ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the relationship between learning orientation and innovation performance of healthcare industries in Ghana: the mediating role of supply chain integration and moderating of environmental uncertainty

Intense international competition, rapid technological advances, and potential customer expectations can cause terrible turbulences in organisations therefore they try to differentiate and gain competitive advantage. Learning orientation orients organisations in the direction of creating and using knowledge, so it can improve the organization’s desire to acquire, assimilate, transform and exploit the external knowledge. Learning occurs through interacting knowledge with action and leads to acquiring and disseminating knowledge and it influences innovation performance in organizations. This research sought to assess the effect of learning orientation on innovation performance of healthcare industries in Ghana coupled with the mediating role of supply chain integration and moderating of environmental uncertainty. This research was a quantitative study and an explanatory research design was employed to achieve the three objectives of the study. A developed questionnaire was used to collect data from selected healthcare industries in Ghana using 132 respondents. Data entry and analysis was conducted through Microsoft Excel Software, SPSS and Hayes Process Macro. Results were presented using descriptive, correlation and regression tables. Results showed that four out of the five proposed hypotheses were supported. Learning orientation had a positive and significant effect on Innovation Performance (p < 0.05). Also, the effect of Learning Orientation on Innovation Performance was mediated by Supply Chain Integration. Finally, Environmental Uncertainty did not moderate the effect of Supply Chain Integration on Innovation Performance. This research concludes that learning orientation play a key role in the improvement of innovation performance notwithstanding the critical contribution of environmental uncertainty and supply chain integration. As a result, organisations in Ghana must synchronise effective learning orientation, environmental uncertainties and supply chain integration in their strategic planning.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the risks and benefits associated with mobile banking technology in Ghana. A case study of gcb bank in the bolgatanga municipality of the upper east region

This study assessed the risks and benefits associated with mobile banking technology in Ghana with a focus on the GCB Ltd in the Bolgatanga Municipality. Using a survey approach, the study used a descriptive method involving the use of questionnaire, focus group discussions and key informant interviews guides as the main tools for data collection. The data analysis was qualitative and quantitative. The study found out that the risks associated with GCB mobile banking are the existence of a backdoor that allows secret entry points into the mobile banking programs without normal security check, programmers break into the mobile banking system to transfer customer funds and unauthorized persons gaining access to the mobile banking systems of the bank when users leave their phones logged on. Meanwhile, the benefits of the GCB mobile banking are convenience of the banking system, the mobile banking system creates easy accessibility for users. GCB mobile banking reduces the rural-urban divide of communities. The challenges associated with GCB mobile banking are security, economic, social and network challenges. The study therefore, concludes that for GCB to improve their mobile banking system, there is need for the adoption of two strategies: encryption and isolation in order to avert possible criminal attacks. The study recommended that security challenges such as third party intrusion, hacking, loss of privacy, should be addressed by the bank by employing more competent and expert staff that can encrypt and create awareness among users, , cost of the GCB mobile money banking services should be waived by the bank, GCB and other banks should build trust and confidence among their customers and GCB banking should purchase the latest technological devices that provide reliable network to customers

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role and effectiveness of ghana audit service in the lower-manya krobo municipality

There has been coherent and growing concern with regards to efficient and transparent use of public resources by public entities. To fight corruption in the public sector and ensure value for money for the resources appropriated to covered entities, the government has established several anti-corruption agencies, and key among them is the Ghana Audit Service (GAS). To help control corruption, the GAS and other relevant agencies must become effective in their operations. This research therefore sought to assess the role and effectiveness of the GAS in the Lower-Manya Krobo Municipality. Data was collected via questionnaires from 87 respondents and analysed using an Implementation Index (II), binary logistic regression, and Kendall’s W test. For the level of implementation of audit recommendations, an overall II of 0.4755 was obtained for the 4-year period 2018 to 2020. The regression results revealed that aside Monitoring, all the other elements in the internal control system of the organisation were present and effective. Low staff strength and constant change in accounting standards were identified as the major challenges affecting the work of audit staff in the municipality. It is recommended that management of the Lower Manya Krobo District Assembly ought to ensure that audit recommendations are thoroughly implemented and monitoring activities within the organisation in improved. Management of the Ghana Audit Service are also advised to conduct regular training programmes to keep staff updated on the accounting and auditing developments needed do their work effectively. It is also recommended that staff strength is augmented with new hires to ensure that the work of the service can be done effectively and efficiently.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role and effectiveness of audit committees in some selected rural banks in Ghana

