ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effect of electricity theft on the Ghanaian power sector; a case study of Electricity Company of Ghana, Tema Region

The power theft has over the years been one of the factors militating against efficient supply of electricity in Ghana. This study was necessary and timely because of the frequent power supply interruptions Ghana has been facing in the past decade. The study was conducted to assessing the effect of electricity theft on the Ghanaian power sector. The researcher used convenience sampling technique to select 150 respondents from domestic consumers of electricity, commercial consumers of electricity and staff of ECG at Tema. The respondents were made up of 60 males and 90 females. The quantitative research design was used and three sets of questionnaires were designed to collect primary data from each category of the respondents. The study concluded that: high cost of electricity tariffs accounts for power theft among commercial consumers; connivance between staff of ECG and some commercial consumers of power account for power theft; lack of frequent monitoring of meters was found to account for both industrial and domestic power theft; and domestic power theft is caused by poverty, unemployment and high cost of living. The study also revealed that power theft causes: domestic and industrial fire outbreaks; energy sector debt; electrocution; high electricity tariffs; and power supply interruptions. The study recommends that independent meter auditors must be engaged to conduct periodic monitoring of meters; public education on the dangers associated with power theft must be intensified; severe punishment should be handed to perpetrators of power theft to serve as deterrent to others; and “Poor” and unemployed consumers who cannot pay their electricity bills should be identified and offered subsidized solar energy.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effect of headteachers and teachers relationship on the performance of basic schools in the Ofoase circuit of the Akyemansa district

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between the head teacher and teachers and its effects on the performance of basic school in Ofoase Circuit in the Akyemansa. The objectives of the study were to find out the nature of head teacherteacher relationship of the basic schools, identify the perceived effect of the nature of head teacher- teacher relationship on the academic performance of basic schools and to find out the challenges associated with head teacher-teacher relationship. Descriptive research design with questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The study targeted 114 teachers in public basic schools of the study area as its population. All the 114 teachers were purposively selected for the study. The study found among others that head teachers have good relationship with teachers as they involved teachers in the preparation of the school performance improvement plan (SPIP). Effects of the head teacher- teacher relationship were that it created supportive environment that promotes teachers to teach to the understanding of students to improve academic performance. Challenges associated with head teacher-teacher relationship were empowerment of staff, respect for individual view point and recognized and rewarded staff. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Ghana Education Service should put in place training workshops on effective head teacher- teachers relationship for head teachers to further improve school success.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effect of mode of instruction on the academic performance of students in North Tongu District

The study was purposed at investigating the effect of teaching techniques on the academic performance of students in English language in the North Tongu District of the Volta Region. Three research questions bothering on types of techniques applied in teaching English language, factors affecting students‟ academic performance, and benefits of teaching techniques of English language on students‟ academic performance in the North Tongu District. Literature was reviewed in relations to the issues of the research questions. Descriptive survey was employed for the study. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 96 respondents which consisted of two headteachers, two assistant headteachers, eight teachers and 84 students in the North Tongu District. Questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. Frequencies and percentages organised in tables were used to analyse the data and results so presented. The study revealed that teachers in North Tongu District applied brainstorming, presentation and demonstration techniques in teaching English Language to enhance students‟ academic performance. However, lecture method was applied, but was seen not to enhance students‟ academic performance. In addition, the study pointed out English language learning and teaching in classrooms, attitudes of learning and motivation positively affected students‟ academic performance in English language in the North Tongu District. Finally, the study revealed that classroom participation, identification of befitting learning styles of individual students and increase in classroom interaction by students are benefits of using good teaching techniques in teaching English language. It was recommended that teachers in North Tongu District will continue to use brainstorming, presentation and demonstration techniques in teaching English Language to enhance students‟ academic performance. Again, Ministry of Education and Ghana education service should provide adequate teaching and learning resources to boost teaching and learning which will enhance students‟ academic performance in English language in the North Tongu District.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effect of service performance of hotel staff A case study of Kumasi Metropolis

