ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An investigation into the selection practices of Ghana Post Company Limited

Different companies have different practices regarding personnel selection which Ghana Post Company Limited is no exception. The focus of this study was to investigate into the personnel selection practices of Ghana Post Company Limited. The problem here however, is how Ghana Post Company can effectively embark on personnel selection practices to attract the best of human resource in order to survive the competition posed by the era of information technology. , * The main objective of the study therefore was to explore how Ghana Post Company embarks on personnel selection in order to select competitive human resource. A total of 70 subjects (47 males 23 females) completed the designed survey instrument. All data were analyzed using percentages and frequency count with the aid of SPSS * software package. Again, interviews with some high-ranking management members of the company were conducted for further insight into the topic. Furthermore, the study also captured the employees' selection practices in the United States as a benchmark for comparison with that of Ghana Post Company Limited. The result of the study revealed among others that "back door" selection, unfairness and lack of publicity on available vacancies were prevalent in the Company. However, decentralized nature of its personnel selection was commended in the study. It was recommended among others that there was the need for vacancy announcements, avoidance of "back door" selection practice as well as selecting highly qualified

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the standard of drawing in selected Senior High Schools in Bekwai Municipality, Ashanti Region

Drawing is one of the topics that runs through the Visual Arts programmes outlined in the Senior High School syllabus. The approach of teaching drawing in our second cycle schools needs to be carefully looked at, as most teachers seem not to teach the students how to draw. Students cannot look at certain objects and draw them as they should be. This means that the “look and draw” approach as it is expected in observational drawing is gradually fading out in our schools. This creates a big challenge in the art profession. It is in this regard that the researcher deems it appropriate to investigate the standard of drawing in selected high schools to ascertain the core issues affecting drawing and suggest remedy to them. Some amount of literature relevant to the research was reviewed in relation to how other scholars expressed their views on the drawing problems. Relevant data on drawing were gathered by the use of descriptive and action methods of qualitative research mainly through observation, test, questionnaire, interviews by the researcher himself on students and teachers. Major findings were reviewed resulting from both positive and negative responses. These are: students’ inability to hold the tools appropriately in order to yield their full impact. Due to this, students found it difficult even to register their first marks or strokes. Also, students could not look at objects and draw them to perfection; again, shading was a major problem as students shaded without checking the effect of light on the object of their drawing. Finally Composition, perspective, and foreshortening posed a big challenge for students. With regards to the benefits that this innovation would bring to the development of manpower and the nation as a whole, the following recommendations are outlined for consideration: The issue about learning how to draw as an area under drawing must be given further attention. Curriculum planners or designers must concentrate on how to draw so as to ease the challenges in this area of study. Drawing teachers must adopt and use the findings of this study to improve the standard drawing in our schools. Also, Visual Arts students must welcome this study and practice unceasingly to improve their skills since drawing forms the basis of all visual arts activities.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the strategic management practices of private educational institutions in Kumasi Metropolis: case of the International Community School

The falling standard of education and the fierce competition in the private educational sector is an indication for the need for strategic management practices to ensure growth and survival in the sector. As the amount and pace of change in educational world increases, it is increasingly important for managers and leaders of schools and colleges to think strategically. The descriptive study employs a mixed approach to investigate into the strategic management practices of the international community school (ICS) in the Kumasi metropolis. The field survey employed a questionnaire and an interview to collect data from 81 sampled staff of the ICS. The result of the study showed that SMP of ICS begins with the recruitment of qualified staff with the requisite skills and proceed with continuous training to ensure utmost performance. There is also high level of delegation of duties and employs innovative teaching methods and materials of international level. The three major revealed critical success factors of the SMP of ICS are response to customer feedback, employee qualifications and skills and communications with clients. The SMP such as employing qualified staff with the right skills, continuous employee training, high level of delegation of duties to staff, high motivation of workforce, employment of innovative teaching methods and materials, and communication with clients were found to influence students, teachers and organizational performance positively. The major reasons revealed to influence the SMP of ICS are failure to understand customers, inflexibility of the organizational structure, over-estimation of resource competence and failure to obtain senior management commitment. Based on these findings, the study recommends better recruitment and selection process, continuous employee training, employee motivation and the need for process building of loyalty and commitment.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into the Role of Public Private Partnership (PPP) In the Provision of Urban Area Road Networks for Accelerated Development in Ghana

