NRF Youth Month 2024: Andile Michael Kayanja Lwanga

This year’s Youth Month is significant as the NRF celebrates 25 Years of Research, Innovation, Impact and Partnerships. These are the stories of the youth who have not only been impacted by the NRF but who also have an impact in their own spaces – and beyond! We thank all participants for sharing their stories with us.

Mr Andile Michael Kayanja Lwanga is an Honours student at Durban University of Technology (DUT), specialising in data science and retail analytics. He is currently funded by the NRF for his studies.

How did your journey start?

My journey began with a strong interest in technology and data analysis. I pursued a Diploma in ICT application development at Walter Sisulu University where I graduated cum laude. From there, I decided to continue my journey in Communication Technology (ICT) at Durban University of Technology (DUT), where I completed my Advanced Diploma in ICT and am currently pursuing an Honours Degree.

DUT further developed my passion for data science. This interest led me to specialise in data clustering algorithms and their applications in retail analytics.

Growing up, I always envisioned a career where I could merge my love for technology with practical applications that would make a difference in the business world. This vision has guided me through my academic and professional choices, leading to my current role as a postgraduate researcher at DUT.

How has your affiliation with the NRF impacted your studies/career?

My relationship with the NRF has been instrumental in shaping both my academic and professional journey. I have been fortunate to receive several forms of support from the NRF, including a postgraduate scholarship that has significantly alleviated the financial burdens associated with higher education. This funding has enabled me to focus entirely on my research, which compares the effectiveness of clustering algorithms for customer segmentation in the South African retail market.

The NRF’s support has had a profound impact on my career by providing the resources necessary to conduct comprehensive and rigorous research. This has included access to essential research materials, participation in academic conferences, and opportunities to engage with leading experts in my field. These experiences have not only enhanced my technical skills but have also broadened my understanding of the practical applications of data science in retail analytics.

Beyond personal academic growth, the NRF’s support has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the academic community at DUT. I have been able to mentor undergraduate students, guiding them through their initial research endeavours and fostering a collaborative and intellectually stimulating environment. This mentorship has been rewarding, as it has allowed me to give back to the academic community and support the development of future researchers.

The impact of the NRF’s support extends to my personal life as well. It has provided me with the stability needed to balance my academic pursuits with personal commitments, thereby promoting a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. The opportunities provided by the NRF have instilled in me a sense of confidence and determination, motivating me to continue striving for excellence in my research and professional endeavours.

In summary, the NRF has played a pivotal role in my academic and career development. The funding and opportunities provided have enabled me to conduct high-quality research, engage with the academic community, and contribute to the field of data science and retail analytics. I am deeply grateful for the NRF’s support, which has been a cornerstone of my success and growth as a researcher.

What is your research focus on/what is your area of expertise?

My current research is centred on enhancing customer segmentation in the South African retail market through the application of various clustering algorithms, including K-means, DBSCAN, Hierarchical Clustering, and Gaussian Mixture Models.

The primary goal of this study is to compare these algorithms to determine which one provides the most insightful and actionable customer segments. This research is particularly significant as it aims to optimise marketing strategies by providing a deeper understanding of consumer behaviours and preferences.

My expertise lies in the field of data science, with a strong focus on retail analytics. Through this work, I am committed to developing advanced analytical techniques that can be leveraged to improve business operations and drive strategic decision-making in the retail sector.

Why is your work/studies important?

My research is important because it addresses a critical need in the retail industry for more effective customer segmentation techniques. By evaluating and comparing the performance of various clustering algorithms—such as K-means, DBSCAN, Hierarchical Clustering, and Gaussian Mixture Models—I aim to identify the most effective methods for understanding and categorising consumer behaviour. This has significant implications for optimising marketing strategies, as well-segmented customer data allows retailers to tailor their marketing efforts more precisely, resulting in increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and ultimately, profitability.

For South Africa, this research holds particular value as it can help local retailers compete more effectively in both national and global markets by leveraging data-driven insights to make informed business decisions. Moreover, the methodologies developed through this study can be adapted and applied to other industries and regions, contributing to a broader understanding of consumer behaviour and enhancing marketing efficiency worldwide.

Through my research, I hope to achieve a dual impact: advancing the field of data science with practical applications of clustering algorithms and providing actionable insights that can drive business innovation and growth. By bridging the gap between theoretical models and practical applications, my work aims to empower businesses with the tools they need to thrive in an increasingly data-driven world.

What are some of your proudest academic achievements?

One of my proudest academic achievements is the successful completion of my research on the comparative analysis of clustering algorithms for customer segmentation in the South African retail market. This project has been instrumental in advancing my understanding of data science and its practical applications in retail analytics.

In addition to my research, I have received several accolades and awards that highlight my dedication and contributions to the field. Notably, I was awarded the National Research Foundation Scholarship for my Bachelor of ICT Honours Degree at DUT. This scholarship has been pivotal in supporting my academic journey and enabling me to focus on my research.

Another significant achievement was my participation in the ACM CHI 2023 Student Design Competition held in Hamburg, Germany. As a solution architect, I led the design and implementation of an educational portal aimed at integrating digital technologies into the curriculum for rural Eastern Cape learners. Our team’s project was well-received, and it was a rewarding experience to present our work on an international stage.

I also took pride in winning third place at the East London Industrial Zone Hackathon, where I served as the project manager and presenter for a tutoring mobile app designed for “at-risk” high school learners. The app, developed using Figma and Android Studio, featured innovative functionalities such as geo-location and cloud computing, and it earned us a prize of R10 000.

Moreover, I graduated cum laude from Walter Sisulu University with a Diploma in Application Development, Information Communication Technology. This distinction reflects my commitment to academic excellence and my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical challenges.

I have also co-authored a research publication entitled Co-designing an Integrated Digital Education Portal for the Eastern Cape Rural Learners, presented at the 2023 CHI Conference on Human Factors in Computing Systems. This work explores the use of digital technologies to enhance educational outcomes in rural areas and is available in the ACM Digital Library.

These achievements underscore my dedication to leveraging technology for meaningful impact and my continuous pursuit of excellence in the field of data science and ICT.

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