An Investigation of Students' Learning of Integral Calculus with Maple Software and Paper-Pencil Strategies in the Western Region of Ghana.

The goal of the research was to look into the impact of Maple software instruction on senior high school students' understanding of integral calculus. The study adopted a mixed-method design comprising qualitative and quantitative research designs. The researcher used both purposive and simple random sampling techniques to select one hundred (100) participants: fifty (50) participants for the control group and fifty (50) participants for the experimental group. The data collection instruments used in the study were an interview, pre-test and post-test. Data analysis was carried out using descriptive statistics and an Independent Samples t-test. The study found that 7(7%) participants found it difficult to execute correct substitution of the lower and upper limits of definite integral questions. Moreover, most of the participants, 35(35%), omitted the constant of integration after responding to the indefinite integral test item of the pre-test. It was noted that 18(18%) of the participants could not correctly integrate the polynomial or quadratic function administered to them. The independent samples t-test analysis of the post-test scores for the experimental and control groups revealed a statistically significant difference between the experimental group (M = 24.80; SD = 9.48) and the control group (M = 20.65; SD = 7.67). The estimated t-statistic was (t = 2.986; p = 0.005). This shows that Maple Software's experimental group outperformed the control group using the paper and pencil strategy. The analysis of the interview data indicated that Maple Software has contributed to the success of students’ achievement in the integral calculus by arousing and sustaining the student’s interest. The Maple Software also made it easier for students to follow the calculus instruction. The findings recommended that technology and mathematical software should be used in the teaching and learning of integration at schools

Myocardial Infarction (MI) in Women

Cardiovascular disease (CAD) is the most common cause of death for men and women in the US. The disease has been extensively studied in males (Gulati & Bairey Merz, 2012, p. 141). CVD poses an obvious challenge to the health of women. Coronary heart disease (CHD) is described as a modern epidemic (Banner, 2010, p. 3123). Although, the prevalence of CVD has prompted many studies for prevention and treatment, little is known about CVD in women. It Is now known that the mortality rates In women have surpassed that of men. Recent reports Indicate that CVD killed more women in three decades than men. In the US, 421, 31i women died from the disease (strain-Strand et. al, 2011, p.459; Gulati & Bairey Merz, 2012, p. 141)

Teachers’ Attrition at Pre-tertiary Level in Ghana: A Qualitative Investigation into its Causes and Suggestions

Education has become an important social service, and its benefits are better reaped through quality of teachers who could improve performance of learners.  However, in Ghana, before teachers gain experience they quit their profession, a behavior popularly known as attrition, now a global challenge. Attrition in Ghana dates back to President Nkrumah’s era in the 60s, when His fee-free education attracted more children and consequently more teachers. However, conditions of service were un attractive at that time, so many vacated their posts to neighboring countries, like Nigeria, Liberia, Cote d’ Ivo ire, etc. Till date the attrition rate is In Ghana is high. The study thus seeks to identify the causes of, and solution to the attrition challenge in Ghana.  With a qualitative hermeneutic phenomenology methodology sampling approach, the researcher sampled for the study five teachers who had resigned their posts, and five who were in the Ghana Education Service.  A qualitative study analysis software (NVivo), was used to generate four themes as follows:  Poor conditions of service and salary; poor image of the profession; and a disunited front of the different groups of teachers—UTAG, POTAG, NAGRAT, and GNAT. The reviewed literature supported the first three themes, but the last one—the disunited front of teachers-- was significantly unique, and not found in previous studies.  Recommendations to raise the image of the teaching profession through school curriculum review; better conditions of service for GES; and a united front for all teachers in Ghana have been suggested. Key words: Attrition, greener pastures, qualitative genre, hermeneutic phenomenology DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-14-18 Publication date:May 31st 201

Gender Inequality in the Usage of ICT Facilities in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Presbyterian University College Library (PUCL), Ghana

The purpose of the study was to find out gender inequality in the use of ICT facilities in the library among male and female students in the Presbyterian University College of Ghana-Asante Akyem Campus. It was a case study which adopted the survey approach with questionnaires as the data collection instrument to solicit the opinions of both genders. The findings disclosed that ICT facilities are available in the library and a significant number of both genders have access to the facilities. However, there were slight variations in the use of the facilities in some domain.Poor internet services as well as inadequate power supply were identified as significant challenges that impeded the use of ICT facilities in the library; therefore, it is recommended that measures should be put in place to avoid persistent power failure in the library. Lastly, the management of the university should acquire bigger broadband to improve the internet service in the library. Keywords: Asante Akyem, Gender, Ghana, ICT facilities, Inequality, Presbyterian, Students, University College. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-25-06 Publication date:September 30th 201

Gender Inequality in the Usage of ICT Facilities in Academic Libraries: A Case Study of Presbyterian University College Library (PUCL), Ghana

The purpose of the study was to find out gender inequality in the use of ICT facilities in the library among male and female students in the Presbyterian University College of Ghana-Asante Akyem Campus-Ghana. It was a case study which adopted the survey approach with questionnaires as the data collection instrument to solicit the opinions of both genders. The findings disclosed that ICT facilities are available in the library and a significant number of both genders have access to the facilities. However, there were slight variations in the use of the facilities in some domain.Poor internet services, as well as inadequate power supply, were identified as significant challenges that impeded the use of ICT facilities in the library; therefore, it is recommended that measures should be put in place to avoid persistent power failure in the library. Lastly, management of the university should acquire bigger broadband to improve the internet service in the library. Keywords: Asante Akyem, Gender, Ghana, ICT facilities, Inequality, Presbyterian, Students, University College. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/10-2-0

Problems And Prospects Of Selling In Reseller Markets in The Fast-Moving-Consumer-Goods (FMCGs) Industry Using The Salesforce; The Case of Y&K Investments Limited, Koforidua, Ghana.

