ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Effectiveness of the Ghana Maritime Authority in Managing the Maritime Industry in Ghana

The study sought to assess the effectiveness of the GMA in managing the maritime industry in Ghana and to identify the major challenges facing the GMA in the discharge of its mandate. The study specifically identified the functions of the GMA, explored the extent to which the GMA has discharged its functions, examined the strengths and pitfalls of GMA in the discharge of its responsibilities, and identified possible ways to strengthen the GMA to help achieve its goals and offered recommendations to strengthen its role over the maritime industry. The views of 75 respondents, selected purposively, comprising maritime professionals from GMA and various maritime sectors within Accra, the port of Takoradi and Tema and Akosombo as well were gathered through two sets of questionnaires and interviews to form the primary data. The secondary data were gathered through library and internet research. The results revealed that maritime professionals from GMA and maritime professionals from various maritime sectors shared similar views about the effectiveness of the GMA in the delivery of its functions. The majority of the respondents from the two sides were of the view that GMA’s overall performance has not been very impressive even though GMA has discharged some of its functions very well. The study brought to light that the GMA is concentrating more on the historical functions that were performed under the SND than the new functions mandated by the GMA Act. The study revealed the main challenge hindering effective and efficient delivery of the GMA’s mandate as institutional challenges namely: lack of proper management style, strategies, systems, and structures; inadequate competent technical/professional personnel; inadequate logistics, infrastructure and equipment; inadequate funds; lack of rules and regulations to implement the functions and political interference. The study recommended that the sector ministry or the government should ensure that the management of the GMA adopts proper management style, strategies, systems, and structures for the achievement of desired goals and objectives. The management of the GMA should recruit competent technical or professional personnel and existing staff be trained; ensure that the various laws and regulations are developed as a matter of urgency; embark on outreach programmes to inform and educate stakeholders; set up a maritime think tank to generate ideas from experts from the various maritime sectors to help strengthen and develop the GMA and the maritime industry in general; identify other sources of revenue to complement the current sources of revenue to finance its projects. The government/politicians should minimize interference in the management of GMA.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of acquisitions on the performance of banks in Ghana: A case study of Ecobank Ghana and the Trust Bank, (TTB).

Acquisitions as evidenced by their increased activity seem to be very popular to the corporate players involved. However, they appear to provide at best, a mixed performance to the broad range of stakeholders involved. The study sought to investigate the effects of acquisitions on performance at Ecobank. Research design employed was descriptive design. The data gathered were analyzed using (SPSS). The research instruments used were closed ended questionnaires and Ghana Banking survey report. A sample size of 100 respondents were selected using the purposive and simple random sampling techniques. The population included all workers and customers of Ecobank Kumasi main branch as well as those in management positions. The findings revealed that, the share of industry advances, share of industry deposits and the Share of industry total assets of Ecobank increased after the Acquisitions. Ecobank’s rankings in share of industry deposits, share of industry advances and share of industry total assets among banks in Ghana increased. Majority of the employees agreed that it would be very hard for them to leave their present organization right now, even if they wanted to and would not leave their present organization right now because they have a sense of obligation to the people in it. Management disagreed on the statement that Employees would likely search for a position with another employer and agreed that it would be very hard for some employees to leave present organization right now, even if they wanted to. Customers agreed that the location of the bank’s branches are near homes or workplaces although there is Limited parking places now, the Bank is now internationally oriented and the number of branches has increased. Employees disagreed that Customer friendliness of the personnel has increased and Management agreed that the Availability of Automatic Teller Machines (ATM) has increased, the Bank has several branches than before and the Bank offers more loans and overdrafts than before. Ecobank Ghana should put measures in place to ensure that they benefit from acquisition.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of branding on consumer choice: a case study of the packaged food industry in kumasi metropolis

