ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Integration of music in kindergarten curriculum_ perception of kindergarten teachers in Shama district Ghana

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceptions of kindergarten teachers on integration of music in the kindergarten curriculum. The theoretical perspectives of the social cognitive theory of Bandura and Gardner‘s theory of multiple intelligences were adopted for the study. The pragmatist philosophy underpins this study. This study adopted the descriptive design using mixed-methods sequential exploratory approaches. The target population for the study was the thirty-six public kindergarten schools in the Shama District in the Western Region of Ghana. Simple random sampling method was used to select a sample of ninety (90) teachers in the Shama District. Structured questionnaires and semi-structured interview were used to gather data for the study. The quantitative data was analyzed using frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The study revealed that early childhood educators perceive that children enjoy music activities though they have limited content knowledge and support for music integration. The teachers often lack confidence in integrating music due to inadequate training and skills and educational resources. Age-teaching experience, motivation and encouragement from head teachers, past experiences and gender were some of the factors that influence teachers‘ integration of music in their teaching. It was also discovered that the concept of student engagement is of paramount concern for children‘s learning, teachers use music to gain the children‘s attention, motivate and increase children‘s engagement. It was identified thatprofessional development is a necessity for better teaching and that KG teachers should study music teaching courses, training programmes should regularly be organized for KG teachers to improve their knowledge in music integration.It is recommended, among others, that early childhood educators are provided with intensive training to improve their knowledge and skills in music integration.

Source: UEW
Intellectual capital and performance of public universities in Ghana from the balance scorecard perspective

The role of Intellectual Capital in the performance and progress of universities in other parts of the world is obvious but there is little evidence in Africa. This study, therefore, investigated the relationship that exists between Intellectual Capital and the performance of public Universities in Ghana from the balanced scorecard perspective. The study employed the descriptive causal design and 178 Head of Department across public universities in Ghana were sampled using the census sampling technique for the study. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software and the PLS- SEMS version 4. The study revealed that with respect to human intellectual capital, the number of conferences attended by Lecturers is commendable. Also, the result showed that the indicators of the balance scored card showed that the public universities in Ghana are performing well from the perspective of all the indicators, especially the financial measures. The study also found that socioeconomic factors affect performance positively while the moderating role that socio-economic factors had a positive effect on how Intellectual Capital affects performance measured by a balanced scorecard. The study recommended that much attention should be paid to human intellectual capital and structural capital development to sustain improved growth in public universities in Ghana. Finally, the study recommended that the level of education and other socioeconomic factors should be improved since they directly affect the intellectual capital which eventually affects the performance of public universities in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Intellectual capital and performance of public universities in Ghana from the balance scorecard perspective

The role of Intellectual Capital in the performance and progress of universities in other parts of the world is obvious but there is little evidence in Africa. This study, therefore, investigated the relationship that exists between Intellectual Capital and the performance of public Universities in Ghana from the balanced scorecard perspective. The study employed the descriptive causal design and 178 Head of Department across public universities in Ghana were sampled using the census sampling technique for the study. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22 software and the PLS- SEMS version 4. The study revealed that with respect to human intellectual capital, the number of conferences attended by Lecturers is commendable. Also, the result showed that the indicators of the balance scored card showed that the public universities in Ghana are performing well from the perspective of all the indicators, especially the financial measures. The study also found that socioeconomic factors affect performance positively while the moderating role that socio-economic factors had a positive effect on how Intellectual Capital affects performance measured by a balanced scorecard. The study recommended that much attention should be paid to human intellectual capital and structural capital development to sustain improved growth in public universities in Ghana. Finally, the study recommended that the level of education and other socio economic factors should be improved since they directly affect the intellectual capital which eventually affects the performance of public universities in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Inter-organizational collaboration and public service delivery evidence from Techiman municipal assembly and Techiman North District Assembly.

