ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the impact of introducing rapid diagnostic testing on malaria case detection at retail pharmacies in Ghana

ABSTRACT Background In 2010, the World Health Organization issued a guideline that called for a shift from presumptive malaria treatment to test-based treatment. However, test-based treatment is still unpopular in a number of community pharmacies in Ghana. The purpose of this study was to assess the use of malaria rapid diagnostic testing in the management of suspected malaria cases at retail pharmacies in Ghana. Methods This study was done in 3 phases. The first was exploratory baseline study, in which a questionnaire was used to interview patients exiting on mode of diagnosis to establish the malaria diagnostic practices, understanding of the treatment and satisfaction of health care services. An interview also with retail pharmacists to assess their acceptance of mRDTs at their facilities. The second was an intervention study evaluating mRDTs (intervention) and PD (control) at retail pharmacies, and assessing pharmacists’ level of adherence to test results. The third phase was assessing the cost-benefit of mRDTs at private retail pharmacies using Willingness-To-Pay payment technique and direct and indirect cost approach. Results Most of the practitioners diagnosed malaria presumptively (83.0%, n = 44) as against (17.0%, n = 9). About 50% of pharmacists agreed to implement mRDTs. Sensitivity and specificity of the mRDTs were 90.68 + 11.18% and 98.68 + 1.19%, respectively. The Positive Predictive Value and Negative Predictive Value were both 98.0%; and false discovery rate, and false omission rate, were both 2.0%. Patients tested negative with iv mRDTs, 212 (62.0%) received ACTs. The benefit- cost ratio obtained for using mRDTs was 1.11. Conclusions Malaria diagnosis is largely presumptive. Generally, the patients have shown good understanding of treatment and satisfaction of health care services received. However, an indication to implement test-based diagnosis by pharmacist has been expressed, in spite of not routinely using diagnostic results. The performance of mRDTs in private retail pharmacies has shown much better accuracy than presumptive diagnosis in detecting malaria illness. Treatment based on tests result was not properly adhered to, and the cost benefit analysis of using mRDT was shown to be beneficial with much better economic value.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of inventory management practices on production performance in the beverage production industry. The moderating role of dynamic capabilities.

The research sought to assess the impact of inventory management practices on production performance in the beverage industry, looking at the moderating role of dynamic capabilities. The study focused on an industry perspective, and leveraged data from four alcoholic beverage manufacturing firms within Ghana. The study chooses a sample of 120 staff and managers of the beverage industry but received 117 responses were received which constitute 97.5% response rate. Data was collected from the respondents using structured questionnaires. The respondents were chosen using both purposive and convenience sampling techniques, and the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 was employed to analyze the data. The study found that the dominant inventory management practices in the beverage industry were; Economic order quantity, use of bar code scanner systems, enterprise resource planning systems, vendor managed inventory, and just-in-time. Economic order quantity, barcode scanner system, enterprise resource planning system, and vendor-managed inventory (independent variables) were found to have a significant and positive impact on production performance of the beverage manufacturing industry. The study found just-in-time (independent variable) to have an inverse and insignificant relationship and impact on production performance in the beverage industry. The study equally found economic order quantity to be the variable making most contribution to the prediction and production performance of the beverage industry. The study further found marketing capability, alliancing capability (independent variables) to have a positive and significant relationship with production performance of the beverage industries. Technological capability development (independent variable) was found to have inverse but positive relationship with production performance (dependent variable). Meanwhile, managerial capability (independent variable) has inverse and insignificant relationship with production performance of the beverage manufacturing industry. The study concluded that, a reasonable balance between dynamic capability strengthens the association between inventory management practices and production performance. Findings indicated that, introduction of dynamic capability into the operations of manufacturing firms enhance it level of performance. It is therefore recommended that, the beverage manufacturing managers should strategically manage and invest in boasting the performance of its dynamic capabilities so as to enhance performance.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of internally generated funds on Developmental projects in Ghana: a case of Sunyani Municipal Assembly.

