ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Promotion on Sales of Small Scale Furniture Sector in Ghana: A Case Study of Kpogas Standard Furniture Company Limited

The importance and significance of promotional mix in today’s market cannot be underestimated. This is due to the emergence of more markets as a result of globalization and its associated overwhelming competition. However, manufacturers perceive promotion as unwanted cost and disregard it entirely. This misconception is attributed to the problem of not knowing what constitute an appropriate promotion for a particular product and the nature of competition prevailing in the market. Promotion is an organisation’s unique set of communication channels (stimuli), designed to influence (inform, persuade and remind), selected target audiences into desirable responses. Among the factors that determine appropriate promotion include culture, religion, tradition, consumption patterns and habits, and the degree of expose to external cultural practices and values especially in the target market. It is therefore imperative to note that promotion of products varies from society to society and one target market to the other. This underscores the importance and significance the role promotion mix plays in marketing. The end point of any production activity is consumption. Thus, production is not complete until the product or service has reached the final consumer. Promotion is the offer of an incentive to induce a desired sales result Thus, a careful analysis of this concept was done through the use of open ended questionnaire and interview to access information on how Kpogas Standard Furniture Company Limited pursue its promotional mix activities. Also, the sales records of Kpogas were analysed using percentage cumulative skewed frequency, graph trend and growth tools in SPSS as well as Microsoft Excel software. It revealed that, due to cost, inaccurate and unprofessional planning on the part of Kpogas Standard Furniture Company Limited marketing department, the intended impact was not fully felt by the company against the competition on the local and international market. It was therefore recommended that the appropriate budgeting must be done so that the full promotional mix tools be implemented especially advertising on the television, some price off, tie-in promotion, patronage rewards and specialty advertising were inevitable. Most of the problems were much more of price fluctuations, bulk purchase and shortage of raw materials could help. Also frequent price changes can be solved by effective budgetary controls to ensure that production cost or distribution cost changes have enough buffers to prevent shocks. The projections from the trend and growth analysis indicated that Kpogas Standard Furniture Company Limited stands to gain significantly from the introduction of promotional mix tools strategic promotion in 2009 as the total cash sales was increased significantly. Further research may be considered for the integration of full supply chain management after the successful implementation of promotional mix tools by Kpogas Standard Furniture Company Limited.

Source: KNUST
The effect of project managers’ leadership style on project success: Ghana (Accra): a case study of church of Pentecost

This has been a study to investigate the effect of project managers’ leadership style on project success and the study being a case study, dwelt on the Church of Pentecost. This study in order to collect data that are accurate and valid, employed the purposive sampling technique which ensured that only project managers and project team members with the relevant experience, information and deeper insights into the COP’s projects were contacted. In all, a total of thirty project managers and project team members of the COP participated in the study. In relation to the first objective, it was found that project leaders are highly effective in articulating project visions and objectives, that team members of the COP’s projects always feel proud to be associated with the project leaders and that project leaders let team members know what they need to do in order to be rewarded. In relation to the second objective of identifying the influence of leadership styles on project success at the COP, this study revealed that overall, because project managers of the COP largely adopt and execute a transformational leadership style, it has enabled project leaders to provide inspirational leadership which among others, has led to COP’s projects being delivered within schedule, within budget and to specification. Based on the findings and conclusions of the study, the recommendations proffered include sponsoring project leaders on a regular bases to attend training courses on leadership and that top management of the COP must readily approve training budgets for project managers and must desist from holding onto the view that project managers know it all and therefore do not need further training.

Source: KNUST
Effect of project time control on the delivery of the Ayimensah housing project by Krane construction

This research selected the Ayi Mensah Housing project to review the time control practices on the project and objectives included examining the time control practices, identifying challenges with their implementation and proposing best practices for project time control. The literature review unearthed relevant past research on the subject matter and formed the bases for the research instrument that was targeted at staff members working on the Ayi Mensah Housing project for data collection. A descriptive research design was adopted, and also applied a mixed method approach towards data collection and analysis. Based on the analysis of the data collected, in line with the literature findings, it was concluded that time control practices on the Ayi Mensah Housing project were in line with recommendations for industry and practice, including definition of activities, sequencing, estimation of resources and duration and finally scheduling. The selection of tools used for time control purposes were also in line with industry specifications, including most common ones such as Precedence Network Diagrams, Critical Path Network, Templates and Critical Path Analysis. The research also concluded that computer software were heavily relied on for project scheduling, and included the use of Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel. In terms of the identified challenges to implementing time control practices, it was concluded that the most significant for the Ayi Mensah Housing project included scope changes, improper risk analysis and management, impossible deadlines, estimating task duration and assigning resources. Best practices identified for successful time control was for the strengthening of the existing practices, such as the use of standardized templates, precedence and critical networks and adequate allocation for risk. It was also recommended that project managers build their capacity, commit resources and time to planning and companies adopt time control policies

