Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Makerere University'

Fundraising for higher education is a recent phenomenon in Uganda where the government has supported education for decades. Recent structural adjustment and liberalization policies mandated by the World Bank and the IMF and internal financial exigencies have necessitated funding diversification in higher education in Uganda and increased the need for private financial support. In developed countries like the United States, Canada, and increasingly, the United Kingdom, private support from alumni, individuals, corporations, and other stakeholders is a key component of higher education funding. This study used qualitative methodology and a holistic case study research design to explore the fundraising function at Makerere University. Tierney's organizational culture conceptual framework was used and data were collected through semi-structured interviews, an alumni questionnaire, document analysis, and observations. The findings include a governance and management structure that does not adequately support the fundraising function, strategies that are adapted to suit the Ugandan cultural context, perceptions of corruption and lack of transparency; and internal conflicts that limit communication and damage the image of the institution. The findings show that Makerere University is not strategically capitalizing on its position as the oldest and largest public university in Uganda and the region to mobilize private support. Reforms addressing the issues and seeking to enhance student and alumni experiences are contributing to fundraising success in various units. The reform efforts include transitioning to a collegiate system, procuring enterprise- wide financial and student services systems, faculty and staff sensitization, outreach and community engagement. The focus on the vision, mission and operationalizing the strategic plan presents an opportunity to dialogue with stakeholders and resonates with potential donors. The findings highlight a renewed spirit of resourcefulness that leverages old paradigms to integrate economic, cultural and social contexts to proffer innovative models of funding diversification.

In 2000 SIDA began a research cooperation with Makerere University in Uganda after it was found to be the centre of research activity in the country. The lack of Information and Communication Technology, ICT, was pointed out as a factor to the weak research and training and by adding the presence of ICT facilities, it was believed that the research environment could be improved drastically. The purpose of this study was to examine how the usage of ICT at Makerere University in Uganda has impacted the research environment and what role the SIDA funded Directorate of ICT Support, DICTS, has played as well as provide suggestions to how to continue to improve the research environment with the use of ICT.  The ICT resources available to students and staff identified in this study at the university are provided in the form of desktops, laptops, wired and wireless internet, several web-based applications and an e-learning application. Furthermore, the students and staff also use personal phones, smartphones, tablets as well as computers and laptops to communicate, access and interact with the school provided ICT resources. The ICT training given by DICTS has been well received by those who participate but results show that the participants want more sessions and training for themselves and for their fellow colleagues.

Considering the challenges facing higher education world over, sponsors of the premier Open Educational Resources expected developing nations in Sub-Saharan Africa to benefit from the social, financial, legal, and technological freedoms proffered by this innovation. However, this expectation has not materialised, thus raising the following questions: What drives and/or hinders Open Educational Resources utilisation by learners at Makerere University (in Uganda)? And how does Legitimate Peripheral Practice enable learners to move (or fail to move) from the periphery and towards the core of the Community of Open Educational Resources Practice? I employed Situated Learning theoretical lenses to assess the interaction between the learner and environmental, organisational and personal factors influencing Open Educational Resources adoption. Data was collected through a survey and interviews. While the survey data were analysed to derive simple descriptive statistics indicating the extent of Open Educational Resources use by learners, the interview data were analysed thematically to explain the ‘how’ and ‘why’ of learner behaviour towards Open Educational Resources. The study established that personal agency exercised through Communities of Open Educational Resources Practice enabled learners to take advantage of the contextual enablers and circumvent barriers to adoption. Extrinsic motivators for engagement included assessment requirements, project requirements, and out-of-class interests. Others were: learner awareness of, involvement with, and frequent use of Open Educational Resources, engagement in Communities of Practice, teachers’ influence, and social capital. Within the Communities of Practice, students learned to handle the deficient Information and Communication Technology infrastructure and equipment, lack of requisite skills, lack of clarity on copyright issues, and defective institutional policies and practices. Those who failed to engage with Communities of Open Educational Resources Practice fared poorly. The study recommends the flagging of Open Educational Practices in the strategic and operational plans of Makerere and letting it guide future investment decisions; reviewing relevant policies to cater for open licensing; creating a conducive environment for emergence of Communities of Open Educational Resources Practice; encouraging regular learner utilisation of local and global Open Educational Resources; and making Open Educational Resources a regular feature of learner orientation, staff induction and Continuous Professional Development programmes. The study proposes deepening the Open Educational Resources research agenda by making the assessment of Open Educational Practices at Makerere an ongoing concern.

