ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Pre- Treatment and Oven Drying Temperatures on the Nutritional, Anti-Nutritional Values and Colour Properties of the Fruits of Solanum Torvum

Fruits of Solanum torvum are generally consumed by lactating and nursing mothers, pregnant women and anemic patients when cooked for medicinal and nutritional purposes. Lack of preservation method has led to its high postharvest losses. However processing methods such as drying can affect differently the nutrient, colour and anti-nutrient content of food samples at different temperatures. This work therefore sought to determine the effects of treatment and different temperatures on the nutritional and anti-nutritional composition of the dried fruits. Proximate composition, some minerals (iron, magnesium, and calcium), anti-nutrients (Alkaloid, Oxalate and Tannin) and colour of the fresh and pre-treated dried samples were determined. AOAC (1995) methods were used for the determination of moisture, fiber, fat and ash content. AOAC (1990) method was used for the determination of protein. Minerals were determined using the Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy methods. Oxalate was determined by titrimetric method, Tannins by the spectrophotometric method and Alkaloids by the Gravimetric method. The results indicate that the fresh fruits possess high moisture content of 78.3% and 82 on wet basis. Fat, fiber, ash and protein contents increased with the exception of carbohydrate which decreased for the dried samples irrespective of the drying pretreatment. Minerals determined increased after drying for all temperatures with the effect of the treatments not well established. Vitamin C decreased after drying with the exception of the berries pretreated with ascorbic acid. Alkaloids and Tannins reduced after drying but oxalate was not affected by heat. Boiling reduced the browning effect with the 5% ascorbic acid treated samples recording the highest range of browning values. The high iron content of the fruits proves the fact that the fruits truly have hematinic property. These present research indicate that Solanum torvum fruits boiled and dried at 70oC has the best nutritional qualities, reduced anti-nutritional properties and a better desirable colour properties.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Preservatives on the Microbial Keeping Quality of the Burkina Drink

Food or the food industry has been a major driving force behind the growth of most economies and the “Burkina” drink which is gradually becoming a popular drink in major cities of this country. This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate on the microbial keeping quality of the Burkina drink as well as to identify pathogens present in the drink during its storage period. The sample was obtained from local vendors within the Ayigya community and treated with varying concentrations of preservatives: sodium benzoate (0.05, 0.1 %) and potassium sorbate (0.1, 0.2 %) with the samples with no added preservatives serving as controls. Samples were stored at room temperature and refrigeration temperature for 15 days and assayed at three days intervals. Total aerobic count, total coliform count and yeast count were determined as stipulated by (ISO 4833-1:2003). The pH of the samples was recorded over the study period with the microbial quality test featuring the aforementioned with the inclusion of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The initial outcome indicated the product to be of low microbial quality with the total aerobic count, total Coliform count and yeast counts of 1.24×106±5.66 cfu/ml, 1.64×104±4.95cfu/ml and 1.23×106±7.07cfu/ml respectively exceeding the safe limits. The pathogenic profile indicated the presence of Escherichia coli (9.4×104 ± 7.07cfu/ml), Staphylococcus aureus (0 cfu/ml) and Enterococci (6.9×104±3.54 cfu/ml). Probing into the identity of the isolated microorganisms revealed a total of five species of which four could be identified fully namely Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Bacillus cereus and Alcaligenes faecalis all of which are food pathogens associated with food spoilage. At the end of the study, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the pH of the samples with regards to the treatments and the storage conditions. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the total aerobic count of the samples with regards to the effect of the preservatives though there was no difference (p > 0.05) with the different temperatures. The yeast count in the samples were significantly different (p < 0.05) with regards to both the treatment and storage condition. At the end of the study, 0.2 % of potassium sorbate proved to be more effective against microbial growth compared with the other preservatives and concentrations used.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Processing Methods on the Proximate Composition, Total Phenols and Antioxidant Properties of Two Mushroom Varieties