Source: KNUST
Effect of Pulmonary Tuberculosis on Protein C, S, and Antithrombin-III among Therapy-naïve Ghanaian Adults; A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) constitutes a global emergency as it affects one-third of the world’s inhabitants. Although pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is curable, immunological responses to the infection induce several haematological derangements. This study evaluated the effect of PTB on Protein C, Protein S, Antithrombin-III, and blood count parameters. Methods. Ninety adults with ages ≥18 years were purposively recruited: 60 PTB patients and 30 non-TB controls. All patients were diagnosed with sputum GeneXpert MTB/Rif assay. Blood specimens were collected from each participant for Protein C, S, Antithrombin-III and complete blood count. Results: Pulmonary TB was associated with signifi cantly reduced Protein C activity (101.46 [87.61-128.3] vs 121.44 [99.50-149.8] IU/L, p=0.038), RBC (3.88±0.91 vs 4.80±0.55, p<0.0001), HgB (10.24±2.42 vs 11.78±1.42, p=0.0019), HCT (32.21±7.79 vs 42.05±4.97, p<0.0001), MCV (83.80 [79.33-90.08] vs 89.00 [83.75-92.00], p=0.0133) and PDW (12.95 [10.73-15.00] vs 15.30 [14.18-15.93], p<0.0001) compared to controls. Conversely, PTB patients were associated with signifi cantly increased MCH (26.83±4.33 vs 24.59±1.99, p=0.0086), TWBC (7.76 [6.06-9.78] vs 6.50 [4.85-7.50], p=0.0047), Abs. GRAN (5.27 [3.30-6.71] vs 3.75 [2.48-4.75], p=0.0226), RDW-CV (13.70 [13.20-15.43] vs 12.95 [12.50-13.65], p<0.0001), MCHC (32.10 [28.70-35.63] vs 27.85 [27.40-28.53], p<0.0001) and MPV (8.3 [6.7-9.7] vs 7.0 [6.4-7.5], p=0.0027) compared to controls. The PTB patients were disproportionately affected with anaemia (91.7%, p=0.001), erythrocytopenia (75.0%; p≤0.001) and reduced HCT (80.0%, p≤0.001). The frequency of thrombocytosis, leucocytosis, and granulocytosis (50.0%, p=0.013; 23.3%, p=0.013; 18.3%, p=0.025; respectively) in PTB patients were signifi cantly higher than in controls. Conclusion. Our findings suggest that PTB predisposes patients to hypercoagulability, with a significant reduction in Protein C activity but not Protein S and antithrombin-III. The condition causes derangements in erythrocytes, leucocytes, and thrombocytes, and disproportionately causes anaemia. Protein C activity and complete blood count are useful in the management of PTB and should be included in the routine workup for patients.

Source: KNUST
The effect of recruitment and selection practices on work ethics; A case study of the Ghana Police Service

The main objective of the study is to assess how recruitment and selection practices influence work ethics. Specifically, it examines the effect of recruitment and selection practices on work ethics as a case study of the Ghana police service. It employs a sample of 150 police officers, covering both junior and senior officers from the Kumasi Central subcommand of the Ghana police service. Convenience sampling technique is used in the selection of the sample. A 5-point Likert scale questionnaires are used for the data collection on the recruitment practices, selection processes and work ethics. Anova and correlation analyses were used to examine the mean difference and effect of the recruitment and selection practices on work ethics in the Ghana Police Service. The findings of the study suggest that although beneficial, certain recruitment and selection practices recorded negative associations with the work ethics variables employed in the study. The correlations also revealed weak association between the selection practice and work ethics proxies. It showed that frequent training sessions conducted after recruitment impacts sense of value into the officers, hence less likely to portray unethical behaviours on duty. This was positively correlated with fair dealings, applying fair treatment, and responsible for one actions. The results also revealed positive strong association medical assessment and the ethical working behaviours but negative with the unethical work place behaviours. The Anova test also revealed significant differences in the selection and recruitment practices of the service and how they are related to work ethics. Employee competency was associated with being responsible for ones actions and being virtuous. One-to-one interview is more likely to recruit corrupt officials with unethical than the other selection practices. Factors such as work experience, panel interviews and tests used makes the selection and recruitment practices very effective. Therefore, the police service should strengthen their recruitment and selection practices to streamline unhealthy and unethical behaviours in the agency.

