ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Managing Contract Variations within the Legal Framework of Public Procurement in Ghana: A Case Study of Electricity Company of Ghana Limited

Construction in Ghana is a high risk prone industry because of the complex and dynamic project environment. Construction projects are complex because they involve many human and non-human factors and variables. Construction contracts usually last long and experience various uncertainties such as variations. Even well planned projects may eventually require variations. The management of contract variations can be enhanced by the identification and analysis of potential contract variations as early as possible. All issues regarding procurement in Ghana are governed by a legal framework. The study aimed to ascertain the adequacy of the legal framework of public procurement and the root causes, effects and controls of variations in ECG works procurement contracts. The study adopted a case study approach through which structured questionnaires were designed to solicit views from all staff of the Premises Division of ECG. The study revealed after analysing the data using a Relative Importance Index, Kendall’s Rank Test and Gap Analysis that the five most prevalent root causes of variations in ECG contracts include; Change in plans by the client, Discrepancy in design details and BOQ, Differing site conditions, Client’s financial constraints and Change in economic conditions. That of the effects of variations identified include; Increase in project cost, Completion schedule delay, Project progress is affected but without any delay, Rework and demolition and Dispute between parties to the contract. Control measures identified to manage contract variations effectively include; Clarity of variation order scope, Written approvals, Prompt approval procedures, Variation logic and justification and Review of contract documents. A Gap analysis was conducted to ascertain the level of knowledge and usage of variation provisions within the legal framework of public procurement. It was concluded that ECG contract variations are not properly managed using all the necessary variation principles in line with the legal framework of the Public Procurement. There is a very wide gap between the level of knowledge and application of variation principles and that this gap has to be bridged. This should serve as a source of worry to ECG if it desires to effectively manage its construction contract variations.

Source: KNUST
Managing growth in Ghanaian cities-the role of peripheral District Centres

Rapid urbanization and growth management has become the greatest problem facing cities worldwide. The problem manifests itself in urban poverty and development of slums, rapid conversion of agriculture land into residential use, poor sanitation and waste management, housing shortage and high accommodation and rent costs, traffic congestion and pollution. The impetuses of these problems are rural-urban migration, inadequate or lack of regulatory frameworks for spatial organization, unemployment and underemployment and inadequate opportunities in the peripheral district centres and rural areas. The primary driving forces of rural-urban migration include the opportunities and services offered in urban areas - especially jobs and education, while in some cases, conflict, land degradation and exhaustion of natural resources in rural areas. Kumasi is the second largest city in Ghana chosen for the study. Its location in the heart of the country makes it a link between the north and the south of the country. Three peripheral district centres Ejisu, New Offinso and Bekwai are also analyzed based on their proximity to Kumasi and the availability of resources that complement the city. The study focused on growth management strategies used by the city Authorities in Kumasi as well an assessment of peripheral district centres’ ability to use Local Economic Development initiatives and be integrated in the management of the city. Even though problems encountered by city authorities are mostly generated from outside the city, decisions about its management are done in isolation of adjoining districts. None of the districts has a distinctive economic identity that can be harnessed for its development. Economic activities are diverse in all peripheral centres and dominated by the informal small scale sector. Majority of economic opportunities are concentrated in the core and continue to attract more investments and FDIs. It is therefore recommended that policies should restrain the growth of extra large cities and increase commitment to the provision of infrastructure and services in peripheral centres. By this, investments will be diffused from the centre and consciously redistributed to other secondary towns to ensure equitable access to services and infrastructure.

Source: KNUST
Managing Inventory Systems Using Optimization

In managing inventory systems, proper simulation of the inventory or stock levels is very likely to reduce holding cost, losses and improve general customer satisfaction or profit. This thesis aims to investigate simulation optimization of an Inventory Management System. It also discusses Optimal Inventory Policy (cost saving in inventory management and maximizing profit). A mathematical model is used for this purpose. Also a case study adjusts mathematical model to practicality of Toyota Ghana Company Limited business situation.

