ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An inventory management system for EMELS Ghana

Emels Ghana Ltd is a start-up all-naturals cosmetic retail store which seeks to provide clients with organic cosmetic products aimed at providing the skin and hair the essential nutrients to promote growth. The purpose of this project is to aid Emels generate a simple and efficient inventory management system that would help solve its ineffective and complicated method of tracking inventory. This problem was deduced from constant interactions with the owners, who indicated that despite its poor marketing and inadequate funds, the issue of a complicated inventory management needed urgent attention. As such, the company wants a system that would reduce overstocking, aid in determining reorder levels of products, as well as determine the optimal order quantity of each product. In deciding which tool to implement for the company, secondary research findings and interactions with the company to better understand how best the tool can serve the desired purpose. The size, as well as the financial state of the company were taken into consideration in designing the tool. This is because some tools may not fit in small companies due to their complexity, time needed to be allocated to them and the cost that may be associated with implementing. The final tool, Google Spreadsheets, was chosen due to its simplicity, cost effectiveness, and user friendliness. This tool when implemented is to reduce overstocking, while increasing sales and profitability.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating banks compliance to public building policies protecting the disabled (Act 715)

The Persons with Disability Act obligates all public service providers to make their buildings accessible to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). However, since the passing of this Act, several public buildings have failed to comply with this requirement. In the Financial sector, the Bank of Ghana aims to increase financial inclusion by the year 2023. Since bank branches are an access point for financial services, it is important to research considerations made to promote accessibility of bank buildings to PWDs. To do this, the study examined: (1) the influence of the Disability Act on the design and selection of bank branches in Accra, (2) challenges banks face with compliance to the Disability Act, and (3) measures to improve the level of compliance with the Disability Act in the banking industry. Data for this qualitative study was collected through semi-structured interviews and analysed using the Locke and Latham model. Seven banks in Accra and a project supervisor from the Accra Metropolitan Assembly were contacted for this study. The results showed that the Bank of Ghana and standards such as the Ghana Building Code play a major role in the design and selection of branch buildings. The fundamental problem with making bank buildings compliant is the vagueness of the Disability Act. Spatial constraints, and a lack of urgency to modify non-compliant branches are additional challenges. The study recommends that the Disability Act be revised and clearly define accessibility to public buildings. Also, it must specify the bodies in charge of enforcing the requirements.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating factors that influence consumer choice of vehicle fuel retail brands

This research paper seeks to determine the relative importance of the factors that influence consumer choice of vehicle fuel retail brands. Using the consumer choice criteria model which groups choice factors into hedonic and utilitarian criteria, this study introduces factors that are influential to brand choice. Hedonic criteria include brand image, brand loyalty, social influence and advertising. Utilitarian criteria on the other hand include price, product, convenience, value added services and side attractions. This is a descriptive research, which involves both primary and secondary data. Using questionnaires, this study was targeted at two groups of vehicle drivers: personal drivers and commercial drivers at three main locations namely Berekuso, Kwabenya and Haatso. The findings of this study show that personal drivers consider convenience as most influential while commercial drivers consider price as the most influential factor of choice of fuel retail brand. Analyzing these findings, this study recommends that existing fuel retailers as well as potential new entrant should focus on setting up at locations where drivers can easily access the retailer when the need to purchase fuel arises. Fuel retailers should also consider price deals as well as low cost strategies that will attract price sensitive customer such as commercial drivers. These recommended strategies have the potential of increasing customer base, sales and profits.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating job satisfaction of caregivers at the SOS Children’s Village (Tema) and Osu Children’s Home

This disserta tion investigated the extent to which caregivers at the SOS Children’s Village and Osu Children’s Home are satisfied with their jobs . The theory guiding this study is Herzberg’s two factor theory which proposes that the factors that cause satisfaction are distinctly different from factors that cause dissatisfaction hence the hygiene and motivation factors. Through surveys and interaction with the caregivers at the two institutional homes, it was established that to a large extent caregivers are not satisfie d with their jobs. The study further went on to identify factors at the institutions that caused job satisfaction and job dissatisfaction. General working conditions and work relatio nships were identified as factors leading to job satisfaction where as low level of motivations were associated pay and promotion potential, opportunity to use kill and talent and work activities. This study will guide child care institutions on ways of controlling and preventing feelings of dissatisfaction as well as ways of mot ivating their staff (caregivers) to deliver the best care services. The study will aid improve human resource management practices so that the overall objectives of the institution can be achieved.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating student success factors in a top-quality Ghanaian university: A focus on Ashesi University

