{"id":54,"date":"2017-01-15T16:45:30","date_gmt":"2017-01-15T16:45:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/ieom2018\/?page_id=54"},"modified":"2026-04-23T20:00:48","modified_gmt":"2026-04-23T20:00:48","slug":"keynotes","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/keynotes\/","title":{"rendered":"Keynotes"},"content":{"rendered":"

Keynote Speakers
<\/span><\/strong><\/h1>\n
\n

Wednesday, May 13, 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

10:00 – 10:10, <\/span>Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – <\/span>Conference Chair Welcome Message:<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n

\"\"Prof Bingwen Yan<\/strong>
Head of Department<\/strong>
Department of Operations Management<\/strong>
Cape Peninsula University of Technology<\/strong>
Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Bingwen Yan is based at Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa.<\/p>\n

Bingwen Yan is a professor and the Head of the Department of Operations Management and Past Head of Industrial and Systems Engineering at the Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, South Africa.<\/p>\n

His research spans a wide range of fields, including industrial engineering, engineering management, public administration and business management.<\/p>\n

\n

10:10 – 10:30, Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – <\/span>Host University Welcome<\/strong><\/p>\n

Professor Chris Nhlapo<\/strong>
Vice-Chancellor<\/strong>
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)<\/strong>
Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n

10:30-11:00,\u00a0<\/span>Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – <\/span>IEOM Welcome and Keynote<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"AhadAli\"<\/a>Dr. Ahad Ali<\/strong>
Associate Professor<\/strong>
Director, Director of Doctor of Engineering in Advanced Manufacturing
<\/strong>Director of Industrial Engineering Programs (BSIE and MSIE)<\/strong>
A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics and Industrial Engineering<\/strong>
Lawrence Technological University,\u00a0Southfield, Michigan, USA<\/strong>
Chief Executive Officer (CEO), IEOM Society International<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Ahad Ali<\/strong>\u00a0is an associate professor and director of industrial engineering programs (BSIE & MSIE) and director of a graduate certificate in Lean Six Sigma at A. Leon Linton Department of Mechanical, Robotics, and Industrial Engineering of the Lawrence Technological University (LTU), Southfield, Michigan, USA. He established the Siemens Electro-Matic Industrial Engineering Lab at LTU. Dr. Ali was the primary author of the ABET self-study report of the BSIE Program at LTU in 2022. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology (KUET), Bangladesh, a Master\u2019s in Systems and Engineering Management from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, and a Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, USA. Dr. Ali was an Assistant Professor in Industrial Engineering at the University of Puerto Rico \u2013 Mayaguez, a Visiting Assistant Professor in Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing Engineering at the University of Toledo, and a Lecturer in Mechanical Engineering at the Bangladesh Institute of Technology, Khulna. He received an Outstanding Professor Award from the Industrial Engineering Department, University of Puerto Rico -Mayaguez. Dr. Ali has been recognized with a Fulbright Award. He has published 75 journal papers and 150 conference papers. Dr Ali conducted research projects with Chrysler, Ford, DTE Energy, New Center Stamping, Whelan Co., Delphi Automotive System, GE Medical Systems, International Truck and Engine Corporation (ITEC), and Rockwell Automation. His research interests include manufacturing systems, quality, lean, six-sigma, simulation, artificial intelligence, supply chain, and optimization. He supervised 11 doctoral students in Doctor of Engineering in Manufacturing Systems (DEMS). He is a Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IEOM Society International. Dr. Ali is a Co-Chair of the International Conference on Industrial Engineering and Operations Management. Dr. Ali organized IEOM conferences around the globe on six continents including Dhaka, Kuala Lumpur, Istanbul, Bali, Dubai, Orlando, Detroit, Rabat, Bristol, Bogota, Paris, Washington, DC, Lima, Johannesburg, Bangkok, Pilsen, Toronto, Costa Rica, Monterrey, Sao Paulo, Riyadh, Manila, Melbourne, New Delhi, Sydney, Augsburg, Tokyo, and Muscat. He is an associate editor of the IJIEOM. Dr. Ali is a member of IEOM, INFORMS, SME, and IEEE.<\/p>\n

