ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An evaluation of employees satisfaction with performance appraisal system: A case study of Vodafone Ghana (Kumasi-Adum and Accra-Head Office)

Performance appraisal seems to be one of the most important tools in Human Resource Management. Organizations design appraisal systems to assess and enhance employees performance, develop their competence and distribute rewards. Because of this, it is now viewed as a mechanism for developing and motivating people hence the general consensus among performance appraisal researchers and practitioners that assessment of appraisal reactions is important. For instance, it is frequently argued that in order for performance appraisal to positively influence employee behavior and future development, employees must experience positive appraisal reactions. The key to experience this positive reaction is an answer to the question ' are employees satisfied with the performance appraisal system?'. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate employee satisfaction as the most important reactions with performance appraisal systems. The aim is to analyze findings in the light of existing literature theories. The knowledge from the theoretical part of this paper combined with the results of the research can be useful for managers/ supervisors who deal with employees and for HR professionals who make decisions based on appraisal results. The research was based on the questionnaires distributed to the sample of 120 respondents from Vodafone Ghana (Accra - Head Office and Kumasi - Adum). The respondents were asked both open ended questions which they provided their own answers to and closed ended questions which they provided answers based on the researchers options. With the use of the SPSS software, the data analyzed showed that employees clearly understood the criteria used for appraisal assessment and employees were invited for discussions about their performance before they append their signatures on the assessment sheet. The findings from the study also suggested that the appraisers may not have direct or adequate knowledge of the job specification of employees in other to give a profound assessment and also the type of appraisal system in place gave the appraiser a greater influence over the final results. It was therefore recommended that management should employ well positioned appraisers who have adequate knowledge of the job or better still have some training for appraisers before they carry out the appraisal exercise. Management was also advised to have a review process or committee for employees who were not satisfied with their results to seek redress.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of environmental water monitoring compliance: a case study at Newmont Ghana Gold Limited (NGGL), Ahafo- Kenyasi

Surface and ground water monitoring data of the Newmont Ghana Gold Ahafo Mine Concession area were evaluated for the period 2007-2012. Data on some physico-chemical, nutrient and metal levels from 8 monitoring sites were studied. Results of the study revealed that many of the parameters studied were within the regulatory limits. However, turbidity and TSS recorded high values in some of the surface waters. pH of some of the sites were slightly acidic especially upstream groundwater number eight (GWC8S) but did not change significantly from the baseline data. Nutrients levels in some of the surface waters were naturally high. The research findings also made it abundantly clear that Arsenic and Iron were of concern in some of the surface and ground waters, but have not been affected significantly by the mine or deviated from the baseline and that the presence of these heavy metals could primarily be attributed to natural geological and climatological conditions but not from the mine. Mercury levels of all the water bodies under study were within the regulated limits (Ghana EPA and WHO guidelines) with the exception of few that were detected during the baseline and the operational period.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation Of External And Internal Microbiological Quality Of Fresh Grapes From Selected Ghanaian Markets

The aim of this study was evaluation of external and internal microbiological quality of fresh grapes (vitis vinifera) on the Ghanaian market. Microbial quality was determined by enumerating aerobic mesophiles and detections for specific microorganisms, such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhimurium. In all, twenty four samples were analysed for both external and internal investigations, and were conducted for four consecutive batches at weekly intervals. Results obtained from microbiological examination showed detections of mesophiles and Staphylococcus aureus indicating non- compliance with Ghana Standards Specification for fresh fruits and vegetables, which reports 1x103CFU/g for TVC and 1x102CFU/g for Staphylococcus aureus. The results for Escherichia coli and Salmonella tyhpimurium was compliance with Ghana Standards Specifications which reports 1x102CFU/g for E. coli and complete absence of S. tyhpimurium. The study concludes that, the TVC results which indicate that, the grapes contain large bacterial load, might be contributed from the different sources such as from, the pre-warehousing, harvesting and poor handling practice at the post-harvest activities. Also the significant relationship between the presence of Staphylococcus aureus load externally on the grapes and the retail source of collection indicates poor hygienic practice, which may be because the handlers do not use gloves, hair net, etc. The absence of Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium also show that fresh grapes are free from feacal contamination which is very commendable. The study also recommended that, authorities who supervise the growth of food crops safety and public health should endeavor to check, the various stages of fruit processing to ensure they are in conformity with best practices. Also vendors should be educated on personal hygiene and how to relate it to the handling of fruits crops before bringing them to their various places of sales.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of expanded programme on immunization in New Juaben municipality using components of the flashlight triad evaluation model

