ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effective policy implementation in the public sector organization ‘a case of Ghana standards authority’

The development of every country is dependent on the policies they formulate, the resources available to execute the policies and the policies being implemented the way it is intended. The ineffective implementation of policies in public institutions such as Social Security, Water and Sanitation, Foreign Affairs, Health, Energy supply, Education, Standard Authority are common which should be a major concern in both developed and developing countries yet the bureaucracy of these public sectors has not provided any reason to why certain policies fail or is not utilized as intended. Hence, the study intends to examine the extent to which public policies are embraced by public sector workers. The study employed descriptive research design and qualitative research approach to seek the views of the staff of Ghana Standards Authority(GSA) on the extent to which policies formulated are implemented by GSA, the challenges to effective policy implementation through the bureaucracy in GSA and the impact of bureaucracy on the implementation of policy by GSA. A sample of 100 staff was selected using convenient and purposive sampling technique and data was collected using open-ended questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using statistical tools such as percentages and frequencies and displayed graphically using pie charts and bar charts. The study identified that there is bureaucracy regarding policy implementation in the GSA, the incumbent government monitors and supervises the implementation of policies by GSA, GSA is not influenced by personal, group or institutional interest or prejudice not to implement the policy the way it is intended and bureaucracy in GSA has a negative effect on implementation of policy by GSA. The study recommends that policy formulation should be channeled through adequate and simple procedures that would prevent difficulties in the implementation process. Also, policy implementation should be done with sufficient training of staff at various departments in GSA.

Source: KNUST
Effective Procurement Planning: A Tool for the Timely Delivery of Works Contract in the Roads Sector of Ghana

There has been the view that most of the agencies in the roads sector do not plan for their yearly procurement activities. The execution of their works contract and the procurement are done at the behest of politicians and mostly as emergency works. But, the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) states that all entities funded by state resources or partially funded by the state are to plan their activities for the preceding year latest one month to the close of the year. This study aimed at documenting the current procurement planning processes, the challenges that hinder those processes and to propose recommendations that will aid in effective procurement planning to ensure timely delivery of works contract in the roads sector. The case study approach was used to design the research, and the sampling technique used was the purposive sampling to select the units for the study. Because the study targeted the personnel who were directly involved with procurement planning at Ghana Highways Authority (GHA), a total of 46 questionnaires were distributed to Quantity Surveyors and Civil Engineers. Thirty (30) useable responses were obtained. The study revealed some challenges which hinder the effective procurement planning with respect to GHA. These included lack of adequate funding and poor performance of some contractors. Also the factors which emerged prominent with respect to enhancing timely delivery of works contract were the financial thresholds and the choice of contract type. The study recommends the provision of adequate funding which is the most challenging factor hindering effective procurement planning, frequent review of the procurement planning processes as stated in Section 21(3) of Act 663, effective contract management and adequate training for all personnel on procurement planning procedures and to enhance cooperation from implementing divisions.

Source: KNUST
Effective stakeholder management and project delivery: A case study on mondelez cocoa life project in Antwima Mponua District

The research aimed at investigating the impact of poor stakeholder management on project delivery and how important it is to ensure effective stakeholder management during project execution. And in achieving this aim the objectives set were; to identify the impact of poor stakeholder management on project delivery and to identify the strategies to effective stakeholder management in enhancing a successful project delivery. The research adopted the quantitative strategy. Data was obtained using questionnaire and a sample of sixty (60) respondents was considered for the study. The researcher purposively selected stakeholders and this included managers of project, Assembly members, Opinion leaders, Consultants, members of communities, media and professional bodies, after administering the questionnaire, the data returned was 50. Therefore, a sample size of 50 respondents was used for conducting the study. The data was analyzed and presented using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel software’s and the data was further analyzed using the Mean score ranking and the Relative Importance Index. It resulted in the research that the main impact of poor stakeholder management was: Project delays (Time overruns), Negative response from stakeholders during project execution, Poor project delivery, and the development of poor communication. These were the first four elements that were ranked. The other factors were also selected by respondents. In the second objective, ten strategies were presented to respondents and after the answers from respondents, the Relative Impotence Index was used to analyze the strategies and the first three most selected strategies were: Management must address stakeholder issues very well and also ensure that the needs of stakeholders are considered when undertaking projects, Reactions and conducts of stakeholders must be tested to identify genuine stakeholders who must be selected and treated well during project execution and the third strategy was Project managers must not monitor stakeholder’s performance only when there is a negative development but rather stakeholder’s activities must be monitored frequently and also be assisted by giving advices when needed. All the other strategies were also selected by respondents even though these strategies were ranked first. These objectives helped in attaining the main aim of the study.

