ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Problems of facilities management in Polytechnics in Ghana: Case Study Kumasi Polytechnic

Education is about excellence and unsatisfactory facilities will affect the ability of tertiary institutions to achieve their mission. Facilities management activities in Polytechnics in Ghana have traditionally focused on the performance of physical building systems and repair works, without detailed consideration for how they might be managed to better support learning and teaching activities. As technical manpower training institutions, polytechnics depend on their facilities. Therefore, the extent to which facilities management is a component of the strategic management (thinking) of polytechnics is vital to the way in which knowledge can be produced, managed, disseminated, assessed and controlled. The current state of physical facilities of the polytechnics is an important indicator of the importance of strategic facilities management in the polytechnics. The study investigated the problems of facilities management and the effect of facilities management on user performance. Primary and Secondary data sources were used. Sample survey, in-depth interviews and observation were used in primary data collection. Analysis of data revealed that there is some level of awareness of the importance of facilities management among top management of polytechnics but level of commitment in implementing facilities management decisions is quite low. It was also observed that the standard of approaches to facilities management in the polytechnics is below expectation. The major problems identified were inadequate funds and facilities management staff, inadequate facilities and large number of facilities users, misuse of facilities, lack of strategic direction in facilities management and poor facilities information management system. Findings of the study suggest that facilities management affects the output of polytechnic staff and students. Recommendations were made to improve the facilities management in polytechnics.

Source: KNUST
Problems of mothers with malnourished children; a case of maternal and child health hospital, Kumasi

The malnutrition situation in Ghana is a serious problem among pre-school children. About 3 out of every 10 young children are undernourished. Nearly 2 out of every 10 babies born dies before their 5th birthday. Under nutrition is an important cause of death. (Nutrition Unit-MOH, Nutrition facts for Ghanaian families. 1995) Mothers of malnourished children have an enormous burden with caring for their malnourished children. Most of these mothers are also single mothers and the poor socio-economic status of these mothers’ results in low patronage of Child Welfare Clinics for growth assessment of their children hence their children • become malnourished. The Maternal and Child Health Hospital although provides Maternal and Child care, much emphasis is placed on the care and management of the malnourished children than the enormous burden of childhood malnutrition on mothers of such children. Against this background, the goal of the study was to assess the numerous problems that these mothers encounter and suggest possible solutions to address such problems. The study was a cross-sectional descriptive type with a sample size of 50 and facilitated by review of primary and secondary data, structured interview guide. The findings indicated that most of these mothers of the malnourished children are single, uneducated teenage mothers with a poor socio-economic status who have an enormous responsibility of taking care of their malnourished children alone with little or no assistance from the fathers of these children. One major key finding was that the environmental conditions at the hospital were also not favourable for these mothers. There were no beds for the mothers and they had to sleep on mats, on the floor or on chairs. Secondly, the mothers complained bitterly that they were not given food and they have to go outside the hospital to buy food for themselves. Likewise they also had little or no knowledge about the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of malnutrition. The study indicated that, health education has to be intensified in these communities within the sub-metropolitan area of Kumasi to create more awareness on the effects of malnutrition. There is the need to provide more appropriate packages like provision of food and beds for mothers whose children are admitted at the hospital.

Source: KNUST
Process and supplier capabilitiy, collaboration in new product development and competitive advantage: the moderating effect of research and develpoment capability

New product development plays a pivotal role in driving progress and gaining a competitive advantage for every country. The ever-evolving production technology and service landscape are impacting businesses worldwide. With product life cycles becoming increasingly shorter, the importance of effective new product development cannot be overstated. Small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) and larger firms cannot rely solely on traditional methods like cost reduction to enhance competitiveness. Instead, a consistent approach and the development of fresh ideas are crucial for successful operations in today's market. This study aims to examine the influence of process and supplier capabilities, collaboration in new product development, and the moderating role of research and development capabilities on competitive advantage. An explanatory research design was employed, relying solely on quantitative methods and primary data sources. Convenience and purposive sampling techniques were used to select the study's respondents, resulting in a sample size of 250.The findings reveal that process capabilities have a positive and significant impact on collaboration in new product development. Similarly, supplier capabilities demonstrate a positive and significant influence on collaboration in new product development. Furthermore, collaboration in new product development is found to have a positive and significant effect on competitive advantage. The study also highlights the positive and significant moderating role of research and development capabilities in the relationship between collaboration in new product development and competitive advantage. Based on these findings, the study recommends that organizations provide periodic training and development opportunities for their staff to enhance task execution and achieve a competitive advantage. Additionally, establishing a dedicated research and development unit is crucial for identifying the most appropriate approaches in carrying out organizational activities. Finally, the management of organizations in Ghana should be willing to adapt their designs to meet customer demands and maintain competitiveness.

