ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of stakeholder interference on performance of contractors in construction project delivery.

Stakeholder interference has been an issue in the construction industry in various facets of the construction, however, the construction industry in the developing countries has its fair share as well as the developed countries‟. Based on this, this study was conducted to examine the effect of stakeholder interference on performance of contractors in project delivery in the Ghanaian construction industry. To help in the realization of this aim were three (3) objectives put forward as: to determine the stakeholder interference factors on performance of contractors during project delivery, to determine the effect of stakeholder interference on the performance of contractors during project delivery, and to explore measures that control the effect of stakeholder interference on performance of contractors during project delivery. The study was positioned in the positivist paradigm which enabled the researcher to make an objective analysis by using the quantitative research strategy which involved a questionnaire survey. Due to its large population size of professionals and construction firms of the list of Association of building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana in the Accra Metropolis form the population which numbers over one hundred, a target population of seventy- five (75) was adopted for this study. A sample size of 43 was chosen for this study by using the Yamane (1967) formula for calculating the sample size, using a precision (e) of 10%. Out of that two questionnaire was distributed each to respondent, a sum total of eighty-six (86) questionnaires were administered and seventy-five (75) responses were retrieved from contractors (D1K1, D2K2), Designers/Architect, Engineers, statutory bodies all from registered and operational D1K1 and D2K2 building road construction firms in the Accra Metropolitan Area indicating a high response rate of 87.21% which is more than 50% which is appropriate for the analysis. The analysis of the data gathered was done using descriptive statistics (frequencies, percentages), mean score ranking, relative importance index (RII) and Chi-square test. Findings from the analysis depicted that most of the respondents in the building and road construction industry thus D1K1 and D2K2 firms were aware of stakeholder interference and its associated issues. Revealed from the study was six effect that impact the delivery of project, among them was time overrun being the major Principal impact identified. It was recommended that all drawings and designs must be accepted and any correction or update done before the contractor take possession of site and also there should be free flow information which was identified for the control measure. It is therefore recommended that adequate construction budget, timely issuing of information, finalization of design and project management skills should be the main focus of the parties in project procurement process. If these are held to and practiced in the Ghanaian construction industry project delivery will be improved tremendously

Source: KNUST
Effect of stages of ripening and tray fermentation method on the quality of Cocoa (Theobroma Cacao) beans

Tray fermentation method as a cocoa postharvest technology has remained limited in use in Ghanaian cocoa preparation and the need to explore its comprehensive value has become imperative to derive its benefits. The major objective of this study was to assess the effect of different stages of pod ripening on quality of fermented cocoa beans using the tray fermentation method. Three treatments namely, Half ripe, Full ripe and Over ripe were distributed over three sets of trays namely (T 1, T 2 and T 3 ) with each set of tray representing tray replication. Traditional leaves (Heap) method was used as control involving the full ripe stage. The results indicated a significant difference between the over ripe beans and the other three treatments with a percentage mould (1.78%) which was within acceptable maximum level of 4% for grade 2 cocoa. The over ripe beans tray fermented drifted beyond grade 2 with the 6.56% germinated beans content exceeding the 6% upper limit and was rendered substandard. There was also a significant difference between the half ripe tray fermented in terms of slaty (7.45%) which narrowly fell within the acceptable (8%) for grade 2 cocoa, purple (17.33%) was within the grade 1 limit of (20%), and pH (5.77) which was within what could be termed unfermented (5.5-5.8) compared to the other three treatments which were within acceptable limits. The tray fermented over ripe beans also showed a significant difference in terms of pH (4.47) and free fatty acids (0.99%), however, they were within acceptable levels (1.75%) for good quality cocoa. The tray fermentation method was found to be less cost effective than the traditional heap method in the short run. However, the tray method had numerous advantages over the traditional method in the long run.

Source: KNUST
Effect of stakeholder management on project success survey of local government projects in Ashanti Region

This study examined the effect of stakeholder management strategies on project success. The study focused on water and sanitation projects executed by MMDAs in Ashanti Region. The study adopted descriptive survey design. Primary data was collected from a sample of 122 employee respondents. Purposive sampling procedure was used. Structured questionnaire was used to assemble the data for the study. The survey data was quantitatively analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (OLS regression model). The study found that stakeholder participation, top management support, the availability of project professionals and teams and adequate funding are the key factors that contribute to the success of project. Also, the study found that stakeholder identification and engagement strategies have significant positive influence on project success while stakeholder analysis has positive but insignificant influence. The study recommends that the management of MMDAs should always provide opportunities for stakeholder groups to get involve in the execution of projects. They can do this by assigning specific tasks and responsibilities to individual stakeholders or groups and demand accountability thereafter. Further, project implementing officials should devote adequate amount of time to identify all stakeholders and their subgroupings, officially document stakeholder information and establish how stakeholders can affect or be affected by the project.

