ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Investigation into site layout practices in Ghana - a case study in Ho municipality

Planning the site layout of construction project is a crucial task that has a significant impact on construction lost, productivity and safety. It involves the positioning and relocation of temporary facilities that are needed to support various construction activities on site such as office, storage areas workshops, and parking areas. Due to the complexity of the site layout planning problem, construction managers often perform this task using previous experiences, first come first save approach. To address the difficulties associated with this process, additional research is conducted in some areas like security needs and constrains during the construction of infrastructure projects, to enhance the utilization of interior building space for materials storage areas and plants allocation on construction site. The main objective of this study is to investigate into the site layout practices of construction firms in the Ho Municipality so as to identify the deficiencies and problems with it. The study will also identify the problems that poor site layout usually cause to projects in the municipality. A survey method was undertaken by the researcher to actually observe what took place on the construction site in terms of site layout practices. The study involves survey, assessment of views and collecting of data through the use of techniques such as questionnaires, personal observation and interviews of layout practices in the housing sector. The method use to analyze the data was descriptive statistics through the use of Microsoft Office Excel. The results show that, most sites are not properly layout before the commencement of a project. It is therefore recommended that standardize and modern site layout should be put in place on construction site before any project is begins.

Source: UEW
Investigation into strength properties of ribbed reinforcing mild steel bars produced by local companies in Ghana

The construction of high-rise buildings has increased the production of ribbed mild steel bars in Ghana. This was motivated by the fact that, the use of substandard ribbed mild steel bars in construction industry causes collapse of structures in many developing countries. This study aimed at investigating the strength properties of ribbed mild steel bars manufactured in Ghana from scrap metals by subjecting the materials to laboratory tests such as tensile tests, chemical composition analysis, microstructure examination and micro hardness tests. Three (3) steel producing companies were considered for this study. A total of forty-five (45) ribbed mild steel bars of 12mm, 16mm and 20mm diameters of length 500mm were used for the tensile strength experiments. The results of analysis indicated that, tensile strength of ribbed mild steel bars produced in Ghana fulfilled the ASTM E8/E8M-16a with ultimate tensile strength of 460N/mm2. Angstrom V-950 Spectrometer was used for chemical composition analysis, fifteen (15) pieces of 16mm steel bars of length 50mm were used. Carbon equivalent values (CEV) were calculated from the results of the chemical composition According to ASTM A706/A706M-09b. The findings build on existing evidence of carbon, manganese, Chromium, silicon and copper being the major elements influencing the strength properties. Vickers hardness tests was also conducted on the Vickers hardness testing machine according to ASTM E92-17. The results showed that, all the three companies obtained higher Vickers hardness value between 194 HV to 403 HV which is above the recommended minimum value 150 HV. The study therefore, concludes that the proportion of chemical composition influenced the properties of ribbed mild steel bars. However, it is recommended to producers to control chemical composition contents especially the carbon, magnesium, Sulphur etc., during the production process and maintain its content in the range of the standards.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the academic success of Special Education needs learners in the Early Childhood Education classrooms in the WA municipality

