ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of blockchain application on procurement process effectiveness and supply chain performance (a case study of manufacturing firms in Ghana)

This study's objective is to analyse the impact of blockchain applications on supply chain performance by analysing the function of procurement efficiency as a mediator. Although previous research has examined many scp determinants, the function of procurement effectiveness as a mediator between procurement blockchain applications and supply chain performance remains uncertain. Descriptive and cross-sectional research methods were used for this investigation. A total of 136 purchasing and supply chain managers participated in this quantitative investigation. Much of the information was gathered by using a predesigned questionnaire. Both spss and smartpls were used to decipher the information gathered. Descriptive and inferential research techniques were used to analyse the data. The result demonstrated that the blockchain application's ability to improve procurement efficiency had a positive, significant direct influence. The outcome showed that the blockchain application to sc performance had a significant, considerable direct impact. The results demonstrated a considerable positive direct relationship between sc performance and procurement effectiveness. The findings showed that procurement effectiveness mediated the relationship between blockchain applications and sc performance positively. This implies that managers and organizations in the attempt of implementing bct, should carefully consider the components of sc cooperation as it plays a critical role in driving superior supply chain performance.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Bank of Ghana Policy Rate on Commercial Bank Lending Rate: The Study of Barclays Bank Ghana.

This research examines the impact of Bank of Ghana base rate on commercial bank lending with Barclays Bank Ghana as a case study. The main purpose of the study is to find the relationship between the Bank of Ghana Base Rate and the Commercial Banks Lending Rate, the relationship that exist between Lending Rate and the other variables and also find out the degree of responsiveness in the lending rate with respect to a change in the other variables. Data used is basically secondary from the Bank of Ghana Records, internet, books and publications such as magazines, journals and periodicals. Inferential statistics are used to draw conclusions about the reliability and generality of the findings. The preliminary findings depicted that Lending rate clearly was higher than both the Government Policy on Inflation and the Bank of Ghana Base rate for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011 in terms of the percentage fixed at that point in time. This could mean that Commercial Banks, of which Barclays Bank was of no exception considered very importantly the Bank of Ghana Base Rate and Government Policy on Inflation before deciding on their Lending rate. There was an evidence of a very strong positive relationship between the Bank of Ghana Base Rate and the Lending Rate. This means that as the Bank of Ghana Base Rate increases, the Commercial Bank Rate also increase and as the Bank of Ghana Base Rate decreases the Commercial Bank Lending Rate also decreases. Based on the findings of the study it was evidenced that both Lending Rate and Base Rate were likely to decline further in 2012. Thus, Barclays Bank must find other innovative ways of increasing their profit through fee incomes and commissions since incomes from interest rate will be declining. Next, the bank could also increase profit by booking a larger volume of loans in other to make up for the short fall of the interest income.

Source: KNUST
Impact of banking regulatory regime on the quality of bank earnings in ghana

In recent years, banking research has focused on how regulations affect stability, efficiency, and performance, particularly in light of the recent financial crisis. Financial stability is crucial for the banking industry because it guarantees effective financial intermediation and enhances credit risk management in Ghana's financial sector. The study sought to examine the connection between the financial regulatory agency's mandate, authority, and reach and the quality of banks' earnings, to determine the effect of the regulatory agency's risk-based supervisory methods on the standard of bank earnings, to determine how the internal structure of banking supervision and bank activity restrictions affects the quality of bank earnings. The Ghana commercial banks listed on GSE were chosen as the demographic for this research. Purposive sampling was used in this study to sample 9 commercial banks listed from the other commercial banks due to data availability. Secondary data was gathered through annual reports. The information was gathered from the period (20102021). Both Feasible Generalised Least Squares (FGLS) and Generalised Methods of Moment were adopted to estimate the parameters involved in the study objectives. The results show that there is a consistent and statistically significant unfavourable link between the quality of bank profitability and the regulatory structures that govern them. The propensity for bank managers to engage in opportunistic profits management is reduced, as the study discover when banking regulatory scores are higher. However, the study also discovers that various regulatory strategies have different impacts on profit management, with some having positive contributions and others negative ones. The study concludes that the internal organization of banking supervision, prudent bank activity limitation, and regulatory procedures relevant to the duties, authority, and scope of the banking supervision agency all contribute to higher-quality bank profits. However, the study demonstrates that bank managers are more likely to engage in opportunistic behaviour as a consequence of systemic risk assessments, financial stability, and stress testing at the bank and system levels, which in turn leads to a reduction in the quality of bank profitability.