The service performance of hotel staff generates direct interactions that enable hotel guests to become accustomed to brand recognition and brand significance, thereby creating brand loyalty. The quality of service provided by the hotel, particularly the services rendered by the staff of the hotel, is therefore integral to the fortunes of the hotel. The study aimed at assessing how certain factors affecting the performance of hotel staff in the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Structured questionnaires were obtained from employees or staff of 3 hotels (consisting of four-star hotels, three-star hotels and two-star hotels). 54 employees from different sectors (the sectors include administration, reception, restaurant, housekeeping, cleaners, and security) of the hotel were interviewed. The study identified factors that indicate the presence of teamwork, good training, and good working environments among the staff of the hotels. Generally, these factors indicated that teamwork, good working environments and efficient training are integral for improving the service performance of employees in the hotel industry. It was further identified that the factors such as teamwork, training and working environments were more predominant in the staff of four-star hotel and three-star hotel than in the two-star hotel. Consequently, the service performance in the staff of four-star hotel and three-star hotel will be better as compared to those in the two-star hotel. There is the need for management of hotels to reward employees of their hard work, commitment and loyalty shown to the organization. Furthermore, two-star hotels should factor in teamwork, good working environment and efficient training of employees in their bid to boost their service performance.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effect of technostress on students’ academic productivity in selected university in Central Region

In the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck numerous countries around the world, including Ghana. To prevent the virus from spreading, the Ghanaian government ordered universities to close, although most had only recently begun the academic year. Despite its benefits for both students and academic faculty, the use of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) had negative consequences, such as technostress. The study examined the effect of technostress on students’ academic productivity in UEW during the COVID-19 pandemic. The descriptive correlational study method was used to discern the prevalence of technology-induced stress among university students in UEW. 385 respondents participated in the study, and they were recruited using the non-probability convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. SPSS and SmartPLS software were used to analyze the data. The study found technostress to be prevalent among students of UEW, but the level was moderate. Also, based on the demographic characteristics, results showed that students experienced the same levels of technostress. Finally, Technostress was found to have no negative impact on students’ academic productivity. In conclusion, the study recommended that the university should take a keen interest in finding students who may be severely stressed because of ICT, and help them improve their ICT skills so that technostress and its effects can be reduced to its barest minimum among students.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effect of technostress on students’ academic productivity in selected university in Central Region

In the first quarter of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic struck numerous countries around the world, including Ghana. To prevent the virus from spreading, the Ghanaian government ordered universities to close, although most had only recently begun the academic year. Despite its benefits for both students and academic faculty, the use of Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) had negative consequences, such as technostress. The study examined the effect of technostress on students’ academic productivity in UEW during the COVID-19 pandemic. The descriptive correlational study method was used to discern the prevalence of technology-induced stress among university students in UEW. 385 respondents participated in the study, and they were recruited using the non probability convenience sampling technique. A structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data. SPSS and SmartPLS software were used to analyze the data. The study found technostress to be prevalent among students of UEW, but the level was moderate. Also, based on the demographic characteristics, results showed that students experienced the same levels of technostress. Finally, Technostress was found to have no negative impact on students’ academic productivity. In conclusion, the study recommended that the university should take a keen interest in finding students who may be severely stressed because of ICT, and help them improve their ICT skills so that technostress and its effects can be reduced to its barest minimum among students

Source: UEW
Assessing the effective use of school self- evaluation towards the improvement of academic performance in Prestea Huni-Valley District

The study critically assessed the effective use of school self- evaluation towards the improvement of academic performance in Prestea Huni- Valley District. Data for the study was obtained using semi-structured questionnaires and interview for respondents. In all, 50 respondents participated in the study. The researcher used a non- probability sampling known as convenience sampling technique to sample staff of teachers in selected schools used for the study and head teachers. The study results concluded that the respondents used end of term examinations, adequate homework, group assessment work to assess performance. Moreover, the respondents were familiar with in-service training, school self-evaluation, peer teaching and off the job training. Furthermore, the respondents had the knowledge about school evaluation. To add more, school self evaluation was beneficial because it assisted teachers to adopt appropriate teaching and learning methods to improve academic performance. The study recommended that colleges of education should introduce the concept of school self- evaluation into their curriculum to enable teachers have a fair knowledge and understanding on the concept so that they will be more conversant with it.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effective use of school self-evaluation towards the improvement of academic performance in Atwima Nwabiagya North District

