ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Managerial competence and financial performance of SMEs: the contingent role of stakeholder engagement

This paper examines the moderating role of stakeholder engagement on the relationship between managerial competence and financial performance. Using a survey-based approach, the study examined 423 small and medium scale firms operating in Ghana, a Sub-Saharan African country. The findings indicate that, stakeholder engagement does not assist managerial competence in having a positive impact on financial performance. However, both independent variables, acting separately, have a positive and significant relationship with financial performance. Hence, it was recommended that SMEs should invest more at employing competent managers or in training existing managers to become more competent as that alone, without the assistance of stakeholder engagement, can improve financial performance.

Source: UCC
Managerial Factors Influencing the Performance of Ghana University Sports Teams at Competitions

The main purpose of this study was to examine the views of coaches and athletes on managerial factors influencing the performance of Ghanaian university sports teams at competitions. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 748 was selected from a population of 1685. Purposive sampling technique was used to select Chairmen of Sports and Recreation Committees (CSP), Head of Sports Directorates/Coaches’ Sections, and permanent coaches, while proportional and accidental sampling was used to select student-athletes. The questionnaire was the main instrument used for data collection. Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages), inferential statistics (Binary Logistics Regression), and Mann-Whitney U were used in analyzing the results. The logistics regression analysis revealed that there was a statistically significant influence of type and size of sports governance structures (7.100373, p ≤0.00), motivation (2.574521, p ≤0.00), facilities and equipment (-6.246998, p ≤0.00), and academic and professional qualification of personnel (-2.891773, p ≤0.00) on the performance of Ghanaian university sports teams during the 26th GUSA games competitions. It is therefore recommended that authorities of the various universities whose performance did not merit any medal should put in place practicable managerial measures, which if practiced, will provide their teams with the necessary prerequisites to enhance their success during competitions.

Source: UCC
Managerial Strategies for Improving the Quality of Life of Male Single-Parent Families in the Central Region of Ghana

The study investigated the managerial strategies for improving the quality of life of male single-parent families in the Central Region. The study used the descriptive and evaluative survey designs. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 300 male single-parents were selected for the study. Pretested structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect the data. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (Version 16.0) software was used to analyse the data to generate frequency distribution tables, bar charts and binary logistic regression. Kaiser’s criterion or Eigen value rule was used to decide on the number of factors to extract. Pearson’s correlation was also used to assess the correlation among the indicators of quality of life. The major findings of the study were: the performance of instrumental and expressive roles had affected aspects of respondents’ lives; the major challenges faced by the respondents included time constraints, fatigue/tiredness and loneliness; and respondents employed different managerial strategies for managing their households. It was recommended that outreach programmes could be organized by governmental and non-governmental organizations for male single-parents to equip them with appropriate managerial strategies for effective management of challenges to improve the quality of their lives. The central government should conduct quality of life surveys in the Central Region to generate data on indicators of quality of life that can be used to create awareness among all stakeholders.

Source: UCC
Managerial strategies for improving the quality of life of male single-parent families in the Central region of Ghana.

The study investigated the managerial strategies for improving the quality of life of male single-parent families in the Central Region. The study used the descriptive and evaluative survey designs. Using a multi-stage sampling procedure, 300 male single-parents were selected for the study. Pretested structured questionnaire and interview schedule were used to collect the data. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) (Version 16.0) software was used to analyse the data to generate frequency distribution tables, bar charts and binary logistic regression. Kaiser’s criterion or Eigen value rule was used to decide on the number of factors to extract. Pearson’s correlation was also used to assess the correlation among the indicators of quality of life. The major findings of the study were: the performance of instrumental and expressive roles had affected aspects of respondents’ lives; the major challenges faced by the respondents included time constraints, fatigue/tiredness and loneliness; and respondents employed different managerial strategies for managing their households. It was recommended that outreach programmes could be organized by governmental and non-governmental organizations for male single-parents to equip them with appropriate managerial strategies for effective management of challenges to improve the quality of their lives. The central government should conduct quality of life surveys in the Central Region to generate data on indicators of quality of life that can be used to create awareness among all stakeholders.

