ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the effectiveness of health and safety practices at Anglogold Ashanti Company, Obuasi Mine.

Despite the fact that human resource management practices have become an important mechanism for improving work place safety measures, little has been done in this area particularly in the Ghanaian mining industry. This research work therefore found it necessary to assess effectiveness of health and safety practices in an organization, using AngloGold Ashanti Company Ltd. The researcher adopted both stratified and simple random sampling techniques in collecting quantitative data from respondents who consist of staff in both managerial/supervisory positions and junior staff of AngloGold Ashanti. Data was collected through observation, interviews and questionnaires and analysed with the use of statistical package for social science.After assessing the effectiveness of health and safety practices in AngloGold Ashanti Company Ltd, the researcher found that more than 50 percent of the respondents strongly agreed that the company provides a safe place of work for all employees and nearly two thirds agreed that the company ensures that employees are not subjected to any unreasonable risks in the workplace and that the company encourages workers to record near minor injuries at the work place. However, more than 50 percent of the respondents strongly agreed that lack of management commitment, worker’s refusal to report minor injuries or near misses and the cost involve in training employees on health and safety in the company are major problems. The study recommends that management of AngloGold Ashanti should not only provide adequate protective clothing, they should put in place a monitoring team tasked to go round to check whether the staff really do put on their protective clothing and materials given.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of Internal Control System in First Allied Savings and Loans Limited

This study was to assess the effectiveness of Internal Control Systems at First Allied Savings and Loans Limited (FASL). In order to achieve the set objectives for this study, the COSO framework for assessing the effectiveness of Internal Control Systems was adopted. The study specifically looked at the types of controls adopted at FASL, the effectiveness of the control environment and control procedures of First Allied Savings and Loans Limited, and whether internal control systems are able to achieve its intended objectives. Closed ended questionnaire were developed for data collection from the staff of First Allied Savings and Loans Limited. Upon collecting the necessary data, it was analyzed using Microsoft Excel Office program. The study revealed that the types of control systems adopted at the company are directive, preventive, compensating and detective controls but the dominant type of control employed in FASL is the preventive control. Again the empirical evidence from the study indicated that, majority of the respondents agree to the assertion that there is an effective control environment and procedures functioning at First Allied Savings and Loans Limited. Finally, all the five objectives of internal controls were examined and it was observed that internal control systems in FASL are able to achieve these five objectives. In areas where weaknesses were found, it was recommended that management of FASL should lead by example and also, ensuring that the policy manuals reviewed is updated to reflect on the current practices in the company.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of Internal Control Systems in public institutions – A Case Study of Takoradi Polytechnic

There have been several cases of embezzlement of funds and misuse of resources in public institutions though such institutions have several rules and control measures to guide their operations. The main purpose of the research was to assess the effectiveness of internal control systems at Takoradi Polytechnic. The specific objectives were to find out the internal control systems at Takoradi Polytechnic, employee’s awareness of the internal control systems, effective implementation of the control systems, whether management is able to override the control systems and how consistent are the control systems with international standards. The descriptive research method was employed in the study. The population was all the administrative staff at the Polytechnic in the year 2010-2011. The sample was made up of 71 respondents comprising of 44 experts (finance, audit, procurement and stores) and 27 non-experts from other departments apart from the ones already mentioned. The purposive and the accidental sampling technique were used to sample the population and the main instruments used for the collection of data were the questionnaire and the interview guide. Some of the findings the research revealed are the existence of strict supervision, authorization and segregation of duties. The findings revealed that management does not communicate to the staff of new control policies introduced. Again the findings indicated that the control systems at the polytechnic are quite effective and are directed towards the detection and prevention of fraud and error. Some of the recommendations to the management of the Polytechnic include the embossment of the institution's logo on all assets and that management must keep the employees informed of new control policies introduced. Finally, the Polytechnic must invest in computerizing most of its manual operations.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of internal controls in non bank financial institutions. A Case Study of Beige Capital Savings and Loans Ltd

