DOCSLIB.ORG

DOCTORAL THESIS a Critical Study of Internationalisation in the Public

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
DOCTORAL THESIS a Critical Study of Internationalisation in the Public DOCTORAL THESIS A critical study of internationalisation in the public universities in Ghana Gyamera, Gifty Oforiwaa Award date: 2014 General rights Copyright and moral rights for the publications made accessible in the public portal are retained by the authors and/or other copyright owners and it is a condition of accessing publications that users recognise and abide by the legal requirements associated with these rights. • Users may download and print one copy of any publication from the public portal for the purpose of private study or research. • You may not further distribute the material or use it for any profit-making activity or commercial gain • You may freely distribute the URL identifying the publication in the public portal ? Take down policy If you believe that this document breaches copyright please contact us providing details, and we will remove access to the work immediately and investigate your claim. Download date: 02. Oct. 2021 A CRITICAL STUDY OF INTERNATIONALISATION IN THE PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN GHANA By Gifty Oforiwaa Gyamera (B.Ed, Mphil) A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of PhD Department of Education University of Roehampton MARCH 2014 ABSTRACT This research critically examines the perceptions, rationales, strategies and challenges of internationalisation at the public universities in Ghana. The study contributes to the available literature on Ghanaian higher education and internationalisation in the public universities. The research was a qualitative study and the conceptual framework was informed by postcolonial theory. The theory helped to address major questions in higher education including the infiltration of neoliberal ideas, inequalities and exclusions, and the perpetuation of colonial legacies in international discourse. Three public universities were purposely selected as case studies; respondents were administrators, deans, heads of departments, academics, and students from these selected universities. Personnel from the supervisory bodies of higher education in Ghana were also interviewed. Data gathering included interviews, documentary analyses and observations, and analysed using content and discourse analyses. The findings indicate that internationalisation is perceived as an important concept in the universities in the study. There are, however, dominant discourses and views of internationalisation that seem to be rooted in colonialism and the marginalisation of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. I argue that the global influences of capitalism underlie many of the strategies of the universities. Though the meanings, rationales and strategies of internationalisation are similar in all the universities, there are different nuances in the various institutions’ thinking and approach. In spite of their efforts, the universities in the study are confronted with a lot of challenges which limit their ability to offer an alternative to the dominant internationalisation discourse. I argue, however, that internationalisation is a problematic concept which should be engaged with critically; there is a need for a critical orientation to ii internationalisation that appreciates and emphasises difference, and which enriches the educational experiences of students. iii CONTENT PAGE Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………... ii Acknowledgement …………………………………………………………………………. x List of abbreviations………………………………………………………………................ xi Chapter 1 Understanding Internationalisation in Ghanaian Public Universities........... 1 The problem statement……………………………………………………………................ 1 The research questions…………………………………………………………………………………………… 2 Objectives of the study …………………………………………………………………………………………… 3 Significance of the study…………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 Origin of the study .……...…………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 A global context…………………………………………………………………….............. 12 Negotiating the terrain ………………………………………………………………........... 16 The national context………………………………………………………………………… 17 Thesis outline ........................................................................................................................ 22 Chapter 2 : The Context of Higher Education in Ghana……………………….............. 25 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 25 The historical context………………………………………………………………………………………….. 25 Development of higher education in Ghana ……………………………………… 32 iv Roles of the Universities….……………………………………………………………………………………… 37 Supervisory bodies………………………………………………………………….............. 40 Challenges of the Universities……………………………………………………………… 41 Ghana: The national, political and socio-economic contexts ………………………………. 44 Educational reforms in Ghana ……………………………………………………… 49 The socio-economic context………………………………………………………... 53 Conclusions………………………………………………………………………................ 55 Chapter 3 :A Review of Key Concepts……………………………………………............ 56 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 56 The internationlisation agenda…………………………………………………………………………….. 57 Definitional issues…………………………………………………………………………... 57 Rationales of internationalisation …………………………………………………... 59 Approaches and strategies to internationalisation…………………………………... 60 The challenges, questions and tensions……………………………………………... 61 Globalisation………………………………………………………………………………………………………... 67 Neoliberalism……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 73 Characteristics of neoliberalism…………………………………………….......................... 74 Africanisation as an alternative concept …………………………………………………………… 80 v Postcolonial theory………………………………………………………………………….. 82 Challenges with the Africanisation concept………………………………………………… 84 Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………............. 