ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An exploration of the use of Information Systems (Is) for efficient human resources management practices: A case study of selected organisations in Kumasi Metropolis

This study explored the use of information Systems (IS) for efficient human resources management practices in selected organisations in the Kumasi metropolis. The study used a multiple case study approach, and employed a mixed-method methodology in order to help find out the efficient use of Information Systems for Human Resource Management practices in some selected organizations. Questionnaires and interviews were the main data collection tools used to generate data from employees and managers of the selected organisations. The study revealed that Information Systems usage is common among all the organisations selected for this study because of its enormous benefits to them. Furthermore, the result shows that IS plays a major role in HRM practices in the organisations such as recruiting, training and the development of staff. The study indicated that the use of IS in HRM practices helped the organisations in terms of efficiency, quality and consolidation of information, and transparency within organizations. The study recommends that organisations should use HR Information Systems.

Source: KNUST
An exploratory study into promoting construction health and safety in Ghana through public works procurement

Procurement has been found to be a tool that can help to promote social objectives and policies. Studies have shown that procurement can further help promote good occupational health and safety practice as it occurs throughout the life cycle of a project. However, the use of procurement as an instrument to promote health and safety practices in construction has not received much attention till date. For this reason, this research explores the promotion of construction H&S in Ghana through public works procurement. The research employed the qualitative research method to achieve the research aim which is to explore practical measures to improve construction health and safety through public works procurement in Ghana. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews. In all, seven individuals (procurement managers, consultants and Quantity surveyors) were interviewed and thematic matrix analysis was used as the method for data analysis. A case study of the health and safety management of a project procured using the Public Procurement Act, Act 663 was also carried out. This was done to ascertain how public works is carried out in the Ghanaian public sector setting by determining the various stakeholders involved, the processes the project underwent and the various considerations looked at especially under H&S. The results however indicated that the Act 663 has no clause that addresses construction H&S. The paper also finds that, H&S does not form part of the criteria for evaluating tenders. To address the constraints so as to improve upon construction H&S, certain recommendations are offered. These include the inclusion of non-ambiguous H&S requirements as criteria for evaluating tenders and the pricing of H&S items in bills of quantities. The study also recommends the carrying out of risk assessment at the planning stage to determine the risks involved in the project. Additionally, practical measures to improving construction H&S in Ghana at the key stages of works procurement are also provided. The study also recommends potential contractor’s participation in the design process to bring their expertise to bear on the project. It also includes other specific roles and involvements of other stakeholders in the procurement process.

Source: KNUST
An exploratory study into promoting sustainable construction in Ghana through public works procurement

Sustainable construction is very important so far as the world’s population continues to grow. Population growth comes along with increase in construction works and its impact on energy consumption, waste production and water consumption. Sustainable construction will create an avenue that will encourage public works procurement officials to use construction methods to increase economic growth as well as reduce the impact of construction on the environment. This will bring attendant benefits such as employment creation and a much healthy environment. This research applied the use of self- administered questionnaires to assess the level of knowledge of sustainable construction among works procurement practitioners, to identify some challenges in sustainable construction and recommend measures for improving on sustainable construction in Ghana. A survey was conducted among procurement officials from 3 local governments’ authorities in Accra with a sample size of 39, through convenience sampling. The research revealed among others that there is some level of awareness on sustainable construction among the public officials but was not widespread. It was also discovered that there was a lack of legal and regulatory framework to compel procurement officials to implement sustainable construction practices. Challenges such as the lack of research into sustainable construction, little incentives for procurement officials, lack of public awareness, lack of interest in sustainability issues, poverty and perceived high cost of initial investment were identified. The research also recommended the intensification of education on sustainable construction practices, increase research on sustainable construction and a clear policy with some amendment in the Public Procurement Act (Act 663) as some measures to improve sustainable construction in public works procurement.

