College of Art and Built Environment

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Adversarial Relationships in Design Service Delivery in Ghana: Effects on Supply Chains Information Flow and a Business Relationship Management Proposals for Improvement
(NOVEMBER, 2015) Orgen, Nanyi Kobina
The construction industry in developing countries like Ghana faces a number of Design Service Delivery (DSD) challenges. These challenges include non-collaborative activities and adversarial business relationships among various construction actor groups and clients. Such challenges mostly end in discords, disputes and conflicts (DDC). Subsequently, while the discords, disputes and conflicts are pervasive and not in doubt, the impact is not known, making it difficult to appreciate the severity of the problem and also to propose appropriate measures for addressing the problem. In view of these challenges this study aims at developing a framework for the empirical understanding of the nature of adversarial business relationships and how they impact on the supply chains of information flow (SCIfs) for DSD activities in Ghana and also to put together the attitudinal behaviours that can be proposed for improvement. An extensive review of relevant literature helped to identify concepts, issues, frameworks and models essential for isolating both collaborative and non-collaborative activities in business relationships. Using relevant theories such as the action oriented system theory, thinking and rethinking, and the inclusion of pertinent cultural issues like individualism and collectivism, a theoretical framework has been developed. Non-probability sampling methods such as purposive, non-proportional quota sampling were used to select samples. Further, the samples have been drawn through eligibility selection criteria. The criteria enabled the selection of forty-five DSD participants (interviewees) suitable for interview. The interviewees included Chief Executives and Senior DSD actors of both public and private companies with over 10 years experiences in DSD activities in Ghana and the West African sub-region. Qualitative data were collected electronically with automatic voice recording, written summaries from the participants and recorded observations were carefully analysed using conventional, directed and summative content analyses techniques, supported by Pareto analysis. The research contributes to knowledge by revealing the nature of the adversarial business relationships in three broad categories: no collaboration, less collaboration and close-to-average collaboration relationships among the DSD actor groups. Again, the study shows that the nature of SCIfs is as disjointed (36% frequency); fragmented and uncoordinated (16% each). These three attributes account for a total of 68% frequency. This describes the serious challenges that the nature of adversarial relationships impose on the current SCIfs developed and constituted especially in Ghana. The attributes used to describe the construction business relationships predominantly confirm the literature claims of non-collaborative business relationships, which cause improper functioning of the processes and procedures used in developing the SCIfs. The malfunctioning processes and procedures reveal 'unsystematic and insufficient details'; 'inconsistent or use of outmoded design, interpretation and transfer methods. Additionally, the processes and procedures show ‘sub-standards with gaps or no standard for supply chains' and ‘the use of weak incomplete supply chain'. The five attributes outlined also account for a total of 68% inefficiencies which cause malfunctioning of the processes and procedures used in developing and constituting SCIfs in Ghana. Based on these identified challenges as pre-conditions, 23 attitudinal behaviourial attributes and 15 technical attributes of knowledge required to transform the situation have been identified from the study. Additionally, assessment and improvement frameworks for quality improvement of the DSD activities based on the pre-conditions and multi-theories among other concepts, attitudinal behaviourial attributes and technical attributes of knowledge have been developed. This could be used for collaborative, harmonious and cordial business relationship in developing and constituting the SCIfs for hygienic, cost and time effectiveness in infrastructural development.
Aesthetic and Educational Underpinnings of signs and symbols among the Central Ewes of Ghana
(2012-07) Atiase, Cleveland Edem Kwesi
The Central Ewes have identifiable signs and symbols that are of significance to them. The youth, especially, do not adequately benefit from them. The older generations are dying with the knowledge, so a gap is created as to how to learn the accumulated knowledge and values from the signs and symbols. Central Ewe signs and symbols are also not generally known and the larger population is generally not familiar with their values. They are ‘coded’ and need to be unravelled for better appreciation. In order to solve the problem, the research sought to identify and discuss the signs and symbols, their aesthetic and educational values. The study sets out objectives, which help develop a structured interview guide to gather information. Geographically, the study is limited to eleven (11) towns in the Central Volta region of Ghana. Twenty-one (21) signs and twenty (20) symbols were identified. The signs and symbols have aesthetic and educational values from which moral lessons are learnt and it is an integral part of their everyday life. Central Ewes also have additional concepts of aesthetics which spell out the theory of excellence. Besides, they equate beauty with function or usefulness. Some of the signs and symbols are similar to that of the Akans. Their use will achieve cultural unity among the Central Ewes and other cultures, especially non-Ewes in the country.
