ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Examining the implementation of promotion policy in the University of Cape Coast

Human Resource Management plays a crucial role in the development of an organisation by overseeing and implementing all policies and activities regarding the welfare of its employees. The successful implementation of these human resource policies largely depends on the extent to which these employees are satisfied with these policies. The study, therefore, sought to examine the implementation of promotion policy in the University of Cape Coast, using primary data from Senior Members Section at the University of Cape Coast. The study used the mixed method approach and administered 70 questionnaires and conducted in–depth interviews with 11 academic staff. Results from the quantitative part were presented in tables, graphs and charts, whereas results from the qualitative part were presented in quotations and narratives. The results showed that, generally, senior members have knowledge about the promotion criteria and procedures. Their knowledge varied by sex, current academic rank and years of experience. It was also seen that the promotion process takes a longer period and delays when the applicants had problems with their HoDs/Dean/Provost. Senior members were satisfied with the promotion process although they believed it was inconsistent in its application and sometimes not fair. It was therefore, recommended that the University management and Appointments and Promotions Board should put in place deadlines to prevent delays in the promotion process. The Appointments and Promotions Board should be consistent in the application of the promotion policy to ensure equitable treatment of all applicants.

Source: UCC
Examining the perceived vulnerability and experiences of inbound tourists on cybercrime in Ghana.

Although Information and Communication Technology (ICT) applications have become essential to the operations in the tourism industry but its benefits accruing to the growing importance is also being challenged by cyber criminals and online intruders. There has been surprisingly little effort to understand the perceived vulnerability and experiences in the context of tourism. Therefore, this study explored the perceived vulnerability and experiences of inbound tourists’ on cybercrime in Ghana. The study used a cross-sectional design with quantitative approach for data collection and analysis. A convenience sampling technique was employed to select 400 inbound tourists who visited Ghana from 1st November to 1st January which was the period for data collection. The study was guided by the Routines Activity Theory. The findings of the study proved that both cybercrime victimization and perceived vulnerability of inbound tourists in Ghana is quite low. Again, it was revealed that inbound tourists that visit Ghana do consider the issue of cybercrime when planning for their trips meanwhile their rejection of a particular destination for alternative destinations has never been on the issue of cybercrime. Respondents were also well aware of cybercrime preventive strategies. Evidently however, level of education was found to have relationship with respondents’ perceived vulnerability while trip experiences and purpose of visitation also associated with respondents’ cybercrime victimization.

Source: UCC
Examining the prospects and challenges of the public procurement act implementation in Ghana: the case of East Mamprusi District Assembly

"It is believed that the promulgation of the Public Procurement Act has assisted to deal with several problems of procurement in Ghana. Despite the achievements of the reform, it appears the implementation of the procurement Act is faced with many challenges. This study sought to examine the prospects and challenges of the public procurement Act in Ghana with much focus on the East Mamprusi District Assembly (EMDA). In conducting the study, the researcher adopted purposive sampling technique to solicit the requisite information from registered suppliers, procurement staff and entity tender committee members of EMDA whose core function entails executing various shades of procurement and procurement related activities. The questionnaire technique was employed as the research instrument while Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) Version 21 enabled the researcher to analyse the field data captured. The major challenges identified by the study were delays in the procurement process and late payment of contractors upon completion of work. The main cause of the delays in the process according to the study was bureaucracy. In order to enjoy the benefits that come with the Procurement Act, the study recommended that government should endeavour to review the Act to limit the number of steps in the procurement process so as to reduce the level of bureaucracy in the system. Furthermore, procurement entities should comply with the contractual agreement with contractors/suppliers by honouring prompt payment upon completion of contracts/ projects. Digitized "

Source: UCC
Examining the prospects and challenges of utility pricing regulations in the Tamale Metropolis of Ghana

