Journal of Educational Management (JEM) is a mouthpiece of the Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA), UNESCO Category II Institute, University of Cape Coast, for disseminating research findings pertaining to the leadership, planning, and administration of educational institutions.
Institute for Educational Planning and Administration, University of cape coast
Effectiveness of Staff Union’s Participation in Decision-Making at the University of Cape Coast
This study examines the Effectiveness of the Stajf Union’s Participation in Decision Making at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) using descriptive survey design. The population for the study consisted of Ghana Association of University Administrators (GA UA), University Teachers* Association of Ghana (UTAG), Senior Staff Association (SSA) and Tertiary Education Workers’ Union (TEWU) members. Census technique was used to select all the staff unions at UCC while proportional stratified sampling method was used to select one hundred and fifteen (115) respondents from the unions. William Kahn’s Theory of Employee Engagement was used as the theoretical basis for the study. Data were obtained using self-structured questionnaire and analysed using frequency and percentages. Results reveal that employee unions' participation in decision-making is less organised, union executives exercise control over union decisions and management is unwilling to share decision-making with employees. Additionally, management is identified as an authoritarian imposing decision on unions. Finally, management sees employees as antagonists because of the fear of the unknown on the part of employees. Consequently, the study recommends that the management of the University should interact with employees to deliberate on issues in the organisation and develop a policy to ensure all staff sentiments and opinions are subject to merit.
Copyright (c) 2024 Journal of Educational Management
Human Rights Awareness: Perspectives of Students and Administrators in the University of Cape Coast
The study investigated human rights awareness of administrators and students at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). The cultural reproduction and structural violence theory offered the theoretical frames for understanding human rights in higher education in Ghana. The study adopted a qualitative research design, using the case study approach to interpret the human rights situation in UCC. Thirty students and 10 administrators were purposively selected for interview. Inductive analysis process was used to analyse the data into themes. The study revealed that the administration of the University has shown great commitment to the application of the principles of human rights, but some traces of structural violence have been transferred from society into the University. I recommend the establishment of a human rights centre to handle human rights complaints and promote respect for human rights at the UCC.
Assessment of In-Service Training Programme Attended by Secondary School Agricultural Science Teachers in Kwara Central Senatorial District, Nigeria
The paper examined the in-service training programmes attended by Agricultural Science Teachers in Secondary School in Kwara Central Senatorial District, Nigeria. Specifically, the study determined the demographic characteristics of the respondents, the in-service training programmes attended by the respondents, the organisers or sponsors of the in-service programme, areas where agricultural science teachers obtained training, constraints to agricultural science teachers ’ in-service training programmes and strategies for improving in-service training programmes. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. One hundred and twenty (120) agricultural science teachers were randomly selected from a population of 200 Agricultural Science teachers in 94 senior secondary schools in the study area. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics namely: frequency, percentage and mean. The findings showed that the majority of the respondents were male aged between 29-35 years, had B.Ed. degree and teaching experience between 1—5 years. The in-service programmes attended by agricultural science teachers include seminars and workshops. Ministry of Education, Teaching Service Commission, Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources and Universities were major organisers of in-service training programmes. Based on the findings, the study recommended that school administrators and relevant government agencies should provide adequate funding or set aside special fund for periodical training and retraining of agricultural science teachers.
Availability, Accessibility and Reliability of the Internet to Graduate Students of the University of Cape Coast, Ghana
The purpose of the study was to ascertain the availability, accessibility and reliability of the Internet to graduate students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to facilitate their academic work using descriptive survey design. The respondents were graduate students of UCC. The sampling techniques used were the proportionate stratified and simple random techniques. Out of a study population of 1136, a sample size of 382 was selected with a response rate of 84.5%. The reliability test result of the instrument yielded a Cronbach alpha coefficient of 0.721. The study found that Internet was to students at UCC and was distributed to the graduate students at vantage points on the University campus by the Computer Centre of the University. The study concluded that the graduate students were using the Internet to enhance their research based programs on campus.
