ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Collaborative knowledge management: perceived benefits and challenges in rural banking industry in the Eastern Region of Ghana

The aim of this study is to examine the extent of collaboration in knowledge management (CKM) and to explore the perceived benefits and challenges associated with it in rural banking industry in the Eastern Region of Ghana. It was an exploratory cross-sectional quantitative study with 105 employees surveyed. The study results indicated that there was low level of collaboration in knowledge management among the banks. However, majority of the employees perceived CKM to have benefits as well as challenges. In terms of benefits a greater number of the employees perceived the benefits of CKM to be: enhancing ability to address important issues effectively; bringing about the development of new skills; increasing utilisation of other expertise or services; acquiring useful knowledge or useful information on services, programmes or people in the community; having the ability to have greater impact on the quality of service than individual bank could have on its own leading to higher productivity. The study found out that majority of the employees perceived the challenges of CKM to be: mistrust; fear of loss of autonomy; different business cultures with different power structures; different funding cycles causing different creditworthiness; difficulty in combining skills due to different knowledge levels; and difficulty in coordinating affairs with full management commitment. In view of these, it is recommended that management must commit itself to CMK through communication and put into place the appropriate rewards and incentives for knowledge management activities. Also employees need to develop knowledge management skills through training in order to participate effectively.

Source: UCC
Collaborative networks for sustainable human capital management in women’s tourism entrepreneurship: The role of tourism policy

Government policies to support women’s empowerment in tourism through sustainable human capital management (HCM) is an emerging research theme. Tourism policies can contribute significantly to African women’s empowerment by breaking existing stereotypical barriers that impede women’s HCM. Based on a narrative analysis of published academic and policy literature, we uncover how policy support for collaborative networks can enhance women entrepreneur’s HCM and thereby increase their resiliency and that of their tourism businesses. Collaborative networks are regional and country-specific forums, programs and/or initiatives for networking, skills development and access to resources and agency for women tourism entrepreneurs. Drawing on findings from analyzing collaborative networks involving women entrepreneurs in Ghana, Nigeria and Cameroon, the paper develops a conceptual framework that depicts four determinants of collaborative networks that influence the HCM of women entrepreneurs in tourism, namely type of network, resources, social capital dimensions and human capital management. Finally, the paper explicates how these determinants can inform national tourism policy to support women entrepreneurs

Source: UCC
Collection management and the challenges of library users: A descriptive study

Purpose: The purpose of the work is to find out the impact of collection management practices of academic libraries and the challenges of library users when accessing library materials. Design/Methodology: A survey was conducted to ensure that a wider number of library users were involved. The convenience sampling technique was used to select library users and the quantitative data obtained were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software. Findings: The main findings were: the electronic and non electronic resources of the two libraries were inadequate; University of Cape Coast Library had a section for the visually impaired, whilst University of Education, Winneba does not; some users of both libraries failed to get involved in the selection process and materials mainly used in the libraries were textbooks. Research Limitations: The work is limited to the outcome of collection building activities performed by library staff on the usage of the information resources of the libraries of two Ghanaian universities built by the Government to train graduate teachers for the country. Practical Implication: Materials in libraries are meant to be used hence collection management practices have a direct link on the patronage of libraries. Social implication: Libraries as agents of education need to be accountable to their stakeholders as public funds are used in their establishment. Originality: Using the end users of libraries to assess the influence collection management practices have on the available information resources is a way of ensuring that libraries meet the goals.

Source: UCC
Collection, identification, physico-chemical and microbial quality analysis of non-alcoholic drinks in the Cape Coast Metropolis

