ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An improved man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack detections using convolutional neural networks

The increasing reliance on digital communication networks has made information security a critical concern for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide. Man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks are significant, prevalent, and damaging concerning cyber-attacks. Detecting MitM attacks is complex due to their stealthy nature and the sophisticated methods employed by attackers. There is the need for researchers to address this issue using current and novel methods like artificial intelligence. In this paper, an improved MitM attack detection approach using the Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) deep learning algorithm is developed, resulting in an overall detection accuracy of 0.986%. The results confirms that the proposed model is very efficient in comparision to other proposed solutions by other authors.

Source: KNUST
An impact assessment of financial inclusion on SMEs credit accessibility: a case study of Ashanti Region

ABSTRACT The study examined the impact of financial inclusion on SME credit accessibility in the Ashanti region. Specifically, the objectives addressed were: to examine the factors that influence financial inclusion of SMEs in the Ashanti region, to examine the effect of account holding, and account usage as index for financial inclusion on SMEs credit accessing chances. The study used primary data through questionnaire administration, and the sample size selected was 380 calculated based on Cochran (1977) general formula for sample size when the population is infinite. Quantitative research design was used by employing the probit model to analyse why some SMEs are more likely to get access to loans than others. The results per the magnitude indicated a high sex/gender inequality in accessing financial institutions by females and males owners of SMEs. Thus, the sex of SMEs owners, and others like educational level, income level, size of SMEs and age of business are the significant factors that affect inclusion of SMEs in the financial sector and hence the study from the findings concluded that financial inclusion index as used in the study affects the probability of access to loans from financial institution. Based on the findings, the study recommended that Ministry of Trade through the National Board for Scale Industries should use their decentralized organs like the Business Advisory Centers to build the capacities of the SMEs by way of sensitization seminars. Also, Bank of Ghana as regulator of the financial system must take measures through regulations and guidelines to strengthen the financial sector to ensure customer confidence

Source: KNUST
An Inquiry into The Contribution of Team Bonding Factors to Project Success

This study examines the factors of team bonding that affects projects success in the construction industry. Specifically, the study examined the factors considered as team bonding and the challenges of these factors as well as how these factors affect project success. This research utilised the case study design and employed the use of questionnaires to collect quantitative data which was analysed with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Data was collected from employees of three construction firms in Ghana who are known to work in teams. Descriptive statistics of frequency and percentages as well as mean and standard deviations were used. The study found that trust, respect for team members and communication regularity and speed are some of the factors of team bonding. The study also found that among the challenges of team bonding factors are mistrust, miscommunication and suspicion of bad acts by team members. Based on these and other findings, the study recommended that communication gadgets and channels should be made available and clearly spelt out to help teams become effective among others.

Source: KNUST
An integrated fracture parameter prediction and characterization method in deeply-buried carbonate reservoirs based on deep neural network

However, fracture prediction in deeply buried carbonate reservoirs has always been challenging. Fracture prediction in the deep-buried carbonate structure of North China is problematic because of multiphase tectonic movements, variable sediment lithology, and complex diagenesis. Because of deep burial depth and complex heterogeneity, the resolution of seismic reflection data beneath the buried-structure is poor, making it challenging to identify the fault reflection characteristics. This paper proposes a novel idea to identify natural fractures in carbonate reservoirs using conventional logs with seismic reflection data. The proposed model can also predict the fracture aperture and fracture density, a distinctive feature. Another novel hybrid model based on deep-learning neural network (DNN) and cluster analysis is proposed to predict further the spatial variations of lithology, porosity, and fracture parameters from seismic inversion. The proposed models provide valuable insights that help determine fracture parameters in the Paleozoic strata and associated reservoirs through quantitative analysis using petrophysics, rock physics, seismic inversion, and seismic attributes. The overlapping of seismic interpreted fault networks and spatial variations of the inverted fracture parameters indicate a high correlation of fracture development zones. The methodology proposed in this study presents a valuable template valid for the characterization of fractured reservoirs in deeply-buried carbonate reservoirs throughout the world.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into aggregation bias: the case of stocks and treasury bill returns in Ghana

