ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing project management practices in avoiding project delays

Projects in any form require project goals or objectives that set the directions for the entire project from start to finish including time constraints. Delayed projects generate risky, complex, and costly problems, and negatively affect parties or stakeholders. In that, a compensation is somewhat sought from the defaulter. This study sought to assess project management practices in avoiding project delays in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Research questionnaires was designed to solicit responses from 96 respondents made up of project managers in the Construction Institution, Ministries, Associate bodies, Real Estates, and Construction Firms in both public and private sectors. The study revealed that the best project management practices that organization in the construction industry practice included the use of standardized software; development of competencies of staff, mentoring and coaching plans, roll out of Project Management Office (PMO) functions, and assessment of skills of staffs. Again, factors that ensure that project are successfully managed comprised sufficient financial support, availability of human resources, technology advancement, and adequate logistics. The impacts of project management practices on projects comprised building mutual trust or relationship, client satisfaction, project completion and delivery, and economic development. The project management process groups, that avoid project, delay project closing, project planning, project monitoring and controlling, projecting start or initiation, and project execution. It was recommended that, Project Managers, should inculcate into projects all Project Management practices in order to avoid projects delays and achieve a successfully project completion.

Source: KNUST
Assessing project scope management practices in the delivery of building projects at the planning stage: Techniques and challenges

In Ghana, just like other countries, construction project managers carry out the tasks of planning, procuring, and project implementation using in-house resources but yet a number of infrastructure projects are still not efficiently managed, and issues of scope creep, cost overruns, schedule slippage, and poor-quality infrastructure are not uncommon. The delays project and disputes are major problems with the delivery of infrastructure projects in Ghana. A number of public infrastructure projects have been neglected as a results of poor scope management leading to delays of projects. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to examine the project scope management practices adopted in the delivery of building projects in Ghana. The objectives were to identify the key stakeholders involved in project scope management, to outline the various techniques used for managing the scope of building projects delivery at planning stage and to identify the key challenges of scope management of building projects at the planning stage. In achieving the objectives, a survey was conducted using a stratified and purposive sampling techniques. This method was used to sample one hundred (100) sample size and the data was analyse using SPSS of quantitative analysis. From the analysis the finding indicated that project managers have realized the importance of scope management and implemented techniques at the planning stage to effectively manage project scope. It was also concluded that the various stakeholders (the client, consultants, contractor, financiers and users of the facility/building project) should be involved in the project scope management though some would perform major roles than others. In the mist of their efforts, there exist some challenges. These include lack of gathered information in early stage causing difficulties leading to poor scope definition. Lack of cooperation and interaction with team members also pose challenge to scope management.

Source: KNUST
Assessing public sector’s implementation of sustainable procurement in Ghana

Sustainable procurement simply means the application of sustainable development principles in procurement processes. The system through which public procurement is conducted is vital to the advancement of developing nations and therefore more effort should be put in making the best use of public resources to avoid waste. The study aimed at assessing the public sector‟s implementation of sustainable procurement in Ghana. The objectives of the study were; first to identify sustainable procurement practices, second, to identify drivers of effective sustainable procurement in the public sector, and third to identify barriers to effective sustainable procurement in the public sector. Both primary as well as secondary sources of data were used to gather data for the study. A total number of 45 questionnaires were administered and 40 were retrieved representing a response rate of 88.9%. Relative Importance Index rankings was the main tool used for analysis. The findings of the research have shown some sustainable practices to include procurement of eco-friendly product, promoting labor right. reduction in waste generation, working conditions and human rights, promoting sustainable products and so forth. National policies, increasing pressure for corporate accountability, and competing necessities and priorities were the main drivers of effective sustainable procurement in the public sector. However, the main barriers to effective sustainable procurement in the public sector were also revealed as lack of knowledge about sustainability, lack of political support, and poor cultural integration. A recommendation was made that government should provide a national policy that tackles the implementation of sustainable procurement.

