AFRICAN JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH

Challenges Visually Impaired Students Face in Acquiring Fashion Skills: A Case Study among Visually Impaired Training Institutions in Ghana

J. Ogoe, E. K. Howard, N. Appiah — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: This study explored the challenges visually impaired (VI) students face concerning fashion skill acquisition.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The research design was based on qualitative. The combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was chosen to ensure a diverse participant pool, capturing a range of perspectives on what visually impaired students face concerning fashion skill acquisition. Thematic analysis was employed to uncover patterns and themes, contributing to a rich understanding of the subject matter.

Findings: The findings revealed that the visually impaired are challenged by barriers to enrolment in fashion programmes, the cost-intensive nature of training, lack of sight, lack of skilled teachers and perceptions about Students with Visual Impairments (SVI) in Fashion. The study initiates further stakeholder discussions regarding designing a simplified inclusive curriculum to accommodate individuals with visually impaired and interested in enrolling on fashion courses.

The Research Limitation: Purposive and snowball sampling techniques may introduce selection bias, as participants are recruited based on specific criteria and through referrals. This may result in a sample that is more inclined to share similar perspectives, potentially overlooking the diversity of experiences within the visually impaired student community.

Practical Implication: Implementation of these practical measures can contribute to breaking down barriers and ensuring equal access to opportunities in the field of fashion for all students, regardless of visual ability.

Social Implication: Inclusive fashion education for the visually impaired has the potential of developing such individuals socially and economically thereby relieving the government of potential financial burden and reducing the social exclusion that the visually impaired experience.

Originality/ value: The novelty of studying visually impaired students regarding fashion skill acquisition lies in its potential to uncover unique challenges, innovative solutions, and opportunities for inclusivity in education and vocational training.

Theft and Vandalism Control Measures on Construction Sites

B. M. Arthur-Aidoo, H. G. Coffie, H. K. Abeka, T. Osae-Ansah, K. Ametsikor — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: The goal of this study is to determine and improve the best security practices within Ghanaian construction sites to control theft and vandalism incidents.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A purposive sampling technique was adopted for the population which were indigenous small and medium-sized construction firms of D1KI and D2K2 categories to complete the semi-structured questionnaire. Out of the total of 80 questionnaires distributed, only 65 responses were retrieved for analysis. Descriptive statistics comprising, frequencies and mean scores were used.

Findings: The findings showed that the most effective and often utilized security measure on construction sites is the hiring of watchmen, with security cameras, alarm systems, and warning signs being the least frequently employed. Sites would most likely be protected from theft by effective implementation of the most important security measures while also guaranteeing that the value for money invested in site security is also realized.

Research Limitation/Implications: The effectiveness of theft and vandalism control measures may vary based on specific site characteristics, such as location, size, and type of construction. Generalising findings from one site to all construction contexts may not be applicable.

Social Implication: Incidents of theft and vandalism can lead to social tensions within the community, especially if residents perceive construction activities as a source of risk. Effective control measures mitigate these tensions, fostering a more harmonious relationship between construction companies and the local population.

Practical Implication: Minimizing the impact of theft and vandalism contributes to the timely completion of construction projects. Unanticipated delays due to security incidents can be avoided, ensuring that projects adhere to planned schedules and deadlines.

Originality/ Value: The originality of this paper lies in its targeted investigation into theft and vandalism control measures on small and medium-sized construction sites, offering innovative and contextually relevant solutions that address the unique challenges faced by SMEs in the construction industry.

The Implications of The Tanzania New Mining Legislation in Enhancing Revenue: A Case of Geita Gold Mine.

T. R. Mwesiga, A. L. Kaswamila, A. E. Mwakipesile — Sun, 29 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the implications of these reforms from a revenue collection perspective in Geita District using Geita Gold Mine Limited (GGML) as a case study.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study utilizes a mixed-method approach, by using both qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study population consisted of individuals from sampled households in six wards around GGML with a sample size of 384 respondents. The study used both stratified and simple random sampling methods in selecting respondents. The qualitative data were collected through in-depth interviews, focus group discussion and documentary analysis while the quantitative data were collected through the survey method. Qualitative data were analysed using content analysis and quantitative data from households were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Research Implications/Limitations: This study is limited to GGML and Geita District only, which may not fully capture the diverse range of other mining companies operating outside the district within Tanzania.

