PhD apply now
[accordion], PhD apply now, The deadline for 2019 PhD programme applications is 31 October 2020 . Please follow the steps below in order to successfully complete your application: 1) Download and read the Postgraduate Application Guide 2) Familiarise yourself with the research interests and the staff of the TRADE research entity. 3) Complete an application form …
World Trade Organization
TRADE WTO [accordion], WTO Chairs Programme, The WTO Chairs Programme (WCP) http://wtochairs.org/ aims to enhance people’s knowledge and understanding of the multilateral trading system by awarding research Chairs to selected universities and/or research institutions in developing and least-developed countries. In 2014, Prof Wilma Viviers, then the director of TRADE (Trade and Development)…, Curriculum development, Through the WCP, the WTO aims to support the development and delivery of courses covering trade policy and other WTO-relevant topics in academic institutions. The School of Economics at the NWU offers several undergraduate and post graduate degrees related to International Trade and Economics. For more information see: https://commerce.nwu.ac.za…, Research, Through the WCP, the WTO aims to promote high-level research on trade-related topics, with particular emphasis on improving the trade policy and trade facilitation environments in developing countries, while also building greater capacity within research entities. Among the strategies that TRADE is employing to fulfil its research mandate under…, Outreach, Through the WCP’s outreach component, the WTO aims to disseminate research findings and opinions within academic, government and business circles, as well as promote discussion and debate on trade rules and cooperation, and the link between trade and economic growth/development. TRADE uses a number of channels to ensure that various interest…, The annual the International Trade & TRADE-DSM® User Group Conference held in Potchefstroom on 12 March 2020. The conference was convened under the auspices of the North-West University’s TRADE research entity in collaboration with the university’s spin-out company, Trade Advisory, and the WTO Chairs Programme. [/accordion]
Outputs
UPCOMING EVENTS [accordion], Outputs, The TRADE team is very active in research, striving to deliver top quality papers which can make a practical difference in the fields of economic development and international trade. Categories of TRADE's outputs: Published articles Peer reviewed papers in non-accredited journals National conference papers International conference papers Reports…, Recent research, Breaking the ‘big data’ barrier when selecting agricultural export markets: an innovative approach ( article ) (Authors: Martin Cameron, Wilma Viviers and Ezra Steenkamp) A country’s comparative advantage is not only dependent on factor endowments. History, random events (wars, oil crisis, sanctions, etc.) and past government policies are…
Conference papers
UPCOMING EVENTS [accordion], Conference papers, TRADE team members are regularly invited to present papers, detailing their latest research initiatives and findings, at national and international conferences. For a full list of conference papers presented, click on the links below: National conference papers International conference papers, [/accordion], What is TRADE? Welcome message TRADE in a nutshell Vision and mission Local and international linkages Contact us TRADE expertise Permanent academic staff Extraordinary appointments Research and commercial projects TRADE programmes MCom programmes PhD programmes WTO Chairs Programme TRADE outputs Articles Conference papers Reports and policy…
National conference papers
UPCOMING EVENTS National conference papers [accordion], 2019, 1. Pretorius, A., Blaauw, D., Bezuidenhout, C. & Matthee, M. 2019. Offshoring within South African manufacturing firms: An analysis of the labour market effects. Biennial Conference of the Economic Society of South Africa, Birchwood Hotel & Conference Centre, 3 - 5 September 2019. 2. Foster, J., Chasomeris, M. & Blaauw, D. 2019. …, 2018, 1. Blaauw, P.F., Pretorius, A.M. & Schenck, C.J. 2018. Socio-economic dynamics of the informal sector, UFS Mining and Society Study Group: Workshop, 12 and 13 November 2018, Bloemfontein, South Africa 2. Cameron, M. & Viviers, W. 2018. Developing strategies for export promotion using a Decision Support Model (DSM): Focus on the…, [/accordion], 2016-2017 (pdf) , 2012-2015 (pdf) What is TRADE? Welcome message TRADE in a nutshell Vision and mission Local and international linkages Contact us TRADE expertise Permanent academic staff Extraordinary appointments Research and commercial projects TRADE programmes MCom programmes PhD programmes WTO Chairs Programme ITRISA-PPP TRADE outputs…
