ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of different composts on the performance of green beans

Composting of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) has received renewed attention as a result of increasing waste disposal cost and the environmental concerns associated with using landfills. A targeted end use of the compost is for horticultural crop production. Currently, quality standards for MSW compost are lacking and there is the need to establish them. Elevated heavy metal concentrations in MSW compost have been reported; however, through proper sorting and recycling prior to composting, contamination by heavy metals can be reduced Compost has been shown to be useful in horticultural crop production as it improves soil physical properties, such as lowering bulk density and increasing water-holding capacity. Compost enhances supply of essential nutrients to some extent. However, supplemental fertilizer, particularly N, is usually required. A pilot dry digestion composting plant was thus established on the campus of the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi by The Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology (EAWAG) supported by the Zurich University of Applied Science. The setup was to assess the effectiveness of processing of organic municipal waste to obtain biogas for domestic use and digestate for the purposes of composting. The different composts obtained were then used in planting green beans (Phaseolus vulgaris). The aim of this work was to assess the effects of the different composts on the performance of green beans. Results of this work identified and highlighted the superiority of fertilized crops over non-fertilized ones in terms of growth and dry matter accumulation. A long term research should be carried out on the effects of prolonged use of composts produced by vermicomposting, co-composting and windrow composting on crop and soil. Public awareness on the effects of compost on soil, crop yield and environment should be intensified.

Source: KNUST
The effects of differences in agro-ecosystems on the diversity and distribution of avifauna in selected areas in the Eastern Region of Ghana

The study was conducted in the Eastern Region of Ghana in two agro-ecosystem sites: the oil palm plantation of the Ghana Oil Palm Development Company (GOPDC) Limited at Kwae near Kade and cocoa farms of the Cocoa Research Seed Production Unit of Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD) at Pankese near Nkawkaw and a natural forest area, Esukawkaw Forest Reserve (EFR) near Kadewaso. The objectives were to identify bird species occurrence, bird density, diversity and the influences of the change in habitat types on birds. Line transect technique was used for sampling. A total of 1001 individual birds belonging to 78 families and 216 bird species were identified. The species compositions of birds from the habitat types were significantly different. The diversity of birds in the oil palm plantation differed from that of the Cocoa farms at P > 0.05 (t = -4.0149, P = 6.963E -5) as well the forest area since P < 0.05 (t = 15.3150, P = 0.00000). Diversity of birds found in the Cocoa farms also differed from that of the forest at P < 0.05 (t = -14.063, P = 1.0836E – 38). The Esukawkaw Forest Reserve had the highest species diversity and evenness of 4.48 and 0.95 respectively while Pankese Cocoa farms had diversity value of 3.54 and evenness of 0.89. Kwae oil palm plantation had diversity and evenness of 3.18 and 0.83 respectively. The relative abundance score of species among the habitat was variable in all the habitat types. It was realized that there was a positive relationship between the number of birds and the habitat types, i.e. as the habitat type approaches the nature of forest, the bird numbers also increase. Therefore, expansion of farmlands and logging could be the main threats to the survival of birds in the three habitat types.

Source: KNUST
Effects of different temperature treatment on quality and shelf-life of Solo Papaya (Carica papaya L.) Fruits

An experiment was conducted to assess the effects of heat treatment on the quality and shelf-life of solo papaya fruits. The experiment was conducted at the laboratory of the Department of Horticulture, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi in August, 2011.Mature green fruits were obtained from papaya farms in Darbaa in the Atwima Nwabiagya District in the Ashanti Region. A Completely Randomised Design with three replications was used for the study. Three different treatments namely (i) T40 - fruits exposed to 40oC for 20 minutes, (ii) T50 - fruits exposed to 50oC for 20 minutes and a control (no exposure to high temperature) and stored under ambient condition. From the results, T40 recorded the highest cumulative weight loss of 11.72%10 days in storage. Significant differences in total soluble solid (P<0.05) were observed among the treatments with T40and T50having total soluble solids (TSS)of 8.5oBrix at colour stage 5 respectively. Significant differences in total titratable acidity (TTA) were recorded among the treatments with T40 and T50 fruits recording the highest TTA of 0.73at colour stage 2 respectively. Treatment T50 fruits recorded the longest shelf life of 8 days, followed by those of T40 (7 days) and control (6 days). The study has shown that heat treating Solo Papaya fruits at 50oC for 20 minutes is sufficient to delay ripening and extend shelf-life. This would allow sufficient time for transportation and marketing.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of Different Levels of Sugar and Sodium Benzoate on the Extension of Heliconia psittacorum cut flowers

