ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the effect of maintenance culture of buildings in Ghana.

A building fabric is referred to as an ‘environment envelope’ because it is the means by which the natural or external environment may be modified to produce a satisfactory internal environment for a person to live in. The deterioration of building hampers its ability to perform adequately, therefore it is important to ensure proper maintenance to prevent deterioration. Due to the neglect of the maintenance component of building in this country, a lot of residential and public buildings are in a state of disrepair. In view of the above, this study was designed to assess the current condition of residential and public buildings. Identify the major causes of poor maintenance to buildings, analyse the maintenance policy and practice of the maintenance department in residential and public institution in this country to make suggestion and recommendation towards the adoption of effective maintenance policy and practice. The field investigation focused on residential and public building in the Ayawaso sub metro in Accra metropolis. Three different housing types were defined for data collection and analyses including bungalows, tenant houses and single unit houses. Method of data collection was purposive and random sampling techniques. A number of houses were covered in the survey. The survey revealed that there is a real housing maintenance problem in the public and residential building sectors in Ghana particularly in the Ayawaso sub metro and also buildings have deteriorated and need to be repaired, the buildings was not properly designed and constructed, they lacked preventive or regular maintenance and that estate managers, occupants, personnel (expects) are to be blamed that maintenance work on buildings should start from the planning stage (design stage) to the life span of the building. The study also established the following factors as being responsible for the poor maintenance of public and residential buildings: the age of the building, lack of maintenance culture, inadequate funds and cost of maintenance, pressure on buildings facilities by number of users and poor construction work and maintenance work done by maintenance personnel of public institutions. Stake holders in the housing sector also add to the problem that has arisen as a result of lack of preventive maintenance plan, low capacity of maintenance personnel in terms of staffing and training, absence of a national maintenance policy, apathy and lack of patriotism on the part of some public employees occupying government bungalows.

Source: UEW
Investigation into the effect of scrap metal usage on locally manufactured domestic machines in the Cape Coast metropolis

The main objective of the study was to investigate into the effect of scrap metal usage on locally manufactured domestic machines in the Cape Coast Metropolis. This study adopted the case study strategy. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used for the study. The population for the study was four hundred and fifty-seven (457), consisting of scrap dealers and locally manufactured domestic machines manufacturers in the Cape Coast Metropolis. Purposive and random sampling methods were used to select a sample size of two hundred and ten (210) respondents for the study (100 domestic machine manufacturers and 110 scrap dealers). Questionnaires were the main instrument used to collect primary data for the study. Primary data was collected through a field survey of domestic machine manufacturers and scrap metal dealers in the Cape Coast metropolis. Data was collected through the use of a designed questionnaire administered to participants in their workshops. The SPSS version 18 was used to analyse data. The study findings concluded that the domestic machines manufacturers fabricated flour mill, cassava grater, vegetable mill and corn mill. Moreover, the respondents used new and scrapped materials in fabricating domestic machines. Also, the respondents used pillar drilling machines, lathe machines, arc welding machines, gas welding machines, pedestal grinder and milling machines to manufacture domestic machines. The study results concluded that the main difficulties preventing people engaged in metal scrap collection and recycling of scraps is non availability of recycling plants. The study recommended that the government and stakeholders must provide adequate long and medium scale recycling plants to recycle scrap waste to minimize the high cost of locally manufactured machines. The availability of the machine tools will improve productivity of domestic machines manufacturing.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on teachers’ job performance a case study of basic schools in Medie circuit in Ga west district

The study sought to investigate the effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on teachers’ job performance in the Basic Schools in the Medie Circuit. Quantitative approach was used. Cross-sectional study design was used with sample size of 93 Public Basic Schools head teachers and teachers. The respondents were 7 head teachers and 86 teachers from all basic schools in the circuit. The data were collected by the use of questionnaires and data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xii (cross tabulation) with chi-square and p-value used. The results of the study indicate that the majority (85.7%) of the head teachers had received extra training. Also, most of the head teachers (71.5%) used democratic leadership in the circuit. It was also revealed that the most preferred leadership style by the majority of the teachers (76.7%) was democratic leadership style. The results indicate high teachers’ job performance in the circuit. Furthermore, it was found that there is relationship between teachers’ job performance and head teachers leadership styles according to the majority of the respondents (89.5%). The study concludes that head teachers receive training and use democratic leadership style in their schools which is the most preferred leadership style by the teachers. The study recommends that the Ghana Education Service should intensify the extra training giving to the head teachers so that they would always recognize the contributions of their teachers

Source: UEW
An investigation into the effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on teachers’ job performance a case study of basic schools in Medie circuit in Ga west district

