Optentia Research Programme

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

International Spring Week - Faculty of Humanities - 16 to 20 September 2024

Title: Humanities Horizons: Navigating Modernity and Innovation. The aim of the international week is to bring together higher degree students, study leaders and researchers from different study fields in the humanities to learn and converse about the future of Humanities while navigating modernity and innovation. This week will provide opportunities to meet with renowned and expert researchers, attend workshops/seminars, but also presenting your own current and completed research. Go to the website: https://humanities.nwu.ac.za/navigating-mod
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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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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

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

NWU executive director of Student Life serves on the editorial board of international journal

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Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival set to inspire and inform

The North-West University's (NWU’s) Optentia research unit is gearing up to host the upcoming Diverse Qualitative Research Perspectives Festival from 3 to 6 September at The Roots in Potchefstroom.

According t...Read article