Dr. Victoria Makuya | Entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award

Lecturer | The university of Dodoma | Tanzania

Based on the provided Curriculum Vitae (CV) of Victoria Oscar Makuya, here’s an assessment of her suitability for the Research for Best Researcher Award, focusing on strengths, areas for improvement, and a conclusion.

Strengths for the Award

Diverse Research Experience: Victoria has a substantial research background across various domains, including food science, agricultural economics, and value chain analysis. Her work on watermelon value chains and logistics has been published in reputable journals, demonstrating her ability to contribute valuable insights to her field.
Educational Qualifications: Victoria holds a PhD in Agricultural Economics and a Master’s in Business Administration, showcasing a solid academic foundation. Her educational background is complemented by a BSc in Food Science and Technology, providing a broad perspective on research areas related to agriculture and economics.
Extensive Work Experience: Her roles as a lecturer, coordinator for quality assurance, and external examiner reflect her expertise and leadership in academia. Her practical experience with organizations like Precision Air Services and Development Associates further highlights her capability to apply research in real-world contexts.
Consultancy and Impact: Victoria’s consultancy work with government bodies and curriculum development projects demonstrates her ability to translate research into actionable outcomes. Her involvement in developing facilitation guides and assessment plans indicates a commitment to improving educational and social systems.
Active Participation in Professional Bodies: Membership in various professional organizations, including the Association of African Agricultural Economists and the Tanzania Women Association against Poverty, underscores her engagement with the broader research and professional community.
Commitment to Volunteering and Community Service: Her volunteering activities, such as providing entrepreneurship training to prisoners, reflect a strong commitment to social impact and community service.

Areas for Improvement

Publication and Research Impact: While Victoria has several publications, some papers are listed as being at the “RR” (Revise and Resubmit) stage. Achieving final publication in high-impact journals could further enhance her research profile.
Research Funding and Grants: There is no mention of securing research grants or funding, which could be a valuable addition to her CV. Demonstrating the ability to attract and manage research funding would strengthen her candidacy.
Collaborations and Networks: Expanding collaborations with international researchers or institutions could provide additional visibility and strengthen her research impact. More collaborative projects and cross-institutional work might be beneficial.
Broader Research Scope: While her focus has been on agricultural economics and value chains, exploring other emerging research areas or interdisciplinary approaches could diversify her research portfolio and enhance its relevance.
Professional Development: Engaging in more recent workshops or advanced training in cutting-edge research methodologies could provide new skills and perspectives, further enriching her research capabilities.

Short Biography

Victoria Oscar Makuya is a distinguished researcher and academic specializing in agricultural economics and business management. With a career spanning over two decades, she combines a robust educational background with extensive practical experience to contribute significantly to her field. Victoria’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiencies and strategic planning in various sectors, particularly agriculture, underscores her role as a thought leader and consultant.

Profile

ORCID

Education

Victoria pursued her academic journey with a strong focus on agricultural economics and business management. She earned her PhD in Agricultural Economics from Sokoine University of Agriculture (2018), following a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Dar es Salaam (2004). Her foundational studies were completed with a Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from Sokoine University of Agriculture (2002), complemented by secondary education from Jangwani Secondary School.

Experience

Victoria’s professional experience is diverse, encompassing roles in academia, consultancy, and industry. Currently, she serves as the Coordinator for Quality Assurance at The University of Dodoma, a position she has held since 2021. Previously, she was a lecturer and Head of the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the same institution. Her career also includes roles at Precision Air Services Ltd and Development Associates Company Limited, where she applied her expertise in operational and strategic improvements.

Research Interests

Victoria’s research interests focus on agricultural economics, value chain analysis, and food market dynamics. Her work explores the impact of logistical services on agricultural value chains and the effects of climate change on tourism flows. She is particularly interested in developing strategies to enhance market access for horticultural products and improving supply chain efficiencies in the agricultural sector.

Awards

Victoria has been recognized for her contributions to research and academia, notably through her active participation in professional associations and community service. Although specific awards are not listed, her roles and achievements reflect a high level of acknowledgment and respect within her professional community.

