ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the influence of project management practices on the performance of building projects in the Ghanaian construction industry

Construction projects executed are caused by myriad factors. The primary focus of project management practices mainly affects the performance and productivity of construction projects in the Ghanaian construction industry. The main objectives of the study were; to identify the project management practices carried out by the organizations for management of the selected building projects; to determine the PM practices that significantly influence the performance of building projects managed by the organizations; and to access project management practices that influence performance of building projects in the Ghanaian construction industry. Semi-structured personal interviews and structured questionnaires were administered and distributed to selected organizations to identify practices that have been performed in the management of construction projects. The study developed performance indices to measure time, cost, and quality performance, as well as a pairwise analysis using independent t-tests to test significant performance differences, and a multiple regression analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. The results indicated; Significant cost performance differences between the categories of projects in all organizations, although there was no significant difference in quality performance in all three categories of analyzed project categories. Existing differences between the performance of a particular pair of project categories from organization to organization the corresponding material project management practices. Important recommendations proposed; Competitive selection of consultants for a contract or a group of contracts, previous work experience with the customer should always be among factors with high attention. In order to minimize delays in the recognition of payment statements after their issue, the number of persons involved in the process of verification and validation should be reduced.iv A link should be established between the regional / local client offices and the national headquarters of the organizations to enable effective monitoring of the projects

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Internally Generated Funds (IGF) of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

The main focus of this study is to examine the effect of Internally Generated Funds (IGF) on the economic development of MMDAs, using Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) as a cased study. Both primary and secondary data was collected for the purposes of analysis. The secondary data collected include the IGF revenue and expenditure for the assembly from 2008 to 2014. Questionnaires were also used to solicit the views of KMA officials, revenue collectors and KMA residents. Descriptive statistics were mainly used to analyze the data collected. The study found that the main sources of IGF for the assembly include licenses, fees and fines and rates. The findings show that 40% of total IGF collected from 2008 - 2014 was realized through licenses. The second most important source of is fees and fines, which constitutes 30% of the IGF collected by the Assembly within the seven-year period. The study also found that a number of challenges are affecting the revenue generation performance of the assembly. These include inadequate qualified revenue collectors, poor motivation of licenses, fees, rates and other taxes. revenue collector, lack oflogistics for effective revenue collection and poor attitude of residents towards the payment of taxes. The study recommends that intensive public education should be undertaken to educate residents of KMA on the need to pay licenses, fees, rates and other taxes.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the internal control sytems of investment companies. A Case Study of Investment Companies in the Kumasi Metropolis

A system of internal controls is an important component of managing a company which serves as basis for the safe and sound running of all the Company. It plays a vital role in the achievement of corporate objectives and plays a significant role in making managers achieve their goals. Investment Companies play very important roles in the economic development of any country. The efficient utilization of the resources of these investment companies promote economic growth and development as well as achieving their objectivities, profitability and solvency. The methodology used was the purposive sampling. All the investment companies indicated that the internal control system has greatly improved upon their operation greatly over the years. This project is to assess the extent of failures caused by humans in the design and implementation of the internal controls in the investment companies with a particular reference to the Companies in Kumasi. Recommendations are made on the efficiency and effectiveness of internal control systems to help them improve upon their operations. Further similar researches could employ a blend of both financial and non-financial performance analysis tools in order to attain a much broader and fairer view of the internal control systems of these investment companies.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the level of compliance with procurement principles by telecommunication firms in Ghana

Compliance to procurement principles before post contract award is crucial in realizing the main objective of the procurement department of a telecommunication firm. To accomplish this research, the following objectives were pursued: • To highlight the basic procurement principles in the organisation. • To assess the importance of the procurement principles to the procurement department of the firm. • To identify the steps in place to assure complete compliance to the institutions procurement principles. The survey involved5telecom operators and four 4vendors in the Accra metropolis. Census sampling was adopted for the study and out of the 40 questionnaires, 22 were retrieved for this research. The collated data was principally analyzed using descriptive tools including Relative Importance Index analytical method. The result of the study showed that the procurement method employed by these companies is reliant on cost, quality and proximity to achieve the procurement principle of value for money. The study also showed that the most important principle is Ensuring Cost. One important step for compliance with procurement principles is leaving the sourcing activities in the hands of Qualified and experienced procurement staffs. On the basis of these findings, the study recommends that procurement departments ensure high level of transparency in sourcing activities and also highly rated suppliers should be assisted in career and technical development and financial assistance for them to become strategic partners.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the level of compliance with the public procurement Act 2003, (Act 663) in selected public entities in Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Central Region