Source: KNUST
Process and concept of relief painting with foam rubber and acrylic paint

This project is about experiments and studies in painting with the foam rubber and polymer emulsion commonly known as acrylics. It is geared at unearthing the subtle and dynamic visual challenges that could be brought forth through the combination of foam rubber relief and acrylic paint. This thesis is divided into five (5) chapters as shown below. I. INTRODUCTION: The introduction deals with explaining and setting the objectives of the project, research methodology and the facilities available. II. LITERATURE REVIEW: The literature review takes a look at what other theorists and artists have written and done regarding relief painting. III. EXPERIMENTAL SURVEY: This chapter presents a sequential report on the experimental survey — experiments in the use of foam rubber for relief effects and the preliminary paintings undertaken as prelude to the main project. IV. APPRECIATION OF PAINTINGS: The fourth chapter deals with the description and appreciation of the relief paintings

Source: KNUST
Process Optimization and the Kinetics of Transesterification of Jatropha curcas Oil

This work focused on the kinetics of production of biodiesel from Jatropha curcas seed oil (a non-edible oil). The oil was obtained from Busunu in the Northern Region of Ghana. Some physicochemical properties of the crude Jatropha oil were determined; the density was 0.909gcm -3, the acid value was 6.418mgg -1 of oil and the FFA content was 3.23%. The crude oil was then transesterified using methanol and KOH at varied reaction conditions. The optimum reaction conditions were chosen based on the percentage yield obtained. Optimum conditions were found to be as follows: the optimum molar ratio of oil to alcohol was found to be 1:6, amount of catalyst of 1.2% KOH (weight by volume of oil), temperature of 55°C, time of 45min, and a stirring rate of 250rpm. Based on the optimized conditions; the order of the reaction with respect to the biodiesel was first order and an Activation Energy of 53,814 J per mol was recorded. The fuel produced had a cetane index of 54.55, kinematic viscosity of 7.9Cst, total acid number of 0.14mgKOHg-1, pour point of 0°C, density of 886.4kgm-3, basic sediments and water of 0.01 %wt, ash content of 0.001 %wt, sulphur of 0.01 %wt, Conradson carbon of 0.16 %wt and metals (Na + K) of 1.125ppm. Almost all the fuel properties were within the ASTM standard for biodiesel 2009; hence the biodiesel produced from Jatropha seed oil is of useful quality and can be used in any diesel engine. This work can thus serve as basic information for further research especially for biodiesel production from Jatropha oil from Busunu in Northern Ghana for any researcher.

Source: KNUST
Processes and Procedures for the Application and Issuance of Building Permits in the Metropolitan Cities of Ghana: A Study of Accra and Kumasi Metropolises

Shelter like the other basic needs of man are diverse in cultural settings and geographic locations. Nonetheless it has undergone many changes and in some instances, remarkable transformation in fields like Medicine, ICT, Engineering e.t.c. The increasing world population has made the need for shelter all the more important. Ghana is no different, as over the last 20-30 years, it has seen an unprecedented rise in construction activities in the provision of shelter. Unfortunately, this has brought in its wake enormous problem of haphazard developments in all of the urban centers of the country. Many reasons have been attributed to the problem. Thus, the main purpose of this research was to identify the main stumbling blocks in the processing and issuance of building permits by the city authorities of Accra and Kumasi. These two cities were chosen because they are the most urbanized settlements in Ghana and for that matter the ones faced with highest number of building permit requests. The process followed to complete the study included field survey, interviews, and observations and the administering of questionnaires. The Simple random technique was used to select 109 and 83respondents in Accra and Kumasi respectively. Tables and charts were generated from the Scientific Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in the analysis of the data collected.The study revealed that there is ineffectiveness in the process and procedure for application and issuance of building permits. This stems from the fact that, instead of the stipulated three (3) months period for the issuance of permit, it took up to six (6) months or more, to get any feedbacks on applications. It was found out that the process did not differ significantly from that of other jurisdictions. The study therefore recommended that there should be regular meetings of the statutory planning committee; there should be an easier system by means of ICT for applicants to verify status of their applications and also logistically strengthening of the institutions involved in the process. These, among others will go a long way to enhance the processes and procedures of obtaining building a permit.