Findings: Study findings indicated that the mining legislation helped to improve the quality of institutions as well as resource governance. For instance, due to improvements in resource governance such as the increase in royalty and mining supervision the revenue from mining activities almost tripled to a total of TZS 664 billion as compared to TZS 196 billion that was collected four years back from 2017.

Practical Implications: The findings are expected to have a significant on improving the traceability of gold production and reporting their activities more transparently. Additionally, reforms can lead to more efficient and effective collection of royalties, taxes, and fees related to gold mining operations, resulting in increased government revenue

Social Implications: The social implications of this research are essential, as the increase in mining revenue through taxes, royalties, service levies and other fees can help to improve social services such as education and health services. The mining sector can also contribute to the provision of employment to host communities which has a direct impact on improving social welfare.

Originality/Value: The novelty of this research lies in its holistic and sector-specific examination of revenue collection reforms in the gold mining industry, considering economic, environmental, social, and governance dimensions. It offers a comprehensive understanding of how reforms in this critical sector can impact both individual nations and the global resource landscape.

Prediction of Petrol and Diesel Prices in Dar Es Salaam using ARIMA models

P. C. Ntare — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: The study aims to address the importance of predicting fuel prices due to their impact on the economy and welfare of people in Dar es Salaam city and regions in Tanzania.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study follows the quantitative research design by utilizing secondary data. The sample data consists of monthly petrol and diesel prices in Dar es Salaam from January 2015 to May 2023. The ARIMA model was employed to analyze the time series data with model identification, estimation, and verification steps performed using statistical techniques such as the ADF test, ACF, PACF, and AIC.

Findings: The findings indicated that the ARIMA (0,1,1) model was the best-fitted model for forecasting both petrol and diesel prices in Dar es Salaam. The forecasted values for the next six months show that models demonstrated good performance in predicting petrol and diesel prices.

Research Limitation/Implication: Some of the potential limitations of this study include the reliance on secondary data, the assumptions of stationarity and linearity in the ARIMA model, and the sensitivity of the forecast to future data. Also, the study focuses specifically on Dar es Salaam which may limit the generalizability of the findings in other regions.

Social Implications: This study has significant social implications for residents of Dar es Salaam, offering insights for household budgeting, transportation planning, and predicting fuel price changes. It also informs social programs and subsidies, contributing to equitable and sustainable community development.

Practical Implications: The study has practical implications for the stakeholders in the fuel industry, policymakers, and consumers in Dar es Salaam. The accurate prediction of petrol and diesel prices can assist consumers in making informed decisions regarding pricing, budgeting, and fuel consumption which helps to reduce the risk of fuel loss and optimize their fuel-related choices.

Originality/Value: The novelty of this study is analyzing historical fuel price data in Dar es Salaam using ARIMA models. Through this approach, we identify trends, seasonality, and cyclical patterns unique to the region. This knowledge adds to the existing understanding of fuel price determinants in the local context.

Appraisal of Mobile Apps for Communication and Collaboration among Construction Project Teams

J. E. Yankah, K. O. Adjei, S. O. Bonney, S. Kotey, C. K. Tieru — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: The construction industry faces communication and collaboration challenges, leading to delays, errors, and increased costs. This study investigates the impact and effectiveness of mobile apps in enhancing internal and external communication and collaboration in the construction industry.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The research design consisted of five phases: familiarisation with the study topic, literature search for construction apps, selection of apps, assessment and categorisation of apps, and validation of app functionality. The selection of apps was based on their versatility, capability to perform multiple tasks, market popularity, relevance to communication and collaboration, readability, and range of functions. Empirical study articles were used to validate and assess the functionalities claimed by the app developers.

Findings: Out of the 65 mobile apps evaluated, only 12 met the exclusion criteria for assessing the practicality of their functions through empirical evidence. Mobile apps like Slack, Microsoft Teams, SmartBidNet, and Basecamp have the potential to significantly enhance communication, collaboration, and decision-making processes in the construction industry.

The Research Limitation: The study identified and evaluated only 12 mobile apps out of 65, based on the exclusion criteria established to evaluate the practicality of the applications' functions through empirical evidence. This limited sample size may not fully represent the range of mobile apps available for communication and collaboration in the construction industry.

Practical Implication: The mobile apps to be used by project team members have the potential to replace traditional methods, particularly for geographically dispersed teams, leading to improved project efficiency and accuracy.

Social Implication: Mobile apps facilitate real-time communication with local communities, allowing construction projects to address concerns and involve community members in the decision-making process.

