CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA

Cloud computing is fast gaining a significant ground as a solution to offer institutions with competitive advantage compared to the old traditional Technology. Despite the potential benefits that is associated with cloud computing which includes reduction of total costs of acquisition or ownership (TCO) of hardware, software and skilled resources, the adoption level of cloud services is still very low in higher institutions of learning due to security issues, especially trust issues which remain a major concern over cloud solutions. The study was carried out in some selected public and private universities in sub Saharan Africa to determine the reason for the low cloud adoption by key stakeholders in higher institutions of learning. An adoption strategy was recommended with reference to the resources available, confidentiality, integrity and availability. The study recommended that cloud service providers should be transparent with their privacy policies with institutions of higher learning as this can influence cloud purchasing decisions. Secondly, there is the need for training IT personnel and to create awareness of the benefits of cloud computing to enable institutions of higher learning to adopt them to enhance their productivity

CLOUD COMPUTING ADOPTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE UNIVERSITIES IN SUB SAHARAN AFRICA

Cloud computing is fast gaining a significant ground as a solution to offer institutions with competitive advantage compared to the old traditional Technology. Despite the potential benefits that is associated with cloud computing which includes reduction of total costs of acquisition or ownership (TCO) of hardware, software and skilled resources, the adoption level of cloud services is still very low in higher institutions of learning due to security issues, especially trust issues which remain a major concern over cloud solutions. The study was carried out in some selected public and private universities in sub Saharan Africa to determine the reason for the low cloud adoption by key stakeholders in higher institutions of learning. An adoption strategy was recommended with reference to the resources available, confidentiality, integrity and availability. The study recommended that cloud service providers should be transparent with their privacy policies with institutions of higher learning as this can influence cloud purchasing decisions. Secondly, there is the need for training IT personnel and to create awareness of the benefits of cloud computing to enable institutions of higher learning to adopt them to enhance their productivity

Enhancing Security of Automated Teller Machines Using Biometric Authentication: A Case of a Sub-Saharan University

A wide variety of systems need reliable personal recognition systems to either authorize or determine the identity of an individual demanding their services. The goal of such systems is to warrant that the rendered services are accessed only by a genuine user and no one else.In the absence of robust personal recognition schemes, these systems are vulnerable to the deceits of an impostor. The ATM has suffered a lot over the years against PIN theft and other associated ATM frauds. In this research is proposed a fingerprint and PIN based authentication arrangement to enhance the security and safety of the ATM and its users. The proposed system demonstrates a three-tier design structure. The first tier is the verification module, which concentrates on the enrollment phase, enhancement phase, feature extraction and matching of the fingerprints. The second tier is the database end which acts as a storehouse for storing the fingerprints of all ATM users preregistered as templates. The last tier presents a system platform to relate banking transactions such as balance enquiries, mini statement and withdrawal. The system is developed to run on Microsoft windows Xp or higher and all systems with .NET framework employing C# programming language, Microsoft Visio studio 2010 and SQL server 2008. The simulated results showed 96% accuracy, the simulation overlooked the absence of a cash tray. The findings of this research will be meaningful to Banks and other financial institutions. Keywords:  SQL Server, ATM, Fraud, .NET framework, financial institutions DOI: 10.7176/IKM/9-7-02 Publication date: August 31st 201

Complementary Education Programme and the opportunity to learn in the Northern Region of Ghana

This study seeks to critically investigate the contribution of the School for Life (SfL) model of complementary education programme (CEP) in providing access to quality basic education in the Northern Region of Ghana. In so doing, it aims to examine the linkage between the SfL curriculum and pedagogy, and that of the Ghanaian lower primary school. This will enable a better understanding of the knowledge and skills that CEP graduates attain to enable them to integrate into formal education. The study is set against the background of the call for a replication of the SfL model as a mechanism for providing basic education to all marginalized communities. It is conducted using qualitative and quantitative approaches that fully capture the perspectives, experiences and learning achievements of pupils and other actors associated with both the complementary and formal education sectors in the Northern Region. The study examines the planned, implemented and received curricula of the two systems analysing them within a social constructivist framework. Implicit in this analysis is a comparison of the two curricula. This thesis shows that SfL‘s CEP is not formally structured to meet the requirements of the formal school curriculum. The curriculum materials and training offered to the facilitators do not make mention of the formal school curriculum. SfL has a restrictive focus on literacy and numeracy instruction delivered solely through the mother tongue of the pupils utilising learner centred approaches. Meanwhile the formal school curriculum lacks a clear focus and is embedded within an ambiguous language policy that allows teachers to code switch at their discretion. While the two curricula share similar characteristics of locally relevant themes or topics, the SfL curriculum is functionally relevant as it is designed to meet the social economic lives of the learners and their communities. The study also shows SfL graduates in formal school performing at almost the same level as pupils who enrolled in formal school through the regular route. Thus while SfL graduates miss the first three years of primary schooling, once they enrol in grade 4, there is no significant difference between the performances of the two sets of students