\n

11:00 – <\/span><\/strong> 11:30 am, <\/span>Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Christine Taphel <\/strong>
Chief Executive Officer, RLabs South Africa<\/strong>
Reconstructed Living Lab (RLabs)<\/strong>
Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Presentation Title: Beyond the Divide: Rewiring the Future for Women and Youth<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Christine Nicola Taphel is the Chief Executive Officer of RLabs, where her visionary leadership has played a pivotal role in establishing the RLabs Innovation Lab. Collaborating with renowned institutions such as MIT, Google, London School of Economics, and the Rockefeller Foundation, Christine has been at the forefront of harnessing social innovation to drive impactful social and economic change.<\/p>\n

Passionate about empowering the younger generation and women, Christine is a co-founder of GROW Leadership Academy, RLabs Youth Cafe, and RLabs Women. Her educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Linguistics from the University of Western Cape, complemented by certificates in Effective People Management and Internet Technology from the University of Cape Town. In addition to her leadership role, Christine actively mentors startups through RLabs’ Innovation & Entrepreneurship Support programs, contributing to the growth and success of emerging businesses.<\/p>\n

Christine Nicola Taphel’s journey as the CEO of RLabs and her ventures reflect a deep commitment to innovation, empowerment, and positive societal change. Her leadership continues to shape the landscape of social entrepreneurship, leaving a lasting impact on communities and individuals alike.<\/p>\n

Beyond her role at RLabs, Christine is a versatile entrepreneur, founding Hit@Thirty1 Her Immaculate Theory, a thriving media platform dedicated to transforming the lives of women and girls, helping them discover their unique voice and design. She is also the co-founder of Maggie\u2019s Laundry and Christine\u2019s Delights, showcasing her commitment to diverse entrepreneurial ventures.<\/p>\n

\n

11:30 – 12:00<\/span> am, Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dr Rechard Noor<\/strong>
Managing Director, W-Tech Manufacturing and Fibretek Manufacturing<\/strong>
Group Managing Director, H&M Group<\/strong>
Research Associate, Nelson Mandela University<\/strong>
Chairperson, Community Chest of the Western Cape<\/strong>
Chairperson, Advisory Board Meeting, Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Cape Peninsula University of Technology<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr Rechard Noor is a distinguished South African industrialist, academic, and community leader whose career spans over four decades of transformative leadership in the manufacturing and operations management sectors. He currently serves as Managing Director of W-Tech Manufacturing and Fibretek Manufacturing, and as Group Managing Director of the H&M Group\u2014an integrated portfolio of advanced manufacturing companies operating across composite materials, industrial coatings, and polymer technologies. Under his strategic stewardship, the Group has evolved from a struggling enterprise into a highly competitive and profitable industrial organisation.<\/p>\n

Dr Noor holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Nelson Mandela University, where his research examined decentralised organisational systems, human capital development, radical transformation, and sustainability within advanced manufacturing environments. His scholarly contributions are anchored in bridging theory and practice\u2014linking strategic management and organisational innovation with the operational realities of industrial enterprises. His book, Radical Transformation and Sustainability for an Advanced Manufacturing Industry (2020), co-authored with Dr Oswald Franks, Prof Brink Botha, and Prof Bingwen Yan, has become a key reference in understanding transformative approaches to manufacturing resilience, human-centred leadership, and sustainable growth in emerging economies.<\/p>\n

Over the years, Dr Noor has been instrumental in redefining leadership and operational excellence within South Africa\u2019s manufacturing landscape. His pioneering implementation of decentralised management systems and advanced human capital development models has consistently resulted in improved productivity, workforce empowerment, and long-term organisational sustainability. His work exemplifies how engineering management principles can be strategically aligned with social innovation to foster inclusive industrial growth.<\/p>\n

