R&P Entries
Conferences/Workshop/Symposia/Seminar with Presentations
Rev. Kwesi Nkum Wilson (PhD)
In-Service Training for staff of Estate Section, organised by the Division of Human Resource, UEW. Jophus Anamuah Mensah’s Auditorium. 2nd February 2017
Paper presented:
Managing Life from a Spiritual Perspective
Abstract
Spiritual health is a highly individualized concept that is measured by the amount of peace and harmony an individual experiences in his day-to-day life. Spiritual life must be taken seriously regardless of your religious affiliation. “God did not design mankind to die early in active working service,” negative effect of fear affects person’s life. Fear is a false element that kills so they should kill fear before it kills them. Members must take particular care about their children, so that they can in turn take care of them in their old age.
Spiritual health is a highly individualized concept that is measured by the amount of peace and harmony an individual experiences in his day-to-day life. Spiritual life must be taken seriously regardless of your religious affiliation. “God did not design mankind to die early in active working service,” negative effect of fear affects person’s life. Fear is a false element that kills so they should kill fear before it kills them. Members must take particular care about their children, so that they can in turn take care of them in their old age.
Rev. Kwesi Nkum Wilson (PhD)
2016 Retirees Seminar. Demonstration Theatre, North Campus, UEW, Winneba. 15-16th June 2016
Paper presented:
Retirement Preparation and Life in Retirement
Abstract
Ghanaians often never think of retirement when they start working, hence they are not able to make the right decisions concerning it. Four crucial things to consider for an individual’s retirement are a Dwelling House, Stable family, Children who are out of school or at the tertiary level and modest savings. Lack of any of these, creates a serious problem for the retired person, he said. Retirement is a phase in life and not a crisis situation. Just like a child moves from the adolescent stage to adulthood, retirement is supposed to be a smooth transition if one really plans it well. Additionally, it is important to do a checklist on oneself by using the following; • At what age will I retire • Where will I live when I retire • When to start a family and what number of family • How will I sustain my family when I retire (consider Passive Income Generation) • What kind of lifestyle do I hope to lead after retirement Before retirement, one needs to build social networks, engage in voluntary activities, church or political activities and locate old friends. Humans are Psycho (Mind) Somatic (Body) Pneumatic (Spirit) beings and therefore every aspect of our personality must be well nurtured before we retire. Retirement is more desirable than dying on the job, therefore prepare to retire and enjoy your retirement.
Ghanaians often never think of retirement when they start working, hence they are not able to make the right decisions concerning it. Four crucial things to consider for an individual’s retirement are a Dwelling House, Stable family, Children who are out of school or at the tertiary level and modest savings. Lack of any of these, creates a serious problem for the retired person, he said. Retirement is a phase in life and not a crisis situation. Just like a child moves from the adolescent stage to adulthood, retirement is supposed to be a smooth transition if one really plans it well. Additionally, it is important to do a checklist on oneself by using the following; • At what age will I retire • Where will I live when I retire • When to start a family and what number of family • How will I sustain my family when I retire (consider Passive Income Generation) • What kind of lifestyle do I hope to lead after retirement Before retirement, one needs to build social networks, engage in voluntary activities, church or political activities and locate old friends. Humans are Psycho (Mind) Somatic (Body) Pneumatic (Spirit) beings and therefore every aspect of our personality must be well nurtured before we retire. Retirement is more desirable than dying on the job, therefore prepare to retire and enjoy your retirement.
Wilson, K. N.
24th Biennial Meeting of the International Society for the study of Behavioural Development. Vilius, Lithuania 10-14th July 2016
Paper presented:
Predictors of Retirement Adjustment among Senior Staff of Public Universities in Ghana
Abstract
Retirement as a stage in life has been seen differently by different people based on their perception, preparation and personal experience. This study investigated some of the institutional and personality variables that could predict retirement adjustments among the senior staff of three public universities in Ghana. Using the mixed method approach of research with the descriptive survey as the research design, the study employed the stratified sampling technique to select the universities, and the availability technique to select a sample size of 111 respondents (who had less than 60 months to attain the compulsory retirement of 60 years in Ghana) out of which 15 were through a consensus. The study made use of two instruments comprising a self-report questionnaire (Retirement Adjustment Questionnaire) and semi-structured interview sessions. Both the descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyse the quantitative data using the cronbach co-efficient internal consistency of 0.872. The qualitative data was transcribed into text and subjected to thick narrative descriptions from which thematic categories with explanations emerged throughout the study for conclusions and recommendations to be made. Findings from the study revealed that one main consideration or adjustment process for retirement was the financial implications on the retiree. The study thus recommends among other things pre-retirement workshops/seminars on socio-economic, political and institutional factors that could influence retirement adjustment processes.
