Masters (MA)

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A Comparative Study of HIV/AIDS And Covid 19 Communication Strategies in Ghana
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Agyare, Diana
The COVID-19 pandemic just as HIV/AIDS has severely affected lives all over the world and has highlighted the need for a space in which discussions on how strategic communication can play a key role in the health discourse. As at Friday, 19th of June 2020, the world had recorded a total coronavirus cases of 8,608,533 with a total of 456,949 deaths, 4,559,057 recovered; 3,592,527 currently Infected and 3,537,863 { recording a total of 98% out of the currently infected patients in mild condition}( Worldmeters ,2020) Although the World Health Organization declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on 30 January, and a pandemic on 11 March, 2020 (WHO, 2020) the first two cases in Ghana were confirmed on 12 March 2020 (MoH, 2020).
A Critical Assessment of Online Sports Betting/Gambling and its dire Consequences on the Ghanaian Youth
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Botwe, Mercy Anning Adjoa
The surge in the online sports betting industry requires laws, regulations, structures and standards to streamline their activities. In 2006, the Gaming Commission was step-up to make this a thriving industry. The Commission hinged on Gaming Act, 721 to oversee activities of games of chance. Today, sports betting is causing depression, poor general coping skills, anxiety criminal, decreased academic performance, increased disruption of familial relationships, delinquent and anti-social behaviour such as youth resorting to stealing and loan advancement. If not managed properly, online sports betting can lead to suicide ideation and actual suicide attempts. This study provides a critical assessment of the consequences of online sports betting/gambling on the Ghanaian youth. The study adopted a quantitative research approach for achieving the research objectives. Two theories were used to support the study. The collection of data was based on a self-administered questionnaire from the one hundred and forty-eight soccer gambling youth of Greater Accra Region who participated in the study (males 79, females 69) and the convenience sampling method was utilized in this study. The results from the study showed that there was a significant difference between males and females who experience adverse consequences after soccer gambling, however, there was no significant difference between the soccer gambling youth of Greater Accra Region who endorse cognitive distortions and those who did not. Also, there was also no significant difference between soccer gambling youths who experienced financial problems and youths who do not experience financial problems. Policies should be formulated to ensure that soccer gambling companies are mandated by law to establish and fund at least one gambling help centre in each region that will provide information to individuals and also to provide support to gamblers who are experiencing adverse consequences as the result of their gambling behaviour.
A Critical Assessment of the Perception of Consumers on Political Celebrity Endorsers- Survey of Ghana Institute of Journalism
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2020-09) Pinto, Richmond
This study was undertaken to assess the claim that celebrities who endorse political parties and candidates lose their career or fan base. The belief is an age old one yet very little is known about the veracity of it and prior researchers have focused mainly on the effectiveness of celebrity endorsement as a marketing tool. To this end, a quantitative research method was adopted with seven hundred respondents drawn to answer structured questionnaire to ascertain the truthfulness or otherwise of this belief. From the analyzed data, although respondents appreciate celebrity endorsement and see celebrity endorsers as attractive, they however consider celebrities as the least people to disseminate political information or messages. This proves that attractiveness of the celebrity cannot be translated into credibility for them to be used by politicians as mouthpiece or information carriers. The study made the revelation that the widely held perception that celebrities lose their career after endorsing a political party or candidate cannot be trusted rather the effectiveness of a celebrity is dependent on how he or she manages the social capital gained across fields. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that celebrities even though can migrate their social capital must be proactive in building and enhancing their brands or status.
