ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Leadership styles of head teachers and its influence on staff performance in Senior High Schools in the Tema Metropolis.

The general low academic performance in Senior High schools have been attributed to teachers’ inability to perform their functions well and head teachers’ lack of good leadership among others. In light of this, the study aimed at examining the relationship between staff performance and headteacher’s leadership style as well as the relationship between leadership style of headteachers and their academic background and personal qualities. To achieve this, the study adopted a descriptive research design and a quantitative research approach. The study further adopted the use of systematic and simple random sampling techniques to select 399 teachers from five schools in the Tema Metropolis of Ghana. Additionally, the study adopted questionnaire to collect data from the respondents. The findings revealed that, the type of leadership style deployed by the headteachers from the perspective of the teachers was generally the affiliative leadership style. It also found that, there was positive relationship between the personal qualities and academic qualification of the headteacher with their leadership style. Finally, the study also showed that, the leadership style of the headteachers had a positive and significant relationship with the performance of the teachers in the school. The study concluded that, the academic qualification as well as years of teacher experience does have some influence on the type of leadership style, they are likely to deploy. Additionally, the type of leadership style, more specifically, the affiliative leadership is more appropriate to motivate teachers to want to give off their best to achieve better performance on the job. The study recommended that, Government agencies responsible for the allocation of headteachers to the various public should ensure that, these individuals have enough teaching experiences and have undergone further training in educational administration

Source: KNUST
Leadership art at Bekwai

This thesis shows the study of regalia of Bekwai with the view to: (a) identifying and describing some of the important artifacts; (b) examine their socio-political functions, importance, significance and influence on Bekwai citizens and their culture; and (c) investigating the changes and development that have occurred in the regalia and whether there has been an introduction of foreign elements into the artifacts or not. To realise these aims, and for the success of the entire work, the thesis is organised into five chapters, excluding the preface and other preambles. The first chapter is mainly devoted to the ethnographic study of Bekwai. The next three identify and describe the regalia, show their significance and consider their aesthetic quality and the socio-poliitical functions of the artifacts, while the last chapter concerns discussion designed to show the importance and influence of the regalia, some findings, suggestions, recommendations and a conclusion. The research reveals that the paramount regalia include stools, state swords, palanquins, linguist staffs, necklaces, bracelets, rings and footwear. The insignia are central to the Bekwai culture, and while some of them foster unity, proclaim the grandeur of the chief and influence socio-political gatherings, others lend credence and authority to the messages of the envoys and linguists for example linguist staffs and courier swords. As noticed in the actual text, the foundation of Bekwai is associated with a legendary snake which is symbolished and added to the regalia. Moreover, the ancestors are represented by black stools which allegedly assist the people to contact these spirits for supernatural assistance. The thesis further shows that the regalia are aesthetically pleasing. The artifacts are marked by stylistic variations and developments, an introduction of foreign materials into the fabrication and by gifts from Britain. It is however hoped that this thesis, will be beneficial to the people of Bekwai and of Ghana as a whole.

Source: KNUST
Lean supply chain management and firm performance: the role of industry 4.0 technologies and top management commitment

This study was motivated by inconsistent findings on the relationship between lean supply chain management and firm performance, and calls for examining the roles of industry 4.0 technologies and top management commitment. The main objective was to examine the impact of industry 4.0 technologies and top management commitment on the relationship between lean supply chain management and firm performance. The study was underpinned by the resource-based view theory. A quantitative approach with a survey method was adopted, with data gathered from 387 employees of manufacturing firms in Ghana’s greater Accra region. Key findings revealed a positive relationship between lean supply chain management and firm performance. Industry 4.0 technologies positively mediated this relationship. Top management commitment positively moderated the relationship between industry 4.0 technologies and firm performance. Recommendations include managers adopting lean practices, implementing industry 4.0 technologies, and demonstrating commitment to optimize efficiency. The study contributes by providing new insights into the factors driving lean supply chain management success.

Source: KNUST
Learning difficulties among primary pupils: (a case study in KNUST primary, Kumasi.)

