ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Globalisation on the Performance of Cable and Wire Manufacturing Industry in Ghana

This study examined the impact of globalization on the performance of Ghanaian Cable and wire manufacturing sector with focus on selected cable and wire manufacturing firms from Tema. The data were collected using both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. The former were collected through interviews while the latter were collected via structured questionnaire and documents. In all, 58 respondents were used for the study. The respondents were selected using multiple sampling techniques – comprising of (i) stratified random sampling (ii) quota sampling, and (iii) systematic sampling techniques. The data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric statistics. The main finding of the study is that globalization had strong adverse effects on the performance of cable and wire manufacturing sector. And that the problems associated with globalization and liberalization of trade hindered economic growth and sustainable development. The study concluded on the note that Ghana needs to have a second thought on globalization and if she does not intend to do away with the manufacturing sector of the economy.

Source: KNUST
Impact of forest management systems on diversity and abundance of butterflies in the Asenanyo Forest Reserve, Ghana

Every forest management practice has the potential to affect the structural elements of the forest and the habitat conditions of the biodiversity living in it. Forest management practices such as selective logging and plantation establishment have been widely practice, however, there is limited information on the potential effect of these systems butterfly diversity and abundance. This study was conducted in the Asenanyo River Forest Reserve to determine the impact of forest management systems on the diversity and abundance of butterflies in the forest reserve. Transect method using standard fruit baited traps were employed to capture butterflies in an unlogged, selectively logged and plantation forest management zones. In each study site, six transects were located at least 500 m apart and on each transect, eight trap net stations spaced at 100 m were installed for a more quantitative butterfly diversity sampling. Shannon-Wiener and Simpson‘s diversity indexes were used to analyze for species richness and diversity of butterflies. A total of 2,314 butterfly specimens belonging to 87 species, 41genera and 5 families were trapped in the understory of the three management zones in the forest reserve. The selective logged zone recorded the largest number of butterflies (968) followed by unlogged (880) whiles the plantation recorded the least butterflies of (466). Shannon-Wiener and Simpson‘s indices for the selectively logged forest and unlogged forest were similar. Shannon-Wiener and Simpson‘s indices were however significantly higher in the unlogged than in the plantation forest (P< 0.05). The findings of the study indicated that butterfly diversity and abundance were directly related to plant diversity, abundance and canopy cover, thus highlighting the important role vegetation play in determining butterfly assemblages in the forest. The study further showed that although xi plantations are generally poor substitutes for the butterfly habitat compared to intact forest, they did provide habitat of some form for forest butterflies. It is recommended that further studies should consider vertical stratification in the forest reserve and the impact of seasonal variations on the butterfly species

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Global Good Agricultural Practice (GLOBAL G.A.P) Certification on the Quality and Safety of Fresh Pineapple and Mangoes: A Case Study in the Akuapim South and Yilo Krobo Municipalities of Ghana

Safety and quality of fruits has been a great concern to all stakeholders therefore investigations were conducted to assess the impact of GLOBALG.A.P certification on fresh fruits (Pineapple and mangoes). The study adopted a descriptive cross -sectional design and quantitative data collection approach using structured questionnaires. Observational and laboratory studies were also conducted. Titratable acidity, pH, %brix, total coliforms, total viable counts and yeast and mould were determined using standard methods. A total of 160 farmers, 10 farms and 40 fruits were randomly selected using stratified sampling technique for the study. The findings of the study showed the following variations in chemical and microbiological quality of GLOBALG.A.P certified pineapple fruits; pH (4.32); % Brix (11.6), Titrable acidity (0.03 %), TVC (3.9×102 cfu/g/ml), TC(3.2×102 cfu/g/ml) and yeast and moulds (7.2×102 cfu/g/ml) whilst the non-certified farms also showed the variations in fruit quality; pH (4.41); % Brix (9.27), Titrable acidity (0.03%); TVC (16.2 ×102 cfu/g/ml); TC (12.8×102 cfu/g/ml) and yeast and moulds (11.9×102). The mango fruits also showed similar trends in variation of chemical and microbiological quality. With the exception of %Brix which differed significantly (P≤0.05), there was no significant differences in pH and titrable acidity of fruits from both certified and non-certified farms (P≥0.05). There were statistically significant differences in total coliform, yeast and moulds and total viable counts (P≤0.05). 60% of the respondents indicated that there was a difference in the safety and quality of certified and non-certified fruits whilst 40% stated otherwise indicated that there was no difference. This study accentuates the need for the MoFA regulatory bodies to set standards that will ensure that fresh fruits are safe for consumption, by encouraging farmers to adopt GLOBALG.A.P or any other food safety standards and farmers should be monitored to ensure they adopt G.A.P. also adopt good agriculture practices in order to reduce microbiological contamination of pineapple and mango fruits.

