ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Marine fisheries management in the Eastern Central Atlantic Ocean

Marine fishing is crucial to the socio-economy of West Africa fishery. However, the sector has many challenges, which have increased the call for an integrated approach that provides links among human needs, activities, changes in the state of the environment, and the resultant effect on ecosystem services for sustainable man agement in fulfilment of the Conservation on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals. This study uses a socio-ecological framework (Drivers (D), Activities (A), Pressure (P), State (S), Impact (I) on welfare (W), and Response (R) as a Measure (M); DAPSI(W)R(M)) to assess the marine fishery sector of Ghana. Data were systematically sampled and analysed from vessel logbooks, fish manifests, observer reports, and relevant publications. Results show that Drivers, including livelihoods and revenue, food, and social status, contribute to industrial tuna and trawl fishing, and marine artisanal fishing activities. Where illegal fishing methods such as small mesh size nets (less than 25 mm), lights, poisonous substances, among others, are used. These activities have contributed to the pressures of selective fishing of juvenile and adult pelagic and demersal fish species. This has contributed to (changes in the State) the decline and vulnerability of Sardinella spp., and Engraulis encrasicolus, among others. The Impact on welfare includes Ghana becoming a net importer of marine species with increasing idleness of fishers due to reduced catch. Several management measures, including the Fisheries Act 625 of 2002 and Fisheries (Amendment) Regulations L.I. 2217 of 2015, and quotas in the tuna sector, among others, have been instituted to curb the effect of anthropogenic activities. Management measures, including influencing consumer behaviour for a sustainable fishery, enforcement, and data-driven management, have been recom mended, in response to the targets of the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Decade of Ocean and the Convention on Biological Diversity

Source: UG
Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome in a Bedouin family

Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome is rarely reported in the Middle East. This is the 2nd report of Marinesco-Sjogren syndrome in an Arab family. The clinical features of 2 affected brothers are described. Electrophysiological studies of the 2 patients showed primarily myopathic changes, whereas sural nerve biopsy revealed segmental demyelination and axonal degeneration. The role of tissue biopsy and the relationship to different electrophysiological studies are discussed. Both patients were noticed to have abnormally short lateral 3 metatarsals, a feature not present in other healthy members of the family. We suggest that this feature should be considered part of the syndrome profile.

Source: UG
Marital Choice in Sub-Saharan Africa: Comparing Structural and Cultural Influences in Contemporary Ghana

A transformation is underway in family and marital processes in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. With the exception of recent research with an emphasis on childbearing issues, few researchers have analyzed these on-going developments. Using Ghana as a case study, this article examines the context of mate selection among men and women. We also compare the effect of structural as opposed to cultural factors on contemporary mate selection patterns. Findings from our analysis indicate an increasing propensity for Africans to self-select their partners. At the same time, women are more likely than men to consider the family's input in selecting their partners. Individual reports and concordance in couples' replies reflect this observation. Our overall results support the thesis that worldwide family processes in Africa may be converging to patterns in other parts of the world.

Source: UG
Marital Satisfaction and Dissatisfaction Among Ghanaians

This study examined factors associated with marital satisfaction and dissatisfaction among Ghanaian couples living in Ghana and abroad. Using a correlational design, data from a convenience sample of 231 married participants from Ghana and abroad were collected via an online survey. Results from regression analyses revealed that four positive behaviors—affection, companionship, commitment to the family, and financial support—and one negative behavior, such as beatings/slaps, were significantly associated with marital satisfaction. Three negative behaviors—annoying habits, selfishness, and disrespect— were significantly associated with marital dissatisfaction. Participants in Ghana reported significantly higher rates of beatings in marriage compared to those abroad. Also, negative behaviors experienced in marriage were significantly associated with less secure and more anxious attachment styles. Finally, slaps and beatings as associated with marital satisfaction show unique cultural/sub-cultural interpretations of behaviors. Findings contribute to growing studies and clinical practice that serve multicultural individuals and families.