Within academia, Dr Noor serves as a Research Associate at Nelson Mandela University, contributing to studies in industrial transformation and sustainable operations management. He also holds prominent governance and advisory positions at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, where he chairs the Advisory Board in Operations Management and Industrial Engineering. In these capacities, he plays a crucial role in strengthening the interface between industry and higher education, ensuring that academic programmes remain responsive to the evolving needs of the manufacturing and operations sectors.<\/p>\n

Beyond academia and industry, Dr Noor has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to community development and ethical leadership. As Chairperson of the Community Chest of the Western Cape and Chairperson of the Electronic Recycling Association of South Africa, he advocates for corporate citizenship, sustainability, and environmental responsibility. His leadership extends to various non-profit and sports organisations, reflecting his holistic view of leadership as a vehicle for social transformation.<\/p>\n

Dr Noor\u2019s thought leadership has been featured on major media platforms including ENCA, Heart FM, Good Hope FM, and KFM, where he has shared insights on sustainability, governance, and energy efficiency. His professional journey\u2014from an apprentice fitter and turner at Murray & Roberts Engineering to the helm of a major industrial group\u2014embodies resilience, continuous learning, and visionary leadership.<\/p>\n

Guided by his enduring philosophy that \u201ctrue transformation is not about politics or power\u2014it is about unlocking human potential and building organisations and societies that are ethical, sustainable, and people-centred,\u201d Dr Rechard Noor continues to inspire the next generation of engineers, entrepreneurs, and community builders across Africa and beyond.<\/p>\n

\n

12:00 – 12:30, <\/span>Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Jingshan Li
Head and Chair Professor<\/strong>
Department of Systems Engineering<\/strong>
City University of Hong Kong<\/strong>
Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Jingshan Li is the Head and Chair Professor in Department of Systems Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR. He was the Head and Gavriel Salvendy Chair Professor in Department of Industrial Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China. He received BS, MS, and PhD degrees from Tsinghua University, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and University of Michigan, in 1989, 1992 and 2000, respectively. Before joining Tsinghua University in 2021, he was with General Motors R&D Center, University of Kentucky, and University of Wisconsin-Madison.<\/p>\n

Dr. Li has published 2 textbooks, 7 book volumes, and more than 270 refereed journal articles, book chapters, and conference proceedings. He has been the Senior Editors, Associate Editors, and Chairs of many top journals and conferences. He has been the Chairs of IEEE Technical Committees on Sustainable Production Automation, and Healthcare Management Automation.<\/p>\n

Dr. Li is an IEEE Fellow, IISE Fellow, and IEEE Distinguished Lecturer in robotics and automation. He received NSF CAREER Award, IEEE Robotics and Automation Early Career Award, and multiple Best Paper Awards from flagship journals and conferences. His primary research interests are in design, analysis, and control of production and healthcare systems.<\/p>\n

\n

12:30 – 13:00, <\/span>Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Mr. Ram Madhav<\/strong>
President of India Foundation (IF), a New Delhi-based Think Tank<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Ram Madhav is an Indian politician and social leader. Dr Madhav is currently the President of India Foundation (IF), a New Delhi-based Think tank. Previously, he has served as the National General Secretary of the BJP from 2014 to 2020 and in-charge of the elections to the legislative assembly of Jammu and Kashmir in 2024.<\/p>\n

A renowned author and thinker, Dr Madhav has authored several books in English and Telugu that include \u201cThe New World: 21st Century Global Order and India\u201d ; \u201cOur Constitution Our Pride\u201d ; \u201cThe Indian Reality\u201d ; \u201cPartitioned Freedom\u201d ; \u201cThe Hindutva Paradigm \u2013 Integral Humanism and the Quest for a Non-Western Worldview\u201d ; \u201cBecause India Comes First: Reflections on Nationalism, Identity and Culture\u201d and \u201cUneasy Neighbours: India and China after 50 years of the war\u201d. He is a regular contributor to platforms like The Indian Express, and OPEN Magazine amongst others. He had been the editor of Bharatiya Pragna, a monthly magazine in English published by Pragna Bharati, and associate editor of Jagriti, a Telugu weekly.<\/p>\n

