Amenuveve De-Graft Johnson Dei - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Amenuveve De-Graft Johnson Dei
Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI int... more Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI internet almost everywhere in the academic libraries of developing countries, academic libraries in Ghana are yet to fully exploit this opportunity and provide mobile technology (m-tech) based library services. This study thus set to assess the preparedness' of library management towards the implementation of m-tech library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey and the mixed method in collecting data from 365 respondents. The study established that the majority of respondents were aware that mobile devices could be used to access library services, and were willing to be trained, adapt; and upgrade their skills to suit any mobile service technological change undertaken in academic libraries. The main mobile devices available and used to provide services to the patrons comprise handheld tablets, smartphones, iPod, cell phones, PDA's and e-book readers. However, the study found a lack of a culture of training for staff and requisite skills as the inhibitors towards the adoption of m-tech in libraries
E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing... more E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing and sharing of knowledge among members of the university communities. This study sought to explore the deployment and adoption of e-learning to facilitate knowledge creation, storage and sharing in Ghanaian universities. The survey and mixed method research approach were used to collect data from stratified sampled respondents of the universities. The general population for this study comprised all the categories of the universities in Ghana: public and private. The study established that the awareness, adoption and usage of e-learning to facilitate knowledge management (creation, processing, sharing and storage) at the universities were very high. In addition, there were adequate technology and infrastructure to support the e-learning at the universities. The study also established that the e-learning systems have benefited and enhanced teaching and learning at the universities. Despite these, the study established that the universities encountered some challenges in the implementation and usage of the e-learning systems. However, by implementing sound measures such as increasing the internet bandwidth; and providing adequate and functioning computers, these challenges can be solved.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open
IAFOR Journal of Literature & Librarianship
Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a... more Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a lot of work in this area. This study assesses some of the challenges associated with the delivery of library services on mobile technology (m-tech) platforms. A survey research design and the mixed method approach were used in conducting this research. The topmost m-tech based library services identified in the study include mobile digital repository; mobile online public access catalogues; referencing services; SMS alerts; selective dissemination of information as well as mobile instructional guides and tours. The study established that insufficient ICT infrastructure; bureaucratic processes; poor internet bandwidth; lack of IT experts and staff; lack of a policy framework; erratic or unstable power supply; lack of support from the university management; in addition to financial constraints prohibited the full provision of library services through m-tech across the libraries studies. Based on these findings, this research offers some recommendations that would serve to overcome, in part the challenges associated with the implementation of m-tech based library services in academic libraries.
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering
Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in... more Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in recent times as a medium that can offer convenient library services to library patrons. This study was to ascertain the potentials of adopting and implementing m-tech based library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the mixedmethod approach was used. The major findings were that there were a strong awareness and deep appreciation for the use of mtech library services among library management and students, however, m-tech based library services have not been implemented in the libraries due to diverse reasons. These include inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gap as a result of lack of training, lack of policy framework for the adoption of the technology and clearing the hurdle of convincing university management to accept the technology. As a result, it was recommended that the libraries need to invest more in ICT infrastructure specificall...
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, Dec 24, 2019
In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge productio... more In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge production and dissemination aimed at fitting into the global scheme, quality assurance becomes the sine qua non. Quality assurance (QA) provides the tools and direction to improve the quality of knowledge created, stored and shared at institutions of higher learning. This study assesses the development and practice of QA in institutions of higher learnings (IHLs) in Ghana. The mixed research method was used to collect data from staff and officers of institutions of higher learning who are directly involved ensuring quality in the institutions. Six (6) IHLs participated in this study. The results indicated a generally higher degree of awareness and understanding of the concept of QA at the institutions as all of them have QA department. The institutions are putting in more effort to ensure quality by carrying out internal assessment as there are available policies and strategies aimed at ensuring quality at the institutions. This led to high service quality at the institutions except for the college of health. Besides, the focused areas quality at the institutions: stated vision, mission; governance structure; statutes and conditions of service; academic and programs; clean and siren environment; staffing; and library, technology and information services. Despite these, the study established that the quality assurance units of the institutions lacked the necessary resources (technology, library, staff, laboratories, etc) for effective quality assurance activities.
