ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of organizational learning capability on performance: the role of managerial dynamic capability and market turbulence

Under this current dispensation of global competition, organizational learning still remains a hot debate as it enhances on firm performance. The purpose of this study is to assess organizational learning capability on firm performance, mediated by managerial dynamic capability and moderated by market turbulence. The study was conducted using the manufacturing sector as a case. Primary data was utilized with questionnaires at the main data collection tool for the study. The data were analyzed quantitatively with the help of SPSS. Descriptive statistics, correlation and Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression were used to describe and analyze the data. The study utilized the Cronbach’s alpha to assess the internal consistency of the measuring constructs. Findings of the study revealed a positive and significant relationship between organizational learning capability and firm performance. The findings of the study revealed that MDC failed to mediate the relationship between OLC and firm performance. The second hypothesis of the study is not supported. It was further revealed that market turbulence failed to moderate OLC performance nexus. The study recommends to management to place extra priority on openness and experimentation, risk-taking, and respond to the stimuli from the external environment, among others. The study further recommends that organisations should strive to acquire, transfer, and utilize the information required for successful adaptation to rapidly changing environments due to the overriding importance of knowledge in strengthening the competitive advantage of firms

Source: KNUST
Effect of packaging materials and storage periods on the quality of reference Cocoa beans.

Reference cocoa beans are cocoa samples that are kept in glass bottles and stored for four months to address problems of discrepancies in quality of beans shipped to their destinations abroad. The beans are later analysed for biochemical, physical and entomological properties for arbitration resolution if the cocoa is found to be inferior at their destinations abroad. During storage, the quality of the beans could be affected by moulds, insects and moisture. This study was, therefore, carried out at the Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG) to determine the effect of packaging materials and storage durations on the physical and biochemical quality of reference cocoa beans fermented for six days, dried and stored for four months in a 4 x 5 factorial arrangement in completely randomized design with three replications. Cocoa beans kept for reference were packaged in transparent glass bottles, transparent plastic bottles, transparent high density polyethylene bags and jute sack bags and stored for 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. Physical characteristics of the cocoa beans were studied using the cut test method. AOAC (2005) method was used to determine pH, free fatty acid, fat and moisture contents of the beans. Results from the cut test analyses showed that all the treatments had effect on percentage deep purple, pale purple and brown beans. However, beans packaged in jute sacks and stored for 120 days developed significantly (p = 0.01) the least (13.57%) deep purple beans, than those in glass bottle, plastic bottle and high density polyethylene bag. Jute sacks produced significantly higher (80.51%) amount of brown beans. Beans kept in jute sack bags produced the most desirable physical quality (deep purple, pale purple and brown) of beans. Among the packaging materials tested, jute sack again produced the most desirable biochemical properties in terms of bean pH, free fatty acid, fat and moisture contents. Storing beans for 60 days gave the best physical quality whilst beans stored for 90 days produced the most desirable biochemical quality. Mean temperature and relative humidity did not correlate with biochemical characteristics of cocoa beans kept in the different packaging materials. Overall, beans packaged in jute sack bag and stored during the entire period of 120 days produced the most physical and biochemical qualities. From the study, to maintain quality towards/defend any discrepancies which may arise regarding the quality of beans shipped, reference beans should be stored in jute sacks but in dry cool conditions and protected from insects and dust.

Source: KNUST
Effect of ownership structure on corporate social responsibility of banks in Ghana

The literature has shown that the corporate social responsibility of firms are influenced by the ownership structure of the firm. However, such studies are limited in Ghana. This study therefore examined the effect of ownership structure on the CSR of banks in Ghana. The sample for the study was fifteen commercial banks. The sampling technique was purposive sampling. This study used a quantitative approach to research. The data for the study was obtained from secondary sources. The source was the annual reports of the sampled firms. The study data was analyzed by means of regression analysis and the programme Stata 15 was used. The study found that there was positive relationship between managerial ownership and CSR. The relation was significant at the 5% level. The study also found that there was a negative relationship between institutional ownership and CSR. The finding was significant at the 1% level. It was also discovered that there was an insignificant relationship between state ownership and CSR. The finding meant that SO does not influence CSR significantly. Given the positive relationship between managerial ownership and CSR, banks should consider promoting greater executive ownership within their organizations. Encouraging executives to have a personal stake in the company's performance and sustainability can align their interests with those of shareholders and society. This alignment can foster a culture of responsible decision-making and long-term value creation.