The study sought to investigate the effects of head teachers’ leadership styles on teachers’ job performance in the Basic Schools in the Medie Circuit. Quantitative approach was used. Cross-sectional study design was used with sample size of 93 Public Basic Schools head teachers and teachers. The respondents were 7 head teachers and 86 teachers from all basic schools in the circuit. The data were collected by the use of questionnaires and data analysis was done using descriptive statistics and inferential University of Education,Winneba http://ir.uew.edu.gh xii (cross tabulation) with chi-square and p-value used. The results of the study indicate that the majority (85.7%) of the head teachers had received extra training. Also, most of the head teachers (71.5%) used democratic leadership in the circuit. It was also revealed that the most preferred leadership style by the majority of the teachers (76.7%) was democratic leadership style. The results indicate high teachers’ job performance in the circuit. Furthermore, it was found that there is relationship between teachers’ job performance and head teachers leadership styles according to the majority of the respondents (89.5%). The study concludes that head teachers receive training and use democratic leadership style in their schools which is the most preferred leadership style by the teachers. The study recommends that the Ghana Education Service should intensify the extra training giving to the head teachers so that they would always recognize the contributions of their teach

Source: UEW
Investigation into the factors influencing construction worker job satisfaction in the Ghanaian construction industry (a case study of Accra & Tema metropolis)

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of employees‟ job satisfaction on job performance in the construction industry in Accra and Tema in the Greater Accra Region. Convenient sampling was used to select the 400 respondents to participate in the study. Data for the study were elicited from primary source. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used in gathering primary data. Field Data were analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 21). The study discovered that employees at the selected construction sites in Accra were moderately satisfied with the prevailing working conditions with emphasis being placed on flexibility of work schedules and their working hours per week, benefits, such as health insurance which are basic human requirements, bonuses and other allowances. The study further discovered that satisfaction levels were not confined to working conditions alone but greater satisfaction was found among employees and their superiors as well as their co-workers. Cordial relationship at the work environment fosters solidarity, unity, oneness and increases productivity through coordinated effort and with the conviction of being covered by a co-worker. The study discovered that people are satisfied based on certain working conditions and factors that favour them. Based on the findings from the field it can be concluded that the rate at which the manager shows concern for his workers increases satisfaction. The regression results show that there is significant effect of satisfaction on employee satisfactions. It can also be concluded that satisfaction enable workers to improve individual job performance, encourage others to accomplish their tasks and offer assistance to others in the accomplishment of their duties. It is recommended that policies on employee‟s satisfaction be encourage.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the impact of microfinance on the livelihood of women in Ghana a case study of Sinapi Aba Trust, Kumasi

The study was to investigate the impact of microfinance institutions in the livelihood of women using Sinapi Aba Trust, in Central Market and Bantama sub metro in the Ashanti region. The researcher gathered the data through the use of questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were given to women who could read and write to fill. Interviews were conducted with some staff of the MFI about the organization and the performance of Microfinance Scheme. A sample of forty of them was interviewed with questionnaire, outlining all the possible questions required under the study. The essence of this MFI is to help poor people especially women who lack access for finance and tries to provide a means through which poor individuals can financially sustain themselves. The researcher reveals that women default on loan less than men and credit extended to women has much greater impact on household consumption and quality of life at children. The reason is that, microfinance does not reach the poorest of the poor is because of discrimination by loans officers. Based on these factors, the study made recommendation to the government to pay more attention to the microfinance sector in Ghana. Rules and regulations concerning this sector should be made flexible for the establishment of more MFI’s to enable them carry on banking services for the poor people.

Source: UEW
Investigation into the impact of using CFL bulbs on energy consumption in Ghana-a case study of Twifo Hemang lower Denkyira district in the central region of Ghana.

The main purpose of the study was to investigate into the impact of using CFL bulbs on energy consumption in Ghana- a case study of Twifo Hemang lower Denkyira district in the central region of Ghana. This study employed quantitative and descriptive methodology to collect data and analyze data. The population for this study comprises individuals who consume electricity in the Twifo Hemang lower Denkyira District in the Central Region of Ghana. The population for the study was nine hundred and seventy (970).The random (probability) sampling technique was used to sample 274 electricity consumers within the study area. The instruments used for the study were structured questionnaires. The introduction of CFL bulbs has impacted in reducing power consumption in households in the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira District. The respondents were willing to use CFL bulbs to conserve electrical energy and save money. The study concluded that education, income, age and occupation, played significant role in electrical conservation and consumption. The study recommended that the ECG should organise periodic advertisements and awareness programmes to educate electricity consumers on the importance of using the CFL bulbs to conserve electrical energy.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the management of junior high school female teachers’ stress-a case study of Ahenkro circuit of the Afigya Kwabre North district of the Ashanti region

The purpose of this study is to identify and explore the stressors that affect junior high school female teachers in Ahenkro Circuit and to identify the coping behaviours that the female teachers use in managing these stressors. The sample for the study consisted of 60 female teachers. Questionnaire in the form of likert format ranging from strongly disagree (1) to strongly agree (4) was used to collect data. The reliability of the instrument used was 0.79. The methodological inquiry was quantitative research approach using descriptive cross-sectional design was used which included the following statistical analyses: mean and standard deviation percentages were employed to answer the research questions of the study. Findings indicated that majority of female teachers who participated in the study agreed that home – work interface, specifically marital responsibilities was their main source of stress, majority of female teachers in the study area experienced moderate level of stress. Finally, female teachers tried to analyze the problem in order to understand it better. Based on these findings it was recommended that, female teachers should be made to be conversant with what goes on in marriage, coupled with marital responsibilities and effective ways of handling their husbands. In addition, female teachers should be well trained on effective ways of coping with stress and lastly, more theoretical research should be done in this field in order to develop a comprehensive model specifically designed for female teachers. This model should include stress management programmes for couples.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the management of workshops in technical schools in the Western Region