Aesthetic and Educational Underpinnings of Signs and Symbols among the Central Ewes of Ghana
(2015-04-20) Edem Kwesi Atiase, Cleveland
The Central Ewes have identifiable signs and symbols that are of significance to them. The youth, especially, do not adequately benefit from them. The older generations are dying with the knowledge, so a gap is created as to how to learn the accumulated knowledge and values from the signs and symbols. Central Ewe signs and symbols are also not generally known and the larger population is generally not familiar with their values. They are ‘coded’ and need to be unravelled for better appreciation. In order to solve the problem, the research sought to identify and discuss the signs and symbols, their aesthetic and educational values. The study sets out objectives, which help develop a structured interview guide to gather information. Geographically, the study is limited to eleven (11) towns in the Central Volta region of Ghana. Twenty-one (21) signs and twenty (20) symbols were identified. The signs and symbols have aesthetic and educational values from which moral lessons are learnt and it is an integral part of their everyday life. Central Ewes also have additional concepts of aesthetics which spell out the theory of excellence. Besides, they equate beauty with function or usefulness. Some of the signs and symbols are similar to that of the Akans. Their use will achieve cultural unity among the Central Ewes and other cultures, especially non-Ewes in the country
Aesthetic and Educational Underpinnings of Signs and Symbols among the Central Ewes of Ghana
(2015-05-22) Atiase, Cleveland Edem Kwesi
The Central Ewes have identifiable signs and symbols that are of significance to them. The youth, especially, do not adequately benefit from them. The older generations are dying with the knowledge, so a gap is created as to how to learn the accumulated knowledge and values from the signs and symbols. Central Ewe signs and symbols are also not generally known and the larger population is generally not familiar with their values. They are ‘coded’ and need to be unravelled for better appreciation. In order to solve the problem, the research sought to identify and discuss the signs and symbols, their aesthetic and educational values. The study sets out objectives, which help develop a structured interview guide to gather information. Geographically, the study is limited to eleven (11) towns in the Central Volta region of Ghana. Twenty-one (21) signs and twenty (20) symbols were identified. The signs and symbols have aesthetic and educational values from which moral lessons are learnt and it is an integral part of their everyday life. Central Ewes also have additional concepts of aesthetics which spell out the theory of excellence. Besides, they equate beauty with function or usefulness. Some of the signs and symbols are similar to that of the Akans. Their use will achieve cultural unity among the Central Ewes and other cultures, especially non-Ewes in the country. July, 2012
Aesthetics, appreciation and criticism among indigenous Asante kente weavers: implications for art education and national development
(2009-08-11) Sabutey, Gordon Terkpeh
This dissertation unravels the concepts of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism among the indigenous Asante Kente weavers and its implication for Art Education in Ghanaian schools and colleges as well as national development. Research has shown that, any education however “civilized” it might be which is not based on the culture of the people receiving that education is bound to produce societal misfits. The indigenous Asante Kente weavers have for several decades produced rich Kente Cloths. They have exhibited and promoted the rich Ghanaian cultural values that are embedded in their weaves. Thus, these philosophical values in the art works they produce are in the form of events, proverbs, stories, historical records and other aesthetic values projected from the cultural context. However, the researcher believes that knowledge in the concepts of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism acquired from the indigenous Asante Kente weavers is a very good source of aesthetic education in schools and colleges. Concepts of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism are areas of study in art education. Unfortunately, they are mostly neglected or mistreated art programmes. Aesthetics is a form of knowledge involving appreciation and criticism with its importance not only limited in schools but the entire community. Foreign education or Western culture has had tremendous influence on students in Ghana. It is very imperative to introduce students to African philosophy of life, especially, that which deals with the relationship between art and life in general. This research therefore, aims at discussing, analyzing and documenting the concepts of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism among the indigenous Asante Kente weavers, discussing the aesthetic values of some of the woven pieces, the philosophical concepts behind the use of the various cloths, implication for national development such as tourism and employment so as to use these concepts to augment teaching and learning in schools and colleges in Ghana. In order to achieve these objectives, the researcher in his analysis, deployed the use of The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Data Analysis Programme, especially to quantify the data. This programme was considered very helpful especially in analyzing the quantitative data. This brought very accurate information by generating tables, bar charts and percentages of ideas from respondents. A lot of essential data were collected, assessed and analysed and discussed with hypotheses tested. As discussed, qualitative and quantitative analyses were used to extract information from the data collected. The SPSS data analysis was utilized by the researcher because of its accuracy of outputs of results. The researcher also employed tools of research such as questionnaires, interviews and observation. Data were also collected from available relevant or related literature based on the topic, in the form of text books, journals, magazines, news papers, newsletters, the internet and other related sources. The stratified /simple random sampling, focused group discussion and purposive sampling techniques were used to sample master weavers, junior weavers and apprentices. In all, eighty (80) respondents were selected from a population of three hundred (300) weavers, which constitutes more than 30% of the population. These weavers were selected from 4 Kente weaving centres within the Ashanti Region. Moreover, in the case of the customers or users of the Kente cloth, questionnaires were administered to express their views on the aesthetic concepts of the cloth. The researcher also administered questionnaires each to experts of art education (including directors of education, lecturers, etc.) and students for enhancement of this dissertation. The researcher in his efforts therefore, arrived at several findings based on objectives and other vital information, yielding new knowledge for the benefit of art education and national development. These major findings include: The indigenous Asante Kente weavers have their own criteria for assessing the beauty of their Kente Cloths; they have their own terms for beauty and criticisms; have special names and symbols for cloths; for centuries they project cultural and historical values through indigenous arts including Kente cloths in the sense that events, proverbs, beliefs and folktales in the past were recorded in their cloths; that their cloths reflect intrinsic and other extra-aesthetic values - they are seriously integrated with various Ghanaian events and celebrations; they serve as great legacy, national identification and a sign of prestige, cultural preservation. The study of the indigenous Asante Kente cloth will promote and enhance aesthetic education in Ghanaian schools and colleges, national development through employment, exports and tourism; Knowledge about Kente cloth discussed in the thesis is an expansion of knowledge about Kente cloth in general as well as exposure about other cultures. The researcher has therefore, provided useful recommendations in the text. The teaching and learning of aesthetics, appreciation and criticism should be strengthened in schools and colleges bearing in mind the socio-cultural underpinnings of these concepts.
