ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Impact of Tillage and Phosphorus application on Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency of maize (Zea mays l.)

There is limited information on the impact of tillage and phosphorus application on phosphorus uptake and use efficiency of maize at different stages of growth and, the implication for crop yield on different soil types in Ghana. To bridge this gap in knowledge, a study was undertaken in the minor rainy season of 2013 on an Orthi-Ferric Acrisol at Anwomaso and Rhodic Lixisol at Ejura in the Semi-deciduous forest and Forest-savannah transition Agro-ecological zones of Ghana, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at both locations. The treatments used were two tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems and four phosphorus application rates: 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha -1 in the form of triple superphosphate (TSP) designated as P0, P30, P60 and P90, with basal applications of nitrogen and potassium at the rates of 90 kg N ha -1 and 60 kg K2O ha -1 . Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency indices such as recovery efficiency (PRE), partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (PAE) and utilization efficiency (PUtE) were evaluated at different stages of crop growth viz: juvenile stage (V6), peak vegetative growth (V12) and at physiological maturity (R6). The results showed tillage to generally influence P uptake and use efficiency of maize in both agro-ecological zones at V12. The different rates of P applied progressively enhanced the total P concentrations of maize plants in the order P0 < P30 < P60 < P90. Phosphorus was efficiently utilized by the maize crops at P60 than at P90 on both soils. Significant tillage x phosphorus interactions (p < 0.05) were recorded among treatment combinations at V6, V12 and R6 with regards to PRE, PFP, PAE and PUtE at both Anwomaso and Ejura. The P60 led to significantly higher PRE and PAE, however, the highest PFP was recorded under P30. The study recorded a high PRE range of 40.90 – 55.20 % at R6 on the Rhodic Lixisol at Ejura and even a iv higher value of 64.50 % under NTP60. Though CTP60 recorded the highest grain yield on both locations, NTP60 recorded grain yield comparable to that of CTP60 at Ejura.

Source: KNUST
Impact of tillage and soil amendments on cereal production in the Sahelian Zone of Mali

A field study was carried out at Sikidolo in the Sahelian zone of Mali to assess the impact of tillage and soil amendments on the growth and yield of millet and sorghum. Two experiments were conducted for millet and for sorghum. The treatments consisted of two tillage practices (contour ridge and hoe tillage) and five soil amendments (organic manure, urea, rock phosphate and lime). The experiment was factorial in RCBD with 3 replications. The contour ridge outyielded the hoe tillage in most of the measured parameters. The respective percentage increment under millet and sorghum were 12.5 and 9 % for plant height, and 12 and 61 % for grain yield. Millet biomass yield and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were increased by 65 % and 316 % respectively by contour ridge. Contour ridge did not significantly (p<0.05) influence soil pH, exchangeable K, and available phosphorus, although it had higher values than the hoe tillage and significantly increased soil organic carbon under millet (48 %) and sorghum (15 %). The application of manure increased sorghum height by 94 %, grain yield by 576 % and biomass yield by 162 % while it increased millet height by 61 %, grain yield by 112 % and biomass yield by 198 % relative to the no amendment. The application of manure for both millet and sorghum did not significantly (p < 0.05) affect soil chemical properties, although soil organic carbon value was highest with the application of manure. The integrated use of manure and inorganic fertilizers increased sorghum and millet growth, yield and NUE relative to the application of the manure but did not significantly increase soil chemical properties relative to the application of manure alone. With a value cost ratio (VCR) less than 2.0, all the treatments were not economically profitable. However, on a relative basis, the application of manure was promising with a VCR of 1.8 and 1.0 under millet and sorghum respectively. Based on grain yield and iv corresponding absolute monetary value, the contour ridge was more profitable than the hoe tillage.

Source: KNUST
Impact of tillage and phosphorus application on phosphorus uptake and use efficiency of maize (Zea mays L.)

