Educational Institutions In Ghana Research Articles

Does Organisational Justice Truly Ignite Employee Happiness and Propel Citizenship Behaviour? In-Sights From Ghana’s Tertiary Landscape

This study analysed the impact of employees’ organisational justice perception (OJP) on their engagement in organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) within tertiary educational institutions in Ghana. Furthermore, the study investigated the mediating effect of employee happiness on the relationship between OJP and OCB among employees in tertiary educational institutions in Ghana. A total of 394 respondents from 27 tertiary institutions in Ghana participated in the survey through the administration of questionnaires. The study employed Structural Equation Modelling to examine the hypothesised relationships and Andrews Hayes’ Process Model was utilised for mediation analysis. The results indicated that the level of employee happiness in the workplace is a substantial and positive indicator of OCB and served as a full mediator in the link between OJP and OCB. The study recommended that the management of tertiary educational institutions and human resource management practitioners should develop evidence-based interventions aimed at boosting employee well-being and promoting positive perceptions of organisational justice.

Predicting University Teachers’ Behavior Intentions Toward Digital Technologies: An Extension of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology Model (UTAUT)

Information and Communication Technologies over the past decades have enhanced University Teachers’ ability to provide effective and prompt teaching and learning. Therefore, this study explored University Teachers' behaviour intentions toward the use of digital technologies for teaching and learning in higher educational institutions in Ghana. We grounded our study on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) by testing the contributions of two key variables, the Cost of Internet Data and the Cost of Smart Phones to predict Behaviour Intentions (BI) of university teachers in three higher educational institutions towards the use of Digital Technologies (DTs) for online teaching and learning. We applied Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling for data analysis. Hypotheses testing on how the Cost of Internet Data and the Cost of Smartphones influence university teachers' Behaviour Intentions (BI) toward the use of Digital Technologies (DTs) were supported. The findings of our study further showed that university teachers’ intentions to use DTs are influenced by determinants such as social influence, personal experience, and facilitating conditions. The study concludes that the polarity in the findings could help the university authorities to understand the factors to consider in selecting appropriate digital technologies for teaching and learning in universities. The findings from this study are a template for University teachers to get governments to change policies that affect the introduction of digital technologies in higher educational institutions.

Level of awareness and knowledge of procurement officers on environmental sustainability as enshrined in the Public Procurement Act in Ghana

PurposeThis study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge level of procurement officers (POs) in Ghanaian tertiary educational institutions regarding sustainability in general and specifically on environmental sustainability in the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended.Design/methodology/approachThrough purposive sampling technique and face-to-face interviews using semi-structured open-ended questions, qualitative data was collected from 19 POs who are well vested in the procurement profession and willingly agreed to partake in the research. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis technique to help organize and elicit meaning from the data collected and to draw realistic conclusions from it.FindingsThe results showed that most POs were aware of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended, primarily through seminars and workshops organized by the Public Procurement Authority. The interviewees demonstrated a good understanding of sustainable procurement, considering its social, environmental and economic aspects. However, one respondent primarily associated sustainability with only environmental issues. The POs were, however, of the view that the Amended Act 914 (2016) does not give detailed highlights on environmental sustainability, making implementation very difficult, especially regarding the procurement of goods. Overall, the findings indicate a positive level of environmental sustainability awareness and knowledge among the interviewed POs regarding the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended.Social implicationsThe findings from the study could be used by policymakers to strategize educational campaigns by using the POs’ knowledge and awareness to the implementers of Act 663 (2003) as amended to effectively ensure environmental sustainability in procurement practices. The findings from the study have also contributed to the literature on procurement policy by drawing the attention of policy formulators to give equal attention to all the sustainability pillars, i.e. social, economic and environmental. This would consequently help the implementers to contribute to achieving sustainable development.Originality/valueThis study is one of the few empirical qualitative types of research seeking the views of POs in tertiary educational institutions in Ghana on sustainability and environmental sustainability as enshrined in the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended. The findings give positive feedback to policymakers on the knowledge and awareness level of the POs on environmental sustainability and highlight the importance of awareness programmes and educational initiatives by the Public Procurement Authority and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Act.

