ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Examining the challenges associated with the induction of newly appointed public basic teachers in Abofour circuit A.

The purpose of the study was to examine the challenges associated with the induction of newly appointed public basic teachers in Abofour Circuit A. Descriptive research design using the mixed approach was adopted for the study. Purposive sampling technique was used to select teachers who have taught for less than seven years and head teachers who have been in position for more than seven years. In all a sample size of seventy-one (71) comprising of sixty-four (64) teachers and seven (7) head teachers were used for the study. Questionnaire and interview protocol were the main instrument used for the study. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the quantitative data while the qualitative data was analysed based on themes that emerged from the study. The study revealed that newly appointed public basic school teachers at Abofour Circuit A are inducted on : the professional code of conduct, preparation of lesson notes, conflicts resolutions, condition of services among other issues. The study further revealed that induction programme has a positive influence on the performance of newly appointed teachers such as leading to the improvement of professional growth of teachers, integrating new teachers into the institution and other factors. The study finally revealed that inadequate time to organize induction programme for newly appointed teachers, poor communication between school leadership and district officers concerning induction, lack of blueprint to guide the process of induction and other factors were challenges associated with the induction of newly appointed teachers in the Abofour Circuit A of the Offinso South District .The study therefore recommends that Ghana Education Service (GES) through Abofour Circuit A Education Office should provide induction policy blueprint to enable all educational institutions to conduct a standardized induction programme for newly appointed teachers.

Source: UEW
Examining the eating habits of some senior high school students and its impact on their health case study at Breman Asikuma senior high school in the Central region of Ghana

This study was conducted at the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District of the Central Region of Ghana to assess the eating habits of Senior High Schools in the District. Research asserts that poor eating habits is a major public health concern among young adolescents who experience transition into adulthood. To this effect, the objectives of the study were to determine the general eating habits of SHS students, assess the factors influencing such eating habits and find out the effects of such eating habits on students’ health. The study employed the descriptive survey framework which collected quantitative data for the purposes of the study. The population for the study consisted of all Senior High School students both male and females in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa District out of which a total of 200 participants were selected using stratified and random sampling techniques. The sample was made up of 125 students from Breman Asikuma Senior High School and 75 students from Best Brain Senior High School. The main instrument used for data collection was questionnaire which allowed for large scale data collection. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and with the help of SPSS software version 20. The study found that students mostly have poor eating habits such as eating little or no fruits and vegetables, skipping breakfast, and drinking carbonated drinks instead of fruit juices. Factors such as availability of certain foods, students eating certain foods to show social status among peers, cost and finances influencing food eaten, and skipping meals to lose weight influenced the eating habits of students.

Source: UEW
Examining the effect of conflict on construction projects,a case study of Birim Municipal Assembly

Over the years, the construction industry of Ghana has witnessed continuous conflicts on project execution. The success of every construction project depends largely on how effective conflicts are well managed. This study sought to examine the impact of conflicts on construction projects using Birim Municipal Assembly as the case study. The target University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh 12 population involves contractors, employees of construction firms, clients and consultants. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were employed in selecting sample size of 113, out of which 102 responded. Questionnaire served as the main data collection instrument adopted and results were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that among the causes of conflict on construction projects at Birim Municipal Assembly was the issue of inability of clients to honour payments to contractors. The existence of poor and ineffective channels of communication on projects makes information dissemination and utilisation very difficult. Key effect of conflicts on construction project was interruptions and occasionally suspension of the whole construction works. The occurrence of unresolved conflicts has led to delays attracting time and cost overruns which affect negatively profit margins of contractors and increase overall cost of projects. Negotiation and mediation were widely adopted strategies to deal with conflicts on projects. Despite the introduction of these systems, much has not been achieved in the quest to minimize conflicts on projects. It is incumbent on all parties to a project to ensure adequate and smooth flow of information, timely delivery of funds to contractors and effective conflict management tools suitable for resolving disputes as they occur based on any given circumstance.

Source: UEW
Examining the effectiveness of accounting information system and cybersecurity awareness on cybersecurity performance in Ghana a case study of selected universal banks in the Effutu Municipality

Financial institutions continue to increase spending on information system to advance business transactions by systematizing present processes as businesses are changing faster with globalization technology to meet the rapid changes in customer demand. Financial institutions especially banks are considered high-profile target firms for cybercrime and cyber threat. This has led the researcher to investigate the effectiveness of Accounting Information System, cybersecurity awareness on cybersecurity performance. The study is of key importance to the selected universal banks in Effutu Municipality (Winneba) as well as other firms in the same sector. The study designs of the study are exploratory and causal research methods. In addition, quantitative method was applied in data collection and analyses. The study gathered primary data through questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Smart PLS. The findings of this study indicate that Accounting Information System used by the selected banks is effective in its operation which provides quality service, quality information, and user satisfaction to enable management in its decision making. Also, employees (staff) had a fair knowledge of cybersecurity-related issues, and that effective Accounting Information System, demographic characteristics, and level of cybersecurity awareness affects the firm's cybersecurity performance. The study concludes that the ability of firms to acquire information system that possesses the required information characteristics and recruit staff with fair knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity influences reducing cybercrime-related attacks on the firm's operations. The researcher recommends that management of the banks should make sure any acquired Accounting Information System possesses required information system characteristics. Also, management should take online and system cyber threats as a priority and constantly organize educative and training programs for its staff on cybersecurity-related issues and finally, consider the demographic characteristics in their recruitment processes especially level of education, working experience in a similar sector, and usage of Accounting Information System when seeking for new staff.