The study sought to examine the prospects and challenges of utility pricing regulations on stakeholder protection. The descriptive survey design was used. A total of 240 respondents were selected through convenient sampling technique. The study was conducted within the Tamale Metropolitan Area of the Northern Region. Questionnaires were the main instrument used in collecting data from the respondents for the study. Data were collected after the necessary ethical consideration and clearance had been sought. Responses from the participants were analysed using SPSS 21. The study revealed that the level of stakeholders satisfaction of utility regulation were significantly different among the four categories of stakeholders (X² = 22.659, p <.05) with a mean rank of 162.15 for Public Utilities Regulatory Commission staff, 133 for Ghana Water Company Staff, 109.54 for consumers and 99.24 for VRA/NEDCo Staff. The study further affirmed that the Commission approves rates chargeable for provision of utility services in promoting and protecting stakeholders’ interest. The study concluded that most stakeholders to a larger extent are fully aware of some basic rights relative to consumer protection which implies that most consumers have some form of knowledge regarding what to expect from utility providers when they the consumer meet their obligation and expect the utility providers to do same. Most consumers owing to the knowledge or awareness of their rights may seek redress for any breach of their rights. It therefore recommends that that there should be collaborative efforts of all sectors of society to highlight more programmes on consumer awareness on consumer protection laws in the utility sector to build knowledge

Source: UCC
Examining the relationship between financial literacy and personal savings among individuals in Adeiso

The study examined the relationship between financial literacy and personal savings among individuals in Adeiso. The study used descriptive design in the quantitative approach. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 300 respondents (nurses, teachers and SME operators) in Adeiso of which questionnaires were administered to them. Furthermore, the data was analyzed with the help of statistical software known as Statistical Product for Service Solution (SPSS version 21.0) and interpreted by using percentages and frequencies and presented with the aid of tables, graphs and charts. It was found out that, generally, financial literacy of the respondents was moderate. The financial literacy level of nurses was very weak in terms of knowledge in retirement planning, investment and savings and borrowing. Teachers at Adeiso has weak knowledge in insurance and SMEs operators had weak knowledge in retirement planning and insurance. Surprisingly, all the respondents had weak knowledge in insurance. Teachers have high level of financial literacy as compared to nurses and SMEs operators. Only increment in the number of children reduces financial literacy of the respondents. Moreover, there was a positive significant relationship between sex, educational status, marital status, personal income, financial literacy and savings behavior. However, there was a weak negative relationship between age and savings behavior. The study therefore, recommends that people without business educational background such as science and humanities should be encouraged to learn more on personal financial management and others. Also, family planning methods should be encouraged among the youth in order to control the number of children of people since it affect savings negatively.

Source: UCC
Examining the Relationship Between Macroeconomic Variables and Banking Sector Stability in Ghana

The expansion of financial services, particularly those offered by commercial banks, has coincided with faster economic growth. Banks are becoming more exposed to borrowers with high debt servicing costs due to rising consumer and corporate debt. Following the worldwide financial crises of 2008–2009, the banking sector has become unstable. This study investigated the relationship between macroeconomic variables and bank stability in Ghana. The analysis relied on secondary data collected from January 2007 to December 2021. This study analyzed the short and long-run dynamics between macroeconomic variables and bank stability measured by the capital adequacy ratio. The bounds test showed a long-run relationship between the variables of the study. From the ARDL error correction model, exchange rate and return on asset have a positive long-term impact on bank stability. On the other hand, the Ghanaian bank stability was negatively impacted in the short term by the exchange rate. The variables return to equilibrium at a significant rate of 28.9%. The study recommended that banks should establish internal policies that ensure adequate liquidity levels, strengthen the institutional environment in the country, strict compliance with laws and regulations, and currency hedging

Source: UCC
Examining the relationship between pre-service teachers’ entry characteristics and their academic achievement

There is enthralling evidence from basic and secondary education that students’ entry characteristics influence academic achievement. There is also evidence, albeit limited, that pre-service teachers’ beliefs and values influence their academic performance. However, researchers have not been able to do much in terms of understanding the complex relationship between pre-service teachers’ entry characteristics and their achievement. This cross-sectional study, therefore, explores the relationship between pre-service teachers’ entry characteristics and their academic achievement in Colleges of Education. The extant data of 500 pre-service teachers, including their background characteristics such as entry aggregates, sex, and programme specialty were examined. The CGPA of four semesters work was used as a proxy for academic achievement of students. The results suggest that there was congruence between entry grades and academic achievement. Entry grades explained about 21.3% of the variation in pre-service teachers’ academic achievements in college. The study concludes with a request to teacher education colleges to have a critical look at the background characteristics of those they admit to be trained as future teachers. This will help the system guide pre-service teachers to connect new knowledge to earlier learning.