Magister Administrationis - MAdmin
The study of student politics in Africa has evolved in the last decade from a focus on non-institutionalised student activism and student movements to institutionalised student political participation in institutions of higher education. Thus it followed a development route in which student leadership had to find new ways in which to organise their movements in institutional, national and continental political organisations to influence policy and remain relevant in students’ lives. Since this study focuses on one particular dimension of this change, the study seeks to understand the relationship between student leaders in Makerere University, Kampala, and political parties in Uganda. The specific focus of the study is on highlighting the reasons for establishing and maintaining the relationship; the arrangements necessary for the relationship to exist, and how the relationship impacts on the ability of student leaders to represent students’ interests. Following an analysis of the relevant literature in line with the topic, it was decided that a mixed methods approach would be suitable for the study. Hence in-depth interviews were conducted with student leaders and leaders of national political parties and an online survey targeting all undergraduate students at Makerere University was done (as part of a larger study). Theoretically, the study adopted a framework originally proposed by Schmitter and Streeck (1999), and adapted it to study the relationship between student leaders and political parties, drawing also on the insights of studies that had previously used adaptations of the same framework to study student leadership in other contexts. The study found a continuing historical relationship between student leaders of Makerere University and political parties in Uganda. It found that a significant number of students are members of a political party, whereby student leaders are most likely not only to be ordinary party members, but party leaders. Political parties use the student guild elections to recruit new members. As part of being members of a political party, student leaders tend to be more influential in weak political parties, in contrast to a ruling party which is more influential in student politics given its ability to provide access to government resources. Moreover, the relationship is such that student leaders from Makerere University are most likely to end up in powerful political positions in the country (e.g. Byaruhanga, 2006; Mugume and Katusiimeh, 2014); this situation corresponds to the reasons that student leaders give for establishing relationships with political parties in the first place, as most student leaders have future political ambitions. The most influential organisations in student politics appear to be political parties, followed by cultural groups on campus. The study also highlights weaknesses in formal institutional governance structures given that student leaders believe their problems are better addressed in personal networks with members of university management staff than through the committee system. The relationship between student leaders and political parties generally leads to positive developments such as student leadership training in democratic politics; consequently they are even able to satisfy their personal interests in the process. It is further argued that students who are not in leadership positions mostly gain indirectly from the benefits that student leaders may derive from their relationship with political parties. For example, student leaders may govern their organisation better. However the evidence also strongly shows that such indirect gains are highly compromised in cases where student leaders have future political ambitions, as they may sacrifice the students’ interests in order to maintain their good reputation in the party. Since most student leaders aspire to be politicians in future, the study concludes by acknowledging that the relationship between student leaders and political parties has some positive consequences to students not involved in leadership, but they are outweighed by negative consequences. Hence it is argued in the conclusion that, taking into account the scope of this study, the relationship is largely a distraction to the student leaders rather than assisting them in enhancing their ability to represent students’ concerns.

Academic libraries are focused towards effective information provision that is necessary for teaching, learning and research. Makerere University Library (Maklib) is no exception as it has strategies towards effective provision of information resources. Journals are some of the resources that are provided by the library to support teaching, learning and research and they are provided in two formats: namely, the electronic format and the print format. This research attempted to investigate whether postgraduate students use these journals and the formats they prefer to access. Research was conducted involving 114 postgraduate students using questionnaires as the data collection tool. Qualitative data was collected, analysed using Google Forms and presented in graphs, tables and text. Findings revealed that most postgraduate students are aware of the existence of journals provided by the library although some expressed a lack of awareness. Further still they use the journals provided and most of them have preference for the electronic format of journals. However it was also revealed that access was hindered by several factors such as long procedures to access the library. Recommendations that need to be adopted by Maklib are also discussed such as increasing on awareness campaigns, continuous training of students and staff and providing the necessary infrastructure to enhance access to the journals.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2015.
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

This thesis is a case study which describes the automation of a university library in Sub-Saharan Africa. The aim of the case study is, firstly; to find out which actors and factors have started and influenced the automation and the implementation of ICT at Makerere University Library in Kampala, Uganda. Secondly; it also discusses if the automation has changed the librarys condition. The empirical material consists of fifteen interviews with librarians and students. The empirical material itself has functioned as a base when discerning the analytical themes. The analysis has been done with the help from the theoretical frame and from literature about automation of library services, with focus on the developing world. The discussion is based on the two research questions. The results show that the librarians and the donor society were the most important influences starting the automation. The technology has changed the condition of the library and the librarians have to face new tasks and working routines. There is an OPAC available in the library and computer labs with Internet access. The access of information has improved, although the most important thing for the automation to be successful is student training.
Uppsatsnivå: D