Anthill as a Resource for Ceramics
(JUNE, 2009 ) Adjei-Henne, George
The unavailability of ceramic raw materials and equipment for the firing of ceramic wares coupled with the lack of technical knowhow for the construction of kilns in Junior and Senior high schools have prompted this enquiry into, “Anthill as a resource for Ceramics.”The study has been undertaken to point out the usefulness of anthills in the teaching of ceramics in the Junior High and Senior High Schools. It is to assist the teachers and students to turn to the anthills in their own backyard to source for solutions to the problem of raw material and firing equipment. A comparative study of anthill materials and soils, have been made to find out the extent to which ants have modified the soils around them. Various tests were conducted to find out how useful anthill materials are so far as ceramic production is concerned. Exploratory study of the anthill structure was also conducted to find out to what extent it could serve as firing chambers and fire ports, flue holes, chimneys and other parts of the kiln. The results of the tests conducted indicated that many clay fabrication methods can be used to shape the soil from anthill. Different forms and wares were fabricated with the clay materials from the anthill. It also unveiled anthill as an insulative structure that retains heat in the semblance of an insulation brick kiln. Three types of anthills were modified to form three kinds of kilns and they were all fired successfully. It was also seen as a stable structure that can withstand a very high temperature without crumbling. Again it was revealed that the fuel consumption rate was comparatively low as only seventeen bundles of firewood were used for a batch whilst about thirty were used for a brick kiln of a similar volume. It was however recommended that further scientific investigations be carried out to find out the physical and chemical properties of the anthill. The method of construction of the anthill and the thermal regulation strategies used by the ants could also be studied and possibly adopted in the field of architecture.
Application of the Choosing by Advantages Decision System to Enhance User-Involvement in the Design Process
(2017-01-30) Kpamma, Zoya Evans
Activities at the design stage of the construction project delivery process have been found to significantly impact value generation and delivery. There is, thus, the need to adopt design management practices to enhance the value of construction projects. One dimension of meeting the value requirements of construction projects is the involvement of stakeholders, such as users, in design process. Even though various aspects of stakeholder involvement have been researched, limited knowledge exists on how stakeholders can participate in a process to gain insights into their needs and establish their values. Little is also known of how the involvement of stakeholders can be staged, such that project participants can interact and discuss needs and concerns. This results in the need to explore an innovative strategy, in the form of a userinvolvement framework, to create a space where designers and other stakeholders, such as users, can collaboratively define and generate project value. Since the design process is punctuated by various instances of decisions, such a framework should incorporate a group decision-making process, such as choosing by advantages (CBA). The aim of this research addresses this need by ultimately proposing a user-involvement framework that incorporates the CBA decision system. The objectives of the research, thus, included: to identify the potential in CBA to foster collaboration between designers and users; to identify strategies to incorporate CBA in a user-involvement framework; to design a user-involvement framework incorporating CBA; to evaluate the practicality of the framework; and to reflect the contribution of the framework to theory. In line with the constructive research paradigm, the design of the framework was based on a combination of theoretical and empirical knowledge. Theoretical knowledge originated from reviewing literature on participatory design, lean design, design process management, team process, and the CBA decision system. Empirical knowledge emanated from three exploratory case studies involving the application of CBA by respective design teams to involve users in typical design decisions for some selected projects. The resulting framework, known as CBA-incorporated User-involvement Framework (CBAUF), is made up of six performance episodes linked by reciprocal dependency loops. The performance episodes include, i) compose a team; ii) define project value; iii) identify and anticipate decision-making frames; iv) enforce decisioniv making frames (apply CBA); v) implement decisions (deliver virtual value); and vi) run product (experience virtual value). The workability of CBAUF was demonstrated in an evaluation case study with respect to its completeness, simplicity, elegance, efficiency, operationality and generality. Among others, the research contributes to knowledge by providing: i) an empirical evaluation of the collaborative attributes of the CBA decision system; ii) an analysis of the functioning of the CBA decision system in the context of the wicked problems in participatory design; and iii) An insight into how CBA could be combined with other lean design tools such as Target Value Design (TVD), Set Based Design (SBD), A3 and Building Information Modeling (BIM) to enhance collaboration between designers and users for project value generation. Based on the contributions to knowledge, the discussion on the application of CBA in lean design can be expanded to include exploring the integration of CBAUF with more lean tools such as the Last Planner System (LPS) and Dependency Structure Matrix (DSM) towards waste minimization in design process by improving design process schedule predictability.
