ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effect of media advertising and personal selling of banking products on sale: a case study of an indigenous Ghanaian Bank (Unibank Ghana Limited)

An organisation can be seen as an open social system in which all of the components of the unit or systems are interactive and interdependent. Modification of one part of the system necessitates adjustments to be made by all the components to accommodate the change. The marketing communications undertaken by organizations within these systems can be regarded as a series of communication episode. For many years there has been considerable debate about how advertising and personal contribute to sales. Indeed, exponent of strong theory holds that advertising can influence someone to buy a product he or she has never previously purchase. The upward shift in sales is achieved through the use of manipulative and psychological techniques, which are deployed against consumers who are passive, possibly because of apathy, and are generally incapable of processing information intelligently. Other writers believe that consumers pattern of brand purchase is driven more habit than by exposure to promotional massages. The consensus is that, there can be no single all embracing agreement that explains how these two elements in the promotion mix work. This research work has contributed to this development and has enriched marketing in general and advertising and personal selling in particular especially to service sector development. This research work has the objectives of finding out how advertising and personal selling contribute to sales, how media advertising and personal selling help achieve sustainable competitiveness and to recommend how service sector organisation can effectively use advertising and personal selling to achieve cooperate strategic objectives. The survey reveals that a single promotional tool provides insufficient communication to achieve targeted sales. It was noted that the decision to buy banking services normally evokes high involvement, and motivation to buy occurs through effective presentation of the service offer. Service sector organizations should use clear unambiguous massages to communicate the range, depth, quality and levels of their services. Advertising and personal selling effort should emphasis the benefits of their services rather than their technical details and should obtain mobilize and maintain maximum customer co operation in the service. Production process as the service is often an interactive system.

Source: KNUST
Effect of microfinance on women’s empowerment in Ghana: a case study of unicredit Ghana limited.

The position of women in Ghana has been low compared to men. Women are considered poorer and that they have low education and suffer from traditions and customary laws. In this regard, empowerment of women is one of the main issues in Ghana and beyond. Microfinance services are spotted as an entry point or a vehicle toward empowering women. Again, microfinance programmes are also perceived to empower women clients by empowering them in decision-making roles and selfesteem. On the other hand, whether microfinance programmes are bringing about desired changes is highly debatable. Further, some argue that microfinance has been pushing the low income people further into poverty. The thesis, effect of microfinance on women’s empowerment in Ghana, a case study of uniCredit Ghana Limited aimed at assessing the impact of microfinance institutions on empowering women in small and medium scale enterprises in Kumasi Metropolis. Data was collected using quantitative the data collection instruments used were administration of questionnaires and interview. Data collected was aggregated and extracted as excel files and was analysed with the aid of Stata version 12 (StataCorp, USA). Data analysed showed that there is a higher percentage of MF+ indicating an increase in income as this indicated that microfinance as a vehicle enhances the financial as well as business activities of women involved in small and medium scale entrepreneurship. A case control study was designed with definition of cases as women entrepreneurs enlisted with uniCredit Ghana Limited (MF+) for a minimum of one year and controls as those with similar characteristic but not enlisted with any microfinance institution (MF-) in the Kumasi metropolis. This study suggests microfinance serves as a vehicle for improving the financial status of women in SMEs by being a source of capital for business and customer base expansion as well as availing funds for settling of debts. Additionally, utilization of MFIs enhances female autonomy in social matters with age, educational and monthly income above GH₵ 1000 were determinants of women empowerment.

Source: KNUST
Effect of micro-finance activities on the survival of small and medium scale enterprises

