ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The role of effective communication in project success: A case study of Ghana Highways Authority

Effective communication is the hallmark of every construction project. As the project unfolds and the design is realized, information in the form of drawings, specifications and construction methods must be communicated from one expert to another. Therefore, using an appropriate communication method and communication medium to resolve construction and design problems is essential. In order to fully appreciate communication in the Ghana Highways Authority construction project, the following objectives were articulated for the research: To determine the communication channels used by project experts in Ghana Highways Authority, determine the causes of communication barriers on GHA projects and determine how construction project communication affect the execution of projects of Ghana Highways Authority. The research sampled 86 professionals working with consultants, project clients and contractors with D1K1 classification. The study established that within the Ghanaian construction industry, there is a strong appreciation of the importance of effective project communication and its importance within the industry. Indeed, various levels and channels of communications have been established within the construction industry notably the communication between the clients and consultants or consultants and contractors. In spite of that, there have been many hindrances to effective communication on construction projects in Ghana. These include; selective perception, non-verbal messages, deceptive tactics, late delivery, poor leadership, unclear communication objectives, unclear channels of communication, inefficient reporting system, ineffective communication between the parties on the project, and language difficulties. Finally, the research established that poor communication had resulted in project delays, project cost overrun and project abandonment. Project communications was also shown to affect the performance of professionals within the construction industry strongly

Source: KNUST
The role of district assembly in health - a case study in Assin District

The Local Government has posed a lot of challenges since colonial times in health care provision at the local level. Various commissions and enactments have looked at the functions that were given to the local council bodies in relation to health care provision. In the recent enactment, local government Act, Act462, health functions were not specified. However it did specified health as a decentralised department in the District. The Ministry of Health has initiated a long-term health improvement package to improve health. It recognises the creation of Ghana Health Services as a means to that end. This culminated in the enactment of Ghana Health Service Act, Act 525, which clearly spelt out the functions of the service, and how it is going to be governed. The work has looked at these functions and the contribution that could be imputed from the Assembly. It came out clearly that for health care provision to reach the level that the long-term document envisaged there should be a concerted effort from both the GHS and the local government bodies at the District level.

Source: KNUST
The Role of Employee Retention on Job Performance: A Case Study of Accra Brewery Company Limited, Accra

Employees today are different. They are not the ones who do not have good opportunities, especially, experienced and talented ones. As soon as they feel dissatisfied with the current employer or the job due to lack of advancement opportunities, salary and remuneration and others, they switch over to the next. The result is that employers lose their invested resources to their competitors, corporate memory is lost, employee-customer relationships are strained and more over the moral of existing staff goes down. It is therefore very important that employers retain their employees, especially the good and experienced ones. Employee retention is a process in which employees are encouraged to remain with the organization for the maximum period of time or until the completion of a particular project( Hom ,1995). This study looks at the retention practices in Accra Brewery Limited (ABL), from the point of view of its employees and what role retention plays in their job performance. A sample population of thirty employees comprising of senior and junior level staff in the various departments was used. Eight (8) out of the thirty (30) employees, representing 26.67%, were satisfied with the retention practices of ABL. The study confirms that lack of advancement opportunities, work-life balance, lack of reward and recognition and salary and remuneration were more common reasons for departure among all employees. Retaining top talent is a primary concern for many organizations today and this study recommends that retention strategies should be aimed at retaining highly skilled personnel and at the same time building up under-performers. Feedback on employee performance is vital to building confidence in the retention practices of the Brewery. In addition, employee value proposition as enshrined in the vision statement of the Brewery must be upheld while management should be flexible in terms of work-life balance. These motivation of employees produces a culture of commitment to the objectives of the organization.