Source: UCC
Examining the relationship between supervision and job performance among junior staff of University of Cape Coast

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between supervision and job performance among junior staff of University of Cape Coast, Ghana. A sample size of 400 clerical and non clerical staff from University of Cape Coast was used for the study. Proportionate stratification was used in selecting the 400 junior staff from a population of 3,070 from all the colleges and administration of the university. The mixed methods (Concurrent Embedded Design) was adapted and used in this study. Standard deviation, percentages and frequencies were used in analysing the data. Some key findings of the study were that there is weak positive association between employee supervision and employee job performance. The study brought to light that, a percentage change in Supervision will improve Employee Performance, that is, any improvement in the way and manner in which employees are supervised will automatically translate into an improved job performance by the value of the coefficient of employee performance. Some of the key findings of the study are that, wages and salaries influence the performance of employees. This is followed by 321 (80.3%) of respondents who indicated that, motivation is a key factor in determining their performance at the work place. Again, leadership styles of managers, work experience and work conditions all recorded over 70% of the respondents citing them. One major recommendation of the study is that supervisors of the junior staff of the University of Cape Coast should improve upon their supervision processes to enhance job performance.

Source: UCC
Examining the Trajectory of Female Executive Leaders in Public Ghanaian Universities

Women encounter significant barriers as it relates to their gender and leadership styles. The strong patriarchal system has made it more difficult for females to advance in higher education. Research has previously examined a number of factors, including characteristics, institutional influences, and practice efforts to increase the representation of females in leadership in higher education. However, exploring the persistence of gender inequality at the highest ranks of executive leadership is essential to understanding the underrepresentation of females in executive leadership positions in higher education (Bonebright, Cottledge & Lonnquist, 2012; White, 2012). Even though females have been a part of higher education for decades, only recently have they been highlighted in the research and literature pertaining to higher education, particularly executive leadership. This interpretive review considers gender and highlights organizational cultural barriers that further limit the advancement of females into executive leadership positions in higher education. The leadership trajectory of five females serving in executive positions in three public universities in Ghana was explored. Findings included opportunities presented to them through their hard work and dedication, the challenge of balancing personal and professional lives, understanding the importance of holding true to personal values, and the encouragement of mentors.

Source: UCC
Examining the urban land management practices in Cape Coast

Population trends currently indicate that more than half of Ghana’s population live in urban areas. The pressures of urbanisation and fast growing population in the cities have impacted on land management. This exploratory study examined land management practices in Cape Coast in the light of rapid urbanisation. Purposive sampling was used to solicit information from the Land Sector Agencies and snowballing was used to gather information from private land owners. Interviewing was the primary source of data and secondary data consisted of documents, etc. The study revealed that the legal frameworks regulating land use are fraught with a lot of problems. The findings of the study showed that the contradictions in the legal frameworks are based on the archaic nature of the frameworks. Though the various Land Sector Agencies have explicitly spelt out responsibilities, the study revealed that their duties overlapped as far as inspections are concerned. Their independence as autonomous bodies makes it difficult for them to coordinate and share information. Inadequate human and financial resources, inadequate logistics, inadequate motivation and better remuneration and ignorance of procedure in acquiring building permit by some developers were revealed as some of the challenges that hinder effective land management in Cape Coast. The study recommended that some of the frameworks must be amended or thrown out completely and new ones introduced. The local people must be involved in the planning process and an effective monitoring system introduced. The agencies must be provided with the needed logistics, attractive incentives and infrastructure to ensure that land management is effective to achieve sustainability.

Source: UCC
Examining the use of social media in the recruitment and selection process in public institutions in Ghana: a case of Ghana Revenue Authority

The main purpose of the study was to assess the use of social media in recruitment and selection process in public institutions in Ghana, with particular reference to the Ghana Revenue Authority. The objectives of the study were to identify the social media tools used for recruitment and selection at the Ghana Revenue Authority, determine the benefits of using social media in the recruitment process, determine the challenges associates with using social media for recruitment. The total population for the study was fifty seven 57. Purposive sampling was used to select fifty (50) respondents for the study. Responses were gathered through the use of questionnaires. Descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and pie charts were used to analyze the data. The study revealed all the respondents representing 100% agreed that the use of social media in recruitment and selection process is cost saving. The study further revealed that recruitment through social media can enhance the communication and dialogue within the recruitment process. The result showed that majority of the staff believed that Ghana Revenue Authority used social media (Skype and LinkedIn) in recruitment and selection of candidates for employment. The study recommended that, for the organization to continue to employ quality candidates through social media management must commit more resources to the improvement of the Authority’s internet and other social networks to ensure its effectiveness.

