ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Perception of Consumers on Impact of Sales Promotions on Firm Performance

ABSTRACT Marketing strategy has been a focus of organizations and a tool for attaining overall firm performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the perception of consumers on impact of sales promotions on company performance using consumers at Mataheko in the Ablekuma Central Municipal district of the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Specifically the study sought to evaluate the impact of sales promotions strategies on patronage, establish the effect of sales promotion on consumer brand loyalty and identify the effect of consumer sales promotions on profit potential. Using the cognitive evaluation theory and marketing mix theory for the study, the Convenience sampling technique was used to gather data from a sample of 120 respondents in Mataheko, Ghana, using a structured questionnaire and data analysis carried out using SPSS version 21. Descriptive statistics were used to interpret the data. The findings showed a significant relationship between consumer perceptions of products on a firm’s performance in the market space. The study further revealed that consumer sales promotions such as free gifts at the point of sale to customers, discount prices and bonus packs influenced consumer perception and resulted in patronages. However, it was also noted that consumers were not loyal but only remained as regular buyers due to continual sales promotional activities of organisations. On the bases of these findings, the study recommends that management and retailers of consumer goods in Mataheko, focus on churning out consumer sales promotion as a marketing strategy to continue influencing consumers’ purchasing behaviour which will in turn lead to firm performance on the market. Also, the use of price discounts, extra pack (buy-one get-one-free) and coupons as types of sales promotion to influence consumers’ purchasing behaviour must be increased whilst focusing also on free sample and sweepstakes and contests. Keywords: Consumer perception, consumer goods customer loyalty, firms, sales promotion

Source: UCC
Perception of Contraceptives Use and its Impact on the Sexual Behaviours of Adolescents in Senior High Schools in the Krachi-East District

The study investigated the impact of contraceptive use on the sexual behaviours of adolescents in Senior High Schools. The study espoused a descriptive survey research method with the quantitative paradigm. Perception and Contraceptive use on Sexual Behaviour questionnaire (PCSB) was administered to a sample of 340 out of 2063 Senior High School students. Means and standard deviation were used to analyse the data for the research questions. The hypotheses were tested using independent samples t-test and ANOVA to test. The study revealed that adolescents’ knowledge level on contraceptives use was adequate and was above average. Again, it was established that those sources through which they get the information included hospitals, peers, sexual partners, internet and watching television. It was again found that adolescents agreed that contraceptives knowledge and its usage would help prevent sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies among the adolescents. On the basis of gender, there was no statistically significant difference between male and female adolescent students in relation to contraceptive use. The researcher recommends that, there is an urgent need for teachers, Ghana Education Service, NonGovernmental Organizations (NGOs) and parents to undertake programmes that would empower adolescents, especially females, to become assertive in negotiating contraceptive use any time they want to have sex or engage in unprotected sex.

Source: UCC
Perception of curriculum innovation needs for pedagogical and act competencies among education students in university of cape coast, Ghana

Development in Information Communication and Technology has brought new dimensions to information management in every sphere of life, including the academic environment. Training institutions for teachers and Faculties of Education require innovations in their curricular for competency based teacher education programmes. As a facilitator of learning, the teacher, who is the pivot of all forms of instructional activities needs to harmonize pedagogical competency with ICT competency in order to add value to the quality of instruction in the school system. This paper presents an analysis of a survey conducted on perceived curriculum innovation needs for pedagogical and ICT competencies among undergraduate students of Education in Ghana. Four hypotheses were formulated to direct the study. The data for the study was gathered with the aid of a 34-item questionnaire designed by the researchers to elicit information on the relevant variables of the study. The instrument was administered on 300 Education students of University of Cape Coast, Ghana. Data gathered were analyzed using frequency counts, simple percentages, Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient and Analysis of Variance. Findings revealed that all the eight identified pedagogical aspects were perceived as highly required by the respondents. Based on the findings it was recommended that for the trainee teachers to be true facilitators of learning, they must be trained in the identified required competencies that can enhance their job performance.