Source: KNUST
Effective stakeholder management and Project delivery: A case study on Mondelez cocoa life project in Antwima Mponua District

The research aimed at investigating the impact of poor stakeholder management on project delivery and how important it is to ensure effective stakeholder management during project execution. And in achieving this aim the objectives set were; to identify the impact of poor stakeholder management on project delivery and to identify the strategies to effective stakeholder management in enhancing a successful project delivery. The research adopted the quantitative strategy. Data was obtained using questionnaire and a sample of sixty (60) respondents was considered for the study. The researcher purposively selected stakeholders and this included managers of project, Assembly members, Opinion leaders, Consultants, members of communities, media and professional bodies, after administering the questionnaire, the data returned was 50. Therefore, a sample size of 50 respondents was used for conducting the study. The data was analyzed and presented using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel software’s and the data was further analyzed using the Mean score ranking and the Relative Importance Index. It resulted in the research that the main impact of poor stakeholder management was: Project delays (Time overruns), Negative response from stakeholders during project execution, Poor project delivery, and the development of poor communication. These were the first four elements that were ranked. The other factors were also selected by respondents. In the second objective, ten strategies were presented to respondents and after the answers from respondents, the Relative Impotence Index was used to analyze the strategies and the first three most selected strategies were: Management must address stakeholder issues very well and also ensure that the needs of stakeholders are considered when undertaking projects, Reactions and conducts of stakeholders must be tested to identify genuine stakeholders who must be selected and treated well during project execution and the third strategy was Project managers must not monitor stakeholder’s performance only when there is a negative development but rather stakeholder’s activities must be monitored frequently and also be assisted by giving advices when needed. All the other strategies were also selected by respondents even though these strategies were ranked first. These objectives helped in attaining the main aim of the study

Source: KNUST
Effective procurement programming at the pre-contract stage of building construction projects

Pre-contract planning phase in construction comprises all activities that are undertaken from the time of receipt of letter of award up to the time of site possession. Procurement is made with the aim of accomplishing a specific task. Due to the fact that resources are constantly in short supply, procurement programming should be important to an organization. The main aim of this research is to identify ways of improving on procurement programming at the pre contract stage of building construction projects. A literature review was undertaken and it delved into the benefits, challenges and strategies to enhance procurement programmes. Arising from this, questionnaires were used to gather data from respondents in the Kumasi metropolis. Quantitative approach was adopted and purposive sampling technique employed. Fifty nine questionnaires were retrieved out of seventy distributed representing an eighty four percent response rate. The data were analyzed and presented using descriptive statistics and Relative Importance Index only. The findings of the study pointed out that leads to effective and efficient projects; promotes transparency and accountability; leads to overall cost reduction, helps to review and assess compliance, helps improve communication channel and aids in identifying clear roles and responsibilities in the procurement process were the most important benefits of procurement programmes. Furthermore, the findings also pointed out that incomplete specifications, inadequate information concerning budgeting process; determining how long each step in procurement cycle is likely to take, coordinating the procurement schedule with funds release dates, unrealistic delivery schedule and bottlenecks in approval structure were the most severe challenges to procurement programming. Finally, adequate feasibility of project should be conducted, specifications iii should be clear and sufficient, rational delivery schedule, adequate planning of construction projects, speed of information flow and source of funding should be well established were the most significant strategies in effective procurement programming. The findings from the study are useful for construction stakeholders, helping them to know effective procurement programming at the pre-contract stage. It is recommended that there should be adequate planning of construction projects.