A Framing Analysis of the Reports of Coronavirus in Africa by Western Media – A Study of BBC and Al-Jazeera
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Otchere, Jerome
Algeria recorded its first case of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) disease on February 25, 2020. That was the first reported case of the virus in Africa. As of today (August 10, 2020), the coronavirus disease has affected at least 20 million people globally with over 735, 000 people losing their lives to the novel virus. The United States of America Alone has recorded over 4 million infections with more than 140,000 deaths whereas Africa has recorded about 620,000 infections with a little over 10,000 deaths. Africa’s total infection rate represents 4.3% of the global confirmed cases and 1.7% of the reported deaths globally (CNN, 2020; WHO, 2020). Since Covid-19 was first discovered in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, media reports of the disease have increased exponentially across the globe with world and local media outlets producing extensive coverage and reports on the illness from diverse perspectives (Time, 2020).
A Historical Analysis of Ghana’s Postal System Post the Internet Era
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2020-10) Kumi, Benedicta Dede
It is not a disputable fact that the introduction of modern Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in communication has reduced the patronage of postal services in Ghana. For this reason this study focused on a comprehensive review approach to examine changes that taken place after the emergence of technology in communication, how Ghana’s postal services have been affected by ICT, how ICT can be incorporated into the postal system and the importance of ICT in the postal system. It was discovered that change cannot be avoided in any society and for that matter the introduction of ICT into the communication sector should not be seen as a threat to collapse of the postal sector but rather an opportunity to improve postal service delivery. This was observed to be achieved through training and also the provision of tools and logistics to the sector. It was also discovered that though ICT has come to make communication easier and faster, not all areas in Ghana have access to internet and for that matter why the postal sector should not be neglected. It is therefore important that further studies should be conducted to help determine customers and staff opinion on how modern ICT can be incorporated into the postal sector to make the sector vibrant and quick in communication and information delivery.
A Historical Overview of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority after Decoupling in 2007
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-10) Kaamekpo, Michael Kwasi Exorman
This study examines and presents the historical overview and development of Ghana Civil Aviation Authority from 2007 when it decoupled its regulatory and air navigation services provision, from the airport operational functions, till current state. It also explored some significant and key milestones, administrative and operational structures, Director-Generals at various stages, challenges and the future of the Authority. The historical method was employed here because the interest is focused on reporting events and/or conditions that occurred since 2007, while attempting to establish facts in order to arrive at conclusions concerning past events or predict future events. This research was steered by three questions and two hypotheses that try to discover: Why civil aviation was decoupled, what significant milestones there are and what vision is being pursued. This study is to fill-in the gaps identified from the earlier work of Dr. E. R. K. Dwemoh, (after 2007) the first Director of Civil Aviation.
A Lighter Generation: A Study of Skin Bleaching among the Ghanaian Youth.
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2021-11) Mensah, Rebecca
Skin bleaching is a practice that raises public health concerns due to its more serious side effects. The practice, especially among Ghanaian youths, has become a trend due to proliferation and accessibility of cosmetics products containing skin bleaching chemicals. This study explores skin bleaching by looking at the role played by the Food and Drugs Authority as a regulator, their communication of interventions and public perspectives on skin bleaching regulation. As an explorative study, it adopts a qualitative research design to get in-depth responses from respondents understanding, viewpoints and experiences. Purposeful and convenient sampling methods put together 17 participants with data collected through semi structure in-depth interviews and focus group discussion. Thematic analysis revealed that even though the FDA regulates cosmetic products including skin bleaching products, it does not regulate the skin bleaching practice. Findings of the study also reveal that a policy on skin bleaching together with other interventions such as public education is the sure way to control the practice.
A Positive Role Model Framework in the Ghanaian Setting: Children Emulating their Parents in Career Choices
(UniMAc-GIJ, 2020-10) Akyea-Boakye, Ama Serwaa
Parents are usually the first role models of children, not just through direct interactions but through the examples (attitudes, values, educational levels, success stories and careers) they set both within and outside the family setting. Parents influence the lives of children in many different ways including their career choices. This study therefore will explore how positive parental role modeling influences children in emulating the career of their parents.Using a qualitative research approach, a sample size of 20 will be used with Stratified random sampling technique to select respondents. Data will be analyzed using themes in response to the research questions. The data processing procedures for this study will be done manually, by categorizing, coding and summarizing key themes within the data gathered. The study will reveal the relationship that exists between a positive parental role modeling and children emulating the careers of their parents. Finally, the study will also reveal why children emulate the careers of their parents.
