ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The impact of human resource policies and procedures on job satisfaction of employees in the Rural Banks: The case of Nsoatreman Rural bank

Every organization runs its daily affairs with the human resource capacity to meet their aims and objectives as an organization. Studies have indicated that most of these firms do not have much concentration on the individual goals of their employees. Human resource management involves considering of the welfare of the employees. The study aimed at assessing the impact of human resource procedures on job satisfaction of employees in Rural Banks in Ghana specifically the Nsoatreman Rural Bank. The study adopted the quantitative method, using the Census sampling. The questionnaires were submitted to 109 employees and the response rate was 74 percent. The data received from the employees were analyzed using the mean score ranking, the relative importance index and one sample t test. The results from the study indicated that the employees at the rural bank were dissatisfied with some of the HR procedure being used. The key human resource procedures include regulatory compliance and legal management of employees, managing employee incentives like promotions, awards, bonuses etc., and employee record keeping like payroll data, CVs, appraisals. Also, determinates of job satisfaction include management attitude towards employees, technological development and advancements and management commitment. In conclusion, measures must be taken on the human resource procedures being used in the rural bank so as to improve the level of satisfaction of the employees to boost productivity. Measures such as incorporating incentives and allowances for overtime work, routine recognition of hardworking employees like awards and adopting more internal or inward recruitment options. The study therefore recommends that further studies be done on in the other banks such as microfinance, merchant and commercial banks. Also, critical practitioners are also advised to identify a proper system for their workers so that they can be satisfied with the work that they do to increase productivity

Source: KNUST
The impact of human resource management practices on Teachers’ turnover in private basic Schools: A case study of some selected Schools in Obuasi Municipality

The purpose of the study was to ascertain the impact of human resource management practices on teachers’ turnover intention in basic private schools in Obuasi Municipal Assembly. Specifically, the study sought to assess the impact of human resource management practices on teachers’ turnover intention, and to evaluate the human resource practices, which correlates high with teachers’ turnover, and draw comprehensive measures that can be adopted to improve HRM practices and reduce employee turnover intention. The study was a descriptive cross-sectional case study and exploratory design using quantitative method. A multi-stage sampling method was used to select 200 teachers, head teachers and proprietors to participate in this study. The data were gathered by administering structured questionnaires. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 18. The results indicated that performance appraisal and training and development were the most commonly used human resource management practices (mean of 3.16 and 3.00 respectively). Results of regression analysis indicate that much of the variation in the dependent variable is explained with adjusted R-square of 0.152 and Fvalue of 6.770 (p = 0.000) indicating that human resource management practices has an effect on teachers’ turnover. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis indicated that employer-employee relationship and performance appraisal were the two human resource management practices that had greater influence on teachers’ turnover. They explained about 15% of the variation in teachers’ turnover.

Source: KNUST
The impact of illegal farming on biodiversity of Sui river forest reserve in Sefwi Wiawso forest District, Ghana

Despite substantial loss of natural forest in Sui River Forest Reserve by human disturbances, mainly illegal farming, little is known about the impact of the disturbances on biodiversity status of the forest reserve. To investigate the impact of illegal farming on biodiversity of Sui River Forest Reserve, flora and fauna were sampled in three forest compartments (163, 106 and 171) within the reserve. Compartment 163 was heterogeneous having two forest types, undisturbed forest (UF) and disturbed forest (DF) whilst compartments 106 and 171 were homogeneous. Compartments 106 was undisturbed forest and 171 was disturbed forest. The undisturbed forests (UF) served as control plots. In each forest block within the compartments, two 25m x 25m plots were randomly demarcated and these were subdivided into twenty-five 5m x 5m subplots. Fifteen (15) of the subplots accounting for 60% of the plot area were randomly sampled for tree species, regeneration of tree seedlings, herbs and fauna. Species diversity was determined using Shannon-Wiener Diversity Index (H1). Species richness for flora and fauna in the undisturbed Forest (UF) was quantitatively higher than in the disturbed Forest (DF). Celtis mildbraedii was identified as the dominant and an indicator species for the undisturbed forest whilst Musanga cecropioides and Trema orientalis were identified as dominant and indicator species for the disturbed forest. Illegal farming had a direct impact on the regenerative capacity of the reserve resulting in colonisation by an invasive species Chromolaena odorata which displaced native species resulting in poor regeneration in the disturbed areas. The widespread loss and fragmentation of the original closed canopy of the moist semi-deciduous forest and the destruction of suitable habitat niches through the removal of forest vegetation in illegally farmed areas resulted in low fauna species and low diversity in the disturbed forest. The findings of the study revealed that illegal farming has negatively impacted on the biodiversity in Sui River Forest Reserve. Thus sustainable forest management is required to reduce the forest degradation process and biodiversity loss.