Source: KNUST
Managing human relations in the delivery of healthcare: A case study of selected health facilities in the Atwima Nwabiagya District

Despite wide recognition of the importance of human relations for effective organizational performance, there is little understanding of the various elements of human relations in healthcare, and even less understanding of the ways in which human resource management practices can support human relations conducive to knowledge transfer and sharing. It is for this reason that this study sought to investigate the management of human relations in the delivery of healthcare in the selected health facilities in the Atwima Nwabiagya District. This was done by the use of suitable methodological approaches through purposive sampling of respondents from two public health facilities and two private health facilities in the Atwima Nwabiagya District to achieve the objectives of the study. The response rate achieved was 78%. The findings revealed the non-existence of human relations policy in both the public and private facilities. The enablers for human relations as identified by the study included avoidance of nepotism and favouritism, satisfied employees, effective communication, flexible organizational culture, staff welfare scheme, etc. The findings revealed that good human relations improves work rate, promotes good performance of staff, minimizes conflict situations among staff, ensures a better relationship between healthcare professionals and patients/clients etc. It is recommended that the level of performance of front-line health workers or those who are continuously in contact with the clients/patients and the community at all levels of health care is improved. Secondly, it is recommended that the various stakeholders come together to enact a policy to manage human relations, and ensure that it is implemented and strictly adhered to.

Source: KNUST
Managing of Financial Resources for the Development of Local Government: the Case of Amansie West District Assembly

The role of sound financial management practices in the development process of local government has been a subject of many writers. This among others is due to the fact that no meaningful development can take place if financial resources are not managed well. Beside, local government authorities have to justify their financial empowerment and use it as a tool to achieve their goals and objectives. The study delved into how Amansie » West District Assembly manages its financial resources to promote development. The study revealed that the district assembly recorded a consistent increase in revenue generation in real terms for the period under review. However, an analysis of the individual revenue items indicated that of the eleven major revenue items, only three contributed 82% to total local revenue. This implies that in a period where the three revenue items perform badly, the assembly's revenue base will reduce drastically and it will affect the smooth implementation of development projects and programme. It was recommended that the assembly should designed effective strategies to ensure that the other eight revenue sources also perform better and also identity new sources of revenue if it is to be efficient. An analysis of the revenue -expenditure relationship revealed that the assembly recorded a deficit in the study period. It was observed that the district performed better in the areas of capital expenditure. It continually allocated enough funds for the purpose of development. Financial management practices are largely adhered to. The issue of embezzlement and financial mismanagement centres more on revenue collectors. Generally, the level of development of the district is reflected in its programmes and budget estimates.

Source: KNUST
“Managing investment opportunities under risks in the Ghanaian mining industry — a case study of Sansu surface mines project”

A mining project is viable, if it can generate sufficient revenue to offset the investments made in capital costs, operating costs and other associated project costs, pay for various taxes and royalties, and still leave reasonable profits from the capital outlay. However, the risk of high initial capital requirements, long pre-production periods and others generally associated with the mining industry, together with the host countries mineral and investment policies often make it difficult to achieve the needed dividends from the invested capital. Mineral projects are therefore, evaluated comprehensively with respect to risks, before being undertaken. However, even after a full evaluation of the project has been undertaken, adverse variations from the planned projections are still evident during the operating stage, thus, rendering the project uneconomic. Therefore, a mining project must be continually re-evaluated for the associated risks to ensure its success. Due to continued increases in the Sansu surface mine cash operating cost, as a result of high-cost and ageing mining equipment, and depletion of higher-grade ore reserves, this thesis seeks to investigate the economic viability of the Sansu Surface Mine Project (SSMP) of Ashanti Goldfields Company. A cash flow model of the SSMP in its last year of operation has been developed, and used for analysing the viability of the SSMP. Sensitivity analysis using the operating and capital costs of the SSMP, and gold price as investment parameters has been conducted using the cash flow generated for the SSMP. It is depicted from the results of the analysis that the SSMP is viable, but most sensitive to the project’s operating cost and the gold price. For profit maximisation of the SSMP, it is suggested that measures be put in place to control the operating and capital costs, as well as fluctuations in the gold price with a view to enhancing returns from the investments.

