ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Investigation into challenges in developing specifications for procurement of goods

The study examines the challenges of developing specifications for procurement of goods at both private and public sectors especially in the Colleges of Education. The objectives of the study are as follows ; to review procurement officers’ performance on specification writing; to identify the challenges in specification writing on goods; to outline guidelines for facilitating the preparation of good specification for procurement of goods. Purposely it intended to discover the level at which specifications helps in procuring quality goods. In order to investigate the specification processes to determine the connection among the user department or unit and procurement department in specification writing. The research methodology engaged with a population of three (3) selected Colleges of Education (St. Theresa’s, Akatsi and Amedzofe E.P. Colleges of Education) which comprises various units and departments, forty-four (44) respondents using structured questionnaire. Quantitative analysis of the data was done by the usage of software known as SPSS 2.0 version in which percentages and frequencies were derived. The findings from the study indicated that majority of those respondents agreed that the unit takes lead in specification writing, formal training are also organized to enlighten the officers on procurement specifications of goods. Appropriate methods are also used by the unit as prescribed by the Public Procurement Authority (PPA) Act 663, 2003. The result reveals that using the appropriate methods of procurement enhances transparency and adds value for money. Looking at the findings, the researcher recommends that the management and committee in charge of procurement should make sure that members of the staff and employee are well empowered and enlightened on the procurement processes especially on specification development for the various tenders for smooth procurement activities. In conclusion, Good specifications should have the following characteristics; requirement should clearly be stated, making available equal chance for prospective vendors to supply products that meet the needs of the consumer, as well as goods or services integrating other solutions and no over-specification of requirement

Source: KNUST
An investigation into customer care practices in public hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis

Customer care within the context of healthcare delivery is very broad. The healthcare institution has two forms of customers: The suppliers of goods to the Hospital and the patients and their relatives who seek for healthcare. The World Health Organization focuses on the Patient as the Customer .The World Health Organization (WHO) in 1995 defined Customer care as the process by which a healthcare organization delivers its services or products in a way that allows the customer (patients) to access them in the most efficient, fair, cost effective, and humanly satisfying and pleasurable manner possible. This makes the patient the most important partner in healthcare system. However, this patient - hospital relationship in Ghana is tilted in favour of the healthcare staffs who regard him or herself as more important than the client. The question is does this tilted relationship provides good customer care? The general objective of the study is to investigate customer care practices in public health institutions in Ghana - a case of selected government hospitals in Kumasi Metropolis. The researcher adopted simple random sampling techniques in collecting data from respondents. The respondents consisted of patients and staff in selected public health institutions in Kumasi Metropolis. Data was collected through direct visitation, observation, interviews and questionnaires. A total of 320 people were interviewed in 16 public health hospitals and data collected constituted the primary data. It was shown that most patients were not satisfied with the long waiting times in these hospitals. Patients were however satisfied with the quality of care. It is recommended that more doctors should be trained and retained in these institutions to reduce the long waiting times in the hospitals.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into delays caused by consultants in the implementation of road construction projects in the Ashanti region of Ghana

Available data from the Ministry of Roads and Highways indicates that majority of road construction projects in Ghana awarded from 2015 for completion by 2016 or 2017 had delayed in completion. The general opinion expressed by the public to these delays is delayed payment of work done by the government to the affected contractors. However, consultants who are major stakeholders in the construction industry and work on behalf of the government are often not mentioned to be a contributing factor to these delays. The aim of this study was therefore to establish delays caused by consultants in the implementation of road construction projects in Ghana. The objectives of the study were: to identify key causes of delays caused by consultants in road construction projects in Ghana; to identify the effects of the delays on contractors in the completion of projects; and to outline measures to mitigate the delays caused by consultants in road construction projects in Ghana. Quantitative research method and census sampling technique were employed due to the number of populations which was equal to the sample size for this research work. A total of fifty-five (55) questionnaires were administered and all the fifty-five (55) responses were retrieved indicating a response rate of hundred percent (100%). The respondents for the study were the technical staff of three main road agencies under the Ministry of Roads and Highways in the Ashanti Region namely Ghana Highway Authority (GHA), Department of Feeder Roads (DFR) and Department of Urban Roads (DUR) and two other private consultants engaged by the Department of Urban Roads at the time of this research work in the Ashanti Region. The statistical methods employed in analysing data were descriptive statistics, mean score ranking, relative importance index (RII), correlational analysis and multiple regression method. The top three causes of delays caused by consultants at the implementationiv stage of road construction projects were multiple variations orders on same project, delays in issuing variation of works and inadequate fuel and logistics. The major effects of the delays on contractors in the completion of projects were increased interest on loans, claims for extension of time and/or compensation and increased cost of projects. Measures suggested for mitigating road construction delays in Ghana in their order of importance are that procurement process must be transparent to all stakeholders, funds/budget must be allocated before undertaking a project and consultants should produce complete design drawings and cost estimates based on the design drawings.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into early deterioration of surface dressings in Ghana

