ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of cooperative instructional approaches on students’ performance in chemical bonding at Asuom senior high school

This study investigated the effect of cooperative instructional approach on the performance of Form One General Science students of Asuom Senior High School in chemical bonding. The study adopted an action research design and utilised the purposive sampling technique to select an intact class of forty (40) students for the research. Data were gathered using tests and questionnaire, and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings of the study indicated that students exhibited a notable improvement in academic performance from the pre-intervention test (Mean= 6.18) to the post-intervention test (Mean= 9.84). The t-test analysis revealed a statistically significant difference between the pre-intervention test mean score and the post- intervention test mean score (p= 0.037; p< 0.05). Also, the findings revealed the effects of the intervention on the mean performance of both male (Mean= 6.81) and female (Mean= 9.67) senior high school (SHS) students in chemical bonding. The t-test analysis of the pre and post-intervention test scores revealed a statistically significant difference between the mean academic performance of the male and female SHS students after being taught with cooperative instructional approach were p-value = 0.028 and its lesser than the alpha value which is 0.05. Moreover, the findings of the study revealed that SHS students have overwhelmingly positive views on the use of cooperative instructional approach in the teaching and learning of chemical bonding. Based on the findings the researcher recommended that teachers should include cooperative instructional approach as in their lessons to increase student’s confidence level. Additionally, teachers should engage students in cooperative instructional activities to enable students the exhibit attitudes needed for effective group methods. Teachers should use cooperative instructional approaches to sustain students’ interest in lesson activities and ensure their active participation as well

Source: UEW
Effect of cooperative learning on senior high school chemistry students’ understanding of hybridization

The study sought to investigate the effect of Student-Teams-Achievement-Division Cooperative Learning (STAD CL) as against Individual Learning (IL) on Senior High School (SHS) chemistry students’ understanding of the concept of hybridization. It also aimed at finding out the effect of CL on their attitude and motivation as well as establishing their perception with regards to IL, STAD CL and benefits of CL. The study also sought the views of students on which of the modes of instructions (CL or IL) they would prefer as main mode of teaching at the SHS. Two control groups (class sizes 12 and 25) totalling 37 and two treatment groups (class sizes 14 and 31) totalling 45 were used. The study design was quasi-experimental, non-randomised pretest-intervention - postest control group design. Four instruments which include worksheets and lesson notes on the concept of hybridization; Achievement Test on the Concept of Hybridization (ATCH 1 & 2); Questionnaire on Students’ Attitude and Motivation (QSAM); and Questionnaire on Students Perception about Peer Cooperation (QSP) in CL and IL were used. The results showed a significant difference between the group taught with the STAD CL and the group taught with IL (f = 78.722, p < 0.05) on the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) Table (10) with a medium effect size of 0.36. A slight improvement in attitude and motivation towards the subject was also observed. Mean difference on pre and post treatment QSAM for CL group was 4.93 and that for IL group was 1.03. On the post-treatment QSP scale, means for perception of STAD CL (12.09) and its benefits (20.51) was more favourable than perception of IL (8.62). As to which of CL and IL should be the main mode of instruction at the SHS, 73.3% of students supported CL and 13.3% each either were undecided or disagreed. Based on these results and other studies, the researcher recommends a blend of methods with more emphasis on CL in the Ghanaian SHS which future educational reviews should make provision for.

Source: UEW
Effect of cooperative learning on students’ performance in trigonometry. The mediating role of motivation and engagement.

This study investigated the effect of cooperative learning on students' performance in trigonometry and also looked at the mediating role of motivation and engagement in the cause-effect relationship. Grounded in a positivist research philosophy, a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design was used. The study focused on two selected Senior High Schools in the Ho-West District of the Volta Region, targeting a population of 820 Senior High two students. A sample size of 220 respondents was determined using Cochran's formula and stratified random sampling. Data was collected through questionnaires and performance tests (pre-test and posttest). Descriptive statistics were used to assess students' levels of motivation and engagement after exposure to cooperative learning. A T-test analyzed the pre-test and post-test scores, while the Hayes Process Macro in SPSS examined the mediating role of motivation and engagement in the relationship between cooperative learning and students’ performance in trigonometry. The results showed that cooperative learning increased students' motivation and engagement in trigonometry problem-solving, enhancing their enthusiasm for learning. The findings indicated that incorporating cooperative learning strategies into solving trigonometry problems significantly improved students' performance. It was concluded that motivation and engagement mediated the relationship between cooperative learning and students' performance in trigonometry. The study recommended that mathematics teachers incorporate cooperative group learning alongside traditional methods to improve trigonometry instruction. Cooperative learning was identified as a key factor for better trigonometry performance, fostering students' motivation and engagement. This research provided insights for educators and policymakers to enhance mathematics education