Originality/value: The study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the availability, accessibility, and competencies of mobile apps in improving internal and external communication and collaboration within the construction industry.

Evaluation of Edwuma Pa Fibre Extraction Machine for Sisal and Banana Leaves: A Sustainable Approach for Textile Applications

M. Akrofi, S. P. Pardie, S. M. Ayesu, C. Frimpong — Fri, 22 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: This study assesses the effectiveness of a mechanical extraction machine designed for sisal and banana leaves in producing natural fibres.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study uses experimental research with a mechanical extraction machine to get fibres from banana and sisal leaves. Testing equipment like a scale, microscope, and strength machine is used to analyse the fibres. Flexure analysis is used to optimize the design to achieve a balance between performance, sustainability, and reliability.

Findings: Through analysis of extracted fibres' tensile strength and diameter, as well as extraction efficiency, the study reveals that both banana and sisal leaves hold promise for fibre yield. Banana fibres exhibit a diameter of 0.102mm and tensile strength ranging from 175.71 N/mm² to 423.934 N/mm². In comparison, sisal fibres have a diameter of 0.1mm and tensile strength between 190.96 N/mm² and 1489.50 N/mm².

Research Limitation/Implications: This research underscores the potential for utilizing locally available natural fibres for textiles and industry, exploring the challenges and prospects of mechanical extraction systems for fibre.

Practical Implications: It aligns with the global push for sustainable textiles and offers insights into improving efficiency and viability, essential for integrating natural fibres into the textile sector.

Social Implications: This emphasis on sustainable practices can lead to increased awareness within local communities about the importance of preserving natural resources and ecosystems.

Originality/Value: The flexure analysis conducted in this study unveils the structural resilience of banana and sisal fibres.

The Study of Flood Effects on The Environment and Livelihoods in Ghana

W. K. Agbosu, S. K. Adanu, M. K. Boakye, K. F. Nkansah — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: This study investigates the repercussions of flooding on the environment and the livelihoods within the Haatso community and its immediate surroundings, situated in the Ga East Municipality of the Greater Accra Region, Ghana.

Design/ Methodology/ Approach: We employed purposive sampling to conduct household-based interviews with 61 individuals across five residential areas. We used semi-structured questionnaires to collect their perspectives on the 2022 flooding situation within the Haatso communities. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze disaggregated data such as demographic characteristics and other relevant themes directly bearing on flooding and flood vulnerability.

Findings: The Haatso community and its immediate environs would continue to experience floods recurring annually due mainly to drain-related and unplanned infrastructure issues. Hence, the detrimental consequences of floods on infrastructure and businesses, resulting in hardships in the community are expected to persist.

Research Limitation/Implication: The approach utilized in this study can be adapted for similar endeavours aimed at mitigating the effects of flooding on both the environment and livelihoods within various communities and their immediate environs.

Practical Implication: The causes, rate of occurrence, and adaptive and coping mechanisms of floods ought to be known to provide additional knowledge on combatting floods.

Social Implication: Providing early warning alerts increases survival schemes and hence decreases the direct and indirect losses caused by annual floods on communities.

Originality/Value: This research submits a more pragmatic, holistic, and realistic survival strategy for the Haatso community and its immediate environs as compared to generalized studies, which did not consider directly local settings.

Examination of Guests’ Choice For Star-Rated Hotels in Ghana

N. A. Sarkodie, C. Gyeduah, P. Kyei, C. Gyimah — Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate the factors that impact guests’ choice of star-rated hotels in Ghana.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A survey and questionnaire were used to collect data from 100 guests from 10 selected star-rated hotels. The guests were selected using a convenience sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Findings: The survey found that the primary factors influencing customers' decisions on star-rated hotels include cleanliness, external presentation, pricing value, security and safety, expected service quality, comfortable amenities, and facility amenities. The study also found that guests’ demographic profiles influenced the choice of a star-rated hotel.

Research Implications/Limitations: The study focused on 1-5-star rated hotels in Accra, Kumasi, and Sunyani.

Practical Implications: It is anticipated that the knowledge emanating from the study will guide hotel proprietors to have an overview of the required needs of guests. The study recommends that hotel owners should focus more on cleanliness, external appearance, price value, security, and safety to attract and retain guests.

Social implication: This study would help researchers understand the societal dynamics and cultural nuances that shape guests' preferences and perceptions in the context of the hospitality industry in Ghana.

