ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Suicidal behaviours among school-going adolescents in samoa: a secondary analysis of prevalence, protective, and risk factors

Background Suicide has become a major threat to achieving Sustainable Development Goals three and four, especially for school-going adolescents worldwide. As part of eforts to prevent suicide, population-based studies regarding the prevalence and variables that predict suicidal behaviours are required to inform decisions. Despite this realisation, Samoa lacks empirical data on suicidal behaviours among adolescents. We conducted a secondary analysis of the 2017 Global School-based Student Health Survey to examine the prevalence of suicidal behaviours (idea, plan, and attempt) of school-going adolescents in Samoa. Results The prevalence of suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt was 24.1%, 23.8%, and 21.8%, respectively. Also, we found that having understanding parents was an important protective factor against all three suicidal behaviours among Samoan in-school adolescents. Suicidal ideation was predicted by cigarette smoking, having someone who smokes in adolescents’ presence, bullying, loneliness, and worrying about things they could not study. Also, cigarette smoking, bullying, having multiple sexual partners, and worrying increased the risk of having suicidal plans. Again, adolescents’ suicidal attempt was predicted by adolescent truancy, alcohol use, cigarette smoking, being bullied, having close friends, loneliness, and worry. Conclusions Rather than focusing on the school setting alone, suicide prevention interventions in Samoa should foster interdisciplinary collaborations to help reduce suicide.

Source: KNUST
Supplier and stocks management practices at Cocoa Processing Company Limited

Supplier and stocks management practice continues to be growing phenomena in most cocoa processing companies all over the world. Decision about how many of which products are to be in the warehouse, when to place next the orders, the quantities to be ordered are some of the problems encountered every day. High level of stock locks up the capital of any company. Hence, the aim of this study is to uncover the best stocks management practice and supplier management that will make the Cocoa Processing Company (CPC) adhere to the value for money in capital and recurrent expenditures with relation to procurement law in the country. The objectives are to identify the suppliers and stocks management principles adopted and utilized; assessing the effectiveness of Cocoa Processing Company‟s Suppliers an d Stock control management; examining the challenges encountered in the application of supplier and stock control management and ascertain whether or not learned from these principles. A thorough literature review was done, hence questionnaires was designe d and administered to total sample of seventy-three respondents which was made up of various departments who are involved in suppliers and stock management processes. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS, Version 16) through the use of descriptive statistics (percentages). The findings of the study point out to the fact that computerized system are used in taking inventory, however, these is only used at the stores and not accessible by end-users. In addition some of the challenges the study revealed include: non -availability of production materials, the trade system adopted by the government has constrained the company in production activities and the power outage has led to increase in production. Again, congestion at Tema port has caused untimely delivery imported input. More importantly, the study revealed that the company has failed in documentation due to redeployment strategies which does not fit current trend company status. The study therefore recommend that Appraisal Tender Review Committee (TRC) should be vibrant in ensuring effective and efficient dissemination of information to entire staff on procurement processes and procedures to enable informed decisions by CPC Management. Capacity training on knowledge and skills acquisition in procurement management for staff should be encouraged. There should be the engagement of material manager for the coordination of departments involve in handling all suppliers of production stocks and materials. The implication of the study gives a directional approach to the management of suppler and stocks management at CPC Ltd and adheres to will improve the performance of the company as a whole.

Source: KNUST
Sunyani Juvenile Correctional Facility

Society has lots of responsibilities but neglects some of its responsibilities causing all to pay for the out come. Crime on the streets, pathways and in the communities of our towns and cities have been a worry to all in society and even more worrying is the age range of individuals mostly juveniles involved in these crimes of theft, robbery, assault etc. Society does well to arrest such young individuals and incarcerate them so the streets, pathways and communities are safe but society refuses to ask questions such as where are these juveniles going to be held in incarceration and what is going to be done to in terms of reformation and rehabilitation so that they do not return to their old ways. Juvenile Correctional facilities are one of such places that juveniles can be incarcerated into, where reformation and rehabilitation of the juveniles are administered. This Architectural Design Thesis Report establishes the need for such Correctional Facilities with a focus on proposing a Juvenile Correctional Facility in the Northern sector of Ghana. The Architectural Design Thesis Report presents an Introduction, Overview, Problem Statement, Scope, Target Group, Client and client brief, Source of finance and Research Methodology as Chapter One. The Chapter Two of the Report presents a review of literature on Juvenile Correctional Facilities. Research Methodology needed to compile the Report is given focus in Chapter Three. Findings and Discussions of the Research Methodology for the Report are presented in Chapter Four. Chapter Five of the Design Report gives Conclusions and Recommendations of the Report.

