ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Big Five Personality Traits on Job Performance in Small and Medium Enterprises in the Takoradi Metropolis

The present study sought to analyse the effect of the Big Five personality traits of owner-managers on the job performance of SMEs in the Takoradi Metropolis. Employing the quantitative research methodology and the descriptive research design, 383 small and medium-sized enterprises operating the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis were sample from a population of 115,577, using Krejcie and Morgan’s (1970) table and the stratified sampling technique. Owner-mangers of those small and medium-sized enterprises were the subjects of the study. A questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. The study found that Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Openness to experience had positive and significant relationship with job performance. Contrariwise, Neuroticism and Agreeableness had negative and significant relationship with job performance. The study concluded that owner-managers who score high on Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Openness to experience are likely to be more successful in their businesses. The researcher recommends that government, donors and businessmen who are interested in developing young entrepreneurs should consider individuals who score high on Extraversion, Conscientiousness and Openness to experience.

Source: UCC
Effect of the big five personality traits on organisational citizenship behaviour among Nurses in Cape Coast Metropolis

Several decades have passed since organisational citizenship behaviour began to penetrate the organisational sciences. Recently, however, scholars have begun to critically analyze the motives that drive organisational citizenship behaviour. The present study attempted to explore the relationship between personality variables and organisational citizenship behaviour. Specifically, Norman‟s Big Five personality model-which includes, conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism, agreeableness and openness to experience- were used to describe the various personality traits. It was hypothesized that the Big Five personality traits would be positively and significantly related to the two dimensions of organisational citizenship behaviour, namely; organisational citizenship behaviour directed towards individuals and that directed towards the organisation. A quantitative approach was used in conducting this research, through the administration of questionnaires using a sample size of 196 nurses. Results indicated that agreeableness was positively and significantly related with organisational citizenship behaviour toward individuals and conscientiousness was positively and significantly related with organisational citizenship behaviour toward the organisation. It was concluded that majority of the nurses fell in the conscientious and agreeable category, which were relevant to the occurrence of organisational citizenship behaviour. Hence it was recommended that Human Resource managers should look out for these characteristics in selecting nurses with these personalities for employment, which bring satisfaction to both nurses and patients. This will also lead to an increase in overall performance of the hospital.

Source: UCC
Effect of the frizzle gene (F) on egg production and egg quality of laying hens kept in tropical villages

Two experiments were conducted to determine the influence of the frizzle gene (F) on the production and quality of chicken eggs kept on village farms in Ghana. 2. In the first experiment, 144 pullets, 72 each of Ff and ff pullets from F1 birds, were compared in a randomised complete block design (RCBD), with three villages and 4 batches of hatch as blocks and the two feather genotypes (Ff and ff) as the treatments. 3. The Ff pullets were superior (P < 0.05) to their ff counterparts in terms of the number of eggs per clutch, egg mass and hen-housed and hen-d rates of lay, whereas age at first egg was lower (P < 0.05) in ff layers compared to Ff ones. 4. The eggs of the F1 heterozygous frizzle (Ff) layers had higher values for albumen height, Haugh unit and yolk height compared with eggs from their normal feathered counterparts. 5. In the second experiment, 144 pullets, 48 each of FF, Ff and ff pullets, were compared in a RCBD, with three villages and 4 batches of hatch as blocks and the two feather genotypes (Ff and ff) as the treatments. 6. The F2 birds with genotypes Ff and FF were better than their ff counterparts in terms of the number of eggs per clutch, egg mass, and hen-housed and hen-d rates of lay. Age at first egg was significantly lower in ff layers compared to FF and Ff ones. 7. The Haugh unit value was higher in the homozygous and heterozygous frizzles compared to the normal feathered ones. 8. The presence of the frizzle gene (F) in egg type chickens led to an improvement in egg production and egg quality traits in village chickens, and the cross-breeding scheme evaluated in this project could contribute to improved productivity

Source: UCC
Effect Of The Minimum Capital Requirements On Performance Of Selected Banks In Ghana

The research studied on the effect minimum capital requirement on profitability of commercial banks in Ghana. The ordinary pool least square was used in achieving the objective of the study. The quantitative approach was employed. The study found that there was negative relationship between capital requirement on profitability of commercial banks. Also, asset quality showed a positive relationship with profitability of commercial banks. There was also a negative relationship between liquidity and profitability of firms. Finally, the study found that, management efficiency showed a negative effect on profitability of commercial banks in Ghana. The study recommended that Board of directors and management of the institutions must ensure utilization of capital on assets that contribute significantly to the income or profit generation for the firms.

