ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Examine factors that affect sports gambling among the youth: A case study of three suburbs of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly of the Ashanti Region of Ghana.

The main objective of the study is to determine the factors that influence behaviour of youth sports betting in Ghana. This research employed both the quantitative and qualitative method of study and employed cross-sectional design as the main framework for assembling, compilation and analysis of data. The target population of the study was the youth which included people within the Kumasi Metropolis specifically Asafo, Ash-Town and Bantama. Convenience and purposive sampling technique were used to select 296 youth for the study. Both primary and secondary source of data were used. Questionnaires and semi-structured interview guide were used to collect data. The study found out that most gamblers were from families in which either one of their siblings or parents was engaging in gambling. It further noted that social factors in the study area affect gamblers’ attitude: these factors are; availability of gambling centers and other gamblers, interaction between youth and their peers, entertainment and recreation, socialization and the desire for competition ushered the youth in gambling in the study area. Based on the findings it was recommended that older family members who engage in gambling should change their attitude toward gambling. Again, it was recommended that community leaders should establish recreational centers to serve as alternative means of entertainment for the youth.

Source: KNUST
Examining disbursement and repayment of loans by SMEs at Agricultural Development Bank (Adum Branch)

In most developing countries, capital requirements of enterprises especially Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) greatly exceed the financial resources owned by themselves. This certainly does not augur well for economic growth of a nation. It is to arrest this problem that the government established some banks like ADB to assist SMEs in their business by granting them loans. Loan repayment rate by these enterprises however seems to have a relation with the amount of loans granted by these banks. This study looked at the relation of interest rates and repayment rates to the amount of loan granted to SMEs. It was discovered in the study that, as interest rates decreased, repayment rate by SMEs increases and as a result, the bank also increase the amount of loan given to SMEs. Monitoring, technical advice to SMEs and provision of collateral were among factors that was seen to be affecting the repayment rate of loans by SMEs. The study used both primary and secondary data collected through administering questionnaire, using face to face interviews and other authoritative books. The study further used descriptive statistics to give summary of the data collected. In addition, tables, charts and percentages were used in the presentation of the data. Data was mainly collected from Agricultural Development Bank and other selected Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs). The study apparently showed that the workload at the credit section of the bank was too much for the staff there and sometimes loans given to SMEs also delayed. Financial mismanagement was also seen to be a problem with some SMEs. Thus, to boost the rate of repayment by SMEs several recommendations were made by the researcher. Among those were employing more qualified personnel to work at the credit section of the bank. The bank could also make follow-up visits to these SMEs to verify if the loan is being used for its intended purpose. Again, it is recommended that ADB increase their long-term loans to SMEs to enable them also to invest in long - term projects.

Source: KNUST
Examining Dynamics of Emerging Nipah Viral Infection with Direct and Indirect Transmission Patterns: A Simulation-Based Analysis via Fractional and Fractal-Fractional Derivatives

(contaminated foods-to-human) transmission routes via the Caputo fractional and fractional-fractal modeling approaches. +e model is vigorously analyzed both theoretically and numerically. +e possible equilibrium points of the system and their existence are investigated based on the reproduction number. +e model exhibits three equilibrium points, namely, infection-free, infected 6ying foxes free, and endemic. Furthermore, novel numerical schemes are derived for the models in fractional and fractalfractional cases. Finally, an extensive simulation is conducted to validate the theoretical results and provide an impact of the model on the disease incidence. We believe that this study will help to incorporate such mathematical techniques to examine the complex dynamics and control the spread of such infectious diseases.

Source: KNUST
Examining factors that contribute to successful contract management practices in project delivery: A case study of Ministry of Local Government and Rura Development

