R&P Entries
Articles in Journals
Ali, C.A., Adzifome, N.S. & Addison, A.K. (2016). Contemporary Issues of Basic Education in Ghana, Principal Component Extractions of SWOT Matrix Matrix for National DevelopmentSwot Matrix as a Tool of National Development. International Journal of Strategic Research in Education, Technology and Humanities, 3,
Abstract
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix identified the critical contemporary and essential issues that confront policies and programmes of basic education in Ghana. We purposively sampled sixty-five teachers and elicited fortythree essential internal and external issues in the basic schools. The SPSS method of principal component extractions revealed that internal issues of good and neat pupils in structured mathematics classrooms enhanced teaching and learning but lack of communication with authorities, pupils' previous knowledge and poor fellow teacher support hindered teaching and learning. Externally, stakeholders' support to teachers, upgrading of teachers' knowledge and general popularity of the basic schools boosted teaching and learning, whereas poor quality of pupils enrolled to pursue the overloaded mathematics syllabus and competitions faced with faith-based and private basic schools in attracting good quality pupils inhibited teaching and learning. We therefore, recommended adoption of the matrix to prioritize, address, and accelerate national development.
The strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats matrix identified the critical contemporary and essential issues that confront policies and programmes of basic education in Ghana. We purposively sampled sixty-five teachers and elicited fortythree essential internal and external issues in the basic schools. The SPSS method of principal component extractions revealed that internal issues of good and neat pupils in structured mathematics classrooms enhanced teaching and learning but lack of communication with authorities, pupils' previous knowledge and poor fellow teacher support hindered teaching and learning. Externally, stakeholders' support to teachers, upgrading of teachers' knowledge and general popularity of the basic schools boosted teaching and learning, whereas poor quality of pupils enrolled to pursue the overloaded mathematics syllabus and competitions faced with faith-based and private basic schools in attracting good quality pupils inhibited teaching and learning. We therefore, recommended adoption of the matrix to prioritize, address, and accelerate national development.
Adam, A.K.; Boakye K.O.; Ashie A.A.; Bawah A.S.; and Pobbi M. (2016). The Process of Staff Promotion in Relation to Salary or Wages Upgrade in the Public Sector Institutions: Local Government Service VS Ghana Education Service Policy Statements. International Journal of Business and Management, 11,
Abstract
Adam, A.K. (2015). • The Efficacies Of Secretarial Profession By Ghana Education Service And Higher Education Institutions. Journal of Education and Practice, 6,
Abstract
This project is carried out by employing an empirical method through questionnaire design and administration and tapped the perceptions and knowledge of the target elements of this study. The research frame was about Ghana Education Service office workers within the Accra Metropolis including higher education institutions. A qualitative data analysis is presented more in the literature review to support in conclusions for the purpose of this project work. More importantly, the backbone of the research was based on both primary and secondary sources of data, which helped and revealed a lot of contentions within the secretarial practice. A total of 200 questionnaires was developed and distributed among 200 staffs of G.E.S. based on random sampling technique. This means that it is not the total number of GES in the Metropolis that was considered, it was only the total figure of 200 questionnaires that was considered and administered on the participants randomly. The participants for that matter the respondents included the management, Supervisors, Secretaries/Stenographers, University Administrators and some Teachers/Lecturers. The questionnaires were directly administered which gave results; hence, all the 200 questionnaires were answered and returned for presentation and analysis. This was an opinion seeking from the elements of the population and drawn clear conclusions from their answers after careful presentation and analysis. Ghana Education Service is one of the Government of Ghana public institutions established by an act of parliament to oversee the Educational systems in Ghana.
This project is carried out by employing an empirical method through questionnaire design and administration and tapped the perceptions and knowledge of the target elements of this study. The research frame was about Ghana Education Service office workers within the Accra Metropolis including higher education institutions. A qualitative data analysis is presented more in the literature review to support in conclusions for the purpose of this project work. More importantly, the backbone of the research was based on both primary and secondary sources of data, which helped and revealed a lot of contentions within the secretarial practice. A total of 200 questionnaires was developed and distributed among 200 staffs of G.E.S. based on random sampling technique. This means that it is not the total number of GES in the Metropolis that was considered, it was only the total figure of 200 questionnaires that was considered and administered on the participants randomly. The participants for that matter the respondents included the management, Supervisors, Secretaries/Stenographers, University Administrators and some Teachers/Lecturers. The questionnaires were directly administered which gave results; hence, all the 200 questionnaires were answered and returned for presentation and analysis. This was an opinion seeking from the elements of the population and drawn clear conclusions from their answers after careful presentation and analysis. Ghana Education Service is one of the Government of Ghana public institutions established by an act of parliament to oversee the Educational systems in Ghana.
