ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Examining pre-service teacher preparation for inclusive education in Ghana

The study examined pre-service Teacher Preparation in terms of theoretical knowledge and practical experience towards Inclusive Education in Ghana. This was premised on the argument that teacher preparation should be a key consideration in the implementation of inclusive education. A descriptive survey research design was adopted using a sample of 300 student-teachers randomly selected from 3 Colleges of Education in Ghana. A questionnaire was used to gather the data. The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the reliability of the instrument was 0.82. Percentages and frequencies were used as statistical indexes to analyse the result. The findings revealed that prospective teachers in the Colleges of Education in Ghana knew about the concept of inclusive education and were also knowledgeable about some inclusion issues such as parental involvement. They also had the skill to identify some pupils with special educational needs (SEN) in their classrooms during their teaching practice and also adapted the regular school curriculum to meet their needs. The researcher however, recommended that the Special Education Division should ensure that trainee teachers are adequately prepared in simple approaches to identify, support and assist children with special educational needs in regular schools. Additionally, student-teachers should be assisted to identify children with special educational needs (SEN) in their classrooms during their practical teaching and be able to provide the needed support to meet their needs.

Source: UCC
Examining Pre-Service Teachers’ Attitude Towards ICT-Integration in Teaching and Learning of Geometrical Constructions

This study was designed to examine the effect of ICT-integration (use of Smart Notebook) on pre-service teachers’ attitudes at a selected college of education in the Bono Region of Ghana. One group experimental design was used to examine 36 first-year mathematics major pre-service teachers’ cognitive, affective and conative domains of attitude towards ICT-integration. The Tripartite model of attitude was used to examine the relationships and predictability of cognitive, affective and conative dimensions of attitude towards the integration of ICT-based intervention. A four point likert-Scale questionnaire instrument was used to collect data on all the four constructs involved in the framework. The questionnaire was administered on the pre-service teachers before and after the ICT-based intervention and the data were analyzed using correlation, regression, and paired samples t-test, based on which the research questions were answered. The results showed that all the dimensions have a strong influence on pre-service teachers’ attitudes before and after the ICT-based intervention in teaching and learning of geometrical constructions. The cognitive domain reported the strongest relationship and the best predictor of pre-service teachers’ attitudes while affective dimension showed the least relationship and least predictor of attitude before the ICT-based intervention. However, the Affective dimension reported the strongest relationship and best influential determinant of the pre-service teachers’ attitude after the intervention. In addition, the study found significant differences in pre-service teachers’ attitudes before and after the ICT-based intervention in teaching and learning of geometrical constructions. This study as well suggests that to influence pre-service teachers’ attitudes positively, the affective (feelings) domain should be given more attention when designing ICT-integration lessons in the teaching and learning of geometrical constructions. It is therefore recommended that mathematics tutors in the colleges of education should identify such ICT-based interventions and use them in teaching and learning of mathematics to develop pre-service teachers’ attitudes positively towards the subject.

Source: UCC
Examining Pregnancy Related Socio-Cultural Factors Among Adolescent Girls in the Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana: A Case-Control Study

Given that Ghana continues to record higher rates of adolescent pregnancy among rural dwellers, notably, those living in the Brong Ahafo, Central and Volta regions, it is surprising that scholarly information related to socio-cultural determinants of this sequel in these mentioned areas of the country is limited. This study sought to examine the socio-cultural factors associated with pregnancy among adolescent girls in Komenda-Edina-Eguafo-Abrem (KEEA) Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana.

Source: UCC
Examining responsiveness of Ghana’s local government system to developmental needs of citizens in the central region.

The study examined Ghana’s Local Government System’s responsiveness to the needs of communities in the Central Region. Specifically, the needs of households and communities, the extent of peoples’ participation in development activities, citizens’ perceptions of responsiveness of Cape Coast Metropolitan, Mfantseman Municipal and Twifo Ati-Mokwa District Assemblies to community’s needs, were assessed. Mixed methods approach, a cross sectional and descriptive study design were used. The study adopted multi-stage sampling procedures to sample 1,143 household heads and 79 key informants. Interview schedule, interview guide and focus group discussion guides were used for data collection. The quantitative data were analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions software version 21 while qualitative data used content analysis, transcription and interpretation respectively. Sanitation and roads were among the three priority needs in each district, while the need for market jobs and water were peculiar to CCMA, MMA and TAMDA respectively. Although most of the community needs of each Assembly were congruent with the respective MTDP priorities, they were hardly implemented. A few people and groups participated in needs identification through consultation and information sharing. Most (70%) respondents perceived the Assemblies as generally not very sensitive to local needs while 51 percent were dissatisfied with the speed of response. Access and utilisation of accountability mechanisms were low. Strengthening, the capacity of CCMA, MMA and TAMDA, public sensitisation to raise awareness, and attitudinal change were recommended for promoting responsiveness. These must be done by each assembly with the support of the Local Government Service Secretariat and National Council for Civic Education.