Source: KNUST
Processing a new material for exterior sculpture

Sculptors have no option than to stick to some few very popular materials. These materials although are losing their popularity on the international market or being improved upon, the researcher can boldly come out and say that sculptors in this part of the art world are not prepared to do away with it. Furthermore, the researcher in trying to recollect what he came to meet at the sculpture section of College of Art when he came to do his undergraduate programme. One can just come out with just one major material, and that is cement. Unfortunately much has not been done about this, all we still see is just a change in colour but maintaining the parent material as cement. Although there has not been any change in material for exterior sculpture, at least something could have been done about the finish. Most works in cement although strong, grow mouldy when left at the mercy of the weather. in some cases painted works have the paint peeling off How can these works be sold as no one would like to buy an art piece that cannot serve its purpose. Clay has been made to serve mainly as a modelling material for sculptors, than for any other purpose. Unfortunately this versatile material is being under-utilised since much is not being explored about it. This cannot solely be the fault of the section, student or sculptors. The university unfortunately looks down upon this side of the institution, placing all its emphasis on the sciences. The section cannot even boast of an ordinary pug mill which can easily and cheaply be produced by the mechanics at Magazine in Kumasi, let alone a kiln to fire clay works. This is just to mention a few but there are a lot more needed in this section to make it a research institution. In this research, the researcher explored more in to clay as a very versatile medium ever used by artist throughout history. The outcome of this exploration proved very successful. From the research, it became clearer that clay has a very great potential than it is being used. This finding shows that clay, when well treated, can serve diverse purposes. The write-up is simplified in such a way that every sculptor who would like to enter into terracotta work would not have a problem interpreting its content. All the processes are clearly stated and supported with photographs. It is the hope of the researcher that sculptors in this part of our world would shift from relying on the few main medium for exterior sculpture. This project will go a long way to help sculptors to have varying colours and materials, and to utilize local material for exterior sculpture.

Source: KNUST
Procurement Challenges In The Implementation Of Fertilizer Subsidy Program In Ashanti Region.

In July 2008, the government of Ghana instituted a country-wide subsidy on 50Kg bags offour types of fertilizer in an effort to mitigate the effect of food prices. The fertilizer subsidy was a unique example of a public-private partnership in which the government consulted heavily with fertilizer importers in the design stage and relied exclusively on the existing private distribution system to deliver fertilizer to farmers. While this structure offers clear benefits, initial observations suggest scope for improvement in both the system design and implementation. Poor timing, shortage of fertilizer and a small network of fertilizer retailers participating in the program prevented fertilizer use from increasing as much as was possible within the program budget and may have disadvantaged smaller retailers. The success of Ghana’s fertilizer subsidy program hinges on effective management of the program and the enthusiasm and confidence of the beneficiaries. Management, in this context, relates to the availability of fertilizer at the right time and place and in the right quantity; easy access to fertilizer at a low transaction cost; and ensuring the actual use of the right quantities of the fertilizer. This translates into a low transaction cost; and ensuring the actual use of the right quantities of the fertilizer. A stable policy environment on fertilizer subsidy program implementation in Ashanti region is conducive to change, absolutely critical for promoting growth in fertilizer use in the region. Such growth is especially important if small-scale farmers are to increase production, ensure food security, and protect the environment. The report presents findings of the study on The Implementation of Fertilizer Subsidy Program in Ashanti region from fertilizer suppliers, distributors, retailers, farmers and agricultural extension officers in the region. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approach was used to assess the distribution and availability of subsidized fertilizer, price of fertilizer during the subsidy year, farmer’s education on the subsidy program, use of subsidized fertilizer by small-holder farmers and constraints in the fertilizer business in the region. The findings show that there is considerable scope for improvement in the distribution of fertilizers to ensure higher effectiveness of fertilizer implementation program and to render farmers’ participation in the program more sustainable.Based on the research findings it can be concluded that; Prices are rather too high as most farmers can still not afford at the subsidized price.