This study seeks to assess the roles and effectiveness of audit committees in three selected rural banks in the Ashanti Region, namely Juaben, Atwima Kwanwoma and Nwabiagya to address the weak internal controls in most rural banks. The objectives are to assess current state of the Audit Committee practices and its role in selected rural banks; to identify the main factors that improve the effectiveness of the Audit Committee practices in the rural banks selected; examine the contribution of audit committee to good corporate governance; and determine the challenges mitigating the efficient operations of the audit committees in the selected rural banks and their influence on both internal and external audit. A multiple case study approach was used with the simple random and convenience sampling for selecting board members and senior staff and systematic sampling for customers, a sample size of 100 comprising 30 senior staff/board members and 70 customers of the institutions was used. It was discovered that all the selected banks favoured the composition of their respective audit committees and they have adequate authority function. . Also, it was detected that the monitoring role of the committee to the external audit firm's compliance with the existing ethical and regulatory requirements in Ghana are not effective as required. The role of Audit Committee in recommending and approving the appointment or termination of the heads of the internal audit division has been less effective although it reviews the annual internal audit reports, budget and other findings of internal audit. . It is recommended that adequate resources be provided to the committees to facilitate their efficient delivery of service. The committees should up their game in playing their role of effective monitoring of both the external and the internal auditors. They should ensure that the internal audit enjoy the requisite independence in its operations. They are required to be involved in the appointment and termination of both the internal and external auditors to the company.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of banks in the development and growth of small and medium enterprises in the Kumasi Metropolis.

The general objective of the study is to assess the role of banks in the development and growth of Small and medium enterprises in the Kumasi metropolis. Quota and convenience sampling techniques were used to select 200 respondents to complete the questionnaires. SPSS was the main tool for the data analysis. The study discovered that SMEs within the Kumasi metropolis offer services and are predominantly owned by individuals and hence their expansion and growth depends heavily on the assessment of financial support which is provided by banks. Over 75% of SMEs confirmed that they have access to credits with banks providing supports such as Set business plans and regular control. Moreover, banks also perpetuate the growth of SMEs through the provision of loans and credits at a low interest rate to encourage businesses to take advantage of and expand their businesses. The study concluded further that, the basic contribution of banks to the growth in SMEs is through direct provision of funding through loans and credits. As competition with the financial industry increases, financial institutions begun to provide basic accounting services to business owners to monitor their expenditure and income levels. With respect to the major challenges and constrains that faced by the banks in dealing with SMEs, it was found out that there are a myriad of challenges that bedevils the relationship between banks and SMEs. Due to the unstructured nature of our SMEs, record keeping is a lacking factor thereby hindering business owners from monitoring the performance of their businesses. The study therefore recommend the procedures, formalities and documentations such as collateral needed to access loans should be reduced and made easy in order to allow for easy access to loans. However, exhaustive measures should be put in place avoid bad debts which also shrinks banks performance. Time, scope and unwillingness of the respondents to participant in the study were the main limitations of this study.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of computerize accounting systems in tamale metropolitan assembly