An Investigation on Development and Awareness of Quality Assurance in Early Childhood Education
This research study investigated the development and awareness of quality assurance in early childhood education centres in Delta State. Descriptive survey design was used for this study and the targeted populations for this study were teachers of early childhood centres. One hundred (100) teachers were sampled using simple random sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire was used for data collection, and it was divided into two sections. Section A captured the demographic data while Section B comprised different statements for items under study. Frequency counts and percentage distribution were used to analyse the demographic data while the mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions. The finding revealed that private individuals are the major founders of early childhood centres, and early childhood founders are not aware of the principles guiding school establishment in Delta State. It was recommended that founders of early childhood education centres should be trained and certified. In addition, the founders of early childhood education centres should be fully aware of the principles guiding the operations of the centres.
Perceptions of University of Cape Coast Distance Education Learners and Tutors on the Availability and Adequacy of Learner Support Services
The study was conducted to find out the perceptions of learners and tutors of the University of Cape Coast Distance Education Programme on the availability and adequacy of learner support services. The influence of gender, location and study centres patronized was also examined. The sample for the study comprised 269 distance education learners, 27 tutors and 4 coordinators from the three study centres making a total of 300 respondents. The respondents were selected from Cape Coast, Accra and Koforidua study centres. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling procedures were used. The descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. Questionnaires were used for data collection. Frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used to present the responses. Findings revealed that most distance learners had low perceived satisfaction with UCC learner support services. There was however difference in the learners’ perceived satisfaction with specific learner support services. Specifically, most learners perceived satisfaction with tutorials and learners’ handbook was high and low for finance, library, study centre facilities, ICT/computer centres, counselling services, tables and chairs, lecture halls, air conditioners, and others. In light of these findings, it is recommended that the College of Distance Education (CoDE) of UCC improves the facilities and learner support services at the regional study centres while locating new ones to provide easy access for distance learners. Finally, access to the Social Security and National Insurance Trust students ’ loan scheme should be arranged with the government for the Distance Education students.
A Service Quality Gap Analysis: Evidence from External Customers of University of Cape Coast
The purpose of the study was to assess the outcome criteria of total quality management implementation in a University. It also aimed at timely identification of gaps in service quality to inform management of innovative ways of closing the gaps with the given scarce resources. The paper opted for explanatory research to addresses the outcome expected from the TQM implementation in the University institution. In all, 361 questionnaires out of the 434 administered were completed and usable. The 5 service quality dimensions with total of 26 items were measured on a Likert-scale of 1 to 5, while descriptive statistics were employed in the data analysis procedures. The results showed the existence of service quality gaps in all the quality dimensions. In general, students ’ expectations were more on human and non-human aspects of service delivery prior to admission, while the employer’s expectations were more on service products and social responsibility. Generally, the magnitudes of effect on the service quality dimensions were found to be above medium. The research was limited to three selected external customers in one University Institution; therefore, the results may need further research for generalization. Institutional management should pay attention to existing service gaps, listen to the voices of institutional customers and factor their feedback into the decision-making processes. This paper identifies the strengths and weaknesses pertaining to the institution’s service delivery and suggests how institutional resources could be better allocated to address the gaps.
Pre-Service Teacher Training Quality: Influence of Quality Assurance Practices and Interrelationships with Leadership Role
This study examined quality assurance practices and their influence on quality training of pre-service teachers, as well as the relationships between leadership roles, quality assurance, and teacher training quality in Colleges of Education (CoEs) in Ghana. A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted, and stratified random sampling was used to sample 132 teaching staff and 357 students from five CoEs in the Eastern and Greater Accra Zone. A questionnaire was employed for data collection. Data were analysed using regression and mediation analysis. The key findings were that: quality assurance was identified to have a positive but statistically insignificant effect on students’ training in Colleges of Education in Ghana with an overall mean score of quality training of students’ measures was 4.75 (SD± 1.52). The overall mean score of leadership role measures from the tutor’s perspective was 4.65 (SD± 0.94). ii) leadership role positively and significantly mediates the relationship between quality assurance and quality training of students in Colleges of Education in Ghana with the overall mean score of leadership role measures from a student perspective being 4.71 (SD± 1.38). The study concludes that leadership strengthens the impact of quality assurance on student teachers’ training. The study recommends that quality assurance units in Colleges of Education in Ghana should be strengthened with the necessary resources to positively influence students’ training.
