ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Strength of Self Compacted Concrete Beam Reinforced with Plantain Bunch Fibre

One of the ways to increase the strength properties of concrete is adding fibre material into the concrete. While to reduce a noise in construction project, a self compacting concrete was a good choice in the project. This thesis presents a study into the strength properties of self compacting beam concrete using plantain bunch fibre. Mix proportion of 1:1.82:1.27with different fractions of fibre namely: 0.00%, 0.25%, 0.50% and 0.75% by weight of cement with water cement ratio of 0.6, with an aspect ratio of 100was used for all the mixes. 40 beams and cylinders of size 150mm×150mm×600mm and100mm diameter of height 200mm respectively were cast. Tests conducted were density, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and toughness. For density, the control specimen was 2405.6kg/m3 . There was reduction in density of 4.76% when 0.75%fibre content was added. Addition of fibres negatively affected the density. This may be attributed to the higher weight of fibre replaced the cement matrix of the concrete. Similar trend was recorded for flexural strength. Control specimen recorded the highest strength of 2.93MPa. There was reduction of 15% when 0.75%fibre content was added. Specimen with 0.50% fibre content recorded the highest flexural strength value. Though, there was an improvement of 5% in the splitting tensile strength when 0.50% of fibre is used in concrete when the tensile strength of the control specimen was 2.35MPa. The tensile strength increased up to 0.50% addition. This then started decreasing making 0.50% the optimum fibre content. For toughness, the control specimen was 33.67N/mm2 . However, an increase of 18% when 0.50% fibre content and 0.60 water-cement ratio were used to produce the highest toughness. The results support the conclusion that adding fibres improves the tensile strength and toughness of self compacting beam concrete. It is recommended that 0.50% fibre content and 0.60 water cement ratio could be used for lightweight concrete especially for low-cost structures.

Source: UEW
Investigating the teaching of basic electronics in basic schools in the Jirapa municipality

This study sought to identify the challenges teachers and students face in the teaching and learning of basic electronics in the Jirapa Municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey was employed and questionnaire was the instrument used to collect data on thirteen science teachers and one hundred and sixty-one 2018 BECE candidates. The teachers were also given an amplifying electronic circuit to connect. The study revealed that; lack of electronic components, insufficient practical knowledge of majority of the science teachers in electronic circuit connections and low cognition of students on concepts in basic electronics were the major challenges confronted by the teachers and students. The implication is that students’ further learning of basic electronics could be impeded.

Source: UEW
Investigating the willingness and perception of participants in responding to electronic and manual quality assurance surveys, the case of colleges of education in Ghana

The upgrading of Teacher Training Colleges in Ghana by the Colleges of Education Act 847 in 2012 made Quality Assurance offices in these institutions a key component as it facilitates institutional accreditation and reaccreditation. To constantly evaluate institutional activities and ascertain feedback from stakeholders for decision making, these offices make use of questionnaires and interviews to collect data. Most colleges now turn to use web-based QA surveys instead of the usual manual or paper-based survey administering mode due to the increasing number of enrolments. This evidence based process relies on regular gathering of accurate enough data. Response rates may however be affected due to the survey mode used and this affects the decision made based on this data. This study examines the perception of the participant towards the survey modes, identify their perceived preference and the factors that underpin this preference to the survey mode. A questionnaire was used to achieve the study’s objectives with the targeted population comprising of tutors and students in the Ghanaian public colleges of education. The study evidenced the preferred QA survey mode as electronic-based surveys and factors that determines participants preferred QA survey mode as anonymity of the response and easiness or quickness of the surveys to respond to.

Source: UEW
Investigation in to the use of calcium carbide waste as a partial replacement of cement in sandcrete block