Source: KNUST
An exploratory study into relationship types between building contractors and material suppliers in the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Buyer-supplier relationship can enhance competitive market amongst the participants and thus increasing their economic performance. Different projects may exhibit different relationships that exist between the contractors and suppliers and as such the construction field has been exposed to various challenges and conflicts resulting from misunderstandings about the roles and obligations of the players. This research study therefore focused on the exploration of relationship types that exist between building contractors and material suppliers in the Ghanaian construction industry. In order to achieve the above stipulated aim, three main objectives were carved out. This research work made use of survey questionnaires to acquire the appropriate desired data among D3K3 and D4K4 contractors in the Greater Accra Region. Adopting a purposive and convenience sampling technique a total of 60 questionnaires was distributed among the targeted population. The results of the survey showed that transactions relationship was the most often engaged relationship type with the second ranked relationship type being project collaboration. The analysis further showed that delays was a major factor influencing the selection of relationship types in the construction industry. The second most important variable influencing relationship type was trust. The findings indicate that the in terms of quality, the ideal relationship type is ‘project collaboration’. As project collaboration is touted to be one of the relationships considered to engender growing relationship, this type of relationship is recommended for the Ghanaian construction industry. It is recommended that further research work may explore innovative relationship types between contractors and suppliers in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Source: KNUST
Exploratory study on the effect of location on project cost within the Ghanaian Construction Industry

The cost of a project varies from one place to another and the effect of this variation is due to the difference in pricing of construction resource input from one region to the other. The study embark on an exploratory study on the effect of location on project cost within the Ghanaian construction industry. In achieving the aim for the study, perception of construction professionals regarding the effect of location on project cost in Ghana were gathered. The method selected to collect data for this study is survey questionnaire. A research population considered 41 quantity-surveying professionals who directly deal with cost of construction resource input in various quantity surveying institutions as the targeted group for information. Frequency tables, percentages, pie charts, and relative important index (RII) was used to present the results. Results from the study noted that location of a project has effect on the cost level of Construction resource input. In addition, Cost of transportation is the most influenced factor affecting cost of construction resource input. The study recommends that Ghana Institution of Surveyors (GhIS) and Architectural and Engineering Service Limited (AESL) should come together to outline the process and method, as well as providing information for developing this new index.

Source: KNUST
Exploring Alternative Sources of Health Care Financing in Ghana: A Case Study in the Asante Akim North District

The study sought to establish the significant alternative sources of health care financing in the Asante Akim North District. A case study research design was employed to gather data from primary and secondary sources. The principal objective was to explore alternative means of generating funds to finance healthcare in the Asante Akim North District. The Primary data was gathered through structured questionnaire and interview guide from fifteen respondents. Non-probability method of sampling with combination of quota and purposive techniques was used to select the respondents for the study. Qualitative and quantitative analysis was used to establish the finding of the study. Firstly, it was established that the current state of health care financing apart from the funds from the MOH mainly includes internally generated funds and donations from benevolent societies and individuals. Secondly, revenue generated was generally inadequate for most of the years understudy. Thirdly, the challenges the health care financing included unavailability of funds to purchase equipment, delayed reimbursement from the NHIA and high dependency on the NHIS. Lastly, majority of the participants acknowledged that exploring alternative sources of health care financing to include practice of cash and carry, operation of psychotherapy center, extension of accommodation, recreational and health facilities, provision of means of transport to patients and clients, support from NGOs and extension of pharmaceutical and laboratory facilities. It is recommended that, the MOH for that matter should encourage the private sector and other Non-Governmental Organizations to take keen interest in funding both mission and public healthcare institutions to reduce the burden on them. Also, policies governing the NHIS concerning reimbursement should be enforced by the government and ensured by NHIS.

Source: KNUST
An exploratory study on the critical success factors for the implementation of sustainable construction practices in public universities in Ghana: case study of university of education Winneba

Aging infrastructure, rising utility costs and commodity prices, tighter legislation and standards, and stakeholder pressure are driving business trends in a new direction. Specifically, organizations are pursuing sustainability as a comprehensive cutting-edge tool that includes environmental and social in addition to economic motivations. For this purpose, this study seeks to address three main objectives concerning this area: To identify the sustainable construction practices adopted in public universities in Ghana, To determine the challenges to the adoption of sustainable construction practices in public universities in Ghana and To identify the critical success factors for the implementation of sustainable construction practices in public universities in Ghana. After issuing questionnaires the responses were analysed. After analysis it was identified that the most significant sustainable construction practices adopted are Using Resources Effectively Creating Healthy Environments and Minimizing pollution. It was also seen that financial barrier was the topmost challenges to the adoption of sustainable construction practices in public universities in Ghana and finally Financial Factors, Professional and Technology and Knowledge based factors were identified to be the most important success factors for the implementation of sustainable construction practices in Ghana. After considering all these, it was concluded that Careful regulation and monitoring procedures should be put in place to help ensure sustainable construction practices achieve ultimate success by adopting some of the success factors of this study

Source: KNUST
Exploring communication management on the implementation of free senior high school project in Ghana.

