ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Strategies for curbing ineffective management of safety on construction sites: A case study in the Greater Accra Region

The construction industry is inherently risky, with a substantial number of accidents. Moreover, most construction firms aims at completing projects on time, especially with different projects at hand thereby neglecting the safety aspect of the workers. In most Ghanaian construction companies, adequate concentration is not allocated to the areas of health and safety and this has been a great problem over the years in which Accra Metropolis is no exception. To support in addressing this issue, this work planned with the aim to recommend strategies for curbing ineffective management of safety on construction sites. In order to achieve the said aim, the objectives set up include; to identify the possible causes of accident as a result of infective management of safety, to determine the level of accidents caused by ineffective management of safety at the construction sites and to identify strategies to curb ineffective management of safety at the construction sites. Survey questionnaires were administrated to five (5) major construction companies in the Greater Accra Region in which the data collected was also analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and the Relative Importance Index (RII) was also used in ranking. It was therefore revealed from the findings that poor planning at site, unsafe working conditions with others are some of the major causes of accident at site. In addition, falling victims was identified as the most serious level of accident on site. Construction companies should consider the need for special training for workers and also to create a group of internal health and safety monitory experts were some of the recommendations made.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for financing real estate development in Ghana

Financial strategies have become an efficient instrument for providing real estate developers with the necessary financial proficiency to enhance their operations. Financial affairs of firms play an obvious momentous role in their routine business activities. Real estate developers are confronted with challenges which require allocation of scarce resources (land, cash, lines of credit, and the like) to various land uses in different time periods so that the value of the developers’ benefit flow is optimized. Paradoxically, finance and access to finance for real estate development in developed countries has attracted a great deal of attention from researchers. Nonetheless, diminutive empirical research has been conducted to investigate the financial practices of real estate developers in developing countries like Ghana. The research extends current knowledge and understanding of financial practices of real estate firms in Ghana. The government of Ghana has shifted from a direct provider of residential properties to a facilitator by creating the necessary enabling environment. This has resulted in the establishment of several real estate companies, under the umbrella of Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA). This research draws theoretical explanations from real estate and finance literature to identify the gaps in knowledge. These gaps directed the setting of aim and objectives for the study. In an attempt to investigate the financial constraints confronting the developers, the research adopted a questionnaire survey approach as its methodology. A total of 48 real estate firms were involved in the study. The data collected were then analysed using both descriptive statistics and multivariate analyses which reduce the number of variables and detected the structure of relationships between them. The empirical evidence of the research revealed that the number of constructed residential properties for outright sale by real estate firms have a positive relation with the age of firm, mean annual expenditure and firm size (number of employees). The study established the major financial sources of real estate finance in Ghana to be retained profits and advance deposits with former as the main finance acquisition pattern. Financial difficulties in the form of medium and long-term were also discovered to be prevalent in the financial lending system. The inability of real estate firms to provide acceptable collateral and transaction cost were identified as some of the key constraints confronting developers on the difficulties in obtaining finance. This research has provided several policy directions to be formulated by stakeholders in terms of establishment of more mortgage lending institutions, establishing manufacturing and supply companies to enhance trade credit and high purchase facilities to real estate firms and establishment of real estate investment trust.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for implementation of sustainable development in the construction industry in Ghana: case study in Nkoranza South and Sunyani East

Sustainable construction is very vital towards nation development. Majority of developing countries fail to critically implement sustainable construction so as to improve the development of the construction industry. This is a quantitative study which aimed at investigating the strategies for implementation of sustainable concept in the Ghanaian building industry with specific objectives of identifying the factors that act as impediment, negative effect to these impediment and develop strategies for implementation that enhance developmental projects in Ghana. Data was collected by using questionnaire survey. The purposive sampling and snowball sampling were adopted in selecting professionals in the building industry in Ghana for the study. A total number of seventy questionnaires were administered and fifty-eight were retrieved representing a response rate of 82.86%. Data collected was analyzed using mean score ranking to rank the barriers identified; negative effects of the factor and strategies for implementation of sustainable building. Furthermore, the most relevant effect of unsustainable construction practices were also disclosed as an extension of project duration, water pollution, air pollution, excessive energy and resource consumption, deforestation and global warming. The study therefore recommended that some of local building materials should be looked at and if possible improved upon to enhance construction procedures to promote their usage.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for improving Entrepreneurial Skills among project management Graduates in Ghana

