ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of Leucaena leucocephala biomass and sawdust on physical and chemical properties of the soil and on growth and yield of soyabean (Glycine max)

The effect of sawdust and Leucaena leucocephala biomass on soil physical and chemical properties and on growth and yield of soyabean (Glycine max) were studied in two field experiments. The study was conducted to determine optimum combination level of sawdust and Leucaena biomass that can sustain growth and yield of soyabean and to assess treatment effect on the soil and earthworm population. Sawdust and Leucaena were applied at rates 0, 5, 10 and 20 t/ha for experiment I and at 0 and 10 t/ha for experiment II. The stem height, root length, root dry weight, nodule number and nodule diameter of soyabean were determined. Growth analysis involving leaf area index (LAI), leaf area ratio (LAR), leaf area duration (DO, net assimilation rate (NAR) and crop growth rate (CGR) were carried out. Soil samples were analysed for N, P, K, C and pH at planting and after harvesting. Soil bulk density, porosity, moisture content and temperature were determined. Germination was reduced significantly at 20 t/ha application of sawdust. Leucaena application showed significant increase in the LAI (P <0.01), LAR (P <0.05), Df (P <0.01) and a slight increase in soil nitrogen levels. Leucaena treatments produced soyabean plants which were almost twice as tall (64cm) as those of the sawdust treatment (37cm), and also produced almost twice more pods (26.4 pods) than the sawdust treatments (12.8 pods). Seed yields from Leucaena plots were twice (1.88 t/ha) as that of sawdust plots (0.83 t/ha). Sawdust and Leucaena combination yield was higher (1.52 tlha) than that of the control (1.04 t/ha). The main determinant of seed yield was number of pods per plant. At 10 t/ha, sawdust reduced both LAI and LAR significantly (P <0.05). Earthworm population increased with sawdust application up to 10 t/ha level and declined at 20 t/ha. Soil temperature decreased with increasing levels of sawdust and Leucaena application. Sawdust reduced bulk density, increased porosity and soil water content more than Leucaena. The study revealed that the optimum level of sawdust that can sustain crop production is 10 t/ha.

Source: KNUST
Effect of loan interest rate on small and medium enterprises development in Ghana.

There is an increase in recognition of the important role small and medium enterprises (SMEs) play in every economic development. In the past, developing economies including Ghana have undergone periods of significant changes such as the economic recovery and structural adjustment programmes which have gradually necessitated the development of a market economy. This study is a contribution to the debate on the effect of loan interest rate on small and medium enterprises growth in Ghana. The main purpose of the study is to examine the effect of loans interest rates on SMEs performance and growth at Tudu in the Accra central business district. Some major issues included the difficulty for SMEs to access bank loans due to high interest rates, low profitability and lack of collateral required by the banks. The general argument was that, high loan interest rates were not compatible with the performance and growth of SMEs, and that most financial institutions such as the Banks charged high interest rates, and hence the SMEs tend not to be profitable. Causing an increased rate of SMEs failure in developing countries. In addition, little work establishes the link between the loan interest rates and the growth of SMEs. Therefore, it is in the best interest of this study to investigate and find out the extent to which the charged interest rates affect the performance and growth of SMEs. The study design was a cross-sectional survey. The information that led to the achievement of the objectives was gathered through the use of questionnaire involving a sample size of 100 respondents sampled based on purposive sampling. From the results, the study concluded that the effects of loans on growth and development of businesses are physical, social infrastructure and capital. Clearly, there is a close to consensus expression that acquiring a loan from bank or any financial institution brings about improvement of businesses. Hence, the study recommended that more attention be focused on the growth of small and medium enterprise by making loans available at reduced interest rates and accessible to all people in the country in order to create job opportunities for employment, reduce cost of doing business and ensure effective business operations and management. The findings of the study indicated that, majority of the entrepreneurs were females who were engaged in various small and medium enterprises with the Tudu business centre. Larger proportion of the entrepreneurs mainly contract loan facilities from the bank with GH₵ 1000 and GH₵ 2000 to speed up the operations of the business. Business growth and sales of SMEs are the main variables that influence loan accessibility. Employment, reduce cost of doing business and business operation and management are the variables that have a significant influence on growth and development of small and medium entrepreneurs. The study suggested that government should reduce interest rate to the optimum growth and development of SMEs in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
The effect of loan portfolio quality on the performance of banks in Ghana

The purpose of the study was to examine the effect of loan portfolio quality on the financial performance of selected universal banks in Ghana. Using dataset from the annual reports for 10 Ghanaian universal banks from 2007 to 2013, the study employed panel regression technique with the aid of STATA Statistical Software. Among the various panel data techniques, fixed effect model was identified as the best technique based on the Hausman test between fixed and random effect. Return on Equity (ROE) and Net Interest Margin (NIM) were used to proxy financial performance whiles Loan Portfolio Profitability (LPP) and Loan Loss Provision to Gross Loan Advances (LLP/GLA) were used as proxies for loan portfolio quality. Cost Income Ratio (CIR), Liquid Funds to Total Assets and Total Assets were used as control variables. The result from the analysis indicates that LLP/GLA has a negative effect on the financial performance of banks in Ghana. In addition, the findings of the study indicate that net interest margin has a positive effect on the financial performance of the selected banks. The result further established that firm size has positive effect on financial performance of banks. Thus, the larger the size of the bank, the more profitable it becomes due to economies of scale. Finally, the research findings revealed that cost-to-income ratio has a negative significant effect on the performance of universal banks in Ghana. The findings of the study therefore established that loan portfolio quality has significant effect on the financial performance of the selected Ghanaian universal banks. The study recommends that universal banks in Ghana should develop effective and efficient strategies and policies to improve the quality of their loans in order to improve their profitability. It further recommends that, efficient cost management must be adopted by Ghanaian universal banks to improve performance.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Macroeconomic Variables on Stock Market Returns Ghana: An Analysis Using Arbitrage Pricing Model