Source: KNUST
The effect of stake dimension on the field performance of two hardwoods with different durability classes

Timber diversity is associated with virtually all types of wood structures for various end-uses including bridges and railway-sleepers. Some timbers resist bio-degradation and are termed naturally durable. Wood durability is influenced by numerous extrinsic and intrinsic factors; however, knowledge is scant about the role stake dimension plays. Therefore, the field performance of replicates of four dimensions (500 50 25; 250 25 12.5; 125 12.5 6.25; and 62.5 6.25 3.13 mm) from two commercially important hardwoods (Milicia excelsa and Sterculia rhinopetala) of different durabilities (i.e., high and moderate, respectively) was investigated for 5 years using the graveyard method with non-durable Ceiba pentandra as a control. Durability parameters assessed were visual durability ratings, hardness, and mass losses. C. pentandra usually performed worst in all parameters. Generally, a steady increase exists in degradation from the thickest stakes (500 50 25 mm) to the thinnest (62.5 6.25 3.13 mm). Thus, the greater the stake dimension, the smaller its visual durability rating, mass and hardness losses (i.e. more durable). However, few discrepancies occurred, as the thinnest stakes were often buried deep in the soil, decreasing their chances of getting attacked. M. excelsa remained harder and more durable for stakes of all dimensions (especially the thickest) than those of S. rhinopetala. However, the thinnest M. excelsa stakes unexpectedly recorded mean mass loss of 4.9%, compared with 2.1% for S. rhinopetala. The study shows wood dimension significantly affects its durability, which would inform timber engineers about their wood dimension choices for appropriate end-uses.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Steeping Regimes and Gibberellic Acid (GA3) on Enzymatic Activity of Rice Malt for the Production of Glucose Syrup

The effect of three malting conditions (steeping period, air-rest, and gibberellic acid-3 application) on malting quality of rice grains for the production of glucose syrup was investigated. The rice grain (Jasmine 85 variety) was soaked for 12 to 72 hours and germinated for 12 days at a temperature of 28 + 1 °C. Air-rest treatment of 2 to 8 hours and GA3 concentrations of 10* to 10 mg/L were applied. Parameters measured included out-of-Steep Moisture Content (SMC), germination energy, malting Joss, diastase and alpha amylase activities, shoot length, protein content, rate of reaction, and total soluble solids (sugars). Results obtained indicated that SMC, malting loss, germination energy, diastatic activity, and shoot length of rice malt increased with increasing steeping period. The effect of air-rest treatment on the rice malt quality was more significant at 6-hour period producing an average diastatic activity of 1001.72 U/g dry malt at out-of-steep and shoot length of 5.24cm. GA3 application at a concentration of lOmg/L resulted in the highest diastatic activity of 1305.27 U/g dry malt, and shoot length of 2.93cm after 60 hours of germination. The maximum diastatic activity of rice malt obtaine4 from the combine (GA3 and air rest) and air-rest treatment alone was found on the 8th day of germination, occurring earlier than that of the control, 10th day. Moreover, the combined treatment produced malt with the highest diastatic activity (1545.94U/g) compared to that of air-rest treatment alone (1528.01U/g) and the control (1456.33U/g), averagely. Cassava starch (Agbelifia) had a higher affinity for the malt prepared under the combined treatment producing more soluble sugars in the final glucose syrup. Therefore to obtain rice malt with the highest diastatic activity, rice grains should be soaked for 48 hours. Moreover, applying air rest-treatment of 6 hours during steeping in lOmg/L of GA3 solution could further enhances the total hydrolytic potential of rice malt.

Source: KNUST
The effect of starter-grower pigs fed diets containing varying levels of dried cashew (Anarcadium occidentale L. ) PULP (DCP)