Source: UEW
Examining the effects of covid-19 on senior high school students’ learning in Tema West Municipality.

The study sought to examine the effects of COVID-19 on Senior High School students’ learning in Tema West Municipality. Specifically, to determine the relationship between participants' demographic variables and their responses as well as explore from the perspectives of students the challenges faced during COVID-19 period. The study was underpinned by the pragmatic paradigm hence the mixed method was employed. The target population was 1100 SHS forms two and three students in Tema SHS and Lashibi Community SHS. 285 SHS forms two and three students in both schools were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Both the questionnaire and the semi-structured interview guide was employed to aid in data collection. Both face and content validity were established in the study while a reliability test of Cronbach alpha (0.78) was conducted to determine the reliability of the questionnaire. Quantitative data analysis was done with the use of the SPSS software while a qualitative software analysis, tool Nvivo 8, was used to transcribe the oral data recorded during the interview phase. Findings from the study revealed that, 53.5% and 59% of the students responded their academic performance and quality of learning was affected by COVID-19 respectively. Overall, 34% of the students found online learning to be ineffective while COVID-19 affected them academically, socially and psychologically. This study recommended that, educational managers should develop policies and strategies such as provision of technical resources for teaching and learning as education contingency measures that can address future pandemic and support sustainable.

Source: UEW
Examining the effects of desertification on food security among female-headed households in the Garu and Tempane Districts of Ghana.

Desertification is one of the serious environmental problems that pose a threat to the food security of people in the affected areas of the world. It is said to be consuming the Sahel-Sudan savannah transitional zone of the Upper East Region of Ghana at an alarming rate, thereby undermining livelihood support systems as well as threatening the food security of the area. This study sought to examine the impact of desertification on food security among female-headed households and their coping strategies in the Garu and Tempane districts in the Upper East Region of Ghana. The specific objectives were: to explore the awareness of desertification among female-headed households in the Garu and Tempane districts, to investigate the dimensions of food security (physical availability, access, utilisation, and stability) among female-headed households in the Garu and Tempane districts, to examine the effects of desertification on food security among female-headed households in the Garu and Tempane districts and to explore female-headed households’ coping mechanisms with food insecurity. The study was guided by qualitative research. It was established based on the findings that desertification in the Garu and Tempane districts of Ghana contributes to making female-headed households’ food insecure. This conclusion is borne out of the fact that food insecurity among female-headed households is high. It is therefore recommended that there should be policies and programmes rolling out for FHHs in the districts to train them on integrated soil fertility improvement practices, and the government flagship programme Planting for Food and Jobs as well as the fertiliser subsidy should intentionally target the FHHs at the community level.

Source: UEW
Examining the effects of social media on the teaching and learning of social studies in the Apedwa Sda Jhs in the Abuakwa South Municipality

The research sought to explore the effects of social media on the teaching and learning of Social amongst the JHS pupils in the Apedwa Seventh Day Adventist Junior High School in the Abuakwa South Municipality. The objectives of the study were to examine the knowledge base of pupil on the use of social media in Social Studies amongst the pupils, to determine the forms of social media platforms that pupils used in Social Studies; to examine the relevance of the use of social media in Social Studies to pupils; and to ascertain how the use of social media affects the teaching and learning of Social Studies. The study aligned itself to the qualitative research approach with a case study design. A sample of the study was determined by data saturation. Convenience sampling was used to select participants for the study. The data was gathered directly from the participants using semi-structured interview guide and observation checklist. Data was analysed qualitative using the thematic approach. The study found that students have knowledge about social media use in Social Studies It was also realized that students use Facebook, Whatsapp, Youtube and Telegram as forms of social, the study also found that social media has both positive and negative effects on the teaching and learning of Social Studies amongst JHS pupils. The study recommended that students should be given some form of orientation or seminar on how well to use social media as students in order to enjoy the full academic benefit from it.

Source: UEW
Examining the entrepreneurial behaviour of social studies undergraduate teacher-trainees of the University Of Education, Winneba

This study examined the entrepreneurial behaviour of Social Studies undergraduate teacher trainees of the University of Education, Winneba. The study was guided by the theories of planned behaviour and entrepreneurial event. The convergent parallel mixed method was used as the design for the study. The sample for the study consisted of 750 respondents. Comprehensive (census) and purposive sampling procedures were used to select the sample for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected for the study through interview guide and questionnaire respectively. Quantitative data were analysed through the generation of descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, means, percentages and standard deviations. Inferential statistics such as independent-sample t-test, Pearson product moment correlation, multiple linear regressions and a one-way ANCOVA were used in analyzing the research hypothesis. Qualitative data on the other hand were analysed thematically. Findings from both data showed that UEW undergraduate teacher trainees from the Department of Social Studies Education exhibit high level of entrepreneurial behaviour with a higher probability of starting their own businesses after school. They, however, see financial constraints as the main impediment that could hinder their dreams. It was therefore, recommended that government should provide interest free loans to graduates who desire to start their own businesses to reduce the pressure on it to provide employment for school leavers. In addition, government should liaise with Bank of Ghana to reduce interest rates on loans in order to make it feasible for nascent entrepreneurs to access such facilities.