Free-trade policies across countries have allowed an influx of diverse non-alcoholic drinks into Ghana. Frequent consumption of such drinks may contribute to non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The study evaluated the microbial quality and physico-chemical properties of selected non-alcoholic drinks in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Out of 122 non-alcoholic drinks catalogued, 22 were analysed. Aerobic mesophilic counts, total coliforms (TC), faecal coliforms (FC), yeasts and moulds (Y&M), Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli were determined following standard procedures. The numbers of microorganisms present were calculated using the weighted mean from the dilution and expressed as colony forming unit per milliliter (cfu/ml). Total sugars and vitamin C concentrations were determined by the Anthrone method; the AOAC (1990) method was used for physico-chemical analyses. Concentrated fruit juices preserved by physical and chemical means represented the highest percentage (59%) of samples analyzed. Bacterial growth, yeasts and moulds were observed in two (33%) and only 1 (16.6%) drink samples. Bacteria, yeasts and moulds growth were found on 5 drink samples; whiles faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli were found in 2(40%) samples respectively; Salmonella spp. was not detected in any of the samples tested. The highest sugar concentration was 40.71±14.38%. The highest vitamin C concentration was 0.15±0.03 ml/100ml. The highest pH was 3.602±0.86 in the carbonated soft drinks and carbonated malt category. The highest titrable acidity was 14.72±3.11 with acid percentage of 94%. Although microbial growth was not widespread in the drinks sampled, numbers were above the Ghana Standards Authority’s acceptable limits.

Source: UCC
Collective influence of household and community capitals on agricultural employment as a measure of rural poverty in the Mahanadi Delta, India

The main determinants of agricultural employment are related to households’ access to private assets and the influence of inherited social–economic stratification and power relationships. However, despite the recommendations of rural studies which have shown the importance of multilevel approaches to rural poverty, very few studies have explored quantitatively the effects of common-pool resources and household livelihood capitals on agricultural employment. Understanding the influence of access to both common-pool resources and private assets on rural livelihoods can enrich our understanding of the drivers of rural poverty in agrarian societies, which is central to achieving sustainable development pathways. Based on a participatory assessment conducted in rural communities in India, this paper differentiates two levels of livelihood capitals (household capitals and community capitals) and quantifies them using national census data and emotely sensed satellite sensor data. We characterise the effects of these two levels of livelihood capitals on precarious agricultural employment by using multilevel logistic regression. Our study brings a new perspective on livelihood studies and rural economics by demonstrating that common-pool resources and private assets do not have the same effect on agricultural livelihoods. It identifies that a lack of access to human, financial and social capitals at the household level increases the levels of precarious agricultural employment, such as daily-wage agricultural labour. Households located in communities with greater access to collective natural capital are less likely to be agricultural labourers. The statistical models also show that proximity to rural centres and access to financial infrastructures increase the likelihood of being a landless agricultural labourer. These findings suggest that investment in rural infrastructure might increase livelihood vulnerability, if not accompanied by an improvement in the provisioning of complementary rural services, such as access to rural finance, and by the implementation of agricultural tenancy laws to protect smallholders’ productive assets

Source: UCC
College Climate and Teacher-Trainee’s Academic Work in Selected Colleges of Education in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

The study aimed at investigating the extent to which College climate (Leadership roles/practices and Class size) impact on academic work of Teacher-trainees. A survey research design was used for the study because it involved a study of relatively large population who were purposively and randomly selected. A sample size of 322 out of the population of 1850 from Offinso, Akokerri and Wesley Colleges of Education comprising 226 males and 114 females were used for the study. A questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect data for the study. The data collected were analyzed using Means, Standard deviations and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The study established that effective leadership roles and practices of Principals and Tutors had impact on the academic work of Teacher-trainees. By implication, good leadership practices had a positive relationship with students’ academic work. The results of the ANOVA tests indicated that there was no significant difference in the means of the responses on College class size provided by the respondents (p>-.05). The implication is that large class sizes turn to affect classroom teaching and learning as compared to small class size. The respondents from Offinso College had the lowest mean of 2.41on infrastructure, implying that their College infrastructure was the least developed. However, the respondents of Akokerri had an overall mean of 3.55 which implied that their College infrastructure was moderately developed. The study also revealed that, the higher the academic qualification of college tutors in their respective area of study, the more likely they are to impact positively on the academic work of Teacher-trainees.

Source: UCC
Colleges of Education Libraries in Ghana: An Evaluative Study

The type of training that teachers undergo in Ghana is supposed to be characterized by the cultivation and sustaining of reading habits. This mission cannot be realized without proper libraries in the colleges of education. With the upgrading of colleges of Education in Ghana to the status of tertiary institution, one would expect that the image of libraries in colleges of education would be augmented. The study presents the results of an evaluative study of fourteen (14) colleges, representing 37.8% of the total number of colleges of education in Ghana. The article discusses amongst other factors such as budget, human resources, library collection services provided and physical facilities of the libraries being assessed. The study revealed that libraries in Ghanaian colleges of education are so poor, both quantitatively and qualitatively, that much remains to be done to enhance their status. The researchers hope that the recommendations given when fully implemented by the stakeholders will definitely raise the image of libraries in colleges of education in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Colleges of Education Mathematics Tutors’ Problems and Challenges associated with the Teaching of Quadratics using Completing the Square Approach