This Dissertation focuses on assessing the facilities in Technical school workshops in the context of developing the country. A descriptive survey design was adopted. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. 30-item questionnaire was developed based on the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) standards on Technical school workshops, and was validated by two experts. Data was collected from 20 administrators, 50 teachers, and 50 students randomly sampled and stratified along cluster of engineering and construction trades programmes in Technical schools in the Western Region. The total score was analysed by using parametric statistics from Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to summarize the scores. A two-tailed t-test with a p- value of 5% (α = 0.05) level of significance was implemented to find the significant difference between the respondents on the management of workshops in technical schools by age and educational background, while Spearman’s correlation was also applied to test whether there was statistical significantly differences in the mean score. Results revealed that administrators, teachers, and students shared similar views on the inadequacy of the facilities in Technical school workshops, majority of the respondents were thirty-five years and above, female enrolment into technical schools very low, the facilities in the school workshops were woefully inadequate. Institution and Cooperate bodies must be sought for help rather than depending solely on the government. In spite of the numerous roles play by teachers in the management of the facilities, more is to be done, else the desire to produce competent graduates that can solve societal problem, would come to nought, unless the implementation of the recommended strategies in order to meet the goals of Technical Education as identified in the National Policy on Education.

Source: UEW
Investigation into the organization of inset for basic school teachers in the Offinso South Municipality of the Ashanti Region

The purpose of the study was to investigate the organization of in-service education and training (INSET) in basic schools in the Offinso South Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Specifically, the objectives of the study were to: ascertain the prevailing in-service education and training in the Municipality; find out the impact of in-service education and training on teachers’ performance; determine the assessment processes after the organization of INSET; and to establish the factors that militate against effective organization of INSET for teachers in basic schools in the Municipality. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The target population for the study consisted of the 1,024 teachers in all the basic schools in the Offinso South Municipality. The accessible population for the study was all the 202 teachers in 10 selected basic schools in the Offinso South Municipality. Simple random sampling was used to select 134 teachers for the study. Closed-ended questionnaire was the data collection instrument. The study found that in service training in Mathematics, French among others were organized for teachers; INSET helped to improve teacher retention and performance and also improved teachers’ teaching methodology to improve performance; INSET programmes were evaluated after their organization and that INSET was not geared towards teachers’ specific needs as needs assessment were not conducted. Based on the findings and conclusions it was recommended that school heads should strengthen the organization of INSET by organizing it at regular intervals. The Ghana Education Service should liaise with the government to allocate enough funds to school heads to organize effective INSET for teachers.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the poor academic performance of students at selected public basic schools in Obuasi Municipality

The study investigated the poor academic performance of students at three selected junior high schools in Obuasi Municipality, seeking to determine the inputs and processes that contributed to such an outcome. Based on the study’s research questions and aims, the researchers chose an exploratory design that combined both qualitative and quantitative methods for collecting and analysing the data. The target population for the study comprised students, teachers and parents in respect of all basic schools in Obuasi Municipality. However, the accessible population was limited to students, parents and teachers in Obuasi West Circuit. The study employed both simple random and stratified sampling techniques. Questionnaires and past records were used as data sources. Cross tabulation was adopted for analysis of the relationship between inputs and processes, and performance outputs. The study found that most respondents accepted that all inputs and processes contributed moderately to very significantly to poor academic performance. It is therefore concluded that there is a need for all stakeholders- government departments, teachers, parents and students,etc- to play their respective parts in addressing the factors that contribute to poor student performance in the schools under study if it is to be improved.

Source: UEW
An investigation into the practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the Offinso Municipality of Ashanti Region

This study was conducted to assess the practices and challenges of instructional supervision in public basic schools in the West circuit of Bongo district. Three research questions were formulated, on the various supervisory options applied by head teachers in these schools; the challenges faced by head teachers and the possible measures to mitigate the challenges in the study area. Descriptive survey method was employed. purposive sample technique was used to select all the head teachers and simple random sampling was also used to select the teachers. From these sample schools, 11 head teachers and 96 teachers were considered as the respondents for the study. Questionnaire was used as a main tool for data collection. Interview was also used to substantiate the data gathered through questionnaires. Frequency count and percentages were utilised to analyse quantitative data gained through the questionnaires. The qualitative data gathered thorough interview was also analysed by narration. The result of the study indicated that head teachers in the study area employed a variety of supervisory options to supervise their teachers based on the level of maturity of the individual teacher. Work overload of head teachers; lack of regular in-service training for head teachers and interference of Parents Teacher Association members in the work of head teachers were identified in the study as the challenges faced by head teachers. To minimise these challenges, the study recommended reduction of workload of head teachers, regular in-service training for instructional supervisors, and the existence of cordial relationship between head teachers and teachers and sensitisation of Parents Teacher Association members on their roles in the schools.

Source: UEW