Agriculture & Environment
Department of Geography, Geo-informatics & Climatic Sciences reviews programmes
In a bid to align its programmes to the national and global development agenda, the Department of Geography, Geo-informatics and Climatic Sciences, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), Makerere University conducts periodical reviews in consultation with different stakeholders.
The Department is currently reviewing five programmes namely: Master of Land Use and Regional Development Planning, MSc Disaster Risk Management, Master of Geographical Sciences, Bachelor of Geographical Sciences, and BSc Meteorology.
Besides aligning the programmes to the national and global development agenda, the review processes is intended to improve marketability and innovativeness of the programmes, address industry needs and contemporary challenges, improve practical training and interdisciplinarity, and to strengthen analytical skills amongst students.
Since 2017, the department has been engaging different stakeholders including individual staff members, students, alumni and industry actors who have provided enriching contributions. The reviewed programmes will be rolled out in the Academic Year 2023/2024.
Stakeholder engagement
To further enrich the programmes, the Department held a two-day stakeholder engagement to receive feedback on the proposed amendments. The activity held on 3rd-4th August 2022 at the School of Forestry, Environmental and Geographical Sciences and coordinated by the Head of Department, Prof. Frank Mugagga and Dr Paul Mukwaya was attended by academics from Makerere University College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT); College of Education and External Studies (CEES); College of Natural Sciences (CoNAS); and the College of Computing and Information Sciences (CoCIS). It was also attended by representatives from Uganda National Meteorological Authority (UNMA); Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development; National Planning Authority;and USAID.
Proposed amendments
1. MSc Disaster Risk Management
The overall objective of the programme is to build national and regional human capacities in reducing risk to disasters and accelerating human security and economic development.
Specific Objectives
- Develop multi-skilled and dynamic professionals with knowledge and novel techniques to assess disaster risks and implement timely measures to efficiently manage disasters
- Impart interdisciplinary research skills for generation of information and knowledge for disaster risk management
- Increase local and regional capacities for anticipation, prediction and management of disaster events
Courses offered
Under the programme, a number of courses are offered including; Principles of Disaster Risk Management, Risk and Vulnerability Analysis, Introduction to Geo-Information Science, Natural hazards Assessment, Legal Frameworks for Disaster Risk Management, Population and Displacement, Extreme Weather Events, Research Methods and Applied Statistics, Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation, Field Exposure and Project Reporting, Earth Observation Techniques for Disaster Risk Management, Economics of Hazards and Disasters, Public Health in Emergencies and Humanitarian Assistance, and Urban Risk Management.
Summary of modifications
All courses have been aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the stakeholders’ engagement, proposals were made to include issues of disaster communication & response, resilience, insurance, multi-hazard analysis and climate change. The revised programme will equip students with interdisciplinary research skills to effectively deal with various disasters.
2. Master of Geographical Sciences
The programme aims to build a sought-after human resource pool of graduates with geographical skills and knowledge to address contemporary and emerging issues across scales. It also aims to advance the understanding of Geographical Sciences for graduate students from diverse disciplines, to build capacity in geographic research and information management, and to impart knowledge on the integrating nature of geography for multidisciplinary response to complexities of the world.
Courses offered
The Department offers a wide-range of courses under the programme. These include: Geographical Thought and Applications, Geographical Information Science and Technology, Remote Sensing and Earth Observations, Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, Natural Resource Modelling and Management, Applied Economic Geography, Geo-Politics and Development, Soil Conservation and Management, Coastal and lacustrine Geomorphology, Research Methods and Applied Statistics, Land Evaluation and Land Use Planning, Impact Assessment and Auditing, Settlement Analysis and Planning, Population Analysis and Development, Applied Agro-Climatology, Fluvial Geomorphology, Vulnerability and Resilience Analysis and Qualitative Methods in Geography.
Summary of modifications
The review process aimed to strengthen students’ analytical skills, linkages between theory & practice, and interdisciplinary as well as transdisciplinary focuses. Most of the aforementioned courses remain intact with a few adjustments to improve the content.Proposals have been made to drop the course in Applied Agro-Climatology, merge Coastal and lacustrine Geomorphology (GEO7123) with Fluvial Geomorphology, and to make Vulnerability and Resilience Analysis and Qualitative Methods in Geography new elective courses.