Source: KNUST
Supplier Relationship Management Practices of Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDA’s) in Ghana (Supplier Perspective): (A Case of Ghana Highway Authority)

There are different dependence structures within the supply chains of most business entities ranging from adversarial through transactional to long-term strategic partnership agreements. Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) is a form of strategic collaboration that creates synergy by achieving vertical and virtual integration between two supply chain actors. Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA’s) in Ghana are required to take advantage of opportunities that are available in adopting Supplier Relationship Management Practices as a concept for business growth. The concept is about determination to communicate the needs and expectations to a supplier and, measure performance to invoke actions for compliance. Buyers try to develop suppliers by supporting them technically and financially by first rationalizing their supplier base, involve them early at product design stage and continuously measure their performance. Several developing countries have realized that a well-organised SRM system contributes to good governance. The study therefore seeks to investigate Supplier Relationship Management practices in the Ghana Highway Authority; a department under the Ministry of Roads and Highways in charge of the construction and maintenance of reliable trunk road network to support economic activities, minimize road accidents and save lives. The survey was carried out on eighty (80) respondents, made up of personnel from GHA, Private road contractors and consultants who are in charge of GHA projects. The study used primary and secondary data collection methods for the research. A three section questionnaire was designed and distributed to the respondents, after which unstructured interviews were conducted to classify doubts about answering to some question. The following specific objectives were expected to be achieved; To identify means of making SRM part of GHA’s organizational goals and objectives, benefits to achieve and limiting factors against successful SRM implementation. The study revealed that most people from the GHA did not understand the concept and a large number were not aware of Supplier Relationship Management. Some respondents were even not in support of the idea of investing in the suppliers business. The following recommendations were made among others: That Top management gives the concept that support required to provide influence and direction. Formal training needs to be provided and career development programmes be put in place which in the long term can help both parties. Suppliers are supposed to be contacted at the engineering phase of designing before starting pre-production. It further recommends that for a start a small portion of the company’s business should be considered for SRM programmes. It is also recommended that those suppliers who produce superior performance that exceed targets must be rewarded.

Source: KNUST
Supplier relationship management of the road construction industry: a case study of Ghana Highways Authority

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) plays a major role in construction procurement. It becomes more relevant when coordinating public procurement activities between Ghana Highway Authority (GHA) as the entity and Road Contractors as the suppliers in which, the engagement could be described as short-term in nature. The principal roles of SRM are covered by the generic Supply Chain Management methodology which offers general guidelines that can be used to analyze, reengineer, properly coordinate, and improve the road construction procurement for the entity (GHA). Resolving and controlling problems plaguing the relationship between the entity and suppliers within supply chain collaborations requires consolidating long-term relationships in improving performance. Improving performance is better realized if SRM methodology is employed through capacity training and development for both staffs and suppliers. Managing the relationship between these entities requires that lessons learnt are transferred between various entities. Due to its recurring character, the SRM methodology implies a continuous process improvement of which the scope can be changed over time, involving an increasing collaboration between GHA staffs and suppliers in smoothing the differences. Furthermore, Public Procurement Act is aimed at ensuring entities obtain value for money and ensure that scarce public funds are well spent and that important public projects are carried out in sustainable manner (PPA, Act 663, 2003). Such core objectives become very important when entity implements “SRM” in public procurement through adaptation of key variables such as ensuring effective communication and maintaining mutual trust and commitment between buyers-to-consultants, buyers-to-consultants and buyers-to-suppliers towards long term relations in public procurement decisions. The objective of the study was to determine the relevance of managing relationship and its challenges, effects and possible strategies in improving performance for the Ghana Highway Authority and the Ministry of Road and Highways in general. Sample size of eighty, (80) from the sample frame was used for which questionnaires as research instrument were used to collect data for analysis. The data were analyzed using one-sample t-test and descriptive statistics in which the mean values and p-values were determined and ranked accordingly. It was found from the study that trust and commitment, long term orientation and client engagement through capacity training and development as well as effective communication play major roles in developing and maintaining long term relationships between the Buyer/entity and the Suppliers/Contractors, despite short term nature of contract engagement between them. And that entity staff (GHA) should be project and customer focus in their Public Procurement decisions if value for money and principles of transparency as stated in the Public Procurement Act, Act 663, 2003 are to be realized.

