ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The role of bistability in the spread and control of HIV in a given community

The aim of this project is to study the role played by bistability in the spread and control of HIV prevalence in a given community. The phenomenon of bistability is critical for effective control of certain epidemics. Specifically, this study is a review of the theory of bifurcation and its application to epidemics models. In epidemic models, disease transmission depends on a certain threshold quantity (R0) known as the basic reproductive number such that if R <1, the disease — free equilibrium is stable and the disease can be eradicated and unstable when R0 > 1; in which case the disease persists. However several recent studies have shown that, reducing R0 to values less than unity though necessary is not sufficient to control the spread of the disease. A non — linear dynamical system model for model for transmission of HIV infection, which incorporates an anti - HIV preventive vaccine was studied. Numerical simulation for the model implementation confirm that low efficacy of the vaccine is a reason for bistability in the model, so that, the disease persists under such condition even for R <1 it is found however that if the efficacy of the vaccine is high enough leading to P* > P, (where P is the threshold vaccination coverage level), then community wide — eradication becomes possible. Moreover the simulation results also predict that reducing the initial sizes of the subpopulation to a level where could halt the epidemics.

Source: KNUST
The role of Board of Directors and Management in Effective Credit Administration: case study of Fiaseman Rural Bank Ltd

The banking sector has grown rapidly in recent times and has witnessed tremendous performance in the areas of lending. Granting of loans and overdrafts has always represented the largest commitment of funds to various customers of banking institutions. However, effective credit administration has always become a major problem particularly to the Rural Banks in Ghana. The general objective of the study is to establish how effective credit administration is handled by the BOD, Management, Credit Staff and Auditing Staff would enhance credit operations in Rural Banks in Ghana. The specific objectives are also to examine the lending policies of the bank, to find out why some customers find it difficult paying their loans. The study also examines the measures adopted by the Rural Banks in recovering credits granted to customers and also make suggestions and recommendations that would inform sound policies for effective credit administration. The researcher used questionnaires and interviews in gathering information for this work. Questionnaires were issued to the Board of Directors, General Manager, Customers, Branch Managers, Credit Officers and Internal Auditors. All of these people were also interviewed. The findings revealed that only three BOD are involved in the approval of loans and only two Credit Staff at the Head Office are trained. Those Credit Officers at various branches are not trained. There is also the problem of cash security being provided by loan customers. The interest rates and commitment fees are high. Also most of the loans were given to salaried customers to the detriment of agriculture and cottage industry. The study also revealed that the rate of bad debt was high due to cocoa loans which were not paid in the year 2008. In conclusion, it is an evident that the Bank’s loan portfolio contained almost loans and advances made of salaried workers which has low default rate and higher repayment. Nevertheless the bank has to pay much attention to other sectors since mining in the area can come to an end.

Source: KNUST
The role of cloud computing in improving supply chain management in the Ghanaian construction industry.

The supply chain management in Ghana has not been very effective in meeting the demands of the construction industry. Hence, the trite use of quondam means to deliver goods from one end to the other have not improve over the years. Cloud computing, a module that helps stakeholders to access information from the internet ubiquitously is an emerging approach in supply chain management. Thus, the need to conduct this study which was formulated to explicate the role of cloud computing in improving supply chain management in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Adopting quantitative research approach and using the snowball sampling technique, top construction firms which were seen to be adopting cloud computing in Ghana were conducted and used for this study. After sending 60 questionnaires out, 42 of them were retrieved. The obtained data was analysed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and Descriptive Statistics. After analysis, it was identified that effective decision making, construction as an information intensive industry and collaboration guaranteeing higher chance of success of projects were identified as the topmost awareness of Cloud Computing in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Also, some of the benefits of Cloud Computing to the Ghanaian Construction Industry were that the resource usage can be monitored, Cloud Computing present financial benefit to a project and Cloud Solution will enable multiple project management. More so, strategies for implementing Cloud Computing were identified as Education on the cost benefit cloud solution presents on projects, Enable the organization to be able to benchmark its performance, and Enable early supplier involvement in any project. The study recommends amidst others that Cloud Computing should be promoted within the supply chain area to ensure that stakeholders can easily access information and speed up productivity in the industry.

