ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Training and Development on the Performance of Senior Administrative Staff at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana

The study examined the effect of training and development on senior administrative staff’s performance at the University of Education, Winneba, Ghana. Quantitative approach and the descriptive survey research design were adopted for the study. Simple random sampling technique was used to sample 152 respondents from a population of 357 using Yamane’s formula for determining sample size. Self- administered closed ended questionnaire was used as the data collection instrument and data was analysed with frequencies, percentages, person correlation, standard regression, t-test and analysis of variance. The study found that training and development techniques used were job rotation and study leave with pay. There was general lack of support from supervisors and colleagues for trainees to transfer skills/knowledge acquired unto their jobs. Training and development significantly relate and affect employees’ performance. It was recommended that management of human resource department of the University of Education, Winneba should adopt some other training and development techniques like mentoring and coaching; and provide the needed resources and encourage work colleagues and supervisors to create the enabling environment and provide the necessary support for trainees to be able to transfer skills acquired through training and development unto their jobs.

Source: UCC
Effect of training on employee performance at Ghana food and drugs authority, Accra - Ghana

The Food and Drugs Authority is an organization mandated to control the manufacture, import, export, distribution, use and advertisement of food, drugs, cosmetics and household chemicals, medical devices and tobacco and its products to ensure that they are safe and of good quality. To ensure this function, training is very necessary to enhance the capacity of employees to perform their duties effectively and efficiently. The importance of training can only be appreciated with a clear understanding of its direct impact on employee performance. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of training on employee performance at the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority, Accra. The study employed quantitative research approach to achieve the objectives of the study. Purposive sampling procedure was employed to select 60 respondents. Data were derived through questionnaires distributed to the respondents. Data were analyzed with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22. The results revealed that the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) had a policy in training its employees, every employee no matter the educational background has had a kind of training on the job. The study further discovered that most of the employees were engaged, motivated and satisfied with the training models. It was therefore recommended that management of the Ghana Food and Drugs Authority (FDA) should focus on innovative programmes as well as provide sufficient resources for the training to maximize employees’ performance

Source: UCC
The effect of training on employees performance at Kpeve Tornu Salvation Army Basic School

The purpose of the study was to examine the effct of training and employee performance of the Kpeve Tornu Salvation Army Basic School. The study determined the nature of employee training, assessed the relevance of training to employees and examineed the effect of training and development on employee performance at the Kpeve Tornu Salvation Army Basic School. The sample size was 50 employees of the Kpeve Tornu Salvation Army Basic School. The training given to emplee were on the job training and off the job training had effect on their performance whilst the remaining (38%) did not relate training to performance. The implication of this is that, there is a direct relationship between training and performance. The Salvation Army Basic School will need to take action to correct its training and development activities, and make sure the processes involved are duly followed and benefit every employee for improved employee performance and for overall achievement of the aims and objectives of the school.

Source: UCC
Effect of twelve week skill related fitness intervention on shooting accuracy among high school basketball players in the Cape Coast Metropolis, Ghana

The main purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of skill related fitness on shooting accuracy among high school basketball players in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. Forty (40) basketball players (comprising 20 boys and 20 girls) were selected using simple random sampling and classified into experimental and control groups. Tests were conducted for skill related fitness as well as shooting accuracy. The experimental group was taken through drills to improve on their skill related fitness while the control group did not but had routine training. Data was collected and analyzed using dependent, independent Sample t-tests and Pearson’s correlation. Results showed that there were statistically significant differences between the experimental and control groups with the experimental group doing better in all four shooting tests than the control group. For static free throw, t(19) =12.35, P < 0.001(experimental group, M = 6.85, SD = 0.89; control group, M = 4.40, SD = 0.89; dynamic free throw t(19) = 19.26, P < .001, (experimental group, M = 6.65, SD = 0.64; control group M = 3.90, SD = 0.64) static two points, t(19) = 11.05, P <.001(experimental group M = 6.53, SD = 1.21; control group M = 3.35. SD = 1.21) and dynamic two points, t(19) = 7.31, P <.001,(experimental group, M = 8.28, SD = 1.68, control group M = 5.45, SD = 1.68). Skill related fitness is therefore considered as very important for better shooting performance among High School Basketball Players in the Metropolis therefore there should be a plan to improve on it as the season progresses so that in consequence shooting accuracy is also improved.