Technology Integration in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): The Role of the Art Teacher

The quality of teaching and learning across all TVET disciplines can be enhanced by promoting technology-inclusive TVET. Using the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) model, this study examines the interrelationships between the knowledge required by art teachers to effectively integrate technology in teaching at the TVET level. The study assumed that quality TVET practices could be achieved if TVET teachers had a solid understanding of their subject matter, pedagogical procedures and knowledge about employing technological tools. This research used a quantitative data approach and adopted a Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) analysis technique to measure the path coefficients of direct or indirect influence between exogenous and endogenous variables. A quantitative survey instrument based on the TPACK model was adopted to collect data from 152 art teachers sampled across various public educational institutions in Ghana. Data analysis was performed with SPSS and SmartPLS using an online data collection procedure. The study demonstrates a significant relationship between art teachers’ knowledge and how much technology can be integrated with TVET. The following mechanisms were revealed: the mastery of technological tools, technologically driven instructional approaches, and a teacher's technical knowledge and abilities as the fundamental mechanisms required to foster efficient skill development at the TVET level. This implies that educators, training institutions, policymakers, and stakeholders in the TVET ecosystem should pay special attention to these mechanisms to strengthen the teaching and learning delivery of TVET.

Effect of information literacy skills on university students’ information seeking behaviour and lifelong learning

This study investigated the influence of information literacy (IL) skills on students' information seeking behaviour and lifelong learning skills in Higher Educational institutions in Ghana, with particular reference to the University of Cape Coast (UCC). Using a mixed method approach, 278 students from the College of Education Studies, UCC were sampled for the study. The components of the American College and Research Library (ACRL) model was used to measure the information literacy competence level of the students. A content and bibliographic evaluation of students’ research projects were conducted using document analysis. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the association between information literacy skills and information seeking behaviour of students from data collected through questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. The results revealed that respondents had developed substantial skills in information literacy and lifelong learning skills and thus adopted positive attitudes in information seeking. The paper concludes that majority of the students were confident users of information. The study recommends that academic libraries should make available a wide array of information sources and deliberately run programmes to introduce students to those information sources as a way of building their competency levels in information literacy.

Job satisfaction and characteristics among staff of public higher educational institutions in Ghana

Job satisfaction and characteristics among staff of public higher educational institutions in Ghana

Impact of the Central Government's Deficit on Public Tertiary Education Funding in Ghana

From the era of Ghana’s independence, various governments, particularly Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s Administration, considered the importance of education as a tool for socio-economic engineering and national development. Successive governments have all tried their best when it comes funding for tertiary education Ghana. Funding is a central pillar in the growth and development of any tertiary education in Ghana. The Ghana Government funds public universities through annual budgetary allocations with a view of achieving its national goals. Over the years, demand for university education in Ghana has increased exponentially, thereby triggering growth. However, annually the government instead of incurring surplus rather incurs deficit. This trend has a negative toll on public tertiary education immensely. It is argued sometimes these public tertiary education set up are forced to operate with an element of financial distress. Moreover, the presence of financial trouble in public universities has led to limited growth. Hence the paper sought to assess the Impact of the Central Government's Deficit on Public Tertiary Education Funding in Ghana.The paper resorted to the use of exploratory and qualitative research paradigm taking into account the use of secondary data for analysis. The outcome revealed that there exist funding challenges leading to yearly deficit burdening the government which also affect the growth of tertiary educational institutions in Ghana. Further, the findings also revealed that the problems with internally generated funds greatly influence tertiary education, in terms of enrollment, expenditure, the various sources of finance available to students as well as infrastructural development, research and faculty development, and even the promotion of technology. Keywords : Deficit, Tertiary, Education DOI: 10.7176/RJFA/13-22-03 Publication date: November 30 th 2022

Impact of SHRM on Employee Commitment in Tertiary Educational Institutions in Ghana

The impact of strategic human resource management on employee commitment in educational institutions is yet to be properly documented. This study investigated the impact of SHRM (strategic fit, role-position fit, intra-functional fit, and cross-functional fit) on employee commitment. Employing a survey research approach, data were collected from 314 employees in tertiary educational institutions in a developing country. A conceptual model was developed and hypotheses were proposed. Using partial least squares structural equation modeling technique, the proposed model explained 40% of employees' affective commitment, about 3% of employees' continuance commitment, and about 7% of employees' normative commitment. The cross-functional fit had the most significant effect on affective commitment. The result also revealed that not all SHRM practices could produce a positive significant effect on employee commitment. This study proposed a conceptual model and contributed to the formulation of HR policy and guidelines in tertiary institutions for improving employee commitment.