The importance of branding in this era of competitiveness cannot be over emphasized. It is one of the most captivating marketing strategies adopt by business organizations for the purpose of winning or overcoming competition. Branding makes an organization to stand out among its competitors and creates an identity for the organization and its products or services. It acts as an important cue or heuristics to help consumers make a choice, especially when purchasing Fast Moving Consumer Goods (fmcgs). It is evident that competition in the fmcgs industry is pushing business organizations to pursue branding strategies to enable them to survive in the market. However, the market is saturated with a variety of products of varying quality thereby putting the consumer in a dilemma when making a purchasing choice of fmcgs. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to identify the factors that influence consumer choice of fmcgs; assess the perceptions of households about branding on consumer choice of fmcgs; and examine the effects of branding on consumer choice of fmcgs. A concurrent triangulation mixed methods design which consist of the collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data at the time was used for the study. In all, the study covered 399 households in Bantama and Nhyiaeso in the Kumasi Metropolis, three (3) wholesalers and seven (7) retailers of fmcgs in the Kumasi Metropolis. The findings of the study revealed that brand name and product packaging are the key determinants of the brand choice for fmcgs. The results of the study also showed that brand price is not a significant determinant of consumer choice for fmcgs. This implies that whether the brand price is high or low, the consumers will first consider the brand name and packaging before they purchase any fmcgs. The study therefore called on business organizations in the fmcgs sector to enhance their brand name and improve on the packaging of their products in their quest to grow their businesses and increase their market share and profitability

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of branding on radio listenership in Ghana case study of selected radio stations in Kumasi

The media landscape in Ghana has undergone tremendous change over the years as a result of competition among the players. Radio stations are constantly putting strategies in place through branding in order to satisfy listeners. The study focused on investigating into the effect of branding on radio listenership in Kumasi, Ghana. The survey was conducted on a total of 384 respondents comprising 380 listeners and 4 staff from Nhyira FM, Hello FM, Kessben FM and Ash FM all in Kumasi metropolis out of which 281 responses were received representing 73.18% response rate. The sampling methods used were purposive sampling method to select from management and convenience sampling technique to select listeners to these radio stations. Listeners are motivated by their desire to satisfy certain unique needs that are important to them. These needs are functional, symbolic, experiential, affection for station presenters, news coverage and station heritage. The results showed that majority of radio audience within the metropolis tune in to satisfy these needs that they value and seek to satisfy. Branding radio stations has to do with identifying the stations’ activities with the listening public by developing catchy tag lines, intensifying outdoor programmes in the communities and engaging listeners in social, religious and traditional discussions which they value. Identification of a true measure of the brand’s success and difficulty in the ability of management to fully protect the brands against potentially harmful impact of gossips and erroneous inferences from competitors are some of the challenges confronting branding of radio stations. The study recommended developing exciting programmes, widening out-door programmes, carving creative programme, staff motivation and training as ways of improving radio listenership in Ghana

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of capitation payment system of National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and health care delivery in Ashanti Region

Health invariable is an essential component for nation building because health is wealth, however, the question is, what is the best means to pay for health care services? In order to ensure equitable access to health care, quality and affordable health care and efficient economic leverage aiming at sustaining our health service sector. Service providers and pressure groups claimed that, the system would motivate service providers to under-supply services, and reduce quality hence, adverse effects on patients’ health status, as has been supported by many studies. This research sought to assess the Effects of Capitation payment system on health care delivery in Ashanti Region. The study was conducted with a quantitative method. Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel were used to analyze data obtained from field research. A total of 250 respondents were selected randomly from NHIS staff, patients and service providers. The finding shows that the main ingredients of capitation system are Package of primary care services, Base per capital rate of 0.99 GH₵ in January and increased to 1.30 per member per month in April 2012 (15.60 GH₵ PMPA), enrollment of clients to Preferred Primary Providers (PPP), general and financial management and reporting systems (Common management Arrangement) as well as quality monitoring system. The study went further to reveal that; majority representing 90% of the respondents said they were not satisfied with the healthcare delivery under capitation and that significant majority do not see any improvement and effectiveness in healthcare delivery in Ashanti region. Lastly, policy makers should streamline the Capitation payment system to avert patient dumping and under-provision, and better provider relations to improve quality of care.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of foreign construction labour force influx on project delivery in Accra