Current trends in libraries require that students are able to access information and services beyond library buildings. Makerere University Library (Maklib) faces a number of challenges with regard to online and remote access to library resources and services. One possible solution to this problem lies in the use of mobile technologies. This study attempted to investigate how mobile technologies can be used to provide mobile-based library services at Makerere University library. A pilot study was conducted involving 31 postgraduate and 37 undergraduate students using questionnaires as the data collection tool. Qualitative data was collected and analyzed using Google Drive and was presented in form of text and graphs. Findings indicate that majority of Makerere University students own mobile phones that are internet enabled and those who do not own them have expressed interest in acquiring them in order to stay abreast with new technology. Although students owned internet enabled phones, they mainly used these devices to make and receive calls, and access different kinds of information ranging from news, social media to academic information. The services that students wanted to access using their mobile devices were: search the catalogue, request an e-book, request an item, chat with a librarian, view library news, access subject guides, search the library database, view library opening hours, View library contact information, Quick response, renew library items, book study group rooms, text messaging, book computer labs and view library map. There are also various resources that students expressed interest in and these include: Google searches, Google scholar, e-books, reference materials and e-journals. Convenience, flexibility, time saving, affordability are some of the reasons for acceptability of Mobile library services and resources. The majority of the respondents were positive about the implementation of the mobile services at Maklib however, some of the challenges mentioned by students include high cost of the devices and the ability to access internet services while in office. The study concludes that:  Mobile technology awareness is rapidly increasing among Ugandans especially students in higher education such as those at Makerere University.  Ownership of mobile devices is widespread among both the postgraduate and undergraduate students.  Both postgraduate and undergraduate students expressed their interest in accessing mobile library services and resources. Recommendations that ought to be adopted by Maklib and any other academic library willing to implement mobile library services are discussed.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
Information Science
Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2013.
Unrestricted

The World Bank is one of the most dominant influences in higher education policy in Sub Saharan Africa. Throughout the 1990s, the Bank consistently asserted that a reduced role of the state in providing and organising educational services, and a greater reliance on pricing systems in the allocation of those services would have a positive effect on both equity and efficiency in higher education. Critics of this approach countered that the Bank's neo-liberal framework was inappropriate to the provision of a public good such as education and that, in particular, the introduction of user charges was risky, inequitable and inefficient. This thesis explores these claims and counterclaims through an exploratory case-study of Makerere University (Uganda). Its particular focus is on the introduction of a series of cost-sharing measures, most notably the acceptance of 'privately sponsored students' to the University from the mid-1990s onwards. The thesis examines what impact these initiatives have had on questions of equity and efficiency within the institution, while also interrogating their sustainability. Using a series of semi-structured interviews with senior university and government officials, as well as official university documents and World Bank reports, the major changes to student financing at Makerere are studied and described. The impact that the changes have had on the question of efficiency, equity and sustainability are analysed, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including a series of semi-structured interviews with senior academics and administrators; focus discussion groups with students; and a student survey (n 1,030). It is demonstrated that the major effect of the changes to student financing has been the rapid increase of students being able to come to Makerere, as well as the associated increase in resources which these students have brought with them to the institution. It is argued that the injection of new resources has positively affected the efficiency of the university, but that increasing concerns are being raised about equity, as the poor are disproportionately excluded from the opportunities offered by the new funding approach. It is suggested further that the heavy reliance on extended family networks for financing ultimately raises questions about the sustainability of the new programmes. Much of the debate over the financing of higher education has been underpinned by the concern that the way in which a higher education system receives funding has a powerful influence in determining what it does - in particular the impact that a shift away from public funding will have on the sector's contribution to national development. It is concluded here that that the way in which the debate over the financing of higher education is currently constructed encourages an overly economistic view of the sector and its role. It is argued that higher education is especially unsuited to this role. The case study demonstrates that currently there is less to be gained from being dogmatic about the role of either the state or the market, than a greater acceptance that failures of either can result in distorted development. Policy implications point towards a greater understanding of the need to identify what is the most appropriate role for each to play to complement one another in a given context. This is needed so that a particular mix is not at the expense of either equity or efficiency, and to ensure that mix remains sustainable.

Research data management (RDM) focuses on the organization and description of data, from its entry to the research cycle through to the dissemination and archiving of valuable results. RDM entails storage, security, preservation, compliance, quality, sharing and jurisdiction. In the academic world, RDM can support the research process by searching for relevant data, storing data, describing data and advising researchers on good RDM practice. This study focused on developing RDM services. The aim of the study was to establish the role Makerere University Library could play in developing RDM Services. A number of questions were formulated to guide the researcher in finding answers to the research questions. A literature review, based on the research sub-questions, was carried out. The review covered the concept of RDM, academic libraries and their RDM practices, various RDM services in academic libraries, RDM services that require sustainability and how current researchers, in general, manage their data. The research undertaken took a qualitative approach with a case study design. This was due to the need to gather in-depth and comprehensive views and experiences regarding RDM at Makerere University. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify researchers who are actively involved in managing research data at Makerere University. Data were collected using semi structured interviews, from eight participants; one from each college. The participants were selected because of their knowledge about RDM and semi-structured interviews were preferred due to their flexibility. An interview schedule was used as the data collection instrument. Data was transcribed into Microsoft Word for easy analysis. Findings that addressed the research question and sub-questions were presented and interpreted in chapter four and conclusions as well as recommendations were discussed in detail in chapter five of this research report. In summary it is possible to say that although researchers, from across the entire university, generate big volumes of research data it appears that researchers themselves manage, control and store their data making use of different removable devices. This is risky. So there is a need to develop RDM skills for all stakeholders. It does appear though that the researchers at Makerere University would be willing the support of RDM services if these are developed by the library.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2017.
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

