https://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/issue/feedInternational Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies and Innovative Research2024-02-02T10:17:59+00:00Professor Daniels OBENG-OFORI danielobengofori@yahoo.comOpen Journal Systems<ul> <li><strong>Editor in Chief: <a href="https://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/Editor-In-Chief">Prof. Daniel Obeng-Ofori</a></strong></li> <li><strong>ISSN: </strong><a href="https://portal.issn.org/resource/ISSN/2737-7172">2737-7172 (O). 2737-7180 (P)</a></li> <li><strong>Print Issue: </strong>Available</li> <li><strong>Frequency</strong> (<strong>Bi-Monthly</strong>) </li> <li><strong>NASS Rating:</strong> 4.47</li> <li><strong>Start year:</strong> 2020</li> <li><strong>Subject: </strong>Multidisciplinary</li> <li><strong>Submission: </strong>Open</li> <li><strong>IC Value:</strong> 42.91%</li> <li><strong>Peer Review: </strong>Double Blind</li> </ul>https://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/146Construction of Prototype Fire-Wood Clay Oven for Drying Cocoa Beans in Ghana2024-01-16T10:21:38+00:00Kofi Asante-Kyeikofi.asante-kyei@ttu.edu.ghCaleb Nii Darku Dodoocaleb.dodoo@ttu.edu.ghLudwig Hesse MarteiLudwig.hesse@ttu.edu.gh<p>Despite several attempts made by various studies in trying to reduce the drying period, the period is still high. The main objective of the study was to compose insulating bricks to construct a portable clay oven fueled by fire-wood for drying cocoa beans in order to minimize the prolonged and hectic periods that Ghanaian cocoa farmers go through to get cocoa beans dried. The study sought to construct a cocoa drying oven using Abonko clay, Atuobo red sand, and sawdust as the main materials for the manufacturing of insulation bricks. Various proportions of the materials were experimented with to arrive at the successful outcome of <strong>test 5 (</strong>6 parts of Abonko clay: 2 parts of sand: 2 parts of sawdust) and fired at 1200 <sup>0</sup>C, Therefore, the study adopted t<strong>est<sub>5</sub></strong> as the body for making the insulating bricks to construct the clay oven Mild steel barrel was used as the main frame for holding the clay oven. The bricks were carefully cut to size and shape, arranged and fixed in the oven. Two (2) kilograms of fermented cocoa beans were placed and heated in the clay oven to determine their moisture content at different temperatures. It was realized that the prototype clay oven was able to dry the cocoa beans and reduce the moisture content from 75.9% to 6.4.0% in 4 hours and 30 minutes at a temperature of 130 <sup>0</sup>C. The study recommended among others that; the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana could do further research to find out the quality of the cocoa beans dried using the clay oven method. in terms of nutritional values, moisture content level, abnormal odours, and insect pest and mould contamination.</p>2024-01-01T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Kofi Asante-Kyei, Caleb Nii Darku Dodoo, Ludwig Hesse Marteihttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/81Building Resilient Patient Referral Systems in Rural Districts: A Qualitative Study in Ghana2022-04-27T12:30:53+00:00Vitalis Bawontuovbawontuo@ubids.edu.gh<p>Health system resilience partly depends on robust primary healthcare systems that are well-linked through functional referral systems. The study explored how referral system challenges are addressed in a poor rural Bongo district to support maternal and newborn care in Ghana. Bongo district was purposively selected for the study. Data were collected from purposefully sampled district, sub-district, and facility-level health managers, frontline staff, and community-level opinion leaders using interviews and focus group discussions. A 3-week participant observation was also conducted in the Bongo-Soe health centre. The data were transcribed and uploaded onto NVivo11 where codes and themes were generated. The findings revealed an integrated referral system, supported by a teleconsultation system which enabled free phone calls between the staff. However, there were some challenges that needed to be resolved to increase the referral system’s robustness. Referral transportation challenges included a lack of ambulance services, a poor road network, and an inability to pay transportation costs. Again, inadequate staffing and patients resisting referrals threatened the functioning of the referral system. Improving referral systems and ensuring viable ambulance services are essential for achieving health systems resilience in poor rural areas. It requires cross-sectoral action beyond the health sector to other sectors. The findings of the study will contribute to building a resilient patient referral system in rural areas, especially for maternal and newborn care. In addition, it adds to the existing knowledge of referral systems in Ghana.