ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring strategies for pricing of real estate housing in Ghana.

In real estate development, as in other consumer markets, some of the largest challenges have always been pricing of the units and the time it takes to sell them. This is especially apparent in the housing market, where a large number of factors affect the final sales price and the fluctuations in demand. The pricing of real estate houses for sale is one of the most difficult things to decide on when listing them. There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding the price and determining the best pricing strategy which this study critically examined. In line with this purpose, the study identified factors that contribute to the pricing of estate houses in Ghana, identified challenges in the pricing of estate houses in Ghana, and proposed strategies for effective pricing of real estate houses in Ghana. Based on the findings, the study indicated that the three most contributing factors to Ghanaian real estate house pricing were construction cost, land price, availability of building materials. Inadequate financial capability, transfer of land ownership problems, increasing demand for cheap houses, and high cost of building materials are some of the challenges in the pricing of real estate houses in Ghana. Based on the relative importance index calculation, the best strategy for pricing are Psychological Pricing Strategy (where buyers are encouraged to buy products based on emotions rather than on common-sense logic) and Pay plan model and Premium pricing strategy. It is recommended that to help enhance pricing of real estate housing in Ghana, estate developers must not only identify their target buyers but also be aware of the seasonal shifts of the market, pricing above or below market value, emphasizing on amenities and staying updated about the online market as well. Keywords: real estate, pricing strategy, GREDA, Affordable housing

Source: KNUST
Exploring strategies for pricing of real estate housing in Ghana

In real estate development, as in other consumer markets, some of the largest challenges have always been pricing of the units and the time it takes to sell them. This is especially apparent in the housing market, where a large number of factors affect the final sales price and the fluctuations in demand. The pricing of real estate houses for sale is one of the most difficult things to decide on when listing them. There are a lot of factors that come into play when deciding the price and determining the best pricing strategy which this study critically examined. In line with this purpose, the study identified factors that contribute to the pricing of estate houses in Ghana, identified challenges in the pricing of estate houses in Ghana, and proposed strategies for effective pricing of real estate houses in Ghana. Based on the findings, the study indicated that the three most contributing factors to Ghanaian real estate house pricing were construction cost, land price, availability of building materials. Inadequate financial capability, transfer of land ownership problems, increasing demand for cheap houses, and high cost of building materials are some of the challenges in the pricing of real estate houses in Ghana. Based on the relative importance index calculation, the best strategy for pricing are Psychological Pricing Strategy (where buyers are encouraged to buy products based on emotions rather than on common-sense logic) and Pay plan model and Premium pricing strategy. It is recommended that to help enhance pricing of real estate housing in Ghana, estate developers must not only identify their target buyers but also be aware of the seasonal shifts of the market, pricing above or below market value, emphasising on amenities and staying updated about the online market as w

Source: KNUST
Exploring subscription to collective investment schemes in Ghana – an exploratory study of customers of STANLIB Ghana Limited.

Collective investment schemes (CIS) are an important feature of many developed markets in the world, and are growing in importance in emerging economies like Ghana. However, academic research into CIS from Ghana and Sub-Saharan Africa has been largely nonexistent. In this study, the researcher conducts an exploratory study of customer subscription to CIS in Ghana, focusing on five broad areas of CIS subscription, namely, information sources for CIS subscription, selection criteria of CIS, CIS subscription drivers, CIS subscription barriers, and customer satisfaction from CIS subscription. The research items were sourced from CIS literature and modified through interactions with three managers of STANLIB Ghana Limited. Data for the study was collected from 70 customers of STANLIB Ghana Limited, of which 63 responses were usable. Analysis of the data revealed that the primary source of information leading to CIS subscription was personal sources, specifically, employees of the bank and recommendations from family and friends, whilst impersonal sources like advertising and direct mail were underutilized. Also, it was revealed that the most important criteria for CIS selection was product characteristics features, especially past performance of the CIS and overall reputation of the CIS, whilst customers cared little about the qualifications of the investment manager. Exploration of the drivers of CIS subscription revealed opportunities for wealth creation and capital accumulation were the primary drivers of CIS subscription, whilst the principal barriers to CIS subscription was found to be trust or security of investments and insufficient proceeds. Finally, exploration of customer satisfaction items revealed customers were most satisfied with the financial rewards, although they were not satisfied with how frequently the gains accrued. The study is relevant to both academics and practitioners as it provides insight into a hitherto unexplored academic area in Ghana, gives information on customer investor behaviour patterns, and can guide the efforts of investment companies in Ghana in better managing their CIS.