The provision of infrastructure is crucial to the development of Africa .Sustainable infrastructure development is equally vital for Africa’s prosperity (World Bank, 2009). To ensure that there is progressive sustainable development, governments and the private sector must come together to lead the revolution to ensure that Africa’s infrastructure sector does not lag behind the rest of the world (World Bank, 2009). The aim of this study is to “investigate why private sector has not partnered with government to provide roads in urban cities in Ghana”. For the purpose of this study, the techniques deduced for the collection of data shall be questionnaires which would be physically delivered to respondents. The questionnaire was distributed to public sector workers involved with provision of road infrastructure in Ghana and specifically the Accra metropolitan Assembly area. The distribution of the questionnaire was to two senior officials each of the Ministry of Roads and Highways, the Department of Urban Roads, Department of Feeder Roads, Ghana Highway Authority and the PPP Unit of the Ministry of Finance. Responses received from the questionnaire was analysed in accordance with the objective of the research. From the study conducted it was observed that, the private sector has contributed immensely to the provision of road infrastructure in Ghana. The private sector has contributed finance, technical expertise in the construction of several roads in several urban areas. The contribution of the private sector is not increasing significantly as expected, even though economic development is on the rise. Private investment in road infrastructure is on the decline because investment risk in roads keeps increasing due to unavailable appropriate repayment mechanisms.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the use of marketing strategies by Colts football clubs in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study sought to investigate the use of marketing strategies by colts football clubs in the Kumasi metropolis. The objectives were to assess the effect of sponsorship in the development of colts football in the Kumasi Metropolis, to examine the promotional strategies used by colts clubs in marketing young footballers and finally to identify pricing policies used by colts clubs in marketing young footballers in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study revealed that as huge as 83.33% of respondents indicated that the maximum years players were kept at the academy were three as it serves as transition point from youth development leagues to a professional system. Among the tools used to disseminate the activities of clubs to their fans, discussions of sports programmes on local FM radio stations ranked the most vibrant. It was also revealed that sponsorship deals for the club were virtually absent as 83.33% of respondents self-financed their club’s activities. Some of the pricing strategies used were survival and premium pricing. It was recommendation that team managers must do well to secure financial assistance from the various organisations in the metropolis especially those that show interest in sports. Team managers must do well to showcase well talented players in a spectacular manner to help enhance their image. Teams and individual players should be well branded to attract the needed attention from organisatons that for example deal in energy products, like Nestle Ghana. Websites can be created to give out vital information about the players which could be in the form of videos, pictures and also tapping the experience and resources of former successful colts players in the management of the clubs. It was concluded that there was the need for full integration of marketing activities in every sphere of the juvenile clubs in the Kumasi metropolis in order to enhance their full potentials.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into the Total Phenols and Antioxidant Activity during Storage of Fruit Smoothies

In this study, the total phenols (TP) and antioxidant activity of three different fruit smoothies (Blackberries, Raspberry and Boysenberry (BRAB), Mango and Passion fruits (MAP) and Blackcurrant, Acerola cherries and Rosehips (BACAR)) were determined during storage by Folin-Ciocalteu and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays respectively. TP ranged from 1,943 to 2,692 mg L-1 gallic acid equivalent whereas FRAP from 43,217 to 126,125 µmol L-1 Trolox equivalent for the three smoothies on opening. BACAR had the highest TP and antioxidant activity. The smoothies showed significant decrease (P < 0.05) in TP during storage. The decrease in antioxidant activity was significant (P < 0.05) for BRAB and MAP only. However, the study revealed that the smoothies had high antioxidant activity even during shelf-life at 4 °C which implies that consumption of smoothies may give considerable antioxidant benefits. Correlation between TP and antioxidant activity was strong and highly significant (r = 0.890, P < 0.0001).