Source: UCC
Effect of the relative humidity on the fbre morphology of polyamide 4.6 and polyamide 6.9 nanofibres

To obtain uniform and reproducible nanofibres, it is important to understand the effect of the different electrospinning parameters on the nanofibre morphology. Even though a lot of literature is available on the electrospinning of nanofibres, only minor research has been performed on the effect of the relative humidity (RH). This paper investigates the influence of this parameter on the electrospinning process and fibre morphology of the hydrophilic polyamide 4.6 and the less hydrophilic polyamide 6.9. First, the electrospinning process and deposition area of the nanofibres is examined at 10, 50 and 70 % RH. Subsequently, the effect of the polyamide concentration and solvent ratio on the fibre morphology is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. It was found that the nanofibre diameter decreased with increasing RH. This resulted in less stable crystals for polyamide 4.6 while electrospinning of polyamide 6.9 at higher RH led to slightly more stable crystals. In conclusion, the water affinity of a polymer is an important factor in predicting the nanofibre morphology at different humidities

Source: UCC
Effect of the Use of Credit Referencing Bureaux on Loan Quality of Selected Banks in Ghana

The study makes use of the Ghanaian banking industry's implementation of Credit Referencing Bureaus (CRBs) in 2010 as a natural experiment to assess the effect of CRBs on impairment loans (loan quality) and write-off loans by using a dataset from some selected banks in Ghana. The specific objectives were to investigate how the use of the CRB affects the quality of loans in Ghana‘s banking sector. The target population was 15 banks from 2012 to 2019. The Fixed Random and Effect Estimation was used in the study to determine whether CRBs adversely correlated with impairment and write-off loans in Ghana. The results suggest that banks that employ CRB services in their operations, particularly on loans administration can reduce their impairment loans and minimize information asymmetry, which improves banks‘ ability to forecast borrowers' behavior and put pressure on borrowers to make loans payments in order to avoid future loans denials by banks. The study also discovered that key predictors of loans quality are banks‘ capital, size, liquidity, profit before tax, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate, and inflation rate. The study recommends that banks in Ghana should frequently use CRB services and products since doing so will improve their loans quality and lower their exposure to impairment and write-off loans. Again, to strengthen the operations of both banks and CRBs, it is recommended that the data source for CRBs be expanded with an increased publicity regarding CRBs existence in Ghana. Even though CRBs have a significant effect on impairment and write- off loans, they only cover about 10% of Ghana‘s adult population. Therefore, expanding data sources for CRBs can enhance the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of client evaluations, improving loan quality and reducing impairments and write-offs.

Source: UCC
EFFECT OF THE USE OF INSTANT MESSAGING APPLICATIONS ON WRITING OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE IN HIGHER EDUCATION

The use of Instant Messaging (IM) applications on the mobile phones of the youth has become inextricably attached to their everyday lives. Students on university campuses cannot leave their mobile phones behind for a minute because of the importance they attach to the use of IM applications. This paper investigated how the use of abbreviations in IM affects the writing of Standard English language of learners of English as a second language. A sample of 150 students in their 3rd and 4th years at Kenyatta University was used. The study also interviewed a lecturer on the problem. While students indicated that the IM usage does not do any harm to their formal English writing, a faculty member disagreed. It was recommended that awareness should be created through seminars and lectures to bring the issue to the fore for students. This would help students to be cautious of the use of IM.

Source: UCC
Effect of the Working Environment on Oculo-Visual Health of Some Sand and Stone Miners in Ghana

The health of the working population is an important prerequisite for productivity. The study therefore aimed at investigating the effect of the working environment on the oculo-visual health of some sand and stone mine workers in Ghana. A cross-sectional survey involving 247 sand and stone mine workers and 250 non-mine workers was conducted between February 2010 and May 2011. Structured interview was used to obtain information on demographics, ocular protective wear use, and ocular symptoms. External ocular assessments and distance visual acuity measurements were performed. While 45.7% of mine workers used either sunglasses or safety goggles, none of non-mine workers wore safety goggles; a few (8.8%) occasionally wore sunglasses. A significant proportion ( P ≤ 0.0001) of non-mine workers (59.2%) did not show ocular symptoms relative to the sand and stone miners. The vast majority (P ≤ 0.0001) of non-mine workers (75.2%) had no visible ocular findings compare to the sand and stone miners (32.4%). Among quarry workers, pterygium (24.3%), pingueculae (5.7%), inflammed eyes (18.2%), and scleral pigmentation 13.8% were significant (P ≤ 0.0001) findings which was not the case with non-mine workers. Visual acuity was however not significantly different (P > 0.05) with only approximately 5% from both categories recording moderate to very low (6/18 - 6/60) acuities. Although the working environment in the sand and stone mines seems to have no effect on visual acuity, it has detrimental effect on ocular structure which eventually could affect vision. Using appropriate ocular protectives and regular ocular examinations would be beneficial.

