ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Performance Contract and Performance Evaluation of State-Owned Enterprises: Insights from the Goal Setting Theory

Performance contract (PC) is one of the initiatives under the impulse of reforming State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) to among other things, ensure improved SOE performance. Studies however show mixed results in relation to improved SOE performance, and the general perception is that targets in PCs are not challenging enough. Drawing on the goal setting theory, this article provides further theoretical explanations for the application and impact of PCs using evidence from Ghana, the first Anglophone nation in Africa to adopt and implement the PC reform programmes. Relying primarily on data from PCs, SOE evaluation reports, and interviews, findings suggest that the quality of targets in PCs has been improving over the years. Moreover, the goal setting theory element, commitment, is crucial to achieving desirable outcome from PC as a performance evaluation tool.

Source: UG
Performance Contract and Performance of Public Enterprises: A Study of the Implementation Processes

This paper therefore seeks to identify and analyse the factors that may explain the reported mixed results in relation to the impact of performance contract on the performance of public enterprise. The study specifically seeks to identify and analyse the factors that may explain the mixed results in the implementation of PC by public enterprises in Ghana. To achieve the above objective, the study adopted multiple case study strategy. Specifically, four public enterprises representing four cases were randomly sampled based on the performance assessment categorisation by the State Enterprises Commission (SEC). The findings of the study reveals that the content, targets, and objectives in the performance contracts are always specific, clear and measurable. There are however variations in how each of the case formulate performance targets and objectives in the contracts. SOEs in the excellent and above average categories have separate department exclusively in charge of corporate planning and that explains the variations in performance targets and objectives on yearly basis compared to those in categories C and D which show minimal changes with incremental modification to the previous targets objectives. Similarly, the study shows that SOEs in categories and A and B have clearly designed structures and systems for the implementation PC. Moreover, they were found to combine both top-down and bottom up approaches in their PC processes. Although the findings show that all SOEs face similar political inferences, financial and human resources have been identified from the study as vital in contributing to the performance of SOEs in the implementation of performance contact. On the basis of the above findings, this paper recommends among other things, the need for examine the institutional arrangements for formulating and implementing the content of performance contact within SOEs. Furthermore, the approach adopted by SOE A; trainees becoming trainers must be extended to other SOEs to build competent and qualified human resource base for the SOE sector.

Source: UG
Performance contracts and State enterprises : the Ghanaian perspective

Evidence from earlier studies on the use of Performance Contract (PC) has been mixed since its introduction as a tool to among other thing improve the operations of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) and ultimately their performance. This study builds on the latest study on the subject by Larbi (2001) who used an SOE in Ghana. What makes this study different is that it goes beyond the case of only one SOE and PC. The current paper adopts qualitative research approach where data were gathered through interviews, examination of PCs and other documentations. The study confirms some of the finding of the earlier studies on the operations of PCs in Ghana, but adds one more performance indicator to the three (3) identified by Larbi (2001): the dynamic effects. Furthermore, PCs in Ghana tend to assign high weight to economic goals and in some cases no weight to productivity. With regard to improved results there are considerable variations which are attributable to the many and various performance indicators

Source: UG
Performance Evaluation of Chromatic Dispersion Compensation Techniques in Single Mode Fibre for Radio over Fibre Applications

With the increasing growth and high demand for data, fiber optic transmission, especially radio over fibre (RoF), has become a viable option for data and wireless communication. In such systems however, dispersion is a huge limiting factor in achieving the high data transmission rates. This work reviews current dispersion systems and proposes a system of dispersion compensation with fibre grating. Simulations are conducted using Optisystem 7.0 at varied data rates of 10, 20 and 40Gbps over a 200km transmission distance. The output is analyzed on parameters such as bit error rate (BER), Q-factor and eye height. It is shown that data rate exceeding 10 GB/s is achievable over a 200km distance.

Source: UG
Performance Indicators of Sheep Fed Rice Straw Supplemented with Browse Leaves