The purpose of the study was to investigate into the academic success of Special Education needs Learners in the early childhood education classrooms within the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana. The study adopted the qualitative research approach. The illustrative case study design was adopted for this study. The semi-structured interview guide and an observational checklist were utilized to gather data from 15 participants involving 14 Early Childhood Education teachers and 1 Special Education Coordinator for the study. The snowball sampling technique and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the participants for the study. The data was analyzed using thematic analysis procedures. The findings of the study revealed that limited training on special education for teachers and parents results in insufficient knowledge about disabilities and are compounded by a lack of tools for early screening. The study again found that, environmental barriers affecting access, safety, and protection for SEN children, including insufficient infrastructure such as lack of ramps and poor ventilation, along with issues like classroom congestion and stigmatization. Again, the study found that, T a scarcity of special equipment like braille, hearing aids, and mobility devices in schools. The study recommends that; the Ghana Education Service in collaboration with the Wa Municipal Education Directorate strengthens training initiatives for both educators and parents, equipping them with the knowledge and skills necessary to support SEN children effectively. Accordingly, the MoE must also collaborate with relevant stakeholders, such as local authorities and construction companies, to implement necessary infrastructure upgrades. Also, regular assessments of school facilities must be conducted to identify and address any deficiencies that hinder inclusivity.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the asset integrity management system of Ghana’s oil industry. At the Atuabo Gas Company in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to investigate into the asset integrity management system of Ghana’s oil industry. The study adopted descriptive research design for the study. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were used for the study. The researcher used questionnaire surveys and interviews to collect primary data. The populations for the study were personnel of Ghana Gas Company, Ghana National Petroleum Company and the Ministry of Energy and their supervisors in industry. The population for the study was seven hundred (700). A sample of 151 respondents from the Ghana Gas company at Atuabo was randomly selected. This was made up of 50 supervisors and 101 practicing engineers and operators. SPSS software version 18 was used to analyse data. The findings of the study concluded that the asset integrity management (AIM) addresses corrosion management inspection and repair, safety of critical elements, instrumented protective functions, The asset integrity management(AIM) delegates duties, responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities with respect to its development and implementation. All relevant personnel do not have access to relevant AIM documentation and records. The AIM incorporates or links to a quality management system as a mechanism for assisting in meeting the asset integrity management (AIM) performance standards or key indicators. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are regularly reviewed by supervisors and managers. The researcher recommended that, the managers of the organization must ensure that AIM addresses corrosion management inspection and repair, safety of critical elements, instrumented protective functions, the AIM must delegate duties and responsibilities to improve Assets Integrity Management Strategy of the Ghana Gas Company, Atuabo.

Source: UEW
Investigation into the attitudes exhibited by SHS two students towards ICT integration at Salaga Senior High School

The purpose of this study was to investigate the attitudes of SHS two chemistry students of Salaga Senior High School towards ICT integration in their teaching and learning. The study attempted to establish the ICT infrastructure available in schools to enable them integrate ICT in teaching and learning and the perceptions of school managers in integrating ICT in teaching and learning in the school. For this study, an exploratory approach, using descriptive survey design was used. The study was carried out in East Gonja Municipal of the Northern Region. The study targeted a population of two hundred students in Salaga Senior High School. The researcher used purposive sampling to select subjects for the survey. As such, only chemistry students in the second year were considered in the school. The instruments used in the survey were questionnaires for subject teachers, Assistant Headmasters, and students. An interview schedule for ICT coordinators was also used. Collected data was then analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, where frequencies, percentages, means and average means were the main techniques. Major findings were that majority of the chemistry students in Salaga Senior High School possessed generally high attitudinal acceptability level towards ICT integration in their learning and a very few of the students displaying indifference towards ICT use. Infrastructure remains a major hurdle to effective ICT integration in teaching and learning as the school lacks essential infrastructure to support ICT integration. Finally, school managers are positive about the impact of ICT in the teaching and learning of chemistry in spite of the numerous infrastructural challenges. Based on the findings, the researcher proposed that the infrastructural inadequacies should be addressed by the school in collaboration with the Municipal Education Directorate and the Municipal Assembly and also attend to the training needs of teachers in ICT integration.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the benefits and challenges of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) adoption and implementation amongst small and medium enterprises in Kumasi metropolis

This paper provides empirical evidence regarding the perceived investigation into the benefits and challenges of international financial report standard adoption and implementation amongst small and medium enterprises in Kumasi metropolis. The Ghanaian financial reporting framework is keeping pace with the global development due to the globalization of the world’s economy and markets led companies and nations to become world global players. Thus, as a result, Ghana made preparation and effectively launched the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on January 23, 2007 and other bodies were given a supplementary changeover period of two years to comply (United Nations, 2007), to make sure that all companies and Small and medium Scale Enterprise report or prepare their financial statement base on International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) for Small and medium Scale Enterprise in Ghana. . This study contributes to the limited empirical research regarding the investigation into the benefits and challenges of international financial report standard adoption and implementation amongst small and medium enterprises in Kumasi metropolis in particular. In addition, International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), different countries developed their own national accounting standards or adopted that of other countries. However, movement of business toward a global economy brought challenges in comparability, objectivity, reliability, understandability among others. These issues have accelerated the need to move toward global accounting standards. Thus these challenges spelt the need for a single set of high quality and globally accepted accounting standards. This study recommends that, the SMEs in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana should work on skills and expertise gap through training and development and to ensure that these standards are included in the academic and professional curricula. Moreover, regulatory bodies should monitor and enforce these standards but where local content is needed, convergence should be the solution.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the causes and effects of vehicle breakdown and road accidents in the Bolgatanga municipality