International conference papers
UPCOMING EVENTS International conference papers [accordion collapsed] , 2019: Accredited, 1. Dunga, S.H. & Mothibi, L. 2019. Education and earnings in South Africa: an application of the Mincerian function. Paper presented at the IISES International Academic Conference , 22-25 May, London. 2. Mamaile, L.J. 2019. The perceptions of senior municipal officials in South Africa regarding the internal audit functions. Paper presented at…, 2019: Non-accredited, 1. V iviers, W. & Cameron, M. 2019. The TRADE-DSM® (Decision Support Model) - an alternative approach to identify and prioritize bilateral and interregional trade opportunities in leveraging the benefits of the AfCFTA. Libreville, Gabon. 1 March 2019. 2. Ferreira, L. & Steenkamp, E. 2019. Investigating how realising export potential…, 2018: Non-accredited, 1. Blaauw, D., Botha, I. & Schenck, R. 2018. The (subjective) well-being of day labourers in South Africa: The role of income and geographical location. Paper presented at the Scottish Economic Society Annual Conference, Perth, Scotland, 15-17 April. 2. Cloete, J.C. & Matthee, M. 2018. Identifying firm-level export barriers in African…, 2017: Accredited, 1. Radley, A.J., Cloete, P.C. & Kleynhans, E.P.J. 2017. Strategies implemented by South African agribusinesses to optimize profitability and growth. Presented at the IFAMA World Conference. Miami, Florida, 18-21 June. 2. Spies, D.C. and Idsardi, E.F. 2017. Performance and marketing options for informal cattle producers in the Eastern Cape…, 2017: Non-accredited, 1. Grater, S. 2017. 'Services, inclusiveness, SMEs and the SDGs. Paper presented at the ICTSD & Trade Mark East Africa Conference on Leveraging services and digital potential for inclusive economic growth. Nairobi, Kenya, 25-26 January. ( Presentation ) 2. Cuyvers, L., Pupphavesa, W., Steenkamp, E.A. & Viviers, W. 2017. Thailand's export…
Reports
UPCOMING EVENTS [accordion], Reports and policy briefs, TRADE team members are often asked by different organisations to write reports (sometimes in collaboration with other entities) on the current economic climate in the country or region, as well as export and investment opportunities for different industry sectors, with a view to informing policy and strategic business decisions. Among the reports…
Books
UPCOMING EVENTS Books published by TRADE [accordion], Good Capitalism, Bad Capitalism: The Role of Business in South Africa (2018), South Africa has entered a new era, with the country’s recently elected president, Cyril Ramaphosa, promising a ‘new dawn’. But will President Ramaphosa and his administration, together with business and labour, be able to turn the economy around and at last satisfy the aspirations of millions of people who, for decades, have been promised better…, The Economic Ideas of Marx's Capital: Steps towards post-Keynesian economics (2016), Nearly two hundred years have passed since the birth of Karl Marx and continuing to this day the influence of his economic views, insights and theories can still be felt. However, since the publication of Das Kapital, the scientific community has not been sitting idle – it is time to evaluate Marx as an economist and explore what he can bring to…, Marxistische economie herbekeken (2014), In 2018, two hundred years will have passed since Karl Marx was born. The influence of his economic views, insights and theories can still be felt. However, since the publication of Das Kapital, the scientific community has not been sitting idle. It is time to evaluate Marx as an economist. The Marxist economic model is a coherent set of theses…, Zumanomics Revisited (2013), In the light of global and domestic developments since 2009, Raymond Parsons reassesses the economic prospects for South Africa post-Mangaung and the 2014 general election. While the 2009 publication was a collective effort with other contributors, this is an individual one. Many red lights are flashing for the economy and South Africa is…, Export Promotion: A Decision Support Model Approach (2012), Governments are increasingly confronted by scarce resources, which force their export promotion organisations to seek more efficient ways of carrying out their mandates. Notwithstanding the export successes of several emerging economies, public export promotion policies of countries are generally facing diminishing returns, particularly where the…
