College of Art and Built Environment

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ICT and digital preservation of historical Data: A Study of the Africa and Culture section Department of general Art Studies, Knust
(,August,2010) Amankwa, John Opuni
Estimating the transaction cost indices of public private partnership infrastructure in Ghana (Case study of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly)
Donkor, Eric Jimifoster
Public Private Partnership infrastructure projects have existed in the field of procurement for some time now however, it implementation in Ghana is at its early stages implying that transaction cost estimation of PPP projects are yet to be explored. The study focused on estimating Transaction Cost Indices for PPP projects undertaken in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly which happens to be the first of its kind in the Ashanti Region. Two supporting objectives were set to address the aim of the study, they are: firstly, identify areas that substantially contribute to transaction cost of PPP projects and secondly, estimation of transaction cost indices of PPP infrastructure projects. The study relied on data from the works department of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly on PPP projects concurrently on-going in four of their Sub Metropolitan Assemblies namely Subin, Tafo, Bantama and Kwadaso. They are five (5) projects in all, with most of them being shopping facilities and complexity of the projects varies. Feasibility studies cost tend to be the cost area that substantially contribute higher quota to the Transaction cost of PPP projects in the KMA. Furthermore, the study was able to come out with cost index for all the five (5) projects studied, therefore future projects can rely on the cost index as a guide on transaction cost expenses. Finally, transaction cost threshold was estimated in order to provide a ceiling of estimating the transaction cost index for projects. Therefore, it is recommended that, though private investors pay for the actual cost of the projects MMDAs can also reduce the transaction costs which are incurred during the initial stages of the project. It is recommended that further studies will consider all the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assembly separately to come out with a transaction cost indices for the respective types of Assemblies.
Comparative study of teaching and learning of textiles in selected Senior High Schools and Vocational Institutions in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
(2008-07-13) Sintim, Martin Danso
The study employed the qualitative research method with interviewing, questionnaire administration and observation to examine the scope of teaching and learning of textiles in selected Senior High Schools and Vocational Institutions in four selected districts in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The research focused on examining the scope and content of the textiles programme followed in the Senior High Schools and Vocational Institutions to identify the strengths and weaknesses of teaching and learning processes in those institutions. The population studied consisted of 350 textiles students and 50 textiles teachers in 11 Senior High Schools and 5 Vocational Institutes. The study revealed that many of the Senior High Schools and Vocational Institutions do not offer their students opportunities for organising art exhibitions and excursions although these are requirements of the textiles syllabus. There are no standardized textbooks to guide teaching and learning of textiles in the SHS and in the Vocational Institutions. In the Vocational Institutions, the teachers teach more practical lessons and less theory as compared to the Senior High Schools. There are inadequate tools, equipment and materials for teachers and students to do practical works in the SHS and Vocational Institutions. It was also observed that most of the Senior High Schools have both broad and traditional looms that could not be used for teaching and learning of weaving because they were broken or not in good shape while Vocational Institutions do not have any looms suggesting that weaving is taught theoretically in these institutions. With few materials available to the selected schools, the teachers allow the students to use improvised tools to help them in skills acquisition lessons. It was found out that the Senior High Schools’ time-table and course content do not give enough scope for teaching and learning of textiles to enable the students further their education or create self employment after school. Unlike the Senior High Schools, the Vocational Institutions’ time- table and course content is enough for self employment, although they have to go through apprenticeship for a year or two before becoming self employed. It is therefore recommended that effective recruitment of trained and professional teachers and efficient administration of the Vocational Skills programme by the MOE should be encouraged in the SHS. The government should also assist the Vocational Institutions financially and to recruit teachers. This is because professional vocational teachers are trained purposely to teach vocational subjects such as Textiles and other related subjects.