Source: UCC
Examining service quality, customer satisfaction and brand equity in Presbyterian Basic Schools in Tema

Customer satisfaction plays an important role in business strategy and acts as a key factor in the sustainable development of organisation. It is regarded as a fundamental determinant of long-term organization’s success and widely accepted that satisfied consumers are not concerned on price, less influenced by competitors attack and loyal to the firm longer than dissatisfied customers. The study examined service quality, customer satisfaction and brand equity in Presbyterian basic schools in Tema. The descriptive design was employed. Proportional stratified random sampling method was used to sample a total of 255 respondents. Data obtained from respondents were coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22. Questionnaires were employed in the collection of data to address the research objectives. The study found that most parents disagreed that Presbyterian basic schools in Tema provide a full range of up-to-date academic facilities in bid to promote the quality of non-academic service rendered. The study further recorded a statistically significant strong positive association between the quality of non-academic services and academic services rendered by Presbyterian Basic Schools in Tema. The study recommends that authorities of the school should liaise and partner with stakeholders (parents, the Presbyterian Church and others) to provide a full range of up-to-date academic facilities to aid of teaching and learning.

Source: UCC
Examining tax compliance of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Tamale Metropolis

This study examines compliance with tax laws by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tamale Metropolis. It is fixated on tax knowledge, factors of tax compliance; the measures tax authorities adopt to encourage tax compliance and the relationship between components of tax knowledge and tax compliance. In an attempt to fill a gap in research regarding tax compliance of SMEs in the Tamale Metropolis, the study adopted the descriptive survey and cross-sectional study design. Stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample size of 265 from a total population of 851 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A close-ended questionnaire was employed in gathering primary data for the study. The study was analysed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression. Key findings from the study suggest that the tax knowledge of owners/managers of SMEs is low and that major factors contributing to tax compliance among SMEs in the Tamale Metropolis include complexity of the tax laws, perception of government spending, profit level of businesses and the rate of tax. The study concludes that there is a significant relationship between tax knowledge and tax compliance. It is thus recommended that, to improve voluntary tax compliance, tax authorities should simplify the tax laws and provide adequate tax training and education to SMEs to enhance efficient tax collection. SMEs should be encouraged to keep proper accounting records and file their tax returns promptly. Finally, promoting taxpayers‟ knowledge about awareness of offences and penalties could increase voluntary tax compliance by SMEs.

Source: UCC
Examining the Association between Female Genital Mutilation and Early Sexual Initiation among Adolescent Girls and Young Women in Sub-Saharan Africa

Despite several attempts by governments and non-governmental organizations to eliminate female genital mutilation or cutting, it is puzzling that this traditional procedure is widely practiced today in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Scholarly arguments on the influence of female genital mutilation on sexual behavior up until now remain inconclusive. The current study sought to examine the association between female genital mutilation and early sexual initiation among girls and young women (AGYW) in SSA. Data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) of 12 SSA countries were combined. A total of 30,089 AGYW (15-24 years) who had ever had sex and had complete information on all the variables of interest were considered. The outcome variable for the study was early sexual initiation. The study employed multilevel logistic regression for the data analysis, with reported odds ratio and associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs). The overall prevalence of female genital mutilation among AGYW was 49.9%, with the highest and lowest prevalence in Guinea (95.8%) and Togo (3.3%) respectively. The prevalence of early sexual initiation was 42.4%, with the highest and lowest prevalence in Niger (59.9%) and Burkina Faso (30.6%) respectively. AGYW who had not experienced female genital mutilation were less likely to have early sexual initiation [OR= 0.74, CI= 0.70-0.78], compared to those who had experienced female genital mutilation, after controlling for significant covariates. The likelihood of early sexual initiation was high among AGYW aged 15-19 [OR=2.38, CI=2.26-2.51] but low among AGYW with secondary education [AOR=0.58, CI=0.54-0.63], those who had never married [OR=0.68, CI=0.60-0.78], those in households with richest wealth quintile [OR=0.64, CI=0.57-0.72], those who were exposed to mass media [OR=0.88, CI=0.83-0.93], and those working [OR=0.91, CI=0.87-0.96]. Not undergoing female genital mutilation in the midst of socio-economic factors (e.g., education level, household wealth) could limit AGYW from early sexual debut. These findings underscore the need for effective campaign and programs (e.g., educational programs, entrepreneurial training, micro-finance schemes) against the practice of female genital mutilation. Policy interventions (e.g., “schooling for the girl-child” initiatives) that might delay early sexual initiation among adolescent girls and young women in the midst of identified socio-economic factors should be developed.