Source: KNUST
The role of Doxycycline in the Amelioration of Filarial Hydrocele

There is an urgent need for a macrofilaricidal drug that can improve or halt progression of hydrocele pathology in lymphatic filariasis. In addition, new drugs with modes of action different to ivermectin must urgently be developed to serve as backup should ivermectin resistance develop. While diethylcarbamazine has partial macrofilaricidal effects, it does not ameliorate filarial hydrocele and cannot be used in Africa because of co-endemicity with onchocerciasis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a six-week course of 200mg doxycycline could ameliorate filarial hydrocele and its associated clinical conditions. A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, clinical trial was conducted with 44 hydrocele patients. Twenty one (21) were treated with 200 mg of doxycycline for 6 weeks whilst 23 received placebo treatment for 6 weeks. Ninety one percent (91%) of the patients completed the full course of treatment. All study participants were given 150 µg/kg ivermectin plus 400mg albendazole 6 months after treatment in accordance with the nationwide mass drug administration programme. Ultrasound examinations of the scrotum were carried out for all patients at pre-treatment and at the 12-months and 24-month follow-ups. Patients were examined for dilation in scrotal lymphatic vessels, hydrocele stage, thickness of the scrotal skin and filaria dance signs. Parasitological examinations for circulating filaria antigens and microfilarial loads were also carried out. At the 12-month follow-up, there were no significant variations in the measured parameters between the doxycycline and placebo-treated patients. After 24 months of treatment, 94% of the doxycycline-treated patients had significant improvement and halt in progression of the dilations in the scrotal lymphatic vessels compared to 46% of placebo-treated patients (p=0.318). Eighty two (82%) of doxycycline-treated patients had a significant improvement and halt in progression of hydrocele stage compared to 46% of placebo-treated patients (p=0.0349). The improvement was observed only in patients with early stage hydrocele. All the 6 worm nests in the doxycycline-treated patients had been lost after 24 months whilst thickening in the scrotal skin of 47% of doxycycline-treated patients were significantly improved as against 33% in placebo-treated patients (p=0.0120). Circulating filaria antigen levels did not vary significantly between the two groups (p=0.5726). Treatment with doxycycline was well tolerated as the incidence of adverse events was not significantly different between the treatment groups (p=0.3148). The study demonstrated that, in addition to its macrofilaricidal activity, a six-week course of 200mg doxycycline has ameliorative effect on filarial hydrocele. This effect occurred even in patients who had no active infection. Therefore, doxycycline can be used in hydrocele patients in whom the current antifilarial drugs do not provide amelioration.

Source: KNUST
The role of foreign resources component and the growth of the manufacturing sub-sector

Industrialization in Ghana proceeded on the basis of import substitution industrialization (ISI). This strategy, in the process led to the over reliance on foreign raw materials and technology, which eventually failed to relieve the economy from the importation of foreign products. The research was meant to find out whether recent attempt at industrialization (which is focused on foreign resources) has shifted emphasis from factors that militated against the success of the ISI policy. The ‘before and after’ method of analysis was employed, which focused on the Economic Recovery Programme era with particular emphasis on the Structural Adjustment Programme period. A total of 50 medium and large-scale firms were selected as the sample frame from a total population of 99 firms. Information was collected through the administration of questionnaires from the sampled firms and other Secondary data. Tool of analysis were statistical tables, graphs, charts, regression and correlation tools. The Kumasi Metropolis was chosen as the study area. The study showed that the amount of foreign resources inflow to manufacturing is far below expectation and as a result, its influence on manufacturing growth is not phenomenal. Besides, there is continuous over reliance on foreign technology and raw materials as existed in the 1ST era. Again, Manufacturing Capacity utilization is still low and exports are restricted to only the wood and wood products sub-sector. Furthermore, the macro environment is still not favourable for manufacturing growth. However, it was observed that as a result of foreign investments, the ownership structure of manufacturing has changed in favour of the private sector. Also, there is improvement in the level of employment and a lot of firms were using modern machinery by the year 2000. In the circumstances, it is recommended that, policy makers should work toward a favourable macro- economic environment, there should be an aggressive investment promotion to attract more investors into the sub-sector, and government should establish an investment fund to complement any foreign capital that may flow into manufacturing. In addition, the stock exchange should be strengthened to enable manufacturers have access to long-term capital; government should support manufacturers to export more and encourage the development of local technology and raw materials. In spite of the unquestionable role that foreign resources can play, it is only when these recommendations together with others are implemented that we can reap its full benefits.