Influence of Demographic Factors on Job Stress and Job Satisfaction among Custom Officials in Ghana

The occupation of customs and excise officers has received relatively limited attention. The present study investigated the influence of demographic factors on job stress and job satisfaction among Ghanaian custom officials. A total of 130 custom officials comprising of both males (n=64) and females (n=66) were sampled using quota sampling technique from all divisions and administered with questionnaires that measured their job stress and satisfaction. Officers in preventive services were found to have experienced greater job stress and lesser job satisfaction compared to officers in custom and excise services. In terms of gender, males and females did not differ on job stress and job satisfaction. Similarly, job rank had no impact on job stress and job satisfaction of custom officials from the Ghanaian setting. The implications of the findings and recommendations for future research are discussed Keywords: Demographic Factors, Job Stress, Job Satisfaction, Custom Officials, Ghana

China’s One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR) Policy Initiative: The Internationalization of the Renminbi

The last decade having witnessed China’s meteoric resurgence has created a paradigm shift that has resulted into not only a massive structural adjustment, but also caused a shift in attention of international relations discourse towards itself. It is partly in respect of the rise and the tailoring of the One-Belt-One-Road policy that this academic research is conducted. Using much of secondary data, the thrust of this study is to examine the impact of the policy and its potential, particularly, in relations to its contributory prowess to the monetary system of china and also, its immense spread effect in contributing to the internationalization of the renminbi. Using the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) model, holding the strengths and opportunities which are internal on one side and holding the weaknesses and threats which are extraneous on the other side, the model conclusively asserts that, capitalizing on the strengths and opportunities will help Beijing override the threats and the weaknesses to turbo-charge the Chinese Renminbi currency into internationalization heights whiles same time helping to rake in social, political and economic benefits including the ability to create the strategic position not only in Eurasia, but in other part of the world. Keywords: One-Belt-One-Road (OBOR), Belt and road initiative (BRI), Renminbi (RMB), Internationalization, Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats (SWOT)

Barriers to Accessing Sanitation Facilities in Aboabo, Ghana

The main purpose of this study is to identify and discuss the specific factors that impede access to sanitation facilities in Aboabo urban slum in the Asokore-Mampong Municipal Area of Ghana. A qualitative approach was employed for the study. Data for this study was from both primary and secondary sources. Review of documents, interviews and observations were used to gather the data. Findings from the study suggested that, inadequate income to acquire private household toilet facilities, inadequate space in the homes for toilets, high user fees to use public toilets, low level of education and unhygienic toilet facilities were identified as obstacles preventing access to sanitation facilities in the urban slum. The findings of this study could apprise city authorities and policy makers to find solutions to sanitation in the Aboabo community. Keywords: Poor sanitation, Sanitation facilities, Barriers, Access, Aboabo

Gender-Based Analysis of Senior High School teacher\u27s ICT Attitudes and Integration

This research delves into Senior High School teachers\u27 attitudes toward integrating Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education. It aims to unveil the underlying factors that influence these attitudes and determine whether they exhibit significant disparities based on gender, age, teaching experience, ICT experience, ICT skills, and ICT training. The study delves into the intricate web of perspectives, beliefs, and emotions that mold the attitudes of Senior High School educators. It acknowledges the profound impact of their unique journeys, experiences, and competencies on these attitudes. This research recognizes that these attitudes are not merely abstract concepts but profound human responses with the potential to shape the future of education. Moreover, the study employs rigorous academic methods and statistical tools to conduct a meticulous analysis of the data. It scrutinizes the statistical significance of these attitudes, unveiling patterns that provide invaluable insights for educators, policymakers, and scholars dedicated to enhancing the educational landscape. In conclusion, this research, supported by robust findings and alignment with prior research in the field, offers invaluable insights for ICT policy planners, practitioners, and scholars. These insights can guide the development of more effective ICT training programs for teachers, prospective educators, and teacher training institutions

WHATSAPP USE IN TEACHING AND LEARNING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC PERIOD: INVESTIGATING THE INITIAL ATTITUDES AND ACCEPTANCE OF STUDENTS

This study explores the acceptance and use of WhatsApp messenger for teaching and learning in senior high school during the COVID-19 pandemic period. This research adapted TAM as its theoretical model. The participants of the study were 62 history students from a senior high school in Ghana. The study also adopted a questionnaire as the research instrument. The data collected from the participants were then analysed using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation analysis. The results from the study show that ease of use of WhatsApp Messenger, usefulness of WhatsApp Messenger, technological challenges, and student attitude towards WhatsApp Messenger use determines students’ actual WhatsApp Messenger use in teaching and learning. Additionally, the study found that student attitude performed a mediating role between ease of use, usefulness, and technological challenges on the one hand and student actual WhatsApp use on the other hand. It was suggested that future studies consider structural equation modeling using the same conceptual model adapted for this study. Also, high school authorities should consider equipping school libraries with m-learning technologies to facilitate teaching and learning