ABSTRACT A keen look at ways in identifying and dealing with pupils with learning difficulties so as to give pupils with or without difficulties equal rights and also experiencing the same or similar training has the potency of ensuring the achievement of universal primary education for all children. This research adopted the qualitative research method to study with the focus on the KNUST primary as a case study. The school is located in the Oforikrom sub metro of Ghana. Basically the research sort to help teachers identify pupils with learning difficulties and also how to handle them by using adaptive instructions to meet their needs. The purposive sampling method was adopted for the study. Data gathered revealed that teachers were aware of pupils with learning difficulties but not the specific type of learning difficulties and also teachers were not really equipped to use adaptive instructions to meet their needs. Some children from Knust Primary School exhibited writing, reading and spelling challenges, and at that level pupil should have been able to overcome these challenges but they still had the difficulties. Data collected and analyzed concluded that there was a gap as far as teachers and their learners are concerned and this needs to be checked. Nonetheless most of the pupils after the teacher used the document on how to use adaptive instructions to meet their needs, almost 25 which forms 63% of the sample started responding positively. It is recommended that further research be conducted in other Primary school to verify the findings of this research.

Source: KNUST
Lean Thinking And Sustainability Performance: The Moderating Role Of Top Management Commitment

Lean thinking and sustainability performance are emerging topics in operations and supply chain management research. This study aimed to examine the influence of top management commitment on the relationship between lean thinking and sustainability performance. Despite extensive research on lean thinking, prior studies have yielded inconsistent findings on its impact on performance outcomes. Moreover, the role of top management commitment in enabling lean thinking to drive sustainability performance remains unclear. Adopting a quantitative approach, this study surveyed 100 employees of manufacturing firms in Ghana's Greater Accra region using questionnaires. Results showed a significant positive relationship between lean thinking and sustainability performance, aligning with the resource-based view theory. Top management commitment also exhibited a significant positive link with sustainability performance. However, top management commitment did not significantly moderate the lean thinking-sustainability performance relationship as hypothesized. The study recommends manufacturing managers integrate lean thinking and gain top management commitment to sustainability initiatives. Focusing on lean thinking principles and securing top management support are vital for organisations seeking to improve sustainability performance. This study contributes to literature and provides practical insights on fostering lean thinking and sustainability in manufacturing firms. Further research could investigate other contingency factors influencing this relationship across various industries. Overall, this study offers valuable theoretical and practical implications on the roles of lean thinking and top management in driving sustainability performance.

Source: KNUST
Leather as a medium for sculpture

Progress in technology has made it possible for new materials to be introduced in production of goods. From time immemorial, sculptures have been done using conventional materials, such as clay, metal, stone, plaster of Paris, cement, plasticine etc. These materials are expensive and difficult to acquire. Besides, works from these materials are also massive. The processes can also be hazardous and as well boring. Searching for new grounds in sculpture makes it expedient to explore alternatives materials. Experimental and descriptive methods were used in this project. In the modeling, an armature was built and reinforced with marshed paper mixed with P.V.A. glue. Leather was then modeled with Formica glue and left to dry. The relief image was carved on elephant leather by removing the unwanted parts bit by bit to achieve and desired form, and then polished with lacquer. The cast image in leather was made form a clay mould. It was dried with a hard dryer to take the form of the mould, and then given a finish. The constructed forms were done by gluing pieces of different sizes of leather on cards with Formica glue to create forms. The forms were then joined into the constructed image with good finish. Leather was conveniently used in modeling, carving, casting and construction. The works produced in this project are portable, light weight and transportable sculptures that are suitable for indoor decoration. The skills involved can be used to produce small and light weight sculptures as souvenir to give the tourism industry a boost. Besides, the scare, which is a hindrance to sculpture to sculpture, as expressed by the young ones, due to its strenuous and energy consuming nature, is limited. It is a clue to those who find it cumbersome and difficult in the acquisition of the conventional materials for sculpture. It is recommended that other durable leather is explored for sculpture. Students in the field of art can adopt the methods used in the project as a cheap and easy means of producing sculpture. In order to boost up Ghana’s tourism industry, the project report will motivate sculptors to produce more sculptures of this kind to compliment the other leather articles that are already on the market. It is generally recommended that sculptors and students produce more sculptures in leather.

Source: KNUST
Left turn accommodation at unsignalized t-intersections: a case study in Kumasi using VISSIM modelling

The most common type of intersection improvement considered in Ghana is signalization. However, other actions such as the installation of left-turn lanes (left-turn accommodation) have been proven to improve the efficiency and safety of an intersection without the need for signalization in the short term. Warrants which guide the installation of such lanes in Ghana are adopted from elsewhere and as a result do not reflect local traffic flow conditions. This study investigated the use of VISSIM micro simulation tool to establish volume warrants based on a delay threshold to guide the installation of left-turn lanes at unsignalized Tintersections. The VISSIM model was calibrated using traffic flow, delay, average and maximum queue length data obtained from a two-hour video recording of the case study intersection during the morning peak period. After calibration, several scenarios covering a wide range of operational conditions were simulated. Using Level of Service (LOS) C cut off point of 25 s/veh as the maximum acceptable delay to minor road left-turning traffic, an equation has been developed which predicts the threshold minor road left-turn volume above which a minor road left-turn lane may be considered and below which a minor road l eft-turn lane may not be necessary for a range of major road volumes. The critical delay to major road left-turning traffic was found to be 16 s/veh. Major road left-turn lane volume warrants were determined based on this threshold delay value. The approach used in this study can serve as a procedure guide that can be used by metropolitan and municipal road engineers to assess the need for left-turn lanes.