A Study Evaluating the Effectiveness of Social Media as a Marketing Tool For Events: A Case Study of EIB
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2019-10) Kwadzie, Theresa
The purpose of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of social media as a marketing tool in the event management industry in Ghana by focusing on EIB. The study adopted the mixed method approach and sampled the views of 70 staff members with a questionnaire via the judgmental sampling method. Findings showed that all respondents agreed that the firm use social media to promote its events. The findings suggest that the reason for adopting the use of social media for event promotion is based on it being a new trend and more effective. On the issue of benefits of adopting the use of social media respondents extremely agreed that that social media increased brand awareness, increased brand loyalty ( cost-effectiveness and faster in reaching wider audience. Respondents agreed with the statement that social media created the platform for better customer satisfaction. The study concludes that in its bid use social media to promote and manage its event the organisation must consider all the possible problems that would come with it to deal with it ahead of time in order to stay competitive and ahead of its competitors. It was recommended that a team has to be set up equipped with the necessary information and know-how solely in charge of responding to comments, enquiries and questions on social media. Also, since social media sites can be exploited for the information it provides on consumer behaviour with regards to their purchasing intentions, research further suggests that businesses should incorporate social networking sites into their business model or promotional mix.
A Study of Female Managers, Public Relations Departments.
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2021-11) Gyamesi, Jemima
The purpose of this research was to find out how gender and leadership stereotypes have Impacted women’s access , success and experiences in leadership roles in Public Relations. A qualitative in-depth interviews was employed to gather data Data was collected through interviews with 10 women working in leadership positions in the public relations field and analyzed based on themes and using the Feminist Standpoint Theory and the Liberal feminist theory which were the theories underpinning this research . The study found six major themes related to the experiences of these women leaders in public relations: (a) promotional barriers, (b) double standards for women, (c) pressure of stereotypes, (d) leadership styles, female competition and bullying, and (f) optimism about the future. The study found that these women thought that gender has influenced the challenges and success they have faced in their careers; Specifically, the participants described their challenges as promotional barriers as well as inequalities in salary and representation in leadership roles. The findings also indicated that these women thought they were perceived as leaders in both a positive and negative light and believe a double standard exists between women and men leaders. Finally, the study also found an issue with female competition in the form of workplace bullying. However, the participants see a shift happening in the field of public relations regarding gender issues, which they believe will benefit women. This study recommends that laws are put in place in organizations and in government such that equity is achieved among men and women alike in the workplace. Also, Developing mentorship programs for women in leadership roles to connect with those women in high school or college could be a way to show young women that women do have a spot in leadership and to help create advocates for other women. There are several opportunities for future research to further develop these findings and to arrive at a greater understanding of women in leadership roles in Public Relations. One particular area that could be to open the study includes both male and female perspectives regarding women in leadership roles. Another area could be to dive deeper into the issue of interpersonal relationships within the workplace and specifically look into female competition and workplace bullying. This study found that gender has influenced the experiences of a selected group of women leaders in public relations in a variety of ways, such as salary, promotions and expectations. It is likely that gender will continue to impact women’s experiences until equity is achieved. It concludes that the influx of women within the profession does not devalue the profession. Therefore society must work toward achieving equity for women.
