College of Art and Built Environment

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A Visual Documentation of Selected Akan Myths
(KNUST, 2018-11) Benedicta Efua Apprey
Social interactions have given proof to the many assertions and conclusions of both traditionalist, and academics of the receding nature of appreciation for the countless traditional precepts that define the Akan individual, in recent times. The study aims at giving greater insights and clarity to perceptions and attitudes surrounding the phenomenon, most importantly to provide a working document which can be used by cultural educators, researchers and other stakeholders in the field. Topics explored and reviewed includes, the field of mythology, its concept, and significance, also a comparative examination of some key Asante traditional symbols in relation to design thinking for illustrations. These topics were in line with the research objectives of; a) identification and description of myths, b) classification of diverse Akan myths c) creating visual illustrations of selected myths based on themes that emerge from findings. The phenomenological approach to research employed enhanced the depth of data retrieved from respondents as it dictates a flexibility and adaptive nature of the researcher in the exploration of the subject under study. The accessible population included community members and traditional leaders all within notable indigenous communities, made possible and effective through the purposive sampling methods used. The study revealed that Akans are highly spiritual people and this reflects in their mythical beliefs that influence their customs and practices; as it is relevant in some communities today. Five classifications of myths were identified: 1) myths about death and the afterlife, 2) myths about protection and social governance, 3) myths about births and children, 4) myths about gods and tutelary spirits, and 5) myths about creatures and beings. Further studies can be conducted into the individual categories of myths identified in addition to developing abstract visual documentation of the myths discussed in this study.
Access and use of e-books among students in Senior High Schools: a case study of schools in Kumasi Metropolis
(November, 2016) Boachie, Joyce
Electronic books or e-books have been in existence for a considerable number of years. E-books are now common and very popular with people who wish to read one or many books. Unearthing and the thus understanding of challenges hindering students’ access to and use of e-book is important for effective planning and implementation of policies for the successful integration of e-books in the education curriculum. The study seeks to explore access to and the use of e-books among Senior High School students in the Kumasi Metropolis and the associated challenges and problems they do encounter in this quest. A survey study comprising an admixture of quantitative and qualitative methodologies was designed to elicit participants (students) response on the use of e-books. A total sample of 283 students were selected from five senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis to constitute the sample size for the study. Structured questionnaires were employed to elicit information relevant to the objectives of the study. Frequencies and percentages of the variables were computed and described to ascertain the responses of the participants. The study discovered that majority of the high school students surveyed, had varying knowledge of e-books but its usage and thus accessibility was the exclusive privilege of a relatively few due to a litany of factors the prime among which is lack of access. It was found out that students used e-books for the purposes of enhancing personal development, self-inspiration, education, information, as well as for academic development. Mitigating against the effective use of e-books were factors like lack of time, prohibition to use certain devices by school authorities, non-affordability of the reading device and preference for printed books as the prime reasons for not patronizing e-books. The study then concludes that Senior High School students in the Kumasi Metropolis read e-books albeit limited to non-academic related purposes like entertainment and general information seeking via the mobile phone which is the primary medium of access. The study therefore recommends to the Ghana Education Service to institute policies to encourage and improve access and use of e-books among Senior High School students by unleashing its untapped potentials for enhanced academic work by properly integrating it into the educational curriculum.
Access to credit from Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) by Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi Metropolis
(July, 2015) Darko, Richard
Access to credit for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region of the Republic of Ghana, is one of the thorny issues as far as growth and development of SMEs is concerned. This study is meant to highlight on how SMEs could reasonably access credit from financial institutions. It also gives an expose on credit delivery processes of Non-Bank Financial Institutions (NBFIs) to economically support SMEs. The study received responses from 329 owners of SMEs, three (3) NBFIs, National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and experts in credit delivery processes and SMEs activities. Questionnaire was used to gather primary data for the study through cross-sectional survey design. Secondary data from literature review of the study supported questionnaire administered to collect data from respondents. The study used tables, percentages and Microsoft Excel to produce bar graphs for data presentation, analysis and discussion. The study identified inadequate SMEs funding, non-formalization of SMEs credit from friends and family members, cash lien, collateral security, insider loan fraud, high interest rates, misclassification of borrowers of credit and credit repayment periods as challenges of SMEs access to credit and credit delivery processes of NBFIs. The study called for the establishment of SMEs Development Fund (SMEDEF), formalization of SMEs credit from friends and family members, proper administration of collateral security for loans, proper classification of borrowers in credit delivery, effective management of cash lien, competitive interest rates on loans, flexible credit repayment periods, restrictions on insider loan fraud and SMEs capacity building to streamline credit delivery in SMEs and NBFIs operations.
