ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An assessment of the potential impact of constructing the Kwabenya - Kitase road on the local economy

Road construction typically confers significant benefits on the population the road serves. In spite of these benefits, many roads in rural regions of developing countries such as Ghana are in a deplorable state. The recent rapid growth of urban residential areas in Ghana, however, has necessitated the construction and rehabilitation of the roads linking these areas to major commercial towns in the country. The Kwabenya (Abuom) to Kitase area is a typical example. This study assesses the impact of constructing the Kwabenya (Abuom) - Kitase road on the local economy. This research drew heavily on primary data. However, some secondary data was also used in this research in telling the story of the Kwabenya - Kitase road. The study made extensive use of questionnaires and interviews. 100 questionnaires were sent out to inhabitants and non-inhabitants of the area and 2 interviews were conducted. The research results revealed that, agricultural production was perceived by several respondents as significantly being improved by the construction of the road. The study however, identified other major sectors to be affected as education, real estate, arts, entertainment and recreation, construction and hospitality. It was also seen that in spite of the positive impacts, a construction of the road was likely to come along with some negative implications such as the destruction of arable land and a consequent change in the livelihoods of inhabitants, especially within the Agyemanti - Kitase area. The study established that constructing the Kwabenya - Kitase road was likely to boost the local economy. It also established from responses that there was the concern that an influx of businesses is likely to diminish arable land for construction and commercial purposes. The study noted that local community participation should be increased in constructing the Kwabenya - Kitase road. Also, maintenance culture needed to be enforced to sustain the benefits of the road.

Source: Ashesi
Assimilation of web technologies in firms’ supply chain management: A case of the Ghanaian events Industry

This dissertation examines the supply chain framework of event planning firms in Ghana, with particular reference to the assimilation of technology in the supply chain function. The research seeks to ascertain how exactly, event firms integrate technology in their supply chain and what impact technology has on their supply chain framework. An emphasis was also placed on the type of technologies used in the industry and how quick events firms are in assimilating new technologies. The undergirding theory of the work was based on a supply chain frame work proposed by Lambart ., et al (19989) and Ranganathan ., et al(2006). The methodology employed in analyzing the supply chain framework and technology assimilation included phone and Skype interviews as well as questionnaires. Emails were sent to chief executive officers of event firms and Skype interviews were set. Questionnaires were sent to those who could not have time for interviews. The findings presented in this research consist of information obtained from a qualitative study of a sample of event planning firms in Accra. This study postulates that, there exists an inefficient supply chain frame work in the Ghanaian event firms due to long communication among stake holders. The Ghanaian events industry utilizes mobile applications more than web applications; however, the number of communication prolongs the process. Cross platform applications such as facebook and instagram can be used as web applications, however, industry members choose to use them as mobile applications because of their convenience and simplicity. The supply chain of the event planning industry can be improved by using a series of cross platform applications that can help reduce the communication process among the industry stakeholders. Technology assimilation is high and Social media is the main technology stream significantly used in the industry, the social media sector can be utilized to make communication faster and easier, rendering the supply chain framework efficient.

Source: Ashesi
Balancing Academics and Athletics: The Impact of Student-Led Sports Program Oversight on Student-Athletes at Ashesi University

This study examines how student-led sports program management affects the academic and athletic experiences of student-athletes at Ashesi University. Using a qualitative method, the research examines student-athletes difficulties in managing academic and athletic responsibilities, student-athletes' opinions on program supervision, and the distinctions between Ashesi University's student-run system and the institutionally controlled sports program at the University of Ghana. Information was gathered by conducting semi-structured interviews and focus groups involving 50 individuals, including current student-athletes, alums, academic advisors, and sports directors. The thematic analysis uncovered notable difficulties in time management and academic achievement, underscoring student-athletes' challenges in balancing their academic and athletic responsibilities. Participants recognized the advantages of student leadership, such as a feeling of ownership and opportunities for leadership growth; however, they also highlighted the disadvantages, such as an absence of expert advice and added accountability. The comparative analysis demonstrated that the program at the University of Ghana, which is institutionally managed, provided more organized support, such as professional mentorship and monitoring of GPA, helping student-athletes to balance their dual roles better. Suggestions to enhance the sports program at Ashesi University involve improving professional assistance, introducing organized time management techniques, and offering comprehensive academic and career guidance. The research suggests that student-led sports programs can enhance leadership and independence. However, it is essential to have professional supervision and organized support to ensure the best outcomes for student-athletes.

