Overview of the Department of Economics

The Department of Economics at Wolkite University is a vital academic unit within the College of Business and Economics, committed to advancing economic knowledge, policy analysis, and sustainable development. Established with the aim of producing highly skilled economists equipped to address Ethiopia's complex socio-economic challenges, the department offers rigorous academic programs, research opportunities, and community engagement initiatives.

Rooted in the university’s mission of academic excellence and public service, the department provides a dynamic learning environment where students gain a strong foundation in economic theory, quantitative analysis, and real-world policy applications. The curriculum is designed to blend theoretical insight with practical skills, enabling graduates to analyze economic trends, formulate policy solutions, and contribute to national and regional development agendas.

The Department of Economics plays a critical role in:

ü  Educating future economists who are ethically grounded, analytically competent, and socially responsible.

ü  Conducting applied research on pressing economic issues such as poverty, unemployment, inflation, trade, and rural development.

ü  Engaging with communities and policy makers to inform development planning and promote inclusive economic growth.

Objectives/Goals

1. Promote Academic Excellence: To provide strategic leadership in delivering high-quality economics education and fostering academic excellence in teaching, learning, and research.
2. Ensure Curriculum Relevance and Innovation: To develop and maintain a modern, relevant curriculum that addresses current economic issues, national development goals, and global economic trends.
3. Advance Research and Policy Engagement: To promote policy-relevant research that contributes to national economic development and informs public decision-making.
4. Build Staff and Institutional Capacity: To enhance the qualifications, skills, and academic productivity of faculty members and build the department's institutional capacity.
5. Strengthen Student Support and Employability: To equip students with theoretical knowledge, analytical skills, and practical tools needed for careers in economics, public policy, and development sectors.
6. Foster Community and Industry Linkages: To engage with government, private sector, and civil society in collaborative research, community outreach, and policy dialogue.

 Responsibilities of the Head of the Department of Economics

A. Academic and Curriculum Management

• Lead the design, delivery, and continuous review of undergraduate and postgraduate economics programs.
• Ensure the curriculum reflects local, national, and global economic challenges and development priorities.
• Promote the use of participatory, practical, and technology-supported teaching methods.

B. Administrative and Operational Leadership

• Coordinate the preparation and implementation of the department’s strategic and annual plans.
• Oversee the management of departmental resources, including budget, facilities, and academic records.
• Manage staff assignments, class scheduling, and exam coordination.

C. Faculty Supervision and Development

• Allocate teaching and administrative tasks fairly based on qualifications and workload policy.
• Support faculty members in pursuing postgraduate studies, research activities, and professional development.
• Conduct performance evaluations and make recommendations for promotion, training, or corrective actions.

D. Research and Publication

• Promote a strong research culture focused on economic policy, development, agriculture, labor markets, and related fields.
• Encourage the publication of research findings in national and international journals.
• Facilitate seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects that foster research output.

E. Student Guidance and Development

• Organize academic advising, mentorship, and career guidance programs for economics students.
• Monitor students’ academic performance and address grievances and disciplinary issues.
• Promote student participation in conferences, policy dialogues, and community-based economic research.

F. Community Engagement and Policy Advocacy

• Initiate and coordinate community service projects that apply economic principles to solve real-life problems.
• Collaborate with government and development organizations on policy research, training, and consultancy services.
• Facilitate public lectures, panel discussions, and research dissemination events.

G. Quality Assurance and Reporting

• Ensure the department meets academic standards set by the university and HERQA.
• Prepare and submit timely reports on departmental performance, student outcomes, and staff contributions.
• Lead the department in internal and external reviews and contribute to university-wide quality assurance initiatives.

H. Institutional Representation and Strategic Contribution

• Represent the department in university academic commissions, councils, and external meetings.
• Participate in university planning and policy formulation efforts.
• Align departmental goals with the vision and mission of Wolkite University as a development-focused institution.