This research investigates how Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) tools mediate in field supervision of undergraduate students. The research used Activity Theory systems to show that good supervisory practices lead to expansive learning. The study conducted over a two year period of eight weeks each, focussed on nine supervisors, students and administrators in the international programme (summer for the Western Countries) is organised by the College of Veterinary Medicine and Bio-Security of Makerere University. The students undertake field attachment and are supervised using various ICT tools. The research used qualitative methods and was grounded in Activity Theory. Data was collected through interviews, their participation and discussion in the Learning Management Systems (LMS) and the social media network (Facebook & Diigo) and through various feedback reports either from the supervisors or from the students to collect as much information as possible so as to understand the role ICT plays in this process. The research found that while ICT tools mediate in field supervision of undergraduate students through aggregation of multiple experiences and by providing a virtual proximity in the supervisory process. It also found that there are barriers in its usage which need to be addressed when doing so. These included; internet access and availability as key, power outages, and technical knowhow were also mentioned. The research further found that lack of adequate ICT tools to be used in the field, skills and at times failure to credit the source of content hindered its effectiveness. This inevitably creates lack of consistence in the way they are used. The research, therefore, concludes that there is need for a holistic approach to address the problem of barriers and usage so as to have a comprehensive implementation plan for the use of ICT in the supervisory process. This will assist supervisors in integrating them in their practice.