Accra Minimum - Security Prison
(2009) Opoku, Stella Nyamenaose Obenewaa
Prison have being in existence from the beginning of times Society uses it as a result of retribution, punishment to separate and isolate persons who have come in contact or against the law The 21 century concepts of prisons have being to punish, deter, isolate, reform and reintegrates persons with the walls of prison The thesis design addresses the problems faced in prisons currently in the country and the world at large Overcrowding, lack or rehabilitation and reformation have being one of the major problems faced in our prisons today. The thesis seeks to address such issues and problems by providing a humane, secure and sustainable housing and work units for inmates to be reformed and reintegrated back into society when released. The design report is categorized into five main chapters to make effective proposals for the 21 century. Chapter one being the introduction, elaborates reasons why prison are in existence, their purpose, their need identification, justification of topic, scope, methodology, target group etc. The chapter two being the literature review elaborates on crime, the definition, types of prisons, facilities needed, regional distribution of prison and their population in Ghana. It also throws light on the design considerations, analysis need and all other literature needed for effective knowledge of prisons. The chapter three explains and describes the methodology employed for the thesis design. Findings for the design are being discussed in chapter four. This chapter describes the observations made and interprets the findings into design for the sustainability of the proposal. The final chapter five draws conclusion of the analysed data in chapter four for appropriate design.
Achieving Equity in Public Service Delivery: The Case of Health Care Provision in Asutifi District.
(2011-08-09) Tegeret, Kiplangat Kennedy
In order to achieve higher human development of the people, the role of equity in resource allocation is key. Achieving human development in this case means increasing the availability of and widening the distribution of life sustaining goods, raising the standard of living including high life expectancy and expanding the range of economic and social choices of the people. With a decade already passed since the Millennium Development Goals were formulated and made the agenda of the world, its achievements going by the current trends remains a mirage. In Ghana, goals related to health sector are far from being achieved. To achieve these Millennium Development Goals, the Government of Ghana has initiated and designed ‗health for all‘ programmes and policies. Among them is the health insurance scheme and Community Health Planning System all geared towards improving access and utilization of health service. Achievement of health for all necessitates health equity. Health equity refers to a fair and just system that gives everyone equal opportunity to access a health service. Therefore, this research, having been built on the premise that government health policies are just and fair to every citizen sought to establish how these policies are being implemented on the ground. This research therefore employed a case study to explore the fundamental complexities that are being undertaken by the Government in the quest of achieving equitable development. Asutifi District therefore provided a basis for understanding the issues under study. To arrive at the correct decisions, literature on the subject was reviewed to understand the concepts, role and policies of the government and also the documented work as written by other authors. Asutifi District was stratified into the existing nine (9) Area Councils which formed the sampling areas which were then subjected to random sampling and 5 Area Councils picked as the iv representative of the District. Collection of data was done through the use of closed ended questionnaires as well as interview guides used to collect data from the key informants. The analysis of data was carefully done by employing the use of Statistical Package for Social Scientists where relevant variables were cross tabulated to make a meaning out of the data. The attainment of health equity has good prospects despite the challenges and constraints facing the districts. These include inadequate staff, poor coordination between District Health unit and District Assembly, powerful political units at the District, nonfunctional sub-district structures and slow reimbursements from the health insurance scheme. These challenges/constraints are hampering access and utilization of health care as well as its financing. The success of health insurance is key to ensuring access and utilization by the poor but the quality of health service rendered through it needs to be improved. However, providing adequate and accessible health infrastructural facilities, ensuring 100% health insurance coverage and addressing other challenges will not solve health inequities as inadequate health personnel remains the greatest challenge to health equity and health for all. All indications are therefore showing that resource allocation in the country is yet to be equitable.
