ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Developing interactive learning system for teaching the elements of design in Senior High Schools

The study of Visual Art at the SHS is faced with various challenges. Some of the challenges negatively affect students’ performance at the WASCE level. This study is conducted to assess the performance of Visual Art students at Winneba Senior High School and suggest ways to improve performance in the study of Basic Elements of Design. Based on the study an Interactive Learning System (ILS) was developed to aid teaching and learning of Basic Design Elements (BDE). Students’ output was compared using the ILS against the Traditional Textbook and Lecturer method of teaching respectively in teaching the Basic Elements of Design. The Project Topic “Developing Interactive Learning System for Teaching the Elements of Design in Senior High Schools” was thus derived. The study adopted a Quantitative Research Methodology. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were employed to select the respondents for this exercise. The main data collection tools were Interviews (Unstructured), Observation (Quasi- Observation). Data collected was analysed using figures and tables. The study revealed that when Visual Art students are taught using Interactive Learning Systems, their performances improved as compared to the use of the Traditional Textbook and Lecture method of teaching. This implies that students’ performances are largely dependent on the teaching methodologies of their teachers. In order to achieve the aim of the research, interventions were implemented to improve the performance of the First Year SHS students of Winneba Senior High School. A simple, attractive and easily understandable Interactive Learning System was developed using Microsoft PowerPoint. Again, to ensure that the problem has been sufficiently addressed, a post-intervention test was conducted and the results were presented. In conclusion, suggestions and recommendations have been made to develop and further enhance the perforíances of students of Senior High Schools in the study of Basic Design Elements.

Source: KNUST
Developing Innovative Assessment Strategy to Foster Creativity Development in Graphic Design Studio

This study examines the potential impact of the development and implementation of peer assessment practices in graphic design studios to improve teaching and learning as well as foster creativity development among Communication Design students in higher education. The data were collected from Communication Design students at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Ghana. Anaction research which used mixed method (qualitative and quantitative methods) was adoptedto capture students’ perceptions of the use of assessment rubric in peer assessment in various aspects of presentation quality and studio critique.The survey of student perceptions of peer assessment on student creativity development indicates that students seem to appreciate the social interaction and studio readiness the assessment strategy offers them in addition to the potential outgrowth professional development.Only information of one cycle of action research was used to measure students’ perspectives on innovative assessment practices.The findings from this study suggest that students’ assessment literacy can be improved through ongoing, sustained professional development, with the aid of an in-school professional learning community. Actualizing assessment reform at the design studio or classroom level is a long-term endeavour that would not happen as result of a single workshop. Using the opportunity provided under this research initiative, it is important to ensure that the planning, implementation, and perhaps evaluation of student professional development programmes is more systematic.

Source: KNUST
Developing participatory community based management information system for rural development projects: a case study of rural enterprises project in the Asuogyaman District Assembly

The study examines the development of a Participatory Community Based Management Information System (PCBMIS) for managing the Rural Enterprises Project (REP) in the Asuogyaman District Assembly to assist both project management and clients to assess, monitor and evaluate business growth performance. Both qualitative and quantitative research methods were utilized in the study. One hundred and fifteen questionnaires were sent to REP clients and District Assembly staff with 98% response rate. The outcome from the analysis of the questionnaires revealed a high level of dissatisfaction with Micro and Small Scale Enterprises (MSE) information management within the District Assembly system as it lacks enough information to influence policy decisions. The in-depth interviews revealed the need to replace the existing MIS due to the fact that it is not suitable for the current information age. Information is the backbone of effective management and policy decision making. It came out from the study that data collection, processing and packaging of all forms of trade and micro enterprises information in the district are manually done. This is an area where digital technologies can play a key role by generating timely and reliable information for planning and decision-making at all levels of management. Local governments need to be given access to adequate resources to do the job with which they are entrusted in Local Economic Development. Findings from the study show that there was low level of Participation by primary stakeholders in the M&E processes of MSE development projects. However, a general conclusion emerging from this study was that information management in Asuogyaman district is necessary but not sufficient to manage Micro and Small Scale Enterprises to promote Private Sector development. Hence there is the need for a Participatory Community Based Management Information System (PCBMIS). This study has developed an integrated M&E software package made up of the Graduated Colour Evaluator (GRACE), a digital evaluation tool and the Rural MSE Growth (RUMSEG). Thus, MIS application software has been developed to generate good and accurate rural MSE information to assist policy makers seeking private sector development. The package incorporates a Geographic Information System (GIS) for easy location of all rural enterprises in the district and provides information on them to inform policy decision on revenue generation for the District Assembly.

