ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of class wide peer tutoring method on senior high school students’ achievement and retention in quadratic functions

This research work investigated the impact of Class Wide Peer Tutoring (CWPT) teaching strategy on Senior High School students’ academic achievement and retention. It also looked at students’ perception of using CWPT method in teaching Quadratic Functions. The design adopted was quasi-experimental design, involving pre-tests and post-tests. One Hundred and sixty-six (166) students of 2016/2017 academic year in the two public second cycle schools in the Central Tongu District of the Volta Region of Ghana, offering elective mathematics, were used as the research sample. The simple random sampling technique was used to select the experimental and control groups in each sampled school. The experimental group was exposed to Class Wide Peer Tutoring (CWPT), whilst the control group was taught with conventional method. Pre-test and post-test were used in collecting data on students’ achievement. The first retention test and second retention test helped in obtaining data on students’ retention of learned mathematical concept. A reliability coefficient of 0.80 for the tests was obtained. An Interview guide and observation checklist helped the researcher to obtain data on students’ perception towards the CWPT procedure implemented. The data was analysed using t-tests. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 levels of significance. The findings of the study showed that CWPT instructional strategies have significant effects on students’ achievement, retention and perception in quadratic functions more than the conventional method of teaching. It is recommended that government agencies and other stake holders tasked with the responsibility of designing and revising the curriculum for Senior High Schools, incorporate the use of Class Wide Peer Tutoring technique in teaching mathematics.

Source: UEW
The impact of classroom management on effective teaching and learning a case study at agric circuit in Kumasi metropolis

The purpose of this study is primarily to assess the impact of classroom management on teaching and learning in Ghanaian basic schools. The study employed quantitative research approach as well as case study strategy in investigating the problem. Through random sampling, ninety (90) teachers were selected for the study. The research used questionnaire consisting of closed ended likert scale items to collect data. SPSS was used to analyse the data collected and presented using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed among others, that teachers as well as school authorities have instituted some measures toward proper classroom management in their schools, proper classroom management has greater impact on effective teaching and learning in basic school and classroom management can be improved towards effective teaching and learning in basic schools through appropriate strategies. The study recommended that, educational authorities as well as other stake holders in the educational system should institute enabling environment to help teachers to implement proper classroom management in their classrooms and teachers should continue to improve their knowledge and skill towards improving classroom management for effective and efficient teaching and learning in basic schools. Finally, the study recommends further research into quantitative measurement of the impact of classroom management towards pupils’ performance.

Source: UEW
The impact of communication skills and academic writing as required courses on undergraduate students’ writing

The ability to communicate competently in writing is a major facet of language development and academic success among university students. However, students are not able to write academic essays appropriately as stated in related literature (Adika, 2010). The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of communication skills and academic writing as a required course on undergraduate students’ writing in University of Energy and Natural Resources, Sunyani. The objectives are to: accentuate the major components of the course, investigate the infractions students commit in writing essays, determine the causes and establish strategies to enhance writing. The study was based on the discourse community theory. A mixed method design was adopted and 150 level 200 students and 3 lectures were sampled through stratified random sampling as respondents. The data for analysis were gathered using questionnaire, semi-structured interview and students’ project essays. Quantitative analysis was conducted using descriptive statistical techniques while qualitative data was thematically analysed. The findings showed that students commit various infractions: including incorrect referencing, inaccurate write-up of introduction, content/ body and conclusion, use of non-academic resources, repetition of expressions, and breach of grammatical structures. The causes of these shortfalls include transitional issues, lack of feedback, lack of reading culture and reading resources and inadequate practising opportunities, inadequate lecture periods as well as student under preparedness. Some interventional strategies to address these infractions are that lecturers should give multiple writing opportunities, give constructive feedback, and all lecturers should be involved in assisting students to write academically.