Art Therapy as an Intervention to Mitigate the Traumatic Effects Experienced by Victims of Human-Trafficking: A Case
(KNUST, 2017-06) Aba-Afari, Sarah
Human trafficking is a crime that has become a notorious phenomenon and iconic for contemporary slavery. It is premised on life distortions caused by wars, frequent interferences in democratic governance by the armed forces and natural disasters affecting the supply of essential commodities for which reason, many people suffer deprivation. This development creates opportunity for criminal gangs to exploit the vulnerable especially, women and children. In spite of the stringent laws at both national and international levels aimed at preventing the crime, several media reportages in Ghana revealed intermittent rescuing of human trafficked victims by the Ghana Police Service and some NGOs. The aims of the study were to identify and describe the causes of human trafficking in Ghana and their types and also to examine the existing social interventions available for victims of human trafficking and their effectiveness in dealing with the trauma associated with human trafficking. Additionally, the study aimed to determine how Art Therapy can be used to assist victims to recover from their trauma, since preliminary investigation indicated that these rescued victims exhibit series of traumatic dispositions at the police stations due to the trauma they suffer. The Qualitative and quantitative research designs were adopted to collect data on human trafficking. Case Study, Phenomenological Study, approaches were used together with interview, observation and questionnaire as instruments to determine trauma and its effects on these rescued victims. Whereas, purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to select the population for the study. Content Analysis was also adopted to review the available social interventions and their effectiveness to deal with trauma of victims; whereas, Art Therapy was used to induce non-verbal communication of these voiceless, emotionally buttered and traumatised victims through drawing sessions and the artworks produced revealed the instabilities suffered in their emotional world. Through directed and non-directed themes in drawing, victims were observed to consistently, get releases as they shred various levels of traumatic dispositions and were healed emotionally and their attitudes resumed normal functioning. Art Therapy was identified to be effective in mitigating trauma of human trafficked victims. Their growth of healing was demonstrated through their artworks. Efficacy of Art Therapy in healing buttered emotions was revealed as these human trafficking victims were observed to regain their lost-selves and identity, which enabled their successful v reintegration. The methodologies applied facilitated the identification of causes and types of human trafficking prevalent in Ghana. Also the social interventions available for victims and limitations to their effectiveness in dealing with trauma associated with human trafficking were identified. The study has established Art Therapy as an effective intervention in healing the remote stressors that resulted into emotional instability of human trafficked victims. Further, the study outcomes indicated that Poverty, Religious Issues, Gender Roles and Abusive Parents were the major causes of human trafficking in Ghana. The study also revealed that the Social Protection division of the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection was under resourced in terms of human and logistics so could not effectively perform its mandated duty of offering professional counselling services leading to reintegration as required by laws. The use of Art Therapy was identified to be effective, cost effective and a timely intervention in dealing with trauma experienced by human trafficking victims and it was observed to have multi utility effects in addressing trauma. For this effectiveness, cogent and logical conclusions and recommendations were made to the Government of Ghana and, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection to incorporate Art Therapy as a complementary intervention to counselling services so as to accelerate the healing process of human trafficked victims to normal functioning. The Government of Ghana was encouraged to recruit Art Therapists to offer services to victims.
Art Therapy in Special Needs Education: A Case of Autism in New Horizon Special School in Accra
(KNUST, 2017-08) Esi Saah, Gracevictoria
Inclusive Education (IE) has become very necessary in education today, and the increasing prevalence of cases such as autism and the fear of autistic individuals missing out on quality education to assist them attain their full potential as they get integrated into society cannot be denied. Unfortunately, the Special Educational Needs Policy of Ghana does not include a curriculum for teaching autistic children. Autism schools and teachers in Ghana are compelled to use curriculums that may not suit the needs and learning styles of autistic learners or adopt curriculums of other jurisdictions. This study investigated how autism teachers teach and autistic learners imbibe instructions, and the therapies used at the New Horizon Special School at Cantonments in Accra, Ghana. The study also explored the world and characteristics of autistic learners and how they function, and how the inclusion of Art Therapy as an intervention may be helpful in teaching autistic learners at the New Horizon Special School, as studies have proved its efficacy in this regard. The research being qualitative was quasiexperimental and descriptive in nature, and adopted observation and interview as data collection instruments. These helped to identify and describe the characteristics of autistic learners at the school, the instructional strategies and existing therapies employed in the school, and their influences or impact on the education of Numeracy and Literacy. It also facilitated the description of Art therapy sessions, processes and outcomes on the behaviour and coping skills of autistic pupils were also described. Purposive, cluster and simple random sampling techniques were adopted for the study; sampling 21 participants comprising 9 autistic pupils each in the senior and junior autism classes, 2 autism teachers and 1 sensory coach. The study identified art therapy as a worthy inclusion in the education of autistic individuals. Therefore, a series of art therapy sessions were conducted for autistic learners in groups and individually during which their behavioural differences were observed. The art of the autistic learners was interpreted for the development of an art therapy inclusive teaching model for autistic individuals. The model was pre-tested and was found to enhance the communication and personality of the autistic learners while improving classroom management. Typically, aggressive and hyperactive pupils had better control of their emotions through art therapy in Numeracy and Literacy education. Therefore, Art therapy was proposed as a worthy intervention in the education of autistic learners at New Horizon Special School
Artistic and educational values of Kusakɔ Kɔ initiation rites of Avatime in the Volta Region
(2011) Dedume, Victor
The woman is a significant figure in the development of Avatime community. People of Avatime recognize and value the role of women in society and therefore mark the transition of a female from girlhood to womanhood. The problem is that many artistic and educational values are embedded in the celebration of this transition called kusakɔkɔ initiation rites, yet they have not been described, discussed or documented, therefore they could be lost. Moreover, appreciable amounts of vital information embodied in kusakɔkɔ initiation rites are not being taught in the schools of Avatime. Sadly, the rich cultural heritage embodied in the artistic and educational values which should be preserved have not been documented to put the area in the spotlight of the world. This research adopted a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to collect data through observation and interviews. The main findings are that, the Avatimes mark the passage of their girls into womanhood by performing series of rituals known as kusakɔ kɔ. Numerous artistic and educational values are evident in the rituals. Artistic values are demonstrated in the use of ritualized visual and performing arts. Educationally, the performing arts serve as symbols of identity and means of communication. Recommendations were that there should be collaboration between the pastors and the custodians of Avatime traditional area to erase the notion that there are sacrilegious beliefs and superstitions embedded in kusakɔkɔ rites. It is also recommended that more group ritual activities be encouraged and done once a year for school going girls and workers to participate during school holidays and weekend respectively. Control measures should be instituted to curb promiscuity in the area. Finally, it is highly recommended that this document should be incorporated in the Art Education Curriculum to put the values of kusakɔ kɔ in the spotlight of the world.
