New program directors for business school

The pair took up their posts in January this year, taking the reins from Dr Vash Mungal who completed a term as director of all three programs in December. According to Professor Frank Horwitz, Director of the UCT GSB, the School decided to have two separate directors after reviewing the management structure of the academic programs.

Professor Horwitz said that he and the Academic Director of the School, Professor Colin Firer, believe Stringer and Ronnie bring unique strengths to their leadership roles.

“Both have extensive experience and both are longstanding members of the UCT GSB faculty with practical experience of their respective programs,” he said.

“Linda's academic credentials include a Masters degree and she is currently completing her PhD in the area of adult education. She has a deep appreciation of the principles and contemporary processes of management education. She is an energetic teacher who loves the classroom and has a sound track record in academic management.”

“Apart from a MCom from UCT, Lance graduated with an MBA from the UCT GSB and understands well the DNA of the UCT MBA and life-changing experience the UCT MBA provides students. Lance, as the CIO of the School, has also looked after the IT function at the School, ensuring our IT capability is world-class,” he said.

Before joining the GSB, Stringer worked for 15 years in financial services in a number of IT-management related roles. “…I really do get the sense that the MBA, after a period of re-assesment around the world, is poised to re-assert itself as the unique qualification it is. The renewed interest in the UCT MBA from around the world, as well as from African countries, is an early indicator of this. When it comes to challenging, exposing, and dare we say, moulding individuals, to what it means to be a professional and an effective manager or leader concerned with more than just the bottom-line, the MBA has few peers,” said Stringer.

Ronnie said that her first task is to maintain the good progress that the School has seen with its AIM and PDBA programs and re-evaluating them to ensure that they grow and resonate with the market.

“It is critical to ensure that our offerings are relevant to a changing world, provide students with valuable knowledge, and develop critical thinking to enable them to innovate and challenge established patterns,” she said.

Prior to entering academia, Linda spent 15 years in the manufacturing industry in various management roles.