ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of study and Self-Reward skills counselling on study behaviour of students in Ghanaian Public Universities

The study investigated the effects of study and self-reward skills counselling on study behaviour of students in Ghanaian public universities. It was designed to achieve two major objectives. Firstly, it was to determine the effects of study and self-reward skills counselling on study behaviour and its five dimensions namely time management, concentration, consultation, note taking, and reading and library use. Secondly, the research was intended to ascertain the difference in the study behaviour of participants in the experimental groups on the basis of gender and age. Based on these objectives, four research questions and four null hypotheses were formulated. The quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test control group design guided the study. The population of the study comprised all first year undergraduate students in Ghanaian public universities. The sample was made up of 60 participants who were assigned to three groups: study skills counselling, self-reward skills counselling and control group. Each group had 20 participants (10 males and 10 females). Simple random sampling was used in selecting students with study behaviour problems for the research. A study behaviour inventory was used to measure the study behaviour of students. The four hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were analysed using one-way and two-way analyses of covariance (ANCOVA). Two hypotheses related to the effect of study and self-reward skills counselling on study behaviour and its dimensions were rejected. A post hoc test revealed that study and self-reward skills counselling had significant effects on study behaviour when compared to the control group. Other post hoc tests showed that study skills counselling significantly improved participants’ behaviours in all the five dimensions of study behaviour while self-reward skills counselling had significant effects on only three dimensions, namely time management, concentration and note taking when compared to the control group. Two other hypotheses related to the influence of gender and age on study behaviour were retained. Based on the findings, it was recommended that study and self-reward skills counselling be utilised in modifying poor study behaviour at the university level. It was also recommended that study skills counselling be considered as an effective strategy for improving the five dimensions of study behaviour. It is expected that when these measures are introduced, the academic achievement of students would increase through improvement in study behaviour.

Source: UCC
Effects of Study Skills Counselling and Selfreinforcement Counselling on Study Behaviour of Colleges of Education Students in Central and Western Regions, Ghana

The study investigated the effects of study skills and self-reinforcement counselling on the study behaviour of students in colleges of education (CoE) in the Central and Western Regions of Ghana using quantitative research approach. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design involving the pretest- post-test control groups with a sample of 60 students, drawn from three selected Colleges of Education (Foso, Komenda, and Wiawso). The students were selected using the lottery method of simple random sampling procedure. The respondents were assigned to experimental and control groups based on their pre-test scores in each of the colleges. Data analysed using frequencies, percentage, ANCOVA and MANCOVA. The study revealed that study skills counselling and self-reinforcement counselling have significant effects on the study behaviour of students with regard to time management, concentration, counselling was however more effective in improving study behaviours than self-reinforcement counselling. Gender and age had no impact on students’ study behaviour when they were exposed to study skills counselling and selfthat study skills and self-reinforcement counselling interventions are regularly provided as (considered) intervention tools for improving the five (5) dimensions of study behaviour of CoE students in Ghana. iii counselling coordinators and management of the various colleges to ensure consultation, note taking, reading and library use skills. Study skills reinforcement counselling interventions.

Source: UCC
Effects of Substance Use on Students’ Academic Performance in Selected Health Training Institutions

Substance use is believed to be on the increase in many parts of the world and stakeholders have expressed their concerns on how this can adversely affect the users. Students in various institutions have taken up this action which is causing school authorities to implement rules to curb the menace. Aim This study sought to investigate effect of substance use on students’ academic performance. Materials and MethodsA quantitative and a cross sectional design was employed. Data was taken over a period of three months. Data was from February to May 2017. Samples under study were the Health Trainees from 2 health institutions. Microsoft excel was used to randomly select 325 samples from a population of 3300 using their index numbers. The schools’ administrative management assisted by giving out the names that owned the selected numbers. Questionnaires were administered and same collected. Introductory letter was collected from the University of Cape Coast’s Directorate of Research and Innovation Center for the Institutions selected for the study. ResultsThe study found that some trainees engage in the use of substances such as alcohol, marijuana and cigarette. Few use substances such as heroin, cocaine, diazepam and ecstasy but not as much as the use of alcohol, marijuana and cigarette. Based on the use of these substances, those trainees were found to be truant in class, they have health-related problems such as weakness in heart muscles, frequent sickness among others. They also have low motivation to learn due to poor perception, anxiety, and poor judgment among others