Chapters in books
UPCOMING EVENTS Chapters in books [accordion], Trade and poverty reduction: New evidence of impacts in developing countries (2018) , The report,“Trade and Poverty Reduction: New Evidence of Impacts in Developing Countries”, was launched by WTO Director-General Roberto Azevêdo and World Bank Chief Economist Pinelopi Goldberg at the WTO in Geneva. It presents eight case studies showing how trade helps the extreme poor in the developing world, particularly those who live in…, How the G20 can help sustainably reshape the global trade system (2018) , Gathering in Mar del Plata in September 2018, G20 trade and investment ministers agreed to “step up dialogue and actions to mitigate risks and enhance confidence in international trade.” The global trade and investment system is in need of such a boost. Trust in the multilateral trading system, for example, is diminishing as economic heavyweights…, Financing sustainable development in Africa (2018), This edited volume provides a critical evaluation of financing options for sustainable development in Africa. While sustainability has long been the watchword for development programs, and while many African countries have taken initiatives to develop integrated frameworks that tackle developmental challenges—including poverty, education, and…, Non-tariff measures: Economic assessment and policy options for development (2018) , One of the main features of the international cooperation agenda during the last 50 years has been to promote the economic integration of poorer countries into the global economy, helping them to eradicate poverty and achieve prosperity. The rationale is that stronger economic integration will enhance economic growth, reduce poverty, and…, Trade costs and inclusive growth: Case studies presented by WTO chair-holders (2016), "Trade Costs and Inclusive Growth" looks at how implementation of the WTO’s Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) can help to reduce trade costs and promote growth. The publication brings together contributions from ten participants in the WTO Chairs Programme, which supports trade-related activities by academic institutions in developing countries.…, Child Poverty, Youth (Un)Employment, and Social Inclusion (2016), Worldwide child and youth poverty remain the biggest barrier to achieving a better life in adulthood. Progress in lifting children out of poverty in the last decades has been slow and limited in the developing world, while the recent global economic crisis has exacerbated child poverty, youth unemployment, and social exclusion in many developed…, The performance of European business in the 20th Century (2016), This book is a first attempt at measuring European business performance over the entire twentieth century and in doing so provides a totally new approach to European business history. It is based on a single sample of 1,225 companies, belonging to eight European economies: the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Sweden, and Finland.…, Private standards and global governance - economic, legal and political perspectives (2012), Private regulatory initiatives aim to govern supply chains across the globe according to a set of environmental, food safety and/or social standards. Until now, literature on the topic has been fragmented and divided by research fields. However, this unique and comprehensive book bridges these disciplinary and thematic research lines, bringing…, Export promotion: A decision support model approach (2012), Governments are increasingly confronted by scarce resources, which force their export promotion organisations to seek more efficient ways of carrying out their mandates. Notwithstanding the export successes of several emerging economies, public export promotion policies of countries are generally facing diminishing returns, particularly where the…
Media
UPCOMING EVENTS Print media Visual and audio media Photo gallery Events What is TRADE? Welcome message TRADE in a nutshell Vision and mission Local and international linkages Contact us TRADE expertise Permanent academic staff Extraordinary appointments Research and commercial projects TRADE programmes MCom programmes PhD programmes WTO Chairs…
Print media
