ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of ore type on the leaching and biosorption characteristics of lead from waste cupels using spent tea leaves (camellia sinensis)

Waste cupel samples from two commercial gold fire assay laboratories in Ghana were sampled and characterized. The selection of the fire assay laboratories was based on the type of ore being processed. Comparative study of the effect of ore type (oxide and sulphide) on the leaching and biosorption characteristics of lead from waste cupels using spent tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) was investigated. Both laboratories use magnesia (MgO) cupels. Waste cupel samples were collected, pulverised and characterized prior to acid digestion. The mineralogical and chemical compositions were determined using X-ray Diffraction and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy / Mass Spectroscopy, respectively. Leachates from the waste cupels were contacted with spent tea leaves and the biosorption efficiency and specific metal uptake determined. Results show that lead concentrations in waste cupels from oxide ore (CWO) increased as particle sizes increased whilst lead concentration from sulphide ore (CWS) decreased with increased particle sizes. The biosorption efficiency of lead was higher in CWO leachate ( > 99 %) than in CWS leachate ( < 98 %). For a given biomass concentration, CWO recorded a higher specific metal uptake as compared to CWS. The specific metal uptake in both samples were affected by the volume of leachate and lead concentration in leachate. In both samples, the adsorption isotherms fitted well in Langmuir model. The results from this study indicate that spent tea leaves can be used as an adsorbent to render waste cupels non-toxic before disposal.

Source: KNUST
Effect of ore type on the leaching and biosorption characteristics of lead from waste cupels using spent tea leaves (camellia sinensis)

v ABSTRACT Waste cupel samples from two commercial gold fire assay laboratories in Ghana were sampled and characterized. The selection of the fire assay laboratories was based on the type of ore being processed. Comparative study of the effect of ore type (oxide and sulphide) on the leaching and biosorption characteristics of lead from waste cupels using spent tea leaves (Camellia sinensis) was investigated. Both laboratories use magnesia (MgO) cupels. Waste cupel samples were collected, pulverised and characterized prior to acid digestion. The mineralogical and chemical compositions were determined using X-ray Diffraction and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy / Mass Spectroscopy, respectively. Leachates from the waste cupels were contacted with spent tea leaves and the biosorption efficiency and specific metal uptake determined. Results show that lead concentrations in waste cupels from oxide ore (CWO) increased as particle sizes increased whilst lead concentration from sulphide ore (CWS) decreased with increased particle sizes. The biosorption efficiency of lead was higher in CWO leachate ( > 99 %) than in CWS leachate ( < 98 %). For a given biomass concentration, CWO recorded a higher specific metal uptake as compared to CWS. The specific metal uptake in both samples were affected by the volume of leachate and lead concentration in leachate. In both samples, the adsorption isotherms fitted well in Langmuir model. The results from this study indicate that spent tea leaves can be used as an adsorbent to render waste cupels non-toxic before disposal.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Organisational Culture and Organisational Structure on Product Commercialisation Behaviour at Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI)

Product commercialisation since its introduction in 1995 at BRRI as a result of dwindling government subvention has not made the needed impact it deserved. This study therefore sought to assess the effect of organisational culture and organisational structure on product commercialisation behaviour at Building and Road Research Institute (BRRI).A sample size of hundred and five (105) staffs including management was selected and self- administered with questionnaire using non-probability sampling technique with emphasis convenient sampling. On organisational culture and product commercialisation behaviour at BRRI showed that on an average the respondents did not agree that it received the needed attention it deserved at BRRI with t(101)= 51.442, and p< 0.05. Again the study revealed that management should get all employees to become committed to their work, feel a sense of ownership, and have input especially R&D and Marketing departments. The consistency trait gave out a t=38.750, df=101, (2-tailed) or the P-value<.000 and a mean difference of 3.252 meaning that on an average most of the respondents did not agree that it received the needed attention it deserved. Therefore, BRRI should have a “strong” culture that is highly consistent, well coordinated and well integrated as far as organisational structure and product commercialisation behaviour is concerned. BRRI should pay attention to adaptability trait like organisational learning, scan their external environment well and respond to the ever-changing needs of its customers and other stakeholders, and be more proactive in dealing creating change and organisational learning issues. The study recommended that BRRI should build its internal capacities in machinery and equipments to address customer-oriented, innovation oriented and competitor-oriented behaviours.

