26/04/2021

The Department of Business Management wishes to Congratulate Junior Lecturer, Mr Storm Watson, who completed his Master of Commerce in Business Management degree. Mr Watson graduated cum laude from Nelson Mandela University during the April 2021 virtual graduation period and has subsequently shared a bit more about his research and academic journey thus far.

 

The title of Mr Watson’s Masters dissertation is “A systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa”. The study set out to apply a mixed methods approach to a systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa. Research into working capital management has primarily focused on the effect it has on a business’s profitability, liquidity and performance. There is, however, limited research on the topic of working capital management in South Africa and, as such, the primary objective of the study was to review research outputs on working capital management in South Africa. The purpose of the study was to identify research gaps in the current body of knowledge by means of the development of a recommendation’s framework.

 

The study ultimately revealed that there are various untapped avenues of research relating to working capital management; and specifically related to the methodology, data analysis, data collection and types of research outputs in this field. These untapped research avenues can be addressed by future researchers to broaden the body of knowledge pertaining the field of working capital management. It is believed that the study has identified critical areas in the field of working capital management that are in need of further research, so that the current body of knowledge can be expanded.

With a father who is an economics teacher, Mr Watson was introduced to the world of commerce studies at a young age. It did not take him long to realise that he wanted to pursue a career in the field of commerce and in particular, management. After initially completing a BCom degree majoring in Business Management, Mr Watson furthered his studies by attaining his Honours in Business Management degree. Having built the aspiration during his studies to become a lecturer, the next logical step in his academic career was to tackle a Masters degree. He believes that teaching/lecturing is more than a mere occupation in his eyes, but rather a passion.

 

Having made the decision to become a full-time academic, Mr Watson wasted little time getting his career started (those who know him can attest to his desire to not waste any time). Immediately after completing his Honours degree at the end of 2019, Mr Watson started his Masters studies and also began working as a Junior Lecturer in the Department of Business Management. In the matter of a few months, he had adopted the role of coordinator for the first year business management modules, as well as the Moodle and general online support assistant for various other modules in the Department.

 

Despite the incredible progress that Mr Watson has made and his achievements, it has not always been smooth sailing. According to Mr Watson, the biggest challenge that he encountered during his Masters journey had to be time management. This was compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic, while he lost his mother earlier in the year after an extended period of illness. Later in 2020 he also got married, so it was not always easy to balance personal, work and academic life. Through these difficult and busy times, Mr Watson has paid credit to his supervisor, Prof Miemie Struwig, who understood him, supported him (both academically and personally) and guided him in every aspect of his journey. He describes Prof Struwig as the most amazing supervisor, without whom he would not have been able to complete his Masters; and for that, he is extremely grateful.

 

The biggest lesson that Mr Watson learnt through his Masters journey was that, although he was grieving, he made a promise to his mother that he would complete his studies and complete them well. “What that taught me was that no matter the current circumstances you are faced with, when you dedicate yourself to something and you have a purpose to do something, you will find a way to make it work.” Mr Watson also shared some advice and tips for current and aspiring researchers:

  • “I would encourage anyone to do their Masters or to pursue any form of education for that matter. Your knowledge and experience are things that no one can take away from you.”
  • “Listen to your supervisor – they know more than you.”
  • “Enjoy your topic – if you don’t then you have the wrong topic.”
  • “Enjoy the process - don’t rush, but don’t be too slow either.”

 

Congratulations again to Mr Watson. All of us in the Department of Business Management wish you well in your future endeavours and look forward to supporting you in your PhD journey!

Contact information
Mr Storm Watson
Lecturer in Business Management
Tel: 041 504 4065
storm.watson@mandela.ac.za