. For more information please contact Mr Mukwakungu (sambilm@uj.ac.za).
The workshop comes to an end with a Q & A session whereby the students engaged presenters on the various topics which were presented during the day. Members of the society strongly advised students to be involved in research, and participate more in such workshops as team members needed to run upcoming projects will be selected and allocated to several tasks based on the commitments shown in participation to our research workshops.
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