The use of browse leaves as a protein source can help ruminants cope with adverse nutritional stress under unpredictable climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine feed intake, digestibility, metabolisable energy intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of sheep fed untreated rice straw supplemented with browse leaves. Four forest type rams with an average weight of 27.75± 0.89 kg (2 years old) and in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design were used in the digestibility study. Twelve ram lambs of average weight 13.2 kg ± 0.05 kg were assigned to the experimental diets randomly for 12 weeks in the growth study in a completely randomized design. Animals were fed four diets namely: Untreated rice straw (URS) + Albizzia lebbek (AL) (Control), URS + Moringa oleifera (MO), URS + Ficus exasperata (FE) and URS + Spondias mombin (SM). The dietary treatment influenced (p<0.05) the digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD), maintenance energy requirement (MEm), metabolisable energy intake (MEI) and ratio of metabolisable energy intake to maintenance energy requirement (MEI: MEm). The DOMD, MEm, MEI and MEI: MEm were in the range of 965-983 g/kgDM, 3.61-5.36 MJ/d, 9.51-15.8 MJ/d and 2.63-3.38 respectively. The total intake of browse and straw ranged from 428.71 to 487.14 g/d. The average daily gain ranged from 7.14 to 20.24 g/d. The animals fed URS+FE recorded the highest average daily gain (p<0.05) while the animals fed URS+AL recorded the lowest average daily gain (p<0.05). Feed conversion efficiency ranged from 25.97 to 71.45 kg feed/ kg gain. The sheep fed URS+FE were the most efficient (p<0.05) and those fed URS+AL, the least efficient (p<0.05). Supplementation of browse leaves to sheep using untreated rice straw as a basal diet improved digestibility with moderate weight gains. These browse leaves (AL, FE, MO and SM) can be used to supplement poor quality ruminant diets for improved performance particularly during periods of feed scarcity. Key words: Digestible organic matter in dry matter, metabolisable energy, weight

Source: UG
Performance Indicators of Sheep Fed Rice Straw Supplemented with Browse Leaves

The use of browse leaves as a protein source can help ruminants cope with adverse nutritional stress under unpredictable climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to determine feed intake, digestibility, metabolisable energy intake, weight gain and feed conversion efficiency of sheep fed untreated rice straw supplemented with browse leaves. Four forest type rams with an average weight of 27.75± 0.89 kg (2 years old) and in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin square design were used in the digestibility study. Twelve ram lambs of average weight 13.2 kg ± 0.05 kg were assigned to the experimental diets randomly for 12 weeks in the growth study in a completely randomized design. Animals were fed four diets namely: Untreated rice straw (URS) + Albizzia lebbek (AL) (Control), URS + Moringa oleifera (MO), URS + Ficus exasperata (FE) and URS + Spondias mombin (SM). The dietary treatment influenced (p<0.05) the digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD), maintenance energy requirement (MEm), metabolisable energy intake (MEI) and ratio of metabolisable energy intake to maintenance energy requirement (MEI: MEm). The DOMD, MEm, MEI and MEI: MEm were in the range of 965-983 g/kgDM, 3.61-5.36 MJ/d, 9.51-15.8 MJ/d and 2.63-3.38 respectively. The total intake of browse and straw ranged from 428.71 to 487.14 g/d. The average daily gain ranged from 7.14 to 20.24 g/d. The animals fed URS+FE recorded the highest average daily gain (p<0.05) while the animals fed URS+AL recorded the lowest average daily gain (p<0.05). Feed conversion efficiency ranged from 25.97 to 71.45 kg feed/ kg gain. The sheep fed URS+FE were the most efficient (p<0.05) and those fed URS+AL, the least efficient (p<0.05). Supplementation of browse leaves to sheep using untreated rice straw as a basal diet improved digestibility with moderate weight gains. These browse leaves (AL, FE, MO and SM) can be used to supplement poor quality ruminant diets for improved performance particularly during periods of feed scarcity.

Source: UG
Performance management implementation challenges in Ghana’s local government system: Evidence from the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current performance management system of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly as well as the challenges faced by the Assembly in implementing its performance management system. Design/methodology/approach The specific design that was adopted is the case study approach. The primary data were gathered through in-depth interviews. In total, 20 heads of departments and employees were purposively sampled. The data gathered from the interviews were analysed using Miles and Huberman’s (1994) approach to qualitative data analysis. Findings The paper reveals that the performance management system of the Assembly has not been effective. The study also reveals poor communication, poor integration, low commitment by the top officials, absence of training, inadequate capacity for setting clear targets and objectives, and measuring and evaluation criteria for performance assessment, cultural issues, absence of rewards for good performance, financial constraints, weak and highly bureaucratic management systems as challenges facing performance management system of the assembly. Practical implications This study indicates that the training of supervisors and the linking of performance management systems with reward and recognition are key to ensuring an effective implementation of the performance management system of the Assembly. Originality/value This paper contributes to literature by examining the performance management system of the Sefwi Wiawso Municipal Assembly in the Western Region of Ghana by describing and drawing lessons from local government experiences in the implementation of performance management systems in developing countries.

Source: UG
Performance measurement in Academic Libraries in Ghana

The study is a survey of 97 members of Ghana’s five public university libraries on measurement of performance of their organizations. A questionnaire and interview were both used to gather data from the study. Findings show a shift from a situation of the university libraries in Ghana not measuring performance of their libraries in 1998 to one of having performance measurement policies as a means of diagnosing and justifying their existence. Three of the libraries were found to measure the performance of their libraries whilst two of the libraries did not measure performance of their libraries. It is concluded that an excellent use of performance indicators is key to effective, efficient and economical performance measurement.