The purpose of this study was to investigate the causes and effects of vehicle breakdown and road accidents in the Bolgatanga Municipality using purposive random sampling technique with emphasis on convenience sampling technique or method to sample out the various respondents for the study. Out of 100 respondents chosen for the study, only 96 respondents responded to the questionnaire. The objectives of the study were to determine the causes of frequent vehicle breakdown, assess the level of competence of vehicle mechanics, and how to reduce frequent vehicle breakdown. The result on the causes emerged that improper care of vehicles was the major cause of vehicular breakdown and accidents as many drivers do not check their vehicles daily before use, no respect for road safety regulations, high alcoholic intake of drivers, over speeding and driving whiles making or receiving calls, and overloading of passengers/goods were some of the discussed causes. On the level of competence of vehicle mechanics, the study revealed that many of the mechanics are not performing to satisfaction and must be certified by a higher authority before operating and be exposed to formal vocational or technical training on current technology and entrepreneurial skills. On how to reduce frequent vehicle breakdowns and accidents; vehicle drivers must comply with the road traffic laws, and perform routine maintenance of their vehicles. Finally the study recommends that, there should be Government/private partnership to train mechanics, provide heavy duty towing trucks to clear breakdown vehicles and the MTTU police and DVLA should be strict in their operations with more public education on the causes of vehicular breakdown and road accidents and penalties for infringement of traffic laws.

Source: UEW
Investigation into the causes of cracks in buildings in the Bolgatanga municipality a case study of Sabon Zongo and Dagmew area of the Upper East Region of Ghana

The real world is not static, coupled with movements in building, there is a potential for cracks to occur in building. It is essential that all building have adequate capacity to enable the foundation soil to hold the forces from the superstructure without undergoing shear failure or excessive settlement. It was against this background that the study investigated into the various causes of cracks in the buildings at Dagmew and Sabon Zongo Residetial areas of the Upper East Region of Ghana. Soil investigations coupled with several laboratory analyses were performed. The soil testing includes the DCPT while laboratory testing includes organic content testing and clay compatibility. Soil samples for the selected project sites were also obtained for the laboratory testing program. The study revealed that the causes of cracks in buildings in the study area are due to a combination of factors including incorrect design, poorly prepared foundation footings among others are the crucial factors that cause cracks in the buildings of the study area. There is also evidence that the cracks are caused by the expansion of clay dominated soils when they get wet. While the causes of cracks at Sabon- Zongo are more of structural issues that of Dagmew are more of soil conditions such as the expansive and compatibility nature of the soil characteristics. The results of the study support the conclusion that that faulty and poor quality work is the critical factors causing failure of building in the study area. The study recommend that building owners should identify the symptoms, understand the possible causes of the defects and carry out timely repair and maintenance works to keep their buildings in good structural condition. The Municipal Assembly through the Committee on Environment is also encouraged to enforce and implement policies on building regulations in the community.

Source: UEW
Investigation into the challenges facing female students participation in sports at Zamse Senior High and Technical School

The purpose of this study was to find out female student’s access and participation in Sports and to suggest appropriate measures that address the challenges that militate against female’s participation in secondary school sports in Zamse Senior High technical form 1 and 2. The objectives were to; find out female students knowledge about the importance of sports to their health and well-being, explore major challenges that affect female students’ access and participation in Sports in Zamse Secondary/Technical School and to suggest appropriate measures that address the challenges that militate against female’s participation in secondary school sports in Zamstech. The study utilised the descriptive survey design. Simple random sampling technique was employed to sample 200 students from the school to respond to a researcher-designed instrument. Pie chart, bar chart and frequency distribution tables were used to analyse the responses based on all three research questions. The results suggest that all the respondents have low knowledge on the importance of sports to their health and well-being. The result also showed that negative attitude of physical education teachers, large class size, inadequate school facilities and equipment, socio cultural practice and religious practice do not enhance female students’ participation in sports as well as teaching of physical education lessons. The study concludes that female students will participate in sports if supported by their parents. It was recommended that school authorities should provide equipment and facilities in schools, physical education teachers should make presentations on the importance of females’ participation in sports during PTA and staff meetings, Physical education teachers should create awareness on female students, apply student centred teaching approach in order to motivate (encourage) female students in both practical and theoretical lessons.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the challenges facing the implementation of the senior high school physical education programme in Nandom District of Ghana