</p>2024-01-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Vitalis Bawontuohttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/145Analysing Land Reclamation and Ecosystem Services in Small-Scale Surface Mining in the Asante Akim Central Municipal, Ashanti Region of Ghana2023-11-12T21:19:50+00:00Benjamin Amoako-Attahamoakoattahbenjamin@gmail.comIsaac Kwasi Henyoisaachenyo@gmail.com<p>This study was conducted in the Asante Akim Municipality using GIS and remote sensing to ascertain the extent of reclamation activities and their impacts on the ecosystem services of the forest in the Asante Akim Central Municipal. The study used satellite data from Landsat between the period of 20 years (2002-2022) and other essential data. The LULC analysis was carried out in QGIS software and pixel recalcination was performed to identify the mined areas. The Invest computer software was used to assess the ecosystem services. The results from the study showed that within the 20 years in the study area, LULC constitutes Close Forest (21606.46 ha), Open Forest (71751.74 ha), Agricultural lands (22617.90ha), Water (2174.833ha), Bare Soil/mining site (19431.908 ha) and Built-up (10063.869 ha). It was found from the study that the major land use conversion was from Close Forest to open forest (5620.8 ha), open forest to Agricultural lands (14212.642 ha), and Agricultural lands to either bare soil (1686.726 ha) or Built-up (9902.859 ha). Moreover, the extent of reclamation activities over the ten (10) year period was approximately 2461.7025 ha representing 1.7% of the total landscape. The reclamation activity was marginal with little or no effects on the improvement of the ecosystem. Finally, five ecosystem parameters assessed (Phosphorus export, Carbon Storage, Nitrogen export, and sediment export.) showed that the reclamation activity was insignificant to warrant a change in the ecological services. It is recommended that The Ministry of Lands and Natural Resources in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency in Ghana should intensify their campaign against small-scale miners who do not comply with the compulsory reclamation of mining site policy in Ghana.</p>2024-01-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Benjamin Amoako-Attah, Isaac Kwasi Henyohttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/89Empowering Nations through Education: A Curriculum Revolution in Ghana and Beyond2022-05-16T18:21:30+00:00Abubakari Alhassanalhassanabubakari@becoled.edu.ghTabiri Ibrahimtabiribrahim@becoled.edu.gh<p>This research paper explores into the critical role of education in fostering national growth and prosperity. It explores the challenges and concerns surrounding curriculum development and implementation in various countries, with a particular focus on the case study of Ghana. The study emphasizes the significance of a well-structured and effective curriculum in shaping the educational landscape and driving economic development. The paper examines global trends in educational strategies and highlights the transformative shifts in curriculum design and delivery. It investigates the impact of these new curricular approaches on both teacher performance and student achievement. Through the utilization of comprehensive methodologies, including surveys, interviews, and thematic analysis, the research provides valuable insights into the current state of education in the selected regions. Furthermore, the paper offers recommendations and solutions for addressing the identified challenges in curriculum development and implementation. It emphasizes the need for collaboration among educational stakeholders, policy-makers, and educators to enhance curriculum quality and relevance, ultimately contributing to the advancement of national growth agendas. This study contributes to the ongoing discourse on the vital link between education and economic development and offers actionable insights for policymakers and educators seeking to improve educational systems and promote national prosperity.</p>2024-01-20T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Abubakari Alhassan, Tabiri Ibrahimhttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/123Democratic Leadership Style and Performance of Administrative Staff in Selected Universities in the Bono Region of Ghana2023-02-27T20:13:48+00:00K. Obeng-Asarevdkorang@gmail.comV. Korangvdkorang@gmail.com<p>This study examined the effect of democratic leadership style on the performance of administrative staff members at selected universities in the Bono region of Ghana. The specific objectives of this study were to: investigate whether democratic leadership style was currently being practiced in the selected universities in the Bono region, investigate the relationship between democratic leadership and employee performance, and examine the effect of democratic leadership on employee performance. The study examines whether democratic leadership influences administrative staff performance, hypothesizing no significant relationship or impact, and explores the potential effects on organizational effectiveness. The study used 231 respondents and these respondents were randomly selected. Questionnaires were used to collect data from the respondents. Descriptive statistics (mean, percentages, correlation, and regression statistical tools) were used to analyze the data The findings of the research revealed that the democratic leadership style has a significant positive impact on the performance of administrative staff members at selected universities. The study showed that the application of a democratic leadership style resulted in improved employee performance by 41.1%. This improvement is statistically significant, with a p-value of 0.000, indicating a strong relationship between democratic leadership and employee performance. Furthermore, the study highlighted that democratic leadership fosters strong employee synergy through participation in decision-making, teamwork, and cooperation, all of which contribute to enhanced performance. The analysis concluded that the democratic leadership style, characterized by involvement and empowerment of staff, significantly improves employee performance in both public and private university settings in the Bono region of Ghana. It was recommended that supervisors apply a democratic leadership style to induce employee performance.