Source: UG
Performance measurement: Does education impact productivity?

This study investigated the impact of managers’ educational levels on productivity in the commercial poultry industry in Ghana. The level of education of 33 production managers of the poultry farms were factored into a Cobb-Douglas production function with other explanatory variables. The computed percentage change in productivity due to higher educational relative to secondary education was 10%. The interaction terms of basic education, experience and extension visits were positive, and not statically significant. Target management education could increase productivity in the commercial poultry industry. Educated managers have a higher propensity to adopt technology and alternative production mix for effectiveness and efficiency. This study concludes that higher educational level had a positive impact on productivity in the commercial poultry industry and should be harnessed for improved performance in the domestic and global market.

Source: UG
Performance of CMIP6 HighResMIP on the Representation of Onset and Cessation of Seasonal Rainfall in Southern West Africa

Changes in rainfall onset and cessation dates are critical for improving decision making and adaptation strategies in numerous socio-economic sectors. An objective method of determining onset and cessation date is employed over Southern West Africa (SWA) in this study. The method is applied over 34 years of the quasi-global rainfall dataset from the Climate Hazards Group InfraRed Precipitation with Stations (CHIRPS) and five High Resolution Model Intercomparison Project (HighResMIP) model datasets under the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) experiment. Generally, a strong agreement exists between CHIRPS and the HighResMIP models in capturing the behaviour of seasonal rainfall over SWA, with models able to capture the bimodal rainfall season. The ability of models in capturing onset and cessation dates as observed in CHIRPS shows the strength of these models in representing the short break between the two wet seasons that is otherwise known as the ‘Little Dry Season’. Patterns observed in the onset and cessation dates over the SWA region are consistent with the northward and southward displacement of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The seasonal timing of the models shows good agreement with observations such that most mean onset/cessation dates agree within 26 days. While IPSLCM6A-ATM-HR, a model among the five HighResMIPs used in the study, best agrees with CHIRPS in representing onset and cessation dates during the unimodal rainfall season, no one model best agrees with CHIRPS during the bimodal season, with models outperforming each other in representing onset/cessation dates with little variation.

Source: UG
Performance of Djallonké sheep fed untreated rice straw supplemented with urea-molasses block (UMB): II. Substitution of wheat flour in UMB with gari or kokonte flour

This study was designed to compare the effect of three sources of starch in urea molasses block fed to sheep. The urea molasses-block (UMB) contained either wheat flour (UMBW), or kokonte (dried cassava meal; UMBK) or gari (partially destarched cassava product; UMBG). All sheep were fed on a basal diet of untreated rice straw ad libitum and allowed to lick the urea-molasses blocks freely. Voluntary feed intake and weight gain, rumen pH and in sacco rumen degradation of the basal diet were measured using Djallonké sheep. Total dry matter and crude protein intakes were similar for UMBW and UMBK, both of which were lower (p<0.05) than for UMBG. Rumen pH decreased sharply for UMBW and UMBK but was more stable for UMBG. This was related to the changes in rumen degradation which showed greater improvement for the animals on UMBG than for those on UMBW and UMBK. It was concluded that UMBG was a better supplement than either UMBW or UMBK when sheep are fed rice straw. Gari which is a processed cassava meal with higher fibre content than dried cassava meal (kokonte) or wheat flour was the best source of starch in the formulation of urea-molasses blocks.

Source: UG
Performance of Djallonké sheep fed untreated rice straw supplemented with urea-molasses block: I. Comparison with urea-ammoniated rice straw

This study sought to compare the effects of supplementing untreated rice straw with urea molasses blocks (UMB) with feeding urea ammoniated rice straw without supplementation in Djallonké sheep. Two trials were undertaken; a growth trial and a digestibility trial. The growth trial involved twelve growing D’jallonké wethers which were randomly assigned to three diets; untreated rice straw (URS), urea ammoniated rice straw (ARS) or untreated rice straw supplemented with urea molasses block (SMB). A digestibility trial was carried out involving six mature wethers which were kept in metabolism cages and were assigned to the test diets in a 3 x 3 Latin square design with two replicates each. Ammoniation resulted in a 2.2 fold increase in crude protein of rice straw and decreased neutral detergent fibre (NDF) and hemicellulose content of the straw by 10.9% and 48.5% respectively. Voluntary dry matter intake was higher (P<0.05) for ARS than for URS but similar (P>0.05) to SMB. Similar trends were observed for dry matter digestibility and average daily gain. It was concluded that both ammoniation of rice straw and supplementation of untreated rice straw with UMB significantly improved the nutritive value of the untreated rice straw. These two treatments, however, did not differ from each other in terms of average daily gain and digestibility.