The study examined the challenges facing the implementation of the senior high school physical education programme in Nandom District of the Upper West Region, Ghana. It utilised a phenomenological research design in qualitative approach to the study in two senior high schools in Nandom District. The data were obtained through open ended questionnaire, observation and semi-structured interviews. The purposive sampling technique was used to select 7 interviewees while random sampling technique was employed in getting 433 respondents for the questionnaires. Validity and reliability were achieved through triangulations (methodology, data and member checking) and detailed description of the processes involved in the study that would create room for this study to be replicated. The field data were analysed manually based on themes according to the research objectives. Through the analyses the following were discovered. The physical education programme in the two schools was implemented under time, aspects of the syllabus, facilities and equipment, skilled educators, assessment, follow-up support and extracurricular activities schedules. The barriers affecting the physical education programme included inadequate physical education teachers, insufficient time, lack of supervision and monitoring, lack of funding, no support from other staff and community, teacher absenteeism, sedentary living/lifestyle, and no changing room. Therefore, the study concluded that these barriers culminated into the ineffective implementation of the senior high school physical education programme in the Nandom District. The findings warranted the following recommendations among others: sufficient time allotment for physical education, supervision/monitoring, use of resource persons in the community.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the challenges facing the provision of guidance services in senior high schools a case of Kwabre East Municipality

The purpose of this study was to investigate into the challenges facing the provision of guidance services in Senior High Schools in the Kwabre East Municipality. The objectives of the study were to identify the techniques for the implementation of guidance services in Senior High Schools; find out the attitude of teachers towards guidance services in Senior High Schools and identify strategies to improve guidance services in Senior High Schools in the Kwabre East Municipality. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The researcher used closed-ended questionnaire for the study. The target population for the study was 135. Purposive sampling was used to select all the 18 heads and their assistants in the study area. Simple random sampling was also used to select 117 teachers for the study. The data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 20.0. The data was analysed with the use of frequencies and percentages. The study revealed that teachers always willing to discuss guidance service practices with teachers, always inform pupils to seek guidance service from teachers when in problems, guidance service deals with indiscipline cases, willing to support teachers to implement guidance service policy, guidance service helps improve student-teacher relations and serious concern regarding the competency of practicing counselors in their schools were the attitudes of teachers towards guidance service in Senior High Schools. The study recommended that Ghana Government in collaboration with the Ministry of Education should make funds available for the provision of essential resources and materials needed for the effective implementation and administration of guidance and counselling services in Senior High Schools.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the classroom behaviours of trained and untrained physical education teachers in Ho Municipality

Behaviour is defined as the action or activities of an organism that is anything that an organism does, including physical action, internal physiological and emotional processes and implicit mental activity. Teaching can in fact, be defined as conscious behaviour that makes learning more probable and more efficient than it would have been without that behaviour. Teaching behaviour can range from a simple smile or part that encourages the learner to a superbly designed, programmed presentation of a complex process that results in predictable, efficient and effective learning. Teacher behaviour and learner behaviour, it is obvious that a complex interaction occurs in teaching. The decisions and actions of a teacher affect the learning process. The purpose of the study was to find out how trained and untrained teachers behave during physical education lessons and to investigate their display of some critical value which fosters learning. The study was conducted insome selected senior high schools in the Ho municipality of the Volta Region.The sample comprised thirty teachers; fifteen trained and fifteen untrained physical education teachers.Purposive sampling was used for the study because they were the targeted group. Questionnaire was distributed to the trained and untrained physical education teachers to answer. The study was purely descriptive where percentage and frequency was employed in the data analysis. The reliability test was also conducted using Cronbach‘s Alpha with a value of 0.995 indicating that 99.5% variables were reliably piloted for the study. Findings show that there was a significant difference between trained and untrained physical education teachers based on behaviours.On the basis of the findings appropriate recommendations were made.

Source: UEW