ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of Nine-week Skipping on Body Mass Index of Primary Six Pupils in University Primary School, Cape Coast

Research exist regarding the effects of skipping on physiological responses including body mass index (BMI) globally. Using the one-group pre-test post test repeated measures pre-experimental design, this study investigated the effects of nine-week skipping intervention on BMI of primary six pupils in University Primary School (UPS), Cape Coast. Seventy-seven pupils were chosen for the study using simple random sampling (without replacement) technique. A researcher-generated data summary sheet was used to record the pupils’ measurements (height, weight, gender, skipping frequency, age, and BMI). The hypotheses were tested with independent samples t-test, one-way ANOVA with repeated measures and multiple linear regression, all at 95% confidence level. There was no statistically significant difference in BMI between male (M = 20.15, SD = 4.36) and female (M = 20.68, SD = 5.32; t (75) = -.484, p = .63) pupils. There was a statistically significant difference in BMI between pre-test (M = 21.47, SD = 4.94); (M = 21.56, SD = 5.80) and post-test (M = 20.15, SD = 4.36); (M = 20.69, SD = 5.32) measurements of male and female pupils, respectively. None of the demographic characteristics of the male pupils had a marked predictive relationship with their BMI after the nine-week skipping training intervention. However, only baseline measurements of height (B = .37, p < .05), weight (B = -.57, p < .05) and BMI (B = 2.20, p < .05) had predictive relationship with BMI for post-test 3 for female pupils. It was concluded that skipping could be used to improve the BMI of the primary six pupils with normal weight. School authorities should adopt skipping for both male and female pupils to improve their BMI status.

Source: UCC
Effect Of Non-Farm Enterprise Income On Poverty In Ghana

The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of non-farm income on household’s poverty status in Ghana. This study was approached using a cross sectional study and employed a secondary data from the updated seventh round of the Ghana Statistical Service. The study focused on Two-Stage least square estimation model in analysing the findings of the study. The study found that non-farm income has a significant and reducing effect on the poverty status of household considering either the unidimensional (consumption poverty) and multidimensional poverty. However, the results showed that even though both measures are quite consistent in analysing the poverty status of households in Ghana, the multidimensional approach proves to be more robust as it considers several dimensional measures in its computation. The study therefore recommends that the government through the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant non-state actors create an enabling environment through the provision of credit, transportation infrastructure, and education and training on the relevant of non-farm activities for household since it plays an integral role in alleviating household poverty. Researchers should also incorporate the multidimensional approach in measuring household poverty since several dimensional measures are considered in its computation.

Source: UCC
The effect of non-genetic factors on the reproductive performance of Sanga and Friesian×Sanga crossbred dairy cattle breeds kept under hot and humid environment

A study was conducted to assess the effect of nongenetic factors on the reproductive performance of Sanga and Friesian×Sanga crossbred dairy cattle kept at Amrahia Dairy Farm, Ghana. Records on 66 crossbred Friesian×Sanga and 105 purebred Sanga cattle from 2005 to 2012 were used. The effect of sex of calf (male or female), season of calving (major, minor and dry), year of calving (2005–2012) and parity (first to third) on birthweight, calving interval and age at first calving were determined. The data were analyzed using the general linear model procedures of GenStat (Discovery Edition). The effect of parity of dam, year of calving, season of calving and sex of calf were considered as fixed effects for evaluating the different reproductive traits. Data on calving and conception rates over the period were 74.3 and 76.1 %, respectively. The overall mean values for birthweight, age at first calving and calving interval obtained were 23.9±1.5 and 22.8±1.4 kg, 38.8±2.5 and 40.2±2.4 months and 390.8±12.5 and 413.6 ± 12.1 days for the crossbred and Sanga, respectively. It was observed that all the major determinants of reproductive performance studied apart from birthweight were significantly influenced by year of birth, parity, season of calving and sex

Source: UCC
Effect Of Nutritional Knowledge, Socio-Economics Status And Environmental Resource On Dietary Habits Of Lactating Mothers In Ahanta West In The Western Region

