ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An investigation into organizational conflict in the health institutions in the Northern Region of Ghana.

The main aim of the study was to find out the nature of organizational conflicts in the Health Institutions in the North Region of Ghana. The study areas were Tamale Teaching Hospital and Tamale Central Hospital. As a result, the study reviewed the related literature on the concepts of organizational conflicts and how these affect the individuals and group members at the workplaces. The study adapted quantitative method, which was both descriptive and explanatory in nature. This involved the use of questionnaires, which was analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Scientists (SPSS). A convenient sample of 140 was selected with a response rate of 135. The study revealed the causes of conflict to include issues such as limited resources, deficiencies in information flow, conflicting interest, overlapping tasks, interdependence, time pressure and collective decision-making. This they believed resulted in conflict between junior staff and senior staff in the Health Service. This study also revealed that conflict had negative effects on staff performance and institutional development in general. The findings are in support of Huczynski and Buchanan (2001) and Robbins (1997) assertions that conflicts that were not handled well impact negatively on the organizations as well as its members. According to them, dysfunctional conflict takes employees focus from work to be done and places it on the parties involved in the conflict. It breeds discontent, dissolves common ties, brings about fear and stress and eventually leads to destruction of groups. The study therefore, recommends that management as well as the staff should try to come to consensus in conflict situations and such misunderstandings should be taken in good faith and dealt with, for peaceful co-existence and healthy organizational climate

Source: KNUST
An Investigation into Performance Management Practices: Case Study of Oti-Yeboah Company Limited

Good performance management practice is crucial in modern times. Unfortunately for many years, corporate executives and academic scholars have been debating the consequences of poor performance management practices in organizations. The main objective of the study is to determine how performance management practices are carried out at Oti-Yeboah Company Limited. The purpose of the study is exploratory. As a result, a single case study organization is chosen instead of multiple case studies. The study adopted a multi-method qualitative case study approach using both primary and secondary data sources. The primary data sources were from semi-structured interviews and questionnaires while the secondary data were from journals, articles, text books, web pages, and reports. A stratified random sampling technique was used in the study with a sample size of 111 respondents from all six departments of the Company. The research has revealed that Supervision and Control System, Coaching, Delegation and Performance Measurement are the main performance management practices applied in managing employee performance at the Company. The Company does not use any method of performance appraisal system in managing employee performance. Furthermore, line managers and supervisors do not involve employees in setting targets or goals of the Company. The study also found that coaching is the only measure used in addressing performance gaps. There is no link between individual goals, team goals and organizational goals. The study recommends that Oti-Yeboah Company Limited should introduce a performance appraisal system and should also allow the participation of employees in setting performance targets. The company should also align its corporate goals with the goals of individual employees and team goals.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into procurement risk management in the Nigeria oil and gas industry

Risk management is probably the most difficult aspect of project management. This translates that, the use of risk management at the pre contract stage is essential to mitigate and control the risk barriers to the successful completion of a project. This study aimed to investigate the challenges associated with pre-contract procurement risk management and document measures adopted by the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). A descriptive research design involving administration of questionnaires was conducted with workers of NNPC in Nigeria. The study used a purposive sampling to select 70 workers within the various divisions. Data analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software. Findings showed that, the pre-contract procurement risk management adopted by NPPC are characterized by risk identification, brainstorming and meetings as well as involvement of NNPC‘s top managers‘ in the process. Findings showed challenges in the planning; understatement and overstatement of need, impractical timeframe and insufficient fund, sourcing; failure to identify potential sources, inadequate statement of requirement and some level of biased specifications, negotiation and evaluation; failure to follow effective evaluation procedures and offers failing to meet the needs. Findings suggested that analysing needs accurately, improving consultation with users, obtaining clear statement of work and definition of need, obtaining appropriate approvals before undertaking process, improved forecasting, planning and consultation with users, implement a control mechanism to review specification before release and using expression of interest or request for information to clarify requirements could be used to overcome the challenges associated with procurement risk management. vi The study concludes that strengthening current pre-contract procurement risk management would further mitigate risk at NNPC and encourages future research to focus much on the subject within other public institutions in Nigeria.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into quality of water from private hand dug wells sited in close proximity to on-site sanitation systems in households of small towns: a case study of Kintampo Municipality in Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana

