In a series of interviews with researchers and students to share their views on the impact the Library has on supporting their research, we had an interview with Dr Philani Zincume, a Senior Lecturer from the Department of Industrial Engineering.
Herewith more about Dr Zincume from his Researcher Profile at Stellenbosch University:
Dr. Philani Nduna Zincume, commonly referred to as Dr. Zee, is an Engineering Management researcher studying how organisations develop the capability to successfully implement socio-technical innovations. His research seeks to understand the leadership, governance and organisational capabilities required to translate engineering and digital innovations into sustainable organisational performance. His work draws on Engineering Management, Socio-Technical Systems and Systems Thinking, with applications in digital transformation, Industry 5.0, operational excellence and engineering organisations. He currently holds positions at Stellenbosch University, the University of Stellenbosch Business School, and SKEMA International Business School.
Which services of the Library do you use often?
I frequently use the Library’s online databases, electronic journals and research support services. I also value the assistance of faculty librarians, particularly when conducting literature reviews and locating specialised sources.
What is the most significant way the Library supports your research?
Access to high-quality academic databases and journals is probably the most significant support.
How does the Library’s expertise and support save you time?
Library staff have helped me identify appropriate databases, refine search strategies and access sources that may otherwise be difficult to locate (this particularly helped me a lot when I was completing my PhD).
How have consultation services assisted with research data and compliance?
Library guidance on data management plans, responsible data storage and institutional requirements helps clarify what is expected throughout the research process. This is particularly helpful for me when preparing research proposals and ethics applications.
What role does the Library play in open access publication and funding?
The Library helps researchers understand open access publishing options, identify reputable journals and navigate available funding arrangements for article-processing charges. This makes the publication process more accessible and helps researchers avoid potentially predatory journals.
Is the Library proactive in offering services aligned with your research needs?
Yes. The Library regularly communicates new resources, training opportunities and developments relating to research support, open access and data management. Workshops and individual consultations are particularly useful because they respond to changing research and publication requirements.
If you could change one service, what would it be?
I would introduce more discipline-specific, short training sessions tailored to researchers at different stages of a project. For example, focused sessions on advanced literature searching, systematic reviews, research data management and selecting suitable journals would be valuable.
Interview conducted with Dr Zincume via email