Artistic and Educational Values of KUSAKɔ Kɔ initiation Rites of Avatime in the Volta Region
(2015-04-20) Dedume, Victor
The woman is a significant figure in the development of Avatime community. People of Avatime recognize and value the role of women in society and therefore mark the transition of a female from girlhood to womanhood. The problem is that many artistic and educational values are embedded in the celebration of this transition called kusak4 k4 initiation rites, yet they have not been described, discussed or documented, therefore they could be lost. Moreover, appreciable amounts of vital information embodied in kusak4 k4 initiation rites are not being taught in the schools of Avatime. Sadly, the rich cultural heritage embodied in the artistic and educational values which should be preserved have not been documented to put the area in the spotlight of the world. This research adopted a qualitative approach, specifically ethnography, to collect data through observation and interviews. The main findings are that, the Avatimes mark the passage of their girls into womanhood by performing series of rituals known as kusak4 k4 . Numerous artistic and educational values are evident in the rituals. Artistic values are demonstrated in the use of ritualized visual and performing arts. Educationally, the performing arts serve as symbols of identity and means of communication. Recommendations were that there should be collaboration between the pastors and the custodians of Avatime traditional area to erase the notion that there are sacrilegious beliefs and superstitions embedded in kusak4 k4 rites. It is also recommended that more group ritual activities be encouraged and done once a year for school going girls and workers to participate during school holidays and weekend respectively. Control measures should be instituted to curb promiscuity in the area. Finally, it is highly recommended that this document should be incorporated in the Art Education Curriculum to put the values of kusak4 k4 in the spotlight of the world
Asante Folklore and Kumasi Kiosk Architecture:a Visual Exploration of Hybridity and Mythography
(KNUST, 2009-02) OPPONG, E. T.
This studio-based research improvises on the architectonics of Kumasi kiosks. I present the ensuing body of artefacts as a working prototype which joins on-going cultural conversations on hybridity in contemporary art. The typical Kumasi kiosk is referenced as a site for negotiation of boundaries in its design, setting and function, but I have also made allusions to suggestions of hybridity and boundary negotiation in the polyvalent structure of Asante myth and folklore. I made a close study of three hundred kiosks located in the urban quarters of Kumasi. I also engaged such thinkers on hybrid spaces as Homi Bhabha , Jacques Derrida, Michael Foucault, Stuart Hall, Paul Gilroy, etc, to discourse on Asante mythology. I laid emphasis on the myth of ɔhyeεni (ɔhene-king), a patriarchal figure who negotiates boundaries, Asante and Akan filial kinship narrative from Asante history. I employed a personal technique of painting, -Aberphoh, which is a reconfiguration of abstract expressionist and surrealist genres. Asante art forms laden with their myths, some of which visually portrayed mythology, especially the totems, were also studied as the basis upon which art works were recreated in the form of paintings on sculptural structures created with plywood. I used the Asante myth of Abubu-mmabaa to explore the structural dialogue of inside and outside in my hybridized artefact. I have also presented an iconographic catalogue of totems and symbols which appear on the inner and outer surfaces of my structures. I present my project as an artefact to be contained in a gallery space as well as a structure or site which contains other artefacts. Like the Kumasi kiosk, these structures are not intended to be permanently site-specific. Each is collapsible and foldable and thus portable to any possible location for re-erection and exhibition. It is a cross genre installation interfacing painting, sculpture, architecture, poetry and performance.
Assessing the benefits and barriers of the use of building information modeling (BIM) in the Ghanaian Building Construction Industry
(NOVEMBER, 2015) Armah, Nicholas Nii Okai
Building Information Modelling “BIM” has become a well-known collaboration procedure in the Building Construction Industry. Property/Home Owners are challenging Architectural, Engineering and Construction companies to provide some form of BIM Services. Evidence exist on the implementation of BIM in the Building construction field in other parts of the world especially in Australia, United Kingdom and many parts of the United States of America. Surprisingly, its implementation is yet to even be discussed in literature in Ghana and other African developing countries. The study, therefore is aimed at exploring the benefits and barriers confronting BIM implementation in the Ghanaian Building Construction Industry. The aim was anchored on the following objectives to identify areas of possible BIM use to identify paybacks with use of BIM looking at the Ghanaian Construction Industry; and to also identify the barriers to its implementation. Data collected was further analysed using mean score ranking and relative importance index. The study adopted survey approach whereby Primary data was collected from respondents including construction managers and other professionals in the Building Construction Industry, Architect, Engineers, and Quantity Surveyors etc. The study identified Building Information Modelling uses for construction, preconstruction and post construction phases as well. The study concluded BIM as tool to assist Building construction planning. The significant benefits with the use of BIM is the improved conception of the task of construction, enhanced communication between project players and improved scheduling proficiency. Despite these potentials, the following key barriers were identified against the implementation, BIM set-up costs, Lack of awareness on it, Risk Exposure, and. Culture opposition. From findings, it is recommended that BIM (4D modelling) ought to be implemented in the Building Construction Industry and an Act of Parliament to give it a legal backing in order to explore the full potentials and further be developed as a standard in the Ghanaian Building industry. The study exhibits a significant epitome in the area of BIM in Ghana. The study is of utmost utility to construction professionals.