Widely regarded for his contributions in the field of strategic thinking, political philosophy and India\u2019s foreign policy, Dr Madhav has travelled widely and addressed forums like the Valdai Discussion Club in Russia, R20 Forum in Indonesia, Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore, Halifax Security Forum in Canada, Sochi Eurasian Integration Forum in Russia, BRICS Political Forum in China, and the World Peace Conference in Thailand.<\/p>\n

\n

Thursday, May 14, 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

10:00-10:30, <\/span>Thursday, May 14, 2026 – <\/span>Welcome Address<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Prof Marshall Sheldon<\/strong>
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships<\/strong>
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)<\/strong>
Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prof Marshall Sheldon is a Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Technology Innovation and Partnerships, effective 1 June 2025.<\/p>\n

She is a highly accomplished leader in South African higher education, with more than 25 years of experience spanning teaching, research and leadership. A CPUT alumna, she holds a Doctorate in Chemical Engineering from the institution and has maintained strong ties with the university throughout her career.<\/p>\n

Her leadership credentials are well established. She previously served as Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at CPUT and later as Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, the Built Environment and Technology at Nelson Mandela University.<\/p>\n

Throughout her distinguished career Sheldon has been a transformative force in engineering education, research and innovation. Her commitment to academic excellence is evidenced by her successful supervision of 15 Master’s and four Doctoral students, some of whom have become successful professors themselves.<\/p>\n

Her influence and leadership extend to numerous national and international leadership platforms. She previously served on the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Council, the South African Renewable Energy Technology Centre (SARETEC) Governance Board, the eNtsa Governance Board, the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) Deans Forum, the South African Society for Engineering Education (SASEE) board, and currently serves on the Africa Engineering Education Council, and the Executive Committee of the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC).<\/p>\n

She holds professional registration with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) and is a member of the South African Institution of Chemical Engineers (SAIChE); Water Institute of Southern Africa (WISA), African Engineering Education Association (AEEA), and African Engineering Education Forum (AEEF).<\/p>\n

\n

10:30 – 11:00 am, <\/span>Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dr. Mukondeleli Grace Kanakana-Katumba<\/strong>
DVC Teaching and Learning<\/strong>
Vaal University of Technology (VUT)<\/strong>
Vanderbijlpark, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dr. Grace Mukondeleli Kanakana-Katumba is a distinguished academic leader and Industrial Engineer with over 18 years of strategic experience in higher education. Currently serving as the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching, Learning, and Student Affairs at the Vaal University of Technology, she has previously held senior leadership roles at the Tshwane University of Technology and the University of South Africa. Her leadership has shaped policy and innovation across the engineering and built environment disciplines, particularly in teaching, research, transformation, and community engagement. Dr. Kanakana-Katumba holds a DPhil in Engineering Management from the University of Johannesburg, an MBA from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, and a master\u2019s in systems engineering from George Washington University.<\/p>\n

\n

11:00 – 11:30, <\/span>Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Lerato Mdaka<\/strong>
Associate Professor of Management Sciences<\/strong>
Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences<\/strong>
North-West University<\/strong>
Potchefstroom, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Lerato E. Mdaka is an associate professor in the School of Management Sciences at North-West University whose work focuses on strengthening entrepreneurship ecosystems, innovation capacity, and sustainable development across Africa.<\/p>\n

Prof. Mdaka plays an active role in strengthening international academic partnerships across Africa. She serves as the Africa Regional Chair for the Academy of Business and Emerging Markets. She is the international programme assessor for the Pan African University network supporting the development of entrepreneurship curricula across African Union institutions in Algeria, Kenya, Nigeria, Cameroon and South Africa. She also serves as an International Subject Matter Expert for the Eswatini Higher Education Council, contributing to higher education quality assurance across universities in Eswathini. Beyond Africa, She spearheads international experiential-learning collaborations with institutions in Europe, UK, Africa, Asia, and North America, facilitating global entrepreneurship and service- learning projects that enrich interdisciplinary student experiences.<\/p>\n