Achieving Quality Education in Ghana: the Role of Ghana’s Publishing Industry
(2007-07-11) Boakye - Amponsah, Abraham
One of the major stumbling blocks in the delivery of quality education in the country is shortage or unavailability of textbooks. Until the establishment of Ghana Publishing Corporation, government relied mainly on foreign books. The indigenous publishing industry has a role to play in achieving quality education. Quality education begins with an adequate number of schools, books, pencils and trained teachers. To ensure availability of books is one of the major roles of the publishing industry. This thesis was an attempt to assess the impact of Ghana’s Publishing Industry to quality education. The method adopted for this study involved extended on-site visits to the ten printing presses and thirty-two schools in Kumasi and its environs. The study population included staff of various publishing houses, past and present publishing students, headmasters, heads of department, subject teachers, students, officers from textbook unit of the Ghana education service and curriculum research development personnel and personnel from the Ghana book publishers Association. Data were obtained through questionnaire, observation and personal interviews to assess the aims and objectives, history, areas of production, staff establishment, facilities, and the impact of the Industry on quality education. The research also looked at the future projections of Ghana’s Publishing Industry. The research findings have been analysed and interpreted in chapter four. The social, educational and economic values of the industry have been discussed. The research reveals some success with yet more to be done for the full realisation of the industries’ objectives. As a result, suggestions and recommendations to help upgrade the industry to modern standards to enable it play a meaningful role in the quality education programme.
Achieving sustainable construction through procurement in the Ghanaian Construction Industry
(2015-11-16) Paintsil, Daniel
Sustainable construction (SC) is one of the subsets of sustainable development and seeks to achieve social, economic and environmental equilibrium in the procurement of built assets. The benefits that ensue from sustainable construction are of significant value to current and future generations alike. Nonetheless, there is a lack of understanding and application of the concept in the Ghanaian construction sector. This phenomenon has resulted in little attention being given to SC and the benefits thereof. Given that the acquisition of a built asset is through a chain of procurement activities, it becomes important to initiate this process so that SC becomes a demand driven approach to the realisation of SC goal. Hence, this research aims at exploring means of achieving sustainable construction along the procurement route in the Ghanaian construction industry. The research process began with a review of mainstream publications on the subject to gain a broad insight and a sound understanding in addressing sustainable construction and also to glean secondary data. Questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews were used to collect and validate primary data respectively from 172 professionals in construction procurement for the study. Analysis of the results yielded a set of 12 sustainability factors that included the integration of sustainability requirements into contract briefs, specifications, conditions and in the tendering procedures; the need for contractors and supplies to demonstrate the capacity, innovation and commitment to deliver sustainable project and the provision of records of successfully completed sustainable project. Furthermore, sets of criteria for assessing sustainable construction comprising 10 environmental assessment criteria, 7 economic assessment criteria and 10 social assessment criteria resulted from the study. Finally the analysis also led to the development of 12 sets of factors that outline the role of procuring entities in the pursuit of SC goals among which are the need for training, knowledge sharing and understanding of sustainability issues among procurement decision makers; incorporation of sustainability issues in procurement decision making; the need for clear policies and guidelines regarding the application of sustainability principles in the procurement of infrastructure and to conduct reviews to monitor the delivery of sustainability requirements throughout the project life cycle . Recommendations provided for the advancement of SC include training on sustainability issues, the need to emphasise sustainability at all stages throughout the procurement process and a proposed framework for implementing, monitoring and evaluating sustainable construction along the procurement route.