Immunization is essential in the maintenance of child health and is seen as a cost effective way of preventing child mortality and morbidity. However a lot of children die from causes which could have been prevented by extensive coverage of these immunization programmes. This study was a retrospective evaluation of the practice of EPI in the New Juaben Municipal using the flashlight triad model of evaluation under the headings of technology, inputs and outcome. A total of 500 caregivers with children less than five years were chosen for this study and interviewed with a structured questionnaire by visiting the households. A total of 40 health centre personnel responsible for EPI were selected to answer a self-administered questionnaire. An evaluation of the health centres providing these services was done using the components of the FTE model aided by an observational study using a checklist. Descriptive statistics were used to describe demographic characteristics and knowledge level of caregivers and health workers and other independent variables while the associations between these factors were determined using Pearson Chi square, Fisher’s exact test, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression. It was found out that the EPI programme in the New Juaben Municipal was of high quality with a good proportion of children being vaccinated. Maternal characteristics such as education, parity, occupation, and ethnicity, number of children and age of child contributed significantly to child’s vaccination status. There was a strong link between the caregivers’ knowledge of EPI and completion of the vaccination series. This means that good public education would lead to increase immunization coverage. Some service factors such as the type of facility, time spent to get to the facility, time spent at the facility and satisfaction with the service provided were associated with completing immunization schedule as appropriate for age. EPI in the municipal had these few challenges and they include inadequate staff numbers, lack of infrastructure improvement and maintenance, inadequate materials for health education and low motivation for staff and volunteers. There was a good coverage of EPI with a low dropout rate and good client satisfaction. It is recommended that more emphasis be put on training programmes for the health personnel responsible for EPI in the municipal. There should be adequate staff in all the centres to enhance the daily management of the facilities, provision of adequate logistics and increase public education on EPI.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of filamentous fungi in selected processed indigenous flours sold in the Kumasi Metropolis

This study evaluated the filamentous fungi present in selected locally processed indigenous flour sold in the Kumasi Metropolis of Ghana using standard microbiological methods. Results from this study showed that indigenous processed flour was contaminated with different kinds of microorganisms exceeding the tolerable level. Dry cassava (kokonte) flour recorded mould count ranging from 1.70 ×10 3 ± 0.15 cfu/g to 4.03 ×10 5 ± 0.35 cfu/g while maize flour obtained mould count ranging from no counts to 1.18 ×10 6 ± 0.18 cfu/g. Total plate count showed contamination levels between no counts to 9.1 ×10 6 ± 0.25 cfu/g for the maize flour samples, while for the dry cassava (kokonte) flour counts ranged from 7.8 ×10 3 ± 0.30 cfu/g to 4.64 ×10 6 ± 3.18 cfu/g. Moisture analysis revealed percentage moisture content of 12.4%± 0.15 to 19.7% ± 0.12 for the maize flour samples and 10.9% ± 0.27 to 16.9% ± 0.56 for dry cassava (kokonte) flour. Coliforms test indicated negative for seven of eight (7/8) maize flour samples and six out of eight (6/8) for dry cassava (kokonte) flour samples bought from the various markets. From the study, thirteen filamentous fungi belonging to five genera were isolated from the various flour samples. Ten different species were isolated from the dry cassava (kokonte) flour while all thirteen were isolated from the maize flour. The isolated moulds species included; Mucor racemosis, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus, Aspergillus wentii, Aspergillus ochraceus, Aspergillus versicolor, Cladosporium herbarum, Penicillium crustosum, Penicillium camemberti, Rhizopus stolonifer, Penicillium viridicatum and Mucor hiemalis. The most prevalent species in the dry cassava (kokonte) flour was Aspergillus flavus occurring in about 77.8% of the samples while for the maize flour samples Penicillium crustosum was the most dominant species occurring in 44.4% of the samples. Information from questionnaires revealed that the source of the contamination may be due to the raw materials used in the flour production and also poor hygienic practices along the production chain