3. Master of Land Use and Regional Development Planning
The programme focuses on how public and/or private land and associated resources can be preserved, developed, and used for maximum social, economic, and environmental benefit. A number of courses are offered in the fields of natural resources management, natural resource economics, public policy, regional and land use planning, environmental impact assessment, applicable law and regulations, government and politics, principles of business and real estate land use, statistical and analytical tools, computer applications, mapping and report preparation, site analysis, cost analysis, and communications skills.
Summary of modifications
Proposals have been made to rename Principles of Disaster Risk Management – Disaster Risk Management and Assessment, and to drop Natural Hazards Assessment, but incorporate its content into Disaster Risk Management and Assessment. Other proposals include; i) renaming Legal Frameworks for Disaster Risk Management – Disaster Law and Policy; ii) Extreme Weather events – Weather Information and Early Warning and incorporate content from Climate Risks and Disasters; iii) Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation course content updated to include aspects of early actions and forecast; iv) renaming Rural Development – Local Planning Economic Development: Theory and Practice; v) Elements of risk management incorporated into Spatial Decision Support Systems; vi) the field course Regional Ecological Planning Studio combined with Integrated Urban Planning and renamed Land Use and Regional Planning Practice; vii) Strategic Environmental Planning and Management strengthened to reflect trends in environmental assessment and monitoring; and viii) Applied Spatial Statistics & Modelling for Planning proposed to become a school-wide course. The new courses include; Qualitative Data Analysis; Advanced Urban Systems Theory; Advances in Regional Science: Principles and Methods; Planning Ethics and Spatial Justice; Planning Law and Governance of Urban and Regional Dynamics or Regional Development Policy Issues and Analysis; Resilience, vulnerability and Regional Development; Inclusive Growth and Development; Infrastructure Geographies; and Critical Perspectives in Agrarian Change.
4. Bachelor of Geographical Sciences
This is a three-year Day programme started in the Academic Year 2017/2018 with three students. Intake has grown over time to an average of 30-40 students. The programme admits both A Level and Diploma students. A Level Geography is essential for direct entry.
Objectives of the Programme
The main objective of the reviewed programme is to produce geographers who are knowledgeable and practically skilled in geographical and earth systems sciences, can promote earth stewardship and contribute to sustainable development.
Specific objectives
- Develop competent geographers that have the basic and novel yet transferable knowledge, skills and technologies in geography and earth systems
- Produce competent geographers with knowledge and understanding of the earth’s resource potentials and limits in a geographic context
- Build geographers that have the breadth and depth of knowledge on earth system dynamics and changes
- Train geographers to initiate, plan and execute inquiry and research in topical geographic fields and earth systems sciences
- Develop geographers that have the skills and knowledge in and pathways to attainment of sustainable development
- Train geographers that are adequately prepared to respond to the changing global environmental, and social systems under scarce natural resources
Courses offered
Year 1 – Human Geography, Fundamentals of statistics, Principles of Earth Systems Science, Introduction to Soil Science, Communication Skills, Development Geography of East Africa, Sustainability Science and Development, Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science, Foundations of Cartography and Photogrammetry, and Urbanization and the Environment.
Year 2 – Geomorphology, Applied Cartography and Photogrammetry, Earth Observation Systems, Techniques and Applications, Global Environmental Change, Population Geography, Agriculture, Environment and Development, Risk Assessment and Management, Soil Conservation: Methods and Applications, Fundamentals of hydrology, Sustainable Energy Transitions, Research Methods, Climatology, Advanced Quantitative Techniques in Geography, Principles of Geographical Information Systems (GIS),Economic Geography, Settlement Systems Analysis, Project planning and Management, Development Geography of Africa, Biogeography, Principles of Resource Assessment, Development and Management, Lacustrine and riverine Landscape Management, Arid and Semi – Arid Land Management.