Originality/Value: Prior studies have mostly concentrated on the more general factors that affect guests' hotel choices, and relatively little is known about how guests pick hotels based on their star ratings. This study proposed a conceptual framework that adapted multi-lingual staff, disability friendliness and demographic traits, and inferential statistics such as factor analysis and regression to ascertain the extent of the impact on guests’ choice of star-rated hotels which is missing in the literature review.

Globalisation and Its Impact on Operational Flexibility Drive and The Performance of Ghana’s Small and Medium-Scale Garment Enterprises

M. A. Osei, , N. A. Appiah, C. E. Adala, B. K. Asinyo, E. K. Howard — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: This study aims to dissect the complex dynamics between globalisation, operational flexibility, and enterprise performance in Ghana's garment manufacturing sector.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Employing a quantitative research design, the study analyses survey data collected from members of the Ghana National Dressmakers and Tailors Association (GNDTA) who are registered with the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI) database across major industrial cities: Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale. Two hundred and thirteen small and medium garment producers were sampled from the three ecological zones in Ghana by convenience and stratification.

Findings: The findings of the study revealed that globalisation significantly influences enterprise performance. Hence, operational flexibility did not influence performance. Additionally, operational flexibility did not explain the relationship between globalisation and enterprise performance.

It can be concluded that fashion industries do not need operations to improve their performance, but rather globalisation to boost their performance in the fashion industry. It is recommended that fashion firms should focus more on globalisation to enhance their performance in the fashion industry.

Research limitation /Implication: This study focused on Globalisation, Operational flexibility, and Enterprise Performance.

Practical implication: It was discovered that there are practical implications of globalisation for Small and medium-sized garment enterprise practitioners and other small garment enterprises in developing countries.

Social implication: This study will assist policymakers in addressing globalisation's impact on Small and medium-sized garment enterprises considering that globalisation is a key factor in supporting the performance of enterprises' profitability and sustainability.

Originality/ Value: The inclusion of operational flexibility as a central driving force sets this study apart. Examining how globalization influences the ability of garment enterprises to adapt and be flexible in their operations contributes novel insights into the mechanisms that drive competitiveness in the global market.

Optimisation of Process Parameters on Compressive Strength of 3D-Printed Polylactic Acid Parts

M. K. Akpakpavi, S.M. Sackey, M. K. Asante-Afrifa — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to optimise the influence of 3D printing processing parameters on the ultimate compressive strength of 3D-printed polylactic acid (PLA) parts. The objective is to develop the predictive models to help predict and attain optimized compressive strength integrity of 3D printed parts.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In the present study, 3D printed PLA samples were modelled and fabricated using carefully selected processing parameters-processing speed, processing temperature and nozzle diameter. Compressive tests were performed by ASTM D695-15 standard. Two characteristics response optimisation models based on the Taguchi Technique and multi-linear regression models were developed to optimize the process parameters and the ultimate compressive strength of the 3D printed samples.

Findings: Results of this study reveal that ultimate compressive strength is significantly affected by the Nozzle diameter. The ultimate compressive strength of the 3D-printed PLA sample was found to be significantly higher than the strength of the original PLA filament printed.

Research Implications/Limitations: In this study, only three critical 3D printing processing parameters including, processing speed; processing temperature and nozzle diameter were implemented concurrently.

Practical implication: By optimising process parameters, such as layer thickness, infill density, printing speed, and processing temperature, manufacturers can produce 3D-printed PLA parts with higher compressive strength. This leads to higher product quality and reliability.

Social implication: It can empower local communities and small businesses to manufacture parts and products that meet their specific needs. This can reduce dependence on centralized manufacturing and promote economic self-sufficiency.

Originality / Value: In this work, Nozzle diameter, which is a not too much studied 3D printing processing parameter, is implemented simultaneously with processing speed, and processing temperature to 3D print PLA filament to achieve an ultimate compressive strength value significantly higher than the strength of the original filament.

Investigation of Amended Sandy Soil's Water Retention Characteristics

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: Soil water retention studies are important for evaluating soil quality and water movement in soils. This study assesses the water content capacity and changes in the retention curve of sandy soil after using zeolite X, activated charcoal, and rice husk ash as amendments.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Sandy soil samples were collected from the study area, Keta District of Ghana, and a core borer and a pot experiment were used to determine the pressure head and water content of the soil. One-way analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) was used to analyze the data. Water retention curve analyses were conducted using COMSOL multi-physics simulation and experimental work.