Source: KNUST
Supply chain ambidexterity on supply chain performance in the oil and gas sector: the moderating roles of innovation capabilities.

Supply chain ambidexterity is a valuable strategy that can be adopted by organizations within the oil and gas industry. However, the adoption of a supply chain ambidexterity strategy also presents challenges related to balancing short-term and long-term objectives, managing complexity, and developing the right talent. The study investigated the impact of supply chain ambidexterity on supply chain performance in the oil and gas sector: the moderating roles of innovation capabilities. Quantitative research design was adopted. For data collection, the study used adapted questionnaire. Overall, a sample of 314 employees of oil and gas companies in Ghana were selected using the simple random sampling technique. Structural equation modelling was used as technique to analyse the relationship among the constructs. The results highlight that supply chain ambidexterity (SCA) has a significant positive impact on supply chain performance (SCP). Secondly, the study confirms the positive impact of innovation capabilities on supply chain performance. The study also explores the moderating role of innovation capabilities. The findings reveal a notably positive moderating effect of innovation capabilities on the relationship between supply chain ambidexterity and supply chain performance. Organizations, particularly those in the oil and gas sector, should embrace ambidextrous strategies that balance cost efficiency with adaptability. Policy initiatives should encourage the development of organizational structures that support the simultaneous pursuit of exploration and exploitation goals.

Source: KNUST
Supply chain digitalization and resilient supply chain performance: the role of supply chain financing

In a changing environment where supply chains are dynamic, it is important that firms increase capabilities in order to boost resilience and become competitive. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of supply chain digitalization on supply chain resilience with supply chain financing as the mediator. The study adopted a quantitative approach and employed survey questionnaires to collect data from two hundred and fifty (250) respondents in the manufacturing industries across Greater Accra, Ashanti, Central, Northern, Eastern and Volta Regions in Ghana. The study employed purposive sampling technique to select its sample size. Results were analysed in a descriptive and inferential design using Structural Equation Modelling – Partial Least Squares and Statistical Package for Social Sciences and results were presented in tables and figures. Results showed that digital tools use affects resilient supply chain performance significantly as the correlation amongst the variables were positive and significant. Secondly, it was revealed that, the adoption of digital tools in operations has a positive impact on resilient supply chain performance. Finally, the study revealed a full iv mediation effect of supply chain financing between supply chain digitalization and supply chain resilience. The study suggested that organizations and governments should find creative solutions to enhance and extend their current resources to develop new supply chain competencies and capabilities and become resilient in changing environments.

Source: KNUST
Supply Chain Collaboration and Logistics Performance: The Role of Supply Chain Integration and Big Data Analytics

This study examined the effects of supply chain integration and big data analytics on the relationship between supply chain collaboration and logistics performance. The motivation for the study is that although supply chain collaboration is recognized as critical for supply chain efficiency, research has shown inconsistent results regarding its impact on performance outcomes. Furthermore, the mechanisms through which supply chain collaboration drives performance have not been thoroughly examined. Using the resource-based view as the theoretical lens, the study develops a model that posits supply chain integration and big data analytics as moderators in the supply chain collaboration-logistics performance relationship. The objectives are to examine the direct effect of supply chain collaboration on logistics performance and the moderating roles of supply chain integration and big data analytics. The study adopts a quantitative approach with a sample of 385 firms. Data is collected via questionnaires and analyzed using regression analysis. The key findings indicate a significant positive relationship between supply chain collaboration and logistics performance. However, supply chain integration and big data analytics individually do not significantly moderate this relationship. Rather, the interaction between supply chain integration and big data analytics positively and significantly moderates the effect of supply chain collaboration on logistics performance. The study recommends supply chain managers to improve collaborative practices with partners through increased information sharing, coordinating decision-making, and aligning incentives. The research recommends that supply chain integration and big data analytics tools should be used together to enhance collaboration, which can lead to improved logistics performance. The study contributes by elucidating the mechanisms through which supply chain collaboration drives logistics performance.