</p>2024-01-20T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 K. Obeng-Asare, V. Koranghttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/147Analyzing Spatio -Temporal Trend of the Vegetative Cover of the Adansi South Cluster of Forest Reserves in Ghana2024-01-29T16:09:00+00:00Benjamin Amoako-Attahamoakoattahbenjamin@gmail.com<p>Variations in forest growth are assumed to be within certain limits due to natural causes such as rainfall and temperature, but not to the extent to which the forest reserve is being exhausted. This study investigated the spatial variations in government forest reserves within the Adansi South District of the Ashanti Region, Ghana, using Landsat images covering a 34-year period at ten-year intervals. The findings indicate a consistent decline in Close Forest (from 29.5% in 1986 to 21.5% in 2020) and Water bodies (from 0.17% in 1986 to 0.14% in 2020), alongside a continuous increase in Open Forest (from 64.7% in 1986 to 66.6% in 2020), Galamsey (small scale illegal mining) (from 0.0% in 1986 to 2.6% in 2020), Built Up Environment (from 0.33% in 1986 to 3.0% in 2020), and Bare Land (from 3.4% in 1986 to 6.5% in 2020). The spatial integrity index for the Adansi South Forest reserve was 57.8%, indicating disturbance from human activities, with 8887 patches detected in the reserve. Shannon's Diversity Index analysis yielded a value greater than 0. Expected land use and land cover patterns for 2025, 2030, and 2040 indicate a persistent increase in Galamsey, bare lands, built-up areas, and open forest, accounting for approximately 81.1% of total land use coverage over the next 30 years, with a decrease in close forest and water bodies (18.9%) in the Adansi South District. It is recommended that illegal mining within protected forest areas be discouraged, and laws regarding illegal entry into protected areas be rigorously enforced.</p>2024-01-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Benjamin Amoako-Attahhttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/48Navigating Change: Understanding Employee Attitudes and Behaviors during Periods of Management Transition2021-12-30T23:03:31+00:00Charity Leeleecharity.cl@gmail.com<p>In the dynamic corporate landscape, marked by continual changes, transitions in leadership have emerged as pivotal moments influencing organizational dynamics and employee experiences. This article delves into the intricate realm of employee attitudes and behaviours during periods of management transition. By scrutinizing aspects such as initial resistance, impact on morale and productivity, opportunities for growth, communication strategies, the development of a supportive culture, and the crucial role of leadership, this comprehensive review offers nuanced insights into the effective management of organizational change. The exploration extends beyond the theoretical framework, delving into practical strategies for leaders navigating the challenges posed by transitions in leadership. The review identifies a critical gap in the existing literature concerning the internationalist of employee attitudes and the multifaceted nature of management transitions. While various studies touch on individual aspects, there is a scarcity of comprehensive analyses that integrate the diverse facets of employee experiences during these transitions. This research aims to bridge this gap by providing a holistic understanding of the challenges and opportunities associated with management changes, offering a valuable resource for scholars, practitioners, and organizational leaders alike. Recommendations derived from the synthesis of literature and empirical insights include fostering transparency through open dialogues, establishing two-way communication platforms to involve employees in the transition process, communicating realistic timelines to manage expectations, and prioritizing the measurement of well-being indicators through surveys and feedback mechanisms. These recommendations serve as a guide for leaders seeking to navigate management transitions with finesse and effectively support their workforce through the complexities of change.</p>2024-01-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2022 Scholars Journal of Science and Technologyhttps://ijmsirjournal.com/index.php/ojs/article/view/148Analysis of the Relationship Between Equal Opportunity and Employees’ Performance2024-02-02T10:17:59+00:00Sandra Osei - Mensahoseimensahsandra@yahoo.com<p>The main mission of any organization is for its workers to perform well for the organization to get more profit and grow whilst the primary mission of any employee is to get the opportunity in the firm they are working so that their suggestions and the knowledge they have about their experiences at the workplace will be accepted and acted upon. Equal opportunities in the workplace contribute positively to employee performance when employees feel treated fairly. It enhances morale, engagement, and positivity. Additionally, diverse teams often bring varied perspectives, fostering creativity and problem-solving. Research indicates that an inclusive environment leads to higher job satisfaction and lower turnover rates, ultimately benefiting overall organizational performance. Equal opportunities lead to professional growth, skill development, and career advancement which form the cornerstone of organization dynamics. The programs, mentorship, and diverse roles shape employees' capabilities and aspirations. This review examines the organizational structures and policies that foster or hinder equal opportunities, emphasizing the pivotal role of understanding the intricate relationship between employee opportunity and organizing job performance as well as providing insights into fostering a thriving adaptable workforce.</p>2024-01-31T00:00:00+00:00Copyright (c) 2024 Sandra Osei - Mensah