Source: UCC
The effect of thread type, stitch density and washing on seam performance of a Ghanaian real wax cotton printed fabric

In a 2×3×3 factorial experiment, which included two brands of threads, three ranges of stitch density and three cycles of washing, the performance of plain seam in a Real Wax cotton printed fabric from Tex Styles Ghana Limited, formerly Ghana Textile Printing Company (GTP) was investigated. The performance properties investigated were strength, elongation and efficiency. Specimens were washed using the Standard Launder-Ometer (Gyrowash 315). Each washed specimen was dried in the sun and the specimens removed immediately they dried. The breaking strength and elongation of the fabric and the seams were determined using the tensile testing machine (Hounsfield H5K-S). Means and standard deviations and inferential statistics (Analysis of Variance and Independent Samples t-test at 0.05 alpha levels) were used for the analyses of the data. Results in this study showed that differences existed between the two thread brands (OK, Sunflag) with regard to seam strength, elongation and efficiency, with Sunflag having higher values than OK. Also differences existed between the stitch densities used for the study, with seam strength, elongation and efficiency increasing as stitch density increased. Furthermore, differences existed between the washing cycles with regard to seam strength and elongation. On the other hand, in terms of efficiency, no difference existed between the washing cycles. In addition, the findings have brought to light the behaviour of seams in the different directions of the Wax printed fabric used for the study. The study showed that different Wax prints may require different types of threads at different stitch densities to provide desirable seams.

Source: UCC
The effect of three-tier teaching model for teaching mathematics in context on primary school pupils' performance in fractions: cases of cape coast metropolis and Mfantsiman municipality

Teaching in context in this study is an innovative way ofteaching mathematics that relates the abstract mathematical concepts that teachers teach in schools to the learners' everyday realities. The three-tier teaching model for teaching mathematics in context is an innovative way ofteaching mathematics in context. This study investigated the effect of the three-tier teaching model for teaching mathematics in context on primary one pupils' performance in fractions in two selected districts in the Central Region ofGhana. The study drew on socio-cultural theory and ethnomathematics as its main theories. This study's research design was sequential explanatory mixed methods including quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design. A multistage sampling technique was used. Pupils' Identification of Fraction Worksheet; pretest and posttest were used to collect quantitative data from 860 primary one pupils from the 24 selected public schools, with 12 primary schools from each district. Twenty-four primary one mathematics teachers with each teacher from each school participated in the study. The semi-structured 'Interview Guide for Teachers' perception about the use of the model for teaching mathematics in context' was used to collect the qualitative data. The quantitative data was analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis followed by narrative discussion. The analysis ofresults indicated that the model's approach was more effective in improving pupils' performance in the identification of fractions. The model should be used as an innovative teaching approach for teaching fractions in context by all primary one mathematics teachers.

Source: UCC
Effect of time and amount of irrigation on the growth, yield, physicochemical quality and shelf life of sweet pepper (capsicum annum var. yolo wonder)

Knowledge of the required amount of irrigation and the time in the day to irrigate is very important for the efficient use of irrigation water and the maximization of vegetable yield and quality. In this experiment, the effect of time of irrigation (morning and evening) and amount of irrigation (100%ETc, 90%ETc and 80%ETc) on the growth, yield, physicochemical quality, shelf life, WUE and economic value of sweet pepper was investigated using completely randomized design with 3 replications. Plant growth increased as irrigation amount decreased from 100%ETc to 80%ETc for both crops irrigated in the morning and evening but was high in irrigating in the evening than in the morning. Fruit yield was significant and reduced as amount of irrigation decreases (100% > 90%ETc > 80%ETc) in both morning and evening irrigated crops. The yield was high in crops irrigated in the evening than the morning counterparts. Physicochemical qualities were better in less irrigated crops (80%ETc and 90%ETc) than full irrigated crops (100%ETc) for both morning and evening irrigated crops. Fruits from crops irrigated in the morning had better physicochemical qualities (Firmness, TSS, TA and pH) than fruits of crops irrigated in the evening. Shelf life was significant and increases as irrigation amount reduces for both morning and evening irrigated crops. Irrigating in the evening with 90%ETc had the highest WUE of 6.5Kg/m3 and a cost-benefit ratio of 1:30.81. Irrigating sweet pepper in the evening with 10% reduction in CWR (90%ETc) have no significant effect on fruit yield and it improves fruit quality, extends shelf life as well as increase WUE and maximize profit.