Source: KNUST
The effect of organisational structure on project performance: the case of Aga Ltd.

Gold production for Anglogold Ashanti Ltd- Obuasi Mine (AGA Ltd) has declined significantly in recent times. One of the strategies adopted to make the mine sustainable is by implementing capital projects in order to meet the medium and long term goals. However studies have shown that an appropriate organisational structure is contingent upon the type of work performed and the environment in which the organisation conducts its’ Business. Hence the major objective of the study is to examine the relationship between the organisational structure and the performance of projects in AGA Ltd-Obuasi. The research adopts an inductive case study approach with both qualitative and quantitative research method for collecting and analysing the data. Sample of the various categories of workers was taken from the Company’s total population using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. Interviews and questionnaires were employed as the main tool of data collection for the study. A Crosstab analysis was adopted for the analyses of the relationship. The study found out that the organisational structure in place of AGA Ltd-Obuasi is mechanistic which relates to projects in a very weak matrix structure due to the nature of its operations, the strategy adopted, the size of the company and the need to respond rapidly to the dynamic complexity of the external environment. However this structure is the source of major problems in implementation of projects as the study revealed and concluded that some of the organisational structure related factors significantly impact inversely to the categories of the key performance index namely time, cost and quality. Based on this, a ‘projectised’ structure i.e a project structure was recommended to be adopted among other recommendation made by the study.

Source: KNUST
The effect of organisational capability on SMe performance in Ghana: the moderating role of environmental characteristics.

The study sought to find out the moderating effect of environmental characteristics and organizational capability on SMEs performance. The design of the study was a descriptive survey research design. The populations consisted of all SMEs in the Obuasi. Samples were drawn from SMEs in the Obuasi Municipality of the Ashanti Region. The respondents consisted of SME owners who have been in business for six (6) months and above. A purposive and convenient sampling procedure was used. A questionnaire measuring organizational capability, environmental characteristics and performance were administered to the respondents. Data was analyzed using Pearson Product-Moment correlation coefficient and hierarchical multiple regression analysis. It was observed after the study that there is a significant positive relationship between organizational capability dimensions and Performance dimensions. Similar results were observed for environmental characteristics dimensions and performance dimensions. Further the study found an interaction effect of managerial dimension of organizational capability and dynamism was not significant. The outcome of the study was discussed and recommendations made accordingly. Firstly, SMEs must be encouraged to employ organizational capability strategies such as innovation, marketing and managerial skills to enhance their performance. Secondly, SMEs must be empowered to keep up to date with competitive dynamism and intensity to enable them adopt appropriate strategies needed to survive competitions to boost their performance. Further, SMEs should be educated and made aware of these vital and critical strategies necessary for their performance increase. Finally, the government of the day should endeavor to create an enabling environment that would be truly conducive for business organizations to thrive without engaging in any act of fraudulent practices.

Source: KNUST
Effect of organisational culture on performance of microfinance companies in Ghana: mediating role of innovative capability.

The study was conducted to examine the effect of organisational culture on firm innovative capabilities of microfinance companies in Accra Metropolis. Specifically, the study sought to examine the effect of corporate culture on performance; the relationships between innovative capability and performance; the relationship between culture and innovative capability; and examine the mediating role of innovative capability in the relationship between culture and performance. A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted among selected microfinance companies in the Accra Metropolis. Forty microfinance companies and five managers each were selected from the microfinance companies in the Accra Metropolis using simple random sampling method. Structured questionnaire was the sole research instrument. Data were analysed using means, standard deviation, correlation analysis, confirmatory factor analysis and regression analysis. Four major findings were made. First, organisational culture significantly and positively relates to the operational performance of microfinance companies. Second, there was a significantly positive relationship between innovative capability and operational performance of microfinance companies. Third, there exist a relationship between organisational culture and innovative capability of microfinance companies was confirmed. Finally, firm innovativeness partially mediates the relationship between organisational culture and operational performance of microfinance companies. The study concludes that all dimensions of firm innovativeness, except behavioural innovations, would mediate between organisational culture and operational performance of microfinance companies. It is recommended that the management of the microfinance companies intensify their efforts at consolidating the gains made in strengthening their organisational culture and improve upon their innovative capabilities on processes and training of managers.