Source: KNUST
Developing strategies of instruction to improve peformance in mathematics: a case study of Electrical Engineering Technician Part 1 students at Tamale Polytechnic

A class comprising students with varied abilities in a particular discipline has always been a challenge to the teacher, more so when the discipline is very structured and has traditionally been regarded as difficult. This study explores the effects of instruction based on entry behaviour and learning preference, and the motivational effect of regular assessment on the learning of mathematics. In three cycles of study involving a small-sized class with largely weak background in mathematics, students’ responses to a number of interventions were sought and monitored through interviews, questionnaires and records in a work diary, with each subsequent cycle involving fewer interventions. The first cycle of interventions involved the use of two types of instructional delivery namely, expository and discovery methods, assessment using class tests and homework based on small manageable tasks as a preference of the class, as well as the use of tutorials. The second cycle involved the expository approach to teaching and a comparison of the motivational effects of homework and class tests on learning. The third cycle involved the regular use of class tests. At the end of study, student responses showed an improved attitude towards mathematics as a result of detailed feedback following assessment. Though improvement in achievement was small, attitudinal change was sufficiently marked to be of interest and engage further study.

Source: KNUST
Developing the business plan: for raising capital and guiding growth

1.0 INTRODUCTION: The growth of any nation’s economy depends to a large extent on its well developed private sector. The Ghanaian economy realizing this has embarked on a lot of development strategies such as the Economic Recovery Programme which was launched in the early ‘80’ to reverse the nose diving trend of the economy. The present situation of the Ghanaian Economy suggests that the government is or has shifted its emphasis to the development of the private sector. This could be seen in the privatization of most Government owned Enterprises, which gives the private sector a hand in the efficient running of these enterprises. In the private sector of the economy there are small and medium scale enterprise with high potential and the needed skills to undertake very good ventures. The expansion and growth of these enterprises are slow due to lack of laid down business plans which could guide growth and help in the raising of venture capital. This could be due to ignorance about the uses or the need for a business plan.

Source: KNUST
Developing suitable pharmaceutical dosage forms for G-REA herbal powder

There is increasing awareness and general acceptability of the use of herbal drugs in today’s medical practice. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about 80% of the world’s population depend on herbal medicines for their primary healthcare needs. However, the use of these medicines is sometimes hampered by lack of definite and complete information about their composition and efficacy. Again patient compliance is affected by the characteristics of the herbal medicine such as the taste, and the dosage form in which it is presented. This study sought to develop suitable pharmaceutical dosage forms for G-Rea herbal powder, a local herbal preparation which is available in the decoction form on the market, used to treat candidiasis. Extraction of powder with 70% ethanol gave a higher yield than extraction with water. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the powder showed antimicrobial activity against B. subtillis, Staph. aureus, and Candida albicans. Phytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, glycosides, saponins etc. The ethanolic extract had good flow properties compared with the aqueous extract. Oral gels of the ethanolic extract were prepared using various concentrations of different gelling agents, namely 3%w/v xanthan gum, 10%w/v pregelatinised potato starch, 20%w/v hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), 2, 4 and 6%w/v carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). Colour, odour, pH and viscosity and antimicrobial activities of the gels were tested for. It was seen that using 10%w/w of the extract, HPMC 20%w/v as a gelling agent and addition of white colour gave a stable formulation with good antimicrobial activity and good appearance. Pessaries of the extract were prepared using glycerogelatin and theobroma oil + 10%w/w beeswax as pessary bases. Pessaries had good appearance and passed disintegration and uniformity of weight tests. Pessaries with glycerogelatin base had good dissolution profiles. Capsules of the extract were prepared and they also passed disintegration and uniformity of weight tests, they also had good dissolution profile.