Source: UG
Marital Status and Household Size as Determinants of Poverty among Fishmongers in Tema, Ghana”, In Marriage: Roles, Stability and Conflict, (ed. Kenneth S. Pearlman)

The reduction in absolute poverty is a major goal of governments around the world. The 50 per cent reduction of the 1990 absolute level of poverty by 2015 is explicitly contained in the United Nations Millennium Development Goal of 2000 as the first major goal to be achieved by member States such as Ghana by 2015. In Ghana, agriculture accounts for about 35 per cent of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Ghana and employs around 60 per cent of the economically active population. With much of poverty burden in Ghana largely in the agricultural sector and also significantly laid on women, the analysis of socio-economic conditions and opportunities for people especially women in the agricultural sector is an important means to understand the causes of poverty and the means to reduce it. An important sub-sector of the agriculture sector in Ghana that is largely dominated by women is the traditional post harvest fishery processing. Fishmongers generally have low incomes and tend to live in poor conditions. There is a need to ascertain the determinants of poverty among fishmongers to establish appropriate policies that can be formulated to reduce the incidence of poverty among these people. This paper presents a study of the determinants of poverty among a relatively homogenous group of fishmongers living in Tema, Ghana based on cross-sectional data. Relatively homogeneity of the sampled fishmongers is expressed by the similar low level of educational attainment of the fishmongers. Our analysis focuses not just on economic variables that determine poverty but on social factors that influence poverty. The results indicate that the likelihood of a woman being poor increases with age until a certain middle age level when it declines. We find that unmarried women are not significantly more likely to be poor than those who are married. However the size of the household significantly decreases the likelihood of poverty as more people are available for the maintenance and expansion of the fishmonging business.

Source: UG
The market factor in the processing of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) in Ghana

Local industrial tomato processing in Ghana remains insignificant in the mist of perennial tomato glut in the Upper East region of Ghana. A basis for processing decision making has been provided using exploratory research techniques to review tomato consumption, market segmentation and structure, production surpluses, prices and buying process of fresh and paste tomato. Fresh tomato surplus projects at 23,000 to 118,000 t p a (2000-2007) though actual glut period is short, occurring from February to March when 92 percent of farmers harvest, and traders use hedging tactics to avoid tomato spoiling on their hand. With the short glut period, large-scale processing requires planning and investment in semi-processed or cold storage facility, integrated project with cultivation of tomato variety suitable for harsh lean season climatic conditions and production staggering to prolong harvesting. Projected paste from surplus produce exceeds catchments area market, yet access is in competition with established brands such as Salsa, La bianca, Bonito, Tomaroma and Obaapa. Processing could target a paste market of 2,000-3,0001, requiring 16,470 t fresh tomato, at a processing capacity of 2.3 t per hour, 24 hour-day and for 300 days p a, with plans for future expansion. This study was conducted in the last quarter of 2002.

Source: UG
Market Integration between Cultured and Captured Species in Developing Countries: Lessons from Inland Areas in Bangladesh

The study tested market integration between cultured fish (tilapia and pangasius) against captured fish (hilsa, swamp barb, prawn, wallago, and long-whiskered catfish) in the domestic market of Bangladesh. The Johansen cointegration framework was applied to identify market integration between cultured and captured species using monthly wholesale price data for the period January 2010 to May 2017. The study showed that the law of one price was rejected in all market pairs except the pangasius and long-whiskered catfish pair, suggesting imperfectly integrated markets. The study revealed mixed evidence of weak exogeneity tests, including cul tured and captured led markets as well as bidirectional relationships. Given the fact that cultured fish accounts for a substantial market share, the implication is that the supply growth of aquaculture, all other things being equal, reduces captured fish prices and, subsequently, reduces overexploitation, overcapacity, and the number of fishers in a situation where overexploitation is prevalent. This appears to lead to a double gain in the long run, with fish farmers producing and fishers catching more fish.

Source: UG
Market orientation and customer satisfaction: The role of service quality and innovation

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between market orientation (MO) and customer satisfaction (CS), and the interaction effects of service quality and innovation on this relationship. The study adopted a quantitative research approach. Questionnaire was used to collect data from 277 respondents comprising of marketing managers and employees selected from leading banks in Ghana. Structural equation modelling was used to analyse the data. The results indicated that MO and its components have positive and significant relationship with CS. In addition, it was found that service quality and innovation have interaction effects on MO and CS, where the two variables strengthen the relationship between MO and CS. Based on the findings, the study recommends that practitioners and bank managers should be innovative, and improve upon the service quality of the banking services in order to keep their customers satisfied.

Source: UG
Market Orientation and Export Performance: A Ghanaian Study

The paper investigates antecedents and environmental moderator effects on market orientation and export performance of Ghanaian firms. The results of our survey of 142 exporters show that market orientation relates positively to export performance for both subjective and objective measures used. Environmental moderators do not have any effect on market orientation and export performance for the firms under study. Antecedents to market orientation presented mixed whilst others were not. On the strength of the findings from this study, we posit that market-oriented firms compete more effectively and efficiently than their competitors.