KIU Journal of Education, 2018
E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing... more E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing and sharing of knowledge among members of the university communities. This study sought to explore the deployment and adoption of e-learning to facilitate knowledge creation, storage and sharing in Ghanaian universities. The survey and mixed method research approach were used to collect data from stratified sampled respondents of the universities. The general population for this study comprised all the categories of the universities in Ghana: public and private. The study established that the awareness, adoption and usage of e-learning to facilitate knowledge management (creation, processing, sharing and storage) at the universities were very high. In addition, there were adequate technology and infrastructure to support the e-learning at the universities. The study also established that the e-learning systems have benefited and enhanced teaching and learning at the universities. Despite these, the study established that the universities encountered some challenges in the implementation and usage of the e-learning systems. However, by implementing sound measures such as increasing the internet bandwidth; and providing adequate and functioning computers, these challenges can be solved.
IAFOR Journal of Literature & Librarianship, 2020
Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a... more Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a lot of work in this area. This study assesses some of the challenges associated with the delivery of library services on mobile technology (m-tech) platforms. A survey research design
and the mixed method approach were used in conducting this research. The topmost m-tech based library services identified in the study include mobile digital repository; mobile online public access catalogues; referencing services; SMS alerts; selective dissemination of information as well as mobile instructional guides and tours. The study established that insufficient ICT infrastructure; bureaucratic processes; poor internet bandwidth; lack of IT experts and staff; lack of a policy framework; erratic or unstable power supply; lack of support from the university management; in addition to financial constraints prohibited the full provision of library services through m-tech across the libraries studies. Based on these findings, this research offers some recommendations that would serve to overcome, in part the challenges associated with the implementation of m-tech based library services in academic libraries.
Global Journal of Management and Business Research: A Administration and Management, 2019
Knowledge plays a critical role in businesses. It is regarded as a strategic asset and a source o... more Knowledge plays a critical role in businesses. It is regarded as a strategic asset and a source of competitive advantage for businesses and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it creates entrepreneurial opportunities for small and medium scale businesses, which intern fuels the transformation of the economy from a managed economy to an entrepreneurial economy. The research set out to assessing knowledge management practices among entrepreneurs and how to use knowledge for competitive advantage. The qualitative research method was used to collect data from selected entrepreneurs operating on a smaller and medium scale in Ghana. The study revealed that there is a generally high level of familiarity, understanding, and application of knowledge and knowledge management by the entrepreneurs. Aside the tacit and explicit knowledge, there exist other types which include common knowledge, general knowledge, natural knowledge, and spiritual (divine) knowledge. They apply this knowledge in their day-today activities. Abstract-Knowledge plays a critical role in businesses. It is regarded as a strategic asset and a source of competitive advantage for businesses and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it creates entrepreneurial opportunities for small and medium scale businesses, which intern fuels the transformation of the economy from a managed economy to an entrepreneurial economy. The research set out to assessing knowledge management practices among entrepreneurs and how to use knowledge for competitive advantage. The qualitative research method was used to collect data from selected entrepreneurs operating on a smaller and medium scale in Ghana. The study revealed that there is a generally high level of familiarity, understanding, and application of knowledge and knowledge management by the entrepreneurs. Aside the tacit and explicit knowledge, there exist other types which include common knowledge, general knowledge, natural knowledge, and spiritual (divine) knowledge. They apply this knowledge in their day-today activities. Also, knowledge management practices such as knowledge creation, processing, storage, sharing, and knowledge experts were established to be highly present among the entrepreneurs. Despite these, the study revealed the absence of a knowledge management policy to guide and regulate knowledge management practices among the entrepreneur. It was again establish that the absence of trust, openness, motivation, government support among others as the key factors that prohibited effective knowledge management practices among the entrepreneurs.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2018
Universities are knowledge-based organisations. They are using knowledge as a key resource and fo... more Universities are knowledge-based organisations. They are using knowledge as a key resource and for competitive advantage. Knowledge management practices seems to be suitable for universities because they possess the conducive environment and systems. This study sought to assess the extent to which KM was practiced at the universities and the mechanisms and initiatives implemented to promote KM processes at the universities. The study adopted the survey and mixed method research approach to collect data from 118 respondents from three universities in Ghana (public, private and professional). Questionnaires (consisting of blend of closed and open-ended questions) were used to collect primary data. The study established that despite the high presence of knowledge management processes (acquisition, creation, sharing and retention) at the universities, the practice was more effective at the private university than the professional and public universities respectively. These KM processes improved efficiency, effectiveness, decision-making capabilities. However, the absence of trust, openness and collaboration; difficult access to technology; and lack of support and mechanisms to promote informal discussions between staff and management of the universities negatively affected KM processes.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2019