Source: UCC
The Effect of Unionisation on Employees’ Job Satisfaction and Organisational Commitment in the Cape Coast and Takoradi Metropolis of Ghana

The study sought to find out how being a member of a trade union affects the satisfaction of employees in the Cape Coast and Takoradi Metropolis derive from their jobs and also how it influences their commitment to their organizations. In other words, the study examined whether unionized employees were more satisfied and committed to their organizations than non-unionized employees. The research design employed for the study was the descriptive survey. A total of 400 respondents were sampled from various financial institutions (insurance and banking institutions), using the systematic random sampling procedure. The respondents included 224 unionized employees and 176 non-unionized employees. The instrument used for the study was a set of questionnaire consisting of the Weiss et. al 20-item Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire and Allen and Meyer 18-item organisational commitment scale. The data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics to answer and test the research questions and hypotheses. The main findings of the study indicate that 87% of the respondents believed that union membership is important. Again, the findings suggest that on the average, unionized employees were more satisfied with their jobs that non-unionized employees, but nonunionized employees were more committed to their organizations than the unionized employees. However, a test of significance indicated that the two groups did not significantly differ in terms of their commitment and job satisfaction. The findings were discussed and appropriate recommendations were made.

Source: UCC
The Effect of Using Interactive Spreadsheet as a Demonstrative Tool in the Teaching and Learning of Mathematics Concepts

This investigation studied pre-service teachers’ development of reform oriented teaching through the use of interactive spreadsheet a demonstrative teaching tool in the learning of secondary school mathematics concepts. A qualitative analysis of various data sources (written lesson plans and reflections, observations, and interviews) for 8 participants working in teams of two was conducted. Findings showed the participants’ growth in understanding and implementing interactive spreadsheet as a teaching tool in the development of mathematics lessons; their pedagogies and classroom management were enhanced. Furthermore, the study showed that adoption of the spreadsheet application as a tool for instruction and learning was key in enhancing students’ higher–order thinking and mathematics concepts formation. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Source: UCC
Effect of Using Spreadsheet in Teaching Quadratic Functions on the Performance of Senior High School Students

The study employed a quasi-experiment design to evaluate the effect of using Spreadsheet Instructional Method as compared to a Conventional Method on students’ performance in quadratic functions. Lessons delivered with both approaches employed a guided discovery; a mix of direct instruction and hands-on activities in a context in which mathematics learning have been deep-rooted in teacher-centred approaches of teaching. Interviews and teacher made achievement test were used to collect data from senior high school students in Ghana. Data was analysed using paired sample t-test and analysis of covariance for the achievement test whereas interviews were transcribed and coded using data reduction technique. The study showed that the Spreadsheet Instructional Method served a useful pedagogical approach, impacted more on the students’ performance and has the potential of improving teaching and learning mathematics in Senior High schools. The use of the spreadsheet made lessons more practical and interesting; gave students greater opportunities to verify results and make links between spreadsheet formula, quadratic functions and graphs. In spite of its potential, the study recognized that for spreadsheet to be effective in teaching mathematical concepts, a mix of direct instruction and hands-on activities should guide the lesson development and delivery.

Source: UCC
Effect of varying malaria parasite multiplicity of infection on the quality and quantity of anti-gametocyte antibodies in school children: A longitudinal study

The sexual stages (gametocytes) of Plasmodium falciparum are critical to malaria transmission and are a target for the development of malaria transmission blocking vaccine candidates. Accelerating development of this vaccine requires understanding the characteristics of naturally-induced antibody responses against gametocyte antigens, including Pfs230, Pfs48/45 that have the potential to prevent parasite transmission. The number of P. falciparum clones in an infection can vary over time, which may lead to variation in antibody quality and quantity against gametocytes in a host. This study therefore assessed the impact of varying multiplicity of infection (MOI) on the quantity (level) and quality (avidity) of naturally-induced antibody responses against Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 in asymptomatic children. Venous blood (2.5 ml) was collected from 109 children (6 to 12 years old) every 2-months beginning in November 2017 to May 2018. Plasma samples were used in indirect ELISA test to measure IgG concentrations and avidity against Pfs230 and Pfs48/45 antigens. Msp2 genotyping was done on extracted DNA from dried blood spot to determine MOI. Increased MOI at time points close to peak season positively correlated with IgG against Pfs48/45. Positive correlation existed between IgG against both antigens despite the quality and quantity of IgG against them seems to be inversely correlated from the middle to the end of the dry season. Increased MOI near the peak season positively correlated with Pfs48/45 but not Pfs230 IgG levels suggests that repeated infections in the community preferentially boosts antibodies targeting Pfs48/45 than Pfs230 in children. However, larger studies are needed to affirm this finding