This research assessed the level of compliance with the procurement structure of the Public Procurement Act 2003, (Act 663) in selected public Institutions in the Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Dunkwa-On-Offin. The Act, was enacted in 2003 with the aim of harmonizing public procurement processes and procedures in the public sector, secure judicious, economic and efficient use of state resources, and further, ensure that public procurement is fair, transparent and non discriminatory. The thesis outlined the events leading to reviews, and features of the legal, institutional and regulatory framework of the public procurement reform in Ghana and specifically analyzed section 15 to 20 of the Act, and its potential effect in terms of compliance on public institutions in Upper Denkyira East Municipality, Dunkwa-On-Offin, in the Central Region. A sample of thirty (30) personnel in Health, Educational, Local Government sectors and members of tender and review board committees in the municipality were used. The main tools used for data collection were questionnaires. This research project was guided by research questions set by the researcher. A response rate of 83.33 % was obtained. The data obtained was then analyzed using SPSS descriptive statistics tool which provided a way for knowing what pertains, in terms of the compliance level of the structure of the Act. The results indicate varying degree of compliance. The institutions scored an average compliance rating of 67% which shows that the compliance level obtained is quite good but much work needs to be done to improve compliance level currently existing. However the challenge of creating effective procurement structures and recruiting appropriate personnel to manage procurement process limits the scope for efficiency and value for money.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the level of employees’ communication satisfaction, job satisfaction and employee performance in selected microfinance institutions.

Communication satisfaction is regarded as a key determinant of employee performance and job satisfaction. Consequently, this study investigates the effects of employee communication satisfaction on job satisfaction and employee performance of microfinance institutions in Ghana. In view of that, this study reviewed literature on the concepts of communication satisfaction, job satisfaction and employee performance. The research methodology adopted was quantitative and the data collection instrument used by the researcher was questionnaire. Data was collected from 90 employees of three (3) savings and loans companies and a rural & community bank in the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo Regions. The 90 employees were made up of seventy (70) subordinates and twenty (20) supervisors. The statistical tool used to analyze the data was S.P.S.S. and results presented in the form of tables and figures. The findings of the study revealed the following; Supervisors or subordinates who listen effectively with the appropriate use of non-verbal immediacy behaviours such as establishing proper eye contact and smiling can enhance the satisfaction and performance of employees. Also, it was found that communication satisfaction boosts the morale of employees and increases their work output in microfinance institutions in Ghana. Finally, the researcher recommended that management should periodically organize communication workshops/sessions for employees. Individuals who communicate well should be awarded through reward schemes implemented in their organizations and employees who failed to communicate well either with their superiors or subordinates and colleagues in their organizations through code of conduct agreed by the employer and employee can be sanctioned.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the level of e-business adoption among the hospitality industry in Ghana: a case of some selected hotels in Ghana

The evolution and increasing adoption of Electronic Business across sectors and continents has influenced businesses in many ways including, improvement in their operational efficiency, profitability, and to strengthen their competitive position globally. As a result, Ghana has supported this new wave through the enactment and establishment of legislations and institutions respectively. With the hospitality industry, particularly hotels, in Ghana increasingly adopting different models of e-business, this study looks at the most common types of e-business applications, the common concerns of implementation and the general benefits associated with e-business adoption. The study adopted purposive sampling technique and used both primary and secondary data through questionnaires, interviews and various desk reviews. Amid other findings, the study shows that whiles e-business improves fast exchange of documents and information and general customer services, its associated costs (such as computers, internet cost) presents a major barrier to its adoption. The study recommends further government interventions through improvement in telecommunication infrastructure such as fiber optic cables and the potential introduction of a price ceiling for the cost of internet connectivity Ghana.