Source: KNUST
Effective revenue mobilization at metropolitan, municipal and district assemblies (MMDAS). A case study of the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly.

The responsibilities of Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana in the provision of services, as well as the maintaining law and order through bye-laws among others, require enough financial resources. This situation calls for the MMDAs to adopt ways and strategies to mobilize more financial resources to carry out their responsibilities or mandate. The fieldwork data was collected in the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly. The data collected was analyzed into descriptive statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software. Structured questionnaires were designed and administered to Finance Officer, Planning Officer and Revenue Collectors and other key people who are involved in revenue mobilization at Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly (NSMA). The study found that the assembly conducts a revenue base assessment of potential sources of revenue available to the Assembly. The study also found out that the sources of revenue for Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly are Rates, Fees and Fines, Land, License, and Rent. Moreover, for effective mobilization of revenue, it was revealed that the municipality has been divided into smaller geographical areas to enable effectiveness in the mobilization of revenue. It was also revealed in the study that the Nkoranza Municipal Assembly does not use modern technology in the collection of revenue even though it has a computerized database system at the assembly. Thus, the study recommended that the Nkoranza South Municipal Assembly should automate its revenue collection process for effectiveness in revenue collection of revenue across the district to enable it to promote the socio-economic development of the area.

Source: KNUST
Effective team building in the shea butter industry – a case of Tolon district

Team building involves a wide range of activities, designed for improving team performance. This study has reviewed literature on teams in an attempt to outline some of the key issues within the Shea Butter groups so as to give a realistic view of what can be achieved through teamwork by ensuring successful team-building efforts within the industry. The reviewed literature indicates that the effects of teamwork are contingent upon many factors, including the group’s culture and environment. This study also outlined some key points that have been identified by a number of respondents which could facilitate the effective development of teams. These points are: clear goals or good game plan; decision making authority; accountability and responsibility; effective leadership; training and development; avoidance of group think; encouraging team diversity; effective communication and trust. This study seeks to build effective Shea Butter Teams to improve on the economic lives of the rural woman in Tolon District, using both quantitative data from individual group questionnaire and qualitative data from focus group discussions and key interviews. In order to control selection bias, the study utilized a reasonable sampled groups using statistical tools covering; age, gender, position and educational status which may affect the success of the team’s efforts. Furthermore, the recommendations of the study suggest groups to develop goals and plans, enhance communication among members, develop and maintain positive relationships among members, solve problems and make decisions on a timely basis, successfully manage conflict, facilitate productive meetings, clarify roles for team members, operate in a productive manner, exhibit effective team leadership and provide development opportunities for team members. All these were aimed at bringing out the best in a team to ensure self-development and the ability to work closely together as a team to solve problems and improve productivity

Source: KNUST
The effective use of the media in promoting products: (a case study, the use of the outdoor advertising media in promoting products.)

The Ghanaian marketing environment is changing rapidly and currently there is an influx of products of all kinds, those that are imported competing with the locally made ones for a market share. Consumers therefore have a choice and are sometimes in a dilemma as to the ones to choose. In view of this, today’s successful companies at all level have one thing in common, they are strongly customers focused, and heavily committed to marketing. These companies share an absolute dedication to sensing, serving and satisfying the need of the customer in well understood market. Marketers faced with various forms of competition tend to find various means by which awareness of their product would be made, and more so, convincing such that consumers develop a liking and purchase these products. This has not been the situation in Ghana until recently. In the late 1970’s to the early 1980’s demand for commodities exceeded supply by a huge margin leading to a total shortage of goods on the market. During that period, consumers had very few or no option but to buy what was available in the market. By the early 1990’s supply of goods improved dramatically, and marketers are now forced to use various promotion techniques and advertising media to sell their products. This has given rise to the recent advent of raffles that are used in the sales of particular products. Companies are also branding shops and vehicles to create awareness for their products. As today’s companies are wrestling with increased global competition, they will have to be strongly market focused or exceed customer expectation if it is to stay in business.