Source: KNUST
Effect of parboiling on the quality of processed degan rice (oryza spp)

A study conducted to determine the perception of stakeholders in the production of parboiled rice in the Tamale metropolis of Ghana. It also sought to assess the effect of parboiling on Degan processed rice with respect to quality parameters such as physic-chemical and functional properties as well as eating characteristics. During the study a survey and laboratory work were done. Economic analysis of parboiled rice was also done. The analysis of results of the data collected from farmers showed that all (100%) of the respondents were women in the parboiling industry with many years of experience in parboiling. The farmers indicated that parboiled rice has much more foreign matter. The study revealed that parboiling was effective in improving the physic-chemical properties of rice such as head rice yield, percent whole grain, percent adulterants and weight of 1000 grains. Parboiling had varied effect on functional properties. These are swelling power, Water Absorption Capacity (WAC),Oil Absorption Capacity(OAC) and Least Gelation Capacity (LGC).Economic analysis of parboiled rice showed that parboiling has the potential of improving the economic well being of farmers if combined with new existing technology. It is recommended that improved technology be adopted in the parboiling industry to improve rice quality and subsequently improve financial status of farmers.

Source: KNUST
Effect of personal financial planning on financial satisfaction: the mediating role of self-control

The general objective of the study is to explore the interaction of personal financial planning, self‐control and financial satisfaction of university workers in Ghana. The study adopts a quantitative research approach with a cross-sectional research design. Quota and convenience sampling techniques are employed to administer a self-reported questionnaire to 293 full-time staff of two public universities and one private university in the Volta Region. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) is used in testing the research model and its related hypotheses. Based on the study findings, the study concludes that personal financial planning and self‐control are significant and positive predictors of financial satisfaction among university workers. Thus, personal financial planning first leads to self-control, which in turn fosters financial satisfaction. Consequently, it was recommended that university workers should continue practicing financial planning by identifying specific spending plans, making voluntary contributions to a retirement savings plan, and using budgets and ensure they follow their budgets. Lastly, university workers ought to exercise more self-control in their financial transactions by resisting temptations for unplanned or unbudgeted expenditure.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Pesticides Usage on Water Quality of the Tano River in the Asunafo South District of Brong Ahafo Region of Ghana

In order to increase crop yields and ensure food security, farmers have resorted to the use of assorted pesticides on their crops. Overuse and misapplication of these pesticides can have negative effects on the environment, especially on water bodies. In this study, the levels of pesticide residues in water samples from the Tano River in two vegetable growing communities of Dantano and Siana in the Asunafo South District in Ghana were assessed. Water samples were collected from the Tano river in January and February 2012 for physico-chemical and pesticide residue analysis. The extraction of the pesticide residues was done by liquid –liquid extraction method and analysed by GC-Electronic Capture Detector. Determination of physico-chemical parameters was by standard methods. The results from the pesticide analysis showed the presence of some pesticide residues. Aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chlordane, heptachlor and cis-heptachlor epoxide levels were above the WHO permissible limits for drinking, while residues such as isomers of HCH, chlordane, and DDT and its metabolites were below the limits. Most of the physico-chemical parameters measured at the two sampling locations were fairly similar over the sampling period, and did not appear to have been impacted negatively by the farming activities. However, the presence of the residues can be directly attributed to the farming activites.

Source: KNUST
The effect of phosphorus application on the growth, nitrogen fixation and yield of three varieties of soyabean (Glycine max [L] Merrill)

Pot and field experiments were conducted at the Plantation section of the Department of Crop Science, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi to investigate the effects of P on the growth, N2-fixation, nodulation and yield of three varieties of soybean (G1ine max [L] Merrill). The varieties of soybean used were Anidado, TGX 183 5-12E and GMX 92-6-7m. The experimental design was a split plot with four and three replications for the field and pot experiments, respectively. Three varieties of soybean were assigned to the main plots whilst four fertilizer rates (0, 25, 50 and 75 kg P ha-1) constituted the subplots. The study showed that P fertilization increased shoot dry weight, plant height, LAI, nodulation, N2- fixation, grain yield and components of yield. Grain yield was highly and positively correlated with nodulation, N2-fixation and yield components. Shoot dry weight in both experiments was significantly influenced by P fertilization with the field experiment recording the highest shoot dry matter accumulation. In both experiments, Anidaso recorded the highest biomass yield of 6.3g and 4.4g per plant in the field and pot experiments, respectively. Total N in shoot and nodule formation were higher in the pot than in the field experiment. The average values of total N fixed were 1.5% and 2.1% for the field and pot experiments respectively. The TGX 1835-1 2E variety was the best fixer, recording 2.3% and 1.8% in the pot and field experiments respectively. The highest total N fixed in shoots and grain yields coincided with application of 75kg P ha-1. The increase in grain yield was mainly due to an increased number of pods/plant and one hundred seed weight. Grain yield increased from 925 kg ha-1 at zero fertilization to 1249 kg ha at the highest phosphorus rate of 75kg P ha-1 representing an increase of 35%. Yield estimates for the varieties ranged from 1009 to 1355 kg ha for GMX 92-6-7m and Anidaso. The highest number of pods per plant (51.8) was obtained at the highest P rate of 75kg P ha-1. Phosphorus fertilization significantly (P< 0.05) influenced the number of pod per plant with Anidaso recording the highest value of 51.5. Significant differences (P< 0.05) existed among the three varieties in the number of seeds/pod. TGX 183 5- 12E record the highest number of seeds/pod (2.4), followed by Anidaso (2.2) and then GMX 92-6-7m (1.8). One hundred seed weight increased significantly (P< 0.05) with P application. Significant fertilizer x variety interaction was recorded in the number of branches/plant and mean seed weight in the field experiment. Significant fertilizer x variety interaction was also recorded in the plant height in the pot experiment. The results revealed that P fertilization influenced growth, nodulation, N2- fixation and grain yield of soybean. It is envisaged that results obtained in this study will help to stimulate further research.