There is limited information on the impact of tillage and phosphorus application on phosphorus uptake and use efficiency of maize at different stages of growth and, the implication for crop yield on different soil types in Ghana. To bridge this gap in knowledge, a study was undertaken in the minor rainy season of 2013 on an Orthi-Ferric Acrisol at Anwomaso and Rhodic Lixisol at Ejura in the Semi-deciduous forest and Forest-savannah transition Agro-ecological zones of Ghana, respectively. The experiment was laid out in a split-plot, arranged in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications at both locations. The treatments used were two tillage systems: conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems and four phosphorus application rates: 0, 30, 60 and 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 in the form of triple superphosphate (TSP) designated as P0, P30, P60 and P90, with basal applications of nitrogen and potassium at the rates of 90 kg N ha-1 and 60 kg K2O ha-1. Phosphorus uptake and use efficiency indices such as recovery efficiency (PRE), partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (PAE) and utilization efficiency (PUtE) were evaluated at different stages of crop growth viz: juvenile stage (V6), peak vegetative growth (V12) and at physiological maturity (R6). The results showed tillage to generally influence P uptake and use efficiency of maize in both agro-ecological zones at V12. The different rates of P applied progressively enhanced the total P concentrations of maize plants in the order P0 < P30 < P60 < P90. Phosphorus was efficiently utilized by the maize crops at P60 than at P90 on both soils. Significant tillage x phosphorus interactions (p < 0.05) were recorded among treatment combinations at V6, V12 and R6 with regards to PRE, PFP, PAE and PUtE at both Anwomaso and Ejura. The P60 led to significantly higher PRE and PAE, however, the highest PFP was recorded under P30. The study recorded a high PRE range of 40.90 – 55.20 % at R6 on the Rhodic Lixisol at Ejura and even a higher value of 64.50 % under NTP60. Though CTP60 recorded the highest grain yield on both locations, NTP60 recorded grain yield comparable to that of CTP60 at Ejura.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of the Use of Smart Mobile Devices on Sleep Quality among Health Trainees at College of Health and Well-Being, Kintampo - Ghana

Sleep quality is an essential need of humans especially the young and the old. A good night or good sleep is a great determinant of one‘s ability to function effectively and efficiently during the daytime activities. The main objective of this study was to ascertain the impact of the use of smart mobile devices on sleep quality among health trainees at the College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo. Significantly, it verifies whether the frequent use of smart mobile devices have any impact on sleeping habits that lead to any sleeping disorders. A cross-sectional study design was used to assess the evidence of relationship between smart device usage and sleep duration, subjective sleep quality, daytime sleepiness, and sleep quality index, of respondents as well as their demographic characteristics. The internationally accepted tool for assessing sleep quality index from the Pittsburgh University was used to determine the score of respondents‘ sleep quality index. The research was conducted at the College of Health and Well-being, Kintampo among the trainees from different programmes of study comprising a sample of 500 students. Pilot study survey was conducted with 200 trainees from the Techiman Nurses‘ Training College Techiman Ghana. Primary insomnia was the most prevalent sleep disorder among the respondents (52.24%) and this formed the majority of the respondents. There was evidence of a linear by linear relationship between the frequency of the number of smart mobile devices usage and respondents with insomnia. The sleep quality worsens with increasing addiction of smart mobile devices usage.

Source: KNUST
The impact of total quality management (TQM) on completed small towns water supply systems in the Volta Region

The aim of this study was to explore the impacts of total quality management (TQM) on the management of completed small towns water supply systems in the Volta Region. Data were gathered from a total of 53 officials of the CWSA and community water supply technicians through a questionnaire survey. The data was analyzed with descriptive statistics using frequencies and a Relative Importance Index (RII). Analysis of the data revealed that TQM has been impactful especially in the areas of system management through regular recording of project breakdowns, ensuring availability of trained personnel to carry out repairs and regular monitoring of project functionality to enhance customer satisfaction. The research showed that there are significant factors that affect the implementation of TQM with the main ones being that “Management has a clear vision for implementing quality goals”, “Top-level managers set clear quality goals” and “Management creates quality awareness among employees”. Overall, the analysis of the challenges of TQM implementation in the small towns water supply systems has revealed that there are significant challenges including poor communication, lack of statistical quality control techniques, absence of long Term planning, inadequate project funds and the lack of customer focus. The study concludes that the support and commitment that management takes in implementing a total quality environment is critical to the success of TQM implementation. Based on the findings of the study, the research recommends the development of an effective total quality management system with positive hands on leadership and management support.