Source: KNUST
Exploring strategies towards effective communication among construction project team in the Ghanaian construction industry

Communication is seen as one of the key elements to the success of a construction project. Delays in project delivery, cost overruns and disputes among other problems the construction industry face today is as the result of poor communication. The current study sought to explore strategies towards effective communication among project team in the delivery of building construction projects. Structured questionnaires were designed and administered to key professionals involved in building construction professionals within the Accra Municipality. The data collected was analyzed using Relative Importance Index (RII), frequencies and percentages. The results revealed that different typologies of communication are used in the management of construction projects. From communication channel perspective, verbal, written, visual and non-verbal communications types were in use. From organizational perspective both vertical (upward/downward) communication and horizontal communication existed. Diagonal communication was not common. The modes of communication used include formal writing (e.g. letters, fax, memos), Emails, Site Review meetings, Phone calls, Notice board etc. The choice of these communication channels was also found to be influence by the types of message to be sent and the preference of the sender or receiver. The study also found that the barriers to effective communication include differing perception between sender and receiver, the use of wrong communication channel, Inconsistent verbal and non-verbal communication, Information overload, Poor timing for communication, Poor listening and premature evaluation and badly expressed message. These issues affected communication among the parties to the project. Based on the above it was recommended that the proper communication channel should also be used.

Source: KNUST
Exploring strategies for reducing cost of maintenance on heavy mobile mining equipment: The case of Golden Star Wassa Limited

This study explored strategies for reducing cost of maintenance on 'heavy mobile mining equipment.' 'Maintenance operations' consume a significant portion of the operating cost of these fleets. Three objectives were set to enable the researcher achieved the primary goal of the study. ‘Surface mining equipment ' has a finite economic life that occurs before the end of the equipment’s physical life. This research initially intended to collect and pre-process the maintenance work database through questionnaires and interview of key personnel in the industry. To obtain a better model for each of the available equipment classes, 'data mining analysis ' was used to compare different algorithms. These trend analyses and models will help the equipment manager to take decisions related to 'equipment maintenance cost. The results showed that operating cost has a significant impact on the cost of maintaining 'heavy mobile mining equipment.' Large companies do economic analysis, as recommended by the equipment suppliers. They incorporate the quantifiable factors of' increased 'maintenance cost,' decreased performance and technological improvements. Smaller mining companies and contractor companies generally only consider historical cost and performance trends, and there is scope for improving the replacement decision of their 'heavy mobile mining equipment.' The study made the following recommendations; all mining and contracting companies to draft and introduce a formal policy for the replacement of their 'earthmoving equipment,' the equivalent annual cost (EAC) model is the most suitable model for the replacement of 'heavy mobile mining equipment,' and 'maintenance strategy' should be adopted once it has been implemented

Source: KNUST
Exploring supplier perception of procurement practices in Ghana Bauxite Company Limited

Procurement is vital to every industrialized institution because every now and then, such institutions buy the services of third party workers, goods or other services from suppliers which the Ghana Bauxite Company is not an exception. The aim of the study was to explore the perception of suppliers towards the procurement practices of Ghana Bauxite Company Limited with the following objectives; to identify the challenges faced by the suppliers in relation to the procurement practices of Ghana Bauxite Company, to identify the causes of challenges faced by the suppliers, to identify the factors for effe ctive buyer-suppliers relationships. Though a thorough literature review question was designed and administered to respondents within the scope of study. Data collected was later analyzed using descriptive and mean score analysis of the Statistical Package for Social Scientist. The study revealed that, most supplier‟s firms are owned by expatriate. Regulatory risk, operational risk, difficult for new entrant, lack of supplier development and high selection criteria of suppliers are the critical challenges faced by suppliers which are caused by Geographical location of mining sites, unreliability among suppliers, competitiveness among suppliers, delay in payment of certificates, limited technology and exorbitant rates by suppliers. In addition, the study revealed that, fairness, dependability on the side of suppliers, suppliers‟ trustworthiness and suppliers‟ commitment are highly recognized factors for effective buyer -supplier relationship. The study therefore recommended that, government should award firms adhering to its regulations, support suppliers through capacity building. GBCL should allow for local content during awarding of contract, provide supplier development management. Finally, proper organizational management iii system should be implemented by suppliers. Keywords: procurement, relationship, buyer, supplier, regulatory risk, operational risk, challenges, selection criteria.