The purpose of the study was to explain the dietary habit of lactating mothers in the Ahanta West Municipality of the Western region in terms of their knowledge, socio-economic status and environmental resources. The study used descriptive survey to investigate the dietary habits of lactating mothers. The target population consisted of all lactating mothers who visited the selected health facilities in the municipality for RCH services. The study used a multistage sampling procedure to obtain data from 345 lactating mothers who visited the selected facilities for services. A self-designed structure interview guide and inventory were used to collect data. For reliability of the instrument, a pilot test of the instrument was carried out among lactating mothers attending post-natal clinics in Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis. The findings revealed that lactating mothers have positive dietary habits and knowledge on diet. Again, the majority of the lactating mothers had below average level dietary habits. It was also discovered that there was a strong positive relationship between dietary knowledge, environmental resource and socioeconomic background and dietary habit of lactating mothers. Finally, greater part of the nursing mothers within the study area had moderate knowledge on their diet. It was recommended that Health practitioners, NGOs and other stakeholders should educate lactating mothers on the various diet necessary to improve the composition of their breastmilk to feed their infants. Again, the Municipal Health Directorate (MHD) should have a policy that would provide financial support to lactating mothers

Source: UCC
Effect of Occupational Health and Safety Practices on Employees’ Job Performance: A Study of Golden Star Resources, Bogoso/Prestea

The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of occupational health and safety practices on employees’ performance at the Golden Star Resources, Bogoso/Prestea. Specifically, the study aimed to: (a) ascertain the effectiveness of occupational health and safety practices; (b) explore the various indicators of employee performance; and (c) examine the influence of occupational health and safety practices on employees’ performance. The study employed quantitative approach with a descriptive cross sectional research design. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 205 respondents from a population of 480. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the sample. Data processing was done using SPSS version 21, and the analytical tools used were regression analysis and descriptive statistics. Findings from the study showed that all the dimensions of health and safety practices at the Golden Star Resources, Bogoso/Prestea were effective, and employees’ job performance in the company was also high. It was further found that safety procedures and risk management, first-aid supports and trainings, and occupational hazards prevention all had significant positive effect on employees’ job performance. On the whole, this study has contributed a lot in understanding the research problem identified and has offered new insights for practitioners by signifying that they may improve employees’ performance level by paying more attention to the occupational health and safety practices. Based on the findings, it was recommended that workload should be reasonably balanced in the company. Lastly, deficiencies and mistakes revealed during internal audits for safety and health should be monitored and removed, and there should be health and safety devices for the employees.

Source: UCC
Effect of Occupational Stress on Employee’s Performance at the Forestry Commission in the Central Region of Ghana

This study purposively explored the effects of occupational stress on employees’ performance. Three research questions and a research hypothesis guided this study. This research employed a descriptive survey along with a quantitative approach where questionnaires were used to collect the data. The current study was surveyed on the Forestry Commission in the Central Region of Ghana with a sample size of 117 staff members who were randomly chosen. This study found that occupational or work-related stressors statistically have significant negative effects on employee’s performance in the Commission. As a result, there are many constraints on employees’ performance due to occupational stress at workplace. Respondents ascribed occupational stress to turnover and increased absence, lower work quantity and quality, reduced job happiness, result to poor communication and among others. However, the study found that the provision of counselling services, building stress management techniques to reduce vulnerability, providing medical assistance, and granting flexible work schedules and leave days among others can reduce the issue of occupational stress. It is recommended that policymakers and management should put strategic recommendations in place to minimise negative workplace stress at the Commission to improve staff performance levels which could expand both financial and non-financial support services.

Source: UCC
Effect of oil price changes on stock prices on the Ghana stock exchange

The study sought to examine the effect of oil prices on stock prices on the Stock Exchange in Ghana. To achieve this, the studies stet out to examine the short and long run effect of oil price on stock prices. The studies also examine the causality between the variables. Using monthly time series data January 2003 to December 2014, and controlling for inflation, money supply, interest rate and exchange, the study found that there is cointegrating relationship among the variables using Johansen co-integration approach. There was found to be a negative long run effect between oil price and stock prices. Also oil price and stock prices were found to be negatively related in the short run. Again, uni-causal relationship was found to flow from oil price to stock prices. Based on these, it is therefore recommended, governments, Ghana Stock Exchange and investors should take measures to mitigate against negative oil price shocks on the stock prices