Source: KNUST
Effect of recruitment and selection practices on the retention of core employees: A case study of Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT)

High employee turnover has a negative impact on organisation’s success. This can affect staff morale and the retention of organisational memory. Organisation’s inability to retain core employees may be due to a multiplicity of factors, critical amongst them are inappropriate practices aimed at attracting such employees. This is the situation many organisations including Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT), find themselves. An organisation may try its best especially by way of motivation to retain its core employees due to the cost of recruiting and training of such employees. But if appropriate practices are not adopted to identify and recruit such employees, no amount of motivation will retain them. It is for this reason the study was conducted to investigate the role recruitment and selection practices play in retention of core employees in an organisation. The study used quantitative methods to collect data from respondents. The study revealed that, traditional methods of recruitment and selection though appropriate in attracting core employees, are not enough to retain them. Some of these traditional methods were found to be advertising of vacancies in the newspapers, employee referrals and management recommendation. It was also realised that, the methods used were effective to attract core employees amidst challenges such as political influences and legal issues. Amongst the recommendations made to retain the core employees were employees’ involvement in the evaluation recruitment and selection process, performance appraisal as a tool for filling internal vacancies and improving objectivity and transparency in the process recruitment and selection to curtail external influences.

Source: KNUST
The effect of recruitment and selection policies and practices on organisational performance: A case study of Naja David Veneer and Plywood Limited

Since performance is the major concern of management of every business organisation, the calibre and levels of employees in an organisation determine its success or failure. The practice whereby unqualified employees were hand picked by managers to work in an organisation does not help matters. This study sought to examine the effect of recruitment and selection policies and practices on organisational performance - A case study of Naja David Veneeer and Plywood Limited. The study focused on the plymill, sawmill and administration sections of the company. Respondents were sampled from management and senior staff categories of the company. Questionnaires and interviews were used to collect both primary and secondary data. Also, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse the data. The study revealed that Naja David Veneer and Plywood Limited has a policy and procedures on recruitment and selection of employees. The study identified the usage of internal recruitment methods largely to fill in vacant positions in the company. The study revealed that socio-cultural factors and bias constitute the major challenges influencing recruitment and selection practices at NDVPL. The study revealed positive correlation between recruitment and selection methods and NDVPL performance. It was therefore recommended that other recruitment source such as external should be given equal attention for the supply of qualified and much needed external skills necessary for the growth and development of NDVPL. The researcher also recommends the use of assessment centres in the recruitment and selection practices of the company to avoid biases and ensure fairness and credibility in the selection process of the company. The researcher recommends further study on the effect of recruitment and selection policies and practices on employees’ performance: A case study of Naja David Plywood and Plywood Limited.

Source: KNUST
The effect of redials and retrials on the GSM Network

The scarcity of spectral resources limits the number of channels that can be used on a telecommunication network. Consequently, a user requesting a service particularly a call may be blocked because all channels may be occupied. Initial planning and design of GSM network may not necessarily be accurate because all parameters including the traffic which determines the blocking of the network are based on estimations. Such networks may not meet the industry standard especially when it comes to blocking which is a measure of the Grade of Service (GoS) of the network. A user or the system may experience blocking at one time or the other. Both users and the network may attempt to get a connection. These reattempts constitute redials on the part of the user and retrials on the part of the network and they introduce a phenomenon which cannot be neglected in the analysis of a network. All of these retrials and redials are registered as separate calls. As a result, during the busy periods when blocking is observed in a cell, counters register a much larger volume than the effective call attempts. This research seeks to study of the effect of these reattempts on the GSM network. We seek to find how the blocking probability, redial probability, number of redials and the number of retrials affect the GoS of the network. Four analytical models namely Generalized Redial/Retrial Model (GRRM), Uniform Redial Model (URM), were applied to measured load to extract the excess load which comprise of redials and retrials. When the extraction is complete, the actual load that is supposed to be on the network would be obtained after which an efficient and a better network can be designed. The findings in this study revealed that network traffic is inflated with redials and retrials generated by networks subscribers and the network respectively. All the models when applied produced actual loads that were less than the measured loads. GRRM and SHM proved to be better models to use on highly congested networks while URM and IRM proved to be useful for all congestion conditions. It was also observed that an increase in the blocking probability and the redial probability introduced more load onto the network as the redials and retrials increase. The study has also shown that the network blocking probability may not always meet the industry standard and the number of channels that are used for network operations may often be inadequate.