Bediako, M., Adabor, D., Amankwah, E. O., Nyako, K. & Kankam, C. K. (2016). Maximizing the Sustainability of Cement Utilization in Building Projects through the Use of Greener Materials. Journal of Engineering,, 16,
Abstract
Greener technologies and sustainable developments are currently among the main tools used by many industries in shaping the world for a better future. The construction industry that is known to have numerous negative impact on sustainability is now wide awake on sustainable measures which can aid in reducing its negative impact. In this work, green cement was produced from pyroprocessed clay (PC) at 800°C and mixed together with Portland cement. This paper presents both laboratory tests and some field applications of green cement application. Laboratory tests performed included setting times, compressive strength, and shrinkage. Field applications of the green cement are shown. Results from the work showed that well-proportioned greener cement gained strengths between 11% and 30% more than Portland cement at standard curing period of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. However, in real statistical terms, there was no difference between Portland cement and green cement strength performance. Shrinkage from both total and autogenous tests also showed insignificant differences between the two cements. The study recommends the use of green cements with pozzolanic origin than only Portland cement as a way to maximize sustainability in building projects.
Greener technologies and sustainable developments are currently among the main tools used by many industries in shaping the world for a better future. The construction industry that is known to have numerous negative impact on sustainability is now wide awake on sustainable measures which can aid in reducing its negative impact. In this work, green cement was produced from pyroprocessed clay (PC) at 800°C and mixed together with Portland cement. This paper presents both laboratory tests and some field applications of green cement application. Laboratory tests performed included setting times, compressive strength, and shrinkage. Field applications of the green cement are shown. Results from the work showed that well-proportioned greener cement gained strengths between 11% and 30% more than Portland cement at standard curing period of 3, 7, 14, and 28 days. However, in real statistical terms, there was no difference between Portland cement and green cement strength performance. Shrinkage from both total and autogenous tests also showed insignificant differences between the two cements. The study recommends the use of green cements with pozzolanic origin than only Portland cement as a way to maximize sustainability in building projects.
Bediako, M., Amankwah, E. O. & Adabor, D (2015). The Impact of Macroeconomic Indicators on Cement Prices in Ghana. Journal of Material Scientific Research & Report and Application, 9,
Abstract
Portland cement is an important commodity in almost every part of the world. Its importance is visible in the construction and concrete industry which are very pivotal in the growth of major economies. In Ghana the construction industry is among the pillars the drives the economy. This study attempted to investigate the impact of some selected macroeconomic indicators on the performance of cement prices between the period of 2000 and 2014. The macroeconomic indicators studied were inflation rate, monetary policy rate and exchange rate. The study used multiple linear regression analysis for the interpretation of the inferential statistical data. The regression results showed that cement cost was not responsive to the trends in inflation and monetary policy rates. It was however responsive to trends in the exchange rate pattern showing a positive relation. To effectively control cement prices, the study recommends an effort to use local materials such as burnt bricks and calcined clay pozzolan which don’t need so much of foreign exchange for any form of importation.
Portland cement is an important commodity in almost every part of the world. Its importance is visible in the construction and concrete industry which are very pivotal in the growth of major economies. In Ghana the construction industry is among the pillars the drives the economy. This study attempted to investigate the impact of some selected macroeconomic indicators on the performance of cement prices between the period of 2000 and 2014. The macroeconomic indicators studied were inflation rate, monetary policy rate and exchange rate. The study used multiple linear regression analysis for the interpretation of the inferential statistical data. The regression results showed that cement cost was not responsive to the trends in inflation and monetary policy rates. It was however responsive to trends in the exchange rate pattern showing a positive relation. To effectively control cement prices, the study recommends an effort to use local materials such as burnt bricks and calcined clay pozzolan which don’t need so much of foreign exchange for any form of importation.
