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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.
Owusu-Mensah, I. & Mensah, E. E. (2015). Polynomial Modelling of Allelopathic Effect of Topsoil Extract. British Journal of Research, 2,
Abstract
Objective: This paper seeks to model the allelopathic effect of topsoil extract transferred from Tectona grandis L. plantation on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination and seedling growth Research Methods: A mathematical model will be formulated using polynomial regression based on the data collected. This model was used instead of other proposed models because the relationship between the two variables was curvilinear. Cubic spline method was used to smooth the model to avoid oscillations between exact fit values. Computer program MATLAB was used in the analysis of the data. Results: It was found that the quartic polynomial regression model was the best fitted model for the collected data with least square parameters estimates given by Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the allelopathic effects present in transferred topsoil samples of T. grandis on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination can be modeled using the quartic polynomial model for any concentration of topsoil between 0 kg and 7 kg.
Objective: This paper seeks to model the allelopathic effect of topsoil extract transferred from Tectona grandis L. plantation on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination and seedling growth Research Methods: A mathematical model will be formulated using polynomial regression based on the data collected. This model was used instead of other proposed models because the relationship between the two variables was curvilinear. Cubic spline method was used to smooth the model to avoid oscillations between exact fit values. Computer program MATLAB was used in the analysis of the data. Results: It was found that the quartic polynomial regression model was the best fitted model for the collected data with least square parameters estimates given by Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that the allelopathic effects present in transferred topsoil samples of T. grandis on lycopersicum esculentum seed germination can be modeled using the quartic polynomial model for any concentration of topsoil between 0 kg and 7 kg.
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Abstract
Ababio, P.F., K.D.A. Taylor, Draramola, B.A. and Mark Swainson
Food Safety in the Court of Public Opinion. Imperial College of London 23rd April 2015
Paper presented:
Food Safety hazards and effect in schools- Ghanaian Senior High Schools students report
Abstract
Study/research aims: The aim of the study was to; Investigate on the types of food hazards, the incidence and effect of Foodborne Diseases (FBD) in Senior Secondary schools in Ghana. Study/research methods and results: Survey in the form of questionnaire was used to collect data from 180 boarding school level 1 and 2 students who participated in the communal feeding programme from the 45 sampled schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Qualitative tools on SPSS Version 21 were used to analyse data. Physical contaminants in food received the highest complaints with stones being highest. Ninety five (95%) of the students had FBD awareness and 51.7% of these had experienced it with 21.1% of these reporting to health centers between October 2011 and August 2013. Twelve percent (12.1%) of students were absent from active academic work as long as 5 days and 37.1% had spent between GHC 10.0 - >50.0 on medication of which 30.6% were paid by parents and 15.6% by National Health Insurance Scheme. Fifty six percent (56%) had some form of food allergy/intolerance and out of these only 23% had reported to school matrons for alternative meals. Student’s major concern in hygiene practices in the school kitchens were the poorly cleaned utensils, poor food temperatures and unavailable hand washing facilities for both students and kitchen staff. Conclusions: Foodborne diseases were high in the schools and students were being exposed to unsafe food. The economic burden of FBD were on students, parents and the Nation. Schools kitchen staff required training to ensure Good Hygiene Practices. Significance of study: The study has created a platform for researchers and other stake holders to put equivalent focus in the forms of food hygiene monitoring, finance, training and provision of suitable facilities to institutional kitchens as current hygiene practices were similar to those reported on commercial kitchens in the country.
Study/research aims: The aim of the study was to; Investigate on the types of food hazards, the incidence and effect of Foodborne Diseases (FBD) in Senior Secondary schools in Ghana. Study/research methods and results: Survey in the form of questionnaire was used to collect data from 180 boarding school level 1 and 2 students who participated in the communal feeding programme from the 45 sampled schools in Ashanti Region of Ghana. Qualitative tools on SPSS Version 21 were used to analyse data. Physical contaminants in food received the highest complaints with stones being highest. Ninety five (95%) of the students had FBD awareness and 51.7% of these had experienced it with 21.1% of these reporting to health centers between October 2011 and August 2013. Twelve percent (12.1%) of students were absent from active academic work as long as 5 days and 37.1% had spent between GHC 10.0 - >50.0 on medication of which 30.6% were paid by parents and 15.6% by National Health Insurance Scheme. Fifty six percent (56%) had some form of food allergy/intolerance and out of these only 23% had reported to school matrons for alternative meals. Student’s major concern in hygiene practices in the school kitchens were the poorly cleaned utensils, poor food temperatures and unavailable hand washing facilities for both students and kitchen staff. Conclusions: Foodborne diseases were high in the schools and students were being exposed to unsafe food. The economic burden of FBD were on students, parents and the Nation. Schools kitchen staff required training to ensure Good Hygiene Practices. Significance of study: The study has created a platform for researchers and other stake holders to put equivalent focus in the forms of food hygiene monitoring, finance, training and provision of suitable facilities to institutional kitchens as current hygiene practices were similar to those reported on commercial kitchens in the country.
