Academic Staff Research Orientations in Uganda: A Study of Makerere University

2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 62-84
Author(s):  
Muhamadi Kaweesi
Keyword(s):  
Academic Staff ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Academic Disciplines ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Makerere University ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Research Orientations ◽  
Staff Research

Academic staff research orientations have become subject to growing interest in the context of research-led universities. Whereas a number of studies have explored research orientations in higher education, research literature on the subject deals typically with the topic in the context of European and American universities. As such, studies delving in the way academics conceptualize research orientations across disciplinary fields remain few, at least in the context of Sub-Saharan African research-led Universities. This paper uses the institutional theory as the guiding theory to explore the conceptualization of academic research orientations at Makerere University. With the help of semi-structured interviews with 12 participants from 4 academic disciplines, the interpretive paradigm was preferred for this paper because the study phenomena are interpretive. As such, I chose to use qualitative methods, in which things are studied in their natural settings and to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of meanings people bring to them. The study results revealed that although academics engage in basic, policy-relevant, community-oriented, and entrepreneurial research, they as well seem to strongly understand research in terms of donor rules that exert conformance pressures and expectations. Based on the study findings, the conclusion is that research at Makerere University is largely conceptualized in terms of the donor-driven orientation. Among others, I recommend that the University should selectively collaborate with donors to ensure that locally generated research agendas are not overridden by the interests of the donors.

scholarly journals The Nature of and Motive for Academic Research in Higher Education: a sub-Saharan African Perspective

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-25
Author(s):  
Muhamadi Kaweesi
Keyword(s):  
Research Funding ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Basic Research ◽  
Assessment Model ◽  
Makerere University ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
Research Orientation ◽  
Sub Saharan ◽  
Research Orientations ◽  
The University

The production of knowledge that is diverse in nature has gained importance in research-led universities. However, the nature of scientific knowledge and researchers’ motives of producing such knowledge across disciplinary fields in research-led Sub-Saharan African universities are not yet known. This study set out to access the voices of lead researchers regarding the nature and motive of academic research in Uganda’s research-led flagship institution-Makerere University. Findings showed that despite the pervasiveness of theoretical/basic research across disciplinary fields, other research orientations are evident as well. Although emphasis is placed on publishing in top-ranked journals, there is production of commercially-biased, policy-relevant and community-oriented research. Due to research funding constraints, the donor-driven research orientation has also become popular. We therefore conclude that although majority of lead researchers engage in basic research, the nature of academic research is varied and lead researchers’ motives of engaging in research are diverse. Because of the dominance basic and donor-driven research, we recommend that there is need to rethink the University promotional assessment model, diversify research funding sources, and selectively collaborate with the donors.   Key words: Knowledge production, research-led university, research orientation      

Procurement Analytics: Enabling Data Architectures in the Age of Big Data

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Goul ◽  
T. S. Raghu ◽  
Ziru Li
Keyword(s):  
Big Data ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Space ◽  
Prescriptive Analytics ◽  
Data Architecture ◽  
The Future ◽  
High Level ◽  
Area Data

As procurement organizations increasingly move from a cost-and-efficiency emphasis to a profit-and-growth emphasis, flexible data architecture will become an integral part of a procurement analytics strategy. It is therefore imperative for procurement leaders to understand and address digitization trends in supply chains and to develop strategies to create robust data architecture and analytics strategies for the future. This chapter assesses and examines the ways companies can organize their procurement data architectures in the big data space to mitigate current limitations and to lay foundations for the discovery of new insights. It sets out to understand and define the levels of maturity in procurement organizations as they pertain to the capture, curation, exploitation, and management of procurement data. The chapter then develops a framework for articulating the value proposition of moving between maturity levels and examines what the future entails for companies with mature data architectures. In addition to surveying the practitioner and academic research literature on procurement data analytics, the chapter presents detailed and structured interviews with over fifteen procurement experts from companies around the globe. The chapter finds several important and useful strategies that have helped procurement organizations design strategic roadmaps for the development of robust data architectures. It then further identifies four archetype procurement area data architecture contexts. In addition, this chapter details exemplary high-level mature data architecture for each archetype and examines the critical assumptions underlying each one. Data architectures built for the future need a design approach that supports both descriptive and real-time, prescriptive analytics.