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Ethanol Production from Pito Mash using Zymomonas Mobilis and Saccharomyces Cerevisiae

This study investigated bioethanol production by means of fermentation using Zymomonas mobilis and Saccharomyces cerevisiae isolated from freshly tapped palm wine. Pito mash(waste from sorghum brewing with no appreciable value to industries or competitive use as food) was examined as alternative and cost-effective feed stock for the production of bioethanol. The parameters of ethanol fermentation, such as initial pH of the fermentation medium, temperature and period of fermentation were studied. Saccharomyces cerevisiae was tentatively identified using their morphological characteristics and by determining their pattern of fermentation and assimilation of glucose, sucrose, maltose, lactose. On the other hand, Zymomonas mobilis was identified using APITM test kit. Analysis of reducing sugar residue was performed using Dinitrosalisilic acid (DNS) method, while analysis of ethanol content was performed using gas chromatography. Pito mash recorded total starch content of 6.69 %, reducing sugar content of 11.1 mg ml-1 and cellulose content of 0.41 mg g-1.Sacchariffication by malting produced reducing sugar content of 19.75 mg ml-1. The results revealed that an initial pH of 6.0, temperature of 30oC and fermentation time of four days were the optimum conditions for S. cerevisiae while the optimum condition for Z. mobilis were pH of 5.5, temperature of 35oC and fermentation time of 3days. The maximum ethanol yield of 3.03 g l-1 and efficiency of 62% was obtained for S. cerevisiae while yield of 3.63g l- 1 and efficiency of 74.2% was obtained for Z. mobilis. Z. mobilis may be better organism for ethanol production from pito mash.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Filamentous Mould and Aflatoxin Contamination in Processed Bottled “Shito” Sold in the Tema Metropolis

Foods exposed to certain filamentous fungi (moulds) could be contaminated by secondary metabolites which are mostly poisonous to humans, animals and other microorganisms. “Shito”, a widely used name for hot black pepper sauce made from fish and blended spices, is ubiquitous in the Ghanaian cuisine. It may be prepared locally or commercially and consumed by all and sundry in Ghana without further processing. This study evaluated the contamination by filamentous fungi and aflatoxin in commercially processed “shito” in the Tema Metropolis. Mould was enumerated on malts extract agar by the spread plate method while identification was done by three point inoculation method on malt extract agar (containing Lactic acid), oxytetracycline-glucose yeast extract (OGYE) agar (containing OGYE supplement (SR00073), and Dichloran Rose Bengal chlortetracycline (DRBC) agar (containing chloramphenicol supplement, SR0078). A Cecil-Adept Binary Pump HPLC coupled with Shimadzu 10AxL fluorescence detector (Ex: 360nm, Em: 440) with Phenomenex HyperClone BDS C18 Column (150 x 4.60mm, 5 µm) were used for the determination of the Aflatoxins. The mould count ranged from 103 cfu/g to 4.4 x 104 cfu/g against Ghana standard Authority limit of 1.0 x 102 cfu/g. Genus of moulds identified were Cladosporium, Aspergillus, Emericella, Rhizopus, Aureobasidium, and Penicillium with Penicillium spp as the most prevalent mould in the “shito” samples, occurring in about 69% of the 30 samples analyzed. The results from aflatoxin analysis showed traces of Aflatoxin G1, and B2 in only samples 6 (S6) from Market-C. There was 0.0185 µg/g of aflatoxin G1 and 0.0314µg/g of aflatoxin B2, a total of 0.0499µg/g of aflatoxin content. Thus, regulatory bodies such as the Food and Drug Authority and Ghana standards Authority may have to conduct routine examination of “shito” because the accumulation of aflatoxin B2 over time may have the potential to cause harm,as it is a known carcinogen.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Financial Control System in the Health Sector of Ghana [A Case Study of Korle Bu Teaching Hospital]