ABSTRACT Portland cement production is gradually having an effect on global warming and on the continuous decline of limestone deposits. In order to mitigate the harmful effects of cement processing and recycling of calcium carbide waste, the properties of Calcium Carbide Waste (CCW) replacement of Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) in sandcrete blocks have been studied. OPC was replaced by CCW at 10, 20,30,40,50 and 90 percent. Mixed ratio 1:6 and a water cement ratio of 0.4 were used. 195 blocks, measuring 100 mm× 100mm × 135 mm, were prepared and tested for compressive strength, tensile strength, water absorption and density after 7, 14, 28 and 56 days of curing. Results of sandcrete block compressive strength, apart from 90% replacement of CCW, the replacement of 10%, 20%, 30%,40% and 50% at age 21 were above the minimum compressive strength of 2.8 N/mm2 recommended by the Ghana Standard Authority (GS297, 2003). The density of the blocks decreased as the CCW content of the mixture increased. At day 21 average density decreased from 2107.619 kg/m3, 2083.095 kg/m3, 2035.238 kg/m3, 2030.476 kg/m3, 2005.952 kg/m3, 1982. 857 kg/m3 and1851.190 kg/m3 at a placement of CCW at 0%,10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 90% respectively. The split tensile strength also decreased as the percentage of CCW increased. At 0.263N/mm2 strength on day 7, there is an increase difference of 0.009 N/mm2 strength on day 14 and a decrease at 0.19, 0.005 N/mm2 and 0.023 N/mm2 strength on days 21, 28, and 56, respectively. The absorption value increases gradually with the percentage rise in the CCW content However, the best results were obtained at 10% to 40% replacement of the 28-days curing, which met the standard requirementThe study, concluded that the calcium carbide waste is viable as partial replacement of cement in bricks as it gives the satisfactory results at 14 to 28 days of curing

Source: UEW
An investigation into challenges facing building contractors in Accra metropolis

The study sought to investigate the challenges facing building contractors in Accra Metropolis. The main aim of the study was to examine the challenges they face in the execution of building projects in Accra. The total sample targeted was ninety-five (95) construction workers made up of project managers, clients, trade foremen, artisans and labourers. Besides, a survey questionnaire and interview guide was used to investigate the challenges. The questionnaire was delivered personally to the respondents. A time lapse of one week was allowed to enable the respondents complete the questionnaires. However, seventy-five (75) questionnaires were distributed to twenty-five (25) project managers, twenty-five (25) clients and twenty five (25) trade foremen. Thereafter, the researcher went round to retrieve them. In addition, ten (10) artisans and then (10) labourers were interviewed. It was face to face interview. The study followed mixed method approach. The data collected were analysed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) using a variety of statistical methods including descriptive statistics analysis, one way analysis of variance and person chi-square. The following findings were made from the results of the analyse: lack of skilled human resources experts, lack of efficient project managers, lack of conducive working environment, lack of motivation to perform up to maximum potential and management not doing a good job at keeping sites workforce motivated. Based on these findings, it was therefore recommended that contractors should ensure that they employ skilled personnel in the organisation. It was also recommended the employees should be motivated. More importantly it was therefore recommended that policy makers should ensure that the contractors in the industry develop and therefore there should be organised programs for continuous assessment and grading of the building.

Source: UEW
An investigation into challenges students with visual impairment encounter at the University of Education, Winneba

This study investigated the challenges students with visual impairment at the University of Education, Winneba encounter while participating in academic and social activities. Sixty two students with visual impairment were purposively selected for the study. A case study research design was used for the study in which questionnaires and observations were the main instruments used in collecting data for the study. The quantitative data collected were fed into the Statistical Package for the social sciences SPSS version 21.0 and analysed using frequency counts and standard deviations. Findings from the study revealed that the compound of the University of Education, Winneba is not friendly to students with visual impairment. The findings also revealed that students with visual impairment experience minor instructional challenges as a result of lecturers' awareness on disability related issues. The data also brought to light that the university academically includes students with visual impairment thereby promoting some level of socialization. However, findings from the socialization issues also revealed that students with visual impairment are not included in sporting activities since the university has no planned sporting activity that can enable students with visual impairment partake in hence students with visual impairment feel excluded. The result of this study further revealed some major problems encountered by students with visual impairment in the school; these include inadequate resource persons, poor terrain, and inadequate resources among others. Recommendations such as periodic in-service training for lecturers, employment of adequate resource persons and designing the compound and buildings to suit all students including students with visual impairment were made to limit the challenges of students with visual impairment in the university.

Source: UEW
An investigation into corruption in public procurement in Ghana a case of Ghana highway authority

Government or public institutions spend public funds on the provision of essential services like health, education, defence and infrastructure. However, while ensuring that public funds are utilized judiciously, there are corrupt acts that prevail in the process. Therefore, this study aimed to ascertain the effects of these corrupt acts on the public procurement process. Simple random sampling was used to obtain thirty-three (33) respondents from Ghana Highway Authority, Accra and a quantitative study was employed to solicit their perceptions on the topic. It was found that undue influence, collusion and conflict of interest are the main corrupt practices perpetrated in public procurement in Ghana Highway Authority. Also, the study revealed that these corrupt acts are mostly fuelled by the level of remuneration of public officials and lack of transparency in the process. Additionally, the findings revealed that corruption has a strong effect on public procurement, therefore, encouraging inefficiencies like delivery delays and increased contract value. In conclusion, the study recommends that the management of Ghana Highway Authority should introduce random transfer or rotation of staff, especially those involved in procurement processes of the organization. There should be public prosecution of offenders to serve as a deterrent.