ANALYSIS OF STRESS AMONG THE FEMALE EMPLOYEES WITH CHILDREN IN THE UNIVERSITY OF CAPE COAST: IMPLICATIONS FOR MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
The study investigated the sources, effects and coping strategies of stress adopted by female employees with children in the University of Cape Coast. A descriptive study design was employed in carrying out the study. Two hundred and four (204) respondents were sampled out of the 431 female employees with children. The instrument used was a constructed questionnaire. The results revealed that demands from husbands, children and thinking of promotional issues were some of the stressors that confronted the respondents. The major effects of stress among the respondents were their inability to plan well and lack of concentration on household chores. The result showed that the most prevailing coping strategy adopted by the respondents was engaging in conversation with friends and family members as well as getting assistance from colleagues and house helps. It was concluded that female employees with children in the University of Cape Coast go through stress which emanates from different sources. Some of the recommendations were that management of the University should educate employees on appropriate strategies to cope with their stress and could be done through seminars, conferences and workshops on coping strategies of stress.
Copyright (c) 2023 Journal of Educational Management
Management of higher educational institutions in Ghana amid COVID-19 pandemic: The case of University of Cape Coast
Aptly described as the biggest challenge to have confronted humanity since World War II, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused major damage in all spheres of life. Using Mitroff’s (2005) Crises Management Model, this paper focuses on higher education institutions and investigates how the senior management of a typical African higher education institution reacted to the pandemic. Deploying the qualitative case study approach with a phenomenological transcendental design, the study sought to explore the challenges the University of Cape Coast Management faced and the measures it adopted to manage the pandemic. The participants were comprised of seven management members. It was found that the university was not prepared for a pandemic of this nature. The study also found that the pandemic posed key challenges, namely, administrative, financial, and operational. Nonetheless, the university instituted some coping mechanisms that helped mitigate the impact of the pandemic. It is recommended that the university develop a comprehensive crisis response plan that provides standard operational guidelines regarding administrative work and teaching and also protocols for reducing the spread of infections. The paper proposes that the university create an emergency fund and build the capacity of its members to adopt appropriate technology to enhance teaching, learning, and administrative work.
Selected demographic variables as predictors of Ghanaian preservice teachers’ perceptions of the teacher licensure test
This study examined Ghanaian preservice teachers’ perceptions of the newly introduced teacher licensure test in 2018. Data were obtained from an online survey of third-year preservice teachers selected from 16 of 46 public colleges of education in Ghana. By adapting an existing instrument, we created an 11-item scale, which was theoretically categorised into five components: utility of the test, college preparation, consequences, emphasis on the test, and other certification tests. The participants’ scores on each component were regressed on four predictor variables: information about the test, the student’s sex, prior teaching experience, and programme of study. The results showed that students’ sex was predictive of the utility of the test, college preparation, and emphasis on the test. Prior teaching experience was also predictive of the emphasis placed on the test and the need for other certification tests. Preservice teachers’ exposure to information about the test was associated with their perceptions of the utility of the test, the need for college preparation, and the use of other certification tests. Implications for teacher preparation and education are discussed, especially in relation to the identification of alternative certifications.
Educational Laws in Nigeria: Implication for Educational Managers and Planners
The educational system in Nigeria is regulated by laws. Despite the laws governing the educational system, educational managers are not well informed about the promises. This paper considers the educational laws that cut across the educational system, the school and the law, the teacher and the law, the students and the law, and the school administrator and the law. However, this paper looked at the student and the law, teachers and the law, teacher’s duty of care, the entitlement or privileged of teachers, school administrator/manager and the law, school and the law, legal rights and responsibilities of parents, problems associated with the application of education laws, suggestions based on the challenges identified and implications to educational managers and planners.