Includes bibliographical references.
E-learning is the use of electronic devices and networks to engage in synchronous and asynchronous learning activities. E-learning is being increasingly adopted in higher educational institutions. Research in this area has tended to focus on innovations and implementations and little has been done on adoption of this highly pervasive technology at an institutional level, particularly within Africa. The motivation for this study was to examine how an African University, in this case Makerere University, can enhance the adoption of e-learning in teaching and learning. The research used Rogers’ diffusion of innovations (DoI) theory to explore the initial adoption of e-learning. It was felt that the enormous amount of experiences that early adopters and innovators could share regarding e-learning could assist as e-learning becomes more of a mainstream activity within the university.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation investigates and examines the dynamics of intercultural theatre practice. Existing scholarship on interculturalism in theatre praxis regards intercultural theatre as a site for bridging cultures and cross-cultural performance traditions, and for investigating the performance of power between the collaborating parties, learning, cultural imperialism, cultural translation and hybridity, among other features. However, much of the existing literature does not offer a historical perspective allowing one to understand the dynamics of contemporary North-South collaborations. Moreover, most studies do not adequately weave the experiences of the participants in such collaborations into their analyses. This study contributes to filling that research gap. This research specifically seeks to investigate and examine the dynamics of intercultural theatre collaborations in Uganda, taking Makerere University‘s Department of Performing Arts and Film‘s intercultural theatre activities in recent years as case studies. The inquiry was mainly driven by the impetus to explore the North-South intercultural theatre dynamics and to examine the socio-cultural, socio-political, socio-economic features and other notions that were manifested in these intercultural theatre collaborations and performances. In order to pursue the above line of inquiry I used a multiple case study design by examining three cases: the Stanford-Makerere, New York-Makerere and the Norwegian College of Dance-Makerere collaborations. The multi-case study model was reinforced by the use of personal interviews, direct observation, focus group discussions, document analysis and emails of inquiry in order to solicit the views of individuals who had participated in the above collaborations. Theoretically, the study is hinged on a multiplicity of concepts and discourses: symbolic interaction, intercultural communication, theatre studies, postcolonial studies, international education and the discourse on globalisation. In the analysis of the different cases it was discovered that the issue of economic inequality in the contribution towards the funding of the collaborations, among the different modes of power performativity manifested in the collaboration processes, sometimes leads to an imbalance in the decision-making process. Consequently, the power imbalance contributes to the North-South intercultural theatre collaborations‘ unending crisis of identification with imperialism. The study further shows that there are cultural, linguistic, pedagogical, structural and socio-psychological aspects of difference that are negotiated during the course of the collaborations. It was found that the process of navigating the socio-cultural differences provides the participants with an experiential learning environment of living with/within and appreciating cultural differences, thus providing a bridge across the socio-cultural divide. The cultural bridge in theatrical terms, however, leads to the generation of theatrical hybridity and fusion, which again brings into play the debate on intercultural performance authenticity/inauthenticity in theatre discourse. Also, based on the view that intercultural theatre collaborations are microcosms of multifaceted global intercultural interactions, it was seen that the socio-cultural differences that are negotiated through the intercultural theatre collaborations can give one a microcosmic platform for critiquing the grand concept of the ―global village‖ and the associated notion of ―world cultural homogenisation‖. Since this study uses a novel multidisciplinary approach in the analysis of intercultural theatre phenomena, I believe it will contribute to critical theatre studies in Uganda and elsewhere. The findings will also hopefully contribute towards the assessment of intercultural theatre collaborations at Makerere University in order to improve them. The study will also advance the view that intercultural theatre‘s aesthetic and experiential processes can help in interpreting and understanding our respective multicultural environments. Broadly, it will contribute to the discourse on intercultural communication, performance and cultural studies.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif ondersoek die dinamika van interkulturele teaterpraktyk. Bestaande navorsing oor interkulturaliteit in die teaterpraktyk beskou interkulturele teater as ‘n forum vir die oorbrugging van kultuurgrense en interkulturele opvoeringstradisies, en vir die ondersoek na aangeleenthede soos die uitvoering van mag tussen die deelnemende partye, leer, kulturele imperialisme, kulturele vertaling en hibriditeit. Die bestaande literatuur bied egter grotendeels nie ‘n historiese perspektief waaruit die dinamika van kontemporêre Noord-na-Suid-samewerkings verstaan kan word nie. Verder verweef die meeste ondersoeke nie die ervarings van die deelnemers aan sulke samewerkings bevredigend in hul analises nie. Hierdie ondersoek dra by tot die vul van daardie navorsingsgaping. Hierdie navorsing poog spesifiek om die dinamika van interkulturele teatersamewerkings in Uganda te ondersoek deur van onlangse interkulturele teateraktiwiteite aan die Departement Uitvoerende Kuns en Film aan die Makerere Universiteit gebruik te maak as gevallestudies. Die beweegrede vir die ondersoek is hoofsaaklik die verkenning van die dinamika van interkulturele Noord-na-Suid-teatersamewerking en ‘n ondersoek na die sosio-kulturele, sosio-politiese en sosio-ekonomiese kenmerke en ander opvattinge wat in hierdie interkulturele teatersamewerkings en -opvoerings gemanifesteer het. Om hierdie ondersoek te onderneem, het ek drie gevalle in ‘n meervoudigegevallestudie-ontwerp bestudeer: die samewerkings tussen onderskeidelik Stanford en Makerere, New York en Makerere, en die Norwegian College of Dance en Makerere. Die meervoudigegevalle-ontwerp is versterk deur die gebruik van persoonlike onderhoude, direkte waarneming, fokusgroepgesprekke, dokumentanalise en e-posnavrae in ‘n poging om die opvattings van individue wat aan die bogenoemde samewerkings deelgeneem het, te verkry. Teoreties is die studie gefundeer in ‘n veelvoud konsepte en diskoerse: simboliese interaksie, interkulturele kommunikasie, teaterstudies, postkoloniale studies, internasionale opvoedkunde en die diskoers oor globalisering. In die analise van die verskillende gevalle is bevind dat die kwessie van ekonomiese ongelykheid in bydraes tot die befondsing van samewerkings, onder die verskillende modusse van magsperformatiwiteit wat in die samewerkingsprosesse gemanifesteer het, soms ‘n wanbalans in die besluitnemingsproses tot gevolg het. Gevolglik dra hierdie magswanbalans by tot die nimmereindigende krisis van identifikasie met imperialisme waaronder interkulturele Noord-na-Suid-teatersamewerkings gebuk gaan. Die ondersoek toon verder dat daar kulturele, linguistiese, pedagogiese, strukturele en sosio-psigologiese verskille is wat oorkom moet word vir suksesvolle samewerkings om plaas te vind. Daar is bevind dat die hantering van sosio-kulturele verskille die deelnemers van ‘n eksperimentele leeromgewing voorsien vir die belewing en waardering van kultuurverskille, waardeur die sosio-kulturele skeiding oorbrug word. Die kulturele brug lei egter, in toneelmatige terme, na die ontwikkeling van toneelmatige hibriditeit en versmelting, wat weer die debat oor die outentisiteit al dan nie van interkulturele opvoerings in die teaterdiskoers aktiveer. Verder is daar, gebaseer op die siening dat interkulturele teatersamewerkings mikrokosmosse van veelvlakkige globale interkulturele interaksie is, bevind dat die sosio-kulturele verskille wat deur interkulturele teatersamewerkings oorkom word, ‘n mikrokosmiese platform kan voorsien vir die kritisering van die begrip van die sogenaamde ―wêrelddorpie‖ en verwante nosies van wêreldwye kulturele homogenisering. Aangesien hierdie ondersoek ‘n nuwe multidissiplinêre benadering tot die analise van interkulturele teaterverskynsels gebruik, glo ek dit sal bydra tot die teaterkritiek in Uganda en elders. Die bevindinge sal hopelik bydra tot die assessering van interkulturele teatersamewerkings aan Makerere Universiteit om hulle te verbeter. Die ondersoek sal ook die siening voortdra dat interkulturele teater se estetiese en ervaringsprosesse kan help met die interpretasie en verstaan van ons onderskeie multikulturele omgewings. Breedweg sal dit bydra tot die diskoers oor interkulturele kommunikasie, opvoering en kultuurstudie.