Year 3 – Geographical Thought and Philosophy or Geographical Thought and Practice, Advanced Climatology, Geo-Statistics and Modeling, Advanced Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Demography, Political Geography, Military Geography, Geography and Public Policy Analysis, Highland and Mountain Resource Management, Applied Hydrology / Advanced Hydrology, Land Use Planning and Management, Environmental Degradation and Conservation, Systematic Geography of Uganda, Advanced Geomorphology, Applied Earth Observations Systems Techniques and Applications, Research Project and Dissertation, Urban Geography, Transport Geography, Regional Development Planning, Regional Development Geography of East and South East Asia, Road Safety: Theory and Applications, Environmental Disaster Assessment, and Adaptation and Mitigation to Climate Change.
Proposed modifications
i)Human Geography course has been updated to include human environment interactions and implication ii) Introductory Statistics changed to Fundamentals of Statistics, iii) Principles of Earth Systems Science revised to provide foundation for climatology, biogeography, hydrology and geomorphology, iv) Communication skills introduced, v) Atmospheric Processes, Weather and Climate no longer mandatory for BGS students but for other students in the school, vi) Development Geography of East Africa revised to include aspects on constraints to development and possible solutions, vii) Fundamentals of Ecosystem Science revised to integrate issues of Natural selection and adaptation by plants and animals, as well as restoration ecology, viii) Global Environment Change reviewed to integrate issues of land use and cover change dynamics, biodiversity and environmental change assessment, ix) Energy Analysis and Planning changed to Sustainable Energy Transitions, x) Feminism and Geography dropped, xi) Fundamentals of Hydrology introduced, xii) Lacustrine and Riverine Landscape Management course focusing on lake and river systems resource utilization and management introduced, xiii) Project Planning and Management introduced, xiv) Highland and Mountain Resources Management changed to Mountain Sustainable Resource Management, xv) Applied Hydrology and Environmental Degradation and Conservation introduced, xvi) Tourism and Recreation Resource Management as well as Regional Development Geography of Europe and Asia and Wildlife Ecology and Management dropped, xvii) Regional Development Geography of East and South East Asia introduced.
5. BSc Meteorology
This is a three-year Day programme that started in the Academic Year 2011/2012 with 4 students.Intake has been growing over time with an average of 25-35 admitted. The programme admits both A Level and Diploma students. A Level pure mathematics is essential for direct entry.
Summary of proposed courses
Year 1 – Introduction to Atmospheric Science, Meteorological Instruments and Observation Methods, Differential and Integral calculus, Classical Mechanics, Introduction to computing in meteorology, Communication Skills, Thermodynamics, Matrix Algebra and Vector analysis, Tropical Meteorology, Computer programming in Meteorology, Numerical Methods in Meteorology, and Introduction to gender.
Year 2 – Synoptic Meteorology,Advanced Atmospheric Science, Atmospheric Dynamics, Cloud Physics, Biometeorology, Soil Science and Management, Physical Meteorology, Foundations of climate change science, Weather Analysis and Forecasting, Research Methods, Principles of Geographical Information systems, Renewable energy resources, Marine Meteorology, and Data Information Management in Meteorology.
Year 3 –Remote Sensing in Meteorology, Boundary layer Meteorology, Hydrometeorology, Agro-meteorology, Advanced GIS, Meteorology and Human Environment, Urban Climatology, Elements of Environmental Pollution and Control, Aviation Meteorology, Adaptation and mitigation to Climate Change, Research Project, Societal Climate services, and Integrated Water resource management.
Participants proposed to include climate change and communication skills in all programmes.
The stakeholder engagement was graced by the Deputy Principal, CAES, Prof. Yazidhi Bamutaze who emphasized the need to reflect on the relevance of all programmes offered as the University marks 100 years of existence. The workshop was attended by among others, the Principal, College of Computing and Information Sciences, Makerere University, Prof. Tonny Oyana.
Makerere University, through its Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), has launched a new project aimed at fostering green growth and promoting sustainable development across East Africa. This initiative aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and create eco-friendly, low-carbon communities through collaborative research, education, and technology.
