Over 67 PhD scholars under the College of Business and Management Sciences at Makerere University participated in an interactive meeting to spur multi-disciplinary research, collaboration and peer support, writing of high quality research papers and publications.
The PhD scholars’ meeting provided a platform to gain a deeper understanding of the Makerere University research agenda. In the strategic plan, Makerere University commits to being a research led institution, an approach that positions PhD scholars (doctoral students) as the building pillars of the research agenda. The research-led strategic approach involves prioritization of graduate training and research, as well as, the implementation of research intensive and innovation driven strategies.
Commending the Organizers of meeting, the Principal of the College of Business and Management Sciences (CoBAMS), Professor Edward Bbaale urged PhD scholars to collaborate and network with researchers and graduate students from other disciplines and sectors. Professor Bbaale noted that collaboration facilitates a broader and diverse understanding of the body of knowledge, and its applicability to societal challenges.
Describing PhD scholars as engines of research output and institutional growth, the Principal called upon students to join reputable research networks that will not only enrich their academic and research work, but also provide avenues for dissemination, publication, and application of their research in societal transformation.
Quoting Professor Barnabas Nawangwe, the Vice Chancellor of Makerere University, Professor Bbaale reiterated the strategic direction focused on increasing the number of graduate students while reducing the number of undergraduates. According to Professor Bbaale, this approach is testament to the strategies being undertaken to leverage graduate training and research.
Professor Bbaale highlighted that the CoBAMS Doctoral Forum, which was envisaged as an outcome of the PhD scholars meeting, would shape the future of graduate research and training. “The Doctoral Forum creates a vibrant network for research collaboration and peer support. Through the forum, the different actors will understand the learning, teaching and research needs, and work together to address the key challenges,” he said. Professor Bbaale urged the PhD scholars to take on leadership roles on the Executive of the Doctoral Forum, and rallied them to be active members.
The PhD scholars meeting featured presentations on essential topics crucial for their successful pursuit of studies. This entailed PhD registration and enrolment, PhD study plan and timelines, interdisciplinary research, collaboration and peer support, Makerere University’s research led agenda, CoBAMS doctoral forum, and networking.
The presenters included: Dr. Kasimu Sendawula-CoBAMS Graduate Students Coordinator, Associate Professor James Wokadala-Deputy Principal, Ms. Annet Auma-College Registrar, Associate Professor Godfrey Akileng-Dean, School of Business, Associate Professor Ibrahim Mike Okumu-Dean, School of Economics, Dr. Margaret Banga-Dean, School of Statistics and Planning, and Professor Edward Bbaale-Principal of CoBAMS.
The Convener of the meeting, Dr. Sendawula highlighted that the engagement presented a golden opportunity to PhD Scholars within the College to know each other, interact, and network in order to build synergies in research and a multi-disciplinary mindset. Dr. Sendawula explained that collaboration of PhD scholars in Business, Economics, Management, Statistics and Planning, ignites multi-disciplinary approaches to research, which is critical to societal transformation.
Welcoming the participants, the Deputy Principal-Associate Professor Wokadala said the meeting provides a platform to the College leadership and PhD scholars to deliberate on research and graduate training, learning from each other, working together to foster collaboration as well as Faculty-PhD student publications and mentorship. He noted that the meeting re-unites graduate students, facilitates collaboration and support, and creates a conducive environment for learning and research.
Associate Professor Wokadala explained that completion of PhD studies within the stipulated timelines is a reality. “You need a collaborative strategy to complete your PhD in time. We need 95% of your collaborative effort and time, which refers to your input as a student. I appeal to you to come up with strategies that can help us to achieve the PhD dream,” he said.
Noting that a PhD is about innovation creativity and acquisition of knowledge, the Deputy Principal encouraged the scholars to search for new foundational knowledge, a critique and reference point for policy formulation, and engagement with the community.