Cut flowers are now becoming a major source of foreign exchange for some countries in the world. The vase life of these cut flowers has therefore become a major hurdle for these countries. The problem is how to increase the vase life of the cut flowers especially for export .The objective of the study was to determine sugar and sodium benzoate concentrations that could extend the vase life of one of the important cut flower materials, Heliconia psittacorum. Data on the number of days for cut flowers to change colour to brown, the flowers to drop down, as well as the flower head to bend and the flower stalk to change colour to brown were taken and used as a measure of vase life. The experiment was carried out in the laboratory of Horticulture Department, KNUST over a period of two and a half weeks, during which, the number of days for change to occur in any part of each flower were observed and recorded. The study revealed that preserving the cut flower in water gave a longer number of days in preserving the various parts of the cut flower than using sugar solution or sodium benzoate solution. The recommendation was that, economically, it is viable to keep cut Heliconia psittacorum flowers in water.

Source: KNUST
Effects of dividend pay-out policy on shareholder: a case study of some selected companies on the stock exchange market

Dividend policy and how it affects shareholder value has become an important subject to Ghanaian investors. Over the last four years, returns on Short-term investment instruments have decline considerable. Ghanaian Investors’ attentions have now turned into investment in shares of Company listed in Ghana Stock Exchange. Investors will therefore be interested in how incomes earned and distributed and how the distributions affect their total return and value. The growth of investors’ interest in the Ghana Stock market operation presents a challenge the managements of public Companies on how to distribute surplus incomes generated to meet the current income needs of investors and the growth needs of the Companies. The objective of the study is to determine the extent to which dividend policy affects shareholders value and to identity factors that determine dividend policy and type of payout ratios used by the companies. Both primary and secondary dates were obtained from Companies listed Ghana Stock Exchange for the study over a five year period (2002 - 2006). In all 14 Companies were sampled for the study. The analysis of the data was done by the use of Fisher’s model and factors which affect dividend policy decision were also analyzed. The study identified that all the classical factors which affect dividend policy behaviour are at worry in many and diverse ways within the Ghanaian environment. Further the model could not fit into the observation to establish any predictable relationship between dividend and shareholder value.

Source: KNUST
Effects of District Assemblies Common Fund on revenue mobilisation and expenditure patterns in the District Assemblies

The current decentralisation policy was introduced in 1988 under the PNDCL 207, principally to address the imbalances in development between rural and urban areas of the country. The whole concept of the decentralisation policy is grounded on the idea of popular participation in the decision making process. The policy saw the establishment of one hundred and ten districts. Within the framework of the policy, each district capital is expected to serve as a focal point for socio economic development of the entire district. Central government has therefore made available several sources of revenue to the district assemblies. The statutory basis for the district assemblies’ revenues is provided for under Acts of parliament including the 1992 constitution (sections 245 - 252), the Local Government Act 462 of 1993 and the District Assembly Common Fund Act 455, also of 1993. The introduction of the DACF has had some effects on the activities of the district assemblies. The aim of this study is to establish, empirically, the effects of the DACF on revenue mobilisation and expenditure patterns in the district assemblies. Amansie East and Atwima districts in Ashanti Region were randomly selected for the study. Revenue and expenditure data were collected from the sample districts to facilitate quantitative analysis of the study. Results of the study show that after the introduction of the DACF, there has been an increase in total local revenue arising mainly from lands and investment income. However, there has been a reduction in income from some important traditional sources such as rates and licences. The study also indicates that the DACF has necessitated an increase in capital / development expenditure over recurrent expenditure with greater proportion of the capital / development expenditure directed at social sector development. It was also observed that with the increasing demand for social and economic facilities or infrastructure from almost every town or village, available revenues to the district assemblies are inadequate. It was therefore recommended that the central government should increase the DACF while district assemblies also intensify their revenue mobilisation effort.