Source: KNUST
The impact of Ghanaian traditional art upon the work of selected contemporary artists (1950 – 1986)

Inspite of the deep British colonial influence that went deep into the core of Ghanaian traditional life, contemporary artists trained in mission and colonial schools still portray traits of traditional forms in their works. The reasons, the purpose and the means by which these forms have been retained in the works of contemporary Ghanaian artists is what this thesis is out to examine and find out. The thesis begins in chapter one with an explanatory article throwing light, among other things, on the reason behind the choice of the traditional forms used and the five contemporary artists chosen for this thesis. Due to the diversities of traditional visual art forms found in the traditional society and their numerous and varied styles, what is therefore described in chapter two generally as what constitutes traditional visual art forms, is only being presented as an attempt to bring to light the examples of forms in the midst of these diverse traditional forms that can stand in for all other arts. It is in this light that Pottery, textiles and particularly sculpture - the key traditional visual art forms that influenced the works of contemporary artists - are chosen. Chapter three goes a step further into the general characteristics of traditional sculpture. This is necessary for sculpture particularly because it influenced the works of the five contemporary artists being studied more than any other visual art form. To throw more light on traditional sculptural forms, an appreciation of an Agona Asafo funerary figure is done at the end of this chapter. Form and function, desire for design fourth dimension, I environment and humanistic values - factors that influenced the traditional Ghanaian artist in the creation of his forms - are dealt with in chapter four. Chapter five deals with the coming of the Europeans and their influence on the traditional Ghanaian society and artists. The Ghanaian’s fight for emancipation and self determination triggered of f by movements such as Pan-Africanism, Negritude and “Sankofaism” led many ‘educated Ghanaians to go back into traditional forms to secure a basis for development. Chapter seven is a study into the extent of the influence of traditional forms on the works of Mr. Kofi Antubam, Dr. Kobina Bucknor, Mr. Vincent Kofi, Mr. W.C. Owusu and Mr. B. Offei- Nyarko and their contributions to the development of art in Ghana. The results and the sum up of the research is dealt with in chapter eight.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Golden Star Wassa Limited (GSWL) Operations on its Catchment Communities

The study was designed to investigate the impacts of mining on its catchment communities with specific reference to Golden Star (Wassa) Limited operational area. The study covers part of the Mpohor Wassa East District and Tarkwa Nsuaem Municipal Assembly (Akyempim, Benso, Subriso, Ningo and Mpohor which forms the main operational area of GSWL). The descriptive survey was used for the study with a sample size of 40 people. The data collection instrument was questionnaire. Data collected was processed using the Statistical Product for Service Solutions (SPSS).Findings of the assessment indicate that, most GSWL communities have benefited in diverse ways from the company. It was established that, GSWL has a community relation’s policy which shows the company’s commitment in meeting its corporate social responsibilities. Specific benefits identified during the study include the construction and regular maintenance of access roads, employment for the youth within the area, provision of scholarship for brilliant but needy students, established and implemented alternative livelihood programmes and the provision of skills/vocational training. In addition, social corporate responsibility of the company is evident in the construction of school blocks, clinics and social/community centers. Unlike other mining companies, GSWL has recorded comparatively few community clashes and demonstrations, as a result of being swift in addressing almostall emerging community related issues.It was concluded that GSWL has established and maintained a good relationship with local communities in the mine operational area. It has undoubtedly improved the living standard of the people through the provision of some basic necessities of life as indicated above. Notwithstanding however, it is recommended that livelihood programmes must be focused on those with readily available markets. Youth training programmes must also be tailored towards specialized skills to be able to address the employment needs of the youth more adequately.

