Wollega University Research Articles

Design Process-System and Methodology of Design Research

Studies have recognized the failure of the traditional design approach both in practice and in the studio. They showed that design problems today are too complex for the traditional approach to cope with and reflected a new interest in a better quality design services in order to meet the challenges of our time. In the mid-1970s and early 1980s, there has been a significant shift in focus within the field of design research towards the aim of creating a ‘design discipline’. The problem, as will be discussed, is the lack of an integrated theory of design knowledge that can explicitly describe the design process in a coherent way. As a consequence, the traditional approach fails to operate systematically, in a disciplinary manner. Addressing this problem is the primary goal of the research study in the design process currently being conducted in the research-based master studio at Wollega University, Ethiopia. The research study seeks to make a contribution towards a disciplinary approach, through proper understanding the mechanism of knowledge development within design process systems. This is the task of the ‘theory of design knowledge’. In this article the research project is introduced, and a model of the design process-system is developed in the studio as a research plan and a tool of design research at the same time. Based on data drawn from students’ research projects, the theory of design knowledge is developed and empirically verified through the research project.

Assessment of Material Resource Utilization Practices and Its Challenges: The Case of Wollega University

The study was directed towards assessing material resource utilization practices and challenges in Wollega University. Descriptive research design was employed. Data were collected using sample of 88 academic staff and 121administrative staff. Both academic and administrative staffs were selected by stratified sampling technique along with using simple random sampling method. A questionnaire and interview were used as tools for data collection. The data obtained through the questionnaires and interview were analyzed using descriptive analysis like, frequency and percentages. The result indicates that procurement process, storage, controlling mechanisms, and maintenance have a significant effect on material resource utilization in Wollega University. The study also revealed that the major challenges identified were poor procurement process, inadequate storage, tight controlling mechanisms, and poor maintenance activities. The disposal of obsolete material was found to be insignificant, which has invisible effect on material resource utilization. Moreover, it is recommended that specification of resources have to be identified, building permanent stores and storage of materials could have to be arranged, it is better to hire effective and sufficient maintenance professionals and organize separate maintenance center in the institution.

Factors Affecting Second Year Regular Biology Students’ Participation in Group Activities in Wollega University

Background: Group work is a method of teaching in which students are put in small groups, two to six, and work in cooperation with each other. But there are different factors that affect students’ participation in group activities. This action research was intended to assess different factors affecting active participation of second year regular students in group activities. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional action research was conducted between April and May 2016. Study populations were all second year regular biology students (43 students) of Wollega University. Self-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect data. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 24 software and percentages were calculated. Data was presented using tables. Results: Analyzed data showed that the most important student related factors that respondents agreed to affect their active group participation include; lack of English language proficiency (28%), reluctance in taking responsibilities (21%), large group size (46%), domination by active learners (56%) and influence of mother tongue (21%). Teacher related factors that affect students’ active participation are lack of encouraging students, lack of control and guidance, non-grading of group activities and lack of teaching materials. Conclusion: Different factors like large group size, Dominance of active learners, Lack of language proficiency, Lack of teaching materials, Non-grading of group activities and Lack of encouraging the students were found to affect students’ active participation. The intervention action plan developed in this action research project should be implemented in a course of study in which prevailing factors affecting students’ active participation are similar to those herein identified. Sufficient guidance and counseling should be given to students in every group activities and learning issues.

Premarital Sex in the Last Twelve Months and Its Predictors among Students of Wollega University, Ethiopia.

Premarital sex increases the risk of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections including HIV if unprotected and contraception is not used. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess premarital sex in the last twelve months and its predictors among regular undergraduate students of Wollega University. A cross-sectional survey using pretested, structured questionnaire was conducted on a total of 704 regular undergraduate students of Wollega University from February to March, 2014. We used multistage sampling technique to recruit study participants. Binary and multivariable logistic regressions were performed using SPSS version 20 to assess predictors of premarital sex. Statistical significance was determined through a 95% confidence level. Wollega University youths who had premarital sex in the last twelve months were 28.4%; 55.5% of them did not use condom during last sex while 31.3% engaged in multiple sex. Being male [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR)(95% Confidence Interval(CI))=2.7(1.58-4.75)], age 20-24 years [AOR(95%CI)=2.8(1.13-7.20)], training on how to use condom [AOR(95%CI)=1.7(1.17-2.46)], being tested for HIV [AOR(95%CI)=2.3(1.48-3.53)], using social media frequently [AOR(95%CI)=1.8(1.14-2.88)], having comprehensive knowledge of HIV [AOR(95% CI)=1.5(1.01-2.10)], alcohol use [AOR (95%CI)=2.2(1.31-3.56)] were associated with increased odds of premarital sex in the last twelve months. Nearly one-third of regular undergraduate students of the university were engaged in premarital sex in the last twelve months. Being male, using social media frequently and alcohol use were associated with increased odds of premarital sex in the stated period. Thus, higher institutions have to deliver abstinence messages alongside information about self-protection.