The study investigated the sources, effects and coping strategies of stress adopted by female employees with children in the University of Cape Coast. A descriptive study design was employed in carrying out the study. Two hundred and four (204) respondents were sampled out of the 431 female employees with children. The instrument used was a constructed questionnaire. The results revealed that demands from husbands, children and thinking of promotional issues were some of the stressors that confronted the respondents. The major effects of stress among the respondents were their inability to plan well and lack of concentration on household chores. The result showed that the most prevailing coping strategy adopted by the respondents was engaging in conversation with friends and family members as well as getting assistance from colleagues and house helps. It was concluded that female employees with children in the University of Cape Coast go through stress which emanates from different sources. Some of the recommendations were that management of the University should educate employees on appropriate strategies to cope with their stress and could be done through seminars, conferences and workshops on coping strategies of stress. Key Words: work stress, coping strategies, female employees, university of cape coast
Exploring staff perception of corporate governance practices of Universities in Ghana
Corporate governance practices of institutions such as universities have the impetus to influence the level of staff contentment. The study sought to explore staff contentment with the corporate governance practices of universities in Ghana. It adopted a qualitative phenomenological design and involved nine autonomous public universities and four autonomous private universities. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select 24 staff who represent pro-vice-chancellors (academic) and registrars for in-depth interviews, while focus group discussions were conducted with 95 staff, which were composed of senior members (academic), senior members (non-academic), senior staff, and junior staff. Data were collected using a semi-structured interview guide. The data were analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. It was found that the staff of universities are content with almost all corporate governance practices of the universities except council size, composition, and the election of deans of faculty. To make sure that every member of staff is adequately represented on the councils through their unions, it is recommended that the management of universities, via the Minister of Education, review the statutes addressing the size and composition of the institutions. Moreover, it is recommended that universities institutionalize training programmes for all staff to prepare them to occupy leadership and management positions in the future. In conclusion, the existing policy regarding the election of the deans of faculty should be substituted with an appointment based on an individual's experience and qualifications. Key Words: Corporate governance practices, staff contentment, autonomous universities, private universities, and public universities
Community participation in quality assurance (CPQA): A catalyst in enhancing quality in basic education service delivery in Nigeria
Nigeria, like most developing countries, is having challenges in reaching the Millennium Development Goals, Education for All, and national education goals within the globally agreed timeframe of 2015. While the widespread progress in enrolment is laudable due to social demand for it, there are persistent challenges of exclusion, inequalities, low completion rates, and low learning outcomes. It is within this context that this paper examines community participation in quality assurance as a catalyst for fast-track access and participation, enhancing quality and equity towards the attainment of Education for All (EFA) and Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in the Nigerian education sector. A descriptive survey study conducted through the use of a developed instrument on the expected role of community members in assuring qualitative education service delivery in the basic education sector, tagged “Community Participation in Quality Assurance Instrument,”. A stratified random sampling technique was used to sample the opinions of 150 school managers (both principals and headteachers) and 150 classroom teachers, totaling 300 respondents. The instrument was validated, and a reliability test was carried out using test-retest and found reliable at .85 reliability coefficient. Findings revealed that there is no significant difference in the perception of all the respondents towards community participation in quality assurance at the basic education level. The implications of the study as a catalyst for fast-tracking access, participation, and enhancing quality and equity towards the attainment of the EFA and MDGs were also stressed.
The perception of senior staff of the University of Cape Coast on the effectiveness of training and development programme
The objective of this study was to examine senior staffs perception of the training and development programme run in the University of Cape Coast. It was a descriptive survey design which employed questionnaire to collect the data from a random sample of 240 respondents from the University of Cape Coast. The results of the study showed that though senior staff of the University perceived numerous benefits accruing from the training and development programmes of the institution, they thought the Training and Development Unit did not involve participants in determining their training needs. Additionally, they felt the university did not use the participation in their own training programme as basis for promotion, and no certificate is awarded to participants after the training, hence, some senior staffs are reluctance in participating in the programme.
Effect of micro-teaching on students’ performance during off-campus teaching practice: A partial least square structural equation modelling (Pls-Sem) analysis
The art and science of teaching as linked to the systems theory of input and output model shows that, in the 21st century, teacher education programmes should not only focus on the output of the student-teacher but more importantly the inputs. It is based on this that Smart-PLS was used to model a relationship between pedagogical skills, subject matter knowledge, personal disposition and performance in OCTP using 101 economics education major students. from the University of Cape Coast. The study revealed that students' performance during OCiP is highly influenced by pedagogical skiIl subject matter knowledge and personal disposition which were the direct paths in the model. The implication of this finding on teacher education is to modify the course on methodology to incorporate these three variables rather than the overemphasis on pedagogy.