Budgetary constraints combined with the public's growing expectations have compelled local governments to look for answers to the many problems with service delivery. This study examines how inter-organizational collaboration can serve as an effective means of delivering public service. Inter-organizational collaboration has been identified as a more affordable and alternative method of offering services to the general public. The research used a qualitative methodology to gather information from officials from the Ministry of Local Government, Decentralization and Rural Development, Bono-East Regional Coordinating Council, EPA, Techiman Municipal Assembly and Techiman North District Assembly. Employing resource-dependency theory as a framework for theory, the study reveals that the two assemblies collaborate on areas such as revenue generation, security, health, land management, waste management and planning. The study also reveals that the collaboration between the two assemblies is driven by limited information, the small size of an assembly, experience and proximity. The study also found that cost savings, access to technical skills and promotion of accountability are benefits associated with inter organizational collaboration between the two assemblies. The revealed challenges affecting successful inter-organizational collaboration include; political interference, bureaucracy and unhealthy competition. The policy recommendations of these findings are offered

Source: UEW
Interfacing fabrics awareness and usage among small scale garment producers in Lapaz-Accra

The purpose of this study was to examine the selection and application of interfacings among small scale garment producers at Lapaz in Accra to ascertain their competency levels and proffer strategies for improvement if necessary. The objectives were to assess the level of awareness of varieties of interfacing fabrics on the market among small scale garment producers in Lapaz, Accra; identify factors they considered in the selection of interfacing fabrics; describe methods used by them to apply interfacings and evaluate the interfaced garments produced by them. A hypothesis ―There is no significant association between educational qualification and the factors considered in selecting interfacings‖ was also tested in this study. The target population for the study was small-scale garment producers in Lapaz-Accra. Convenience and snow ball sampling techniques were employed in selecting the garment producers in the area. Observation guides and interview schedule were used to collect data. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 and Microsoft Excel to generate frequencies and percentages and presented in pie chart, bar charts and tables. The result of the study revealed that all the respondents had a high level of awareness of self-fabric interfacing and vilene; majority (more than 70%) of the respondents also had a high level awareness of calico and grey-baft interfacing fabrics. Vilene was used by all the respondents of this study because it was less expensive, readily available, comes in different weight, easy to use and give desired results the respondents needed. Factors which mostly influenced the selection of interfacing fabrics among the respondents were: weight of the fashion fabric, area of the garment to be interfaced, application method, and colour of the fashion fabric. Fabrication method and care requirements of the fashion fabrics were not considered by the respondents. Lapped seam of joining interfacings and lapped dart method of reducing bulk were the main interfacing application methods used by the respondents. The mean of means score for quality of interfaced garments of the respondents was 2.59 which is quite high. A hypothesis tested to determine relationship between educational qualification and factors considered in selecting interfacing indicated a moderate positive correlation (r = .552, p<.05) with the aggregate factors for selecting interfacings. Based on the findings it is recommended that the findings be made available to the respondents and Council for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (COTVET) so that respondents would be educated on the; varieties of interfacings, factors considered in selecting interfacings, methods of applying interfacings and also develop standards on interfaced garments made in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Interlocking blocks construction for sustainable affordable housing in Ghana – a case study of Sunyani Municipality

The building construction industry in Ghana is dominated by the use of conventional sandcrete blocks for wall construction. However, there is challenge of delivering products of maximum value to clients at an affordable cost and on time. Addressing this challenge will require adopting lean construction principles towards minimising waste and maximising value in the building construction process. This study aimed at making a case for the use of interlocking blocks as an alternative building material in Ghana. It investigates into the construction of housing with interlocking blocks as a concept can be successfully incorporated into housing sector of this country as a means of providing an additional support to the affordable housing pursuit in Ghana. A comparative study of constructing a wall using the interlocking block system and sandcrete block system was done. An observation of the processes was also made to identify the extent to which each system contributes to speedy construction. The necessary data were collected using primary sources of data collection. The data were processed, analyzed by SPSS and interpreted using frequencies, percentages and charts. It was revealed from the study that the use of the interlocking block system does not only lead to eliminating a number of non-value adding activities associated with the use of the sandcrete block, but also makes the wall construction process faster and cheaper. It also showed that buildings with interlocking blocks provide a cooler temperature. It was also revealed that the absence of mortar jointing in the interlocking system reduces the quantity of materials, like cement and sand, required in the wall construction process. The study therefore concludes that Hydraform‟s interlocking block system could therefore be an appropriate tool for implementing Sustainable and Affordable Housing in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Interlocking blocks construction for sustainable affordable housing in Ghana – a case study of Sunyani municipality

