ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of Teak (Tectona Grandis) On the Growth and Yield of Maize (Zea Mays) at Different Inter-Crop Spacing

The study presents landuse systems and technology where a woody perennial (Teak) was intercropped with maize in at different planting spacing. The trials were conducted under young Teak plantation in blocks of; (200 x 500m) at ages ;( 1 to 3yrs) at the village of Bosomkyekye, Ashanti Mampong. The tree-crop interactions by biomass contribution and crop yield, soil were assessed under the different tree ages and intercrop spacing. Hence the objective for the study was to investigate the effect of Teak-Maize cultivation on soil mineral status and intercrop spacing which promotes greater crop growth and yield. From the results soil analysis before and after the experimental trials across blocks of Teak stands did not show any remarkable difference in mineral status between blocks. Experimental results indicated that Teak age and intercrop spacing did not present any significant difference in treatment means in maize; height, leaf count, leaf area index and grain dry weight thus;( p≤0.05) at 2, 4 degrees of freedom. However, tables of means showed intercrop spacing; 40 x 150cm gave best crop biomass growth and dry grain yield. Agroforestry has become a sustainable approach to community woodland and crop management. To gain wide scale rural adoption of practices, it may be worthwhile to further pursue research trials with aimed at promoting and providing useful information for community adoption for tree plantation and crop cultivation.

Source: KNUST
The effect of team diversity on team effectiveness in the construction industry in Ashanti Region

Diverse work groups and team management is one of the most difficult and pressing challenges organizations faces in these modern times (Tsui & Gutek, 1999). Companies however, recognize the need to leverage the diversity of their employees so as to sustain competitive advantages in a global workplace (Offerman & Gowing, 1990; Thomas & Ely, 1996; Yaprak, 2002). Studies have generally shown that diverse teams normally perform better, but diversity in teams can negatively affect team effectiveness. In view of the mixed findings, this study focused on assessing the effects of team diversity on team effectiveness in the construction industry in Ashanti Region. The study reviewed literature on the concepts of diversity and team effectiveness. Data was obtained via questionnaire and semi-structured interview from one hundred and sixty four (164) professionals from the construction industry. The mixed methodology was used to collect and analyze the data. One of the findings of the study indicated that the construction industry explores team diversity. Also diversity in gender, tribe and religion does not affect team output and final project negatively but rather improves cohesiveness or collaboration among team members. It is recommended that there should be a well- defined conflict management policy in the construction industry which will help track grievances so as to resolve them early. There is also the need to conduct additional research in other areas of team diversity.

Source: KNUST
The effect of technical auditing on construction projects performance in District Assemblies

The objective of clients in undertaking construction projects is that needs and expectations for which substantial resources are committed will be fully met. Clients achieve this objective when projects are completed on time, within budget and meet the needs and expectations of clients as initially specified. These objectives are not always achieved. In 2012, 34% of projects executed were successful (on time, within budget and according to original specifications), 15% failed (abandoned or terminated) while 44% were challenged (completed, over budget, over time and with fewer features). To restore client confidence and justify the resources invested in project planning and execution, audits (financial and technical) have been introduced. Presently in Ghana, all publicly funded construction projects in District Assemblies require that a regulatory financial audit be carried out by the Office of the Auditor General. These financial audits have been effective in serving as a control mechanism against over-payment for work done and payment for works yet to be executed as well as the enforcement of laid down accounting principles in record keeping, payment for work done and the seeking of approval for the use of reserved funds. In spite of these benefits, project performance has left much to be desired as financial audits have focused mainly on budget neglecting quality requirements and work schedules. This study sought to examine the effects that the mandatory introduction and implementation of technical auditing would have on project performance in District Assemblies. The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects that technical auditing would have on construction project performance and ascertain the capacity of District Assembly staff to perform technical auditing functions. The need to generalize findings informed the choice to use the quantitative approach with a survey questionnaire been used in collecting data after a literature review had placed the study in its historical perspective. The study identified that the introduction and implementation of technical auditing on construction projects would enhance project management processes, reinforce professionalism in the construction industry and enable the independent assessment of project performance. Technical audits were also found to enhance accountability and credibility in the construction industry thereby increasing clients’ confidence of obtaining value for money invested. The study also established that over seventy percent of the staff of District Assemblies have the capacity to perform technical audits on construction projects. With majority of the staff having knowledge of technical auditing, its benefits would be derived when introduced and implemented as part of the conditions of contract for construction projects. The provision of logistics and personnel to resource the Department of Works in the Assembly would equip the Department to carry out its duties effectively.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Technological Dynamism on Procurement Performance; the mediating role of E-Business Proactiveness