Source: UEW
An investigation into factors influencing the attitude of senior high school students towards the study of mathematics in the Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (k. E. E. A.) Municipality

The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors influencing the attitude of students towards the study of mathematics in the public senior high schools in Komenda Edina Eguafo Abrem (K.EEA) Municipality. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Data were collected using Mathematics Teachers Questionnaires (MTQ) for teachers and Mathematics Students Questionnaires (MSQ) for students. These were administered on a sample of 13 teachers and 340 students respectively selected from three public senior high schools in KEEA municipality. The MSQ was given to senior high school students to identify their attitude towards mathematics. The results indicated that the senior high school students exhibited positive attitude towards mathematics According to the findings, the issues associated with attitudes toward mathematics study among senior high school students was a lack of confidence and interest in the ability to learn and perform well in mathematics. The study also found that the teachers’ method of teaching, the number of lessons taught by the teacher, years of experience in teaching mathematics, method used by teachers to motivate the students, the teachers own attitude toward the subject, the parents and siblings of the students and the friends or peers of the students appeared as main factors that influence or reinforce student attitude towards the study of mathematics. It was therefore recommended that since students in senior high school had a positive attitude towards mathematics, mathematics educators should make use of this positive attitude to encourage students to appreciate the process of learning mathematics. It was also recommended that teachers must be aware of students' attitudes towards mathematics because they influence how the subject is taught and learned. This would make it possible for educators to create effective methodologies and plans to improve mathematics teaching and learning

Source: UEW
An investigation into factors that militate against teaching and learning of integrated science at the junior high school level

The study was conducted to investigate the factors that affect the effective teaching and learning of integrated science at the Junior High School level in Juaboso district. The study stemmed from the Researcher’s involvement in teaching integrated science, conduct, supervision and marking of district mock examination in integrated science organized by Juaboso district education directorate. A total of 240 out of 987 students from 10 selected junior high schools in the district were randomly selected for the study. In addition, 10 integrated science teachers were purposely selected, one from each of the 10 schools selected for the study. A descriptive survey research design was used. This design was chosen because it follows various means of obtaining the perceptions of both students and teachers which have to be compared and contrasted. The main instrument used for the collection of date was questionnaire. This was followed by interviews with some of the students and the science teachers selected from each school which strengthened the validity of the results of the study. In order to validate the instrument and ensure that the results that would be obtained are reliable, the instrument was pilot tested and Cronback Alpha reliability co-efficient of 0.81 was obtained from the pilot tested results. The following were the major findings of the study; Most of the science teachers in Juaboso district are untrained with majority of them having their education up to the SHS level.

Source: UEW
Investigation into food hygiene knowledge attitudes and processes of meat and poultry vendors in the Kumasi Central market

The poor hygiene and sanitary practices along the food production chain in the Kumasi Metropolis contribute to unacceptable level of meat and poultry contamination. This poses a health risk to consumers. To this effect, the aim of the study was to investigate into food hygiene, knowledge, attitudes and practices of meat and poultry vendors in the Kumasi central market. The study used a descriptive survey to investigate into food hygiene knowledge, attitudes and processes of meat and poultry vendors in the Kumasi Central Market. The population consisted of meat and poultry vendors in the Kumasi Central Market. A random sampling technique was used to select two hundred and twenty six (226) respondents. Questionnaire was the main instrument of data collection which was self administered. The questionnaires were analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. The study results revealed that 71% of the respondents said that the hygienic condition of the butcher was poor. Majority, representing 90.3% of the respondents affirmed that they do not wash their hand with soap before touching the meat/poultry. Moreover, 77% of the respondents affirmed that they do not use aprons/white coats and or head covers while selling meat/poultry. The study results hold it that all of the respondents revealed that they do not sterilize their equipment. Unfortunately, the butchers do not use detergent/disinfectant for cleaning their equipment and they do not sterilize their equipment. This is dangerous to consumers’ health. Moreover, there is no mandatory protocol in place to make the butchers neither check their health status frequently nor undergo training in areas related to their work. The researcher concluded that that the authorities in Kumasi Central market should monitor the hygienic practices and the health status of the butchers in the Market to avoid contamination and an outbreak of diseases.

