Heading up the Research and Accreditation Division at Stellenbosch Business School, Prof Euan Phimister gives practical insight with academic rigour on approaching complex matters involving real-world applications and research practices.
His work has helped bridge the gap between theory and practice, bringing real-world issues into the academic space as well as upholding these standards while pushing the boundaries of innovation and applied knowledge.
A vision for leadership
Prof Phimister's vision for leadership is based on collaboration and inclusivity. This approach underpins his belief that diverse voices and ideas can coalesce to create impactful change. Leadership, for him, is also about adaptability.
"Leadership is not a solo endeavour," Prof Phimister said. "It’s about the collective energy and intelligence of the people around you."
"The world is changing at a pace that requires leaders to be able to evolve rapidly. You have to be comfortable with uncertainty and still be able to guide others through it."
Transformative research initiatives
He emphasised the importance of creating research opportunities that not only advance academic knowledge but also have a tangible impact on communities.
"Research shouldn’t just sit on a shelf," he says. "It should be something people can use to better their lives, businesses, organisations."
Prof Phimister then highlighted the integration of international research collaborations and the emphasis on addressing local challenges through a global lens. He went on to mention the interdisciplinary approach that has been key to many of the projects at Stellenbosch Business School.
"We’ve been working with international partners and bodies to tackle issues like climate change, sustainable development, and social inequality.
"But what we’re finding is that while the global frameworks provide a great structure, the real impact happens when you tailor these frameworks to the unique challenges of specific regions.
"We’re looking at problems from multiple angles - economic, social, environmental - to get a more holistic understanding and to create solutions that are sustainable in the long term."
The accreditation journey
A critical part of Phimister’s role has been overseeing Stellenbosch Business School’s accreditation journey. He reflects on the rigorous process involved in maintaining and applying for the triple-crown status.
“Accreditation is not just a tick-box exercise,” he explains. “It’s about continuous improvement and ensuring that our educational programmes, research output, and community impact are aligned with the highest global standards.”
Phimister believes that the triple-crown accreditation adds immense value to the school’s mission. “The accreditation bodies demand a certain level of excellence across all facets of our institution - from faculty qualifications to curriculum relevance and ethical leadership. It pushes us to innovate and ensure that we are delivering programmes that are relevant to the world’s needs.”
On the application process itself, he shares: “The key challenge is not just meeting the standards but also demonstrating how we are evolving as a business school.
“Our research and teaching need to show that we are responding to global changes while maintaining local relevance. It’s a reflective process that helps us refine our strategy.”
Balancing theory and practice
Prof Phimister’s approach is characterised by a desire to balance theoretical work with real-world application. He believes that this balance is crucial for students and academics alike to remain relevant in a rapidly changing world.
"One of the things we emphasise is that theory without practice can be limited in its usefulness. We want our students to engage with the world, to apply what they learn in real situations. That’s where the real learning happens."
He elaborated on the role of research in education and leadership.
"The heart of our work here is not just to teach students but to empower them to become leaders in their own right. Research plays a huge role in this, and we ensure that our research output is not just academic but also relevant to the industries our students will lead in."
By continually looking to integrate academic output with practical solutions, Prof Phimister and his team have developed a curriculum that remains ahead of the curve in addressing contemporary issues in leadership, economics, and social change.
The blend of inclusive leadership, interdisciplinary research, and a focus on practical solutions ensures that Stellenbosch Business School graduates are well-prepared to take on the challenges of the future.