UPCOMING EVENTS Print media [accordion], 2019, NWU - TRADE TRADE-DSM conference media release: Africa's development drive: Leveraging the benefits of AfCFTA and regional integration NWU - Business School Brexit agreement between the EU and the UK a step towards avoiding disruption NWU - Business School South Africa and the World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report NWU - TRADE Opinion…, 2018, NWU - Business School South Africa to prepare contingency plan if Brexit is delayed NWU - TRADE Trade flows in Africa: Unlocking the potential NWU - Business School Medium Term Budget Policy Statement NWU - Business School Policy Uncertainty Index (PUI) 3Q2018 NWU - Business School Strenuous efforts are needed for RSA to break out of its current…, 2017, NWU - TRADE TRADE report back from 2017 WTO Chairs conference NWU - TRADE TRADE and DSM help Rwanda to boost exports NWU - SBG Reaction Gigaba's to the Medium Term Budget Statement NWU - TRADE WTO Chairs compare country strategies for making trade more inclusive NWU - SBG Cabinet reshuffles come at a high cost to the economy NWU - SBG Policy…, 2016, NWU - TRADE Report back on 'Harnessing Gender for Inclusive Trade' workshop at SAIIA, 9 December 2016 NWU - TRADE Report back on UNCTAD Trade and Development Report 2016 NWU - TRADE Media Statement: Moody's and Fitch's unchanged SA investment rating is good news, but SA economy not yet out of the woods NWU - SBG First impact of a Donald Trump…, 2015, NWU - TRADE Media Statement: Gordhan will help stabilise market perceptions NWU - TRADE Media Statement: Unexpected change in Finance Minister at this stage is bad news for the economy NWU - TRADE Media Statement: Rating agencies put SA firmly on notice to get its house in order soon or face possible junk status later NWU - TRADE WTO Policy Brief…, 2014, WTO WTO to award seven Chairs in 2014, beginning with South Africa’s North-West University NWU NWU professor receives WTO international trade honour Engineering News NWU prof named one of seven global WTO Chairs Potch Herald North-West University professor receives WTO international trade honour (Page #34) [/accordion] What is TRADE? Welcome…
Visual media
UPCOMING EVENTS Visual and audio media NWU videos Other TV Radio Conferences TRADE-DSM™ What is TRADE? Welcome message TRADE in a nutshell Vision and mission Local and international linkages Contact us TRADE expertise Permanent academic staff Extraordinary appointments Research and commercial projects TRADE programmes MCom programmes PhD…
NWU Video
Visual Media - NWU, The policy/regulatory and business environments - implications for GVCs Prof Raymond Parsons The policy/regulatory and business environments - implications for GVCs : Politics, Economics and Business in South Africa today (July 2018) The policy/regulatory and business environments - implications for GVCs Mr Edward Winant The policy/regulatory…
Other
Visual Media - Other, Prof Raymond Parsons - ENews: Analysing Theresa May's SA visit Prof Raymond Parsons - ENews: The R400 billion stimulus package Prof Raymond Parsons - Ontbytsake: Good Capitalism, Bad Capitalism Prof Raymond Parsons - SABC News: Good Capitalism, Bad Capitalism Prof Marianne Matthee - SA Women in Science Awards 2016 Prof Raymond Parsons - Donald…
Photo gallery
UPCOMING EVENTS Photo gallery View more/our latest photos on our Facebook page . WTO Chair Launch - 16-17 September 2014 WTO Chair (NWU) & SAIIA workshop - 22 September 2016 TRADE-WTO Awards Global Value Chains related TRADE-DSM™ Training Guest lectures Other WTO related Staff and student training What is TRADE? Welcome message TRADE…
WTO Chair Launch
WTO Chair Launch - 16-17 September 2014, Welcome reception - Tuesday 16 September, Press conference - Wednesday 17 September, Guest l, ectures - Wednesday 17 September, EU Ambassadors meeting with NWU Vice-Rector Prof Dan Kgwadi - Wednesday 17 September, Lunch - Wednesday 17 September, Official Chair launch - Wednesday 17 September, <-- Back to Photo Gallery,
Events
2020 Events [accordion], 9-13 March 2020: TRADE-DSM ® User Group Conference, Trade experts share insights on how to mitigate the effects of the coronavirus and other global uncertainties. Read more here. [/accordion] Past events at TRADE 2019 , 2018 , 2017 , 2016 , 2015 , 2014 , 2013 and 2012 What is TRADE? Welcome message TRADE in a nutshell Vision and mission Local and international linkages Contact us TRADE…
2016 events
