University of Venda Delegation Visits UGBS for a Benchmarking Exercise

University of Venda Delegation Visits UGBS for a Benchmarking Exercise

The University of Ghana Business School (UGBS) hosted a delegation from the University of Venda, South Africa, on 9th October 2024 at the UGBS Graduate Campus for a benchmarking exercise and potential collaborations. Prof. Barwa Kanyane, Executive Dean, led other senior faculty members: Prof. Emmanuel Oseifuah- Head of the Department of Accountancy, Prof. Norman Chiliga- Professor of Business Management, Entrepreneurship and Marketing, Prof. EK Oseifuah- Department of Accountancy, Prof. Vusani Moyo- Professor of Accounting and Finance, Dr. Ma Dagume, and Dr. K. Khashane. 

The visitors were welcomed by Prof. Gordon Abekah-Nkrumah, Head, the Department of Health Services Management (UGBS). Prof. Abekah-Nkrumah provided an overview of UGBS and highlighted its involvement in the Global Network for Advanced Management (GNAM), and other collaborations with international academic institutions. He mentioned that UGBS is committed to student and faculty exchanges, joint research projects, PhD supervision, and collaborative initiatives. 

Prof. Barwa Kanyane shared insights about the University of Venda, detailing its history and transformation efforts aimed at positioning it alongside historically advantaged universities in South Africa. He explained that the University of Venda, which does not yet have a business school, intends to establish one and is looking to UGBS as an entry point into Ghana to learn and gather insights for this purpose. He added that the institution is undergoing significant changes to improve its competitiveness and academic offerings. He further spoke about the student population, various faculties, the 4 major programmes and their qualifications.  

Prof. Tweneboah-Koduah, Head, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship (UGBS), noted that the school prioritises quality education and societal impact over the number of undergraduate students it enrols. He also discussed the engagement of corporate executives in teaching to provide practical, real-world insights to students, enhancing their learning experience. 

Prof. William Coffie, Head, Department of Accounting (UGBS), expanded on the school’s academic and administrative structure, explaining the involvement of part-time lecturers from industry to bring specialised expertise into the classroom. He also provided an overview of UGBS’ master’s programmes, executive education courses (Short Courses), and how the school targets industry professionals, civil servants, and public executives for its special programmes. 

In discussions on financial challenges, Prof. Kanyane highlighted the government’s role in determining the number of students admitted annually at the University of Venda and noted some of the advantages they enjoy as a state institution. Prof. Tweneboah-Koduah also explained that fees charged at UGBS are regulated by the government. 

The delegation from the University of Venda inquired about UGBS’ Executive MBA (EMBA) programme structure, and Prof. Abekah-Nkrumah explained adding the processes for the introduction of new courses, as well as the programme's alignment with the needs of the business community. In concluding the discussions, Prof. Kanyane expressed the University of Venda's desire to formalise a partnership with UGBS and extended an invitation for future collaborations, reinforcing their intent to learn from UGBS as they work towards establishing their business school. 

Present also for the exercise was Prof. Damoah Obi Berko, Head, Department of Organisation & Human Resource Management, Prof. James Kwame Mensah, Department of Public Administration and Mr. Emmanuel Poku-Sarkodee, School Administrator.