The success of bituminous surface dressing depends primarily on the adhesion of the chippings to the road surface. Premature failure of surface dressing in the country has become prevalent to the extent that some constructions begin to deteriorate soon after being in service. The overall aim of this research was to identify the possible causes of early deterioration of surface dressings in Ghana. The methods adopted for the study were: (i) examination of the existing local specifications for bituminous surface dressing, (ii) data collection through the use of a well-structured questionnaire to assemble empirical knowledge on surface dressing practices in Ghana, and (iii) visit to surface dressing construction site to assess construction practices. The study revealed that designers of the seal do not take into consideration the road surface temperature when specifying the binder viscosity. Also, not all the recommended tests are performed on the chippings by some of the contractors to ascertain aggregate conformity to the specifications. The study also established that rolling requirements were often ignored during construction and where rolling was carried out, sometimes the equipment used did not conform to specification. Because most of the contractors were not using electronic bitumen distributors and chipping spreaders, the possibility of inaccurate binder and aggregate application exist.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into efficient utilisation of human resources of the Methodist Church Ghana: A focus on the Clergy

The Methodist Church Ghana envisions building for itself, a vibrant, Spirit-filled and Spirit-led church at the fore front of a holistic evangelism and discipleship drive for the transformation of society and a mission to equip the church for ministry and demonstration of faith. One of the key provisions of the church’s ten year strategic plan developed in 2007 is to develop the human resource base for quality service provision in all departments of the church. For this to materialize the church should be seen to be efficiently utilizing its trained ministers. This study therefore contributes in this direction by investigating into the efficient utilization of human resources of the Methodist Church Ghana. Data was obtained through the use of questionnaire and interview session involving 500 respondents which included Bishops, ministers and other administrative staff. Data presentation and discussion were supported with line graphs and tables.The study found that the church’s HR policies had not been effectively communicated to the ministers. Again, systems for routine planning and projecting of the church’s HR needs were lacking. It was evident that the church lacked a functional system for ministerial transfers. Currently, ministers are posted arbitrarily and in most cases with no regard to specialties. Ministers who have been trained in specialized areas are often not given the opportunity to utilize their knowhow to the benefit of the church. The study recommended the need to utilize the technical knowhow of ministers trained in specialized areas and provide functional system for determining transfers. Again, there is the need to encourage ministers in deprived areas by ensuring objectivity and transparency in incentive schemesto avert potential resentments. To prevent the current phenomenon of the youth drifting to other denominations, young members of the church who exhibit extra-ordinary gifts and graces must be recognized and fully utilized.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into fungal seedborne pathogens of farmer-saved seed maize (Zea mays L.) collected from three ecological zones of Ghana and efficacy of plant extracts in controlling the pathogens

