CLMS Student Secures First Place in Three-Minute Thesis Competition

CLMS Student Secures First Place in Three-Minute Thesis Competition

The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently held the university leg of the Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition that brought together finalists from across its four Colleges: Health Sciences (CHS), Humanities (CHUM), Agriculture, Engineering and Science (CAES), and Law and Management Studies (CLMS).

Organised by the Research Division, it provided PhD students with a platform to showcase their research to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. This global initiative that is open to students in the final stages of their research offers an opportunity to compete with competitors from other South African universities.

Participants were tasked with delivering a clear, concise explanation of their research using just a single static slide to engage the audience.

The ultimate prize – a chance to represent UKZN at the national competition to be held in the Free State on 25 October – was fiercely contested. First place, along with a R10 000 prize, was awarded to Mr Alastair Marais (CLMS), while Mr Shimon Corcos (CAES) took second place, winning R5 000, and Ms Cassidy-Mae Shaw (CHS) third with a R3 000 prize.

Marais’ research, that focuses on manipulation of financial statements, especially fraud, is particularly relevant as this continues to be a costly issue worldwide, despite governance mechanisms.

‘My research focuses on how the tone set by a company’s CEO can either support or undermine the effectiveness of two key corporate governance mechanisms. I seek to highlight that stakeholders cannot simply rely on compliance with governance codes. Rather, they need to begin with the “tone at the top”, which forms the foundation of a company’s control environment to prevent financial statement manipulation,’ explained Marais.

‘Participating in the competition was a great way to validate the importance of my work, particularly as many PhD students struggle with imposter syndrome. I am extremely excited and honoured to represent my university in the nationals,’ he added.

Shaw and Corcos shared similar sentiments, highlighting the value of the competition.

‘It was a rewarding experience to distil my research into such a short presentation. I’m especially proud of placing third considering the high calibre of the other contestants,’ said Shaw.

‘I am thrilled to have been chosen as one of the winners, It was eye-opening to be exposed to research from other departments as the methods of research are different to each other,’ stated Corcos.

UKZN Dean of Research Professor Neil Koorbanally commented, ‘I was extremely impressed with the quality of the presentations. Our doctoral students were confident, well-spoken, and impactful. I’m confident that our chosen representatives will do UKZN proud at the national level.’

Words and Photograph: Ayanda Radebe