ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effects of Employee Intrapreneurial Orientation on the Performance of Small Enterprises in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana: The Moderating Role of Employee Commitment

Researchers and practitioners continue to explore the drivers of firm performance. One relevant emerging research domain is the influence of employee intrapreneurial orientation on firm performance which has hitherto focused mainly on large enterprises in developed countries. Considering the critical role of small enterprises in national development and the numerous challenges that hinder their performance, this study sought to examine the effects of innovativeness, pro-activeness, risk taking propensity, autonomy, and competitive aggressiveness of employees on small enterprise performance in the Sunyani Municipality, Ghana and the possible moderating effect of employee commitment. The study adopted a quantitative research approach and a predictive research design. The convenience sampling technique was employed. Data were obtained through the administration of questionnaires using a sample size of 320 employees of small enterprises in the Sunyani Municipality. The results of structural equation modelling revealed that pro-activeness, risk-taking propensity, autonomy and competitive aggressiveness of employees had significant effects on the performance of small enterprises. Furthermore, employee commitment as a moderating variable has a significant effects on the relationship between pro-activeness and competitive aggressiveness of employees and small enterprise performance respectively. As a recommendation, small enterprise owners should reorganise their employees’ activities to include more intrapreneurial activities and further focus on various aspects of commitment among employees as it has a significant effect on employee intrapreneurial orientation and small enterprise performance.

Source: UCC
Effects of employee reward on organisatioal performance: A case study of the tax revenue agencies in Ghana

Tax revenue remains the single most important source of government revenue in Ghana. Given its large impact in the development of the Ghanaian economy, it is expected that the workers within the Tax Revenue Agencies would be given adequate attention and be well motivated since these motivational packages could be used effectively to enhance interest and performance. The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of employee reward on organizational performance in the Tax Revenue Agencies in Ghana. Data were collected from 90 workers of some selected branches of three Tax Revenue Agencies. Well-structured questionnaires were administered to employees and management of the agencies and descriptive analysis was mostly used for the study. There was also a quantitative bit to the work. Data were analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS), version 12.0. The study showed that there was a comprehensive reward system in the Tax Revenue Agencies in Ghana, which has been improving over the years. In addition, there was a positive relationship between the various employee reward systems and organisational performance. It was recommended that the employees, through their Union leaders should be involved in any policy relating to the type of reward systems to be implemented. This would make the reward system relevant to the needs of employees. By this, management could be sure of achieving the desired outcomes. Secondly, for rewards to be effective, the needs of the different age groups and gender of the employees should be taken into consideration.

Source: UCC
Effects of employee training programme on job performance at quality control company limited (QCCL)-Takoradi

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of employing training and development on job performance at Quality Control Company Limited (QCCL). The study argues that when the employee is given the right level of training at the right time and in a conducive environment, the employee will absorb the content of the training and that would help shape his/her skills in performing his/ her task in the workplace. The study assessed the training needs of the employees and how such needs were identified.The study found out that Quality Control Company used the number of years spent in the company as well as the changing needs of the time to identify the training needs of the employees. The Company used the post training evaluation method to evaluate the training given to the employees.The study used cross-sectional survey design to collect data from a sample of 83 employees of Quality Control Company. The study revealed that 92.8 percent of the employees showed improvement on their job performance. Quality Control Company had a training policy in place but the timing for the training needs must be re-assessed so that employees who would be selected for training would have the right frame of mind to be able to absorb the training that was given at each event.It is recommended that training policies though visible must be brought to the shop floor and be so clarified so that employees will be able to identify the rationale for a particular training programme and recommendation for training should be based on merit and not necessary one’s status in the organisation.

Source: UCC
Effects of Employees’ Environmental Attitudes on Green Practices in Hotels in Kwara State, Nigeria

Previous studies have indicated that green practices have been adopted in first-world countries, but their relevance in third-world countries remains largely unsubstantiated. This study examines the effects of employees' environmental attitudes on green practices in hotels in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. Six research questions and three hypotheses were formulated and Concurrent Triangulation design employed. Copies of questionnaire were distributed to 290 employees and interview was conducted for 10 managers of hotels in Kwara State, Nigeria. Quantitative data was analysed using t-tests, p-values and structural equation modelling and regression model while thematic analysis SPSS 26 was used for qualitative data. Results showed that the hotels generally adopt green practices, with air pollution control being the most popular (M=3.70, SD=1.09). Additionally, green practice was found to be affected by employee knowledge levels, and socio-demographic characteristics. The predominant environmental attitude of respondents was their intention to introduce green practices to the colleagues. Managers reported that the main hurdles to implementing eco- friendly practices included high costs of materials and lack of government support. Conclusively, this study demonstrates that green practices are widespread in hotels in Kwara State and suggests further investigation into variables such as eco-friendly practices, environmental knowledge and behavioural intentions in Kwara State and other parts of Nigeria.