Source: UEW
Effect of corporate governance practices on organizational performance a study of some selected banks in Ghana

Corporate governance practices by corporate bodies especially banks has garnered much concern in Ghana, Africa and the world at large as organizations involved in corporate scandals were deemed to have poor corporate governance framework (Ali et al., 2020; BoG, 2018; Amenu-Tekaa, 2022) The present study sought to investigate the real association between corporate governance measures and financial performance and the effect corporate governance structures have on financial performance of banks in Ghana. The study employed causal research design and quantitative approach toward its enquiry. Through census sampling, panel data for the eleven listed universal banks listed on the Ghana stock exchange were collected for the study from 2008-2021. Financial performance was proxied with Return on Total Asset (ROTA) and Return on Equity (ROE) whilst corporate governance was proxied with BGD, BS and BC. Dynamic Panel was adopted as the estimation technique, Engle Generalized Least Square (EGLS) with random effect in E-views was deployed for statistical data analysis. Linearity test, Heteroskedasticity test, unit root and Hausman test were conducted to ensure the robustness the results. Empirical results revealed that corporate governance practices such as Board Gender Dynamics (BGD) have positive relationship with ROTA, Board Size (BS) showed inverse relationship with ROTA, Board Composition (BC) depicted positive association with ROTA whilst Board Gender Dynamics (BGD had positive yet insignificant association with ROE. Notwithstanding, board size has a negative effect on financial performance whist board gender diversity and board composition together have positive relationship with financial performance when proxied with ROE. The various control variables showed mixed results with the two measures of financial performance. Based on the findings from the research, the study recommend that companies should pay attention to the caliber of members constituting a board, their background and their understanding about a bank’s operation. Again, effort should be made to include as many as possible females on a company’s board since it has predictive power on a company’s performance.

Source: UEW
Effect of corporate liquidity on firm performance evidence from listed financial institutions on the Ghana stock exchange

Liquidity management has always proven to be one of the difficult management function that business leaders have to deal with in their business operations. Interestingly, there is no conventional wisdom as to the required threshold of liquidity a business have to maintain in order to remain sustainable hence, every business entity will require its own liquidity management policy. The study investigated how corporate liquidity management affect firm performance using listed financial institutions on the Ghana Stock Exchange as the study context. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to investigate the effect of liquidity on performance of financial institutions, to investigate whether the volume of bank cash has an effect on bank’s profitability and finally to examine the nature of relationship that exists between the level of treasury bills and certificates of deposits maintained by the bank and bank profitability. This study followed the longitudinal study design hence, panel data and specifically OLS was used for the study data analysis. The total population for the study, came from all the 33 universal/commercial banks in Ghana. The study employed purposive sampling hence financial institutions listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange formed the study sample. The study used seven (7) of the banks representing 87.50% of the listed banks and dataset from 10 years’ time frame (2006- 2015). Findings from the study showed that the variables that had the significant impact on the banks ROA were the liquid asset ratio and short term investments. The study recommended that the managers of these banks should look for more efficient ways which can ensure that at all times there will be an equitable balance between the cash the banks hold as against the deposits they keep for their customers since not having such a balance can affect their brand identity when customer begins to find it difficult to have access to their deposits.

Source: UEW
Effect of Corporate Sponsorship on Theatrical Productions in Ghana.

This study explores the impact of corporate sponsorship on theatrical productions in the Accra Metropolis, Ghana, using institutional theory to unravel the dynamics between sponsorship and theatrical production. A qualitative case study approach was employed, involving nine participants selected through purposive sampling and analyzed with thematic and narrative methods. The study found that companies are motivated to sponsor theatrical productions by strategic, financial, and social factors. Key drivers include alignment with brand values, understanding audience demographics, pursuing ROI, commitment to CSR, and gaining competitive advantages. These motivations create a win-win scenario for both sponsors and theatre production Houses, promoting commercial growth and artistic development. Challenges in securing sponsorship include misconceptions about government funding, stringent financial regulations, lack of tax incentives, and the perception of theatre as a less profitable investment compared to other entertainment forms. Emerging directors face difficulties with brand recognition and audience appeal, and sponsors often seek creative control, potentially compromising artistic integrity. Corporate sponsorship provides significant benefits, such as enhanced audience reach and credibility, essential resources, and financial stability. Sponsors contribute to attracting new viewers, increasing engagement, and covering production costs, thereby supporting high-quality productions. While concerns about artistic compromises exist, careful negotiation and transparent communication can preserve artistic integrity while maximizing sponsorship benefits. The study recommends clear sponsorship agreements to balance artistic vision with sponsor expectations and suggests tiered sponsorship programs and improved audience segmentation to attract diverse sponsors. Building trust through open communication, regular updates, and feedback mechanisms is crucial. Aligning with sponsors who share the theatre's values and exploring innovative, non-financial sponsorship approaches can enhance quality and foster mutually beneficial partnerships.