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING THE LEVEL OF FINANCIAL LITERACY AMONG TEACHERS A CASE STUDY OF SEKYERE EAST DISTRICT OF ASHANTI REGION OF GHANA

The purpose of this research is to assess the level of financial literacy among teachers with a focus on teachers in the Sekyere East District. The main objective of the study is to assess the financial literacy among teachers. The specific objectives of the study are to examine teachers understanding of and knowledge in money management, savings and borrowing, investment, insurance and retirement planning, to examine whether some group of teachers are relatively more knowledgeable than others in financial issues and to examine how teachers‟ knowledge influences their opinions and decisions on personal issues in finance. This study adopts explanatory and descriptive research approaches. The study is carried out in the Sekyere East District. The target population for this study is 1486 teachers. A sample of 150 teachers is selected using stratified and convenience sampling. Using questionnaire as the research instrument, a survey which includes 42 items that measure constructs such as background information, general knowledge in finance, knowledge in savings and borrowing, personal financial management practices and financial management challenges. Quantitative data is collected using a questionnaire that consisted of both open ended and close-ended questions. The relationship between financial literacy and demographic characteristics of the teachers is examined by employing analysis of variance and logistic regression analyses. The findings on the overall financial literacy show that, generally teachers in the District have inadequate or low financial literacy level with an overall mean correct percentage score of 53.68. This will therefore limit their ability to make informed financial decisions.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Level of Implementation of Pre- Requisite Programs to HACCP in Selected Senior High Schools in Wa

Background: Food safety is a Global public health concern especially in developing countries, accounting for 420,000 morbidities and 65,000 mortalities in Ghana annually. Children in Africa usually experience an average of five episodes of diarrhea per year and about 800,000 children die each year from diarrhea and dehydration. This study therefore had the objective of assessing the level of food safety management practices in selected Senior High Schools within the Wa Municipality of the Upper West Region. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional in design and employed focus group interviews to obtain relevant information. In all ninety-seven individuals were interviewed, comprising matrons, cooks, dining hall masters and students representatives (dining hall prefect and assistant, environmental prefect and assistant). Questionnaires were designed to elicit information on written policies and procedures on food safety management including procedures on receiving and storing of food, procedures for ensuring safety of foods brought from home, procedures for ensuring safety of food brought in by food vendors, procedures for ensuring safety of food prepared in kitchens, as well as a crisis management plan that details the roles and responsibilities of staff and procedures for accounting for and releasing students in the event of an out-break of a food-borne illness. The state of facilities and equipment used in cooking and serving food was also recorded. Results: All the matrons had received training on food safety within the last year, while dining hall masters and cooks had received no training in food safety within the same period. In addition only two schools (25%) had at least 2 written policies on ensuring food safety, and these policies were on ensuring safety of food brought from home by students and safety of food brought for sale by external vendors. Also, 87.5% of schools did not have an outbreak crisis management plan defining staff roles in an emergency, whilst 25% had resident nurses who had protocols on identifying food-borne illnesses. Though all schools had equipment for food preparation, none had equipment for ensuring food safety such as thermometers, whilst hand washing facilities were also found to be inadequate. Finally, all schools are monitored at least once a year by the regulatory officers of the food and drugs authority. Conclusions: The results of the present study indicate that senior high schools in the Upper West Region have no systems in place to manage the safety of food served to students, placing these students at an elevated risk for food-borne diseases. It is recommended that schools be mandated to install and implement food safety management programs to safeguard the health of students.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the level of Particulate Matter and Carbon Monoxide exposure in the Kaase Community of Kumasi Metropolis, Ghana.