2016 events, TRADE attend SAIIA workshop on harnessing gender for inclusive trade Research findings shared at UNU-WIDER conference TRADE considers the latest UNCTAD Trade and Development Report Training in trade policy analysis for TRADE doctoral student New book launched at WTO Chairs Conference Training in cross-cultural issues NWU Excellence in Research…, 4 March 2016: Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences' Academic Prestige function, Three awards were presented to TRADE students at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ Academic Prestige function which was held on 4 March at the Makojalo venue just outside Potchefstroom. Ms Lorainne Ferreira and Mr Joubert de Villiers received joint awards for the best MCom dissertation in the School of Economics, titled: ‘South…, 4 March 2016: Guest lecture by Mr Philip Wylie, On 4 March, Mr Philip Wylie, a freight and logistics specialist and consultant, delivered a guest lecture to the Economics Honours class. Philip focused on the state of infrastructure in southern Africa and, using specific country examples, highlighted the crucial role that infrastructure plays in a region's overall competitiveness. He also…, 29 February 2016: Guest lecture by Dr Gustav Brink, On 29 February, Dr Gustav Brink, an expert on WTO dispute resolution from XA Consultants, delivered a guest lecture as part of the ECON 616 International Trade Theory and Policy course. In his lecture he focused on trade remedies and the dispute settlement process at the WTO. The presentation slides are available here ., 26 February 2016: TRADE-DSM Navigator™ training for the dti, On 26 February, seven people from the dti (Department of Trade and Industry) visited the TRADE research entity on the Potchefstroom Campus to undergo their second tier of training on the TRADE-DSM™ methodology and the TRADE-DSM Navigator™. The dti group were given the opportunity to share and receive answers to some of their typical work-/export-…, 24 February 2016: Guest lecture on academic writing, On 24 February, Ms Ali Parry (director of Trade Matters (Pty) Ltd and an extraordinary research scientist in the TRADE research entity) spoke to the School of Economics' Honours students on the theme: ' Writing - where science meets art '. Ali offered insights into the changing character of writing across different communication platforms. She…, 4 February 2016: TRADE Colloquium #1, On 4 February, a mini-colloquium was convened by the TRADE research entity and the NWU School of Economics. The colloquium provided an opportunity for new Master’s and PhD students to present their respective research proposals , proposed methodologies and available data to their supervisors and promoters. A bove: Attendees at the mini-colloquium…, 2 February 2016: NWU launches Policy Uncertainty Index (PUI), The need for a more certain and responsive policy environment, which is capable of addressing critical economic challenges, is a common refrain in South Africa today. While policy certainty is not a panacea for all of society's problems, it gives businesses and consumers more confidence to act, and this plays out in a more vibrant and productive…, 25 January 2016: GVC analysis roundtable, Global Value Chain (GVC) analysis is a complex matter and can involve various levels of firm-level and sector-level empirical research. This was the focus of a roundtable hosted by the TRADE research entity on 25 January at the NWU Potchefstroom Campus. The main presenter, Dr Sonja Grater , gave a broad overview of the different empirical methods…, 22 January 2016: ERSA workshop, On 22 January, Prof Derick Blaauw and Dr Carike Claassen attended an ERSA (Economic Research Southern Africa) workshop in Cape Town, the title of which was: ‘What church records can tell us about economic development’. During the colonial era, there was a dearth of reliable information about the living conditions and economic circumstances of…, 21 January 2016: TIPS Development Dialogue, On 21 January, a number of TRADE members attended a Development Dialogue arranged by TIPS (Trade and Industrial Policy Strategies) on the topic of Global and Regional Value Chains and how these are creating both opportunities and challenges for South African and regional policymakers and businesses. There was an impressive line-up of speakers: Mr…, 21 January 2016: Research results on firm-level export activity published, On 21 January at a function in Pretoria, Prof Marianne Matthee and Ms Carli Bezuidenhout from the TRADE research entity presented the first round of results from a far-reaching study in which they are involved, together with UNU-Wider, the National Treasury and SARS. With their research partners from the University of Stellenbosch, Prof Neil…, 19 January 2016: Guest lecture by Dr Paul Ingenbleek, On 19 January, Dr Paul Ingenbleek of the Wangeningn University in the Netherlands visited the NWU School of Economics and the TRADE research entity. Dr Ingenbleek is involved in various research projects in Africa, focusing in particular on the role of strategic marketing in sustainable development for emerging markets. During his visit to the…
