ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Working Capital Management Practices at Bibiani Logging & Lumber Company Ltd (BLLC)

The focus of this study is to critically evaluate the working capital management practices at Bibiani Logging & Lumber Company Ltd (BLLC). No business can continually function effectively and efficiently without working capital. Working capital management is to ensure that a firm is able to meet its day to day operations and also have sufficient ability to satisfy both maturing short-term debt and operational expenses. This study evaluates the working capital management techniques used at the Bibiani Logging & Lumber Company Ltd. Seven key employees were sampled for the study using the purposive sampling technique, and the data analysed qualitatively. The study reveals although the working capital management techniques at the lumber company are not in accordance with the company‟[s policy on working capital management, the level of liquidity is quite remarkable. The major problem facing the company is the disregard for a conscious effort to ensure efficient and effective working capital management.

Source: KNUST
Working Capital Management Practices of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Western Region. A Survey of Selected Smes in the Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolis

The main thrust of this study is to unveil the working capital management practices of small and medium scale enterprises in the Western Region of Ghana. A well designed and implemented working capital management is expected to contributes positively to the creation of a firms values. The study used descriptive and analytical sample survey for the representation and the analysis of the findings. The result shows that 87.4% of the entrepreneurs functioned as sole proprietors, whiles 14.1% as partnership and the remaining 1.5% as cooperative societies. The results again shows that 46.1% received credit from suppliers and the average credit period given by SMEs to their credit customers ranged between seven to sixty days(7- 60days).From the study , two main problems faced by SMEs in dealing with credit customers are late payment and bad debts. The results shows that 52.8% of the respondents use note books to represents cash books whiles non(0%) of the respondents use computer inventory control. 65.3% of the respondents have bank accounts for their businesses. Personal savings accounted for about 35.7% of the start up capital and SMEs consider inflation /price increases to be more problematic than even high debtors turnover period and low stock turnover. Consequently ,it is recommended that there should be greater collaboration between the Business Advisory Centres(BACs) and the various associations of SMEs for the financial training of the entrepreneurs. The SMEs should establish organizations and groups like civil society organizations, regional, district ,community and interest groups to jointly organise and sponsor training programmes for their accounting personnel. There is also the need for SMEs to identify their investment priorities particularly those that are crucial in sustaining their businesses in the long run. They should sacrifice a chunk of their funds to finance and achieve these priorities that will enable them to generate extra cash or profits to plough back into other sectors of their industries. It is also recommended that SMEs should prepare budget at each time they intend to embark on major expenses. This will forestall unnecessary, unwanted, overestimated and underestimated expense. There is also the need for SMEs to formulate credit policy for their enterprise and to create a re-order level policy for their institution that will create an enabling environment for them to request for their supply of moderate and high quality stocks.

Source: KNUST
Working Capital Management Practices of Small and Medium Enterprises in the Western Region: A Survey of Selected Smes in the Sekondi- Takoradi Metropolis

The main thrust of this study is to unveil the working capital management practices of small and medium scale enterprises in the Western Region of Ghana. A well designed and implemented working capital management is expected to contributes positively to the creation of a firms values. The study used descriptive and analytical sample survey for the representation and the analysis of the findings. The result shows that 87.4% of the entrepreneurs functioned as sole proprietors, whiles 14.1% as partnership and the remaining 1.5% as cooperative societies. The results again shows that 46.1% received credit from suppliers and the average credit period given by SMEs to their credit customers ranged between seven to sixty days(7- 60days).From the study , two main problems faced by SMEs in dealing with credit customers are late payment and bad debts. The results shows that 52.8% of the respondents use note books to represents cash books whiles non(0%) of the respondents use computer inventory control. 65.3% of the respondents have bank accounts for their businesses. Personal savings accounted for about 35.7% of the start up capital and SMEs consider inflation /price increases to be more problematic than even high debtors turnover period and low stock turnover. Consequently ,it is recommended that there should be greater collaboration between the Business Advisory Centres(BACs) and the various associations of SMEs for the financial training of the entrepreneurs. The SMEs should establish organizations and groups like civil society organizations, regional, district ,community and interest groups to jointly organise and sponsor training programmes for their accounting personnel. There is also the need for SMEs to identify their investment priorities particularly those that are crucial in sustaining their businesses in the long run. They should sacrifice a chunk of their funds to finance and achieve these priorities that will enable them to generate extra cash or profits to plough back into other sectors of their industries. It is also recommended that SMEs should prepare budget at each time they intend to embark on major expenses. This will forestall unnecessary, unwanted, overestimated and underestimated expense. There is also the need for SMEs to formulate credit policy for their enterprise and to create a re-order level policy for their institution that will create an enabling environment for them to request for their supply of moderate and high quality stocks.