Source: UEW
Impact of competitive strategies on achieving the sustainable development goals: Context of Ghanaian construction firms

The Ghanaian construction industry is struggling to integrate the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in projects. This study seeks to evaluate competitive strategies adopted by construction firms; assess construction related elements within the SDGs and investigate impact of competitive strategies on achieving SDGs. Mean score ranking and one sample t-test were used to establish relative significance of the variables. Factor analysis clustered the competitive strategies into three components: Pricing and innovation strategies (PIS), Unique products and segmentation (UPS) and Innovative financing and packaging (IFP). Structural Equation Modelling was used to estimate the impact of competitive strategies on achieving the SDGs. The significant competitive strategies were pricing products lower than rivals; packaging same product in different ways to target different markets; and offering individual attention to customer needs. Furthermore, recycling and reusing greywater (under SDG 6); reduction of emissions and waste (under SDG 11) and promotion of sustainable technologies (under SDG 17) were the significant construction-related elements within SDGs. PIS and IFP had positive impact on achieving the SDGs in the construction industry while UPS had a negative impact. Study makes unique contribution to the Ghanaian construction industry through benchmarking the most significant competitive strategies and how these achieve SDGs. � 2022 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.

Source: UEW
The impact of concept mapping in reducing cognitive load of students

The study was conducted to show the impact concept mapping has as a teaching strategy in an attempt to reduce cognitive load of first year biology students of St. Dominic’s Senior High School. In the study, the students were taught how to construct concept maps on classification of plants. A convenience sampling technique was used to select a sample of sixty (60) in-tact class of form one biology students in the school. An observation was used by the Researcher to collect data and analysed them. The results showed that the students were able to construct concept maps correctly. In an attempt to reduce cognitive load of students, the concept maps drawn by the students help summarised information needed to be learned by students. It identified and corrected misconceptions. It presented concepts in an orderly manner that promoted easy recall of learned information. These showed that concept mapping was more effective in reducing cognitive loads of students and so improve student’s performance.

Source: UEW
Impact of contextual science teaching and learning approach on junior high school pupils’ performance in integrated science

The study examined the impact of the contextual teaching and learning approach on the performance of Junior High School pupils of University Practice Junior High School, South Campus, Winneba in Integrated Science. The study adopted action research design. An intact class of 20 form two pupils was used for the study. The intervention involved five weeks of teaching using contextual teaching and learning strategies. Questionnaire, classroom observation, tests and semi-structured interview guide were used to gather data. Quantitative data were analysed descriptively using frequencies and percentages while the qualitative data was analysed thematically. It emerged from the study that pupils’ levels of participation in Integrated Science lessons improved tremendously in the contextualized Integrated Science classes. Also, the pupils were motivated and expressed interest in studying Integrated Science. They attributed this to the use of contextual teaching and learning approach during science lessons. The approach, according to them, related science concepts to their daily activities which gave them a positive outlook towards the subject. The use of the approach increased their attention during science lessons and they were punctual for science lessons. This was reflected in their performance in the tests administered to them during the intervention. Their performance in tests administered during the intervention phase and post intervention phase steadily progressed. The study concluded that contextual teaching and learning approach motivated the pupils to learn Integrated Science and improved pupils’ interest in the subject which was reflected in their active participation during the science lessons. It was recommended that the authorities of the school should encourage the science teachers to use the approach in their Integrated Science lessons to sustain their pupils’ participation in the lessons and for academic excellence of the pupils.

Source: UEW
Impact of corporate governance on financial performance of rural and community banks; evidence from selected rural and community banks in Ghana

The study investigated the impact of corporate governance on the financial performance of rural and community banks in Ghana. Specifically, this study examined board size, board composition, bank size, leverage and how they affect the banks financial performance. Banks financial performance was measured using return on assets and return on equity. The research used agency theory and resource dependency theory to explain the concept of corporate governance on financial performance of rural and community banks in Ghana. This study adopted a descriptive research design. Quantitative approach was used, primary data were obtained by administering questionnaires to board members of the selected rural and community banks .Secondary sources were also used to obtain data from the banks published annual reports covering three years (2019 to 2021). The study population was 120 rural and community banks in Ghana. The study further used STATA15 to run the data and multiple regression analysis was applied to determine the magnitude of the correlation and extrapolation of financial performance. The analytical results of the study revealed that there was a strong relationship between corporate governance and the rural and community banks in Ghana’s financial performance. Also board size was found to positively affect the banks financial performance. There was a positive relationship between board composition and the banks financial performance. Furthermore, the study showed that bank size had a positive correlation with the banks financial performance. The study recommended that rural and community banks in Ghana should have board of directors composed of executive and non-executive directors with diversified skills.

