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22 News

“ If you can’t measure it,

then you can’t manage it..”

•We need to develop Botswana Specific Models that use our

localized assumptions instead in international Models.
•BIUST has formed “BIUST Enterprise Limited” specifically to

generate third stream income to reduce over dependence.

otswana International University of Science and collaboration means to the community and the nation.
Technology’s Department of Mathematics and Statistical
BSciences has launched a Statistical Service Services Unit. “Today’s launch of SSU is to ensure that BIUST as a national
strategic initiative to serve as one of the key platforms for
This Unit (SSU) was established to serve as a capacity building transforming Botswana’s economy from resource based to a
mechanism to help address the challenges identified within the knowledge-based economy is realized through skills capacity
BIUST research groups, parastatals, private sector, as well as in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
regional and global communities. These challenges include and field. The SSU is properly aligned with BIUST strategy, the
are not limited to the deficiency in statistical literacy, statistical two main core services that will be provided by the SSU
computing skills and Inadequate knowledge on appropriate are identified as follows: consulting Services on different
data or type of statistical analysis to be used or deployed. Setting statistical issues and general training services through short
up this unit has befit well within the BIUST strategy roadmap courses, “he said.
since it will address the knowledge deficiency through the
provision of advice and technical services within the University Professor Shemang also explained further that, “BIUST has
and beyond. formed “BIUST Enterprise Limited” specifically to generate
third stream income to reduce over dependence on
The theme of this launch is “Statistical Collaboration for a Government subvention.Therefore, SSU is within our strategic
Knowledge-Based Economy and Sustainable Development’. move, and more initiatives will be realized at the appropriate
The aim of the launch is to create BIUST statistical analysis and moment, as we embark on our drive to aggressively generate
data science capacity by providing advice and technical services the Third Stream Income.
within the university. The SSU will foster mutual beneficial We have already formed a committee to look into the
contacts between the University and the wider community in generation of the third stream income, chaired by Dr.
dealing with real-world issues in a critical and robust manner. Bonny Matshediso, Acting Director, Mining Centre, which
also provides consultancy services to the Mining Sector.
Acting BIUST Vice Chancellor Professor Elisha Shemang gave Postgraduate Students will from time-to-time form part and
the opening speech from the virtual Statistical Service Services parcel of the consultancy as part of their learning and skills
Unit Launch and gave it the desired mileage. development and enhance self-employment creation in their
future aspirations.”
He acknowledged the attendees and outlined to them Mr Robert Selato who is Manager, Research, Monitoring
how important this Unit is to the University and what the and Evaluation of National AIDS & Health Promotion Agency
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Issue 29 - Apr /May 2022 www.engineerbw.com