scholarly journals Exploring perspectives on health professions education scholarship units from sub-Saharan Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 359-366
Author(s):  
Susan van Schalkwyk ◽  
Bridget C. O’Brien ◽  
Cees van der Vleuten ◽  
Tim J. Wilkinson ◽  
Ilse Meyer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin American ◽  
World View ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Health Professions ◽  
Health Professions Education ◽  
International Standards ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Diverse Range ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Introduction There has been a marked increase in institutional structures developed to support health professions education scholarship recently. These health professions education scholarship units (HPESUs) engage in a diverse range of activities. Previous work provided insight into factors that influence the functioning of such units, but data from European, Asian, Latin American, and African contexts was absent, potentially leading to a single world-view informing international standards for HPESUs. This aim of this study was to explore perspectives from sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) in response to this omission. Methods Situated within an interpretivist paradigm, the research team conducted semi-structured interviews with nine HPESU leaders in SSA, exploring how participants experienced and understood the functioning of their units. Despite efforts to have representation from across the region, most participants were from South Africa. The researchers analysed data thematically using the theory of institutional logics as an analytical frame. Results Several aspects of the HPESUs aligned with the previously identified logics of academic research, service and teaching; and of a cohesive education continuum. By contrast, leaders described financial sustainability as a more prominent logic than financial accountability. Discussion The similarities identified in this study may reflect isomorphism—a process which sees institutions within a similar field becoming more alike, particularly as newer institutions seek to acquire legitimacy within that field. An important caveat, however, is that isomorphism tends to occur across similar institutional contexts, which was not the case in this study. Understanding these differences is key as these HPESUs move to foster scholarship that can respond to the region’s unique context.

scholarly journals Study environment in the context of HEI study quality assurance: Case study at Daugavpils University (Latvia)

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jelena Davidova ◽  
Irena Kokina
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Quality Assurance ◽  
Global Education ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Internal Quality ◽  
Teaching Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Keywords Quality Assurance ◽  
Study Process

In recent years the system of higher education quality assurance has undergone several essential changes: a greater emphasis is being laid on the qualification framework, on student-centered learning and study results, the development of the teaching staff, active students’ participation in the assessment of the study process. The given study is oriented towards studying students’ opinions about the quality assurance of a study process at Daugavpils University (DU), Latvia. The participants of this study were 60 students from 12 master and doctoral study programs at Daugavpils University. The analysis of structured interviews with the students made it possible to identify the typical characteristic features of DU internal quality assessment. The research showed that students assess highly lecturers’ personal qualities (attitude to their profession, personal interest in students’ success, empathy, striving for cooperation) and their professional qualities (knowledge of the subject, didactic and communicative competence, and ability to get the feedback from students as well). To promote the cooperation between the students and the academic staff of DU, it is useful to practice trans-disciplinary out-of-study forms, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the study content, of topicalities in global education and possibilities of synergetic thinking in cooperation with students and lecturers. Keywords: quality assurance, higher education institution

scholarly journals Funding of Academic Staff’s Research in Public Universities in Uganda: Challenges and Opportunities

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 147-162
Author(s):  
Robert Kyaligonza ◽  
Joseph Kimoga ◽  
Catherine Nabayego
Keyword(s):  
Public Universities ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Academic Research ◽  
Industrial Sector ◽  
Specific Reference ◽  
Third Stream ◽  
Challenges And Opportunities ◽  
Alternative Sources ◽  
Staff Research ◽  
Research Function

This article discusses the funding of academic staff’s research in public universities in Uganda, with specific reference to challenges and opportunities. The specific objectives of the study were to: 1) investigate the sources of funding for academic staff research; 2) evaluate the extent of funding available; and 3) explore alternative sources of funding for academic staff research. The study revealed that research is grossly underfunded. There is little support from the industrial sector for research, and universities give little attention to research in their budgetary allocations. It is recommended that government injects more funds into the research function of its universities. It is also recommended that the universities consider third stream sources of funds with the view to increase allocations to research.Keywords: Funding; Academic Research; Public Universities

Students' Independent Professional Activity in Pedagogical Practice

2010 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 38-58
Author(s):  
Aina Strode
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Empirical Study ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Professional Activity ◽  
Pedagogical Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Criteria And Indicators ◽  
Study Process

