ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessment and production of alternative garments for widowhood rites in the Builsa traditional area of the Upper East Region of Ghana

Costume design for widows in societies is a trickle down phenomenon from one ancestral generation to another. In Builsa tradition, women have undergone Widowhood Rites creating disaffection in terms of the dress code they wear. On the basis of this, the study aimed to investigate the historical evolution of the current costume and (sew garment and accessories). For this reason, the study adopted the practice based and descriptive survey technique to ascertain responses regarding the evolution of the costume. Purposive sampling technique was used to sample one hundred and twenty (120) respondents for the study. The main data collection instruments used were questionnaire and observation. The study found that the shea tree components including leaves, fruits, shea butter and bark were predominantly used by ancestors of the Builsa people as widowhood costume. Specifically, the leaves constitute the most pronounced Costume adorn by women during Widowhood Rites celebrations. Therefore, these components were identified and printed on hand woven “fugu” fabric to reflect the colours of the shea tree components and its accompanying accessories. The study recommends that traditional leader should adopt the design for mass production so that widows can have access to them any time they are in need. The designs should also be adopted and used by widow to bring about sanity and also preserve the nudity of widows.

Source: UEW
Assessment literacy of mathematics teachers and challenges in the implementation of the school-based assessment in senior high schools of Ghana

This study investigated the level of assessment literacy of mathematics teachers and the challenges in the implementation of School Based Assessment (SBA) in Senior High Schools of the Central Region of Ghana. Specifically, it explored the level of mathematics teachers‟ knowledge of the purposes of assessment, assessment strategies, interpretation and action-taking on assessment data, and what to assess in mathematics. It also explored the challenges in implementing SBA and the possible ways of addressing the problems of SBA implementation. The study used mixed method design in which 102 mathematics teachers were purposively sampled from 15 randomly selected Senior High Schools. The instrument used was a questionnaire. Major findings of the study were: mathematics teachers tended to have low level of knowledge on the use of assessment to plan their lessons; low level of knowledge on assessing problem-solving; low level of knowledge in the development of project work assessment; low level of knowledge in preparing marking schemes to score subjective tests. Furthermore, the challenges in SBA implementation were overloaded classes, heavy teaching workload, lack of SBA coordination and monitoring mechanism, lack of guideline for preparing/implementing SBA, lack of interest from parents in schoolwork of students, and insufficient time to carry out SBA. Proposed solutions to challenges included: GES should set reasonable and manageable class sizes; and organise in-service training on assessment. Recommendations were made.

Source: UEW
An assessment of academic learning time of lessons taught by trained and untrained Physical Education teachers in Senior High Schools of Akim Oda District

The purpose of this study was to assess academic learning time of lessons taught by trained and untrained physical education teachers in Senior High Schools of Akim Oda District . The main objectives were to find out what phase of the practical lesson, (based on the instrument) did trained and untrained physical education teachers spend much time (highest time) and the disparities that persisted based on each sub-component of academic learning time in physical education interval recording instrument designed by Siedentop, Tousignant and Parker (1982). Descriptive survey research design was used and the sample encompassed three trained and three untrained physical education teachers. Simple random sampling procedure was used to select the three trained physical education teachers and purposive sampling was also used to choose the only three untrained physical education teachers for the study. One student in each lesson was targeted to represent highly skilled, average skilled and low skilled and the data collected were analysed using percentages in tables for the individual trained and untrained physical education teachers, mean percentage (average) time for the three trained teachers and the three untrained teachers and bar charts. The average findings indicated that, trained teachers devoted the much time of 22.3% for warm-up in the general content sub-component 11.4% for technique in the subject matter knowledge sub-component, and 27.7% for skill practice in the subject matter motor content sub-components. Meanwhile, untrained teachers devoted much time of 13.1% for warm-up in the general content sub-component, 8.9% for strategy in the subject matter knowledge sub-component and 26.5% for skill practice in the subject matter motor content, all in the context level. Most importantly, trained physical education teachers spent the highest time (much time) of 61.0% for on-task, 2.4% for off-task and 13.0% for waiting while untrained physical education teachers spent much time of 37.5% for off-task, 19.6% for on-task and 22.5% for waiting. Finally, trained physical education teachers devoted 21.1% for appropriate as the much time (highest time) spent in motor engaged sub-components while untrained physical education teachers also spent 8.7% as the much time devoted. The researcher suggested that in-service training should be organized termly for the P.E. teachers by Ghana Education Service in collaboration with physical education lecturers in Ghana.