The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of computerized accounting systems in the Assembly. A case study approach was adopted for the study. The target population was the audit unit and accounts/finance office which mainly keeps the Assemblies records and supervises their spending’s. The sampling technique used for the study was purposive sampling. For the purpose of the study a sample size of fifty (50) was used. That was ten (10) from the audit unit forty (40) from the accounts/finance office from Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. Two main types of data were collected and used for the study. They were primary and secondary data. The major data collection instruments used were questionnaires. The accounting software resulted in accurate data processing to improve efficiency of the Assemblies operations. It was also realized that, computers had replaced more complicated work in the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly. Based on the research conducted, it was observed that, MMDA’s in general decide to adopt accounting software due to various reasons. Such reasons included the need to be efficient and effective in the operations of the Tamale Metropolitan Assembly, the ever-growing operations of the Assembly, and the quest to produce more accurate and timely reports. All staff members who are responsible for maintaining operations in CAS should not exchange their password for security purposes and to reduce hacking problems. Institutions that train accountants should do well to include the study of Accounting Software as part of their courses to ensure that accountants are equipped with both accounting and the required information technology skills. In this area, it is recommended that management could enroll their employees on Business Information Technology Programmes (BITPs).

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of internal audit unit in the corporate governance – A case of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

Some researchers have suggested that many of the public health institutions in Ghana only practice internal auditing systems on ad hoc basis resulting in operational deficiencies and financial mismanagement of these institutions. This research work therefore found it necessary to assess the role of internal audit unit in the corporate governance performance – a case of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital. The methodology used by the researcher is qualitative in nature in which descriptive research is used, a simple random sampling technique in gathering qualitative data from 62 respondents from 2 Board of Directors, 6 management members, 12 Internal Audit practitioners, and 10 members from each Directorate consisting of Pharmacy, Administration, Finance, Medical and Nursing. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the analysis of the information or data. In conclusion the study found that internal audit scrutinize financial report of Komfo Anokye Teaching hospital and that internal auditors are part of internal control system. Further, audit committee assess the work of internal auditors in order to ensure that they comply with auditing principles and standards. The study also found that Internal Auditing practice helps to promote Risk Management activities, accountability, internal controls, Ethical Consideration and value for value in financial spending of KATH. It was found from the study that financial constraint, inadequate staff strength, inadequate qualified personnel and lack of coordination among other workers are major challenges in facing internal auditors in the performance of their duties in KATH. This study recommends that adequate resources and logistics, increase staff strength, employ qualified personnel and ensure collaboration between internal auditors and other spending officials of KATH in order to efficiently and effectively enhance auditing activities

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of E- Banking on attracting the unbanked and underbanked in Ghana. (Case study of First Capital Plus’ Speed Banking)

In an increasingly competitive banking environment, electronic banking ,an alternate effective innovative strategy can be a critical success factor .Role assessment of E- banking on attracting the unbanked and underbanked in Ghana was the main objective of the study. The study is to investigate gap between the factors that consumers consider in choosing a bank and the actual service being rendered by banks. To plan an appropriate strategy for attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. The study used both the convenience and purposive sampling technique to select 399 respondents out of an overall estimated study population of 160177; both staff and customers of First Capital Plus Bank to complete the questionnaires. Predictive Analytical Software (PASW) was used to analyse the responses. The results indicated that most of the respondents confirmed enabling factors such as ICT skill or qualified personnel, legal & regulatory challenges and network infrastructure and internet related support services as barriers to the adoption of e-banking. Other numerous advantages to banks offered by online banking were mass customization to suit the likes of each user, innovation of new products and services, more effective marketing and communication at lower costs. In conclusion, e-banking is the method of banking in which the customer conducts transactions electronically via the internet. It can be concluded that, E-banking services also save the time and money of the bank with an added benefit of minimizing the likelihood of committing errors by bank tellers. E-banking services enable banks to establish and extend their relationship with the customers. The study recommends that effective training and education on the e-banking services must be given to the staff and customers of the bank. There should be proper monitoring and consistent evaluation on training and education of the e-banking service among the staff.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of micro insurance in poverty reduction: Case study of Glico Insurance Company