Source: UCC
Effects of Energy Transition on Electricity Tariffs in Ghana

The study examined the impact of energy transition and electricity tariffs in Ghana. Annual time series data from 1985 to 2021 were used for analysis. The research utilized the ARDL methodology to establish the short-term and long-term relationships among variables. To ensure that the variables were stationary within the context ARDL, a cointegration test was conducted. Additionally, a post-estimation test was performed to assess the model's robustness and stability. Based on the ARDL results, both electricity production from fossil fuels and electricity production from renewables were found to have a positive and significant impact on electricity tariffs in the short and long term. The cost of energy transition was found to have a positive effect on tariffs in the short run but a negative effect in the long run. Carbon emissions were found to positively influence tariffs in the long run and the short run. However, carbon emissions decreased significantly in the long run, leading to a decline in electricity tariffs. Considering these findings, the following recommendations are proposed: Ghana should prioritize and support funding for renewable energy projects, establish a favorable regulatory framework, and maintain policies that encourage the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. The government should also encourage public-private partnerships to share the risks and costs associated with renewable energy projects. Lastly, strong environmental regulations should be implemented and enforced to reduce the carbon intensity of the energy sector.

Source: UCC
Effects of Enright Process and Reach Models on Forgiveness and Depression Among College of Education Students in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

The study explored the effects of Enright process and REACH models on forgiveness and depression among college of education students in the Ashanti Region, Ghana, and to establish the difference in depression of the participants in the experimental and control groups. It was also designed to examine the effects of the Enright process and REACH models on forgiveness and depression on the basis of gender and age among participants in the experimental and control groups. Two research questions and six hypotheses were formulated. The quasi-experimental, pre-test, post-test control group design was used to guide the conduct of the study. The population of the study comprised all second year college of education students in the three selected colleges. The sample was made up of 60 participants who were assigned to three groups; two experimental groups and one control group. Each group had 20 participants (10 males and 10 females). Simple random sampling was used in selecting students who qualified for the study. Questionnaire and interview guide were used to collect data from the students. Data were analysed using one-way analysis of covariance and two-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Interview responses were analysed under specific themes. The results established that both the Enright process and REACH models were effective for enhancing forgiveness and reducing levels of depression among college of education students. Recommendations were that counsellors should endeavour to use the Enright process and REACH models in forgiveness interventions to improve the forgiveness level and reduce depression among students. Counsellors can also use the two models without taking gender and age into consideration since the models are age and gender neutral.

Source: UCC
Effects of Enright Process Model on Forgiveness and Anger Among Students in Colleges of Education in the Eastern Region, Ghana.

The study examined the effect of Enright Process Model on levels of forgiveness and anger among college students in the Eastern Region of Ghana. Quasi Experimental design was used for the study. The population for the study was all level 100 students in Seventh Day Adventist (S.D.A) and Mount Mary College of Education in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The simple random sampling was used to select the two schools and purposive sampling also helped in getting the 13 participants for the experimental and control group. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The Attitude scale and the General anger inventory were used for data collection. The Cronbach’s coefficient alpha for the attitude scale was .93 while that for the Anger inventory was 0.87. Descriptive statistics, the independent, dependent sample t-test, simple regression and correlation were used to analyse the data. The results showed that, to a great extent, the Enright Process model had an impact on the experimental group’s level of forgiveness but not on anger. It is recommended from the findings of the study that the Enright Process model is very effective in helping clients who have unforgiveness problem and are bitter towards people who have hurt them to forgive. Therefore, I recommend that counsellors employ the Enright Process model as an intervention for people with unforgiveness and anger.

