ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing preferences of hostel facilities in Ghana. A case study of Knust & Uew Kumasi Campus

Hostels play a significant role in the lodging industry throughout the world. The aim of this study was to identify students preferences of facilities provided in hostels. The study was descriptive in nature with the researcher adopting the usage of quantitative data analysis techniques. Hostellers of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and University of Education, Winneba, Kumasi Campus (UEW-K). A focus group was used to gain insight into students’ perceptions of hostels and aided in the development of a written survey. The sample size of the study comprised 1500 (n=1500) hostellers selected using the convenience sampling technique. The response rate was 100% (n=1500). The study revealed a strong positive correlation between students’ consideration of Borehole/water reservoir facilities, computer/internet access, power generator, reading room, security officer, clinic/pharmacy services, specifically located dry lines, state of the art fittings (tiles, curtains, bath tubs), transportation services, hairdressing saloon and barber’s shop, kitchen/pantry facility, study bedroom, business/communication services, catering services, tennis/basketball court/gym, and persistence of rules and regulations. The female respondents particularly denied the provision of hairdressing saloon and barber’s shops in their hostels. The study also revealed a strong positive relationship between the provisions of the above listed facilities. However, the independent sample t-test results suggested that there were no significant differences in students’ consideration of the above-mentioned facilities before hostel selection; students generally have similar considerations before they select hostels for accommodation. The study recommended that Hostel managers should do well to make provisions for laundry services, business/communication services, catering services and clinic/pharmacy services and computer/internet services as they are integral to the overall lives.of.students.on.campus.

Source: UEW
Assessing quality assurance in the hospitality industry a cross sectional survey among hotels in wa municipality, Ghana

The study was conducted in Blue Hill, Upland, and Valley View hotels in the Wa Municipality to assess quality assurance in the hospitality industry. A cross sectional survey designed was adopted. The study population constituted the hotel staff, management of hotels, customers, Food and Drug Board and the Regional Tourism Authority. Convenience sampling, simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the customers, hotels employees and managers of the hotels, Directors of Food and Drug Board and Regional Tourism Authority respectively. In all 179 people were selected for the study: 142 customers, 29 hotels employees, 8 hotel managers and 1 director each from the Food and Drug Board and Regional Tourism Authority. Questionnaires, semi structured interview scheduled and observation were used as the data collection instruments to generate the information. Questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS and charts and tables were used to represent the information. Structured interview and observation which constituted the qualitative aspect of the study was analyzed thematically. Structured interview and observation which constituted the qualitative aspect of the study were analyzed thematically. The results of the study revealed that quality service in the hotel was slightly above average and quality assurance policy was not fully implemented and employees did not get enough satisfaction. The results indicated technological advance and cost of repairs and maintenance as challenges affecting the hotels. The study recommended that hotel management should pay attention to customer service vigorously to improve the already high quality serves they provide to their customers.

Source: UEW
Assessing quality management practices among building contractors in the Wa municipality

The concept of quality Management is not of recent origin. Quality management as a concept is meant to complement efforts to achieve the required level of quality for a product which is well planned and organized. From the perspective of a construction company, quality management in construction projects maintains the quality of construction works at the required standard. The aim is to assess quality management practices in the construction industries in Ghana. The current study explored quality management practices among contractors in the Wa Municipality with the view of highlighting the contributions to the quality of projects and how the practices can improve for better execution of projects in the Municipality. This study is empirical in nature and as a result analyses, describes and explains the issues relating to Total Quality Management Practices among contractors. It adopted a cross-sectional survey design collecting data from both primary and secondary sources. The results showed that male contractors dominate the construction industry in the Wa municipality. The results further showed that 73% of construction companies do not have quality management initiatives in place. Factors that affect quality management practices and quality of projects in the Wa Municipality include; lack of understanding of quality management practices, lack of resources, lack of systems and structures for quality management and lack of focus on client. But to improve the quality management and quality of projects, the recommends that top management need to acquire and update their knowledge on quality management and qualified human resource with knowledge in QM must be employed for quality improvement. The study therefore concludes that agencies or consultants responsible for ensuring quality must work to enhance quality management among contractors. The study recommends that agencies and consultants provide clear guidelines on quality management to contractors.