Introducing the TORCH Project: Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-Emission Society
The two-year project, code-named TORCH (Towards a Clean Energy and Zero-emission Society in East Africa), seeks to strengthen cooperation between academia and local communities to promote green growth and environmental sustainability. Funded by the OeAD-GmbH under the Austrian Partnership Programme in Higher Education Research for Development (APPEAR), TORCH focuses on clean energy solutions, carbon emission reduction, and community empowerment through training, research, and co-creation of green technologies.
Officially launched by the Principal of CAES, represented by Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, TORCH builds upon existing East African government policies. The project will implement the innovative concept of living labs, where universities, communities, and stakeholders co-design, co-create, and co-produce affordable, reliable green technologies tailored to local needs.
Key Objectives and Activities
TORCH aims to:
- Enhance teaching on green growth by integrating principles into selected academic curricula.
- Establish three living laboratories in Central, South Western, and Eastern Uganda to boost co-creation on energy efficiency and low-carbon emissions.
- Increase human capacity through short courses, field research, and training.
- Empower women in science and technology.
- Promote novel green technologies and support policy transformation.
- Strengthen partnerships among universities in East Africa.
These activities directly contribute to achieving several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDGs 4 (Quality Education), 5 (Gender Equality), 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action), while also reducing health risks and conserving the environment.
Leadership and Partner Institutions
The overall project coordinator is Dr. Patrick Musinguzi, Lecturer in the Department of Soil Science and Land Use Management at Makerere University. TORCH involves several partner institutions, including: Makerere University (Uganda), University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna (Austria), Kabale University (Uganda), Busitema University (Uganda), Kyambogo University (Uganda), and the University of Juba (South Sudan).
Highlights of the Launch Ceremony
During the launch ceremony held in the GIS Lab at Makerere University, and attended by representatives from the partner institutions, Dr. Musinguzi presented an overview of TORCH, outlining key strategies for implementation and expected outcomes. Central to the project’s strategy is the integration of green growth principles into Makerere University’s academic curriculum. This will be formally proposed to the University Management for adoption. Additionally, the project aims to strengthen the university’s research agenda in this critical area. This will involve supporting faculty and student-led research projects and generation of evidence-based insights on green growth to influence policy at both local and national levels. There are also plans to establish three living labs in Central, South Western, and Eastern Uganda to serve as practical hubs for advancing green growth.
Expert Insights on Community Engagement
In his presentation, Mr. Andreas Bauer from the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna provided valuable insights into the critical role that living labs play in promoting sustainable, green growth. Highlighting practical examples and innovative approaches, Mr. Andreas Bauer emphasized how living labs serve as dynamic platforms for collaboration between researchers, industry stakeholders, and local communities, enabling real-world experimentation and the development of eco-friendly solutions that drive environmental and economic progress.
To emphasize the importance of collaboration between local communities and the academia, Mr. Kayanja Susane, a farmer from Kawumu Village in Luweero District, explained that, with guidance and support from the project team, he learned to produce biogas from animal waste -a reliable source of energy that reduces dependence on traditional fuels, subsequently minimizing environmental degradation.
Research Focus
As part of the strategy to guide implementation, the project team brainstormed potential ecological and social indicators of low emissions in homesteads, and proposed several research areas to support green growth. Proposed research areas include:
- Life cycle analysis
- Circular economy practices within homesteads
- Gender integration and the intersection of gender with green growth
- The role of livestock in promoting green growth
- Evaluating the impact of interventions on total emissions
- Barriers to adopting green innovations
- The use of indigenous knowledge in promoting green growth
Addressing the participants, the Principal of the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES), represented by Dr. Paul Mukwaya, Head of the Department of Geography, Geo-Informatics, and Climatic Sciences at Makerere University, commended the project as a timely initiative aligned with the University’s research agenda. He underscored the importance of collaborating with other stakeholders, noting that similar projects have been conducted within and outside Makerere. Dr. Mukwaya called for the adoption of the theory of change framework to ensure the project delivers measurable, sustainable impacts that extend beyond policy briefs and gender mainstreaming, ultimately contributing to lasting green transformation in the region. He expressed appreciation to the project funders for their unwavering support to Makerere University.