The study was conducted to investigate the effective use of school self-evaluation towards the improvement of academic performance in junior high schools at Atwima Nwabiagya North District. The objectives of the study were to find out the benefits of effective school self-evaluation, determine factors affecting effective school self-evaluation and to establish factors that can promote school self-evaluation in junior high schools at Atwima Nwabiagya North District. Descriptive survey design was used for the study. The target population was head teachers, assistant head teachers and teachers in both private and public Junior High Schools. The accessible population was 65, consisting of 10 head teachers, 10 assistant head teachers and 45 teachers in 10 public Junior High Schools. Purposive sampling was used to select all the 65 head teachers and teachers for the study. Questionnaire was used for data collection. The reliability test yielded Cronbach Alpha of 0.78. The data was processed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software package version 20.0. The study found that school self-evaluation enabled teachers to reflect on their own practice regularly to improve students learning outcome. Factors that affected school self-evaluation were lack of motivation, lack of experts or skilled personnel to offer training on school self-evaluation. Factors that could promote school self-evaluation were provision of adequate incentives and provision of adequate financial support. It is recommended that the Atwima Nwabiagya North District Directorate of Education should provide schools under its jurisdiction with adequate teaching and learning materials for effective school self-evaluation for the success of the school.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effectiveness of communication in construction project team performance in selected metropolises in Ghana

Challenges often arise on construction project sites in connection with communication relating to many issues bordering on the construction project site. Despite wide recognition of the importance of communication within the construction industry, a combination of organisational and personal factors invariably render communication within project sites ineffective. The aim of the study was examined how communication among project team members in construction project sites affect construction project performance in Ghana. The researcher employed a cross sectional survey research design in conducting the study. Survey questionnaire were administered to a total of 167 individual project team members of 16 construction project sites undertaken by 16 purposely selected D1k1 construction firms in the Accra and Kumasi Metropolises. Analysis of the data was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS Version 20). The findings of the study showed that the communication channels used often by the project teams included meetings, telephone calls, face-to-face interactions and drawings. With regards to the communication platforms, the findings show although different platforms were used, personal communication platforms (calls, emails, face-to-face interaction) was the most important for the project teams. The finding also show that the effectiveness of project team communication based on the dimensions of accuracy, clarity of procedure, understandable, timeliness and completeness had significant effect on project performance. All the five dimensions of communication had positive effects on project performance but the effects of understandable and clarity of procedure were the only ones that were statistically significant. The findings further revealed that poor listening skills of team members, unclear communication objective, unclear channels of communication and limited resources are the major barriers to effective communication among project team members. The major drivers of communication noted included extent of coordination among project team members, timeliness of access to information, understanding the language(s) and culture of team members. The study recommends concerted efforts in line with the study finding be made by project team members aimed at enhancing the performance of projects.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effectiveness of conflict resolution measures in public senior high schools in the Atwima Nwabiagya district

This research sought to assess the effectiveness of conflict resolution measures in secondary schools using a study of selected senior high schools in the Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The target population for the research comprised all employees (both teaching and non-teaching staff) and students of four selected schools. These four schools were Barekese Senior High School, Osei Tutu Senior High School, Toase Senior High School and Nkawie Secondary Technical School. The study used descriptive research design with a quantitative method, executed through questionnaires, which were handed out to 80 student respondents and 40 teacher respondents selected through random sampling technique. Findings indicated that such factors as social and cohabitation issues, discrimination from the top student leadership (captains, prefects etc), feelings of superiority of some classes or form levels over others and emotional and relationship (love affairs) issues were more likely to breed or instigate conflict than other factors. The conclusion made was that the instituted conflict resolution measures were mostly not effective especially in the view of students and therefore required better measures to resolve conflicts. Based on these findings it is recommended that senior high schools should take steps to institute effective conflict prevention measures on school campuses as a first step to effective conflict resolution and also strengthen school rules and regulations to serve as deterrents to conflicts initiation

