Joseph Gerald Tetteh Nyanyofio, Kwame Ameyaw Domfeh, Thomas Buabeng, Theophilus Maloreh-Nyamekye and Nana Nimo Appiah-Agyekum
This study examined the governance and implementation of public–private partnership (PPP) based on the management contract model in the water sector in rural Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This study examined the governance and implementation of public–private partnership (PPP) based on the management contract model in the water sector in rural Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
It employed in-depth interviews with key management officials and focus-group discussions among residents in selected water-stressed communities in the beneficiary District Assemblies. Thematic analysis was employed for the analyses.
Findings
The governance of the PPP project was characterized by a well-structured institutional arrangement and effective governance mechanisms. The PPP project has increased residents' access to potable and affordable water and facilitated local economic and social development in its catchment areas. However, insufficient funding, political interference, limited infrastructural capacity and pollution are threatening its success.
Originality/value
The study contributes to the literature on effective governance and performance of rural-based PPP water supply projects for the achievement of the sustainable development goals goal six on access to affordable and quality water.
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Charles Buabeng-Andoh and Charles Baah
This paper aims to develop and test a research model to explore the factors that influence pre-service teachers’ intention to use learning management system (LMS).
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to develop and test a research model to explore the factors that influence pre-service teachers’ intention to use learning management system (LMS).
Design/methodology/approach
A cross-section study was conducted. A survey questionnaire was used to collect data from participants. The total number of participants was 361 pre-service teachers. Partial least square structural equation model was used to analyze the data.
Findings
The findings of this study found that the research model explained approximately 43% of the variance in behavioral intention. Also, the findings revealed that attitude and social influence had an effect on behavioral intention to use technology, but the facilitating condition had no effect on behavior intention to use technology. Finally, performance expectancy, effort expectancy and social influence had an effect on attitude while facilitating condition had no effect on attitude.
Originality/value
In technology acceptance research, unified theory of acceptance and use of technology (UTAUT) and technology acceptance model (TAM) have been broadly designed and empirically tested to elucidate the determinants that impact users’ intention to operate technology in the developed world. However, research on the validation of TAM and UTAUT to explain the determinants that influence preservice teachers’ intention to use a LMS in developing countries is insufficient. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the efficacy of the integrated model of TAM and UTAUT to explain preservice teachers’ intention to use technology and explore the influential determinants that explain preservice teachers’ intention to use LMS.
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De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Thomas Kankam Adjei, David Mensah Sackey, David John Edwards and Reza M. Hosseini
This paper is anchored in a premise of a universal call to action by all UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is anchored in a premise of a universal call to action by all UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 within the blueprint of the sustainable development goals (SDGS). The purpose of this study is to mainstream the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector within the framework of public–private partnerships (PPP): challenges, opportunities and strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature review was carried out to explore concepts, theories and frameworks for initiating PPP. Best local and international practices in the implementation of PPP projects; challenges and opportunities in the implementation of PPP projects, strategies for mainstreaming the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector and assess business action in the implementation of the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector. The study is situated within the social constructionist philosophical tradition. The qualitative research strategy was adopted as the main methodological choice. Interview guides were used to collect data from respondents in the Accra metropolis.
Findings
Lack of a PPP policy law in Ghana, conflict of interest in PPP projects, excessive government control over projects, cumbersome licensing and legal regime and economic stability were the most significant challenges identified to PPPs. Technology transfer, efficiency gains and mobilization of additional resources for development on the government side where the opportunities for the private sector. Awareness creation, modeling inclusive business with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and SDGs, exploring business opportunities in SDGs such as carbon trading, aligning national policies with SDGs, establishing sustainability units and partnerships with relevant bodies were proposed for mainstreaming the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector.
Research limitations/implications
It was established from this study that indeed PPPs have a major role to play in unleashing all available forces and prospects toward achieving the SDGs. This paper is constrained to the energy industry in Ghana. It provides a theory-based direction on how companies in the energy sector can contribute to social and economic interventions through a framework of PPP framework within the SGDs. Future research may explore how companies in other sectors may contribute to the sustainability discourse.
Practical implications
This will ultimately lead to additional funding to support government efforts in the implementation of SDGs, honing of sustainable (inclusive) business models, creating an enabling environment for PPPs toward inclusive growth and national development leaving no one behind. It recommended that there should be a national policy and law on PPPs and the private sector should be incentivized to engage government in PPPs implementation for the SDGs. Theoretically, this study contributes to the policy analysis discourse and scaling-up literature on the SDGs.
Originality/value
This study explores the challenges associated with mainstreaming the SGDs in the energy sector from a public–private business perspective. It also offers a new policy, economic and legal regulatory framework that contributes to emerging trends. The outcome of the analyzes advocates for clear business strategies for implementation of the SDG apart from CSR.