Source: KNUST
An Investigation into the Use of ICT Tools in Marketing Communication in the Timber Industry in Ghana: A Case Study Of Naja David Group of Companies (NDGC)

The study researched into how timber companies in Ghana with particular focus on Naja David Group of companies use Information Communication Technology (ICT) in their Marketing Communications. Empirical evidence in developed countries suggest that organizations in these countries have found creative ways of maximizing the use of ICT tools in marketing communications. It became imperative to discover if these same tools are being exploited by organization in emerging countries like Ghana. The paper investigated whether ICT tools are used rightly or wrongly, the quality of the websites and the impact of the usage on revenue generation. A survey method was used with focus on a Timber company- Naja David Group of Companies. The questionnaire was targeted at the Marketing and IT department as it is believed that these people had a better understanding of what was required as well as having the information needed to provide accurate responses. The questionnaires were sent Via email through Microsoft Outlook which enabled the respondents to provide responses directly on the soft copy. The findings of the research showed that NDGC commenced the use of ICT in marketing communication in 2001. The company has a working website and has over the years built a mailing list. The website is a basic website with light graphics and offers opportunity for clients to sign up on line to receive correspondence from the company.Unfortunately, it seems that this particular feature has not been used by clients as NDGC resorts to coping e-mails. This violates the CAM-SPAM law and could open up NDGC to spamming complaints. Findings also indicate that the organization has made effort to maximize the use of e-mail marketing. They often change the e-mail marketing message, update the content of the website and constantly update software and hardware. Findings also showed a two hundred percent increase in revenue earned prior to 2001 as compared with revenue earned in 2009. It was recommended that NDGC build a website that is heavier in pictures and graphics while not reducing the text, that the company must protect itself from spam complaints by ensuring that only consented clients are sent e-mail and that the Company should advertise their website and encourage people to sign up to receive e-mail from them.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the strategic positioning of facility management in organizations in Ghana (A case study of Ghana Commercial Bank)

Organizations depend on the support, functions and services within its scope of business in order to succeed or meet their target and goals. One of such support services is the facilities management function within the organization. The specific aim of this study is to look at how to strategically position Facilities Management in organizations in Ghana and use the results to obtain and to inform the industry on the level of strategic positioning to aid in deciding on the future of the profession. The objectives included identification of the organizational structures of the facilities management unit, indicating the factors that need to be considered in aligning facilities management to the core business, identifying the level of positioning of facility functions with the organizations and reviewing the scope of services offered by Facility Management function. In order to achieve these objectives, the research adopted the quantitative method of research which involved the use of questionnaires which were designed for respondents to indicate their various ideas about facilities management and interviews were also conducted. The population of the research involved participants in the financial industry that shared common characteristics, that is, had little knowledge of facility management and its functions. Data was collected on the spot after issuing to the respondent. The data was analyzed using the frequency index and the Relative Importance Index mathematical formula. The findings were that information are not readily available for clients to improve customer service and also most organization had poor facility presentation. Recommendations made included improvement of facility presentation and making vital information vital to customers readily available for them.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into training and development practices: A case study of selected Junior High Schools (JHS) in Kumasi Metropolis

Institutional Training and Development is so crucial for employee performance and should be given the necessary budgetary and management support without fail. This thesis is meant to investigate training and development practices for employees in selected JHS in Kumasi Metropolis. The study revealed that one-on one mentoring, job orientation, and on the job training were some of the training and development methods used. It was also revealed that, frequent training and development will have impact on performance of employees, as they will acquire skills and knowledge that is important to their job, help them achieve set targets and enhance employee output. Internship and assistantship, skills training, and job instruction training were the types of training and development practices used by institutions. On-the job training and job rotation among classes and positions in the school were some of the methods of training and development programs. On the factors used in assessing training and development needs of Staff, the study revealed that, there were no laid down rules and it is at times on ones qualification, work/position, commitment to duty / recommendations from employers like GES and other stakeholders. The study shows that the training and development programs organized by institutions exposed them to appropriate content and methodologies, increased their knowledge in the discharge of duties, increased output, increased job satisfaction and morale, increased their job security, and reduced management complains whilst enhancing their capacity to adopt new technologies and methods. The study recommended that there should be laid down policies regarding training and development programs for employees. It was also recommended that management should show commitment by providing the necessary resources for implementing training and development.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into water quality of surface waters at Tarkwa and its environs

