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Arthur,Y.D, Asiedu-Addo,S.& Annan,J, (2016). Investigation of the Effect of Lecturers' Attributes on Students' Interest in Learning Statistic Ghanaian Tertiary Institutions. ICHE 2016 : 18th International Conference on Higher Education. Boston, USA: International Journal of Educational and Pedagogical Sciences.
Abstract
The study aims to explore the relational effect of lecturers’ personal attribute on student’s interest in statistics. In this study personal attributes of lecturers’ such as lecturer’s dynamism, communication strategies and rapport in the classroom as well as applied knowledge during lecture were examined. Here, exploratory research design was used to establish the effect of lecturer’s personal attributes on student’s interest. Data were analyzed by means of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) using the SmartPLS 3 program. The study recruited 376 students from the faculty of technical and vocational education of the University of Education Winneba Kumasi campus, and Ghana Technology University College as well as Kwame Nkrumah University of science and Technology. The results revealed that personal attributes of an effective lecturer were lecturer’s dynamism, rapport, communication and applied knowledge contribute (52.9%) in explaining students interest in statistics. Our regression analysis and structural equation modeling confirm that lecturers personal attribute contribute effectively by predicting student’s interest of 52.9% and 53.7% respectively. The paper concludes that the total effect of a lecturer’s attribute on student’s interest is moderate and significant. While a lecturer’s communication and dynamism were found to contribute positively to students’ interest, they were insignificant in predicting students’ interest. We further showed that a lecturer’s personal attributes such as applied knowledge and rapport have positive and significant effect on tertiary student’s interest in statistic, whilst lecturers’ communication and dynamism do not significantly affect student interest in statistics; though positively related.
The study aims to explore the relational effect of lecturers’ personal attribute on student’s interest in statistics. In this study personal attributes of lecturers’ such as lecturer’s dynamism, communication strategies and rapport in the classroom as well as applied knowledge during lecture were examined. Here, exploratory research design was used to establish the effect of lecturer’s personal attributes on student’s interest. Data were analyzed by means of confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) using the SmartPLS 3 program. The study recruited 376 students from the faculty of technical and vocational education of the University of Education Winneba Kumasi campus, and Ghana Technology University College as well as Kwame Nkrumah University of science and Technology. The results revealed that personal attributes of an effective lecturer were lecturer’s dynamism, rapport, communication and applied knowledge contribute (52.9%) in explaining students interest in statistics. Our regression analysis and structural equation modeling confirm that lecturers personal attribute contribute effectively by predicting student’s interest of 52.9% and 53.7% respectively. The paper concludes that the total effect of a lecturer’s attribute on student’s interest is moderate and significant. While a lecturer’s communication and dynamism were found to contribute positively to students’ interest, they were insignificant in predicting students’ interest. We further showed that a lecturer’s personal attributes such as applied knowledge and rapport have positive and significant effect on tertiary student’s interest in statistic, whilst lecturers’ communication and dynamism do not significantly affect student interest in statistics; though positively related.
Arthur,Y.D Oduro,F.T.& Obeng-Denteh, W. (2016). Statistical Analysis of Hourly Solar Radiation in Kumasi –Ghana: Bayesian Approach. Journal of Scientific Research & Reports, 10,
Abstract
The solar radiation has been known to have skewed distribution rather than normally distributed irrespective of how large the sample size. The Bayesian statistical analysis of the solar radiation sort to find out from the Bayesian perspective how solar radiation is distributed in Ghana. The paper assumed a beta distribution as the conjugate prior for the solar radiation. The posterior distribution for p where p is the probability of sunshine was determined using the Bernoulli probability distribution. In this paper the random variable X represents the event of having a high or low sunshine base on the threshold of 120kWhm-2.A randomly selected sample of size of 1500 from each month of the year was used in the analysis. Based on the threshold value the total number of sunshine hours was calculated to help in the computation of posterior beta distribution parameters. The Bayesian analysis from the month of January through December were found to converge both for the prior and posterior mean and variances at a tolerance level of 0.0001 and0.00001 respectively after twenty iterations. The paper confirms that there are two clusters of which the solar radiation can be placed and that these cluster all converges after twenty iteration. The prior means and posterior mean converges to 0.86000 and .76000 at the tolerance level of 0.0001 respectively while the prior and posterior variances for cluster one and two converged to 6.0E-06 and 4.0E-06 respectively at 0.000001 tolerance level. The papers finally conclude that the clusters have a greater possibility (.86000 and 0.76000) of sunshine. This is also an indication that Kumasi has higher possibility of sunshine.