Before academia, she worked as Business Development Manager at the Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability and the marketing manager for the Southern Africa Innovaton Summit, contributing to innovation development initiatives and industry partnerships. Lerato specializes in enterprise development and open innovation across private and public sectors and supports township- based tech startups as an Entrepreneurship Mentor at The Innovation Hub, South Africa.<\/p>\n

Her research interests intersect digital transformation, innovation, and sustainable entrepreneurship, supported by the NRF Early-Stage Research Grant and CSIR-DSI Inter-Programme Grant and NRF Thuthuka Post Doc grant.<\/p>\n

Prof. Mdaka\u2019s work has received several recognitions for teaching, research, and social impact. She is a recipient of the North-West University Excellence Award for Community Engagement; Excellence in Research Quality Award; Excellence in Teaching Award; the ENACTUS South Africa Faculty Advisor of the Year (2022) and National Administrator of the Year (2021) for her mentorship of student social entrepreneurs.<\/p>\n

\n

11:30 – 12:00, Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Xuan (Jen) Zhao<\/strong>
Professor in Operations and Decision Sciences<\/strong>
Lazaridis School of Business and Economics<\/strong>
Wilfrid Laurier University<\/strong>
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Dr. Zhao is a professor in Operations and Decision Sciences at Lazaridis School of Business and Economics at Wilfrid Laurier University. She holds a Ph.D. in the joint fields of Management Science and Transportation\/Logistics from the University of British Columbia. Her research involves utilizing the tools of Management Science\/Operations Research and Economics to model, analyze, and derive insights into problems in the areas of Supply Chain Management, Marketing\/OM interfaces, Revenue Management, Entrepreneurships, Sustainable Operations, Behavior Operations, and Business Analytics. Her research papers appear in prestigious refereed journals in operations such as Manufacturing & Service Operations Management (FT top 50), Production and Operations management (FT top 50), European Journal of Operational Research, Transportation Research Part E, Naval Research Logistics, <\/em>as well as marketing journals such as Quantitative Marketing and Economics, Journal of Marketing and Consumer Research. <\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Zhao\u2019s research has been recognized and supported by National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canda, as well as multiple provincial and international grants. Research funds (total of $1.5 million) enable her to supervise numerous post-doctoral fellows, doctoral students, and master\u2019s students. Dr. Zhao has also won numerous awards and scholarships, including the Inaugural Lazaridis Research Excellent Award, Ministry of Research Innovation post-doctoral supervision award, High-Caliber Foreign Expert of Liaoning Province China, numerous faculty merit awards and course remission awards, Canadian Administrative Science Best Paper Award, Wiley top-cited paper award.<\/p>\n

Beyond services within Laurier, Dr. Zhao has served in NSERC Discovery Grant Committee, SSHRC Insight Development Grant Committee, inaugural NSERC Horizon program committee, as a university examiner of Lingnan University in Hong Kong, an Associate Editor of Journal of Operational Research Society<\/em>, and on editorial review board of Production and Operations Management<\/em>, Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo.<\/p>\n

\n

12:00 – 12:30, <\/span>Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Mbohwa\"<\/a>Professor Charles Mbohwa, Ph.D. (IEOM President 2025 \u2013 2026)<\/strong>
<\/strong>Distinguished Professor
University of South Africa (UNISA)
Pretoria, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Past Pro-VC, University of Zimbabwe<\/strong>
Former Executive Dean, Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment, University of Johannesburg<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Professor Charles Mbohwa is a Visiting Professor at University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He was a Pro-Vice Chancellor Strategic Partnerships and Industrialisation at University of Zimbabwe and an affiliated Professor in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment. He is an established researcher and professor in the field of sustainability engineering and energy.\u00a0 He was the Chairman and Head of Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Zimbabwe from 1994 to 1997 and was Vice-Dean of Postgraduate Studies Research and Innovation in the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment at the University of Johannesburg from 2014 to 2017. He has published more than 350 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences, 10 book chapters and three books. He has a Scopus h-index of 11 and Google Scholar h-index of 14. Upon graduating with his BSc Honours in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Zimbabwe in 1986, he was employed as a mechanical engineer by the National Railways of Zimbabwe. He holds a Masters in Operations Management and Manufacturing Systems from University of Nottingham and completed his doctoral studies at Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Technology in Japan. He was a Fulbright Scholar visiting the Supply Chain and Logistics Institute at the School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, a Japan Foundation Fellow, is a Fellow of the Zimbabwean Institution of Engineers and is a registered mechanical engineer with the Engineering Council of Zimbabwe. He has been a collaborator in projects of the United Nations Environment Programme. He has also visited many countries on research and training engagements including the United Kingdom, Japan, German, France, the USA, Brazil, Sweden, Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Mauritius, Austria, the Netherlands, Uganda, Namibia and Australia. He has had several awards including British Council Scholarship, Japanese Foundation Fellowship, Kubota Foundation Fellowship; Fulbright Fellowship.<\/p>\n