The paper investigates aggregation bias by comparing the risk and returns characteristics of stock exchange-traded shares and Treasury bills (T’bills) in Ghana. The study uses end of period annualized data on T’bills and stocks returns, and inflation from 1990 to 2020. We mainly consider four separate investment periods: 1990–2000, 2001–2010, 2011–2020, and 1990–2020 (i.e. the aggregated period) in order to determine possible aggregation bias occurring from lumping the years together. We measure average annual returns, standard deviations, co-efficient of variations, Sharpe ratio, ANOVA, Jarque-Bera test, maximum drawdowns (MDD), and correlation analysis to determine risk and return characteristics of the two instruments. The study finds that T’bills compared to stocks shows higher returns yet lower risk, thereby indicating an inverted yield curve. Levene’s Test for Equality of Variances indicates stocks significantly outperformed T’bills over the 31-year aggregated period. The study reveals the presence of aggregation bias as stock and T’bill risk and return characteristics of two segregated periods (i.e. 1990–2000 and 2011–2020) contradict the general expectation of risk-return trade-off theory contrary to that of the aggregated period. The MDD, ANOVA results, Anova F-test and Welch F-test reveal aggregation bias for T’bills but not for stocks. We recommend future studies to ensure that analysis and conclusions made do not suffer aggregation bias by disaggregating aggregated units.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into job satisfaction among teachers: a case study of Serwaa Nyarko Girls Senior High School.

This work was undertaken to assess the factors contributing to job satisfaction/ dissatisfaction among teachers in Serwaa Nyarko Girls Senior High School in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The introduction to the study touches on the fact that teachers in public senior high schools constantly leave the classrooms for other jobs elsewhere and the frequent strike actions by the few who remain at post to deliver their service. These effects are potentially linked to the teachers’ job satisfaction and the need to improve it. It also mentions the objectives of the study and the importance of undertaking such a project. A questionnaire was designed to gather the data for the study. The questionnaire was developed using Herzberg’s Two Factor Theory. The sample of 58 teachers for this study was drawn using proportionate stratified random sampling. Job satisfaction was measured with Minnesota Satisfaction questionnaire. The responses were scored using the likert scale, ranging from very satisfied to very dissatisfied with values weights ranging from 1 to 5 respectively. Descriptive statistics were computed to describe the data. The result showed that the public senior high school teachers were generally not satisfied with their job. A critical view of specific job facets indicated that the highest level of satisfaction occurs in the areas of supervision, socialization, independence, challenges of the job and the opportunity to use their initiative. However, a comparatively high number of teachers were dissatisfied with their salaries, working environment, technology and equipment, working conditions, and in-service training. Contrary to widely held views, stress was not seen to be among factors causing job dissatisfaction among teachers in public senior high schools. Many teachers’ (75.86%) used absenteeism as a means to register their dissatisfaction. It was also noted that age, grade, education, marital status, all have impact on job satisfaction and that the relationship between job satisfaction and the teachers’ performance is very complex. Among some of the suggestions for improvement are establishment of new realistic salary structure, provision of training programmes on current teaching practices.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into inventory management practices and customer satisfaction in the manufacturing industry of Ghana. A case study of ghacem limited

The main aim of this study was to investigate inventory management practices and customer satisfaction in the manufacturing industry in Ghana; a case study of GHACEM limited. Specifically, the study aimed to; examine the effect of inventory control on customer satisfaction at GHACEM; identify the effect of inventory cost on customer satisfaction at GHACEM and to analyse the challenges of inventory management at GHACEM. The study adopted the descriptive survey approach of collecting data, because the study was based on the use of questionnaire to elicit information based on people’s opinion to generate data for the analysis of the research topic. e target population for this study comprised mainly all employees of GHACEM. One hundred and fifty (150) respondents were sampled out for the study. Hence, the sample size for the study is 150. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select the 150 employees out of all the employees. Questionnaires were used as the data collection instrument. Data was processed and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS.v.21) software and generated into percentages, pie charts, bar charts and tables to give a good visual impression and clarity of information. To achieve an ideal level of inventory, firms need to constantly undertake sound and time-tested inventory management practices. In conclusion, it is safe to say that inventory management practices have a positive effect on customer satisfaction. It was recommended that there should be an installation of a strong control and inspecting system to detect fraud and theft of inventory. Also, stores should be enlarged and tidy to help enable maximum usage of space among others.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into managerial skills’ deficiency and its impact on decentralisation in Ghana: A case of the Asante Akim Central Municipality.