Contract management is critical if value for money and quality can be attained for outsourced projects. Communication between a contracting and a providing partner is enriched through proactive contract management practices. The aim of the study was to examine some factors that contributes to effective contract management practices in project delivery in the public sector. The specific objectives of the study were to examine the effect of contract management factors such as human capital management, risk management styles, knowledge channels and relationship management on project delivery. The study adopted a descriptive research design which sought to establish factors associated with certain occurrences, outcomes and conditions. The target population was 100 and purposive sampling technique was used to arrive at a sample size of 83. Questionnaires were used to collect data which was analysed quantitatively. The findings highlighted four major factors that contribute to successful contract management practices in project delivery namely; human capital, risk management frame work, relationship management and knowledge channels. The findings of the study indicate human capital and relationship management as key influencers of project outcome. The richness of an entity’s human resource plays a key role in the quality of project it delivers to its catchment area. Managing relationship between contracting party and providers offer a mutual grounds for cooperation and information sharing. Information sharing is critical for the survival of any project. Furthermore the study advocates for the establishment of proactive risk management factors to ensure waste and excessive spending is reduced to the barest minimum. Adopting such measure ensure proper evaluation of risk and uncertainties in every stage of the contracting period. Risk assessment at every stage of the project design and execution process is crucial to save funds and further ensure quality is guaranteed

Source: KNUST
Examining effective procurement procedures of goods in Public Universities - a case of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi.

The study examined the effectiveness of procurement of goods as a financial control adopted by the management of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi. Effective internal controls promote efficiency, reduce the risk of asset loss, and ensure the reliability of financial statements and compliance with laws and regulations. For effective control, KNUST has in place Financial and Stores Regulation Act enacted by Parliament in 1961 as amended from time to time. This serves as a benchmark for all financial transactions in the university. The study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods where primary and secondary data were used to ascertain the necessary information needed for the analysis. The research findings showed that procurement rules in the KNUST Financial and Stores Regulation Act 1961 as reviewed from time to time, is in line with the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663). The Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) is a major factor that influences procurement processes, as such public institutions should adopt, use and comply. Though KNUST members of staff are aware of the existence of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) they have little knowledge on what it entails due to the fact that seminars on procurement are not held for them. The existence of bureaucratic processes involved in procurement of goods is too cumbersome, which takes three to six months to complete one procurement process leading to delays, splitting of items and dodging of procurement procedures. (This happens in a way of the user department finding a credible, reputable and competitive supplier, and making a requisition through the procurement officer to the procurement committee for approval and receipt of the goods). It might in a way affect the economic benefit of the item since time may elapse for its use. To the best of my knowledge, no study has been conducted in the field of effective procurement procedures in public universities since the inception of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663). Finally, time and financial resource constraints limited the study to a sample of eighty six members of staff where 58 responded to the study.

Source: KNUST
Examining Internal Customer Satisfaction and Motivation in Service Delivery: The Case of MTN Ghana Customer Service Employees.

The importance of customer satisfaction as a critical success factor has been recognized by practitioners and academics for several years now. Although customer satisfaction play an important role in the communications industries due to their special characteristics, most researchers focus on consumer goods or manufacturing services, leaving communications industries fairly uncovered. In order to give communications industries well-founded recommendations on how to reach a high level of satisfaction, the main drivers of customer satisfaction have to be revealed. The identification of these drivers and the influence of customer satisfaction on service delivery to the external customer are the primary goals of this study. Taking into account that there has been a change of paradigms in scale development the researcher created a state-of-the-art questionnaire, which was administered to respondents of MTN Ghana Customer Service Employees nationwide. The researcher found that internal customer satisfaction has a strong relationship with the services that external customers receive, management must meet the needs and expectations of their internal customers, who can, in turn, meet external customers‟ needs. This paper also highlights the key factors that affect satisfaction level by analyzing the data collected within MTN Ghana and further suggests the potential area to be considered to maintain a high level of satisfaction.

Source: KNUST
Examining project management practices at the Ghana Water Company Limited, Head Office, Accra

This investigation examined project management practices at Ghana Water Company Limited (GWCL), headquartered in Accra. GWCL is the only water company in the ten regions of Ghana. It should also examine the success rate of projects of the company and identify the causes of the failure of the project in the company, project management tools and techniques used by the company, benefits associated with the use of project management tools and techniques and determine the obstacles with the use of project management tools and techniques. The method used to conduct this research was to gather information from engineers and managers who manage projects through questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and the correlation coefficient was used for data analysis. The main findings of the study showed that the project management processes were taken over by initiation, planning, implementation, monitoring and control and completion in the implementation of projects in GWCL. The application of project management tools and techniques to GCWL has gradually become an important issue when implementing projects of varying size and structure. The study has shown that using PM tools and techniques is an essential management approach that results in specific goals being met within specific time and budget limits by making the most of resources. In addition, the study found that there was a lack of in-depth knowledge of PM tools and techniques GWCL, and high costs of use were also observed by respondents. Among other things, the study recommended that PM tools and techniques be gradually applied, especially in old government institutions where resistance to change is perceived as high.