Dried Cashew Pulp (DCP) was investigated for its nutritional quality. The DCP was obtained from Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Bole and was prepared from fresh ripe cashew apples by slicing the pulp into flakes after the juice has been extracted followed by sun drying to a moisture content of about 10 %. The crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre in g kg-1 DM and digestible energy contents were 86.0, 99.6, 38.0, 116.0 and 14.38 MJ, respectively. In a subsequent feeding trial, twelve Large White starter pigs with an average initial weight of 13.3 kg were randomly allotted into four groups in a completely randomized design and fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 g DCP kg-1 to determine growth performance and carcass characteristics. Water and feed were provided ad-libitum. The level of DCP had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on feed intake but had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on weight gain. Final live weights were 58.67, 53.0, 59.67 and 48.67 kg for pigs diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 DCP g kg-1 respectively. Furthermore the dietary treatments did not have significant (P > 0.05) impact on the various carcass traits, except ham weight. In this study, there were no health-related problems nor deaths that could be attributed to the inclusion of DCP in the diet. Feed cost per diet decreased with increasing DCP levels. The cost of feed to produce a kg weight gain was lowest for the diet containing the 100 g DCP kg-1. It was concluded that up to 100 g DCP kg-1 diet had a positive effect on pig growth performance and that partial replacement of energy sources such as maize and wheat bran with DCP is possible.

Source: KNUST
The effect of starter-grower pigs fed diets containing varying levels of dried cashew (Anarcadium Occidentale L.) pulp (DCP)

Dried Cashew Pulp (DCP) was investigated for its nutritional quality. The DCP was obtained from Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana (CRIG), Bole and was prepared from fresh ripe cashew apples by slicing the pulp into flakes after the juice has been extracted followed by sun drying to a moisture content of about 10 %. The crude protein, fat, ash, crude fibre in g kg-1 DM and digestible energy contents were 86.0, 99.6, 38.0, 116.0 and 14.38 MJ, respectively. In a subsequent feeding trial, twelve Large White starter pigs with an average initial weight of 13.3 kg were randomly allotted into four groups in a completely randomized design and fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 g DCP kg-1 to determine growth performance and carcass characteristics. Water and feed were provided ad-libitum. The level of DCP had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on feed intake but had a significant (P < 0.05) effect on weight gain. Final live weights were 58.67, 53.0, 59.67 and 48.67 kg for pigs diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150 DCP g kg-1 respectively. Furthermore the dietary treatments did not have significant (P > 0.05) impact on the various carcass traits, except ham weight. In this study, there were no health-related problems nor deaths that could be attributed to the inclusion of DCP in the diet. Feed cost per diet decreased with increasing DCP levels. The cost of feed to produce a kg weight gain was lowest for the diet containing the 100 g DCP kg-1. It was concluded that up to 100 g DCP kg-1 diet had a positive effect on pig growth performance and that partial replacement of energy sources such as maize and wheat bran with DCP is possible.

Source: KNUST
Effect of storage and length of cutting on initial growth and yield of jatropha curcas

The Jatropha curcas is a multipurpose drought resistant perennial plant with the potential for economic production of biofuel. Vegetative propagation holds better prospects for large scale plantation development. However, storage of stem cuttings and the length of stem cuttings to ensure effective and efficient plantation establishment must be investigated. The main objective of the study was to determine the appropriate cutting length, storage duration and storage method of stem cuttings. Semi- hardwood cuttings were stored vertically and partly buried to a depth of 15 cm under shade (PB) and another stored vertically under shade but not buried (NB). Exactly 30cm length of cuttings were planted in poly bags on the first day (S1), 5 days (S2), 10 days (S3) and 15 days (S4) of storage. Two lengths of stem cuttings 30cm (L1) and 40cm (L2) length cuttings were prepared from stored cuttings for planting on the first day (S1), 5 days (S2), 10days (S3) and 15 days (S4) of storage. Data was collected at 5 days interval till 40 days on various growth parameters till 42 days in the nursery. After transplanting in the field, data on growth and yield parameters were collected at two weeks interval till 16 weeks. Results of the research showed that 40cm (L2) cuttings performed better in terms of growth and yield parameter such as number of sprouts, number of leaves, number of branches, plant height, number of roots, length of root, root volume, root biomass, shoot biomass, number of flowers and number of fruits than the 30cm (L1) length cuttings. Cuttings that were stored between 0 and 10 days had vigorous growth performed better in terms of growth parameters such as number of sprouts, number of leaves, plant height, number of roots, length of root, root volume, root biomass, shoot biomass than the cuttings stored for 15 days.