The solar radiation has been known to have skewed distribution rather than normally distributed irrespective of how large the sample size. The Bayesian statistical analysis of the solar radiation sort to find out from the Bayesian perspective how solar radiation is distributed in Ghana. The paper assumed a beta distribution as the conjugate prior for the solar radiation. The posterior distribution for p where p is the probability of sunshine was determined using the Bernoulli probability distribution. In this paper the random variable X represents the event of having a high or low sunshine base on the threshold of 120kWhm-2.A randomly selected sample of size of 1500 from each month of the year was used in the analysis. Based on the threshold value the total number of sunshine hours was calculated to help in the computation of posterior beta distribution parameters. The Bayesian analysis from the month of January through December were found to converge both for the prior and posterior mean and variances at a tolerance level of 0.0001 and0.00001 respectively after twenty iterations. The paper confirms that there are two clusters of which the solar radiation can be placed and that these cluster all converges after twenty iteration. The prior means and posterior mean converges to 0.86000 and .76000 at the tolerance level of 0.0001 respectively while the prior and posterior variances for cluster one and two converged to 6.0E-06 and 4.0E-06 respectively at 0.000001 tolerance level. The papers finally conclude that the clusters have a greater possibility (.86000 and 0.76000) of sunshine. This is also an indication that Kumasi has higher possibility of sunshine.
Arthur,Y.D, Asiedu-Addo,S.& Annan,J (2015). Student Mathematics Interest in Ghana: The Role of Parent Interest, Gender, Basic School Attended and Fear of Basic School Mathematics Teacher. Advances in Research, 5,
Abstract
To ensure successful learning and advanced achievement, subject-specific interest is essential. While many factors and strategies may be important in building a student’s interest in mathematics, variables such as the type of basic schools attended, parents’ interest in mathematics as well as the fear of imposed on students by their basic school teachers have not be completely investigated in the Ghanaian education system. Towards this goal, the current paper addresses the effect of parent interest, the type of basic school attended, the fear imposed by basic school mathematics teacher on a student’s interest in mathematics. Using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, data collected from 260 post senior high school student through structured questionnaires was analyzed.The study found that parent interest and value for mathematics significantly influenced students interest and joy in solving mathematical problems. Moreover, we also observed that the fear imposed by basic school mathematics teachers was found to significantly influence students’ interest. The study further found that the type of basic school attended and gender are factors that do not influence students’ interest in mathematics. In addition to concluding that a student’s interest is influenced by both parent interest and the fear of basic school mathematics teacher, the study also showed that the type of basic school attended and gender does not affect the students’ interest in mathematics.
To ensure successful learning and advanced achievement, subject-specific interest is essential. While many factors and strategies may be important in building a student’s interest in mathematics, variables such as the type of basic schools attended, parents’ interest in mathematics as well as the fear of imposed on students by their basic school teachers have not be completely investigated in the Ghanaian education system. Towards this goal, the current paper addresses the effect of parent interest, the type of basic school attended, the fear imposed by basic school mathematics teacher on a student’s interest in mathematics. Using descriptive and inferential statistical methods, data collected from 260 post senior high school student through structured questionnaires was analyzed.The study found that parent interest and value for mathematics significantly influenced students interest and joy in solving mathematical problems. Moreover, we also observed that the fear imposed by basic school mathematics teachers was found to significantly influence students’ interest. The study further found that the type of basic school attended and gender are factors that do not influence students’ interest in mathematics. In addition to concluding that a student’s interest is influenced by both parent interest and the fear of basic school mathematics teacher, the study also showed that the type of basic school attended and gender does not affect the students’ interest in mathematics.