Source: KNUST
Legume-rhizobium specificity effect on nodulation, biomass production and partitioning of faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

Greenhouse and multi-location experiments were conducted for two consecutive years to investigate the effects of rhizobium on nodulation, biomass production and partitioning of faba bean. Split-plot in randomized complete block design was used for field experiments. Treatments consisted of six rhizobium strains and three faba bean varieties. Peat carrier-based inoculant of each strain was applied at the rate of 10 g kg−1 seed. Non-inoculated plants without N fertilizer and with N fertilizer served as –N and + N controls, respectively. Data on nodulation, shoot dry weight and root dry weight were collected and analyzed. Inoculation of rhizobium significantly increased nodulation of faba bean under greenhouse and field conditions. Location x strain x variety interaction had significant effects on nodulation, dry matter production and partitioning. Rhizobium inoculation increased nodulation, shoot and root dry weights of faba bean across locations. For example, inoculation with rhizobium strains NSFBR-15 and NSFBR-12 to variety Moti resulted in 206.9 and 99.3% shoot dry weight increase at Abala Gase and Hankomolicha, respectively and 133.3 and 70.7% root dry weight increase on the same variety at the same sites, respectively. Nodulation and biomass production depend on the compatibility between faba bean genotype and rhizobium strain and its interaction with soil bio-physical conditions.

Source: KNUST
LEGUME–MAIZE ROTATION OR RELAY? OPTIONS FOR ECOLOGICAL INTENSIFICATION OF SMALLHOLDER FARMS IN THE GUINEA SAVANNA OF NORTHERN GHANA

Soil nutrient constraints coupled with erratic rainfall have led to poor crop yields and occasionally to crop failure in sole cropping in the Guinea savanna of West Africa. We explored different maize-grain legume diversification and intensification options that can contribute to mitigating risks of crop failure, increase crop productivity under different soil fertility levels, while improving soil fertility due to biological N2- fixation by the legume. There were four relay patterns with cowpea sown first and maize sown at least 2 weeks after sowing (WAS) cowpea; two relay patterns with maize sown first and cowpea sown at least 3 WAS maize in different spatial arrangements. These were compared with groundnut-maize, soybean– maize, fallow-maize and continuous maize rotations in fields high, medium and poor in fertility at a site each in the southern (SGS) and northern (NGS) Guinea savanna of northern Ghana. Legumes grown in the poorly fertile fields relied more on N2-fixation for growth leading to generally larger net N inputs to the soil. Crop yields declined with decreasing soil fertility and were larger in the SGS than in the NGS due to more favourable rainfall and soil fertility. Spatial arrangements of relay intercrops did not have any significant impact on maize and legume grain yields. Sowing maize first followed by a cowpea relay resulted in 0.18–0.26 t ha−1 reduction in cowpea grain yield relative to cowpea sown from the onset. Relaying maize into cowpea led to a 0.29–0.64 t ha−1 reduction in maize grain yield relative to maize sown from the onset in the SGS. In the NGS, a decline of 0.66 and 0.82 t ha−1 in maize grain yield relative to maize sown from the onset was observed due to less rainfall received by the relay maize. Groundnut and soybean induced 0.38–1.01 t ha−1 more grain yield of a subsequent maize relative to continuous maize, and 1.17–1.71 t ha−1 more yield relative to relay maize across both sites. Accumulated crop yields over both years suggest that sowing maize first followed by cowpea relay is a promising ecological intensification option besides the more common legume–maize rotation in the Guinea savanna, as it was comparable with soybean–maize rotation and more productive than the other treatments.

Source: KNUST
Learning difficulties among primary pupils: A case study in KNUST primary, Kumasi.

