Early Academic Pursuits
Prof. Nita Sukdeo academic foundations were further solidified as she pursued a National Diploma in Marketing Management from ML Sultan Technikon in 2001. Continuing her studies, Prof. Sukdeo obtained a Bachelor of Technology in Production and Operations Management from the Durban University of Technology (formerly ML Sultan) in 2004. She followed this with a Master of Technology in Quality in 2009, focusing on integrating quality practices into strategic management processes. Her quest for knowledge culminated in a PhD in Engineering Management from the University of Johannesburg in 2016, where she researched Total Quality Management’s (TQM) impact on organizational performance. In 2022, she completed another PhD, this time in Quality Engineering, with a focus on the application of AI technologies in manufacturing to improve product quality and enhance customer satisfaction in Gauteng, South Africa.
Professional Endeavors & Leadership Roles
Prof. Sukdeo’s professional trajectory is marked by her profound contribution to Quality and Operations Management. Since 2010, she has been a cornerstone of the University of Johannesburg (UJ), where she has held various positions including Senior Lecturer, Programme Leader, and Head of the Department of Quality and Operations Management. In her leadership role, she has been instrumental in developing new programs like the Advanced Diploma and Postgraduate Diploma in Quality, which succeeded the BTech Quality program in 2019. She has also contributed significantly to the creation of departmental advisory committees and led the department through program reviews and accreditation processes.
Contributions and Research Focus
Prof. Sukdeo’s research is deeply rooted in Quality Management, AI integration in manufacturing, and Total Quality Management (TQM). Her extensive body of work aims to enhance product quality and customer satisfaction within South Africa’s manufacturing sector. As a researcher, she has authored numerous publications that explore diverse areas such as service delivery automation, robotics integration, and the transformative role of automation in various industries. She has also conducted several studies examining the impact of quality management practices across industries like banking, construction, and pharmaceuticals.
Impact and Influence
Prof. Sukdeo’s impact extends beyond the classroom and research labs. She has mentored several students who have gone on to make significant contributions in their respective fields. Her leadership in academia, particularly in Quality and Operations Management, has set new standards for program development and delivery. Additionally, she has actively contributed to the South African quality assurance and management landscape through collaborations with industry representatives and academic peers, which have led to the development of new educational frameworks in her department. As a head of department, she has enhanced the department’s research profile and fostered a culture of excellence in both teaching and academic research.
Academic Cites & Recognition
Over the years, Prof. Sukdeo’s research has garnered recognition within the academic community, with her work being cited in various journals and conferences related to engineering, management, and quality systems. Her research on the application of AI in manufacturing quality management has been pivotal, contributing to the wider discourse on the future of manufacturing and customer satisfaction in the context of Industry 4.0.
Technical Skills & Expertise
Prof. Sukdeo’s technical skills are a cornerstone of her academic and professional success. She is proficient in the use of various quality management systems (QMS), Lean thinking, Six Sigma, and Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques. Her expertise in AI and its applications in improving manufacturing processes places her at the forefront of contemporary research in quality engineering. In addition, she has experience in curriculum development, accreditation processes, and academic leadership, which has enabled her to make a lasting impact on academic programs at the University of Johannesburg.
Teaching Experience and Mentorship
With over 15 years of lecturing experience, Prof. Sukdeo has contributed extensively to the education of the next generation of professionals in the field of Quality and Operations Management. Her dedication to teaching is evident in the diverse subjects she has lectured on, including Quality Auditing Techniques, Research Methodology, Operations Management Techniques, and Quality Management Systems. As a mentor and supervisor, she has guided numerous Master’s and Doctoral students, helping them navigate complex research challenges and fostering a new generation of scholars and practitioners. Her students have successfully completed theses that address real-world challenges, from service quality in police services to employee motivation in various sectors.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Prof. Sukdeo’s legacy in the academic and professional spheres is one of continuous growth, leadership, and innovation. As she progresses in her career, her commitment to advancing quality management and operations research remains unwavering. She is focused on further developing her department’s research profile, mentoring students, and securing external funding for cutting-edge projects. Her future contributions are poised to further shape the landscape of Quality Engineering and Operations Management, both in South Africa and internationally.