Source: UEW
Assessing regular teachers’ capacity in educating children with special educational needs in selected pilot inclusive schools in Nzema east municipality

This study investigated regular teachers’ capacity in educating children with special educational needs in selected pilot inclusive basic schools in Nzema-East Municipality The study adopted descriptive survey design and used a researcher self-developed questionnaire as the main instrument for data collection. A sample of 90 teachers was selected by the simple random sampling technique from 10 purposively selected basic schools in the Nzema-East Municipality. Data was analyzed using frequency counts involving simple percentages using themes and data from respondents. This was to address the three research questions formulated to guide the study. The findings from the study showed that majority of the teachers reportedly felt they have not acquired capability to adapt the curriculum; instructional strategies, select teaching and learning materials, learning environment to meet the diverse learning needs of children with special needs in their classrooms, Further, close to half of the teachers thought they could not competently use alternative assessment procedures in assessing pupils with special educational needs in inclusive settings. Furthermore, majority of teachers, 62.7%, thought they were not able to collaborate with other professionals to co-teach in order to enhance the learning ability of students with special needs. From the findings it was recommended that intensive in-service training should be organized for teachers. Also, posting of professionally trained special educators to schools on the inclusive education programme should be prioritised to facilitate the implementation of the inclusive education programme in the schools.

Source: UEW
Assessing restaurant guests’ satisfaction and its impact on repeat visit A case study of Sunyani

he study was conducted to assess restaurant guests’ satisfaction and its impact on repeat visit at Sunyani in the Bono Region. A descriptive survey design was adopted and data were collected using a questionnaire. One hundred and five (105) restaurant guests were selected for the study using a convenience sampling technique. Data collected was analysed using Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) version 20. The study revealed that the restaurants offered pre dining experience, dining-in experience and post-dining experience to their guests. The study also showed that tangibles, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy were major factors that influence guest satisfaction. The restaurants offer value for money, restaurant premises are safe and secure, the restaurant staffs are friendly, efficient at in-dining experience, the restaurants have a variety of products on their menu as well as other ancillary services. Easy accessibility to restaurants affects guest satisfaction and finally, the study showed that restaurant guests are satisfied with restaurants that have calved a positive brand image for itself, customer relationship, good location of restaurants, service quality, aesthetic appeal as well as safety and security to motivate them in selecting restaurants. Given that customers require the presence of all the following service quality dimensions; tangible, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, restaurant management should ensure that all dimensions are improved and sustained. It can be concluded that restaurant services affect guest’s satisfaction, and good guest service provision positively affect the satisfaction of guest and lead to repeat visit, a situation among restaurants in Sunyani Municipality. It is therefore recommended that, further study should be carried to investigate the relationship between guest expectation, satisfaction and perception with restaurant service delivery.

Source: UEW
Assessing school leadership challenges in Ghana using leadership practices inventory

The Ghana Education Service (GES) is facing challenges in school leadership and hence a lot of criticisms on basic school performances. The issue is whether school leadership relates to school performances and that there is the need for transformation leadership. The purpose of this study was to discuss self-reported leadership practices inventories (LPI) of graduate students to highlight their transformational school leadership potentials. The study participants were conveniently sampled from two Ghanaian public universities. Data from the self-reported LPI scores indicated a strong sense of self belief and the leadership potentials (M=48.93, sd=6.47). Gender differences in transformational abilities showed no statistical significance (t=-0.93, df=198, p=0.07), and the same with institutions (t=-0.99, df=198, p=0.38). However, the only statistical differences came from gender groups’ report on “Enable Others to Act” (t=-1.72, df=198, p=0.01).Discussions focused on the need for a more futuristic thinking, people-focused skills, the practices of enablement, and the avoidance of discrimination against women in school leadership within GES. Five recommendations were made for transformational leadership in GES including INSET leadership contents, a research and development of school leadership mode, and a national certification policy.