Source: KNUST
Examining Risk-Sharing Decisions in Construction Contracts in University of Ghana

The construction sector involves various activities. This makes it more susceptible to risk compared to other industries. Risk is inevitable in any endeavor; fair and reasonable risk sharing in construction contract is a sure means to enhance successes in construction contracts. The research among other things, sought to explore risk sharing decisions in construction projects and how they can be adopted in University of Ghana so as to enhance the successes of contracts and also reduce the rate at which risk occur. These objectives were set to realize the aim; to identify guidelines for risk sharing decisions in construction contracts; and to document mitigating measures for the allocated risks. The data was gathered through responses from structured questionnaires. Evaluation of responses indicated prevailing risks in construction contract in the University of Ghana. The respondents also provided mitigating measures for the risks assigned to the appropriate risk owners. The study revealed five major risk factors with associated fifteen risks break down structures. The most significant risk factor was financial risk in construction contracts in University of Ghana. Financial risk and delayed payment emerged as predominant major risk factor and risk break down structure respectively. Contractors should submit their cash flow to clients to aid clients’ investments maturity dates; a clause to force clients to pay interest on delayed payments and also a clause in the conditions of contract to allow contractors to find out clients’ availability of funds before signing contracts are some of the measures the respondents gave to mitigate delayed payment. The use of these guidelines in risk sharing decisions as well as their suggested mitigation methods will ensure the success of construction projects. These will thus help eliminate problems such as delayed payment which is likely to occur. The study indicates that, there should be principles and guidelines to be followed when allocating or distributing risk to parties in a contract, confirming the works of Groton et al., (2010) and Teh-Chang et al., (2009

Source: KNUST
Examining Solar PY Mini-Grid System As A Complement To Grid Extension For Rural Electrification With Reference To Yama Community, Northern Ghana.

This research was undertaken to design, determine the cost and economic viability of solar PV Mini-grid System as an alternative to grid extension using Yama community as a case study. In this study energy demand survey was conducted in 300 households (3000 inhabitants) in YAMA. Average daily Energy demand considering 200 households (2000 inhabitants) and 50 households (500 inhabitants) was also determined. These sizes of PV mini grid systems obtained, 120kWp PV system for 300 households, 72.5kWp PV system for 200 households and 26kWp PV system for 50 households. The System wiring and system configuration procedures for the designed PV systems are outlined to show that it is theoretically possible to design a PV mini-grid system for unelectrified communities in Ghana. The 120kWp mini-grid photovoltaic system for Yama is estimated to cost US$869,793 while the cost of extending the national grid of 34.5kV MV line over a distance of 18 km is estimated to cost US$1, 091,145. The 26kWp PV mini-grid system for 50 households is estimated to cost US$305,400. It also established that for the PV system to economically viable a feed-in-Tariff of between US35 Cents/kWh to US50 Cents/kWh giving a simple payback period of between 10 and 15 years was required. These results show that solar PV mini-grid connected system is economically viable for rural electrification for isolated, small and remote communities where the national grid has to be extended distances beyond 20km. Furthermore, PV mini-grid systems can be integrated into the national grid, when those communities are connected to the national grid in future. Solar PV mini-grid system can serve as a stop gap measure towards attainment of the universal access to electricity for communities with population above 500 inhabitants as in Ghana’s electrification policy.

