ACTIVE RESEARCH
Immersive learning in business schools
Prof Danie Petzer and Ms Louise Claassen from HBS Africa are collaborating on a research project to investigate the immersive learning modes of delivery (including physical local and international immersions and immersive technologies) and exploring what immersive learning looks like in a business school. The study is also investigating the impact of immersive learning experience on business school students, and how the adoption of immersive learning in business schools is facilitated. The project involves both desk research and in-depth interviews with learners, facilitators, and a range of different stakeholders.
Virtual reality films and accompanying cases
Three VR films, under the auspices of Ms Louise Claassen, have already been produced and seven case studies have been written to accompany the VR films. The titles of the seven completed cases are:
- Ofgen: eyeing growth in Africa’s sustainable energy sector
- Serena Hotels: deliberating the use of solar at Kenya’s Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge
- Sultan Green: data-driven conservation agriculture in Africa
- Agtech in Africa: digital solutions to empower small-scale farmers
- Gikomba Market: adapt or die, or something in between
- Gikomba Market: a vendor’s dilemma
- Gikomba Market: the life cycle of a shoe
A fourth film featuring Transnet has been completed and three case studies titled ‘Transnet Container Corridor: Affecting a modal shift from road to rail’, ‘Transnet Container Corridor: Embracing the power of 4IR thinking, tools and technology’ and ‘Transnet Container Corridor: The role of cross-silo leadership in driving competitiveness’ are being written to accompany it. This will provide our students with unique immersive learning experiences across the continent, without stepping out of the classroom. Adjunct faculty have been contracted to write the teaching notes accompanying the case studies.
A contract has been negotiated with The Case Centre to distribute Henley case studies internationally.