\n

12:30 – 13:00, <\/span>Thursday, May 14, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Rupa Vasudevan<\/strong>
Chancellor<\/strong>
Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BEST IU)<\/strong>
Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Presentation Title: Entrepreneurship and sustainability in higher education<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Dr. Rupa Vasudevan is an Educationist, Sociopreneur, Founder and Co-Chairperson of BEST Group (Gatti Valley Educational Institutions).\u00a0 She is the Chancellor of Bharatiya Engineering Science and Technology Innovation University (BEST IU), a State Private University established in Anantapur, Andhra Pradesh.<\/p>\n

Co-Founder and Director of Evergreen Naturals \u2013 EN, a company that focuses on cheaper availability of high-quality agricultural inputs to small and marginal farmers, monitoring growth and farming practices and helping in establishing forward and backward linkages in supply chain management. She is Appointed as one of the ten academicians in the General and Executive Council of Karnataka State Higher Education Council- KSHEC, apex body on education in the State. \u00a0Regional Co-Chair for ASSOCHAM \u2013 Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka State.\u00a0 Founder and Global President of World Forum for Education, an independent non-profit organization working globally to advance sustainable development, humanitarian response and facilitating public good through Knowledge sharing and Education. Trustee of Apna Desh Foundation, a Foundation that spearheads initiatives, finding meaningful ways to make a difference to our farmers while documenting best traditional practices from rural areas of the states of Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Honorary Trustee of Disha Bharat, a non-profit social organisation that works in the field of value education. Member, Governing Council of Indic Academy (INDICA) \u2013 a non-traditional University for traditional knowledge systems. And Member, Governing Council of India Foundation, New Delhi.<\/p>\n

\n

Friday, May 15, 2026<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n
\n

10:00 – 10:30, Friday, May 15, 2026 – Welcome Address<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Professor Mercy Khathutshelo Makhitha<\/strong>
Dean
Faculty of Business and Management Sciences<\/strong>
Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)<\/strong>
Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prof KM Makhitha serves as Dean of the Faculty of Business and Management Sciences at CPUT. Prior to joining CPUT, she held several leadership positions (including acting roles) at Unisa. She brings more than 25 years of higher education experience across four South African universities.<\/p>\n

\n

10:30 – 11:00 am, <\/span>Friday, May 15, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Prof Nita Inderlal Sukdeo <\/strong>
Associate Professor <\/strong>
Department of Quality and Operations Management <\/strong>
School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering <\/strong>
University of Johannesburg<\/strong>
South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prof Nita Inderlal Sukdeo is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Quality and Operations Management within the School of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. She obtained a Masters in Quality, from the Durban University of Technology and a PhD in Engineering Management from the University of Johannesburg. She is currently registered for a second PhD in Quality Engineering. She is an active researcher in the field of total quality management and operations management. Her field of expertise also include advanced manufacturing technologies, Artificial Intelligence in the manufacturing sector, smart factory, Quality 4.0 framework, quantitative analysis, quality management systems, quality auditing and risk assessment. She is a qualified Lead Auditor, proficient in ISO standards and certification. She is co-chairperson and director of the Society for Operations Management in Africa (SOMA). She is a professional member of the Southern African Society for Quality (SASQ). Empowering and advocating women in Engineering and STEM as the chairperson for Faculty\u2019s Women in Engineering and the Built Environment (WiEBE).<\/p>\n