Source: KNUST
Working capital management of kente weavers in the ejisu juaben municipality - Ghana

The study examines working capital management of Kente weavers in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. The study is a descriptive study using primary data from 144 respondents. The study employs the convenience sampling technique in the selection of respondents and administering of questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and the Relative Importance Index (RII) are the analysis techniques the study employs, using the statistical package SPSS. The study makes and discusses several important findings. Key among them is the observation that although most of the Kente weavers have a relatively strong inventory management system, their cash management practices reveal a significant weakness and is generally less satisfactory. Further to this, their management of trade credit is less effective, reflecting in the generally weak liquidity position. Factors such as ineffective cash collection system, unreliable customer-demand forecasts, inaccurate sales, inventory and operations planning, delinquent receivables, inability to transfer transaction data to business analytics, unfavourable supplier contracts, and poor credit management are identified to have contributed significantly to the generally poor working capital management practices by the Kente weavers in the Ejisu-Juaben Municipality. Key recommendations include the need for persons in the Kente weaving industry to be assisted with knowledge on budgeting and budgetary procedure. This is based on the observation that most of the Kente weavers do not have an institutionalized budgetary system. Again, the study recommends the need for an effective cash collection system for the Kente weavers. This was found to be largely lacking among majority of the respondents

Source: KNUST
Working capital management practices at curtain plaza limited, Kumasi.

The main thrust of this study is to unveil the working capital management practices of Curtain Plaza Limited, Kumasi. A well designed and implemented working capital management is expected to contribute positively to the creation of a firm‟s value. The study used the case study and descriptive analytical approach for the representation and the analysis of the findings. The company deals in Curtain fabrics, Upholstery, Blinds and Carpets of all kinds. The study revealed that the company has no debtor policy but grants credit sales to its customers. Discount of 10% is offered to all customers based on the quantity of purchase.The study revealed that company does not maintain cash till system so cash made on a daily basis is deposited at the bank. The company finances both long term and short term projects with its cash.The study revealed that the company adopts a „no credit‟ policy in relation to purchases. The company currently does not borrow to finance its long term and short term investments but uses its cash. The trade payables of the company are relatively low. However, the study revealed that negotiations are far advanced between the company and its banker to access 90 days letter of credit. The study also revealed that the company manages its inventory using the Quick books software. The company rarely experiences stock pile of inventory. The company maintains a re-order level policy of 30% for all products. The study revealed that the major challenge of inventory management is the inadequacy of the warehouse facility which does not allow for categorization of the inventory. Incidence of pilferage is at its minimum. It is recommended that the company should organize periodic training and development sessions for its employees to update the technical know-how of the employees. The company must identify its investment priorities which will sustain the company in the long term and invest in such areas.

Source: KNUST
Workplace health promotion and its effects on production: A case study of CSGH design, construction and project management company

The aim of the study was to explore the extent to which health promotion and a healthy work environment can influences the effectiveness and performance of businesses. The study dwelled on the following objectives: determine the various workplace health promotion programmes, determine the effect of workplace health promotion programmes on production and determine the association between workplace health promotion and performance in the private sector. Respondents for the study were drawn from CSGH Limited, a Project Monitoring and Evaluation company in Accra-Ghana. In all, thirty (30) workers were sampled. Twenty-five (25) workers were sampled using convenient sampling technique whiles five (5) administrators were purposively sampled. The results revealed that workplace health promotion programs are very important. The study revealed Awareness programs and Educational programs as the main workplace health promotion programs at the study area. Life style/behavior programs were not recorded though workers of the study area prefer that type of workplace health promotion program. The study also revealed a strong association between workplace health programs and performance in private companies. Again, the study indicated that production is increased in companies or organizations that invest in health of their employees though these workplace health promotion programs. The study concludes that it is important that employers invest in workplace health promotion programs, especially Life style/behavior programs as it is known to yield behavior change in employees.