The building construction industry in Ghana is dominated by the use of conventional sandcrete blocks for wall construction. However, there is challenge of delivering products of maximum value to clients at an affordable cost and on time. Addressing this challenge will require adopting lean construction principles towards minimising waste and maximising value in the building construction process. This study aimed at making a case for the use of interlocking blocks as an alternative building material in Ghana. It investigates into the construction of housing with interlocking blocks as a concept can be successfully incorporated into housing sector of this country as a means of providing an additional support to the affordable housing pursuit in Ghana. A comparative study of constructing a wall using the interlocking block system and sandcrete block system was done. An observation of the processes was also made to identify the extent to which each system contributes to speedy construction. The necessary data were collected using primary sources of data collection. The data were processed, analyzed by SPSS and interpreted using frequencies, percentages and charts. It was revealed from the study that the use of the interlocking block system does not only lead to eliminating a number of non-value adding activities associated with the use of the sandcrete block, but also makes the wall construction process faster and cheaper. It also showed that buildings with interlocking blocks provide a cooler temperature. It was also revealed that the absence of mortar jointing in the interlocking system reduces the quantity of materials, like cement and sand, required in the wall construction process. The study therefore concludes that Hydraform’s interlocking block system could therefore be an appropriate tool for implementing Sustainable and Affordable Housing in Ghana.

Source: UEW
Intermittent Preventive Treatment of Malaria in Pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine and its Associated Factors in the Atwima Kwanwoma District, Ghana

Background: Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria in pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) tablets is one of the recommended interventions to reduce the burden of malaria on both the pregnant woman and the unborn child. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of IPTp-SP uptake and its associated factors in the Atwima Kwanwoma District of Ashanti Region, Ghana. Methods: The study was cross sectional. A structured questionnaire was administered to 394 respondents, comprising pregnant women in their last two months of pregnancy and nursing mothers who delivered within three months prior to the study. Medical records of the respondents were also reviewed. Descriptive statistics such as simple proportions, and averages were computed. Chi-square test and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed to determine factors associated with IPTp-SP uptake. Results: The average age of the respondents was 28.2 (�5.9) years. Almost all of the respondents (98%) had received SP at the time of the study. Fifty percent received their first dose of SP between 16 and 19 weeks of gestation. The multiple logistic regression analysis showed a statistically significant association between IPTp-SP uptake and educational level, time of first ANC visit, number of ANC visits and receiving education on SP prior to the administration of the drug. Conclusion: Education on SP use should be intensified at all levels of the health system. Early initiation of ANC is also recommended for optimal uptake of IPTp-SP. More research is needed to understand factors affecting the uptake of SP during pregnancy in the country. � 2022 The Author(s).

Source: UEW
Internal audit as a control for efficient and effective corporate governance in state owned enterprises in Ghana

This research aims to examine the influence of internal audit on effective corporate governance in SOEs in Ghana. A questionnaire was used to collect data and was distributed to the 100 top senior level officials and internal audit department of the SOE sectors. The regression model that was used in this study was five dependent variables: internal audit independence; proficiency and due professional care; nature of work; quality assurance and improvement program; and managing the internal audit activity. The finding of the research establishes a significant positive relationship between internal audit and effective corporate governance. Variables internal audit independence, proficiency and due professional care, and nature of work were significantly associated with corporate governance. For quality assurance and improvement program and managing the internal audit activity, their influence on corporate governance is not statistically significant.