The methodology and the substantive issues in research: A review of an article
This paper is a review of the article making valid arguments in research 'Social difference and the politics of reports, and for reporting on small schooling in Africa: A Ghanaian case study' by George J. Sefa Dei (2005). It reflects on the methodological orientation and how it affects the theoretical and substantive issues underpinning the study. The author Multicultural education particularly in makes a valid argument about the Euro-American contexts has configurations of power in knowledge received much attention in the production in higher education, as it relates to gender, ethnicity and religion. Nevertheless, the processes and its attendant challenges 'economical' description of some aspects of the methodology, and limited use of data from underrepresented participants of cultural groups, usually as a result of higher education appear to defeat the immigration are often described as purpose of the investigation, multicultural. Multiculturalism Consequently, the projected voices in emphasizes the unique characteristics of the study seem to perpetuate the very of different cultures, especially as they phenomenon under criticism. Although the standards this paper applies to the review are most appropriate for doctoral writing, the issues raised have implications for This paper is a review of the article making valid arguments in research 'Social difference and the politics of reports, and for reporting on small aspect of large-scale studies
Effective use of instructional time: What is happening in our schools?
Effective use of instructional time has engaged the attention of many writers and researchers in recent times. This study investigated the effective use of instructional time in public senior high schools in the Northern Region of Ghana. 500 students were sampled from 7 public senior high schools to participate in the study. Three programmes of study, namely, general arts, general science, and home economics, were sampled for the study. The research design employed was a combination of a cross-sectional survey and the use of documentary evidence. The analysis was done using frequencies and a one-way ANNOVA. The analysis revealed that out of 364 days in a school year, only 177 days, representing 49% of the entire period, did public senior high schools engage in various school activities. The remaining 187 days, representing 51% of the period, were not used for any school learning activity. The findings further revealed that the three programmes of study were allocated equal amounts of time for classroom instruction. However, only 71% of this time is reflected in the school timetable as actual class engagement time. The majority of the students spent 58% of their entire school time actually engaged in classroom instruction. The study recommended that the Ghana Education Service should take steps to ensure improved efficiency with regard to the use of instructional time in public senior high schools. Efficiency in this regard can be improved by either reducing the number of school holidays in the year or reducing the hours spent on cocurricular activities to make room for more instructional hours.
Accounting students learning difficulties and associated interventions: The views of accounting teachers
The study investigated the major learning difficulties Senior High School accounting students had and the interventions accounting teachers used to address them. This rather focused only on the views of the accounting teachers. Through a descriptive survey, 72 accounting teachers were studied. These respondents were selected from 47 public SHS in the Central Region. Questionnaire was administered to them and the associated data was analysed using means and standard deviation. The study revealed that minor errors and careless mistakes were the major learning difficulties that accounting students faced while inattention in class was found to be the least profound. To avert the situation, accounting teachers implored students to adhere strictly to accounting laws and principles. The accounting teachers actively involved their students during teaching and learning and also broke tasks into manageable pieces as ways of addressing the difficulties that accounting students encountered. It is accordingly recommended that, accounting teachers become extra careful and methodical in presenting facts in class. They must ensure that students are attentive to details and stick to formalised presentation of factual information and figures in accounting. Itpays for the teachers to go round supervising the work of students as they perform an activity in class so as to ensure that a timely intervention could be provided when the students are going wayward.
Accounting teachers’ interpretation fidelity of the senior high school accounting curriculum: Implications on quality accounting education
The objective of this study was to survey the description of accounting teachers of the senior high school accounting curriculum. This involved the description of the formal documented accounting curriculum. This study was undertaken to gauge the level of quality implied in the implementation of the curriculum by ascertaining the accounting teachers' fidelity of the interpretation of same. The study recruited 155 senior high school accounting teachers from senior high schools in the Northern, Brong Ahafo, and Western Regions of Ghana. These participants were surveyed by an Innovation Configuration Checklist (ICC). It was found in the study that the senior high school accounting teachers differed markedly in their description of the senior high school accounting curriculum. This was a departure from the evidence the curriculum provided. Accordingly, it was concluded that the fidelity of accounting teachers' interpretation of the accounting curriculum and use of same was doubtful.