The Bead Culture among the Krobo of Ghana
(2009-07-18) Avotri, Victor Nyuieko Kwami
The problem of this study was that, although Krobo have been associated with bead use over along period, the relevance of this tradition to the contemporary social, cultural, religious, economic and political life of the people has not been assessed especially within the context of globalization. The objectives of the study therefore is to appraise the existence of the legendary bead culture among the Krobos of Ghana with the view to assessing its relevance within the contemporary culture of the people and its readiness to face the challenges of the day and also its preparedness for the future especially within the context of current trends of globalization. Qualitative research methodology was adopted in this study. These included mainly descriptive, explanatory in addition to quasi- experimentation as well as correlation. Observation, questionnaire, and interview were the main data collecting instruments used. Data from both primary and secondary sources were gathered from observations, interviews and questionnaire served to individuals. Others were from books, magazines, newspapers, and the internet. The research found that there is a vibrant bead culture among the Krobo of Ghana, and that the youth are actively involved in it, contrary to the thinking that, the youth are not very active in the bead-culture. It is also evident that the role of the bead in the contemporary social, cultural, religious, economic and political life of the Krobos is enormous and that the influence of post modernity and the availability of other gems for aesthetic and other uses, could not wipe away the bead as the main jewellery of the Krobos. The research question, ‘is there a vibrant contemporary bead-culture among the Krobo of Ghana’, has thus been proven. It was discovered that, apart from bottles (glass) and ceramic dyes, the major tools and other complementing materials are all locally accessed. There is further evidence that despite the wastefulness that exists now in the industry, there is a future for both the bead culture and the bead industry not only among the Krobos, but the whole of Ghana given the degree of foreign tourists’ interest. It has been suggested that the necessary logistics and assistance be given to the local bead industries in terms of state/ private investment. In addition, through the more visible use of the bead by the traditional authorities as well as a conscious establishment of a promotional bead day celebration would all go a long way in boosting the bead culture and industry. As a way forward, a number of suggestions were made. Among these, is the need for Traditional and the District Assemblies to promote education of the youth on the bead culture as a way of sustaining their interest.
Boreholes provision as a key factor in facilitating poverty reduction in rural communities - a study of the Atebubu and Afram Plains Districts of Ghana
(2013) Adow, Auckhinleck Kwame
This work, is dedicated to God Almighty, my saviour and my lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, and to God the Holy Spirit, from whom unrestricted grace, insight, much knowledge and understanding was given to enable me be able to undertake and to accomplish this mission, be the eternal praise and glory. To the chief of rural water supply in Ghana – Project Manager of World Vision Ghana Rural Water Project Phase II, and the initiator of the West Africa Water Initiative (WAWI) - Mr. Bismark Nerquaye-Tetteh; and Dr. (Mrs.) Nerquaye-Tetteh, through whom God Almighty gave me the opportunity to enter into His Ministry in World Vision, I dedicate this work as a celebration of professional excellence. This work is further dedicated to the many unsung heroes – committed, indefatigable, hard labouring gallant men and women – the usually forgotten staff of World Vision Ghana Rural Water Project (GRWP) Phases II and III, who tirelessly laboured in the Lord’s vineyard in the Greater Afram Plains from 1990 to 2003, (some of whom have gone ahead and laid down their lives in course of duty), and into whose labour I have entered and gathered this invaluable data, to analyze and tell the story of the great contribution of their labours in freeing the lives of helpless thousands of rural folks from the interminable, cyclical scourge of guinea worm infestation and other waterborne/related diseases: “And herein is that saying true, one soweth, and another reapeth. I sent you to reap that whereon ye bestoweth no labour: other men laboured, and ye are entered into their labours” (John 4:37-38). To the uncountable, unknown thousands of rural folks in the Atebubu and Afram Plains Districts, impacted by the World Vision Ghana Rural Water borehole drilling Project, who were the principal subjects of this study and who gave audience for this research – whose lives have now improved and enjoy tremendous freedoms, and who now have hope and better cause to live their lives for the realization of their hopes and life’s aspirations for themselves and their children, whose voice of gratitude may never be heard, to them also, I unreservedly dedicate this work and do pray that their lives will continually and unceasingly improve as they hold on dearly to, and maintain their God-given boreholes. Finally, may this work lift us up to higher horizons, to dedicate and make ourselves available to serve humanity in better ways, as pleases the Lord God Almighty!
Boreholes Provision as a Key Factor in facilitating poverty reduction in Rural Communities - A Study of the Atebubu And Afram Plains Districts of Ghana
(2015-04-20) Adow, Auckhinleck Kwame
This study assessed the impact of ‘boreholes provision as a key factor in facilitating poverty reduction in rural communities in the Atebubu and Afram Plains Districts of Ghana’. Prior to boreholes being provided in these two districts the major cause of poverty was identified as the lack of potable water. Poor health was common due to recurring infestation with water borne/related diseases contracted from patronage of surface water sources. These diseases, especially guinea worm, physically incapacitated both adults and children. Thus, ill-health and time poverty due to long hours spent searching for water combined to deny adults of basic substantive freedoms and compromised their ability to engage in productive livelihood activities to earn income to facilitate their emergence from poverty. Also, the tedium of searching for water in the physical environment affected the physical health and cognitive capacity of the children resulting in very poor learning experiences at school. The general objective of this study was to examine the extent to which boreholes provided in the Atebubu and Afram Plains Districts facilitated poverty reduction. Three hypotheses relating to how boreholes provision has impacted health and hygiene, promoted quality education, and facilitated occupational livelihoods income poverty reduction were stated and tested to validate or refute the trends noticed in the study area. An integrated approach was used in collecting field data involving the use of both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Other relevant information was obtained from secondary sources. Findings from the study show that, 96.9% of respondents indicated complete eradication of guinea worm from their communities and directly attributed that to boreholes provided, resulting in freedom from the incapacitating disease and improved health. Also, 96.1% of respondents indicated boreholes facilitated improved personal hygiene. Boreholes also facilitated growth in occupational livelihoods, increased earnings from occupations and facilitated wealth creation as indicated by 88.6% 9 of respondents. Provision of boreholes helping to facilitate improved education was indicated by 91.3 % of respondents. In contrast, evidence from Control communities show that water borne/related diseases such as diarrhoea, guinea worm, skin diseases, and schistosomiasis were in high occurrence as indicated by 76.3% of respondents. Poor occupational livelihoods portraying endemic poverty, was indicated by 100% of respondents. In terms of contribution to knowledge, the study revealed that within geographic space, providing boreholes and their consistent patronage facilitates the emergence of substantive freedoms which constitute intangible wealth that creates opportunity for people to reduce poverty and eventually realize their potentials in life. This concept is termed as ‘the freedoms platform concept in geography and in rural development.’ The study recommends boreholes provision as a vital poverty reduction strategy, especially to be based on the new paradigm of ‘freedom platforms concept for rural development.’ Also further research should be conducted on how the gains in poverty reduction through the provision of boreholes may have resulted in comprehensive economic and social development transformations in the study area. This will help unearth another model of rural development which can be adopted and replicated to promote the well-being of people in many rural communities globally.