Patricia Foriwaa Ababio
Life Beyond the PhD. Cumberland Lodge, Windsor, Berkshire - UK 15-18 August 2015
Paper presented:
An investigation into the incidence of food pathogenic bacteria in SHS canteens in Ashanti Region of Ghana and the effect of Food Safety interventions
Abstract
Patricia Ababio PhD, National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln An investigation into the incidence of food pathogenic bacteria in SHS canteens in Ashanti Region of Ghana and the effect of Food Safety Interventions Food hygiene practices and standard in school kitchens in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were studied through auditing and questionnaire administration to matrons/kitchen managers, kitchen staff and students from 45 sampled schools and 10 schools from Lincolnshire for comparison. Eleven hygiene categorised schools were given Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) training as an intervention to identified poor hygiene practices in Ghana. Hygiene indicators (staff hygiene knowledge and personal hygiene requirements, food temperature and time control), microbiological quality (Aerobic colony count, Coliforms, Yeast and mould, S. aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella) of food and contaminants on food contacts surfaces and staff hands were measured Pre GHP and at Post GHP intervention and results comparatively studied to measure effect of the intervention with Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for repeated measures. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) was introduced in 5 schools Post GHP and hygiene indicators were measured and compared with Post GHP and Pre GHP data. Friedman’s test was used to evaluate the respective effect of the two interventions. Post Hoc test using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test with Bonferroni’s critical significance was used to evaluate which of the two interventions brought about the significant improvement. There was enough evidence to prove that GHP significantly effected the improvement in staff hygiene practices and food safety whilst HACCP brought a continuous improvement.
Patricia Ababio PhD, National Centre for Food Manufacturing, University of Lincoln An investigation into the incidence of food pathogenic bacteria in SHS canteens in Ashanti Region of Ghana and the effect of Food Safety Interventions Food hygiene practices and standard in school kitchens in the Ashanti Region of Ghana were studied through auditing and questionnaire administration to matrons/kitchen managers, kitchen staff and students from 45 sampled schools and 10 schools from Lincolnshire for comparison. Eleven hygiene categorised schools were given Good Hygiene Practices (GHP) training as an intervention to identified poor hygiene practices in Ghana. Hygiene indicators (staff hygiene knowledge and personal hygiene requirements, food temperature and time control), microbiological quality (Aerobic colony count, Coliforms, Yeast and mould, S. aureus, Bacillus cereus and Salmonella) of food and contaminants on food contacts surfaces and staff hands were measured Pre GHP and at Post GHP intervention and results comparatively studied to measure effect of the intervention with Wilcoxon’s signed rank test for repeated measures. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) was introduced in 5 schools Post GHP and hygiene indicators were measured and compared with Post GHP and Pre GHP data. Friedman’s test was used to evaluate the respective effect of the two interventions. Post Hoc test using Wilcoxon’s signed rank test with Bonferroni’s critical significance was used to evaluate which of the two interventions brought about the significant improvement. There was enough evidence to prove that GHP significantly effected the improvement in staff hygiene practices and food safety whilst HACCP brought a continuous improvement.
Ababio, P.F., K.D.A. Taylor, Draramola, B.A. and Mark Swainson
Food Safety and Regulatory Measures-. Birmingham-UK 17-19 August 2015
Paper presented:
Challenges to food safety-Lincolnshire-UK and Ashanti Region School Canteens
Abstract
Abstract The demands and requirements on food laws remain the same across continents as food hazards and related risks present the same hazard to individuals internationally including school going age children and adolescents. Different nations are however burdened with different economic and developmental issues which affect the importance attached to food law requirements. Whilst the demands on food safety and hygiene remains stringently upheld, implemented and maintained in the United Kingdom the same could not be said of Ghana, a developing country in Africa. The absence of infrastructure, facilities, human resource with requisite knowledge and lack of law enforcement remain the battle to be fought for a unified food hygiene and safety practice across the globe.
Abstract The demands and requirements on food laws remain the same across continents as food hazards and related risks present the same hazard to individuals internationally including school going age children and adolescents. Different nations are however burdened with different economic and developmental issues which affect the importance attached to food law requirements. Whilst the demands on food safety and hygiene remains stringently upheld, implemented and maintained in the United Kingdom the same could not be said of Ghana, a developing country in Africa. The absence of infrastructure, facilities, human resource with requisite knowledge and lack of law enforcement remain the battle to be fought for a unified food hygiene and safety practice across the globe.