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a force that has changed many aspects o... more Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a force that has changed many aspects of the way we live and every aspect of human endeavor such as education, medicine, business, law and engineering. Education is a socially oriented activity and quality education has traditionally been associated with teachers having high degrees of personal and face-to-face contact with students. But with the world moving rapidly into digital media and information, the role of ICT in education is becoming more and more important. However, indicators on technology uptake and use in education in the secondary schools in Ghana are missing and most of the schools continues to use the traditional method for knowledge dissemination. This study assess the adoption and use of ICT in teaching and learning in secondary schools in Ghana. The study focused on the secondary schools in the southern sector of Ghana (Western, Central, Greater Accra, Volta and Eastern Regions). The qualitative research method was used in this study. The research established that the ages and gender of the respondents largely affected their adoption and usage of ICT as the students, young and male teachers had more knowledge and interest in the use of ICT for teaching and learning. There was disparities in the provision of computers and ICT facilities at the secondary schools as the schools in the urban areas had some ICT facilities although they were found to be inadequate, not properly ventilated, not spacious enough and have poor lightening system. However, some of the teachers were having their own PCs (personal computers, laptops or tablets) for use although they always do not use them for teaching and learning. As a result, the impact of ICT in teaching and learning at the secondary schools were minimal.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2020
One of the major strategies for managing knowledge for competitive advantage in universities is t... more One of the major strategies for managing knowledge for competitive advantage in universities is through Communities of Practice (CoPs). This study sought to assess how universities are using CoPs as a tool to manage and safeguard knowledge for competitive advantage. The study adopted the survey and mixed method research approach to collect data from selected universities in Ghana. The study established that despite the high level of understanding and appreciation for knowledge management practices and the existence of both formal and informal forums for managing and safeguarding knowledge at the universities, the role and impact of CoPs in KM at the universities were insignificant. This was due to the low level of understanding of the concept of CoPs, nonbelonging to a CoP and lack of tools and systems to support CoPs at the universities. The study finally proposed a framework for CoPs in universities. According to the proposed framework, the successful deployment of CoPs in universities depends on identifying and linking the knowledge (tacit and explicit) and CoPs to the universities.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2020
Strategies for managing and safeguarding knowledge are crucial for organisations, which calls for... more Strategies for managing and safeguarding knowledge are crucial for organisations, which calls for proper preservation and retention. The ability to create closer ties and better understanding between knowledge management (KM) and organisational performance is by establishing strategies. Strategies are used to plan, monitor and assess knowledge in organisations. Several
factors need to be considered when deciding on a particular strategy to adopt, as the choice of strategy depends on the nature of the organisation. This study sought to analyse the strategies that organisations deploy to facilitate KM practices. It was discovered that the main strategies used to promote and safeguard knowledge at the universities were coaching, e-learning, communities of
practice, mentorship, apprenticeship, and storytelling as the main strategies for managing knowledge. Organisations, therefore, put in place policies to encourage the use of these strategies. These are essential for organisations who want to maintain a coherent and align their practice.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 3967, 2020
Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI int... more Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI internet almost everywhere in the academic libraries of developing countries, academic libraries in Ghana are yet to fully exploit this opportunity and provide mobile technology (m-tech) based library services. This study thus set to assess the preparedness’ of library management towards
the implementation of m-tech library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey and the mixed method in collecting data from 365 respondents. The study established that the majority of respondents were aware that mobile devices could be
used to access library services, and were willing to be trained, adapt; and upgrade their skills to suit any mobile service technological change undertaken in academic libraries. The main mobile devices available and used to provide services to the patrons comprise handheld tablets, smartphones, iPod, cell phones, PDA’s and e-book readers. However, the study found a lack of a culture of training for staff and requisite skills as the inhibitors towards the adoption of m-tech in libraries.