Communication is an important tool within the world of project management. This study exploring communication management on successful implementation of Free Senior High School (FSHS) Project in the Ashanti Region, Ghana. The study is based on the theories of communication as the researcher examines the communication factors constraining the achievement of FSHS objectives. In an attempt to contribute to literature, the present study relied on a sample size of eighty-three (83) employees from two public senior high schools in the Ashanti Region (SIMMS SHS and Serwaa Nyarko SHS), using the purposive sampling technique and structured questionnaire, face-to-face questionnaire administration were used to collect the data. These employees were made up of accountants, subject teachers, headmaster/mistress, housemaster/mistress, etc. Mean score ranking was used to analyze the study. The main research instrument used was questionnaire. The study determined the validity and reliability of the questionnaires used for data collection. The main findings of the study were that communication processes have effect on successful implementation. Again, communication methods have positive effects on project implementation success. In this regard, the study recommends that communicators of the project strategically plan to meet the needs of the stakeholders. Again, stakeholders communicate effectively with educators and school administrators to understand the nature of the programme in that there must be two-way communication between government and stakeholders

Source: KNUST
Exploring barriers to access funding among Small And Medium Enterprises from rural banks in the Ejisu District

Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) in Ghana play a dynamic role in the development of this nation, and this cannot be over- emphasized. It also serves as a means of employment in the country thus releasing the pressure on the civil and public sector in the case of employment. The study seeks to solve a problem of collateral, track record and high interest rates that deny most SME’s owners access to fund from rural banks. This research explores barriers to access to funding among SME’s from Rural Banks in Ejisu District. The study examine various sources of funds available to SME’s from Rural Banks in Ejisu District; access the costs associated with debt finance to SME’s from Rural Banks in Ejisu District, assess various barriers to access to funding on SME’s from Rural Banks and finally to ascertain the effect of barriers to access to funds on SME’s from Rural Bank in Ejisu District. Data were obtained through twenty-seven item questionnaires from sixty (60) entrepreneurs in Ejisu District. The sample was selected using quota, stratified and convenient sampling method. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) in the form of tables, narrations, regression, charts, etc. The findings of the study indicated that the rigid process that entrepreneurs pass through before they can access loan is tedious. Again, entrepreneurs use their own personal saving as start-up capital. It is recommended that entrepreneurs must regard the track record of their finances and the business as a whole. Again, bank should reduce their interest rate and also eliminate the collateral so that clients can afford to repay their debt. It is believed that if all the recommendations are taken into consideration, it will help reduced the numerous barriers that hinder the entrepreneurs when accessing loan from Rural Banks.

Source: KNUST
Exploring coconut tree as an alternative wood carving material

Wood carving has been practiced in Ghana using conventional wood species such as Odum, Sese, Kyenkyen, Ebony, Mahogany and others but due to the increasing depletion of these conventional wood species as a result of over exploitation leading to scarcity of the raw materials they provide, there is now the ardent campaign that non–conventional wood species such as mango, neem and coconut are good alternative wood carving materials (Masera, n.d.; Okrah, 2002). The shift to these non–conventional wood species will help salvage the conventional wood species and the carving industries. This study explored the use of coconut tree as an alternative wood carving material. The researcher focused on 25 year old hybrid and 30 year old tall varieties for the production of relief carvings. The researcher employed qualitative and quantitative approaches of research to carry out the study using semi–structured interview and observation to collect the data. From the findings, processes, tools and equipment used for woodworking are the same used for processing and working with the coconut tree. The spiky nature of the grains of the coconut wood makes carving difficult and uncomfortable without protective gloves for the hand and goggles for the eyes, the carver can be harmed by split pieces. The quality of work produced was found to be like that of the conventional wood. The researcher recommends that Ghana Education Service (GES) should encourage schools in the coastal towns of Ghana to harvest, process and use the senile coconut trees standing in plantations for woodworking. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts should encourage the nation’s wood carvers in the coastal towns to harvest,process and use the over-aged coconut trees for wood carving and other related use

Source: KNUST
Exploring critical stakeholder management issues in construction project management; A case study of community projects at Gold Fields Limited, Tarkwa.