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (smes) have over the years become increasingly important to the growth of Ghana’s economy. Their prominence came into the limelight in the late 1970s and early 1980s due to the economic recession which led to the decline of industrial growth and employment in many developing countries. Smes play important role in the growth of the economy and it is estimated that smes are the engine of growth in Ghana’s economy as they employ about 85% of the Ghanaian work force and contribute about 70% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, the issue of financing has become a major constrain for smes in Ghana and despite the major role smes play in the economic development, they may cease to exist when they are unable to have access to the needed financing. This study seeks to improve understanding of the microfinance and SME performance debate and more especially to add the Ghanaian perspective. The study investigates whether activities of microfinance institutions are able to improve the performance of smes in Ghanaian. Whiles several studies focused on the impact of smes on the economy, this study focused on a variety activities to measure the effect of microfinance on SME performance. The research questions addressed whether activities of microfinance institutions had a significant effect on the performance of smes within the periods of January, 2017 to December, 2019. The target sample was 397 respondents selected from 50 smes. Cross-sectional data was obtained from the questionnaires distributed to respondents. The study used SPSS to analyze responses and factor analysis to determine whether there was a statistically significant relationship between the performance of smes and the activities of microfinance institutions. The findings revealed that the activities of microfinance institutions such as availability of credit, depository services, business advisory services and loan insurance had significance positive effect on the performance of smes between the period of January 2017 to December 2019.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Micro Finance Institutions on the Growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs): A Case Study of Selected SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study discusses the effects of Microfinance Institution (MFIs) on the growth of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study examined the detailed profile of SMEs in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana, the contribution of MFIs to entrepreneurial growth, the challenges encountered by SMEs in accessing credit and the rate of credit utilization by SMEs. An analysis of the profile of SMEs show that most SMEs are at their Micro stages since they employ less than six people and the sector is hugely dominated by the commerce sub-sector. The research also indicates that MFIs have had a positive effect on the growth of SMEs. Some of the critical contributions of MFIs include; greater access to credit, savings enhancement and provision of business, financial and managerial training. Irrespective of the contributions of MFIs to SMEs, there are challenges that affect their operations of both SMEs and MFIs. The major challenge faced by SMEs is the cumbersome process associated with accessing credit of which collateral security and high interest rate are major setback. The MFIs on the other hand, face some challenges relating to credit misappropriation and non-disclosure of the relevant facts of their businesses. In the final analysis, the research clearly reveals that MFIs have a positive effect on the growth SMEs. In other to enhance a sustained and accelerated growth in the operations of SMEs credits should be client-oriented and not product- oriented. Proper and extensive monitoring activities should be provided for clients who are granted loans.

Source: KNUST
The effect of monetary policy on output and prices in Ghana

The study sought to investigate the effect of monetary policy on output and prices by specifically identifying the responsiveness of output and prices to monetary policy innovations and the variations in output and prices that is explained by the monetary policy variables. The study employed the Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) modelling technique on quarterly time series data on real GDP, Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), broad money supply (M2) and real effective exchange rate from 1980 to 2012. The study further used the Impulse response functions and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition to examine the stochastic shocks of the monetary policy variables’ innovations on output and prices. The study found a weak and slow ability of monetary policy to influence output and price i n Ghana. The study however, found evidence of MPR as the most effective monetary policy variable that influences output whilst money supply is the most effective monetary policy variable that influences prices.

Source: KNUST
Effect of monetary policy on economic growth in Cote D’ivoire (1980-2014).

According to economic theory, monetary policy has an impact on economic growth as it has been revealed by studies on other economies. However, it appears that no much of studies have been conducted to determine the relationship between economic growth and monetary policy in La Cote d’Ivoire. Thus the study is to show the effect of monetary policy on economic growth of La Cote d’Ivoire (1980-2016). Secondary data used for the analysis (macroeconomic variables) were obtained from the official websites of African Financial Community (CFA), the Central Bank of West African States (BCEAO) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA). The Autoregressive Distributive lag Model (ARDL) approach was applied to the data. Time series graph was used to show the trend of money supply and GDP growth rates. regression result shows a negative relationship between monetary policy as measured by money supply and economic growth. The study recommends that the monetary authority should regulate the supply of money in the economy, to reflect changes in macroeconomic variables.

Source: KNUST
The effect of monetary policy on output and prices in Ghana

The study sought to investigate the effect of monetary policy on output and prices by specifically identifying the responsiveness of output and prices to monetary policy innovations and the variations in output and prices that is explained by the monetary policy variables. The study employed the Structural Vector Autoregressive (SVAR) modelling technique on quarterly time series data on real GDP, Consumer Price Index (CPI), the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR), broad money supply (M2) and real effective exchange rate from 1980 to 2012. The study further used the Impulse response functions and Forecast Error Variance Decomposition to examine the stochastic shocks of the monetary policy variables’ innovations on output and prices. The study found a weak and slow ability of monetary policy to influence output and price in Ghana. The study however, found evidence of MPR as the most effective monetary policy variable that influences output whilst money supply is the most effective monetary policy variable that influences prices.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Mobile Money Services on Savings Intention of Customers within Kumasi Metropolis