Source: KNUST
Impact of improved road accessibility on the use of social infrastructure in Nkoranza District, Ghana

In many African countries a large proportion of the rural population lacks access to transport facilities. This is due to lack of adequate funds for investment in the sector and the deterioration of the available infrastructure. The effect is that many rural communities lack access to social infrastructure. This in turn affects the general development of the society. Earlier studies on rural accessibility have mainly been concerned with economic development. There has been a limited focus on the impact of improved accessibility on use of social services. Little has therefore been documented in this area. The objective of this study therefore is to investigate the impact of improved road accessibility on the use of social services such as banks, hospitals, educational, agricultural extension arid mobile health services. A socio-economic survey was conducted to facilitate the investigation. The survey was done in two zones, the accessible arid inaccessible zones. A total of 60 and 30 household heads were interviewed in the accessible and inaccessible zones respectively. The results of the survey were analysed, to isolate the impacts of improved road accessibility on the use of social services. The study revealed that accessibility has influence on the use of social services. Several other factors such as income, educational level, age and attitude were also identified to have influence o the use of social services. It further revealed that there is a non-linear relationship between use of health facilities and distance. On the whole the study revealed that fewer respondents from inaccessible zone used the services - Their frequency of use of these facilities was also lower in comparison to those in the accessible zone with their relatively good road conditions. In the light of these findings a number of recommendations were made among them are: I) Improvements in condition of existing roads; ii) Integrated planning of the transport system with other sectors of the economy; iii) Organising of the communities into cooperative societies to own appropriate and affordable transport vehicles like Mummy trucks and iv) Promotion of a non--vehicular transport system like ox- drawn carts and bicycles. Emphasis must however be put on the fact that transport planning must be integrated with other sectors of the economy. Communities too must be involved in all phases of the planning and implementation. Failure to do this would certainly lead to higher costs of maintenance and thus contribute to the deterioration of the infrastructure. 0Ob0 iv

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Income Diversification on Bank Performance: A Case Study of Zenith Bank, Cal Bank and Unibank

The general objective of this study is to investigate the impact of income source diversification on bank performance. Pooled data of Three Universal banks was employed in this study using a linear regression analysis. The study revealed that bank income sources are diversified significantly in the Ghanaian banking industry and that both interest and non-interest activities significantly impacts positively on bank performance while bank growth in the number of branches significantly impacts negatively on bank performance. This lead to the acceptance of both H1 which hypothesized that commercial banks in Ghana are diversified in source of income and H2 which postulates that income source diversification improves financial performance of commercial banks.

Source: KNUST
Impact of improved indoor environment on recovery from COVID-19 infections: a review of literature

Purpose – This study aims to explore the impact of the indoor environment on recovery from COVID-19 infections. Extant literature on the impact of the four key themes of the indoor environment (indoor air quality, indoor thermal quality, daylighting and visual comfort, and acoustic comfort) on COVID-19 infection and recovery rates were reviewed. Design/methodology/approach – Data collection for this study was based on extant literature within the Scopus database and scoped to a time frame of 2020–2021 because the topical issue of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) and its impact on COVID-19 arose in the wake of the pandemic. In total, 224 documents were systematically desk reviewed from various journals. Findings – The study identified that air pollutants such as PM2.5 and PM10 as well as air conditioned places, low ambient temperatures, poor ventilation and no views of the outdoor environment were deteriorating factors for COVID-19 patients. On the other hand, proper ventilation, the use of air cleaners, views of the outdoor environment and allowance for ample daylighting were improvement factors for COVID-19 patients. The inter-relationship of the various concepts was presented in an ontology chart. Practical implications – As COVID-19 still exists and keeps evolving, this study provides suggestions to industry professionals, especially health-care Facility Managers, to create a post-pandemic environment focusing on the IEQ and finding long-term and reliable solutions for the well-being of occupants. Adaptability is crucial. New, creative technology solutions are being introduced daily, but it is up to the facility managers and health-care professionals to analyse and specify the most cost- and outcome-effective technologies for their facility. Originality/value – The study brought to light the pivotal role of the indoor environment on the health and well-being of occupants, particularly in the contraction, spread, prevention and control of infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Indirect Compensation on Employee Productivity: A Case of Central University College

