Why fund a research ‘Chair’
Christoph Schmocker
Stellenbosch University
7 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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By the end of the session we will
• understand, why funding a ‘Chair’ is attractive
• for the University
• for the researcher
• for a Company!
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Defining a Research Chair
• A Chair will
→ conduct and supervise research
→ mentor young academics
→ foster cross–disciplinary relationships
→ facilitate research and training.
• A Chair includes
→ A team of 10 – 15 people
→ lead by a senior researcher (Professor)
→ supported by 2 – 3 Post Doctoral Students (PhD)
→ train 10 – 12 post-graduate students
→ who all do research on a sub-topic of the ‘Chair’
• i.e. ‘Chair for African Financial Markets’
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Research Chair Needs
• Clear Vision
Increased African economic growth
through an improved mathematical and analytical
understanding of African financial markets.
• Part of a dynamic academic environment
→ SU’s Department of Mathematical Sciences
→ offer Honours program in Math. Finance
→ Department has strong links with AIMS
→ for which it hosts masters + doctoral students
→ from all over Africa
• A long term commitment
→ Have a 5 – 10 years plan
→ Available funding of EUR 440’000 p.a.
→ Possibility to work trans-disciplinary
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Key Company Roles to target
Global Company
- Strong brand
- Stakeholders
Global Strategy
Exec. Board
Regional Strategy
CEO
- Growth strategy
- Develop new markets
Client’s offering
COO
- Global offering
- Local insight
Products & Services
Sales
- Profound knowledge
- Attractive cost structures
Marketing
Region Head
HR
Recruitment
Corporate Foundation
Director
17 September 2012
- New platforms
- Acquire new clients
National Branch
BEE relevant ?
Research
Partner
- Recruit well educated staff
- Attract them at an early stage
- Support company’s brand
- Commitments for society
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Donor’s Pyramid
>R 10 mil.
Governments
R 5 – 9.9 million
Development Agencies;
Research Funds
•
•
•
•
•
EUR 420’ – 500’000 p.a.
Over 5 to 10 years
Define research together
Exchange experts
Career plan for academics
R 1 – 5 million
Grant Foundations & Trusts;
Global Corporate Donors
R 100'000 - 1 million
High Net Worth Individuals;
National Corporate Donors;
Embassies;
R 12’000 – 99’999
Major Donors;
income generations
R 12’000 – 99’999
Major Donors;
income generations
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Why a Company may invest in a Chair
1. Company’s plan to explore new markets
→ Sub-Saharan Africa
→ Your country?
2. Company’s need to explore new services
→ i.e. analyse new methods for investments in Africa
→ i.e. new mathematical & financial thinking
3. Company seeks innovations
→ Unique Selling Proposition
→ Set new standards
4. Soft factors
→ A new Regional (Marketing) Head
→ Get access to qualified staff in your country
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Invest in ‘African Financial Markets Chair’
• Global Level
→ Investment appetite gets global
→ BRICKS countries offer higher returns
• African Level
→ No Global Bank offers fundamental data on Africa
→ Only recently significant progress has been made
in the mathematical investigation of trading and
risk management in African markets
• Country Level (South Africa)
→ Start analysis in Africa’s strongest economy
→ Commodities, agriculture and retail are key
• Resources Level
→ SU is one of top research Universities in Africa
→ SU produces 50 African Mathematics
Master Students yearly
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Analysis of whom?
• Mining
→ Anglo American, Anglo Platinum, Kumba Iron
• Telecommunication
→ MTN, Vodacom, Telkom
• Retail
→ Shoprite, Pick ‘n Pay, Massmart
• Insurance
→ Sanlam, Discovery, Outsurance
• Renewable Energy
→?
17 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Summary of key points
7 September 20120
1.
Strategic partnership
2.
Define ‘Chair’ package
3.
Analyse Company’s
needs
Copyright Advancement Academy
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Questions?
7 September 2012
Copyright Advancement Academy
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