Source: Ashesi
“The battle is the lord’s”- Religion as a tool for political branding in Ghana’s Fourth Republic

Religion is woven into the culture of the Ghanaian people, so much so that it was evidently exploited in the election campaign of the 2012 general elections. According to Dovlo (2005), “it belongs to the African tradition that we cannot easily distinguish between the secular and religious realm, even in politics”. Political elections are usually contested in a democratic state such as Ghana to determine who rules or governs the people of a state. This is the best way by which the electorates’ say will be expressed. Representatives of Ghana’s biggest political parties, the New Democratic Congress and the New Patriotic Party were used in the research so as to utilize insights and explore their expertise on the Ghanaian political terrain. In this research, the phenomenon of the use of religious elements used in election campaigns was interrogated to gain deeper understanding. Two main results; Ghanaians are religious and every campaign message has to be consistent with their values and morals which are more often than not influenced and informed by their religion in order to gain traction. It is recommended that any individual who seeks to run for public office, factor in the social dynamics of the Ghanaian society, especially religion as it informs the core beliefs and value systems of the Ghanaian people so as to get a shot at winning elections.

Source: Ashesi
Beyond The Hashtag: Assessing Social Media as An Informal Sustainability Reporting Tool in Ghanaian Universities

Despite active participation in Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) initiatives, social media use as an informal reporting tool is largely unexplored in Ghanaian universities. This study aims to analyze how social media is leveraged for sustainability reporting in Ghanaian universities, focusing on public sentiment and emphasis on specific SDGs. Sentiment and content analyses were conducted on X (Twitter) and LinkedIn platforms, examining 69 Ghanaian universities. Results showed that only 21 universities had active Twitter accounts, and 10 had active LinkedIn accounts discussing sustainability, revealing a significant gap in social media use for this purpose. Engagement levels varied, with older, more established universities receiving higher likes, reposts, and comments, indicating better stakeholder engagement. Sentiment analysis found that 57.3% of tweets had positive sentiments, 37.8% were neutral, and 4.9% were negative. Positive sentiments were linked to specific sustainability actions, neutral sentiments to event participation, and negative sentiments to criticisms. Prominent SDGs in social media posts included Quality Education (SDG 4), Gender Equality (SDG 5), and Climate Action (SDG 13), while Decent Work (SDG 8) and Sustainable Cities (SDG 11) received less attention. The study supports the legitimacy theory, showing universities use social media to align with societal values, and the institutional logic theory explains different engagement levels based on resources and institutional pressures. It recommends that Ghanaian universities adopt more robust social media practices for transparency, better stakeholder engagement, and alignment with SDGs. This research highlights social media's critical role in enhancing transparency and engagement in sustainability reporting among Ghanaian universities.

Source: Ashesi
The brand audit of Ashesi University College

The main objective of this thesis was to assess the health of the Ashesi University College brand and to recommend ways by which the brand can improve. To achieve this, a brand audit was conducted to investigate how Ashesi`s clients (i.e. parents, alumni and students) perceived the brand and to identify the main sources of brand equity for Ashesi. This is because a consumer's perception about a brand can make or unmake a brand. Both qualitative and quantitative research techniques were used to collect data for the study. Parents, alumni and students were interviewed to gain an indepth understanding of how they perceive the brand. A questionnaire for an online survey was designed based on the findings from the in-depth interview. The findings proved that Ashesi`s target generally have a positive perception towards the Ashesi brand. Ashesi`s sources of brand equity were identified under brand awareness, brand loyalty, perceived quality and brand associations. A S.W.O.T analysis was also done for the brand to identify its strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made to Ashesi University College. They were advised to consider expanding by introducing more undergraduate courses and to introduce postgraduate courses. It also recommended that Ashesi should improve upon their marketing strategies by advertising more on radio and television, introduce more entrepreneurship courses and find ways to update and interact with alumni more frequently. It was also recommended that Ashesi should include entrepreneurship courses from the beginning of freshman year to senior year to help improve student`s entrepreneurial skills.

