We hope you will enjoy reading about this project update and our incredible volunteers! AWB volunteers are dedicated academics who collaborate with their colleagues at AWB’s partner institutions in low and middle income countries, giving generously of their time and efforts, to share expertise through working on projects across objectives and disciplines.
If you are interested in learning more about AWB’s work, mission and projects, please see our website at www.awb-usf.org or contact us at [email protected]. Thank you for your interest and support!
Project Update: Empowering Research Capacity at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST)
Joanne Oxley is the McCutcheon Professor Emeritus of International Business and Professor Emeritus of Strategic Management. She previously served as Rotman’s Vice Dean, Faculty, and Acting Vice Dean, Research, Strategy and Resources. Her research explores factors underpinning international firm performance, with a particular focus on outsourcing and collaborative strategies in different economic and institutional environments. Joanne has volunteered with AWB since 2023.
AWB volunteer, Prof. Emerita Joanne Oxley from the University of Toronto, has recently completed an impactful project aimed at enhancing grant proposal writing skills at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology (MMUST) in Kenya.
After an extensive period of remote collaboration to assess the needs of MMUST’s faculty, Prof. Oxley designed a tailored workshop specifically aligned with the university’s request. The goals were clear: to not only upgrade the skills of the direct participants but also create a sustainable model by training a cohort of mentors and trainers who could cascade their newfound knowledge to others within the faculty. This would, in turn, create a lasting impact on research capacity at MMUST.
Fifteen faculty members, carefully selected for their readiness and commitment, took part in the workshop. These participants were chosen not only for their enthusiasm but also for their pledge to spread the knowledge gained to their colleagues, ensuring the broader faculty would benefit from the training.
Over the course of the week-long workshop, the group delved deep into the intricacies of the research grant application process. From refining research ideas and identifying funding opportunities to mastering research design, budgeting, ethics reviews, and writing compelling proposals, every aspect of grantsmanship was covered in detail. Participants were fully immersed in hands-on activities, discussions, and exercises that allowed them to directly apply the lessons learned.
The engagement and enthusiasm from the group were key factors in the success of the workshop. Each session saw vibrant discussions where participants not only absorbed new information but also shared their insights, creating an enriching exchange of ideas. Many of the attendees shared that they had walked away with invaluable new skills in research design and grant writing, feeling far more equipped to tackle the challenges of securing funding.
Dr. Rose Auma, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at MMUST, reflected on the transformative impact of the workshop: “This workshop has been a game-changer for our faculty. Many of our researchers have incredible ideas but lacked the skills to effectively communicate their vision to potential funders. Thanks to AWB, we now have the tools and knowledge to craft compelling proposals and secure the funding we need.”
This project is a shining example of AWB’s commitment to empowering higher education institutions in low- and middle-income countries. By providing faculty with the skills and confidence to drive impactful research, AWB is helping to foster long-term sustainability and make a tangible difference in the global research community.