Particulate matter (PM) is made of solid and liquid particles from industry, traffic, domestic heating and various natural sources while carbon monoxide (CO) is scentless and profoundly poisonous gas, virtually undetectable by an individual during exposure. Both PM and CO pose some health problems. This study looked at the occupational and environmental health risks of exposure to CO and PM from biomass (car tyre and firewood smoke). The PM and CO monitoring and sampling took place in two locations (the abattoir area and 100 meters into the community) purposively selected from Kaasi Community, in the Asokwa Municipality of Kumasi- Ghana. The meat preparation technologies identified was the use of car tyre and firewood. Measurement were made on a minute basis using Aeroqual Series 500 (S500) gas monitor for CO and Environmental Particulate Air Monitor (EPAM-7500) for PM. It was discovered that, CO and PM concentrations in the abattoir area were higher than that which was recorded in the community by a large margin of (an average five times) with a mean of CO 5.78ppm and 1.31 ppm respectively. PM levels in abattoir area were higher than the community. With PM 10, an average mean of 2.35 mg/m3 and .19 mg/m3 was seen in the abattoir area and community, respectively. PM 2.5 was also higher in the abattoir area than the community at an average of 1.50 mg/m3 and .14mg/m3 respectively. A sample t-test was carried out to compare concentration levels with local and international standards and the finding revealed that, it was within the acceptable rage for CO at (p<0.001) for USA-EPA but statistically higher to WHO. PM10 and 2.5 were both statistically higher to WHO, USA-EPA and G-EPA. Due to the higher concentration levels of PM to local and international standard, both workers and community members exposed reported some health symptoms and diseases (blurred vision, eye irritation, Hypertension, headache, nausea, asthma, respiratory tract infection, muscular weakness, chest pain etc) associated with the exposure to CO and PM. A regression analysis was carried out to check the duration of exposure and associated health effects, and the finding showed that blurred vision was statistically significant with CO exposure. Asthma and Hypertension were also statistically significant with PM exposure for a longer exposure duration. It is recommended that, charcoal, Liquefied Petroleum Gas and Biogas usage are the best in addressing CO and PM exposure.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the liquidity management practices of some selected rural banks in Ashanti region

Much attention generally has not been given to liquidity management within the Rural Banking industry in Ghana, in spite of the enormous benefit that accrues to banks from its efficient liquidity management. The Rural Banking industry is estimated to have over 30 percent of its mobilized deposits in short term investments and approximately 60 percent in loans and advances. The huge investment in current assets, generally therefore underscores the need for its efficient management. The study therefore looks at examining the liquidity management practices of some selected rural banks in Ashanti Region. The objective of this research was to investigate and assess the banks liquidity risks, identify its causes and management practices put in place to comply with the best standards. For the purpose of this research, the researcher obtained the primary data through semi-structured interview questions. The interview questions referring to the General Managers and Heads of Operation, Finance and Credit of the selected banks were prepared and conducted. An appraisal of the financial statements and liquidity reserve returns from 2009 to 2013 was undertaken with particular attention to assets/liabilities mismatches, liquidity reserve requirements which had bearing on the banks liquidity risks exposures in liquidity management practices and the level of compliance with best standards. The key findings were inadequate liquidity management policies, poor credit administration, weak internal control systems and inefficient management of treasury and investment portfolio. Appropriate recommendations were given to improve the liquidity management practices of the selected banks in particular and Ashanti Region rural banks in general.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the level of utilization of family planning services in Offinso District of Ashanti Region, Ghana.

This study was undertaken to “identify the factors that are responsible for the low utilisation of family planning services in Offinso district” and to design interventions to increase coverage of the service in the district. A record study, focus group discussion and structured interviews were the methods employed to gather information. A total of 150 people including males and females within the ages of 15 - 49 were randomly selected and interviewed. Respondents had an average age of 26 years and were mostly illiterates. The average number of children per respondent was 4. 50% of these respondents were Roman Catholics. Factors such as age, education, parity, marital status and religion accounted for the differences in the levels of knowledge, attitude and practice. On the average, knowledge about family planning in the district was 64% indicating average, attitude towards family planning practise was 72.7% This was quite high. The practice was 10.7%, which was poor. The study unveiled a host of factors, which accounted for the low utilisation of family planning services in the district. Notably, misconceptions, inadequate service outlets, economic, and social and other factors were all identified as stumbling blocks to family planning practice. To arrest this unfortunate situation, 7 broad areas of intervention have been proposed. These are training, male involvement, family life education for secondary school students, supply and subsidy of contraceptives, advocacy and further research on side effects. The information gathered bus been disseminated to stakeholders to assist them in their efforts aimed at recruiting more family planning acceptors to utilise the services.

Source: KNUST