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE), 2020
Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in... more Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in recent times as a medium that can offer convenient library services to library patrons. This study was to ascertain the potentials of adopting and implementing m-tech based library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the mixed-method approach was used. The major findings were that there were a strong awareness and deep appreciation for the use of m-tech library services among library management and students, however, m-tech based library services have not been implemented in the libraries due to diverse reasons. These include inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gap as a result of lack of training, lack of policy framework for the adoption of the technology and clearing the hurdle of convincing university management to accept the technology. As a result, it was recommended that the libraries need to invest more in ICT infrastructure specifically m-tech infrastructure and build on their human resource base through recruitment and professional training on emerging technologies
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2019
In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge productio... more In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge production and dissemination aimed at fitting into the global scheme, quality assurance becomes the sine qua non. Quality assurance (QA) provides the tools and direction to improve the quality of knowledge created, stored and shared at institutions of higher learning. This study assesses the development and practice of QA in institutions of higher learnings (IHLs) in Ghana. The mixed research method was used to collect data from staff and officers of institutions of higher learning who are directly involved ensuring quality in the institutions. Six (6) IHLs participated in this study. The results indicated a generally higher degree of awareness and understanding of the concept of QA at the institutions as all of them have QA department. The institutions are putting in more effort to ensure quality by carrying out internal assessment as there are available policies and strategies aimed at ensuring quality at the institutions. This led to high service quality at the institutions except for the college of health. Besides, the focused areas quality at the institutions: stated vision, mission; governance structure; statutes and conditions of service; academic and programs; clean and siren environment; staffing; and library, technology and information services. Despite these, the study established that the quality assurance units of the institutions lacked the necessary resources (technology, library, staff, laboratories, etc) for effective quality assurance activities.
Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI int... more Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI internet almost everywhere in the academic libraries of developing countries, academic libraries in Ghana are yet to fully exploit this opportunity and provide mobile technology (m-tech) based library services. This study thus set to assess the preparedness' of library management towards the implementation of m-tech library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey and the mixed method in collecting data from 365 respondents. The study established that the majority of respondents were aware that mobile devices could be used to access library services, and were willing to be trained, adapt; and upgrade their skills to suit any mobile service technological change undertaken in academic libraries. The main mobile devices available and used to provide services to the patrons comprise handheld tablets, smartphones, iPod, cell phones, PDA's and e-book readers. However, the study found a lack of a culture of training for staff and requisite skills as the inhibitors towards the adoption of m-tech in libraries
E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing... more E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing and sharing of knowledge among members of the university communities. This study sought to explore the deployment and adoption of e-learning to facilitate knowledge creation, storage and sharing in Ghanaian universities. The survey and mixed method research approach were used to collect data from stratified sampled respondents of the universities. The general population for this study comprised all the categories of the universities in Ghana: public and private. The study established that the awareness, adoption and usage of e-learning to facilitate knowledge management (creation, processing, sharing and storage) at the universities were very high. In addition, there were adequate technology and infrastructure to support the e-learning at the universities. The study also established that the e-learning systems have benefited and enhanced teaching and learning at the universities. Despite these, the study established that the universities encountered some challenges in the implementation and usage of the e-learning systems. However, by implementing sound measures such as increasing the internet bandwidth; and providing adequate and functioning computers, these challenges can be solved.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open
IAFOR Journal of Literature & Librarianship
Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a... more Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a lot of work in this area. This study assesses some of the challenges associated with the delivery of library services on mobile technology (m-tech) platforms. A survey research design and the mixed method approach were used in conducting this research. The topmost m-tech based library services identified in the study include mobile digital repository; mobile online public access catalogues; referencing services; SMS alerts; selective dissemination of information as well as mobile instructional guides and tours. The study established that insufficient ICT infrastructure; bureaucratic processes; poor internet bandwidth; lack of IT experts and staff; lack of a policy framework; erratic or unstable power supply; lack of support from the university management; in addition to financial constraints prohibited the full provision of library services through m-tech across the libraries studies. Based on these findings, this research offers some recommendations that would serve to overcome, in part the challenges associated with the implementation of m-tech based library services in academic libraries.