Achieving value for money in Ghana’s Public Procurement (Case Study: three procurement entities in Greater Accra Region)
(JUNE, 2014) Amo-Richmond, Felix
Public Procurement is the acquisition of goods, works and services at the best possible total cost of ownership, in the right quantity and quality, at the right time, in the right place for the direct benefit or use of Government, corporations, or individuals, generally via a contract. Value for money is derived from the optimal balance of benefits and costs on the basis of total cost of ownership. The nature of public procurement is such that it involves discretionary decision-taking on behalf of government at all levels. Malpractices occur throughout the procurement process and project cycle, through the actions and inactions of political officers, public servants, clients, consultants, contractors and suppliers which avert achieving Value for Money in Public procurement, and impede the development of the Country at large. Government do not have adequate resources to address all the needs of its people, however some of very few projects that state resources are committed to, do not give us Value for Money. The aim of the study was to establish how value for money is understood by officials involved in public procurement, to identify guiding principles that promote achieving value for money and to formulate recommendations on how Value for Money could be achieved in public sector procurement in Ghana. A questionnaire survey was carried out on a sampled Consultants, Contractors and Public Officials involved in Public Procurement in three departments, namely Ghana Highway Authority, National Health Insurance Authority and the Funds and Procurement Management Unit of Ministry of Education in the Greater Accra Region to understand how Value for Money was perceived and to assess the importance of the principles of Value for Money in public procurement in Ghana The survey revealed that “Value for Money” concept seems abstract and subjective, and not every Contractor, Consultant or Public Procurement Official can be presumed to be implementing it given that there was a lack of understanding of what it meant. A clearer definition of Value for Money is therefore required in order to facilitate its effective implementation in Public procurement. Systems and processes that consciously facilitate the achievement of Value for money were also not in place Public procurement Entities. Procurement Entities and State departments are recommended to adopt and implement these proposed guiding principles that promote achieving Value for Money in their procurement activities. This would help make judicious and productive use of the Tax Payers money to ensure that Government delivered on its mandate which is to meet the needs of citizens.
Activities of untrained artists and their effects on advertising in the Kumasi Metropolis.
(August, 2009.) Markwei, Magdalene Martekor
Art is a necessity in advertising but most Ghanaians do not really appreciate the significance of art in an advertisement. For this reason they use untrained artists for their advertisements, who end up producing poor advertisements. The people within the Kumasi metropolis patronize the services of untrained artists because of low fees. As a result, untrained artists are gradually taking over the advertising industry in Kumasi. In this study, the descriptive method of qualitative study was used to undertake the research. After the research, the researcher found out that the works of untrained artists affect advertising because their works reduce the high standards of advertising. This, however, denies clients from getting the full benefit of advertising. Also, after criticising, appreciating and documenting the works of untrained artists, it was realized that most of their works had poor creative concepts poor layout and illustration. This thesis finally recommends that perodic and less expensive courses and Awards Night should be organised for the untrained artists in Kumasi so that they can learn and be motivatied to produce good advertisement for their clients.
Adaptation of the Broadloom for Pile Weaving
(2010-08-11) Agbo, Harry Jones B.
The production of pile fabrics has been limited to the big textile establishments which make use of power and sophisticated looms that are capable of producing complex or intricate designs. This situation has been in existence since the development of the dobby and jacquard looms which scope has gone beyond the simple plain, twill and satin / sateen weaves to the production of complex or intricate designs. An adapted broadloom has been designed and constructed to increase the scope of the local industry. This project is therefore an attempt to adapt the broadloom such that it can be used for pile fabric production, thereby increasing the scope of the local textile industry and reducing the unemployment situation in the country. A sample has been produced, after the adaptation, as proof that the adapted loom is capable of producing such type of fabric. The whole process and mode of production of the sample have been explained and illustrated in the text. Pictures of the sample weave and the adapted loom have been provided in the report to substantiate the fact that, the broadloom can easily be adapted to suit that purpose.