Events 2015
2015 events, UNCTAD Virtual Institute video conference WTO Chairs conference PhD graduation ceremony SAIIA roundtable SARB guest lecture SAAFF 'New Frontiers' conference MCom graduation ceremony WTO dispute settlement lecture IMF guest lecture Workshop on industrialisation in BRICS TRADE meets with NWPG and NWDC TRADE Colloquium #4 WTO-STATA training TRADE-WTO…, 12 November 2015: UNCTAD Virtual Institute video conference, The UNCTAD Virtual Institute conducted a presentation for members of the TRADE team via a video conference on the 2015 Trade and Development report, titled: 'Making the International Financial Architecture Work for Trade and Development'. The report, which is available from UNCTAD , was presented by a co-author, Alex Izurieta. Alex emphasised…, 2-3 November 2015: WTO Chairs conference, Prof Wilma Viviers (WTO Chair in South Africa), Dr Sonja Grater and Mr Martin Cameron attended the annual WTO Chairs conference on 2 and 3 November in Geneva, Switzerland. The conference provided a platform for the different WTO Chairs to report back on the work they are doing in their respective countries and for the WTO to do a stocktake of…, 16 October 2015: PhD graduation ceremony, Former TRADE team member, Dr Requier Wait, graduated from the TRADE research focus area with a PhD in Economics. The title of his thesis was: 'The development of structure to evaluate petroleum fiscal systems in Africa '. Prior to this, on 26 October, Dr Wait received the African Institute of Petroleum's 7th Annual Conrad Gerber Award for…, 15 October 2015: SAIIA roundtable, Prof Wilma Viviers and two TRADE associates were invited to attend a roundtable event convened by the South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) in Johannesburg. With the theme: ' Nairobi and Beyond - what prospects for the WTO? ', the roundtable prompted a range of debates on the state of the multilateral trading system, 14 years…, 15 October 2015: SARB guest lecture, The head of research and statistics at the South African Reserve Bank ( SARB ), Dr Johan van den Heever, visited the Potchefstroom Campus on 15 October to deliver a guest lecture. He spoke at the School of Economics on the topic: 'Monetary Policy and Issues in South Africa'. Above: Dr van den Heever and Prof Kleynhans with students in attendance…, 14-16 October 2015: SAAFF 'New Frontiers' conference, Dr Sonja Grater was invited to be a speaker at the prestigious annual conference of the South African Association of Freight Forwarders ( SAAFF ), which was held at the International Convention Centre in Durban from 14-16 October. With the theme of the conference being 'New Frontiers', delegates debated the fast-changing world of international…, 14 October 2015: MCom graduation ceremony, Ms Lorainne Steenkamp and Mr Armand Lourens graduated from the TRADE research focus area, both with an MCom. Lorainne completed an MCom in Economics with the title of her dissertation being: 'South Africa's economic policies on unemployment: A historical analysis of twenty years of transition'. Her study leader was Prof Riaan Rossouw . Armand…, 13 October 2015: WTO dispute settlement lecture, Dr Gustav Brink, an expert in the WTO dispute settlement process, recently visited TRADE to deliver a guest lecture as part of the International Trade Law (ECON622) course. In his lecture he explained how the dispute settlement process and appellate functions of the WTO work. The lecture, titled: ‘Dispute settlement in the WTO’, covered the…, 12 October 2015: IMF guest lecture, On 12 October, the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) Senior Representative for South Africa, Dr Axel Schimmelpfennig, visited TRADE to deliver a guest lecture as part of the Economic Policy course (ECON622). Dr Schimmelpfennig spoke about the general role and mandate of the IMF, as well as the IMF's views on South Africa’s economic outlook and…, 28 September 2015: Workshop on industrialisation in BRICS, Prof Wim Naudé, the Dean-Director of the Maastricht School of Management, visited TRADE to give a keynote lecture on the topic: ‘A fresh look at industrialisation in the BRICS with critical comments for South Africa’. Prof Naudé stressed the importance of manufacturing for countries' economic growth