The need for Internal Controls as well as the importance of these controls in Non-Bank Financial Institutions in order for them to carry on with business without folding up within the shortest possible time has led to the interest of more research work on the effectiveness of financial controls in Beige Capital Savings and Loans Ltd. This paper empirically examines the effectiveness of Financial Controls as well as internal controls in Beige Capital using qualitative and quantitative approach in collecting data from staff members of the company. The result of the study shows that the financial control system in the company is very effective. For reinforcement of these controls, there should be a policy of whistle- blowing in the company which can help improve the financial controls in Beige Capital by creating a platform on which non-compliance can be reported without fear of being noticed.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of internal controls mechanism of the Techiman Municipal Assembly

Although effective Internal control is a critical component of company management and a foundation for safe and sound operation of organisations, there is lack of mutual understanding with regards to the effective functioning of internal control mechanisms and the management functions of govern organisations with regards to planning process. In this regard the study seeks to assess the effectiveness of internal control mechanisms in public sector organisation with a case study of the Techiman Municipal Assembly. The main objective of this study is to assess the impact of internal control and internal auditing activities on the overall governance of the public sector organizations, particularly, the Techiman Municipal Assembly (TMA). Related literature was reviewed. The study adopted the explanatory research design since the study was a case study type. The study population was staff of Techiman Municipal Assembly. A sample size of fifty (50) respondents was used for the study. The purposive sampling technique was adopted. Data was collected through interview and questionnaire. The data collected were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) computer software program Some of the findings made included: It was revealed from the study that, Internal Control procedures are not strictly followed by TMA, Respondents believe that wage related controls, working conditions and seniority, promotions and transfers related controls are the important factors which promote effective internal control functioning in an organization. Employees Perceptions about internal control effectiveness in TMA is a key factor ensuring Quality Service Delivery (QSD) by municipal assembly, Effective and efficient internal controls in the Workplace have a better and greater probability to maintaining a culture of high performance, Effective internal controls translates into quality work life for employees. Internal control breaches in TMA declined in 2009 to 2014.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of internal supervision in Public Senior High Schools: The case study of Sekyere East District

It is very much essential in the educational system to determine that activities in educational institutions are carried out in accordance with the goals and objectives of the school. It is in this vain that supervision from which ever quarters (internal or external) should be highly recognized and geared towards finding ways to improve learning and teaching processes in each school or educational institution. The study therefore is aimed at assessing the effectiveness of supervision in public secondary schools to enhance teaching and learning methods in same institutions within Effiduase of the Sekyere East District in the Ashanti Region. To achieve this aim, the objectives were identifying the key purposes of direct supervision in educational institutions, to identify pertinent barriers to the effective internal supervision in public senior high schools and to suggest measures to improve internal supervision in public senior high schools to enhance teaching and learning outcomes. Literature review was conducted on the study and since the study employed a descriptive survey as the research design, a questionnaire was developed. The study adopted a quantitative method using purposive sampling. Out of 72 (Sample size from a population of 250) questionnaires distributed, Sixty-seven (67) responses were retrieved and used for further analysis. The sampled data received was analysed using the relative importance index, mean score ranking and one sample t-test. Findings showed that, professional development of staff, enabling curriculum development, and providing technical support in service delivery were the highest ranked purposes. Lack of remuneration, overcrowded classrooms, lack of respect from school leaders and community members as well as lack of teaching and learning materials were found to be the highest ranked barriers that affect effective supervision at public senior high schools within Effiduase. The study therefore proposed just to mention a few the following measures to improve supervision in public senior high schools to enhance the teaching and learning process; (1) employment of teachers with higher qualifications, (2) providing teachers or supervisors with ongoing support, (3) effective training and retaining of teachers, (4) morale boosting of supervisors, (5) provision of teaching and learning support materials etc. to conclude, the study further recommends that, the impact of supervision on students in educational institutions from the perspectives of other professionals involved in supervision should be explored in future studies.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of physical development planning and control mechanisms in Ghana: the experience of Wa Municipality