A Study of The Residents of Accra on the Relevance of Travel Agencies in an Online Business Era
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2020-10) Adzayao, Matilda
The increasing competitiveness in the global tourism market encourages tourism operators to invest more in promotion, resources, knowledge and quality in order to achieve satisfactory growth. This study sought to explore the relevance of travel agencies in an online business in Accra. The research methodology employed by this study was the qualitative approach. Here, secondary data was used to conduct a content analysis for the study. The findings of the study indicate that travel and tourism has not only become one of the world's largest industry but also grows consistently every year. Also, it was established that indeed online business has affected travel agencies, however this is in the positive light. The study recommended among other things that as much as this study is advocating for the adoption of the new trend of doing business, the regulatory agency of the hospitality industry must make efforts to ensure that data of the patrons are protected. Again, the regulator must draw and implement policies that will incentivise the travel agencies to adopt online transactions in order to raise the standard of the Ghanaian tourism industry as a whole in the tech-savvy sense.
A Study of the Role of Public Relations Practitioners in the 2020 Political Election - A Ghanaian Case Study.
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2021-12) Gaewu, Courage Kwame
Despite the growing acknowledgement of Public Relations (PR) practice within the corporate environment, it has not been integrated and embraced into the political space of Ghana. Various perceptions about the practice has created a barrier to the appreciation of the relevant role PR practitioner's play for various political parties during an election. In 2020 however, amidst the emergence of the corona virus, a general election was held and many PR practitioners were engaged by different political parties to handle the strategic communication aspect of their campaigns. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of Public Relations practitioners in the context of the 2020 election of Ghana. This study explored the role of the PR practitioners of a political party in the 2020 election, the strategies employed as PR practitioners at promoting and protecting the image of the presidential candidate and political party during the 2020 election, as well as the practitioners engagement with the electorate in the 2020 election. The two major political parties in Ghana that participated in the 2020 election were at the center of the study, that is, New Patriotic Party and National Democratic Congress. Thus, the study concentrated on the PR practitioners of these two political parties. Qualitative methodology was used for the study and data were collected through the semi structured interviews of 10 PR practitioners from both National Patriotic Party (NPP) and National Democratic Congress (NDC). The data were coded and analyzed using the thematic approach. Findings from the study revealed that roles of the public relations practitioner were communicating of political party's position on policies, monitoring of political discussion in the media, building of relationship with the voters, persuasion of voters and acting as a guardian of information and communication on issues and candidates. The use of propaganda and persuasive communication were identified from the findings to be some of the strategies employed by the public relations practitioners to protect the image of the political party and candidates. Findings from the study also indicated that the engagement of the public relations practitioners with the electorates focused on vote winning messages. Recommendations include increasing participants by incorporating PR practitioners from other political parties. The major conclusion of the study is that there is a gradual appreciation of the role of Public Relations practice within political parties in Ghana. The implication of this is that interventions and programs are needed to harness the full benefits of public relations practitioners' participation in the democratic electioneering process of Ghana and other developing nations.
Accounting for the Major Communication Frames Deployed by the New Patriotic Party (NPP) & the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Ahead of Elections 2016 & 2020 - The Elephant vs The Umbrella
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-10) Nartey, Emmanuel Kabu
The Fourth Republic has seen Ghana become a duopolized democracy due to the alternation of political power between the New Patriotic Party (NPP) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC). Prior to elections, parties deploy heightened and superior strategies in disseminating policies, messages and debates arising. They deploy frames in these communications efforts in their quest of establishing an advantage over their opponents. This study advances knowledge on how similar or different, predictive and possibly new trends in the frames used by an incumbent party and an opposition party. It reveals among many that, whilst both the NPP and NDC deployed offensive strategic frames in the lead-up to the 2016 polls; the NDC tightened this offensive approach even more prior to the 2020 elections. The NDC was relatively used to deploying evidence-based communication strategies whereas the NPP deployed the Bawumia-frame in the years under review. Both parties however deployed corruption frames in the lead-up to both elections but later abandoned it as would have the dispersion principle explain. Continuity versus Change frames was equally a trend with respect to opposition or incumbency politics. Among others, the study advocated for more thematic and resonating framing strategies in Ghana’s body politic.
