Welcome

The mission of the Optentia Research Unit is to develop and organise knowledge for the optimal expression of individual, social and institutional potential, with a specific interest in the African context. The research unit utilises the inputs from multiple disciplines: Economics, Educational Sciences, Employment Relations, Human Resource Management, Information Technology, Philosophy, Psychology (Work and Organisational Psychology, Educational Psychology, Counselling Psychology, and Clinical Psychology), Risk Management, Social Anthropology, Social Work, and Sociology. We study the optimisation of the potential of people and institutions by focusing on pathways from precarity to capability and optimal functioning. Optentia's research is organised into six programmes. 

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Symposia

Exploring the History of Cross-Cultural Psychology: The Primacy of Method over Theory - 21 October 2024

Join us for an insightful workshop with Prof. Ype Poortinga, a distinguished expert in cross-cultural psychology. This workshop will delve into the fascinating history of cross-cultural psychology, highlighting the significant contributions to methodology over theoretical advancements.
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Mapping the Evidence Landscape: A Hands-On Journey Through Systematic and Scoping Reviews - 23 to 25 October 2024

Join us on an exciting journey through the landscape of systematic and scoping reviews. With your research question as your compass, you'll navigate key milestones—developing protocols, crafting search strategies, and synthesizing evidence. This hands-on workshop equips you with the tools and skills to explore and master the process, transforming you into a skilled navigator ready to chart your own course in the world of research. Discover the art of evidence synthesis and reach your destination: high-quality, impactful reviews.
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Workshop: The Holistic Life Crafting Model: A Practitioner’s Guide to Meaning-making in Every Domain - 13 to 14 November 2024

Have you ever wondered how you can empower your clients or employees to take control of their lives and help them align their daily experiences with what truly matters to them? Have you felt the need for a comprehensive, research-backed approach to fostering personal growth and well-being but didn’t know where to start? Or perhaps you’re eager to deepen your expertise in positive psychology and are on the lookout for practical strategies or tools that you can use to help others create more meaningful life experiences. If so, don’t miss the chan
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17th International Federation on Ageing Conference - 09 to 12 September 2025

Join us for an insightful and impactful event dedicated to exploring the diverse dimensions of ageing and its implications on society. As the world’s population continues to age, it’s imperative that we come together to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this demographic shift. Our conference features thought-provoking keynote addresses, inspiring symposiums, skill-building workshops, interactive oral and poster sessions and most importantly the voices of older people from around the globe. Go to the following link for mor
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Recent news

First Participants Successfully Complete Short Courses in Academic Mentorship

Academic mentorship has reached a significant milestone. The Optentia Research Unit – one for academic mentors and one for academic mentees – have been successfully presented for the first time. Click on the following ...Read article

UARM celebrates 10 years of excellence

The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Centre for Applied Risk Management (UARM) is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its master’s degree programme in behavioural risk work. The programme, initiated by associate p...Read article

Optentia research unit hosts insightful research perspectives festival

From 3 to 6 September 2024, the Optentia research unit at the North-West University (NWU) hosted the Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival at The Roots Conference Centre, Potchefstroom.

The idea of having s...Read article

Towards a Career Development Strategy for South Africa

Prof. Ian Rothmann recently took part in a panel discussion on developing a career development strategy for South Africa hosted by the Director of Career Development of the Department of Higher Education and Training. Prof. Rothma...Read article

Newsletter, July 2024