Source: KNUST
The effect of philanthropic activities on company’s profitability

This thesis sought to examine the philanthropic activities policies of six companies in Ghana and the associated benefits enjoyed by Ghanaians. Specifically, the thesis aimed at determining the effect of philanthropic activities on company‘s profitability, value creation and image enhancement it have on company‘s products and services. The methodology used in gathering the fact was mainly secondary data sources. Data on the selected companies‘ financial statements were collected, collated and analyzed using tables and graphs for easy interpretation. Purposive sampling techniques were used for the study. It was revealed from the research that, philanthropic activities have positive relationship with profitability, image enhancement and value creation. The study recommends among others that philanthropy responsibility projects should be well structured and implemented to the fullest in order to have maximum impact. In addition, organizations should liaise with community authorities to identify areas or opportunities available to them to better the lives of the people and therein enhance profit potentials through the provision of social amenities. This will go a long way to improve the general living standards of the people thereby sustaining organizational positioning.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Pit Latrines on Dug-Well Water Quality - A Case Study of the Asankrangwa Community in the Wassa Amenfi West District of Ghana

This study examined the water quality of dug-wells cited in close proximity to pit latrines in the Asankrangwa community in the Western Region of Ghana. Water samples were collected from 16 dug-wells and analyzed for some physical, chemical and bacteriological parameters. The results show that all the dug-wells were sited closer than the 30 metres minimum separation distance between dug-wells and pit latrines. All the physico-chemical parameters analysed (except turbidity) fell within the Ghana EPA standards for drinking water. The bacteriological analyses, however, showed that the water was contaminated with total coliforms (15.50-71.62 cfu/100ml), faecal coliforms (0.00-13.00 cfu/100ml) and E. coli (0.00-4.25 cfu/100ml). The high numbers of these in the water samples could be attributed to the presence of the pit latrines and the sanitation around the dug-wells as well as the use of multiple receptacles and the nature of the dug-wells (uncovered, unlined and unpaved dug-wells). The presence of these biological indicators suggest that the water is potentially harmful to human health if consumed untreated.

Source: KNUST
Effect of phosphorus application and soybean cultivar on grain and dry matter yield of subsequent maize in the tropical savannas of north-eastern Nigeria

Soybean can contribute to soil N, which may partly be used to improve maize production in northeast Nigeria. However, the efficiency of soybean to fix N can be limited by soil P deficiency. This study evaluated the effect of P application and soybean cultivars on dry matter and grain yield of subsequent maize for two years (2005 - 2006) at Miringa and Azir. Experimental design was a split-plot with three replications. The main plots contained P levels of 0, 20 and 40 kg P/ha and subplots had four soybean cultivars. Maize was planted in the harvested soybean plots. Application of P to soybean at 20 and 40 kg/ha significantly increased dry matter and grain yield of succeeding maize. Differences in grain yield were significant between all P rates in Miringa (2005) and Azir (2006) but only between 0 and 40 kg P/ha in Azir (2005) and Miringa (2006). The grain yields of maize following late-maturing soybean cultivars were significantly higher than those following the early maturing cultivars in 2005. The maize yield increases could however, not be explained by total soil N, available P, and N and P uptake. Other rotation effects beyond N supply by the preceding soybean may be responsible for the yield increases of maize.