Source: UEW
The impact of corporate social responsibility on firms’ performance A case of telecommunication industry in Ghana

The telecommunication industry in Ghana has undergone tremendous change over the years as a result of competition among the players. Telecommunication service providers are constantly influencing perception of customer, based on the country of origin in order to influence consumer choice. The study focused on the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on firm’s performance in Ghana. The objectives of the study are to examine some of the Corporate Social Responsibility activities undertaking by the telecommunication industries in Ghana, to examine the implications of CSR Sales, to determine the impact of CSR on customer loyalty and to determine the implications of sales and customer loyalty on firm’s performance. The survey was conducted on a total of 300 respondents out of which 230 responses were received representing 76.67% response rate. The study collected data using questionnaires. The study adopted convenience and purposive sampling technique in selecting respondents. The results generally outline some of the CSR activities firms in the Telecommunication sector carry out. Based on result, activities primarily include: establishment of charitable foundations, reality shows for young talents, educational sponsorship for needy but brilliant students, and provision of health care facilities for communities, building and renovating schools. The study recommended that firms should provide education on their CSR activities, undertake regular surveys, discover challenges of their customers to improve their CSR activities, increase budget for CSR activities due to the impact it has on the performance of firms in Ghana.

Source: UEW
The impact of covid-19 on banks profitability

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of the profitability of banks before and after covid-19. The study falls within the quantitative research paradigm and used secondary data. A survey research design was adopted in the study. A total of Five (5) banks were sampled for this study. Data were analyzed using statistical software program Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) V. 23. The findings highlighted nuanced shifts in various financial indicators post-COVID-19, showcasing how the pandemic influenced the dynamics of bank performance. Notably, the study revealed a significant decrease in the Liquid Funds/Total Deposit Ratio, indicating a shift in banks' asset allocation away from liquid holdings. Moreover, the ROE exhibited a widened spectrum post-COVID-19, with a noticeable decline in average profitability. Before the pandemic, factors like liquid funds/total deposits, cost-to-income ratio, and net interest margin collectively accounted for substantial changes in ROE. In the aftermath of the pandemic, there was a marked shift in influential factors affecting ROE. Liquid funds/total deposits lost significance, while the cost-to-income ratio and net interest margin emerged as key determinants. One pivotal recommendation involves creating an environment that incentivizes financial institutions to bolster their resilience against potential future crises. Prioritizing strategic cost management stands as a crucial directive for banks in Ghana to navigate the challenges posed by economic uncertainties and crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Source: UEW
The impact of covid-19 on the teaching of biology in senior high schools

The COVID-19 pandemic which first appeared in China disrupted the normal daily lives of people in the world. Countries including Ghana took various measures to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus which included social distancing, lockdown in the whole country and all schools were closed down which disrupted the whole education system. The study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on the teaching of biology in Senior High Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis of Ghana. The study also examined the teaching strategies adopted during a pandemic and how these teaching strategies could be employed effectively during a pandemic. One hundred biology teachers were randomly selected with the aid of computer generated numbers for the study. A structured questionnaires was used for data collection. The data collected was prepared and coded using Statistical Package for Social Science software and analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency, mean, mode and percentage. The outcome of the study showed that COVID-19 had impacted biology teaching methods in Senior High Schools as schools migrated to remote teaching and learning during the pandemic. However, the study showed that only few of the Senior High Schools in the study area offered remote teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and this was attributed to lack of educational technologies and poor internet connectivity. The study suggests that school curriculum should be reviewed to adapt to distance teaching and learning in Senior High Schools and biology teachers should be trained to be equipped with remote teaching and learning skills. Again, project-based learning (PBL) as well as inquiry-based learning (IBL) should be adopted to teach biology in Senior High Schools during a pandemic

Source: UEW
Impact of covid-19 pandemic on the hotel industry. a case study of some selected hotels in Kumasi Metropolis

