ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The performance effect of mergers and acquisitions-the case of Guinness Ghana Breweries Group

This work explores the effect of the consolidation between Guinness Ghana Limited and Ghana Breweries Limited on the financial performance of the new company, Guinness Ghana Breweries. The study outlines the review of literature on mergers and acquisitions in general, which covers the impact of mergers and acquisitions on employment, shareholders, organizational culture and financial performance. Further, financial statement of the individual companies as well as the group were for three years namely, 2003 ( a year prior to the merger), 2004 (the year of merger), and 2005 ( a year after the merger) and compared to ascertain the changes in financial ratios, either positive or negative, as a basis for assessing performance. The ratios analyzed include Profitability, Activity, Liquidity, Gearing and Shareholder. To ascertain information necessary to generate the ratios analyzed include Profitability, Activity, Liquidity, Gearing and Shareholder. To ascertain information necessary to generate the ratios, research findings of exiting works and annual reports of Guinness Ghana Limited covering 2003, 2004 and 2005 were used. The research revealed that the overall performance of Guinness Ghana Limited in aggregate terms was not enhanced after the integration. Finally, suggestions and recommendations are made to guide prospective mergers and acquisitions to minimise the possibilities of failure. Even though the consolidation is generally known to the public as a merger, it will be referred to as an acquisition based on the percentage shareholdings of Guinness Ghana Limited.

Source: KNUST
Performance Evaluation Of A Crossflow Column Drying System With A Biomass Burner Heat Source

Grain drying is an important unit operation due to the vital role it plays in reducing grain loss and improving storability of grains. It is therefore, necessary to provide drying options which can easily be adopted by small-scale farmers in Ghana and other parts of sub-Saharan Africa. In view of that, this study assessed the technical and economic performance of a 500 kg capacity crossflow column dryer with a biomass burner heat source. The study applied the method of Analytical Hierarchy Process in the selection of an appropriate biomass burner which was incorporated into the drying system. System Thinking Approach was adopted in the development of a mathematical model to simulate the performance of the biomass burner. The model was validated with experimental results, which revealed an under prediction of burner efficiency by 4.06 %. 250 kg of maize at an initial moisture content of 22.30 % was used to assess the complete drying system and, its economic viability was appraised using Net Present Value (NPV), Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Payback Period (PBP) and Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR). The results of the study showed that per every 0.1 m increase in the length of heat exchanger, burner efficiency would have the capability to be increased by 20.4 % ± 1.34. Per the operating conditions presented in the study, drying rate and drying efficiency of 1.81 % and 64.65 % were achieved, respectively. The economic performance of the drying system also showed that for an operation period of 10 years, which represents the lifespan of the column dryer, NPV, IRR, PBP and BCR of GH¢ 8,094, 67 %, 1.48 yrs and 2.55 are anticipated to be achieved, respectively. From the results of the study, it can be inferred that the drying system could be adopted as a viable drying option by smallholder maize farmers in farming communities in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of a GSM/GPRS cellular network using the CSSR with direct TCH Assignment Feature.

All GSM operators use Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to judge their network performance and evaluate the Quality of Service (QoS) regarding end user perceived quality. KPIs are becoming increasingly important in the context of network rollouts as well as within mature network optimization cycles. The performance of the mobile network is measured based on several counters describing the most important events over a measurement period. The KPIs are derived with the help of these counters using different formulations. Call Setup Success Rate (CSSR) is one of the most important KPIs used by all mobile operators. The study made a comparative analysis of measured CSSR and an estimated CSSR which was evaluated using the CSSR formulation presented in [17]. Results obtained from graphical representations showed that the measured CSSR were within acceptable levels though a number of sharp drops were recorded. The estimated CSSR, on the other hand, showed significant improvements in areas where sharp drops in CSSR values were recorded for the measured CSSR. Significantly high R square values of close to 1 representing a high predictive ability from the regression analysis of the estimated CSSR were also recorded. It was concluded that the implementation of the CSSR formulation be extended to CSSR measurements to ensure increased subscriber satisfaction.