Source: UCC
Examining the Variables of Interest in Selecting Institutions for Affiliation by Mentee Tertiary Education Institutions in Ghana

The study sought to examine the variables of interest in selection of institutions for affiliation by mentee tertiary institutions under the affiliation policy implementation in Ghanaian higher education system. The study adopted the descriptive survey to collect data from 70 respondents in 6 private tertiary institutions selected from the Greater Accra region. The questionnaire comprises of mostly closed-ended items with few open ended ones and data gathered analysed descriptively. The findings revealed that private universities under mentorship perceive the policy of institutional affiliation as policy introduced by the government to enable chartered public higher education institutions to mentor newly established higher educational institutions. It also revealed that mentee institutions consider some factors when selecting an institution for affiliation. It was also revealed that mentee institutions encounter challenges including increasing cost of affiliation fees as well as inflexible entry requirements for prospective students imposed. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended among others that Government of Ghana through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund) should assist non chartered tertiary education institutions (especially the private ones) to be able to provide tertiary education at affordable rates to citizens. The National Accreditation Board should continue the affiliation policy to serve as a quality assurance check on newly established tertiary education institutions. The National Accreditation Board should develop a uniform affiliation guidelines to mentors and mentees in the affiliation process.

Source: UCC
Exchange Rate And Performance Of The Manufacturing Sector In Ghana: Evidence From Nonlinear Ardl Analysis

Stabilizing the exchange rate in Ghana has been a major concern. This study examined the effect of exchange rate appreciation and depreciation on the performance of the manufacturing sector in Ghana. Again, it investigated whether there exists an asymmetric relation between the exchange rate and manufacturing performance in Ghana. This study employed non-linear autoregressive distributed lags to examine the purpose of the study. The results from the NARDL models indicate that, on average, both appreciation and depreciation of the exchange rate and Gross Fixed Capital Formation (investment) are significant determinants of the performance of the manufacturing sector in Ghana in the long run. From the short-run estimates, the linear and nonlinear ARDL models revealed that the real effective exchange rate, inflation rate, gross fixed capital formation, and labor force participation influence the manufacturing sector. The results confirm the presence of asymmetric relationships between the exchange rate and manufacturing output in Ghana. The effect of appreciation of the currency is more than that of depreciation. In view of this, it is recommended that the central bank and the government, through the Ministry of Finance should ensure stabilization of the currency by abolishing the of use of foreign currency to trade in Ghana. Again, some more restrictive measures such as increases in import duties and tariffs should be put in place for goods and services that could be locally produced so as to reduce the pressure on the demand for foreign currency.

Source: UCC
Exchange Rate and Stock Returns: Evidence from the Ghana Stock Exchange

The main objective of every investor is to amass wealth. This objective can be limited by several risk factors, among which the exchange rate plays a key role in the investor's decision-making. This has been a source of major concern to all the stakeholders in the capital market. Thus, the study set out to investigate the link between the exchange rate and stock returns for seven sectors in Ghana. The study employed monthly data observations of the seven sectoral indexes on the Ghana Stock Exchange and the USD-Cedi rate for the period January 2014 to April 2022 which were obtained from Ghana Stock Exchange and Bank of Ghana. Analyses of the study were conducted using the bivariate wavelet coherency and quantile regression as opposed to the traditional Pearson-correlation and least square as they do not reveal hidden relationships. The results from the study indicate that there exists a phase-difference comovement between the exchange rate and stock returns with both assets driving each other; and that diversification possibilities exist in the short term rather than in the medium and long term. The quantile regression estimates also revealed that the exchange rate has a significant and varying positive effect on the returns of the finance and insurance sectors in normal and bullish markets. Based on these findings, the study recommends that market participant should take into account the time-varying nature of the relationship between the exchange rate and stock returns in their investment decisionmaking. Also, it is recommended that in times when the market is expanding, economic policies formulated by policy makers must be geared towards developing the finance and insurance sectors so as to occasion the growth in other sectors.

Source: UCC