Genetic Variability, Yield and Yield Associations of Lentil (<i>Lens culinaris</i> Medic.) Genotypes Grown at Gitilo Najo, Western Ethiopia

The study was conducted to evaluate the variability in yield, heritability, genetic advance and associations among characters, to estimate contribution of each trait in yield of the eighteen lentil genotypes. The genotypes were grown at Wollega University, Shambu Campus, Gitilo Najo Research Site. The genotypes were planted in RCBD and replicated three times. Data were collected for 12 morpho-agronomic traits. The results of the analysis of variance showed significant (P 60% while for days to flowering, days to maturity, grain filling period and harvest index are between 40 % and 60%. Estimates of genetic advance as percent of mean at 5% selection intensity ranged from 0.59 % (hundred seed weight) to 78.1% (number of pods per plant). High heritability values coupled with high genetic advance as percent mean were observed for number of pods per plant and biomass yield which indicates the traits are controlled by additive type of genes. A low genotypic coefficient of variability and low genetic advance as a percent mean observed for characters hundred seed weight and pod length indicated that the characters were under high environmental influence, and that phenotypic selection based on these characters would be ineffective. Days to 50 % flowering showed positive and highly significant correlation with days to 95 % maturity at genotypic and phenotypic levels. Both at genotypic and phenotypic levels, grain yield was positively and significantly correlated with plant height and biomass yield while it was negatively and significantly correlated with harvest index. The result revealed wide variability for yield and yield determining traits for the tested genotypes which will help in the improvement of lentil genotypes for the area.

Determinants of Risky Sexual Behavior, Relation between HIV Risk Perception and Condom Utilization among Wollega University Students in Nekemte Town, Western Ethiopia

Students of Higher Education Institutions are assets of the society and change agents in filling the gap in the past and on whom the future generation is based. Neglecting their sexual and reproductive health can lead to high social and economic costs, both immediately and in the years ahead. This study tried to assess the determinants of risky sexual behavior, relation between HIV risk perception and condom utilization among University students in Western Ethiopia. The study was applied institution based cross-sectional study design triangulated with qualitative study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis with crude odds ratio was used. Partial correlation and linear regression was used to assess the applicability of Theory of Planned Behavior model in predicting intention to use condom and other variables. A pre-tested interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect data. About 49.1% of students ever had sexual intercourse. Of these, 50.7% had their first sex before joining the university. Almost half (50.2%) had two and more than two life time sexual partners. Having multiple sexual partners was significantly associated with consistent condom use [AOR=1.98; 95%CI: 1.63, 2.94]. About 46.1% thought that, they were at high risk of getting HIV infection and 61.3% reported consistent condom use with non-regular partner. In this study, Theory of Planned Behavior explained 39.3% of variances in intention to consistent condom use. This study has shown that, a substantial proportion of the students engaged in risky sexual. Information, education and communication/ behavioral change communication on risk perception, life, assertive and communication skills training and promotion of peer-education should be strengthened.Keywords: Condom Utilization Risk Perception Risky Sexual Behaviors Theory of Planned Behavior Wollega University

Globalization and its Impact on Cooperatives – A Case of Oromiya Regional State, Ethiopia

Present research was designed to find the contribution of globalization to cooperative organizations in Oromiya region, Ethiopia. 152 employees from Oromiya regional cooperative promotion office working in cooperative organizations in the 17 zones of Oromiya region joined Wollega University for their upgrading education are selected as the sample, and Questionnaire method is used to collect the data from the sample respondents. Questionnaire contains demographic profile of the respondents, respondents general views on globalization (23 statements on 5 point Likert scale), cooperative organization profile and respondent opinions on impact of globalization on cooperative organizations (17 statements on 5 point Likert scale). The results of the research revealed that globalization in Ethiopia positively benefited the country with increased employment opportunities, improvement in infrastructure facilities, flow of goods from all over the world, attracting foreign investments, dissemination of education and technology, upgrading in living conditions and standard of living and negatively impacted with environmental degradation, deforestation, cultural change, corruption, inequalities, over dependency on other countries. Globalization to the Ethiopian cooperatives positively benefited with adoption of global cooperative principles, global standards, new technologies and methods, attracting investments and donations from the external world and qualitative education and training programs and negatively impacted as competition from the multinationals, and neglected by the own government.

