Abstract:
Through multiple cross-sectional historical case studies, the study investigated the
design histories, philosophies, and aesthetics of seven Ghanaian Technical
Universities academic gowns. Maximum variation and expert sampling procedures
were used to sample sixty-six participants. The data was analysed using narrative
analytical techniques and a multi-method data gathering strategy. The study
discovered that between 2000 and 2010, technical universities began designing their
own gowns due to the high cost of renting, identification issues, and income
generation, with KsTU leading the way. While some designed and constructed their
gowns in-house, the majority subcontracted to gown contractors. Only two institutions
have gowns for different statuses, and six have HND and management gowns. Aside
from the management, all institutions continue to hire gowns for their members to
supplement what they have. In turn, the institutions rent out their gowns to other
institutions that are interested. This research has also explored the philosophical roots
of the gowns as well as their aesthetic values based on their numerous logo
interpretations. Whereas 41.7% of participants were satisfied with their gown designs,
35.4% were dissatisfied, and the rest (22.7%) were satisfied to some extent.
Generally, 58.3% of participants wanted their gown designs to be improved. As a
result, a design framework has been created to guide gown designs. The study
suggested that academic institutions carefully review their academic gowns and aim
to make them customised, appropriate, and easily identifiable in order to enhance the
identity of the wearers as well as the brand identity and image of the institutions. For
research and educational purposes, detailed information about the gown designs
should be retained.
Description:
A thesis in the Department of Music Education, School of Creative Arts,
submitted to the School of Graduate Studies in partial fulfilment
of the requirements for the award of the degree of
Doctor of Philosophy
(Arts and Culture)
in the University of Education, Winneba
OCTOBER, 2023