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.
The Regional Universities Forum for Capacity Building in Agriculture (RUFORUM) convened a meeting at the College of Engineering, Design, Art and Technology (CEDAT) focused on the critical role of research in national development. The meeting attended by college leaders’ and staff emphasized the shift from basic research which makes up nearly 80% of research efforts to applied research, which has the potential to generate revenue, create industries, and provide employment opportunities.
The discussion held in the CEDAT Board room Thursday 29th May 2025, highlighted the government’s agenda to prioritize applied research, ensuring universities become hubs of innovation rather than just centers for academic publishing. The meeting also stressed the importance of pilot testing and learning from early experiences to refine university support systems for commercialization.
The College of Engineering, Design, Art, and Technology (CEDAT) on 28th May 2025 convened the UNESCO China Funds-in-Trust (CFIT III) supported workshop, an event aimed at fostering innovation and technological advancements within the university. The high-level workshop hosted by the School of Engineering aimed at fostering innovation and advancing the national development agenda. It brought together academics, industry experts, students, and government officials to discuss the future of engineering, science, and technology in Uganda.
The event was officially opened by the College Principal Professor Moses Musinguzi, who congratulated the School of Engineering for spearheading the initiative, emphasizing the importance of innovation in African universities. He noted that institutions often overlook innovation, yet it is a key pillar in higher education worldwide. “Innovation should be at the core of universities. It defines progress, and as a college, we are committed to expanding our contributions in this field,” he stated. Prof. Musinguzi stressed that innovation is the key to economic transformation, and universities must integrate it into their work.
The Academic Registrar, Makerere University invites applications from Ugandan, East African, and international applicants for the undergraduate programmes under the private sponsorship scheme for the 2025/2026 Academic Year.
The following Programmes have been added:
Bachelor of Science in Computer and Communications Engineering (CCE)
Other relevant information can be obtained from UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS OFFICE, LEVEL 3, SENATE BUILDING OR CAN BE found on the University Website https://www.mak.ac.ug.
Sign up by clicking on the REGISTER NOW. Use your full name, e-mail and Mobile No. Please note that your name must be similar to the one on your supporting academic documents for your application to be considered valid.
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The closing date for receiving applications to undergraduate programmes shall be Tuesday 27th May 2025.
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Applicants are strongly warned against presenting forged or other people’s academic documents to support their applications for admission. The consequences, if discovered, are very grave indeed.
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