ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of Large Class Size on Effective Teaching and Learning at the Winneba Campus of the UEW (University of Education, Winneba), Ghana

Large class size is one of the problems in the educational sector that developing nations have been grappling with. Ghana as a developing nation is no exception and has its own fair share of this problem at the pre-tertiary and tertiary levels of education. The sight of large class at the tertiary level is appalling and a headache to teachers at that level. The purpose of this study was to provide views of both lecturers and students on large class size and how it affects teaching and learning of the Winneba Campus of UEW (University of Education, Winneba). A cross-sectional sample survey was adopted in this study. Respondents of the study were made up of 42 lecturers and 342 students. The stratified random sampling method was used to select students while the purposive and random sampling techniques were used to select heads of departments and lecturers respectively. The research instruments used in data collection were questionnaire and direct observation. Some of the key findings of the study are that lecturers disagreed with the view that large class size affects the quality of their teaching. They also disagreed with the assertion that large class size makes assessment of students difficult. The students, on the other hand, agreed that large class size does not afford lecturers an opportunity to pay attention to weaker students and do remedial teachings. In line with the findings, the authors recommend that the university should appoint more lecturers to the general courses. Also, the university must make an extra effort to provide more resources and facilities, such as lecture halls and teaching and learning equipment to promote effective teaching and learning. Keywords: large class size, teaching, learning, assessment, lecturers, students

Source: UEW
Effects of leadership styles of headteachers on academic performance :A case study of Junior High Schools in the Asante Mampong Municipality of Asanti Region

Appropriate leadership style is a panacea for the transformation of an organisation and enhancement of employee job satisfaction. Premised on the autocratic, democratic and laissez faire leadership styles, this study sought to establish the effects of headteachers’ leadership styles on academic performance of Junior High School students in Asante Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study employed the descriptive survey design. Quantitative research approach was used. The study population comprised all J.H.S teachers in the Asante Mampong Municipality. Purposive and convenient sampling procedures were used to select 120 teachers from six (6) out of the ten (10) circuits in the Asante Mampong Municipality. Pearson correlation was used to establish the relationship between leadership styles and student’s academic performance. Multiple regression analysis was further applied to analyse factors that hinder effective leadership styles. Questionnaire was the research instrument used to undertake the study. The findings of the study revealed that, heads of Junior High Schools at the study area frequently exhibited autocratic leadership style. However, there was a positive significance level of headteachers leadership style on students' academic performance, except that democratic leadership style far outweighed the others. Again, lack of managerial skills, lack of respect to teachers and lack of self-confidence are major predictors that hindered effective leadership style which also affect negatively students’ academic performance in Asante Mampong Municipality. In finality, the study concluded a positive correlation between headteachers leadership styles and students' academic performance. Also, it was concluded that if students’ performance is to be enhanced, then school heads are to exhibit good leadership style. It is recommended that the Municipal directorate of the Ghana Education Service, Guidance and Counselling units, Heads of Educational Institutions and educationists in academia should be encouraged to organize workshops and seminars for head teachers to educate them on the need to avoid employing autocratic leadership style frequently as this could affect students' academic performance.

Source: UEW
Effects of leadership styles of headteachers on academic performance a case study of junior high schools in the Asante Mampong Municipality of Ashanti Region

Appropriate leadership style is a panacea for the transformation of an organisation and enhancement of employee job satisfaction. Premised on the autocratic, democratic and laissez faire leadership styles, this study sought to establish the effects of headteachers’ leadership styles on academic performance of Junior High School students in Asante Mampong Municipality in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study employed the descriptive survey design. Quantitative research approach was used. The study population comprised all J.H.S teachers in the Asante Mampong Municipality. Purposive and convenient sampling procedures were used to select 120 teachers from six (6) out of the ten (10) circuits in the Asante Mampong Municipality. Pearson correlation was used to establish the relationship between leadership styles and student’s academic performance. Multiple regression analysis was further applied to analyse factors that hinder effective leadership styles. Questionnaire was the research instrument used to undertake the study. The findings of the study revealed that, heads of Junior High Schools at the study area frequently exhibited autocratic leadership style. However, there was a positive significance level of headteachers leadership style on students' academic performance, except that democratic leadership style far outweighed the others. Again, lack of managerial skills, lack of respect to teachers and lack of self-confidence are major predictors that hindered effective leadership style which also affect negatively students’ academic performance in Asante Mampong Municipality. In finality, the study concluded a positive correlation between headteachers leadership styles and students' academic performance. Also, it was concluded that if students’ performance is to be enhanced, then school heads are to exhibit good leadership style. It is recommended that the Municipal directorate of the Ghana Education Service, Guidance and Counselling units, Heads of Educational Institutions and educationists in academia should be encouraged to organize workshops and seminars for head teachers to educate them on the need to avoid employing autocratic leadership style frequently as this could affect students' academic performance.