Source: UG
Market Orientation and Export Performance: A Ghanaian Study in Kuada, J. (editor), Internationalization and Economic Growth Strategies in Ghana: A Business Perspective

The paper investigates antecedents and environmental moderator effects on market orientation and export performance of Ghanaian firms. The results of our survey of 142 exporters show that market orientation relates positively to export performance for both subjective and objective measures used. Environmental moderators do not have any effect on market orientation and export performance for the firms under study. Antecedents to market orientation presented mixed whilst others were not. On the strength of the findings from this study, we posit that market-oriented firms compete more effectively and efficiently than their competitors.

Source: UG
Market Orientation and Management Practices in Ghanaian Firms: Revisiting the Jaworski and Kohli Framework

The work of Jaworski and Kohli (1993) has inspired a substantial body of literature on market orientation, but most replications of their original framework have been in developed countries. This article reports the results of a Ghanaian study that revisits Jaworski and Kohli's framework, and the authors compare the findings with a similar study that was conducted in the Ivory Coast. The authors provide evidence in support of the robustness of the framework and draw attention to the possible variations in the interpretation of the constituent constructs in the original framework. The variations are attributable to cultural differences that affect management practices in different societies. © Journal of International Marketing.

Source: UG
Market orientation as a competitive tool: Empirical evidence from 'quartile one' banks in Ghana

The positive impact of market orientation has been agreed upon generally, yet few studies have focused explicitly on its implications for banks. Based upon a case study involving the top four banks in Ghana (that is, 'quartile one' banks), this article examines the incidence of market orientation in banks. Research evidence was obtained from in-depth face-to-face interviews of eight managers and questionnaires completed by 109 managers. Qualitative data were analysed deductively and the quantitative data were analysed using univariate and multivariate techniques. The interview results highlight that customer orientation seems to dominate the patterns of bank market orientation while the descriptive statistics show strong emphasis on intelligence dissemination. From the regression results, top management emphasis, market-based reward systems and interdepartmental coordination are the essential internal values for developing market orientation in Ghanaian banks. It is found that market orientation is a significant factor for achieving high levels of employees esprit de corps and customer satisfaction, which are particularly viable for banks facing severe competition, technological turbulence and operate in a weak economy. It suggests that without competition, technological turbulence and weak general economy, market orientation is an insignificant factor for business success. Discussions, managerial implications and avenues for further studies are provided. © 2011 Macmillan Publishers Ltd.

Source: UG
Market orientation in a developing economy public institution revisiting the Kohli and Jaworski framework

Purpose – The aim of this study is to generate insights into whether market orientation – as defined by Kohli and Jaworski – is being practiced in the Ghanaian public sector. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a case-study of a local government, the Accra Metropolitan Assembly (the Assembly), semi-structured interviews were conducted with departmental heads and their assistants to collect data. A total of 14 key informants participated in the interviews, and this sample size compared favourably with prior qualitative studies. Findings – The assembly collects intelligence on citizens' present needs, their earning potential and the political and technological environment, ignoring citizens' satisfaction with development projects. Meetings are regularly held by the various units in the Assembly to share and discuss the generated intelligence, yet one can see little consideration of citizens' needs and their satisfaction with projects in these discussions. Research limitations/implications – Further research into local governments across multiple regions in Ghana, or from a range of countries within Sub-Saharan Africa, could provide an opportunity for greater generalisability of the results. Practical implications – Local authorities must develop formal procedures for monitoring citizens' satisfaction with services, programmes and development projects. There is need to harness the intelligence inherent among staff with the use of focused communication or knowledge management strategies. Originality/value – Recent efforts to extend market orientation application to the public sector have over-concentrated on western countries. Based upon empirical evidence from a non-western (Ghanaian) context, this study further assuages fears that market orientation may not be applicable to public institutions like local government.

