Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education

John Lupala, Hidaya Kayuza

Authors: 15-26

One of the challenges confronting higher learning institutions in the global south is the constrained capacity to carry out research, expand student enrolment and address pertinent problems facing local communities. This challenge has compelled institutions to solicit resources and forge partnerships to build the needed capacity for improved functioning as viable academic entities nationally and internationally. This paper analyses the capacity-building programme that has been and is still being implemented by Ardhi University in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania and examines its impacts. The methods employed in examining capacity included a literature review, programme documents, reports from the University website, workshop proceedings, evaluation and facts and figure reports. Empirical evidence from these reports indicates that the capacity-building programme has increased staff with Doctoral (PhD) qualifications, increased student enrolment, research projects and publications, and national and international collaboration links. On a broader scale, the capacity built has increased Ardhi University’s contribution to the national development agenda, increased national and international relations and innovative approaches to addressing community problems. This paper recommends continued capacity-building to sustain the achievements registered over the two decades and contribute to national development.

27-35

Authors: Bunmi Isaiah Omodan

From all indications ranging from literature, observations and experience, the university system is faced with multifaceted challenges. Among these challenges are organisational conflict, student unrest, unethical politicking, and attrition rate. This problem has negatively affected university productivity and calls for attention. This study proposed the transformational leadership approach as an alternative to the university management process for effective productivity to answer the question: how can transformational leadership theory be presented as an alternative to effective management of the university system? This argument is located within the interpretive paradigm to guide the argumentative interpretation of the theory toward providing solutions to the challenges. The study presented transformational leadership theory and adopted conceptual analysis to interpret the approach and its assumptions and how they could affect the operating system of universities. The study concluded that the transformational leadership approach, through its assumptions (inspirational motivation, exemplification of moral standards and unity of purpose), is the best managerial approach to ensure unhindered university operations towards productivity. Hence, the study suggests that inspirational motivation, exemplification of moral standards and unity of purpose should be made a fundamental practice among the leaderships of various university departments.

49-52

Authors: Christabel Odame, David Boohene b, Mrinalini Pandey

Since 2019, the coronavirus (COVID-19), affected global economies, resulting in a ravaging pandemic. Due to the infectious nature of the virus, schools, businesses, borders, etc., were closed to help curb the spread of the virus. Given this, world economies and governments gradually got back to normal with the manufacture and news of vaccines. Schools reopened after several months of closedown, and teachers had to find creative and innovative ways to cope with the “new normal”. Therefore, this study looks at the nexus between COVID-19 and teachers’ emotional well-being. Secondary data was used, and a conceptual framework was designed to help teachers cope with the novel coronavirus. Results showed the conceptual framework affirmed the nexus between COVID-19 and teachers’ emotional well-being. It further stipulated ways and techniques to help teachers cope with the ‘new normal.’ This resulted in the use of e-learning platforms, flip classroom, blended learning and emotional intelligence, among others, by teachers of higher educational institutions as techniques and essential skills needed in this post-pandemic era.