Clothing and fashion in Ghanaian Culture: a Case Study among the Akans
(2009-07-14) Dzramedo, Bernard Edem
Clothing generally is an area of great interest to mankind, but its relation to the changing cultural and its significances in the moral drive of Ghanaians generally and the Akans in particular, is perhaps the least talked about by researchers and scholars. The desire to link tradition and morality to modern cultural dynamism in relation to its expression in the dress-life of Ghanaian youth is limited. This has probably contributed to provocative, dangerous and promiscuous life-styles of today’s youth in Ghana. Moral break down with regards to clothing is obvious among the Ghanaian youth and it does not speak well of us as a country. Moral codes are based on traditional and cultural acceptable factors regarding what is decent or indecent in the social domain. The researcher therefore attempts to assess the changing trends and significance of traditional systems regarding clothing and adornment. The moral standing of the cultural system relating to clothing and fashion becomes a yardstick of morality to bring to bare the importance of realising situations and addressing them correctly, rather than leaving it to the ‘game of changes in fashion trends’. To give a firm indication and implication for immediate action to be taken, this dissertation sought to know the trends of events in the history of clothes, link it to changing trends in recent times in Akan society, both indigenous and contemporary to assess the moral standing of the youth in particular within Akan society on the matter of decency in clothes and the way forward. The researcher employs qualitative and descriptive methods of research, using instruments such as interviews, questionnaires, observations and photographs. The population of the study was centred mainly on traditional leaders, learning institutions and the Ghanaian youth in general. The study is captured in six chapters, besides the first, second and third chapters that dealt with the introduction, review of related literature and methodology respectively, the fourth chapter described and analysed data gathered from the field study into eight sub headings. These areas addressed historical evidences of clothing in Ghana; clothing associated with traditional institutions: its relevance in colour and beauty concepts among the Akans; clothing and fashion accessories; relevance of colour in Ghanaian clothing and fashion styles; beauty, body shapes and its effects on clothing; body marks, influence of foreign fashion on the culture and fashion of Ghana, with its inappropriate use of clothing among the youth; morality and modesty in Ghanaian fashion and culture: possible health risks associated with body arts. Chapter five dealt with the interpretation of findings with regard to the various ways of collecting and analysing the historical information. These were explained, their significance and changes regarding clothing that are associated with traditional institutions are equally considered. The questionnaire was vividly analysed and interpreted using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) data analysis instrument to assess the trend of responses from the respondents regarding the various areas of the questions asked. On this note, some main findings were realised, which were elaborated on at the end of this chapter. The last chapter (six) summarised the findings of the study, tested the hypotheses, drew a conclusion and gave recommendations based on the findings. At the end, the findings revealed that, tremendous changes had occurred in the historical trends of clothing and fashion among Ghanaians in general and Akans in particular over the centuries. The changes which are mainly being influenced largely in recent times by foreign styles of fashion are impacting negatively on the moral and cultural lives of the Akans particularly and Ghanaians in general, contributing to undesirable practices among the youth. It is believed that, the situation can be controlled if drastic measures are taken by meaningful Ghanaians and the researcher’s recommendations are given consideration.
Construction of a Texturing Device for Managing Surface Defects of Locally Produced Vegetable Tanned Leather
(2017-11) Sefaah Tabi, Jennifer
Leather surface quality is very vital when it comes to leather artefact production. Leather surface defects reduces the surface quality of leather thereby affecting the value of the leather products on the market. In view of this, this research emphasizes the need to utilize leather surface defect management techniques which is keen as it tends to improve the surface quality of the leather and its products at large. The study identified various defects and management methods which are currently implored by leather users to manage surface defects. The research further designed, produced and tested the efficacy of an alternative leather defect management device. This intervention was adopted based on the assertion made by Allman (2012-2016), Deines (2014) and Anon (n.d.) that texturing contributes quality to surfaces and their appearance by improving and correcting surface imperfections. By employing the qualitative methodology to address the problems identified the research used arguments and suggestions to advance the fact that texturing truly improves and corrects surface imperfections in some leather defects. Defects which could be corrected include grain loosening and wrinkled surface defects. Defects like holes and patched remained as they are after the intervention. Cuts, molds, and parasitic infections were slightly nullified. The study further recommended other researchers to take it upon and develop different textures to test effectiveness of varying textures for various leather surface defects.