Source: KNUST
Assessing replacement rate among Ghanaian employees

This paper focuses on assessing the replacement rate of Ghanaian workers. In order to get an assessment, a relationship is developed between the replacement rate and the adequacy of benefits paid out under a defined contribution (DC) scheme, based on an appropriate investment rate of 5% of the current Ghanaian market, an average replacement ratio of 6.67% was reached. Through actuarial assumptions and calculations the accumulated amounts accrued members of the scheme upon qualification were calculated and subsequently the Replacement Rate was obtained. The number of contributions and years in service and was also used in making deterministic projections. It was found out that the higher investment rate certainly brought about increase in the replacement ratio with considerable improvement in retirement adequacy of the retirement benefits paid out under the defined contribution pension plan as well.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Risks in Construction Joint Ventures in Ghana: A Case Study of Selected Construction Companies in Volta Region, Ghana.

Building thorough risk management strategies for construction project in joint venture operation ultimately benefits both the local contractors and the foreign partners. It becomes much more essential when considering public supplies due inherit nature of risk currently impacting of most of Assembly projects. This study was undertaken to assess risks that in international construction joint venture encounter on projects in Volta Region, Ghana. A case study considers Kpando and Ho Municipal Assemblies where joint venture as risk mitigating mechanism in the municipalities are new. The research methodology used descriptive statistics using Kruskal- Wallis nonparametric group alternative analysis, which compares more than one means or groups to obtain the p-values and mean values. The cut-off point of 5.00 for mean and median marks as well as p=0.005 were set and considered based on five-point Likert scale designed. It was found from the study that risk such as technical risk, managerial risks, market risks legal risks and political risks were rated very high It was concluded from the study that risk is an inherit dieases which is prevalent in construction project supplies. It affects Joint venture construction implementation process requiring effective and efficient identification, qualifiacation as well as risk response strategies to mitigate the impact. It was recommended that partners in joint venture should consider effective risk management strtategies through the uses of both“PMI general standardized approach” and “Fuzzy AHP approach”. That proper accounting principles are adopted by local contractors which improve on creditworthiness of host partners, whiles municipal bonds are provided for the local partners to attract foreign contractors in order for local contractors to compete favorably.

Source: KNUST
Assessing risks in construction joint ventures in Ghana: a case study of selected construction companies in Volta Region, Ghana

Building thorough risk management strategies for construction project in joint venture operation ultimately benefits both the local contractors and the foreign partners. It becomes much more essential when considering public supplies due inherit nature of risk currently impacting of most of Assembly projects. This study was undertaken to assess risks that in international construction joint venture encounter on projects in Volta Region, Ghana. A case study considers Kpando and Ho Municipal Assemblies where joint venture as risk mitigating mechanism in the municipalities are new. The research methodology used descriptive statistics using Kruskal- Wallis non-parametric group alternative analysis, which compares more than one means or groups to obtain the p-values and mean values. The cut-off point of 5.00 for mean and median marks as well as p=0.005 were set and considered based on five-point Likert scale designed. It was found from the study that risk such as technical risk, managerial risks, market risks legal risks and political risks were rated very high It was concluded from the study that risk is an inherit dieases which is prevalent in construction project supplies. It affects Joint venture construction implementation process requiring effective and efficient identification, qualifiacation as well as risk response strategies to mitigate the impact. It was recommended that partners in joint venture should consider effective risk management strtategies through the uses of both“PMI general standardized approach” and “Fuzzy AHP approach”. That proper accounting principles are adopted by local contractors which improve on creditworthiness of host partners, whiles municipal bonds are provided for the local partners to attract foreign contractors in order for local contractors to compete favorably.

Source: KNUST
Assessing sediment inputs to small reservoirs in Upper East Region, Ghana

Many small dams and dugouts have been constructed in the Upper East Region of Ghana to address the problem of regional water scarcity. The reservoirs were constructed primarily as water supplies for agricultural irrigation and livestock watering, aquaculture and domestic use. However, many of the reservoirs dry up during the dry season, affecting the livelihoods of their basin inhabitants. A major cause for the dried reservoirs is siltation, which reduces the reservoir’s storage capacities. The goal of this study is to quantify the annual siltation rate of four study reservoirs, using a bathymetric survey and reservoir soil sampling. The sediment yield and its relation to catchment area also were assessed. The results of this study indicate that the annual siltation rates are 1272, 3518, 2764 and 6135 t year)1 for Doba, Dua, Zebilla and Kumpalgogo reservoirs, respectively. Analyses of the sediment yield and catchment areas illustrated that the sediment yields decreased with increasing catchment area. All the study reservoirs have lost their dead storage capacity, which was meant to store sediment until the end of their anticipated design lives. The decreasing storage capacity because of siltation will affect the livelihoods of the local basin inhabitants, as the reservoirs will not be able to achieve all their intended purposes. The results of this study indicate that, because siltation is not the only factor threatening the benefits gained from the reservoirs, the integrated assessment of all relevant factors is required.