Source: KNUST
Performance Evaluation of a Water Distribution Network with the help of a Computer Model – Breman Asikuma

It is pertinent that in a bid to minimise cost and yet still provide excellent services, water utilities find means of operating and maintaining their water systems efficiently and effectively. Computer modelling which is now catching up in Ghana has been adopted all over the world as the key to effective monitoring of water supply systems. They are used to monitor the system through pressurised nipes as well as water quality changes from the treatment to the final consumer. This study examines the Breman Asikuma network constructed to serve a population of about 12,200 in the Central Region. The study involves an assessment of pressure levels and water quality in the system. Computer software that was developed by the US Environmental Protection Agency EPANET was used in building the model and assessing it. Two (2) models with 5 different scenarios were built for the network. The hydraulic component used is from data collected from the design report and calibrated to reflect changes on the ground, Measurements were also carried out during the fieldwork, water quality results are from past records and laboratory test carried during the fieldwork. The models confirmed adequate pressures when compared to GWCL guidelines set in their manual. In two of the scenarios different pump units were recommended to boost pressure in the system. The water quality in terms of residual chlorine was inadequate and needed improvement. For all the scenarios, residual leaving the main elevated tank had to be increased with additional boosting at the hospital and one other node. Consumption of potable water was rather low in the community whereas the use of well, rain harvested and river water was relatively intense. Production at the treatment works is very low. it was recommended that extensive public education and sensitisation be carried out In the community as well as frequent monitoring of water quality. The use of models would go a long way in assisting the GWCL in planning maintenance schedules, assessing water quality and pressure levels in any network.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of Achimota FSTP

Physico-chemical and microbiological studies were conducted on the Achimota faecal sludge treatment plant from May 10 to June 14, 2001, in order to evaluate the performance of the plant. The final effluent qualities are listed below together with the EPA guidelines. Parameter Final Final effluent quality EPA guideline Temperature(°C) pH Conductivity (mS/m) BOD (mg/l) COD (mg/l) SS (mg/l) Ammonia-Nitrogen Nitrate-Nitrogen Phosphate-Phosphorus Faecal Coliform 34.6 8.1 94 417 2219 1110 634 Below detectable limit 77 0.4 x 106 <3°C above ambient 6-9 15 50 250 50 1 0.1 2 10 The percentage removals were 50%, 78%, 97%, 35%, 58% and 10% for BOD, COD, SS, Ammonia-Nitrogen, Phosphate-Phosphorus and Faecal Coliform respectively. The overall low treatment efficiency was due to overloading, high ammonia concentration in the ponds, inadequate pond sizes, short retention times and poor sludge management. To achieve the effluent guidelines advocate by the EPA, two proposed designs (Figs 4.15 and 4.16) have been recommended among a number of recommendations. A recommendation has been made for privatisation of the management of the proposed treatment plant.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of Acoordome (near Sogakope) and Keseve (near Ada) water treatment plants in the South Tongu District of the Volta Region