Source: UEW
An assessment of communication between management and staff at Nakpanduri business senior high school

The purpose of this study was to assess the types of communication in Nakpanduri Business Senior High schools. The study was guided by the following specific objectives: to investigate the types of communication used by management and staff of Nakpanduri Business Senior High School: and to examine perspectives of staff and management of Nakpanduri Business Senior High School on the effectiveness of their internal communication. The study was qualitative approach and 15(fifteen) management and the staff from NABSHS were purposively interviewed, observed and Analyse Documents. Monge and Contractor’s Theory of Communication Network was used to analysed the data for this study. The study revealed that the channels of communication in the school are; downward, upward, horizontal, diagonal and grapevine. However, the grapevine is the most preferred channel because it does not follow any formal structure or pattern. The study recommends that frequent staff meetings interspersed with durbars and seminars should be held to facilitate the free flow of information and to enhance communication between management and staff in the school.

Source: UEW
An assessment of competencies of students performance in conventional lathe machining at the Higher National Diploma (HND) Level a case study of Koforidua and Accra Polytechnics

The rationale for this write up generally enlighten the students and especially the practical lecturers and instructors to have a broader perspective about ascertaining the competencies of students performance level of conventional lathe machine usage in the Polytechnics, the various competencies and strategies adopted in teaching the practical skills and to discover the reasons for the low performance of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate in the industries on the use of conventional lathe machine. The case study was conducted in two Polytechnics to be precise Koforidua Polytechnic in the Eastern Region, and Accra Polytechnic in the Greater Accra Region. The researcher investigated into the background of practical skills, students’ competencies, and the concern of instructors or practical lecturers. However, through questionnaires, interviews and observations, the researcher had found out that, most Polytechnics were not adequately equipped with conventional lathe machines, tools and equipment. They could not achieve standard level of student performance in Lathe machining. Also, practical lecturers have different teaching strategies and large number of student to a machine during practical lessons with inadequate practical lecturers, and less practical periods and hours. Meanwhile, institutions must train instructors and have general, standard competencies and strategies for teaching practical lesson as well as provision of adequate and suitable materials for practical training and to check students’ attitude towards practical lesson.

Source: UEW
An assessment of competencies of students performance in conventional lathe machining at the higher national diploma (HND) level a case study of Koforidua and Accra Polytechnics

The rationale for this write up generally enlighten the students and especially the practical lecturers and instructors to have a broader perspective about ascertaining the competencies of students performance level of conventional lathe machine usage in the Polytechnics, the various competencies and strategies adopted in teaching the practical skills and to discover the reasons for the low performance of Higher National Diploma (HND) graduate in the industries on the use of conventional lathe machine. The case study was conducted in two Polytechnics to be precise Koforidua Polytechnic in the Eastern Region, and Accra Polytechnic in the Greater Accra Region. The researcher investigated into the background of practical skills, students‟ competencies, and the concern of instructors or practical lecturers. However, through questionnaires, interviews and observations, the researcher had found out that, most Polytechnics were not adequately equipped with conventional lathe machines, tools and equipment. They could not achieve standard level of student performance in Lathe machining. Also, practical lecturers have different teaching strategies and large number of student to a machine during practical lessons with inadequate practical lecturers, and less practical periods and hours. Meanwhile, institutions must train instructors and have general, standard competencies and strategies for teaching practical lesson as well as provision of adequate and suitable materials for practical training and to check students‟ attitude towards practical lesson.

Source: UEW
An assessment of competency based training on the skills acquisition of electrical electronic engineering students in Ghana-case study of Cape Coast Technical University