There is a major problem facing construction companies working at mining areas in dealing with the challenges of individuals who are affected by their activities. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate critical stakeholder management issues of construction projects within host mining communities. With this aim, three (3) objectives were set which were to assess the stakeholder management approach of Gold Fields Ghana limited as against relevant literature reference to construction projects within host communities, to identify the stakeholder management challenges on construction project management within host communities and to identify the causes of the challenges associated with stakeholder management within host communities. In achieving the objectives, a structured questionnaire was set and distributed to construction firms working in eight (8) selected communities. In all, thirty-one (31) questionnaire was distributed and answered by respondents. The data was examined using the mean score ranking, From the analysis, it was realized that, the contractors normally do stakeholder identification which is the first step of stakeholder management. However, the responses indicated that, the contractors normally fail to gather information on the stakeholder. Furthermore, the responses indicated that, the contractors normally fail to determine the strength and weaknesses of the stakeholders. Also, frequent changes in the scope of work is a significant challenge to stakeholder engagement. Lastly, the major cause of the challenge identified was lack of effective communication followed by lack of knowledge of stakeholder engagement. With these findings, it was recommended that, construction managers must endeavor to execute all the processes involved in stakeholder management as all of the steps are of equal significance. This will aid the construction firm in reaping the full benefits of stakeholder engagement in construction projects. Also, management of construction firms should ensure they employ the requisite resources in managing stakeholders so as to improve the probability of achieving project success and lastly, consulting firms must also advice the clients on the benefits of ensuring the contracting has the requisite resources in managing stakeholders. This study was limited to only contractors who have being engaged by Gold-fields Ghana limited. Further studies can be expanded to include a wide range of contractors as a way of expanding the scope.

Source: KNUST
Exploring decision-making strategies adopted by construction managers in managing stakeholders on construction project

The understanding of projects management practices as an alliance of powerful individuals and interest groups remain as one of the most important issue in construction management practices. This study sought to explore decision-making strategies adopted by construction managers in managing stakeholders on construction projects. Hence the specific objectives included; to identify stakeholder attributes in construction projects; to identify the effects of stakeholder attributes on project delivery; and to identify decision-making strategies adopted by construction managers in managing stakeholders. A total of 65 questionnaires were distributed. Data gathered from the field survey were analyzed using mean score ranking techniques and one sample T-tests. The study revealed that most of respondents encountered the social or economic influences of stakeholders’ claims on the projects more often than the other behaviors. It was revealed that most construction managers selected Influence (Shaping proactively the values and demands of stakeholders; actively sharing information and building relationships with stakeholders) as the most adopted decision-making strategy.

Source: KNUST
Exploring employee attitude and productivity at Electricity Company of Ghana, Ashanti-East

The purposes of this study were to identify employees‘ attitudes towards work related activities at ECG, Ashanti- East, ascertain the factors that cause employee attitudes at ECG, Ashanti-East and ascertain the relationship between employee attitude and productivity at ECG, Ashanti-East. For the purpose of this study mixed method; non-probability convenience sampling design was used to explore employee attitude and productivity. The sample group (N = 40) consisted of male and female staff. The questionnaire looks at employee attitudes on three facets namely, employee attitudes towards work, causes of employee attitudes and relationship between employee attitudes and employee productivity. The employee attitudes towards work facets include employee participation, organizational commitment, job satisfaction, employee theft, employee lateness and employee absenteeism. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. The empirical findings from the study indicate that employees in the company recognize the relationship between employee attitude and productivity. The respondents however indicated their awareness of negative employee attitudes in the company. On the subject of job satisfaction the employee1s were highly satisfied towards monetary benefits. Some of the recommendations from the study include motivation of employees to contribute to productivity, extension of data collection and observation and comparison of different factors.

Source: KNUST