Source: UG
Performance of Machine Learning Classifiers in Classifying Stunting among Under-Five Children in Zambia

Abstract: Stunting is a global public health issue. We sought to train and evaluate machine learning (ML) classification algorithms on the Zambia Demographic Health Survey (ZDHS) dataset to predict stunting among children under the age of five in Zambia. We applied Logistic regression (LR), Random Forest (RF), SV classification (SVC), XG Boost (XgB) and Naïve Bayes (NB) algorithms to predict the probability of stunting among children under five years of age, on the 2018 ZDHS dataset. We calibrated predicted probabilities and plotted the calibration curves to compare model performance. We computed accuracy, recall, precision and F1 for each machine learning algorithm. About 2327 (34.2%) children were stunted. Thirteen of fifty-eight features were selected for inclusion in the model using random forest. Calibrating the predicted probabilities improved the performance of machine learning algorithms when evaluated using calibration curves. RF was the most accurate algorithm, with an accuracy score of 79% in the testing and 61.6% in the training data while Naïve Bayesian was the worst performing algorithm for predicting stunting among children under five in Zambia using the 2018 ZDHS dataset. ML models aids quick diagnosis of stunting and the timely development of interventions aimed at preventing stunting.

Source: UG
Performance of open government data in a developing economy: a multi-stakeholder case analysis of Ghana

Purpose: This study uses the technology fit-viability theory to study the performance of one of the early pioneers of open government data (OGD) in Africa. The study aims to investigate the task and technology fit. as well as the economic, IT infrastructure and organisational viability as performance measures for Ghana Open Government Data (GOGD) initiative. Design/methodology/approach – The study adopted a qualitative approach by interviewing key actors within the GOGD ecosystem, namely, the OGD implementing body, data suppliers and data users. The results were compared with established OGD best practices and standards around the world. Findings: The results suggest that Ghana’s OGD architecture appears far from meeting its fit and viability goals because of lacklustre performance attributed to the following factors: a complete lack of synergy among various stakeholder groups and actors in the GOGD ecosystem, a lack of sustainable financial support for the implementing body, a shortage of qualified staff for the GOGD project and partial neglect of GOGD as a consequence of the implementation of a new project called eTransform. Research limitations and implications This research is limited to Ghana’s OGD initiative. Perhaps, a comparative study on the performance of other OGD initiatives in Africa and other developed countries will present another view of how OGD initiatives are performing across the globe. Again, the number of interviewees in the study may not be sufficient to generalise the results. Practical implications: The study guides developing economies on how to examine national and international legal frameworks that have consequences on the usage of OGD at the national and subnational levels. Besides, the study results will help implementing agencies and, by extension, government to be wary of the consequences of neglecting relevant stakeholders in the implementation process. The study also emphasizes on the need for developing economies to have sustainable funding and technical support for OGD implementation. Social implications: The study helps shape citizens’ understanding of what the government is doing pursuant to making data readily available for them. Because OGD spurs innovations, citizens’ continuous involvement is key in the process of realising government's drive to be open and accountable to citizens through data.Originality/value: This research is the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to present a retrospective and prospective view of a country’s OGD implementation to ascertain the country’s fit and viability. More uniquely, this study will be the first, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, to assess the performance of OGD setup in Africa.

Source: UG
Performance of rapid DiaMed OptiMal-IT ® malaria test in an endemic Ghanaian setting

At peripheral health facility levels, the diagnosis of malaria is difficult due to lack of infrastructure. In the study reported here, the diagnostic performance of a batch of ‘DiaMed OptiMAL-IT’ (Cressier, Switzerland) rapid antigen tests were examined in parallel with routine microscopy for a select population of high risk individuals: 202 pregnant women and 200 children less than 5 years old in an endemic setting in Ghana. Results of both diagnostic methods were compared to that of cross-checking microscopy, taken as gold standard, at the Navrongo Health Research Centre. Of the 402 patients, 218 (54.2%) were confirmed with Plasmodium falciparum infections by cross-checking. All 218 patients (100%) were accurately diagnosed with malaria by routine microscopy. Of these, 151 (69.3%) were positive by DiaMed OptiMAL-IT test (26 false positives, 67 false negatives). DiaMed OptiMALIT had the following performance indicators for detection

Source: UG
Performance of SNP barcodes to determine genetic diversity and population structure of Plasmodium falciparum in Africa

The Department of Parasitology conducts research into parasitic diseases of public health importance with the overall goal of reducing their transmission and the heavy disease burden that they impose on affected populations. The Department maintains focus on parasitic diseases in general. These include major diseases such as malaria, and others listed under the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTD) control initiative such as, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiasis, trypanosomiasis and leishmaniasis.

Source: UG