This study builds on logical and systematic understanding of micro insurance as a relevant element of the micro finance package. The study generally determines the role micro insurance play in reducing poverty. Specifically, the study aimed at examining various mechanisms for creating micro insurance awareness, types of micro insurance products on offer, benefits of micro insurance as well the challenges in providing micro insurance services. An in-depth analysis used both secondary and primary data gathered through documentary review, questionnaires and face-to-face interview. Data were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics aided by SPSS and MS-Excel. A total of eighty (80) respondents representing clients of Glico insurance company and one staff of the company were interviewed through questionnaires and face-to-face interviews respectively. The study revealed that micro insurance is beneficial in many ways to the clients who purchased Glico‟s micro insurance policy. The most to least benefits as revealed by the study were savings component benefit of the policy, reimbursement of damage item. However, some respondent (though insignificant) revealed that purchasing a micro insurance policy has not been beneficial in any way. Types of micro insurance product subscribed, per the study, showed that all clients but one (who purchased property policy) had purchased a life insurance policy in either Anidaso life policy or Edwa Nkosuo life policy. The study again revealed various mechanisms through which clients became aware of Glico‟s micro insurance products and these mechanisms include customer referral, advertisement, partner-agent model and family referral. Challenges faced by Glico in the provision of micro insurance services to low income earners pointed to rampant collapse of micro finance companies such as DKM and Noble Dream as well as intense competition from other providers like Star Assurance and State Insurance Company. The study, finally recommended that Glico and all insurance players in the micro insurance business should deliver services to more rural areas where low income earners abound in order to achieve greater impact of poverty reduction. Again, needs assessment of low income earners must be conducted periodically and appropriate micro insurance products designed to meet identified needs.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of project management information system (pmis) on construction projects success in Ghana

This study sought to ascertain the impact of PMIS on Construction Projects Success in Ghana. The objectives of the study were to measure the quality of PMIS deployed in managing construction project, the quality of information output generated by PMIS in construction project, the challenges associated with PMIS adoption and the effect of PMIS on project success in construction projects in Ghana. The study deployed logistic regression analysis to analyze primary data obtained through questionnaires. The study found out that the quality of information churned out by PMIS is excellently available at any material time, relevant, accurate and reliable. The study also indicated that the elements militating against PMIS adoption in Ghana included high cost of PMIS equipment, absence of training to staff who are ready to adopt the System, poor internet connectivity, absence of management support and then system failure are hampering the adoption of the PMIS usage within the Construction Project in Ghana. The study also confirms an existence of a significant and positive relationship between PMIS and project success as well as quality decision making. This significant relationship between PMIS ensures overall project success as it is able to successfully integrate all time, budget and scope into an improved project development from cost to timeliness in a healthy outcome for the adoption and development of the Construction Industry in Ghana. The researcher recommends that Construction Firms must invest resources into PMIS to support project managers and project team in managing and executing projects effectively.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of mortgage in private housing finance in Ghana (A Case Study of Kumasi Metropolis)

The increasing trend of housing deficit in Ghana raises much concern and interest in delving into housing delivery in the country. The annual housing demand of about 100 000 units is not being met, with only about 40 000 housing units currently being delivered per annum. Apparently, the state‟s effort alone has not been significant in curbing the problem and therefore calls for Private individual involvement in the housing delivery. These strategies apparently depend on the income level of households, meanwhile majority of indigents are low income earners; this calls for other source of funding to Private Housing. Against the backdrop that mortgage industry has proved to be the most capable financier of housing in advanced countries; calls for the study that investigates the role mortgages play in complimenting personal income of individuals in financing housing projects in Ghana as well as making recommendations to improve upon it. The study which was limited to Kumasi Metropolis employed 160 questionnaires administered to both households and mortgage Firms. The findings of the study revealed that majority of household still have negative perception about mortgage loans, as they claim of mortgage loans attract higher interest rates, involves high bureaucracy in documentation; meanwhile a whopping majority of the households are not even aware of the existence and operations of mortgage firms. The study also revealed that majority of the respondents spends between 21%-30% of their income on housing, representing higher proportion of their income. The study recommended that mortgage firms increase their publicity and advertisement on mortgage loans and products so as to increase the awareness on the part of the general public. It was also recommended that the government and the central Bank held joint talk with mortgage firms so as reduce the interest burden that follows mortgage loans through reduction of prime rate and strengthening of the credit referencing bureaus in the country.

Source: KNUST