Dr Steven Parbanath who is the Acting Head of Department (HOD) for the Department of Finance and Information Management (FIM) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), Midlands Campuses stated that being with the institution for the last 20 years has played a huge role in his love for technology.

“I have lectured various Information Technology modules in the Department of Management Sciences, Human Resources, Eco-Tourism and Public Management. My passion for technology has made me take the responsibility for introducing new qualifications at the Midlands in 2021 which include Diploma in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) for the Applications Development, Diploma in ICT for Business Analysis and a Higher Certificate in Information Technology (IT),” said Dr Parbanath.

He went on to explain that the department is planning to offer a new qualification called the Bachelor of Accounting in Public Sector next year and his vision is to increase the student’s population by 40% by the year 2030.

The innovative Dr Parbanath has managed to design a state-of-the-art Computer Laboratory at the Indumiso Campus for the (IT) students and new offices for IT staff. In 2021, an advisory board within the department was formed for the first time.

“One of my biggest desires is not only to grow as an individual but also to contribute to the growth of the FIM department and the university as a whole. My growth and development areas include improving on my research outputs, learning new teaching methods and strategies and improving in management styles as an HOD,” he said.

He also highlighted that he has accepted that his work comes with challenges that acquire skills to manage and overcome.

“One of the challenges that we encountered as a department was students who have old and slow devices who had issues with downloading software for online blended teaching and learning but this was resolved by purchasing the Windows Virtual Desktop (WVD) software for students.  This software assisted to speed up the student’s devices without having to do an upgrade.  As a result, students saved a lot of money,” explained Dr Parbanath.

When sharing his words of wisdom to students, he mentioned that they should continuously aspire to be the best and aim for higher achievements at all times especially if they want to cement their place in the education and corporate world.

Pictured: Dr Steven Parbanath

Zanele Mashaba