Browsing by Author "Kakumba, Umar"

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    Employment Relations And Bullying In Academia: A Case Of Academic Staff At Makerere University
    (Journal of Diversity Management (JDM), 2014) Kakumba, Umar; Wamala, Robert; Wanyama, Seperia B.
    While institutions of higher learning are ordinarily believed to be the epitome of knowledge and custodians of focal principles that guide sound practices and performance, they are certainly not immune to the prowl of bullying and mobbing, which are antecedents to poor employment relations. This article presents results of a study conducted to examine the nature of employment relations and the prevalence of bullying amongst academic staff at Makerere University. It analyses the prevalence, perceptions, and manifestations of bullying; the nature of employment relations and the existing supportive systems to deal with the vice at this premier university of the eastern and central African region. Results show that bullying and mobbing exist in University academic units. It has thrived on deficiencies in legal and policy framework, poor leadership styles and centralised control of decision-making, the nature of the working environment characterised by scanty resources and facilitation support to task holders. In spite of its incessant nature, it is often trivialized and relegated as a non-issue that deserve little, if any, serious attention. The authors posit that tolerating a culture of human abuse in any form undermines the very essence of a higher institution of learning. Thus, the university must develop a respectful organizational culture that fortifies colleagueship and harmonious coexistence through policy and open systems of communication with empowerment and participatory decision-making. Effort should be made to invigorate rigorous academic debate, research, and other scholarly endeavours, that promote intellectual resonance, as opposed to schemes of undermining practices.
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    Graduate Management Admission Test Outcomes And The Academic Achievement: A Study On Masters Of Business Administration Students At Makerere University, Uganda
    (American Journal of Business Education, 2012) Wamala, Robert; Omala Kizito, Saint; Kakumba, Umar
    This study investigates whether the outcomes of the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) can predict the academic achievement of enrollees in masters programs. The study is based on administrative data of 516 Masters of Business Administration (MBA) enrollees at the College of Business and Management Science, Makerere University in the 2011 and 2012 enrollment cohorts. The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) in the bachelor’s degree and that of the first year of master’s studies were adopted as measures of the academic achievement of enrollees. In the analysis, academic achievement of MBA enrollees was modeled using a robust regression by GMAT scores obtained during admission to the program and student characteristics—gender, other qualification, year of completion and outcome of the bachelor’s degree, and whether the candidate obtained his/her bachelor’s degree from Makerere University. In the results, a high GMAT score was significantly associated with high academic achievement among graduate students. This evidence suggests that the theory of an aptitude or admission test being a predictor of academic achievement of learners holds across disciplines. However, a significant association established in the results between the academic achievement of learners at the undergraduate and graduate stages indicates that the undergraduate achievement can be recommended as a cost free alternative for assessing the competence of candidates suitable for admission to the graduate program.
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    Optimizing public–private partnerships in Uganda’s tourism sector: critical success factors and best practices for sustainable project outcomes
    (Emerald, 2025-05-15) Mugarura, Jude Thaddeo; Turyakira, Peter K.; Kakumba, Umar; Mwesigwa, Rogers; Mugabe, Nestor; Alioni, Christopher
    Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the critical success factors (CSFs) and best practices appropriate for public–private partnership projects within the Tourism Sector in Uganda. Design/methodology/approach The study adopted an exploratory qualitative methodology using data collected through an interview guide. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 public and private sector employees/investors and local community leaders. The collected data from the interview transcripts were analyzed using the standard qualitative content analysis technique to develop themes and subsequently specific findings. Verbatim texts were used to explain the emerging themes and findings. Findings The study findings provide the CSFs and best practices appropriate for public–private partnership projects within the Tourism Sector in Uganda. The CSFs include stakeholder engagement, government commitment, monitoring, evaluation and performance management, policy and regulatory framework, market demand and feasibility study, risk mitigation and management, community participation, capacity building and institutional strengthening and financial viability. While the best practices identified include; clear objectives and scope, stakeholder collaborations, feasibility studies and risk assessment, legal and regulatory framework, capacity building and monitoring and evaluation. Practical implications This study focused on CSFs and best practices suitable for the planning and implementation of PPP projects within the tourism sector in Uganda. Therefore, the study findings will enlighten policy makers, industry practitioners, local communities as well as researchers/consultants working on PPP projects about the CSFs and best practices pertinent to the success of the tourism sector, particularly in the context of a developing country. Originality/value This study provides more innovative aspects such as new frameworks on the CSFs and best practices appropriate for PPPs success within the Tourism Sector. The Ugandan government is being compelled to foster a strong commitment to sustainable tourism through clear policies and practices that encourage environmental conservation, local community involvement and long-term planning. Fast forward, the government must provide a transparent and predictable regulatory and overall operating environment in order for the private sector to have the confidence to invest in PPP projects within the Tourism sector.