Achieving Effective Risk Communication for Disaster Prevention in Ghana - A Study of Ghana National Fire Service
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2015-10) Anaglate, Prince Billy
This research aimed to determine the Disaster Risks Communication and Reduction activities, particularly early warning, education being implemented in Accra metropolis especially the market areas. The findings from this research delved into the various risks communication channel through which hazards are communicated. The research also focused on the various stakeholders responsible for communicating hazards. This thesis addresses this uncertainty via a qualitative research study that sheds light on the meaning of risk communication, despite such uncertainty, by revealing a discrete number of qualitatively different ways in which disaster managers and disaster educators experience and understand public education. Transcriptions of interviews of three such senior Accra disaster managers (GNFS, AMA, ECG) and sixty traders from the market were analyzed using qualitatively different ways of experiencing public education on risk communication. The results suggested multiple ways to improve public education within the fire disaster management community and more widely. The need for clarity in communication amongst educators and professionals in regard to public communication channels and education was confirmed by the research findings.
Adolescent-Parents Communication on Sexuality in the Context Of HIV/AIDS
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2015-09) Essah, Naa Korkoi
The dissertation examined adolescent - parents' communication in the context of HIV/AIDS. It sought to bring to light whether the upsurge of HIV I AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases has made parents responsible for educating their adolescent children on sexuality. The study was occasioned by the epidemiological data which indicated that about half of all global HIV infections occur in young people. This has awakened the fight against HIV/AIDS infections and sexually transmitted diseases in general. Recent studies have indicated that adolescent share information about sexuality more within peers than with parents. However little is known about whether parents are making the efforts of communicating with their adolescent children on sexuality. This study examined this issue. The study adopted a qualitative method with participants being selected thought the purposive criterion sampling. Data were obtained through in-depth interviews with two (2) adolescents children aged 16-19; a boy and a girl respectively with two parents but were not the biological parents of the adolescents interviewed. The results indicated that parents are making the effort of introducing sexuality communication in the home although the adolescent feel they should be taught more or given more detailed information on sexuality. The main issues discussed were pubertal changes, HIV/AIDS and teenage pregnancy. The fact on HIV transmission was discussed in elaborate detail in most families. In sexuality discussion however, parents referred to sexual activities by using vague words and impressions. Discussions were mostly initiated by parents rather the adolescent. This study is different from previous Ghanaian studies on the subject because it has brought to light that Ghanaian parents in Odumase -Krobo are making efforts or attempts in communicating on sexuality issues with their adolescent children. It also brought to light that parent have favourable attitudes towards talking about sexuality and all of them communicated to some extent with their children. It is suggested that parents should start sexuality discussions early to avoid embarrassment in the introduction of the topic when the children reach puberty or adolescents.
Alternative Methods of Assessing Graduate Students in Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ)
(UniMAC-GIJ, 2020-08) Amoa-Bosompem, Victoria
Graduate education is to prepare students for academic, government (public) or private sector careers in their chosen field or for further study. Assessment is therefore seen as an important tool for active learning in Class. It includes the exploration of practices around assessment and grading which are reasonable, fair, and focused on acquiring practical knowledge rather than competition among students. It further argued that the low assessment literacy of lecturers has been the result of the fact that most school curricula fail to explicitly list the basic competencies (national minimum standards) that guarantee academic success. In Ghana, assessment and its practices among teachers has been well researched and documented. Unfortunately, the application of alternative assessment techniques among Graduate students during facilitation has not been well researched. This study, therefore, investigates the alternative methods of assessing Graduate Students with a special focus on Ghana Institute of Journalism using a qualitative research method (in-depth interviews) to find out from some purposefully selected participants, comprising of Graduate Students, Lecturers and some administration staff on the implication the traditional way of assessment has on pedagogy and policies relative to assessment. The study came out with a conclusion that assessment in higher education is an important task that needs to be strategized and applied efficiently for effective learning. In order to have an effective assessment, the current assessment techniques need to be reviewed or amended so that practical aspects and real-life applications of course contents could be given more significance. For effective assessment, Universities must involve practical approaches/exposure or hands-on approaches in the curriculum, develop entrepreneurial abilities among students, discourage spoon-feeding practices to the students and not be restricted to only sit-down exams and focus more on experiential or field learning rather than on the theoretic knowledge.