Source: UG
Market orientation, innovation and corporate social responsibility practices in Ghana's telecommunication sector

Purpose - The aim of this study is to examine how market orientation, innovation, and corporate social responsibility (CSR) jointly impact business performance. Design/methodology/approach - This study adopts a quantitative research design. Research evidence was collected via a questionnaire-based survey of marketing managers and executives of telecommunication companies in Ghana. The hypotheses developed following a review of scholarship on marketing, strategy and corporate citizenship were tested through regression analysis. Findings - The results indicate that firms' degree of market orientation and CSR have significant impact on innovation, which then influences business performance. Furthermore, market orientation has direct significant effect on CSR, which tends to mediate the influence of market orientation on business performance. Research limitations/implications - The use of longitudinal research that combines managers' evaluation with a survey of consumers, employees, and other relevant stakeholders is suggested to confirm the results of this study. Practical implications - This study suggests that innovation and CSR are two key ingredients for transforming market orientation into a successful business strategy. Managers are to note that even "doing good" (a CSR initiative) requires a sense of innovation for it to trigger any significant financial performance for the business. Originality/value - This study introduces a model in which the relationship between CSR, market orientation, and performance is mediated by innovation. The empirical evidence enhances the existing literature on marketing, corporate citizenship, and strategy. © 2012 Emerald Group Publishing Limited.

Source: UG
Market orientation, learning orientation and business performance: The mediating role of innovation

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between market orientation, learning orientation and innovation; and second, assesses the role of innovation, market orientation and learning orientation on firms’ business performance using a developing country (i.e. the Ghanaian banking domain) as a study context. Design/methodology/approach – Following a nation-wide survey among senior managers of 28 banks in Ghana, five research propositions were tested using multiple linear regression analysis. Findings – Results demonstrate that market orientation has significant association with innovation while learning orientation has significant impact on innovation. Moreover, innovation mediates the relationship between market orientation and business performance. Research limitations/implications – This study adopt the cross-sectional research design and as such acknowledge the same limitations as other cross-sectional studies. Practical implications – The research will help bank executives especially in Ghana and other developing countries to appreciate these marketing variables. Social implications – Banks innovation efforts, concurrently with the development of market orientation culture and improvement in organizational learning processes must benefit bank customers and stakeholders as a whole. Originality/value – The research will help banks in Ghana and other developing countries to appreciate that their innovation efforts should concurrently be in sync with the development of market orientation culture and improvement in organizational learning processes.

Source: UG
Market orientation, learning orientation, and the performance of nonprofit organisations (NPOs)

Purpose – Nonprofit organisations (NPOs) are challenged with continuous change, which provides the impetus for adopting organisational change models. The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of the adoption of market and learning orientations on NPO performance. Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw on extant management literature to theorise the interrelationship between market orientation, learning orientation, and economic and non-economic NPO performance. Using a survey design, the authors draw a convenience sample of 118 NPOs in Ghana to test their theoretisation. Findings – Evidence is found that although the relationship between market orientation and NPO performance is significant (on both economic and non-economic indicators), what best accounts for enhanced performance is learning orientation. Additionally, non-economic performance mediates the relationship between learning orientation and economic performance. Research limitations/implications – Replicating the study with larger samples, using objective performance data, and applying more rigorous approach to data analysis, among other things, could significantly improve the generalisability of the results. Practical implications – NPO managers are reminded that non-economic performance (e.g. service or program effectiveness) represents part of the underlying mechanism through which the financial assurances of market and learning orientations can be exploited. Originality/value – The paper builds on the market orientation literature by theorising and demonstrating empirically a route through which market orientation is related to the firm’s financial performance.

Source: UG
Market participation and rural poverty in Ghana in the era of globalization

This paper investigates the factors that influence market participation in rural economies. This is based on the premise that participation in the market is an important channel through which the global economy impacts on the rural areas and can have a positive impact on poverty reduction through increased incomes. A case study approach is adopted using four rural communities in three ecological zones of Ghana. © The Authors. Journal compilation © 2008 African Development Bank.

Source: UG
Market Power and Bank Lending in Africa: The Role of Regulatory Policy

The paper investigates how regulatory policy modulates the complex relationship between market power and bank lending. The empirical evidence is based on the seemingly unrelated panel regressions by employing a dataset of 52 African countries for the period, 2006–2018. The study finds a U-shaped relationship between market power and bank lending. The study shows that the estimated thresholds fall within the range of -4.38 to 9.67 of market power. It observes that the thresholds of market power in countries with stringent regulatory policies have relatively greater than countries operating in low regulatory policy regimes. The study shows a negative and direct effect of market power on lending. In the light of interactions, the conditional effects are estimated to provide meaningful interpretations. This is relevant to policymakers because our established conditional effects imply that regulatory policy is a sufficient complementary condition for reducing the negative effect of market power on bank lending.

Source: UG