Academics in the Department of Human Resources (HR) have put together the first book which encapsulates professional standards with contemporary theories. This is the only book endorsed by the national HR professional body.

Dr Liiza Gie, who heads the Department, is the book’s editor while her colleagues Frances de Klerk and Taryn Kroukamp contributed chapters. The three academics contributed five of the book’s 15 chapters.

Published by Juta, Human Resources Management in Southern Africa: Contemporary Theories and Professional Practice Standards is endorsed by the South African Board for People Practices, the professional body which sets HR standards.

The book is priced at R450 and orders can be placed using the following link:

https://juta.co.za/catalogue/human-resource-management-in-southern-africa_28331

The authors are academics from various higher education institutions and HR consultants based throughout South Africa who are leaders in their areas of specialisation. It is divided into five parts and, to promote active student learning, each chapter concludes with its review questions, additional readings as well as useful websites, over and above the separate online resources accessible via the Juta link.

Designed for both novice and experienced HR students and practitioners to promote good governance and ethical standards within HR departments across Southern Africa, this is the first book which encapsulates the HR standards with contemporary theories as the underpinning theoretical knowledge combined with practical applications for the 21^st century world of work.

Gie said that as a CPUT alumna from National Diploma through to Doctorate levels, for her to put together an HR Management textbook for higher education students was “surreal and could only be completed by the grace of God Almighty”. “And as the Rector’s Medallist of 2002 I dedicated this book to my late mentor, Prof Marcus Balintulo,” she added.

She argued that the book is the scholars’ contribution to the HR body of knowledge, as they also conduct research to share with the fraternity. “In my HR professional career, it is important to give back to all HRM students, as they in turn, will pay it forward in the future,” added Gie.

“I am immensely proud of Dr Liiza Gie, Ms Frances de Klerk & Ms Taryn Kroukamp from the Faculty of Business & Management Sciences,” said the Faculty’s Dean, Prof Paul  Green.

Prof Mervyn King SC, former Advertising Standards Authority President, said the textbook is a concise but detailed collection of everything relevant to HR managers as the authors have been cognisant of the importance of human capital as a resource in the production of goods and rendering of services.

Written by Kwanele Butana

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Radiate Resilience: Revitalise your Spirit, Rejuvenate your Mind and Rebalance your Soul was the theme of a recent Women’s Month celebration hosted by the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences (FBMS).

The event, held at the Cape Town Hotel School (CTHS), commemorated women in the Faculty and in the broader community.

The celebration engaged women in a panel discussion focused on “real issues” which impact women, as well as a social element which included pamper sessions by the CPUT Somatology students, a self-defence demonstration by a 7th Dan black belt, bingo and spot prizes, cooking sessions by Chef Asi Ndamase of the CTHS, financial advice by Old Mutual, beauty and a literary session and a conversation with award-winning author and entrepreneur, Samantha Adams, who launched her new book Justice for a Warrior.

Mandie Richards, Senior Lecturer and the Transformation Forum chairperson, shared her insights on the theme and highlighted how important it is for women to find a balance, and stated: “As women we play various roles as mothers, sisters, daughters, grandmothers, friends, mentors, lovers, and perform endless chef duties, and often face many challenges as we try to navigate our journey”.

She added that resilience did not mean not seeking help, as that is the first step in healing and dealing with the stress women face, and that “it is okay to not be okay”. She continued: “It is important that we make the time to find our happy spaces or moments which provide a surge for us as women, to revitalise our spirits.”

Prof Desireé Scholtz, Assistant Dean: Teaching and Learning, shared a message from the Faculty’s Acting Dean, Prof Renitha Rampersad, who acknowledged the resilience of women and that part of resilience required mindfulness, and humility.

Taryn Kroukamp, Acting Head of the Human Resources Management Department and a member of the Faculty Women’s Day organising team, stated: “The theme encapsulates the essence of the women we strive to be”. Kroukamp reminded the audience, that a balanced soul is the foundation for a resilient spirit.

The panel, moderated by Candice Oliver, a lecturer in the Marketing Department, included Dr Jade Riley and Dr Caylyn Mopp, both medical doctors, Dorothy du Plooy, a CANSA health care specialist and Larnelle Vogel, a Human Resources Specialist focusing on financial education and job creation for women. The celebration provided a safe space for women to ask questions on issues affecting them or family members.

Du Plooy shared crucial information about breast and cervical cancer and responded to a barrage of questions from women as to fears and uncertainties. Mopp shared information as to hormonal therapy and recognised the fears which women have pertaining to cancer. Riley and Mopp also advised women to have regular checks and that it was essential to have pap smears.

Some of the questions posed related to women being scammed of their money by men or falling in love with unemployed men. Vogel emphasised the importance of women being part of the financial discussions with their partners and stated: “If it is not sitting well with you, call it out and see it as a red flag, and do not take on projects.”

Mopp was emphatic as she stated: “Stop working on men’s potential and work on our own potential, because as women we are powerful”. Du Plooy added her pearls of wisdom by sharing her perspective and concluded the panel conversation to loud applause from the audience, with this final comment: “You are losing the battle if you have to groom the man, as he is not your child. Not my circus, not my money”

The celebration continued with musical performances by vocal artists, all graduates in performing arts, and had the women joyously celebrating being women, in dance and song.

Written by CPUT News

Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.