Adapting the Design Concept of Water Closet for Chair Production
(March, 2019) Boakye, Christopher;
This research is about adapting the design concept of Water Closet for the production of three ‘Water Closet Chairs’ for siting only (not for defecation), to be used in our corridors. sitting rooms etc. in our built environment to help improve our sitting posture (vertebrae column) for good health and longer life expectancy. Background study by the researcher has revealed that in Ghana (particularly in the cities), aesthetically appealing, expensive and imported Water Closets have been hidden in our wash rooms inside homes, hotels, restaurants, schools and offices for one purpose; excretion. This deprives visitors (villagers who have never seen Water Closets before sit on very low-level stools and stones), that negatively affects their posture due to lack of good upholstery and international standard measurements. The aim of this research is to pursue creativity and innovation in the Clay and Ceramic industry by exposing the axiology and content oriented account of Water Closet seat in terms of elements and principles of design (colour, shape, visual and tactile texture) to visitors (especially villagers). The objectives of the research are to: integrate Nfensi clay and Mim Granite stones to improve on fragility and tensile strength in the construction of ’Water Closet Chair’. To design and construct additional two ‘Water Closet Chairs’ using Discarded Water Closet and Swivel chair parts as well as (Triplochiton scleroxylon) ‘Wawa’ wood sawdust; To expose the content oriented account of Water Closet seats to visitors. For the sake of gathering enough data for this study, the researcher activated both qualitative and quantitative (pragmatism) research designs as data collection instruments. This paved the way for the full use of descriptive and experimental research methods, purposive sampling techniques, interviews and observations as well as library and field research. Through this research, it has been found that local raw clay materials such as Nfensi clay and Mim Granite Stones could be mixed to form a strong clay body after firing and testing that can withstand tensile strength, improve on fragility for chair construction, capable of carrying human weight. This research has also demonstrated the possibility of integrating discarded Water Closet bowls, metals and Reclining Chair parts in the production of aesthetically appealing ‘Water Closet Chair’ with international standard measurements. The researcher would like to recommend that locally produced Water Closet for excretion from Saltpond Ceramics in Central Region of Ghana and other clay and earthenware producing industries should consider using this study, to further research into local materials such as Nfensi clay and Mim quarry stones (which are in abundant in Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions of Ghana). Produce cheap Water Closets for excretion, siting, aesthetics etc. to help discourage importation of expensive Water Closet bowls and chairs from outside the country. This will further encourage employment by setting up more local Water Closet Chair producing industries through the recycling of discarded Water Closet bowls and Reclining Chairs that are dumped around our environment causing bleeding of mosquitoes, malaria and soil infertility. This at the same time will discourage wooden chair production, which depletes our forest that results to deforestation, drought, desertification and shortage of food in Ghana.
Addressing environmental sustainability in Ghana through public procurement
(2021-07-07) Amankwaa, Asiedu;
Sustainability concepts encompass all functions and examine how societies interact and live. The means of trying to sustain life of humankind is the ability to work, live and play in ways that do not hinder the inherent nature is described as sustainability. Realizing our vision to maximize economic growth and ability to deal with the deficit, protecting our environment and stimulating the wellbeing makes sustainable development decision necessary now for future generations not to negatively impact the environment. The aim of the study is to address environmental sustainability in Ghana through public procurement and the following are the specific objectives to achieve the aim; to identify the various procurement procedures, to identify the benefits of incorporating environmental sustainability in public procurement in Ghana and to identify the specific measures adopted by procurement entities to achieve environmental sustainability. Questionnaires were used as tool for data collection. The study population includes management professionals involved in procurement in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, Ejisu Municipal Assembly and Asokore Mampong Municipal Assembly such as Procurement Officers, Engineers, Planning Officers, Finance Officers, Store Managers and Management. Relative importance index (RII) was used in analysing the data collected. The study identified the following as the significant benefits of incorporating environmental sustainability in public procurement; promotion of efficient use of public resources, increased competition, and reduced environmental impact. The study revealed the measures to achieve environmental sustainability as: capacity building, government legislation, and involvement of top management. The study recommended that management should ensure that capacity building exercises such as training of Procurement staff on environmental sustainability are implemented
Adherence to health and safety practices in roof construction in Ghana
(2015-02-23) Sakyi, Benjamin Kwesi
Adherence is the state of being or the ability to become attached to something. Therefore being attached to something depends on some conditions available for cooperation by all stakeholders involved. The aim of this study was to identify factors for adherence of health and safety practice in roof construction. The objective w as to identify factors that influence workmen to adhere to health and safety and the relative impact these factors have on the roofing companies in Ghana. Literature though scanty, discovered three major categories of factors that influenced adherence of health and safety practices. The review served as the bases for collecting Quantitive data which was used to design the questionnaire for the research. Data collected was analysed using mean score to find the relative importance. The study revealed that the identified adherence factors highly influence health and safety, with provision of safety incentives, client require safety compliance on their site and care for personal safety ranked highly among all three categories irrespectively and also has significant impact in the roofing companies. The response rate towards certain factors highlighted gaps in roof work practices. The study recommended that roofing companies should implement these factors to their advantage so as to reduce casualties or fatalities, improve on work performance and for customer satisfaction and feedback. In addition, appropriate state institution should be empowered to enforce adherence to health and safety or if possible make it a prerequisite for establishing a roofing contracting business. In conclusion, roofing companies in Ghana should set up necessary procedures within their organization based on the results from respondents irrespective of the financial commitment to also help gain international recognition.