Source: UCC
Managing Access to Electronic Health Records in a Cloud Computing Environment

Abstract Access control methods are relevant in securing EHR from unauthorised users and access. It is therefore important that proper access control mechanisms are put in place in order to safeguard the privacy and confidentiality of health records. This paper provides a review of the benefits and limitations of individual access control mechanisms.It also indicate thechallenges and advantages associated with the use of the individual access control methods vis-a-vis combined access control methods for accessing electronic health records (EHR) in a cloud computing environment. This review concludesthat the use of one access control method is not sufficient to fully secure EHR in a cloud computing environment. A combined access control methods has the potential to offer strong security to EHR in the cloud setting. Maximising the benefits of the various access controls is essential for enhancing the security of EHR in a cloud computing environment.

Source: UCC
Managing business ethics, an essential component of business success: A case study of Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira teachers’ co-operative credit union

The need to do business ethically connot be understated. Besides, managing ethics in business is an uphill task. It for this reasonthat this study was conducted to confirm how ethics is managed in the operations of the Twifo Hemang Lower Denkyira Teachers’ Cooperative Credit Union. Participants of the study comprised 14 staff of the Cooperative and 350 members. Staffs of the union were selected purposefully and contributors were selected through the simple random sampling method. An interview guide was the instrument used for data collection. The research design was a descriptive survey, hence, analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics.The results of the study indicated sound business ethics amounts to doing the right thing in one’s business operations. It was seen that the staff and members of the Cooperative had conducted themselves honestly, fairly, openly and with integrity. In spite of the fact that staff had to a greater extent done business ethically, there were a few rough edges. It was therefore suggested that everything should be done to ensure that the code of ethics of Cooperative should be adhered to so that erring staff and members can be dealt with expeditiously to serve as deterrent to others. Above all, the business of the Cooperative must be conducted in accordance with best practices in credit union operations across the world.

Source: UCC
Managing environmental sanitation in the catchment area of Benya Lagoon, Ghana: Education, regulation or infrastructure management as a matter of strategic priority?

Poor environmental sanitation is a menace in many parts of the world, but particularly so in the developing countries, including Ghana. While several strategies may be available for managing this environmental menace, interventions in education, regulation, and infrastructure appear to be the main options. However, resources for adequately managing all the three dimensions simultaneously are limited, necessitating prioritization for efficient resource allocation for optimal interventional results. This study explored how the dimensions could be prioritized for efficient allocation of resources for effective sanitation management. Data were collected from purposively selected respondents mainly from the catchment area of Benya Lagoon in Ghana, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and analysed thematically using interpretive narratives and most significant stories. The study showed that, theoretically, each of the dimensions was supreme in its own right but not sufficient in itself as, in practice, they complemented one another for the best results. Most respondents prioritised the dimensions based on local-specific factors, suggesting that there was no one-size-fits-all prioritisation strategy. The factors were socio-economic, including income, educational level and residential class that influenced attitudes towards sanitation. The implication is that prioritisation decisions by the Government, NGOs, and private sanitation companies should be guided by situational analyses which are informed by these local-specific factors. In conducting such assessments and analyses, the local-level stakeholders, namely the local council, traditional authorities, assembly members, youth, religious leaders and other opinion leaders should be involved to ensure effective prioritization assessment, leading to efficient resource allocation for effective interventions

Source: UCC
Managing environmental sanitation in the catchment area of Benya Lagoon, Ghana: Education, regulation or infrastructure management as a matter of strategic priority?