Source: KNUST
Developing the capacities of small-scale building contractors through management contracting procurement system

Small-scale building contractors are very important to the Ghanaian economy and the building construction industry as they account for over 95% of building contracting firms and over 90% of building and civil construction job markets in Ghana. However, they are confronted with various challenges that affect their development. Thus the aim of this study wasto explore the application of management contracting procurement system concept as a capacity-building strategy to develop small-scale building contractors in Ghana. The specific objectives were:to identify the critical capacity-needs of small-scale contractors; to identify the benefits of sub-contracting relationship; to identify the potential obstacles to the implementation of management contracting procurement;to identify the possible measures to promote the implementation of management contracting procurement; and topropose a capacity-building framework through the implementation of management contracting procurement system concept. Data generated from the survey was further analysed using mean score ranking, factor analysisand analysis of variance (ANOVA) through the use statistical package for social scientists (SPSS V 20). The three most important capacity-needs of small-scale building contractors identified from the study were; the managerial skills development, prompt payment system and lessening of political interference in awarding public contract. Additionally, the three main benefits obtainable from sub-contracting relationship by the small-scale building contractors were; transfer of technology, job opportunities and improved credit worthiness. Moreover, inadequate knowledge, absence of qualified personnel, lack of confidence in management contracting and absence of enabling law were identified as the potential obstacles to the implementation of management contracting procurement. But, the study identified developing a regulatory framework for management contracting practice, organising seminars on management contracting for stakeholders and revision of existing rule and documents to recognise other non-traditional procurement methodsas the most important measures to promote management contracting procurement. Using the obstacles, measures and the benefits of sub-contracting relationship identified from the study, a capacity building framework was developed based on the concept of management contracting procurement system. The study recommends for job opportunities, business development programmes and awareness creation on the management contracting procurement to facilitate the development of the small-scale building contractors in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Developing the tourism potentials in Ashanti Region: the contribution of public - private sector partnership

Over the past two decades, tourism has gained increasing recognition as a major socio-economic activity with the potential to attract investment, generate employment and income and enhance export diversification in the country. This sudden growth in the tourism industry was greatly influenced by the successful implementation of the Economic Recovery Programme in 1983 and subsequent enactment of the Ghana Investment Code (PNDC Law 116) in 1985. The intervention induced a reduction of state participation in active economic production and the promotion of private investment in all sectors of the economy. Ashanti Region which is one of the important tourism destinations in the country has most of its immense tourism potential left untapped or less developed. The tourism industry in the Region could also be developed to enhance income and employment generation capacity and improve the overall socio-economic growth of the region. The realisation of this noble objective requires the active participation of both the public and private sectors. The study therefore sought to review the contribution made by both the public and private sectors in the development of tourism potentials in the Ashanti Region and to identify the possible ways of bringing their efforts together to ensure sustainable tourism development. Data collected from some public officials and private personnel brought to light some problems affecting the tourism development in the region. These problems include inadequate tourism facilities and services, inefficient utility services, land acquisition and high commodity prices. The study also identified weaknesses in the partnership relations between public and private institutions involved in the tourism development. Based upon the findings of the study recommendations were made for national policy formulation, tourism development in the region and public-private sector partnership. Issues addressed in the proposals include tourism funding, research information, manpower training and community participation as well as partnership relations. It is hoped that the adoption of the recommendations found in this report can help stimulate the development of tourism potentials in the Ashanti Region.

Source: KNUST
Developing three-dimensional instructional materials from locally available resources for Science Education in Primary Schools, Ghana

The use of instructional materials and its impact on the teaching and learning process in primary schools have been highly expounded on as well as the adverse effects of the non-use of these aids. In situations where there is non-use or insufficient materials, research has suggested improvisation of instructional materials from resources that are available in the immediate environment for teaching and learning purposes by teachers and instructors. This study delved into the use of locally available resources and how they can be used to develop three-dimensional instructional materials for Science education in the Weweso M/A Primary School. The research being qualitative was descriptive and experimental in orientation; it adopted observation and interview as data gathering instruments to identify and describe existing instructional materials used in the selected school, what materials they are made of, how they are used for teaching and learning, the shortcomings associated with their use as well as their impact on pupils’ learning. It also enabled the description of the developed prototypes on teaching and learning of Science. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were adopted; sampling 155 respondents–150 pupils, 4 teachers and 1 head teacher. The study identified locally available resource materials and developed them into three-dimensional models to teach topics that teachers had tagged as difficult to teach with or without the available instructional materials. The developed prototypes were tested in various classes to ascertain their effect on the teaching and learning of Science and the effect on pupils’ demeanour in the classroom. The study identified that the use of the models made it possible for teachers to finish topics within the allotted periods and had enough time to assess pupils. The lessons were enhanced with pupils demonstrating understanding since concepts were no longer being taught theoretically and abstractly but practically demonstrated. Pupils’ participation in the classroom was greatly affected with pupils who had been spectators in the classroom participating fully in lessons. The usual noisy environment during lessons was highly curbed because pupils’ attention was sustained during lessons.