Source: UCC
Effects of taxation on financing decisions of small and meduim-szed enterprises in Kumasi Metropolis

The study assessed the effects of taxation on financing decisions of SMEs in Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana. Kumasi is mostly dominated by SMEs in various economic sectors of the Ghanaian economy. The study targeted registered SMEs, with a sampling frame of 153 businesses. A sample size of 115 was determined and were selected (stratified sampling technique). A 100 percent return rate was recorded. Descriptive research survey design was adopted and through structured questionnaire, primary data were gathered for data analysis purposes. The study employed the quantitative research approach. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS Version 22.0) was used to analyze the primary data. An internal consistency reliability of 0.763 was obtained for the instrument. Inferential statistics (Standard multiple regression, Pearson product-moment correlation) and descriptive statistics (Mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage) were employed to obtain the needed insights from the processed primary data. It was discovered that majority of the SMEs duly pay taxes to Ghana Revenue Authority and are registered tax payers. However, 41.7% of SMEs delay in tax payment. SMEs do enjoy tax incentives. Again it was discovered that taxation negatively affect financing decisions in the areas of number of workers to employ, working/operational capital, investment funding and profitability. The results of the study showed that corporate taxation causes a statistically significant positive variance in SMEs’ growth (R2=0.368; p=000, p<0.05) and there was a very strong positive correlation between corporate tax and SMEs’ growth (R=0.67). SMEs are however challenged especially regarding higher tax rates, multiple taxes and corruptions among tax officials.

Source: UCC
Effects of taxation on the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises in the central region, Ghana

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises constitute the majority of business ventures and significantly contribute to the employment and economic liberation of both developed and developing economies. Notwithstanding the huge contribution of SMEs to countries' economic development, they are faced with challenges of high tax rates, unfavourable tax policies that tend to affect their profits adversely and high tax compliance costs that accompany the filing of tax returns to revenue authorities. The study seeks to examine the impact of taxation on the growth of small and medium- sized enterprises in the Central region of Ghana. A descriptive survey design was employed to study 310 SMEs within the Central region. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from SME respondents. The study adopted multiple linear regression to examine the relative importance of each of the five explanatory variables: the tax rate and complexities, tax compliance cost, tax policy, size of business and business experience concerning the growth of SMEs. The study found that tax compliance costs and business experience have a significant positive relationship with the growth of SMEs. Tax rate and complexities, and tax policy have a statistically significant negative effect on SMEs' growth. The study recommends that the government should endeavour to reduce the rate of tax charged businesses especially SMEs. Also, it is recommended that tax policies targeted at the private sector should be sensitive towards SMEs

Source: UCC
Effects of Teacher Classroom Management Techniques On Junior High School Students’ Academic Performance In the Asokwa Municipality in Ashanti Region, Ghana

The study assessed the effect of teachers’ classroom management techniques on students’ academic performance in some selected junior high schools in Asokwa Municipality in the Ashanti Region. This research work was undertaken in the purview of three major classroom management techniques, namely: interventionist classroom management technique driven by operant conditioning theory, interactionist classroom management technique grounded in the choice theory, and the permissive classroom management technique influenced by student-directed learning theory. The study adopted correlational research designs. Closed-ended questionnaire was the main primary data collection instrument used to gather data on classroom management styles and continuous assessment marks of four subjects were used as data for students’ academic performance. Quota, census and systematic random sampling methods were use to sample 180 teachers and students from the three selected junior high schools within the Municipality. Data were analysed using descriptive statistical tools, correlational and regression components of SPSS (Version 20). The study revealed that the teachers mostly used interventionist and interactionist classroom management techniques because, among others, they helped the students to perform well in their subjects and helped the teachers to cover their termly lessons easily. A strong positive correlation was found between teachers’ classroom management techniques and students’ academic performance. It was recommended among others that educators at the basic level of education should pay serious attention to the classroom management techniques used in the schools since they play crucial role in driving the academic performance of the students