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering
Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in... more Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in recent times as a medium that can offer convenient library services to library patrons. This study was to ascertain the potentials of adopting and implementing m-tech based library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the mixedmethod approach was used. The major findings were that there were a strong awareness and deep appreciation for the use of mtech library services among library management and students, however, m-tech based library services have not been implemented in the libraries due to diverse reasons. These include inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gap as a result of lack of training, lack of policy framework for the adoption of the technology and clearing the hurdle of convincing university management to accept the technology. As a result, it was recommended that the libraries need to invest more in ICT infrastructure specificall...
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, Dec 24, 2019
In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge productio... more In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge production and dissemination aimed at fitting into the global scheme, quality assurance becomes the sine qua non. Quality assurance (QA) provides the tools and direction to improve the quality of knowledge created, stored and shared at institutions of higher learning. This study assesses the development and practice of QA in institutions of higher learnings (IHLs) in Ghana. The mixed research method was used to collect data from staff and officers of institutions of higher learning who are directly involved ensuring quality in the institutions. Six (6) IHLs participated in this study. The results indicated a generally higher degree of awareness and understanding of the concept of QA at the institutions as all of them have QA department. The institutions are putting in more effort to ensure quality by carrying out internal assessment as there are available policies and strategies aimed at ensuring quality at the institutions. This led to high service quality at the institutions except for the college of health. Besides, the focused areas quality at the institutions: stated vision, mission; governance structure; statutes and conditions of service; academic and programs; clean and siren environment; staffing; and library, technology and information services. Despite these, the study established that the quality assurance units of the institutions lacked the necessary resources (technology, library, staff, laboratories, etc) for effective quality assurance activities.
KIU Journal of Education, 2018
E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing... more E-learning has become the protagonist for change and serve as an avenue for the creation, storing and sharing of knowledge among members of the university communities. This study sought to explore the deployment and adoption of e-learning to facilitate knowledge creation, storage and sharing in Ghanaian universities. The survey and mixed method research approach were used to collect data from stratified sampled respondents of the universities. The general population for this study comprised all the categories of the universities in Ghana: public and private. The study established that the awareness, adoption and usage of e-learning to facilitate knowledge management (creation, processing, sharing and storage) at the universities were very high. In addition, there were adequate technology and infrastructure to support the e-learning at the universities. The study also established that the e-learning systems have benefited and enhanced teaching and learning at the universities. Despite these, the study established that the universities encountered some challenges in the implementation and usage of the e-learning systems. However, by implementing sound measures such as increasing the internet bandwidth; and providing adequate and functioning computers, these challenges can be solved.
IAFOR Journal of Literature & Librarianship, 2020
Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a... more Challenges in implementing technology-based services in academic libraries have witnessed quite a lot of work in this area. This study assesses some of the challenges associated with the delivery of library services on mobile technology (m-tech) platforms. A survey research design
and the mixed method approach were used in conducting this research. The topmost m-tech based library services identified in the study include mobile digital repository; mobile online public access catalogues; referencing services; SMS alerts; selective dissemination of information as well as mobile instructional guides and tours. The study established that insufficient ICT infrastructure; bureaucratic processes; poor internet bandwidth; lack of IT experts and staff; lack of a policy framework; erratic or unstable power supply; lack of support from the university management; in addition to financial constraints prohibited the full provision of library services through m-tech across the libraries studies. Based on these findings, this research offers some recommendations that would serve to overcome, in part the challenges associated with the implementation of m-tech based library services in academic libraries.
