Engineering, Art & Tech

Mr. Kaconco James successfully defended his PhD thesis

Published

11 months ago

August 15, 2024

Mr. Kaconco James successfully defended his PhD thesis at a public defense session held at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT).

His thesis was titled; Master Production Scheduling, Total Quality Management and Blood Production Towards Blood Transfusion Sustainability in Uganda.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the relationship between master production scheduling, total quality management, blood production, and transfusion sustainability in Ugandan blood banks. It aimed to address the challenges of blood safety and shortages in healthcare, leading to canceled or postponed transfusions and patient fatalities.

The study used was correlational and cross-sectional in nature with a pragmatic paradigm and a mixed-method strategy. It surveyed seven regional and seven university teaching hospital blood banks, using random and purposive sampling. Data came from self-administered questionnaires and interviews with key informants. Data analysis used SPSS20 and AMOS23 to determine relationships among variables. Qualitative data was analyzed using Nvivo software. Pilot tests ensured questionnaire and interview guide validity and reliability.

Findings showed a significant model for the relationship between master production scheduling and blood transfusion sustainability. Demand and supply significantly related to transfusion sustainability, while perishability had a positive but not significant relationship. Surprisingly, total quality management did not mediate the master production scheduling-blood transfusion sustainability link; instead, blood production fully mediated it. When considering both total quality management and blood production as serial mediators, both played a partial mediating role. Qualitative findings aligned with these results, highlighting various strategies used by Ugandan blood banks to enhance sustainability.

This study has managerial implications, emphasizing the importance of factors such as blood demand, staff involvement, continuous improvement, customer-centric approaches, and efficient bloodstock management in enhancing transfusion sustainability. Recommendations for policymakers include establishing a fund to support blood banks for knowledge dissemination and capacity development. They should also enhance annual evaluation, recognition, and awards for blood donors, individuals, and partners dedicated to transfusion sustainability. Establishing a dedicated unit under UBTS for compliance monitoring is recommended. Blood bank managers should invest in staff training, seek expert consultation on transfusion sustainability, and recognize and reward employees and teams demonstrating a strong commitment to transfusion sustainability.

Engineering, Art & Tech

A Historic Creative Showcase: DIAAD-MTSIFA Hosts First-Ever BIAAD Exhibition

Published

2 days ago

July 19, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

On Thursday, 17th July 2025, the studios at the Margaret Trowell School of Industrial and Fine Art-MTSIFA came alive with artistic expression and design innovations as the Department of Industrial Arts and Applied Design (DIAAD) unveiled their inaugural Year three students’ exhibition for the Bachelor of Industrial Arts and Applied Design (BIAAD) programme.

This landmark event was graced by Prof. Moses Musinguzi, Principal of the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology, alongside Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of the college. Their presence underscored the College’s commitment to nurturing creative thinkers and industry-ready professionals equipped with hands-on artistic practical skills.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Kasozi Dorah, Head of DIAAD, hailed the exhibition as a historic milestone both for the students and the dedicated staff in the department and the school at large. “We are celebrating not only the creative and academic achievements of our pioneer class of the BIAAD program,” she remarked, “but also a significant milestone for us as academic staff, the realization of our vision: to train innovative, research-oriented designers who can address societal challenges through design and applied arts.

Click here for details

Engineering, Art & Tech

Uganda Engineering Sector Takes Bold Steps toward Reform and Collaboration

Published

2 weeks ago

July 4, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

Makerere University’s School of Engineering is leading a transformative initiative to reshape Uganda’s engineering landscape through legislative engagement, academic collaboration, and industry integration.

The School, headed by Prof. Dorothy Okello, at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT), recently presented a comprehensive memorandum to Parliament on the proposed Engineering Professionals Bill 2024. The document, developed through extensive consultations with academia and industry, reflects the collective voice of Uganda’s engineering stakeholders.

Following the submission, a high-level meeting was convened on Thursday, July 3^rd, 2025 at Makerere University’s CEDAT Boardroom. The gathering brought together officials from the Ministry of Works and Transport, university deans, and representatives from the Engineers Registration Board (ERB) to address key recommendations and matters arising from the parliamentary presentation. The Deans of Various Engineering Schools that were at the meeting included the Universities of Gulu, Muni, Busitema, Kyambogo, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda Christian University, together with the host, Makerere.

Click here for details

Engineering, Art & Tech

CEDAT and KOICA Partner to Advance E-Learning at Makerere University

Published

4 weeks ago

June 26, 2025

Alex Isemaghendera

A selection of the newly installed micro studio equipment on display during the official handover ceremony held at CEDAT on Wednesday, 25th June 2025.

The College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) at Makerere University has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Project Management Committee of the “Enhancing the Distance Education Environment at Makerere University” initiative. This agreement formalizes the operational and managerial framework for the newly installed micro studio at CEDAT, aimed at strengthening the university’s digital learning infrastructure.

Assoc. Prof. Kizito Maria Kasule, Deputy Principal of CEDAT, signed on behalf of the college, while Dr. Shon JinGon, Project Manager at the Korea Institute for Development Strategy (KDS), represented the implementing partner during an event held on Wednesday, 25^th June 2025.

For more information click here