Source: KNUST
Working Capital Management: a Case Study in Ghana Post Company Limited

Working Capital is the life blood of every business entity a firm is required to maintain a balance between liquidity and profitability while conducting its day to day operations. Liquidity is a condition to ensure that firms are able to meet its short-term obligations and its continued flow can be guaranteed from a profitable venture. To be effective working capital requires a clear specification of the objective to be achieved. Little attention has been paid to working capital management, despite the fact that many companies see such activities at the core of their profitability. This Research examines the implications of a corporation's working capital management in Ghana Post Company Limited. The study is basically an exploratory and analytical research. Data on working capital management variables were gathered from the study area and analyzed base on the objectives of the study. The instrument used in gathering the data for the research work was the collection of secondary data which constituted financial statements of the company. Data analysis was based on ratios and chart analysis. Accounting ratios which were used to assess the working capital policy of the company revealed that Ghana Post had weak financial standing and also inconsistent working capital management polices hence the company having liquidity crises. This project was undertaken so that the recommendation will go a long way to help management to take a decision so as to retain more working capital in the business and then run to the company to attain its objectives.

Source: KNUST
“Working with little:” Access to market infrastructure and its effect on food handling and food safety among vegetable traders in an African city

Despite the crucial role played by informal markets in food distribution globally, the sector is ignored and marginalized. This study examined vegetable traders, the trading infrastructure available to them in the market, and how they conduct their businesses to explain the high food safety challenges in the sector. This paper is based on a survey, a learning journey, and transformation labs with market traders in Kumasi, Ghana. The study revealed that most traders were self-employed women with low education who worked for long hours. Access to electricity, water, refrigerators, and storage facilities was limited in the market. Vegetable spoilage was the highest cost associated with their trade. Due to the high spoilage rate, the traders sold the best vegetables at high prices and sold the bruised and rotten vegetables to local eateries and animal farms. The women made no losses through these strategies but used unsafe food handling practices and highly-priced wholesome vegetables. Their actions can reduce urban food security, especially in low-income households. Access to market infrastructure was influenced by availability, power and cost. Vegetable trading was the predominant livelihood of the traders. To improve the efficiency of the sector, efforts can be made toward the provision of services at the markets, and advocacy of the traders about food security implications of their actions by the municipal assemblies and market leaders.

Source: KNUST
Workload and nursing care: A case study in some selected Hospitals in the Brong-Ahafo region of Ghana

Nurses since time immemorial have often cited workload as one of the main reasons for their inability to provide holistic care to their patients. The nurse-patient ratio has often been the most frequently used measure of workload at the unit- level. Not much has been studied into the effect of the unfavourable nurse-patient ratio in Ghana as a whole and the Brong-Ahafo Region in particular. This study investigated workload and nursing care in some selected hospitals in the Brong-Ahafo Region of Ghana by determining the daily nursing workload, the factors that contributed to workload, the effects of workload on nurses and the quality of care delivered. The study used mixed sampling techniques -0in selecting the respondents. A cross sectional survey was then employed by administering questionnaire to 375 bedside nurses with 350 of them responding giving it a retrieval rate of 93%. Interviews with five nurse managers (hospital matrons) were recorded and transcribed. The results from the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS (version16) which were subsequently triangulated with that of the in depth interview. The findings of the study revealed that, the nurse- patient ratio was 1:9 as compared with the ideal of 1:4; an indication that there was increased workload in the study area. In general, nursing care was either delayed or not done an indication that quality of care was not the best.”Borrowed” procedures carried out by nurses were more pronounced in the government owned hospitals as compared with the Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) hospitals with taking of patient samples showing appreciable level of significance(P=0.049). Some of the nurse factors which were found to have an association with increased workload included: staff absenteeism (p=0.0279), colleagues resting at nurses‟ station (p=0.0235), reporting to work late (p=0.009), clarifying doctors‟ orders (p=0.051) and unavailability of keys to open logistics room (p=0.000). vii Doctors‟ response to calls however was statistically insignificant to increasing workload (p=0.239). The commonest reason why nurses missed work was found to be physical illness. This research recommends that, ward in-charges should conduct effective daily supervision to ensure nurses deliver quality of care to their patients. The Ministry of Health (MOH) in collaboration with the Nurses and Midwifery Council (NMC) could also establish more nurses‟ training Colleges to reduce the nurse- patient ratio.