Source: KNUST
Managing plastic waste through reverse logistics in some selected companies in Accra

Proper waste management is critical to reducing plastic pollution. Plastic is a valuable and versatile material, but its improper disposal and mismanagement lead to harmful consequences for the environment. Effective management strategies are essential for environmental sustainability and to mitigate the effects of plastic pollution on our planet. Research has shown the importance of reverse logistics approach in the management of plastic waste. Despite its relevance, most stakeholders are yet to adopt this approach in the management of plastic waste. This study therefore focused on examining the management of plastic waste among companies that adopt reverse logistics in the supply chain in Ghana. Specifically, the study focused on the reverse logistics strategies of organizations’ use of plastic bottles for product distribution and explored the role of supply chain members in plastic waste management; as well as examined key supply chain challenges in dealing with plastic waste management and evaluated the regulatory framework for dealing with plastic waste in the country. The study adopted the descriptive research design and qualitive study. The method of data collection used was non-probability sampling with the aid of interview guide. The study was analysed using the thematic approach. The outcome of the study suggests that plastic waste management through reverse logistics is an essential component of addressing the environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. It was also found that various stakeholders are involved in the supply chain process of plastic waste management. The result of the study revealed that there are regulatory frameworks governing plastic waste Management, however, the quest to ensure the proper management of plastic waste is faced with challenges. The study therefore recommends that there should be the promotion of sustainable practices in reverse logistics, such as recycling, refurbishing, and reusing returned products and further research should focus on the role of public institutions in enforcing plastic waste management.

Source: KNUST
Managing organizational conflicts: A case of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation

Conflict is inevitable in every organizational set up and if not managed when it does occur could affect staff performance and productivity. The objective of this study was to find out the causes of conflicts in organizations, its effect on the organization and staff, and strategies for managing conflicts in the case of Ghana Broadcasting Corporation. The researcher used descriptive statistics to analyze the quantitative data collected through field survey. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaires. The researcher used Yamane’s formula to determine the sample size of 91 based on a population of 989. Data collected during the field survey was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science’s (SPSS). The researcher also reviewed literatures relating to the chosen topic in other to sample the views of various authorities on the subject matter. Finding of the research showed that conflicts existed in the organization and that if dysfunctional conflicts are not managed properly could affect staff motivation, lead to poor staff performance and low productivity. It was recommended that management adopt appropriate conflict management strategies in dealing with conflicts, the use of effective communication approaches in addressing the perceived information gap between management and staff and provide needed resource to help minimize the occurrence of interpersonal and intergroup conflict situations.

Source: KNUST
Managing Mining Risk Using Ore Reserve Estimates

The decision to invest in the mining industry comes with all forms of challenges that will have to be managed with care. Especially because, it involves huge capital outlay and the associated risks are very high. The assessment process of the commercial viability of the ore deposit consists of two major components; the estimation of the quantity (including quality) of the commodity and the decision as to whether or not to mine (or invest). This thesis tries to explore these risk areas by using the geostatistical model and its analysis (the semi-variogram and kriging analysis) to estimate the quantity and quality of the commodity. The decision to invest or not to invest is analyzed with the help of the black-scholes model, taking into consideration the prevailing market price (including price volatility) and the risk derived from the geostatistical estimates. The results indicate that, if the concession is contracted for a period of five years then the mine would be viable for investment during the entire duration when the price, the base case, of the commodity (gold) is about one thousand six hundred dollars. The sensitivity analysis, however, reveals that the mine would not be worth investing within some periods in the duration of the contract especially when the gold price falls to eight hundred dollars per ounce and below.

