This was compounded by the Covid-19 pandemic. He also lost his mother earlier in the year after an extended period of illness and married later in 2020. Never-the-less, he will graduate cum laude during the Autumn Graduation.
Storm believes that teaching/lecturing is more than a mere occupation, but rather a passion. With his father an economics teacher, he was introduced to the world of commerce studies at a young age and wanted to focus on management.
Immediately after his honours degree, he enrolled for his master’s and when he was appointed as Junior Lecturer, he took on the role of coordinator for the first-year Business Management modules, as well as providing Moodle and general online support assistance for various other modules in the Department.
Storm performed a systematic review of research into working capital management in South Africa for his master’s dissertation. Working capital that helps companies to effectively use current assets, to maintain sufficient cash flow to meet short term goals and obligations.
The study ultimately revealed various untapped avenues of research relating to working capital management; and specifically to the methodology, data analysis, data collection and types of research outputs in this field.
Storm also credited his supervisor, Prof Miemie Struwig, who understood him, supported him (both academically and personally) and guided him in every aspect of his journey.
The biggest lesson that he learnt through his journey was that, although he was grieving, he made a promise to his mother that he would complete his studies and complete them well.
“What it taught me was that no matter the current circumstances you are faced with, when you dedicate yourself to something and you have a purpose to do something, you will find a way to make it work.” Storm also shared some advice and tips for current and aspiring researchers:
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Knowledge and experience are things that no one can take away from you.
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Listen to your supervisor – they know more than you.
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Enjoy your topic – if you don’t then you have the wrong topic.
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Enjoy the process - don’t rush, but don’t be too slow either.
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