Source: UEW
An investigation into health and safety management practices in physical education classes in senior high schools, greater Accra region of Ghana

This study investigated Health and Safety Management Practices in Physical Education classes in Senior High Schools in Greater Accra Region. A descriptive survey designed was used. The sampled was one hundred (100) respondents selected from the Senior High Schools in greater Accra using a purposive sampling technique. An adapted instrument of Health and Safety Management Practices Inventory (HSMPI) of forty five (45) items, 5-ponts likert scale was used. A reliability coefficient value of 0.89 was obtained. Three research questions were answered and one hypothesis tested at 0.05 significant level. Data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics of frequency counts, percentages, mean and inferential statistics of Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The result showed that, emergency/medical care (M = 33.94, SD = 4.34) was given prominent attention in the health and safety management practices than any others, while participant form (M = 6.74, SD = 2.38). The result also showed that significant effect exist between emergency/medical care and staff support (F (1, 99) = 12.93, p<.05). This revealed a significant linearity (F (1, 99) = 127.32, p<.05) occurred. There was significant effect on management plan on management practices (F (1, 99) = 5.32, p<.05) with no significant effect of linearity. There was significant positive correlation between Health and Safety policy and emergency/medical care (r = .198, p<.05); health and safety policy and participant form (r = .253, p<.05); management practices and participant form (r = .226, p<.05). It was recommended that safe environment should be provided and written risk management plan managed.

Source: UEW
An investigation into knowledge management effect on performance of employees of telecommunication companies- case of MTN and Vodafon in Kumasi, Ghana

Knowledge management have gained much prominence in recent years and is said to improve organizational performance. However, the effects of knowledge management practices on employees performance are not well known especially in the case of telecommunication companies in Kumasi, Ghana. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of knowledge management practices on performance of employees of telecommunication companies in Kumasi, Ghana. This was a case study in which data were collected through questionnaire. The target population was 331 members of staff. The sample size for questionnaire was 119 respondents determined using Cochran’s (1977) crosssectional survey and the response variable simplified formula for sample size selection. Questionnaire respondents were selected through stratified random sampling. Closed ended question questionnaires were used to collect data from members of staff while open ended question questionnaires were administered to heads of various divisions and departments. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequencies, percentages and multiple correlations. Results were presented using cross tabulation tables. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically using content analysis. The study established that knowledge management practices have a strong and positive effect on performance of employees. Knowledge management of the telecommunication companies encountered challenges. The main challenge affecting the effectiveness of knowledge management is that employees feel they are not adequately rewarded for contributing new ideas. The study therefore recommends that the management should develop a knowledge management policy that includes realistic reward scheme and support knowledge management initiatives.

Source: UEW
An investigation into safety considerations in welding operations in the Sunyani municipality

The study sought to investigate safety considerations in welding operations in the Sunyani Municipality. Specifically, the study investigated the health and safety hazards associated with welding operations, identified the unsafe work practices of welders, as well as examined the precautionary measures adopted by welders in the Sunyani Municipality. A survey research design was employed for the study adopting the quantitative approach to data analysis and using questionnaire as the main instrument for data collection; comprises all operators of welding shops within the Sunyani Municipality. The sample for the study comprised 65 welders selected from a population of welders plying their trade at the Sunyani Magazine Area. The study revealed that welders were exposed to various kinds of health and safety challenges in the course of undertaking their welding operations. The common health and safety hazards associated with welding operations were: skin irritation caused by excessive heat from welding flames, eye infections caused by ultraviolet rays and toxic substances, and lung infections and other respiratory complications caused by fumes and toxic gases. It was found that most of the health and safety hazards faced by welders were caused by gross negligence on the part of welders and deliberate disregard for safety rules and regulations. Among the major safety measures undertaken by welders to mitigate the safety hazards they encounter included the use of ultraviolet radiation filters during welding from protecting their eyes from the radiations, keeping one’s head out of welding fumes to avoid inhaling the fumes, and wearing of personal protective equipment. Based on the results of the study, it was deduced that welding operations are highly hazardous and welders are at risk of being exposed to serious health and safety hazards.

Source: UEW