The study investigated the quality of water from private Hand dug wells sited in close proximity to on-site sanitation systems in households of Kintampo municipality in Brong-Ahafo Region, Ghana. Kintampo town was zoned into five areas, based on the old (year 2000) electoral areas. Water samples were taken from 10 private hand dug wells. Samples were also taken from one borehole and one public stand pipe that supply water to the town. The samples were assessed for both the bacteriological and physicochemical parameters. The bacteriological parameters were: Total coliform, faecal coliform, and E. coli. The physicochemical parameters included: colour, turbidity, temperature, conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, total dissolved solids, total suspended solids, total hardness, iron, fluoride, chloride, calcium, sulphate and nitrate. All the 10 samples from the private hand dug wells tested positive to Total coliform count in the laboratory, whiles samples from the public stand pipe and borehole well showed negative total coliform result. However, all of the 10 samples together with the public stand pipe and borehole well indicated negative results for both faecal coliform and E.coli. None of the physicochemical parameters of the well waters were above the Ghana Standard Board and the WHO permissible and guided values, respectively. Physical characteristics such as temperature and colour of PHDWs were almost the same as that of the public stand pipe and the borehole. However, turbidity and conductivity were different from that of samples of the PHDWs and the public water supply. There were various variations with respect to the chemical parameters when the private hand dug wells (PHDWs) were compared to the public stand pipe and the borehole. Alkalinity, total hardness and calcium hardness levels were higher in public stand pipe than those of PHDWs and bore hole. Physicochemical parameters: Temperature, Colour; alkalinity, Nitrite, Nitrate and Dissolved Oxygen showed significant seasonal variations. They all have p-values of 0.0001.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into recruitment and selection practices at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (Kumasi-Based Institutes)

The effectiveness of an organization depends on the effectiveness of its employees. Without a high-quality labour force, an organization is destined to have mediocre performance. Recruitment and selection practices of an organization are one of the most critical functions human resource management practitioners should look at. Recruiting and selecting qualified labour force involves a variety of Human Resource Management activities. The main objective of the study was to investigate into the recruitment and selection practices at the CSIR (Kumasi-based Institutes). Using a case study approach, the study intended to also investigate into the specific objectives, that is, to identify policies on recruitment and selection at the CSIR (Kumasi-based institutes); to evaluate the recruitment and selection practices at CSIR (Kumasi-based Institutes); to examine the relationship between recruitment and selection. Both primary and secondary data were used obtain data for the research. The study found out that a greater number of employees CSIR (Kumasi-based Institutes) do not have knowledge about the recruitment and selection policy; that council used external recruitment sources to fill vacancies than the use of internal recruitment sources. It was also revealed that environmental factors such as legal, political, and socio-cultural factors normally influence the selection process. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the recruitment and selection policy which is enshrined in the Conditions of Service should be made known and available to employees and if possible to job applicants. Another recommendation was that a study and trial should be made on using assessment centres to select candidates as it provides a greater chance for candidates to showcase their knowledge, abilities, and skills on the job, as it also gives the opportunity for interviewers to examine the candidates from different aspects so that it might avoid bias selectivity.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into retention of Teachers. A comparative study of Effiduasi Senior High School and T.I Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School

The purpose of this research was to investigate into the retention of teachers of Effiduasi Senior High School (EFFISCO) and Asokore TI Ahmadiyya Girls Senior High School (AMGISS). The main objective of the study was to investigate into factors that influence the retention of teachers of the two schools. It sought to find out what such retention has towards the growth of the school. The research was descriptive in nature based on empirical evidence in the form of primary data collected in two schools which were purposively sampled. Structured questionnaires were administered to 64 teachers from both schools. The data was analysed using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) and the final results presented in tables, bar graphs and pie charts for simplicity. It was found out that teachers in the sampled schools are willing and ready to stay if the school environment suit teaching and learning processes. Thus providing the appropriate teaching aids and conducive classroom environment will be a retention factor for teachers, Finally, the survey revealed that, apart from power culture which is significantly related employee retention none of the other culture types (support, role and achievement) relate significantly with employee retention in both schools under study. It is recommended that substantial non-monetary influence can help induce teacher retention. These include increasing local opportunities for teachers and postgraduate training, rewarding staff according to differential workloads, especially for those working in locations that are considered deprived. In conclusion, it should be noted that retention management is a shared responsibility of the government, Ghana Education Service (GES), policy makers and therefore, must not be left in the hand of headmasters and headmistresses alone.