A keen look at ways in identifying and dealing with pupils with learning difficulties so as to give pupils with or without difficulties equal rights and also experiencing the same or similar training has the potency of ensuring the achievement of universal primary education for all children. This research adopted the qualitative research method to study with the focus on the KNUST primary as a case study. The school is located in the Oforikrom sub metro of Ghana. Basically the research sort to help teachers identify pupils with learning difficulties and also how to handle them by using adaptive instructions to meet their needs. The purposive sampling method was adopted for the study. Data gathered revealed that teachers were aware of pupils with learning difficulties but not the specific type of learning difficulties and also teachers were not really equipped to use adaptive instructions to meet their needs. Some children from Knust Primary School exhibited writing, reading and spelling challenges, and at that level pupil should have been able to overcome these challenges but they still had the difficulties. Data collected and analyzed concluded that there was a gap as far as teachers and their learners are concerned and this needs to be checked. Nonetheless most of the pupils after the teacher used the document on how to use adaptive instructions to meet their needs, almost 25 which forms 63% of the sample started responding positively. It is recommended that further research be conducted in other Primary school to verify the findings of this research.

Source: KNUST
Leishmania infection in sand flies in a Cutaneous Leishmaniasis focus in Ghana

Leishmaniasis is a parasitic disease caused by various species of the genus Leishmania, a protozoan parasite transmitted through the bite of an infected female Phlebotomine sand fly. There are three forms of the disease namely, visceral leishmaniasis, cutaneous leishmaniasis and muco-cutaneous leishmaniasis. Cutaneous leishmaniasis is the most common form of leishmaniasis, characterized by sores on the skin that usually enlarge with time and develop into an ulcer. The disease is caused by various Leishmania sp. and depending on whether human beings are the main reservoir or other small mammals, transmission is usually considered anthroponothic or zoonotic. The distribution of leishmania infection in sand flies was examined in some endemic cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) communities of the Volta Region, Ghana. CL was first reported in 1999 in these communities by the Ghana Health Service in the Ho, Hohoe and kpando municipality. Since the first outbreak of the disease, there have been increasing reports of the disease in various villages in the Volta Region of Ghana. The present study therefore, conducted to identify natural infection by Leishmania sp. in insect vectors of CL. Entomological survey was conducted in three endemic communities (Dodome Awuiasu, Dodome Dogblome and Lume Atsiame) in the Volta Region. From October 2012 to February 2013, a total of 4219 female sand flies were captured with Center for Disease Control (CDC) light traps and dissected for studies on the head and last three abdominal segments for identification. It was observed that twenty (0.5%) female sandflies were identified from the genus Phlebotomus and 4199 (99.5%) belong to Sergentomyia. To determine leismania infection in female sandlies, DNA was extracted from pools of sand fly species ranging from 1 to 25 dissected females. This was done using a Qiagen DNA extraction Kit. In considering the pools of individual sandfly species, Leishmania sp. infection of 0.0384% (95% CI, 0.00119-0.197) was vi detected in a pool of 7 (5.7%). S. africana female sand flies out of 122 pools using PCR. The infection was detected in sand flies collected from Dodome Dogblome. This is the first report of natural infection by Leishmania sp. in S. africana in Ghana. This observation that S. africana is naturally infected by Leishmania sp., suggested that the sand fly species might play a role in the transmission of cutaneous Leishmaniasis in that part of the Volta Region of Ghana. The control of Leishmaniasis in endemic areas requires understanding of Leishmania ecology and the epidemiology of the disease. Finding naturally infected sand flies is important in identifying species of sand flies as a vector(s) of Leishmania in studying infection rates and estimating the prevalence of the disease in endemic communities that experience occasional outbreaks of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Source: KNUST
Les Difficultes Des Apprenants Du Français Sur Objectifs Specifiques Au Ghana: Le Cas De KNUST School of Business

This study aims at identifying the difficulties of learners of French for Specific Purposes in Ghana: a case study of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology School of Business. The problem that led us into doing this research is to know why learners, having gone through the French for Communication course in the first-year and French for Specific Purposes in the second year are unable to develop the technical know - how of the French language and put it to work at their workplaces. This shows that the objective of the French course especially the Business French been taught in the second year is not being fully achieved. This research is in the field of French for Specific Purposes at the School of Business, KNUST supervised by Dr. (Mrs.) Lebene Tettey. The thesis seeks to identify the difficulties of learners; the weakenesses in the methods and approaches used by lecturers in this domain and finally finds strategies to solve the identified challenges. The data was collected from students at the KNUST School of Business and lecturers at the Department of Modern Languages in the form of questionnaires and interviews respectively. Our results validated the assumptions that the program is not well defined. It lacks adequate textbooks. In addition, the technological equipment for teaching this course is not also enough. All these put together could be a source of difficulty for learners.

Source: KNUST