86 Chapter 4: The Research……………………………………………………………......... 87 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………....... 87 Methodological approach………………………………………………………………………………………... 87 Research design……………………………………………………………………………... 88 Data collection methods…………………………………………………………….............. 90 Population, sample and sampling techniques………………………………………............. 91 Recruiting participants……………………………………………………………………… 92 Data collection procedure ……………………………………………………………………………………… 100 The pilot study ……………………………………………………………………... 100 The main study ……………………………………………………………………... 102 Data analyses………………………………………………………………………………................................. 106 Challenges of the Study…………………………………………………………………….. 108 Ethical considerations………………………………………………………………. 111 Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………………. 122 Chapter 5 :Knowledge Contestations ................................................ ………............. 124 Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 124 vi Internationalisation…………………………………………………………………………. 125 Meanings attached to internationalisation…………………………………............... 125 Rationales for internationalisation………………………………………….. 128 Africanisation and Indigenous Knowledge Systems.……………… 140 Meanings attached to Africanisation ……………………………………………….. 140 Rationales for Indigenous Knowledge Systems/Africanisation ……………………. 144 Employment and Poverty Alleviation………………………………………………………. 155 Development Discourses………………………………………………………………………………………… 156 Differences in Responses among and in the Universities…………………………………......... 158 Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………………. 166 Chapter 6 :Internationlisation Strategies .......................................................... …..... 168 Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 168 Development of Mission Statements and Strategic Plans…………………………………... 168 Strategic Collaborations………………………………………………………………………………………….. 176 Establishment of International Centres……………………………………………………………………. 180 Benchmarking …………………………………………………………………….................................................. 181 Foreign experts……………………………………………………………...………. 182 Benchmarking the curriculum………………………………………………… 188 Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………………. 193 vii Chapter 7 :Curriculum-related Change…………………………………………...... 195 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 195 Curriculum Processes and Changes………………………………………………………........................... 195 Programme-related Strategies……………………………………………………………………………… 197 Quality-related Strategies……………………………………………………………………………………….. 214 Power Relations and Politics…………………………………………………………………………………… 223 Conclusions………………………………………………………………………………… 228 Chapter 8 : Challenges ............................................................................................ ...... 229 Introduction ………………………………………………………………………... 229 Challenges ………………………………………………………………………………… .229 Lack of national policy …………………………………………………………………… 229 Limited funding …………………………………………………………………………….. 231 Stigmatisation of African Universities……………………………………………………… 254 University Strengths..……………………………………………………………….............. 256 Conclusions…………………………………………………………………………………. 262 Chapter 9 :Conclusions And Recommendations .............................................. …...... 263 Re-stating the research objectives…………………………………………….. …................ 263 Summary of findings……………………………………………………………………… 264 Perceptions of internationalisation………………………………………………….. .264 viii Rationales of internationalisation …………………………………………............... 264 The strategies ………………………………………………………………………. 265 Implications of lack of a national policy on internationalisation…………………................ 266 The models of internationalisation……………………………………………...................... 267 Recommendations..................................................................................................................
Load more

Recommended publications
  • The Politics of Pay Reforms in Ghana
    Journal of African Political Economy & Development | Volume 1 | December 2016 ISSN: 2518-847X THE POLITICS OF PAY REFORMS IN GHANA Joseph R. A. Ayee1 Institute of Economic Affairs, Ghana Email: [email protected] Abstract Public sector pay is a major fiscal policy challenge in most African countries. Accordingly, countries have implemented various approaches to develop a realistic and acceptable pay policy. Ghana is no exception to the trend. Succeeding governments undertook without much progress pay reforms and reviews aimed at improving public service salaries and managing the recurring canker of disparities, inequities and imbalances in the pay administration system. As a contribution to the continued search for cogent reasons to explain the poor implementation of the Single Spine Pay Policy (SSPP), this paper adopts a political economy approach that shows sensitivity to the fact that the implementation of the SSPP is inherently complex and political; it is not just a technical exercise or a public service problem and therefore needs to be linked to the political objectives of the government, the interests of the groups affected, including those of the political elite and unions and associations as well as the prevailing political environment. The paper also discusses some of the policy and institutional framework deficits that have hampered the smooth implementation of the SSPP, which will need urgent attention by the government and other stakeholders, notwithstanding some of the gains made. Keywords: Ghana; Politics; Pay reforms; Single spine pay policy. 1. Introduction There seems to be a consensus that pay (salaries, allowances, in-kind and retirement benefits) is a key public service issue because adequate pay is crucial to sustaining motivation, performance and integrity of public servants.1 Public sector pay is also a major fiscal policy in most African countries.