Adherence to Works Contract Procedures under the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663)
(June, 2014) Awagah, Nicholas Kofi
The Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) is to streamline the various identified challenges and anomalies and its main objective is to promote fairness, transparency for public procurement to be non-discriminatory. The Act is to ensure judicious, economic and efficient use of public funds to achieve value for money. Its implementation has been reported to be quite problematic characterized by irregularities. The study is to identify these challenges and their effect on adherence to post contract procedure for works at the Assembly level. There were face-to-face interviews with staffs responsible for procurement management for the Entity on identified thematic areas with personal observations and documentary proofs. Analysis of data was done in the various thematic areas using descriptive and qualitative data analysis. The study confirmed existence of some of the challenges and in spite; Assemblies have demonstrated appreciable level of adherence in other to meet the requirement of Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development’s Annual Assessment. Assemblies’ efforts are largely affected by the lack of the review of the Act; delay in release of funds which affects project implementations and there was no penalty for delay in contract executions as clients default on their responsibility in honouring payments certificates. It is recommended that; Assemblies are encouraged to improve their Internally Generated Funds (IGF) to supplement the statutory funding sources. Regular communication between PPA and Entities should be encouraged. Local Government Service should collaborate with PPA for training of staffs. PPA must review thresholds to eliminate the bureaucracy at the Assembly and to improve management’s compliance, enhance performance and to introduce sanctions.
Adopting organic dyed traditional fibres for the production of selected fashion accessories
(2015-11-01) Baisie, Ayesha
This research seeks to exploit the possibilities of using organic dyed fibres available in Ashanti, Northern and Volta regions of Ghana that are suitable for the design and production of fashion accessories for the local and international market. This concept provides an opportunity to improve upon the fashion industry and the indigenous weaving industries in Ashanti, Northern and Volta regions in Ghana. The study reviewed existing works on fibre and dye extraction among the communities mentioned above to build a conceptual framework that is appropriate for examining how to extract fibre and dye from plants for the production of fashion accessories. The study adopted the qualitative research method and employed descriptive and experimental research designs. The purposive sampling technique, interview and observation were adopted. The scope of the study covered selected indigenous textile centres in the Ashanti, Volta and Northern regions of Ghana. The population of the study was limited to weavers from Bonwire, Bolgatanga, Kenyaase Abirem and Keta and Dyers at Ntonso and Daboya. Plants capable of yielding fibres and dyes for the fashion industry were also studied. The findings of this research suggest that some plants found in Ghana have the potential for the production of very aesthetically pleasing fibres and dyes. It emerged from this research that macramé and other traditional weaving techniques can be adopted to produce fashionable fashion accessories using the organic dyed traditional fibres. Further investigation must be conducted on other potential yielding plants that are capable of producing fibres and dyes for the fashion industry.