The main purpose of the study was to assess Competency Based Training on the skills acquisition of Electrical/Electronic Engineering Students in Ghana, using Cape Coast Technical University as a case study. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. The study adopted the mixed approach which made used of both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study population was made up of all Electrical/Electronic Engineering Students, Lecturers, Laboratory Technicians and industrial workers at the Cape Coast Technical University. The population for the study was 250 respondents. Data was collected from all 7 Lecturers, 3 Laboratory Technicians and 23 industrial workers using purposive sampling while random sampling technique was used to select 119 students for the study. Questionnaires and interview guides were the instruments used to gather primary data. The data collected was analysed statistically using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. The study findings indicated that 57(50%) of the respondents revealed that Competency Based Training is somewhat effective on the skills acquisition of Electrical/Electronic Engineering Students. Moreover, 45(39.5%) of the students indicated that Laboratory Technicians/Instructors who are manning the various laboratories in the Department are somewhat competent. Furthermore, 60(52.6%) disagreed that tools and equipment are available for practical work. The challenges affecting the Technical University Education in Ghana are inadequate infrastructure, lack of workshops/laboratories, workshop/laboratory facilities, and inadequate funding. The study recommended that the Government of Ghana should provide adequate infrastructure and teaching and learning materials to equip the Electrical workshops/laboratories with educational resources that can improve Vocational and Technical Education (VET) in the Cape Coast Technical University

Source: UEW
An assessment of compliance of meal service caterers roles in schools feeding programme and its impact on the school feeding programme

The Ghana School Feeding Programme (GSFP) faces much criticism in areas of service quality, food quality, food quantity, environmental quality, and menu standardisation. The aimed at investigating the compliance of meal service caterer’s roles and their impact on the school feeding programme at the beneficiary basic public schools under the school feeding programme (SFP) in the Akuapem South District. The study adopted survey research design. The target population comprised caterers and heads at basic public schools in the Akuapem South District. Purposive sampling was used in selecting 66 caterers and 22 heads of the beneficiary basic public schools under the SFP in the Akuapem South District. Questionnaire and interview were used to gather information from the respondents. The finding showed that the caterers pay staff who are employed from the beneficiary community, buy at least 20% value of foodstuffs from smallholder farmers, and comply with food safety and hygiene procedures. The study revealed that the caterers sometimes follow a few personal hygiene rules, and sometimes adhered to proper procedure of cooking, holding, and serving food to the school children. The study found no association between age group of caterers and compliance of role in SFP (F(df)=1.567, p=0.196>0.05). The study found that compliance of caterer’s role under the SFP differ with respect to their educational level (F(df)=2.735, p=0.005<0.01). Also, an insignificant association was found between compliance of caterer’s role and the number of years working in the SFP (F(df)= 1.421, P=0.203<0.01). The study concluded that compliance of caterers role had a significant effect on the performance of SFP. It was recommended that the coordinators of the SFP should organise periodic seminars, and training programmes to educate caterers of the SFP regarding their roles and the hygienic practices that could guarantee the pupils health.

Source: UEW
Assessment of construction projects in Ghana- factors and challenges (a case study of the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region of Ghana)

Construction projects in Ghana suffer from many problems and complex issues such as cost, time and safety. This research sought to identify and evaluate the main factors affecting efficient execution of construction projects in Ghana as well as the major challenges they face with. The effectiveness of the organization also depends on the ability to integrate the workforce into a well-motivated and productive team, which is committed to the completion of a project and the overall success of the firm. Three different well-structured questionnaires, interview and observations were prepared and evaluated and ranked from clients, consultants and contractors perspectives with an interview schedule with contractors that cannot read and write. Several factors were identified as factors affecting efficient project execution including, conformance to specification, delay in payment of certified certificates, cash flow of the project, projects labor cost, escalation of materials costs, political interferences and leadership skills for project manager. On the part of contractors issues such as inability to use high quality materials to provide correct documentation and invoices, to adapt to changes and meet needs and to keep clients facilities and environment clean are some of the failures resulting in inefficient execution of projects. It was recommended that, clients are to facilitate payment to contractors in order to overcome delay, disputes and claims. A structured methodology and technique should be identified to overcome the effect of local political and economic situations on the performance of construction projects in Ghana. It is necessary for construction organizations in Ghana to evaluate both the market share and liquidity before implementation of any construction project because of difficult economic situation.

