The Toyota Wessels Institute for Manufacturing Studies (TWIMS) was established in 2018 with the mission to empower sustainable industrialisation in Africa. As a not-for-profit initiative founded by the Toyota South Africa Educational Trust, TWIMS is dedicated to developing manufacturing executives through academic and non-academic courses. With a vision of an industrialised Africa built on world-class management capabilities, TWIMS offers specialised programmes and world-class facilities to foster value creation and societal transformation.
ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES
PGDip and MBA
TWIMS, in partnership with the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), provides a range of academic programmes, The PGDip and MBA programmes at TWIMS are Africa’s first and only MBA programmes focusing specifically on the manufacturing industry. These programmes are designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required to excel in manufacturing management.
To date, 164 students have graduated from the first year of the degree with a PGDip, while 93 students have graduated with the manufacturing-focused MBA. Another 27 students are due to graduate with their MBA in September of this year. Students from the manufacturing cohort have achieved outstanding results in relation to the broader GIBS cohorts. In the six years of the programme’s delivery, manufacturing students have received the top student award for three of the PGDip years and one of the MBA years. Two manufacturing students have also received the top research award in their respective MBA years. Many of these students have gone on to have a broader impact in the manufacturing community as they have taken on greater leadership responsibilities in the sector. In contrast, some students have impacted the manufacturing knowledge base by publishing their research.
Executive Short Courses
TWIMS offers a range of executive short courses and Masterclasses tailored to manufacturing leaders, focusing on key areas of the industry:
· Future Manufacturing
· Sustainable Finance
· Green Manufacturing
· Lean Operations Management
· Leading Gender Transformation in Manufacturing
· African Industrialisation
· Lean Supply Chain Management
MANUFACTURING AMBASSADOR SCHOLARSHIP
As a result of a generous endowment from the Toyota South Africa Educational Trust, TWIMS can fund up to 20 Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarships annually. These scholarships are designed to support deserving candidates with exceptional talent and a deep commitment to African industrialisation. The Manufacturing Ambassador Scholarships are open to all South Africans interested in manufacturing or related industries.
Since its inception, TWIMS has awarded 76 PGDip scholarships and 62 MBA scholarships. Notably, 72% of the scholarship recipients have been of African descent, and 43% of all recipients have been female. The total value of this sponsorship from TSAET currently stands at R17 million.
PARTNERSHIPS
Global Manufacturing Network
TWIMS has established a global network of partnerships with leading manufacturers and academic institutions across Asia, Africa, and Europe. These partnerships facilitate the global module of the MBA program, allowing students to embark on overseas excursions to learn how international manufacturers are addressing contemporary issues in the industry. The global module includes visits to top manufacturing companies and interactions with industry experts, providing students with a global perspective on manufacturing practices and trends.
Industry Collaborations
TWIMS collaborates with several key industry players and organisations to ensure its programmes are aligned with the latest industry developments and needs. These collaborations include partnerships with:
Toyota South Africa Motors: As the founding sponsor, Toyota South Africa Motors plays a pivotal role in supporting TWIMS’ mission. The partnership extends beyond financial support to include strategic input and industry expertise.
Metair Investments Limited: Metair collaborates with TWIMS on research initiatives, particularly in sustainable manufacturing and sustainable finance. This partnership enhances TWIMS’ capacity to contribute to sustainability discourse and practice within the manufacturing sector.
Illovo Sugar Africa: This partnership focuses on research and development in African trade and industrialisation, helping to drive forward the industrial capabilities of the continent.
The Foschini Group (TFG): TFG supports TWIMS in exploring the future of manufacturing, providing insights into emerging trends and technologies that are shaping the sector.
CFAO Group: CFAO, a leading distributor of automotive and pharmaceutical products into West Africa, collaborates with TWIMS to enhance the practical training and industry exposure of students. This partnership provides valuable insights into distribution and supply chain management, crucial for manufacturing excellence.
RESEARCH COLLABORATIONS
TWIMS is actively involved in research partnerships with various institutions and industry bodies to advance knowledge and innovation in manufacturing. These collaborations focus on areas such as lean management, green manufacturing, sustainable finance, and gender transformation in manufacturing. Notable research partnerships include:
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA): TWIMS collaborates with JICA on various research projects aimed at enhancing manufacturing practices and capabilities in Africa. This partnership leverages JICA’s extensive expertise and resources to support TWIMS’ mission of promoting sustainable industrialisation.
CONFERENCING AT TWIMS
Apart from its formal academic programmes, TWIMS also offers a variety of world-class venues available for commercial use, providing an ideal setting for corporate events, conferences, workshops, and private functions.
The blend of historical elegance and modern facilities ensures a unique and professional environment for any occasion.
AVAILABLE VENUES
1. Current Auditorium
Capacity: 60 seats
Features: State-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, high-speed internet, comfortable seating, and excellent acoustics. It is ideal for training sessions, seminars, and presentations.
2. Classrooms
Capacity: 15-25 seats per classroom
Features: Modern furnishings, whiteboards, projectors, and internet access. It is ideal for training sessions, workshops, and smaller seminars.
3. Breakaway Rooms
Capacity: 6-12 seats per room
Features: Flexible seating arrangements, whiteboards, and internet access. It is ideal for group discussions, brainstorming, and breakout sessions during larger events.
4. Boardrooms
Capacity: 10-15 seats
Features: Executive-style seating, conference call facilities, and presentation equipment. It is ideal for board meetings, strategic planning sessions, and high-level discussions.
5. New Auditorium
Capacity: 115 seats and can accommodate large products launches e.g. passenger or light commercial vehicles.
Features: Latest audio-visual technology, comfortable seating, and enhanced acoustics. It is ideal for mid-sized conferences and keynote presentations.
Dining room and a state-of-the-art industrial standard kitchen.
Breakaway rooms: 4 rooms with audio visual equipment and adaptable seating
Extensive Campus parking
Tranquil gardens with a meandering trail.
6. Entertainment building
To be completed in October 2024, this is an on-campus getaway facility that can accommodate 70 to 100 guests on a cantilevered deck overlooking a tranquil garden and water feature with walking paths. It has a service kitchen and ablutions which is Ideal for entertaining and group bonding activities.
For more information visit https://twimsafrica.com
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