The purpose of the study is to identify tutors knowledge, skills and practices that are considered secured, emerging and aspirational and their associated problems and challenges in the teaching quadratics using completing the square approach in the colleges of education in Ghana. Needs analysis was conducted among a conveniently sampled forty six (46) tutors made up of six (6) female and forty (40) male tutors from twenty three (23) Colleges of Education across the country A qualitative method was adopted to explore, so as to understand and describe appropriately the challenges and problems faced by tutors in teaching completing the square. The instrument for the study was a questionnaire made up of 43 items presented in three parts. Based on the results and discussions, Colleges of Education tutors are insufficiently grounded in certain essential knowledge, skills and practices that provide pre-service teachers real and interactive learning experiences that facilitate the acquisition of required competences in learning completing the square. It is recommended that college tutors be given the opportunity to learn innovative and practical teaching strategies that engage pre-service teachers on hands on activities in the learning of completing the square in our Colleges of Education in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Colleges Of Education Students’ Willingness To Continue Uniform Use: A Case Of Selected Colleges In Ghana.

The study examined Colleges of Education student’s willingness to continue uniform use with focus on Central Region of Ghana. It employed quantitative method using descriptive survey design. The study used three Colleges of Education in the Central Region. The accessible population for the study was 330. Stratified sampling was used to divide the population into sub groups and Simple random sampling technique helped to select the individual student. A self -designed questionnaire was used to gather the relevant data giving a return rate of 289 which constitute 88% of the population. Descriptive (frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (Pearson product moment correlation and independent sample t-test) were used to analyse the data. The study found out that attitude, subjective norm and perceived behaviour control (PBC) could determine student’s intention to wear uniform. One of the conclusions was males were more willing to wear Uniform than females. It was recommended that school leaders should ensure the continuance and enforcement of the wearing of uniform to ensure that the students acquire the right virtues and high sense of responsibility. Again, students are encouraged and motivated to exhibit good behaviour by rewarding students’ good behaviour and counsel offenders who flout school uniform wearing policy. Also, Colleges of Education should ensure that they limit the negative impact of social uniform. Religious activities should be encouraged and admonished to enlighten students on the need to abide by school rules and regulations concerning the wearing of school uniform.

Source: UCC
Collegiate Football Players’ Perceptions on Concussion Management

Research has investigated the adverse effects of athletic concussion and its controversy, yet little work to date has examined the perceptions of players regarding the concussion controversy. This study investigated 37 community college football players’ perceptions on their knowledge and understanding of sport-related concussion. Data was categorized into evidence of concussion, knowledge of concussion management, confidence in collegiate modifications and regulations, and the significance of concussion long-term consequences to the player. Overall, no player reported sustaining three or more concussions. Participants lack knowledge about concussion rehabilitative procedures. Players felt the 7-day post concussion return to play policy is appropriate, and they would take the risk to continue play even if they feel concussed in a game.

Source: UCC
Colonial Public Health and Sanitation Policies in the Central Province of the Gold Coast, 1874-1957.

The present Central Region of Ghana was the Central Province of the Gold Coast during the colonial period. Cape Coast was the administrative capital of the British Crown Colony from 24th July, 1874 till 1877 when it was moved to Accra. The transfer was made under the pretext that Cape Coast was insanitary, yet all the remaining coastal towns in the colony were faced with same sanitation challenges, without the exemption of Accra. This raises the question, if Cape Coast was insanitary, which policies then were employed to make it reasonably healthy and sanitary? Thus, the main objective of the study is to examine the British colonial government’s public health and sanitation policies in the Central Province of the Gold Coast from 1874 to 1957. The approach to the study is qualitative. The study involved both primary and secondary data. It used a multi-disciplinary approach to demonstrate, describe and narrate the public health and sanitation policies that manifested in the provision and availability of hospital, dispensary and clinic facilities, preventive and curative medicines, vaccination programmes, drainage and sewer systems, public latrines, water supply systems, and well-planned settlements that improved the health and sanitary conditions in the Central Province. The main finding of the study is that the colonial government employed a multi-dimensional and multi-departmental approach in the quest to ensure public health in the Central Province; however, the Gold Coasters financed the cost of the provision of the public health and sanitary facilities. The people of Gold Coast also responded and initiated some of the colonial public health and sanitation policies. Most of the policies that this work reveals are very useful to contemporary health and sanitation policy-makers in their quest to ensure the desired public health