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Rithwik Nayak Ammunje, Mahesh Prabhu H and Gopalakrishna Barkur
This paper aims to explore the impact of excessive smartphone use on students’ academic performance. In today’s digitalized world, smartphones have become a vital device in human…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the impact of excessive smartphone use on students’ academic performance. In today’s digitalized world, smartphones have become a vital device in human lives and have taken control over every aspect of day-to-day activities.
Design/methodology/approach
After a thorough literature review, the factors associated with smartphone use that impact student performance were identified, and a conceptual framework was developed. Further, a survey was conducted by contacting 264 students pursuing higher education in India to test the model. Structural equation modeling was adopted to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Results indicate that there is no direct impact of excessive mobile phone use on student performance. However, it can be observed that excessive mobile phone use impacts student performance indirectly mediated by technoference.
Research limitations/implications
This study was conducted among students pursuing higher education in cosmopolitan cities with representation from India. Future studies can test the model among students in tier two cities and rural areas and primary and high school students for more insights.
Practical implications
This study has suggestions for college management to promote a hybrid learning model and prohibit using smartphones in classrooms and academic areas.
Originality/value
This study is among the earliest to explore the impact of technoference in an academic environment.
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Information literacy (IL) is clearly important for academic performance, as evidenced by literature. It could be defined as a set of abilities, attitudes and experiences that…
Abstract
Purpose
Information literacy (IL) is clearly important for academic performance, as evidenced by literature. It could be defined as a set of abilities, attitudes and experiences that enable people to recognize when they need information to solve an issue. The importance of investigating students’ IL competencies cannot be overstated. This study therefore aims to look into the IL development and competencies of high school students in Accra, as there appears to be a dearth of systematic study on this in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
To investigate this phenomenon, the study used a survey research design with a mixed-methods approach and a post-positivist research paradigm. A total of 454 high school students, 3 librarians and 3 heads of ICT departments from three senior high schools in Accra participated in this study. This study used two methods: an audit of the IL programmes and practices available at the selected schools as well as IL literacy assessment through the use of a standardized test instrument. The data collection tools used were a semi-structured interview schedule and a questionnaire.
Findings
This study found that high school students in Accra had low IL competencies. Again, the findings of this study revealed that inadequate infrastructure and lack of formalized IL instructions in schools hindered the IL development of students.
Originality/value
The author considers the study original both in conceptualization and design. The main question being interrogated stems from identified gaps in the literature and this study intends to fill these knowledge gaps. This study’s originality also stems from the fact that there is a paucity of information on the subject of study in the context of Ghana. This study recommends the need to integrate IL in the school curriculum to ensure effective and efficient IL instructions in high schools.
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This study explores the critical success factors (CSFs) in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) by focussing on flood disaster management (FDM) in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the critical success factors (CSFs) in humanitarian supply chain management (HSCM) by focussing on flood disaster management (FDM) in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
An in-depth semi-structured interview and questionnaire surveys in a sequential data collection approach were used to collect data from definitive stakeholders of humanitarian organisations. The data was analysed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) and structural equation modelling (SEM) techniques.
Findings
Seventy-four factors were identified as success factors of HSCM of flood disaster management. However, 41 of these factors were statistically significant and considered as critical. In descending order, these factors relate to management practices, education and training, stakeholder involvement and cooperation, infrastructure, innovation and technology, materials and resources, administrative practices, socio-cultural and economic. Whilst some factors are internal to the humanitarian organisations, others are external factors that are beyond the control of humanitarian organisations.
Research limitations/implications
Even though this study offers empirical results that could guide policymakers in their decision-making about humanitarian operations, care needs to be taken since the data is within one country and within a specific disaster context – hence, policymakers need to consider the local contextual dynamics. Future studies could look at different disasters context to make a comparative analysis of various types of disaster operations.
Practical implications
Institutions such as World Health Organization, Red Cross organisations and UN seeking to curbs global-warming-related disasters and the reduction of the effects of flood disaster can use findings as a guide during the formulation of HSCM policies and strategies.
Originality/value
Unlike previous studies of humanitarian operations that focussed extensively on theoretical expositions, simulations, conceptual frameworks and models, this present study offers empirical evidence of humanitarian operations in the context of SCM. Further, by highlighting on the HSCM CSFs, this study contributes to disaster reduction and their effects on humanity in the context of FDM. This research could be used as guide by governments and FDM organisations to make informed decisions on SCM areas to focus the most during FDM.
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Mark Fordjour Owusu, Arindam Basu and Pauline Barnett
The purpose of this paper is to assess policy and management of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to assess policy and management of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors conducted 26 key informant interviews with policy makers, payers, providers and participants from advocacy groups associated with the management of hypertension and diabetes both at national and district levels in Ghana; conducted focus group discussions with a total of 18 hypertensive and diabetic patients; and analyzed documentation detailing activities that have been undertaken in response to the management of hypertension and diabetes in Ghana. The authors then conducted a content analysis after combining the three sources of information.