Source: KNUST
Exploring Sustainable Procurement Practices in Public Procurement: A Case Study of University of Health and Allied Sciences-Ho.

Exploring sustainable procurement practices in Public Procurement is essential as sustainability is a discrete business activity which links the value chains for public procurement. The public procurement value chain environment has been subjected to various challenges right from purchasing decisions that are adverse to human and issues of climate change that impact on procurement decisions. Furthermore, the principle of balancing the triple constraints (economic, social and environmental) that directly influences procurement decisions especially within public procurement undertaken and value for money principles. This thesis looks at the supply chain perspective on procurement sustainability where, procurement entity needs to analyze elements that are necessary when making procurement decisions for the public institution. As part of the key components, public procurement management requires effective and efficient sustainable practices in the implantation of whole life costing. The aim of Public Procurement Act, Act 663, (Act 2003) is to ensure value for money in the public procurement system and by so doing integrating sustainable procurement practices into the process are integral. The practice not only ensure efficient utilization of scarce public funds but importantly; public projects are carried out in sustainable manner for which the economic, social and the environment constraints are balanced in public procurement project decisions and implementations. The objectives of this study is to assess the level of knowledge of sustainable procurement practices and to identify the challenges in implementing sustainable procurement practices in University of Health and Allied Sciences. With a population of (30), which comprises of Procurement Officer; Quantity Surveyors; Financial Officers; Estate Managers; Maintenance officer; Architects and General Administrative Staff as the major players involved in procurement activities for the University, census iii sampling technique was used. Questionnaires as research instrument were used to collect data for analysis. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistic (mean values) and frequency distribution for data presentation and interpretations. It has been identified from the study that UHAS procurement processes are often challenged by legal and regulatory framework, budget constraint and accounting practices, political commitment, technical capacity and supply constraints which poses challenges in implementation of Sustainable Public Procurement. Other recommendations were however made for integrating sustainable procurement practices into their public procurement process and practice.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the adoption of e-procurement in the public Sector as a tool for cost saving: a case study of ten (10) Public service ministries in Ghana.

E-procurement is one of the largest drivers of change in any industry. The aim of this study is to explore the adoption of e-procurement in the Public Sector as a tool for cost saving. To accomplish this objective, the study reviewed some theoretical works on the role of e-procurement as a tool for cost saving, cost saving methods and e procurement options to enhance cost saving. The study adopted a purposive sampling technique to collect data from ten public sector ministries using questionnaire survey approach. The responses were analysed using descriptive statistics, Relative Importance Index (RII), and mean score ranking. The results revealed that task improvements, network connectivity/integration and supplier participation are the main cost saving methods that can be enhanced by e procurement. The study identified e-procurement options such as sharing real time information, time management, and automation of creating requisitions to optimize cost savings in the public sector. The study concluded that e-procurement is a cost saving method and practitioners especially procurement officers should put into practice this knowledge as it aids in efficient savings when it comes to procurement.

Source: KNUST
Exploring sustainable procurement practices at the local government level in Ghana

Exploring sustainable procurement practices at the local government level is essential as sustainability is a discrete business activity which links the value chains for procurement. The global realization of sustainability does not really reflect in procurement processes and execution. It is against this backdrop that the study seeks to explore the sustainable procurement practices at the local government level in Ghana. The study looked at the level of awareness of sustainable procurement practices among professionals involved in procuring process at the selected MMDAs and its level of implementation. The study also identified ways of improving the practice of sustainable procurement practices in the MMDAs. The main tool for data collection was a structured questionnaire and the target population were professionals involved in procurement processes at the Assembly level. The study was limited to nine (9) MMDAs in the western north region of Ghana. A total of 31 responses were retrieved from possible 36 respondents, representing a response rate of 86%. The descriptive statistics was used to analyse and give meaning to the data collected. It was evident from the study that there is high level of awareness of sustainable procurement practices at the MMDAs but its implementation in the procuring processes was at the intermediary level. The study identified the challenges to the implementation of sustainable procurement practices to be lack of professional knowledge and sustainability seen as a complex concept. It was established that the best way to improve sustainable procurement practices at the MMDAs is to consider innovative and strategic procurement principles in the procurement processes of the MMDAs. It is recommended that the Local Government Service Council and the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development should improve domestic and national standards through performance assessment at the Assembly. The study is very significant within the framework of national and global quest for achieving sustainable development goals.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the awareness and opportunities for the implementation of green procurement in new municipalities in Kumasi