This thesis originates from the realization that the pedagogy of history is becoming dangerously obsolete, as it does not always relate to the contemporary needs of 21st century learners, who often find learning history irrelevant to their present situation. This challenge is attributed to, among other reasons, the way history is taught employing largely behaviorist pedagogies with significantly reduced active learner engagement and little alignment to the way today's students learn. Gadamer's historical hermeneutic theory was employed to advocate for a dialogical approach between the past (part) and the present (whole) mediated by Emerging Technologies, specifically Wikis. Thus, the study is guided by three research questions: firstly, how is historicity constructed on the Wiki platform among pre-service teachers at Makerere University? Secondly, how is authenticity of history meanings constructed among pre-service teachers? Thirdly, what design principles guide a pedagogical framework for construction of historicity? A Design Based Research Methodology (DBR), with theoretically informed solutions aligned to the study problem, was used among pre-service teachers enrolled at Makerere University, Uganda, for the period 2013-2016. Consequently, four phases of DBR were employed: identification of the problem by the researcher in collaboration with practitioners; development of solutions informed by existing design principles and technological innovation; iterative cycles of testing and refinement of solutions and finally, reflection to produce design principles and enhance solutions (Reeves, 2006). Data from questionnaires, interviews and observations on the Wiki was gathered and analyzed through a hermeneutic cycle-driven analysis during DBR phase three. Key findings demonstrated that historicity is constructed through dialogical engagements between educator/researcher and students mediated on the Wiki. Authenticity of history meanings is achieved through collaborative editing, reviewing and sharing understandings on a Wiki. The practical contribution of this research lies in the creation of design principles (i.e. connecting with the present, appreciating heritage, dialogue in history, doing history, validating history and applying history) and a pedagogical framework to be used for the construction of historicity mediated by Wikis, while the theoretical contribution lies in the methodological approach of using DBR to systematically implement and operationalize historical hermeneutics theoretical constructs in History Education in the Ugandan context.

This thesis investigated the development of proficiency in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies amongst educators at Makerere University. Limited educator CoPs focused on pedagogical integration of ETs inhibit educator potential to contribute to quality learning through pedagogical integration of ETs. The general question in this thesis is how social architecture in an educator CoP provides opportunities for enhancing proficiency development in pedagogical integration of ETs. Based on educational design research framework and situated learning theory, a community of practice as an intervention was designed and implemented between 2014 and 2016. Data was collected through observations, focused discussions and interviews from five educators who actively participated. An interpretive thematic analysis was done from which findings indicate that a social architecture in community of practice enables educators to initially accept that they are less experienced and potential members and then, join forces in a community to take charge of their transformation process. A social architecture enables drawing on individual talent and exploiting synergy between individuals with varying experiences; the process also comprises specific actions and engagements, which when shared in a social environment help motivate, inspire and evoke emulation of a practice. A community of practice provides an ideal context that enable educators to be more honest in evaluating their own technology skills and gaining confidence in seeking to develop skills. Pedagogical integration of emerging technologies is a practice highly influenced by individual attitudes in a social environment. In communities of practice faced with resource-constraints, the constantly evolving technologies, limited mentorship capacity, and mind-set are among the inhibitors in the social architecture that contributes to proficiency development in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. This thesis concludes that social architecture in a community of practice contributes to the process of developing proficiency in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. The design principles that emphasize configuration of a social architecture like interactions, networks and collaborations among educators are helpful in pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. It is therefore recommended that a social architecture in a community of practice be exploited by educators to enhance pedagogical integration of emerging technologies. The original contribution of this thesis is coming up with new design principles and theoretical insights related to a social architecture in a community of practice focused on pedagogical integration of emerging technologies.

The main objective of the study was to analyze the thermal comfort of a naturally ventilated building in Kampala – Uganda. CEDAT building in Makerere University was selected as the case study representing an educational center which is a naturally ventilated building. DesignBuilderEnergyPlus simulation program was used to model and perform simulations. Simulations for thermal comfort were done on the baseline model with a WWR of 30 % to attain the baseline model comfort data based on Simple ASHRAE 55-2004 throughout the year. Simulations for different natural ventilation improvement strategies were then done through parametric analysis. The strategies simulated for improving occupancy thermal comfort were lighting control, mechanical ventilation without cooling (fans), mechanical ventilation with cooling and variation of window to wall ratio from 0% to 100% to establish its effect on the thermal comfort of the building occupants.   Results for predicted thermal comfort sensation of occupants revealed that baseline thermal comfort sensation was between hot and slightly warm with 35.15% discomfort hours against 64.85% comfort throughout the year. Lighting control thermal comfort sensation improved to between hot and neutral with 0.55% improvement in baseline occupancy thermal comfort hours.  Mechanical ventilation without cooling registered a negligible improvement in occupancy thermal comfort while on application of scheduled cooling thermal comfort improved between slightly warm and slightly cool with a 12% improvement in comfort hours. Variation of WWR revealed that thermal comfort generally increased negligible with increase in WWR.    It can be concluded that mechanical ventilation with cooling combined with lighting control can be great strategies and opportunity for improving the case study thermal comfort.

