By BAKANG MOKOTO
The North West University’s acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Linda du Plessis received international awards for her outstanding research from the Emerald partners with the Higher Education Teaching and Learning Association (HETL).
Du Plessis, who awarded her second doctorate in 2020, received recognition from two international academic institutions and associations for the quality of her study. After completing her Doctorate in Business Administration (DBA) at the University of Bath in England, Emerald Publishing Limited – a scholarly publisher of academic journals and books in the fields of management, business, education, library studies, healthcare and engineering – awarded her the Emerald Award for Outstanding Doctoral Research in 2020.
Emerald Publishing Limited considers candidates who completed their studies in the past three years for this award.
Du Plessis said: “The exploration focuses on institutionalised practices that triggered radical change at South African public universities, the influence of legitimacy demands on universities’ ability to deal with radical change, the identification and reconsideration of rational myths during radical change.
“Because of the complexity of the higher-education environment and the involvement of multiple resources and relationships with internal and external stakeholders, a single theory cannot cover all the aspects affected by the radical change.”
She further said the informed analysis of the sense-making of legitimacy during radical institutional change, provides insight for future leaders on steering change in a complex environment coupled with the multifaceted dynamics of highly institutionalised organisations.
Du Plessis added that education is globally perceived as a key enabler in providing a better future for the youth and reducing inequality.
“Sustainable development goal four of the United Nations (UN), calls for inclusive, equitable and quality education for all. The topic I covered, which is leadership during a crisis, is important yet largely overlooked in higher-education studies.
“It is such an honour receiving these awards. One often doubts their own abilities, but this topic was something close to my heart and was such an enriching experience. I would like to thank my study leader, Prof Hong Bui for tremendous support and contributions towards this,” she said.
Du Plessis said the value of this DBA is multifaceted and she has new appreciation for the important role as study leaders and promoters must fulfil in providing guidance and constructive academic advice. She said furthermore, the networks established because of this study are invaluable.
According to Emerald Publishing Limited, their goal is to help find solutions to the disparities across the world by supporting researchers working in this area.
“We are proud to support the global research community through an award programme that recognises exceptional doctoral research that addresses the sustainable development goals of the UN.
“These goals are an urgent call for action by all countries to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, peace and justice.”
On 28 April 2022, Du Plessis was also awarded the Richard and Shirley Mawditt Prize for outstanding performance on the DBA. The Director of the Higher Education Management Programmes of the University of Bath, Prof Dan Davies said: “It is my pleasure to let you know that – in addition to your Doctorate in Business Administration qualification – you have been awarded this prize, which was conferred by a panel of the DBA academic team and approved by our Board of Studies.”
The Guardian 