ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring product photography in digital advertising a study of three selected restaurants

The present study explored how product photography influence digital advertising in this era. Using 30 product photographs from Connies Creams & Grills, FoodYard Gh, and Chicken Man and based on Kress and van Leauwen's (2006) Reading Image theory and AIDA model of advertising, the researcher analyzed the product photographs to answer the research questions. The researcher used a qualitative case study approach and purposively sampled three restaurants. The researcher analyzed the content of the 30 product photographs of the selected restaurants. First, it was discovered that product photography uses products’ image, rhetorical questions, hyperbole, local language, discounts and colours to engage audiences in the advertisements. Second, it was revealed that product photography is beneficial in that it provides promotional offers and information about products for audiences. Furthermore, the results showed that there is a need for product photography designers to avoid clutter and ensure foregrounding of their unique selling prepositions. Based on these findings, the researcher recommends that there is a need for product photographers to consider eliminating irrelevant information in the product photograph to help customer focus on relevant information.

Source: UEW
Exploring quality education in public basic schools in the Sekyere Kumawu District of Ashanti Region

The study explored quality education in public basic schools. A descriptive mixed research design using sequential explanatory strategy was employed to investigate all aspects and facts about quality education in public basic school level. The target population for this study was all heads and teachers in public basic schools in the Sekyere Kumawu District. Twenty-two (22) public basic schools in the study area were selected with a sample size of one hundred and eighty-seven (187) made up of 22 heads and 165 basic school teachers. Simple random, purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to sample participants for the study. The researcher used questionnaire and interview as main instruments to collect field data which were analyzed using statistical tools such as chi-square, frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study were that a considerable number of teachers did not possess the prerequisite educational qualifications to improve upon quality delivery of education in the study district. It further showed that most schools did not have adequate teachers to promote quality education in the district. Again, most teachers did not plan their lessons based on the approved instructional materials due to the fact that the state of instructional materials in the schools was very poor. Teachers also did not get the opportunity to attend INSET regularly to get them abreast with current educational practices. Finally, large class size, low teacher motivation and poor supervision were revealed as challenges that hinder the delivery of quality education in the district. It was recommended that District Assembly should expand the sponsorship packages for teacher-trainees. Again, teachers should be supported by Ministry of Education and Ghana Education Service to upgrade themselves through distance education and sandwich programmes. Besides, government should give tax waiver to local publishing industries to enable them to produce textbooks for public basic schools.

Source: UEW
Exploring site operatives’ motivation in the construction industry in Ghana the relevance of expectancy theory of motivation

Motivation is a force directing specific behavioral alternatives, which are suggested when deciding among behavior options. Individuals select the option with the highest motivational forces. Lack of workers’ motivation on construction sites has been identified as one of the main contributory factors in high employee turnover. This has been a result of the difficulties in emphasizing the positive side of worker motivation and meeting their expectations. The aim of the study was to explore site operatives’ motivation in the construction industry in Ghana by examining the relevance of expectancy theory of motivation. The research adopted a quantitative strategy in line with a cross sectional survey design. The target population of the study comprised tradesmen of D1K1, D2K2, and D3K3 construction firms within the Accra Metropolis. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select tradesmen who could respond to the questionnaire items without much guidance. The findings of the study suggest that the core factors that influence site operatives’ expectation of motivation and related performance include; level of expectation of motivation, the type of reward expected, and the magnitude of the reward. Also, the study identified that construction site workers were motivated by good job security, nature of attractive remuneration, opportunity for training and promotions, occupational education, allowances and other fringe benefits although these aspects were woefully lacking among the majority of the construction firms studied. Finally, the study revealed that there was a positive association between the main factors of motivation which include; expectancy, instrumentality, valence and site operatives’ performance. A model has been developed based on the findings of the study.

Source: UEW
Exploring social studies teachers’ conceptions on nature and content of social studies in Senior High Schools (SHS) in the Central Region of Ghana

Social Studies, as a subject in the SHS curricula in Ghana, is taught mostly by graduate teachers from the country’s two teacher preparation universities UEW) and graduates from other universities. Analysis of their programmes reveals differences in how the subject is structured to prepare teachers to teach it at the SHS level. A sequential mixed method design was Square was used in finding significant differences. The critical alpha value of .05 was adopted. The study revealed that most UCC graduates conceptualize the subject as amalgamation, whilst most UEW graduates conceptualize it as problem solving. It was recommended that since curriculum dictates what is taught in schools, the two universities should build a common knowledge ba oriented, skill development and problem Key-words: Social Studies teachers’ conception. Nature and content of Social Studies.