Adoption of best procurement practices for a successful construction project delivery in Ghana
(November, 2019 ) Mayeden, Isaac Kofi;
Construction is the foundation of development and no nation can experience growth without an efficient and effective construction sector, and it has complexity in its nature because it contains large number of parties as clients, contractors, consultants, stakeholders, shareholders and regulators. This research report evaluated the role of adopting best procurement practices on the successful delivery of construction projects in Ghana. The objectives that guided this study were: to identify the best procurement practices that can result in successful construction project delivery, to determine the current procurement practices and their effect on construction project delivery and to investigate the barriers to the adoption of the best procurement practices in the construction project delivery in Ghana. Literature review was done based on the objectives of the study. The research adopted a descriptive survey design. Descriptive survey research design based on questionnaire was used because the study objectives were descriptive in nature and required taking care of multiple realities likely to be found in the construction project sector. Purposive sampling was used to select 25 respondent who have good and practical knowledge on construction projects planning, execution, management and evaluation of construction project outcomes. Data from the responses was organized; coded and analyzed. The analysis was done using descriptive statistics, tables, frequencies, RII and percentages. It was recommended that all stakeholders in construction projects must adopt best procurement practices right from construction project planning, implementation, management and evaluation of all construction projects to ensuring greater value and best value for monies invested in construction projects. The study also revealed that cost/budget overruns, late delivery of supplies and materials, poor specifications/ill-defined scope of work, unanticipated Price Hikes and Poor Project integration are among the main factors of construction project failure. The study further revealed the most adopted best procurement practices to ensuring successful delivery of construction projects in Ghana. The main barriers to adopting and implementing best procurement practices include delayed payments due to high bureaucracy, unavailability of funds to honour payments, interference from management and stakeholders in the procurement process and poor contract management.
Adoption of Prefabrication for Construction Projects in Tamale.
(NOVEMBER 2016) Kutuba, Tido
The primary success parameters of every project are time, cost and quality. The need to control large quantities of waste is also an issue of great concern in the construction industry. The adoption of new technological advancement in the construction sector is seen as the way forward to achieving project success. Prefabrication has been adopted for construction project by many countries across the world. The aim of this study was to investigate the factors militating against the adoption of prefabrication for construction projects in Tamale. This was achieved by meeting the following objectives: To investigate the benefits in adopting prefabrication; To investigate the difficulties in the adoption of prefabrication; To investigate the measures in adopting prefabrication; and To examine the extent of usage of prefabrication. The research made use of literature review of existing work. One hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered to respondents and desk study of selected stakeholders in the construction industry. The statistical tools used in the analysis comprised descriptive statistics and mean score ranking. Findings of the study indicated that project cost, quality, time are among some of the key benefits. Some of the hindrances identified were lack of direct financial grants, lack of practical technical training, inadequate suppliers of prefabrication, no policy to promote prefabrication and finally, the factors identified to promote future development of prefabrication were provision of direct financial grant, advancement of prefabrication skills in workers, incentive schemes to inspire the private sector and sustainability as a first priority. The results also indicated that, inspite of the difficulties in the adoption of prefabrication, stakeholders in the Ghanaian construction industry believe in the need to explore its use. The adoption of prefabrication will contribute to reducing the huge housing deficit and facilitate the industrilisation of the construction industry. Prefabrication has the capacity to offer alternative choice of solutions and to further improve quality and value for money for construction projects. The findings will contribute to the adoption of prefabrication for construction projects and has provided a broad view of the essence for the use of prefabrication in construction.
Adoption of web-based project management system in the Ghanaian construction industry
(2021-06-22) Odamey, Joshua Koranteng;
Web-based project management system is used in so many advanced countries in managing construction project information and document and can be used as a communication tool between team members in a project. The use of this system has improved productivity in these countries. The aim of this research is to investigate the factors that facilitate the adoption of web-based project management systems in the construction industry. The objectives were to identify the factors that facilitate the adoption of web-based project management system in the construction industry and to identify the level of impact of the identified factors to the individual’s behavioural intention in adopting web-based project management system. The constructs in the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) 2 model were used and modified with identified factors in Ghana. The study was conducted in the Sunyani Municipal in the Bono Region and the Kumasi Metropolis in the Ashanti Region. The purposive and snowball sampling technique were used in the selection of the respondents. This sampling technique ensured that professionals who are engaged in managing construction projects and its related issues are selected. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey and was analysed using SPSS by using the following tool; Descriptive Statistic, Ranking and Multiple linear regression to analyse the outcome of the data. The study uncovered various factors that facilitate an individual’s intention to adopt web-based project management system and other new technologies. Respondents identified performance expectancy of the system, culture of adopting technology both on the part of the individual and the firm or company he/she works at, effort expectancy of the system, internet reliability, facilitating condition, habit, hedonic motivation and social influence to be the factors that facilitate the adoption of web-based project management system in the construction industry. It came to light that when these constructs or factors are analysed individually most of these constructs appear to be very significant with a good p-value but when analysed collectively a few become significant and have a better beta value and t- value. Most of the hypothesis proposed earlier was proven and some were nullified. However, the study could not exhaust all the factors using other accepted models as well as benefits and challenges of web-based project management system. Also, the study covered only a small part of the construction industry and therefore proposed further studies into other regions.
