Business & Management
School of Economics embarks on building a winning team
The Dean of the School of Economics on February 23, 2023 took off time with his staff to engage in team building activities and strategic planning for the school. Prof. Ibrahim Okumu called on his staff to visualize the kind of school they each want and do what is necessary to build it. He called for team effort in everything they do, saying teamwork divides the task and multiplies the success. He called on the staff to improve the visibility of the school through conducting seminars and also publishing both in journals and the media. He called on his team to draw strategies towards this.
Prof. Okumu also called for amicable ways of solving conflicts in case of an occurrence of the same.
Dr. Naboth Coole, the guest speaker at the retreat shared with the start the importance of building a winning team and how to go about it. He said it is important to recognize the importance of every individual in the organization for they contribution something to the growth and development of the unit.
He said for one to build a winning team, it is important to have effective leadership and know how to solve conflict. An effective leader, he said, is one that has the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivation, passion and vision.
An effective leader out to be optimistic, Dr. Coole advised. Positive attitude can set the tone and motivate individuals to be more productive, he added. People who are optimistic about not only themselves and what they’re doing, but about other people, are much more likely to inspire others to be, and do their best.
The participants heard that a good leader should have the ability to Make difficult decisions. The ability to make difficult decisions based on the facts and circumstances of each specific situation is a crucial quality of a great leader and effective leadership.
“True leaders must also know when to make decisions solely on their own, and when they can, and should, be based on the input of others when working towards a common goal,” he said.
The staff of the school concurred with the presenter on ones’ ability to delegate. A strong, confident and effective leader is not afraid to let others handle the workload and can ultimately give credit where credit is due. Strong leaders also get to know the people they’re working with well enough to decide who is best suited for the delegation of certain tasks.
“A person who understands this leadership style is typically a better leader,” Dr. Coole said.
Other qualities of an effective leader include humility, being approachable, manage priorities, mentor your successor, coordinate your resources, have a positive attitude and being transparent among others.
The team also discussed conflict management. They noted that while conflict at work are normal, it is important to resolve all conflict in order to have a good working environment. Some of the causes of conflict sighted included poor management, poor communication, poor work environment, lack of equal opportunities and unfair treatment among others.
Leaders heard that If they are to solve conflict that occurs among people, they need to be persistence, committed and focused.
“If we want to help people make the contribution at their place of work as they can, we must uncover what is the underneath the conflict in any situation, then we shall help people work together for a common goal,” Dr. Coole said.
“It’s very ok to disagree but importantly, agreeing to disagree is assign of maturity in management”.
On building a winning team, the staff agreed with the facilitator that they each have to play a role in elevating their school. A winning team must have people who do collective work, have a good attitude, good communication, result oriented, good leadership, team spirit and supportive to one another among other things.
Staff members from the Department of Population Studies, within the School of Statistics and Planning at Makerere University, have successfully completed a comprehensive three-day training on Doctoral Supervision. The training, held from June 28 to June 30, 2024, was meticulously conducted by esteemed faculty from the College of Education and External Studies, alongside experts from the Directorate of Research and Graduate Training.
The initiative, aimed at enhancing the supervisory skills of doctoral advisors, underscores Makerere University‘s commitment to academic excellence and robust research mentorship. The Deputy Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences, Prof. James Wokadala, officiated the closing ceremony, commending the participants for their dedication and active engagement throughout the training sessions.
“We are committed to fostering a supportive and rigorous research environment for our doctoral candidates. This training is a testament to our dedication to academic excellence and effective mentorship,” remarked Prof. Wokadala in his closing address.
He said the college has got plans to improve PhD graduation levels, some of which include appointing two PhD coordinators per school. He asked the staff to exhibit high ethical standards while supervising the students.
The training program was generously funded by a grant from the Carnegie Corporation, secured by Dr. Patricia Ndugga. The grant facilitated a series of interactive workshops, case studies, and collaborative discussions, designed to equip the faculty with advanced supervisory techniques and strategies to support doctoral students effectively.
Dr. Patricia Ndugga expressed her gratitude for the support, stating, “This training is a significant step towards enhancing the quality of doctoral supervision at Makerere University. We are grateful to the Carnegie Corporation for their continued support in our quest to improve research training and mentorship.”
The participants, who included both seasoned and emerging academic staff, have expressed their enthusiasm for applying the new skills and knowledge gained to their supervisory roles, thereby enriching the academic journey of their doctoral students.
Makerere University remains steadfast in its mission to provide top-tier education and research training, continuously seeking avenues to enhance the capabilities of its faculty and the academic experience of its students.
In a key gathering at College of Business and Management Sciences’ School of Economics, stakeholders from diverse sectors convened yesterday (June 20, 24) to envision the future of economic education in Uganda. The occasion centered around the unveiling of the proposed Bachelor of Science in Development Economics, a program poised to reshape how economic challenges are addressed and opportunities harnessed in the country.
Among the esteemed speakers were Prof. Edward Bbaale, Principal of the college, and Prof. Ibrahim Mike Okumu, Dean of the School of Economics, whose shared enthusiasm for the new program underscored its potential impact. “This initiative aligns seamlessly with Uganda’s Development Goal Vision 2030 and the National Development Plan III (NDPIII),” Prof. Bbaale remarked. “Our aim is to empower students with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainable development across the nation.”
“Our aim is not only to contribute to the development of Uganda but also to impact the wider African region and beyond,” Prof. Bbaale said.
Development Economics, as emphasized by Prof. Okumu, represents a fusion of economic theory and practical application aimed at fostering inclusive growth and poverty reduction. “This program,” he explained, “is not just about classroom learning; it’s about preparing future economists to engage directly with real-world challenges and policy-making processes.”
With an emphasis on research-led teaching and innovative approaches to economic analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to position graduates as thought leaders capable of driving sustainable economic growth and development.
The workshop provided a dynamic forum for stakeholders from the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, as well as representatives from KCCA, CHUSS, CONAS, URA, and the private sector, to offer valuable insights. Discussions centered on curriculum design, industry relevance, and collaborative opportunities, reflecting a shared commitment to equipping graduates with the skills demanded by today’s economy.
“The Ministry of Finance recognizes the pivotal role of this program in advancing Uganda’s economic agenda,” noted a representative during the workshop. “By focusing on development economics, we are fostering a cadre of professionals capable of driving innovation and sustainable growth.”
From the private sector, there was a clear call for graduates who possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical experience. “We look forward to collaborating with the School of Economics to ensure that students gain hands-on skills that are directly applicable to our evolving business landscape,” remarked a representative from a leading industry player.
Looking forward, the School of Economics aims to integrate stakeholder feedback into finalizing the program’s curriculum and securing necessary accreditation. With an emphasis on research and policy analysis, the Bachelor of Science in Development Economics aims to prepare graduates to become catalysts for change, equipped to navigate Uganda’s economic complexities.
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