Source: UEW
Effects of learning strategies on Junior High School pupils’ performance in Social Studies in the Tafo Nhyiaeso Education Circuit, Kumasi

The age of adolescence is fraught with many emotional and environmental challenges that impact their mindset. Many studies on the declining performance in social studies have failed to consider how these emotional and environmental challenges contribute to the strategies that students adopt to learn social studies and the eventual impact on their performance. To fill this gap, this study sought to examine the moderating role of motivation on the link between learning strategies and their academic performance in social studies. A quantitative approach was adopted with a positivist paradigm and a causal-comparative research design. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Kredjcie and Morgan‟s 1970 stratified sampling method was used to select 188 boys and 182 girls from a population of 505 students at the Tafo Nhyiaeso circuit in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The structural equation modelling technique was used to design a model for the moderating role of motivation on the link between learning strategies and performance in social studies. Smart PLS 3 was used to perform a partial least square regression analysis on the model and SPSS version 22 was used to perform factors on the data collected on the impediments to students‟ ability to learn social studies. The results revealed that motivating the significantly strengthened the impact of their learning strategies on their academic performance in social studies. Also, the students‟ learning strategies had a significant direct effect on their performance in Social Studies. Further, excessive time spent on sports activities, student organization activities and financial problems were the main impediments that significantly affected the students learning of social studies. It is recommended that, Social Studies teachers should provide opportunities for students to practice goalsetting, monitoring, regulating, and controlling their learning processes without constant supervision can enhance their autonomy and agency in their academic pursuits. Also, Social Studies teachers should highlight on how social studies topics intersect with other subjects and how they can be applied to address contemporary societal issues. Furthermore, there should be promotion of balanced approach to extracurricular activities and time management skills which will empower students to effectively prioritize their academic commitments while still engaging in activities they enjoy.

Source: UEW
Effects of learning strategies on Junior High School Pupils’ performance in Social Studies in the Tafo Nhyiaeso education circuit, Kumasi

The age of adolescence is fraught with many emotional and environmental challenges that impact their mindset. Many studies on the declining performance in social studies have failed to consider how these emotional and environmental challenges contribute to the strategies that students adopt to learn social studies and the eventual impact on their performance. To fill this gap, this study sought to examine the moderating role of motivation on the link between learning strategies and their academic performance in social studies. A quantitative approach was adopted with a positivist paradigm and a causal-comparative research design. Questionnaire was the instrument used for data collection. Kredjcie and Morgan‟s 1970 stratified sampling method was used to select 188 boys and 182 girls from a population of 505 students at the Tafo Nhyiaeso circuit in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The structural equation modelling technique was used to design a model for the moderating role of motivation on the link between learning strategies and performance in social studies. Smart PLS 3 was used to perform a partial least square regression analysis on the model and SPSS version 22 was used to perform factors on the data collected on the impediments to students‟ ability to learn social studies. The results revealed that motivating the significantly strengthened the impact of their learning strategies on their academic performance in social studies. Also, the students‟ learning strategies had a significant direct effect on their performance in Social Studies. Further, excessive time spent on sports activities, student organization activities and financial problems were the main impediments that significantly affected the students learning of social studies. It is recommended that, Social Studies teachers should provide opportunities for students to practice goal setting, monitoring, regulating, and controlling their learning processes without constant supervision can enhance their autonomy and agency in their academic pursuits. Also, Social Studies teachers should highlight on how social studies topics intersect with other subjects and how they can be applied to address contemporary societal issues. Furthermore, there should be promotion of balanced approach to extracurricular activities and time management skills which will empower students to effectively prioritize their academic commitments while still engaging in activities they enjoy.