The Integrated Rural Art and Industry Programme in Knust and its Impact on the Art/Craft Industry in Ghana
(2008-07-13) Druyeh, Eunice Anane
In any form of education, there is the need to effect change to enhance and improve the human life. For the B.A. Integrated Rural Art programme to achieve its aims and objectives and also to affect the modern society, there should be an assessment of its impact so as to know the extent of change and improvement the department has made on the art/ craft industry. The main aim of this thesis was to asses the impact of the programme on the local craft industry in terms of transfer of knowledge and technology from the department to the craft industry and to make recommendations where necessary. The population was made up of graduates and diploma holders of the IRAI programme, local Artists who are non-products of the IRAI programme, clients and customers who receive products and services from the graduates. The study also included the Head and Staff of the IRAI Department, continuing students presently at the department, other lecturers and students from the College of ART and Social Science, KNUST. Qualitative method of research, employing descriptive survey method was used. The study showed that the Department has made much impact in terms of providing manpower for the education sector as more than half of the population indicated they were in the teaching field. The study further revealed that although there is some impact from the IRAI Department to the local art/craft industry the impact is not strongly felt in terms of innovation, invention and improvement of tools, material, and techniques. It was recommended that the link between the department and the art/craft industry should be strengthened by organizing seminars, workshop, and exhibitions to share experiences, innovations and technology.
The Ghanaian Open Market as Resource for Textile Designs
(2009-07-11) Ama, Frema Adonteng
Presently, the designs created by the local textile printing companies in the country are of themes including proverbs, natural vegetation, traditional/national symbols, and geometrical shapes. Fashion has evolved significantly and so the design preferences of most customers have changed. Designing therefore must be adaptive and dynamic in order to cater for the new trends. Exploring various cultural and local themes for textile designs has the potential to meet peculiar fashion demands of our contemporary era. This can also inject vibrancy and thus, help to revive the local textile industry. The study explores textile design concepts based on the Kumasi Central Market by examining market products/product arrangements and scenes. Design principles were applied to originate assorted textile designs, using Photoshop. Consequently, over twenty textile designs based purely on scenes from the Kumasi Central Market including elements, textures and some colour ways have been made. A textile design catalogue of the results has been produced and some of the outcome has been successfully printed onto appropriate textile materials.
Solid Waste Management in Ghana: The Case of Tamale Metropolitan Area
(2010-07-12) Puopiel, Felix
The study aimed ensuring a clean environment in the Tamale Metropolis. It analysed the underlying factors affecting effective solid waste management in the metropolis and suggested possible measures to tackle the problem. The research gathered data from two main sources namely: secondary and primary sources. The three main techniques employed in gathering the primary data were: preliminary field investigation, questionnaire survey and face-to-face interview. The following key findings were established to be the factors affecting effective solid waste management in the Metropolis. These are: • Inadequate skip supply for storing waste. • Lack of routine collection of waste. • Poor methods of waste management. • Inadequate resources for waste management institutions to effectively collect the waste generated. In the light of these problems enumerated above, the research recommended the adequate supply of skips, regular collection of waste, use of Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM) Model, proper management of the landfill and adequate rsourcing of the waste management institutions.
Child Labour and Children’s Education in Northern Region of Ghana. Case Study of Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo and East Mamprusi Districts
(2010-07-12) Feigben, Jamon
Education is the key element in the prevention of child labour, at the same time child labour is one of the main obstacles of education at the basic level. Child labour has assumed alarming proportion the world over and most especially in the developing world. Literature indicates that child labour is the main obstacle of human resource development which is a necessary ingredient of national development. Understanding the interplay between education and child labour will help to eliminate it and improve on school enrolment. According to the Ghana Child Labour Survey carried out in 2001, half of the rural and about one fifth of the urban children was economically active. The survey examines child labour and children’s education in the Bunkpurugu-Yunyoo and East Mamprusi districts of the Northern Region of Ghana. The case study method was used in the study because of its relevance in contemporary developmental issues like the child labour. The sample frame was the list of all the houses in the selected communities from which a sample size of 155 was determined through the use of the mathematical formula given by Miller and Brewer (2003). Systematic sampling was then used to select the households who were interviewed. The study relied on data gathered from the secondary sources and primary data from the field to do the analysis. The results of the study indicate Child labour is considered as a normal practice and indeed healthy to the proper upbringing of the child. Children working on family farms and with family enterprises are seen as part of the process by which they are trained towards adulthood. The reasons given by the heads of households surveyed for allowing their children to work were categorized into four and they are as follows; to support family income (38.1%), as a form of child training (41.3%), to support child education 7.7%) and to help in household enterprises (12.9%). The results of the survey show that all children in ages 5- 17 years of households surveyed in the study area at least do household chores. In all there are six hundred and seventy-five (675) children in this age bracket of the households surveyed. Most of them apart from household chores also work to assist their parents in their enterprises and on the farms especially during rainy season. International NGOs such as CAMFED and FAWE are in the study area sensitizing girls on their rights including their right to education. The activities of these NGOs according to some of the beneficiaries have impacted positively on their education since they no longer depend on their parents for school fees and uniforms. There are no specific programmes by the district assemblies to fight the child labour problem though the officials admit child labour exist in their districts. The study made a number of recommendations including the following; improving the local economy, tackling the broader socio-cultural and economic situation of farmers, increasing access, quality and relevance of education, motivating teachers to give their best, embarking on family planning campaigns, extension of social amenities to the area and making and enforcing laws on child labour. With the knowledge of what pertains on the ground about child labour would help to improve education if suggestions are factored into plans for the area.