Source: KNUST
The effective use of information technology in learning and research: a case study of the KNUST library

Many years ago, when life was simpler, people did not need so much information. But as society got more complex, more information was needed, people needed to know distances, time, price, data and many other details. Information technology is today the commonest method of recording, processing and storing information through devices such as computers, internet, facsimile etc. with the intention of making humans perform tasks at high speed. Due to the diversification in technology and rate at which it’s growing, most organizations are adopting to the changing trends in information processes. The study therefore aimed at the effective use of information technology in learning and research at the KNUST libraries. Generally, the study focused attention on what students, lecturers, research iii lows and librarians think about the current state of the library system and what they think must be done to improve the libraries using IT. To gather the maximum information for this study, a cross-sectional survey was used to talk to heads of various departments of the main library to access their opinion of the current operation of the libraries and what they think the future should be Questionnaires were also used to further collect views from library users and librarians. The questionnaire was in two parts, one section for students, lecturers and research fellows and the other part for librarians. The findings revealed that the library system requires a major change in the use of IT and an intensive education is also needed.

Source: KNUST
Effectiveness and safety of artemether– lumefantrine versus artesunate–amodiaquine for unsupervised treatment of uncomplicated falciparum malaria in patients of all age groups in Nanoro, Burkina Faso: a randomized open label trial

Background: Several studies have reported high efficacy and safety of artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) mostly under strict supervision of drug intake and limited to children less than 5 years of age. Patients over 5 years of age are usually not involved in such studies. Thus, the findings do not fully reflect the reality in the field. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of ACT in routine treatment of uncomplicated malaria among patients of all age groups in Nanoro, Burkina Faso. Methods: A randomized open label trial comparing artesunate–amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artemether–lumefantrine (AL) was carried out from September 2010 to October 2012 at two primary health centres (Nanoro and Nazoanga) of Nanoro health district. A total of 680 patients were randomized to receive either ASAQ or AL without any distinction by age. Drug intake was not supervised as pertains in routine practice in the field. Patients or their parents/guardians were advised on the time and mode of administration for the 3 days treatment unobserved at home. Follow-up visits were performed on days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 to evaluate clinical and parasitological resolution of their malaria episode as well as adverse events. PCR geno‑ typing of merozoite surface proteins 1 and 2 (msp-1, msp-2) was used to differentiate recrudescence and new infection. Results: By day 28, the PCR corrected adequate clinical and parasitological response was 84.1 and 77.8 % respectively for ASAQ and AL. The cure rate was higher in older patients than in children under 5 years old. The risk of re-infection by day 28 was higher in AL treated patients compared with those receiving ASAQ (p < 0.00001). Both AL and ASAQ treatments were well tolerated. Conclusion: This study shows a lowering of the efficacy when drug intake is not directly supervised. This is worrying as both rates are lower than the critical threshold of 90 % required by the WHO to recommend the use of an anti malarial drug in a treatment policy.

Source: KNUST
Effectiveness and Efficiency of Income Tax Collection in Berekum District Tax Office

Tax collection has remained an issue of great concern to past and present governments of Ghana. The credit crunch that hit most developed countries in the year 2008 has reduced donor support to most developing countries. As a result, there is a great dependence on internally generated tax revenue for development. It is therefore important that the Revenue Collecting Agencies be efficient and effective in carrying out their duties to raise the much needed Government Revenue. This study examined the reasons for the low level of tax collection as well as the challenges facing the Berekum District Domestic Tax Division in its quest to meet its revenue collection targets. The study also investigated the level of voluntary tax compliance in the Berekum Districts tax office. Questionnaires were administered to two hundred (200) taxpaying public and seven (7) tax experts. The study found that tax compliance is low in the Berekum tax District. Low tax education, inadequate resources and low staff motivation were identified as key reasons for the low compliance. Also, tax efficiency and effectiveness has not been attained.

Source: KNUST