Efua T. Vandyck (BSc, MPhil, PhD (Ghana))
Academic Qualifications
a. PhD Degree in Home Science -Textiles and Clothing (2014), University of Ghana, Legon
b. M.Phil. Degree in Home Science -Textiles and Clothing (2002), University of Ghana, Legon
c. B.Sc. Degree in Home Science (1997), University of Ghana, Legon
d. Teacher’s Diploma-Home Science Education (1985), Winneba Specialist Training College, Winneba
Research interest
My research interest is broadly in Textile and Clothing studies and working conditions in the garment industry (both in the physical environment and in task performance). It includes the development of ergonomic guidelines in apparel manufacture and engaging with garment manufacturing groups to resolve ergonomic issues. I also have keen interest in skills-based fashion education for the changing social contexts of retail and consumption, evaluation of clothing quality and competitiveness of garment manufacturing firms in Ghana, development and evaluation of fashion programmes for the Ghanaian fashion institution and the role of trade agreements and negotiations such as African Growth Opportunities Act (AGOA) and others. My recent work is on helping garment manufacturing workers improve their health, safety and well-being through improved working condition in the work place.
Current research/project(s)
I am currently working on health oriented labour practices and employee wellbeing in Ghana’s garment industry. This includes assessing garment employees’ knowledge and attitudes about basic principles of occupational health and safety and other selected labour practices as well as finding out whether garment manufacturing companies meet the Factory, Offices and Shops Act of 1970 (Act 328) and Labour Act of 2003 (Act 651) with respect to basic principles of occupational safety, occupational hygiene and other selected labour practices. It is my personal vision to assist in promoting and creating awareness for the strong need to adhere to occupational health and safety requirements that should be followed religiously to enable global competition in garment manufacturing.
Awards
1. University of Michigan, African Presidential Scholars Program Award to University of Michigan, (February 2009 to August 2009)
2. Research Scholar Award to North Carolina State University, (August 2011 to May 2012)
3. Utrecht School of the Arts Netherland, for International Basic Skills Training – NPT Project: NPT/GHA/046 on Curriculum Based Training (CBT), June - August 2005
Recent publications
Refereed Journal Publications
1. Efua Vandyck, Docea A. G. Fianu, Belinda Opoku- Agyeman, Joe Bamfoh Danquah and Noah Tetteh Offoe (2016). Recycling of garment by students in a Tertiary Institution. International Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences. Vol.5, pp 13-19
2. Vandyck E., Senayah W., Tackie-Ofosu V. and Osei Koranteng C. (2016) Serving an Internship; Experiences from Family and Consumer Sciences Department, University of Ghana, Programme. Journal of Educational Research and Reviews. Vol. 4(4), pp. 19-26,
3. Vandyck E., Tackie-Ofosu V., Fianu D. and Papoe M. (2016). Attitude and Behaviours towards Occupational Health Safety in the Workplace among garment workers. Sky Journal of Educational Research. Vol. 4(4), pp.035-042, June,(2016)
4. Tackie-Ofosu V. and Vandyck E. (2016). What Works for Parents: How Parents Support Their Children with Math Homework in Rural Ghana. Journal of Human Sciences and Extension. Volume 4, (1) pp.114-120
http://www.jhseonline.com
5. Vandyck E., Tackie-Ofosu V., Ba-ama E., Senayah W. (2014). Effects of Ergonomic Practices on Garment Production in Madina, Ghana. International Research Journal of Arts and Social Sciences Vol. 3(1) pp.1-7.
6. Vandyck E., Senayah W. Opong S., Ba-ma E. (2013). A Review of Ergonomically Designed Work Seats; the Situation of Small-Scale Garment Producers in Ghana International. Journal of Educational Research and Review Vol 2 (5) pp. 17-22
7. Vandyck E., and Fianu D. (2012). The work practices and ergonomics problems experienced by garment workers in Ghana. International Journal of Consumer Studies 36 (2012) pp. 486-491
8. Ba-ama E. M., Vandyck E., Dzandu J. A., Kumador D. (2012). Challenges faced by Street Women with Children: A Case of Accra-Ghana. International Research Journal of Arts and Social Sciences Vol. 2 (3), pp. 64-71
Book chapters
1. Vandyck E., Fianu D., Papoe M., Oppong S, (2015). Safety management systems, ergonomic features and accident causation among garment workers. Prevention and Ergonomics Laboratory Publication, University of Algeria. Algeria. (pp.109-114)
2. Kuma-Kpobee M. and Vandyck E. (2015). The categorization of selected women‘s body forms of Ghana: Implications for product development. Prevention and Ergonomics Laboratory Publication, University of Algeria. Algeria. (pp.37- 43)
3. Vandyck E., Fianu D., Papoe M. (2014). Impact of occupational stressors on MSDs among garment workers in the EFZ, Ghana. Prevention and Ergonomics Laboratory Publication, University of Algeria. Algeria. (pp.102-108)
Professional membership(s)
1. Ghana Home Economics Association (GHEA)
2. Home Economics Research Association of Ghana (HERAG)
3. International Federation for Home Economics (IFHE)
4. Institute of Textiles and Fashion Professionals, Ghana (ITFP)