Source: KNUST
Effect of organizational agility on organizational learning ability among smes in kumasi metropolis

The importance of organizational agility and organizational learning abilities have formed part of major discussions among academicians and practitioners. However, these discussions have usually ignored the Small and Medium Enterprises (smes). This study therefore examined the effects of organizational agility on organizational learning ability among SMES in the Kumasi metropolis. The study adopted the explanatory design and quantitative research approach to gather and analyse data from 292 respondents. The study used a questionnaire to gather the data for this study. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data for the study. The results indicated that the organizational agility strategies associated with the small and medium enterprises in the Kumasi metropolis are high and effective. The findings further show that there is a high level of effectiveness associated with the implementation of such strategies. Furthermore, the study found a mixed relationship between the various categories of organizational agility factors and the organizational learning ability of the smes considered. The study concludes by making recommendations for practices and policy.

Source: KNUST
The effect of organisational support on employees’ attitude to work: A case study of University of Education, Winneba-Kumasi Campus

A successful organization is one which can adapt itself to environmental changes, create a purposeful management structure, and develop key competencies that will drive employees to it goals. Therefore, it is important for managers to find the factors which affect employees’ attitude and commitment towards work and its environment. One of the most important factors is organizational support. This study sought to examine the effect of organizational support on employees’ attitude to work. And by extension sought to achieve the following specific objectives; to identify the various forms of organizational support existing in the University of Education, to find out whether organizational support will yield positive employees commitment to work and to find out whether organizational support will yield positive employees attitude to work. The research design adopted was the exploratory research with a sample size of 105 employees of the University. Primary and secondary data were used to gather information from the respondents and the data collection instrument for the study was questionnaire. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS version 16.0) software was used for the data analyses. The result shows that there is a meaningful relationship between perceived organizational support and positive employees’ attitude to work. It is evident that the University supports employees who want to pursue further studies to better their performance and development. The study found that the University has the following forms of organizational support; provision of modern and relevant working equipment, caring about the employees well-being, monetary reward and educational support to employees. Again, good attitude was said to have positive effect on the work performance of the employees. The study recommends that the process of awarding iii educational scholarship for employees to do further studies should be fair and open to all to devoid of acrimonies. It further recommend that the University should try to address employees concerns and make sure they are brought to the side of University course to bring unity and common sense of purpose for all.

Source: KNUST
Effect of organizational culture on virtual team performance: A case of Newmont Golden Ridge Limited.

The fundamental issue in project management is managing effectively the people working in teams. At the same time, organisational culture is seen as a major characteristic, which affect project management structure. The current study explored the linkage that exist between organisational culture and virtual team performance in the mining companies. The study targeted sixty-(60) support staff employees in all departments in Newmont Golden Ridge Limited in Eastern Region. The researcher, preceded by a pilot study, developed the instrument for the data collection. The pilot study was initially conducted in a similar mining company to ascertain its validity and the reliability. The data for the study was from primary source in that; closed-ended questionnaire was designed and distributed to the support staff employees in each department at Newmont Golden Ridge Limited. The study used census survey where all the 60 respondents constituting all support staff employees in Newmont Golden Ridge Limited. The data generated was analyzed using mean score ranking technique to determine the extent of the effect of organizational culture on virtual team performance. Descriptive statistics was used to test the data. The results obtained indicate that organizational culture in the organization is good for employees. Further, the results suggest that organizational culture affect virtual team performance. The study recommends that employers develop and strength the organizational culture practices that expose workers, especially project teams’ members know the norms and values to be applied in the organization. Again, it is recommended strongly that organizational members or employees must be given the required organizational and project management orientation in order to help teams to perform. The orientation will help to know the basic concepts of project management by enlightening them on how to work in teams to deliver superb performance. Since the sample size for the current study was small, it will be of importance for future researchers to use a larger sampleiii size to obtain more intuition on the topic. In addition, it is recommended that future researches adopt an alternate research methodology like qualitative methodology, which may uncover new cause effect on organizational culture and virtual team performance.

Source: KNUST
Effect of organizational capabilities on performance of micro and small family businesses in Ghana: the moderating role of environmental characteristics.