Source: UEW
Assessing the effectiveness of Glass in building and its case study of building in wa municipality

Glass is one of the very used and favored building materials with multiple applications, such as a building construction material, use in construction industries as material, use in containers and vessels, as windows in the automobile industry. Glasses in buildings are the weakest element of a house with regard to prevention of burglaries. The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of glass in building and its security implication of buildings using Wa Municipality as a case study. The specific objectives of the study were: to examine the use of glass in building construction in the Wa Municipality, to identify the effectiveness of glass in building construction in the Wa Municipality, and to identify the security implications of using glass in building in the Wa Municipality. The study was carried out using a survey designed. The study drew one hundred and twenty four (124) residents and ten (10) contractors in the Wa Municipality. The study adopted purposive sampling technique in selecting respondents for the study. Data collection instrument involved questionnaire, interviews and observation. The study found that in Wa Municipality, glasses in building are mostly used for architectural features like doors, windows, and partitions. Furthermore, it appeared that glasses are used for reinforcement structures, and in the form of block walls. The result indicated that glass in building construction is effective as it resists corrosion, makes structure look more stunning, sophisticated and adds beauty to the building. The study further revealed that glass has a smooth, glossy surface so it is dust proof and can be easily cleaned, and also absorb, refracts or transmits light. The study indicated that glass in building construction have serious implication on the live and property in the building. Based on this, conclusions were made and it was recommended that the government through its agencies should develop by-laws to control the type of glass building materials to be used to avoid any serious implication on the live and property in the building.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effectiveness of school supervision in public basic schools: the case of Agona Odoben

Academic performance in basic schools in Agona Odoben has been abysmal in recent years. To ensure that both teacher and student performance are improved to match standards, effective school supervision is key. It is for this reason that this study was set up to assess the effectiveness of supervision in public basic schools in Agona Odoben in the Asikuma Odoben Brakwa district in the Central region of Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative approach with a descriptive survey design. Teachers, headteachers, and supervisors in basic schools in Agona Odoben served as the population. The quota and simple random sampling techniques were used to select the 82 respondents. A questionnaire was the instrument used to gather data. It was found that both internal and external supervision were practiced in the schools. Also, supervision in public basic schools was effective because it led to improved teacher and student performance, created a pleasant, stimulating, and wholesome environment for teachers and students, and led to clear staff authority and responsibilities. However, numerous challenges, such as the attitude of teachers, the enormity of tasks of supervisors, and limited resources, were major challenges of supervision. It was then recommended that the GES review the criteria for the selection and appointment of basic school supervisors. Also, government-level policies should be instituted to address the various challenges confronting effective basic school supervision.

Source: UEW
Assessing the effectiveness of supervision of teaching and learning in junior high schools in the Kwadaso municipality

The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of supervision of teaching and learning in Junior High Schools in the Kwadaso Municipality. The objectives of the study were to find out the type of supervision practiced in Junior High Schools, determine the effectiveness of the type of supervision being practiced in Junior High Schools and to ascertain the challenges associated with supervision in Junior High Schools in the Kwadaso Municipality. Descriptive survey design was employed for the study. The target population for the study was all the 84 teachers in six junior high schools. Census sampling was used to select all the 84 teachers of the six schools. The instrument used to gather data for this study was the questionnaire. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics such as percentages and frequencies. The reliability test yielded Cronbach alpha of 0.81. The study found that the types of supervision being practiced in junior high schools were external supervision and internal supervision and that supervision took the forms of comprehensive inspection, check-up visits and brief visits. Also, both external supervision and internal supervision promoted effective teaching and learning. Again, supervisors and head teachers very often visited the school and classes respectively and that the overall supervision in the school was very effective. Some challenges associated with supervision were identified as poor incentives, supervision as master-servant relations and inadequate financial resources. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the Kwadaso Municipal Director of education should organize training programmes on the role of teachers and supervisors in the supervisory process to avoid master- servant relations in supervision.

Source: UEW