2011-NMMU-Research-Report - Research Management - Nelson ...

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NMMU Research and Innovation Report 2011 - Research Excellence
An intriguing finding has been the discovery that once science and
mathematics literacy have been improved, the ability for problem
solving also improves among the learners - thereby demonstrating
a nexus between general literacy and abstract intelligence. Unrelated
skills, like being able to read map scales coalesce with other factors,
to build the overall intelligence of students.
He collaborates with Gothenburg University and Uppsala University
in Sweden, exploring what scientists understand with the concept
“matter”.
A further area under his probe is
answering the question whether there is
education for sustainable development.
“Fluid intelligence” and “cumulative intelligence” are areas that further
attract his research attention.
Prof Webb states that: “Education is what is left after you have
forgotten everything you learned.”
Estuarine Ecology
Prof Janine Adams
Prof Janine Adams focuses on aquatic botany, conservation
management and estuaries. She also worked closely with the
Department of Water Affairs in the development and implementation
of the National Water Act. The link between environment,
biodiversity and climate change questions are areas that attract
her attention.
”Linking up with what is topical”, is what she advises for researchers
to be on the pulse of their discipline - and getting ideas on what
future research to follow. She also finds it prudent to be responsive
to national and international challenges in the areas of her speciality.
She contributed to the writing of the St Lucia Estuary book, and
continues to provide expert advice to the National Biodiversity
Assessment Project, and development of the Biodiversity Act. Her
research addresses the important area of implementation. Water
quality management for estuaries is also under her purview.
In the year under review, three PhD
students completed their studies under
her supervision.
She works closely with the CSIR, other universities, KwaZulu-Natal
Wildlife, Cape Nature Reserve and internationally collaborates with
some colleagues in the field, at universities in Belgium and France.
In the year under review, three PhD students completed their studies
under her supervision. She is currently supervising 18 Masters and
Doctoral students. To date, she has successfully supervised 22
Masters and 11 Doctoral students. Indeed a remarkable completion
and success rate by her students.
The one challenge she relishes, yet is wary of, is teaching students
who are underprepared.
Construction Management: An
Eclectic Approach
Prof Winston Shakantu
Prof Winston Shakantu takes a closer look at small and medium
enterprises in the area of construction. He also looks at the components
of risk management in construction.
Prof Shakantu's passion is action
research to resolve problems.
In the year under review, he produced a PhD in Construction
Logistics. Additionally, another PhD, and two Masters students also
graduated under his supervision.