Source: UEW
Exploring socio-economic effects of annual flooding on the residents of Saboba district in Northern Ghana

This study explored the socio-economic effect of annual flooding on the residents of the Saboba district in the northern region, Ghana. The study examined the causes of flooding in the district, the consequences flood has on residents' socio-cultural lives, household agricultural productivity and income and the coping mechanisms of residents in the district. Data was gathered using focus group discussions, key informants’ interview, observation and questionnaires. The study district was clustered into three zones (Saboba, Kpalba and Wapuli zones) purposively for the data gathering. The research participants for the interviews were selected using a purposeful sampling technique, while multi-stage sampling technique was used for the quantitative data. The findings, suggested that the topography and the overflow of the Oti river tributaries of the Saboba district were some of the causes of the annual flooding. There was an association between low yield and income due to unfavourable weather and the eratic rainfall pattern. Also, it was shown that weak communal bonds were cripped in among the members of the communities due to poor harvest yields. As a result, demotivated community members to celebrate or perform annual harvest festivals that served to bring families and relations together. Besides, it was indicated that there was an association between flooding and planting, harvesting times and the availability of labour. Additionally, household were displaced, smallhoder farmers were affected as the poor roads obstructed access to farm inputs and the markets. Waterborne diseases proliferated and the educational system was disrupted due to the annual flooding incidence on the Saboba district. However, the residents coped either autonomously or through institutional support.The study recommends that government organisations, thus NADMO tasked with managing flood disasters should be better funded and staffed with well trained personnel to enhance their ability to deal with the annual floods in the district. Household members and major community stakeholder engagement should be encourahed to gather insights into their experiences with the causes of flooding and how to mitigate them. Central government through the district assembly should harness its national programmes such as one village one dam construction to trap the excess water from River Oti and use it for irrigation to enhance food security and income in the district.

Source: UEW
Exploring solid waste management in the hotel industry in Ghana a case study of selected hotels in the Accra metropolis

Solid waste management is a challenging and complex task. The problem is more pronounced in the hospitality industry due to the nature of the services they provide and a reliance on consumable goods. To this effect, the researcher conducted this study to explore the solid waste management practices of hotels in the Accra. The specific objectives of the study were to; analyse the hotel solid waste management practices in the hospitality industry, to bring out the challenges associated with solid waste management in the hospitality industry and to find out the effects of poor solid waste management on the hospitality industry and the environment as a whole. The study used the descriptive survey approach and collected data quantitatively to solve the research problem. The population of the study consisted of 3-star rated hotels and above in the Accra Metropolis out of which a sample of four hotels was made. The study used purposive sampling to select the hotels and staff of the hotels. A total of 80 participants were selected from the four hotels which are Movenpick Ambassador Hotel, Golden Tulip Hotel, Airport View Hotel and La Palm Royal Beach Hotel. Questionnaire was the main research instrument used to collect data for the study. The study found that food waste constitute majority of waste in the hotel sector and waste management is mostly (100%) done through disposal or dumping at landfill sites. It was also found that various challenges plague the waste management process such as high financial costs, little or no technology, lack of government support and labour intensiveness. The effects of improper waste management were found to be negative word of mouth for hotel (100%), breeding of insects and pests that carry disease causing organisms (100%), flooding (85%) and offensive odours (77.2%). The study recommends that government should enact legislation that makes it mandatory for hotel managers to recycle part of their waste. Also, institutions should be set up to provide the necessary technical training to enable firms practice integrated waste management.