In an attempt to achieve sustainable spatial planning, countries have adopted various regulations including building regulations, transfer of development rights and zoning to manage physical growth. However, enforcement of these controls appear to be largely ineffective especially in developing countries. This study analyses the processes involved in local plan formulation, the levels of adherence to physical controls and assesses the capacity of key planning and land institutions responsible for managing physical growth in the Wa Municipality. The study used the mixed methods of research design which used both qualitative and quantitative data and analysis. Questionnaires were used to solicit for data from 200 home builders while face to face interviews were conducted with key institutions using interview guide to gather data on land tenure system, institutional capacity and official physical development processes. Observation was also used to establish how physical development conforms to local plans by updating existing maps and consideration of setbacks between buildings as basis to determine adherence to building regulations. The home builders were mostly frustrated with the different stages involved in obtaining legal land documentations and acquiring building permit in the physical development process. Secondly, there was a flaw in the planning process involved in preparing local plans due to the fact that, all the public stakeholder consultations stages in preparing a local plan officially were ignored in the process used in Wa. The study also found non adherence to development controls because in the local plans of both neighbourhoods studied, there was a place for everything but in trying to correlate physical development to what was proposed, everything was not in its place. This is because all areas demarcated for open spaces were used for residential purposes. As a result it was established that development controls used were not effective because the objective of enforcing these mechanisms which is to ensure orderly and harmonious spatial development was not achieved. It is therefore recommended that monthly education should be organised on the various radio stations to intensify public education on the measures already adopted to reduce the lengthy and cumbersome process in permit applications. Furthermore, planners are expected to practise integrated planning of land uses to allow for home-based enterprises with caution. Additionally, the services of national service personnel could be used to address the issue of inadequate staff for site inspection and monitoring.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of school health programme in Afigya Sekyere District, Jamasi

Planning and organizing school health programme is a venture that demands a comprehensive and concerted approach by the stakeholders, as well as an exhibition of high professional acumen in this field of health education. The main focus of the study is to assess the effectiveness of the School Health Programmes in the Afigya Sekyere District. The Data were collected from School Health Committee members using a pre- tested interview guide. Data were sought on planning, directing, organizing and controlling of SHEP activities in Afigya Sekyere District. The finding of the study showed that the District had difficulty in assessing the school based coordinators, in that most of them do not serve the committee for a long period. The study data planning revealed that most of the schools have a written work plan for SHEP activities as School Health Committee members attend meetings within the academic year. Moreover, a large number of the study population of the schools had no laid down work plan to guide their activities. The study further reveals that majority of the stakeholders were not qualified health workers or medical personnel. It further revealed that majority of the stakeholders were females. The study also revealed that most of the stakeholders who were SHEP committee members had no formal training on the handling of SHEP activities. Besides, the controlling function was not without problems. Monitoring of SHEP activities was very low and the people involved were also not trained in SHEP activities. The programme had not been evaluated in most of the schools at the time of the survey. In view of the findings above, effective assessment should be done from the planning of SHEP activities through Direction, Organizing, and Controlling in the schools.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of the capitation grant to basic schools in Ghana: a case study of Oforikrom Sub-Metro

Development economists always purport that the well-being of the individual and the economy at large is found in some basic parameters of which education is no exception. Following this position, governments and leaders worldwide have, over the years, been very much articulate, soliciting for ways by which education could be made a basic priority and right to all individuals in the global world. The study therefore assesses the effectiveness of the capitation grant in basic schools in Ghana. The study made use of both quantitative and qualitative analyses using Ordinary Least Square with data gathered through field survey and sample size of 200. The Oforikrom sub-Metro as the point of reference. The results obtained give the indication that the amount made available to each student is woefully inadequate, making it saddled with numerous challenges. As a result, the parents are made to pay huge amount under the pretext of PTA dues, which is in contravention of the core objective of the capitation grant policy. The results further indicated that monitoring and periodic visit to schools to check on the activities of head teachers will undoubtedly help to redeem the image of the capitation grant. The study therefore recommended that the government of Ghana should make it a matter of policy to increase the amount of the capitation grant. The study further suggested that basic learning materials and infrastructural facilities should always be provided by the government to schools to help cut down the burden on parents, and to also promote effective teaching and learning.