Source: KNUST
The impact of HRM practices on organisational performance: The case study of some selected Rural Banks

This research looked at the impact of HRM practices on organisational performance in the case of some rural banks in the Ashanti region of Ghana. Research over the years, has established significantly a positive correlation between HR practices and organisational performance. The assumption underpinning the practice of HRM is that people are the organisation’s key resource and organisational performance largely depends on them. Therefore, if an appropriate range of HR policies and processes are developed and implemented effectively, HR will make a substantial impact on organisational performance. However, the majority of the rural banks in Ghana are yet to catch the HRM cold. The objectives of the study were to examine the general HR practices and programmes of the rural banks, evaluate the perceptions of employees on HR practices and programmes of the rural banks and establish the impact of properly managing human resources on the performance of these rural banks. This study surveyed four branches each of four rural banks with total respondents of 150 made up of 40 managerial employees and 110 non-managerial employees. The response rate was 98.66% which represented 40 managerial employees and 108 non-managerial employees. The study employed two sets of 8 and 10 HR practices categorised questionnaires for managers and employees respectively. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were applied to managers and employees respectively. The findings of the study revealed that HR practices are improperly planned; implemented and managed by non-HR experts and that the practices, programmes and policies of these rural banks are lowly perceived by their employees. The study also showed that the enormous benefits of properly managing human resources are lost to these rural banks. It was recommended that rural banks should dedicate a department to HR for the proper management of human resources through whom competitive advantage could be created.

Source: KNUST
Impact of human capital development on the performance of Ghanaian Road Contractors

The palpable contribution of Human Capital Development to the growth of an economy cannot be overstated. The Construction industry provides infrastructure that supports the other sectors of the economy. Unfortunately, the industry is saddled with numerous challenges varying from internal weaknesses to external threats that affect and influence its performance. The success of any organisation and by extension any industry depends on the human capital available. The construction industry has been identified to lack human capital militating against the delivery of quality of products expected of them. The surge of foreign contractors further dictates that the local contractors need to raise their standards if they need to remain in operation. The study was aimed at assessing the impact of human capital development on performance of road projects in Ghanaian construction industry. The research focused on Class A2B2 Ghanaian road contractors and their performance on feeder roads projects in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. A questionnaire survey approach involving 21 professionals in various road construction companies was used. The questionnaire sought to elicit response from the sample by adopting close ended questions and the use of the Likert scale. Subsequently, the response data was analysed using descriptive statistics, relative importance index and cross tabulation to estimate the relationship between the variables. The findings revealed that orientation of new employees was a common practice in most surveyed companies towards human capital development. The remaining activities such as Periodic on the job training, Performance appraisals, and Sponsorship training programmes among others were not deemed to be significant. Project performance was also examined against Time, Cost and Quality. Whereas most projects were completed on time, these projects mostly exceeded the budgeted cost leading to cost overruns. Lack of financial resources, Lack of central development and regulatory agency, Cost of Human Capital Development and High employee mobility were identified as the critical challenges to human capital development. Thus the study re-echoed the need for a central development and regulatory agency to enforce the improvement of skills, knowledge and professional development in the Ghanaian construction industry. The limitation of the study included the use of a small sample size due to the research focus. Keywords: Human capital, development, construction industry, road contractors.

Source: KNUST
Impact of heavy goods vehicles on safety and traffic management in the Tema Metropolis

The city of Tema with a seaport and many industrial facilities attracts a lot of freight traffic with a consequential adverse impact on safety. The total number of vehicles involved in road traffic crashes nationwide from 1991 to 2008 was 272,628 of which 12.1% were HGVs. Eleven percent (11.0%) of overall fatalities was HGV-related. Within the same period, the Tema Metropolis recorded a total of 8,214 vehicles involved in traffic crashes of which 15% were HGVs resulting in the death of 720 people of which 25% were HGV-related. The chance of recording an HGV-related traffic fatality in the Metropolis therefore was more than twice the national average. The objectives of this study were to establish the characteristics of accidents occurring in the Metropolis that involve HGVs, to determine whether HGVs are prone to specific types of accidents and to identify challenges posed to traffic management as a result of the presence of HGVs on some selected roads. Accident data for the period 2007-2009 were retrieved from the files of the Motor Traffic and Transport Unit (MTTU) of the Police Service in Tema and the Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI) accident database in Kumasi. Manual classified traffic counts and travel time and delay studies were conducted along Akosombo, Harbour, Hospital, Meridian and Valco Roads to determine traffic characteristics and the duration, location and causes of delays. Stakeholder consultations were held with various groups on issues of traffic management in the Metropolis. The analysis showed that there was rapid increase in the number of HGV-related accidents over the study period (2007-2009) with a total of 238 accidents, 21% occurred in 2007, 34% in 2008 and 44% in 2009. A total of 116 fatalities were recorded between 2007 and 2009 with 30% in 2007, 33% in 2008 and 37% in 2009 respectively. The number of vehicles involved in HGV-related accidents increased in percentage terms from 25% in 2007, 34% in 2008 to 41% in 2009. The analysis also revealed that link sections recorded more HGV-related accidents than intersections and HGVs are prone to rear-end, side swipe and right–angle types of collision. This report revealed that speed limit signage, inadequate marking and existing marking have faded with use and other pedestrian facilities are critical in the Metropolis. It is recommended that the Department of Urban Roads should improve and incorporate traffic management measures in all future road projects. In addition, the Task Force of the Metropolitan Assembly in collaboration with the MTTU of the Police Service should monitor the compliance with traffic management measures by all road users.