Source: UCC
Effect of video-based instruction on students’ relational understanding and attitudes in solid mensuration

This study explored the effectiveness of the use of video-based instruction on students’ relational understanding, their attitudes toward it, and their tendency to collaborative, in learning solid mensuration, in the Birim Central Municipality of Ghana. A mixed methods concurrent triangulation research design, embedded with one-group pre-test and post-test quasi-experimental design was employed. The same treatment and methodologies were used on two intact classes (𝑛 = 43 and 𝑛 = 39 respectively) of the two study schools. Questionnaire, lessons test scores, interview reports and written test scripts of the students were the data sources of the study. Descriptive, paired sample t test and effect size statistics were used to analyse the quantitative data, whereas the interview data and test scripts were analysed qualitatively. The two separate data sets produced similar results, with the qualitative results confirming and strengthening the quantitative results. The use of the video based instruction was found to be effective in developing students’ spatial ability and conceptual knowledge of solid mensuration concepts. The results also showed that students had positive attitudes toward the use of video-based instruction. Other findings were that the students benefitted socially, psychologically and academically from the collaborative learning strategies that were implemented in the study. The findings support the enactivism pedagogy of teaching adopted as the theoretical framework for the study. The results also provide evidence and recommendations on the significance of video-based instruction in improving students’ relational understanding and attitudes toward learning with video-based instruction, at the Senior High School level.

Source: UCC
Effect of weed management on the prevalence of pink pineapple mealybugs in Ghana

An on-farm experiment was conducted in August 2010 to evaluate the efficacy of various weed management methods used in pineapple cultivation in Ghana in limiting the prevalence of the pineapple mealybugs and their tending ants. The experiment was a 5X5 Latin Square design with 5 replications. The weed management methods (the treatments) imposed was weedy check (no weed control), manual weeding by hoeing, synthetic herbicide application, plastic mulch + manual weeding and plastic mulch + synthetic herbicide application. The field was ploughed and harrowed and plots each measuring 2m by 2.7m were marked out. Suckers obtained from a nearby commercial farm were planted at the spacing of 90 x 60 x 25 cm. Fertilizer was applied at the recommended rate and pests were controlled by spraying with both fungicide and an insecticide. Data taken from the inner 20 plants of each plot were: time taken for weeds to re-emerge, weed species that emerged, weed population and weight and presence of mealybugs on the fruits and in the root zone. The result showed that, time of weed re-emergence was longest in the plastic mulch + herbicide treatment, whilst re-emergence was fastest in the manual weed control treatment. Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) belonging to the Poaceae family re-emerged on all treatment plots. The plastic mulch + herbicide treatment was able to control all broadleaved weeds, whilst most broadleaved and grass species re-emerged from the manual weeding treatment throughout the period. Weed population, weed dry weight and number of weed species re-emerged, were all significantly lower in the plastic mulch + herbicide treatment than in all other treatments but were greatest in the manual weed treatment. The results indicated that weed control efficiency of 90.6, 80.2, 73.4 and 69.2% in the plastic mulch + herbicide, plastic mulch + manual control, herbicide alone and the manual control over the weedy check, respectively. However, mealybug populations were not affected by the weed management methods employed, although all treatment effects were significantly greater than weedy check. The ability of the treatments to reduce mealybug populations on both the fruits and the root zone might be that during weed control, the mealybugs were exposed to predators that feed on them or that weed control dislodges their tending ants which subsequently limit their spread. This study affirms that proper weed control would reduce mealybug population and minimize the damage to fruits

Source: UCC
Effect of Wooden Cabinet and Pot-In-Pot Evaporative Cooler Storage Methods on the Storage Performance of 1-Mcp Treated Plantain