and development. But he warned that South Africa…, 23 September 2015: TRADE meets with NWPG and NWDC, A meeting was held between representatives from the North West Provincial Government, the North West Development Corporation and the TRADE research focus area on the Potchefstroom Campus. Ms Wendy Nelson and Mr Nathan Oliphant from the Finance, Economy and Enterprise Development (FEED) office of the North West Provincial Government's Department of…, 17 September 2015: TRADE Colloquium #4, The fourth TRADE colloquium of the year was held at the TRADE research focus area on 17 September. This was an opportunity for Master's and PhD students to present their research proposals and draft articles, and to obtain feedback. More information can be found here . , 8-11 September 2015: WTO-STATA training, Two presenters from the WTO, Cosimo Beverelli and Simon Neumueller, presented a training course on the use of the STATA statistical program. This included training in basic descriptive statistics, as well as econometric methods, gravity models and partial equilibrium analysis using the SMART approach. The course forms part of the curriculum…, 13 May 2015: CAPLP Writing School feedback, The 2015 Economics Honours students submitted their first comprehensive essay to the NWU's Centre for Academic and Professional Language Practice (CAPLP) at the end of March. The CAPLP assisted in the assessment of these essays, providing feedback on grammar usage, paragraphing, strength of arguments, and bibliographic referencing style and format…, 8 May 2015: 17th annual Ruiterbosch conference, At the 17th annual Ruiterbosch conference at Ruiterbosch in the Western Cape, Prof Peet Strydom , an extraordinary professor at the NWU, presented a joint paper with Prof Wilma Viviers on the topic: 'Global Value Chains: A new era for South Africa's foreign trade' . The aim of the conference was to bring together academics, practitioners and…, 24 April 2015: Agbiz launches political agri-economics report, The political environment has become a determining factor for most big business decisions. Politicians tend to use agriculture as its playing ground, not always understanding the risks it imposes on the people involved, business confidence and investments. Through its thorough and unbiased analysis, Agbiz provides its members with intelligence to…, 19 March 2015: 1st WTO-TRADE roundtable, The first WTO-TRADE roundtable on Global Value Chains (GVCs) and trade facilitation was convened by the TRADE entity on 19 March at the North-West University’s Potchefstroom Campus. Attended by members of the TRADE research team as well as colleagues from the university’s Business School and Engineering and Political Science faculties, officials…, 13 March 2015: TRADE-WTO award at Academic Prestige function, The TRADE-WTO award for the best Master's degree dissertation was presented to Mr Francois van Heerden on 13 March at the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences’ Academic Prestige function. The title of his dissertation was: ‘Identifying employment-intensive export sectors in South Africa’s services industry’ and his study leader was Dr Sonja…, 6 and 20 March 2015: CAPLP Writing School session #2, The NWU Centre for Academic and Professional Language Practice (CAPLP) held a follow-up Writing School session for Master’s and PhD students on 6 and 20 March 2015. For more details about the Writing School, contact trade@nwu.ac.za . , 20 February 2015: CAPLP Writing School session #1, The first day of the Writing School conducted by the Centre for Academic and Professional Language Practice (CAPLP) was 20 February. A follow-up session is scheduled for 6 and 20 March 2015. For more details about the Writing School, contact trade@nwu.ac.za . , 5 February 2015: TRADE Colloquium #1, On 5 February, a mini-colloquium was convened by the TRADE research entity and the NWU School of Economics. Here new Master's and PhD students of 2015 presented their research proposals, proposed methodologies and available data to their supervisors and promoters. Above: Students at the colloquium listen to the presentations, 19 January 2015: The energy economics initiative, The energy economics initiative, which was launched in 2014, was taken another step forward when the third meeting was held on 19 January. Dr Dawid Serfontein (Senior Lecturer at the School of Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering at the NWU) presented a paper titled: ‘ Nuclear power more profitable than coal if funded with low cost capital: A South…