Contractors’ Adaptation to Environmentally Sustainable Construction Processes.
(NOVEMBER, 2016 ) Sarfo, Mensah
Environmental sustainability is foundational to achieving the global goals of sustainable development. The construction industry has a significant role to play in pursuance of environmental sustainability. However, stakeholders in the industry lack capability and understanding to adapt to environmental sustainability practices in construction. There are lack of guidelines for understanding and promoting sustainable construction, especially in developing countries. Therefore, the aim of this research was to develop a framework that will provide guidelines for contractors to build capacity for Environmentally Sustainable Construction (ESC) processes. Four theories; the Resilience, Ecological Modernization, Institutional and Social Network theories have been adopted to facilitate understanding of the complexities surrounding adaptation to ESC. Through face-to-face semi-structured interviews, qualitative data have been collected from large scale contractors in the country. The data have been analysed using data matrix and template thematic analysis techniques. Adopting an abductive approach, a back and forth iteration between findings and the theories have been applied to facilitate development of the framework. Contractors act within social-ecological system of the construction industry. The inability of these system actors to adapt to ESC is attributed to legislative, socio-cultural and other barriers. Improving knowledge of clients and other stakeholders in ESC processes would enable ESC adaptation. Formation of social network of contractors and collaboration with ‘non-contractor’ stakeholders are also primary to creation of drivers and enablers of ESC. Other frameworks developed for sustainable construction in developing and emerging economies do not provide stakeholder-specific guidelines for developing the needed capability to achieve sustainable construction. The framework developed in this research zeroes in on providing guidelines and strategies for contractors, as iv construction industry stakeholders, to achieve capability for adapting to ESC processes. The contribution of this research is that studies directed towards achieving sustainability in construction industry have been advanced through application of relevant multidisciplinary theories. The significance of this study is that, in line with the ‘Agenda 21 for Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries’ recommendation, guidelines for contractors to attain capability for sustainable construction have been provided. For successful implementation of the framework, it is recommended that the guidelines provided are to be integrated into a contractor’s organisational policy. ‘Establishing and enforcing’ governmental regulations on ESC is a key driver for bringing contractors’ adaptation to ESC into reality.
Contribution of unique features of mass housing projects to project team communication performance
(2015-11-29) Kwofie, Ebenezer Titus
Several studies exploring delivery success on mass housing projects continue to cite communication ineffectiveness inherent in the unique attributes of mass housing as a major problem plaguing the delivery efforts. However, these notable studies fail to empirically establish the nature and extent to which the observed communication ineffectiveness are attributed to the unique features displayed by mass housing projects. In the light of mass housing approach being adopted as a veritable delivery strategy among developed and developing countries coupled with the significant role effective communication plays in project performance and success, the need to engender effective communication in mass housing delivery has engaged the attention of stakeholders in recent times. In the light of this recognition, emerging literature still continues to bemoan the lack of collaborative team effectiveness and delivery failures that are as a result of ineffective communication particularly on projects of unique particularities and characteristics such as Mass housing projects (MHPs). Against this background, there is a common assertion that, the knowledge and clear understanding of the extent and nature of communication ineffectiveness inherent in the unique features of mass housing projects will be a vital resource that can stimulate the effective planning of MHPs. Additionally, this understanding will thus be useful in the adoption of procurement strategies, decision making, communication management, skill development and contract design necessary to influence the needed communication performance among the project participants and stakeholders on MHPs. With the paucity in earlier studies and knowledge gap identified, this study has been undertaken to empirically determine the contribution of the unique features of MHPs to communication ineffectiveness among the project team in its delivery. By adopting the attribution theory of communication performance supported by the ‘Hofstede’s cultural framework’ on communication in project teams, external and internal factors were identified as the two main ‘causal locus’ attribution of communication performance outcome among the project team. This led to the development and adoption of appropriate theoretical concepts and framework which draw on the attribution theory, communication performance model and the unique features of MHPs. This subsequently established the conceptual evaluative measurement model for the study. By focusing on the external factors herein being the unique features of MHPs, a quantitative research methodology was employed in investigating the primal contribution of the unique features of MHPs to the project team communication effectiveness. Through the use of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) as the analytical approach to assessing communication ineffectiveness, the results revealed vii Multiple Construction Sites Management Style, Multiple Geographical Location for Various Schemes and Network of Procurement Systems as the unique features that significantly contribute to information flow communication ineffectiveness. Likewise, the Multiple Construction Sites Management Style, Housing Unit Design Contract Packaging, Network of Procurement Systems and Repetitive Tasks Management Delivery Strategy features were found to significantly induce information composition related communication ineffectiveness. From the results, it revealed that the unique attributes of MHPs induces about 70.4% of the variance in information composition communication ineffectiveness. In respect of information flow communication ineffectiveness, a variance of about 57% was due to the influence of the unique characteristics of MHPs. These findings have empirically affirmed that, the causal influence of the unique attributes of MHPs to communication ineffectiveness cannot be ignored or underestimated in MHP delivery. It further informs the need for project teams and stakeholders on mass housing to deviate from ‘all-fit all’ approach and develop bespoke approach to engender communication effectiveness on MHPs. It also provides insights into the mass housing unique features related communication ineffectiveness among the project team thus providing crucial knowledge necessary towards adapting suitable communication planning, management strategies, concepts & approaches, methods and media, that fit the mass housing project environment to engender managerial and communication efficiencies in mass housing delivery.

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