Retirement as a stage in life has been seen differently by different people based on their perception, preparation and personal experience. This study investigated some of the institutional and personality variables that could predict retirement adjustments among the senior staff of three public universities in Ghana. Using the mixed method approach of research with the descriptive survey as the research design, the study employed the stratified sampling technique to select the universities, and the availability technique to select a sample size of 111 respondents (who had less than 60 months to attain the compulsory retirement of 60 years in Ghana) out of which 15 were through a consensus. The study made use of two instruments comprising a self-report questionnaire (Retirement Adjustment Questionnaire) and semi-structured interview sessions. Both the descriptive and inferential statistical tools were used to analyse the quantitative data using the cronbach co-efficient internal consistency of 0.872. The qualitative data was transcribed into text and subjected to thick narrative descriptions from which thematic categories with explanations emerged throughout the study for conclusions and recommendations to be made. Findings from the study revealed that one main consideration or adjustment process for retirement was the financial implications on the retiree. The study thus recommends among other things pre-retirement workshops/seminars on socio-economic, political and institutional factors that could influence retirement adjustment processes.
Yizo, P. & Wilson, K. N.
10th Annual Decolonizing the Spirit International Conference.. Embu University College, Kenya 19th -21st July, 2016
Paper presented:
Awareness, Attitude and Practice of Contraceptive use among in-school and out-of-school adolescents in the Sunyani Municipality of Ghana
Abstract
The study examined the awareness, attitude and practice of contraceptive use among in- school and out- of- school adolescents in Sunyani Municipality of Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana and the extent to which this can influence their use or non-use of contraceptives. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was used to select sixty (60) in-school adolescents and convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sixty (60) out- of- school adolescents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data. The construct validity was established using reliability Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78. The results indicate that there was no significant difference among in- school and out- of- school adolescents’ awareness, and practice of contraceptive use however, there was significant difference of attitudes and faiths of in -school and out -of- school adolescents of contraceptive use. Also, they have problem of accessing the contraceptives and that might lead to low usage of contraceptives. The study again revealed that the faiths of some respondents influence their use or non-use of contraceptives. Generally, there was significant difference of attitudes of contraceptive use and the faith of adolescents in contraceptive use among in- school and out- of- school adolescents. However, there was no significant difference in their awareness and usage of contraceptive use among in- school and out- of- school adolescents. Based on the findings, it is recommended that access to reproductive health services needs to be improved especially among the in-school adolescents. There is the need to incorporate the right contraceptive information in the school curriculum. Finally, out-of-school adolescents should receive periodic dissemination of appropriate Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) on the relevance of contraception. Key Words: Awareness, Attitude, Practice, Contraceptive Use, In-School, Out-Of-School & Adolescents
The study examined the awareness, attitude and practice of contraceptive use among in- school and out- of- school adolescents in Sunyani Municipality of Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana and the extent to which this can influence their use or non-use of contraceptives. The instrument used for data collection was questionnaire. Simple random sampling technique was used to select sixty (60) in-school adolescents and convenient and purposive sampling techniques were used to select sixty (60) out- of- school adolescents. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in analysing the data. The construct validity was established using reliability Cronbach’s alpha of 0.78. The results indicate that there was no significant difference among in- school and out- of- school adolescents’ awareness, and practice of contraceptive use however, there was significant difference of attitudes and faiths of in -school and out -of- school adolescents of contraceptive use. Also, they have problem of accessing the contraceptives and that might lead to low usage of contraceptives. The study again revealed that the faiths of some respondents influence their use or non-use of contraceptives. Generally, there was significant difference of attitudes of contraceptive use and the faith of adolescents in contraceptive use among in- school and out- of- school adolescents. However, there was no significant difference in their awareness and usage of contraceptive use among in- school and out- of- school adolescents. Based on the findings, it is recommended that access to reproductive health services needs to be improved especially among the in-school adolescents. There is the need to incorporate the right contraceptive information in the school curriculum. Finally, out-of-school adolescents should receive periodic dissemination of appropriate Behaviour Change Communication (BCC) on the relevance of contraception. Key Words: Awareness, Attitude, Practice, Contraceptive Use, In-School, Out-Of-School & Adolescents
