Faculty of Business and Economic Sciences Graduation 2015: Ms Jean Howell (MTech Logistics)

Our very own Ms Jean Howell from the Logistics Department graduated with her masters degree (MTech Logistics) on 17 April 2015.

Ms Jean Howell on the furthest right

Q & A with  Ms Jean Howell:

What was the topic of your research?

“Key factors required by purchasing and supply departments
in the automotive manufacturing industry”.

Why did you decide on this topic inparticular?

I chose this topic as I was employed by Delta Motor
Corporation (General Motors SA) as a production buyer
for eight years in their Purchasing Department. I was
responsible for purchasing production requirements for
the motor vehicles. Due to my experience obtained in
the automotive manufacturing industry, I found that the
key factors required by world-class purchasing and supply
departments were not clearly defined or implemented
and this became of particular interest to me.

When did you start your post graduatestudies?

Although I did the majority of my research studies in 2014, I
commenced with some of the research in 2013.
How did you go about your research?
As the study mainly concentrated on the operational
aspects of firms in the automotive manufacturing industry,
questionnaires were sent to purchasing and supply
specialists of specifically identified firms.

What advice would you give students whowant to follow the masters path?

Choose a topic that is related to your job position/experience
if you are a part-time student as your working experience will
identify gaps on which your research can focus. The successful
completion of a masters requires discipline and dedication
but can be achieved if a student is committed to the study.
Excerpt from NMMU Faculty of Economics and Management Sciences Issue 1: Graduation 2015