The mobile money operation as an aspect of the financial sector has witnessed tremendous patronage over the years. Users have developed passion for the mobile money services which has affected their savings intention with the traditional banks. The study focused on assessing mobile money operation and its effect on savings intention among customers within Kumasi metropolis in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The study was conducted on a total of 350 customers out of which 294 responses were received representing 84% response rate. The study collected data using questionnaires. The study adopted purposive and convenience sampling techniques in selecting customers. Statistical Package for Social Sciences was the software used in analysis of the data. The study adopted regression, correlation and descriptive analysis in the interpretation of the results. The results show that, service withdrawal and cash deposit as part of mobile money services positively impacts savings intention and are statistically significant. Cash transfer has a positive impact on consumer’s savings intention however not statistically significant and recharge card inversely affect customers savings intention but not statistically significant. Customers have trust in the use of mobile money services and are satisfied with convenience and easy accessibility of mobile money services. The study recommended strong regulatory framework to protect customer’s money and improved service delivery from service providers.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Moringa Leaf Meal (Molm) on Nutrient Digestibility, Growth, Carcass and Blood Indices of Weaner Rabbits

The study involved the cultivation of moringa and the use of the moringa leaf meal (MOLM) to determine its effect on nutrient digestibility, growth, carcass characteristics and haematological and biochemical indices of weaner rabbits. Five (5) treatment diets were formulated to contain MOLM inclusion levels of 0% (control), 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Thirty (30) weaner rabbits of mixed breeds and sexes were used for the experiment. They were randomly divided into 5 groups of 6 animals per treatment with 2 animals per replicate, in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). Feed and water were provided ad libitum. Data obtained from the moringa cultivation showed that on dry matter (DM) basis, 425.10 kg/ha of moringa leaves could be produced at first harvest at 90 days of age using a planting spacing of 1.3 × 1.3 m. Elemental analysis of the moringa leaf meal (MOLM) on DM basis indicated that the leaves contained 24.65% DM, 29.25% CP, 2.23% EE, 19.25% CF, 7.13% ash, 41.98% NFE, 0.33% P and 8.64% Ca. The dry matter (DM) and CP digestibility values were affected (p<0.05) by dietary treatments whilst the CF and EE digestibility values were not (p>0.05). The average daily feed intake and FCR did not differ between dietary treatments (p>0.05), however, the average daily weight gain was higher (p<0.05) in rabbits on the MOLM based-diets (13.49, 13.69, 14.03, 15.01 g/d) compared to those on the control diet (11.71 g/d). Except for meat crude protein and ether extract, which were influenced by dietary treatment (p<0.01), the carcass characteristics studied did not differ between treatments (p>0.05). All the blood parameters studied did not vary between treatments (p>0.05). The cost of feed to gain a kilogramme weight, although not significant (p>0.05), was highest when soyabean meal (SBM) was completely replaced with MOLM due solely to the large price disparities between MOLM and SBM. The study revealed that the MOLM is rich in nutrients. It also showed that the MOLM could be used as a partial or total replacement for SBM without any adverse effect on the productive performance and blood indices of weaner rabbits.

Source: KNUST
The effect of motivation on employees’ performance: empirical evidence from the Brong Ahafo Education Directorate

Motivation is something that moves the person to action and continues him the cause of action already initiated. Motivation has the role to develop and intensify the desire of every member of the organization to work effectively and efficiently in his position. The motivation for the study was prompted by the low level of concentration on employee motivation as compared to the employees of other organizations which have caused an acute shortage of qualified teachers at the basic and 2 nd cycle (Senior High School) level due to high migration to other sector (GNAT Report, 2013). Motivation in Ghana Education Service is down, the workers and the government, who are responsible for implementing the national policies and programmes relating to pre-tertiary education in the country, have clashed many times in the recent years over salary and conditions of service (GNAT Report, 2013). It is against this background that the research investigated into: “The Effect of Motivation on Employees Performance: Empirical Evidence from the Brong Ahafo Education Directorate”. The general objective of the study is to determine the Effect of Motivation on Employees; to identify factors that motivate employees; to determine the employees‟ performance and to assess the effect of motivation on the employees‟ performance in Asunafo North Municipal Education Directorate. Mixed methodology, that is questionnaires and interviews were used to gather data and analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS), and content analysis for qualitative aspect. The study has revealed that promotion and opportunity for advancement are the major motivation factors and the study has also revealed that motivation level is low in the area of wages and salaries. Ghana Education appears to be paying lowest wages and salaries in the industry. It is therefore recommended that Ghana Education Service (management) should consider as a matter of urgency, the need to make upward adjustment in wages and salaries which will go a long way to reduce the high incidence of labour turnover.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Motivation on Employee Performance in Ghana Education Service: A Case Study of Angel Educational Complex