Source: UCC
Perception of curriculum leaders and teachers on feedback and conditions essential for effective supervision in senior high schools

This study was designed to examine the perception of curriculum leaders and teachers on feedback and conditions essential for effective supervision in Senior High Schools in the Assin North Municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling procedure was employed to select 44 curriculum leaders and convenient sampling procedure was employed to select 120 teachers for the study. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from both curriculum leaders and teachers. Mainly, descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data collected. Frequency and percentages in tables were adopted to present various perceptions held by curriculum leaders and teachers on curriculum supervision. The research revealed that effective curriculum supervision thrives on both supervisors and supervisees keeping records of all formal, as well as informal supervision sessions and providing immediate feedback. It was recommended that since feedback is necessary in curriculum supervision it should always be at the personal level so that individual teachers can attach maximum attention to them

Source: UCC
Perception of curriculum supervision among curriculum leaders and teachers in senior high schools in Assin north municipality, Ghana

This study was designed to examine the perception on curriculum supervision among curriculum leaders and teachers in Senior High Schools in the Assin North Municipality of Ghana. Descriptive survey was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling procedure was employed to select 44 curriculum leaders and convenient sampling procedure was employed to select 120 teachers for the study. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from both curriculum leaders and teachers. Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS) was employed to analyse the data, using frequencies and percentages to present the data in tables. The findings revealed strong consensus among curriculum leaders and teachers that the major purposes of curriculum supervision include monitoring performance, sharing information and solving problems. The findings also revealed that effective curriculum supervision thrives on both supervisors and supervisees keeping records of all formal as well as informal supervision sessions and providing immediate feedback. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the procedure to be used by the supervisors should be discussed with, and agreed upon by the supervisees. It is also recommended that the scope of curriculum supervision should not only be limited to the classroom but also to activities outside the classroom which have influence on the teaching and learning interaction.

Source: UCC
Perception of Distance Education Students of their Involvement in Assessment Decisions in Ghana

Students’ involvement in assessment decisions is considered as a critical to effective teaching and learning. This study examined students’ perception of their involvement in assessment decisions in the University of Cape Coast Distance Education. The study employed a cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach. Through multi-stage sampling technique, 618 distance education students were sampled from centres in three regions in Ghana. The study adapted a scale from Fisher et al. (2005) with 9-items which were measured on 4-point Likert scale. It was found that students were clear about the assessment types being used and details were given on how assessment tasks are scored. It was found that how each assessment type was used was explained to students. Although students reported that they received feedback from assessment, it was stated that the feedback was not quick. It was recommended that management of College of Distance Education should provide prompt feedback for students concerning their assessment.

Source: UCC
Perception of Farmers on Factors Affecting Adoption of Irrigated Rice Production Technologies in Bontanga, Northern Region, Ghana

Rice production is important to the economy and improvement of livelihoods of smallholder farmers. Despite the efforts of government and development partners, yields of rice remain low. However, there were no studies to determine levels of adoption of irrigated rice technologies by farmers at the bontanga irrigation area. The study used a survey design to randomly select 197 farmers who were interviewed using questionnaire. Relationships between independent variables were established, whilst ordinal logistic regression was used to determine best predictors of adoption levels. Credit, mechanisation, and input supply constrained adoption of rice production technologies. Farmers who perceived technologies to be relevant, positively adopted them. Radio, group meetings, friends, family members, and farmers, were the important sources of information on rice technologies. There were very high technologies adoption levels with fertilizer technologies registering the least adoption levels. TPB, RCT, and DIT were relevant in explaining farmers adoption decisions. Age, household size, experience, having assets, farmers group support, status in group, and conducive weather were the best predictors of technologies adoption levels. The study recommends the facilitation of access to inputs, use of ordinal logistic model in studies of multiple technologies, and use of multiple theories in explaining technology packages adoption. KEY WORDS: innovation adoption, multiple technologies, adoption theories, adoption levels, ordinal logistic regression, correlation.

Source: UCC
Perception of food vendors on medical examination at Kasoa in Central region, Ghana

Medical examination is very essential in controlling and preventing many communicable diseases such as cholera, typhoid fever, etc. among cooked food vendors and since they can aid in the transmission of communicable diseases, there is the need to understand the necessity of food vendor undergoing medical examination to help in control and prevention of such diseases. This study was done to assess the perception of medical examination among food vendors at Kasoa. Specific objectives were to assess the knowledge level of cooked food sellers, assess the challenges encountered by cooked food sellers, assess the socio-economic effects of and determine efforts made by stakeholders to encourage cooked food sellers to undergo medical examination. The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional design. A total of 120 respondents were selected using snow ball sampling technique from cooked food sellers in Kasoa, Ghana and structured questionnaires with open and closed ended- questions were administered. The major findings of the study were, generally there was adequate knowledge level among the cooked food sellers about medical examination in Kasoa, Ghana; expensive laboratory charges are among other challenges encountered by cooked food sellers when undergoing medical examination in Kasoa; lack of money was the main socioeconomic constrain that influence cooked food vendors when participating medical examination; and although health education was the tool used by the municipal assembly to promote undergoing medical examination by food vendor, it was not enough to achieve the target objectives. The study recommended that the municipal assembly should put in place programs to increase awareness on medical examination among food vendors in the communities and subsidize the cost involved in undergoing medical examination.