Source: KNUST
The role of communication in a projectized organization: A case study of its effect on selected world bank financed projects in Ghana

The study was conducted to first of all, determine how much project organizers value communication; secondly, to uncover the various communication channels employed in project management and finally, to determine how communication affects the success of World Bank projects. Using mixed research design, the study collected data from 50 respondents through questionnaire administration. Samples were selected by adopting purposive sampling techniques. The sampled data was analyzed using SPSS data analysis software (Version 22.0). Results of the analyses were discussed and presented using tables, figures/charts, frequencies and percentages. The study found that communication received some level of attention during World Bank projects of which the value assigned to it is quite significant, thus from 5% to 6% of total budget allocation. The World Bank used multiple communication channels which includes; staff suggestion scheme, satisfaction survey, social gathering, annual reports, site review meetings, website, noticeboards, newsletter, general meeting, formal communication, face-to-face communication and broadcast media. The study found again that there have been several challenges in the communication process during projects. Some of the identified barriers were, political/community interference, poor listeners, poor leadership, unclear objectives, cultural differences, unclear communication channels, ineffective reporting systems, information filtering, lack of trust, religious issues, language barrier, age difference, physical barriers, psychological barriers and lack of accountability. The study recommends that communication has a very important role in project management and hence should be given maximum attention. There should be enough effort to remove all barriers especially those that are easily avoidable

Source: KNUST
The Role of Communication in Sustaining Development Projects: The Case of Ejura Sekyedumase Municipality, Ghana

For the past decades, many projects have been initiated in communities with the objective of bringing development to the doorstep of these communities. However most of these projects are in deplorable state whilst others have even been abandoned. This suggests that the projects are not sustained to achieve their intended lifespan as various development agencies are concerned about how to sustain their projects. There are other factors that can ensure a project’s sustenance in a community but this study focused on the role communication plays in sustaining these development projects. Based on the development communication theory, the study sought to determine the channel of communication used by development partners to involve communities in their own development and the changes the projects bring to the lives of the people in the Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipality through the use of communication. Using four purposively selected communities in the Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipality, a cross-sectional research design was adopted for the study. Variables relevant to the study were identified and explained through a thorough literature review after which the methodology to solicit the necessary data and information to address the research questions was determined. Both systematic and purposive sampling techniques were used for the study. Primary data obtained from the field were analysed. The study revealed that though development partners communicated to communities on some of the projects, the components of development communication was not wholly employed. The projects that employed communication among other things have been sustained whilst the ones with little or no communication are in deplorable state. The study also revealed that interpersonal communication was the most common means of communication used by development partners to contact communities and this helped in bringing social change to the lives of the people in the Ejura/Sekyedumase Municipality. The study established that both project implementers and communities face challenges in sustaining development projects. However, project implementers did not adopt the three components of development communication thus; advocacy, social mobilization and behaviour change communication to contact their target beneficiaries. It is therefore recommended that development partners and agencies should develop a communication strategy for their projects whilst focusing on sustenance of the projects.

Source: KNUST
The Role of Communication in the Marketing of Life Insurance in Ghana (A Case Study of Donewell Insurance Company Limited)

In today's highly competitive environment, the level of service insurance companies deliver to agents and policy-holders is a key differentiator. Providing timely and relevant communication is a critical component of any effective customer service strategy. The primary challenge for insurers today is how to, effectively, design and deploy consistent, personalized communication across the growing range of communication delivery channels and to leverage valuable customer information throughout the enterprise. THC study intended to examine the role that integrated marketing communication plays in the marketing of Life insurance products. Various reading materials were reviewed. This enabled the study to find out, whether there is some degree of consistency in those materials that were re-evaluated. Quota and purposive sampling techniques* were employed in selecting the sample. The main research instruments used in the study were structured questionnaire, interviews and participatory observation. The study revealed that, majority of the staff (54%), admittedly, did not take side on the issue of identifying a communication gap between their target audiences. However, twenty-two percent (22%) of them perceived communication as superior. In addition, most of the policy-holders did not read the terms, conditions and benefits of the products, although, majority of the customers were educated. It was recommended that educational workshops and training should be organized for agents and policy-holders especially prospective clients to ensure efficient and effective integrated marketing communication as a tool in enhancing higher sales in life products. Moreover, the amount of money allotted for marketing communication should be increased due to the intensity of competition in the industry, which should go hand in hand with quality service delivery.