Source: UEW
Internal audit independence and audit effectiveness the role of organisational support and internal audit quality in metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the Eastern Region of Ghana

This study examines internal audit independency and audit effectiveness among local government in Ghana: The role of organizational support and audit quality. Ghana‘s local government system is structured into metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies. For the purpose of the study, the researcher focused on the Eastern region of Ghana which has the second highest number of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies. The motivation for the study is derived from the increased interest in the internal audits of local government units. Using a descriptive survey, the data gathered, through the use of questionnaire, revealed that majority of the internal audit staff of metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies in the Eastern Region of Ghana possess the requisite professional proficiency. Contrary to the perception that audit quality in the public sector is usually compromised, the study revealed that there exists high quality of audit work due to compliance with the international standards on auditing and local audit legislations. Internal audit independence has positive yet insignificant relationship with internal audit effectiveness. However, audit quality and organisational support were found to have statistically insignificant and negative relationship with internal audit effectiveness. Audit quality and organisational support positively and insignificantly moderate the internal audit and effectiveness of internal audit relationship.

Source: UEW
Internal communication and listening styles of corporate chief executive officers, a study of six selected organizations

This study examines the listening styles of six corporate Chief Executive Officers (CEOs), particularly focusing on employees’ perspectives of their CEOs listening styles and the implications of these listening styles on the organisations’ internal communication. The study used the Schema Listening Model, the Affection Exchange Theory, Buber’s theory of “I-Thou”, and the Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) Theory to discuss and analyse the listening styles of CEOs and their implication on internal communication. The study used the qualitative research approach and a case study design, blending data from interviews and observation for analysis. The findings of this research indicate that CEOs predominantly used the people-oriented listening style where the focus was on the source of the message and in this case, the employee. The study also reveals that most employees perceive their CEOs as listening people except in a few situations where the CEOs are busy. Internal communication was found to be satisfactory among both CEOs and employees except for a few employees who said they only participated in meetings for ‘formality sake’. The study concludes that all stakeholders in an organisation, especially supervisors and senior management staff, should intentionally adopt the appropriate listening style for every situation and not just listen as a function of habit. The study therefore recommended that, CEOs should understand the importance of communication and listening to the success of their organisations and invest in professional development opportunities on active and effective listening as a skill for all staff in the organisation.

Source: UEW
Internal communication and organisational commitment a study of management and staff relationship at Tamale Technical University

The study evaluated the nature of internal communication as well as role of internal communication within Tamale Technical University's management in enhancing lecturers' work commitment. Data was drawn from multiple sources, specifically through the use of interviews and focus group discussions. The models of organisational commitment and social exchange theory formed the theoretical foundation of the study and particularly helped to properly contextualise the research. The researcher examined the nature of internal communication at Tamale Technical University in terms of the direction of communication, formality of communication, and the scope of communication. The study found that information flow at Tamale Technical University was primarily downward (superiors to subordinates), upward (subordinates to superiors), and horizontal (officials to officials of the same rank). The study also discovered that internal communication between management and lecturers was used as a mechanism to motivate lecturers, maintain discipline, and create a healthy employee-management relationship. Finally, the study found that when employees believe their employer cares about them, they feel obligated to repay the favour by making voluntary contributions that benefit the organisation. As a result, internal communication was used at Tamale Technical University to build employee recognition, trust, and respect for all. Furthermore, the study suggests that, in addition to internal communication being a continuous practice and beneficial to the university's day-to-day administration, the university should prioritise grapevine communication because it fosters a sense of solidarity among employees who share and discuss their ideas. Similarly, university administration should promote upward communication as a useful source of information that can aid in corporate decision-making.

Source: UEW