Source: KNUST
Effects of dollarization on access to higher education: A study of Ghana Technology University College (GTUC) - Kumasi campus

ABSTRACT The study sought to find out the effects of dollarization on access to higher education with specific emphases on Ghana Technology University College (GTUC), Kumasi Campus. The objectives of the study were to find out the reasons for which GTUC has dollarized fees at the postgraduate level, the challenges faced by students as a result of the dollarization of fees, to establish differential cost in fees over a three year period and to determine the impact of dollarization of fees on enrolment at GTUC. The study employed a mixed method research approach and deployed a research design which involved the use of a closed questionnaire and a semi structured interview guide. The respondents for the study were sampled through the use of a non-probability sampling technique, namely purposive sampling. The study came out with the conclusion that the dollarization of fees by GTUC is as a result of a policy decision and to safeguard the University from the negative effects of inflation and depreciation prevalent in the Ghanaian economy. Also, the dollarization of fees poses several challenges to students as it indirectly increases the total amount of fees to be paid by students in cedi terms. The variations in exchange rate result in huge differences in fees to be paid by students and prospective applicants. Such cost leads to higher tuition fees which impacts negatively on enrolment. To arrest this problem on access to higher education, it is recommended that GTUC adopts a new policy in which fees will be denominated in cedis, and the fee hedge at a price that will insulate the University against the negative effects of inflation and depreciation on financial assets. The role dollarization plays in indirectly increasing fees of students will be dealt away with. It is also recommended that to cater for variations in the rate of exchange, a single rate be established for students on admission and throughout the period of study of students.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of Drug Advertising on Consumer Health Behavior

Presently, Ghana is characterized by various forms of drug (medication) adverts through various media, even though the Food and Drugs Board frowns on some of these adverts. This study seeks to examine the effects of drug (medication) advertising on consumer health behaviors using primary data. The convenient sampling method was used to administer questionnaires and a sample size of 500 respondents was used. The Logit regression model was used to analyze the data gathered and both descriptive and quantitative methods were used to interpret the results. The study revealed that drug advertising does not have any significant impact on exercise, consumption of healthy diet, and medical check-ups. The case of dissociation from high risk behaviors was the only health behavior that drug advertising affected significantly. The study showed that, drug advertising encouraged people to engage in risky health behaviors. On the other hand, drug advertising impacted positively on the demand for drugs and self-medication. This implies that, Ghanaians engage in high risk behaviors, purchase drugs, and self-medicate as a result of drug advertising. Health insurance also impacted negatively on the demand for drugs but insignificant. The study recommends that, food and drugs board should enforce laws concerning the advertisement of drugs. The Ghana health service should also skew advertisement to the essence of engaging in healthy behaviors instead of consuming medication and there should be proper monitoring of the activities of pharmaceutical companies to enhance the Ghana health system.

Source: KNUST
Effects of e-procurement on organizational performance

To ensure efficient, resilient, sustainable and competitive supply chain systems, supply chain managers and companies have drifted their attention and focus from being individuals and organizations to being supply chain with concentration on internet systems (e-procurement). Supply chain managers now have the comprehensive responsibility of understanding and ensuring the complete performance of supply chain management systems to ensure the driven competitive advantage that organizations seek and to holistically improve the performance of the organizations whiles balancing the streamlined satisfaction of the consumers in the modern age is much dependent on e-procurement for safety and reliable supply chain. A quantitative and descriptive research strategy remained employed for the study. A total of 286 respondents were sampled for the study and a questionnaire instrument was employed in gathering data from all the sampled respondents accordingly. Descriptive analysis was performed to aid the presentation of quantitative descriptions in addition to examining the outcomes of e-procurement on organizational performance. The study findings revealed that, there exist a significant and effective relationship between e-procurement and organizational performance. The study therefore commends those future studies looks at e-procurement and organizational performance in a broader perspective. Additionally, future studies should examine the topic in the context of other countries other than Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Effects of Educational Resources on Teaching and Learning of General Knowledge in Art at Effiduasi Senior High School, Ashanti Region