A major role of the central government in most emerging economies is to provide the needs of the people at the local level. In furtherance of this role, central governments set up sub-governmental structures such as Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies at the local level. By large, local government bodies are empowered to undertake revenue mobilization functions to complement the developmental agenda of central governments. A primary source of revenue of local governmental bodies derives from the area of Internally Generated funds (IGF). Building on current literature, this research study was primarily undertaken to assess the capacity of a local governmental authority, the Sunyani Municipal Assembly in the mobilization of IGF. In particular, the research objectives were to examine the trends of the mobilization of IGF spanning 2010-2014, identify other potential sources of IGF, the challenges of revenue mobilization and the overall effect IGF has on developmental projects. The study employs both quantitative and qualitative research designs in its analysis of data. Both primary and secondary sources of data were adopted in the study. The secondary data was adapted from the official records of the Assembly pertaining to its collection and usage of IGF. The primary data was generated through interviews and questionnaires. Based on the outcome of the study, it was established that the Assembly has witnessed an increase in the trends of revenue generation over the sampling period. The potential sources of revenue were established to comprise, private hostels in the various tertiary campuses, mobile money vendors, betting companies, estate agents, and also to consider revaluation of properties at regular intervals. The challenges of revenue mobilization were found to be the lack of enforcement of tax regulations, misappropriation of funds, inadequate logistics and lack of trained personnel. Further it was found out that IGF play a key role in the execution of developmental projects such as clinics, classrooms and market buildings. From a policy perspective, the findings of the study suggest the need for the Assembly to train personnel for effective revenue mobilization, enforce tax regulations and punish corrupt officials.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of inventory management practices on production performance in the beverage production industry. The moderating role of dynamic capabilities.

The research sought to assess the impact of inventory management practices on production performance in the beverage industry, looking at the moderating role of dynamic capabilities. The study focused on an industry perspective, and leveraged data from four alcoholic beverage manufacturing firms within Ghana. The study chooses a sample of 120 staff and managers of the beverage industry but received 117 responses were received which constitute 97.5% response rate. Data was collected from the respondents using structured questionnaires. The respondents were chosen using both purposive and convenience sampling techniques, and the Statistical Package for Social Science version 20 was employed to analyze the data. The study found that the dominant inventory management practices in the beverage industry were; Economic order quantity, use of bar code scanner systems, enterprise resource planning systems, vendor managed inventory, and just-in-time. Economic order quantity, barcode scanner system, enterprise resource planning system, and vendor-managed inventory (independent variables) were found to have a significant and positive impact on production performance of the beverage manufacturing industry. The study found just in-time (independent variable) to have an inverse and insignificant relationship and impact on production performance in the beverage industry. The study equally found economic order quantity to be the variable making most contribution to the prediction and production performance of the beverage industry. The study further found marketing capability, alliancing capability (independent variables) to have a positive and significant relationship with production performance of the beverage industries. Technological capability development (independent variable) was found to have inverse but positive relationship with production performance (dependent variable). Meanwhile, managerial capability (independent variable) has inverse and insignificant relationship with production performance of the beverage manufacturing industry. The study concluded that, a reasonable balance between dynamic capability strengthens the association between inventory management practices and production performance. Findings indicated that, introduction of dynamic capability into the operations of manufacturing firms enhance it level of performance. It is therefore recommended that, the beverage manufacturing managers should strategically manage and invest in boasting the performance of its dynamic capabilities so as to enhance performance.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of knowledge management on the performance of Ghanaian Construction firms

Most construction firms value the goals of improving on their projects in relation to the duration of work to be done and cost of the works. Failure to achieve this set goals can instigate negative effects in the likes of increasing the cost of project, projects running behind schedule and loss of productivity, therefore, contributing to the poor performance of the construction firms. The practice of knowledge management (knowledge acquired from previous experiences) is said to promote or improve organisational innovation, business performance, client satisfaction and the duration in project execution. Therefore, this study sought to assess the impact of firms applying knowledge management on the performance of construction firms in Ghana. This aim necessitated three objectives: to examine the effects of knowledge management on performance of Ghanaian construction firms, to identify experts expectations of knowledge management in the construction firms, and to examine the methods of knowledge, transfer in the construction firms. To this end, a great deal of extant literature was reviewed at depth. This research adopted a case study of three (3) selected construction firms within the Greater Accra region, the Accra metropolis to be precise. The quantitative approach was employed in this study, utilizing well-structured questionnaires which were administered to 60 respondents. The study uncovered increase in client satisfaction, increase in organisational revenue, reduction in time and cost of solving problems and also increase in quality service as the significant positive effects of knowledge management on firm’s performance. Also, the critical negative effects of knowledge management on firms’ performance were identified as time constraint, high cost of knowledge management implementation, difficulties in knowledge extraction, and lack of organisational culture. This study will provide a guiding framework for construction firms within the construction industry to effectively incorporate knowledge management practices into their business activities. The study therefore recommends that, management must be iii iv efficient in their transfer of knowledge and to ensue technological input in the effective management of knowledge in order to boost their performance.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of leadership styles of Head Teachers on academic performance: A case study of selected Schools in the Manhyia Sub-Metro