Refurbished gate to boost the institute’s aesthetics, security, accessibility, and sustainability
Makerere University College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) has completed the refurbishment of the main gate at the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The renovation was carried out by students from both CAES and the College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT), under the supervision of their academic mentors.
According to the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, the revamped gate now truly reflects the spirit of Makerere University and will significantly enhance the institute’s visual appeal, security, accessibility, and sustainability. The refurbished gate was officially commissioned by the Vice Chancellor, represented by the First Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs, Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi. The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Finance and Administration, Prof. Winston Tumps Ireeta, alongside CAES staff, students, and partners.
About MUARIK
Established in 1953, MUARIK serves as a hub for numerous research projects and facilities within CAES. It houses centres such as the Makerere University Regional Centre for Crop Improvement (MaRCCI), the Makerere University Centre for Soybean Improvement and Development (MakCSID), the Continuing Agricultural Education Centre (CAEC), the Centre of Excellence in Waste Management, and the Consortium for Enhancing University Responsiveness to Agribusiness Development (CURAD).
Additionally, MUARIK hosts KOICA-funded projects, including a modern layers production unit and a climate-controlled greenhouse for vegetable production. These units operate independently but collectively contribute to MUARIK’s dynamic research environment.
MUARIK also houses research units for the School of Agricultural Sciences (SAS) such as the Biotechnology and Tissue Culture Laboratories, experimental fields, Horticulture and Livestock Units, and the black soldier fly project. It accommodates training and research facilities for the Schools of Food Technology, Nutrition, Bioengineering, and the School of Forestry, Environmental, and Geographical Sciences. It also hosts hostels for both local and international students who stay at the Institute to gain practical experience in production and research under typical farming conditions.
Enterprises and Research at MUARIK
Enterprises at MUARIK include approximately 100 acres of pastures, a dairy farm, feed mill, silage production, poultry unit, piggery unit, banana and coffee plantations, maize and soybean crops, horticulture, goat farming, and the recently revived rabbit unit featuring four breeds: New Zealand White, Chinchilla, California White, and Flemish Giant.
Current research initiatives focus on edible insects and worms as alternative livestock feeds, agroforestry, horticulture, and value addition in food processing. MUARIK maintains a strong partnership with the Uganda Flowers Exporters Association (UFEA), collaborating on the commercial testing of new flower species to diversify Uganda’s flower exports beyond traditional rose bouquets. Collaborative efforts also include identifying native natural enemies to control Chrysanthemum pests, working with UFEA, Wageningen University, breeders, and the National Agricultural Research Organization.
As part of Uganda’s National Agricultural Research System (NARS), MUARIK prioritizes research in biotechnology, tissue culture, plant breeding, improved farming methods, agro-processing, value addition, and marketing.
Tour to Assess the Capacity and Condition of Facilities at MUARIK
As part of the commissioning ceremony, the Principal of CAES, Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga, led visitors on a comprehensive tour of the Makerere University Agricultural Research Institute, Kabanyolo (MUARIK). The purpose of the tour was to provide first-hand insight into the institute’s current infrastructure, operational capacity, and ongoing challenges.
During the visit, Prof. Nabanoga highlighted both the strengths and limitations of the institute. While the tour showcased MUARIK’s potential as a hub for agricultural research and innovation, it also brought to light a number of critical issues affecting its functionality. Chief among these is the persistent challenge of land encroachment, which continues to threaten the integrity and sustainability of the institute’s operations.
In her remarks, Prof. Nabanoga commended Dr. Cyrus Ongom, the outgoing Director of MUARIK, for his unwavering dedication to safeguarding the institution’s land. She acknowledged his resolute efforts in the face of persistent threats and numerous challenges, emphasizing the vital role he played in preserving MUARIK’s integrity. “This year, we aim to further reposition MUARIK as a leading centre for agricultural innovation and production in the region,”said Prof. Nabanoga. “Our focus will be on strengthening research, fostering partnerships with stakeholders, and enhancing the capacity of our infrastructure to support sustainable and impactful agricultural practices.”