Tamanja, E. M. J. (2016). Child migration and academic performance: The case of basic education in Ghana. Journal of Education and Practice, 7,
Abstract
The nexus between migration and academic performance is complex and difficult to extricate. Not only are there several factors affecting academic performance, but also many of these factors are confounding, making it difficult to identify and isolate in order to address. Furthermore, the discourse appears silent on the nexus between child migration and education in general and academic performance in particular. This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the performances of 250 migrant and 240 non-migrant school children randomly selected and their examination marks obtained in ten basic schools in the Upper East region of Ghana. Using the Independent Sample T-Test to analyse the data, it emerged that although performance was generally low in the schools, non-migrant children performed relatively better than their migrant counterparts. This implies that, migrant children are more likely to underachieve and possibly unable to progress to higher levels of education since performance is a proximate determinant to academic progress in Ghana. Therefore, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders in education need to give more attention to migrant children in their schools to address the effects and improve learning outcomes.
The nexus between migration and academic performance is complex and difficult to extricate. Not only are there several factors affecting academic performance, but also many of these factors are confounding, making it difficult to identify and isolate in order to address. Furthermore, the discourse appears silent on the nexus between child migration and education in general and academic performance in particular. This study seeks to fill this gap by comparing the performances of 250 migrant and 240 non-migrant school children randomly selected and their examination marks obtained in ten basic schools in the Upper East region of Ghana. Using the Independent Sample T-Test to analyse the data, it emerged that although performance was generally low in the schools, non-migrant children performed relatively better than their migrant counterparts. This implies that, migrant children are more likely to underachieve and possibly unable to progress to higher levels of education since performance is a proximate determinant to academic progress in Ghana. Therefore, school authorities, parents and other stakeholders in education need to give more attention to migrant children in their schools to address the effects and improve learning outcomes.
Amankwah, E. O., Bediako, M. & Kankam, C. K (2014). Influence of Calcined Clay Pozzolana on Strength Characteristics of Portland Cement Concrete. International Journal of Material Science and Application, 3,
Abstract
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolanas to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7 days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolanas to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7 days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.
Bediako, M., Kevern, J. T. & Amankwah, E. O. (2015). Effect of Curing Environment on the Strength Properties of Cement and Cement Extenders. Journal of Material Science and Application, 6,
Abstract
Curing of cement based products such as concrete and mortar, is very important to achieve good strength and durable products. However the curing environment plays a pivotal role in the overall quality of cement based products in terms of strength development. ASTM C192 allows moist curing either in a fog room or under water. However, these must meet ASTM C511 which controls temperature, and specifically for water curing, the concentration of calcium ions in the curing solution. Unfortunately in many parts of the world, water curing literally means curing in tap water.This is done primarily because there is a lack of knowledge or ignorance regarding the mobility and roll of calcium hydroxide in the curing process. To illustrate the differences, in this study, straight ASTM Type I/II Portland cement and that mixed with powdered waste clay bricks as a cement extender were used to prepare two different batches of mortars. The chemical properties of the powdered waste clay brick met the ASTM C618 standard specifications for Class N pozzolans. Both mortar specimens were cured under two different environment comprising of either water and lime saturated water. Mortar specimens were tested for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days of either curing conditions. Test results indicated that mortar specimens cured in lime saturated water obtained higher strength than those cured in fresh water at all ages of curing. Statistical inference drawn from ANOVA testing showed that curing conditions had significant impact on strength development of the blended and unblended cement systems. The study recommends that testing of concrete and mortar samples and other research related works be performed in lime saturated water other than fresh water.
Curing of cement based products such as concrete and mortar, is very important to achieve good strength and durable products. However the curing environment plays a pivotal role in the overall quality of cement based products in terms of strength development. ASTM C192 allows moist curing either in a fog room or under water. However, these must meet ASTM C511 which controls temperature, and specifically for water curing, the concentration of calcium ions in the curing solution. Unfortunately in many parts of the world, water curing literally means curing in tap water.This is done primarily because there is a lack of knowledge or ignorance regarding the mobility and roll of calcium hydroxide in the curing process. To illustrate the differences, in this study, straight ASTM Type I/II Portland cement and that mixed with powdered waste clay bricks as a cement extender were used to prepare two different batches of mortars. The chemical properties of the powdered waste clay brick met the ASTM C618 standard specifications for Class N pozzolans. Both mortar specimens were cured under two different environment comprising of either water and lime saturated water. Mortar specimens were tested for compressive strength at 3, 7, 14 and 28 days of either curing conditions. Test results indicated that mortar specimens cured in lime saturated water obtained higher strength than those cured in fresh water at all ages of curing. Statistical inference drawn from ANOVA testing showed that curing conditions had significant impact on strength development of the blended and unblended cement systems. The study recommends that testing of concrete and mortar samples and other research related works be performed in lime saturated water other than fresh water.