Source: UCC
Colour Symbolism of Aboakyir

In Ghana, traditional festivals are important cultural elements that are identified with many ethnic groups across the country. Aboakyir is one of such traditional festivals celebrated annually by an ethnic group in the Central Region called Simpa or Effutu. The Effutu people celebrate the festival at their traditional capital called Winneba every first week of May. The purpose of the study was to conduct a qualitative research into the colours used to celebrate the Simpa Aboakyir festival during the 2016 edition. To aid the researchers gather reliable data for the study, a non-probability sampling technique called purposive sampling was used to select 16 respondents. The researchers used observation, unstructured interview and still-photography to gather primary data throughout the last week of the festival. The responses from the interviews were recorded electronically; field notes and stillpictures were taken and the recorded information was transcribed, the field notes were expanded and relevant photographs were sifted and edited. The data was categorised into relevant themes and the selected photographs were analysed through aesthetic appreciation. The transcribed data were analysed through inductive reasoning and descriptive qualitative approach to respond to the objectives and research questions of the study. The findings that emanated from the analyses were discussed qualitatively according to the philosophy of interpretivism research paradigm to reflect the literature and the research questions of the study. Based on the findings that emerged from the analysis, the researchers recommended that visual art students at all levels and visual art practitioners must experiment the colours used by Effutus in the celebration of their traditional festival to develop other unconventional harmonious colour schemes that can be applied in creative arts.

Source: UCC
Combating poverty among women through poverty alleviation fund in the Savelegu-Nanton district in the Northern region of Ghana

The purpose of the study was to assess the extent to which the Poverty Alleviation Fund (PAF) was helping to reduce poverty among women in the Savelugu-Nanton District. The quota, purposive, snowball and simple random sampling techniques were used to obtain a total of 172 respondents for the study. Two sets of interview schedules were used for the two groups, a questionnaire for the PAF loan staff and focus group discussion guide for the beneficiaries. The data analysis was done with the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) Version 16 software. Findings from the study indicated that loans were generally perceived by the PAF women beneficiaries to be helpful to them in sustaining and expanding their income-generating activities, supplementing household incomes and acquiring some basic assets. The conclusion reached was that loans can be beneficial to women only if a genuine effort is made by District Assemblies (DAs) to remove barriers that militate against the empowerment of women in rural communities in Ghana. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that, in order to reap the full benefits of loans, District Assemblies should supply other inputs, in addition to cash, to groups that apply for loans. Also, while encouraging performing groups, non-performing ones should critically be examined and supported. Further, attempts should be made to encourage loan defaulters to pay up their loans so as to make the scheme sustainable.

Source: UCC
Combining Inquiry-Based Hands-On and Simulation Methods with Cooperative Learning on Students’ Learning Outcomes in Electric Circuits

Concepts in electric circuits are reported in literature as being problematic for students at all levels of pre-tertiary education and the situation in Ghana is not different. Hence, innovative ways of teaching are being explored by researchers to remediate the problem. This study, therefore, was premised on the fact that combining inquiry-based real hands-on and computer simulation methods with cooperative learning has the potential of improving students’ learning outcomes. In all, 110 senior high school Form 2 students from two schools who participated were put into heterogeneous-ability and friendship cooperative learning groupings. Each group was taught electric circuits with the combination of inquiry-based real hands-on and computer simulation method. The aim was to compare the two groups in terms of their scientific reasoning and conceptual understanding. Within each group, the hypothetical-deductive and empirical-inductive students were also compared along the two learning outcomes. The results showed among others that the heterogeneous-ability group outperformed their counterparts in conceptual understanding of electric circuits but not scientific reasoning. Hypothetical-deductive and empirical-inductive students in the heterogeneous-ability group outperformed their counterparts in scientific reasoning and conceptual understanding. Implications of the findings for teaching and learning are discussed.

Source: UCC