Source: KNUST
Impact of total quality management on organisational performance: A case of Kuntenase Government and Saint Michael’s Hospitals of the Bosomtwe District

The study aimed at investigating the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) on Organizational Performance. The study was conducted in the Kuntenase Government’s and St. Michael’s Hospitals of the Bosomtwi District in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The study’s sample size was 80 from each hospital and included management, staff and clients. The research used both primary and secondary data collected from the respondents and data mining respectively. Variables used to capture TQM are management commitment through reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy and tangibles. The organizational performance was measured by customer satisfaction, increased productivity and competitive advantage. The data generated was analysed using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression technique to determine the significance of the independent variables has on triple constraint variables. Descriptive statistics was used to test the data. The results show that TQM has positive impact on organizational performance. In light of these findings, the study made some recommendations, such as, the need for top managements of both hospitals to continue to look into ways to increase its employees’ empowerment and participation for continuous improvement

Source: KNUST
The impact of total quality management on customer satisfaction: a case of Electricity Company of Ghana Limited (ECG) - Ashanti and Accra West Regions.

Customer satisfaction is perhaps one of the most talked about challenges of organisations, both in the public and private sectors. Indeed this represents every organisation sole purpose, is at the heart of every mission statement and is the ultimate goal of any strategies put in place. Customer satisfaction is actually the objective of any TQM programme. As such a TQM organisation is basically a customer-oriented organisation. The main objective of the study was to assess the impact TQM has had on customer satisfaction since its inception in EGG in 1994. EGG Ashanti and Accra West Regions were used for the study. The methodology used involved a survey and desk--study. Questionnaires and interviews were used to obtain primary data whiles secondary data was obtained from the company’s CBIS and other relevant sources. The overall level of customer satisfaction was estimated to be between 5.68 and 5.69 using interval estimate at 95% confidence level. The study also revealed that only 64% of all employees below the rank of supervisors were aware of the TQM concept, out of which only 56% had understanding of the TQM concept. It was also revealed that the low level of customer satisfaction inspite of the TQM implementation results among other things from poor billing system and distribution, unannounced outage to customers. Poor responds to faults, poor quality of services, etc. On the basis of the results obtained, the researcher concluded that Electricity Company of Ghana has not been able to satisfy its customers despite the implementation of TQM and therefore offered a number of useful recommendations for management consideration.

Source: KNUST
The impact of Trade Liberalisation on Formal Sector Employment in Ghana

This research paper derives a simple econometric model of employment determination and employs the technique of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) linear regression to empirically investigate the principal factors affecting formal sector employment in Ghana for the period 1970-2002 before and after the introduction of the trade liberalization programme in Ghana under the Economic Recovery Programme (ERP)., Theoretical foundations were established to ensure that results obtained could be interpreted within conventional research requirements. Following an empirical analysis of trade liberalization and employment, the paper attempts to validate the findings for the survey periods. A basic model of non-trade variables are first used to determine their individual and joint effect on formal sector employment. Subsequently, trade variables are introduced to augment the basic model. The empirical results corroborate the model, with the effect that trade policy variables play an important role in the determination of formal sector employment in Ghana. All trade variables namely average tariff, exchange rate and openness (except liberalization dummy) show the expected signs in the regressions and are all statistically significant at the conventional levels in all the trials. Contrary to arguments in some quarters, the study reveals that trade liberalization is not responsible for the low level of formal sector employment in the country, as this argument could not be supported by the data available and the results of our empirical study. The study has shown that the net impact of trade liberalization on formal sector employment in Ghana has been positive in spite of adjustment costs associated with it and reduction in employment in the import substitution industries. The main conclusion that can be drawn from our empirical analysis is that, the poor performance in formal sector employment cannot be attributed to trade liberalization policy but could be due to some macroeconomic fundamentals and other policy shifts. These other factors among other things may include the retrenchment and redeployment of workers from the public sector and parastatal organizations; the divestiture of state-owned enterprises; the slow response of the private sector and new investment to the new policy changes; the low labour absorptive capacity of the new firms despite the policy changes.