International migration has been a major problem in local labour construction economies, where different-skilled labour is discovered within a country. Foreign workers have both beneficial and adverse effects on the delivery of construction projects. This research was aimed at examining the effects of the influx of foreign labour force on the delivery of construction projects in Ghana. A structured questionnaire was used in gathering the perception of some construction professionals within the Accra metropolis with regards to the research objectives. The data collected were analysed and presented using descriptive statistics and relative importance index. The results showed that the most common foreign labour on construction sites were carpenters, POP specialists, unskilled labourers, painters, tillers, and plumbers. It was also discovered that these employees migrated primarily from Togo, Benin, Burkina Faso and La cote D'voire. The positive effects of foreign labour on construction sites included technology transfer, productivity boost and the enhancement of efficiency in project delivery. The key negative effects also included unemployment for the local labour force and increased criminal activity on-site. The findings from this study shall help the Government of Ghana to formulate policies that would benefit the local nationals without any prejudice towards foreigners in terms of restricting them from coming to work here in our country and for that matter our construction sites.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of electronic media usage on the sale of print media in Ghana: a case study of Graphic Communications Group Ltd, Kumasi

The media landscape has witnessed rapid transformation over the past couple of years as result of most customers adopting alternative ways of getting information thereby reducing sales among print media. It is undeniable fact that the print media in Ghana provides the public with the needed information. The print media has been trusted as source for credible news for the educational, political, sports, entertainment and business sectors among others. However, there has been fall in sales over the years as a result of the up-spring of the internet, radio stations and the use of internet among the Ghanaian populace hence reducing profit of Ghana Communication Group Limited. The study focused on investigating into the effect of electronic media accessibility on sales of print media in Ghana.The survey was conducted on a total of 300 customers who purchase print media and management of Graphic communication Group within Kumasi metropolis in Ghana out of which 251 responses were received representing 86.67% response rate. The study collected data using questionnaires and interview guide. The study adopted purposive and convenience sampling technique in selecting management and customers respectively. The study shows that accessibility to the internet, radio and television reduce purchase of news paper. Citizens are educated and hence can effectively use internet to access any information available hence decrease demand for print media. Most customers also possess advance mobile phones which help them to access information any place and anytime. Customers consider lower cost in using the radio, television and the internet to access information, hence will prefer to use the electronic media. The study also found other factors such as pushing up cover price, sophisticated cell phones and changing lifestyle as some factors contributing to low sales of newspapers in Ghana. The study recommended reduction in price of newspapers, inclusion of more interesting news that will make the paper unique, increase commission for vendors, adoption of aggressive personal selling, appealing to radio and television stations as strategies to improve sales of print media.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of corporate social responsibility (CSR) projects in the Shai Osudoku District: A case study of golden exotics limited

The purpose of the study was to assess the effects of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Projects in the Shai Osudoku District in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The study was guided by three specific objectives, which were to identify the effects of CSR in the Shai Osudoku District, determine how corporate organizations respond to the needs of the community and to identify the barriers to effective implementation of CSR projects in the Shai Osudoku District. The study employed a mixed method approach. Both questionnaire and interview guide were designed to collect data from Opinion Leaders in (5) selected communities in the Shai Osudoku District. Staff of the CRS Department of Golden Exotics Limited were also included in the study. The data gathered was analyzed using SPSS version 23. The analysis employed descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies, percentages, mean, minimum, maximum and standard deviations. The study found that the implementation of CSR by Golden Exotics Limited has positive impact on the communities. This includes improved socio-economic livelihood, increased access to potable water, increased access to basic school infrastructure, teaching and learning materials and improved healthcare delivery. The study again revealed that Golden Exotics Limited selects a community for CSR project through needs assessment and request from the community. The study also found that the major barriers to effective implementation of CSR projects in the Shai Osudoku District were land litigation, inadequate support from the communities and land documentation issues. The study recommends that Golden Exotics Limited should strengthen their effort in liaising with community authorities to identify areas or opportunities available to them to better the lives of the people through the provision of some social amenities. This will go a long way to improve the general living standards of the people

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of high employee turnover in Nestle business services