Extraction and Application of Plant Dyes to Serve as Colourants for Food and Textiles
(2010-07-13) Korankye, Obenewaa
Synthetic or chemical food dyes are used locally to colour pastries, beef, and pig feet among others which has consequential health implications. Synthetic fabric dyes used in teaching and learning of textiles are also expensive and often inaccessible to some schools for lack of funds to purchase them, hence the need to plant dyes for use as alternative colourant for food and textiles. The study based on qualitative research method employed interviews, observation and experimentation to study thirty (30) different local plants under art studio conditions. The dye extraction process involved the use of the bark, leaves, seeds, whole fruits, and roots of the different plants, each of which was boiled for 30 minutes. Among the plant samples studied, only three did not yield dyes that could successfully colour fabric while the other 27 yielded colourful dyes that could be used to teach basic skills in tie-dye, batik, printing, dyeing of yarns for macramé, and crocheting without the use of mordants. Using lime juice, baking powder and alum as mordants either enhanced or slightly changed the colour of dyes obtained. Dyes obtained from Prekese (Tetrapleura tetraptera), Widie aba (Momodora myristica), and Hwentea (Xyanlopia aethiopicum) which are known spices were too weak to stain the test fabric but found useful in flavouring for drinks made from Hibiscus Sabdariffa, Tefashia, Sorghum bicolour and Samia plants. Boiling yam, rice and spaghetti in Tefashia dye solutions gave the three a rich golden colour as if they were cooked with curry powder. Though Sorghum bicolour proved unsuitable for spaghetti, it was a good colourant for rice while Hibiscus Sabdariffa was found most suitable for drinks. The results suggest that very aesthetically pleasing colourants can be derived from the local environment for use as instructional resource for the teaching and learning of colouring techniques in Visual Arts and Home Economics and as suitable organic replacements for the chemical colourants used in the food industry.
Technical -Vocational Institute for the physically disabled: An examination of conflicting design requirements for people with mobility impairments.
(2010-07-15) Kyei-Dompim, Benjamin
With the increasing world population paralleled by an increasing number of disabled people, more focus has been on the accessibility needs of people with disabilities in the society to ensure that their specific requirements are not ignored. Widely supported concepts such as universal design brought about by the fight for social inclusion of the disabled has had its own merits and problems. Experience gained by some designers in efforts to design for a wider-user group has revealed some design challenges. This research therefore takes a look at some accessibility conflicts resulting from the use of accessibility features and products by two or more groups within the disability circle which has the likelihood of affecting the mobility impaired person. A preamble to this research takes a look at some of the problem-solving approaches to issues on disability. The literature review takes a look at some of the possible accessibility conflicts discovered by some designers over the years and makes a comparative study from the historical point of view. Data sources to verify the existence of some of these conflicts were gained through case studies of some selected institutions and interviews. Discussions on some manageable solutions to architectural inconveniences which are unconsciously created in attempts to design for wider user-groups of disabled people reveals the significance of a biological, psychological and social approach to designing for the disabled. Lesson drawn from the studies helped in developing the concept and philosophy towards the design of a technical-vocational institute for the mobility impaired. The design which is described in details is intended to serve as a positive architectural model that reinforces the need of accessible environments which can serve the need of a wider group of persons in any mobility impairment domain.