Source: UCC
Perception of Ghanaian Primigravidas Undergoing Their First Antenatal Ultrasonography in Cape Coast

Ultrasound scans have become an essential requirement of pregnancy care in countries with developed health services and increasingly being used in medical practice in Ghana as well. The aim of this study was to ﬁnd out the perception of primigravidas experiencing antenatal ultrasonography for the ﬁrst time in Cape Coast. This was a descriptive, prospective study which employed the use of a questionnaire to obtain data from 384 consented respondents, who were primigravidas experiencing antenatal ultrasonography for the ﬁrst time in three selected public health facilities in Cape Coast Metropolis over a six-month period. Sociodemographic data, reasons for undergoing antenatal ultrasound, their expectations, knowledge in fetal abnormalities, and suggestions to help improve their future experiences were collected. The data were analyzed using SPSS software, version 20.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Out of a total number of 384 respondents, 87.8% of them knew about what ultrasound is used for. 87.5% scanned because a doctor or midwife requested for the scan whilst 53.9% scanned to check for fetal abnormalities. 98.4% indicated that ultrasound scanning has positive eﬀects on pregnancy outcome. An expensive service was stated as a negative reason that would inﬂuence the decision to undergo the examination next time; nonetheless, 90.4% would recommend it to other women and suggested showing the fetus on monitor while scanning and providing accurate ﬁndings would make their future experiences better. The perception of the primigravidas was largely positive. Checking for fetal abnormalities was a major reason for the scans, although their knowledge in speciﬁc fetal abnormalities was low. They expected to know the fetal sex, but that was not a major reason for scanning. Showing them the monitor was the most frequent suggestion to make future experience better.

Source: UCC
The Perception of Ghanaians on the use of Bamboo as an alternative to Timber

Cultivation of bamboo is very key in reducing pressure on forest resources which is currently worsening as time goes by. The study evaluated the potential of bamboo and the perception of Ghanaians on bamboo as an alternative to timber in the country. The study employed a qualitative research design because of its appropriateness in understanding and explaining people’s attitude. Using descriptive survey, data were obtained from a sample size 50 people which were chosen out from a population of 200 individuals based in the Forestry Commission, Agriculture (plant protection and regulatory services), Environmental Protection Agency and Non-Governmental Organization’s from Accra comprising of academics. A 32-item questionnaire was the main gathering tool for acquiring information on the topic. The study revealed that, the knowledge on environmental benefits of bamboo is very high from the field of the four institutions. Social benefits of bamboo are also known to the academia in the study and also the study has revealed that, the respondents have a high knowledge about the economic benefits of bamboo. Yet the perception of Ghanaians (respondents) on bamboo as a substitute for timber in the country is not encouraging. In order to combat these negative perceptions of Ghanaians, it is recommended that, there should be a comprehensive education which entails the potential and benefits of bamboo to the environment, community and the country at large. For more income generation, the public needs to be encourage to buy and use bamboo products.

Source: UCC
The Perception of Head Teachers on the Instructional Performance of Teachers by Distance Learning in the Upper West Region of Ghana

The goal of the study is to analyze the perception of head teachers on the instructional performance of teachers by distance learning in the Upper West Region of Ghana. We cannot continue to pretend distance education does not matter, to the development of education in Ghana. Researching into distance learning in the present times is crucial because the rate at which distance learning is expanding needs attention. Common observation has shown that you can sight at least one distance learning student in most organizations. The situation has become critical, and we need to investigate more into the new area that has revolutionalized the educational system in Ghana. The researcher is interested in the question whether teachers after receiving instructional training in distance learning are performing well in the classroom. The design of the study is a case study, and the site is the Upper West Region of Ghana. Purposive and snowballing methods are used to select the sample. A survey questionnaire is used to gather data for the study, and analysis was primarily descriptive. The study is important because research has shown that, distance learning programs are valid and relevant, but some people also believe they are not reliable and trustworthy. We need to continue to investigate the issues of distance learning programs. It should be a matter of great concern to all stakeholders in education, on what can or cannot be done, to make the Ghana Education Service accept or reject teachers by distance learning.