This study aimed to collate and analyze the views of students and graduates of Ashesi University, a top African university, on the relevant factors which significantly influence their academic performance. The research was motivated by the desire of some university officials to identify the specific aspects of Ashesi’s “modified liberal arts model” which most significantly impact students’ academic performance and enable them to do so well in the job market. The questions this study sought to answer were: Which factors significantly impact the academic performance of Ashesi students and how do students rate the factors affecting their academic performance? The research employed a sequential, transformative mixed methods strategy where both qualitative (interviews) and quantitative data collection techniques (questionnaires) were used. The sample comprised of 132 current Ashesi University students and alumni. The results show that significant factors affecting student performance include the ability to think critically, adequate sleep, having a scholarship, proper time management, sitting at or near the front of the lecture hall and student ownership of a laptop. Respondents also identified lecturer support, Ashesi learning resources such as access to an internet connection, student-peer support learning as well as the spirituality of the individual student as significant to their performance. This study recommends improvement in the provision of learning resources such as a stable, all day, all week, round the clock internet connection. This study also suggests that lecturers should continue being actively engaged in students’ performance beyond the classroom by providing needed advice and support.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the association between emotional intelligence and socioeconomic status of Ashesi University College students

This paper seeks to investigate an association between the socioeconomic status and emotional intelligence of students in Ashesi University College. It has been categorised into five different chapters—chapter 1 introduces the topic; chapter 2 establishes a theoretical framework and reviews similar studies conducted by other researchers; chapter 3 explains the methodology used; chapter 4 analyses the data collected; and chapter 5 describes the conclusions and recommendations made. Using Ashesi University College as the background of the study, a sample size of 127 was used—this includes 125 students and two Deans of Students. While questionnaires were administered to the students, the Deans of Students were interviewed. Given four different hypotheses, the data retrieved was analysed using content analysis, analysis of variance, chi squared test of independence, and a t-test. Results showed that although there is no significant association between the socioeconomic status of students and their level of emotional intelligence, students with poor socioeconomic status are more emotionally intelligent than the others. Unlike students’ ability to motivate themselves, it appeared that the other components of emotional intelligence— level of self awareness, managing emotions, empathy and social skills of students does not change throughout their 4 years stay in the school. It is recommended that the school extends the programs it organises for students in first year across the other levels for all differences to be permanently bridged. Also, the school should adopt a strategy that emphasizes other factors that may contribute to higher academic performance such as expanding its mentorship program.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the attitudes of college students towards brand logos

This research is known as ‘Investigating the Attitudes of College Students Towards Brand Logos’. Logos are visual branding elements of brands that help in identifying and differentiating one brand from others. The context of this paper is to understand consumer knowledge of brand logos and more so to reveal how salient a logo is to consumers in the areas of general attitudes, brand personality and purchase. In this research, the focus is placed on college students in the University of Ghana and Ashesi University College. The research question and objectives include: RESEARCH QUESTION • What is the attitude of college students towards brand logos? RESEARCH OBJECTIVES • To investigate the attitudes of college students towards logos • To explore the attitudes of college students towards brands through logos • To ascertain how logos affect college student purchasing behaviour The study is a qualitative study and data collection has been organized through indepth interviews and focus groups. This research seeks to fill the literature gap by focusing specifically on college students. The findings have revealed that college students prefer logos that are simple, have an attractive colour, and are creative. Some of the logos within this winning category included the Vodafone logo, Apple logo and the Snapchat logo among others. In addition, students are also able to tell a brand’s personality; Brand personality is the association of human personality traits with brands (Aaker, 1997) stipulated by Jennifer Aaker namely: Sincerity, Competence, Sophistication Excitement and Ruggedness through its logos. What this means in simple terms is that, if the brand were to be a human being, it would either exhibit any of the above characteristics. A personal favourite of students was the Apple logo, which they largely found as sophisticated with a large number of banks falling under competence. In addition, the study revealed that logos somewhat affect buying decisions of students, the look of a logo had the ability to influence purchase.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the desirability and feasibility of the ‘Old People’s Home’ as a viable business in Ghana