Source: KNUST
The role of enterprise risk management in the business environment: A case study of Star Assurance Company Limited

The dynamic and highly competitive business environment in recent times has seen numerous debacles, from natural disasters to financial crisis, not forgetting frauds and scandals. This has brought to the lime-light risk management, a discipline that has in the past focused on mostly hazardous risks, and is most recognized in the finance and insurance sectors. All these; including the numerous measures taken to mitigate the current and emerging risks, have given governments, businesses and stakeholders a new view of the environment; the risk environment. The intervention by what is considered the evolutionary discipline of the traditional risk management, known as Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), takes a new and holistic approach towards the management of risk. Experts describe ways of implementation through the use of frameworks. This study is carried-out using a case-study research design looking at Star Assurance Company Limited. The general objective of the study is to assess ERM implementation strategies by Star Assurance Company Limited in its attempt to increase sales and overcome the core challenges facing the insurance industry in Ghana. Reported findings, herein, show that, the ERM implementation processes is apparently influenced by numerous success factors including the risk appetite, risk culture, management competence, among others, which go a long way to show the value of ERM; even though not quantified. In concluding this research, the influential factors, taking into Star Assurance Company Limited implementation challenges and how they are linked to the ERM process of achieving these strategic implications are highlighted.

Source: KNUST
The Role of Government in Venture Capital Investment in Ghana

Complementing the efforts of entrepreneurs and for that matter SMEs through the establishment of the trust fund and putting measures to sustain the scheme is a step in a right direction. The problem is on the role of government in venture capital investment in Ghana. Primary data was used as a source of information. The responses from beneficiaries of the fund scheme and other respondents showed that the government played different roles. In one instance, the government was seen as playing an agency role by being the first to establish the venture capital trust fund. In another sense, the government was seen to be playing a complementary role. That is complementing the efforts of the SMEs. This was revealed by granting them low cost investment capital and also instituting measures for making.the low cost capital available to SMEs. Another was that, mechanisms were put in place to ensure a continuous flow of funds into the Venture Capital Trust Fund (VCTF) scheme. Also, measures were put in place to attract potential investors that is by trying to reduce the risk associated with venture capital investment. It again showed that the startup stage of a business operation was the stage that received the most attention. However, the seed stage never had any investment. This stage is an important stage in entrepreneurs' business operation. Also, the priority sectors of economy were identified where it was mentioned that agriculture, information technology, education and health were identified.

Source: KNUST
The role of Heads of Department in promoting Visual Art Programme in Senior High Schools in Kumasi

The research study emanates from the fact that heads of department occupy an important position in the management and teaching in Senior High School education in Ghana. As any other department in Senior High School, the performance and image of the visual art programme is below expectation. It was assumed that failure of heads of department to perform their duties and challenges confronting them result in the department becoming dysfunctional. A literature study was conducted to explore duties of the heads of department and to investigate the specific challenges facing heads of in Visual Art Department. The researcher adopted both quantitative and qualitative method of research. Interviews and questionnaires were used as data collection instruments, to determine the views of the heads of department as well as students and teachers, on the duties and challenges heads of department experience in executing their tasks. It involved nine heads of department in nine Senior High Schools offering Visual Art in Kumasi Metropolis. The major findings of the research study reveal that heads of department experience challenges with shortage of resources, and also face challenges in monitoring and controlling their colleagues even if a job description exists. It was also revealed that records keeping were something they were battling with. Again it emerged that HoDs in the sample schools are reluctant in identifying teachers’ weaknesses in the Visual Art Departments. Furthermore there is inappropriate selection of subject teachers for capacity building and developmental programme when the need arises and financial constraint compel HoDs to rotate the number of teachers who attend training programmes. Generally the study indicated that heads of department require training aimed at meeting the specific needs of middle managers and should seek parent and community support in provision of teaching and materials.