Source: KNUST
Processing and utilization of selected local plant fibers for macramé

Macramé has grown to be accepted as a potential, versatile, fashionable craft capable of complementing other craft, for the process in product development, which has socioeconomic benefits as well as a sustaining culture. This study, dealing with the processing and utilization of selected plant fibres for macramé, attempts to examine two things at the same time. The research capitalizes on the vast natural resources and alternative uses of selected plants other than yarns, cords and ropes for macramé. The main aim of this research is to identify some plants which have high fibre yielding properties, which could be extracted and used for knotting macramé. Also, the research sought to introduce the concept of macramé knotting to two communities in Ghana and finally to examine the socio-economic impact of the use of the fibre on the selected communities. The research questions include: which local plants have fibre forming properties within the Daffiama and Odumase Krobo communities in Ghana; how best can these fibres be harnessed for knotting and how the concept of macramé be introduced to the selected communities using the produced cords from plants. The research design is driven by qualitative research method using experimental and descriptive approaches. The population for the study comprised final year students of St. Theresa‟s‟s Vocational School (2015/16 academic year), selected traditional basket weavers and a group of bead makers whom the researcher named Muɛstɛm. The target population was hundred and ten (110) but finally sixty-nine (69) was accessible for the study. Information was obtained from libraries and the field (indigenes). The data collection instruments were interviews, questionnaire and observation. The data were organized, analyzed and interpreted. The findings revealed that most of the selected plants found in the communities had high yielding fibre properties which when processed could be used to make cords and ropes for knotting macramé. The exposure the respondents had from the macramé weaving wasiv very positive using the colourful synthetic cords. This exposed the respondents to macramé knots which would further enhance their local production of craft works within their various communities. In conclusion the respondents embraced the macramé craft to enhance their work and were also encouraged to cultivate some of these fibrous plants not only for fuel, medicinal and the likes but also for their high fibre yielding properties which can feed factories to produce yarns and cords. This would go a long way to engage most of our teeming youth for progressively notable transformation

Source: KNUST
Procurement challenges in the implementation of fertilizer subsidy program in Ashanti Region.

In July 2008, the government of Ghana instituted a country-wide subsidy on 50Kg bags of four types of fertilizer in an effort to mitigate the effect of food prices. The fertilizer subsidy was a unique example of a public-private partnership in which the government consulted heavily with fertilizer importers in the design stage and relied exclusively on the existing private distribution system to deliver fertilizer to farmers. While this structure offers clear benefits, initial observations suggest scope for improvement in both the system design and implementation. Poor timing, shortage of fertilizer and a small network of fertilizer retailers participating in the program prevented fertilizer use from increasing as much as was possible within the program budget and may have disadvantaged smaller retailers. The success of Ghana’s fertilizer subsidy program hinges on effective management of the program and the enthusiasm and confidence of the beneficiaries. Management, in this context, relates to the availability of fertilizer at the right time and place and in the right quantity; easy access to fertilizer at a low transaction cost; and ensuring the actual use of the right quantities of the fertilizer. This translates into a low transaction cost; and ensuring the actual use of the right quantities of the fertilizer. A stable policy environment on fertilizer subsidy program implementation in Ashanti region is conducive to change, absolutely critical for promoting growth in fertilizer use in the region. Such growth is especially important if small-scale farmers are to increase production, ensure food security, and protect the environment. The report presents findings of the study on The Implementation of Fertilizer Subsidy Program in Ashanti region from fertilizer suppliers, distributors, retailers, farmers and agricultural extension officers in the region. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approach was used to assess the distribution and availability of subsidized fertilizer, price of fertilizer during the subsidy year, farmer’s education on the subsidy program, use of subsidized fertilizer by small-holder farmers and constraints in the fertilizer business in the region. The findings show that there is considerable scope for improvement in the distribution of fertilizers to ensure higher effectiveness of fertilizer implementation program and to render farmers’ participation in the program more sustainable. Based on the research findings it can be concluded that; Prices are rather too high as most farmers can still not afford at the subsidized price.

Source: KNUST