Aesthetic appreciation for beginning artists
(1993) Akotia, Robert Kwadaso
The essay provides an approach to aesthetic appreciation for the adolescent, who wants to take art as a profession. It focuses readership on Senior Secondary School. Others who want to enjoy art out of love will also find it useful. The need for this piece of investigate on has arisen due to the neglect and ambivalent attitude towards matters of aesthetic appreciation in beginners. The essay suggests that aesthetic problems cannot be solved in isolation but the total self perceptual, intellectual and emotional are mobilised to respond to the artwork. The discussion presents aesthetic appreciation as a skill, and needs be cultivated, to perceive and enjoy works of art. The youngster is recommended to start cultivating aesthetic flair by beautifying his environment, personally interact with natural objects and. finally appreciate a finished work of art. A pedagogic approach to judgment and criticism is suggested. Some colour symbolism, and prevailing concepts of beauty have also been hinted on.
The Aesthetic Connotation of Modes of Dressing by Teachers and their Impact on Quality Education in the Junior High School
(JULY, 2007) All-Bany, Baba Ahmed
Ghana has seen persistent agitations for educational reforms due to unsatisfactory outcome of educational objectives since independence. The major reasons were no different from the latest reform that was introduced as the Senior High School (SHS) and Junior High School (JHS) system. That was so because it was yet another review of the entire educational system of the country with the view to making it responsive to current global and social challenges (Anamoah-Mensah report, 2002). The background to the research among others is based on the complaints by the general public as to the justifications of these reforms and the spending of huge sums of money on education. The public is not also satisfied with the products of the educational system that cannot fit into the job market properly. Neither are they accepted in the indigenous societies in terms of behaviour, job ethics as well as the mode of dressing. This research is initiated from an entirely new perspective and it is about the dress styles of teachers and the impact on the Junior High School students and for that matter quality education. One of the concerns has been whether the influx of numerous foreign dress styles in the Ghanaian society has effect on students, teachers and quality education? Besides, whether there are other factors that are likely to contribute to the impact on students’ learning and quality education? The focus of the research is on students, teachers, parents, education officers and fashion designers. The data gathering methods are mainly Quantitative and Qualitative. Data gathering was by means of primary data through questionnaire, interviews, discussions, observations and taking of pictures and the secondary data was gathered through library activities to review relevant related materials from books, magazines, newspapers, theses, educational reports, generalised and specialised Encyclopaedia, bibliography, CD ROM and internet. The main findings are that the teachers in the classroom are influenced by the influx of the foreign dress styles in the present Ghanaian society. The teachers also influence both positively and negatively on students by way of their styles of dressing. The researcher throughout the investigation observed that all complaints made by the respondents were based on the Ghanaian cultural values, the belief system and the concept of art in the society. To be able to convert such vital information into the realm of effective educational resources, teachers need some enlightenment in distinct dressing. It is therefore recommended that the teaching of Art Education be given much more prominence in the educational curriculum and then train more Art Education teachers with study leave. The government should revisit the re-introduction of cultural programmes into the basic educational system. Research materials such as this should be made available to teachers through the Ministry of Education. ‘Data Art Education’ should be made prominent feature in the teaching of Art Education especially concerning indigenous cultural values and the meanings of types of dressing. It is hoped that if these recommendations are carried out, the Ghanaian teacher would be better dressed and become more acceptable in the indigenous Ghanaian society. This would make the students learn better and acquire the needed skills in order to fit into the job market. The students would be less burdensome to their parents and government and fit well in the job market. This would place Ghana into a middle income nation of the world.

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