Source: UEW
Effect of density and moisture content on biological durability of stem and branch wood of Entandrophragma cylindricum (sapele)

Branch wood is being promoted as supplement to stem wood but its natural durability is scarcely studied. This study compared the biological durability of branch wood of Entrandophragma cylindricum (sapele) to its stem wood for ground or other outdoor applications like garden furniture at two moisture levels (i.e., 9���3 and 14���2�% using kiln-drying and air-drying methods, respectively). The study followed a field test method according to EN 252-1989 in combination with percentage weight loss. Branch and stem wood samples were extracted from two natural forests in Ghana. Results indicated that branch wood of sapele was marginally denser than its stem wood. Percentage weight loss of branch wood compared to its stem wood was significantly higher by approximately 108�% at 14���2�% moisture content (MC) but significantly lower by 53�% at 9���3�% MC. The stem and branch woods at 14���2�% MC were classified respectively as moderately durable and non-durable, but at 9���3�% MC both were classified as moderately durable. Visual rating indicated that at 9���3�% MC branch wood could have a better service life than stem wood. Density and MC correlated positively and negatively respectively with weight loss but the association was marginally stronger for stem wood (R2�=�0.86�%) than branch wood (R2�=�0.82�%). In conclusion, sapele branch wood material dried to 9���3�% MC appeared more durable than branch wood at 14���2�% MC or stem wood at either 9���3 or 14���2�% MC. Wood products manufacturers and users should consider using well dried branch wood of sapele to supplement stem wood for ground applications. Further research is encouraged to assess other properties of the branch wood in comparison with its stem wood for a firmer conclusion to be drawn on their utilization. � 2015, Indian Academy of Wood Science.

Source: UEW
Effect of different growth media on growth, survival rate and seedling vigour of cocoa (Theobroma Cacao)

The study was carried out to investigate the effect of different growth media on growth, survival rate and seedling vigour of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) at the nursery stage. The cocoa seedlings were nursed at Sefwi Wiawso College of Education in the Western North Region of Ghana. The experimental design was Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The treatments were top soil (T1), Sawdust (T2), Cocoa pod husk (T3), Top soil+Sawdust (T4), Top soil+Cocoa podhusk (T5) and Sawdust+Cocoa pod husk (T6). Sixteen (16) poly bags size of 17.5 cm base × 25 cm height was filled with the respective media. Seeds were sown two seeds per poly bag at the depth of 2 cm. The parameters measured were subjected to Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). The means were separated by Least Significant Difference (LSD; P<0.05). The results from the study showed that, Top soil+Sawdust growth media supported best growth of cocoa seedlings in all the parameters than the other treatments. However, Cocoa pod husk media responded poorly to all the growth parameters of the cocoa seedlings at nursery stage. It is recommended that the use of sawdust to amend growth medium could be a promising alternative for raising cocoa seedlings at the nursery stage.

Source: UEW
Effect of different methods of staking on the growth and yield of cucumber (Cucumis Sativus)

The Experiment was conducted at the experimental field of the crop and soil science Department of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development formerly University of Education Winneba, Mampong –Ashanti. From October to December 2021 to determine the effects of different staking methods on the vegetative growth and yield of cucumber. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) was used with four treatments and three replications. The treatments were No staking, String staking, Anchor staking and Single staking. The Parameters were plant height, plant girth, number of leaves, fruit diameter, fruit length, number of fruit per plant, day to 50% flower. Data collected was analyzed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and The treatment means separated with the Least significant difference (Lsd) at 5% level of probability. The findings indicate that, although staked cucumber performed better than the non-staked cucumber, however, among the three staking methods (Anchor, String, and Single staking), String staking performed best on both vegetative and yield performance of cucumber followed by Single staking and Anchor staking recording low on both vegetative and yield performance of cucumber. It is therefore recommended that farmers should adopt the string staking.