Source: UEW
Effects of livelihood empowerment against poverty (leap) on persons with disability in Effutu municipality

The main problem investigated was effects of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) programme on persons with disability in the Effutu Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The main objectives were to explore effects of LEAP on household food consumption, healthcare services, school enrolment and retention and challenges the programme faced in the Municipality. The methodology used for the study was qualitative research approach with a phenomenological design and applied two sampling methods which are purposive and convenient to select participants for the study. It used a sample size of 14 participants consist of six (6) LEAP Managers/ one (1) Focal Person and seven (7) LEAP PWD beneficiaries. The data collection instruments were semi-structured interview guide and focus group discussion guide (FGD). The data was presented in grid tables where responses of participants were matched with themes. The main findings were that 57 percent of LEAP PWD beneficiaries had no worry about food/feeding; 79 percent used NHIS cards to access healthcare services while 29 percent paid with their LEAP cash. It further revealed that 64 percent of LEAP PWD beneficiaries‘ children were in school. The study further determined that the challenges faced by LEAP Managers/Focal Person were logistics and financial; while LEAP PWD beneficiaries‘ experienced technical challenges e.g. malfunctioning of e-zwich cards/machines. The main recommendations were that Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection (MoGCSP) must ensure LEAP cash is paid on time. Also, LEAP Managers/Bank Officials must use the unique code of beneficiaries to facilitate payment.

Source: UEW
Effects of log export ban policy and dynamics of global tropical wood markets on the growth of timber industry in Ghana

The effects of log export ban (LEB) policy and dynamics of global tropical timber markets on the growth of Ghanaian timber industry were studied. The purpose was to follow the trend in the growth of timber industry from 1984 to 2005 using Fisher index and semi-log regression analysis. The study showed that the volume of plywood, veneer, and processed wood exported before the period of 1984–1995 and during the LEB policy (1996–2005) was, respectively, 6% and 46% of the total exports during those periods. On the contrary, the aggregate price index of all products exported before the LEB policy was up by 129% compared to 3.9% for the period during the LEB policy. A further decline in prices of the most products exported during the LEB policy was found by the study. Thus even though an LEB policy could increase volume share of value-added products, it cannot guarantee growth in prices of wood products. r 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved. JEL classification: Q23; Q27 Keywords: Export-led growth; Log export ban; Ghana; Growth rate; Wood industry

Source: UEW
Effects of log export ban policy and dynamics of global tropical wood markets on the growth of timber industry in Ghana

The effects of log export ban (LEB) policy and dynamics of global tropical timber markets on the growth of Ghanaian timber industry were studied. The purpose was to follow the trend in the growth of timber industry from 1984 to 2005 using Fisher index and semi-log regression analysis. The study showed that the volume of plywood, veneer, and processed wood exported before the period of 1984–1995 and during the LEB policy (1996–2005) was, respectively, 6% and 46% of the total exports during those periods. On the contrary, the aggregate price index of all products exported before the LEB policy was up by 129% compared to 3.9% for the period during the LEB policy. A further decline in prices of the most products exported during the LEB policy was found by the study. Thus even though an LEB policy could increase volume share of value-added products, it cannot guarantee growth in prices of wood products. r 2008 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW
The effects of lucky draw sales promotion on brand loyalty in mobile telecommunication industry

Purpose � The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationship between lucky draw sales promotion (LDSP) and the four phases of brand loyalty in the telecommunication industry. Design/methodology/approach � A self-administered structure questionnaire was used to collect primary data from conveniently sampled 338 lucky draw winners in the Ghanaian telecommunication industry. A response rate of 67.1 percent was obtained for data analysis using structural equation modeling approach. Findings � It was found that LDSP positively relate to cognitive brand loyalty, and to behavioral brand loyalty through affective and conative brand loyalty. All hypothesized relationships among the sequential four-stage loyalty were confirmed, except the direct relationship between LDSP and behavioral brand loyalty. Research limitations/implications � The findings are limited to lucky draw winners in the telecommunication industry. Practical implications � Marketers can increase brand loyalty and profit more from their customers through targeted programs with hedonic benefits to build strong commitment level (conative brand loyalty), strong favoritism (affective brand loyalty) and strong beliefs about the superiority (cognitive brand loyalty) of a brand. Originality/value � Theoretically, this study fills the void of empirical studies on non-price sales promotion techniques of lucky draw and customer brand loyalty in the telecommunication sector in developing economy context, and contributes to the body of knowledge in the area of customer brand loyalty and LDSP. � 2016, � Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UEW
The effects of macroeconomic variables on non-performing loans of commercial banks in Ghana