Eefects of small-scale mining on food production in the Amansie West District of the Ashanti Region
( 2014) Aborah, Edward Owusu
Food security is said to exist when; all people, at all times, having physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life. One critical element which guarantees food availability and accessibility and ultimately reduces poverty in any country is food production. Food production has been identified to exhibit a continuous improvement in the developed world while developing countries have been experiencing a reduction. This situation to a large extent has been blamed on a number of factors with the most recent ones being deforestation, land degradation, pollution of water bodies and other causes of environmental degradation and deterioration; mostly caused by small-scale mining activities. Such activities normally take place in rural communities where foods are produced. It is based on this premise that the research probes the trends of small-scale gold mining in the Amansie West District and the resulting effect on crop production and supply which is the mainstay of the people. The research made use of both primary and secondary data which were in qualitative and quantitative forms. A total of 398 respondents made up of 245 food crop famers and 153 small-scale miners were randomly sampled in additions to data from three key institutions which were purposively sampled and interviewed. Semi-structured questionnaires containing open and closed ended questions. Interviews guides were used to get the institutional data. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0 and Excel of Microsoft Office Application, 2010. The data was presented in tables and diagrams for easy analysis. The study revealed that there are no effective legal and regulatory measures put in place to control the activities of the small-scale mining in the district. It also revealed a reduction in the production of food crops within the five years period (2008-2012) as a result of the small-scale mining activities. These activities were identified to have negatively affected resources needed for food crop production such as land, water, natural Forest and active labour. It is therefore recommended that empowering the local authorities, provision of alternative job opportunities for the youth and ensuring institutional coordination among others will help control small-scale mining activities and its effects on food crop production.
Graining the grains; a link to equality
(2014-02-3) Appiah, James Ekow
This thesis is intended to serve as a supporting document for the studio enquiry. it does also provide an insight on what I try to convey in my artwork 'Graining the grain: a link to equality'...
An assessment of health care delivery in public and private hospitals in the central business district of Kumasi Metropolis. A study of selected hospitals
(2015) Ayensu, Mavis
The two core functions identified within the health sector in Ghana are: Policy formulation, regulation and coordination of the actions of actors in the sector; and Implementation of policy via service delivery. The performance of these functions still appears to leave healthcare delivery systems ineffective in developing countries. The focus of the study was to assess the challenges that constrain healthcare delivery and to ascertain patients’ perception about healthcare delivery in public and private hospitals within the Central Business District of Kumasi Metropolis. The specific objectives were: to assess the perceptions of patients about healthcare delivery in public and private hospitals; to identify the challenges confronting healthcare delivery; to determine challenges common to both sectors and challenges peculiar to each sector and make recommendations to inform policy. The study adopted a case study research design and the data collected were analysed qualitatively and quantitatively. The researcher used multiple sampling techniques to enable her reduce the possibility of research limitations. The analysis of data collected through secondary data and interview and questionnaire from the sampled respondents revealed that the difference in perception of patients about healthcare delivery in public and private hospitals within Central Business District of Kumasi Metropolis was mixed considering the various factors assessed. It was also found that healthcare delivery in both private and public hospitals are undermined by challenges such as frequent power outages and breakdown of equipment, inadequate staff and logistics. Congestion was found unique to have been a major constraint in public hospitals’ operations. The study concludes by arguing that the challenges constraining effective healthcare delivery are fundamental to both private and public hospitals and demands concerted efforts not only from the Ministry of Health, the Ghana Health Service but also the very management of the various health institutions. The researcher therefore recommends that patients awaiting consultation should be given periodic updates and doctors should inform patients always about their health conditions because of practical benefit it will be for the patients to manage their lifestyle. The implementation of community sponsorship in admission and training of health students is recommended to reduce unfair distribution and inadequate health workers. Proposals should also be developed by hospitals to seek logistics and equipment support from non-governmental organisations whose focus is to ensure healthy population. Better management of the NHIS to encourage more private hospitals/health facilities to become service providers so as to reduce congestion at public health facilities.