The education system in Ghana is steadily developing even as it is confronted with a number of defects which include inadequate educational resources in Senior High Schools owing to poor planning and improper management. The study aims to examine the effects of educational resources on the teaching and learning of General Knowledge in Art at Effiduasi Senior High School and also seek to document the types and nature of educational resources available, the effects of educational resources on students‘ academic performance as well as proposing innovative strategies to manage educational resources for the teaching and learning of GKA at Effiduasi Senior High School. The study espoused the mixed method research design and the descriptive research design with a total of 68 population including 62 (sixty-two) Form Three Visual Art students in the school offering GKA, the headmistress, Head of Department for Visual Art, and 4 (four) Visual Art teachers. The research sought to find the types and nature of physical facilities, material and human resources available at Effiduasi Senior High. The study adopted the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression model in analyzing the data. The study found that the educational resources have significantly positive effects on students‘ performance at 1% level. This means that improvement in the educational resources increase students‘ academic performance. The study further revealed that students‘ level of punctuality and teacher motivation have positive while project undertaken by student has negative but all statistically insignificant relationship with students‘ academic performance. The general conclusion of this study is that educational resources are scientifically related to student academic performance and that their relations are so important that they cannot be overlooked. The study therefore recommended that regular maintenance and replacement of existing resources, teachers‘ motivation, frequent monitoring and evaluation of teachers, and student projects and good storage facilities are factors that the government and other stakeholders should ensure in order to improve performance in GKA.

Source: KNUST
Effects of employee characteristics on quality service delivery in the banking industry. A case study of Agricultural Development Bank.

The banking industry in Ghana has undergone tremendous change over the years as a result of competition. Changes that have informed a lot of banks into adopting different strategies in order to beat competition. Such strategies include the calibre of employees organizations are hiring in present times to deliver quality service or value for their customers. The purpose of the study was to find out about whether the physical attributes that employees possess such as being male or female, physical appearance or beauty has an effect on the kind of service delivered from the customers point of view hence an investigation into the effects of employee characteristics on quality service delivery at Agricultural Development Bank. The study collected data using questionnaires and interview guide. The study was conducted on a total of 385 respondents out of which 304 responses were received representing 78.96% response rate. The study adopted purposive and convenience sampling techniques in selecting management and customers respectively. The study found that, physically attractive men possess a simple character, are duty conscious and attract full attention from the customers at ADB while physically attractive women were good at managing customer complaints and relationship. The bank also fared positively on all five indicators used in measuring service quality using the SERVQUAL model. Employees are in most cases patient when dealing with customers and willing to respond to customers complaints. Physical beauty and appearance have a positive relationship with quality service delivery. The study recommended periodic workshops and seminars for both management and employees, periodic assessment of both management and employees to check the level of performance, customer oriented strategies and recruitment of young, vibrant and effective employees to steer the affairs of ADB.

Source: KNUST
The effects of employee transfer on performance in the Health Sector. A case study of selected Hospitals in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly.

The transfer of health workers in the selected hospitals could have implications on the performance of the employees and consequently on the survival and the recovery of patients in the hospital. Incentive measures, such as salaries, secondary benefits and intangible rewards have traditionally been used to motivate employees to increase performance. Nevertheless, the limited information on the policies, processes and the implications of these intra-sector transfers on the employee performance within the Health Directorate of the Kumasi Metropolis needed to be investigated. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the impact of employee transfer on performance within three selected hospitals in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study adopted a survey method to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. This was done through the use of interviews, questionnaire and review of relevant secondary data. Some of the key findings of the study were: about 65% of respondents are aware of transfer policies in the Kumasi Health Directorate; there were laid down transfer procedures and processes in Kumasi Health Directorate; employee transfer had both positive and negative effects on employees’ performance; and family and accommodation issues were barriers to successful employee transfer. It is therefore recommended that the Kumasi Regional Health Directorate should sensitise the Human Resource (HR) department of the three hospitals to organise flexible workshops for staff on transfer policies and how these policies are implemented. In addition, it is suggested that, employees should be consulted and prepared by the Human Resource department before they are transferred to another department or hospital. Finally, the HR department should put in measures to share extra workload or extra duties among two or more staffs of related qualification so that the newly transferred employee will not be over burdened.

Source: KNUST