Kwao, G & Wilson, K. N
1st “No Yawa National Youth Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Summit.” Theme ‘‘Activating Youth SRHR Voices for Change’’. Kofi Annan International Peace Keeping and Training Centre (KAIPTC), Accra, Ghana 8-9th June, 2016
Paper presented:
Adolescent Sexual Behaviours: The Case of J.H.S Students in Yilo Krobo District in the Eastern Region of Ghana
Abstract
The research was on Adolescent Sexual Behaviours of Junior High Students in Yilo Krobo District in Eastern Region of Ghana. Its purpose was to investigate the causal factors of sexual behaviours among adolescents, the problems associated with adolescent sexual behaviours and the possible antidote to reduce or control the situation. The study sample was made up of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents ranging from 14 -17 years. Questionnaires was the main instrument used to collect the data. The results of the study revealed that adolescents who engaged in premarital sex have social, psychological, health, financial and management problems, the findings again revealed some remedial measures for changing the sexual behaviour patterns of the students. The most common source of adolescent sexual behaviours was curiosity and Pornography. Guidance and counseling services was lacking in the schools although sex education was taught, it was not given enough time. Parental neglect was a causal factor of adolescent sexual behaviours coupled with less information on sex education at home. Most teenage were at a greater chance of contracting STIs. The study showed that the following measures should be undertaken; sex education should be given to the teenagers to remain chaste until they marry, the government should enforce laws on the media to limit circulation of pornographic material, girls clubs in school should be well resourced and look attractive and also proper parental care for children should be given to help minimize the problem of sexual behaviours among adolescents. Family life education programmes which are seen as a tool for helping the youth to lead a healthy, socially acceptable life at all times should be encouraged by parents. This can be done through wards involvement in the programmes.
The research was on Adolescent Sexual Behaviours of Junior High Students in Yilo Krobo District in Eastern Region of Ghana. Its purpose was to investigate the causal factors of sexual behaviours among adolescents, the problems associated with adolescent sexual behaviours and the possible antidote to reduce or control the situation. The study sample was made up of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents ranging from 14 -17 years. Questionnaires was the main instrument used to collect the data. The results of the study revealed that adolescents who engaged in premarital sex have social, psychological, health, financial and management problems, the findings again revealed some remedial measures for changing the sexual behaviour patterns of the students. The most common source of adolescent sexual behaviours was curiosity and Pornography. Guidance and counseling services was lacking in the schools although sex education was taught, it was not given enough time. Parental neglect was a causal factor of adolescent sexual behaviours coupled with less information on sex education at home. Most teenage were at a greater chance of contracting STIs. The study showed that the following measures should be undertaken; sex education should be given to the teenagers to remain chaste until they marry, the government should enforce laws on the media to limit circulation of pornographic material, girls clubs in school should be well resourced and look attractive and also proper parental care for children should be given to help minimize the problem of sexual behaviours among adolescents. Family life education programmes which are seen as a tool for helping the youth to lead a healthy, socially acceptable life at all times should be encouraged by parents. This can be done through wards involvement in the programmes.
Danso, H.
3rd International Conference on Natural Fibers - Advanced Materials for a Greener World. Braga, Portugal June 21-23, 2017
Paper presented:
Properties of coconut, oil pa lm and bagasse fibres: As potential building materials
Abstract
The use of natural fibres in composite materials is attracting research interest worldwide due to the fibres ability to increase the strength, reduce environmental impact and reduce cost of the material. In this study the properties of coconut husk fibre, oil palm fruit fibre and sugarcane bagasse fibre have been investigated. Experiments on length and diameter, specific weight, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, moisture content and water absorption tests on the fibres have been conducted to determine their properties for possible use as reinforcement in composite. It was found that different fibres have different properties and behave similarly in wet and damp conditions. The study concludes that all the fibres possess the properties that are acceptable as natural fibres to be used as reinforcement in soil blocks.