USE OF ICT IN TEACHING AND LEARNING IN SECOND CYCLE INSTITUTIONS: UNDERSTANDING THE TECHNOLOGICAL ASPECT OF THE TPACK MODEL

This study investigated how ICT can be used to support teaching and learning in public and private second cycle educational institutions in Ghana. The survey approach was used for the study. Using a simple random sampling technique, 182 (112 students and 70 teachers) from the two schools were selected to participate in the study. A comparative study was conducted on the schools’ ICT facilities, how they were being used, the challenges that are encountered and the perception of teachers and students on integration of ICT into teaching and learning in both schools. The findings revealed that both teachers and students have a positive perception about the integration of ICT into teaching and learning. Unstable power supply, system breakdown, unstable internet access and unavailability of ICT integration support staff were identified as the main challenges encountered in using ICT. The study recommended the following: ICT facilities should be provided in all classrooms; the teacher and student laptop project should be expanded to cover every teacher and student, especially in public second cycle institutions and the expansion of internet access points in the various schools. Keywords: TPACK Model, ICT, Teaching with ICT, Learning with ICT, Second cycle Institution

Reducing cost and ensuring environmental sustainability: Palm kernel expeller as an alternative sculpture material for casting in Ghana

The materials for sculpture in Ghana have always been clay, wood, cement, resin, and silicon. These materials have their limitations. Also, some students do not have the financial strength to purchase them because they are expensive. This situation slows down the pace in the teaching and learning of practical activities in the Sculpture discipline in most Ghanaian educational institutions. Owing to this, the researchers explored the possibility of experimenting with local materials in the home regions of students which could have otherwise been a nuisance in the environment as alternative sculptural materials. The researchers adopted the Double Helix of Praxis Exegesis Model, which is an arts-based method undergird in the eco-innovation theory to investigate the possibility of using palm kernel which is abundant in the Anloga Sobolo community, Kumasi, Ghana as an alternative material for modeling, casting, and carving. The palm kernel expellers were prepared by collecting the kernel, cracking, firing, milling, and cooking to extract the oil, and then the expeller. The palm kernel expellers were mixed with selected binders to produce aesthetically pleasing modeled, cast, and carved works. Findings revealed that palm kernel expeller is non-toxic, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective alternative material for sculpture. The study contends that teachers and students in the sculpture discipline in the various Senior High and tertiary educational institutions in Ghana should constantly explore waste local materials as alternative materials for practical activities in sculpture to reduce cost and to serve as a tool for ensuring environmental sustainability.

Covid-19 Pandemic and E-Learning: Socio - Economic Factors Influencing the Challenges Faced By Ghanaian Universities

The pandemic of COVID-19, which swept the globe, has damaged all facets of human endeavor, including education. As a response to the hazards to life posed by the epidemic, educational institutions in Ghana have had to improvise in order to provide tuition to students in order to mitigate the impact of the virus on students. The school administration at the Nyankpala campus of the identified and implemented e-learning as an alternative to face-to-face instruction, which posed a hazard to the health of students during the epidemic. This study aimed to examine the socioeconomic factors influencing the challenges faced by students in the use of e-learning during COVID-19, with a specific focus on the students of Nyankpala Campus, using both primary and secondary data to debrief the conceptions and theories in order to assess the level of impact of the pandemic and e-learning on students' academic performance. The study also sought to investigate the sources of information on COVID-19 from the respondents and the preventive measures, as these two factors determine their access to electrical devices to participate in e-learning and the extent to which this approach has impacted their academics as the study solicits the pertinent information on the measures implemented by the university's administration to ensure continuous learning. In this regard, the study employed a case study design with qualitative technique as the strategy for eliciting pertinent information through the use of key interview guides and personal interviews. According to the results, 62.31 % of the students are from metropolitan areas, while 37.69 % are from rural areas. In terms of money and social status, the numbers show that 17.69% of students come from high-class societies and 57.69% come from low-class societies. 58.46 % consistently reported poor network coverage, compared to 41.54 % who always had network connectivity. Data bundles, a lack of e-learning devices, and inadequate training were highlighted as the primary obstacles. As a result, several students were forced to miss or leave lectures, which negatively impacted their academic achievement and the delivery of instruction. In the future, it is proposed that the university collaborate with a number of government regulatory agencies, such as the National Communication Authority (NCA), to reduce the cost of data in order to improve internet connectivity on campus, as well as subsidize student tuition fees in order to alleviate the financial burden placed on students.

