The Innovation Hub - a community for creators of the future

Top ICT post-graduates launched into the marketplace by The Innovation Hub's CoachLab™

5 December 2007

Eighteen post-graduate students showcased inventive solutions developed over a nine-month training period for real-time ICT projects, at The Innovation Hub's CoachLab™ Leadership Programme annual graduation ceremony held at The Innovation Hub on 3 December 2007.

The technologies developed included an IP (internet protocol) phone-based wireless panic button, a web-based portal for independent Network consultants, an SMS testing software system, a physical access and security solution for internal corporate use, and an innovative virtual receptionist that serves as a one-stop client service centre. Other projects undertaken were an SAP HR implementation project and a Human Resources Management project around converting Key Performance Areas into measurable success factors.

Now in its seventh year of operation, the CoachLab™ focuses on developing world-class human capital for the applied science and technology industry. The Programme partners provide the infrastructure and entrepreneurial environment, postgraduate candidates and technical expertise, project work, mentorship, supervision, and sponsorship.

Through the CoachLab™, The Innovation Hub has partnered with local industry and universities to create a year-long leadership development programme to help bridge the gap between the academic and business worlds. Candidates participate in action-learning projects that stimulate innovative thinking and develop leadership potential.

Dr Jannie Zaaiman, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Communications at Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) says that programmes such as the CoachLab™ play an important role in the University's value chain by enhancing the institution's ability to assist students in the transition from the academic to the business world.

The candidates are exposed to a 'hands-on' entrepreneurial learning environment where they work on real-time projects to gain valuable practical experience. The focus is on integrating technical knowledge, leadership and practical skills, to provide students with experiences that teach them to take initiative, apply knowledge and solve problems while working on critical projects.

Neil Harper of Standard Bank, an industry partner of the CoachLab™ said that the 2007 candidates have shown particular commitment to the programme and the dual challenge of excelling in both work and study. "We congratulate the students for this fantastic achievement. It is something they can all be proud of."

Michael Mapheto, a BCom Informatics student at the University of Pretoria (UP) says that the CoachLab™ experience has been of great value. "It's a continuation of where we left off with our undergrad studies. By combining our theoretical knowledge with practical skills we are actually growing our knowledge in a practical manner, and it prepares us for the industry." Fellow UP student, Xihungasi Golele adds, "Having to juggle both school and work was a challenge. At the same time that taught me a lot. I learned to prioritise, to be more disciplined, and to manage time. We were left to grow and learn on our own. I think that was done on purpose to see how professional and how much of leaders we are. "

These sentiments were endorsed by Jabulani Nhlapo, an MTech in Electrical Engineering student at TUT who was also voted 'most promising leader' by the CoachLab™ students, saying "In my experience, you actually become different. Even your behaviour shows that you are no longer 100% academic. CoachLab™ adds something more that shows growth - academically and socially."

CoachLab™'s partnering approach provides benefits for all stakeholders. Involvement in the programme affords companies with a 'fresh eye' for service and product development and access to innovative ideas while applying due diligence on possible future employees. Universities benefit from enhanced relationships with industry and from practical exposure to industry projects.

Dr Jill Sawers, Manager of the CoachLab™ Programme announced at the graduation ceremony that it was a great pleasure to announce that the ISETT-Seta had joined the CoachLab™ programme as a sponsoring partner. The CoachLab™ has now become a truly public-private partnership.

The CoachLab™ partners:

Cisco Systems is the worldwide leader in networking for the internet. Cisco hardware, software, and service offerings are used to create Internet solutions that allow individuals, companies, and countries to increase productivity, improve customer satisfaction and strengthen competitive advantage.
EPI-USE Africa is an IT professional services consultancy company with SAP HR System implementations, SAP Netweaver and bespoke IT system development as its main focus. The company deploys leading edge processes and technology for effective and efficient human capital and information technology management.
Isett-Seta (Information Systems, Electronics and Telecommunications Technologies Sector Education and Training Authority) was established specifically to address skills development in the Information Communications and Technologies Sector. The Isett Seta aims to generate, facilitate and accelerate the processes of skills development for workers at all levels in the Isett sector by linking future technology trends with new skills development programs.
MTN is a pre-eminent provider of telecommunication services, focused on cellular network access and business solutions in emerging markets. MTN has grown rapidly into a multinational telecommunications group with a proven record of technological innovation, and a corporate culture that thrives on challenge.
The Standard Bank Group is Africa's largest bank with a network in 18 African countries and 21 countries outside of Africa. In Africa the Group provides retail and corporate banking services, and has established itself as a leader in banking technology for the personal and business markets in South Africa.
The Resilience Company is a women empowered company, focusing on Talent Management. It provides systems and solutions to companies in order to plan, measure and evaluate organisational and people performance. iCentric Consulting is a proud partner of The Resilience Company in providing Business Intelligence solutions, expertise and systems to clients.
Tshwane University of Technology's faculty of Information and Communications Technology is one of only two dedicated ICT faculties in South Africa. This dedicated focus enables effective management of the complex ever-changing IT infrastructure. The faculty also offers specialised qualifications that are unique in higher education in South Africa - developed in close collaboration with industry.
The University of Pretoria is the leading research university in South Africa and one of the largest in the country. UP is the University with the highest research output in South Africa. The University is ranked as one of the top 500 universities in the world and is only one of four universities in South Africa to have achieved this distinction.
University of South Africa (UNISA) is Africa's leading distance learning institution, nurturing inspiring leaders of tomorrow. It offers internationally accredited qualifications and has world-class resources that inspire learners to create meaningful futures on their own terms.

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