Poor environmental sanitation is a menace in many parts of the world, but particularly so in the developing countries, including Ghana. While several strategies may be available for managing this environmental menace, interventions in education, regulation, and infrastructure appear to be the main options. However, resources for adequately managing all the three dimensions simultaneously are limited, necessitating prioritisation for efficient resource allocation for optimal interventional results. This study explored how the dimensions could be prioritised for efficient allocation of resources for effective sanitation management. Data were collected from purposively selected respondents mainly from the catchment area of Benya Lagoon in Ghana, using in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, and analysed thematically using interpretive narratives and most significant stories. The study showed that, theoretically, each of the dimensions was supreme in its own right but not sufficient in itself as, in practice, they complemented one another for the best results. Most respondents prioritised the dimensions based on local-specific factors, suggesting that there was no one-size-fits-all prioritisation strategy. The factors were socio-economic, including income, educational level and residential class that influenced attitudes towards sanitation. The implication is that prioritisation decisions by the Government, NGOs, and private sanitation companies should be guided by situational analyses which are informed by these local-specific factors. In conducting such assessments and analyses, the local-level stakeholders, namely the local council, traditional authorities, assembly members, youth, religious leaders and other opinion leaders should be involved to ensure effective prioritisation assessment, leading to efficient resource allocation for effective interventions.

Source: UCC
Managing Expectations on Oil Exploration to Maintain Peace in the Ellembelle District, Ghana

ABSTRACT Oil as a natural resource generally requires that good practices be adopted both for its exploration and governance with reference to the use of its revenue. The supposition that oil exploration generates rents that are enough to quicken growth and ensure sustainable development is central to the evolution and growth of expectations and heightened excitement by citizens when oil is discovered. This was the case in 2010 when Ghana first commercialized oil. This research examines the various expectations that inhabitants in the exploration area, Asemda, Nkroful, Anochie, Esiama, Atuabo and Sanzule, have from the oil exploration; assesses how institutions directly involved in the oil governance are managing these expectations of the inhabitants. Finally, the study assesses how the management of these expectations translate into peace. The study employs the qualitative research methodology. This will further add to the discourse that there are various expectations among the people which are influenced by factors such as age, education, etc. Again, the study seeks to first explore the expectations of stakeholders with respect to the oil exploration and establish that the indigenes in the research area hold great expectations with respect to development. Also, the study assesses the capacity of oil-related institutions to manage expectations and again establishes that most of the institutions are not adequately resourced to have adequate capacity for effective management. Additionally, the study evaluate how the management of expectations translate into ‘positive’ peace, and then further establish that, so far there is the existence of peace in the area though the management of the expectations have not been very effective. The study finds that inhabitants in the research area are not fully engaged to seek their views on projects and facilities that meet their needs. In respect of this, the researcher seeks to recommend that government enhances the frontiers of transparency and accountability in this regard

Source: UCC
Managing human resource for presentation of radio programmes: A case study of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Cape Coast branch

This study set out to examine the management of human resource for presentation of radio programmes in the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, Cape Coast Branch. It was carried to find out the lapses in the management of human resource of the Cape Coast Branch of the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, and made the necessary recommendations for effective presentation of radio programmes. The descriptive survey research design was chosen for the study in order to allow the respondents to describe and document aspects of the situation as they were. The stratified and purposive sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 45 respondents out of 61 people who were the study population. Data were analysed using the Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS, version 18). The study found that there was no well-defined and documented programme policy in Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. However, there was co-operation among presenters, management members, senior staff and junior staff of the corporation. Though internal recruitment was important, it limited the presentation of radio programmes in the corporation as new ideas were not injected into radio programmes. The study recommended that management should consider outsiders who are qualified to host programmes in order to bring new ideas into the presentation of radio programmes. Secondly, management and government should revise upward the salaries and wages paid to presenters of GBC to meet the demands of the time. Other incentives should be made available to attract and reduce presenters’ turnover.

Source: UCC
Managing industrial relations in mergers and acquisitions: The case study of AngloGold Ashanti

Mergers and acquisitions have become the dominant mode of growth for firms seeking competitive advantage in an increasingly complex and global business economy. Research indicates, however, that many mergers have not resulted in the expected benefits, in part because business organisations have neglected the human resource and or the industrial relations aspects of the change. The study which looked at the management of industrial relations in the merger between Ashanti Goldfields Company and Anglogold focused on the effective use of communication management, worker relations and worker’s integration into the merger. Workers’ benefits from the merger were also investigated. Shop floor workers, union executives and managers totaling 194 were randomly sampled to complete questionnaires to provide data for the study. The Statistical Product and Service Solutions software (SPSS) was used in the analysis. Some of the findings are that: the negotiation process sometimes took too long a time for people to reach consensus. Formal communication was absent or inadequate and a major incentive like training was immediately cut off after the merger. It was recommended that union and management should pursue interest based bargaining but not be seen as pulling apart. Also to undertake a merger in future, formal communication to majority of the workforce will be required. Thirdly, a major incentive like training should not be cut off immediately after merger since that could lead to de-motivation of the workforce and reduction in productivity.