Seedborne fungal pathogenic infections of maize (Zea mays L.) were studied using fifty-four (54) seed samples, collected from locations in the Forest, Transitional and Guinea Savannah ecological zones in Ghana. The deep-freeze blotter method was used to detect fungal pathogens on the seed maize. Four pathogens identified were Acremonium strictum (infection ranging from 0.5 to 22%), Bipolaris maydis (0.5 to 1.5%), Botryodiplodia theobromae (1 to 19%) and Fusarium moniliforme (5 to 84.5%). Aqueous extracts of Cymbopogon citratus (lemongrass), Chromolaena odorata (siam weed) leaf and Azadirachta indica (neem) seeds were tested for their inhibitory activity against seedborne fungal pathogens in the infected seed maize, using 50% (w/v) concentrations for 1, 3, 6 and 24 hours each. Neem seed extract exhibited the best control, reducing infection of F. moniliforme from 68 to 18% with the 24 hours of treatment and eliminating Acremonium strictum at 1 and 24 hours of treatment. Botryodiplodia theobromae infection was eliminated at all the soaking periods. Neem had no effect on germination but reduced vigour slightly. Chromolaena odorata leaf extract also exhibited control on F. moniliforme reducing infection from 68 to 36.5% at 24 hours of treatment but had no significant effect on germination and vigour of seeds. Lemongrass extract did not have significant control effect on F. moniliforme but increased germination and vigour of seeds. There is therefore a potential of using neem seed extract as seed maize disinfectant against F. moniliforme, Acremonium strictum and Botryodiplodia theobromae.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into exploitation and modern-day slavery on construction sites in Ghana.

The construction industry is one of the easiest sectors prone to concealing acts of exploitation and modern-day slavery. Workers are most often than not exposed to exploitation and modernday slavery on construction sites. The study aims to bring to attention and assess the issue of exploitation and modern-day slavery on construction sites in Ghana and the extent of exploitation of workers on construction sites. A literature review was undertaken and it delved into identification of the indicators of exploitation and modern-day slavery, the various causes of exploitation and modern slavery on construction sites and the effects of exploitation and modern slavery on construction sites. Questionnaires were used to collect data from construction practitioners: contractors, project managers, site engineers, other registered personnel, masons and labourers in the Kumasi and Accra metropolis. The data was analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics and one sample t-test. The study showed that, workers not being allowed to negotiate working conditions, working for excessively long hours over long periods, no allowance for workers to go on leave and no off days, refusal to pay social security and insure workers on site and workers not having access to medical care were ranked as indicators of exploitation and modern day slavery that are mostly experienced on construction sites in Ghana. The study concludes that exploitation and modern-day slavery is an issue worth more attention. The study recommends awareness of the issue of exploitation and modern-day slavery by all stakeholders.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into guidance and counselling programmes in the Ghanaian prisons: a case study of Kumasi central prison.

The upsurge of crime and its attendant fear and panic have been a very serious cause of worry among law abiding citizens in Ghana. Recidivism is on the increase as ex-convicts who are expected by the society to be reformed in prison and reintegrated to lead meaningful lives, only return to crime shortly after their release and find themselves back into prison in spite of the harsh punishment and counselling services received while incarcerated. The aims of the study were to identify the Guidance and counselling services offered prisoners in Ghana, adequacy and effectiveness of facilities available under the Guidance and Counselling programmes currently run at the prison; as well as the role monitoring and follow-up services play in the reformation of inmates and to identify whether the Counsellors available in the prison are competent and adequate while noting the extent to which Guidance and Counselling services can assist in reducing crime. The study also aimed to find and document the number of inmates in the Kumasi Central Prison and to analyse and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the guidance and counselling programmes; appraise its effectiveness in the prison and advance possible ways of improving them so as to reduce crime and recidivism in Ghana. The Qualitative research method was used to obtain data which assisted the researcher to conduct in-depth investigation into the types of Guidance and Counselling Services offered in the Ghanaian Prisons. The methodology also aided in identifying the strengths and weaknesses in the Guidance and Counselling services offered prisoners. Furthermore it enhanced the collection of data, making of cogent and logical conclusions and recommendations. Stratified random sampling was used to select the population for the study. The investigation revealed that the major setback in the Guidance and Counselling section of the Ghana Prisons is the lack of competent and adequate professional counsellors in the prison. Further findings indicated that, there are no separate offices for the counsellors or a counselling room available and no privacy is observed during counselling sessions. Besides, the prison is over populated and crowded making it absolutely difficult for counsellors to meet counselling demands of inmates. The public is in the dark as to the activities of the Prison Administration in terms of reformation of prisoners. The Prison Administration is to educate the public through the media about their activities for the public to appreciate their strength and assist in addressing their weaknesses. The Government should make the Prison service attractive to the youth to enable the Prison Administration recruit staff with the requisite professional qualification and knowledge in Guidance and Counselling.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into local tree gums as screen sensitizers for fabric printing in second cycle institution in Ghana