Mushrooms are traditionally consumed as food and are known to possess nutritional and medicinal properties. However, the choice of processing methods for mushrooms are often based on preference rather than the impact on nutritional or health benefits. The effect of solar drying, steaming and roasting on the proximate, phytochemicals and antioxidant activity of two mushroom varieties (Termitomyces schimperi and Volvariella volvacea) were investigated. Proximate analysis and phytochemical screening were carried out using standard protocols. The total phenols content and antioxidant activity were determined by means of Folin-Ciocalteu method and 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay, respectively. Results indicate that both processing methods and varietal differences had effects on nutrient composition of mushrooms. Solar drying retained most nutrients in both varieties. Dried T. schimperi had the highest protein content of 29.09 % whereas dried V. volvacea had the highest carbohydrate and ash contents of 60.71% and 5.56 %, respectively. Steamed mushrooms retained moisture and had the lowest carbohydrate content with steamed V. volvacea having the highest moisture and lowest carbohydrate values of 91.15% and 54.71%, respectively. Roasting also showed a high protein content of 28.65% in T. schimperi and a high carbohydrate of 58.65% in V. volvacea. None of the processing methods however had a significant effect on fat and fibre contents of both varieties used. The phytochemicals tested were present in both varieties in the processed and unprocessed forms. The steamed extract was the strongest scavenger of DPPH with 50 % inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 3.03 ± 0.40 mg/mL whereas the unprocessed extract had the least effect with IC50 value of 9.35 ± 0.42 mg/ml. Similarly, the steamed extract recorded the highest total phenol content with value of 1644 ± 39 mg GAE/100 g whereas the unprocessed extract was the lowest with value of 1336 ± 93 mg GAE/100 g respectively. The present findings suggest that steamed mushrooms possess the highest antioxidant acti

Source: KNUST
Effect of Procurement Lead Time on Healthcare Delivery at the Koforidua Regional Hospital

This has been a study to assess the effect of procurement lead time on healthcare delivery at the Koforidua Regional Hospital. This study used the purposive sampling technique to select the respondents. Questionnaire was used to collect data from sixty key and relevant personnel of the hospital. This study found that the main source of medical supply at the hospital is the central medical stores of MOH even though the hospital relies on other sources such as vendors and selected local/foreign manufacturing companies. It was also found that the number of inventory turns per year at the hospital was over 10 times and that the average procurement lead time for drugs and laboratory supplies at the hospital is within four (4) weeks. In relation to the second objective of the study, it was found that the factors affecting average procurement lead time are effective need identification leading to prompt reordering of medical and laboratory supplies; adequate and timely release of funds to the procurement unit; adequate knowledge of Ghana’s Procurement Act; motivating staff and seeking top management support and effective supplier selection. It was additionally found that the procurement lead time has a positive impact on the performance of the hospital’s staff as well as the overall performance of the hospital. Based on the findings of this study, recommendations made were that the hospital should have a service level agreement with its vendors and suppliers spelling out into details what are expected of them in terms of performance and that efforts ought to be made to guarantee that suppliers are mindful of the hospital’s needs and lead-time plan for medical and laboratory supplies are requested or ordered in great time to evade pointless interruptions, holdups and patient dissatisfactions. It is further advised that the management of the Koforidua Regional Hospital should share information since sharing can noticeably reduce inefficiencies in a supply chain, and therefore, can become a key factor for the hospital to achieve its benefits. It is finally advised that the central medical stores should be able to use innovative procurement models like framework agreements to ensure uninterrupted availability of health commodities at the central warehouse.

Source: KNUST
Effect of procurement planning on service delivery efficiency in Mary-lucy hospital in Ghana

The process of procuring works, products, and services from a third party is known as procurement. The purpose of the research is to determine the impact of procurement planning on service delivery at Accra's mary-lucy hospital. This was accomplished by looking at the procurement planning practices, evaluate service delivery efficiency and users in terms of outsourcing, and determine the effect of procurement planning practices on service delivery efficiency. In descriptive research, data are systematically collected about people and groups in order to test theories or find answers to study questions. The study made use of purposive sampling technique to select sixty (65) randomly respondents from mercy-lucy hospital. Inferential statistics was used to quantify the correlations between various variables, whereas statistics was used to explain in detail the features of the variables. According to the report, the hospital ensures that resource planning is grounded on the most recent pricing on the market. The study also discovered that the hospital's high degree of client response and provision of high-quality services throughout our everyday operations were responsible for the efficient service delivery. According to the study's findings, the effectiveness of service delivery and procurement planning are strongly positively correlated. The study recommended that mercy-Lucy hospital develop top-notch plans where procurement staffs want to consolidate all of the departments' budgets and acquire everything at once in order to reduce procurement expenses, which can assist to save a lot of money and subsequently enhance service delivery.