Though sustainable procurement incorporates more than considerations of the environment, environmental or green procurement deals specifically with any issue connected solely to their impacts to the environment. However, in Ghana there are no specific principles or guidelines for sustainable procurement of goods and services, not to talk of green procurement. Based on this was this study conducted to explore the awareness and opportunities for the implementation of Green Procurement in the new municipalities in Kumasi. To attain this goal, four (4) objectives were realized: to find the level of awareness of green procurement practices, to identify the benefits of implementing green procurement, to identify the challenges in the implementation of green procurement and to suggest ways to mitigate the challenges faced in the implementation of green procurement in the new municipalities in Kumasi. The study made use of physical, scientific and social science tools. In order to explore the awareness and opportunities of Green Procurement, structured questionnaires were distributed, targeting the procurement offices, particularly the procurement officers at post in the new municipalities carved out of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly namely: Oforikrom, Asokwa, Suame, Tafo and Kwadaso Municipal Assembly in Kumasi. Since the target population of the procurement officers was ten (10), the sampling technique of census was employed and as such every procurement staff was handed a questionnaire of which 9 were received and analysed using descriptive statistical tools like Mean and Relative Important Index (RII). Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for the analysis of the data collected. From the research survey, it was revealed that the municipal assemblies had no awareness when it comes to green procurement and its practices, even though sustainable procurement has been captured in the Amendment Act 914, but there is no exact law governing environmental procurement practices. As such, the municipal assemblies have little or no knowledge about green procurement and its practices, making the procurement process devoid of practices that are environmentally friendly. Green Procurement has ranges of benefits like reducing environmental impacts, financial savings, demonstrates public sector’s commitment to environmental protection and to sustainable consumption and production, raises awareness of environmental issues and sets example to private consumers with its purchases. For the municipal assemblies to tap into these ranges of advantages, there is first the need for a green procurement law to be enacted and aid the government’s goal to protect the environment through its purchasing.

Source: KNUST
Exploring The Antifertility Potential Of Carica Papaya Seed Extract In Male Albino Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ethanol extract of Carica papaya seed on fertility of male albino rats. In all, twenty four (24) adult male albino rats and forty (40) adult female albino rats whose weights ranged between 160-180g and 160170g respectively, were used for the research. Male albino rats were grouped randomly into four (4) with each group consisting of six (6) animals while a fifth group consisting of forty (40) females designated as C5, was created. The male groups were designated as C1, C2, C3 and C4. C1 animals served as the control and were administered only distilled water orally, whilst C2, C3 and C4 were given papaya seed extract of 1000mg/kg, 700mg/kg and 500mg/kg respectively each day for 45days. The animals from each group (C1, C2, C3 and C4) were paired with healthy adult female albino rats for mating. Semen samples were then collected for sperm analysis, after which they were then sacrificed, where their testes, liver and kidneys were obtained for pathological analysis. From the results, normal pregnancy was observed in females that were paired with C1 group, while females paired with C2 and C3 animals recorded zero pregnancy. Only one of the females paired with C4 animals got pregnant, but was naturally terminated along the way. Histopathological analysis revealed, disruption of the seminiferous tubules of the testes and sinusoidal congestion of the liver in C2 and C3 animals. The seminiferous tubules of the testes of C1 and C4 animals were however observed to be normal. Results from the sperm analysis showed a low percentage of motile and viable spermatozoa, and low sperm count in C1 and C3 animals, compared to the control. From the study, it can therefore be concluded that Carica papaya seed extract, when administered at a dose of 1000mg/kg and 700mg/kg induces contraception in male albino rats.

Source: KNUST