Source: KNUST
Assessing roles and contribution of women in the construction industry in Kumasi

The construction industry plays very significant role in the development of every country in terms of infrastructural development and promoting investment. The industry is however, seen as a preserve of men. It is against this backdrop that women’s participation in the industry was assessed. This study investigated the specific roles of women, their representation in construction industry, whether women are adequately engaged in management position and their challenges in terms of different levels of motivations in the industry. The cross sectional design was adopted to study ten (10) construction companies. As a result of the three (3) Construction Associations that were identified. Using the snowballing approach, three (3) companies were selected from the Association of Building and Civil Engineering contractors, three (3) companies from Progressive Road contractors Association and four companies from the Association of Road contractors. The ten managers of the companies were surveyed on the profile of their workers and companies in addition to thirty-two (32) women in the industry that were surveyed based on their availability. The study revealed that the educational background of workers were low as well as that of women in the industry. However, men had certificates in construction related courses than women. Women were therefore engaged in marginal roles like labourers and secretaries. It was also noted that generally women were underrepresented in the construction industry and in management positions. Motivations like promotions, increased salaries and annual leave were also denied women which could influence their exit from the industry. Based on these conditions, it was recommended that women should be enrolled on apprenticeship programmes and workshops to equip them with construction skills and engage them in construction specific roles. Women with degree and diploma certificate in construction course should be given equal opportunities in the industry and in management positions as their male counterparts. The women in the industry could also come together as a united front to address their welfare on motivations and enhance their representation as done in South Africa (SAWiC) and the United States (NAWIC).

Source: KNUST
Assessing strategic planning implementation on the administrative performance of hospitals in Ghana a case of tamale teaching hospital

unethical conduct have been observed to be a major factor affecting the delivery of quality service and infrastructure in the construction sector of developing nations and these perceived unethical behaviours also vary from one society to another. The benefits that accrue from the construction industry to the GDP of developing nations cannot be over-emphasized. In view of the pivotal role that the construction industry plays in a nation, there have been calls for appropriate ethical conduct by all to ensure the desired objectives are met. This thesis highlights the comparison made between the perception of stakeholders and professionals in the construction industry of Nigeria and Ghana about the prevalence of unethical conducts in the industry. The comparisons have been based on the results of a research carried out through questionnaire survey administered in both countries. 100 questionnaires were administered in each country and the results analyzed using SPSS software. The results indicated that majority of the respondents from both countries agreed that unethical practices tend to increase the cost of construction and that government needs to intensify efforts in curbing the menace which include; bribery, unfairness in tendering process, over-billing, gifts and meals, compromise on quality, fraud and negligence of professional responsibility. This study recommends that there should be: less or no political interference in the entire contract award process, adherence to due process, and commitment to upholding ethical principles by all stakeholders and professionals alike.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Stakeholder engagement practices on Gari Production