Source: UCC
Examining the Conflict Management Strategies of National Investment Bank Limited in Accra.

The primary goal of this research was to investigate how National Investment Bank LTD in Accra deals with internal conflicts, while secondary goals included learning more about what kinds of conflicts arise there and why, as well as how the bank handles those conflicts and how they affect the bank's bottom line. Quantitative and descriptive research methods were used in this investigation. Based on the study question, a questionnaire was developed. A total of 128 people were used as research participants. Analyses of the data were performed using the frequency and percentage, mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression methods. According to the research, banks use collaborative, accommodating, and accommodating tactics for managing conflict. Research also shows that National Investment Bank Limited benefits significantly from these tactics for resolving internal conflicts. The research indicated that the bank might improve its dispute resolution by listening to employees' perspectives in addition to using collaborative, compromise, and accommodating approaches. The research suggests that bank management use more collaborative and accommodative tactics, where workers' perspectives are taken into account throughout settlement.

Source: UCC
Examining the Connection Between Project Success and Contract Administration in Western North Ghana

The main purpose of this study is to find the relationship between effective contract administration and successful project completion. The study achieved this through positivism approach. The target population is stakeholders of Free Senior High School contracts in the Western North Region. The 400 sample was distributed among the nine districts in the Western North Region. The study revealed a positive significant correlation between TQM and Procurement. Also, there was a direct correlation between TQM and Successful completion of the FSHS undertaken projects. This however implies that when procurement practices are done through effective application of TQM methods, contract administration will be effective thereby leading to successful completion of the FSHS projects. That is, when Corporate Culture Quality, Strategic Quality Management, Quality Improvement Measurement Systems, People and Customer Management, Operational Quality Planning, External Interface Management, Supplier Partnerships, Teamwork Structures, Customer Satisfaction Orientation, Communication of Improvement Information are met in terms of contract administration, right materials are procured at the right place, right time, at the right price with the right quality and quantity thereby leading to successful completion of the project.

Source: UCC
Examining the coverage and the sustainability of Social Security and National Insurance Trust

The purpose of this study is to examine the coverage and the sustainability of social security and national insurance trust. The study used the purposive sampling method to choose a sample size of 127, 10 clients of SSNIT and 117 employees of SSNIT. Additional information was also received from the company’s documents, magazines and journals as a source for secondary information. The results of the study indicated that 74.6% of SSNIT staff thought that an increase in coverage would lead to the sustainability of the pension scheme. The study also revealed that 59.32 % of respondents believed that the major driver for pension schemes was retirement security. However, 36.4% of staff thought that SSNIT had to tackle a lot of its major challenges including the administrative bureaucracies that exist in the organization. The study therefore recommends the inclusion of the informal sector as a way of increasing coverage, adoption of new IT solution to handle SSNIT’s data needs, and tax treatments in the form of tax deductibles for employers who pay SSNIT contributions

Source: UCC
Examining the Effectiveness of ICT Integration in Teaching and Learning of Economics in SHS in the Bono Region of Ghana

This study examined the effectiveness of ICT integration in teaching and learning of economics in SHSs in the Bono Region of Ghana. Specifically, the study examined the availability of ICT resources, teachers' and students' perceived level of self-efficacy, attitudes, and the perceived effects of ICT use on the teaching and learning of economics. The study adopted a mixed-method approach using the explanatory sequential design. In all, 350 economics students were selected using multi-stage sampling, and all 40 Economics teachers at the selected schools were enumerated. Data were collected on a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire. The data were analysed using descriptive (mean and standard deviation) and inferential (independent t-test and one-way ANOVA) statistics. Few Senior High Schools have enough ICT resources, and teachers and students of economics scarcely use them to teach and learn. Both economics teachers and students have a positive attitude toward ICT integration according to the findings. In addition, economics teachers and students agreed that ICT improves teaching and learning. Furthermore, demographic factors like gender and teaching experience did not affect teacher’s self-efficacy but there was a statistically significant difference in students’ self-efficacy. To promote effective ICT-integrated learning, that takes into account the needs of both urban, urban-poor, and rural students, it is recommended that the Ministry of Education and other stakeholders in secondary education in Ghana implement realistic and rigorous ICT policies.