Students' Independent Professional Activity in Pedagogical PracticeThe topicality of the research is determined by the need for changes in higher education concerned with implementing the principles of sustainable education. The article focuses on teacher training, highlighting the teacher's profession as an attractive choice of one's career that permits to ensure the development of general and professional skills and an opportunity for new specialists to align with the labour market. The empirical study of students' understanding of their professional activity and of the conditions for its formation is conducted by applying structured interviews (of practice supervisors, students, academic staff); students and experts' questionnaire. Comparative analysis of quantitative and qualitative data and triangulation were used in case studies. As a result, a framework of pedagogical practice organisation has been created in order to form students' independent professional activity. The criteria and indicators of independent professional activity have been formulated and suggestions for designers of study programmes and organisers of the study process have been provided.

scholarly journals Understanding the clinical reasoning processes involved in the management of multimorbidity in an ambulatory setting: study protocol of a stimulated recall research

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
M.-C. Audétat ◽  
S. Cairo Notari ◽  
J. Sader ◽  
C. Ritz ◽  
T. Fassier ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Primary Care ◽  
Clinical Reasoning ◽  
Primary Care Physicians ◽  
Video Sequence ◽  
Structured Interview ◽  
Ambulatory Setting ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Stimulated Recall ◽  
Study Results

Abstract Background Primary care physicians are at the very heart of managing patients suffering from multimorbidity. However, several studies have highlighted that some physicians feel ill-equipped to manage these kinds of complex clinical situations. Few studies are available on the clinical reasoning processes at play during the long-term management and follow-up of patients suffering from multimorbidity. This study aims to contribute to a better understanding on how the clinical reasoning of primary care physicians is affected during follow-up consultations with these patients. Methods A qualitative research project based on semi-structured interviews with primary care physicians in an ambulatory setting will be carried out, using the video stimulated recall interview method. Participants will be filmed in their work environment during a standard consultation with a patient suffering from multimorbidity using a “button camera” (small camera) which will be pinned to their white coat. The recording will be used in a following semi-structured interview with physicians and the research team to instigate a stimulated recall. Stimulated recall is a research method that allows the investigation of cognitive processes by inviting participants to recall their concurrent thinking during an event when prompted by a video sequence recall. During this interview, participants will be prompted by different video sequence and asked to discuss them; the aim will be to encourage them to make their clinical reasoning processes explicit. Fifteen to twenty interviews are planned to reach data saturation. The interviews will be transcribed verbatim and data will be analysed according to a standard content analysis, using deductive and inductive approaches. Conclusion Study results will contribute to the scientific community’s overall understanding of clinical reasoning. This will subsequently allow future generation of primary care physicians to have access to more adequate trainings to manage patients suffering from multimorbidity in their practice. As a result, this will improve the quality of the patient’s care and treatments.

Reintegration of Ex-Offenders Convicted of Violent Crimes into the Community in the Iranian Context: A Qualitative Study

2021 ◽  
pp. 0306624X2110226
Author(s):  
Mohammad Sabzi Khoshnami ◽  
Fardin Alipour ◽  
Maliheh Arshi ◽  
Hassan Rafiey ◽  
Mohhamad Hossein Javadi
Keyword(s):  
Social Capital ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Violent Crimes ◽  
Institutional Review ◽  
Main Challenge ◽  
Improved Outcomes ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Reducing Recidivism ◽  
Iranian Context

Community reintegration of ex-offenders is a main issue for reducing recidivism. This article aims to explain the process of reintegration into the community based on the experiences of people who have been convicted of violent crimes in Iran. A qualitative study based on grounded theory was conducted in 2020 in Tehran/Iran. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 26 participants. An institutional review board approved the study. Results indicate that the “worry trap” is the main challenge that those convicted of violent crimes face upon reentry into society. If these individuals are provided with governmental and non-governmental services and support, they can move toward “restoring their lost social capital.” The “redefinition of an independent identity” is a consequence of released individuals’ struggle to restore their lost social capital. Further research exploring the causality of social capital and improved outcomes after release from prison and reentry to community is needed.

scholarly journals An intervention to decrease burnout and increase retention of early career nurses: a mixed methods study of acceptability and feasibility