The use of natural fibres in composite materials is attracting research interest worldwide due to the fibres ability to increase the strength, reduce environmental impact and reduce cost of the material. In this study the properties of coconut husk fibre, oil palm fruit fibre and sugarcane bagasse fibre have been investigated. Experiments on length and diameter, specific weight, tensile strength, modulus of elasticity, moisture content and water absorption tests on the fibres have been conducted to determine their properties for possible use as reinforcement in composite. It was found that different fibres have different properties and behave similarly in wet and damp conditions. The study concludes that all the fibres possess the properties that are acceptable as natural fibres to be used as reinforcement in soil blocks.
Addai-Mununkum, R
American Educational Research Association (AERA) Meeting. San Antonio, TX, USA April 27 - May 2, 2017
Paper presented:
Educational Access "With Strings Attached": Exploring the Role of Religion in Promoting Educational Inequity
Abstract
Literature is replete with reports of missions contributing immensely towards bridging the gap between access and provision of education. However, little work has examined religious practices that exist in such mission sponsored schools and their contribution to inequity in educational access. Using a qualitative case study which employed interviews, observations and focus groups, I examined the experiences of religious minorities in pseudo-religious public schools in Ghana. I observed that such schools make students into a captive audience to religious instruction, thereby encouraging students to adopt less honorable tactics, and falsifying behavior, in order to peaceably access public education. If schools in Africa are to remain this religious, we stand the risk of denying students their rightful access to public education.
Literature is replete with reports of missions contributing immensely towards bridging the gap between access and provision of education. However, little work has examined religious practices that exist in such mission sponsored schools and their contribution to inequity in educational access. Using a qualitative case study which employed interviews, observations and focus groups, I examined the experiences of religious minorities in pseudo-religious public schools in Ghana. I observed that such schools make students into a captive audience to religious instruction, thereby encouraging students to adopt less honorable tactics, and falsifying behavior, in order to peaceably access public education. If schools in Africa are to remain this religious, we stand the risk of denying students their rightful access to public education.
Addai-Mununkum, R
American Educational Research Association (AERA) Meeting 2017. San Antonio, USA April 27 - May 2, 2017
Paper presented:
Misrepresentation of Religion in Curriculum of Ghanaian Schools: Mapping Educational (In)equity to Official Knowledge
Abstract
Little research has conceptualized official knowledge and its connections to (in)equity in educational opportunity. Subjecting religious education curricula of Ghanaian schools through a qualitative discourse analysis, this work seeks to highlight official knowledge as a “hidden” medium by which educational inequity is manifested. In examining the dual role of religion as an identity maker and content of study, I identify, who is studied, who is (mis)studied, and who is not studied. I suggest that achieving the promise of equal educational opportunity, requires the redirection of research attention to curricular representations and the inequities they endorse
Little research has conceptualized official knowledge and its connections to (in)equity in educational opportunity. Subjecting religious education curricula of Ghanaian schools through a qualitative discourse analysis, this work seeks to highlight official knowledge as a “hidden” medium by which educational inequity is manifested. In examining the dual role of religion as an identity maker and content of study, I identify, who is studied, who is (mis)studied, and who is not studied. I suggest that achieving the promise of equal educational opportunity, requires the redirection of research attention to curricular representations and the inequities they endorse
Esia-Donkoh, K., Bentil, J., Quashigah, A. Y.