The outbreak and spread of COVID 19 has affected the hotel industry most. The extension of the restrictive measures, coupled with future uncertainties further deepen the woes of hotel industry in Ghana. The study aimed at assessing the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on the performance of hotel industry in Kumasi Metropolis. Descriptive survey design was adopted. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 384 management staff from forty-eight (48) sampled hotels within the Kumasi Metropolis. Questionnaire was used to gather data from the respondents. The finding showed that the emergence and spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has extremely reduce the occupancy rate of the hotels in Ghana from 89.0% to 41.0% representing 48.0% reduction from 2017 to 2021. The study revealed that COVID-19 pandemic has slow down the promotion and sales of the hotel product, reduce the renting accommodation capacities to travellers, and poorly management of staff schedule. It was evident that the emergence and spread of COVID 19 pandemic has brought about a negative significant change with regard to profitability of the hotel in terms of accommodation by 45.3%, restaurant by 43.7%, and the bar by 64.9% from 2017 to 2021. The study concluded that the spread of COVID 19 had a negative effect on the operational performance of the hotel industries in the Kumasi Metropolis. It was recommended that the government of Ghana should provide financial policies in supporting production and operation of the hotel industry. Policies and measures such as the “tax exemption, reduction, postponement, return and compensation”, will substantially lower production costs for the hotels, and help them to survive the difficult period of production and operation, while gradually returning to normal business operations.

Source: UEW
The impact of creativity and designing on fashion Case study of the Tema Metropolis

There are schools of thought that establish that creativity is fashion; other schools of thought argue that designing is fashion. There are still others who also believe that fashion is a combination of creativity and designing. In the light of the above, the researcher has chosen to research or investigate this topic to ascertain what constitute fashion and how this booming profession came into being and what can be done to improve and project fashion. The research was conducted on a population of fashion designers and teachers teaching fashion in the Tema metropolis. The respondents were randomly selected and questionnaires administered to them and semi structured interview guides as well. Twenty (20) fashion designers and ten (10) teachers teaching fashion were used. Tables were used to analyse data collected using SPSS (16) into individual reports put together for the reports. The study discovered that fashion begins with creativity and end with designing. The study further revealed that fashion is as old as creation, and when creativity and designing play their roles very well the end product is fashion. The study recommended that Fashion should be adequately funded by the Government, professional bodies and the textile manufacturing companies. High Schools of learning should be established by Government and Private Individuals to train students. Formation of Local Associations and International Associations should be encouraged. Research Centres which will be tasked to carry out deeper research into fashion should be opened at the Colleges and Universities of Higher learning. Finally suggestions are made for further research to be conducted on a lager sample generalize the results of the study.

Source: UEW
Impact of credit risk on profitability of microfinance institutions in Ghana

The study sought to investigate the effect of credit risk on profitability of microfinances institutions (MFIs) in Ghana. using ROA as a measure of profitability, a panel data for a period from 2011 to 2020 on five MFIs operating in Ghana were selected. The 10-year panel data of the five MFIs were analysed using ordinary least square model (OLS). The study found that firm-specific factors which are firm size, ROA and interest rates in loans and macroeconomic factors thus GDP and inflation are statistically significant in determining credit risk. The study concludes that capital adequacy ratio (CAR), management quality and liquidity have negative effect on financial performance but non-performing loans (NPLs) has negative effect on profitability of the MFIs. It was recommended among others that MFIs in Ghana should develop reliable credit management strategy to reduce the rate of incidence of non-performing loans. The use of credit bureaus in this regard can be particularly useful in reducing information asymmetry during loan administration. To complement this, strict measures must be adopted to evaluate borrowers‟ ability to pay loans.

Source: UEW
The impact of credit unions on national development The case of Uew Credit Union

The study evaluated the contribution of credit unions contribution to community development in Ghana. Contextually, the study focused on the financial development of clients of a Credit Union. Clients in this study are referred to those customers that are both shareholders and non-shareholders. This study used the case study as the research design. A sample size of two hundred (200) customers was selected out of the population. The study thematically used the customers as well as the staff of UEW Credit Union. The sampling techniques that was used for data collection were purposive and convenience sampling techniques. Purposive sampling was used to select six (6) staff from UEW Credit Union while convenience sampling technique was used in selecting customers as respondents. Findings indicated that most clients deal with other financial institutions apart from UEW Credit Union. It was also found out that, four main reasons people save with the credit unions are easy access to loans, opportunity to realize bulk sum, attractive interest rate and ability to make regular small deposits (susu), and revealed four main reasons why customers borrowed money at the credit unions - for business liquidity support, asset acquisition, education, and for business startups. The study recommends the promulgation of the credit union laws to be able to expand their operations.

Source: UEW