This research delved into the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the Non Performing Loan (NPL) rates of commercial banks in Ghana. Employing Covid-19 annual recorded rates as a moderating variable, the study scrutinized the interaction with key macroeconomic indicators: Gross Domestic Product Growth rates, Exchange rates, Unemployment rates, Interest rates and Inflation rates. The investigation focused on NPL rates compiled from nine commercial banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange with a minimum operational history of seven years in Ghana, spanning from 2010 to 2022. Employing statistical tools to ensure the dataset adheres to assumptions, including normality, multicollinearity, and autocorrelation tests, the study utilized Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) Regression. Employing a quantitative research approach and a Quasi-experimental research design, the analysis revealed an inverse moderating effect of Covid-19 on the relationship between GDP growth rates and NPL rates, deviating from prior studies. Notably, the study highlighted a heightened impact on non-performing loans during the presence of Covid-19, indicating a potential surge in NPL rates. The moderation of Covid-19 on exchange rates suggested a substantial influence on currency values, significantly affecting the ability of entities to meet loan obligations. The study also identified a positive relationship between inflation rates and non-performing loan ratios. This signified that fluctuations in inflation may directly influence the stability and performance of loans within the financial system, a revelation of considerable consequence.

Source: UEW
Effects of macronutrient composition on specific dynamic action in the laboratory mouse, Mus musculus

Open-flow respirometry was used to measure the magnitude of specific dynamic action (SDA), the maximum rate of oxygen consumption and the length of time that the rate of oxygen uptake remained elevated above pre-feeding level in MF1 female mice fed different macronutrient diets. Irrespective of diet, the metabolic rate increased immediately after feeding and reached a maximum within 1.7 hours. The composition of the diet significantly altered the magnitude of SDA. SDA was highest for high protein-fed mice (9.4%), followed by high carbohydrate-fed mice (6.1%) and lastly high and medium fat-fed mice (3.9% and 4.5%). KEY WORDS: Specific dynamic action, resting metabolic rate, macronutrient diets, open-flow respirometry, respiratory quotient, energy expenditure

Source: UEW
The effects of maintenance on public buildings a case study of some public buildings in the Salaga Township, East Gonja district in the Northern Region

A building fabric is referred to as an “environmental envelope” because it is the means by which the natural or external environment may be modified, to produce a satisfactory internal environment for man to live in and affect the ability of the buildings to perform their functions adequately. The deterioration of buildings hampers its ability to perform adequately, thus it is important to ensure proper maintenance to prevent deterioration. Maintenance of public buildings in Salaga Township is on the decrease regardless of the size, type, location and ownership. Public buildings represent significant investment of the tax payers’ money and therefore preserving these building systems is important. In view of the above, this study was designed to assess the current condition of public buildings, identify the underlying principal causes of poor maintenance of public buildings, analyze the maintenance policy and practice and capacity of the maintenance and estate departments of public institutions and make suggestions and recommendations towards the adoption of effective maintenance policy and innovations that would address the building maintenance problem in public institutions. The field investigations focused on residential buildings of Ghana Education Service, Ghana Health Service, District Assembly, and other departments. Through the application of sampling techniques, 25 buildings were covered in the survey. The survey revealed that there is a real housing maintenance problem in public institutions. The study also established the following factors as being responsible for the poor maintenance of public buildings: The age of the buildings, Lack of maintenance culture, Inadequate funds and high maintenance cost, Pressure on building facilities by number of users and Poor construction work and maintenance work done and others. The study concluded by enumerating a number of recommendations aimed at providing the necessary framework for proper and effective maintenance of buildings.

Source: UEW