Source: KNUST
Woven artefacts from selected plant fibres

This research has been undertaken to experiment in the use locally available plant fibres such as corn shuck, plantain bark, and raffia to produce woven artefacts at relatively little or no cost. In achieving the objectives, the study sought to identify and describe the selected plant fibres which are located in the local environment. Except for raffia, which was purchased on the open market, all the other fibres were obtained at no cost. These were performed through personal interviews, experiments, processing of the fibres into yarns and strips. The designs of the sample artefacts, which were in preliminary sketches which, were made to illustrate their untended shapes, sizes and weave structures. Colours selected for the sample artefacts where made with references to their traditions symbolism, meaning and relationship to Ghanaian life. All the sample artefacts were hand woven on a wooden frame board and evaluated. The woven artefacts were appreciated on their individual aesthetic and utilitarian qualities.

Source: KNUST
Workplace incivility and its effect on performance: A study of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly

The study examined how Workplace Incivility affects Performance in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA). Workplace Incivility can be defined as low-intensity deviant behaviour with unclear intent to harm the target, which violates workplace norms for mutual respect. The objectives of this research were: to identify the main types of incivility that occur at KMA; to assess the relationship between social status (e.g. sex, level in organization) and the occurrence of incivility in KMA; and to examine the relationship between incivility and staff performance in KMA. Based on reviewed literature, the researcher classified uncivilised behaviour as Supervisory bullying, co-worker infighting, worker-customer conflict and sexual harassment. Responses indicated that these incivilities in KMA are on the low level. On incivility and various demographics, there were significant relationship between some incivilities and demographics like age, education, employment status and tenure. On staff performance, previous studies reported decreased productivity among other factors such as declining commitment. The researcher confirmed these assumptions in the studies by recording negative and significant relationship between all four incivilities and productivity. Based on the findings, it was realized that most of the respondents reported low levels of incivility but the general perception is that there is high incivility in KMA. It therefore bestows on the workers to change this perception of people about KMA. Nevertheless, these incivilities were recorded as having negative correlations with productivity at work. In view of this, the researcher recommends that workers of the Assembly should make conscious effort to do away with such incivilities so that productivity would not be greatly affected.

Source: KNUST
Written corrective feedback practices in Senior High Schools in Ghana

This paper examines the practice of written error correction from different perspectives in real classroom contexts. Although a plethora of research has been done in different contexts, the subject is least exploited in Ghana, especially in senior High school contexts. This paper reports on a qualitative study of written corrective feedback practices in three Senior High schools in Ghana. Drawing on Schmidt’s noticing hypothesis and Swain’s comprehensive output hypothesis models, the study aims to determine whether teachers’ written error corrections effectively direct students towards ‘noticing’ the gaps in their written ‘output’, thereby resulting in higher degrees of learnability. A sample size of 824 students was selected from five common course areas using a systematic random sampling strategy, while a purposive sampling strategy was used to select nine English language teachers who had at least three years of continuous experience from the three schools. The findings of the study indicate that teachers have positive beliefs about the potency of written error corrections in the development of language. However, variances in the choice of strategies, practices of teachers, and preferences of students result in the provision of non-targeted feedback which affects revision and learnability. This study recommends that teachers should collaborate with learners to provide more targeted corrections which would result in enhanced ‘noticing’ and improved learnability of the English language among Ghanaian students.

Source: KNUST