The study was conducted to analyze how technological dynamism affects public sector procurement performance in Ghana by way of e-business proactiveness as a mediator variable. Three separate goals were offered as a response to the issues outlined in the problem statement. The study used deductive reasoning for the quantitative data and a cross-sectional descriptive survey approach. The sample procedures, the development of research equipment, and the analysis were all informed by a quantitative approach to the study. The hypotheses in this research were grounded on the preexisting RBV and PAT. Procurement officers, retail managers, warehouse managers, and members of entity tender committees made up the study's population of senior managers. A total of 286 staff members with extensive experience with the phenomenon under investigation participated in the survey. Managers from Ghana's public sector firms were selected using a purposive sample strategy for this research. Structural Equation Modeling (SmartPLS 4) was used to verify the study's assumptions. In the research, descriptive statistics were used to summarize the collected data. The results showed that technological dynamism has a significant effect on the performance of public sector procurement. Proactivity in e-business was also shown to have a significant impact on procurement performance, acting as a mediator between technological dynamism and procurement performance. According to the findings, public sector managers may boost procurement performance by fostering technology dynamism and e-business proactiveness. The leadership of public sector enterprises must create a long-term technology strategy, choose their preferred technology-related media channels, and invest in the internet of things, information technology, and other related technologies.

Source: KNUST
Effect of tectona grandis leaf extract, mulch and woodlot soil on germination and growth of maize.

The Allelopathic effects of Tectona grandis leaves were tested on maize seedlings in the laboratory, on field soil mulched with Tectona prunings and on top soil, sub-soil from garden soil and Tectona woodlot. The laboratory experiment was conducted in sterilized Petri dishes. The effects of the different concentrations of aqueous extracts 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% were compared to distill water (control). The aqueous extracts caused significant inhibitory effects on germination, shoot and root elongation, root and shoot dry weight upon increasing the concentration of the extracts of 10 day old maize seedling. Bioassay indicated that the inhibitory effect was proportional to the concentration of the extracts and higher concentrations 75%-100% had the stronger inhibitory effect whereas, in some cases the lower concentration 25%-50% showed stimulatory effect. The study also revealed that inhibitory effect was much pronounced in root rather than shoot growth. The field studies tested Tectona grandis mulch on weed control. The results indicated that different rates of Tectona mulch rate had significant effects on weeds. In the field, the height, diameter, shoot dry weight, root dry weight and yield of maize not significantly (P≥0.05) affected because the addition of mulch had a beneficial effect by providing nutrients during decomposition. Comparison of soils under Tectona woodlot and garden soil indicated that there is no significant (P≥0.05) between the means. All the parameters studied, that is height, diameter, shoot and root dry weight were similar. Finally, it was hypothesed that, there is no allelopathic effect of soils under Tectona grandis woodlot on maize growth. Generally, within 0.15cm soil depth, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, height and diameter showed no significant (P≥0.05) differences between mean. Therefore, the hypothesis was accepted since, the means were similar. Also, within 15 – 30cm soil depth, shoot dry weight, root dry weight, height and diameter showed no significant (P≥0.05) differences between mean. Therefore, the hypothesis was accepted because, the means were similar and allelochemicals in soils are rapidly lost near soil surface and soil organisms are capable of detoxifying allelochemicals in soil. Based on the overall finds of this research, these conclusions were drawn. Firstly, allelopathy is a concentration – dependent phenomenon. The allelochemicals present in Tectona grandis can have an allelopathic inhibitory effect on different crops associated with Tectona plantation and also different agroforestry systems in field conditions. Secondly, addition of Tectona grandis mulch in the field had a beneficial effect on maize since; the allelochemicals in the mulch are transient. It is known that Tectona grandis mulch have the ability to control weeds. Finally soil under Tectona grandis woodlot has no effect on crops.

Source: KNUST
Effect of teenage child birth on maternal education and child health outcomes in Ghana.

