VUT’s Research Focus Areas

Development in particular fields depends on research that is sustained.

Development in fields ranging from social sustainability to telecommunications and metallurgy to biotechnology all depend on sustained research. Research in defined fields of study allows researchers to focus on particular issues that require problem-solving. Research focus areas are composed of research centres where researchers are provided with the tools and funds necessary to conduct their studies in order to supplement these research programmes and initiatives. Many of the research centres and initiatives at VUT are externally funded either through the NRF or private organisations and companies.

Take a look at some of the research focus areas and research institutions run by the researchers, coordinators and students at the Vaal University of Technology.

Human Sciences Development

Develop strategies for promoting socio-economic resilience and environmental sustainability in the Southern African region by integrating insights from human sciences disciplines such as tourism, hospitality, education, public relations management, communication, visual arts, legal sciences and ecotourism management.

Medical, Health & Wellbeing

In the realm of Medical Health and Wellbeing, our faculty boasts two dedicated research teams. These teams are deeply engaged in drug discovery and phytochemistry research, utilizing microbiology, molecular biology, and immunology expertise. Their investigations span from fundamental research to increasingly applied projects.

Water & Remediation

In the domain of Water and Remediation, our materials and nanotechnology research teams are tirelessly working on innovative solutions for removing heavy metals and dyes from water. These sustainable technologies are developed from organic waste materials with a strong emphasis on enhancing removal efficiency.

People management

People management and organisational behaviour studies is at the core of effective HR practices lies Strategic HRM. This approach aligns HR functions with an organization’s overall strategic objectives. Faculty members delve into the development of HR strategies that support the attainment of long-term business goals.

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Management (SCM) is at the heart of modern business operations. It involves the coordination and optimization of various processes, from sourcing raw materials to delivering products or services to consumers. Within this focus area, there is a growing emphasis on sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the Green Supply Chain.

Consumer Behaviour Studies

Understanding consumer behaviour is paramount for any organization’s success. Faculty members delve into the psychology, motivations, and decision-making processes of consumers. This focus area equips students with the skills to anticipate and influence consumer choices, crucial in the competitive marketplace.

Financial Management

Financial Management is the backbone of any organization’s decision-making process. This focus area delves into the strategies, tools, and techniques used to optimize financial resources, allocate capital efficiently, and manage risk. Students learn to make informed financial decisions to drive organizational success.

Manufacturing Technologies

MT is a theme-based research area and leverages on knowledge and resources across engineering and science to develop manufacturing-related solutions to broad and complex societal problems. Research encompasses a wide range of research sub-focus areas that aim at developing sustainable solutions for various industries.

Wastewater Treatment

Modified Activated Sludge Process with Zero Sludge Production-Reduction of sludge by SPRAS and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). This is joint research between the department of Chemical and Metallurgical Engineering and Water Research Commission (WRC) from 2020. The WRC has funded the research up to R 1 Million.

Energy supply

At the Centre of Alternative Energy, Masters and Doctoral students are trained and research on improving the sustainability and efficiency of solar and wind electrical energy technologies. This is in resonance to the worldwide quest for storage of electrical energy generated by green technologies.

Sustainable Beneficiation

This involves processing of various primary and secondary resources towards sustainability in material supply for various industrial and engineering use. Beneficiation processes must continue to improve, particularly in processing of leaner primary occurrences with acceptable efficiencies.

VUT Focus Areas

Research Focus Areas at the Vaal University of Technology pinpoint South African, African and the global south issues, developing and improving the research made by others working in similar fields. VUT focusses on areas that will positively benefit from the research made by our students and researchers. Ultimately the aim is to alleviate or respond to the challenges experienced in the developing world. All the work done by our researchers and students is gathered and stored in VUT’s repositories and archives.

Research Capacity Development Programmes

The workshops covered interactive methods of inquiry, concept analysis & historical analysis, alternative methods of data collection
The workshops covered basic introduction, basic qualitative research, introduction to mixed methods, implementation & return on investment
 The workshop takes the participants on a journey from the inception of the problem, the research design, the interview protocol, the collection of the data, the analysis of the data and the display and presentation of the findings. Reading material on the most current trends in qualitative research will be distributed amongst the participants
 To guide researchers in completing grant/funding proposals
 To support researchers in achieving accredited research outputs, for example, publishing articles in journals or research reports for qualification. Faculty customised workshops are presented to address specific contexts and needs.

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