Source: KNUST
The role of communication in the marketing of soft drinks in Ghana- a case of coca-cola, Kumasi

The field of marketing is an area always evolving and developing. One of the biggest developments during the last decades is the introduction of marketing and marketing communications. Marketing communications is a systematic relationship between a business and its market. It needs to be established as a proven fact that the quests for achieving and sustaining competitive advantage by business organizations have led most of them embarking upon effective marketing and marketing communications programmes purposely to communicate their offerings in the market place. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate the role of Communications in the Marketing of Soft Drinks in Ghana, a case of Coca-Cola, Kumasi. To reach this purpose the researcher had reviewed what marketing is, the marketing orientations, criticisms of marketing, the 4Ps, why the 4ps communicate, criticisms of the 4Ps and the expanded forms. A further review had been done on what marketing communications is the marketing communications process and lastly, integrated marketing communications, its benefits and drawbacks. The findings of this study have revealed that Coca-Cola is a marketing oriented company since it is able to meet customer needs and wants profitably, integrates marketing with the other functions of the company and uses wide range of communications channels to market its products and lastly integrates its communications efforts so as to reach the selected target markets.

Source: KNUST
The role of celebrity endorsement on brand image in the Telecommunication Industry

Celebrity is any individual, who enjoys public recognition and uses this recognition on behalf of consumer good by appearing with it in an advertisement. The aim of the study is to examine the role of celebrity endorsement on brand image in the telecommunication industry. A qualitative research design was adopted for easy examination. Questionnaires were used for the collection of data from customers in the telecommunication industry. The estimated adult population used was 1,200,000. A total number of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents were selected using the convenience sampling. This study used the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to analyse the data gathered from the respondents. The analysis revealed that credibility and trustworthiness of the celebrities are the influencing factors on the brand. In addition, the respondents agree that companies use celebrities to endorse brands because they want to compete with other brands. It is concluded that the characteristic which invariably is the celebrity’s image can positively or negatively affect consumers’ attitude towards the endorsed company. This further means that celebrities with good public image will easily enhance company acceptance among consumers because of their perceived characteristics but poorly viewed celebrities are impediments to company image in the telecommunication industry. Evidence also shows that celebrity endorsement generates a lot of publicity about a brand which gives the brand exposure and positive image. This study recommends that the endorser should be attractive to the target audience in certain aspects like physical appearance, intellectual capabilities, athletic competence, and lifestyle. It has been proven that an endorser that appears attractive has a greater chance of enhancing the customers’ memory of the brand that he or she endorses.

Source: KNUST
The role of consumer expectancies in the acceptance of novel foods

“Novel” foods such as soybean are those recently introduced and many consumers avoid such foods simply due to lack of familiarity with them. Experiments were therefore conducted to examine factors affecting the consumer acceptance of selected soybean foods. Variables included for analyses of their effects were: (i) preparation variables; (ii) product name (iii) brand name and label (iv) availability of product information; (v) nature and quantity of product information; (vi) degree of familiarity of the user with the product. 28 male and 28 female volunteer, untrained panelists were selected and a nine- point labeled hedonic scale was used to make all judgements. The results show that the flavour of soymilk is critical to its acceptance and soybean-based yoghurt could be more acceptable should they have names which clearly spell out the “yoghurt”. For Nestle’s cerelac (with soybean) and nutrend (with soybean), the closer an actual brand comes to the ideal (the familiar product), cerelac with milk powder, the more it will be preferred. Prior knowledge of product name of soymilk, alerted panelists to more information to reduce the dissonance experienced due to disquieting features of past products. Irrespective of whatever information is included in the label, consumers would expect soybean based “koko” products to taste similar to sole maize “koko” products. The results also indicated that hedonic response is related to the degree of familiarity or non familiarity of the user with soybean foods. The study concludes that hedonic response to soybean foods is a function of the degree to which expectancies about the food are matched by subsequent experiences with it. This theoretical framework is proposed as a useful analytical tool for predicting consumer responses to novel foods in Ghana and it also suggests that product claims should faithfully represent products likely performance.