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CREDIT APPRAISAL SYSTEM AT FIRST ALLIED SAVINGS AND LOANS LIMITED

This study assesses the Effectiveness of the Credit Appraisal System at First Allied Savings and Loans Limited. Questionnaires were administered to fifty clients of First Allied Savings and Loans Co. Ltd. The Loan Officer of First Allied Savings and Loans ltd was also interviewed. The findings from the research indicated that the credit appraisal system of First Allied savings and loans ltd has resulted in a healthy loan portfolio for First Allied savings and loans ltd in the sense that the credit appraisal system has help them to be fast in processing a loan application resulting in an average loan processing time of 24 hours. The findings also revealed that the credit appraisal system used by First Allied savings and loans ltd has help it to reduce the rate of non-repayment of loans given out to customers. The research findings indicated that one of the challenges that First Allied savings and loans ltd usually face in implementing its credit appraisal system is lack of adequate information. The research findings showed that the credit facilities that are provided by First Allied savings and loans ltd to its customers are Term loans, Overdraft facilities and Personal loans. The analysis also indicated that First Allied savings and loans ltd usually demand for more collateral security from its clients during a loan application process compared to other savings and loans companies. The findings also showed that the interest rates and fees usually charge by First Allied savings and loans ltd is high when compared to other Savings and loans companies. It was also noted from the analysis that the credit period usually granted by First Allied savings and loans ltd to its customers to repay loans given to them is the same as that usually granted by other Savings and loans companies.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effectiveness of physical development planning and control mechanisms in Ghana: the experience of Wa Municipality.

In an attempt to achieve sustainable spatial planning, countries have adopted various regulations including building regulations, transfer of development rights and zoning to manage physical growth. However, enforcement of these controls appear to be largely ineffective especially in developing countries. This study analyses the processes involved in local plan formulation, the levels of adherence to physical controls and assesses the capacity of key planning and land institutions responsible for managing physical growth in the Wa Municipality. The study used the mixed methods of research design which used both qualitative and quantitative data and analysis. Questionnaires were used to solicit for data from 200 home builders while face to face interviews were conducted with key institutions using interview guide to gather data on land tenure system, institutional capacity and official physical development processes. Observation was also used to establish how physical development conforms to local plans by updating existing maps and consideration of setbacks between buildings as basis to determine adherence to building regulations. The home builders were mostly frustrated with the different stages involved in obtaining legal land documentations and acquiring building permit in the physical development process. Secondly, there was a flaw in the planning process involved in preparing local plans due to the fact that, all the public stakeholder consultations stages in preparing a local plan officially were ignored in the process used in Wa. The study also found non adherence to development controls because in the local plans of both neighbourhoods studied, there was a place for everything but in trying to correlate physical development to what was proposed, everything was not in its place. This is because all areas demarcated for open spaces were used for residential purposes. As a result it was established that development controls used were not effective because the objective of enforcing these mechanisms which is to ensure orderly and harmonious spatial development was not achieved. It is therefore recommended that monthly education should be organised on the various radio stations to intensify public education on the measures already adopted to reduce the lengthy and cumbersome process in permit applications. Furthermore, planners are expected to practise integrated planning of land uses to allow for home-based enterprises with caution. Additionally, the services of national service personnel could be used to address the issue of inadequate staff for site inspection and monitoring.

Source: KNUST