Ghana’s population is ageing at the same time that its extended family system is collapsing. The Ghanaian government is however, not making sufficient efforts to cater for the long-term needs of the elderly. This study therefore proposed the “Old People’s Home” as a solution to elderly care problems and investigated whether it will be a viable business in Ghana. To help achieve this objective, factors that can influence profitability of the Old people’s home in Ghana were identified and discussed. Data collection was limited to Accra. A 3-pronged strategy was employed in answering the research questions and in achieving the research objectives: (i) Questionnaires and interviews were administered to 60 potential family caregivers, aged between 25 and 59. (ii) The owner of an existing Old people’s home in Accra was interviewed to highlight challenges faced and evaluate the sustainability of such a venture and (iii) PESTLE and financial analyses were conducted to assess the feasibility of a hypothetical Old people’s home. Findings indicated that, majority of the respondents did not want to patronize Old People’s Homes as a result of their attitudes, cultural beliefs and the general economic hardship. However, the “Old People’s Home” may be viable if people’s views about care homes change over time. The PESTLE and financial analysis, however, concluded that the Old People’s Home could be sustained as a business as long as there were at least 15 customers under care. However, given the difficulty in attracting customers and the steep marketing expenditure that will be needed to change people’s views about Old People Homes in Ghana, the study finds evidence against such a venture, at least in the short term.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the Determinants of Consumer Behaviour Using Digital Marketing

This research explores the evolving landscape of consumer behaviour within the digital era, focusing on the intricate relationships between gender dynamics, product preferences, and online shopping experiences. Understanding these factors is critical for businesses navigating the expanding world of digital marketing. The study investigates the influence of diverse product categories on consumer decisions, the patterns of internet usage among different demographics, and the impact of gender biases in digital marketing strategies. Theoretical frameworks include consumer behaviour, digital marketing theory, Hofstede's cultural dimension theory, product types, gender theories, and internet experience. Data was collected through qualitative methods, including in-depth interviews and open-ended surveys, to gather rich, detailed perspectives on participants' experiences and decision-making processes. The sample consisted of diverse participants, selected to reflect various demographics and online shopping behaviours. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data, allowing for a systematic examination and identification of recurring motifs, emerging trends, and underlying narratives within consumer behaviour. This comprehensive approach provides insights into the interconnected influences of gender, product categories, and digital experiences, contributing to the existing knowledge of contemporary consumer preferences and decision-making processes.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the factors influencing career preference amongst prospective and recent graduates in Ghana

Companies are increasingly looking to employ the best talents to keep up in a rapidly changing business environment and to drive their strategies to achieve long-term growth. As a result of the high cost of recruiting from the mature and already existing labour pool to meet this need, many companies are reaching into the graduate employment market to recruit high potential fresh talent that can be groomed to occupy key positions. As the graduate employment market becomes more and more competitive each year, it has become important for employers to possess a good understanding of what goes into the decision-making of young talents when considering which employer to work for. To this end, this research sought to understand the factors that influence career preferences amongst this young talent pool. The focus was on prospective and recent university graduates. Through the use of online surveys, the study sampled responses from 121 final year students and young workers who have graduated from universities within the last 3 years. The study also made use of secondary data from articles, journals, books and the internet with Donald Super's career model serving as the theoretical framework From the findings, career preferences of the target group are influence by a combination of different factors. This reiterates Donald Super's career model that self-concept changes over time and as such, career preferences are also likely to change from time to time depending on the stage of a person's life. Subsequently, the factors that were found to be very important v for most respondents were: potential for career growth, the suitability of a career for the individual's personality, talent and ability, the expected monetary compensations, passion and interest for the particular industry as well as the opportunity to be innovative and creative

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the factors responsible for the gap between employer expectations and skills of Ghanaian university graduates: A Focus on the banking sector

