ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Employees’ Perceived Motivation on Organisational Performance: A Case Study of Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited (BOPP LTD)

The purpose of this study was to find out the effects of employees’ perceived motivation on organizational performance at Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited. The general objective of the study was to assess how employees perceive motivation at BOPP Ltd and how that affects the performance of the organization. The research was conducted using questionnaire, which was distributed among a sample of 100 respondents from Benso Oil Palm Plantation Limited. The questionnaire format consisted of an initial section which sought demographic information of respondents such as sex, status, department and length of service of employees, followed by two closed ended questions which sought to unearth employees’ perceived level of motivation at BOPP Ltd and a tabulated Likert scale questions on motivational factors as well as performance indicators. The data was analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and presented in the forms of tables, frequencies and percentages. The findings indicated that employees’ expectation of motivation is met and their overall perception of motivation at BOPP Ltd is positive. The motivational factors identified in the findings are: appreciation for hard work and effort by superiors, sense of achievement, advancement, increased salary, good interpersonal relations, competent supervision, responsibility, administrative policy, working conditions, status, job security, recognition and the work itself. The study revealed that where an employee’s perceived level of motivation is low, his/her performance will be low holding all other things constant. Among all the categories of employees, management was found to have the highest perceived level of motivation and performance followed by senior staff and then junior staff as the ones with the least perceived level of motivation and performance. Based on findings of the study, it was recommended that conditions of service should be improved to boost employees’ morale, leadership of junior staff be involved in decision making, more employees be put in leadership positions to enable them contribute towards corporate success and training should be given to supervisors to sharpen their skills.

Source: KNUST
Effects of empowerment of women on role changes in Ghana: the case of Nanumba North District

Women’s empowerment is a contemporary issue espoused across the globe. This is shared by many as the surest way of making women play an active role in the socio-economic and political spheres of national, district and community development. The role of women in society especially their participation in economic and political activities have been a subject of interest among varying groups including governments, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs’) and individuals worldwide. Gender disparities in terms of access to economic and political opportunities are widespread in Ghana, which limit women roles to the traditional level of caring for children and attending to domestic activities. The study sought to examine the effects of women’s empowerment (both socio-economic and political) on the role changes in the Nanumba District in the Northern of Ghana. The research strategy adopted was the case study approach. Sources of data included the primary and secondary with interviews, observations, discussions and questionnaire administration employed as data collection methods. Probability and non-probability sampling were adopted. On the part of probability sampling, the simple random approach was use to select a man and woman to be interviewed in all the 110 households visited. Purposive sampling (non-probability), on the other hand, was used to collect relevant information from some opinion leaders, two financial institutions, the District Assembly and four women groups in the district. The study revealed among other things that, women’s political and economic statuses are still low in the district. These limit largely, the roles they play to the traditional level of caring for children and domestic chores, while men assume the breadwinning role. However, women are building networks and also investing in trade and farming to improve their living standards. Through these efforts, women are now taking care of their children education and health needs and also providing food for the family as individuals and in groups. Challenges such as bad road network, lack of support for mounting political platforms, religious beliefs, difficulty in accessing loans and low media platforms are confronting women in the District. In addressing these challenges, some policy recommendations have made which include: strengthening public sensitisation through institutions such as NCCE and NCWD on vital roles women when can play, pro-poor intervention like the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty should be revised to include more women and the girl-child and also women networks should be encouraged in the Districts.

Source: KNUST
Effects of energy access on poverty and welfare in Ghana.