This document is the project report on the performance evaluation of the Agordorne and Keseve water treatment plants, as well as the comparison of the water from these plants with brands of bottled water namely, Voltic. Yes. Aquafill and Smile. The two plants which constitute the South Eastern Water Supply Project are to supply water to about 70 communities of about 120.000 people. The bigger plant situated at Agordome near Sogakope in the South Tongu district of the Volta Region has a design capacity of 350m3/h or 8400 m3/d. But it is presently doing an average of 2 100 m3/d. just about 25 % of the design capacity. The smaller plant at Keseve near Ada has a design capacity of 65m3/h or 1560 m3/d. But it is presently doing an average of 890 m3/d. about 57 % of the design capacity. The plants have similar designs the differences being in the sizes and the number of the various treatment units. Both plants have raw water sumps with submersible intake pumps single drop cascade aerators constant head rapid gravity sand filters, contact/balance tanks treated water vertical turbine pumps back wash! service water pumps and tanks, sampling pump, surge tanks, air blowers and laboratory equipment. Others include chemical solution tanks and dosing pumps for alum and lime and chlorine dosing equipment. The Agordome plant has been found to produce final water of lower turbidity values (0.5 - 3.2 NTU) than the Keseve plant (0.3-7 NTU), and of lower colour values (<5 Hazen) than the Keseve plant (<5-30 Hazen) The average removal efficiency of turbidity at Agordorne (51 %) is higher than at Keseve (38.5 %). The Agordome plant produces water of lower cost per unit cubic meter sent out (¢266/m3), about half the cost at Keseve (¢502/m3). With respect to the percentage of water sent out to the raw water pumped, the Agordorne plant has a higher average value (95.6 %) than the Keseve plant, which has an average value of (91.2 %). The normal filtration rate at Agordome ranges from 1.18 to 3.55 m/h with a design rate of 5.47 m/h. That at Keseve ranges from 2.43 to 3.89 m/h with a design rate of 3.16 m/h. When one filter is taken out for washing, the rate at Agordome ranges fron 1 .58 to 4.73 m/h with a design rate of 7.29 m/h. That at Keseve ranges from 4.86 to 7.78 m/h with a design rate of 7.22 m/h. The final water from plants and the bottled water samples were all within the WHO and Ghana standards.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of Bamag and Canadian water treatment plants at Weija waterworks in Accra

This is an engineering study report on performance evaluation of two conventional water treatment plants, Bamag and Canadian Plants, at Weija Water Works in Accra. The study ‘as carried out from April 1st to July 30th 2001. The study provides information on the capabilities and limitations of the various unit processes and operations to contribute towards engineering solutions to the problem of inadequate water supply in Accra. On-site water quality and filtration operation analyses were carried out to evaluate final water quality removal efficiencies, production efficiencies of filters, backwash, filter media, and coagulant dosage of each plant. Operating records were also reviewed to evaluate plant performance between 1997 and 2001. Drinking Water Quality Standard and GWCL plant performance targets were used as performance criteria for the evaluation. Results of overall removal efficiencies of Colour, Turbidity, Iron, Manganese and Coliform for Barnag Plant ranged 92-96°/s. 89-91%. 67-100%. 100% and 100°/o respectively, and for Canadian Plant, the range were 9 1-94%. 75-92%, 83-100°/o. 100% and 100°/o respectively. Production efficiencies (percentage of filter design capacity) of Barnag and Canadian filters ranged 82-93% and. 116-157.8% respectively whereas water production by the plants as percentage of rated plant capacity ranged 84.8-99% and 57.4-78.8% respectively. Two filters were in use in Canadian instead of four hence the high filter production efficiencies. Percentage backwash water for Barnag and Canadian individual filters ranged 3.4-11.4% and 0.4%-2.5% respectively. The effective size of sand media for Bamag and Canadian were 0.7mm and 0.82 mm with uniformity coefficient of 2.1 and 2.1 respectively. The effective size of Bamag sand media was lower than the design size of 0.95 mm. Bamag bed expansion was as low as 6%. Bamag and Canadian filtration rates ranged 5.68-6.12 m/h and 8.06-11.19 m/h respectively. Conclusions reached were that a comparison of the two plants indicated that turbidity removal by Bamag was considerably higher than that of Canadian: Bamag actual alum dosage was less than both the nominal and Canadian alum dosages: final water qualities of both plants were within the Drinking Water Quality Standard but did not meet GWCL plant performance target at times. Bamag final water quality and water production after the rehabilitation, in 1 998 were excellent. The performance now indicates deterioration in both effluent quality and water production. It is recommended that the Bamag sand media he replaced with sand of effective size of 0.95 mm and the depth reduced from 0.9m to 0.8m. The design of Bamag plant is recommended for new water treatment works however the filter designs especially the limited water head need to be modified to increase the water head over sand.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of companies listed on the Ghana stock exchange