Source: UEW
Exploring strategies used by abusers in intimate partner violence among married individuals in Okaikwei North Municipality

This study was to explore strategies used by abusers in intimate partner violence among married individuals in Okaikwei North Municipality. The focus was to explore the experiences of strategies of abuse in three different forms (Physical strategies, psychological strategies and Economic strategies) from participants of married individuals in Okaikwei North Municipal Community in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data was collected using a purposeful sampling technique and interview guide as data collecting tool, designed by the researcher to gather information or data from a maximum of 12 participants of men and women married individuals. The study findings indicated that, women participants experienced physical abuse in the form of spousal beating and force sex and physical strategies used include: man abusers use physical body contact to restrict, isolate, threat and force to have sex with the wife. Both married men and women were psychologically worried, disturbed, insomnia, humiliated, cheated, irritated, and upsets and psychological strategies used were denying sex, verbal insults, controlling behaviours and Public humiliations. Also, married men and women abusers denied their responsibilities in economic abuse and economic strategies used were; men abusers becoming stingy, and they had notion that their wives are working to earn income. Whilst women abusers intentionally come home late and also demanded money from husband before allowing sex. These results, are discussed in relation to the previous findings, theories and in reference to Ghanaian context. The study had encouraged married individuals to become more responsible and to reduced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV).

Source: UEW
Exploring student experiences of sports betters in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology

The purpose of this study was to explore student experiences of sports betting in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. The research approach was qualitative whilst phenomenological design was adopted to achieve the goal of the study. Field data was collected from 8 participants with the aid of interviews. Data was analysed using thematic narratives while secondary sources were collected from existing documents, reports, textbooks, newspaper publications and internet search. Participants were selected using snowball sampling technique. The study found that the participants have positive perception towards sports betting since it is a source of fund and a positive initiative in sports development. The study also found that peer pressure, lack of jobs and covetousness were the factors that result to betting amongst the participants. Furthermore, sports betting adversely and positively affect students’ psychological and emotional well-being, results to poor academic performance, and leads to suicidal thoughts. Again, the study found that most sports betters resort to use of alcohol and the solace they find in friends as a means of coping with the effects of sports betting. It is concluded that students’ betters in Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology have positive perception towards betting albeit its negative consequences, do not see anything wrong with sports betting. The study recommends that the government and the university take steps to reduce the exposure of sports betting information and solicitation to students. Also, parents should be motivated by school counsellors to take up their responsibility of assisting their wards to attain their educational goals.

Source: UEW
Exploring teachers' knowledge of classroom management and control

Purpose - This paper presents the results of a study that sought to determine teacher conceptions of classroom management and control. The study explored classroom management knowledge of participants, and how the knowledge was gained. It also investigated the extent to which participants held various conceptions, including rule-based, dominance and nurturance conceptions, about how teachers established and maintained classroom control. Methodology - A mixed method involving a rating scale for the quantitative component, and response to open-ended interview questions for the qualitative component were used. The responses from the subjects were recorded, and notes were also taken. The data were first transcribed and double-checked for grammatical errors. The methods used to identify emerging common themes across respondents were the constant comparison and analytic induction methods. Findings - The major finding of the study was that rule-based conceptions were predominant. In their responses to open-ended questions, virtually all teachers mentioned rule-based conceptions, especially the consistent setting and monitoring of rules as being important to the teacher's ability to be in control of the class. The alternative conceptions of dominance and nurturance were expressed by a few of the teachers. Even teachers who showed agreement with either the dominance or nurturance conceptions showed strong support for rule-based conceptions. Significance - The significance of this study to classroom practice is that knowing how to manage the classroom is one of the most important traits of quality instruction. Therefore it is important that teachers - both new and veteran -find the best way to manage their classroom in order to create a serene atmosphere for quality learning to take place.

Source: UEW
Exploring teachers’ knowledge and practices in integrating technology into teaching of social studies in junior high schools in the Effutu municipality

The study explored teachers’ knowledge and practices in integrating technology into teaching of Social Studies in JHS class in Effutu Municipality. The study was modelled on descriptive survey design with sample size of 48 respondents, made up of 27 Social Studies teachers and 21 ICT teachers. The instruments used to collect data were the questionnaire and interview guide. Frequency count and percentages were used to analyze the data. Mann-Whitney test was used to test the hypothesis. The study found out that technologies like computers, projectors, internet and other audio-visuals could be used to teach Social Studies. Again, it was found out that teachers have positive perceptions of the use of technology in teaching Social Studies although they weren’t sure of how technology positively affected students’ learning. Also, it was found out that there was no significant difference in perception between male and female teachers with regard to integrating technology into the teaching of Social Studies. Finally, the study revealed that teachers face the challenge of unavailability of technology resources, technical support, reliable power supply, internet connectivity and motivation in their attempt to use technology in class. It is recommended that The Ghana Education Service (GES) should organize seminars for teachers to expose them to the various types of technology tools and materials available and how to use them. Again, Ministry of Education should not only make technology resources available in schools, but it should ensure that there are provision of constant electricity, internet connectivity and technical support for the schools. Finally, teachers should be innovative, crea