The role of head teachers in every institution is very central to the success of the school. Head teachers are responsible for promoting good teaching and learning practices among teachers and students. The role of head teachers has become so crucial that they need to possess the right leadership attributes in order to enable their schools to attain a positive and productive work environment. The focus of the research was is to assess the impact of the various leadership styles adapted by head teachers in their quest to ensure that their schools attain the needed academic results. A total of 355 respondents for Pupils, 93 Teachers and 6 Head Teachers were used for the study. In all 454 respondents were used to gather the information required to make the analysis. the results of the study revealed that, with respect to the leadership style practiced by head teachers, when a holistic path –goal leadership style is practiced it will produce a positive effect on academic performance but when they are practiced in isolation the effect of the leadership style is nullified by situational factors and group characteristics. Therefore for head teachers to see the influence of their leadership they must practice the various leadership styles on the whole but not in isolation. Teachers input and Student efforts were also the only situational variables that were seen to have a significant moderating effect on achievement of high academic performance hence if these group characteristics are monitored they will produce the best of academic performances for schools.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of microfinance interventions on the performance of small and medium scale enterprises (SMES): a case study of Sinapi Aba Trust and First Allied Savings and Loans Ltd in the Kumasi Metropolis

Microfinance is an idea whose time has come: it meets the moment when government attention has fallen upon the social exclusion of those on low income and has no or limited access to banking services. This study provides an empirical examination of the performance and impact of Microfinance institutions in mobilizing Micro savings and offering credit for Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The results of this study strengthen the view that credit support from Microfinance institutions is imperative if small and medium scale enterprises in Ghana are to perform well. Furthermore, it is evident that there was improvement in the condition of clients after the receipt of credit. Findings from the ‘Before and After’ methodology were validated by the ‘With and Without’ methodology. Both Snappi Aba Trust (SAT) and First Allied and Savings Loans Limited (FASL) achieved positive impacts on beneficiaries of their respective credit schemes.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of marketing strategies on sales performance at gcb bank limited.

Marketing strategies are means through which firms promote their products. Strategic marketing is not only relevant to service but equally relevant to products, The general objective of the study was to assess the impact of marketing strategies on sales performance of GCB Bank Limited. The descriptive research design was utilized with the study population coming from all GCB Bank branches in the greater Kumasi area. The study’s data collection instrument was a questionnaire. The systematic sampling technique was used to sample the views of the respondents who were 186. The study’s findings revealed that price and product, position and promotion, and price, packages and position strategies were the marketing strategies used by GCB Bank Limited in promoting its products and services. It was also concluded that increase in the number of products sales, growth in the amount of GCB Bank product sales, and high customer satisfaction staff level measure the sales performance of the bank. The study also concluded that the marketing strategies of the bank have a statistically significant positive effect on sales performance. Lastly, the study reveals that the gap between market planning and its execution as well as the bank’s structures challenge their marketing strategies implementation. Therefore, it is obvious that the marketing strategies employed by GCB Bank Limited positively impact on its sales performance. It is therefore recommended that the bank see the need to maintain these strategies and improve on it to attract more customers to say in business.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Impact of Management Activities on the Densu River Basin-Ghana

The Densu River takes its source from the Atewa Range and flows for 116 kilometers into the Weija Reserviour before entering the sea through the Densu Delta Ramsar Site (Sakumo Lagoon). The objective of the study were to assess the performance of management activities on the Densu River Basin.The specific objectives included identifying key management activities, determination of the water quality of the basin, and determination of trends in chemicals consumption at the Koforidua, Nsawwam and Weija Headworks...