This research sought to examine the relationship between employer expectations in the Ghanaian banking sector and the skills possessed by graduates of Ghanaian universities. The study was motivated by a desire to interrogate the factors responsible for the gap between expectations of employers in the banking industry and skills possessed by Ghanaian university graduates. The research used a qualitative method (interviews), and sampled respectively for the selected case study private university and public university, 12 participants, 6 of which were current and past students. In addition, 6 senior bank staff from 6 different case study banks were also interviewed. The study established that the views of students and the industry players in the banking sectors were not aligned with regards to what is expected in the banking industry. The study established that university graduates lack analytical skills, organizational skills and proper communication skills required by the banking sector.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the feasibility of cost-effective building alternatives for low to middle-income earners in Ghana: A focus on Madina

Annually, Ghana battles with a constant increase in the housing deficit due to the unaffordability of homes, This is mainly caused by the price surge of building materials. The prime objective of the research was to identify cost-effective building materials and examine these building materials. The research question the paper aimed to answer is, “what alternative building materials can be applied in Ghana?”. This research investigated housing affordability in Ghana specifically the city of Madina. The research paper employed the use of quantitative methods to investigate the perspectives of households in Madina on the construction of the recommended alternative building materials. The sampling size used was 300 inhabitants of Madina with the help of the Taro Yamane formula. Questionnaires were handed to 300 selected participants. The data was collected and analyzed in Excel. It was revealed that the respondents were interested in the cost-effective building materials, especially prefabricated materials because they believed it had a better aesthetic appeal compared to the shipping container and the plastic brick. The thesis concludes with a recommendation on real estate developers and the government considering the exploration of cost-effective building materials such as the prefabricated materials since individuals in Madina are interested in them.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the financial commitments of students to the repayment of students loan in Ghana

This study sought to find out the financial repayment commitments of beneficiaries of the Student Loan Trust Fund (SLTF) in Ghana. It also assessed the practises which the student's loan scheme is managed and operated in Ghana. In order to do this, questionnaires were distributed to beneficiaries of the SLTF and interviews with selected top management of the SLTF were conducted. Results of the research on beneficiaries of the SLTF centred on the following areas: employment status, loan repayment status, beneficiaries' perception of the repayment period and interest rate. The interviews were centred mainly on views of the SLTF management on the following areas: their views on the attitude of beneficiaries towards paying back their loans, the measures put in place to encourage beneficiaries in repaying the loans and the measures available to sanction beneficiaries who default on their loan repayment and their employers who do not fulfil their obligations to make monthly deductions from the salaries of their employees who are beneficiaries of the SLTF. Analysis generated from the data that was collected concluded that the employment status of beneficiaries of the SLTF, interest rates and repayment period are major factors that affect the attitude of beneficiaries towards loan repayment. The study also identified the problem of inadequate database to aid the SLTF in tracking the beneficiaries of the loan in the long run.

Source: Ashesi
Investigating the Impact of Covid-19 on Inflation in Anglophone West Africa: Ghana and Nigeria Compared.

COVID-19 was a global pandemic that slowed down West Africa’s top two economies, Ghana and Nigeria; however, it is unclear whether COVID-19 was a major cause of the elevated inflation in Ghana since the occurrence of COVID-19 in 2020 up to 2023. Starting around March of 2022, rising inflation in Ghana created a harsh reality for low-income earners, pushing some into poverty and making the already poor desperate. The government of Ghana insisted that the inflation was caused by COVID-19. However, some economists disagreed and pointed to other anglophone African countries, including Nigeria, whose inflation did not rise as much in 2022. This study assessed whether COVID-19 impacted Ghana and Nigeria’s inflation rates since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic differently by using the ARDL model with the inclusion of COVID-19 as a dummy variable while comparing the impact of key economic determinants of inflation for both Ghana and Nigeria. Like Ghana, Nigeria is also an anglophone country in West Africa, does not belong to a monetary union and is as deeply immersed in the global economy. The literature reviewed provides a comprehensive analysis of studies, particularly on the role of money supply, oil prices, GDP growth, interest rates, government debt and exchange rate as key determinants of inflation. Results from the ARDL regression revealed that COVID-19 did not significantly impact inflation in Ghana or Nigeria in the short run and in the long run. The results also indicate that money supply, government debt and interest rates are the key influencers of inflation in Ghana, whereas GDP growth and government debt are the key influencers of inflation in Nigeria.

Source: Ashesi