Source: UEW
Exploring teachers’ perspectives and use of attitudinal change instructions in social studies in Senior High Schools

This study was conducted to explore how teachers understand and put into practice attitudinal change instruction within the context of Social Studies. The primary emphasis was on examining the congruence of teachers’ instructional practices with the objective of nurturing positive attitudes among students. Employing a qualitative case study approach, this research identified challenges and obstacles hindering the effective use of attitudinal change instructions in Social Studies education. The study utilized purposive sampling to select 15 participants who had studied Social Studies as a major field at the university level, possessed a minimum of two years of teaching experience in the subject, and were actively teaching Social Studies in participating schools. Data collection involved conducting 40-minute semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, along with 90-minute classroom observations for 7 of them. Thematic analysis was applied to the data, with a focus on identifying commonalities and disparities in participants' opinions. The findings revealed that 12 out of 15 participants exhibited a limited understanding of attitudinal change instruction and attitudinal learning. They also lacked the necessary pedagogical knowledge and practices required to effectively plan and deliver attitudinal learning within the Social Studies context. Notably, 11 participants did not prioritize attitudinal learning outcomes in Social Studies, primarily due to the educational system's emphasis on cognitive assessments, overlooking the affective and behavioral dimensions of learning. The study revealed recurring themes that shed light on key barriers to the implementation of attitudinal instructions in classrooms, including inadequate pedagogical knowledge and skills in attitudinal learning, students' negative perceptions of the subject, teachers' irresponsible behavior, limited comprehension of subject matter and its objectives. In light of these findings, it is recommended that comprehensive training programs be organized for in service teachers, with the active involvement of the Ministry of Education, the Curriculum Research and Development Division (CRDD), and the Ghana Education Service (GES). Furthermore, to better equip future educators for attitudinal learning instruction, it is advisable to integrate attitude change teaching into Social Studies education programs at universities and colleges of education. This study underscores the critical importance of aligning educational practices with the intended objectives of Social Studies. Placing attitude change at the core of instructional activities in the classroom is essential for the cultivation of responsible and engaged citizens who can contribute positively to society

Source: UEW
Exploring teachers’ understanding of the objectives and assessment practices of social studies in Ghanaian senior high schools, a case of Suhum Municipality

Curriculum/instructional objectives are considered the “crux” and “key” of the entire process of teaching and learning. The more clearly and precisely instructional objectives are stated, the more will one be to obtaining precise data on the outcome or result of the instructional process. The study specifically explores the influence of graduate teachers‟ knowledge base of Social Studies curriculum/instructional objectives on their assessment practices in the Suhum Municipality of the Eastern Region of Ghana. The research is mainly qualitative by design but also employed few tables and percentages to aid analysis of data as a result of the multiplicity nature of the data. The study involved ten (10) participants. The following research questions guided the study: 1. How familiar are graduate teachers with the Social Studies curriculum/instructional objectives at the Senior High School level? 2. How does the graduate teachers‟ knowledge of the Senior High School Social Studies curriculum/objectives influence their test items? 3. Which of the domains of educational objectives do Social Studies teachers‟ questions emphasise? The major instrument for data collection was semi structured interview guide. Data was then triangulated with participant observation and document analysis of teachers‟ questions designed for students‟ end of term examination. The document analysis was useful in providing first-hand information on what teachers were emphasizing in their assessment. Non – probability sampling method, that is, convenience and purposive sampling techniques, were used to select the sample of districts, schools and participants for the study. Findings from the study show that even though majority of the teachers demonstrated very good knowledge of the curriculum/instructional objectives, however, it did not really influence their assessment practices. Other factors such as time and availability of resources did. It also came up that there were diversities between what teachers said they assessed and what they actually assessed. To foster the attainment of the subject goals the study recommends that teachers should be trained or encouraged to always consider the curriculum/instructional objectives in the selection of appropriate content, methodologies and assessment techniques.

Source: UEW