Source: KNUST
The role of free-living amoebae as reservoir in the transmission of Mycobacterium Ulcerans

Mycobacterium ulcerans causes Buruli ulcer disease. The bacterium can be found predominantly in swamps and slow-flowing water areas. Understanding the ecology of M. ulcerans has been severely hampered due to a knowledge gap of the reservoir and precise mode of transmission although aquatic insects and mosquitoes have been implicated in its transmission. Free-living amoebae (FLA) are common inhabitants of the aquatic ecosystems and have been shown to be naturally infected with environmental mycobacteria that may cause human infections. This study investigated the hypothesis that FLA could serve as reservoirs of M. ulcerans and aid in its transmission to humans. Five hundred and thirty nine environmental specimens were collected from water bodies in five endemic and two non endemic communities for ten months; 13 aerosols, 223 biofilms from plant, 205 biofilms from trunks, 45 detritus, 53 water filtrates from five endemic and two non endemic communities. FLA were isolated from 369 (68.5%) environmental specimens and three genera were identified by PCR; Acanthamoeba 157 (29.1%), Vahlkamfiidae 306 (56.8%) and Naegleria 118 (21.9%). The effect of pH, temperature and bacterial load on the isolation of amoebae were investigated. While isolation of Vahlkampfiidae was independent of physical parameters (pH and temperature), an increase in these parameters increased the isolation Naegleria and Acanthamoeba species. FLA were not dependent on bacterial load specifically E. coli as source of nutrient since they may have had alternative sources (yeast, fungi and other protozoa) for food. One hundred and thirty one intracellular mycobacteria were isolated and identified. Intracellular mycobacteria were often isolated from specimens positive for isolation of amoebae and positive for 16S rDNA PCR from amoebae cultures. Culture of M. ulcerans from FLA and environmental specimens was attempted. One isolate was positive for IS2404 PCR but negative upon confirmation by Variable-Number Tandem Repeat typing. M. ulcerans DNA was detected from a water filtrate and IS2404 target was detected from 2 environmental specimens and 25 amoebae cultures. The study showed no association between M. ulcerans and FLA, however, results indicated a significant association between FLA (Acanthamoeba and Vahlkampfiidae genera) and IS2404 target. These data may have implications for the reservoir and transmission of environmental mycobacteria that habour IS2404 target. These findings may provide important information for understanding the ecology of M. ulcerans.

Source: KNUST
The role of health information system in health management in Techiman Municipality, Ghana

Health Information System (HIS) are designed to produce information for decision making and to enable management ascertain the process made by organization towards achieving its objectives. II aids in allowing optimal utilization of resources, in planning for better inter-sectorial coordination and in monitoring and evaluation of activities. Information System are thus potent tool of management and also essential for initiating programmes in any field. However, lot of gaps in terms of management and usage of health information system exists and pose threat to the health care delivery. This was buttressed by an observation of HIS in the Techiman Municipality which revealed several weaknesses in the system. The study therefore assessed the role of HIS in the Municipality to make recommendations in order to improve health care delivery in the entire district and Ghana as a whole. Areas of interest in the study include; -Data collection -Analysis of data -The use of data -Feedback -Problem with HIS -Timeliness of reporting A quantitative descriptive study was used. Validity of data was checked using the face validity method. Decision making by health care providers should be supported by information that is timely, relevant and complete allowing services to run effectively and contribute to the achievement of policies and planning objectives. Such information also makes it possible to evaluate services, anticipate the needs of communities assess improvement in health and appropriate intervention. The Municipal Chief Executive, Municipal Director of Health Services and Medical Superintendent were notified through in writing. A quantitative descriptive study was employed to focus on planning and decision-making, information source, utilization and feedback. Data collection technique included the administration of both structured and unstructured questionnaire (open-ended and closed) to key informants; use of checklist and observation, none randomized purposive sampling was employed. The finding of the facilities level showed that adequate data were collected but some were incomplete while others were inaccurate. There was uniform format for collecting data at the different facilities. Returns were submitted on monthly basis but sometimes late. At the facility level data was analyzed by way of aggregation of data collected on daily bases. Each data prepared for submission to the Municipal Health Directorate. At the district level returns were collected and submitted to RHA. The returns were however not used for decision making hence under utilization of data. Returns were however not used not being used for decision-making. From the Municipal level, returns were collated and submitted to RHA, however not used for decision-making for the system to be efficient and operational, an effective supervision and monitoring system need to be in place at all levels of health facilities in the Techiman Municipality. It will also be important to train all health workers on basic concepts and relevance of an efficient HIS.

Source: KNUST