Arthur,Y.D, Asiedu-Addo,S.& Harris,E. (2015). Statistical Software Packages (SSPs) Integration in Teaching and Learning of Statistics in Ghanaian Tertiary Institution. Journal of Scientific Research & Reports 7(4): 257-265, 2015;, 7,
Abstract
The aim of the study is to address the impact of statistical software package integration in the teaching and learning of statistics by examining the effect of training lecturers in the use of statistical software packages SSP(s) on their intension to use the packages. The research used multi mode survey technique.The study site used were the University of Education, Winneba, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Mines and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, from January –February, 2015.In this study, quantitative research method was employed where 98 respondents made of lectures, demonstrators and teaching assistants were purposively selected from 4 public universities in Ghana. Data collected were subjected to Smart PLS second generation multivariate structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in the computation of relevant statistics.The results of the analysis indicate that there is a positive significant relationship between training programs university leadership organized for their lecturers in mathematics and statistical and the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude and assertiveness of the lecturers to uses the SSPs and lecturer’s intension to use SSPs.The finding of this paper has confirmed the previous research output on the effectiveness of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework and has further extended the theory of TAM to help predict the lecturer’s intension to use statistical software packages in the teaching and learning of statistics.
The aim of the study is to address the impact of statistical software package integration in the teaching and learning of statistics by examining the effect of training lecturers in the use of statistical software packages SSP(s) on their intension to use the packages. The research used multi mode survey technique.The study site used were the University of Education, Winneba, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Mines and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources, from January –February, 2015.In this study, quantitative research method was employed where 98 respondents made of lectures, demonstrators and teaching assistants were purposively selected from 4 public universities in Ghana. Data collected were subjected to Smart PLS second generation multivariate structural Equation Modeling (SEM) in the computation of relevant statistics.The results of the analysis indicate that there is a positive significant relationship between training programs university leadership organized for their lecturers in mathematics and statistical and the perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude and assertiveness of the lecturers to uses the SSPs and lecturer’s intension to use SSPs.The finding of this paper has confirmed the previous research output on the effectiveness of Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) framework and has further extended the theory of TAM to help predict the lecturer’s intension to use statistical software packages in the teaching and learning of statistics.
Amankwah,O.,Danso,.K & Arthur,Y.D (2015). Stakeholders Perception of the Advantages and Hindrances to the Adoption of Off-Site Production in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Civil and Environmental Research, 7,
Abstract
The overreliance on the traditional construction methods by stakeholders of the Ghanaian construction industry has over time failed to adequately meet the needs and aspirations of most clients. This is as a result of their inability to achieve value for money due to time and cost overrun, as well as poor quality of finished products among other problems. It is therefore necessary to study how incorporating Off-site production (OSP) into the Ghanaian construction industry will help solve these problems. The aim of the study is to assess the advantages and hindrances to the adoption of OSP by stakeholders of the Ghanaian construction industry. The scope of the study was limited to key stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry in Accra and Kumasi. Questionnaires were sent to 120 key stakeholders. The study established that the major hindrances are the generally low familiarity of the concept of OSP and the low level of mechanisation of the Ghanaian construction industry. Respondents however indicated the main advantages will be the reduction in construction cost and time as well as an increase in the efficiency and quality of the finished products (buildings).