An Analysis of Employee Participation in Corporate Social Responsibility and its Impact on Work Commitment and Job Outcomes
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2020-09) Sarpong, Barbara Kwakyewa
Extant literature suggests that the level of awareness and participation of employees in an organisation’s corporate social responsibility is essential in engendering employee commitment and work outcomes. This is essential given the influence of work engagement on both employee health and organisational productivity, as well as the importance of CSR for society. The current essay examines the participation of employees in the CSR activities of organisations in and its effect on workplace commitment and job outcomes (job satisfaction, performance, turnover intentions etc.). The study was conducted by means of secondary/desktop research. Literature was reviewed in relation to the objectives of the study. Result from literature demonstrates a positive relationship between participation in CSR and organisational commitment and job outcome. The essay makes recommendations for future research using primary data.
An Analysis of Public Relations Strategies in Perception Management
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2020-10) Dodoo, Jennifer
The study was focused on analysing PR strategies in perception management. The study then set the following objectives in conducting the study. The first was to determine PR strategies that can be used to manage perceptions. The second was to explore how public perception can affect an organization’s reputation and the third was to find out way(s) of attaining a favourable public perception. The findings of the study indicates that community relations, CSR, social media management, media relations and others are among the PR techniques that could be used to control perception while social media management and community relations could be used to garner favorable public perception. The study recommended that individuals and organizations alike should take note of the concept of perception management if they cared about their public image.
An Analysis of the Internal Communication Flow of Organisations: A Case Study of the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT).
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2021-12) Tsey, Wendy Seyram
Communication is regarded as the key to the success of every organization. Internal communication is the process used to interpret and communicate organizational strategies and goals. Through effective internal communication strategies, employees are well equipped with relevant information which will enable them to adequately address customer issues leading to improved customer satisfaction. Therefore, the importance of effective internal communication cannot be overemphasized. This study investigated the internal communication flow within the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), Ghana. It adopted a mixed method research design, which involved the administration of questionnaires and interviews to the staff of SSNIT who constituted the respondents and participants respectively in the study area. The responses of the respondents and participants were analysed thematically. The result of the investigation revealed the need for improved internal communication within the organization. Management staff who were interviewed revealed that although internal communication is the role of the Corporate Affairs Department, it is also the responsibility of all staff members. A high number of neutral responses was received from the study participants, suggesting a disillusionment rising from ineffective internal communication practices within the organization. The study recommends that management staff should make internal communication a priority by undertaking frequent evaluations, assessments and audit of the approaches and outcomes of communication practices. In addition, management staff must maintain open door policy, approachable and accommodating towards staff members of the organization.
An Analysis of The Relationship between Employee Communication and Business Productivity: A Study of Theovision International, Accra.
(UniMAC - GIJ, 2021-12) Mawuxornam, Fumadorh Priscilla
Internal communication has evolved into an element that is crucial for the success of any organization when adopted effectively. According to the Excellence theory of public relations, a symmetrical system of internal communication increased employees’ satisfaction with their jobs and with the organization. Furthermore, internal communication affects the ability of strategic managers to engage employees (Welch & Jackson. 2007). This study explores the relationship between employee communication and business productivity at Theovision International, Accra and also analyzes the impact internal communication has on business productivity. The study used a mixed method approach which used survey questionnaires and interviews among a sample of 41 employees. In line with related literature, the study revealed that there is a relationship between employee communication and business productivity. It also confirmed that employee communication positively impacts on the latter. Following findings from the research, it was recommended that Theovision International, Accra adopts a two – way symmetrical internal communication system where feedback from employees is seriously considered. Also, team work and informal events which strengthen internal communication must be encouraged at the organization.

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