Findings
Using a stepwise policy process, the Ghanaian health sector has developed overarching policies and strategies on management of diabetes, hypertension, other non-communicable diseases, tobacco, alcohol and nutrition-related issues. Availability of funds and over-concentration on communicable diseases are the main barriers to the implementation of policies. Besides, response of the health sector to address the problems of hypertension and diabetes is focused more on clinical management than prevention; while the structures and processes to manage diabetes and hypertension is available at all levels of service delivery, more needs to be done on preventive aspects.
Originality/value
This is the first study in Ghana to combine individual interviews, focus groups and document analysis to review policy development, implementation and response activities on the management of hypertension and diabetes. The authors believe that the evidence from this research will inform future policy initiatives on hypertension and diabetes management in Ghana.
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Yarhands Dissou Arthur, Thomas De Vittori, Natalie B. Welcome, Courage Simon Kofi Dogbe and Bright Asare
This study investigates the mediating role of mathematics self-efficacy in the relationship between the history of mathematics (HIST) and the interest in mathematics.
Abstract
Purpose
This study investigates the mediating role of mathematics self-efficacy in the relationship between the history of mathematics (HIST) and the interest in mathematics.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research design was adopted, with a quantitative research approach. The study adopted a convenience sampling technique to select 219 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students (level 100 to 400) from a public university in Ghana. Structural equation modelling (SEM) and a bias-corrected percentile method of bootstrapping were run in AMOS (v. 23), to estimate the path coefficients.
Findings
The study found that the HIST significantly influences both the student’s interest in mathematics and their mathematics self-efficacy. Furthermore, mathematics self-efficacy was found to significantly affect students' interest in mathematics and partially mediate the relationship between the HIST and students' interest.
Research limitations/implications
The study was confined to TVET students in a single public university in Ghana. Future studies may consider TVET students in other disciplines in other universities within or outside Ghana to increase generalization.
Originality/value
There is a shortage of empirical studies that specifically examine how self-efficacy mediates the relationship between the HIST as a teaching tool and students' interest in mathematics. Also, while previous studies have examined the role of pedagogical approaches in mathematics education, there is a lack of research focusing on the impact of historical context on students' interest, particularly within TVET settings.
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Lee Yen Chaw, Chun Meng Tang and Muhammad Ali
As the competition to retain current and attract new mobile payment app users intensifies, meeting users’ needs has become fundamental for mobile payment app service providers to…
Abstract
Purpose
As the competition to retain current and attract new mobile payment app users intensifies, meeting users’ needs has become fundamental for mobile payment app service providers to stay competitive. This study aims to investigate the relationship between users’ needs, users’ attitude towards mobile payment apps and users’ continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.
Design/methodology/approach
Following an exploratory sequential mixed methods research design, this study first conducted three focus groups in the qualitative phase to investigate issues or concerns faced by current users of mobile payment apps. The study then conducted an online questionnaire survey in the quantitative phase to collect responses from users of mobile payment apps. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyse 110 valid responses.
Findings
Findings show that usefulness (modelled as a second-order reflective construct consisting of three first-order reflective constructs, i.e. ease of use, acceptability and responsiveness), traceability and security had a statistically significant relationship with attitude towards mobile payment apps (which in turn had a statistically significant relationship with continuance intention to use mobile payment apps). It was also found that attitude towards mobile payment mediated the relationships between usefulness, traceability and security; and continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.
Practical implications
The findings of this study can help mobile payment app service providers and developers design apps that offer the functions and features that their users need.
Originality/value
Although some recent studies have investigated the adoption of mobile payments in the Malaysian context, few of these studies examined current users’ continuance intention to use mobile payment apps.
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Siri Ekberg and Shang Gao
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges of using ICT in secondary schools in Sweden from teachers’ perspectives.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the challenges of using ICT in secondary schools in Sweden from teachers’ perspectives.
Design/methodology/approach
The research followed a qualitative research approach. First, a conceptual framework was developed based on previous research. Then, four teachers, teaching in six different subjects in secondary schools in Sweden, participated in semi-structured interviews that consisted of open-ended questions exploring their views on the challenges of using ICT in secondary schools.
Findings
According to the results, the authors found that the biggest challenges were associated with the perspective of teaching and teaching preparation. Most challenges from previous research have been re-confirmed by the interviewees in this study. In addition, some new challenges were identified in this study. For instance, the results indicated that it was time consuming to find plagiarism of students’ exercises, and there was a lack of ICT training of digital resources provided by the schools.
Originality/value
The investigation of using ICT in secondary schools is of scientific significance because it enriches the understanding of strengths and challenges of using ICT in educational activities. In particular, this research aims to shed light on challenges that teachers may face when using ICT in secondary schools. This research can also contribute to making future strategic plans for the use of ICT in secondary schools.