Postharvest losses in plantain production negatively impact the profitability of smallholder farmers. The work studied the effect of 1-MCP gas (0, 15, 30, and 60 μl/l) on green mature plantains (Apentu) stored for 30 days in wooden cabinet and clay-pot in-pot evaporative cooler on weight loss, peel colour, firmness, shrinkage, and sensory characteristics. Two-factor experiment (2×4×3) in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used. The mean temperature and relative humidity of the wooden cabinet (WC) and pot-in-pot evaporative cooler (EC) were 28.91±0.69℃ & 74.16±8.64 % and 25.41±0.36℃ & 94.20±1.23 % respectively. Plantains treated with 15 μl/l 1-MCP and stored in pot-in-pot evaporative cooler recorded the lowest percentage shrinkage and weight loss (P<0.05) of 3.64±0.04% and 6.18±0.06% respectively. 1-MCP (15 μl/l) treated plantain and stored in pot-in-pot evaporative cooler maintained fruit firmness and peel colour greenness (a*) from 50.51 to 33.39 N and -19.94 to 4.69 respectively over the 30 days storage. Carbohydrate, potassium and vitamin C (P<0.05) for 15 μl/l 1-MCP treated plantain stored in pot-in-pot evaporative cooler was retained from 90.13 % to 91.68 %, 3965 to 4921 μg/g, and 1.10 to 21.95 mg/100g respectively over the 30 days of storage compared to the control. The sensory evaluation showed panellists had higher preference for the 15 μl/l 1-MCP treated plantain stored in pot-in-pot evaporative cooler for 15 days, colour (8.4), texture (8.4), odour (8.6), appearance (8.8), and overall acceptability (8.6) compared to the control (untreated plantain) stored in wooden cabinet for 15 days with, colour (3.8), texture (3.4), odour (4.2), appearance (3.4), and overall acceptability (4.0). The results show that 1-MCP (15 μl/l) treated plantain stored in pot-in-pot evaporative cooler could improve storage life and increase farmers profitability.

Source: UCC
Effect of Work Family Conflict on Job Performance at Cape Coast Technical University

The study sought to investigate the effect of work family conflict on job performance at Cape Coast Technical University. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research objective were set; to analyze the effect of time-based conflict, strain-based conflict and behavioral-based conflict on job performance at Cape Coast Technical University. The study adopted an explanatory research design and a quantitative approach. The population comprised of the senior and junior staff totaling 218. The study further utilized the Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table to determine a sample size of 130. Since, the sample included the junior and senior staff, the study adopted the stratified random sampling technique in selecting respondents from the strata. The study adopted a structured questionnaire for gathering primary data. The variables measured using validated scales. For study, the answers to the questionnaire were coded, and incorporated into version 25.0 of the Social Science Statistics Software Package (SPSS). Data was analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics Frequency and percentages were used to analyse the demographics of the respondents whilst linear regression was used to analyse the research objectives. The results of the study elucidated that unit increase the proportion of the time allocated to work over family roles increases the level of job performance by 0.798. Similarly, the study revealed that increase the level of strain staff goes through to meet their job demands reduces their job performance by -0.007. Lastly, it was found that high level of behavioural based conflict reduces performance. The study recommended that management of the University should balance the schedules of the staff so that they can make time for their family.

Source: UCC
Effect of Work Life Balance on Job Satisfaction and Employee Commitment Among Female Nurses in Some Selected Hospitals in the Cape Coast Metropolis

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of employees worklife balance on job satisfaction and commitment among nurses in some selected hospitals in the Cape Coast metropolis. The study sampled 134 nurses from two hospitals in the Cape Coast metropolis namely; Ankaful Psychiatric hospital and Cape Teaching hospital. The survey data were collected using questionnaires, which were analyzed using the SPSS version 23 software. The results of the study showed that two factors; continuance and normative commitment were predictors of work life balance among nurse in the Cape Coast metropolis. The study findings further identified Part-time work, Onsite child-care centers, and Elder care/care for sick family members, and Job sharing as the most influential factors and initiative that are needed to promote work life balance of among nurse in the Cape Coast metropolis. The findings of the study recommended policy making at the Ministry of health regarding the formulation, implementation and review of policies that would take care of the challenges based on the findings of this stud

Source: UCC
The Effect of work place environment on the performance of tutors of Tamale and Bagabaga Colleges of Education Northern Region of Ghana

This study investigated the effect of work place environment on the performance of tutors of Tamale College of Education and the tutors of Bagabaga College of Education. The environment that people are required to work in can have a significant impact on their ability to undertake the tasks that they have been asked to do. Louise further stated that work environment could also have an impact on an individual's ability to work safely, competently and in compliance with operational performance targets.The descriptive design survey was used as research design and the population was made up of tutors of Tamale College of Education and tutors of Bagabaga College of Education. There were 32 tutors in Tamale College of Education and 40 tutors of Bagabaga College of Education with a total population of 72 tutors. The study found that there are key elements of the work environment enhance the performance of tutors of the two colleges of education. The key elements of work environment that enhance performance in the two colleges are leadership style of the principals, staff motivation, conditions of service, supervision of instruction and infrastructure. Based on the findings, it was recommended that leadership, motivation, supervision and conditions of service are elements of work environment that must be strengthened for high staff performance in the colleges.

Source: UCC