Evaluation of Bioavailability and Sensory Preference of Processed Anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica) Tubers in Eastern Wollega, Ethiopia

Purpose-The purpose of this study was to determine the bioavailability and Sensory preference of processed Anchote (Coccinia Abyssinica) tubers grown in Eastern Wollega, Ethiopia. Method-A total of about 6 kilograms uninfected Anchote were collected from 12 famers randomly selected the study site in Jima Arjo woreda, East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia. The samples were packed in polyethylene bags, kept in an ice box, and transported to Food Science research laboratory of Wollega University. Then,samples were mixed for composite analysis and washed by clean water all together. The washed tuber was grouped in to three sections of two kilograms for each section. The first section was used for anti-nutritional analysis, The second section was used for mineral content analysis whereas the third section was used for sensory analysis. The molar ratios for oxalate, calcium, zinc, Iron and phytate were calculated to evaluate the effects of elevated levels of oxalate and phytate in the bioavailability of dietary minerals. Result-The raw, boiled after peeling and boiled before peeling Anchote tubers had respective contents (mg/100g) of Ca 119.50, 115.70, and 118.20; for Fe contents were 5.49, 7.60, and 6.60; for Mg contents were 79.73, 73.50, and 76.47; for Zn contents were 2.23, 2.03, and 2.20; and for P contents were 34.61, 28.12, 25.45. The raw, boiled after peeling and boiled before peeling Anchote tubers had respective contents (mg/100g) of phytate 389.30, 333.63 and 334.74; for oxalate contents were 8.23, 4.23, and 4.66; for tannin contents were 173.55, 102.36 and 121.21; for cyanide contents were 12.67, 8.16 and 11.14. Discussion-In this study, Anchote tubers were found to contain low antinutritional factors, and except phytate. Moreover, there were further reductions of the antinutritional factors during processing. This implies, except phytate high in minerals, thereby improving the bioavailability of zinc and calcium. This study also revealed that, there was significant (P<0.05) taste preference of Anchote boiled before peeling and boiled after peeling, in which 66% of consumers gave priority taste for Anchote boiled before peeling. Therefore, traditional processing method of Anchote boiled before peeling is also effective technique. Conclusion-The raw Anchote tubers were found to contain low antinutritional factors, except phytate. Moreover, there were further reductions of the antinutritional factors during traditional processing. This implies, except phytate which might hinder iron bioavailability, traditional processing enables that the antinutritional factors in the Anchote couldn’t hamper its nutritional value. Therefore, both methods of traditional preparation of Anchote were effective to reduce the levels of antinutritional factors, thereby improving the bioavailability of zinc and calcium. This study also indicated that consumer panels preferred the taste of Anchote boiled before peeling. Therefore traditional processing method of Anchote boiled before peeling is also effective technique and need to be encouraged in terms of consumers preference of Anchote taste.

Assessment of the Attitude of Prospective Teachers Enrolled in Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching: The Case of Wollega University

The purpose of this study was to investigate prospective teachers’ attitudetowards the teaching profession. Moreover, an attempt was made to explore prospective teachers’ attitude towards teaching in terms of some variables: gender, family income, parents’ level of education, reasons for choosing the teaching profession, and perceived problems in the work place. The participants of the study comprised of 146 prospective teachers from the four departments/ programs (Amharic, English, Physics and Chemistry), which were selected using cluster random sampling method. To measure the attitude of prospective teachers’ towards the profession of teaching, a 40 items Likert type scale with 5 points was used. Descriptive statistics, independent sample t-test and one way ANOVA were used in the analysis. Statistically significant difference was observed among prospective teachers in their attitude towards teaching profession in terms of reasons for choosing teaching profession. Moreover, statistically significant difference was also found among prospective teachers in their attitude towards teaching profession in terms of perceived problems in the work place. In this study, there was no evidence shown statistically significant differences among prospective teachers’ in their attitudes towards teaching profession in terms of gender, family income, and parents’ education level.

Factors Predicting Responses to HIV/AIDS Prevention Messages among Wollega University Students, Oromia, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Since the first HIV/AIDS cases were reported in 1981, HIV has become one of the world's most serious health and development challenges. Messages should be persuasive and appealing in order to bring the desired effect among the target group. This study aims to assess the factors associated with responses to HIV/AIDS prevention messages among university students. A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted using self-administered questionnaire. A total of 710 Wollega University regular students drawn by multi-stage sampling were included. The data were summarized and organized with different descriptive measures and regression analysis using SPSS 16.0. Six hundred ninety-three (693), 429(61.9%) male and 264 (38.1%) female students were participated making a response rate of 97.6%. The mean age of the respondents was (21.27±1.703) (males = 21.60±1.618; females = 20.72±1.701). About 252(36.4%) of the respondents were sexually active, and the mean age of sexual initiation was (18.08±2.416), male (18.47±2.294), and female (17.43±2.491). Perceived severity, perceived self and response efficacy of abstinence significantly predicted the current practice of abstinence (R=0.304, adjR2 =0.087). Perceived self-efficacy of being faithful significantly predicted the current practice of being monogamous (R=0.218, adjR2 =0.042). Perceived self and response efficacy of condom use significantly predicted practice of consistent condom use (R=0.398, adjR2 =0.153). Perceived self and response efficacy more predicted HIV/AIDS prevention methods than other variables; so an intervention planned targeting those variables would be more successful on HIV/AIDS prevention in the university.