Source: UCC
Effects of entrepreneurship skills on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises: a study of smock enterprises in Bolgatanga

Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) contribute a colossal percentage to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in ensuring economic growth, employment, income stability and poverty reduction in most developing countries like Ghana. In-spite of the above roles most of these enterprises are now collapsing as a result of not performing creditably well. It is in line with this that this study examines the effect of entrepreneurial skills on the performance of the Bolgatanga smock enterprises. The subject was investigated using a descriptive survey method that employs both qualitative and quantitative techniques to collect and analyze data using instruments such as questionnaires and interviews. Both open and close ended questions were designed for the study. The study showed that majority of entrepreneurs in the Bolgatanga smock industry had no or very little training on entrepreneurship and were engaged in enterprises which were necessity-based rather than opportunity-based. The study also found out those entrepreneurs who had entrepreneurial skills performed above average. They had the ability to recognize potentially profitable business opportunities and were risk takers. Prior knowledge of customers’ needs and management skills were also important but were rated low. Several challenges were noted to affect growth and performance of the smock industry. These included poor access to credit facility, lack of adequate market, lack of business training and absence of government support. The study recommended training on entrepreneurial skills and provision of support services to the enterprise owners

Source: UCC
Effects of Environmental Changes on the Assemblages of Eight Sympatric Large Grazers in the Mole National Park, Ghana

The goal of this thesis was to determine the effects of environmental changes on the assemblages of eight sympatric large grazer~ of Mole National Park (MNP). Transects were surveyed in each of five main habitat types over a one-year period by counting large grazers and measuring abiotic, anthropogenic and grass-related variables. Climate and land cover data time series were analysed for change detection and ARIMA models used to forecast changes up to 2020. Mixed effects and regression models of grazing behaviours were used to identify the environmental factors by which animals selected preferred feeding areas. The results indicated there has been a significant climate change over the period. The mean temperature increased by about 0.7 °c after two decades and the mean rainfall decreased after each decade. Co-existing large grazers avoided resource use overlaps and competition, but allowed high overlaps and some degree of competition when resources were limited. Larger grazers were more selective for forage than smaller ones and habitat use varied seasonally with different patterns for each habitat type leading to inter-habitat shifts by large grazers. The mean density of grazers ranged from 1.18 ± 0.36 (elephant) to 6.5 ± 0.601km2 (kob). Populations showed increasing trends for all the large grazers with the potential for further increases in future. With the weight ratio of 1.40, grazers at MNP were closely packed but several species with similar body weight co-existed within the grazer assemblage. Limiting factors, mainly water, fire and anthropogenic, imposed constraints that resulted in either lack of a clear pattern of abundance, distribution and habitat selectivity or unexplored forage in most seasons. Replication of this study about two to four times is recommended to boost the outcome as information for management planning and action.

Source: UCC
Effects of European Union’s Environmental Policy Stringency on Ghana’s Exports: Does the Quality of Institution Matter?

The study sought to examine the effects of the European Union’s environmental policy stringency on Ghana’s exports. In addition, the study also sought to examine how Ghana’s institutions affect the adoption of the European Union’s environmental policy stringency in her exports. The study employed the Stochastic Frontier Gravity Model on exports to 17 European Union member countries from Ghana using data from 1990 to 2019. The study revealed that the European Union’s environmental policy stringency negatively affects Ghana’s exports. Like the European Union’s environmental policy stringency, institutional quality was also found to negatively affect Ghana’s export. In addition, the study found that Ghana’s institutions perform poorly in helping with the policy compliance. As such, the study therefore recommends that the Ghanaian Government initiate a discussion on the harmonization of standards with the European Union in a mutually beneficial arrangement to primarily lessen disparities in standards. The study also recommends that, strengthening institutions (like the Environmental Protection Agency, Ports and Harbors Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Customs services etc.) in charge of regulating exports would help minimize the pollution haven effect.

Source: UCC
Effects of Exchange Rate, Inflation and Interest Rate on Economic Growth in Ghana

ABSTRACT This study therefore investigates the effect of Ghana’s exchange rate, inflation, and interest rate on economic growth over the period 1980 to 2015 using quarterly time series data. It examines the extent to which exchange rate policy have been able to contribute to lowering the probability of currency and banking crises, ensuring sustainable internal and external balance, and containing inflation and interest rate. Given the political economy, more openness, the structural wage-price processes, the degree of backward and forward looking behavior in the Ghanaian economy, the paper draws out implications for macroeconomic policy. The paper employs the Johansen’s co integration analysis within the framework of Vector Autoregressive (VAR) to empirically investigate the effects of rate of exchange, inflation and interest rateon economic growth since the adoption of floating exchange rate regime in the country. The results indicated that, the past one year of inflation rate and the past two years of interest rate had negative impacts on the growth of real GDP in Ghana respectively while the past one year of exchange rate, had a positive impact on the growth of real GDP in Ghana.The Granger Causality test also indicated bi-directional causality between exchange rate and real GDP, unidirectional causality between inflation, interest rate and GDP. The study therefore clearly recommends that the government of Ghana and Bank of Ghana intensify their efforts stabilising these policy variables as they are capable of influencing the country’s macroeconomic policy decisions in both short and long run.