Research Limitation/Implication: The amendments used were restricted to zeolite X, activated charcoal, and rice husk ash.

Practical Implications: The study contributes to the field of sustainable agriculture and land management by exploring amendments that can potentially reduce water usage in irrigation, mitigate soil erosion, and enhance soil fertility. This aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable and efficient resource use.

Social Implications: These findings can be implemented for cases of poor yield by farming communities by applying zeolite X, activated charcoal, and rice husk ash to improve crop productivity.

A Comparative Study of Printed Fabric Product Lines and Design Concepts of Texstyle Ghana Limited

S. P. Pardie , B. K. Asinyo , R. Acquaye , E. K. Howard — Mon, 18 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: This research investigates TexStyle Ghana Limited’s printed fabric design concepts over three decades, focusing on cultural heritage and consumer preferences, aiming to understand trends and patterns.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This research employs qualitative data analysis as the primary approach to investigate design concepts. The research method adopted for this study is a single-case method. The data is collected from TexStyle Ghana Limited (TSGL), a prominent textile printing company in Ghana, with a specific focus on their product lines and historical design trends. The data is analysed based on patterns, and themes within textual or visual data.

Findings: TexStyle Ghana Limited (TSGL) offers four unique brands of printed fabrics catering to diverse consumer segments. Their design concepts reflect cultural motifs, traditional heritage, and bold African textile utilisation. TSGL's product lines, such as the Adepa Dumas and NuStyle collections, target specific demographics with distinctive design elements.

Research Limitation/Implications: The study's limitation includes focusing on TSGL, although there are other printing companies in Ghana. However, the findings or implications could apply to other textile printing companies.

Practical Implication: The research highlights the significance of considering customer preferences and cultural heritage in textile design for Ghanaian companies. These include traditional motifs, vibrant colours, and cultural symbolism that enhances competitiveness and customer satisfaction.

Social Implication: Preserving Ghanaian cultural heritage through printed fabrics promotes representation, inclusivity, and global promotion of African art and fashion while catering to diverse consumer segments.

Originality/Value: This industry-specific lens allows for targeted insights into the unique challenges and innovations in textile printing, contributing to a more granular understanding of Ghana's fashion landscape.

Exploring The State of Spousal Communication among Shift Workers: A Case Study of Health Sector Workers in Cape Coast, Ghana.

K. W. Gyasi — Thu, 04 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: The study investigated spousal communication among shift workers in the health sector in Cape Coast, Ghana. The research was aimed at examining the association between different shift-work schedule types and three spousal communication parameters: frequency, quality, and satisfaction.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study adopted a quantitative research approach and a cross-section survey design. A survey of 128 married shift workers across three urban health facilities participated in the study. The participants responded to the questionnaire instrument and the collected data was processed through the use of quantitative tools. The researcher utilized box plots as well as analyses of variance to discuss the relationships between communication parameters and shift schedules of participants.

Findings: The researcher found that the frequency, quality, and pleasure of spousal communication might not be inherently impaired by shift work. The study also found no significant differences in schedule types between rotating and fixed shifts, nor did the direction of rotation impact quality. It is concluded that variables other than shift type may affect couples, including cultural influences, social support, and personal coping mechanisms.

Research Limitation/Implications: The findings of this research are limited to the opinions of the participants, which means that the results may not be generalized to other contexts.

Practical Implication: There is a need for hospitals to consider scheduling spouses outside the afternoon schedule since it has a significant effect on the frequency of spousal communication.

Social Implication: The study encourages reexamining shift work's effects in different cultural contexts and suggests tailored interventions to support shift workers.

Originality/Value: The study is based on the design and implementation of the researcher, and there is no evidence of publication of this work in any other journal by either the researcher or others. The work is an original piece and there is no other contributor aside from the researcher.

Green Procurement Nexus Performance of Manufacturing Firms: Empirical Reflections

H. F. Kimario, E. Ernest, D. K. Festo, A. M. Nicodemus, S. Shilemba — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: This literature-based study assessed green procurement practices as a strategic tool for protecting the environment in favour of the performance of manufacturing firms.

Design/Methodology/Approach: A systematic qualitative scrutiny aided by nomothetic content analysis from the published papers centred on green procurement as a global strategic approach to protecting the environment was employed.

Findings: Green procurement practices are documented as useful for the performance of firms. Moreover, little has been pronounced on relevant practices in Tanzania. Manufacturing firms are charged for environmental compliance and hence call for a related conceptual study.