Teenage pregnancy and its consequences pose major public health problems and havegained attention globally. Whiles there are empirical evidence to suggest that teen pregnancy truncates years of schooling, some have largely related child mortalities to young maternal age at birth. But little efforts have been made to examine (Quantitatively) whether the high child mortalities could be as a result of the high rates of teenage childbirth in Ghana. This study therefore assessed the effect of teenage child birth on maternal education and child health outcomes in Ghana with the use of quantitative approach. The study employed data from the Ghana Demographic health survey round, 2014. A Negative binomial and instrumental variable Poisson regressionswere used to examine the effect of teenage childbirth on maternal educational attainment in Ghana, whilst a Probit regression and two-stage least squares were used to determine the effect of teenage childbirth on child health outcomes (neonatal death and child survival) in Ghana. The findings revealed that, years of education reduces significantly once a girl begins childbirth in her teenage years. The findings also showed that a girl in a household belonging to middle or rich wealth status obtains years of education higher than a girl in a poor household. However, maternal years of education attained reduces if the household head is a male. By examining the effect of teenage pregnancy on child health outcomes, the results suggest that teenage childbirth plays positive significant role in explaining neonatal deaths and relates negatively to child survival rate in Ghana. But these effects are completely lost once the endogeneity of teenage childbirth has been corrected. The study also finds that, acquiring a good health seeking behaviour such as going for ANC and registering for NHIS improves child health outcomes. Interestingly, the results indicate that, women who deliver their babies in health facilities in Ghana are more likely to experience neonatal deaths in their babies compared to women who do not. In conclusion, the study reveals that while teenage childbirth has a negative effect on maternal education there is no direct significant effect on child health outcomes in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Telecommunication Price War on Consumers in the Kumasi Metropolis

Twelve months ago, the Ghanaian telecom sector's average mobile call rate was fifteen Ghana pesewas (GHp 15) per minute. Today, it has fallen sharply to eight Ghana pesewas (GHp 8) per minute. Vodafone, Zain, Tigo and MTN have all announced price cut of up-to 50% from their original levels. As good as consumers in Kumasi Metropolis may find the price war, very little is known about how responsive consumers would to the price decreases and how the price reduction affects consumers’ spending. This research looked at how consumers perceived the existence of price war in the telecom industry and how they have responded to these price decreases in the telecommunication industry. This researched also looked at the effect of price war on consumer spending on telecommunication and effects on service quality in the industry. The research analysis was based on a consumer survey that involved 200 subscribers in Kumasi Metropolis primarily from four tertiary institutions in Kumasi. The research findings showed that the recent acquisition of mobile operator, Zain, by India’s Airtel, prompted the all-out price war. And consumers, the intended beneficiaries were aware of the price war phenomena in the telecom industry. The Price war has caused an increase in multiple subscriptions in Ghana, a situation which was also worsening because of the introduction of dual SIM card mobile phones in the market. However, people were unwilling to change or switch completely to a different network because of high switching cost. This research found that spending by consumers across networks has decreased because subscribers have acquired additional sim cards therefore, many people carefully choose network to use in order to get the best rate depending on who they are calling. Because more attention is given to winning the current price war, key service qualities has been neglected. This research established the following service qualities exist in the industry: Poor customer service, poor signal availability, average call connection rate, high call drop rate, less accurate billing. Finally, the research also established that consumers prefer cheaper brand in terms of services charges. However, that must be in consonance with an excellent service quality.

Source: KNUST
Effect of the application of motivation theories on employee performance: a study of Controller and Accountant General’s Department, Kumasi

Motivation seems to be one of the most important techniques of human resource management. An approach that motivates some employees to perform well misses the mark with other employees. This therefore, poses a major challenge to today’s managers. Often, employers pose questions like what factors determine an employee’s level of motivation. Are employees motivated when there is a perception of non equity in payment? Why are employees enthusiastic when they begin a new job but lose interest after a period of time? This all boils down to the question of motivation. The research explained the role motivation plays in enhancing employee performance. The study was conducted at the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. The reason for choosing this organisation was that the Controller and Accountant General’s Department is an institution that is in charge of the nation’s finances. It makes payment on behalf of the Government and releases funds for developmental projects in the nation. Motivating its employees therefore means that such employees would have job satisfaction which will impact positively on their work and this will have a positive effect on the nation as a whole. The main objective of the study was to find out the effect of motivation theories on employee performance. The research methods adopted for the study consisted of the, sampling procedure, study population, sample frame and sample selection. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used in the data collection. The methods adopted for data collection were questionnaires and interview. In the analysis, it was revealed that when motivation theories are implemented at the organisation, employees record an increase in their performance. It was therefore concluded that management applied various motivational theories in the organisation (Controller and Accountant General’s Department) in order to motivate employees to enhance their performances.

Source: KNUST
Effect of the crude extract of the root of Rauwolfia vomitoria on the reproduction of female albino rats (Rattus norvegicus).