BMC Nursing ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Judy Brook ◽  
Leanne M. Aitken ◽  
Julie-Ann MacLaren ◽  
Debra Salmon
Keyword(s):  
Mixed Methods ◽  
Nursing Students ◽  
Focus Groups ◽  
Academic Staff ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Early Career ◽  
Mixed Methods Study ◽  
Healthcare Organisation ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Over Time

Abstract Aims To understand the experiences of nursing students and academic staff of an intervention to decrease burnout and increase retention of early career nurses, in order to identify acceptability and feasibility in a single centre. Background Internationally, retention of nurses is a persistent challenge but there is a dearth of knowledge about the perspectives of stakeholders regarding the acceptability and feasibility of interventions to resolve the issue. This study reports an intervention comprising of mindfulness, psychological skills training and cognitive realignment to prepare participants for early careers as nurses. Methods This is an explanatory sequential mixed methods study, conducted by a UK university and healthcare organisation. Participants were final year pre-registration nursing students (n = 74) and academics (n = 7) involved in the implementation of the intervention. Pre and post measures of acceptability were taken using a questionnaire adapted from the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability. Wilcoxon Signed Ranks test was used to assess change in acceptability over time. Qualitative data from semi-structured interviews, focus groups and field notes were thematically analysed, adhering to COREQ guidelines. Data were collected February to December 2019. Results One hundred and five questionnaires, 12 interviews with students and 2 focus groups engaging 7 academic staff were completed. The intervention was perceived as generally acceptable with significant positive increases in acceptability scores over time. Student nurses perceived the intervention equipped them with skills and experience that offered enduring personal benefit. Challenges related to the practice environment and academic assessment pressures. Reported benefits align with known protective factors against burnout and leaving the profession. Conclusion Planning is needed to embed the intervention into curricula and maximise relationships with placement partners. Evaluating acceptability and feasibility offers new knowledge about the value of the intervention for increasing retention and decreasing burnout for early career nurses. Wider implementation is both feasible and recommended by participants.

scholarly journals Connected diagnostics to improve accurate diagnosis, treatment, and conditional payment of malaria services in Kenya

2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Shannen M. C. van Duijn ◽  
Angela K. Siteyi ◽  
Sherzel Smith ◽  
Emmanuel Milimo ◽  
Leon Stijvers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Performance ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Malaria Treatment ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
National Guidelines ◽  
Private Providers ◽  
Provider Perspectives ◽  
Treatment Data ◽  
Sub Saharan

Abstract Background In sub-Saharan Africa, the material and human capacity to diagnose patients reporting with fever to healthcare providers is largely insufficient. Febrile patients are typically treated presumptively with antimalarials and/or antibiotics. Such over-prescription can lead to drug resistance and involves unnecessary costs to the health system. International funding for malaria is currently not sufficient to control malaria. Transition to domestic funding is challenged by UHC efforts and recent COVID-19 outbreak. Herewith we present a digital approach to improve efficiencies in diagnosis and treatment of malaria in endemic Kisumu, Kenya: Connected Diagnostics. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility, user experience and clinical performance of this approach in Kisumu. Methods Our intervention was performed Oct 2017–Dec 2018 across five private providers in Kisumu. Patients were enrolled on M-TIBA platform, diagnostic test results digitized, and only positive patients were digitally entitled to malaria treatment. Data on socio-demographics, healthcare transactions and medical outcomes were analysed using standard descriptive quantitative statistics. Provider perspectives were gathered by 19 semi-structured interviews. Results In total 11,689 febrile patients were digitally tested through five private providers. Malaria positivity ranged from 7.4 to 30.2% between providers, significantly more amongst the poor (p < 0.05). Prescription of antimalarials was substantially aberrant from National Guidelines, with 28% over-prescription (4.6–63.3% per provider) and prescription of branded versus generic antimalarials differing amongst facilities and correlating with the socioeconomic status of clients. Challenges were encountered transitioning from microscopy to RDT. Conclusion We provide full proof-of-concept of innovative Connected Diagnostics to use digitized malaria diagnostics to earmark digital entitlements for correct malaria treatment of patients. This approach has large cost-saving and quality improvement potential.

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