Research Limitation/Implication: The study limited itself to the literature alone out of no cause-effect relationship testing of green procurement practices against performance hence calling for the quantitative study guided by hypothesis testing.

Practical Implications: The practical implications of the green procurement nexus on the performance of manufacturing firms are significant and can influence various aspects of a company's operations, sustainability efforts, and overall success.

Social Implications: The study contributes to the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) agenda by highlighting the green procurement practices to be taken on board for the social wellbeing of the delivery of materials to manufacturing firms in consistency with the governance mechanisms.

Originality/Value: Suggestion: The novelty of the study on the green procurement nexus and manufacturing firm performance lies in its empirical, multidimensional, and forward-looking approach to understanding how sustainable procurement practices can impact various facets of a manufacturing firm's operations and long-term sustainability. It contributes to the growing body of knowledge on the intersection of sustainability and business performance.

Spillover Effect of Surface Mining on Cocoa Farming in The Wassa Amenfi East and West Districts, Ghana.

F. Enu-Kwesi, D. B. Dankwah, R. O. Ntiri, F. Koomson, E. E. Asmah — Thu, 28 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: Based on the resource curse paradox, we argued that farmers are crowded out due to their lower marginal propensity to bargain, making them vulnerable to livelihood shocks. Consequently, we examined the spillover effect of surface mining on cocoa farmers in the Wassa Amenfi East and West districts.

Design/Methodology/Approach: Using a mixed research design, a total sample of 758 farmers were proportionately sampled from 14 purposively selected communities from Wassa Amenfi East and West districts. In addition, community extension agents, chief farmers and opinion leaders were formed into a focus group for discussion. The quantitative data were presented using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon Sign Ranked test and triangulated with emergent issues from the focus group discussions.

Research Implications/Limitations: The study largely focused on cocoa farmers who were affected by surface mining. As a result, the findings of this study were interpreted within that scope unless they are confirmed by studies that involve a cross-section of cocoa farmers.

Findings: We found that the livelihoods of cocoa farmers have deteriorated due to significant reductions in cocoa farm sizes and yields attributed to surface mining activities in the districts. Generally, cocoa farmers willingly gave out farmlands to miners to receive a bulk sum of money. The processes involved in the computation and payment of compensation were not in line with protocols enshrined in the Minerals and Mining Act 703 of Ghana and the tenets of the entitlement theory of justice.

Practical Implications: Sustainable land-use planning is a crucial element in mitigating the negative impacts and fostering resilient cocoa-farming communities in the affected districts. Based on this the study highlights the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses environmental and economic challenges.

Social Implications: The social implication of the study lies in the ability of cocoa farmer groups to advise their members against giving out their cocoa farms to surface miners and to make them aware that cocoa trees are heritage cash crops that are for use by current and future generations.

Originality/Value: The paper contributes to the debate on the weakness of mining laws in protecting vulnerable groups with a focus on surface mining that crowds out farmers from the land market and dislocates them from their livelihood activities.

Resource Mobilisation, Utilisation and Wellbeing of Social and Solidarity Groups In The Assin Fosu Municipality, Ghana.

F. Koomson, C. Buadu, R. O. Ntiri — Wed, 20 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0600

Purpose: The study focused on farm-based cooperatives in the Assin Fosu municipality and examined resource mobilisation as well as the factors that determine resource utilisation and the wellbeing of social and solidarity organisations.

Design/Methodology/Approach: 180 respondents from six registered farm-based cooperatives in the Assin Fosu Municipality were chosen for the study using a mixed research design and a multi-stage sample method that included purposive, proportional, and simple random sampling procedures. The Focus Group comprised cooperative chairpersons and was further expanded to include the Municipal Co-operative Officer, who was specifically chosen as a key informant. In addition to narratives drawn from qualitative data, descriptive statistics and logistic regression were used to examine the data.

Research Implications/Limitations: The limitation of this study is the measurement of farm size and income which were based on the mental construct of farmers because most of the cooperative members did not keep records. This tended to distort the reality related to farm size and income which were included in the construct of wellbeing and collective resource mobilisation.

Findings: We discovered that, except for cooperatives based on cocoa, resource mobilisation was low across all the cooperatives. The study found that the mobilisation of resources and the collective purchase of agricultural equipment and supplies, which reduced production costs, were the driving forces behind resource utilisation. The main wellbeing indicators were longer membership durations and group resource mobilisation and utilisation.