The overreliance on the traditional construction methods by stakeholders of the Ghanaian construction industry has over time failed to adequately meet the needs and aspirations of most clients. This is as a result of their inability to achieve value for money due to time and cost overrun, as well as poor quality of finished products among other problems. It is therefore necessary to study how incorporating Off-site production (OSP) into the Ghanaian construction industry will help solve these problems. The aim of the study is to assess the advantages and hindrances to the adoption of OSP by stakeholders of the Ghanaian construction industry. The scope of the study was limited to key stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry in Accra and Kumasi. Questionnaires were sent to 120 key stakeholders. The study established that the major hindrances are the generally low familiarity of the concept of OSP and the low level of mechanisation of the Ghanaian construction industry. Respondents however indicated the main advantages will be the reduction in construction cost and time as well as an increase in the efficiency and quality of the finished products (buildings).
Annan,.J, Arthur Y.D * & Quanah,E. (2015). Modelling Transport Energy Demand in Ghana: The Policy Implication on Ghanaian Economy. British Journal of Economics, Management & Trade, 10,
Abstract
Aim: The study aims at modeling automotive energy demand in Ghana as well as predicting the long term energy demand and its implication on the Ghanaian economy.The research design deployed in order to achieve the aim was explanatory.The research form part of bigger research work which got started in 2012 and ended 2015. The study used secondary data of fuel demand collected from the ministry of energy, through Ghana statistical service. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical methods were deployed. Various descriptive charts were used in the preliminary stages of the modeling and further modeling techniques such as quadratic, linear, logarithmic, cubic and exponential models were the modeling techniques used. The mean absolute deviation was also adopted.The result of the study reveals that the cubic model best predict the demand for both gasoline but the PMS best predicted by quadratic model in Ghana with p-value < 0.05. The plot of the forecast value further revealed exponential future demand for automotive energy in Ghana.The cubic model best fit the automotive energy demand in Ghana with exponential future automotive energy demand. The nation should put policies in place to ensure resilient public transportation system which will translate into a reduction in private car demand for fuel. The exponential demand for automotive energy will mean that the nation will need more funds in order to import such energy this will further put much pressure on the cedi since demand for the fuel will demand foreign currency for its importation.
Aim: The study aims at modeling automotive energy demand in Ghana as well as predicting the long term energy demand and its implication on the Ghanaian economy.The research design deployed in order to achieve the aim was explanatory.The research form part of bigger research work which got started in 2012 and ended 2015. The study used secondary data of fuel demand collected from the ministry of energy, through Ghana statistical service. Descriptive statistics and inferential statistical methods were deployed. Various descriptive charts were used in the preliminary stages of the modeling and further modeling techniques such as quadratic, linear, logarithmic, cubic and exponential models were the modeling techniques used. The mean absolute deviation was also adopted.The result of the study reveals that the cubic model best predict the demand for both gasoline but the PMS best predicted by quadratic model in Ghana with p-value < 0.05. The plot of the forecast value further revealed exponential future demand for automotive energy in Ghana.The cubic model best fit the automotive energy demand in Ghana with exponential future automotive energy demand. The nation should put policies in place to ensure resilient public transportation system which will translate into a reduction in private car demand for fuel. The exponential demand for automotive energy will mean that the nation will need more funds in order to import such energy this will further put much pressure on the cedi since demand for the fuel will demand foreign currency for its importation.
Olu Fagbemi E., Cowther,.S.& Arthur,Y.D. (2016). RECRUITMENT PRACTICES AND POLICIES OF HOTELS IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS, GHANA. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences, 3,
Abstract
This study sought to assess recruitment practices and policies of hotels in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. The authors argue that existing recruitment policies that often take on the one-size fit all approach overlook the contextual issues of employees resulting in unsuccessful recruitment practices. Using a descriptive survey approach major instruments were questionnaires. A sample size of 20 employees was obtained using simple random sampling technique. Data collected from questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 21 as statistical package for the data analysis. The study revealed that a majority of the hotels in Tamale recruit staff with relevant past experience in hotel business and few graduates without work experience. The mode of attracting applicants was through advertisement. Further, a majority of hotels contributed to their employees‟ pension benefits through the payment of SSNIT and other insurance packages. The study concludes that hotel recruitment practices and policies that overlook employees‟ context, experience challenges in employee performance. The study recommends that recruitment policies for employees should provide options for customizing benefit packages to match individual employee needs. This ultimately leads to responsible employees.