Source: KNUST
The role of contractors in the Ghanaian mining industry - a case study at Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited

Ashanti Goldfields Company (AGC) Limited, Africa’s largest private mining company outside South Africa is set out to transform itself from a gold producer with a single mine to a group with several mines. As a result of pressure on gold price, being cost-competitive is essential if AGC is to remain not simply mining but to maximise returns from its huge investments. To this end contracting is playing a significant role in the operations of AGC. The mine now evaluates contractors during the tender phase to ascertain, in addition to their cost-effectiveness, the contractors’ commitment and performance towards health and safety. The contractors used comply with all the procedures on the mine including, inter alia, induction on the mine, equipment standards, training of safety representatives and compliance with safety and environmental programmes. The selected contractors perform tasks that include underground development, exploratory drilling, top soil removal, load-haul-dumping and supply of explosives. They have been found in most cases to be cost-effective and provide the mine with short-to medium-term benefits. This research opens up with why contracting was not phenomenal up to the late 1980’s in Ghana, particularly at AGC. It then addresses the advantages and disadvantages to the company as a result of the use of contractors, looks at the future of contracting at AGC and then concludes that the latter have established themselves as a necessary and integral component of AGC’s operations. Competitive bidding, review of certain contracts, contractor’s participation at the planning stages of projects and partnering relationship with contractors are recommended to give AGC maximum benefits of contracting.

Source: KNUST
The role of credit unions in developing economies: case of St. Joseph’s Credit Union-Jirapa.

According to the Credit Union Association of Ghana (CUA, 1968 — 1978), a credit union is a financial co-operative, which is owned and controlled by its members. Members of a credit union save in a common fund, as well as being a good saving option with successful credit union paying an annual dividend of up to 8%. The money saved can be used to make low interest loans to other credit union members. They are also the best vehicle for mobilising resources for domestic development. Co-operatives are therefore alternatives for individual and small holders in the mobilisation of resources for the development of the individual and the country as a whole. It is in this light that it would be valuable to take a look at the activities of these co-operatives in developing economies. Further, to investigate the role of credit unions on the lives of the ordinary people in developing economies. The study is basically an exploratory and analytical research. Data was gathered from the study area and analysed based on the objectives of the study. The research was carried out using the multi-method case study approach. This method gives the researcher a rich understanding of the context; it is also a flexible method that allows the use of questionnaires, interviews, observation and documentary analysis. Even though this study focuses on the St Joseph’s credit union in Ghana, it would be worthwhile to widen further research to cover other areas to unravel the deficiencies hindering the growth and efficient function of developing credit union in a bid to correcting and adopting new strategies for their growth.

Source: KNUST
The role of design in gold jewellery for export: a Ghanaian case study

This thesis is a study of the function of design in Ghana’s gold jewellery for export, It is a report and assessment of how goldsmiths are exploiting this powerful, yet often ignored tool for export marketing. The study focuses on two major aspects of design: i] product design of contemporary gold jewellery ii] packaging design The study examined traditional goldsmithing and the symbolism of gold in the Akan society. In addition, the sprouting contemporary goldsmithing and design trends since independence were discussed. Promotional aspects used in gold jewellery for export were also evaluated. Concentration was given to: a] product adaption and development to suit international markets by the use of adinkra symbols: a rich and innovative resource in this respect. b] Packages from locally available materials like cloth and those incorporating kente and trade—beads which are multi-functional, reusable and environmentally friendly. Research methods included personal interviews and questionnaires to various goldsmiths, Ghana Export Promotion Council (G.E.P.C.), Precious Mineral Marketing Corporation (P.M.M.C.) and the Bank of Ghana. It was found that contemporary goldsmiths have not seriously launched into the export trade. Few have actually handled export orders or attended Trade fairs abroad. In terms of promotion, design is definitely lagging behind. Packages are usually imported while product development and adaption seem new phenomena. It was recommended among other things that an action committee be set up to formulate policies or guidelines for the jewellery industry. The formation of a design unit under the G.E.P.C. which will be solely responsible for market research and advising on export issues was also recommended. It was concluded that a combination of creative marketing techniques like unique packaging and superior quality jewellery would make Ghana’s gold jewellery an irresistible beacon for jewellery wearers and import houses worldwide.

Source: KNUST