Students’ Acceptance and Perceptions of Perceived Usefulness of Mobile Learning Devices in Higher Educational Institutions

As technology-mediated innovations like Mobile Learning Devices (MLDs) spread rapidly across the globe, there are growing concerns on the actual factors that influence students in Higher Educational institutions (HEIs) to accept technology-mediated innovations like smartphones, tablets, and portable computing devices for their educational pursuit. This study adopted Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) as a theoretical basis in an attempt to investigate factors that might influence students to accept or decline the use of technology-mediated innovations specifically MLDs for academic purposes from the perspectives of three universities in Ghana. A set of online questionnaire survey was used to collect the needed data from (N=1,030) students. The researchers also conducted data analysis and presentation of findings by testing the suggested research model through Structural Equation Modelling. A regression analysis was also carried out with the help of SmartPLS to assess the path coefficient of the data collected for the model. This study identified influencing factors such as students’ awareness levels, m-learning technology types, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness as some of the central factors that determine how students use and accept m-learning devices in Ghanaian universities. The study reported limitations such as expensive internet data, poor internet infrastructure, insecurity, privacy issues, and unavailability of electricity as some of the factors limiting the acceptance of MLDs by students in Ghana. Despite the limitations reported in this study, the results from the statistical analysis, show that there are high levels of MLDs acceptance among students from the three sampled higher educational institutions in Ghana. The study recommends that school authorities and governments in developing countries such as Ghana incorporate MLDs in their current higher educational systems.

Nature, Motivations and Experiences of International Students in Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana

Nature, Motivations and Experiences of International Students in Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana

Exploring Female Students’ Quest for Leadership and their Experiential Realities in the University of Education, Winneba

The study explored female students’ quest for leadership and experiential leadership realities in higher educational institutions in Ghana. In Ghana, female enrolment in higher educational institutions has increased due to population increases and campaign for girl-child education. However, despite the opportunities and access to higher education, female students’ quest for leadership positions in their educational institutions is often thwarted and largely insignificant compared to their male counterparts. However, there is evidence in Ghana that national leadership, especially in politics, is usually linked to leadership at tertiary institutions, especially, in the universities. Using female students’ leadership in governance at the University of Education (UEW) as a study focus, and employing the liberal feminist theory, we hypothesised that female students’ desire for leadership positions in higher education would not differ significantly from reality due to some systemic cultural challenges. The study revealed that certain leadership positions are preserved of males, and females who vie for such positions generally encounter some cultural setbacks . The study concludes that female students are motivated to take leadership positions due to their desire to lead and serve the people, but society uses gender to set limit for women when they vie for leadership positions. The study recommends that teachers and parents should encourage both males and females to take up equal leadership roles early in life to arouse in them the drive for future leadership positions.

Quality and Quality Management in Higher Educational Institutions in Ghana

Intellectual discourse on the meaning of quality is varied, making the paradigm appear inexplicable. Some who have attempted to define quality have done so by considering the context in which it is used, while some others choose to define it in absolute terms. Quality in education has become highly desirous in Ghana, and stakeholders are demanding higher standards of training. The quality of education, as well as offerings of products and services in education, have now come to be decided by both the institutes and their clients, with the expectation of achieving customer satisfaction and maintaining client loyalty. Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) assure their patrons of being in good standing by undergoing rigorous internal and external assessments of their curricula, staff and infrastructure. This offers them the opportunity of gaining accreditation from the National Accreditations Board (NAB), the government’s Quality Assurance Agency on education in Ghana. This paper recalls the era when early industries took to modelling various sorts of quality as they tried to make standard products with minimal differences. Going forward, it discusses, the approaches adopted by universities and colleges, as well as regulatory agencies, to verify the reputation of these tertiary academies, based on each establishment’s particular model of quality. Legislation establishing the NAB and similar such agencies are quoted, along with their establishment purposes.

SCHOOL CLIMATE AND TEACHER JOB PERFORMANCE: EVIDENCE FROM SHAMA DISTRICT OF GHANA

<p>Although school climate is known to exert a potent sway on teachers’ overall effectiveness, little is known about it influence on teacher job performance in educational institutions in Ghana albeit no evidence from Shama District. In view of this lacuna in literature, this study employed Halpin and Croft’s (1963) dimensions of organizational climate as a theoretical lens to understand the influence of school climate on teacher job performance. The study utilized sequential explanatory mixed method design within the context of pragmatist paradigm. Census, proportionate stratified random and convenience sampling techniques was used to sample 585 respondents. Structured questionnaire and semi-structure interview were used to collect data which were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics whereas thematic approach was employed in analyzing the qualitative data. The study revealed that open climate was dominant, followed by the autonomous, controlled, familiar, paternal and closed climates, and that generally job performance of teachers was rated as very good. Besides, the study indicated that school climate was a good predictor of teacher job performance. However, the study revealed that in order of magnitude, it was familiar climate that contributed most to teachers’ job performance, followed by open and controlled climates while the contribution of autonomous, paternal and closed climates were not significant. It was, therefore, recommended that headteachers and teachers should be conscious of the kind of interpersonal relationships that exist among them and be guided to strengthen the climate in their schools, especially the familiar, open and controlled climate traits since they contribute significantly to teacher job performance so as to realize educational goals and objectives.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0876/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Demographic differences in sources of stress in higher educational institutions in Ghana

