Merit Research Journal of Education and Review

159-171

Authors: Seniwoliba A. J.

It is undoubtful that the growth of every economy depends on the strength and commitment of its labour force. This therefore suggests that where the labour force is unstable with erratic performance usually marred by constant strikes, the growth of a country’s economy would be dwindling. The public sector has been characterized with strike actions following the introduction of the single spine salary structure. The first quarter of 2013 has witnessed several labour agitations mainly within the education and health sectors in Ghana. They have been asking for better conditions of service and the timely payment of arrears. Despite the role the labour force contributes to the growth of the economy, there is very little efforts from previous and succeeding governments to find lasting solution to these strike actions that occur very frequently. This study therefore, sought to contribute to knowledge about the underlying factors that cause the frequent strike actions in Ghana, some limitations of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651) and to discuss the adjudication of labour issues and resolution of labour disputes. To verify these concerns therefore, views were sampled from individuals, executives of some labour unions, the internet (ghanaweb, google, myjoyonline, citinews etc), Ghanaian newspapers and commentaries on the current labour issues in Ghana and review of some works on labour relations. Amongst the more important findings was the fact that there must be a greater awareness of worker needs, values and objectives and the best way to handle strikes is to prevent them from occurring in the first place but when they (strikes) occur, management should be more proactive to investigate and manage the grievances by instituting effective communication approaches between management and employees and constantly monitoring working conditions to see what further types of improvements could be introduced to minimize strike actions. The paper recommends that participatory management decision making processes should be applied using the Alternative Dispute Resolution process to resolve the issues emanating from the research particularly relating to workers’ strikes. Keywords: Labour force, strikes, unrest, Ghana human resource, economy, single spine salary structure.

172-180

Authors: Peter James Kpolovie and Isaac Esezi Obilor

This investigation adopted Program Theory-Based Evaluation Design in assessing the merit and worth of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), strictly in line with the institution’s mission statement, goal, and policy of “higher education for all in need”; to ascertain access to, and the degree of equilibrium in the demand and supply of higher education in Nigeria. Results revealed that of the total number of candidates applying for higher education admission in Nigeria, between 2003 and 2012, only 13.12% to 26.52% succeeded into Nigerian Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges of Education; denying 73.48% to 86.88% of candidates who seek access to higher education. It was low access to higher education in the country that necessitated establishment of the NOUN in 1983 to ensure equity and equality of opportunities and wider access to education with a view to mopping up all who need higher education but are left out by the conventional education system. Results further showed that the government’s policy of “higher education for all in need through the NOUN” is merely a paradox in policy practice; because in its present state, NOUN has not and can never cope with the demand for higher education in Nigeria as it only admitted 0.03% to 1.89% of the candidates seeking higher education between 2003 and 2012. It was suggested that improved power supply and internet connectivity, more study centres especially in the rural areas, increased funding of NOUN, and the establishment of a National Open and Distance Education Commission for effective and efficient supervision of NOUN, will make the National Open University of Nigeria the “Higher Education Messiah” that it was intended to be. Keywords: Higher education for all in need; Program theory-based evaluation design; Paradox in policy practice; Open and Distance Education; Access to higher education; National Open University of Nigeria; Higher education.

154-158

Authors: D. M. W. Munasinghe

“Addition” is one of main basic mathematical concepts that children learn. This concept is learned by students at the preschools level both informally and formally. There are some research findings that show that students make mainly three types of errors, such as Systematic errors, Random errors and Careless errors. Students make these types of errors relation to the concept of “Addition”. This paper examines the error patterns common with “Addition “in second years of schooling (grade 2/7 years old students). The gender wise differences in “Addition” are examined and analyzed; examined also patterns of “Addition” in the sample age group. The need for further in-depth research in the area of primary grade mathematics is highlighted. Keywords: Addition Pre-school, Primary school, Essential Learning Competencies

147-153

Authors: Dr. Md. Zulfequar Ahmad Khan

There are some uncertainties as to what effects a change in environment might have on the earth. The environment is our basic life-support system. Over the last two decades our reliance on the environment has been graphically displayed in series of some major environmental disaster. To fulfill our needs, there has been discriminate or unwise use of natural resources. That`s why, many parts of the environment have been badly damaged. If we continue to treat the environment as we have done up to now, the damage will get worse, the costs higher, and the consequences more serious. There are a number of factors responsible changes. The most prominent one is the industrial revolution. Consumerism (our increasing want for material things) has increased by leaps and bounds, creating mountains of waste. Our population has increased to an incredible extent. There are several challenges and they can be classified as economic, institutional, psychological, and informational. The threat of global environmental problem is growing. However, the actions must be carried within a sustainable and equitable development framework. The paper discussed several options but implementing them requires detailed analysis to ensure that national benefits are maximized. The importance of local control and management cannot be over-emphasized in ensuring sustainable development. Keywords: Environment, Pollution, Photochemical, Deforestation, Renewable energy.

139-146

Authors: Dr. S. Waseem A. Ashraf, Safia Khanam and Ayaz Ahmad

Environmental pollution is one of the serious crisis to which we are facing today. It is fact that three basic elements air, water and land which constitute harmony of nature for proper and balance living of all organisms, it was fortunate enough that such hospitable and balance environment was the destiny of our predecessors. But it is contrary to living of the present environment. With the rapid growth of population, urbanization, industrialization, commercialization, consumerism, fast changing life style, unplanned development etc. have deteriorated the ecological balance day by day and now it went beyond its sustainable limit the craze of progress in agriculture, industry, transportation and technology is taken as the general criterion of development of any nation. Such activities of man have created adverse effects on all living organisms in the planet of the earth. The increasing population and poverty are also the cause of environmental pollution which compels the people for over exploitation of natural resources of the region. Besides poverty, illiteracy, unawareness, lack of knowledge, irrational and unplanned development etc. also contributes to pollution of the environment at regional scale. In the present work an attempt has been made to study impact of environmental pollution on human health, which is the home of approximately 0.67 million people, who are subject to sufferings. After foregoing analysis regarding variable of indoor air pollution and their impact on health, it may be concluded that the indoor air pollution is affected by the housing conditions and living conditions but to some extent it is also affected by the outdoor environment. Keywords: Air Pollution, Wards, Households, Disease, Health