Source: KNUST
Development and evaluation of a double Row Disc Ringer for root and tuber Crop Production

The introduction of mechanical harvesters has been a breakthrough in root and tuber crop cultivation as it has greatly reduced drudgery with a potential increase in global cassava production. However, the use of these equipment requires line or ridge planting. While ridging is preferred and can be done manually, empirical evidence suggests that manual ridging is laborious, time-consuming and the quality and standard of ridging cannot be guaranteed. The objective of this study was to develop and test the performance of a double-row disc ridger for root and tuber crop cultivation. Functional analysis (FA) and computer-aided design methodologies (CAD) were applied. The device was fabricated from locally available materials and tools, making it an adaptable, resilient and affordable technology for small-scale farmers. The prototype was tested at varied tractor speed ranging from 1.67 – 2.5 m/s (6 – 9 km/h) and disc angle from 40o - 45o to determine the draught force, fuel consumption, wheel-slip, depth and width of cut. Preliminary results indicate that optimum performance was achieved at disc and tilt angle of 42.5o and 25o and tractor speed of 2.23 m/s (8 km/h). The ridger recorded a field capacity of 1.45 ha/h and average fuel consumption of 6.3 l/ha (9.14 l/h). It was observed that increased tractor speed and disc angle resulted in increased draught force from 1.8 – 2.4 kN, increased fuel consumption from 5.2 – 7.04 l/ha (7.81 – 10.45 l/h) and increased depth and width of cut from 30 – 40 cm and 250 – 280 cm, respectively. A hazard and operability (HAZOP) study established possible deviations, causes, consequences, safeguards, and recommendations for users. Further research is necessary to establish the effect of different moisture content and soil type on the performance of the ridger. Wear and durability test on different agro-ecologies are also recommended.

Source: KNUST
Development and evaluation of a millet-based infant food fortified with plant protein

Samples of low-cost protein rich millet based infant food fortified with cowpea, were formulated and analyzed for their quality and acceptability. Blends were formulated with a millet base constitution of malted, roasted and raw millet with cowpea substitution at 20%, 25% and 30%. Addition of cowpea increased the protein content of the blends up to 7.5%. The crude fat and crude fibre contents were all within acceptable levels. Cooking of the blends further increased the protein content. Increase in Protein Efficiency Ratio was significant (P<0.05) for the 30% substituted cooked blend. SGOT and SGPT levels were normal for all the blends. Sensory scores were all above average for all the blends. However, it was observed that all the blends required fortification with minerals.

Source: KNUST
Development and evaluation of African palmyra palm (Borassus aethiopum) fruit flour–wheat composite flour noodles

Borassus aethiopum (African palmyra palm (APP)) fruit is an underutilized tropical fruit but has potential food applications. In the present work, the suitability of APP fruit–wheat composite flour in the development of noodles was investigated. The fresh APP fruit pulp was separated, oven-dried at 60°C and milled into flour. The obtained flour was mixed with commercial wheat flour to obtain three composite flours with 5%, 10% and 15% of APP fruit flour. The functional properties and proximate composition of the composite flours were determined. The cooking properties and consumer preference of the noodles developed were also evaluated. The cooking yield, water uptake and gruel solid loss ranged from 259.81% to 300.97%, 159.81% to 200.97% and 11.52% to 17.11%, respectively. The water absorption capacities, swelling power and the solubility indices of the flours ranged from 197.10% to 492.66%, 621.99% to 734.91% and 4.53 to 26.48%, respectively. On the 7-point hedonic scale, the flavour, smell, colour and overall accept ability ranged between 4.2 and 5.3, 4.8 and 5.65, 4.05 and 5.3 and 4.10 and 5.03, respectively. The inclusion of APP fruit flour at 5% level yielded noodles with enhanced nutritional quality and highest overall consumer acceptability.

Source: KNUST
Development and evaluation of a millet-based infant food fortified with plant protein

Samples of low-cost protein rich millet based infant food fortified with cowpea, were formulated and analysed for their quality and acceptability. Blends were formulated with a millet base constitution of malted, roasted and raw millet with cowpea substitution at 20%, 25% and 30%. Addition of cowpea increased the protein content of the blends up to 7.5%. The crude fat and crude fibre contents were all within acceptable levels. Cooking of the blends further increased the protein content. Increase in Protein Efficiency Ratio was significant (P<0.05) for the 30% substituted cooked blend. SGOT and SGPT levels were normal for all the blends. Sensory scores were all above average for all the blends. However, it was observed that all the blends required fortification with minerals.

Source: KNUST