Given the attractive nature of stocks that outperforms the market, Efficient Market Hypothesis (EMH) proposed that in an efficient market, no investor is expected to consistently outperform or beat the market. However, the story was not different in the case of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). The study evaluates the performance of twenty six (26) listed companies on the GSE coupled with the examination of the relationship between risk and returns. The study employed secondary data comprising of monthly share price, dividends, dividend yield, risk free rates and GSE composite index for the analysis. Using the regression and standard market model, the major finding was that majority of the stocks exhibited negative Jensen alpha indicating the underperforming nature of these stocks relative to the market. Additionally, the analysis indicates that, the beta of a stock positively predict the returns of the stock. The R2 or coefficient of determination was strong that was significant. The regression equation indicates a positive relationship between risk and returns which was significant at 0.05 p-values. This implies that, there was a 95 percent confidence that, the higher the risk of a stock the higher it returns when market is rising. The study finally recommended that, perspective investors especially the risk averse ones who do not want to take up risky investments because of the tendency of losing their investments to take on the risk to invest. Lastly, companies on the GSE are also expected to put in place measures that can help them improve on their performance with respect to dividend payments and the returns that the companies pose.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of energy detection based spectrum sensing for cognitive radio networks

The rapid growth of bandwidth demanding wireless technologies has led to the problem of spectrum scarcity. However, studies show that licensed spectrum is underutilized. Cognitive radio technology promises a solution to the problem by allowing unlicensed users, access to the licensed bands opportunistically. A prime component of the cognitive radio technology is spectrum sensing. Many spectrum sensing techniques have been developed to sense the presence or not of a licensed user. This thesis evaluates the performance of the energy detection based spectrum sensing technique in noisy and fading environments. Both single user detection and cooperative detection situations were investigated. Closed form solutions for the probabilities of detection and false alarm were derived. The ana- lytical results were veri ed by numerical computations using Monte Carlo method with MATLAB. The performance of the energy detection technique was evaluated by use of Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) and fading (Rayleigh & Nakagami-m) channels. Results show that for single user detection, the energy detection technique performs bet- ter in AWGN channel than in the fading channel models. The performance of cooperative detection is better than single user detection in fading environments.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of septage treatment plant, - AGC Obuasi Plant as case study

This study evaluated the performance of the Obuasi septage treatment plant located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The town has a population of 150 000. The plant, which was built in 1997, has a design loading rate of 400m3/d. It has two anaerobic ponds, two facultative and two maturation ponds. At the time of evaluation, the two maturation ponds were empty. The embankments of the ponds were eroded especially with the two maturation ponds and the standby anaerobic ponds. The ponds were also overgrown with weeds. The loading rate obtained during the 4 weeks monitoring period is 98.6m3/d. The permeability coefficient showed that, the ponds are losing water through seepage. The removal efficiency of BOD and COD at the second facultative pond is 89.2%and 94.6% respectively. The expected BOD of 31.4mg/l from the design calculation was not achieved. The value of 91.6mg/I was obtained instead and a COD value of 477.37mg/I obtained. The value of 0.5mg/I for N03-N obtained is high compared to the acceptable standard value of 0.1 mg/I. The removal efficiency of the plant was 87.2% with respect to NH3-N and 60.3% for P04-P. The ammonia-nitrogen levels in the ponds were high. This inhibits microbial growth for good performance of the plants to be achieved. The removal efficiency with respect to FC is 99.9%. The ponds base and embankment should be well compacted to prevent seepage. Regular removal of weeds and clearing around the ponds is also recommended.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of spatial diversity based free space optical communication links over atmospheric turbulence channels