    [Show full text]
  • Aid and Agriculture
    Aid and Agriculture A constructivist approach to a political economy analysis of sustainable agriculture in Ghana Thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. phil.) at the Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg im Breisgau Jasmin Marston 2017 Dean: Prof. Dr. Tim Freytag 1st Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Glaser 2nd Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Tim Freytag 2nd Reviewer: Prof. Dr. Michael Pregernig Date of thesis defense:12.06.2018 In memory of: Karl Wendelin Klober and Uwe Josef Kristen (06.11.1928-26.09.2015) (22.03.1960-11.11.2016) Acknowledgements i Acknowledgements This study has been inspired and supported by a wide array of individuals and institutions that my gratitude extends to. The quality of research benefited tremendously from the support given by the members of the Department of Physical Geography and Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Freiburg (im Breisgau, Germany). Specifically I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Glaser, Prof. Dr. Tim Freytag, Prof. Dr. Michael Pregernig, as well as the entire Physical Geography team, for the trust and support they have given me at crucial parts of this study. Likewise I am deeply grateful for the support extended through the UrbanFoodPlus project, which is jointly funded by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschafltiche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung (BMZ, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development), Germany, and the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF, Federal Ministry of Education and Research), Germany. In particular I would like to thank Prof. Dr. Axel Drescher, who was the Principle Investigator and a crucial supporter throughout the ups and downs I encountered as a researcher.
    [Show full text]
  • The Role of Insurance in Inclusive Growth: Ghana Diagnostic
    The role of insurance in inclusive growth: Ghana Diagnostic December 2018 Authors Mia Thom Nichola Beyers Kate Rinehart Jana de Waal Esethu Cengu Jeremy Gray Editing and research support: Takalani Malivha, Lisa Bruwer, Antoine Fourie and Karen Levent Acknowledgments The authors would like to extend their gratitude to all of those who assisted us in compiling this report. Our partner organisations played a crucial role in providing inputs, testing our insights and providing support throughout the project. In particular, we would like to thank Helen Edmundson and Ron Bohlander from DFID; Juliet Munro from FSDA and Craig Thorburn and Fiona Stewart from the World Bank. Sumana Hussein and the DFID Ghana team provided valuable guidance, inputs and support throughout the research process. Both the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and National Insurance Commission (NIC) went out of their way to assist on the project and provided indispensable inputs into this research. Sampson Akligoh and Benjamin Torsah- Klu from MoF and Kofi Andoh and Seth Eshun from NIC were invaluable guides to Ghana’s policy and regulatory environment. We would like to thank the various stakeholders we met with from government, financial services providers, industry bodies, technology providers and donor agencies for their time and the insights that guided this research and their efforts to develop the insurance industry. Finally, we would like to thank the people of Ghana, who were unfailingly friendly and helpful and provided us with indispensable insights into the financial lives of Ghanaians. Collaboration The Department for International Development (DFID) has partnered with FSDA, Cenfri and the World Bank to conduct a series of diagnostic studies into the role of insurance in development to answer the following question: How can insurance better contribute to inclusive growth within developing countries? i Table of contents Executive summary ........................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Downloads/A Referencing Style Guide.Htm [Accessed 25 Sept 2013] Birmingham: University of Birmingham
    A University of Sussex DPhil thesis Available online via Sussex Research Online: http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/ This thesis is protected by copyright which belongs to the author. This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the Author The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the Author When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given Please visit Sussex Research Online for more information and further details A Case Study of the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy at the Higher Education Level in Ghana Matthew Karikari-Ababio Submitted to the University of Sussex for the degree of Doctor of Education October 2013 1 I hereby declare that this thesis has not been and will not be submitted in whole or in part to another University for the award of any other degree Signature 2 UNIVERSITY OF SUSSEX Matthew Karikari-Ababio Doctor of Education A Case Study of the Development of Science, Technology and Innovation Policy at the Higher Education Level in Ghana Summary It has been nearly fifty-four years since Ghana nursed the dream of rapid social and economic development through science, technology and innovation. Ghana is yet to experience technological transformation to the level of other countries with which she was at par at the time of her independence. Gaps in understanding still remain in the Ghanaian experience in the development of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policy.