Source: UCC
Effect of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on soil health and quality of carrot

study the effects of organic and inorganic nutrient sources on carrot grown under irrigated conditions. Experiments were laid out in a RBD with eight treatments in three replications. Treatments comprising of 75% NPK through fertilizers + 25% N through VC (T4) or compost (T5), though were at par with 100% NPK through fertilizers (T1) exhibited slightly higher values for root yield and its attributes and was vice versa for green top yield. Carrot quality attributes such as reducing sugar, total sugars and ascorbic acid content significantly increased with the higher level of N substitution (i.e., for 100 and 75%) through compost or VC. Soil quality indicators such as soil pH, organic C, penetration resistance and FC moisture responded significantly better to organic manures at 100 or 75% N substitution as compared to solely inorganic fertilizers

Source: UCC
The effect of organic soil amendments on root-knot nematodes, soil nutrients and growth of carrot

A study was conducted on a Haplic Acrisol at the Technology Village of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana to assess the impact of ground neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) leaves-poultry' manure on root-knot nematodes, soil nutrients and yield characteristics of carrot (Daucus carota Each neem level (10, 30 and 50 g) was thoroughly mixed with 5 g of poultry manure per kg of soil in a plastic pot and seeds of carrots were sown. Carrots were harvested at three months old. The neem leaves at I C) and 30 g plus the poultry manure significantly reduced root-knots on the carrot roots. The higher dose of g neem leaves plus the poultry manures totally prevented the formation of root knots on the carrot roots. The nutrient status of the soil and in the carrot, plant significantly increased relative to the amendment level. The yield characteristics of carrot also significantly increased in relation to the amendment level. The improvement of the nutrient status of the soil and the control of nematodes by the amendments might have led to the improvement of the yield characteristics of the carrot. Combined neem leaves and poultry manure may be used in place of synthetic nematicides and fertilizers to control nematodes and improve soil nutrient levels

Source: UCC
Effect of organisational climate on transfer of in-service training among teachers of Fijai Senior High School

For any organisation to achieve its mission and set objectives, training of its employees is one of the key factors that need much attention. In-service training is a training type that can enhance the effectiveness of teachers on their jobs, develop their professionalism, and facilitate their adaptation to changes and novel situations in their professional life. The main objective of this research was to identify how organisational climate could affect transfer of training among teachers of Fijai Senior High School in Ghana. The problem area identified was the low levels of transfer which after careful analysis was concluded to be caused by organisational climate. The research was designed as both qualitative and quantitative case study. The instrument that was used to collect the research data was questionnaire. Eighty two questionnaires representing the population size were dispersed amongst teachers of Fijai senior high school. Out of this 62 questionnaires were returned representing 76.54 percent turnover. The data obtained were recorded in the audio format and then transcribed and coded into themes, which were tabled with percentage and frequencies. With support of SPSS, correlation and regression results were generated. Result of the research showed that organisational climate had effect on transfer of training. Among the elements of organisational climate, it was determined that management support was the most compelling element that affected transfer of training. Following management support was self- efficiency/ability level. Other elements of organisational climate showed low levels of significant effect on transfer of training.

Source: UCC
Effect of organisational justice on organisational citizenship behaviour among course tutors of College of Distance Education, University of Cape Coast.

Although studies on organisational justice and citizenship behaviour abounds, focus of most studies have been on other sectors of the economy ignoring the educational sector which is a key driver of the economy. It is in line with this that the study was designed to investigate the effect of the four dimensions of organisational justice on employee’s citizenship behaviour as perceived by the respondents (course tutors) in College of Distance Education (CoDE), University of Cape Coast, Ghana. The study employed both equity and social exchange theories to explain the concepts, using the mixed approach to obtain deeper understanding of the occurrence of organisational justice perception and citizenship behaviour. Questionnaires were administered to 340 randomly selected participants and the data collected were coded using SPSS version 23. Analyses were done using mean, standard deviation and multiple regression. Qualitative analyses were also gathered through interviews and focus group discussions (FGD). Findings of the study revealed that organisational justice have significantly positive effect on the citizenship behaviour of course tutors at CoDE. However, among the four justice dimensions, the study findings revealed that interpersonal and informational justice perceptions relatively have greater effect on tutor’s citizenship behaviour more than distributive and procedural justice perception. In other words, the study revealed that interpersonal justice best predict course tutors citizenship behaviour followed by informational justice. The study therefore recommends attention to be paid to these informational and interpersonal justice perceptions as a means to increase course tutors citizenship behaviour.