The effect of four different concentrations of the decoction prepared from the roots of Rauwolfia vomitoria on oestrous cycle, fertilization, implantation, ovulation rate, ova/foetal losses, teratogenicity, foetotoxicity and hormone-induced infertility were evaluated in female albino rats. The decoction in concentrations up to 8 times larger than the estimated corresponding concentration used by humans were administered to the rats orally. The results obtained showed that the different concentrations of the decoction did not have any adverse effects on any of the above-mentioned processes of reproduction and did not induce any effects that could be taken as evidence of teratogenicity or foetotoxicity. The different concentrations of the decoction did not reverse the condition of infertility that was induced hormonally in the rats. There was a significant weight gain by pups of dams that received the higher concentrations of the decoction. These findings suggest that the root of R. vomitoria as used in Ghanaian folk medicine does not cure infertility, neither does it have any adverse effects on reproduction and foetal development.

Source: KNUST
Effect of the deregulation of the downstream oil sector on prices of petroleum products in Ghana.

The purpose of the study was to find the effect of the deregulation of downstream oil sector on prices of petroleum products in Ghana. Using the purposive random sampling, five Bulk Distribution Companies (BDCs) were selected for the analysis. The product used were Premium (Petrol) and Gas Oil (Diesel). The study used a market structure-conduct-performance framework to analyze the industry, both before and after deregulation, as a means of judging the impact of deregulation in terms of petroleum products prices. The independent sample t-test for both premium (petrol) and gas oil (diesel) revealed that there is a significant difference between Premium Price-Before Deregulation (PPBD) and Premium PriceAfter Deregulation (PPAD), at the end the null hypothesis were rejected. In absolute terms, prices of petroleum products after the deregulation prove to be lower compared to prices before the deregulation which means consumers of petroleum products are now enjoying some savings due to the deregulation. There is the need for public sensitization and campaign as to well inform and educate the masses on the complete operation of the deregulation regime.

Source: KNUST
The effect of the disability fund on individual livelihoods: a case study of persons with disabilities in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana

This study seeks to explore the effect of the Disability Fund on Persons with Disabilities in the Atwima Nwabiagya District of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Particularly, the study accesses the effects of the Disability Fund on the lives of physically challenged, visually and hearing impaired, evaluates how the Disability Fund was managed and investigates the challenges associated with the management of the fund at the District Assembly level. The study uses quantitative method of analysis where a sample of 212 respondents was obtained using a register of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), a random selection of respondents at meetings of the Disabled Persons Organisations (DPOs) and also questionnaires and interviews. Statistical Package for Service Solution (SPSS) was employed to analyse the data. From the data, majority of the respondents (71.3%) agreed that the fund was useful for their livelihoods. The study findings show that for effective utilization of the fund, the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) in collaboration with the Ghana Federation for the Disabled (GFD) under the authority of the Minister for Employment and Social Welfare, in cooperation with the District Assembly Common Fund (DACF) and with the approval of the Minister for Local Government and Rural Development, provides guidelines on the disbursement and management of the Fund to Persons With Disability. The research points out that out of five member management team, only one person is disabled. The study recommends that, the PWDs must be given more representation of about 60% in the management team. They should be given the opportunity to make an input into how the Disability fund should be managed. In an attempt to bring all PWDs on board, it is further recommended that every PWD must be registered with a group in order to assess the fund. In conclusion, disability in the district is prevalent among female respondents and rural areas in the district. The disability fund affects respondents in several ways as it supports them in providing basic needs for themselves and their dependants. Even though the disability fund supports disabled persons who participated in the study, key challenges exist and need urgent attention.

Source: KNUST
Effect of the crude extract of the root of Rauwolfia vomitoria on the reproduction of female albino rats (Rattus norveciicus).

The effect of four different concentrations of the decoction prepared from the roots of Rauwolfia vomitoria on oestrous cycle, fertilization, implantation, ovulation rate, ova/foetal losses, teratogenicity, foetotoxicity and hormone- induced infertility were evaluated in female albino rats. The decoction in concentrations up to 8 times larger than the estimated corresponding concentration used by humans were administered to the rats orally. The results obtained showed that the different concentrations of the decoction did not have any adverse effects on any of the above-mentioned processes of reproduction and did not induce any effects that could be taken as evidence of teratogenicity or foetotoxicity. The different concentrations of the decoction did not reverse the condition of infertility that was induced hormonally in the rats. There was a significant weight gain by pups of dams that received the higher concentrations of the decoction. These findings suggest that the root of R. vomitoria as used in Ghanaian folk medicine does not cure infertility, neither does it have any adverse effects on reproduction and foetal development.

Source: KNUST