The subject of Compensation and for that matter Indirect Compensation is of immense importance since its impact affects the well being of the individuals in the organizations concerned. It is an important component of Administration and plays a significant role in creating a stable industrial environment, a condition which is vital to national development and economic growth. This study examines the issue of Indirect Compensation by studying a reputable institution, that is, Central University College, which has not experienced any labour unrest so far. It focuses in particular, on the impact of indirect compensation on employee productivity. The study has been accomplished through the use of questionnaires, interviews, administrative and conditions of service manual of Central University College and other sources such as journals, internet resources and text books on management. It was uncovered that though Management implements some of the indirect compensations available, there are other benefits which are not satisfactorily administered and this has contributed to a lack of zeal towards work, which has affected the productivity of staff negatively. The study therefore recommends that Management of Central University College and other organizations should provide the necessary attention that Indirect Compensation deserves, as this will help boost the morale of employees which will in turn result in higher productivity.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Indigenous Religious Practices on the Art of Dompim No.1

Most religions in the world especially the indigenous religion of the people of Dompim No1, Ghana and the rest of Africa have influence on the people’s arts. The arts such as religious sculptures, paintings, textiles and others, serve as instruments of power through which the gods or divinities could be communicated to for favour and also as a link between the supernatural and the natural worlds. The artistic creativity in Dompim No1 is bound up with religious beliefs and practices. Divine inspiration is commonly invoked as a motivation for artistic expression, technique and styles. Based on the above, it was identified that religious practices and beliefs including the production of religious art are incapable in the lives of the people of Dompim No.1, yet most of the people do not seem to understand and appreciate the impact the religion has on the art of the people of Dompim No.1, hence the need for the research. The problem of the research was identified as well the research question which happens to be the impose of this thesis. The methods which were adopted were descriptive and historical and the qualitative research method was also use. The target population was the chief and elders, priest, clan leaders and some leaders. The stratified sampling method was adopted. The research instruments used included interviews and observation and primary and secondary data were collected and analyzed. The putting off, of unattended fire was as a result of the wearing of Abownda Awie mask in the dry season by the assistant of the chief priest of Dompim No.1. The cult artists of Dompim No.1 were believed to have been directed by the deity to produce ritual art forms, such as ancestral figures and almost all the figures look alike, which gives the notion that the artists do copy art. With regards to the above findings, some of the religious practices and beliefs have gotten most of the people economically unstable, thereby forcing them to leave the town to the city centres in search of non existing jobs. Some also kept the people on their toes with regards to social vices such as theft and others. The study indicated that a strong relationship exists among art, ancestors, divinities, spirits and the living. The religion has impact on the art of Dompim No 1, therefore affect the socio-economic lives of the people. This research which is a body of knowledge is intended to benefit researchers of African art and culture and the people of Dompim No.1 who do not seems to have any written document concerning their community. Indeed, the indigenous religion of Dompim No.1 has influence on their art.

Source: KNUST
Impact of industrial effluents on the quality of Onukpawahe Stream, Tema

Industrial effluents discharge into surface water body represents a high source of pollution in Ghanaian streams and rivers. They impact on the water quality, the microbial and aquatic flora. The current study was carried out to determine impact of industrial effluent on the quality of Onukpawahe Stream which receives industrial effluents as point sources in the Tema Motorway industrial area in the Tema Metropolis. Effluent samples were collected from six (6) selected industries and the water samples collected from sixteen (16) different locations on the Onukpawahe stream. Various physico-chemical parameters such as Biological oxygen Demand (BOD), Total Dissolved solids (TDS), Conductivity (EC), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), pH, Total Suspended Solids (TSS), Turbidity ,Temperature, Colour, Sulphate, Phosphate, Ammonia and Nitrate and heavy metals (Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Cadmium (Cd), Lead (Pb), Chromium (Cr) and Iron (Fe) were analysed during the current investigation. The average values of all physico-chemical parameters (except pH and DO) were above the EPA guideline values and metals were considerably higher in the industrial effluent and downstream than upstream while effluent discharge point showed the highest values for all sampling sites. The lowest values for pH and DO were also recorded at effluent discharge point and concentrations of iron (Fe) downstream exceeded acceptable limits for surface waters. It was established in the study that the industries have polluted the stream and resulted in the poor quality of the Onukpawahe stream. Sources of water pollution include effluents from Abattoir (slaughter House) industry (high nitrate, chromium, BOD), food and beverage manufacturing industry (high pH, EC, TSS), Textile industry (high Pb, Colour and Cadmium, COD) and food processing industry (high EC and BOD). As a result, the quality of the whole stream according to the CCME Water Quality Index (CCME WQI) is classified as poor. The surface water and industrial effluent must be monitored on a continuous basis and the findings of this study should be useful for implementing pollution management strategies in the catchment area of the Onukpawahe Stream.