Source: KNUST
The effect of plant population density on growth and yield of maize

Two maize varieties, Kawanzie, a short early-maturing variety and La Posta, a tall late-maturing variety, were sown on 10th April, in both 1986 and 1987, and 13th August, 1986 at 2.7, 5.4, 8.1, and 10.8 plants/m2 and at a rectangularity of 1:1, in a randoinised complete block design experiment at the Plantation Crops Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi (6°43’N, 1°36’W), in the forest zone of Ghana. The objective of the experiments was to study the effect of plant population density on the components of growth and yield of these varieties in the major and minor seasons in an attempt to explain observed seasonal differences in growth and yield of the varieties. The results of the experiments showed that leaf and stem dry weights increased with increase in plant population density up to 8.1 plants/m2, after which the increase in plant density to 10. 8plants/m2 did not show any significant increase in both leaf and stem dry weights. The effect of plant density on the decline in leaf and stem dry weights showed no clear trend, except that the quantity of dry matter lost from both the leaves and stems were generally more with the increase in plant density for La Posta Stalk diameter decreased with increase in plant population density. The results also showed that the components of growth: leaf area index and net assimilation rate, as well as total ear and grain yields and components were affected by both the date of sowing and plant population density. For early-maturing Kawanzie, grain yield and components increased in the major season up to 8.1plants/m2 and up to 5.4plants/m2 in the minor season and then declined. For the late-maturing La Posta however, grain yield and components were highest at 10.8plants/m2 in the major season, and the 8.1 plants/m2 treatment gave the highest grain yield in the minor season. The final grain yield for Kawanzie was higher in the minor seasons than in the major season, whilst, the reverse was obtained in the case of La Posta. The results indicated that the number of ears per m4 increased as population density increased though the number of ears per plant and weight per ear decreased with increase in plant population density, showing that after the optimum densities for the two varieties and seasons, the number of plants/ma could not compensate for the decrease in yields and components.

Source: KNUST
Effect of pond fertilization and feeding level on productivity of nile tilapia (Oreochromis Niloticus) in Ghana

Fish farmers have the desire to increase productivity but are constrained by the high cost of formulated feeds. This study quantified the performance of fish cultured in fertilized ponds and fed half the recommended ration of formulated feed and the cost-effectiveness of using inorganic fertilizers to improve productivity of tilapia raised in ponds. The study was conducted at the Renewable Natural Resources Management fish farm, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), located in Kumasi. In all, four 200m2 and two 300m2 ponds were used. Three of the ponds were unfertilized while the other three were fertilized. Ponds were dried, mud scooped out and limed before filling with water. Ponds were stocked with all-male tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings of average size 2g at 2fish/m2. Ponds were fertilized with Mono Ammonium Phosphate (MAP) at 2g/m2 and Urea at 3g/m2 strictly according to the phytoplankton abundance and Secchi-disk readings. Fish in the unfertilized ponds were fed 3-6% of their body weight twice daily with a 30-33% protein extruded feed. Fertilized ponds were fed half (1.5 – 3%) of the recommended ration whilst unfertilized ponds were fed strictly according to response. The results of the study showed a comparable growth of 202.9±23.8g and 204.2±36.3g between half ration and full ration ponds respectively. A similar observation was recorded for the Total Weight Gain (kg), Specific Growth Rate (%/day), Feed Conversion Ratio and Feed Intake with corresponding values of 101.7±35.6kg; 101.9±34.0kg, 1.2±0.2; 1.2±0.2, 1.2±0.3; 1.1±0.2, and 0.6±0.3; 0.7± 0.5 for half and full ration ponds, respectively. Total cost of production showed no significant difference (p=0.9888) between the half ration (GHȻ 1,621.1) and full ration (GHȻ 1,615.8) treatments. A total of profit estimated at GHȻ 596.7 and GHȻ 631.9 was realized for the full ration and half ration treatments, respectively. The results of this study indicate that farmers could increase their pond productivity, reduce production cost, and increase profit through fertilization and feeding at half ration with formulated feed. It is however, worth noting that to achieve best results, feeding strictly according to response is recommended.

Source: KNUST
The effect of plasma prolactin and milk lactose levels on the lactation performance of Ghanaian mothers and on the weight gain of their babies

The epidemiological Surveys done in Accra, Sunyani and Kumasi gave 21%, 27% and 28% respectively as the proportion of mothers affected by poor lactation performance or lactation problems. Graphical analysis and tests performed on the data of anthropometric measurements showed that babies from mothers without lactation problems generally weighed more than babies from mothers with lactation problems even though they were on supplements. This Suggests that mother’s milk could be a better promoter of infant growth than infant formulae. Prolactin was determined by immunoradiometric assay and lactose by the method of Asatoor and King. Analysis of the data on prolactin, lactose and infant weight in relation to lactation performance by the T test showed an association between lactation performance and plasma prolactin only in the 8 - 12 week period when the mother’s nutritional status had declined. It was observed from the survey that the peak of poor lactation performance occurred in the 8 - 12 week period. T tests on the relationship between lactation performance and the weight of babies during this period showed a close association in which case babies from mothers without poor lactation performance weighed more than the babies from mothers with lactation problems. Prom these observations it is possible that the first 8 - 12 weeks is a critical period of the babies’ life and in the lactation performances of the lactating mothers studied.

Source: KNUST