Source: UCC
Managing Overweight and Obesity in Ghana from a Cultural Lens: The Complementary Role of Behaviour Modification

Extant epidemiological and social diagnosis information shows an alarming upsurge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last decade in developing countries including Ghana. Despite literature on the dangers and associated risk factors of these two health related constructs is well-written and documented, there seems to be a distinct knowledge gap on cultural influences that may trigger the onset of overweight and obesity, and related comorbidities. This review paper provides a general overview on overweight and obesity, and presents a supportive evidence of their rising prevalence as well as associated overall implications on public health in Ghana. Additionally, the paper explores how indigenous cultural perceptions, beliefs and norms impact on dietary and physical activity behaviours of the people. Based on available evidence, the complementary role of behaviour modification towards the management of overweight and obesity is suggested. The PEN-3 model as an appropriate cultural framework is proposed for future empirical investigations. This would afford programme planners to assess how to design culturally underpinned appropriate intervention programmes that would positively influence long term behavioural practices of the local people.

Source: UCC
Managing Overweight and Obesity in Ghana from a Cultural Lens: The Complementary Role of Behaviour Modification

Abstract Extant epidemiological and social diagnosis information shows an alarming upsurge in the prevalence of overweight and obesity over the last decade in developing countries including Ghana. Despite literature on the dangers and associated risk factors of these two health related constructs is well-written and documented, there seems to be a distinct knowledge gap on cultural influences that may trigger the onset of overweight and obesity, and related comorbidities. This review paper provides a general overview on overweight and obesity, and presents a supportive evidence of their rising prevalence as well as associated overall implications on public health in Ghana. Additionally, the paper explores how indigenous cultural perceptions, beliefs and norms impact on dietary and physical activity behaviours of the people. Based on available evidence, the complementary role of behaviour modification towards the management of overweight and obesity is suggested. The PEN-3 model as an appropriate cultural framework is proposed for future empirical investigations. This would afford programme planners to assess how to design culturally underpinned appropriate intervention programmes that would positively influence long term behavioural practices of the local people.

Source: UCC
Managing post disaster recovery of market fire victims in Ghana

Managing post-disaster recovery is a critical stage in the disaster management process to ensure successful restoration of the damage caused to victims. The study assessed the management of post fire disaster recovery among market fire victims in Ghana, using Makola, Kantamanto and Kumasi Central Markets as cases. A mixed-methods research design was adopted. A total of 400 respondents were sampled from a population of 12,945. Interview schedule and interview guides were used to gather data. The data were processed with Statistical Product and Service Solutions version 21. Descriptive statistics, Kruskal Wallis and Wilcoxon Signed Ranked tests were used to analyse the data. The study found that some of the victims collapsed upon seeing their shops engulfed in fire, while others experienced suicidal tendencies. Some businesses collapsed after the infernos, while others continue to struggle to restore pre-disaster business performance levels. High impact of the disasters on businesses was largely due to the location of both warehouses and retail shops of some victims in the markets. The disaster management institutions provided support to ensure the recovery of victims, however, none of them had a counselling unit to address the psychological needs of victims. Three years after the occurrences of the disasters, victims have not fully recovered, both psychologically and economically. It is estimated to take an average of three more years to restore business performance indicators to pre-disaster levels. The study recommends that traders should locate their warehouses outside the markets to reduce the impact of fire disasters on businesses. National Disaster Management Organisation should create a counselling unit in its operational structures to address the psychological needs of disaster victims.

Source: UCC