Source: UCC
The effect of trade liberalisations on food security in Ghana

The study examines the relationship between food security and trade liberalization in the context of Ghana using time series data from 1986 to 2016. The sum of imports and export over GDP is used as the key variable to measure the trade liberalization of the economy. Other than the key variable of trade liberalization, the study employs five variables namely food production index, consumer price index, real GDP, arable land, and reserve of foreign exchange to assess their effect on food availability which add to improve food security. The ARDL approach and the ECM were used to estimate the long run and short run effects of trade liberalization on food security respectively. The Granger causality test was also conducted to find the causal relationship between trade liberalization and food security. The findings indicated that trade liberalization positively affects food security both in the long run and short run. It also found a unidirectional causality from trade liberalization to food security implying that trade liberalization causes food security but food security does not cause trade liberalization. Moreover, with the exception of consumer price index and real GDP in the long run which have negative effect on food security, the other variables indicated a positive effect on food security in both the long run and short run. It is therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Trade and Industry should promote trade agricultural products especially food in order to improve the food security of the nation since more food can be made available through trade.

Source: UCC
Effect of training and development on organisational performance: a case of compassion international Ghana assisted projects in the Volta Region.

The quality of Human Resource is an asset to any organization and as a result Training has become an issue that has to be faced by every organization. The amount, and quality of training carried out varies enormously from organization to organization due to factors such as the degree of external change, for instance, new markets or new processes, the adaptability of existing workforce and importantly the extent to which the organization supports the idea of internal career development. Most organizations meet their needs for training in an ad hoc and haphazard way whiles others set about identifying their training needs, then design training activities in a rational manner and finally assess the results of training. This research therefore sought to find out the impact of training and development on organizational performance, with Compassion International Ghana assisted projects in the Volta Region as a case study. The research assessed the view of employees on training and development and the impact of training and development on the productivity of employees. A questionnaire was designed using structured questions to collect primary data from employees of the child development centers. Personal interviews were held with some management staff of the organization. The result of the training shows that training and development have a significant impact on organizational performance. The findings revealed that training and development affect the productivity of employees. Furthermore, it also instructive to note that even though majority of respondents find the outcome of trainings satisfactory, quite a significant number of them were not satisfied with the outcomes of the trainings they attended. It is recommended that training needs should be considered on the basis of overall organizational (project) objectives. The goals of the organization (project) should be able to determine what training programs are to be organized for staff. And finally, staff should be motivated to add value to themselves and to their lives at all times.

Source: UCC
Effect of Training and Development on Performance of Technical Staff in the University of Cape Coast

The main purpose of the study was to assess the effects of staff training and development on employees’ performance with focus on technical staff in the University of Cape Coast. The review of related literature for the study covered theoretical framework, conceptual issues and empirical studies. The specific objectives were to: examine the training and development opportunities available to technical staff in the University; assess the ways staff training and development programmes of the University contribute to technical staffs’ performance; determine how technical staff’ concept of training and development influence their performance; and assess the challenges of training and development programmes. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches were employed while the research strategy was the survey. Descriptive survey design was the main method in data gathering while the study population was the technical staff of the University of Cape Coast. There was no sample but a census since the study population was small and did not require sampling. The data collection technique and analytical tool were the questionnaire and descriptive statics and frequency tables and percentages. The analysis of data revealed that there are inherent bottlenecks with regard to the planning and implementation of the training and development programmes of the University of Cape Coast at least from the perspectives and exemplified experiences of the respondents. It was recommended that if training and development programmes of the University of Cape Coast are to be enhanced, then management of the University of Cape Coast should review the existing issues in the planning and implementation of the training and development programmes with the support of all stakeholders.

Source: UCC