Publications

“Analysis of Effect of Logistic Services on Watermelon Value Chain of Rufiji and Mkuranga Districts in Tanzania” (2016) – International Academy of African Business and Development Proceedings. Link to publication
“Cost Efficiency of Watermelon Production in Rufiji and Mkuranga Districts Tanzania” (2023) – African Journal of Economics and Management. Link to publication
“Reaping Financial Benefits: Experience from Watermelon Value Chain in Rufiji and Mkuranga Districts, Tanzania” (2023) – Journal of African Business. Link to publication

Conclusion

Victoria Oscar Makuya exhibits many qualities that make her a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. Her diverse research experience, solid educational background, and active involvement in professional and community activities highlight her commitment to her field and its applications. Addressing the areas for improvement, such as enhancing publication records, securing research funding, and expanding her research scope, could further solidify her position as a leading researcher.

In summary, Victoria is a commendable candidate for the award due to her extensive expertise, impactful research, and dedication to both academic and community service. With continued growth and development in her research career, she is well-positioned to achieve further recognition and success.

Professional Profiles

Early Academic Pursuits

Maureen Snow Andrade's academic journey reflects a commitment to excellence and a passion for education. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in English from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1983, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. Building upon this, she pursued a Graduate Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language from Brigham Young University in 1985, further honing her skills in language education. Andrade's pursuit of academic excellence continued as she completed her Master of Arts in English from the University of Utah in 1987. Her academic pursuits culminated in a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from the University of Southern California in 2003, where she demonstrated her dedication to leadership in academia.

Professional Endeavors

Andrade's professional career spans various academic positions, showcasing her versatility and expertise in the field of education. She served as a Lecturer/Instructor in English Language Teaching and Learning at BYU–Hawaii from 1988 to 1997, where she laid the groundwork for her career in academia. Over the years, she assumed roles of increasing responsibility, including Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Director of English as an International Language, demonstrating her commitment to academic advancement and leadership. Notably, Andrade served as Department Chair of English Language Teaching and Learning at BYU–Hawaii from 2006 to 2008, where she exhibited her administrative acumen and leadership capabilities.

Contributions and Research Focus On Business

Andrade's contributions to academia extend beyond teaching, encompassing scholarly research and innovative curriculum design. She is recognized for her expertise in organizational behavior and leadership, with a particular focus on leading change, global job satisfaction, work-life balance, and the scholarship of teaching and learning. Her collaborative research abilities have led to impactful insights in these areas, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in higher education leadership. Moreover, Andrade's innovative curriculum and course design have enriched the learning experiences of countless students, reflecting her dedication to academic excellence.

Accolades and Recognition In Business

Throughout her career, Andrade has received numerous accolades and recognition for her contributions to academia. Notably, she was granted tenure and promoted to the rank of professor at Utah Valley University, reflecting her outstanding achievements and dedication to teaching and scholarship. Additionally, her appointment as a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy in 2016 underscores her reputation as a respected leader in higher education. Andrade's scholarly endeavors and leadership initiatives have been consistently acknowledged within the academic community, cementing her legacy as a distinguished educator and scholar.

Impact and Influence

Andrade's impact on higher education is profound and far-reaching. As Associate Vice President of Academic Programs at Utah Valley University from 2012 to 2017, she provided transformative leadership in areas such as flexible learning, curriculum development, faculty development, and academic assessment. Her initiatives, such as the expansion of online and blended courses and the establishment of an office of teaching and learning, have enhanced the quality and accessibility of education for students. Moreover, Andrade's efforts to streamline institutional processes and improve academic outcomes have had a lasting impact on the university community, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.

Legacy and Future Contributions For Business

As Andrade continues to make strides in her career, her legacy as a higher education leader and scholar is characterized by innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Her dedication to advancing teaching and learning, promoting organizational effectiveness, and fostering student success serves as a model for future generations of educators and leaders. Moving forward, Andrade remains committed to making meaningful contributions to the field of higher education, leveraging her expertise to address emerging challenges and drive positive change within academic institutions.

Notable Publications

International students in English-speaking universities: Adjustment factors 2020

Job satisfaction–an international comparison of public and private sector employees 2023

Job satisfaction and gender: A global comparison of job satisfaction in the hospitality industry 2022

Gender equality in the workplace: a global perspective 2022

Victoria Makuya | Entrepreneurship | Best Researcher Award