In Ghana, graduates often have limited entrepreneurial skills and rarely undertake entrepreneur initiatives as they are persistently in search of non-existing jobs in the formal sector. Based on this was this study conducted to identify strategies to improve entrepreneurial skills among Project Management graduates in Ghana. To help in the realization of this aim were three (3) objectives put forward as: to identify the entrepreneurial skills needed by project management graduates, to outline the strategies in place to improve the entrepreneurial skills needed by project management graduates and to identify the obstacles to the development of the entrepreneurial skills of project management graduates in Ghana. The institutional-based descriptive cross-sectional design study employed a survey strategy in the collection of data from project management professionals or graduates through structured questionnaire. The study approach was largely quantitative as the study largely dwelled on realism of events and aimed at testing existing theories on the entrepreneurial development of project management graduates. The analysis of the data gathered was done using descriptive statistics, relative importance index (RII) and Kendall Wallis Test of Concordance. Findings from the analysis depicted that the entrepreneurial skills perceived as the most important were creative skills and communication skills. Communication skills in the form of working in a team, ability to use relevant language to negotiate, persuade and convince, and the ability in brainstorming interaction networking are termed as critical to the entrepreneurial development of project management graduates. Creative skills in the form of ability to visualize and identify new problem areas in the society, ability to generate new ideas or concepts, ability to apply knowledge acquired in real life events and the ability to apply knowledge acquired with others are perceived as critical to the entrepreneurial development of project management professionals or graduates. Revealed from the study was four Principal Obstacles identified as limited funds for youth’s start-up and business expansion, theoretical based curriculum against practical skill acquisition, system of education not producing talented workforce and no loan facilities for graduates to establish their businesses. It was recommended that entrepreneurship development fund for graduates, restructuring of higher level educational curricula, loan facilities for graduates and organizing periodic workshops and seminars on entrepreneurship development will help improve entrepreneurial development of project management graduates in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for improving practical Knowledge of Unskilled Artisans in the Ghanaian Construction Industry: the case of Kumasi Metropolis

The number of skilled artisans in the construction industry has been on the dwindle since the second world war. Now, the growing world population propelling the need for more infrastructure is also creating an immature imbalance between the few skilled workers available and the jobs in the market. Hence, engendering the need for more workers to become skilled or obtain the practical knowledge required to perform on the job. This study was therefore formulated to devise strategies for improving the practical knowledge of unskilled artisans in the Ghanaian construction industry by using Kumasi as a case study. Adopting the positivist approach which informs the use of case studies and surveys, the purposive and convenience sampling techniques were used to reach the target population of this study. A total of fifty-nine questionnaires were retrieved from the survey, and adopting descriptive statistics, mean score ranking and relative importance index, the several parts of the questionnaires were strategically analysed. The reliability of the scale and internal consistency of the variables were checked by using the Cronbach Alpha Coefficient test. After analysis, it was identified that all the variables obtained from literature were all necessary and could be considered as important variables for knowing the level of practical knowledge of unskilled artisans, but the first highly ranked variables under this dimension are; understanding of workers rules and obligations; ability to take measurement and understand measuring instruments, and appreciation of site health and safety. The challenges of improving the practical knowledge of unskilled artisans identified from literature was also assessed by the respondents as important challenges with inappropriate instruction skills; personal behavioural factors, and lack of availability of the requisite facilities to improve practical knowledge ranking highest among the rest. The study also identified some of the strategies for improving practical knowledge of unskilled artisans, and among the variables identified, the following ranked highest; implementing on-the-job training; making skilled artisans’ jobs lucrative through better remuneration and competence-based training of workers. The key findings of the study led to understanding of how best unskilled artisans can gain practical knowledge to help fill the gap between jobs availability and availability of skilled artisans. The study finally recommended that the government should set-up training avenues, make the educational curriculum more practical and increase the attractiveness of skilled artisans’ jobs in the construction industry by incorporating pension schemes, good salary and end of service benefits.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for improving procurement processes in the award of contracts in public sector procurement in Ghana- a case study of Municipal Assemblies in the Brong Ahafo Region

Procurement plays a very vital role in economical growth and development of any country if well managed. The major Problem contributing to the poor performance of procurement of goods, Works and services in award of contract is that, there have not been compliance with the policies and regulations of the Act.(663) public procurement Act(2003) Act 663. This research is aimed at identifying strategies for improving procurement processes in the award of contracts in public sector procurement. The study suggests that effective procurement processes are measures of improving procurement processes and performance in award of contract. To achieve the objective of the study, 5 managerial staff members in each of the 7 Municipal assemblies in the Brong Ahafo region of Ghana were targeted as respondents to provide the needed information for the study. This comprised municipal coordinating directors, planning officers, finance officers, engineers and the head of procurement unit. The findings of this study revealed that lack of expertise in an organization, poor communication, ambiguity in role clarification, insufficient budget allocation, incredible information provided by the contractors and delays in budget allocation are the problems militating against procurement entities in the award of contracts. The study outlined recommendations for improving the procurement processes in the award of contracts in public sector procurement. Key words: Strategies, improvement, Ghana, performance and process.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for marketing life assurance products: the case study enterprise Life Assurance Company Limited.