Samples of seventeen surface waters were analysed to ascertain their quality status. The analysis was carried out using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric technique for levels of iron, nickel, lead and manganese. Ultra-violet/visible spectrophotometric technique (colorimetry and turbidity methods), Titrimetric method as well as Gravimetric method were used for other eleven physico-chemical parameters. The mean levels of the parameters determined ranged as follows: PH 5.50-7.87 Dissolved Oxygen 4.20-8.42 mg/I Alkalinity 12.00-258.00 mg/I Total Hardness 43 .33-617.67 mg/I Chloride 7.92-40.49 mg/I Sulphate 0.93-99.74 mg/I Ammonia-Nitrogen 0.15-1.34 mg/I Nitrite-Nitrogen 0.00-0.42 mg/I Nitrate-Nitrogen 0.03-11.83 mg/I Total Solids 86.33-6930.33 mg/I Dissolved Solids 34.33-1583.33 mg/I Suspended Solids 23 .33-6343 .00 mg/I Iron 0.02-9.5 1 mg/I Nickel 0.00-0.33 mg/I Lead 0.0 1-0.12 mg/I Manganese 0.04-7.50 mg/I The Bentinri, Dambo and Bobobo Streams based on the results or physico-chemical parameters determined, were of good quality. The Kawire and Atwefoe streams were found to be highly polluted.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into why projects fail in heav-duty equipment organizations

Several actors influence project failure in mining organisations and even construction firms. The cost of these failures can be exorbitant and stressful on these firms. These organisations are known to employ heavy-duty equipments in their operations. However, there are correlative patterns of project failure following the failure of these heavy-duty equipments. The poor performance and breakdown of these equipments have devastating repurcussions on any project. The purpose and aim of this study therefore was to make investigations why projects fail in heavy-duty mining organization. This aim was further delineated into three objectives: identifying the causes of failure of heavy-duty mining equipment on projects, finding out the effects of failure of heavy-duty mining equipment on projects organisations and finally determining the measures to put in place to desist from the failure of heavy-duty mining equipment on projects. Toward the realization of this aim, extant literature exploring the subject was reviewed in sufficient depth. The results obtained from the in-depth exploration of extant literature enabled the development of well-structure questionnaires. The quantitative research approach was employed for this study. And for sampling the population, the snowballing technique was adopted. The dependent variables were analysed using independent sample t-test, cross tabulation analysis and mean score analysis. This thesis serves as a guiding framework for stakeholders in mining and construction firms in managing these heavy-duty equipment to prevent the possibilities of project failure. Saturation and lack of visibility of projects were the primary cause and reason for failure of heavy-duty equipment respectively. Proper administering of equipment parts was discovered to be a major remedy to failure of heavy-duty equipment. This study recommends quality leadership and management, as well as proper equipment administration to stakeholders

Source: KNUST
Investigation into why projects fail in heav-duty equipment organizations

Several actors influence project failure in mining organisations and even construction firms. The cost of these failures can be exorbitant and stressful on these firms. These organisations are known to employ heavy-duty equipments in their operations. However, there are correlative patterns of project failure following the failure of these heavy-duty equipments. The poor performance and breakdown of these equipments have devastating repurcussions on any project. The purpose and aim of this study therefore was to make investigations why projects fail in heavy-duty mining organization. This aim was further delineated into three objectives: identifying the causes of failure of heavy-duty mining equipment on projects, finding out the effects of failure of heavy-duty mining equipment on projects organisations and finally determining the measures to put in place to desist from the failure of heavy-duty mining equipment on projects. Toward the realization of this aim, extant literature exploring the subject was reviewed in sufficient depth. The results obtained from the in-depth exploration of extant literature enabled the development of well-structure questionnaires. The quantitative research approach was employed for this study. And for sampling the population, the snowballing technique was adopted. The dependent variables were analysed using independent sample t-test, cross tabulation analysis and mean score analysis. This thesis serves as a guiding framework for stakeholders in mining and construction firms in managing these heavy-duty equipment to prevent the possibilities of project failure. Saturation and lack of visibility of projects were the primary cause and reason for failure of heavy-duty equipment respectively. Proper administering of equipment parts was discovered to be a major remedy to failure of heavy-duty equipment. This study recommends quality leadership and management, as well as proper equipment administration to stakeholders.

Source: KNUST