Source: KNUST
Examining Stakeholder Management Challenges and their impact on Project Management in the case of Advocacy and Empowerment NGOs in the Upper East Region of Ghana

NGOs in the UER of Ghana face challenges from different people and groups by serving multiple stakeholders with potentially conflicting needs and interests. The study examined the challenges in stakeholder management and their impact on project management in advocacy and empowerment NGOs in the UER of Ghana. Purposive sampling was used to select 35 respondents comprising 20 project and programme managers, 10 frontline project staff and 5 key resource persons. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain information from project and programme managers while semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from frontline staff and key resource persons. The study identified traditional and public authorities, donors, clients, sister NGOs, the media and project communities as generally recognized key stakeholders to the sector. Labour unions, volunteers and insurance companies were also identified as stakeholders but by few of the NGOs. It was revealed also that the interests and roles of the key Stakeholders were very critical to the operations of the NGOs; however stakeholder management was found to be characterized by casual and ad-hoc actions and predominantly not institutionalized. Challenges like unhealthy competition, conflicting interests, poor commitment, limited interest, understanding and appreciation, anti-stakeholder leadership problems, entrenched positions, beliefs and practices were found to impact severely on the work of the NGOs. The study concluded that the many challenges encountered were due to the casual and ad-hoc actions and the non institutionalization of stakeholder management by the NGOs. The researcher recommend that stakeholder management should be institutionalized and entrusted to professionals with the relevant training and skills who can ensure stakeholder processes do live up to the expectations and standards of experienced practitioners in the field.

Source: KNUST
Examining stakeholders engagement influence on project execution success in the oil and gas project in Sanzule

In recent times businesses aim are not only to meet the needs and desire of its stakeholder but also have an array of addressing their competing interests. Hence, how business can operate in this increasingly challenging stakeholder environment is touted to be essential to both business and project sustenance. Accordingly, this study explored how stakeholder engagement influences project execution success at Sanzule in the Ellembelle District of the Western Region. The study aims at establishing the challenges that constrained the exploration company in managing their stakeholder engagement and identify key measures to employ by the company to address the difficulties associated with their stakeholders’ management in the Sanzule project. The study adopted Stratified sampling, the population came from both the internal (management team of the company and Sanzule community) as well as the external stakeholders (i.e., state agencies and civil society groups). The sample size for the strata stood at one hundred and seven (108). The sample size for management team was twenty-one (21). The community members were Eighty-three (83), and the sample size for the district assembly and the NGO group sample size stood at four (4) each. The study adopted both the quantitative and qualitative. The responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean whereas the interview data was analyzed using content analysis. Findings from the study suggested that the implementing organization equitably informed leaders of the community about the purpose of the company on their land but afterward failed to involve them in the day to day the project implementation. Again, the study identified that the inability of the exploration company to understand the local context situations made it difficult for them to adapt their engagement strategies and approaches to reflect that of the local conditions. Accordingly, on this score it is recommended to the management of the exploration company first seek to understand the ‘intangibles’ parts of communities thus, customs and traditions of the host community before commencing any exploration activities in their next future

Source: KNUST
Examining the career progression of construction project managers in Ghana

The intricacy of today's project environs has generated an inordinate need to ensure that construction organisations have operative and effective career progression and development programmes to fill project management roles with the right people for successful delivery. However, these needs are not being met since organisations have not supplemented time-honoured programmes with impartial methods to profiling employee characteristics and career progression paths. This study was conducted to examine the career progression of construction project managers in Ghana. To achieve this aim, the study sought to determine the extent to which construction project managers pursued their career paths in Ghana, identify the drivers for career progression and identify the barriers to the career progression of construction project managers. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 80 project managers who work with class D1 building construction firms in Kumasi and Accra. The project managers were selected using the snowball sampling approach. The respondents were asked to answer questions in relation to the specific objectives of the study. Data obtained from the survey was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Volume 21. With respect to the extent to which the respondents pursued their career progressions, the respondents agreed that ‘establishing a schedule and plan’, ‘changing industries at times’, ‘fostering the development of team members’, and ‘maximizing their resources’ were very important factors they considered. It was also revealed that ‘the ability to create identity’, ‘membership of set’, and ‘mobility and attitude’ were key factors that drive the career progression of construction project managers in Ghana. Finally, the issue of ‘culture’, ‘difference in language’, and ‘inadequate managerial skills’ were identified to be potential barriers to the career progression of construction project managers in Ghana. The study recommends that awareness be given to project managers on the identified barriers that hinder their career progressions in the construction industry

Source: KNUST