Source: KNUST
Impact of industry 4.0 capabilities in achieving supply chain innovation. The mediating role of data-driven decision making in Ghana

The main objective is to examine the mediating role of data-driven decision-making and the impact of Industry 4.0 capabilities on supply chain innovation in Ghana. The study employed a cross-sectional research design. This survey was conducted using a quantitative approach. Stratified sampling was used to choose 381 participants. A prepared questionnaire was the main tool used for data collection. Both SPSS v26 and SmartPls v4 were used for the statistical analysis. Both descriptive and inferential approaches were used to analyse the data. The result reveals that industry 4.0 had a significant direct influence on SC innovation and data-driven decision-making. The result also concludes that data-driven decision making has a direct effect on SC innovation. The results indicate that data-driven decision making positively and fully mediates interactions between industry 4.0 and SC innovation. The study, therefore, concluded that managements should constantly review and change their approaches, remind their personnel to make decisions based on facts, not emotions, and choose to reason over instinct when presented with actual data that contradicts their beliefs to gather data and draw conclusions, have the real-time capacity, and makes decisions virtually and decentralised to innovate supply chain operations, regularly innovate supply chain service, and innovate technologically.

Source: KNUST
The impact of inflation on economic growth in Ghana since 1960

Ghana was born in 1957 in the midst of highly favourable economic conditions, and there was great optimism about the development of the economy. In terms of modem western criteria, Ghana had a promising start as one of the richest, most successful and politically matured regions of Black Africa. Per capita income was reportedly the highest, real GDP was satisfactory, sterling reserves were substantial and development plans were well formulated. In the first few years of independence, Ghana experienced satisfactory rates of growth. By the standard of developing countries, she exhibited an exceptionally good economic performance and in 1960 she was far ahead of many other developing countries. With a per capita income of £70 in 1960 the nation fared better than, for example, Nigeria (29), Egypt (56) and India (25) (Huq, M.M., 1989: 46), However, according to World Bank estimates in 1984, the per capita income of Ghana was (US $350). Thus, a country, which in the 1960 was one of the leading developing countries, has now joined the rank of the low income developing countries with neighbours such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast and Liberia showing much higher per capita income of US $730, US $610 and US $470 respectively in 1984. Currently, the situation might have further deteriorated and it is in the light of this that the nation has been declared a Highly Indebted Poor Country (HIPC). One of the most serious problems affecting the performance of the economy is the high rate of inflation as identified by the national economic forum held in 1997. In particular, inflation slows down economic progress by discouraging savings and investments among other things. The present study is therefore designed to investigate empirically and theoretically, the impact of inflation on economic growth in Ghana. This study has examined the effect of inflation on economic growth in Ghana from 1960 to 2000. The results have revealed that during the period under review, the impact of inflation on growth has been undesirable. However, on empirical basis, the degree of correlation between inflation and growth was found to be weak contrary to the evidence suggested by theory.

Source: KNUST
Impact of inflation on economic growth of Ghana (1980-2016).

Inflation affects the economy of every nation and a mild form of inflation is good for the economy but a high rate of inflation is detrimental for the economy as it can lead an economy into hyperinflation. This study therefore sought to examine the impact of inflation on economic growth in Ghana. Annual time series data on economic growth and inflation, as well as other macroeconomic variables such as capital government expenditure, financial development, trade openness and governance indicator, spanning from 1980 to 2016 was employed for the analysis. The study used VECM to estimate the specified model. Stationarity test was used to ensure that all the variables were integrated of order one. The study adopted Johansen Co-integration test for the long run equilibrium relationship among the variables. The findings indicated that the estimates for the trace statistics and maximum eigenvalue for none is greater the critical values at 5%. It means that there is long run equilibrium relationship among the variables. The study adopted the pairwise granger causality to determine the direction of causality between inflation and economic growth; the findings indicated that there exists a unilateral positive causal relationship running from economic growth to inflation. Inflation and government expenditure were found to have a negative impact on economic growth whereas capital, financial development and political stability had a positive impact on economy growth. The study recommends that policy makers should increase the level of output in the economy by improving on productivity. Also monetary authorities should keep the monetary supply in check. The negative government expenditure on growth implies government spending is not growth targeted. Government should therefore regulate its current expenditure such as welfare payment, education and so on into capital expenditure.

Source: KNUST