Source: UCC
Effects of extended period of storage and strain of layer on quality of chicken eggs

Poultry farmers in Ghana use different strains of layers for egg production with eggs produced being stored for some time before use. This has necessitated a study to determine the effect of strain of layers and extended storage length on internal and external qualities of chicken eggs. A total of three-hundred (300) eggs from 46-week-old layer strains were analysed for egg quality in a 3 X 5 factorial experiment involving three-layer strains (Lohmann brown, Lohmann white and Black Bovan) and 5 storage periods of 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 days. On each day of the analysis, sixty (60) eggs; 20 each from the three strains were randomly sampled and analysed for the internal and external egg characteristics. Results obtained showed a significant difference (P<0.05) among the three-layer strains regarding the major egg quality traits like egg weight, albumen weight, haugh unit and yolk weight with the Black Bovan layer strains being superior to the Lohmann strains. It was also observed that the major egg quality traits like egg weight, albumen weight and haugh unit were significantly (P<0.05) affected with increasing storage length. There was also a significant (P<0.05) interaction effects between strain of layer and length of storage of egg on some important egg quality determinants like egg weight, albumen height and haugh unit. This shows that in order not to compromise the quality of eggs, one must consider the strain of layer to use and how long eggs could be stored before use. Irrespective of the strain of layers and storage period, it was realized that egg weight was more closely associated (P<0.05) with albumen height and weight than the other traits

Source: UCC
Effects of external debt on economic growth in Ghana

This study revisits the relationship between external debt and economic growth in Ghana. Using annual data for the period 1986 to 2015, and applying Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and in line with the empirical literature, the study found a statistically significant positive relationship between external debt and economic growth in both the long run and short run for Ghana. The study also revealed that there was adjustment to equilibrium from the short-run. Besides, consistent with the endogenous growth predictions, the study found evidence between economic growth and external debt. The study, therefore, recommends that the government should strategically deepen the external debt of the economy in order to stimulate economic growth in Ghana

Source: UCC
Effects of external debt on economic growth in Ghana

This study revisits the relationship between external debt and economic growth in Ghana. Using annual data for the period 1986 to 2015, and applying Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model and in line with the empirical literature, the study found a statistically significant positive relationship between external debt and economic growth in both the long run and short run for Ghana. The study also revealed that there was adjustment to equilibrium from the short-run. Besides, consistent with the endogenous growth predictions, the study found evidence between economic growth and external debt. The study, therefore, recommends that the government should strategically deepen the external debt of the economy in order to stimulate economic growth in Ghana.

Source: UCC
Effects of falciparum malaria on levels of selected biomarkers of cardiovascular disease risk in type 2 diabetics and non-diabetic controls

Falciparum malaria and Type 2 diabetes (T2D) affect millions of people globally but the effect of the dual conditions on the cardiovascular health of the affected has not been investigated. To better understand this, a study was designed to evaluate the effect of Plasmodium falciparum malaria on levels of selected biomarkers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in diabetics compared with non-diabetic controls by measuring anthropometric indices, blood pressure (Bp), fasting levels of glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, lipid profile, insulin, leptin, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, total antioxidants power (TAP) and lipid peroxides of 200 diabetics and non-diabetic controls before and during P. falciparum malaria. Insulin resistance and β-cell secretory function were assessed. Associations among the various parameters were investigated. At baseline, the two groups differed significantly (P < 0.05) in some of the anthropometric indices and levels of most biomarkers except insulin and TAP. Some of the parameters associated linearly in the two study groups with gender-specific variations. During malaria, levels of anthropometric indices and Bp did not change in the defined study groups. In diabetics, apart from TAP that decreased significantly (P < 0.05), the levels of all the other biomarkers increased. Non-diabetic controls had decreased (P < 0.05) TAP and leptin levels but elevated levels in the others. Anthropometric indices did not associate (P > 0.05) with the levels of measured biomarkers in malaria. Falciparum malaria increased the CVD risk of respondents in the two study groups. However, the two groups differed in their response to malaria.

Source: UCC