Source: KNUST
The impact of traffic education on road safety in Ghana: the case of selected geographical areas in Ashanti Region

Education on road safety in Ghana has recently assumed much intensity and yielded a tremendous improvement in road safety. However, at its rudimentary stages, the traffic educational process was found to be muddled and lopsided, with little prospect of achieving maximum effect. Discrepant and incoherent discourses were contained in traffic teaching and learning materials. Invalid and unreliable units of evaluation were used to assess the performance of motorists. A number of road signs, the law, and Traffic Law Enforcement Agents functioned in ways that placed the motorist in an uncomfortable road-user system which affected his attitude and eventually led to prosecution. Significantly, the study refuted, with substantial data, a general speculative perception that motorists who have not had school education (wrongly described as illiterates) are the category of drivers who are deficient in driving, incapable of identifying road signs, and the major cause of road accidents. Studying drunk-driving closely, the research found that other drugs belonging to the benzodiazepines, anthelmintics and antihistamines (genuinely obtained from the hospital or pharmaceutical shops) also cause the same effects of drunk-driving but had not attracted enough attention to be discussed in traffic education. Generally, the study established that, the crux of the problem regarding ineffective traffic education was created by the lack of a curriculum leading to insequential teaching and learning activity.

Source: KNUST
Impact of training and development on employee performance in the local government of Ghana (a case study of Nsawam Adoagyiri municipal assembly).

The concept of employee training and development is very critical to organizational development as well as the employees. This study therefore examines the impact of training and development programs in the municipal practices at the Nsawam Adoagyiri Municipal Assembly with recommendations that are necessary for organizational development, also the Nsawam Municipal Assembly and the nation as a whole. The study used a descriptive research design which is a qualitative approach aimed at gathering an in-depth understanding of the problem under study and to provide a window through which we see and comment on significant issues. The use of interview guide was implemented in collecting qualitative data. The qualitative data that is collected from the field by means of recording was transcribed, edited and analyzed. Based on the first objective of the study, it was revealed that most of the employees had not received training that had either been organized or sponsored. The findings also showed a positive correlation between the training and development and the employee work habit and morale according the second objective. By the third objective to identify the possible ways to improve upon the training and development within the municipality, respondents gave out suggestions of equal opportunity to be trained and also encouraged training on local governance.

Source: KNUST
The impact of training and development on job performance (A case study of the Judicial Service of Ghana)

The Judicial Service of Ghana as a Public Service Institution is the organ responsible for the day to day administration of the Courts and Tribunals of the land. To achieve the above function of the Judicial Service of Ghana, part of its budgetary allocation has been earmarked solely for training of judges, magistrates and judicial staff to enhance their capacity to perform their duties effectively and efficiently so as to achieve the vision and mission statements of the Service. To this effect, the judicial training institute which has the mandate to promote effective training of judges, magistrates and judicial staff, has over the years conducted and continue to provide training to judges, magistrates and judicial staff to build their capacity to perform their functions effectively. Notwithstanding the huge investment in training by the Judicial Service of Ghana, the service is confronted with a lot of challenges in achieving its vision and mission statements. These challenges include delays in the processing of court cases and the need to constantly upgrade the skills of judicial staff, judges and magistrates to cope with new trends in efficient justice delivery. This study seeks to evaluate the impact of the huge investment made in training on job performance of judicial staff. The researcher used both primary and secondary sources of for the conduct the research. The research findings revealed that the training conducted by the Judicial Service of Ghana for its employees was very negligible. The research further recommends that the frequency of Training provided by the Judicial Service of Ghana should be improved to ensure that more employees have access to Training and Development. Again, Training and Development offered by the Judicial Service of Ghana should ensure a better understanding of the Mission and Vision statement of the Judicial Service of Ghana so that, employees can identify themselves with the organizational values in the discharge of the duties.

Source: KNUST
The impact of training and development on work performance (A case study of the Commission on Human Rights & Administrative Justice (CHRAJ) – Ashanti Region)

The necessity for improved work performance has been acknowledged globally and the fact that this depends on efficient and effective training and development programmes cannot be downplayed. Training is a learning process that involves the acquisition of knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform a job. The study aimed at finding out the impact of training and development on work performance of CHRAJ staff –Ashanti Region. It focused on how training needs assessments are conducted, the various training methods employed, the training policies and procedures available, the impact of training and development on work performance and how training and development programmes are evaluated in the Commission. To achieve these, data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources and both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The study found out that training needs assessments are mostly conducted through annual appraisal process and are determined by management of the Commission and that basic skills and capabilities are identified for different workers in each department. The study recommends that appraisal should be revised to reflect professional and specialized needs of staff through periodic examinations in the form of simulation to identify training needs. There should also be active involvement of staff and their immediate supervisors in the determination of training and development needs. Again, it is recommended that a mix of training methods should be adopted and there should be both pre and post evaluation of training programmes.

Source: KNUST