Financial control systems have been a critical issue following fraudulent financial reporting and accounting scandals in most health organizations. A proactive preventive approach to the problem requires a critical evaluation of existing financial controls control structures in organizations to determine their capacity to ensure that the organization’s activities are carried out in accordance with established goals, policies and procedures. This study is intended to evaluate the existing financial controls of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to know the extent of their effectiveness and efficiency. The outcome of the evaluation process is that some control components of effective financial control systems are lacking in this study. This renders the current control structures ineffective. This study is to appraise the effectiveness of the financial control systems at the Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital to determine whether there exists established financial controls system, evaluate its effectiveness (if any) and to ascertain the challenges being encountered in the enforcement of the financial controls of KBTH. The total population was 304, consisting of 226 accounting staff, 9 auditing staffs and 69 administrative staff. A sample size of 50 respondents was selected and a purposive sampling technique was used to arrive at the figures. The study revealed that, other details regarding to the identification of financial controls within the hospital is quiet essential to the management of the hospital, it indicates that there is a distinction between who prepares the payroll and who distributes payroll cheques, this comes as a result of division of labour among the workers and to eliminate an individual influence on specific procedural involving the control systems of the hospital. The study recommended that there is the need for KBTH to enforce the controls system, and staff should undergo regular training on fraud and misapplication and misappropriation.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of five promising pearl millet lines to insect pests in Upper East Region

A study was undertaken in the 2013 cropping season at Manga Agricultural Research Station to determine the resistance of five pearl millet lines to insect pests. The study comprised the following treatments: (i) Bongo short head (ii) Arrow millet (iii) Bristled head millet (iv) Tongo yellow (v) Sox-sat (vi) Manga Naara ( Local check ) (vii) Manga Naara + insecticide. The main species of insect pests collected at the various phenological stages of the crop included; Stem borer (Coniesta ignefusalis, Hampson) Shoot fly (Atherigona sp) Lema spp., Mylabris spp. The bugs (Dysdercus, Acrosternum and Agonascelis species),Heliocheilus albipunctella, De-joannisand Amsacta spp. Significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) were observed among the lines with respect to the abundance of Lema spp. Mylabris spp. and Dysdercus spp. There were significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) in the densities of Lema spp. between the improved lines and the Local check. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were also observed in the numbers of Dysdercus and Mylabris species between the improved lines. Feeding of Lema spp on pearl millet leaves resulted in a significantly higher defoliation of Manga Naara (Local check) as compared to improved lines and Manga Naara + Insecticide. Manga Naara had significantly (P < 0.05) greater numbers of (Lema spp., shoot fly dead hearts, stem borer larvae and dead hearts, Mylabris and Dysdercus species). No significant differences in yields were obtained among treatments. The study showed that bristle long head performed better than the other lines and can be recommended for more improvement to enhance yield increase.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Five Promising Pearl Millet Lines to Insect Pests in Upper East Region, Ghana