    [Show full text]
  • Desk Review for Ghana
    External evaluation of mobile phone technology-based nutrition and agriculture advisory services in Africa and South Asia Desk-review: Smallholder farming, nutrition and m- Agriculture services in Ghana Barnett, I. and Srivastava, S. 7 February 2017 e-Pact is a consortium led by Oxford Policy Management and co-managed with Itad Desk-review: Smallholder farming, nutrition and m-Agriculture services in Ghana Acknowledgements The authors would like to thank Ms Ting Yang and Walaa Talaat for their comments and feedback on this publication. The team would also like to thank OPM and DFID for their ongoing support and input on this project. This project is funded with UK aid from the UK government. Disclaimer This report has been prepared by the e-Pact consortium for the named client, for services specified in the Terms of Reference and contract of engagement. The information contained in this report shall not be disclosed to any other party, or used or disclosed in whole or in part without agreement from the e-Pact consortium. For reports that are formally put into the public domain, any use of the information in this report should include a citation that acknowledges the e-Pact consortium as the author of the report. This confidentiality clause applies to all pages and information included in this report. This project is being led by the Institute of Development Studies (IDS) as part of the e-Pact consortium led by Oxford Policy Management (OPM) co-managed with ITAD. The project manager is Jessica Gordon [[email protected]]. The report authors are Inka Barnett and Shilpi Srivastara.
    [Show full text]
  • Leeds Thesis Template
    The Press and Political Participation: Newspapers and the Politics of Linguistic Exclusion and Inclusion in Ghana Modestus Fosu Submitted in accordance with the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy The University of Leeds Institute of Communications Studies June 2014 - ii - The candidate confirms that the work submitted is his/her own and that appropriate credit has been given where reference has been made to the work of others. This copy has been supplied on the understanding that it is copyright material and that no quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement. The right of Modestus Fosu to be identified as Author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with the Copyright, design and Patent Act 1998. © 2014 The University of Leeds and Modestus Fosu - iii - Acknowledgements I owe this work to the grace of God, who protected and guided me throughout the difficult journey towards this achievement. My deep gratitude goes to the Rector, Vice Rector and staff members of the Ghana Institute of Journalism (GIJ) for granting me the scholarship and supporting my study in the UK. I am particularly indebted to the Vice Rector, Dr W. Dzisah, for his efforts toward my welfare while on this course. I especially thank my supervisors, Dr Chris Paterson and Dr Fiona Douglas, for guiding this research to a successful end. I am particularly grateful to them for their understanding and resourceful assistance. I also extend great gratitude to Dr Katrin Voltmer for her time and the important insights she provided me in the many discussions I had with her on this project.
    [Show full text]
  • 2010 Ghana 2010 Ghana Millennium Development
    2010 GHANA MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS REPORT NOVEMBER 2012 i 2010 Ghana Millennium Development Goals Report © UNDP, Ghana and NDPC/GOG 2012 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this publication may be produced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission of UNDP, Ghana ISBN 9988 ......................... ii 2010 Ghana Millennium Development Goals Report TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ...................................................................................................................... ii LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES ..................................................................................................... v LIST OF ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS ............................................................................. vii 1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................ 1 2. GLOBAL AND NATIONAL CONTEXT ........................................................................................ 3 2.1 GLOBAL OVERVIEW ................................................................................................................ 3 2.2 NATIONAL CONTEXT ............................................................................................................... 5 3. PROGRESS TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE MDGS IN GHANA .............................................. 11 GOAL 1: ERADICATION OF EXTREME POVERTY AND HUNGER .........................................
    [Show full text]
  • I Strong Institutions in Weak States
    Strong Institutions in Weak States: Institution Building, Natural Resource Governance, and Conflict in Ghana and Sierra Leone by McKenzie F. Johnson University Program in Environmental Policy Duke University Date March 9, 2017 Approved: ___________________________ Erika Weinthal, Supervisor ___________________________ Jack Knight ___________________________ Margaret McKean ___________________________ Jeffrey Vincent ___________________________ Elizabeth Shapiro-Garza Dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University Program in Environmental Policy in the Graduate School of Duke University 2017 i v ABSTRACT Strong Institutions in Weak States: Institution Building, Natural Resource Governance, and Conflict in Ghana and Sierra Leone by McKenzie F. Johnson University Program in Environmental Policy Duke University Date: March 9, 2017 Approved: ___________________________ Erika Weinthal, Supervisor ___________________________ Jack Knight ___________________________ Margaret McKean ___________________________ Jeffrey Vincent ___________________________ Elizabeth Shapiro-Garza An abstract of a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the University Program in Environmental Policy in the Graduate School of Duke University 2017 Copyright by McKenzie F. Johnson 2017 Abstract Since the end of the Cold War, natural resources have assumed an increasingly prominent role in security, conflict, and peace studies.