Source: KNUST
Impact of human capital investment on economic growth in Nigeria.

The study looked at the impact of human capital investment on economic growth in Nigeria. Investment in human capital was measured government expenditure on health and education from the total government expenditure for the period of 1980 to 2015using time series data. The study was based on the human capital augmented endogenous growth model credited to Mankiw, Romer and Weil (1992) and based on reviewed literature capital formation, inflation and crude oil prices were identified as among major variables that determine economic growth in Nigeria. The growth rate of real gross domestic product was used in measuring the growth rate in the economy and the study estimate a model of relationship between the real gross domestic product and the identified causative variables. The data used proved to be of I (1) and 1(0) series therefore the study applied the Augmented Error Correction Distributive Lag (ARDL) methodology. The model established a positive relationship between educational and health expenditure with real Gross domestic product, crude oil prices and Capital formation while inflation expected had a negative relationship established. Among the recommendation made is strict adherence to the allocation of twenty six percent of government budgetary allocation to the educational sector.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Human Resource Management Practices on Teacher Retention in the Ghana Education Service: A Case Study of Schools in the Cape Coast Metropolis

All educational policies by government over the years such as the Free Compulsory Universal Basic Education (FCUBE) for all school going-age children (Government of Ghana, 1992), the school feeding programme and recently the model secondary schools policy focus on expansion of physical infrastructure and enrollment and fails to recognize the essential role teacher attraction and retention play in any educational system. A total of sixty two (62) respondents were surveyed for this study. This comprises forty teachers, twenty head teachers and two unit heads. The purposive stratified sampling technique was adopted and data collected with a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed with SPSS. The study revealed that schools within the Cape Coast Metropolis are having some degree of difficulty in attracting new teachers. It also concluded that teaching even though is experiencing a chronic prestige, it is still appealing to most young people and that the most significant factor that affected both teacher recruitment and retention was employee remuneration. Low or uncompetitive salary was clearly indicated as a factor that hindered teacher recruitment and retention. It is therefore recommended that the government, through The Ministry of Education takes a critical look at teacher remuneration and other incentive packages in order promote teacher recruitment and retention.

Source: KNUST
The impact of human capital management on operational performance at the Gambia National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC)

Despite the success of Human Capital Management (HCM) in research, it is not reflected in many Human Resource divisions of companies. Employees are the human capitals who contribute to the success and development of a company to a great extent. Thus, these days, companies do not see them only as factors of production from the classical perspective, but have started to value them as stakeholders and partners with whom long-term goals are achieved together. This study, therefore, sought to explore and understand the relationship between a selected bundle of Human Resource practices in the National Water and Electricity Company (NAWEC) that make up Human Capital and its usefulness on the operational performance of the Company. The type of research design for this study is exploratory and it relied on secondary information such as reviewing available literature and primary data. The researcher applied qualitative approach and used semi-structured interview which was personally conducted “face-to-face”. Elicited responses from both the questionnaires and the interviews point to the fact that HR practices such as employment security, selective hiring, self-managed teams, high compensation contingent on performance, training and information sharing when correctly managed would generate the desired results in terms of operational performance. After conducting research, acquiring empirical findings, and making analysis of data, the researcher suggests that there is a link between HCM and job performance. The study is of a great importance because being aware of the influence of certain HR practices, managers can better realize how these practices contribute to the performance of their employees, and find ways to improve them in order to increase workers’ job performance and productivity.

Source: KNUST