An assessment of the contribution of cotton production to local economic development in Sissala East and West Districts
( 2015) Naab, Francis Xavier
Millions of poor households secure their livelihoods from the cultivation of cotton the world over. In most developing countries, cotton production contributes about 40 percent of exports and about 5 percent of Gross Domestic Product. Cotton production in Ghana however has, remained a subject of concern to policy makers and other development stakeholders for some time now due to the poor sector performance. The objective of this study was to assess the contribution of cotton production to Local Economic Development in the Sissala East and West Districts. The study was an exploratory case study which utilized both quantitative and qualitative types of data both of which were accessed from primary and secondary sources. The tools used for data collection included questionnaires, interview/FGD guides/checklists. The data collection methods included Focus Group Discussions, structured, semi structured and unstructured/informal interviews and questionnaire surveys. A sample size of 335 was obtained from a total sampling frame of 2589 at 95% confidence and a margin of error of 5%. Findings of the study show that, the entire Sissala land has a huge potential for the cultivation of cotton even without the use of fertilizer. It is was also established that, cotton production creates more employment opportunities for the people than other crops due to its numerous value chain processes which further translate into improved income levels of cotton farmers. The study again discovered that farmer attitudes towards cotton production in terms of input diversion remains a major challenge to efforts aimed at revamping the cotton sector in the districts. The study recommends that, cotton farmer associations, cotton producing companies, and the government through the districts assemblies should harness the needed synergy to salvage the rather promising cotton industry in the districts through input subsidies, improved peer monitoring on the usage of inputs supplied to the farmers for cotton production, and the institution of schemes to reward hardworking farmers, Cotton Production Assistants and farmer groups who are able to repay in full their indebtedness to the companies
Assessment of the effectiveness of mobile technology for community health (MoTech) initiative in improving maternal and child healthcare in the Kassena Nankana West district of Ghana
( 2015) Salia, Mahamadu
Quality maternal and child healthcare information is an important component of maternal and child healthcare services delivery and utilisation. This is almost absent in the Kassena Nankana West District making maternal health results in the district mixed and below regional and national targets. As a result, in 2009 Ghana Health Service and its development partners that is the Grameen Foundation, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation introduced the Mobile Technology for Community Health (MoTeCH) initiative in the maternal and child healthcare services delivery system. This study assessed the effects of the MoTeCH initiative on maternal and child healthcare services delivery. The study adopted qualitative and quantitative approaches with the ―with‖ and ―without‖ methodological design. A sample size of 200 new mothers was included for the quantitative study using the simple random sampling technique. Additionally, five community health nurses were interviewed. The study found 25 percent of the MoTeCH group not to have personal mobile phone. The study also found statistically significant associations between respondents MoTeCH status, and some maternal and child healthcare outcomes with small effect sizes. The maternal and child healthcare outcomes were better in the MoTeCH group than the non-MoTeCH group. Moreover, the study found poor mobile phone network coverage in some parts of the district. The study recommend that the Ministry of Health in collaboration with Ghana Health Service, Grameen Foundation, Columbia University, Mailman School of Public Health and Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation should buy low cost mobile phones and sell them to the pregnant women and new mothers on hire purchase basis. The study also recommends that the telecommunication companies improve upon the poor network coverage in the district and also extend network services to the other parts of the district without network coverage.