This study sought to assess recruitment practices and policies of hotels in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana. The authors argue that existing recruitment policies that often take on the one-size fit all approach overlook the contextual issues of employees resulting in unsuccessful recruitment practices. Using a descriptive survey approach major instruments were questionnaires. A sample size of 20 employees was obtained using simple random sampling technique. Data collected from questionnaires was analysed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 21 as statistical package for the data analysis. The study revealed that a majority of the hotels in Tamale recruit staff with relevant past experience in hotel business and few graduates without work experience. The mode of attracting applicants was through advertisement. Further, a majority of hotels contributed to their employees‟ pension benefits through the payment of SSNIT and other insurance packages. The study concludes that hotel recruitment practices and policies that overlook employees‟ context, experience challenges in employee performance. The study recommends that recruitment policies for employees should provide options for customizing benefit packages to match individual employee needs. This ultimately leads to responsible employees.
Arthur,Y. D., Sekyere, F., Marlle,E. K. & Banuenumah,W. (2016). The impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Obuasi Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) - The customers perspective. International Journal of Contemporary Applied Sciences, 3,
Abstract
Globally several studies had been conducted using SERVQUAL model in different discipline and context. However, little had been discussed on comparing the impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the customer perspective. The study adapted the modified version of SERVQUAL model as a tool to measure the variables of the study. The study used convenience sampling method to select customer of ECG. The questionnaires were distributed and collected for analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software. Simple Regression was used to test for the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The result indicates that all the five dimensions of service quality performed poorly P >0.05. Furthermore the service quality had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and concludes that the service quality deserves improvement. The study finally recommends that staff should be engaged on regular basis to be trained on issues of costumer services and its effects on organizational performance. Further studies on SERVQUAL model using the five service quality dimensions can gradually close the gaps to bring success to the ECG.
Globally several studies had been conducted using SERVQUAL model in different discipline and context. However, little had been discussed on comparing the impact of Service quality on customer satisfaction in Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) from the customer perspective. The study adapted the modified version of SERVQUAL model as a tool to measure the variables of the study. The study used convenience sampling method to select customer of ECG. The questionnaires were distributed and collected for analysis using SPSS and Microsoft Excel Software. Simple Regression was used to test for the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction. The result indicates that all the five dimensions of service quality performed poorly P >0.05. Furthermore the service quality had a negative impact on customer satisfaction and concludes that the service quality deserves improvement. The study finally recommends that staff should be engaged on regular basis to be trained on issues of costumer services and its effects on organizational performance. Further studies on SERVQUAL model using the five service quality dimensions can gradually close the gaps to bring success to the ECG.
Akom, K., Asante, G. & Adjei-Frimpong, B. (2016). An Investigation into the use of ICT Tools in the Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) Delivery – Evidence from Kumasi Metropolis. International Journal of Computer Applications, 133,
Abstract
This study investigated the use of ICT tools in Vocational and Technical Education and Training (TVET) in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study was designed to collect information from selected schools on how far they use ICT tools in teaching technical subjects. The people who were contacted with the research were ICT teachers, technical teachers on the field, parents and educationists, students and computer experts. The research objective was to find out if adequate or well-equipped structures have been put in place for this modern technology and also to find out if enough funds are provided for maintenance to promote effective teaching and learning. The descriptive research design was adopted and questionnaires and interviews were used as the research instruments. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the results. The sample involved 400 students, 100 teachers, 80 ICT teachers and 40 parents and educationist. Four Deputy/Assistant Directors and two computer experts were also interviewed. The results showed that about 86% of respondents would like the usage of ICT tools in our Voc/Tech schools for the students to be abreast with current technological advancement. The schools do appreciate the contribution of ICT tools to their performance, but there are various barriers which require government intervention to adopt appropriate policies to address them. The findings, however, revealed financial problems, inadequate quality ICT teachers, inadequate ICT tools and inadequate well-equipped computer laboratories, making it difficult to continue with the programme which has already started in the schools visited.
