Welcome

The mission of the Optentia Research Unit is to develop and organise knowledge for the optimal expression of individual, social and institutional potential, with a specific interest in the African context. The research unit utilises the inputs from multiple disciplines: Economics, Educational Sciences, Employment Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, Philosophy, Psychology (Work and Organisational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Clinical Psychology), Risk Management, Social Anthropology, Social Work, and Sociology. We study the optimisation of the potential of people and institutions by focusing on pathways from precarity to capability and optimal functioning. Optentia's research is organised into six programmes

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Symposia

Technology, Humanity, and the Ethical Compass: Charting the Course of Capability Development - 04 April 2024

The symposium aims to chart a course for the future of capability development that is ethically grounded, human-centric, and socially responsible, fostering a dialogue among researchers, practitioners, and policymakers from diverse fields to collaborate towards a more equitable and humane technological future.
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Recent news

Public lecture explores embracing the technological revolution for positive organisational practices

Prof Llewellyn van Zyl, extraordinary professor at the North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit, recently delivered a public lecture titled "Embracing the technological revolution". Prof Van Zyl, ...Read article

Shaping the future together: A symposium on technology and humanity

On 4 April 2024 (10:00-12:30), Optentia will host a symposium with the following title: "Technology, Humanity and the Ethical Compass: Charting the Course of Capability Development. International experts from Taiwan, Korea, N...Read article

Students deliver stellar performance in BRICS Skills competition

A team of students from the North-West University (NWU), under the guidance of computer scientist and lecturer Dr Japie Greeff, recently participated in the BRICS Skills competition in China in the Data Analysis and Visualisation ...Read article

Combatting Unemployment: Three Steps to Go

Prof. Roland Blonk, professor at Tilburg University and extraordinary professor at North-West University, South Africa, recently visited the Optentia Research Unit, sharing insights on behaviours of individuals, professionals, and...Read article

Newsletter, December 2023

Upcoming events

13

March

Optentia Scientific Committee
08:00 - PhD proposal: L. Dennis; 09:00 - Master’s proposal: H.M. H...

14

March

NWU-HREC Meeting
Agenda Closes: 23 February 2024

15

March

19

March

27

March

Visit to Optentia
Prof. Sufen Chen, Dean of Academic Affairs, Director of Empower Voca...

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