Source: KNUST
Effect of rehabilitation programmes on recidivism: a case study of the Nsawam medium security prisons.

The debates on the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes continuous unabated. Some studies have come out that prison rehabilitation programmes are effective in reducing recidivism, others have argued that treatment programmes are not able to reduce the rate of re-offending. This study situated the debate in Ghana by using the vocational and educational programmes of the Nsawam Male and Female Security Prisons and the effect of the programmes on the inmates who enrolled in these programmes. Ten (10) heads that have in depth knowledge in the rehabilitation programmes were interviewed whilst 143 recidivists were used in the study. The study identified vocational and educational programmes as the two main rehabilitation programmes in the Nsawam Medium Security Prisons. It was discovered that ex-convicts’ standard of living is not dependent on the participation in a vocation/technical training while in incarceration. It was also revealed that ex-convicts acquisition of jobs in the society upon release from prison is not influenced by the kind of rehabilitation programmes they enrolled in. Further, the result of the study revealed that there is a link between participating in rehabilitation programmes and the chances of committing economic crimes upon discharge. From the findings of the study, it is recommended that the law preventing some categories of ex-convicts from being employed in the public sector should be reviewed. There should be a continuous sensitization and intensification of public education on the need to accept ex-convicts in order to ensure that ex-convicts are not stigmatized. Additionally, there is the need for the Ghana Prisons Service with the collaboration of National Vocational Technical Institute (NVTI) to roll-out more competitive vocational/technical training programmes to make the inmates marketable so that they can earn more income from their vocation.

Source: KNUST
Effect of reinsurance on financial performance of insurance underwriters in ghana

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of reinsurance purchase on financial performance of insurance underwriters in Ghana. Drawing on historical data for 18 enterprises from 2009 to 2018, the study pursues fixed effect approach to panel data analysis. Upward trending of reinsurance premiums over the period is observed. The study finds that utilization of reinsurance positively affects ROA and return on investments of insurance corporations. For ROE, the study finds significant damaging effect of reinsurance. The implications of the findings are discussed. The study recommends that management of insurance enterprises should utilize reinsurance as complementary to vigorous asset investments. Also, the study admonishes management of insurance underwriters to be conservative towards reinsurance purchase.

Source: KNUST
The effect of retention strategies on labour turnover in the wood processing industry (A case study of Hanmax Veneer and Plywood Company and Logs and Lumber Limited)

The purpose of this study was to identify the effect of retention strategies on labour turnover. The study therefore sought to identify the causes and effects of labour turnoverat Hanmax Veneer and Plywood Company Limited and Logs and Lumber Limited, the current retention practices at both firm, an assessment of the effectiveness of the retention strategies at the selected firms and to make recommendations. To achieve this goal, the broad theoretical explanation of staff turnover, the consequences of turnover and the measurement of staff turnover were investigated and identified; the current labour turnover experienced in the timber industry was also explored. A literature study was also conducted, focusing on the job, organizational and environmental factors that influence staff turnover and also strategies that managers can utilize to reduce staff turnover with the administration of questionnaire to 116 respondents at Logs and Lumber Limited and 84 respondents at Hanmax Veneer and Plywood Company Limited. Interviews were also granted by the General Managers and five other employees each from Hanmax Veneer and Plywood Company and Logs and Lumber Limited. The effectiveness of retention strategies that were utilized by both firms to retain employees was also investigated and it was observed that the retention strategies in both firms were not effective enough to retain staff. It was therefore recommended that employees are trained to improve upon their skills because it is through training that the competence of employees could be maximized and retained in the organization to give off their very best to increase productivity. It was also recommended that Management should establish or set up a recognition program for its employees to recognize their contributions.

Source: KNUST