The researchers attempted to assess the problems and prospects associated with selling in reseller markets within the fast-moving-consumer-goods industry, using Y&K Investments Limited, Koforidua, Ghana (Y&K) as case study.  Using convenience and purposive sampling approaches, we surveyed the opinions of resellers, salespeople, and management of Y&K on the subject and analyzed using descriptive statistics.  The study revealed that problems faced by resellers include customers’ reluctance to accept new products, over supply of products and shortages in money collected as a result of pressure to attain sales targets, and general difficulty in retrieving money owed by clients, among others.  However, firms that are able to employ the right salespeople with the right qualities and strategize well would enjoy high sales and market growth. Key Words: Salesperson, Personal Selling, Reseller Market, Selling Process, Salesforce Remuneratio

Packaging as a Puissant Marketing Tool within the Breweries; the Case of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL)

This research surveyed the opinions of management and non-management staff of GGBL, retailers, and consumers of GGBL’s products on the company’s packaging. Packaging is heavily integrated into our daily lives as we see packages around every item we buy, such as chocolate bars, soaps and drinks. As a matter of fact, consumers’ first exposure or encounter to a product may be its package and the physical attributes of the package can influence the consumer to accept or reject the product. Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL), a major manufacturer of alcoholic and non-alcoholic products in Ghana, is noted for designing good quality packages for drinks.  However, there are environmental concerns with the use of glass as a material for packaging the company’s products. Consumers are also not comfortable with the fact that they are required to either deposit cash or submit an empty bottle of same kind before they are allowed to buy any of GGBL’s bottled drinks from retail outlets to their homes.  The study reveals interesting facts upon which recommendations are made to guide manufacturers within the brewing industry. Key Words: Product Package, Packaging, Packaging Materials, Labeling, Brandin

Analysis of Distribution Channels in the Pharmaceutical Industry in Ghana: the Case of Aryton Drugs Ltd. in the Greater and Eastern Regions.

The study attempted to examine the level of satisfaction among retailers who buy from distributors, to find out the reasons manufacturers in the pharmaceutical industry are not fully outsourcing their distribution function and also to identify the challenges faced by firms in distributing their products to retailers and distributors. The study adopted a purposive and accidental non-probability sampling technique. The study surveyed retailers and distributors in Greater Accra region and Koforidua in the Eastern region and management staff of Aryton Ltd. Structured questionnaires and interviews were used. Personal interviews between 1 to 5 minutes for word-of-mouth testimonies were conducted. Close-ended and open-ended questionnaires were administered to 90 retailers and distributors. The study revealed that most retailers are very satisfied with the level of service quality they receive from distributors. Few distributors wish to solely distribute for local manufacturers. Generally the study revealed that both distributors and manufacturers have challenges, some of which are limited financial resources, lack of collateral, high payment default, lack of logistics, and keen competition. Key words: Distribution, Distribution Channels, Channel strategy Pharmaceutical Industry

Level of Passengers’ Satisfaction of Metro Mass Transit Ltd.’s Service Delivery in Koforidua, Eastern Region, Ghana

The study is a survey method which investigated passengers’ level of satisfaction of Metro Mass Transit Ltd.’s (MMT) service delivery in Koforidua, in the Eastern of Ghana.  The objective was to evaluate the customer service quality dimensions that determine customer satisfaction. Literature establishing the relationship between customer service quality and customer satisfaction were reviewed. Because the passengers do not gather at the terminals for a long time, primary data were accidentally gathered from 200 passengers involving 112 males and 88 females which comprised 133 workers and 67 non-workers. Questionnaire of 17 questions involving 15 close-ended and 2 open-ended questions were administered. Tabulations, cross-tabulations, percentages, bar and pie charts were used to analyse and present data. The study revealed that about 60% of MMT passengers are satisfied; about 20% are indifferent, while the remaining 20% are dissatisfied. This indicates that a significant number of about 40% of the passengers could switch to other transport service providers at any time. In view of this, it is recommended among other things that staff are given regular practical customer service training to significantly improve their skills and capacity for improving quality of customer service delivery. When this is done, passengers’ satisfaction levels will increase and lead to customer loyalty. With this Metro Mass Transit Ltd. can cope with the keen competition in the road transport industry and guarantee sustainable corporate performance. In the absence of this, MMT, just like Omnibus Service Authority (OSA) and State Transport Corporation (STC), may sooner or later collapse, defeating the good intentions for setting it up. Key words: service quality, customer satisfaction, indifferent, and dissatisfied, Metro Mass Transport

The Perceptions and Attitudes of Senior High School Students about Polytechnic Education: A Case Study of Twenty Selected Schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana.

The survey investigated the perceptions and attitudes of Senior High School (SHS) students to polytechnic education. This is to serve as the basis for understanding their mind-set, needs and wants better to enable the polytechnics in Ghana mount programmes that better position them as tertiary institutions of choice rather than of last resort. The main objective of the study was to attempt to understand the perception, beliefs, and attitudes of the average Senior High School students to Higher National Diploma (HND) concept. Literature on related works was reviewed to define the conceptual framework for the study. 27-item questions, including Close-ended, open-ended, Likert 5-points attitude measurement scale, and multiple choice questionnaires were purposively administered to a total of 1693, involving 818 female and 875 male 3rd and final year students from 20 selected schools in the Eastern Region of Ghana. SPSS was used to analyze and present data. The study revealed that SHS students have a lot of misconceptions about Polytechnic concept. The study suggests strategies for rebranding polytechnic education in order that SHS students’ beliefs, perceptions, and attitudes to it will more positive. Key words: Perception, Attitudes, Cognitive, Affective, Conativ