Source: UCC
Effects of teacher motivation on the quality of teaching and learning in some selected Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Motivation is an essential tool and its implementation leads to effective and efficient teaching and learning hence attainment of quality education. The study examined influence of motivation on quality of teaching and learning in selected Senior High Schools in Cape Coast Metropolis. A descriptive survey was used in the study. A sample of 136 teachers was selected from the population of 223 teachers from five selected SHS in Cape Coast Metropolis using simple random sampling technique Questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Data was analysed discussed using descriptive (mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages) and inferential statistics (Pearson correlation and simple regression). The study found that motivational packages (M=3.22; SD=0.90) are available in Senior High Schools of Cape Coast Metropolis. The teachers are satisfied (M=3.13; SD=0.77) with the various motivational packages. Teachers have positive perception (M=3.46; SD=0.71) towards motivational packages. Teachers have positive perception (M=3.89; SD=0.73) towards quality teaching and learning. Motivation packages is strongly and positively (r=0.848; sig. =0.00) correlated with quality teaching and learning. The result indicates teachers‟ motivational packages had strong and high positive effect on quality teaching and learning (R2= 0.720, b=0.848, t-value=17.251, pvalue=0.000). The study recommended that motivation of teachers‟ should be considered as a major driving force by those in charge of implementation of educational policies so as to bring about needed performances on the part of teachers.

Source: UCC
Effects of teachers’ leadership role on students’ discipline in senior high schools Agona Swedru municipality

The study intended to investigate the effects of teachers’ leadership roles on students discipline in Agona Swedru Municipality senior high schools. The research was conducted in Agona Swedru Municipality in Central Region of Ghana. The cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. Questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. All the foursenior high schools in the Agona Swedru Municipility participated in the study. The sample for the study was 281 respondents made up of headmasters/Assistants, 73 teachers and 192 students drawn from four seniorhigh schools in the Agona Swedru Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. Data was presented with frequencies and percentages to support the discussion of the results that emerged from the study. The study found that teachers play a very crucial role in enhancing the discipline of students in secondary schools. Teachers participate in supervision of students using well-organized records. Thirdly teachers plan their teaching and learning activities by the use of library information. The study recommends that teachers should select teaching methods that cater to all categories of learners in their classes. Teachers should also be presentable in terms of dressing and conduct since they are students’ role models. The study also recommends that teachers should take keen interest in supervising students and also keep up to date records for proper monitoring of students

Source: UCC
Effects of teamwork on employees‟ performance; the case of Compassion International Ghana

The main objective of this research is to explore the effect of teamwork on employees‟ performance. This study was organised at Compassion International Ghana. The study was guided by specific objectives that aided in data collection and analyses and they included to; outline the factors of teamwork that enhance employee performance; examine the effects of teamwork on employees‟ performance in compassion Ghana; identify the negative behaviours that inhibit effective team performance among employees at Compassion Ghana. The study was a descriptive study that adopted a quantitative methodology. The population size was entire Compassion international Ghana staff of 54 males and 30 females and the entire population (census) was used. In all, eighty-four (84) standardised questionnaires were dispensed out of which seventy-six (76) were filled and submitted thus representing some 90% response rate. With respect to the first objective, team members are ever ready and inimitably willing to take part in debate around ideas. Teams with great leadership are prepared to track each other to ensure success and resolve barriers to progress through diverse culture, talents and personalities. The second research objective showed that teamwork has a strong positive and direct effect on the employees‟ morale and performances. The third objective also showed personality clashes in teams are things you cannot do away with in the organisation. The findings revealed Compassion International Ghana does not lack resources to let employees work in teams. Moreover, there is no poor communication network among independent organisational members in Compassion international Ghana. This study recommends that programs and training should be organized to deal with personality clashes in order to improve team's efficiency and performance.

Source: UCC
Effects of teenage pregnancy on girls education in the Tano North District

The objective of the study was to find out the extent to which girls’ education is being affected by teenage pregnancy in the Tano North District of the Brong Ahafo Region. The study employed the survey method which basically aimed at gathering facts, opinions and attitudes for the purpose of description, explanation, exploration and to answer questions concerning the subject under study. The population of the study comprised young girls who had suffered teenage pregnancy and teenage mothers in and out of Junior High Schools (J.H.S.) within all the five educational Circuits in Tano North district of the Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The sample for the study comprised 30 pregnant teenage girls and teenage mothers in and out of Junior High School in the Tano North District. The study employed the snowball sampling technique. A 23-item interview guide questions was used to collect the data. Frequencies and percentages were used to analyze the responses. The results of the study indicate that parental negligence is a major cause of teenage pregnancy in the district. Also, the results showed that adolescents in the district are poor users of contraception It was therefore recommended that the district assemblies should enact bye-laws which will educate parents and guardians about the parental and adult responsibility towards proper education of the girl child. Also, parents, churches, youth associations and social clubs should talk freely and effectively about sex education, teenage pregnancies and its associated consequences.

