The Department of Financial Accounting hosted an Entrepreneurship and Project-Based Learning Seminar from 1 November 2023 to 2 November 2023 at the Coastlands Hotel and Conference Centre.
The event focused on the outstanding projects undertaken by DUT Advanced Diploma students in the module Financial Reporting 4. Students who displayed exceptional potential were invited to participate. These projects showcased the students’ innovative solutions to financial issues in organisations.
From wireless inventory control to online booking and tracking websites, the department’s students demonstrated ingenuity that contributes significantly to cost, sales, and profit analysis, showing the department’s commitment to innovation and student-centred education aligning with the institutions’ ENVISION2030, fostering a culture of accountability, sustainability, and adaptability.
The Department of Financial Accounting at Durban University of Technology (DUT) stands as a beacon of excellence in shaping future accountants. Its unwavering commitment to student-centred education and innovative practices has been recognised through the award of two Project-Based Learning (PBL) grants in the year 2023; namely R150 000 for ECP COIL and R150 000 for Advanced Financial Reporting.
Head of Department, Dr Ferina Marimuthu expressed her exhilaration on the recent achievements and the extraordinary work that was undertaken by the Financial Accounting Department.
“In 2023, we were honoured with two Project-Based Learning (PBL) grants, a testament to our unwavering commitment to student-centred education. One of these grants was awarded to the module Financial Reporting 4, led by the exceptional Mrs Stephanie Caroline Samuel. She has been the driving force behind our innovative projects, and I must commend our remarkable project team, consisting of Ms Nolwando Mgilane and Mr Sharanam Abbana. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in achieving this recognition for the second consecutive year (in 2022 and 2023). Our projects have a clear focus on the future of the accounting profession, ensuring our graduates remain relevant in a world accelerating with technological advancements. To achieve this, we have introduced both PBL and Design-Thinking strategies, enhancing the assessment experience for our students,” she stressed.
Further into the workshop, innobiz DUT Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation hosted a session during the seminar, providing valuable insights to the students. They explored opportunities available at DUT and guided students on how to turn their ideas into successful business ventures.
Some of the students spoke of their experiences at the workshop. Nonceba Dyido said she had gained a lot of knowledge through the workshop, and this has improved her problem-solving and design thinking.
Ntethelelo Sibiya said: “The interactive teaching methodology, combined with an emphasis on collaboration, facilitated a new level of excellence in our project pursuits.”
Dr Marimuthu expressed how incredibly proud they are of their students and have no doubt that they will accomplish great things.
“As we continue to embrace innovation, entrepreneurship, and student-centred education, we look forward to a bright and dynamic future at the Department of Financial Accounting,” she said.
Pictured: Delegates at the workshop. (Picture supplied).
Waheeda Peters