Source: KNUST
An Investigation into Scheduling Practices Deployed within the Ghanaian Construction Industry

Schedules are prepared for construction projects to serve as control measures to ensure that cost and time objectives are achieved. Various techniques and tools have been developed over time to aid in developing construction project schedules. The aim of the research was to determine the impact of schedules on construction projects in Ghana. The research sought to identify the various scheduling techniques and tools used in the Ghanaian construction industry as well as identifying the factors that hinder the implementation of project schedules. Extensive literature review was done to determine the various scheduling tools and techniques. The research style used was the survey style and the approach adopted was quantitative. Non-probability sampling techniques namely purposive and snow ball were used in collecting data from an undefined population. Data collection instrument used was structured questionnaire. Questionnaires were administered to sixty (60) construction professionals in the Kumasi metropolis. With a response rate of 83.33%, data was analysed using descriptive data analysis such as the measure of central tendency and relative importance index (RII). The research identified Gantt chats, line of balance, queue scheduling and network diagrams, MS project, Excel and Prima Vera as the various scheduling techniques and tools used in the Ghanaian construction industry. Unavailability of funds, undefined project scope and project specific factors (e.g. ground conditions) with RII values of 0.7, 0.7 and 0.6 among others were ascertained to be factors that hinder the implementation of project schedules. The research as well established delay in project duration, resequencing of work and poor cost planning as impacts the use of scheduling techniques will have on a construction project. The research recommends that funds are made available on regular basis to ensure that schedules produced for construction projects are implemented accordingly.

Source: KNUST
An Investigation into the Application of Construction Planning Tools and Techniques by small scale contractors in the Ghanaian Construction Industry.

Construction projects like other projects are guided by objectives which are achieved when effective planning is deliberately done. Moreover, quality is assured with effective planning. Irrespective of the activities undertaken on a construction projects, due diligent to planning is essential which adapts accepted techniques for the realization of the project objectives. Small Scale Construction Firms (SSCF) are challenged with the application of the planning tools, therefore, the study aims at investigating into the construction planning tools and techniques used by SSCF in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Review of existing literature was carried out to identify the factors and it was followed by questionnaire survey to the respondents. 73 questionnaire were retrieved out of 80 questionnaires administered. The analysis was consequently grounded on this response rate. Mean Score Ranking and Relative importance index were the analytical tools used on the data collected. The following findings were identified from the study; respondents indicated that organizations utilized only simple tools, and tools that require less training to use. Furthermore, it was revealed that management problems, limited project planning, knowledge, awareness problems, policy problems are the challenges faced by SSCF in the implementation of construction planning tools and techniques. The following recommendations were made due to the findings of the study; construction professionals should have formal training in construction planning education in order to apply construction planning and techniques tools, or otherwise organizations should employ the services of qualified construction planning professionals to undertake construction planning.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the causality between electricity consumption and economic growth in Ghana

Knowledge of the direction of the causality between electricity consumption and economic growth is of primary importance if appropriate energy policies and energy conservation measures are to be devised. This study investigates into the long-run relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth as well as the direction of causality between these two variables in Ghana from 1971 to 2013. The study employed the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL) to test for cointegration between the variables and the Granger Causality test was used to determine the direction of the causality between electricity consumption and economic growth. The results from the ARDL showed that there is long-run relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth. Whiles that of the Granger Causality test showed that there exists a unidirectional long-run Granger causality running from economic growth to electricity consumption. These empirical findings imply that electricity conservation policies through both rationalizing the electricity supply efficiency improvement to avoid the wastage of electricity and managing demand side to reduce the electricity consumption without affecting the end-user benefits could be initiated without adverse effect on economic growth. The findings on the long-run relationship indicate that a sufficiently large supply of electricity can ensure that a higher level of economic growth.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the attraction and retention of staff at Kumasi Polytechnic