The Deputy Principal re-affirmed the commitment of the College to the research-led agenda of the University. He highlighted that the College of Business and Management Sciences had embarked on implementing strategies aimed at increasing the number of PhD students, introduction of taught PhDs in addition to PhD programmes by research, training and mentorship of faculty staff in graduate supervision and training.
Interdisciplinary research
The Dean of the School of Economics, Associate Professor Okumu encouraged PhD scholars to collaborate beyond their discipline. “Complex problems require multi-disciplinary solutions. You must learn and engage beyond boundaries. You should collaborate with government, the private sector and industry,” he stated. He implored the PhD scholars to maintain their discipline identity as they embrace multi-disciplinary research. Making reference to lived experiences, Associate Professor Okumu disclosed that he has maintained his niche as an economist, who engages in multi-disciplinary research with people from other fields.
He advised the participants to strategically align their research to publication outputs in multi-disciplinary resources such as the Journal of Management Science. He cited fields such as climate finance, digital transformation, green economy and health economics as multi-disciplinary research avenues that position economists, statisticians, planners, business people, and a wide range of disciplines, to work together.
PhD Study Plan and Timelines
Delivering a presentation titled, PhD study plan and timelines, the Dean of the School of Business, Associate Professor Akileng optimized storytelling, personal experiences and anecdotes to convey a powerful message to the participants.
“I was once a PhD student, and a Graduate Students’ Coordinator. I testify that my PhD opened doors for me. I have accessed opportunities and networks that without a PhD, I would never have achieved,” he disclosed.
Associate Professor Akileng emphasized that a PhD student must contribute to the body of knowledge. He noted that the doctoral journey involves identification of a challenge and willingness to solve it.
Tackling the importance of knowledge sharing, Associate Professor Akileng highlighted that this is a key process that leads to continuous learning and improvement of the quality of study/research. “Your PhD study/research should be a public item. You should interest peers, fellow PhD students, experts and the community, into your study. Knowledge sharing is paramount. You should be willing to share and learn from others,” he guided.
On the issue of intellectual curiosity, he explained that PhD students should be willing to: learn, know, read, ask questions, and undertake research. In a candid submission, Associate Professor Akileng notified the PhD scholars that although supervisors exist, the student should take maximum responsibility for his or her PhD study. He appealed to the PhD scholars to be honest and uphold the highest level of integrity, discipline and accountability as they undertake the PhD study/research.
To understand the procedures and timelines, the Dean of the School of Business, encouraged the PhD scholars to read the Makerere University Graduate Handbook.
Acknowledging that an individual may face challenges during his or her studies, Associate Professor Akileng advised PhD scholars to remain focused and resilient.
Collaboration and Peer Support
The Dean of the School of Statistics and Planning, Dr. Banga said: “Collaboration makes your research stronger whereas peer support makes you stronger. The PhD is a journey that you must walk with others through collaboration and support.”
She noted that the PhD study is challenging and intellectually demanding, collaboration and peer support provide a rich and rewarding experience. She called upon PhD scholars to work with peers to expose them to new knowledge, techniques, theories, concepts and networks. She disclosed that collaboration builds the academic profile of the PhD scholar, and saves time and resources.
Dr. Banga argued that peer support builds emotional resilience, creates accountability to the team with respect to timelines and deadlines, and opens opportunities for collaboration, writing research papers and publications.
Dr. Banga also tasked PhD scholars to network across disciplines and participate in seminars in other fields of study.
Election of the Executive-CoBAMS PhD Forum
The PhD scholars’ meeting climaxed with the election of the Executive for the CoBAMS PhD Forum. The following PhD scholars who were nominated, accepted to serve as Members of the Executive: Mr. George Robert Okello-President, Ms. Sylvia Namujjuzi-Vice President, Mr. Derrick Mbalule-Secretary, Mr. Emmanuel Othieno-Finance, Ms. Hellen Arinaitwe-Coordination and Planning, and Ms. Deborah Ayebare-Publicity.