The aim of this study was to establish the relationship between managerial skills’ deficiency and its impact on decentralisation in Ghana with reference to the Asante Akim Central Municipality. Managerial skills were thoroughly discussed in line with Robert Katz (1974) types (conceptual, human and technical skills). The study is a correlation design, and adopted both quantitative and qualitative, and descriptive survey research methods. The study population consisted of 24 communities and workers at various institutions of Asante Akim Central Municipality. The study sample was 175 respondents calculated by means of Tabachnick and Fidell (2007) sample size formula, and selected by adapting the stratified random (probability) and convenience (non-probability) sampling techniques for which 164 respondents participated representing a response rate of 93.7%. Questionnaire and semistructured interview including questionnaire items of Nazem (2008) and Bobson (1999) on managerial skills and effective decentralisation respectively were the data collection tools used. To describe the data, percentage and frequency distributions, mean, standard deviation and graph are used. And for data analysis, inferential statistical methods such as Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 and Pearson Correlation are utilised. Reliability of the managerial skills and the effective decentralisation questionnaires calculated using Cronbach’s alpha had coefficients of (0.899) and (0.880) respectively. The validity of the used data collection tools was obtained by means of face validity. However, the study showed 64%, 67% and 63% of the respondents agreeing to managers’ possession of lower levels of conceptual skills, human skills and technical skills respectively, and an adverse impact on participatory decision-making, local people empowerment, efficiency and effectiveness, information sharing and local economy development at the Municipality. The study also showed the existence of a well institutionalised structures of decentralisation, and a strong positive (direct) relationship between the managerial skills’ deficiency and its impact on decentralisation at the Municipality with a correlation coefficient (r = 0.90). Among others, the study recommends the empowerment of the various actors of decentralisation, national consideration of local level select committee through legislation to bear the responsibility of offering critical managerial positions to qualified persons from Presidential nominations and lastly, the consideration of formal incentive (compensation) to the position of assembly members in order to lure qualified and committed persons into the local level election to accelerate decentralisation.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into marketing challenges affecting manufacturers of footwear in the Kumasi Metropolis.

In Ghana, footwear plays an essential part of our culture. Almost all the tribes put on footwear as part of their traditional dressing. The study sought to investigate the marketing challenges affecting manufacturers of footwear in the Kumasi Metropolis. Data was collected from two hundred manufacturers of footwear products in the Kumasi Metropolis. The heads of the Business Advisory Council and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly were also interviewed for relevant data. The study revealed that manufacturers of footwear products employed varied strategies in attracting customers, including designing products to meet needs of customers, offering after sale services, and selling at considerably lower prices, among others. The study further revealed that the first and second major marketing challenges confronting manufacturers of footwear products in the Kumasi Metropolis are the lack of promotion and quality of their products respectively. Other challenges included the presence of competitors and inability to find new markets. The study therefore recommended that the local media should also be sensitized by the national bodies such as the Ministries of Information and Communication, NCCE and Media Commission to spearhead the regular promotion and marketing of footwear products. Also, the Metropolitan Assembly should create the enabling environment to improve upon activities of the footwear industry.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into project cost management practices on real estate project in Ghana: a case study of Sekondi, Takoradi

Project cost management practice has become a vital discipline in the modern construction practices in the world over all. The antecedent of its practice and application is perceived by practitioners and researches as vehicle for efficient goods and services delivery in the construction industry. In this perspective, Project cost management practices has been practiced in the Ghanaian Real estate industry since the 1980s; since the first attempt was made, not much has been done in the practical application and regulation of the practice. Moreover, stakeholders appear to be confused of what constitute the project cost management practice and application of project cost management practices in the industry. Today, the adoption of the project cost management practice has extended to the business and manufacturing sector in Ghana. This study sought to identify the challenges and opportunities for effective project cost management practice in the Ghanaian Real Estate Industry (GREDA) by adopting two stages data collection entailing qualitative and quantitative techniques. The qualitative help in identifying eighteen project cost management practices variables that stakeholders believe are posing challenges to good project cost management practices in Ghana. To help understand these factors better, factor analysis was used to analyse the eighteen factors identified. The findings highlighted on five major constraints to the development of PMPP namely: weak project management knowledge base; lack of clearly defined role for project managers; poor procurement management practices; weak institutional framework and poor communication management.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into roof failures: causes, effects and remedy