Source: KNUST
Superquadratic functions and the refinement of some classical inequalities

Convexity and inequalities have proved to be useful in many branches of mathematics such as functional analysis, theory of di fferential and integral equations, optimisation, interpolation, harmonic analysis and probability theory. They have useful applications also in mechanics, physics, economics and other sciences. Over the last 80 years, inequalities have seen a lot of interest from researchers, which has led to a great number of recent published books and articles. Thus, the theory of inequalities has developed into an independent branch or area of mathematics. This thesis is dedicated to a new refi nement of Jensen's inequality, which permits the use of non-continuous functions considered to be superquadratic. A re finement of Minkowski's inequality is established as a direct consequence of our refi ned Jensen's inequality. A lower bound for Young's inequality is also established as an application of superquadratic functions. Finally a re finement of the local submean inequality for subharmonic functions is also presented as an application of superquadratic functions.

Source: KNUST
Supply chain implications of cargo handling and turnaround time of bulk carriers in ghana ports

This research work investigates the relationship between cargo handling and turnaround time of bulk carriers in Ghana ports. The study analyzed the factors influencing cargo handling efficiency and its impact on the turnaround time of bulk carriers, with the objective of providing insights and iii recommendations to optimize port operations. A mixed-methods approach was employed. Firstly, a comprehensive literature review was conducted to understand the existing knowledge on cargo handling practices, turnaround time, and associated factors in port operations. This formed the foundation for developing a conceptual framework to guide the research. Quantitative data was collected through observations and analysis of cargo handling operations and turnaround times. Key performance indicators such as cargo handling speed, waiting times, berth utilization, and equipment availability were measured and analyzed. Additionally, qualitative data was obtained through interviews and surveys with port authorities, shipping agents, and other stakeholders involved in cargo handling processes. The qualitative data provided insights into the challenges and potential opportunities for improving cargo handling efficiency and reducing turnaround time. The findings of the research highlight several key factors that influence cargo handling and turnaround time of bulk carriers in Ghana ports. These include berth availability, port infrastructure, equipment reliability, workforce skills, customs and documentation procedures, and coordination among stakeholders. The analysis revealed that inefficient cargo handling practices, delays in customs clearance, and inadequate equipment maintenance contribute to longer turnaround times. Based on the findings, the research proposes a set of recommendations to optimize cargo handling and reduce turnaround time in Ghana ports. These include investments in modern cargo handling equipment, streamlining of customs and documentation processes, and training programs to enhance workforce skills. The conclusions drawn from this research emphasize the importance of efficient cargo handling practices in reducing turnaround time and improving port performance. The findings provide valuable insights for port authorities, shipping companies, and policymakers in Ghana to enhance cargo handling efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance competitiveness. By implementing the proposed recommendations, Ghana ports can improve their operational efficiency, attract more bulk carriers, and contribute to the economic growth of the country

Source: KNUST
Supply chain integration and logistics performance: the moderating role of logistics salience

Supply Chain Integration (SCI) has long been recognized as being more efficient due to logistics activities. The existence of complexities in the supply chain ensures that its logistics activities are well positioned to ensure logistics performance. The main objective of the study is to find the moderating role of logistics salience in the relationship between supply chain integration and logistics performance. The first objective of the study was to determine the effects of supply chain integration on logistics performance. The second objective was to determine how logistics salience affects logistics performance whereas the final objective was to determine how logistics salience moderates the relationship between supply chain integration and logistics performance. The study adopted the survey approach due to the sample size involved in the study. The study used the quantitative approach for the primary data collection due to the ease with its analysis. The population involved staff of manufacturing companies in the Greater Accra Region who have ideas on supply chain and logistics activities. The study revealed that supply chain integration positively and significantly affects logistics performance. This means that how the supply chain function is handled affects logistics performance in firms. The study also revealed a positive and significant relationship between logistics salience and logistics performance. Finally, the study revealed that if the logistics function of firms is quality and well noticeable by top management, the resultant effect would be seen on the performance of the logistics function in the firm. The study stated that logistics salience moderates the relationship between supply chain integration and logistics performance. The study concluded that logistics functions must be fully equipped to ensure an effective and efficient operations. The study recommends that there should be an information channel where suppliers and customers use technologies to ensure that their inputs are considered in the areas of production.

Source: KNUST