Knowledge management (KM) is increasingly becoming important for organisations to enhance their competitive advantage, performance and to become more effective. Academic institutions and academic libraries, in particular, have come to the realisation that they too can benefit from knowledge management and are increasingly looking to adopt appropriate means to effectively manage their knowledge resources so as to improve the services rendered to their patrons. Knowledge management systems (KMS) are suitable means for academic libraries to manage knowledge and enable the processes of creation, storage, sharing and application of knowledge. While issues related to the design and implementation of knowledge management systems have been widely discussed within various sectors such as the business sector, there is a paucity of research pertaining to KMS implementation in academic libraries yet libraries have started to use several technologies for KM without putting certain issues that are critical to the successful implementation into consideration. Therefore, this study, puts forwards the idea of a KMS in Makerere University Library, exploring several aspects with the aim of discovering how the library can successfully implement a knowledge management system and in so doing explore the readiness of Makerere University Library to implement a KMS. An exploratory study was done adopting the qualitative research approach with Makerere University Library as the case study. The study involved interviews with eight library staff members in the librarian and IT staff categories that were purposively selected to provide information to the study. The major findings from the study revealed that, the majority of library staff at Makerere University Library understand the meaning of knowledge and knowledge management concepts though more training is still needed to clarify these concepts to some staff that do not have a clear understanding of the two concepts. The study also revealed that, the technological infrastructure of the library needs to be updated to support the KMS implementation. Other factors discovered that are key for the successful KMS design and implementation include: library management support, KMS budget, library culture, KM strategy, policies and guidelines, rewards and incentives. The study also identified benefits of a KMS for the library as well as challenges that the library may face in implementing a KMS. Finally, the study puts forward recommendations in the form of strategies for the library to successfully implement a KMS.
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

The focus of this study was to develop a strategy for sustainable digitisation of the Buganda kingdom special collections at Makerere University Library, Uganda. A number of questions were formulated to guide the researcher in finding answers to the research question. A literature review based on the research sub-questions was carried out. The review covered the approaches used when planning digitisation projects. These included the selection criteria, processes and technology requirements for digitising archival materials, resource requirements for sustainable digitisation initiatives, skills and competencies, possible framework for digitising archival materials, an overview of the Buganda Kingdom collection as well as the current digitisation equipment available at the Makerere University Library. The study took a qualitative approach with a case study design. This was due to the need to collect in-depth and detailed views and experiences regarding digitisation projects. A purposive sampling technique was used to identify three institutions, located within the Kampala area, which are actively involved in digitisation of collections. Data were collected, using semi structured interviews, from three participants; one from each institution. The participants were selected because of their knowledge about digitisation and semi-structured interviews were preferred due to their flexibility. An interview schedule was used as the data collection instrument. Data was transcribed into Microsoft Word and later entered into Microsoft excel for easy analysis. For ethical considerations, the researcher obtained clearance from the University of Pretoria and sought the consent of the participants before data were collected. Findings that answered the research question and sub-questions were presented and interpreted in chapter four and conclusions as were well recommendations discussed in detail in chapter five of this research report
Mini Dissertation (MIT)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
University of Pretoria
Information Science
MIT
Unrestricted

Magister Public Health - MPH
Background: The global human resources for health crisis has affected Uganda deeply as is evidenced by grossly inadequate medical doctor to population ratios. Strategies to increase training and retention initiatives have been identified as the most promising ways to address the problem. In Uganda, the dual track tuition policy of higher education (called the Private Students Scheme or PSS) at the University of Makerere was initiated in the academic year 1993/94, to boost student intake and to supplement university revenue. However, the impact of this scheme on the enrolment and graduation of medical students at this University is unknown. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of the PSS on enrolment, time to completion, attrition and number of graduated medical students at Makerere University Medical School after (post-) the Private Students Scheme (PSS). Study design: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive study based on a retrospective review of enrolment and graduation records of medical students was conducted comparing records of students enrolled five years before and after the privatisation scheme. Numbers enrolled, attrition rates, time to completion and graduation numbers were analysed. Results: There were 895 students enrolled in the study period, 612 (72.2%) males and 236 (27.6%) females. Pre- and post-PSS periods had 401 and 494 enrolments respectively (a net increase of 93 students). During the post-PSS period, 447 (90.5%) government sponsored students were enrolled - 351 (71.1%) males and 143 (28.9% females); in the same period, 47 (9.5%) private students were enrolled, 30 (63.8%) male and 17 (36.2%) female. Graduation rates for the entire study period were 96% (859), which represented 44% (378) in the pre-PSS and 56% (481) in the post-PSS periods. Private students contributed 8.9% (43) of the graduates 9in the post-PSS period. The majority of students (90.4%) graduated in five years. Thirty four students (3.8%) dropped out in the entire period, constituting significantly more in the pre-PSS - 22 (5.5%) than in the post PSS-period - 12 (2.4%). Males were more likely to drop out: 31 males did so (4.4%) compared with 3 (1.2%) females. In the post-PSS period, males made up 83.3% (10/12) of the attrition rate. Nine of them were government sponsored while three were private students. Conclusions: The PSS resulted in a 10% increase in enrolments when compared to the pre-PSS period. Furthermore the number of private medical student enrolments contributed 8.9% of the total graduations indicating that PSS succeeded in increasing the number of medical doctors graduated at MUSM. More males than females enrolled across all the years which might indicate a tendency for females to pursue non-medical professions which should be discouraged. Attrition of students was low which is encouraging but the finding that males were more likely to drop out than females deserves attention.
South Africa