The roofing component of a building affects the long-term quality and life cycle cost of a building. Roof is defined as the topmost covering of a building which provides shelter for the inhabitants or occupants. Aim of this research is to investigate into the cause, effects and remedies to solve roof failures. Three (3) objectives were developed to assist the realization of the main aim, these are To identify the causes of roof failures commonly experienced by roof experts, To identify the effects of roof failure, To identify remedies to minimize the incidences of roof failures. The investigation examined roof styles, types, designs and functional requirements in general and specifically discussed problems associated with roof and roof failure with particular reference to its effects An extensive literature review was conducted in the construction industry as a whole, basically the roof industry. This review was supported with an in-depth exploratory interview and questionnaire to verify the issue and problems identified in the literature and expand into new area that might not have been given expanded view in literature. Information and results obtained from the in depth literature and survey provided the basis for the selection and development of the Questionnaires as a data collection tool from respondents for the analysis. The questionnaires administered were 30 with a retrieval number of 26 accounting for a response rate of 85%. The Statistical Programme for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to process the data. The analysed data are presented in the form of tables and figures. Descriptive statistics and mean score ranking was used in the data analysis The paper identified causes of roof failures to be Design of Building, incompetence of workers, Poor installation, and inclement weather. Categorisation of these roof defects is also defined in this paper. Decreased of property value, cost expenses and structural deterioration are effects identified with roof failure. The paper conclude by laying down recommendations. The paper recommends Good Building maintenance functions as one of the strongest practical remedies that may help in arresting these problems.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into succession planning practices at Zoomlion Ghana Limited.

In general, rapidly growing organisations are not able to identify the right successors to fill leadership roles due to their inability to develop a formal succession plan for their vacant leadership positions. The main objective of the study was to investigate into succession planning practices at Zoomlion Ghana Limited, Kumasi Branch. The study adopted a quantitative research design using data from both primary and secondary sources. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting 60 staff from the Kumasi branch of Zoomlion Ghana limited comprising 12 management and 48 senior staff. Questionnaires were specifically used to gather the data analysed. The findings revealed that there was no clear-cut succession planning practice instituted in the organisation. However „Assistantship‟ and „Delegation‟ were found to be the main practices exercised. Findings further discovered that, managers from other departments were not involved in the succession planning process hence it received less support from staff. Also, staff lacked enough confidence to take up higher responsibilities as a result of not partaking in enough mentorship and training activities. The study therefore recommended that the organisation developed a formalised procedure for leadership succession. Also, it was recommended that all line managers be actively involved in the succession planning process with HR‟s support in order for massive reception and backing from staff. Further recommendations were given to the organisation to put in place more developmental strategies to develop the competencies and skills of their staff to prepare them for future leadership roles in order to avoid the organisation from suffering a jolt when a vacancy is created.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the causes of non-performing loans in some selected savings and loans companies in Ghana.

Non-performing loans in the books of financial institutions is becoming increasingly alarming with millions of Ghana Cedis written off at the end of each year. Banks in their effort to survive are charging exorbitant interest rates, which continuously are becoming unsustainable. The study was conducted to discover the trend of nonperforming loans and the causes of the non-performing loans in the portfolio of Banks using three selected Savings and Loans Companies as the case study. In all, a total of three hundred loan customers and fifteen credit staff were studied. The findings of the study revealed that the volume of non-performing Loans in the three selected Savings and Loan Companies increased significantly during the 5-year period. It was also found that three main source of non-performing loans namely; the non-performing loans caused by financial institutions themselves, non-performing loans triggered by the customer and the non-performing loans caused by the overall performance of the economy. The non-performing loans triggered by the financial institutions include; flaws in loan procedures, poor monitoring and improper scheduling of loan repayments among others. On the other hand, diversion of funds for other purposes than those originally approved for, willful default and multiple borrowing were identified to be triggered by the loan customer. The study recommends that the credit departments of financial institutions should ensure that there is a laid down credit policy manual stating clearly the do’s and don’ts of credit delivery in their respective institutions. Loan Officers should monitor loans to ensure that borrowers use funds solely for the purposes for which they were granted and initiate measures to prevent willful defaulters from accessing further loan facilities. The government should also provide an enabling environment for businesses and ensure that macroeconomic stability is achieved.

Source: KNUST