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of microfinance on poverty reduction in the Kumasi Metropolis

In Ghana, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) are recognized as important development instruments in the fight against poverty. This recognition has paved way for establishment of microfinance institutions. This current study assesses the impact of Microfinance Institution on poverty reduction in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive research design and purposively sampled 338 loan beneficiaries from Multi Credit Savings and Loan Limited, First Allied Savings and Loans Limited, Opportunity International Savings and Loans limited and Sinapi Aba Trust Savings and Loans Limited in the Kumasi Metropolis. The study showed economically active poor had more access to finance as a result of the introduction of microfinance schemes. However, microfinance had not entirely removed all barriers to access finance. Microfinance institutions had improved incomes of the economically active poor, consumption of durable items (such as fridge, TV/ video player and stove/ cookers), health care and education among economically active poor household. The major challenges facing microfinance institutions were high rate loan repayment default and poor data of the clients. It was recommended that loan application form and other documentation as requirement for loan should be simplified. It was recommended that microfinance institutions in the Kumasi Metropolis should be encouraged and assisted to extend more loan to economically active poor. The stakeholders in microfinance industry should assist the industry to develop improved and adequate data on client for easy identification of clients.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of microfinance on production and income distribution - a case study of Ashanti Region

Microfinance, and its impact, has received considerable attention over the last few decades, several studies confirm a positive impact on the beneficiaries. Nevertheless, these studies only consider the effect of a micro-loan whilst microfinance nowadays incorporates much more than just credit. This study seeks to assess some of the barriers to accessing microfinance, availability, and Affordability of the service, readiness of client to utilize the services as well as readiness of providers to render the service. The main objective is to assess the impact of microfinance on production and income distribution Kumasi Metropolis of Ashanti Region. « A descriptive current cross-sectional study was done from June 2008 to September 2008 in the Kumasi Metropolis with an estimated total population of 1,625,180. Simple Random sampling method was used to select 300 respondents from some microfinance and savings and loans institutions. At the end of the study, it was realized that 120 out of 300 respondents (40%) had accessed the service for more than twice and about 150 out of 300 (50%) had accessed it once. About 260 (87%) out of 300 respondents also confirms improvement in their living standards through the microfinance. But only 40 (13%) of respondents had not seen any improvement in their living In conclusion, the fact that more people are accessing the services shows more people are embraracing the introduction of the service. Thus, there is still room for more to be done in terms of reasonable interest rates, flexible repayment terms, protection of deposits of others savings and proper training and education of staff of the microfinance institutions.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the impact of mobile money transfer service on the socioeconomic status of the mobile money vendors: Case of Kumasi metropolis.

The number of Mobile Money subscribers is on ascendency in Ghana even though the service is a new phenomenon. This has provided opportunities for all manner of people to act as mobile money vendors within the sector for various economic reasons. The study therefore sought to assess the impact of Mobile Money Transfer (MMT) service on the socioeconomic impact of Mobile Money (MM) vendors in Ghana. The variables used to assess the socioeconomic impact on vendors include: income levels, employment characteristics and the standard of living. The study also assessed some of the relevant challenges facing MMT service within Kumasi Metropolis that are likely to affect their activities. The research approach was a quantitative (through questionnaire) where a descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was MM vendors in Kumasi Metropolis of which a sample size of one hundred and four respondents was chosen for the analysis with the aid of SPSS software. The responses revealed that there is a significant effects of income levels, employment characteristics and standards of living on the socio economic status of the MM vendors in the study area. The results also show that network and system challenges as well user unfriendliness negatively affect the service delivery within Kumasi Metropolis. Although MMT service is relatively a new field in Ghana, it has unlimited exploration potentials within which one can study for further research for academic, government agencies, corporate bodies, NGOs and other fields of interest. The study therefore recommend that Bank of Ghana, Ministry of Communication and National Communication Authority and other policy makers take critical measures to ensure that MM operators address these challenges to improve upon the quality of service delivery in the sector since that significantly affect the activities of MM vendors in Ghana.

Source: KNUST