This research has been undertaken to assess the suitability of local tree gums as screen-sensitizers for fabric printing in second cycle institutions in Ghana. It has been specifically designed to provide the Art teacher and his students with the basic guidelines on how to acquire and use gums of vegetable origin as local substitutes for synthetic and imported screen sensitizers. The project serves as a practical solution to sore of the perpetual problems facing Art Teachers, especially, in senior secondary’ and technical institutes as well as Teacher Training Colleges, concerning materials for fabric printing. Screen development had passed through several-resisting stages including the use of resins trees. Apart from being used ii industry as thickening components for inks, paints, water-colours drugs, food and fabric ayes, vegetable gum-resins form the base for synthetic water-proofing agents. Gum-resins from the nim, cashew, ficus and eucalyptus trees which have been chosen for the purpose of the project rank high among the list. These have been chosen because they are commonly found in Ghana. To meet school requirements, simple experiments were conducted to test the suitability of the gum-resins as screen sensitizers for fabric printing. The results, though not the best, are indicative of the effectiveness of these gum-resins as screen sensitizers. A model lesson notes on the application of the gum-resins in particular and screen printing in general has been provided as a guide to teachers. This exercise has been made possible through literary materials, personal observations, interviews and experiment. It is hoped that this script would be of valuable help to both Art Teachers and students, especially, those in the second cycle institutions.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into marketing challenges affecting manufacturers of footwear in the Kumasi Metropolis

In Ghana, footwear plays an essential part of our culture. Almost all the tribes put on footwear as part of their traditional dressing. The study sought to investigate the marketing challenges affecting manufacturers of footwear in the Kumasi Metropolis. Data was collected from two hundred manufacturers of footwear products in the Kumasi Metropolis. The heads of the Business Advisory Council and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly were also interviewed for relevant data. The study revealed that manufacturers of footwear products employed varied strategies in attracting customers, including designing products to meet needs of customers, offering after sale services, and selling at considerably lower prices, among others. The study further revealed that the first and second major marketing challenges confronting manufacturers of footwear products in the Kumasi Metropolis are the lack of promotion and quality of their products respectively. Other challenges included the presence of competitors and inability to find new markets. The study therefore recommended that the local media should also be sensitized by the national bodies such as the Ministries of Information and Communication, NCCE and Media Commission to spearhead the regular promotion and marketing of footwear products. Also, the Metropolitan Assembly should create the enabling environment to improve upon activities of the footwear industry.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into perceived organizational support (Pos) and its effects on employees’ outcome: A case study of Afigya Kwabre District Education

The quality of Human Resource is an asset to any organization and as a result the needed support which is to be provided to the employees has become an issue that has to be faced by every organization. The attitudes of employees towards the organization in which they work have become so crucial to the managers of the organization and researchers as well since employee‟s behavior have a direct impact on desirable work related outcomes. The main objective was to investigate into the effects of Perceived Organizational Support on employees‟ outcomes. However, the three common antecedents of perceived organizational support are fairness, supervisor support and organizational reward and job condition. The study argued that some employee outcomes such as job involvement, organizational commitment, and job satisfaction and employees intention to remain in the organization are important for ensuring a high level of organizational performance. However, POS is generally thought to be the organization‟s contribution to a positive reciprocity dynamic with employees, as employees tend to perform better to pay back POS. The respondents were selected by the use of simple random and purposive technique. Primary data was collected by the use of structured questionnaires for both management and teachers and secondary source of data (internal source) was gathered by the use of books, articles, reports from GES and other published documents to help achieve the research objective. The study revealed that Perceived Organizational Support (POS) is positively related to organizational commitment, job involvement, and job satisfaction which in turn were negatively related to turnover intentions and withdrawal behavior which are employees‟ outcomes. However, organizations can give the necessary support to employees to be motivated intrinsically to promote positive employee behaviours.

Source: KNUST