Global Journal of Management and Business Research: A Administration and Management, 2019
Knowledge plays a critical role in businesses. It is regarded as a strategic asset and a source o... more Knowledge plays a critical role in businesses. It is regarded as a strategic asset and a source of competitive advantage for businesses and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it creates entrepreneurial opportunities for small and medium scale businesses, which intern fuels the transformation of the economy from a managed economy to an entrepreneurial economy. The research set out to assessing knowledge management practices among entrepreneurs and how to use knowledge for competitive advantage. The qualitative research method was used to collect data from selected entrepreneurs operating on a smaller and medium scale in Ghana. The study revealed that there is a generally high level of familiarity, understanding, and application of knowledge and knowledge management by the entrepreneurs. Aside the tacit and explicit knowledge, there exist other types which include common knowledge, general knowledge, natural knowledge, and spiritual (divine) knowledge. They apply this knowledge in their day-today activities. Abstract-Knowledge plays a critical role in businesses. It is regarded as a strategic asset and a source of competitive advantage for businesses and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it creates entrepreneurial opportunities for small and medium scale businesses, which intern fuels the transformation of the economy from a managed economy to an entrepreneurial economy. The research set out to assessing knowledge management practices among entrepreneurs and how to use knowledge for competitive advantage. The qualitative research method was used to collect data from selected entrepreneurs operating on a smaller and medium scale in Ghana. The study revealed that there is a generally high level of familiarity, understanding, and application of knowledge and knowledge management by the entrepreneurs. Aside the tacit and explicit knowledge, there exist other types which include common knowledge, general knowledge, natural knowledge, and spiritual (divine) knowledge. They apply this knowledge in their day-today activities. Also, knowledge management practices such as knowledge creation, processing, storage, sharing, and knowledge experts were established to be highly present among the entrepreneurs. Despite these, the study revealed the absence of a knowledge management policy to guide and regulate knowledge management practices among the entrepreneur. It was again establish that the absence of trust, openness, motivation, government support among others as the key factors that prohibited effective knowledge management practices among the entrepreneurs.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2018
Universities are knowledge-based organisations. They are using knowledge as a key resource and fo... more Universities are knowledge-based organisations. They are using knowledge as a key resource and for competitive advantage. Knowledge management practices seems to be suitable for universities because they possess the conducive environment and systems. This study sought to assess the extent to which KM was practiced at the universities and the mechanisms and initiatives implemented to promote KM processes at the universities. The study adopted the survey and mixed method research approach to collect data from 118 respondents from three universities in Ghana (public, private and professional). Questionnaires (consisting of blend of closed and open-ended questions) were used to collect primary data. The study established that despite the high presence of knowledge management processes (acquisition, creation, sharing and retention) at the universities, the practice was more effective at the private university than the professional and public universities respectively. These KM processes improved efficiency, effectiveness, decision-making capabilities. However, the absence of trust, openness and collaboration; difficult access to technology; and lack of support and mechanisms to promote informal discussions between staff and management of the universities negatively affected KM processes.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2019
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a force that has changed many aspects o... more Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has become a force that has changed many aspects of the way we live and every aspect of human endeavor such as education, medicine, business, law and engineering. Education is a socially oriented activity and quality education has traditionally been associated with teachers having high degrees of personal and face-to-face contact with students. But with the world moving rapidly into digital media and information, the role of ICT in education is becoming more and more important. However, indicators on technology uptake and use in education in the secondary schools in Ghana are missing and most of the schools continues to use the traditional method for knowledge dissemination. This study assess the adoption and use of ICT in teaching and learning in secondary schools in Ghana. The study focused on the secondary schools in the southern sector of Ghana (Western, Central, Greater Accra, Volta and Eastern Regions). The qualitative research method was used in this study. The research established that the ages and gender of the respondents largely affected their adoption and usage of ICT as the students, young and male teachers had more knowledge and interest in the use of ICT for teaching and learning. There was disparities in the provision of computers and ICT facilities at the secondary schools as the schools in the urban areas had some ICT facilities although they were found to be inadequate, not properly ventilated, not spacious enough and have poor lightening system. However, some of the teachers were having their own PCs (personal computers, laptops or tablets) for use although they always do not use them for teaching and learning. As a result, the impact of ICT in teaching and learning at the secondary schools were minimal.
Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 2020
One of the major strategies for managing knowledge for competitive advantage in universities is t... more One of the major strategies for managing knowledge for competitive advantage in universities is through Communities of Practice (CoPs). This study sought to assess how universities are using CoPs as a tool to manage and safeguard knowledge for competitive advantage. The study adopted the survey and mixed method research approach to collect data from selected universities in Ghana. The study established that despite the high level of understanding and appreciation for knowledge management practices and the existence of both formal and informal forums for managing and safeguarding knowledge at the universities, the role and impact of CoPs in KM at the universities were insignificant. This was due to the low level of understanding of the concept of CoPs, nonbelonging to a CoP and lack of tools and systems to support CoPs at the universities. The study finally proposed a framework for CoPs in universities. According to the proposed framework, the successful deployment of CoPs in universities depends on identifying and linking the knowledge (tacit and explicit) and CoPs to the universities.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal), 2020
Strategies for managing and safeguarding knowledge are crucial for organisations, which calls for... more Strategies for managing and safeguarding knowledge are crucial for organisations, which calls for proper preservation and retention. The ability to create closer ties and better understanding between knowledge management (KM) and organisational performance is by establishing strategies. Strategies are used to plan, monitor and assess knowledge in organisations. Several
factors need to be considered when deciding on a particular strategy to adopt, as the choice of strategy depends on the nature of the organisation. This study sought to analyse the strategies that organisations deploy to facilitate KM practices. It was discovered that the main strategies used to promote and safeguard knowledge at the universities were coaching, e-learning, communities of
practice, mentorship, apprenticeship, and storytelling as the main strategies for managing knowledge. Organisations, therefore, put in place policies to encourage the use of these strategies. These are essential for organisations who want to maintain a coherent and align their practice.
Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal). 3967, 2020
Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI int... more Despite the growing usage of mobile devices and the availability of mobile broadband and WIFI internet almost everywhere in the academic libraries of developing countries, academic libraries in Ghana are yet to fully exploit this opportunity and provide mobile technology (m-tech) based library services. This study thus set to assess the preparedness’ of library management towards
the implementation of m-tech library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study employed a descriptive survey and the mixed method in collecting data from 365 respondents. The study established that the majority of respondents were aware that mobile devices could be
used to access library services, and were willing to be trained, adapt; and upgrade their skills to suit any mobile service technological change undertaken in academic libraries. The main mobile devices available and used to provide services to the patrons comprise handheld tablets, smartphones, iPod, cell phones, PDA’s and e-book readers. However, the study found a lack of a culture of training for staff and requisite skills as the inhibitors towards the adoption of m-tech in libraries.
International Journal of Innovative Technology and Exploring Engineering (IJITEE), 2020
Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in... more Mobile Technologies (m-tech) have been embraced by stakeholders of academic libraries globally in recent times as a medium that can offer convenient library services to library patrons. This study was to ascertain the potentials of adopting and implementing m-tech based library services in academic libraries in Ghana. The study was a descriptive survey and the mixed-method approach was used. The major findings were that there were a strong awareness and deep appreciation for the use of m-tech library services among library management and students, however, m-tech based library services have not been implemented in the libraries due to diverse reasons. These include inadequate ICT infrastructure, skills gap as a result of lack of training, lack of policy framework for the adoption of the technology and clearing the hurdle of convincing university management to accept the technology. As a result, it was recommended that the libraries need to invest more in ICT infrastructure specifically m-tech infrastructure and build on their human resource base through recruitment and professional training on emerging technologies
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2019
In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge productio... more In the effort to globalize higher education services and embark on innovative knowledge production and dissemination aimed at fitting into the global scheme, quality assurance becomes the sine qua non. Quality assurance (QA) provides the tools and direction to improve the quality of knowledge created, stored and shared at institutions of higher learning. This study assesses the development and practice of QA in institutions of higher learnings (IHLs) in Ghana. The mixed research method was used to collect data from staff and officers of institutions of higher learning who are directly involved ensuring quality in the institutions. Six (6) IHLs participated in this study. The results indicated a generally higher degree of awareness and understanding of the concept of QA at the institutions as all of them have QA department. The institutions are putting in more effort to ensure quality by carrying out internal assessment as there are available policies and strategies aimed at ensuring quality at the institutions. This led to high service quality at the institutions except for the college of health. Besides, the focused areas quality at the institutions: stated vision, mission; governance structure; statutes and conditions of service; academic and programs; clean and siren environment; staffing; and library, technology and information services. Despite these, the study established that the quality assurance units of the institutions lacked the necessary resources (technology, library, staff, laboratories, etc) for effective quality assurance activities.