Source: KNUST
Managing Requirements Change In Global Software Development Using Cloud Computing

This thesis presents a study of the techniques used by Global Software Development (GSD) experts for Managing Changes in Software Requirements. Ultimately, it presents the challenges faced and suggests an improved model for managing or minimizing these changes in requirements. The qualitative research approach was used to explore the existing ways of managing changes in requirements. Challenges like difficulty in Coordination, Communication and Control of processes, variance in nature of processes; different levels of practical expertise, Non-existence of Shared Repositories for Storing Requirements etc. are some of the challenges identified. A practical case study of how requirement change management (RCM) is done in a GSD company was embarked on to understand the techniques involved in the process. The study proposed an advanced model named (GSD - RMFC) that uses cloud and some simplified communication and coordination technologies for RCM in GSD. The proposed model was simulated using Global Network Simulator 3 (GNS 3). Experts reviews of the simulation results revealed that GSD – RMFC could minimize the root causes of Requirement Change, and solve some of the major problems in GSD.

Source: KNUST
Managing technical risk in Ghanaian Construction Projects

Many previous studies have been conducted within the field of risk management but each presents a different approach to this concept. Not much has been done on managing technical risk which in most cases is the root of majority of risk found in the construction industry and runs through the project life cycle. As part of a much larger project aiming to articulate and manage key risks associated with construction projects, this research seeks to identify, prioritize and develop a risk checklist of major technical risk that have the ability to greatly endanger the success of Ghanaian projects. A qualitative approach was employed to develop an initial understanding of sources and types of risk considered as technical in the construction industry which served as a base for further decision making. Thirty three (33) key risks were identified under four categories thus: feasibility stage, design stage, tendering stage and construction stages, based on which questionnaires were developed and administered randomly to 50 experts in the construction industry in Western and Central Regions of Ghana. These questionnaires consisted of two sections, section one gather information on the respondent while section two ask respondents to review and indicate the likelihood of occurrence and impact of the risks. A likert scale was used to rank these risks as high, medium and low for likelihood of occurrences of risks and the level of impact of each of the risk base on cost, time and quality of the project as high, medium and low. Data from the questionnaires were analyzed using average means and significant index methods. The research found that all the 33 identified risks affected both projects cost and time, whilst only 25 affected quality of projects. It was evident from the ranking of these risks that the impact of risks on projects varies from one objective to the other.

Source: KNUST
Managing the civil servants health insurance scheme: the case of Ejura/Sekyedumase District in the Ashanti Region

Economic problems in most Sub-Saharan African countries have made it difficult for governments to provide adequate resources for the effective and efficient management of the health sector. In response to this need, WHO, NGOs and some Health Economists have advocated for health insurance schemes as an alternative form of financing health care. Since the 1990s, community health insurance schemes have emerged in Ghana. Noted amongst these include the Nkoranza and Damango schemes in the Brong-Ahafo and Northern Regions respectively. It is however worth noting that these are all mutual health organisations. In 2001, the Ashanti Region Civil Servants Association in conjunction with the Ministry of Health in the region established the first ever social health scheme for their employees, making it the first formal sector scheme in the country. This scheme has since become operational in every district of the Ashanti Region. Each district operates independently of the others. The Ejura/Sekyeredumase scheme is one such scheme. This study looked at the performance of the management processes of the scheme in an attempt to unearth the lapses and weaknesses in its operation so as to make it a more viable one. The assessment focused on the variable concepts of planning, organizing, leading and controlling. Apart from obtaining data through questionnaires and discussions, interviews were conducted for beneficiaries, providers and the managers of the scheme. ‘- The study has confirmed among other things, that the Ejura/Sekyerdumase health insurance scheme was popular amongst civil servants in the district but only had problems with its management. The first and foremost factor responsible for this state of affairs was the non-functionality of the District Medical Care Committee which was one of the two committees supposed to have been put in place. An important recommendation based on the findings of this study is that all proposed structures according to the guidelines setting up a scheme be put in place before its commencement. This committee which was never made functional was supposed to function alongside the District Executive Committee. The former was to have authority over the latter whose responsibility was the day-to-day management of the scheme. Its presence would have complemented the efforts of the District Executive Committee and enhanced the performance of the scheme.

Source: KNUST