Source: UCC
Examining the effectiveness of training and development programmes among management staffs at Takoradi Polytechnic

One way of improving the effectiveness of employees for greater performance is effective training and development. The main aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of training and development programmes in Takoradi Polytechnic. The study solicited and analyzed responses from 120 Staff of the Polytechnic. Descriptive statistics were conducted including the description of the respondents’ gender, age, position etc. In addition, the study employed a 25-item instrument on training and development issue as prescribed by human resource management practitioners and academics. On these items, the study analyzed the perception of the staff and the effectiveness of the training and development programmes at the Takoradi Polytechnic. In the opinion of the staff, Takoradi Polytechnic should embark on training and development programmes because training and development leads to better performance; employees’ development; personal growth; less supervision and high morale. In addition, the employees perceive that induction training programmes at the Polytechnic has not been properly conducted. Moreover, the employees perceive that training programmes at the Polytechnic do not help employees acquire technical knowledge and skills. As perceived by the respondents, the overall effectiveness of the training and development programme at the Polytechnic has not been good but poor.The implication is that, authorities in the Polytechnic should have strategic orientation toward training and development. The council should incorporate training and development in the mission of the Polytechnic.

Source: UCC
Examining the emangement of financial data in salaga government hospital

Poor financial data management practice is a major contributor to the collapse of many businesses. There is therefore the need for every organization to keep proper needs of their finances for growth. This study is sought to examine the management of financial data at the Salaga Government Hospital to determine the factors, requirement and principles of financial data management at the hospital. This is to help highlight the need for proper keeping of financial data. The objective of the research was to examine the management of financial data at the Salaga Government Hospital in the Northern Region of Ghana. This report uses records review and observation as it instruments of data collection. It uses both the qualitative and quantitative methods using interview and review of financial records. Purposive sampling method was used to select a sample size of fifty (50) records from account offices. Some of the findings from the study revealed that an efficient accounting system is the major quality of the a proper financial management practice and this is tailed by budget controls and poor strategic planning. Lack of skills and capabilities are the main challenges of a proper financial management practice at the hospital. It was therefore recommended that a structured framework for assessing overall financial management practice should be considered by management, and future researchers should research into why there are financial management practices but the institution still face financial challenges.

Source: UCC
Examining the Factors Influencing Tax Non-Compliance among Small and Medium Enterprises in the Cape Coast Metropolis

The study assessed the factors influencing tax non-compliance among firms in Cape Coast registered with the National Board for Small-Scale Industries. The researcher was guided by a descriptive research design. The researcher collected data from 152 firm owners in the Cape Coast Metropolis and employed SPSS Version 20 for the analysis. The main finding of the study was that inadequate management skills, poor record keeping, cumbersome filing processes, complex business environment and high tax rates are the main factors that influence tax non-compliance among firms. Hence, it was recommended that the tax agencies and other stakeholders should formulate and implement good tax policies and education, which among other things, will be more dedicated to making organizations pay their taxes. Further, the tax authorities should implement tax policies such as simplification of the tax laws, tax reforms, and intensive tax education among others to collect more revenue from organizations in the region.

Source: UCC
Examining the impact of clinical workload on health worker performance in Ghana

A number of studies have been conducted regarding workload and have established some correlation between workload and health worker outcomes. The present study sort to examine the relationship between clinical workload and health worker (nurses, midwives and doctors) performance at the Ridge Hospital, using quality of output as indicator for performance. Specifically, the study sort to examine workload levels, examine factors influencing workload and test the relationship between clinical workload and health worker performance. The objectives were achieved using quantitative approach and descriptive research design. Questionnaires were used for data collection from the selected institution with a sample size of 274. The study found that workload was high at the hospital. Moreover, the study found that organizational process and work interruptions are key predictors, contributing about 8% variation in the dependent variable. In view of the findings of the present study, it is recommended that administrators, human resource managers, agencies in charge of health and government organizations should ensure that organizational processes are properly structured to aid workers’ performance.

Source: UCC