Employee motivation describes an employee’s intrinsic enthusiasm about and drives to accomplish work. Every employee is motivated about something in his or her life. Motivating employees about work is the combination of fulfilling the employee's needs and expectations from work and workplace factors that enable employee motivation - or not. These variables make motivating employees challenging. Information about motivating employees is readily available but it’s hard to apply the ideas in many workplaces. Too many workplaces still act as if the employee should be grateful to have a job. Managers are on power trips and employee policies and procedures are formulated based on the assumption that you cannot trust employees to do the right thing. Communication is never transparent and there is always a secret message or a hidden agenda. Motivating employees in this work environment is tough, if not impossible. Fortunately, most work environments are not in this extreme. They each have their own set of problems, but managers appreciate that motivating employees will bring positive results for the Organization. This study used a multi-method approach. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to answer the research questions. Both interviews and questionnaires were used to gather these data and analysis were done using words, graphs, tables and statistics. The one on one interviews and the administration of questionnaires was of an enormous help to the researcher for effective comparison of all responses. After the study it was found that motivation serves as a factor which influenced performance and hence increases productivity. It is therefore important that employees of Angel Educational Complex are well motivated to ensure continuous students good performance in terms of examination results.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Motivation on Retention of Workers in the Private Sector: A Case Study of Zoomlion Company Ghana Ltd

In today’s competitive environment Human Resource Management has become a valuable part of organizations including private sector organizations, with issues of motivation and retention being key to overall corporate performance. The main purpose of the research was to examine the effect of motivation on retention of workers in the private sector, using Zoomlion Company Ltd as case study. Data was obtained from a total of 85 staff of the company using structured questionnaires to determine the elements of motivational packages, retention strategies, organizational culture, job satisfaction and career plans. The results showed that salary and monetary compensation, job security, good safety measures, employee assistance program and health benefits are the highest motivators for employees. Similarly, salary compensation emerged as the most important retention factor, followed by health and related benefits and education and training opportunities. The findings of the study reveals that workers in the private sector are more satisfied with the general conditions of work such as hours worked each week, flexibility of schedules as well as salary and benefits. However they are more dissatisfied with the opportunities for promotion, recognition of work accomplished and job security. Also, most of the workers had plans to leave within 5 years, due to factors such as lack of opportunities for promotion, lack of job security, no recognition for work accomplished, failure to initiate an effective career development and retirement plan. The study concludes that it is only a comprehensive blend of intrinsic and extrinsic motivational variables that can enhance retention and reduce the high rate of employee turnover in our various organisations. It is recommended that management of the private sector pay much attention to the career plans as well as provide motivational packages for their workers to help retain them.

Source: KNUST
Effect of motivation on service quality: moderation role of employees commitment amongst health professionals in the Greater Accra Region

This study sought to contribute to the body of knowledge on marketing and organisational behaviour by empirically investigating into the role of employee motivation and commitment in improving service quality. The study was contextualized in a healthcare delivery environment in the Greater Accra Region (GAR) of Ghana and focused on doctors as the informants. Data were collected using questionnaires from 127 doctors in Public, Private and Missions hospitals. Both descriptive and inferential statistical tools and techniques were employed to analyse data collected. Hierarchical moderated regression analysis was employed in estimating the study’s proposed model. The descriptive statistical results obtained indicated that doctors who participated in the study have moderate level of commitment in their job and are more motivated intrinsically. An average participant also perceives service quality in healthcare delivery within the research context as more satisfactory. The study further finds that both intrinsic motivation and commitment among doctors significantly have positive effects on service quality. The study’s results also indicated that extrinsic motivation does not have significant positive effect on service quality than commitment. In all, it was found that both motivation and commitment significantly explain 23.7% variations in service quality. The findings thus suggest that government’s and management’s efforts to improving quality healthcare services in the country would be more likely to manifest should they focus on improving the level of motivation and commitment among healthcare workers at the workplace. In this line, it suggested that appropriate authorities and relevant stakeholders collaborate in designing work and benefits in light of health workers’ contribution to quality healthcare delivery in the country.

Source: KNUST