Purpose: The current research aimed to investigate demographic differences in job stress prevalence and job stress causes among the staff of universities. Research methodology: The study is based on a descriptive, quantitative, and cross-sectional research design. A sample of 100 respondents, from Sunyani Technical University, were sampled using the convenience sample method. Data were collected in a survey using a questionnaire which was designed by the researchers and administered to the respondents at their workplaces. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, regression analysis, and One-Way Analysis of Variance. Results were presented in Tables. Results: The findings indicate that significant demographic differences exist in job stress prevalence and job stress causes. The management of universities should take into account the current findings of the research in dealing with job stress. Appropriate policies are recommended to be put in place to deal with stress related to the job to improve staff output, so as not to have a deleterious effect on staff professional work and personal welfare. Limitations: Some respondents felt reluctant to take part in the survey. The causal conclusions cannot be made based on the current findings since a causal investigation was not the focus of the study, and hence was not done. Some respondents also did not answer all the questions asked. Contributions: The paper contributes to the literature in the area of job stress sources and the role demographic factors in job stress causes in higher institutions. The work is the first of its kinds in the study institution on the role of culture and belief on job stress.

Creation of Fiscal Space for Sustainability of Private Second Cycle Institutions: The Role of Income Diversification

Private schools around the world continue to face sustainability challenges due to limitations in fiscal space as they strive to provide top notch academic services to their customers. Some educational experts have predicted the closure of many private schools in the last few years as a result of low financial stability indicators of these academic institutions. From this state of affairs, this study sort to examine the role of income diversification in the creation of fiscal space for academic sustainability of private second cycle educational institutions. A quantitative research approach was adopted. The study made use of descriptive correlational design. Descriptive statistics based on the central tendency with SPSS and regression process by Hayes model 1 were used to analyze and interpret the data collected from 190 private second cycle educational institutions in Ghana, randomly selected out of the population of 315, to answer self-constructed questionnaire. Results showed that private second cycle educational institutions have very low levels of income diversification activities to create fiscal space. There was a positive, significant influence of creation of fiscal space on financial sustainability. The findings have implications for income diversification strategies which create fiscal space and harness institutional income levels for academic and/or financial sustainability.

Innovative human resources management: key competencies expected from hospitality graduates in Ghana

Purpose: The study aimed to determine the key competencies required from hospitality graduates from the hospitality industry perspective. Research Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative research approach. Overall, 43 hotel managers in the Ghanaian hospitality industry were conveniently sampled. Data were collected using a structured survey questionnaire. The study used Statistical Package for Social Sciences (IBM SPSS) version 23 to analysed data collected. Results: Results from the study indicate that the “key competencies” required from hospitality graduates from the industry perspective include good inter-personal skills, innovation and ability to think of new ways of doing things, ability to maintain professional standards, customer-oriented, critical thinking ability, self-motivation, friendly and approachable, good communication skills. Limitation: The study focused only on hospitality employers in Ghana; therefore, findings from the study cannot be generalised to other hospitality employers in different country. Contribution: The study emphasises the need for hospitality educational institutions in Ghana to assess the tourism and hospitality industry's competencies to produce graduates who will fit in the job market. Keywords: Attributes, Employers, Knowledge, Skills

Organizational Learning in Public Tertiary Educational Institutions

The study sought to examine how public tertiary educational institutions in Ghana can make use of organizational learning in order to improve upon their performance. Although organizational learning has proven to be beneficial to some organizations, it is not being utilized by public tertiary educational institutions in Ghana. The phenomenological research methodology was used to describe the experiences of the researcher in relation to the subject. Secondary data was also reviewed and analysed. The study concluded that for public tertiary educational institutions in Ghana to benefit from organizational learning, they must fully embrace Information Communication Technology while appointing leaders who understand the need to adopt organizational learning as a means of encouraging teamwork.