Energy access has become one of the essential tools for poverty alleviation and improving welfare conditions of people. Lack of energy access leads to poverty and obstructs economic growth in diverse ways. Even though there has been progress in extending energy access in Ghana, woodfuel consumption has been increasing over the years. This is an indication of energy-poverty which is alarming and necessitates a further look at the energy access situation in Ghana. The study used data from the sixth rounds of the Ghana Living Standards Survey (GLSS 6) and the Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS 6) to investigate the effects of energy access on poverty and other welfare indicators in Ghana. The IV probit and two stages least square were employed to estimate the models. Also, a multidimensional indicator was used to estimate household energy poverty. The study found energy access to increase the probability of a household being poor, however, energy access improved welfare. The study further revealed that there exist a high level of energy poverty across the households with the national average of about 0.599. It was therefore recommended that policies and interventions should ensure the productive utilization and not just increase of energy access, make modern fuels affordable, reliable and available to all, educate and create awareness of the negative health risks associated with the use of dirty fuels.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of Exchange Rate on Ghana’s External Trade

This study examines the effects of exchange rates on Ghana’s external trade. In so doing the study derived inter alia real exchange rate as a key determinant of imports and exports. That is to say, the study estimated three models, viz; imports, exports and trade balance, all incorporating real exchange rate as a determining factor using annual time series data from 1986 to 2005. The Autoregressive Distributed Lag approach to cointegration was employed to establish long run relationship between the variables in the various models. Furthermore, vector error correction model was employed in addition to cointegration analyses which confirmed a stable long run relationship between exports, imports and the real exchange rate. The results indicated that, the short run elasticities of imports and exports with respect to real exchange rate are inelastic and thus have contractionary effects of depreciation. The overall conclusion drawn from the study is that for improved balance of trade in Ghana, coordination between the exchange rate and demand management policies should be strengthened and be based on the long run fundamentals of the economy. Domestic industries should improve their level of efficiency and quality of their products in order to compete favourably with foreign goods in both home and the world markets. Though Trade liberalization has not helped much, it should not be completely condemned, as anti liberalization policies and trade restrictions may have retaliation effects. The campaign for patronization of made-in-Ghana goods by leaders of the economy, though not bad, needs some reconsideration and direction. The campaigners must recognize the fact that, the objective of the vi consumer is utility maximization and does not take into consideration how the growth of domestic firms will affect the over all performance of the macro economy. Policy makers should direct much attention to the production side and let producers know the harm they cause their own businesses and the economy as a whole by producing shoddy goods in an inefficient manner.

Source: KNUST
The effects of forest destruction on the community and abundance of butterflies in the Bosumkese forest reserve

Despite substantial loss of natural forest in Bosumkese forest reserve by inhabitants, little is known on the effects of the massive habitat loss and degradation on its forest biota. To investigate the effects of anthropogenic disturbances, butterflies were surveyed in three forest types identified in the forest reserve namely, disturbed canopy (DC), and slightly disturbed canopy (SDC) and undisturbed canopy (UC) which was the control site for the study. Questionnaire and interview schedules were the main instruments used in collecting data on the threat of human activities affecting the forest reserve. The data was analysed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS and the results presented in percentages and means. Samples of butterflies were carried out by the use of fruit – baited traps in a line transect selected in each of the study area as well as the use of walk –and –catch within the 1 kilometre zone in each forest type. The data collected was quantified in terms of the total number sampled and relative abundance, expressed in percentage. Species richness and diversity of the butterflies were analysed using Simpson’s Diversity Index. The demographic data revealed that anthropogenic activities in the area are male dominated (65%) with farming (70%) and chain saw lumbering (15%) being the main occupation of the people. These human activities in the forest have resulted in wanton destruction of the resources within the forest reserve. Consequently, the situation has affected the rainfall pattern of the area, rivers and streams, productivity of agriculture and biodiversity of the forest. The disturbed canopy had the largest number of butterflies (51) compared to the undisturbed canopy (31). However, the relative abundance of the butterflies in the disturbed area was largely Papilionidae which adapted well to the open area where the forest is of poor quality. On the contrary the study also revealed that most of the butterflies in the undisturbed canopy and slightly disturbed canopy were Nymphalidae which are mostly butterflies of forest of good quality. In terms of species richness, the undisturbed canopy had the highest species richness (14) and diversity (0.019) compared to the disturbed canopy which had the least of species richness and diversity that is 8 and 0.15 respectively. It is recommended that butterflies should be use as a model to monitor the health of forest reserves and in addition there should be strict enforcement of forest laws by the law enforcement agencies to help steer our conservation efforts in the country.