Source: UEW
Effect of different plant spacing and different rates of urea fertilizer application on the growth and yield of okra (Abelmoschus Esculentus (L.)

An ideal plant spacing and fertilizer doses for okra's [Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench] contributes its performance and output. An experimental study was conducted at the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture Education, College of Agriculture Education of Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Mampong-Ashanti campus, to evaluate the effect of different plant spacing and different rates of urea fertilizer application on the growth and yield of okra variety Asontem. Three different plant spacing (S1 = 60 cm x 40 cm, S2 = 60 cm x 50 cm, and S3 = 60 cm x 60 cm) and three different rates of urea fertilizer (N1 = 0 kg N ha-1 , N2 = 46 kg N ha-1 , and N3 = 69 kg N ha-1 ) were used in the experiment. The experiment was conducted in a 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Superior results were seen from the widest plant spacing (60 cm x 60 cm) and the highest rate of urea fertilizer (69 kg N ha-1 ) applied in the vegetative growth, and yield components of okra. Nonetheless, the tallest plant height and maximum pod yield per hectare were achieved with the closest plant spacing (60 cm x 40 cm) treated with a higher rate of urea fertilizer application (69 kg N ha-1 ). Farmers are then advised to cultivate okra variety Asontem at a plant spacing of 60 cm x 40 cm with a higher rate of urea fertilizer at 69 kg N ha-1 for optimum pod yield per hectare.

Source: UEW
Effect of different plant spacing and staking on growth and yield of tomato (Solanum Lycopersicum L.)

The study investigates the performance of staked and non-staked on Shasta tomato at different plant spacing. The experimental design used for the study was 2 x 3 factorial arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatment was up of three spacing; 50cm x 40 cm ,60 cm x 40 cm and 70 cm x 40 cm and two factors, staked and non-staked. There were six experimental plots with varying plot length of which each block contained six plots. The result shows that there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) difference between staking and No staking in yield per hectare. Staking produced significantly higher (1996kg/ha) yield per plant than No staking treatment with the least recorded (1801.0 kg/ha) in yield per plant.There was also significant (P ≤ 0.05) difference betweenplant spacing of 50 cm x 40 cm, 60 cm x 40 cm and 70 cm x 40 cm in yield per hectare. Spacing 50 cm x 40 cm produced the highest yield per hectare while 70 cm x 40 cm produced the least mean of (1318.0kg/ha). The study further recommends that farmer should plant tomato No staking x 50 cm × 40 cm for potential yield 3352 kg/ha.

Source: UEW
Effect of different planting distance on performance of two cultivars of cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata)

The field experiment was conducted at the Multipurpose crop nursery, College of Agriculture Education, of the Akenten Appiah-Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development Mampong-Ashanti from July to September, 2022. The study was conducted to determine the effect of different planting distance on performance of two cultivar of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata). The experimental design used was 2 x 3 factorial, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The treatments were made up of 2 varieties of Cowpea (Tona and Zamzam) and 3 planting distance (60 cm x 10 cm, 60 cm x 20 cm and 60 cm x 30 cm). The results revealed that Zamzam planted on 60 cm x 30 cm interaction, emerged earliest (4.67 days), Tona planted on 60 cm x 10 cm, Zamzam planted on 60 cm x 10 cm and 60 cm x 10 cm spacing emerged at the same period (5.33 days) whilst Zamzam planted on 60 cm x 20 cm interaction emerged late (6.33 days). Tona planted on 60 cm x 20 cm and Zamzam planted on 60cm x 30 cm were earliest to flower (41.00 days) whilst Tona planted on 60 cm x 10 cm were earliest to pod (45.3 days).Tona produced wider canopy width and higher number of leaves per plant than zamzam from 6 to 8 WAP, whilst Tona planted on 60 cm x 30 cm interaction produced significantly (P≤0.05) wider canopy width than on 60 cm x 10 cm interaction. Zamzam planted on 60 cm x 10 cm produced significantly (P≤0.05) taller plants than Tona planted on 60 cm x10 cm and on 60 cm x 30 cm interaction which produced shortest plants at 4 WAP and 6 WAP respectively. Planting distance 60 cm x 10 cm produced significantly heaviest root fresh weight at 8 WAP. Tona planted on 60 cm x 30 cm interaction produced significantly greatest number of branches per plant at 8WAP. It is therefore recommended that for high yield of cowpea, farmers are to plant Tona using 60 cm inter row spacing and either 10 cm, 20 cm or 30 cm intra row spacing for maximum number of branches per plant.

Source: UEW