The ever increasing bandwidth demand on wireless communication systems has led to the development of several wireless technologies. Free Space Optical (FSO) Communication promises high speed data transmission, license-free operation, highly secured transmission and immunity to electromagnetic interferences. However index-of-refraction turbulence (IRT) has limited the performance of FSO communication systems by causing fast fluctuations in the received optical intensity and increasing the Bit-Error Rate (BER). As a result, several mitigation techniques have been proposed to reduce the effects of turbulence. This thesis evaluates the BER performance of spatial diversity based FSO links. We have characterized IRT using the PDF of gamma-gamma distribution. The Scintillation index (SI), statistical measure of IRT, has been shown to depend on the gamma-gamma parameters. Lower values of GG parameters lead to higher SI and therefore increasing IRT along the propagation path and average BER. We have derived closed-form expressions for the average BER by employing multiple receive and/or transmit apertures. Numerical results show significant reduction in the average BER as the number of transmit apertures or receive apertures are increased. Thus, offering substantial improvement in the performance of FSO links over IRT channels.

Source: KNUST
Performance evaluation of classication methods: the case of equal mean discrimination.

This study considered the equal mean discrimination problem by evaluating the performance of Bartlett and Please method, Bayesian Posterior Probability Ap-proach, the Quadratic Discriminant Function (QDF) and the Absolute Euclidean Distance Classi er method (AEDC) under equal and unequal prior probabilities and non normality contamination. Stocks (1933) twin data recorded in London on 832 children based on ten selected measurements was used because it satis- es the assumptions of the equal mean populations. Four discriminant functions were derived and their error rate estimates determined using the Cross Valida-tion (CV) and Balanced Error Rate (BER) methods. Results from equal prior probability showed the Bayesian Posterior Probability classi er performing bet-ter than the three other classi ers, thus it provides maximum separation with a recorded mean error rate of 0.149. Under the unequal prior probability situa-tion, Bartlett and Please method outperformed both the QDF and the Bayesian posterior probability classi ers under the sampling ratios, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. For non-normality, all four classi cation methods recorded higher mean error rates indicating abysmal performance of the methods. However, Bartlett and Please method was found to be very sensitive to outliers. We recommend the Bayesian approach and the AEDC methods for classifying observations with equal prior probabilities, Bartlett and Please method under unequal prior probabilities and QDF for non-normal contamination with equal prior probabilities.

Source: KNUST
Performance Evaluation of Solar Powered Boreholes and Use of Capped Boreholes for Irrigation in the Upper East Region of Ghana

The supply of potable drinking water in Ghana has not been adequate and the situation has worsened in recent years, especially in the Upper East Region. The response of Government has been the drilling of boreholes as water points. With the associated drudgery in drawing water, the Community Water and Sanitation Agency (CWSA) piloted a number of solar powered boreholes in the region. However a sizable number of these boreholes have been abandoned (capped) for quality reasons, mostly due to high fluoride levels. The study evaluated the performance (in terms of water output per day) of solar powered boreholes and assessed the possible use of capped boreholes for irrigation in the region. Two solar powered boreholes at Zorbisi (Lat: 10048’03’’ N and longitude: 00052’42’’W) and Nayagnia (Latitude 10053’12’’ N and longitude 01001’55’’ W) in the Bolgatanga Municipality and the Kasena Nankana districts respectively were used for the study. Water meters were installed in the system, where daily recordings were made. Data from successful boreholes in the region was also collected and analysed to determine trends inherent in them. It was found out also that the minimum depth to ground water in the region is below 20m, and that discharge decreases with increasing depth. The system was manually operated and the water output also measured and compared with the solar system and was found out that; the manual operation gave more water than the solar because it had longer operation time than the solar whose operation was limited to (8:30AM-3:15pm). The per capita water demand for Zorbisi and Nayagnia was found to be 17.30 and 16.32 l/p/d respectively. From the South African agricultural water quality guide lines, it was found out that about 50% percent of the boreholes could have been used for Agriculture; and that the rest of the capped boreholes could also be used for Agriculture on neutral to alkaline soils.

Source: KNUST