This research was conducted at Makerere University Uganda, in the Department of Adult Education and Communication Studies on adult students in fulltime employment who were emolled for an evening degree programme, faced with the challenge of getting time to study. The university had structured the course in such a way that lectures started at 5 : 00 P.M.,the time they left work. At times, they studied non stop for five hours, and had only 3 2% of their remaining school time residual in which to do independent study and assignments. Moreover, they were working in a neo-liberal labour market that demanded them to retrain, but in their own time and at their own cost. The focus of the study was on how these students integrated work with study in such a context. Specifically, the study looked at how these students found time to attend lectures, conduct independent study, revise, and take exams; and how they fulfilled their academic obligations. The study was qualitative and of the case study type aimed at getting an in-depth understanding of how these students coped with the multiple and conflicting demands of work and study. What emerged is that these students try to get time to attend lectures by reducing on time meant for work, but being careful to maintain the delicate balance between work and study. They needed to retrain if they were to remain employable, and they also needed the job for survival and paying for their education. They managed to fulfill their academic obligations in the little time available by adopting pragmatic behaviour. With pragmatic behaviour, the student would find out what is useful in a course and concentrate on that in order to maximize personal outcome. Given the context and the strategies these students adopted, they most likely missed out on meaningful learning as an important educational goal. The role of the socio-economic and study contexts in influencing these students' approach to studying and learning was important to note. Recommendations to change the context are made to all stakeholders in the programme.
Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2005.

Background: The global human resources for health crisis has affected Uganda deeply as is evidenced by grossly inadequate medical doctor to population ratios. Strategies to increase training and retention initiatives have been identified as the most promising ways to address the problem. In Uganda, the dual track tuition policy of higher education (called the Private Students Scheme or PSS) at the University of Makerere was initiated in the academic year 1993/94, to boost student intake and to supplement university revenue. However, the impact of this scheme on the enrolment and graduation of medical students at this University is unknown. Aim: This study aimed to assess the effect of the PSS on enrolment, time to completion, attrition and number of graduated medical students at Makerere University Medical School after (post-) 
the Private Students Scheme (PSS). Study design: A quantitative cross-sectional descriptive 
study based on a retrospective review of enrolment and graduation records of medical students was conducted comparing records of students enrolled five years before and after the 
privatisation scheme. Numbers enrolled, attrition rates, time to completion and graduation numbers were analysed. Results: There were 895 students enrolled in the study period, 612 (72.2%) males and 236 (27.6%) females. Pre- and post-PSS periods had 401 and 494 enrolments respectively (a net increase of 93 students). During the post-PSS period, 447 (90.5%) government 
sponsored students were enrolled - 351 (71.1%) males and 143 (28.9% females)
in the same period, 47 (9.5%) private students were enrolled, 30 (63.8%) male and 17 (36.2%) female. 
Graduation rates for the entire study period were 96% (859), which represented 44% (378) in the pre-PSS and 56% (481) in the post-PSS periods. Private students contributed 8.9% (43) of the graduates 9in the post-PSS period. The majority of students (90.4%) graduated in five years. Thirty four students (3.8%) dropped out in the entire period, constituting significantly more in the pre-PSS - 22 (5.5%) than in the 
post PSS-period - 12 (2.4%). Males were more likely to drop out: 31 males did so (4.4%) compared with 3 (1.2%) females. In the post-PSS period, males made up 83.3% (10/12) of the attrition 
rate. Nine of them were government sponsored while three were private students. Conclusions: The PSS resulted in a 10% increase in enrolments when compared to the pre-PSS period. 
Furthermore the number of private medical student enrolments contributed 8.9% of the total graduations indicating that PSS succeeded in increasing the number of medical doctors graduated at MUSM. More males than females enrolled across all the years which might indicate 
a tendency for females to pursue non-medical professions which should be discouraged. Attrition of students 
was low which is encouraging but the finding that males were more likely to drop out than females deserves attention.