Source: KNUST
Impact of biochar, cattle manure and mineral fertilizer on soil properties and grain yield of maize (zea mays l.) In the Guinea Savannah zone of Ghana

The use of biochar as a soil amendment is being promoted due to its long term ability to improve soil physical and chemical properties. The aim of this work was to improve maize productivity by using different levels of synthetic fertilizer with farm yard manure and biochar in the Guinea Savannah zone of Ghana. A field experiment and laboratory incubation study were conducted at Kpongu in the Upper West region of Ghana (Guinea Savannah Agro – ecological Zone) and the Soil Science laboratory of KNUST respectively. Eighteen treatments including three levels of biochar (0, 2.5 and 5 t ha-1), three levels of mineral fertilizer(0, 50 and 100 % of the 60-40-40 kg ha-1 recommended rate) and two levels of manure (0 and 5 t ha-1 recommended rate) were applied in a factorial experiment arranged in split - split plot design with three replications. In the laboratory incubation study treatments were applied at 153.6 g to the field soil on mass basis in a 56 day incubation study period to determine the effect of treatments on soil pH, urease activity, ammonium nitrate (NH4-N) and nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N). The use of manure at 5 t ha-1 gave the highest plant height at 2 weeks after planting (17.39 cm) and 4 weeks after planting (60.1 cm) while the use of NPK (60: 40: 40: kg ha-1 )gave the highest plant height at 6 weeks after planting (123.7 cm) and 8 weeks after planting (194.6cm) respectively. The highest grain yield (1347 kg ha-1), biomass dry matter (2865 kg ha-1), nitrogen uptake in both biomass (28.68%) and grain (20.4 %), phosphorus uptake in grain (2.09 %) and nitrogen use efficiency (29) was obtained with the use of 30:20:20 kg ha-1 NPK while the highest phosphorus uptake in biomass (3.47 %) was obtained with the use of manure at 5 t ha-1. Laboratory soil analysisafter harvest showed that none of the soil amendments had significant effect on the examined soil properties. However, biochar amended plots at 5 t ha-1 was found to have the highest soil organic matter of 1.722 percent. Manure application at 5 t ha-1 gave the highest soil nitrogen content (0.667 %) while mineral fertilizer at 30:20:20 kg ha-1 had the highest soil P of 6.55 %. The applications of 30:20:20 kg ha-1 NPK and 5 t ha-1 Manure + 30:20:20 kg ha-1 NPK was the most economically viable imputs (VCR > 2) among the treatments. 5 t ha-1manure increased the soil pH from 5.4 to 6.22 while urease activity was highest with 2.5 t ha-1 biochar + 5 t ha-1 manure. NH4-N was highest at 56 DAI following the application of 2.5 t ha-1 biochar + No fertilizer and at 42 DAI, NO3-N was highest with 5 t ha-1 manure + 100 % RR NPK. Extensive research based on agro-ecological zone evaluation of biochar should be carried out to ascertain its effectiveness on maize productivity.

Source: KNUST
The impact of Architectural Design Management on building construction projects in Ghana: a project management perspective

The role of the construction industry as the alpha and the omega of contemporary globalization trends and socio-economic development was dated far back to the beginning of civilization. Conversely, the construction industry is believed globally to be engrossed with issues of corruption; delayed planning; overrun budgets; and subjecting workers to irresponsible and life-threatening risks. This study therefore assessed the architectural design management practices and its impact on the building construction industry of Ghana and recommended strategic comprehensive and project management models and systems that ensure real time coordination among stakeholders, optimal project outcomes and competitive edge. With purposive sampling approach, semi-structured interviews and questionnaire administration, the research considered seven project team members from the 15No. construction firms selected. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software and Excel Spreadsheet were used to analyze the survey data. The relative importance index (RII) of the impact of architectural design changes on building projects were calculated and ranked. It was revealed that the major types of architecture design changes in Ghana’s building construction industry are generally user-required changes, design errors that needs to be corrected. Least observed types of changes in the industry is design omission, regulatory code and value reengineering. Architectural design management practice identified in the industry are the scheduling and dissemination of architectural drawings to appropriate team members, monitoring and ensuring compliances to project drawings specification and design, and the evaluation of compliance performance measures. Critical factors that inhibit the efficient management of design changes as identified in the study include poor planning technics, miss interpretation of design information flow and poor-quality design. Major negative impact observed are project time and cost overrun, constructional errors, reworks and material wastage, work load and stress on project team members. Positive impacts include being able to rectify design errors timely to avoid an unwanted cost. Client requirement management is the main improvement measure being implemented. It is recommended for construction firms in Ghana to adopt an integrated architectural design management model as proposed in this research.