The rationale of the study is to examine the moderation role of competitive intensity on organizational capabilities (marketing and managerial) as a measure of business performance. Data was collected from 196 micro and small family business firms in Ghana. The hierarchical regression model was used to analyze the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study indicate that, irrespective of the competitive intensity in the business environment, micro and small family businesses that adapt marketing and managerial capabilities will always outperform industry players. Thus, there is a direct relationship between organizational capabilities and organizational performance (financial and operational). This result was achieved after firm age, firm size and industry sector were used as control variables. The moderating interaction was insignificant therefore family businesses are being encouraged to enforce best marketing and managerial capabilities to achieve superior return on investments and return on sales. To this result, quantitative data and subjective results were used to analyze the data with LISREL 8.5 and SPSS 16.0. Limitationsof the study were centered on the survey conducted only in Ghana. The conclusion and recommendations focused on micro and small family business owners in adapting marketing and managerial capabilities within the turbulent industry competitiveness to achieve outstanding financial and operational performance within the industry sector.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Organizational Capabilities on Performance of Micro and Small Family Businesses in Ghana: The Moderating Role of Environmental Characteristics

The rationale of the study is to examine the moderation role of competitive intensity on organizational capabilities (marketing and managerial) as a measure of business performance. Data was collected from 196 micro and small family business firms in Ghana. The hierarchical regression model was used to analyze the hypotheses of the study. The findings of the study indicate that, irrespective of the competitive intensity in the business environment, micro and small family businesses that adapt marketing and managerial capabilities will always outperform industry players. Thus, there is a direct relationship between organizational capabilities and organizational performance (financial and operational). This result was achieved after firm age, firm size and industry sector were used as control variables. The moderating interaction was insignificant therefore family businesses are being encouraged to enforce best marketing and managerial capabilities to achieve superior return on investments and return on sales. To achieve this result, quantitative data and subjective results were used to analyze the data with LISREL 8.5 and SPSS 16.0. Limitations of the study were centered on the survey conducted only in Ghana. The conclusion and recommendations focused on micro and small family business owners in adapting marketing and managerial capabilities within the turbulent industry competitiveness to achieve outstanding financial and operational performance within the industry sector.

Source: KNUST
The effect of outsourcing on the operational performance of telecom firms in Ghana: a case study of Millicom Ghana Limited

Outsourcing in recent times has become a common business practice in many organizations. The concept has since developed into several models practiced within and across countries. A key reason is usually to save time and money. In recent times, businesses have been confronted with the challenge of reducing their cost of operation and one way of doing this is to consider outsourcing. But the question is whether outsourcing has any effect on firm’s operations and service delivery. To help address the above, this study sought to examine the effects of outsourcing on operational performance of telecom firms in Ghana using Millicom Ghana, operators of Millicom as case study. The study was descriptive, using both primary and secondary sources of data. Out of a population of 445, a sample of 160 employees was used. At the end, the study found that key rationales for Millicom’s outsourcing practices included enhancing effectiveness by focusing strengths, improving operating performance, and obtaining expertise, skills, and technologies that would not otherwise be available. The study also revealed a number of significant effects of outsourcing on the operations of Millicom and telecom companies in general. This includes the fact that when telecom companies outsource, it improves credibility and image through their associating with superior providers. The regression results also show a positive relationship between outsourcing and firm operations. Coefficient of R =.339; the R2 result was 0.115. The result was significant at 0.00. The implication is that if telecom firms outsource non-core functions, they are more likely to record an improvement in operational cost by approximately 32%. It is therefore recommended that telecom companies ensure that quality is not compromised in their attempt to cut down cost through outsourcing.

Source: KNUST
Effect of ownership structure on earnings management of firms in ghana

This study explores the relationship between ownership structure and earnings management in the context of listed companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The study employs both quantitative and explanatory designs. Using the purposive sampling, the study selects nineteen (19) non-financial firms listed on the Ghana stock exchange from 2009 -2021. The study analyses the data using panel regression. The study finds that institutional ownership has a significant negative effect on earnings management. Also, the study finds that managerial ownership has a significant positive effect on earnings management. Again, the study also finds that state ownership has a significant positive effect on earnings management. The study recommends that companies with low levels of institutional ownership review their governance practices and ensure that there are adequate checks in place to prevent earnings management. Companies can implement best practices in corporate governance by having an independent board of directors, implementing effective internal controls, and having a clear process for communicating with shareholders.

Source: KNUST