Practical Implications: The findings of the study will help contribute to the management of social and solidarity groups in Ghana and broaden the understanding of how this development approach affects livelihoods. It is also hoped that the findings will contribute to the mitigation of the cost of neoliberal policies by providing a path to wellbeing at the micro and informal levels through group resource mobilisation and utilisation.

Social Implications: Social and Solidarity organisations serve as an alternative to economic organisations that are based on neoliberal principles. This is because the latter favours the dominant few in developing economies culminating in widespread poverty, inequalities, and a decline in wellbeing. To maximise wellbeing, cooperatives should intensify resource mobilisation, and utilisation whilst maintaining their membership.

Originality/Value: The novelty of this paper lies in its contribution to the literature on social and solidarity economies. It provides information on the missing link on how farm-based cooperatives mobilise and utilise resources for the wellbeing of their members.

Impact of Electric-Arc Welding on The Mechanical Properties of AISI 1055 Medium Carbon Steel with Varied Gauge Diameters

J. Y. Afrifa, E. A. Duodu, N. J. Amoanab, K. Dubik, C. Akasika, F. Dery — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: This paper investigated through experimentation, the impact of electric-arc welding processes on the mechanical properties of AISI 1055 steel medium carbon steel material with varied gauge diameters.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used experimental and analytical methods to investigate the impact of electric arc welding on the mechanical properties of AISI 1055 Medium Carbon Steel. The test samples were prepared based on the standards of the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI), with varied gauge diameters. Standard tensile tests were performed on the samples before welding and after welding, using a computer-interfaced Universal Tensile Testing Machine. Data obtained from the study was analyzed using graphs, tables and charts. Finally, the sets of results for both welded and unwelded specimens were compared to determine the impact that welding has on welded medium carbon steel components and structures.

Findings: The data recorded by the computer-interfaced tensile test machine was used to plot and display, the stress-stain graphs for the various sets of samples. The results showed that the welding processes adversely affected the Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS), Yield Strength, Elastic Modulus and Impact Strength of the samples studied; since all the samples studied had their initial values dropped after undergoing welding and testing. However, the strain of the samples increased after welding.

Research Limitation/Implication: Although there are other methods and techniques of welding metals, this study adopted electric arc welding to weld the samples used for the study due to resource constraints.

Practical Implication: The findings of this study also bring to the fore, the need for industry regulators to promulgate standards to regulate the welding of medium carbon steel and by extension, other industrial materials to preserve the natural properties of the materials.

Originality/Value: This study introduced an important perspective to the testing of engineering materials by varying the gauge diameters (a key determinant of the dimensional specifications of the specimen), to obtain a comprehensive insight into the impact of electric-arc welding on the mechanical properties of the material.

Optimisation of Process Parameters on Tensile Strength of 3D Printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) Parts: ASTM D638 Type – IV

M. K. Akpakpavi, S. M. Sackey, M. K. Asante-Afrifa — Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to optimize the influence of 3D printing processing parameters on the ultimate tensile strength of 3D printed Polylactic Acid (PLA) parts. The objective is to develop predictive models to help predict and attain optimised mechanical strength integrity of 3D printed parts.

Design/Methodology/Approach: In the present study, 3D printed PLA samples were modelled and fabricated using carefully selected processing parameters-processing speed, processing temperature and nozzle diameter. Tensile tests were performed by ASTM D638 standard. Two characteristics response optimisation models based on Taguchi Technique and multi-linear regression models were developed to optimise the process parameters and the ultimate tensile strength of the 3D printed samples.

Findings: Results of this study reveal that ultimate tensile strength is significantly affected by the Nozzle diameter. The ultimate tensile strength of the 3D-printed PLA sample was found to be significantly higher than the strength of the original PLA filament printed.

Practical implication: The optimisation of process parameters for enhancing the tensile strength of 3D-printed PLA parts holds significant practical consequences, including cost savings, improved performance, sustainability, and innovation. The aforementioned consequences render PLA a more feasible and appealing material option for a diverse array of applications and industries.

Social implication: Optimisation of PLA printing can promote community engagement by allowing individuals to bring their creative ideas to life, fostering a sense of community and innovation.

Originality / Value: The unique aspect of this research resides in its particular emphasis on PLA, the utilization of empirical and data-based techniques to optimise process parameters, and its potential to enhance the real-world implementation of 3D printing with PLA across diverse industries.