Source: KNUST
Impact of board gender diversity on performance of microfinance institutions in Ghana.

The Board of Directors is one form of internal control mechanisms incorporates since the board members appoint, supervise and remunerate top managers in organizations in addition to strategy formulation. The focus on gender diversity in employment of the country is important because women’s employment is essential in the fight against poverty. This study assesses the effects of gender diversity on the profitability performance of Microfinance Institutions in Ghana. It also examines the composition of board membership in terms of the boar size, male and female composition and experience of board members. This study focused on eight Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Ghana. The purposive sampling technique was used to select the MFIs. Financial data from 2011 to 2016 was used to assess the financial strength of the MFIs. The results indicate that the average board size of the eight Microfinance Institutions in this study was five. The Divine and Expert Link MFIs record the highest board size of eight. The regression analysis results show significant relationship between financial performance and gender diversity such as board size, female and male board compositions and experience of board members. The Beta coefficient value indicates that one unit increase of board size of the MFIs is likely to increase profitability. Also, one unit increase in female board membership is likely to increase profitability. It is recommended that management of MFIs in Ghana should increase and sustain female inclusion as board members in order to improve financial performance and become sustainable.

Source: KNUST
Impact of board characteristics on earnings management: a case of selected listed companies in ghana

The study sought to assess the impact of board characteristics on earnings management using a case of selected listed companies in Ghana. The study employs a quantitative explanatory research design within a positivist paradigm. A sample of 13 companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange, consisting of 9 banks and 4 manufacturing firms, is used. Secondary data from annual reports is collected over 12 years (2010-2021) and analysed using the Generalized Least Square (GLS) Random-Effects model in STATA software. The model specification includes variables such as CEO duality, board independence, board size, firm age, firm size, inflation, and interest rate. Diagnostic tests for heteroscedasticity, autocorrelation, and the Hausman test are conducted to ensure the reliability of the results. The study found that independent directors have a positive impact on reducing earnings management practices, while board size does not significantly affect earnings management. However, CEO-chair duality was found to increase the likelihood of earnings management, indicating potential risks associated with concentrated power and limited oversight. The presence of independent directors can contribute to enhanced transparency and accountability, while the risks associated with CEO-chair duality highlight the need for the separation of roles to mitigate the potential for earnings management and ensure effective oversight within organizations. Future research should consider examining the impact of other board characteristics, such as board diversity, board committees, and board tenure, on earnings management practices. Additionally, investigating the effectiveness of regulatory mechanisms and governance reforms in mitigating earnings management could provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners in improving corporate governance practices.

Source: KNUST
Impact of business process reengineering on customer satisfaction in the banking industry in Ghana. A case study of student customers.

Business Process Reengineering has become the bedrock for the implementation of change in most corporate organizations of which banks are of no exception. Banking institutions in Ghana continue to operate in very competitive environments making it difficult to predict the fundamentals that determine the satisfaction of their numerous customers. The Business Processes of banks continue to undergo radical changes in order to remain competitive. Banking institutions therefore constantly review their operations and put in place robust BPR projects that get rid of obsolete work processes and ensure profitability, cost effective and enhance customer satisfaction. Customer satisfaction of BRP projects is important since the prime focus is to ensure improvement in work processes that meet the expectations and needs of customers. The purpose of this study therefore is to assess the impact of BPR on customer satisfaction in the banking industry in Ghana. The study collected data from 302 student customers from KNUST, UCC and UG using questionnaire. The study adopted random sampling method in the selection of respondents. The study explored how technology, strategy, people and the organization impacts satisfaction. The issues discussed include; customer perception of the kind of reengineering projects undertaken, customer perception of the service delivery system and the effects and challenges as a result of reengineering in the banking sector. The research findings indicates customers are particular about how the organization is able to deliver and the kind of strategy that is put in place in the service delivery process. Also, BPR has ensured appropriate technology, well defined strategies, improved capacity of organizational work force and redesigned the organization itself. The researcher recommends increase education of customers on BPR projects in the banks, improved internet connectivity, improved ATM services at reduced charges, regular customer satisfaction survey, improved service delivery time and regular power supply.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Branding on Customer Choice of Financial Institution “A Survey within the Kumasi Metropolis”