Towards a renewed student internship through collaborative design of curriculum materials
Polytechnics are supposed to place a premium on student internships so as to better prepare their products to fit the contemporary labour market. This study examines a renewed student internship programme undertaken through collaborative design of curriculum materials. The Department of Hotel Catering and Institutional Management (HCIM), Takoradi Polytechnic in Ghana is the focus and background for the study. Teachers in the department have designed curriculum materials which, were first used for the 2010 student internship. The general perceptions of stakeholders suggest there have been improvements in internship practices and are generally satisfied with the competencies student have gained
Rethinking education policy success/failure: Analysing Ghana’s ’FCUBE’ using the three dimensions of policy as a conceptual heuristic
In education, the relativism with which claims of success or otherwise of policies are accentuated unmasks a lack of a systematic framework with which one could question what constitutes policy success and/or failure. This article aims at inducing a rethink of education policy analysis. In the process, the article after highlighting and describing the process, programmatic and political dimensions of policy, uses the illustration as a conceptual heuristic to analyse Ghana's Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (fCUBE) policy and thereby provide an exemplar of the efficacy of the heuristic for policy evaluation. Subsequently, the relevance of this heuristic to theory, policy and practice is highlighted. The article portends that the conceptual heuristic it illuminates important as it enables analysts (including educational administrators and managers) to see beyond the traditional problem-solving intent and view policy equally as a language for framing political discourse and for getting people involved in democratic processes.
Enhancing corporate communication and reputation management through the mass media: Lessons from the University of Cape Coast
This paper presents the findings of a study that explored how authorities of Cape Coast perceive the role of mass media in corporate communication and reputation management. The study which was descriptive by design, solicited information from 77 purposively selected senior members in the university. Simple quantitative methods involving frequency tables, percentages, bar and pie charts were employed in analyzing the data collected. Among other findings, the study found that the University had adopted the use of multiple media especially radio, television, internet and newspaper to communicate to students, staff the University Community and its large external publics. The university's use of media is however mostly uncoordinated. Based on the findings, the paper argues that the University can study that explored how authorities of maximise benefit of the use of mass media if it adequately resources and positions its Division of Public Affairs to enable it enhance its performance and also educate the University Community on the role of media in corporate affairs.
Examining the ways a critical friendships could improve the effectiveness of instructional supervision in Cape Coast Metropolis basic schools
This study is an action research conducted at the Aboom circuit of the Cape Coast Metropolis. It was aimed at exploring the idea of critical friendship between supervisor and supervisee to find out whether it can be useful in the Ghanaian context. The sample consisted of 31 participants, comprising one circuit supervisor, 26 teachers, and 4 headteachers. One out of the six circuits in the Cape Coast Metropolis was selected, and four schools from the circuit were randomly sampled for the study. The circuit supervisor and headteachers were interviewed, while questionnaires were administered to the teachers. Relationships and instructional practices in the school were also observed. The data were analysed using percentages. The main findings of the study were that critical friendship in instructional supervision increased the trust between the circuit supervisor and teachers, increased the supervisor’s support for teachers, and increased teachers' commitment to their work. It was recommended that the Metropolitan Education Office educate circuit supervisors on the idea of critical friendship in supervision.
Influence of family on secondary school students’ aspirations for entrepreneurial careers in Ilorin Metropolis, Nigeria
The study investigated the influence of family on secondary school students' aspirations for entrepreneurial careers in IIorin metropolis, Nigeria. One research question was set while four hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. A sample of200 students was selected using multistage sampling. A questionnaire was used to obtain relevant data which were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The main finding of the study was that the family has a strong influence on students' aspirations for entrepreneurial careers. The findings again indicated no significant difference in students' aspirations for entrepreneurial careers based on gender. However, significant differences were found on the bases of religion and course of study. Among the counseling implications was students should be taken into consideration in assisting students to make appropriate career choices. It was recommended that school counselors should make available sufficient information on careers to students.