This study examined stakeholder engagement practices on gari production. It focused on the stakeholder engagement practices, their challenges and solutions in gari production value chains. The design adopted was descriptive survey. The target population was all stakeholders in the gari processing business within the Central Tongu district of the Volta region. One hundred (100) stakeholders around whom the study revolved in the Central Tongu district of the Volta region were sampled for the study. Purposive sampling technique and simple random techniques were used to select farmers, processors, traders and consumers in the Central Tongu district of the Volta region for the study. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies and percentages were used to summarize the data. The findings of the study have identified the supply of cassava to the processors by the farmers, processing of cassava into gari by the processor, distribution of gari produced by the processors to consumers by the traders for both commercial and domestic use and the financial support from the consumers to the traders and the processors as the major engagement practices of the stakeholders in the gari production business. Lack of input, inadequate source of fund, available market for the gari, weather failure, high cost of labour, difficulties in accessing loan facilities, high interest rate, bad road to the villages, price irregularities and lack of standard measuring instrument, lack of warehouse, price irregularities, effect of heat and smoke on health, difficulties in handling wastes and its danger on the environment, over relying on the use of traditional stove and difficulties in transporting gari to the market centres. Lack of financial support, transportation difficulties, creditors not paying on time/Disappointment from creditors, price irregularities and lack of standard measuring instrument, poor quality of gari produced, poor hygienic conditions, appearance or texture, regular supply were identified as the major challenges of the stakeholders in carrying out their engagement practices. Possible suggested solutions from the stakeholders are the available financial support, available standard measuring instrument and adequate incentives for stakeholders (eg. Farmers and processes), available transport system, available raw material, adequate supply of labour, available market for selling gari at all level, reduction in cost of transport, adequate storage house, regular or fixed price of the standard instruments and available and affordable modern equipment and machines for the gari processing.

Source: KNUST
Assessing strategic planning implementation on the Administrative performance of hospitals in Ghana A case of Tamale Teaching Hospital.

Strategic planning is a set of managerial decisions and actions that determine the long-term direction and survival of an organisation. It is the activities that lead to the statement of goals & objectives and the choice of strategies to achieve them. Government Hospitals are by laws mandated to have written strategic plans but there has been little or no concern on measuring the impact of the strategic planning and the planning implementation process. It is due to the significant nature of strategic planning implementation on the administrative performance of hospitals that informs the study; to investigate how strategic plans are implemented, examine the possible factors that affect the implementation and access the effects of strategic planning implementation on the general performance of the hospital. Both quantitative techniques were used to analyze the data obtained. The respondents included the Management, and Staff of the Tamale Teaching Hospital. In all 120 respondents were used for the study through administration of questionnaires. Findings revealed that a lot of issues affected strategic implementation in the hospital which was very deep. This means that implementation will require major transformation. An examination of the role played by members during implementation revealed that individuals at different organizational levels play different roles. Moreover numerous challenges were outlined, some of which include lack of funding, motivation, coordination and interest among others which when well formulated could lead to success in implementation. It was thus recommended that monitoring and purposeful implementation coupled with improved capacity for planning will strengthen implementation. The chosen strategy for implementation should be compatible with the internal structures, policies, procedures, and resources availability.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Small Scale Irrigation Development in Upper West Region

The development of Small-Scale Irrigation Schemes in Upper West Region has a great potential of increasing food security and reducing poverty at household levels especially in the rural communities. Despite the considerable irrigation potential of the region, there is still drudgery in cultivating more acreage at some irrigation sites. The study which was conducted in four districts comprising Wa West, Nadowli, Lambussie-Karni and Nandom with their respective schemes at Siru, Sankana, Karni and Kokoligu sought to assess the state of irrigation structures, examine the land suitability of the cropping area, identify the challenges and potentials in these irrigation systems and finally to propose solutions to improve small-scale irrigation development in the region. This was done through field assessment and soil analysis of the schemes. Questionnaires were also administered and analyzed to draw conclusions. It was observed that irrigation structures are in a very deplorable state leading to inadequate water supply to farmers. Analysis of soil samples indicates a low level of soil nutrients in the study area. The study also found out that irrigation in the region lacked access to inputs and credit, markets, mechanized labour and extension services thus resulting in the poor output of small-scale irrigation schemes. The study also noted the availability of water and land resources for vegetable and cereal production if reliable farmer support and the appropriate technology are given. There is the need for major stakeholders such as the central government and District Assemblies (DAs), NGOs, farmers, institutions such as GIDA, MOFA, CSIR-SARI and other development partners to complement efforts to improve the performance of small-scale irrigation schemes in the region. There is also the need to rehabilitate irrigation structures, form vibrant WUAs and farmers groups, facilitate inputs availability, easy access to credit and enhance extension service to boost the performance of existing schemes in the region. It is envisaged that irrigation in the region will be given the necessary attention from all major stakeholders to enhance the development of small-scale irrigation schemes.

Source: KNUST