Procurement risks management in the public sector of Ghana: a case study of public health agencies in the Greater Accra Region
(2015 ) Lawerteh, Louis Lawer
Efficient public procurement practices contribute towards the sound management of public expenditures more generally. With the trend towards decentralization of government functions, it puts the decision-making on procurement in the hands of those responsible for delivery of services. Risk management is an activity which integrates recognition of risk, risk assessment, developing strategies to manage it, and mitigation of risk using managerial resources. The aim of the study was to identify risks associated with the various stages of the procurement process within public sector agencies and recommend ways of dealing with the identified risks. The objectives of the study among others included identifying risks associated with various stages of the procurement process, assessing the impacts of risks on the procurement process and proposing risk management strategies to be adopted by the public sector agencies. Public health sector agencies in the Greater Accra region were used as case study. The main tools for the collection of data included questionnaires whiles the target population for the data collection were procurement practitioners. Statistical package for social scientists (SPSS V 20) using mean score ranking was employed to analyze data obtained. The study identified thirty two (32) risks associated with various stages of the procurement process, twelve (12) impacts of these risks on the procurement process and sixteen (16) risk management strategies. The findings classified seven (7) of the identified risks as major; three (3) of the impacts of the risks as critical or significant; and all sixteen (16) risk management strategies as very important. The study concludes that an efficient procurement system requires strategic risk management at all stages of the procurement process. It recommends among others, training and professional development for procurement staff and effective monitoring of public procurement entities by the procurement regulatory authority.
Gender and energy services in the rural non-farm economy of Ejisu-Juaben Municipality
(2016) Asibey, Michael Osei
Energy is central to the issues of development of rural non-farm economy (RNFE), global security, gender equity, environmental protection and sustainable development. Developing the RNFE, sustaining its growth and improving the living standards of the rural poor require adequate and reliable supply of energy. There exists the absence of ‘gender’ disaggregated data on the specific energy needs for productive services at the RNFE. The study thus sought to examine the gendered usage of energy at the RNFE, identify the factors influencing decisions to use particular energy forms and the implications of the supply and utilisation of the energy fuel on in the RNFE. One hundred and fifty four (154) operators within the RNFE in four communities in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality were interviewed: Bonkra, Adadientm, Hwereso and Kubease. Relevant institutions such as the Energy Commission, Municipal Planning Office and the Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG); were also interviewed for primary data to supplement secondary data from literature. The study employed the mixed research design to collect relevant primary data from the units of enquiry. The operators ran 15 categories of enterprises. Approximately 48% and 52% of the enterprise operators were females and males respectively. Activities at the RNFE were found to be informal and similar to those of the urban informal economy. The type of activities at the RNFE were found to be gendered where women were involved in the food preparation activities. The enterprises made use of varied energy fuels ranging from traditional solid fuels to cleaner energy ones. The study revealed that reasons for the preference for energy fuels were not very gendered at the RNFE. This was further confirmed by a Chi square test which revealed no significant association between gender and the type and preference for an energy service for productive purpose. The preference for an energy service was thus influenced by type of activity one was engaged in at the RNFE. Despite the health risks associated with solid fuels, they still remained central to activities of the food based enterprises, because they were readily available, reliable and affordable. Based on the findings, the study recommended efforts by health institutions to intensify public health care programmes to educate operators on the short and long-term implications of utilising the solid fuels. The study further recommended efforts by the government to encourage PPPs to promote investments into R&D and the deployment of alternative cleaner energy forms. Lastly, the study recommended for encouraging gender participation in energy intervention initiatives, due to the differing energy needs of men and women in the RNFE.