Amankwah, E. O., Bediako, M. & Kankam, C. K (2014). Influence of Calcined Clay Pozzolana on Strength Characteristics of Portland Cement Concrete. International Journal of Material Science and Application, 3,
Abstract
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolanas to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7 days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.
The paper presents results of a study on concrete mixes containing two types of calcined clay pozzolanas obtained from Mankranso and Tanoso for structural application. Mankranso sample is labeled Type I whilst Tanoso also labeled as type II. Both clay samples were analysed to determine their physical and geotechnical properties whilst the chemical composition of the calcined clay samples analysed. Portland cement was replaced with 0%-25% Type I and 0-30% of Type II pozzolanas to formulate binder pastes and concretes. Setting times and normal consistency test were determined on the formulated binder paste. Three grades of concrete (25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2) containing pozzolana were prepared and their workability, density, compressive strength and flexural strength investigated against the plain concrete. Concretes with clay pozzolana had delayed setting times and lower densities. They also exhibited a reduction in compressive and tensile strength development at early age (7 days), with an average drop of 6 percent in compressive strength for all grades. However, the compressive and tensile strengths beyond 28 days notably exceeded the control un-blended mixes. This study recommends up to 20% clay pozzolana content of both Types I and II for concrete grades of 25N/mm2, 30N/mm2 and 40N/mm2.
Adjei, A. A., & Ewusi-Mensah, L. (2016). Transitivity in Kuffuor's 2008 Farewell Speech to the Ghanaian Parliament. British Journal of English Langage Linguistics, 4,
Abstract
This study uses Halliday’s transitivity theory to analyse the use of language in President J. A. Kufuor’s farewell address to Parliament. The study uses the content analysis design to analyse all the clauses in the address. The study reveals that among the six process types under the transitivity model, the material processes are used maximally in the speech whereas the existential processes are used minimally. There was, however, no behavioural process in the address. The dominant use of material clauses suggest that Kufuor interprets the world in terms of his past and present “goings-on” happenings by recounting some of the concrete achievements recorded under his eight-year stewardship and making useful suggestions to the incoming government in order to ensure continuity in projects his administration has initiated. His choice of actors suggests that Kufuor attributes the achievements to himself which may be perceived as a feature of undemocratic leadership style; however his determination to share his wealth of experience with the incoming government corrects the impression that he is undemocratic. He also uses a majority of relational identifications to point out to himself and his administration as the main development players. Verbal processes have been used as markers of transition and topic shift; still, he refers to himself as the main sayer. The study concludes and affirms that material, relational and mental processes are the three primary processes often used in language since the three add up to about 90% (Halliday&Matthiessen, 2004). Keywords: John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana, Systemic Functional Grammar, Transitivity, Farewell Address, Parliament, Political Ideologies.
This study uses Halliday’s transitivity theory to analyse the use of language in President J. A. Kufuor’s farewell address to Parliament. The study uses the content analysis design to analyse all the clauses in the address. The study reveals that among the six process types under the transitivity model, the material processes are used maximally in the speech whereas the existential processes are used minimally. There was, however, no behavioural process in the address. The dominant use of material clauses suggest that Kufuor interprets the world in terms of his past and present “goings-on” happenings by recounting some of the concrete achievements recorded under his eight-year stewardship and making useful suggestions to the incoming government in order to ensure continuity in projects his administration has initiated. His choice of actors suggests that Kufuor attributes the achievements to himself which may be perceived as a feature of undemocratic leadership style; however his determination to share his wealth of experience with the incoming government corrects the impression that he is undemocratic. He also uses a majority of relational identifications to point out to himself and his administration as the main development players. Verbal processes have been used as markers of transition and topic shift; still, he refers to himself as the main sayer. The study concludes and affirms that material, relational and mental processes are the three primary processes often used in language since the three add up to about 90% (Halliday&Matthiessen, 2004). Keywords: John Agyekum Kufuor, Ghana, Systemic Functional Grammar, Transitivity, Farewell Address, Parliament, Political Ideologies.