Source: UCC
Effect of Parental Negligence on Classroom Behaviour And Academic Performance of Junior High School Pupils In Adenta Municipality, Ghana

This study investigated the impact of parental carelessness on the classroom behaviour and academic performance of Adenta Municipality Junior High School students. The embedded mixed method approach was applied in the study. The study targeted pupils, teachers, as well as parents within the Adenta Municipality. Through a multi-stage sampling technique, 226 pupils, 16 parents and 8 teachers within the Adenta Municipality were engaged in the study. While data from pupils and teachers were gathered using a standardised questionnaire, data from parents were gathered using an interview guide. Quantitative and qualitative analytic approaches were used to analyse data collected. Means and standard deviation, multivariate regression analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were used to analyse the quantitative data, while thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. Parental neglect was discovered to be a strong predictor of classroom behaviour. The study also discovered that parental negligence (neglect of supervisory needs) was a significant negative predictor of students‟ academic performance. It was concluded that students who suffer from parental negligence are likely to perform poorly in school. Parents, guardians and caregivers are therefore encouraged to avoid neglecting the supervisory needs of their children, since negligence of parents on pupils‟ supervisory needs promotes poor academic performance.

Source: UCC
Effect of Peer Assessment Skills on Ghanaian Senior High School Students' Achievement in Mathematics

The study investigated the effect of peer-assessment skill training on students’ achievement in Mathematics. The non-equivalent pre-test and post-test control group 2x2x2 factorial quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study. Two public senior high schools were randomly sampled to participate in the study and a total of eighty-seven (87) students made up of forty-five (45) in the experimental groups and forty-two (42) in the control group were selected from Central Region of Ghana. Students participated in the study as intact classes. Two Mathematics achievement tests, with acceptable reliability coefficients of 0.79 and 0.83 were developed by the researcher for data collection. Again a peer-assessment module was developed by the researchers for the intervention. The module was content validated by three expects using percentage of agreement. ANCOVA and independent t- test were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study were that: there was significant effect of peer-assessment skill training on students’ achievement in Mathematics. Again, there was no significant sex and age influence on students’ peer-assessment skill training group. Based on the findings, it was recommended that teachers should use peer-assessment skill strategy in teaching Mathematics lessons to bring about the much needed improvement in students’ performance in Mathematics.

Source: UCC
Effect of Performance Appraisal on Employee Engagement: Evidence from the University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast

The thrust of this research was to assess the effects of performance appraisal on employee engagement at the University of Cape Coast. Primary data were gathered from 151 staff of the University of Cape Coast. Data was collected on, performance appraisal (independent variable) and employee engagement (cognitive, behavioural, and affective) considered as dependent variables. The gathered data were analysed using Pearson correlation and simple linear regression analytic techniques. The Pearson correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between performance appraisal and all three dimensions of employee engagement. Further, results from simple linear regression revealed that performance appraisal predicts employee engagement. The study concludes that performance appraisal affects employees’ engagement in the University of Cape Coast. The study recommends that for the University of Cape Coast to improve on its performance appraisal to have a positive impact on employee engagement, management should conduct their performance appraisal in an unbiased manner and provide feedback to employees.

Source: UCC
Effect of performance appraisal on employee Performance of smes in sekondi-takoradi metropolis

This study looked at the relationship between performance appraisal and employee performance of SMEs in Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. It specifically analysed the impacts of performance appraisal method, feedback and rater accuracy on employee performance by relying on the goal theory and equity theory. Three research hypotheses were developed and tested to address the study‘s objectives. This study employed a quantitative approach and an explanatory research design to collect primary data using 132 valid sets of structured questionnaires out of the total issued questionnaire of 150 from selected SMEs in the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis. The information was then analysed with SmartPLS 3 and IBM SPSS Statistics version 26. Partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) was then used to analyse the data and evaluate the assumptions. Findings from the study highlight the significant of performance appraisal method, feedback and rater accuracy roles in improving all three dimensions of employee performance (i.e., goal achievement, quality of work and quantity of work). It was concluded that, performance appraisal method, feedback, and rater accuracy from performance appraisal play crucial roles in improving employee performance. The study, therefore recommends that there should be carefulness in selecting the appraisal method used in appraising, there should be regular training of appraisers, there should be clarity in rating from appraisers and appraisal discussion and counselling after results.

Source: UCC