Development of a framework for entrepreneurial learning in technical education
(2016) Amponsah, Bartholomew
The emergence of entrepreneurial learning has become a significant domain of inquiry in reference to both academic study of entrepreneurship and practical creation of new entrepreneurs. Learning is an essential ability to develop entrepreneurial qualities. The knowledge, skills and abilities needed through the different phases of venture creation can be acquired through successfully learning, in order that they can be applied subsequently. Entrepreneurial learning in technical education in Ghana is seen as one of the best tools to achieve economic development. It can be used to solve the graduate unemployment in the country. It has therefore become urgent to encourage people to opt for entrepreneurship after school. This thesis, by gathering relevant research findings, aims to develop a theoretical model to aid facilitate entrepreneurial education in technical education in Ghana. Three objectives were set on which literature review was conducted on which includes: the challenges confronting entrepreneurial learning, the relevance of entrepreneurial learning and development of a framework for facilitating entrepreneurial learning in technical education in Ghana. Philosophically, the study leaned towards the positivism paradigm. Quantitative method was adopted in which survey questionnaires were administered to respondents in gathering primary data. The analytical tools utilized were descriptive statistics and Relative Importance Index (RII). Out of the findings of the research conducted it indicated that: Unreliable access to capital, High loan interest rate, Inflation and High economic cost of doing business are the most significant challenges confronting entrepreneurial learning. Also it was established that Reduce unemployment, Income generation and increased economic growth, Enhancement of individual’s creativity and innovations and Provision of self-employment are the most significance of entrepreneurial learning. Furthermore, it was establish that Development of personal values, Development of self-efficacy, Opportunity recognition, Goal-setting, Motivation, Coping with the liability of newness and Creating relationships and social learning are the most significant themes that will facilitate entrepreneurial learning in technical education in Ghana. It is recommended that students must be encouraged to opt for entrepreneurship after school and Government regulatory set-up must be supportive enough to encourage citizens to engage in entrepreneurship
Study on stakeholder management strategies in construction projects
(2016) Caesar, Ohui Akua Darkoa
The study was aimed reviewing stakeholder management at the pre contract stage of construction project. Specifically the study aimed at identifying the factors that affect stakeholder management used in construction projects. The study also was interested in identifying the best stakeholder management practices used in construction projects and the challenges of improper stakeholder management. The study used a survey strategy to collect data from fifty internal stakeholders of projects managed by five reputable construction firms in Ghana. These stakeholders were clients of projects, consultants and contactors. Using multiple regression analysis the study found that communication and stakeholder participation as well as transparency are key factors that influence stakeholder management in the construction industry. The study also used the Relative Importance Index (RII) in identifying the best practices in stakeholder management and the challenges of improper stakeholder management in the construction industry. The analysis revealed that the three main stakeholder practices are management practices, method of analysing stakeholder concerns and method employed in engaging stakeholders. The study found that as part of management practices studying legislation concerning land ownership system, identifying risks associated with stakeholders and general land acquisition and stakeholder identification issues were considered important to stakeholder management. As part of the process of analysing stakeholder concerns and needs the study found the use of personal past experience, interviews and workshops to be important ingredient in analysing stakeholder concerns and needs. However, the use of professional services, questionnaires and surveys were found only to be important in analysing concerns and needs of consultants. The study also showed that the consequence of improper stakeholder management result in conflict between stakeholders and insufficient funding for the project leading to general failure of projects. The study therefore concludes that stakeholder management is influenced be several factors including stakeholder managerial issues such as personal competence to stakeholder involvement. It is also concluded that in the management of stakeholders in the construction sector best practices requires that managerial issues methods employed in analysing concerns of stakeholders and method employed in engaging stakeholders are dealt with. The study also concludes that improper stakeholder management results in project failures. The study therefore recommended that measures such as ensuring flow of information between stakeholders and create the environment that ensures stakeholder participation.
Design criteria for the production of upholstered living room furniture founded on Asante traditional stool
(2016) Inkum, Paul
Asante traditional stool is nothing but a wooden seat of artistic design for practical use. The introduction of chairs by the Europeans have taken over the popularity of the Akan traditional stool which every Asante (Akan) had many of these seats (stools) for use in his house, have lost its dominance to the European chair because of its modification according to the current living conditions, customs, needs, tastes and even the simple functional beauty of contemporary furniture and interior design which is in harmony with our scientific age in which emphasis is placed on precision and the accuracy of shapes, contours and proportions. This existing situation brings about a way of broadening the scope of developing the skills of designing new forms of living room upholstered furniture from the Asante traditional stool and further more enlighten users on the meaning and significance of Adinkra symbols incorporated in the upholstered living room furniture. The researcher employed qualitative research using the descriptive and exploratory (studio/ practice based) methods; the descriptive method was used to describe the procedures and processes of constructing the upholstered living room furniture founded on the Asante traditional stool. The purposive sampling was used to select the sample size. The researcher used interview guide and observation as data collection instruments for the study. In light of this, the researcher observed that Akan traditional stools are exhibited flashily; others, though superficially similar, were so sacred that they are concealed from all but selected few. It was also observed that ordinary stools (nkondwa) were used by common people and the king. Chief’s stools tend to be large; women’s stools are smaller than men’s; and a spirit-medium stool were covered with white Kaolin. Finally, educative programmes, seminars and workshops are recommended to be organized frequently to educate designers and furniture practitioners on the need and the standards of quality design and the materials to be considered before transforming the Akan traditional stool into living room upholstered furniture.