Source: KNUST
Effects of frequent assessment on the study habits of students in Ho Polytechnic

The researcher conducted a study into the effect of frequent assessment of academic work on the study habits of students of Ho Polytechnic. Final year students of the Statistics Department were used as the experimental sample. Data, including student study behaviour, were collected through questionnaires, discussions and observation, involving both students and academic staff. Bi-weekly assessment tests were conducted for students as part of their normal continuous assessment of their academic work, in both semesters in Sample Survey Course. Time Series Analysis was used to determine the trend of performance over the period. The study revealed that inadequate continuous assessment tests were conducted for the students due to lack of motivation for instructors and lecturers. It was revealed also that the overall assessment of academic performance skewed heavily towards the end of semester examinations. However, the biweekly assessment tests, as shown by the upward trend of performance over the period, positively enhanced, though slightly, the study habits of students. In conclusion, it was noted that the findings supported the belief that assessment in general has an effect on the study habits of students. It is recommended that bi-weekly continuous assessment tests should be conducted each semester.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of Government Regulations on the Mobile Communication Telephony In Ghana

The government of Ghana embarked on a liberalisation programme of the telecommunication sector in the latter part of the 20th century due to the inability of the national telecommunication company, Ghana Telecom to expand its services across the country with its fixed line systems. The liberalisation programme was initiated by the sale of a stake in Ghana Telecom to a private investor firm and the licensing of the first mobile service provider, Millicom Ghana limited (Tigo) in 1992. To promote competition in the sector, more mobile service providers were issued licenses, which included Spacefon (MTN), Celltel (Expresso), Airtel (Zain), Onetouch (Vodafone) and Globacomm. The study sought to examine the effects of the government’s liberalisation programme on the mobile communication telephony by comparing and contrasting the pre and post telecommunication reform eras. It was also to evaluate the effects of government liberalisation of the telecommunications sector on the mobile telecommunications telephony in Ghana and to determine how new regulations would affect the mobile communications telephony in Ghana. Data were sourced from both primary and secondary sources. The study revealed that government regulations have significant impact on the operations of mobile phone operators in Ghana. It is recommended that government involves the various stakeholders such as the mobile phone operators and the National Regulatory Authority in creating a regulatory environment which promotes fair practices and competition in order to promote the growth of the mobile communications sector.

Source: KNUST
Effects of Green Design Sustainability on Environmental Performance: Mediating Role of Green Innovation

The main aim of the study is to examine the effects of green design sustainability on environmental performance and the mediation role of green innovation in mining firms in the Western Region of Ghana. The study employed an explanatory research design. This survey was conducted using a quantitative approach. Purposive sampling techniques were used to choose 332 participants. A prepared questionnaire was the main tool used for data collection. Both SPSS v26 and SmartPls v4 were used for the statistical analysis. Both descriptive and inferential approaches were used to analyze the data. The result revealed that green design sustainability does not have a direct effect on environmental performance but a direct effect on green innovation. The result showed that green innovation had a significant direct influence on environmental performance. The results also revealed that green innovation positively and fully mediates interactions between green design sustainability and environmental performance. Therefore, the study recommended that firms should design eco-friendly products, eliminates hazardous waste and materials in their production operations, and employs products that save coal, oil, power, and water in order to enhance firms try to work with customers on eco-design to reduce the environmental effect, develop products and packaging that may be reused, mended, or recycled, surpasses legal environmental laws, uses alternative energy, reduces water use, and frequently examines the environment.