Source: KNUST
The effect of procurement of goods on the environment: a case study of the implementation of the Urban Development Grant (UDG) projects in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA)

Procurement is considered to be indispensable in KMA, it requires the choice of goods suitable to the environment all because, the environment needs to be protected for man’s continued existence hence the need to be guarded of procurement systems. It is conclusive to put forward however that, having people to consider the environment during procurement is a step in the right direction to secure the right goods. In the light of this, the study sought to determine the effect of procurement of goods on the environment using the implementation of the Urban Development Grant (UDG) projects in KMA. The specific objectives are to determine how the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly consider environmental sustainability during procurement of goods; examine the various environmental sustainability challenges as a result of procurement of goods and find out the plans to ensure effective and proper disposal of procured goods after its lifespan. The study used a mixed methods research design, thus both the qualitative research methods. The population for this study area consists of the various employees at KMA who were directly or indirectly connected with the procurement of any goods or services. In all, twenty (20) respondents were chosen and the sample was selected using the purposive sampling technique. Questionnaire was used mainly to collect relevant data. Since goods procured affect the environment, it is appropriate for procurement officers at the KMA to be concerned about the goods they procure and particularly be thorough about goods that are environmentally friendly. However, to ensure effective and proper disposal of procured goods after their lifespan the Assembly should undertake recycling as the most adopted approach according to the findings of the study.

Source: KNUST
Effect of procurement process risk on procurement sustainability: mediating role of risk orientation

The main purpose of the study is to examine whether risk orientation mediate the significant connection between procurement process risk and procurement sustainability in manufacturing firms in greater Accra region, Ghana. This quantitative survey used a cross-sectional research strategy. Purposive sampling selected 381 individuals. A pre-designed structured questionnaire was used to gather data. Spss v26 and smartpls v4 did the statistical analysis. Data was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings reveal that procurement process risk had a significant direct influence on procurement sustainability and risk orientation. The findings also show that risk orientation had a significant direct influence on procurement sustainability. The mediating role of risk orientation on the link between procurement process risk and procurement sustainability is partially significant.

Source: KNUST
Effect of project environment factors on procurement of small town water supply system: the case of Ketu South Municipal Assembly

Project Environment factors can have an impact on procurement management even in environments that are relatively stable. From access to capital, to access to technology, to access to people, to political influences in the award of contract especially in public procurement; projects will succeed or fail based on the procurement entity or managers ability to make maximum use of available resources. In addition, unanticipated changes in the environment can cause even the most well-managed and smoothly proceeding project to lose momentum. This becomes more erratic when it comes to the procurement of small water supply where these factors are beyond the control of the procuring entity. Project environment factors: (economic, socio-cultural, political/legal, technological/physical) are unpredictable and significantly influence success or failure of all types of projects. While internal factors are under the control of the procurement entity, external factors which are project environment factors are outside the control of the public procurers. The main objective of the study is to explore the effect of Project Environment Factors on Small Town Water Supply System within Ketu South Municipal Assembly. A sample size of sixty, (60) was used for which questionnaires as research instrument were used to collect data for analysis. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistic (statistical means) and frequency distribution for presentation and interpretations. The result revealed that project environment factors (economic, socio-cultural, political/legal, technological/physical) impact on the procurement of small water supply for Ketu South Municipal Assembly. The result revealed that involvement of the intended beneficiaries for the supply of small water supply procurement especially in project planning, designed, award of contract and implementation and other procurement decisions are essential to mitigate against project environment factors.