Source: Ashesi
Business analysis & growth strategy for At Heart Beauty Concepts

At Heart Beauty Care Concepts is a hair and beauty care salon located in Santa Maria, Accra. A sole proprietorship business, the salon offers services of hairdressing, interior decoration, makeup, pedicure, and manicure, among others. The vision of the business is to be a beauty hub that showcases the excellence of hair and beauty care and thrives on the mission of delivering such excellent services and producing professionals to do the same. Assessing the need in the business took the form of structured interviews which involved the owner, the employees, as well as existing and prospective clients. The assessment revealed that the business had seen very slow growth for about ten years which had been attributed to the location of the business and the lack of capital for expansion. The findings from primary research revealed somewhat otherwise in that customers sometimes considered location, the efficiency of the business could make up for a disadvantaged location. Also, secondary research which featured models such as the Five Stages of Small Business Growth proposed alternatives to the absence of ready cash for the growth of the business. The proposed solution is a three-phase plan which was targeted at growing the business from its current state to its desired position with key considerations given to management factors such as management style, major strategy and extent of formal systems in the business. The entirety of the solution can be implemented in 18 months and should leave At Heart as a sole proprietorship business with enough revenue to begin its beauty academy while making use of employees and a more decentralized system in handling the significant demand that the growth of the business will bring.

Source: Ashesi
Business plan for Lemish Pharmacy

Lemish Pharmacy is a pharmaceutical company that focuses on administering drugs to people in need of it and offering counselling to patients in one medical situation or the other. The company has 2 employees who attend to customers and suppliers during the day and in the evenings. There are several problems that the company is facing but the main cause is that they lack a business plan that would guide their operations and help in better decision making. The lack of a business plan has made investment, expansion and financial performance ineffective. Research from interviews reveal that the company has the potential to perform better as most customers are generally satisfied with the customer service of the company. Employees and suppliers are able to relate on good terms. It was also found out that the company’s main problem has led to the development of other problems. Literature from professionals also show that companies that have a business plan can structure their operations, develop strategies towards value creation and profitability as well as plan for the future. With a business plan, Lemish Pharmacy can become more effective in running its operations, dealing with suppliers and other business partners as well as gaining competitive edge over other community pharmacies. The business plan incorporates aspects of a business that are crucial to running a profitable business. With patience, drive and focus, Lemish Pharmacy can perform better than it currently is performing.

Source: Ashesi
Business plan for The Smoke House

The Smoke House is a new product initiative by Mackba Farms Limited. The company has started production on a very small scale and will begin expanded production in January 2012. The Smoke House product is frozen smoked chicken which the company self-retails to ensure maximum quality. The company intends to make the product available to the target market by using mobile retail units. The potential market for The Smoke House product is large as 87% of respondents to a survey said they like chicken and eat it at least once a week. This coupled with the population of Accra provides a very large market for the brand to profit from. The Smoke House's competitors are other producers of smoked chicken, producers of frozen foods and restaurants as well as fresh food to be cooked which acts as a substitute. The Smoke House plans to out-compete its competitors by making its convenience in the sense of availability and ease of preparation. The brand will also outcompete competitors by being known for quality and ensuring the freshness of its frozen product. The Smoke House will run a very lean operation with 4 employees and a board of directors made up of the equity holders. The company's marketing strategy in the first few years will be targeted at increasing product awareness although many people like chicken, 43% of respondents have never tried smoked chicken, especially in the 15 -22 age bracket where 77% of respondents have never tried smoked chicken. Considering the size of the potential market and the marketing strategy the company will put in place and the company's projected output of an average of 100 birds a week in the first year, revenue for the 1st year is projected to be GHC 77,250.00 with profit of GHC40. The revenue is expected to grow by 50% each year putting net operating income at 7 GHC5,762.63 in year 2, GHC24,214.24 in year 3 and GHC52,052.26 in year 4. The company is projected value of the company is GHC290,547.21.

Source: Ashesi
Can the Female Glass Ceiling Be Shattered in Private Corporate Ghana?

Underrepresentation, inequity, and career development in senior leadership roles continue to be barriers for Ghanaian women in the private corporate sector, stifling their performance. This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study aims to investigate and comprehend the female glass ceiling in the workplace. The glass ceiling is a figurative social barrier that prevents women from rising through the ranks of management and senior roles in a company or industry. Many studies in this field have focused on perceived hurdles to women s advancement into leadership roles and the lived experiences of women who have succeeded, without emphasising the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the female glass ceiling. This research was undertaken to fill this gap in the existing literature. The study was conducted using interviews and surveys from a sample of four women in the auditing and banking sector to capture their views on this problem and find a way forward. These findings revealed that Ghanaian women leaders are still underrepresented in organisations and face challenges in pursuing professional careers due to a lack of support from policymakers and human resource employees. The findings may help policymakers, and human resource professionals reassess and change organisational policies by encouraging women to pursue the same career advancement chances as males through inclusion, corporate assistance, and education. This knowledge may influence organisational performance by promoting good social change across all organisations.