\n

11:00 – 11:30, <\/span>Friday, May 15, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Dr. Olufemi Muibi Saibu<\/strong>
Professor & Director<\/strong>
Quality Assurance & SERVICOM Unit\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>
University of Lagos, Nigeria<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Professor Olufemi Muibi Saibu is a distinguished development economist and academic leader at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, where he serves as Director of the Quality Assurance and SERVICOM Unit and was the pioneer Director of the Institute of Nigeria China Development Studies. He is also a NESG-NRF Faculty Member\/Senior Research Fellow and a former postdoctoral fellow at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. With more than 15 years of teaching and research experience, his expertise spans development economics, trade and investment policy, and small business economics, with a strong focus on inclusiveness, empowerment, and innovative solutions to unemployment and poverty.<\/p>\n

He has published widely on exchange rate dynamics, macroeconomic policy, energy economics, and socioeconomic development in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, contributing to both national and international policy dialogues. Professor Saibu has successfully led major research and capacity-building projects, including an EU Erasmus-Jean Monnet programme on EU-Africa connectivity and youth empowerment. He is also recognized for his expertise in public procurement, higher education quality assurance, and curriculum development.<\/p>\n

A member of several prestigious professional societies, he delivered his inaugural lecture in 2022, \u201cRethinking Nigeria\u2019s Development Process \u2013 A Choice Between Lamborghini and Ajagbe-Ejo,\u201d advocating for indigenous policy solutions to Africa\u2019s development challenges. His leadership and scholarship continue to shape economic thought and practice across Nigeria and beyond.<\/p>\n

\n

11:30 – 12:00, Friday, May 15, 2026 – Keynote<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"Dr. Hamieda Parker<\/strong>
Professor<\/strong>
Graduate School of Business<\/strong>
University of Cape Town<\/strong>
Rondebosch, Cape Town, South Africa<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Professor Hamieda Parker lectures the Operations Management core course and the Global Supply Chain Management elective course on the MBA programme. She also lectures the Operations and Innovation Management Course on the Postgraduate Diploma in Management Practice programme.<\/p>\n

She is an active researcher having completed research in diverse environments, from examining multinationals in developed countries to small micro businesses in developing country contexts. Her current research is closely linked to her interest in improving the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector and the development of innovation capabilities in firms. Her doctoral research examined collaborative new product development involving new technology-based firms and she completed the empirical work for this study as a Sainsbury Fellow based at Oxford University. As a Harvard-Mandela Fellow, she conducted research on entrepreneurship amongst the Afro-American and Immigrant communities based around Harvard University.<\/p>\n

She previously worked as a process and product development engineer and successfully developed a number of innovative products and coordinated multifunctional teams for the resolution of production and operations related problems. Parker holds a Chemical Engineering degree from UCT and an MBA from UCT GSB. Following her MBA, she was selected to go to the Wharton School of Business as a business consultant at the Wharton Entrepreneurship Centre. While at Wharton she lectured on the basic Business Planning Course and provided strategic, operational and marketing consulting services to a portfolio of companies ranging from start-up to $10 million in sales.<\/p>\n

\n

12:00 – <\/span><\/strong>13:00, Fri<\/span>day, May 15, 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Awards Ceremony<\/strong><\/h2><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Keynote Speakers Wednesday, May 13, 2026 10:00 – 10:10, Wednesday, May 13, 2026 – Conference Chair Welcome Message:\u00a0 Prof Bingwen YanHead of DepartmentDepartment of Operations ManagementCape Peninsula University of TechnologyCape Town, South Africa Bingwen Yan is based at Faculty of Engineering and The Built Environment, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Cape Town, South Africa. Bingwen […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-54","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=54"}],"version-history":[{"count":203,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3161,"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/54\/revisions\/3161"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ieomsociety.org\/capetown2026\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=54"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}