Source: UEW
Assessing science tutors’ knowledge and use of pedagogies in the new B.ed curriculum for colleges of education in Ghana

The study examined science tutors‘ knowledge and use of the pedagogies in the new B.Ed. Curriculum for Colleges of Education in Ghana, with particular reference to Science Colleges of Education in Northern Region. This was done to determine science tutors‘ knowledge level of the recommended pedagogies, the extent to which they use the recommended pedagogies, and factors that affect their use of the recommended pedagogies in the new B.Ed. Curriculum in their classrooms. The case study design was adopted for study where quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments such as questionnaires, interview and observation were used to collect data for analysis. The purposive and convenient sampling techniques were used. A sample of 25 participants made of 23 males and 2 females was used for the study. The SPSS and the Microsoft Excel 2007 were the statistical packages used to analyse the data for the study. The data was also analysed using descriptive statistics and percentages. The study revealed that, the tutors‘ knowledge on the recommended pedagogies in the new B.Ed. Curriculum was adequate. The tutors were also able to use recommended pedagogies in the new B.Ed. Curriculum to a moderate extent in science teaching at the E. P. College of Education, Bimbilla and Tamale College of Education. Besides motivation, inadequate teaching resources such as projectors, laboratory equipment, regents, furniture and space were identified as key factors that affect science tutors use of the recommended pedagogies. It was recommended that the appraisal instruments for science tutors by the Quality Assurance Units of the Colleges of Education should include extensive information on the usage of the recommended pedagogies by tutors. It was also recommended to the College Management/leadership to ensure that critical resources are provided adequately and on time to enhance the science tutors‘ effective use of the recommended pedagogies. Also, the assessment strategies used by the Colleges of Education, especially the end of semester examination, should be aligned with the recommended pedagogies that tutors use in their classroom teaching. In order to motivate science tutors to commit themselves more to the use of the recommended pedagogies in the classroom, it was recommended that, innovative strategies such as awarding tutors who use pedagogies in the new B.Ed. Curriculum frequently and effectively be set up in the Colleges

Source: UEW
Assessing senior high school students thinking levels in solving problems on circle theorems the case of Mfantsiman Girls Senior High School

Teaching and learning of geometry are to provide students with the ability of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and levels of geometric thinking skills. The researcher after conducting literature studies, noticed that most studies on circle geometry (theorems) consider the interventions of providing effective instructional materials or strategies, and teaching and learning methods which would improve students‟ proficiency in solving problems on Circle Theorems rather than considering assessing or analysing the cognitive abilities of the students. This study aims to assess SHS students‟ thinking level using SOLO taxonomy guide in solving problems in the concept of Circle Theorems. A total of 80 SHS 3 students from MGSHS were selected for the study. The study employed the mixed method approach, with sequential explanatory being the design. A cognitive test developed by the researcher in the form of super-item test based on SOLO taxonomy was used as an instrument to collect data from the 80 participants upon which, five were interviewed. Participants‟ scores were analysed descriptively whiles the interview responses were analysed thematically. The study revealed that most students‟ level of thinking had attained the highest level; extended abstract levels of SOLO model. The study showed that more students could not explain the reasons in relation to their answers provided to the test items. Students in the study also demonstrated errors such as comprehension, transformation, process skills and encoding errors based on NEA model. The study recommended that mathematics teachers should use SOLO taxonomy as a way of assessing students to monitor their student‟s solving ability in Circle Theorems.

Source: UEW
Assessing senior high school students’ thinking levels in solving problems on circle theorems- the case of Mfantsiman Girls’ Senior High School

Teaching and learning of geometry are to provide students with the ability of critical thinking, problem-solving skills and levels of geometric thinking skills. The researcher after conducting literature studies, noticed that most studies on circle geometry (theorems) consider the interventions of providing effective instructional materials or strategies, and teaching and learning methods which would improve students’ proficiency in solving problems on Circle Theorems rather than considering assessing or analysing the cognitive abilities of the students. This study aims to assess SHS students’ thinking level using SOLO taxonomy guide in solving problems in the concept of Circle Theorems. A total of 80 SHS 3 students from MGSHS were selected for the study. The study employed the mixed method approach, with sequential explanatory being the design. A cognitive test developed by the researcher in the form of super-item test based on SOLO taxonomy was used as an instrument to collect data from the 80 participants upon which, five were interviewed. Participants’ scores were analysed descriptively whiles the interview responses were analysed thematically. The study revealed that most students’ level of thinking had attained the highest level; extended abstract levels of SOLO model. The study showed that more students could not explain the reasons in relation to their answers provided to the test items. Students in the study also demonstrated errors such as comprehension, transformation, process skills and encoding errors based on NEA model. The study recommended that mathematics teachers should use SOLO taxonomy as a way of assessing students to monitor their student’s solving ability in Circle Theorems. University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh

Source: UEW
Assessing students’ food wasting behaviour in the dining halls of second cycle schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

The associated economic, social and environmental impacts of food waste have become a focal point of interest in research. With the introduction of the Free Senior High School Policy, it is anticipated that students’ enrolment at school will keep increasing and in order to adequately feed and nourish the student’s population, it is important to evaluate the factors associated with the food wastage behaviour of these students. To achieve this, it is imperative to investigate the behavioural causes of food waste among students in second cycle schools. The descriptive research design involved the survey of 578 students and 3 matrons sampled from some selected Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis. Questionnaire and an interview were conducted with respondents sampled through a multistage sampling method. Reliability test, convergence validity, and discriminant validity were assessed by running confirmatory factor analysis in Amos (v.23). The coefficients of the hypothesized paths were ascertained by running structural equation modelling (SEM). The study concludes that, perceived food quality, perceived behavioural control, and subjective norm, all had a direct positive effect on students’ attitude towards food waste. Perceived food quality was also found to have had a direct positive effect on perceived behavioural control and subjective norm. Finally, perceived behavioural control and subjective norm were found to partially mediate the relationship between perceived food quality and students’ attitude towards food waste.

Source: UEW
Assessing students’ performance in English language in second cycle institutions case study of Gushegu senior high school

Many students in Senior High Schools are delayed from progressing in their studies to higher levels simply because of their inability to obtain a qualified grade in the English Language examination. This is so because the subject is a very important requirement in obtaining admission into any tertiary institution in the country. The main objective of this study was to find out the factors affecting the students’ performance in English Language in the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) in Gushegu Senior High School. As a result, the study used case study as a research design in collecting data and the analysis thereof. The units for analysis were the Teachers, Students, the Head of Department and the Assistant Headmaster for academics of Gushegu Senior High School. The data were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively using frequency tables, percentages, pie charts and graphs. From the analysis, the study revealed that the factors affecting the poor performance of the students in English Language in the school were lack of qualified teachers of the subject, inadequate time allocation for the subject, inadequate teaching and learning materials, and inability of teachers to cover the teaching syllabus before the final examination. The study also focused on composition, comprehension, grammar and summary as aspects of the English Language students have challenges in understanding and hence, perform poorly in the subject during the WASSCE. Based on the findings, recommendations such as school authorities liaising with the Regional Directorate for more qualified teachers, students being guided by their teachers on proper strategies in learning the subject, adequate supply of teaching and learning materials were made to help address the problem of poor performance of students in the school and for further studies by other researchers as far as English Language is concerned

Source: UEW
Assessing students’ understanding of some electronics topics a case study at Agona Nyakrom SHS

This study assessed students’ conception of some electronics topics at the Senior High School level. The study was also to find out the effect of using relevant teaching / learning resources on student’s understanding of basic electronics concepts such as ‘transistors.’ The research design was qualitative (descriptive) through experimental – control method. The target populations were students from Agona Nyakrom Municipal Senior High Schools. Ten Senior High Schools (S.H.S.) were selected by simple random sampling. The students used for the study were selected using stratified sampling. The main instruments used were class tests and interviews. The class tests were administered to 200 students. Interview guide was also used to gather information from the students and electronics teachers. It was recommended that students should be empowered to become responsible for their own learning of electronics by creating opportunities that will actively involve them in the learning process. Finally, heads of the Senior High Schools must embark on regular supervision during electronics lessons in order to ensure effective and meaningful lessons.

Source: UEW