Images of Childhood and Future: Cross-cultural Perspectives. Flensburg, Germany June 29, 2017 - July 1, 2017
Paper presented:
Childhood and Study Habits: Perceptions of the Present and the Future
Abstract
Based on Bakare’s (1977) study habit theory, this study investigated the perception of children in public basic schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana, on their study habits considering the present (nature and challenges) and the expectations for the future. The descriptive survey design in the form of mixed methods was used. Through stratified random sampling technique 380 children were obtained for the quantitative aspect of the study while ten children were conveniently sampled for the qualitative aspect. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative analysis was done by using descriptive (mean, standard deviation) statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach. It was revealed that the dominant study habit practiced by the children was examination related, followed by homework and assignment, concentration, reading and note-taking, and time management. Inability to recollect information learnt, poor reading ability, poor spelling, high text/examination anxiety, studying many subjects at a time, and lack of parental support were identified as some of the challenges the children faced in their studies. The children were of the view that regular symposia on strategies (including time management) to learn effectively, remedial lessons by teachers on reading skills, and bye-laws by School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to monitor and prevent children from loitering and watching videos at night will help improve their study habits. It is thus recommended that Guidance and Counselling programmes in public basic schools in the District should be strengthened by the Ghana Education Service (GES) so that children will be counselled on the need to develop effective and appropriate study habits. In-service training should be organized by GES for teachers to adopt teaching techniques that suit the children’s study habits. Key words: childhood, perceptions, study habits, nature, challenges, future strategies
Based on Bakare’s (1977) study habit theory, this study investigated the perception of children in public basic schools in Ekumfi District in the Central Region of Ghana, on their study habits considering the present (nature and challenges) and the expectations for the future. The descriptive survey design in the form of mixed methods was used. Through stratified random sampling technique 380 children were obtained for the quantitative aspect of the study while ten children were conveniently sampled for the qualitative aspect. Data were collected using questionnaire and semi-structured interview guide. Quantitative analysis was done by using descriptive (mean, standard deviation) statistics while qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach. It was revealed that the dominant study habit practiced by the children was examination related, followed by homework and assignment, concentration, reading and note-taking, and time management. Inability to recollect information learnt, poor reading ability, poor spelling, high text/examination anxiety, studying many subjects at a time, and lack of parental support were identified as some of the challenges the children faced in their studies. The children were of the view that regular symposia on strategies (including time management) to learn effectively, remedial lessons by teachers on reading skills, and bye-laws by School Management Committee (SMC) and Parent Teacher Associations (PTAs) to monitor and prevent children from loitering and watching videos at night will help improve their study habits. It is thus recommended that Guidance and Counselling programmes in public basic schools in the District should be strengthened by the Ghana Education Service (GES) so that children will be counselled on the need to develop effective and appropriate study habits. In-service training should be organized by GES for teachers to adopt teaching techniques that suit the children’s study habits. Key words: childhood, perceptions, study habits, nature, challenges, future strategies
Sam, E. F. and Osman Hamidu
International Conference for Engineering and Technology. University of London, London, UK 8-11 November, 2016
Paper presented:
Servqual Analysis of Public Bus Transport Services in the Kumasi metropolis, Ghana: Frequent Core User Perspectives
Abstract
Encouraging sustainable transportation, especially public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through constant service quality evaluation and improvement. Understanding public transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions are thus valuable in this regard. Using a modified servqual approach, this study sought to examine public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in the Kumasi metropolis. Data from public bus transport users in Kumasi were used. Field data was analysed using the paired-samples t-test technique. It was observed that there was statistically significant differences between participants’ service quality expectations and perceptions, resulting in a general dissatisfaction with public bus transport services in the city with a large effect size (t (67) = -8.15, p<0.05; 95% confidence interval [-22.94, -13.91]; eta squared= 0.50). Given that participants’ concerns were service reliability and empathy-related, the study recommended among others automation of public transport operations in the city to help address these concerns.
Encouraging sustainable transportation, especially public transport use implies the need to make it attractive to commuters through constant service quality evaluation and improvement. Understanding public transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions are thus valuable in this regard. Using a modified servqual approach, this study sought to examine public bus transport users’ service quality expectations and perceptions, and its effect on overall satisfaction with public bus transport services in the Kumasi metropolis. Data from public bus transport users in Kumasi were used. Field data was analysed using the paired-samples t-test technique. It was observed that there was statistically significant differences between participants’ service quality expectations and perceptions, resulting in a general dissatisfaction with public bus transport services in the city with a large effect size (t (67) = -8.15, p<0.05; 95% confidence interval [-22.94, -13.91]; eta squared= 0.50). Given that participants’ concerns were service reliability and empathy-related, the study recommended among others automation of public transport operations in the city to help address these concerns.
