Annual Research Report 2020

39 School of Economics and Management Sciences The School of Economic and Management Sciences (EMS) is committed to advancing excellence in research and development and scholarship. A major highlight for the School in 2020 was the development of the School Research Plan for 2020–2024. This plan will prepare the School to make a marked contribution to achieving SPU Strategic Goal 1: To become research active in pri- oritised niches within a supportive institutional environment and culture . In this regard, EMS targets two key performance areas, namely: • Key Performance Area 1: To develop research and supervi- sion capacity (knowledge generation) • Key Performance Area 2: To support the research career development of staff (capacity and capability development) The following research focus areas were identified to give effect to these performance areas: • Economic policy impact analysis and evaluation • Sectoral studies (particularly mining, agriculture, tourism, industry and public services) • Organisational studies and human capacity dynamics in a changing world • Accounting, taxation, auditing and finance • Entrepreneurship, business solutions for development and the environment • Public finance, administration and management • Financial/supply management • Mitigation and recovery from major natural disasters (e.g. Covid-19, Ebola, Zika) • Poverty, inequality and sustainable development • Gender studies • Leadership studies • Military and law enforcement studies (ethics, integrity) Compared to previous years, research output and activity in 2020 shows quite dramatic improvements, using indicators that include peer-reviewed and accredited journal paper publications and conference and seminar presentations by staff. Other notable achievements during the year include the presentation of ad- vanced economic modelling courses by staff to an international audience, recognition outside of the University through Ministerial appointments to policy working groups, invitations to present guest lectures and appointments as senior research fellows, external examiners and reviewers and editors of journals. Importantly, as part of academic citizenship, staff members took it as their core responsibility to take academic research beyond publication in reputable journals and fulfil advisory roles where they share their knowledge with government, the private sector and civic society. My aspirations for 2021 are that as a School, we remain committed to the notion that enhanced capacities and research-based knowl- edge remain necessary ingredients for growth. The implementation of the Research Plan will ensure that we remain focused by setting priorities and providing a framework to become more effective in in teaching and learning, research and development while enhanc- ing democratic practice and social justice in society in the coming years. This will result in the improvement of staff qualifications and lead to increased conference presentations and article publications in accredited journals. Prof. Pierre Joubert Head of School