Despite the tremendous socio-economic benefits that insurance companies provide to individuals, organisations and the nation at large, there are many challenges that the industry faces. Surmounting these barriers calls for innovation on the part of insurance companies. The purpose of the study was to examine the major challenges that insurance companies in Ghana ( Enterprise Life Assurance Company) faces and the market strategies(channel/models) used in advancing insurance products in Ghanian market. Using structured and pretested quetionnare, data gathered from 480 clients and staff of ELKAC. The data gathered was analysed quantitatively and discussed qualitatively. The findings of the study revaealed that insurance agents. Banc Assuranc, Telecommunication and brokers are some channels adopted by ELAC in the promotion and delivery of its insurance products and service. The agency model was shown to be dominant strategy (68%) used by ELAC in reaching out to its target market. High transactions costs, low incomes of clients mistrust of insurance, lack of proper appreciation for insurance products and service were identified as major challenges ELAC faces in discharging its mandate. Apart from high transaction costs, all the other constraints are systematic challenges that confront the insurance industry in general. The study recommends effective training of human resource especially the sales force to eliminate the misinformation out there, in addition intensification of eduction on insurance to encourage appreciation of insurance

Source: KNUST
Strategies for promoting productivity in the civil service: a case study of the ministry of foreign affairs.

The main objective of the study was to assess the Strategies for promoting productivity in Civil Service using the ministry of foreign affairs as case study. In addressing the objective of the study, the study gathered data from employees of ministry of foreign affairs. The study also adopted a quantitative approach to help achieve the objectives of the study. Population sizes of 157 workers were considered for the study. Questionnaires were the main instrument used in gathering data from the respondents. The Statistical package for social science (SPSS) statistical software was used to process the data gathered. Likewise, Statistical tools of mean, standard deviation, frequency and percentages was used in analysing data. Result from the study showed that, most (46.6%) of the workers reported early to work, also, over half (51.7%) of the workers engaged in unproductive conversation during working hours. The findings further revealed that some of the workers (50.8%) normally browse on social media platform during working hours. Also, most (82.2%) of the workers were not provided with the appropriate awards and bonuses for the extra efforts put in. According to the results most (52.5%) of the worker were paid on time for all regular works done within the normal working hours. The ministry of foreign affairs enhance productivity through counselling service (82.2%), annual training programs (81.4%), remunerating workers on time (52.5%) and also providing conducive working environment for its workers (67.8%). The result further identified factor that imped improved productivity at the organisation as unfavourable government policies (65.3%), Poor organizational relationship (68.6%), over staffing at the organisation and poor medium of communication. Based on the result obtained, it was recommended that, the Human Resource Department and the IT department should come up with software that will restrict workers from accessing social media platform during working hours.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for minimising material wastage in project construction in Ghana

The concept of sustainable development stresses on the responsibility of the present generation to preserve or enhance the opportunities and capabilities of future generations through efficient resource usage. In the construction trade, the problem of material waste on building site is a major problem which threatens the sustainability of the industry. Within each passing day, significant volumes of waste are produced on project sites in Ghana and the world at large. The study aims at identify strategies for minimizing material wastage in construction project delivery in Ghana. Structured questionnaires were self-administered to project supervisors, site foremen, Quantity surveyors and other key professionals who are involved in the procurement and management of materials in the selected firms after extant literature was reviewed. To Identifying major sources of materials wastage in the construction sites, identifying the causes of materials wastage and identifying strategies in minimizing wastage of materials were the objectives set to realizing the aim of the study. The data collected was analysed using descriptive statistics. The ordinal data were further analysed using Mean Score Ranking criterion. There was a response rate of 90.80%, thus, 148 respondents participated in the survey. Moreover, material storage and handling, overproduction and waste resulting from cutting uneconomical shapes were identified by respondents as major causes of material wastage on construction site. Some of the strategies identified in waste minimization were clear communication of waste management policies, provision of required waste facilities and collaborating, support for top leadership and promoting collective accountability among the workers. The study recommends that frequent training should be organised for the workers in the industry to educate and equip them with the necessary capacity to understand and utilize the construction waste.

Source: KNUST
Strategies for reducing reworks in building construction projects in Ghana

Rework is defined as the unnecessary effort of redoing an activity that was inaccurately done the first time. In essence, rework and wastages have become recognized as nonvalue adding endemic symptoms that seriously affect the performance and productivity aspects of construction projects. The aim of this research was to assess strategies to reduce reworks in building construction projects. In order to achieve the aim, the following objectives were set: to evaluate the causes of reworks in building construction projects; to assess the effects of reworks building construction projects; and to assess strategies to reduce reworks building construction projects. A critical review of literature was conducted. The quantitative research strategy was adopted. Questionnaires were used to gather data from contractors as well as consultants in Kumasi metropolis. Purposive sampling technique was adopted. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used for the analysis. Descriptive statistics, mean score ranking, one sample t-test and Cronbach Alpha were the analytical tools. From the findings, Noncompliance with specification; Failure to implement Quality management practices; Poor scheduling of construction resources; Poor monitoring and control; Ineffective communication were the severest causes of reworks building construction projects. Wastage of resources; Monetary loss due to the delay of work; Results in human health hazard or equipment failure; Cost overrun; Late site hand over were the significant effects of reworks building construction projects. Effective planning and scheduling; Teamwork effectiveness; Strong qualified supervision; Qualified Contractor; Effective Communication were the significant strategies to reduce reworks building construction projects. It is recommended that employees should be given proper training so that the errors are minimised

Source: KNUST