Source: UCC
Effects of the africa growth and opportunity act on exports of member states of West Africa Monetary Zone to the United States

In the quest to improve the economic fortunes of developing countries, varieties of trade preferences have been introduced. This mechanism appears to be in support of the ‘trade not aid’ campaign. The AGOA trade preference enacted by the US in the year 2000 is one that has received much recognition in Sub Saharan Africa as a means of boosting export hence economic development. The importance of trade, especially in the developing countries calls for the need to study the effects of such a trade preference. This study is motivated by the relatively limited literature investigating the effects of trade preferences on regions and respective countries as well. Since results for a region might not be true for the individual countries this study focuses on how AGOA has affected exports of the zone and individual WAMZ member states to the US. Using gravity covariates and other export determinants for the period 1980 to 2016 sourced from IMF DOTS, WDI and CEPII, the study employs the gravity model and the fixed and random effects estimation techniques. After correcting for heteroscedasticity and a possible serial correlation, the study reveals that the AGOA trade preference has a negative effect on the exports of the WAMZ to the US. It also shows that exports from Ghana, Guinea and Liberia to the US have significantly reduced while exports from Nigeria and Sierra Leone to the US have increased significantly under AGOA. It is therefore suggested that WAMZ states renegotiate for relaxation of rules of origin and as well expansion of product coverage to include products in which the WAMZ member states have comparative advantage.

Source: UCC
Effects of the Akosombo and Kpong power schemes on six selected Mafi-communities in the Volta region

This study sought to assess the effects of Akosombo and Kpong hydroelectric power projects on the lives of people and the natural environment in six Mafi communities within the Lower Volta Basin in the Volta Region. Systematic sampling technique was adopted to select one hundred and twenty (120) resident household heads for interview in the six study communities. Questionnaires were also administered to Environment and Community Development Officers of Volta River Authority (VRA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the North Tongu District (NTD) Planning Officer who were purposively sampled. The study found that the hydropower-projects on the Volta River have brought untold hardship onto the lives of the people, retarded the development of the communities and fueled dislocation of established family units and socio-cultural values in the study area. The study further revealed that the schemes have negatively affected the natural environment directly and also influenced human-induced environmental degradation in the study area. The study showed farming, firewood and charcoal burning and out-migration among a number of coping measures adopted by people in the study communities. Among recommendations made are as follows. The North Tongu District Assembly and VRA should promote aqua-culture and an integrated agri-business, and as well facilitate the removal and control of the growth of waterweeds on River Volta and its tributaries in the lower Volta basin including study area.

Source: UCC
Effects of the combat community policing project on domestic violence in selected rural communities in Brong Ahafo Region

The purpose of the study was to examine impact of the COMBAT community policing project on domestic violence in Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana. The mixed-method approach, also known as methodological triangulation, was chosen for this study. Specifically, the descriptive case study design was adopted and a total of 89 respondents participated in the study. These included 31 police personnel, 30 COMBAT volunteers, 18 community residents, and 10 key informants. Data collection techniques included the use of both qualitative and quantitative interviews as well as focus group discussions. Also, secondary data were collected from different published and unpublished sources. The findings revealed that the COMBAT adopted three complementary strategies to holistically address domestic violence – proactive strategies, reactive strategies and women empowerment and livelihood improvement strategies. The findings also showed that COMBAT operations have contributed to obvious decline in domestic violence rates at the community level. Insufficient funding from donors, lack of transport logistics, and low incentives for volunteers were identified as major challenges of the project. In view of these, it was recommended that the COMBAT involved the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, as well as District Assemblies (DAs) in the design and implementation of their activities as this partnership will help them receive both financial and material support when the need arises. Besides, the District COMBAT Executives were advised to work in close collaboration with the DISEC in order to get some sort of political support from the District Assemblies.

Source: UCC