    [Show full text]
  • Broadcasting Reform in Ghana: a Critical Analysis Of
    BROADCASTING REFORM IN GHANA: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF BROADCASTING POLICY AND REGULATORY CHANGE 1994-2008 Abubakari Sidick Ahmed A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Johannesburg 2012 Abstract This study is a critical policy analysis on broadcasting reform in Ghana between 1992 and 2008 with a particular interest in critically tracking and examining the changes that occurred in broadcasting policy and regulation. Beyond the intrinsic value and relevance of policy and regulation, this study focuses on the factors and forces that are generative of the changes as occurring within the context of a defunct military regime to a more pluralistic, multi-party and open participatory democratic political system. Also, in focus are the ways in which the policy and regulatory changes occurred, the impact of the changes on the Ghanaian broadcasting system and its structures. The study not only examined and corroborated related policy and regulatory documents from primary and secondary sources but also garnered insights of policy-making “actors” interviewed. Finally, the study determines the policy and regulatory gaps in an attempt to provide recommendations for a new broadcasting policy and regulatory direction for the country. ii Declaration I declare that this thesis is my own unaided work. It is submitted for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any other degree or examination at any other university. ---------------------------------- Abubakari Sidick Ahmed ----------------day of ....................2012 iii Dedication To my family, doctors, nurses and true friends Who took excellent care of me when I fell ill With sincere thanks for their love, encouragement and hope during the writing of this thesis.
    [Show full text]
  • Performance Management and Local Government Administration in Ghana: the Case of the District Development Facility and the Functional Organisational Assessment Tool
    Performance Management and Local Government Administration in Ghana: The Case of the District Development Facility and the Functional Organisational Assessment Tool A Thesis Submitted to the University of Manchester for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Humanities 2014 Hamza Bukari Zakaria Institute for Development Policy and Management (IDPM) School of Environment, Education and Development Table of Contents List of Tables.............................................................................................................................. 8 List of Figures ............................................................................................................................ 9 List of Acronyms and Abbreviations ....................................................................................... 10 Abstract .................................................................................................................................... 12 Declaration ............................................................................................................................... 13 Copyright Statement ................................................................................................................ 13 Acknowledgement.................................................................................................................... 14 Dedication ................................................................................................................................ 15 Chapter 1: General
    [Show full text]
  • Oil Production in Ghana: Implications for Economic Development
    Area: Subsaharan Africa ARI 104/2008 Date: 15/9/2008 Oil Production in Ghana: Implications for Economic Development Robert Darko Osei and George Domfe * Theme: This ARI looks at the revenue stream likely to accrue to Ghana from oil production which is to start in 2010 and the implications for the economy. Summary: The first part of this ARI sets the tone by looking at the trends in key economic indicators for Ghana from the 1990s to date. It notes that even though the economy has made significant gains, it still remains fragile, with inequality persisting. The second part looks at the expected revenue from oil production and what the implications are for the economy. Here it estimates that oil revenues to Ghana will at a minimum be in the range of US$1.2 billion to US$2.5 billion over 2010-12 when production hits the expected maximum of 250,000 barrels per day. It goes on to argue that this income stream will significantly help fiscal consolidation in Ghana. However, it also notes that if not managed properly it could have serious repercussions for the real sector of the economy. Analysis: Real Sector Developments The economy of Ghana grew at an average annual rate of about 4.7% over 1990-2007. However, growth has been most significant over the past five years –growth averaged around 5.9% annually over 2003-07–. Indeed, over the last five years, the country’s growth has assumed an upward trend, unlike previous years. Between 1990 and 2002, growth fluctuated around an average of 4.2% (Figure 1).
    [Show full text]
  • GHANA RENEWABLES READINESS ASSESSMENT II Ghana FOREWORD from the Minister of Power
    SPINE GHANA RENEWABLES READINESS Renewables Readiness Assessment: ASSESSMENT GHANA November 2015 Please adjust the spine base on the thickness of the inside pages. SPINE Copyright © IRENA 2015 Unless otherwise stated, this publication and material featured herein are the property of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and are subject to copyright by IRENA. Material in this publication may be freely used, shared, copied, reproduced, printed and/or stored, provided that all such material is clearly attributed to IRENA and bears a notation that it is subject to copyright (© IRENA, 2015). Material contained in this publication attributed to third parties may be subject to third party copyright and separate terms of use and restrictions, including restrictions in relation to any commercial use. About IRENA The International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) is an intergovernmental organisation that supports countries in their transition to a sustainable energy future, and serves as the principal platform for international cooperation, a centre of excellence, and a repository of policy, technology, resource and financial knowledge on renewable energy. IRENA promotes the widespread adoption and sustainable use of all forms of renewable energy, including bioenergy, geothermal, hydropower, ocean, solar and wind energy, in the pursuit of sustainable development, energy access, energy security and low-carbon economic growth and prosperity. Acknowledgements IRENA prepared this report in close collaboration with Lawrence Agbemabiese (University
    [Show full text]