This study investigated the use of ICT tools in Vocational and Technical Education and Training (TVET) in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study was designed to collect information from selected schools on how far they use ICT tools in teaching technical subjects. The people who were contacted with the research were ICT teachers, technical teachers on the field, parents and educationists, students and computer experts. The research objective was to find out if adequate or well-equipped structures have been put in place for this modern technology and also to find out if enough funds are provided for maintenance to promote effective teaching and learning. The descriptive research design was adopted and questionnaires and interviews were used as the research instruments. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the results. The sample involved 400 students, 100 teachers, 80 ICT teachers and 40 parents and educationist. Four Deputy/Assistant Directors and two computer experts were also interviewed. The results showed that about 86% of respondents would like the usage of ICT tools in our Voc/Tech schools for the students to be abreast with current technological advancement. The schools do appreciate the contribution of ICT tools to their performance, but there are various barriers which require government intervention to adopt appropriate policies to address them. The findings, however, revealed financial problems, inadequate quality ICT teachers, inadequate ICT tools and inadequate well-equipped computer laboratories, making it difficult to continue with the programme which has already started in the schools visited.
Asante, G., Hayfron-Acquah, J.B., Riverson, K. (2015). LEVERAGING VOIP ON LOCAL AREA NETWORK USING JAVA MEDIA FRAMEWORK. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, 113,
Abstract
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a standard for taking analogue audio signals, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over a network. VoIP has become an important factor in network communication. It has a lower operational cost, greater flexibility, and a variety of enhanced applications. VoIP is time – based. To ensure real-time transmission, Real-Time Transmission Protocol (RTP) is used on top of User Datagram Protocol (UDP). RTP provides end-to-end network transport functions suitable for applications transmitting real-time data, such as audio, video or simulation data, over multicast or unicast network services. Java Media Framework (JMF) is an Application Programming Interface (API) that uses RTP and therefore ideal for time-based media. Thus, the topic: leveraging VOIP on LAN using Java Media Framework. The research aims at designing a system that will allow users to communicate over a data network. That is, to be able to send text, make voice and video call, and transfer file over a network. The system uses client/server architecture. The architecture is a 3-tier: the client, the main server and the database server. The system designed could be used on Android mobile phones and computers with Windows operating system. The system designed allows users to communicate at virtually no cost. The product will also put the network of various organizations into full utilization.
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a standard for taking analogue audio signals, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over a network. VoIP has become an important factor in network communication. It has a lower operational cost, greater flexibility, and a variety of enhanced applications. VoIP is time – based. To ensure real-time transmission, Real-Time Transmission Protocol (RTP) is used on top of User Datagram Protocol (UDP). RTP provides end-to-end network transport functions suitable for applications transmitting real-time data, such as audio, video or simulation data, over multicast or unicast network services. Java Media Framework (JMF) is an Application Programming Interface (API) that uses RTP and therefore ideal for time-based media. Thus, the topic: leveraging VOIP on LAN using Java Media Framework. The research aims at designing a system that will allow users to communicate over a data network. That is, to be able to send text, make voice and video call, and transfer file over a network. The system uses client/server architecture. The architecture is a 3-tier: the client, the main server and the database server. The system designed could be used on Android mobile phones and computers with Windows operating system. The system designed allows users to communicate at virtually no cost. The product will also put the network of various organizations into full utilization.
Faculty of Technical EducationJul 14, 2015