Employee retention is one of the challenges facing many educational institutions, especially polytechnics in Ghana today. For many institutions, strategic staffing has become a concern because the ability to hold on to highly talented core employees can be crucial to future survival. This study examined how attractive Kumasi Polytechnic is in terms of attracting qualified and experienced staff into the institution and the strategies that may influence their stay. The research adopts descriptive approach and utilizes interview guide and questionnaire as the tools for collecting the necessary primary data. The data was synthesized and analyzed using SPSS. The Information gathered from Kumasi Polytechnic’s Personnel Section showed that over the decade 2001 – 2011, the Polytechnic attracted 836 of both junior and senior staff members and lost 230 of them to other sectors of the economy. A simple descriptive survey was carried out using the combination of the census and sample survey research designs on a population comprising serving senior members and staff as well as interviewing some of the staff who had resigned from the service of the Polytechnic since 2005. From the study, it was found, among others, that, opportunities for promotion after acquiring higher qualification and prospects for accelerated promotion were major factors affecting retention of staff at the Polytechnic. The study revealed factors such as better condition of service, opportunity for further studies, job security and quest to find a job as major attraction factors of staff to K-POLY. Therefore it can be summed up that improvement in the opportunities for career development and in compensation package, as well as the prospects for promotion and the institution of welfare schemes for staff are likely to enhance the attraction and retention of senior members and staff at the Polytechnic.

Source: KNUST
An investigation into the challenges of performance appraisal in Ghanaian organizations: A case study of Olam Ghana Limited

Staff performance appraisal is a necessary and beneficial process in the work environment. It systematically gives a description of an employee’s strength and weaknesses. The system is however sometimes fraught with some challenges. This study therefore examined the challenges of performance appraisal at Olam Ghana Limited. Data was obtained through the use of questionnaire and interview sessions involving 220 respondents which included all categories of staff of the company. Data presentation and discussion were supported with tables. The study found that the company undertakes two major appraisals in each Financial Year with a good feedback system. The first is done in February and the final one done in July to end the Financial Year. The company adopts a combination of the Management by Objective and Self-Appraisal Techniques in appraising its staff. Results, as well as strengths and weaknesses are discussed and scoreboards are kept at the branch offices to provide feedback to employees on their performance. Management has instituted some incentive packages based on performance. Among the challenges revealed by the study include a general apathy by workers, lack of commitment especially by line managers towards the appraisal system, low salary levels and disparities in both salary structure and incentive packages. Some workers also perceived some biases in the company’s appraisal system. Lastly, the study revealed the failure of management of Olam to conduct investigation into performance gaps. The study recommended among others: the need for management to give the necessary support to facilitate efficiency and effectiveness in the company’s appraisal system; adequate training for line managers on appraisal processes to appreciate appraisal benefits, minimize biases and errors and maximize fairness; rewards should also be adequate and uniform to serve as a form of motivation to employees. Finally, proper assessment of performance gaps should be conducted so that appropriate training can be identified and developed to improve staff performance.

Source: KNUST
Investigation into the dying indigenous pottery industry in the Ashanti Region

The indigenous pottery industry in the Ashanti Region has served for many decades as a source of employment to the indigenous people, especially women. Its significant contribution to the tourism sector of the nation also cannot be overemphasised. For several reasons, the indigenous pottery industry, which significantly demonstrates the traditional manufacturing techniques through the use of appropriate indigenous technologies, and also upholds the cultural values of the people may soon get lost as the years come by. It has been observed that the industry is retrogressing. The trade has been left in the hands of very few older women; many towns which were popularly identified with the pot making business have lost that fame. This research therefore focused on finding the causes that have led to the near collapse of the indigenous pottery industry in the Ashanti region and to find ways to avert the situation. The researcher visited five of the popular pottery towns namely Afari, Adankwame, Mfensi, Apiadu and Pankrono. Respondents were selected for interview and discussions to gather data for the study. Findings from the research revealed that, the trade was still being practiced by women, clay was still available, but the industry in most of the towns has collapsed. However, there was high patronage for the products. The researcher discovered that the current generation (youth) were found not to be interested in the trade. It was also realised that urbanization and expansion of towns has negatively affected the industry. These were clear evidence that the industry is confronted with challenges. The following are some of the recommendations proposed by the researcher; that authorities concerned should do well to preserve clay sites to avoid being taken over by estate developers; that attempt should be made to transfer the skills from the old women to the youth; that traditional pottery should be introduced to the Junior High School curriculum and also an idea about pottery centre system has also been suggested.

Source: KNUST