The general objective of the study is to understand the impacts of corporate branding on customer choice in the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. Questionnaires were the main instrument used for collecting data. Statistical Product for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analyzing the data. It was found accordingly that 65.3% of the respondents affirmed they indeed consider the reputation of financial institutions before making a choice whereas 34.7% disagreed to the consideration of financial institutions; reputation in making a choice. It was further revealed that, the choice, selection and strategic decision making regarding organization and its aesthetic environmental conditions require enhances the reputation of the organization. The study concludes that the images of financial institutions are the most powerful branding tool. These positive and intriguing images are created and spiced-up through the employment of young and energetic workers characterized by lots of females which attracts customers and retain them through the delivery of services and responding to customer needs and complaints in a swift manner. Based on the findings it was recommended that, Brand awareness should be taken as a strategic tool because it has the propensity to move and attract customers. The culture of the organization must be reflected in the employees of the bank to project and communicate what the bank stands for. Branding must also be considered as a managerial tool. That is, the brand of the financial institution must be exhibited in all facets of the company dealings such as logos, wears, employees, customers they serve, broachers and among others. From the correlational and regression analysis it has been revealed that there is strong positive and insignificance (p-value 0.541 > 0.05, R= -0.44, R2 = 0.19) relationship between product quality and customer choice.

Source: KNUST
The impact of Business application processes on the performance of microfinance Institutions in the Ghanaian economy - case of TIP

The main objective of this research investigation was to study business application processes as enabling management information systems (MIS) to standardize procedures at the microfmance institutions (MFIs) through the adaptation of information- communication technology (ICT). It therefore evaluated the impact and performance of business application processes, methods and processes, customer satisfaction in relation to the closure or disposal of some MFIs as deposit-taking intermediaries. Critical interest was in the lack of technological developments through the strategic investment and adaptation of ICT innovations in the operation of MFIs. As a case study, participant observation, field studies, and semi-structured interviews were critical in this analysis. It also explained the largely qualitative data collected primarily through the use of questionnaires and interviews. In conclusion the study created the awareness and responsiveness towards the exploitation of MIS as core MFI structure. The researcher's main findings were to indicate the strategic level of business application processes towards the competitive marketability of microfmance operations within ICT systems environment in the development of the informal financial sector. SPSS package and Microsoft Excel were among the combination of methodologies employed for statistical emphasis. It was recommended that the MFIs should have a core MIS functionality to streamline standardization and possibly be absorbed by the more formal financial institutions because of an effective adaptation of systems administration processes. This was based on the background that a well-defined management information system through database management system can facilitate effective planning, control, timely monitoring of credit, payment, reporting and systems administration.

Source: KNUST
The impact of business reengineering on customer satisfaction in the banking industry. A case study of Stanbic Bank Ghana, Limited

Business Process Reengineering is essential to the success of every organization of which banks cannot be left out. The keen competition in the service industry has made business processes reengineering in banking services very vital. Banks have therefore come under increased demands to provide quality services and continuous quality improvement programs for customer satisfaction and even customer delight. In spite of the positive trends and reforms in the banking industry situation in Ghana, it still remains a fact that there is more than much room left for improvement. It is against this locale, that the research was conducted to investigate the impact of business process reengineering on customer satisfaction in the banking industry, a case study of Stanbic bank Ltd. The objectives of this study were to identify the type of BPR practice Stanbic Bank Ltd uses, ascertain the level of customer satisfaction with the introduction of BPR at Stanbic Bank Ltd, find out the attitude of employees to BPR project and lastly examine the challenges management faced with the introduction of BPR practice at Stanbic bank Ltd. The literature looked at what other researchers have said about BPR, the importance of BPR, types of BPR and customer satisfaction.. The study was structured in five chapters. The main method for the study is the survey method where a questionnaire and interview. The responses of the respondent indicated BPR has an impact on customer satisfaction in the area of software change. The recommendations were that provision should be made to cushion employees especially in the area of change receptivity. Also, employees should be given early awareness of change processes which may be engineered at one point or the other during the induction session into the organization. It is recommended that attention be directed to those ones that strengthen the patronage of customers.

Source: KNUST