In contemporary labour market the issue of labour turnover and its effects on productivity has become a topic of great concern. This therefore calls for assessing the effect of employee turnover in the Nestle Business Services. Using case study design, data was collected through the use of a close-ended questionnaire from a sample of 100 staff, using the quota sampling method. The data was analysed with SPSS and Minitab and presented in percentages and simple statistical tables. The findings revealed that The Nestle Business Services have experienced steady rise in turnover from 2011 to 2017. The average turnover rate was found to be 17.58% and estimate the 2018 and 2019 to hit 19.22% and 20.24% respectively. The significant causes of employee turnover were identified as lack of retention plans or strategies; poor Employee assistant Programs; and work Load or content of employees. The critical effect of high employee turnover in the Nestle Business Services was grouped into positive and negative. The significant negative effects of employee turnover are: increase in work load; decreases organizations performance; increase cost; lowering the knowledge base of the organization; wastage of resources; and decline in work productivity. Also, the significant positive effects of employee turnover are: gaining of fresh ideas by employing new workers and also it gives employees who left the chance to upgrade themselves. It is therefore recommended that the organization should organize capacity building through training, participation in workshops, conferences and seminars to help develop the employees. It is also recommended that working relationship among employees should be improved by appreciating their effort and also paying them well

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING THE EFFECTS OF INADEQUATE SAVINGS MOBILIZATION ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SAVINGS AND LOANS COMPANIES IN GHANA: A CASE OF MULTI CREDIT SAVINGS AND LOANS LTD

The general objective of the study was to assess the extent to which a decrease in savings mobilization by Multi Credit savings and Loans affects the organization’s shareholders, the profitability of the institution and the general administrative expenses. A questionnaire was used to collect responses from some selected field cashiers, whereas face-to-face interviews were adopted to acquire basic information from key management persons of the institution. The study discovered that, the major clients of the institution are individuals and small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Mobile bankers were found to be the primary means where the institution mobilizes savings from its clients. Further investigations revealed the managerial procedures for the mobilized funds. The study also revealed that, if branch heads do not achieve set targets for mobilization, they lose some allowances. The institution uses profit from its main operations and revenue generated from other sources to finance the organizational costs incurred. This means that if inadequate savings are mobilized, the impacts become severe and turns to affect every province of the organization. The study concluded that shareholders’ have a share in the profit of the institution. So if inadequate savings are mobilized, profit decreases and this affects the investment levels of shareholders negatively. Further investigations also revealed how the company’s reputation dwindles if inadequate savings are mobilized. The researcher discovered that, in worse case scenarios, when low savings are mobilized, salaries and other major expenses like rents and electricity will be financed through deposits made by the institution’s clients. Therefore, recommendations were made to the institution to educate the mobile bankers on the implications of fraudulent acts and on how to educate small scale businesses to manage their businesses so they do not default in their loan repayments. The study was however limited by the geographical expanse of the study area, inadequate financial resources and time constraints also reduced the chances of contacting more respondents.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effects of communication and internal stakeholder management on the delivery of Corporate Social Responsibility Projects

Communication and Stakeholder management are key in project delivery as they attempts to address some of the problems faced in the construction industry. The study examined the effects of communication and stakeholder management on the delivery of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) projects. Focusing on MTN Ghana CSR projects, structured questionnaire were designed and administered to key personnel in the management of CSR projects of MTN. The data collected was analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and other descriptive statistics. The results revealed that the communications management practices of MTN-Ghana in CSR projects include ensuring proper and frequent communication with all stakeholders of CSR-project(s); ensuring that favorable corporate CSR decisions and actions are communicated effectively to the company’s stakeholders; engaging stakeholders in CSR decision makings and inviting and establishing frequent, systematic and pro-active dialogue with stakeholders, i.e. opinion makers, corporate critics, the media, etc. The internal stakeholder management practices also include formulation of strategies to manage/engage managers and employees (internal stakeholders), and engaging the company ensures managers and employees are ethical and socially responsible. The effects of communications and internal stakeholder management on the delivery of corporate social responsibility projects include the following: the CSR-project(s) are always completed to the satisfaction of a majority of the project stakeholders, CSR-project(s) always meets specified standards and qualities and CSR-project(s) conducted by the company are able to meet their time and cost requirements. Based on the above it was recommended that firms should take communication and stakeholder management serious.

Source: KNUST