Source: Ashesi
Can The Female Glass Ceiling Be Shattered in Private Corporate Ghana?

Underrepresentation, inequity, and career development in senior leadership roles continue to be barriers for Ghanaian women in the private corporate sector, stifling their performance. This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study aims to investigate and comprehend the female glass ceiling in the workplace. The glass ceiling is a figurative social barrier that prevents women from rising through the ranks of management and senior roles in a company or industry. Many studies in this field have focused on perceived hurdles to women’s advancement into leadership roles and the lived experiences of women who have succeeded, without emphasising the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the female glass ceiling. This research was undertaken to fill this gap in the existing literature. The study was conducted using interviews and surveys from a sample of four women in the auditing and banking sector to capture their views on this problem and find a way forward. These findings revealed that Ghanaian women leaders are still underrepresented in organisations and face challenges in pursuing professional careers due to a lack of support from policymakers and human resource employees. The findings may help policymakers, and human resource professionals reassess and change organisational policies by encouraging women to pursue the same career advancement chances as males through inclusion, corporate assistance, and education. This knowledge may influence organisational performance by promoting good social change across all organisations.

Source: Ashesi
Cash management tool for Maryland Montessori Learning Centre, Agona Swedru

Maryland Montessori is a school established to give its students a unique learning experience. Equipped with modern infrastructure and highly dedicated teachers, the school has risen to becoming one of the most preferred in Agona Swedru Despite its successes, the school still has to deal with some problems as is the case of many other small enterprises. One of such is poor cash management. With the recurrence of late payments from parents for feeding fees and cash lying idle in the bank for the most part, Maryland is faced with constant cash shortages. The school deals with two main cash flows; tuition fee payments at the beginning of each term and feeding fee payments daily. Literature reviewed proved a negative correlation between profitability and poor cash management. Based on research into cash management models, a tool using the Stone model was developed for the tuition fees and one using the Baumol model for feeding fees. These models calculate the optimal cash balance the school is to hold to cater for expenditure while preventing any cash shortages or surpluses. In addressing the problem of late cash payments, a discount model was generated for the school. In addition, a payment model that charges debtors an additional fee was set to induce parents to make timely payments. In order to make the discounts more effective, payment plans were proposed to shift from a daily to weekly basis. With a more organized cash collection strategy through implementing discounts and follow-up strategies, Maryland can expect a great reduction in the incidence of late payments from parents. Furthermore, with measures in place to encourage investment as well, Maryland will reap returns which could lead to further development in the school.

Source: Ashesi
Challenges amidst the Coronavirus Pandemic A Case Study of Business Administration (BA) Students of Ashesi University

In Ashesi University, final-year Business Administration students are supposed to undertake a capstone project that encapsulates their years of acquired knowledge in the university. Compared to the entrepreneurship and applied project options, only the Thesis option requires individual work under the guidance of a supervisor. Therefore, arguably, Thesis students require the most support. Unfortunately, in 2019, a coronavirus pandemic led to the closure of educational institutions, including Ashesi University. Since this situation led to a novel learning process for students, the purpose of this research was to identify the physical and emotional challenges the pandemic imposed on Thesis students and their projects. This research was purely qualitative and employed interviews and online surveys of forty-two (42) Thesis students within the year groups of 2020 to 2022 to reach the objective. In addition, six (6) supervisors were also interviewed and presented with online surveys to provide insights into solutions. The key challenges identified were the loss of an effective support system, data collection issues, the loss of a conducive learning environment, technology issues, stress, and anxiety. Some best practices such as the creation and maintenance of strong support groups, the increased awareness of online data resources, and counselling sessions can be used to mitigate these challenges whether Thesis students are working on the university campus or at home. This study also suggests the need for wellcontrolled research into the impact of peer feedback on writing as there is little quantitative or qualitative research in this field.

Source: Ashesi