Docs team-based professional development make a difference? A longitudinal investigation of teacher learning through curriculum design
While a growing body of literature documents teachers' involvement in curriculum design, this study further assesses curriculum design among teacher teams for instructional improvement and teacher development in some higher institutions in Ghana. Six teams of teachers were studied over a three year period as they redesigned their courses to commensurate with contemporary workplace skill demands and improve instruction. Results from data collected through interviews, questionnaires, observation, and field notes showed teacher professional development gains, especially due to shared knowledge and collective efforts to pursue up-to-date information from relevant sources to develop the curriculum. The classroom implementation of the redesigned courses revealed industry-relevant lesson experiences for students. It was concluded that participation in professional development-focused curriculum design can impact teacher learning and practice. This study emphasizes the importance of teacher collaboration and marks a first step toward identifying how learning processes are encouraged and knowledge is constructed in design teams.
Exploring the internal quality assurance management practices at the University of Ghana
There is a dearth in literature on how quality assurance actors perceive the effectiveness of their own approaches to internal quality assurance practices in Ghana’s tertiary education system. This study, with the systems model as an analytical construct, used a constructivist-interpretivist approach to explore the internal quality assurance management practices at the University of Ghana. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to gather data from the University of Ghana (UG). The themes that emerged from the data indicated that UG has a comprehensive quality assurance policy, policy implementation structure and quality assurance management system. The results show that there is lack of well–resourced quality assurance offices at the policy implementation staircases, inadequate quality assurance stakeholders’ involvement and neglect of quality assurance measures for educational outcome sub-system. The results imply that for UG to improve on its internal quality assurance management there is a need to establish well-resourced quality assurance offices at the policy implementation staircases. In addition, quality assurance actors should involve all stakeholders stipulated in the quality assurance policy documents.
Prevalent factors of career uncertainties among Ghanaian senior high school students
Research has shown that career uncertainty is a major issue that distorts the career trajectories of many adolescents, specifically senior high school students, as many of them are unable to make career decisions that will place them on a firm path of career development. The study explored the most prevalent factors of career uncertainty related to Ghanaian high school students. The research design employed was a descriptive survey, and 426 students were selected for participation by means of multi-stage sampling. Data were gathered with a four-point Likert-type scale questionnaire on career uncertainty for senior high school students. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics. The results depicted that, among all the factors investigated to determine the career uncertainty of senior high school students, self-awareness, fear and anxiety in decision-making, inadequate career information, inadequate career counselling, peer pressure, family interference, and academic accomplishment challenges were the most prevalent factors of career uncertainty. The recommendations made were that school guidance coordinators need to be sensitive to issues of self-awareness, fear, and anxiety in decision-making, inadequate career information, inadequate career counselling, peer pressure, family interference, and academic accomplishment challenges throughout counselling sessions to facilitate well-informed and wise career decisions. It was recommended that all stakeholders in Ghana’s educational sector collaborate to formulate and implement policies that encourage students to plan, develop, and make career choices before the end of their high school years.
Outsourcing of Non-core Functions in the Halls of Residence at the University of Cape Coast: Prospects and Challenges
In today’s rapidly evolving global market space with growing consumer needs and fierce competition, outsourcing of services is often seen as a tool organizations use to manage resources and capabilities efficiently to maximize gains and performance. The areas under study were the six traditional halls of residence at the University of Cape Coast: VALCO, Oguaa, Nkrumah, Casley Hayford, Atlantic and Adehye Halls. The approach was purely qualitative with a purposive sampling technique. In-depth interviews were conducted with 18 office bearers in the six halls of residence. The purpose of this study is to assess the prospects and challenges of outsourcing at the University of Cape Coast. Therefore, we examined how outsourcing impacts operational strategy, especially on the goals of operations related to cost reduction, improved quality, flexibility and better service. Our findings show that managers of the students’ Halls of Residence believe that outsourcing has great potential not only for cost reduction but also has an impact on other operational objectives that make outsourcing more strategic. Another finding from the study indicates that outsourcing could significantly affect organizational performance, which empirically corroborates aspects that have only been theoretically analyzed previously. From the study, it is found that outsourcing would only make sense if it exerts a positive influence on the various goals of operations and halls of residence performance. It was recommended that, with the great benefit to be derived from the outsourcing mechanism, it should be kept in mind by the policy implementors that it can be implemented shortly.