The Principal expressed gratitude to all who have supported the transformation journey of CAES. “As we celebrate our achievements today, we take this moment to recognize and honour everyone who has been part of our transformation journey,” the Principal said. “We are especially grateful to the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Barnabas Nawangwe for his unwavering support, which has been instrumental in driving the College forward.”
Delivering his remarks, the Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academic Affairs (DVCAA), Prof. Buyinza Mukadasi, commended the CAES for its remarkable achievements in training and research.
“From my assessment, CAES has consistently excelled across its core mandates – training, research, production, and community outreach. The College has played a crucial role in advancing the agricultural sector through innovative research, high-quality academic programmes, and meaningful community engagement. These efforts have made a significant contribution to Uganda’s national development goals and the transformation of its agricultural landscape. Given its demonstrated success and strategic relevance, CAES is highly deserving of enhanced investment and funding to further expand its impact,” he stated.
CAES Annual Awards and Staff Recognition Ceremony
The CAES Annual Awards and Staff Recognition Ceremony celebrated the outstanding achievements of dedicated teaching, administrative, and support staff. During this special event, several members of staff were acknowledged and honoured for their exceptional performance, commitment, and contributions to the College’s success.
Commenting on the significance of the awards, Prof. Buyinza praised the initiative, emphasizing that such recognition serves as a powerful motivator. He highlighted how acknowledging excellence not only boosts morale but also inspires continued dedication and fosters a culture of high performance.
Click on the link below to access the list of staff recognized for exceptional performance.
More pictures from the event
It is with profound pride, reflection, and vision that I present the 2024 Annual Report for the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CAES) at Makerere University. This report is more than a summary of the milestones in 2024 – it is a powerful testament to what is possible when a dedicated academic community rallies behind a common purpose. It encapsulates the collective effort, ingenuity, and resilience of our faculty, researchers, administrators, technical teams, students, alumni, and partners – each of whom has contributed meaningfully to advancing our threefold mandate: Teaching and Learning, Research and Innovation, and Knowledge and Technology Transfer Partnerships.
Throughout 2024, we deepened our resolve to nurture not only competent graduates, but also purpose-driven leaders capable of shaping the future of agriculture, environmental stewardship, and food systems across Uganda, Africa, and beyond. Through transformative curricula, cutting-edge facilities, and a strong commitment to STEM-based experiential learning, CAES continues to empower a new generation of innovators – technically sound, ethically grounded, and globally aware.
Our academic programs continued to evolve in both quality and relevance. We offered 48 academic programs—including 15 undergraduate, 19 masters, 11 PhD, and 3 postgraduate diploma programs. A total of 2,339 students were enrolled in 2024, with 60% of undergraduate learning delivered through hands-on, field-based instruction. At the 74th graduation ceremony, 638 students graduated, including 20 PhDs, 104 masters, and 511 bachelor’s degree recipients. Notably, we celebrated 25 first-class graduates who represent academic excellence across disciplines.
Through over 100 partnerships, we translated knowledge into impact. Initiatives like CURAD, FTBIC, and MaRCCI empowered communities in agribusiness, food safety, and climate resilience.
I thank our entire community for your commitment and collaboration. Together, we are not only advancing knowledge but shaping sustainable futures across Uganda and beyond.
Prof. Gorettie Nabanoga
Principal, CAES
Follow the link below to access the full report;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nNsX8Cohq7whbC9zkd3j4DpBRa7kygDP/view
-
General7 days agoMirror Frank Kalimuzo’s life of service-MUBS Principal
-
General1 week agoIsraeli Ambassador Lotem Talks Innovation on Farewell Visit
-
Research1 week agoMak and MSU Host Landmark Symposium on Insects for Food, Feed, and Food Security in Africa
-
General1 week agoDirectorate of Graduate Training Rolls out Research Management Information Sytems (RIMS)
-
Engineering, Art & Tech1 week agoMakerere University and Nile Basin Discourse Partner on Water Resource Management Initiative