A study was undertaken in the 2013 cropping season at Manga Agricultural Research Station to determine the resistance of five pearl millet lines to insect pests. The study comprised the following treatments: (i) Bongo short head (ii) Arrow millet (iii) Bristled head millet (iv) Tongo yellow (v) Sox-sat (vi) Manga Naara ( Local check ) (vii) Manga Naara + insecticide. The main species of insect pests collected at the various phenological stages of the crop included; Stem borer (Coniesta ignefusalis, Hampson) Shoot fly (Atherigona sp) Lema spp., Mylabris spp. The bugs (Dysdercus, Acrosternum and Agonascelis species),Heliocheilus albipunctella, De-joannisand Amsacta spp. Significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) were observed among the lines with respect to the abundance of Lema spp. Mylabris spp. and Dysdercus spp. There were significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) in the densities of Lema spp. between the improved lines and the Local check. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were also observed in the numbers of Dysdercus and Mylabris species between the improved lines. Feeding of Lema spp on pearl millet leaves resulted in a significantly higher defoliation of Manga Naara (Local check) as compared to improved lines and Manga Naara + Insecticide. Manga Naara had significantly (P < 0.05) greater numbers of (Lema spp., shoot fly dead hearts, stem borer larvae and dead hearts, Mylabris and Dysdercus species). No significant differences in yields were obtained among treatments. The study showed that bristle long head performed better than the other lines and can be recommended for more improvement to enhance yield increase.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of foreign direct investment in Ghana.

Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) can be a valuable tool for development. In the past decades, FDI flows have grown rapidly all over the world. This is because many countries and especially developing countries see FDI as an important element in their strategy for economic development. However, not all forms of FDI are equally beneficial for the host country. The study evaluates the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ghana. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the role foreign direct investment plays in Ghana. This study provides a review of the foreign direct investment economic growth literature in the context of developing countries, and particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. The research design used to gather information on the study was quantitative in nature and involved using descriptive statistics in terms of percentages and frequency distributions. The main findings are that FDI contributes to economic development of host country through augmentation of domestic capital and managerial skills, innovation and best practices.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of Free-Radical Quenching Properties and Determination of Ic50 of some edible fruits and Vegetables sold on the Ghanaian market

Fruits and vegetables are good for the human system. From studies fruits and vegetables are known to have the ability to prevent diseases and sickness. This is due to the free radical scavenging abilities of the antioxidants in them. This study was carried out to investigate the free radical scavenging abilities of some selected fruits and vegetables: Asiminia triloba, Mangifera indica, Persea americana, Solanum torvum, Xanthosoma colocasia, Allium ascalonicum Linn and to determine its minimum Inhibitory concentration (IC50). The total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenol content (TAC), reducing power potential and the DPPH scavenging assays of the methanolic extracts of samples were determined. The result for the total antioxidant capacity of the measured concentration (0.1 - 0.3 mg/ml) had mangifera indica showing the highest capacity with 0.274 mg Ascorbic Acid Equivalence (AAE) with the lowest being 0.085 mg AAE for Xanthosoma colocasia. Mangifera indica again showed the highest total phenol content with 0.348 mg Tannic Acid Equivalence (TAE). There was a perfect correlation between Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) and Total phenol content (TPC) of the extracts with r =1 and p < 0.0001 for all the correlation graphs. Highest absorbance was shown at concentration 0.1 mg/ml by solanum torvum with 0.1272 and mangifera indica with 1.4967 at 3 mg/ml with a Gallic Acid Equivalence (GAE) of 0.013919 mg GAE and 0.193267 mg GAE respectively for the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP). Solanum torvum showed the highest scavenging ability with IC50 of 1.0676 mg GAE and Persea americana with 2.5759 GAE mg as the minimum gallic equivalence concentration that can reduce free radicals in the system. Percentage scavenging ability was highest for Asiminia triloba with 80.75% and lowest for 34.25% all at the concentration of 3 mg/ml. This is the highest percentage of free radicals that can be reduced at the experimental concentrations. The FT-IR spectroscopy (800 – 3600 cm-1) was used to confirm the presence of phenol groups (3300 – 3600 cm-1), benzene rings (1500 – 1700 cm-1) and the antioxidant activity of the sample extracts. Peaks at various band lengths were obtained in both the functional group and fingerprint region to confirm the total phenols of the samples under study.

Source: KNUST