Source: KNUST
Effect of procurement lead time on teaching and learning at the University of Health and Allied Sciences

This study was conducted to determine the effects of procurement lead time on teaching and learning at the University of Health and Allied Sciences. Consistent delays in the provision of goods in public universities create a less than optimal environment for effective teaching and learning. The study aims to examine the various factors that influence procurement lead time and their effects on teaching and learning. Using a purposive sampling technique, questionnaires were used to collect data from teaching staff, non-teaching staff and students. It was found from the study that the number of inventory turns per year at the university was less than 5 times and that the average procurement lead time is over a month. It was further found that stock out occurs once a month in the University. It was also found that factors that affect procurement lead time in the university of Health and Allied Sciences are; the adequate knowledge of Ghana’s Procurement framework, the ability to design unambiguous procurement specifications, Staff motivation and top management support, Effective supplier selection and the adequate and timely release of funds to the procurement unit. It was found that major supplies to the university are from local and foreign manufacturing companies which indicate a relationship with the private sector. Enhanced procurement lead time ensure goods availability and ensure on time delivery and better suppliers performance. Enhanced procurement lead time reduces inventory costs and creates a better supply chain management system in the university. Analysis of collected data suggests: Keeping to Ghana Procurement regulations, Outsourcing non-essential/Non-core services and other such initiatives are valid strategies for improving procurement lead time. In conclusion, proper coordination between stakeholders is required to ensure effective supply chain systems. It is recommended that Call-Off Contracts with Suppliers be used as well as the implementation of E-Procurement and Electronic Reorder Systems.

Source: KNUST
The effect of project communication on project delivery: A case study of the construction section of groupe Nduom -Ghana

Communication is an essential process in the world of project management. It is difficult to master, but essential to make a good effort in achieving. Many times, on troubled projects, project team members feel that if the communication had been better, the project would have run smoother. The aim of the study is to examine the effect of project communication on project delivery using the construction section of Groupe Nduom as a case study. The study employed a survey design and adopts the quantitative research approach. Project managers/professionals (both internal and outsource) at the construction section of Groupe Nduom, Accra. The study used a sub sampling size of fifty (50).The study selected the respondents by means of convenience sampling method. Questionnaires were utilized as the fast means of getting the required information. After data obtained through questionnaires, it was prepared in readiness for analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software. It was found that effective communication strategies minimized potential disputes and misunderstandings during execution of projects. The data analyzed confirmed that formal communication – email, letter, and telephone were operated by project managers in the accomplishment of projects. The findings clearly revealed that poor communication channels lead to distorted information on project delivery at project site, resulted into delays, time and cost overruns, abandonment, amongst other problems with project, affected the level of project work done on site as well as affected output on project delivery negatively. It is recommended that project communication for Quantity Surveyors, Engineers, Project Managers, Architect, Consultants, Managing Director and Contractor (construction section of Groupe Nduom) ought to include approaches and systems to build trust andiv relationships among team members, as well as propagate desirable personal behaviors and clear communication rules

Source: KNUST
The effect of project management practices on building project performance: the case of three organizations

Performance of building projects is affected by several factors. The focus here is on the relationship between Project Management Practices carried out by Project Management Organizations and project performance. Three organizations involved in the management of projects were thus selected as project management organizations for the study. These are ‘GETFund’ organization, ‘Common Fund’ organization and ‘SIF’ organization. Three criteria for measuring project performance were identified for their widespread application in project management definition and general understanding amongst practitioners. These include: time, cost and quality criteria. Semi-structured personal interviews have been carried out within the selected organizations for identification of practices undertaken in the management of building projects. Other significant project management practices were also captured in relevant literature. A structured questionnaire was developed to gather information for measurement of the project performance and determination of project management practices significantly relating to project performance. Performance indices were developed for measurement of the time, cost and quality performance. To test for significant differences between the performance of the categories of projects, each belonging to one organization, a pair-wise analysis, using independent t-tests, was used. Multiple Regression Analysis has been used to determine the relationship between the significant project management practices and project performance. Considerably, significant difference between the time performance of the categories of projects was observed. There was significant cost performance difference of the categories of projects across all the organizations whilst there was no significant difference in quality performance across all the three pairs of categories of projects analyzed. It was realized that as significant difference exists between the performance of a given pair of categories of projects from organization to organization the corresponding significant project management practices also vary from organization to organization and vice versa. (Keywords: building projects, project management organization, project management practices, project performance)

Source: KNUST