Source: UEW
Examining the food additives in meals prepared by cooks and matrons of senior high schools in Ghana - a case study of three (3) selected senior high schools in the Old-Tafo Municipality in the Ashanti Region

The purpose of this study is to examine the food additives in meals prepared by cooks and matrons of senior high schools in Ghana to find out about the different types of additives; the benefits and the potential harmful effects in the use of some of them; and finally to find some of the best ways which can be adopted to keep ourselves and families safe from the potentially harmful additives. After reviewing a lot of relevant literatures, the model for the research was developed based on three research questions that were asked and in answering those questions, a survey was conducted in three schools with a sample of 150 respondents comprising 18 kitchen staff members and 132 students. After analyzing and grouping all the data under the three research questions, it was discovered that some of the types of additives found in the ingredients used by the kitchen staff for meal preparations included flour improvers, flavor enhancers, color additives, Preservatives, softening/curing agents, and Salt and Sugar used as flavorants and/or preservatives. It was also found that, some of the benefits in the use of additives included preserving; improving/maintaining the color, texture, flavor or the nutritional value of foods; enhancing the safety of foods; and allowing foods to be transported over long distances. Finally, it was found that some of the best ways to adopt to be safe from harmful additives in our foods include trying to avoid most processed foods; checking on ingredient labels of food products for additive contents in order to avoid the harmful or potentially harmful ones; cutting down or lowering the daily intake of salt and sugar; including more wholesome or organic foods in our diets; and reporting any abnormality or additive concerns in food products to the authorities or the FDA for investigations and/or further actions to be taken.

Source: UEW
Examining the house keeping practices of students in selected schools in East Akim district

The main purpose of the study was to examine the housekeeping practises of students in selected schools in East Akim District. This study adopted the case study strategy. Quantitative research approach was used for the study. The population of the study was nine hundred and twenty three (923). The population consists of all boarding house students and house masters/mistresses engaging in housekeeping practises in selected schools in East Akim District specifically in Abuakwa State College. Non-Probability sample (convenience) procedure was used to select 269 respondents for the study. The main instruments used for the empirical data collection was questionnaires. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 18) were used for the data analysis. The study findings concluded that 89.9% of the respondents agreed students roles as house keepers in the college is to maintain operational tidiness and order. Secondly, 95.4% of the respondents agreed that student’s roles as house keepers in the college is to properly control waste. The study further concluded that, 96.8% of the respondents agreed that student’s roles as house keepers in the college is to regulate activities such as cleaning, weeding, washing and smoking that can lead to hazardous conditions, 95% of the respondents agreed that student’s roles as house keepers in the college is to handle materials well and store them properly. The housekeeping supervisor’s identify cleaning and maintenance requirements in all areas of the workplace. Furthermore, the housekeeping supervisor’s conduct regular workplace inspections that include checking housekeeping and taking corrective actions as appropriate. The study recommended that the Management of the College should organize periodic workshops, seminars and conferences to enhance the knowledge and practical expertise of housekeeping practices supervisors to improve hygiene and cleanliness initiatives in the College.

Source: UEW
Examining the impact of compensation and rewards on employee’s performance a survey of teachers within the Manhyia sub-metro Ghana Education Service

The study measured the impact of rewards and compensation on employees’ performance within the Ghana Education Service. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to identify the rewards and compensation practices implemented within the Ghana Education Service, to assess the impact of intrinsic rewards on employees’ performance and finally to investigate the impact of extrinsic rewards on employees’ performance. This study was positioned within the positivism worldview hence quantitative methodology was adopted. The study employed probability sampling specifically simple random sampling to select the study participants. Afterwards, the study used the Krejcie and Morgan (1970) sampling table to determine the sample size for the 150 population size. Based on the table, the sample size for this study was 108 with a 95% confidence interval and 5% error of margin. Since the study was guided on the principles of quantitative methodology, this study used questionnaires to solicit data from the respondents. The study distributed 108 questionnaires to teachers working in the Manhyia Sub Metro of the Ghana Education Service. From the questionnaires distributed, a total of 66 completed questionnaires were returned to the researcher. However, out of the retrieved questionnaires, 51 were usable for the analysis, giving an effective response rate of 54.8%. Data was subsequently analyzed using descriptive statistics such as Mean and Standard deviation. Inferential statistics thus, Pearson correlation and multiple regression were used for the relationship analysis. Findings from this study showed that intrinsic reward packages which in effect were given to employees to supplement their salary were not provided by GES. On this score it is recommended that fringe benefits such as headmaster duty allowance, class teacher allowance, teacher on duty allowance ought to be provided by GES to supplement teachers’ pay since it was established that the pay and salary GES provided was not adequate for its employees.

Source: UEW