Professor (M000104) at North West University

Job description
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION/ INTRODUCTION

• At the NWU Business School, we shape executive minds in Africa. Our mission is to provide transformative business and management education, equipping delegates with the competencies to become responsible leaders who can drive sustainable development in Africa and beyond. We are dedicated to fostering impactful change, innovation, and ethical leadership, preparing our graduates to navigate complex challenges and contribute to a brighter, more prosperous future for the continent and the world. 
• We are seeking a dynamic individual with a background in one of the following disciplines International Business/ Entrepreneurship, and Innovation. The ideal candidate will possess not only deep expertise in their area of specialization but also a passion for interdisciplinary research that tackles real-world business challenges, particularly those unique to the African context. The successful candidate will be expected to facilitate and supervise students in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) and doctoral degree candidates. The position of Professor is a highly esteemed and senior academic role that necessitates a candidate to exhibit excellence across multiple dimensions, including teaching and learning, research and innovation, academic leadership, management, and university service. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Teaching & Learning

• Deliver high-quality postgraduate lectures in the chosen specialisation, ensuring students understand both theoretical and applied aspects. 
• Complete courses provided by Centre for Teaching & Learning (CTL) and other relevant teaching and learning development programs to enhance teaching skills.
• Develop and keep study guide up-do-date in accordance with CTL requirements.
• Integration of responsible management practices and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into the curriculum is encouraged.
• To contribute to the field of teaching and learning by publishing articles in journals and presenting at evaluated conferences.
• Engagement in international teaching collaborations and partnerships is expected.
• Demonstrating contributions to curriculum transformation and assuming academic leadership roles within the institution and at a national level is also encouraged.
• Supervise or co-supervise a specific number of MBA Minidissertations and Doctoral degree students annually, with an average of three PhDs delivered over three years, subject to approval by the Faculty of Higher Degrees Committee.

Research 

• Engage in business-related research activities, contributing to the school's academic excellence.
• Substantial research expertise by publishing at least two high-quality articles in accredited and high-impact journals or peer-reviewed creative outputs.
• Recognition and Impact including achievements like a national Research Foundation (NRF) rating, prestigious awards, independent peer reviews, and active involvement in significant research projects.
• Demonstrate leadership within research-related professional subject societies and active participation in interdisciplinary initiatives and international collaborations to foster a collaborative research environment.
• Engage in various academic activities such as publications, exhibitions, performances, guest curatorship, and serving on external high-level selection committees to contribute to the academic and cultural landscape.
• Contributions to postdoctoral fellows, including mentoring and support, securing research funding, and participating in panel memberships related to research.
• Actively participate in collaborative international research projects, emphasising the importance of global cooperation and knowledge

Academic Leadership, Management, and Service

• Participate in academic leadership roles, contribute to committee involvement, and assist in student advising and recruitment.
• Contribute to student advising, recruitment activities, mentoring, and actively participate in curriculum development and the management of research facilities to enhance the educational experience. 
• Participate in academies, international academic associations, fostering a strong presence withing the academic community.
• Actively participate in the scientific committee, business school board meetings, and program meetings to contribute to decision-making and planning processes.
• Serve as an editor or co-editor for an academic journal, and contribute as a reviewer for academic journals, demonstrating expertise in the field. 
• Integrating academic knowledge into practical applications.

Social Responsiveness

• Actively participate in community initiatives, showcasing the school's commitment to social responsibility.
• Be actively engaged in Think Tanks and Pitsos, and present at least two Bon Bons annually, demonstrating a commitment to research and knowledge dissemination.
• Sharing academic expertise, knowledge, and participating in activities that benefit society at large.
• Show involvement in a university-registered community engagement project, underscoring a commitment to applying academic knowledge for the betterment of the community.

Minimum requirements

• A PhD (NQF Level 10) in International Business, Entrepreneurship, Innovation, or a closely related discipline.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ strong research and academic leadership experience such as serving on committees, heading a division or discipline, or other leadership positions within academics.
• Pertinent teaching and content generation experience in a Business School environment, specifically at the postgraduate level. The candidate should have a history of developing and delivering high-quality, innovative courses and programs that align with the needs of advanced learners.
• A distinguished track record of excellence in accredited scholarly research outputs, with publications in reputable journals and a demonstrated impact in their field of expertise.
• A proven record of national and international research collaboration and/or securing research funding. The candidate should have experience in building and maintaining research partnerships that extend beyond their immediate academic environment, contributing to a broader scholarly community.
• A proven history of successful research supervision at the master's and doctoral levels, guiding students through the complexities of their reserach projects and helping them achieve academic and professional success.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Computer literacy in MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint), email and internet.
• Clear evidence of strength in teaching and learning in a blended environment and research and innovation activity. 
• Knowledge of modern platforms (e.g. whiteboard technology, eFundi, etc.) to enhance the ongoing changing of the learning and collaboration environment.
• Knowledge, skills, and practical experience in the field of Data-driven Decision Making, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence, Natural language
• processing, or Machine Learning.
• Excellent problem-solving skills. 
• Demonstrated a high standard of interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in
• a multi-disciplinary environment. 
• Demonstrated language skills (in English and at least one other official South African Language) to function optimally within the multi-lingual
• environment of the NWU.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• Have excellent people and conflict resolution skills.
• Can apply time management and work independently (on their own and without supervision).
• Must be able to work well in a group.
• Demonstrate initiative and leadership in research and teaching and learning.
• The ability to maintain effective and constructive interpersonal relationships, as well as to motivate and persuade others to be effective, efficient, achieve agreed goals timely, behave harmoniously, and become or remain interdependent.
• A clear vision, effective, clear, and timely two-way communication, strong results, and people orientation, instilling trust, driving diversity, transformation, and ethics, and managing conflict proactively.
• A high level of professional and ethical conduct. Good planning and organising skills as well as good report writing skills. Effective time-management skills.