Source: UEW
An assessment of corporate governance on financial accounting practices a case study of the nestle Ghana company limited

This research tried undertake an assessment of corporate governance and financial accounting practices. The study dealt with the contributions of internal control to financial accounting practices, the effects of audit committee on financial accounting practices, and lastly the influence of internal auditors on financial accounting practices. Primary data was used during this research. Primary data was collected by administering questionnaire to Nestle Ghana limited. Respondents were selected based on their understanding and role in corporate governance and financial accounting practices. The Statistical Package for Social Science was employed for the data analysis. The study revealed that effective internal control systems are needed to ensure the safeguard of assets, valuation and authorizing of transactions, ensuring effective recording of routine transactions among others as identified from the survey conducted. It was also noted that effective internal controls does not guarantee errorless accounting practices and also does not necessarily ensure the prevention and detection of fraud, waste, embezzlement and also does not necessarily ensure the accuracy and completeness of accounting data recorded in the case study. It was also noted that effective audit committee had positive effects on financial accounting practices. Lastly, the study pointed out that, there is a strong positive influence of internal auditors on financial accounting practices. This implies that when the internal auditor is not effective in discharging the duties, financial accounting practice will not be effective and this goes for the vice-versa. This affirms that internal auditors play a vital role in ensuring effective financial accounting practices.

Source: UEW
An assessment of customer relationship management practices of some selected hotels in the Berekum municipality

The main purpose of the study was to assess the customer relationship management practices of some selected hotels in the Beerekum Municipality. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. This study adopted a qualitative inquiry. The target population was Benrose Hotel, Green Gate and Ahenfie Hotel to enable the researcher assess the CRM practices applied in these hotels. The total target population was 150 respondents. Random sampling techniques were used to select 108 participants for the study. Structured interview guide was used to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse data. The study revealed that the customer relationship management practices performed at the various hotels included customer orientation, knowledge management and technology based customer relationship management practices. However, customer relationship management organization a key part of the customer relationship management including employee training, reward system for performing staff and employment of sales and marketing experts were virtually absent was at these hotels. It was unveiled through the study that these hotels are unable to keep their key customers but rather new customers as a result of their inability to organize their customer relationship well. The study recommended that client based needs assessment must be done on regular basis to be abreast with current trends in the hotel industry and more so ascertain general needs of the various clients who visits the hotel in order to meet their needs accordingly so as to retain customers all the time and the ministry of tourism, arts and creative culture must supervise standardized practices, uniformity and compliance with those practices at various hotels to attract clients both locally and internationally.

Source: UEW
An assessment of customer relationship management practices of some selected hotels in the Wa Municipality

The hotel industry today is going through an upsurge in globalization, an increase level of client turn over as well as competition. The study sought to assess the customer relationship management practices of some selected hotels in the Wa municipality of Ghana. The study employed a qualitative research to assess the customer relationship management practices of the selected hotels in Wa Municipality with this, the semi structured interview was adapted to collected primary data and many articles, books etc were consulted for secondary information. The study revealed that the customer relationship management practices performed at the various hotels included customer orientation, knowledge management and technology based customer relationship management practices. The second part also discusses and analyses the various customer relationship management practices of the selected hotels in the municipality of Wa. The study sought to find the customer relationship management practices that were practiced in the understudied hotels and to assess its efficiency on the performance of the hotels and the extent to which these customer relationship management practices are able to influence repeated visits at the various hotels. The study revealed that the customer relationship management practices performed at the various hotels included customer orientation, knowledge management and technology based customer relationship management practices, enhancing the competiveness and retention of key customers depends to a larger extent dependent on the kind of training or in service training that are given to staff of the hotels. In the case where they are not given any formal training to aid them undertake their responsibilities dutifully therefore, in service training for newly recruited employees and old employees must be done to equip them with current trends and how to retain customer especially key and non-key customers alike.

Source: UEW
An assessment of customer satisfaction of front desk operation a case study of modern city hotel in the Tamale Metropolis

The research work was steered to assess Customer Satisfaction of front desk operation in the tourism industry with particular reference to Modern City Hotel in the Tamale metropolis in the Northern Region of Ghana. Questionnaire and interview were data collection instruments used to solicit for data from one hundred and five customers and twenty – five employees of the hotel. The findings revealed that customers were much in higher expectation in assurance. Again, customers considered tangibility and empathy as the most important factors for determining satisfactory service delivery. Customers‟ perceptions however exceeded their expectation. Based on the above findings the suggested strategies to improve quality service delivery by respondents included: hiring qualified staff, organisation of regular training sessions by hotel management to their staff given incentives to staff to boost their morale to work as well as staff attending to guests as quick as possible and delivering the right information at the right time

Source: UEW