Source: KNUST
Effects of harmattan dust on vehicle air filters

Most parts of West Africa experience abnormally high levels of atmospheric dust suspension and deposition from November to March as a result of the dust-laden North-East Trade Winds which blow over the region from the Sahara Desert. This seasonal phenomenon is known as the Harmattan. The Harmattan dust aerosols have different particle characteristics and come in concentrations that are about two to three orders of magnitude higher than the non-Harmattan dust. The performance of engineering devices, systems and equipment therefore needs to be studied during the Harmattan period and the necessary redesign or improvements made. The behaviour of air filters utilized for removal of dust particles from air during the Harmattan period and the effects they have on the performance of engines in vehicles has been extensively studied. Different aspects of the study were considered including processes of removal of dust particles by filters and the efficiency of the filters in relation to engine performance. Three filters (two paper filters and one foam filter) of different but comparative parameters were used for the study. Inflated dust from untarred road was collected by plastic sheeting materials. Settling Harmattan dust was also collected from the roof top of the College of Engineering new 4-storey classroom and laboratory block. The results of the investigation showed that when the Harmattan season sets in, the pressure drop across filters increase significantly and causes clogging of the filters within a short period (2 to 3 times faster). Air filters in vehicles that ply on untarred roads exhibit higher pressure drops than those used in vehicles on tarred roads. Further steps towards design of these air filters are also discussed.

Source: KNUST
Effects of harvesting stages and periods of seed storage on seed quality characteristics of three soybean (Glycine max (L) Merrill) Varieties

Field and seed storage experiments were carried out between September 2012 and June 2013 to determine the most appropriate harvesting stage and period of storing soybean seeds, with minimal effects on seed quality characteristics. The field experiment was established using 3 x 3 factorial in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three (3) replications. The seed storage experiment was set up using 3 x 3 x 3 factorial arrangement in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications. The field experiment was conducted at the Research fields of CSIR-Crops Research Institute at Fumesua, Kumasi Ghana (01⁰36'W; 06⁰43'N) with the treatment of harvesting soybean pods at physiological maturity, one and two weeks after physiological maturity. Physiological maturity was determined when 90% of the pods on the plant turned brown. Growth and yield characteristics were evaluated during seed production period. Germination percentage, seed vigour, 1000 seed weight, moisture content, fungal infection, protein and fat contents were assessed before storage, three and six months. The study revealed that soybean varieties harvested at physiological maturity recorded the highest seed yield, germination percentage, vigour and fat content while those harvested two weeks after physiological maturity had the lowest in the parameters listed. It was observed that temperature and relative humidity readings were high and fluctuated under ambient storage conditions. The 1000 seed weight and moisture content increased under ambient storage conditions. Further, irrespective of the variety, harvesting stage and storage period, a total number of thirteen fungi species were identified on the three soybean varieties before and during storage. These pathogenic fungi species contributed in reducing the quality of the seed particularly germinability and vigour at six months of seed storage. The results obtained indicated that for good yield and seed quality, soybean pods should be harvested at physiological maturity.

Source: KNUST
The effects of Health and Safety Hazards on Labour Rroductivity in Construction Projects

The construction industry is one of the key drivers of growth in the Ghanaian economy. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of health and safety hazards on labour productivity in construction projects. The specific objectives were to identify the health and safety hazards on working environment, to examine the attitude of construction workforce to health and safety hazards and to identify effects of health and safety on labour productivity. After extensive review of data, a well-structured questionnaire was designed and distributed to fifty-eight (58) staff of 30 sampled construction firms within the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. The data gathered were coded and entered into SPSS for analysis. The study employed frequencies, percentages, mean and relative importance index. The results were presented in tables and chart. The study revealed that the major source of health and safety hazards on construction projects in the Ghanaian construction industry are hazards due to falling objects, vibration, dust particles, heat, and high temperature, noise, machines injury, accident through fall, chemical hazards, open pits/excavations and lubricant burnt smell. The study found poor attitude to health and safety among construction workers, a majority of them fail to put on PPE despite being provided, attention of health and safety management in actual practice is not sufficient, most construction companies fail to provide PPE for their workers and there is inadequate training of construction workers on health and safety hazard. The study also produced evidence that health and safety hazards have effect on labour productivity on construction projects. It is therefore important that management of construction firms should not only provide adequate protective clothing, but they should also put in place a monitoring team tasked to go round to check whether the staff really do put on their protective clothing and materials given. It is recommended that contractors of the various construction companies set up a human resource and safety department to enforce safety education campaigns and capacity building programs for both management and casual staff.

Source: KNUST