Source: KNUST
The effect of strategic management practices on performance of Savings and Loans Companies in Kumasi

This research sought to examine the importance of strategic management to organizational development. The population of the study comprised all management and staff of 20 selected savings and loan companies operating in the Ashanti region. A total of 100 management and staff of 20 savings and loan companies were selected for the study. Purposive sampling was employed to select the respondents in this study. The study utilized both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data was collected through questionnaires. SPSS was used to analyze data. Findings showed that most savings and loans companies try to manage strategically by aligning Initiatives with Strategy, engaging staff fully in strategy implementation, keeping staff fully informed about corporate strategic direction, monitoring strategy and implementation in order to adapt it where necessary to meet the challenges and realities of the times and structuring the organization to be effective in its strategy implementation. The study also showed that all the strategic management practices had significant positive effects on sales growth. Furthermore, the study showed that the most ensnaring pitfall of strategic management is the inability of organizations to translate strategy into a corporate purpose. This was followed by short term planning, failure to create accountability for results, inability to foster belief in the strategy, ignoring external trends, overconfidence based on existing success and failure to respond to structural changes in the market. Finally, the study showed that strategic management practices have direct positive relationship with corporate performance (as depicted with sales growth). Based on the findings, the study recommended that managements of savings and loans companies factor into their strategic management decisions, the marketing environment and the prevailing macro conditions in order to come out with an effective strategic plan that would have positive impact on corporate performance.

Source: KNUST
The effect of Strategic planning on organizational performance in the hospitality industry: a survey of selected firms in the Central Region of Ghana

To truly survive as a business organization, a firm must take its strategy or set of strategies as vital weapons of protection for the very life of the corporate entity. That is why this study sought to ascertain the impact of strategic planning on the performance of Hospitality organizations in the Central Region of Ghana. The study was both descriptive and explanatory, through the use of a survey strategy. The population comprised all the two hundred and twenty-six (226) hospitality firms in the Central Region. Through the simple random technique, fifty (50) hospitality firms were selected for the study. Data used in the analysis was basically primary through the administration of structured and delivery and collection questionnaires. After the study, it was concluded that; strategic planning had no significant effect on the performance of the hospitality firms. There also existed a weak correlation between the two variables, although the relationship was positive. Almost all the firms had a strategic plan that was in use for over five (5) years. The main contents of the strategic plans developed by the firms were staff development and training, staff appraisal, mission/vision statements, business level objectives, cost targets, departmental or divisional objectives, and sales targets. Managerial behaviour, resource allocation, reward management, and organizational policy did influence the implementation of strategic plans. Over the years, there had been an improvement in occupancy percentage, average room rate, growth in sales per room, number of successful new services or products introduced, and the percentage of sales accounting for new services or products. The study realized that the organizational structure was a vital part for successful strategic plan implementation; therefore, there was a need for a proper alignment of the organizational structure with the strategic plan. Organizational structures hence have to be adjusted to correlate with strategic plans.

Source: KNUST
The effect of strategic planning on SMEs performance: a case study of selected SMEs in Kumasi

Strategic management planning has been found to be necessary if organizations are to succeed and perform. This study set out to investigate strategic management in Small and Medium Scale Enterprises and its implication for performance. This study employed case study research design making use of questionnaires to collect quantitative data. Hundred research participants were selected using simple random sampling by lottery method from ten purposively selected Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Kumasi. Questionnaires were used to collect data and were quantitatively analyzed. The study found that SMEs do implement strategic management practices. When these strategic management practices were subjected to the on sample t-test statistics, almost all of the practices proved significant at alpha level of 0.05. However, planning to put the business in the foreseeable years was not significant at the set alpha level. The study also found that the strategic management implementation faces challenges such as inability to manage change and top managers not supporting strategy. Based on these findings among others, it was recommended that the goals of, and incentives for, the workforce along with the allocation of resources should be aligned with the strategy of the organisation.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Strategic Planning on the Performance and Operations of the Agricultural Development Bank

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of strategic planning on the performance of banks in Ghana with reference to the operations of the Agricultural Development Bank (ADB). Secondary and Primary data was utilized in this study. Secondary data was obtained from reviewing text books, publications, financial records and internal records of ADB. Primary data was gathered with the aid of questionnaires. One hundred and sixty (160) questionnaires were sent to employees of the Greater-Accra region of ADB and one hundred and forty (140) responses were obtained representing a response rate of 87.5%. The results of the administered questionnaires showed a fairly high level of agreement for the features of the various dimensions of an effectively managed bank. However, this study showed that structures put in place for bottom-up information flow were not known to all employees. This study also showed that employees were either ignorant about program evaluation or there was a clear disregard for program evaluation at ADB. The researcher recommends that all factors of the various dimensions should be put into the right perspective so as to help the general workforce of the bank to understand the main objectives and strategic plans in place to achieve the objectives of ADB. Lastly, it is recommended that, the bank develops quarterly meetings at the zonal level to provide employees the opportunity to be heard on matters relative to strategic planning practices at ADB.

Source: KNUST