Manipulating Ghanaian indigenous vegetable tanned leather for the production of ladies fashionable accessories
(2016-04-13) Andoh, Rita Dora
Most occasions in the Ghanaian society demand casual body items and containers. The slippers and sandals are easy to wear as compared to shoes and boots. Most containers become easy carriers for handy items such as make-up kits, purses, keys, handkerchiefs etc. Those items sell faster as compared to the other body items. Those imported decorative items with good finishing made with synthetic leather sell faster as compared to those made with, Ghanaian indigenous vegetable tanned leather, due to its poor decorative design and finishing, hence the identification and selection of body items and containers. What is it about leather handbags that make them so intriguing? They come in a wide variety of sizes, colours, and styles. Maybe it is the butter soft material they are made from. There is also a fashion status attached to a good leather handbag. Many famous fashion conscious women carry them, making them even more popular. A nice bag that completes an outfit can give someone a little extra confidence as they go about their day. Leather in its most basic form is made from the hide of an animal. First they are cleaned to remove the hair and any other debris. These skins and hides are stretched and tanned through the use of a chemical process. During this time, depending on the process and chemicals used the type of leather produced is determined. It can be from very soft leather to suede to hard stiff leather depending on how it is treated. Fashion designers use this leather to make many products, not just handbags. There are also shoes, belts, and hats. So an entire ensemble can be achieved. No one wants to have the wrong shoes with the right bag. Leather is a very durable material that can withstand the everyday use, wear, and tear the average person can put on it. It is one of the reasons leather is such a popular material to use in clothing. There are still many vintage leather handbags out there, and rarely do they go out of style. Leather goods are made to last a lifetime. But have to take care of them. The best way is to keep them clean and supple with the use of good leather cleaner. Leather cleaners can smell bad so if you are planning to use your bag on the weekend it would be better to clean it earlier in the week. Before cleaning your bag with any product it is always recommended to test it on an area that won't be seen. Just in case the cleaner is too harsh and changes the colour or texture of the leather. There are many animal rights groups that are trying to ban or just discourage people from the use of leather in fashion. Some of these groups are very aggressive and will try to destroy animal goods by throwing paint on them, or just make the owner feel immense guilt over the use of leather. What these groups are fighting against is an age old tradition. The earliest man made his clothing from the hides of the animals he killed. In most cases these animals are not killed just for the hide, the whole animal is used for a variety of purposes. Most importantly they are used for food. Research design; this describe the type of research methodology adopted. Population and sampling; this describe details of the population for the study. Instrumentation or research instruments; it indicates the information gathering instrument, information accumulation methodology, information examination, legitimacy and reliability. Working procedure, this is the main experimental area of the research where the research questions are addressed in response to the purpose of the study. The discovery of the Indigenous vegetable tanned leather has been beneficial, especially to the Indigenous folks who use it as their containers for their daily purposes. Indigenous tanned leather has been used over the years to produce a variety of fashionable items, however, the handling and application of designs have not gone through much modification as required in modern fashion, and this has not helped the fashion industry in Ghana. It is interesting to note that consumers of fashion accessories in Ghana embrace items made with leather, unfortunately they prefer imported ones which come in different designs with good finishes, although some of these are made with imitation or synthetic leathers. The study therefore sought to the potential of handling and using Indigenous Ghanaian vegetable tanned leather for the production of ladies fashionable accessories with beautiful designs and finishes to meet the contemporary fashion. For the promotion and improvement of leather fashion accessories in this country, the following recommendations are hereby made:Local industries that deal with leather should take up the project to produce leather fashion accessories to aid the local tannery industry. They should take interest in using indigenous Ghanaian vegetable tanned leather for the production of fashion accessories to boots the Ghanaian economy.

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