Source: UCC
Perception of Headmasters, Form Masters and Heads of Departments of the Effects of Stress on their Work in the Dormaa Districts

The study examined the perception of Headmasters, Assistant headmasters, Form masters and Heads of Departments of the effects of stress on their work in the Dormaa districts. The study used a descriptive research survey with one hundred and forty (140) participants. Forty one (41) questions were used for data collection. Descriptive and inferential analysis (Means, standard deviations and analysis of variance) were carried out to examine the perception of the respondents of the effects of stress on their work. The following were the major findings: Respondents agreed having high stress level at work, and that stress was caused by: workload, students behaviour/misbehavior, inadequate motivation, supervision and administration, lack of facilities, behaviour of superiors, behaviour of parents, inadequate recreation/break periods/leisure. Respondents also concurred that stress had negative effects on them. The level of effects differed among the respondents but the differences were not heterogeneous. On stress management, they reported using such techniques as the following: talking with friends/Colleagues /family members etc., engaging in browsing the internet/social media when stressed, listening to music to control stress level, resorting to sleeping or taking naps to manage stress levels, reading books, engaging in sports, taking and finally, going for psychotherapy when stressed. Key recommendations to the study are that the Headmasters, in collaboration with the District Directors of Education and other stakeholders may need to ensure the following: Reconsidering the busy schedules of the school leaders, making use of counsellors in the schools and the provision of infrastructural facilities.

Source: UCC
Perception Of Investors Towards Mutual Funds In The Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis: A Case Of Databank Financial Service Limited

The purpose of the study was to investigate investors` perception towards mutual funds with reference to Databank Financial Services Limited within the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis (STM). Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The Yamane`s sampling technique was used to select the 367 respondents who were investors of the bank. Questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that safety of the principal, ease of liquidation and return on investment are the most important factors that investors consider before they make investment in mutual funds. Also, it reveals that the majority of the respondents were males and were of middle age hence had sufficient energy to take on extra activities to enable them to earn additional income for investment in mutual fund. Clearly, most of the respondents are also married with dependents ranging from four to six and critical socio-demographic factors which influence investors` decision to select mutual fund as an investment options include marital status, educational level, training and education on mutual funds, family size, access to addition income sources and financial literacy. The study recommends that the benefits of mutual fund investment must be highlighted to attract more investors. The is the need to redesign mutual fund products to suit diverse investors or the general public for it to be more attractive in order to entice them to invest in mutual fund. Investors should be encouraged to seek additional income, such as engaging in personal entrepreneurship ventures, and farming in order to generate additional income.

Source: UCC
The perception of junior high schools teachers and pupils in the Ahafo Ano South East District and Nhyiaeso sub-metropolitan areas in the Ashanti Region on the role of technology on teaching and learning

The purpose of this study was to examine the outcome on the use of digital technologies to teachers and pupils in Junior High Schools in Ahafo Ano South East district and Nhyiaeso sub-metropolitan areas in the Ashanti Region of Ghana and also to integrate Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) that will facilitate teaching and learning in the classroom. Both quantitative and qualitative research methodology were used. Simple Random sampling technique was used to sample 258 pupils and teachers from both districts (Ahafo Ano South East district and Nhyiaeso sub-metropolis). Self-developed questionnaire was used in data collection. Cross tabulation was used to analyse the data. The results showed that teachers and pupils in the Nhyiaeso sub-metropolis were much advanced in the use of technology tools as compared to the teachers and pupils in the Ahafo Ano South East district. The use of technology tools had also made teaching and learning easier in the Nhyiaeso sub-metropolis than the Ahafo Ano South East district. This was due to the application of computer assisted instruction during teaching and learning. Based on the findings, the study recommended that the Ministry of Education should consider integrating computer assisted instruction in teaching and learning in every part of the country. Teachers are to be given in-service training on the importance of computer assisted instruction and also to improve their knowledge and skill in the use of computers in the classroom, which would improve upon the integration of computer technology in teaching and learning.

Source: UCC