This work attempts to use Arbitrage Pricing Theory framework to explain the variations on returns on the Ghana Stock Exchange. Ordinary Least Squares Regression and cointegration analysis were employed to model both the short- and long-run relationships. In addition, granger causality tests were used to examine the causality between the GSE All-Share index and seven macroeconomic variables namely money supply, rate of inflation, treasury bill rate, exchange rate, world crude oil prices, world cocoa prices and gold prices. Results from the Ordinary Least Squares regression analysis showed that four out of the seven macroeconomic variables possess statistically significant power for stock returns on the Ghana Stock Exchange: inflation rate, the treasury bill rate, money supply and world crude oil prices. On the other hand, the Foreign exchange rate, world cocoa prices and world gold prices do not appear to have a statistically significant effect on stock prices in Ghana. However, while the Engle and Granger cointegration test results signal the existence of an overall long-run relationship between stock returns and the observed variables on the GSE, the same could not be said of the long-run relationship between individual macroeconomic variables and stock returns. On the contrary, the Johansen and Juselius cointegration test shows the existence of at least two cointegrating relationships between stock returns and the macroeconomic variables. Additionally, the Engle and Granger causality test points to uni-directional causality between stock returns and the foreign exchange rate and the money supply. In the light of the above findings, Industry and academia should partner each other to conduct research which focuses on different aspects of the market and the findings should be made available to industry and the government should set realistic macroeconomic targets to limit chronic deviations which normally render fundamental analysis almost impossible in order to improve public confidence in government decisions.

Source: KNUST
The effect of managerial human relation on motivation: a case study of selected second-cycle Schools in the Kumasi metropolis

Human relations have been a problem with organizations and institutions for ages. However, theorists like Elton Mayo, Hertzberg, McGregor, and others have tried to establish the link between the effect of the human aspect of the organization on the non-human (system) and its outcome. Though many researches on human relations and motivation in the organization have been undertaken since the Industrial Revolution, very little has been done on these concepts with specific reference to the educational sector. Thus this Study investigates the effects of managerial human relations on motivation of teachers. The study was conducted in six selected Senior High Schools in the Kumasi Metropolis from April to October, 2008. The research, a case study, employed a descriptive Survey design and questionnaire with 22 items to collect data from 100 teachers as respondents from the six schools. Data were collected on leadership style of the heads, how teachers are motivated, heads' interpersonal roles, rewards and procedure for selecting qualified teachers for the rewards and factors which are threats to good human relations in the schools. The data collected from the 100 respondent were coded and analyzed using SPSS version 12. A pie-chart, a histogram, and tables were used in the presentation of results. The results of the study showed that teacher motivation does not depend only on economic rewards but also on human relations factors. The study also found that the autocratic type of leadership is the dominant style employed by most Heads of Senior High Schools and is devoid of effective human relations practices thus leading to de-motivation. Human relations in the schools is negatively affected by lack of transparent leadership, iii centralized powers, favoritism, nepotism and tribalism leading to distrust among staff and between them and the headmasters and mistresses. Some of the recommendations were among others that teachers be included in the decision¬making process, that the Heads be taken through human relations courses to enable them relate well with their teachers, and that awards are instituted to reward hard-working teachers.

Source: KNUST
Effect of market orientation on performance of small and medium enterprises; mediating role of innovation.

The Small and Medium Enterprises sector in Ghana has been seen as the engine of growth to the economy as a result of its ability to create job, generate revenue, reduce poverty and drive economic growth. Performance of the Small and Medium Enterprises sector to a large extent depend on the drive towards market oriented behaviour and development of innovative practices. The study focused on assessing the effect of market orientation on performance of Small and Medium Enterprises, the mediating role of innovation. The study was necessitated because of the challenge of Small and Medium Enterprises inability to exploit market orientation strategies and bring some level of innovativeness to their operations. The study was conducted on a total of 500 Small and Medium Enterprises within the Kumasi metropolis out of which 391 responses were received representing 78.2% response rate. Purposive and convenience sampling techniques were adopted in selecting Small and Medium Enterprises and questionnaires used to collect data. The study used Structural Equation Model for data analysis. Market orientation variables of customer orientation, competitor orientation, generation of information, dissemination of information as well as implemented response impacted positively on performance. Inter-functional orientation as market orientation variable however impacted negatively on performance. Market orientation impacted positively on innovation and innovation as well positively impacted on performance. Innovation partially mediates between customer orientation and performance. Innovation fully mediate between inter-function orientations, generation of information as well implemented response and performance. Innovation has no mediation between competitor orientation as well as dissemination of information and performance. The study recommended that Small and Medium Enterprises should embark on market orientation practices and innovate so as to maximise performance.

Source: KNUST
Effect of log size and felling defects on rotary veneer of four Ghanaian timber species

The effect of log diameter and felling defects on rotary veneer recovery for four species namely, Ptervgota macrocarpa (Koto), Ceiba pentandra (Onyina), Daniella ogea (Hyedua) and Khaya ivorensis (Mahogany) was studied in three mills located in Kumasi. Felling defects comprising shakes and splits of various forms were categorized and expressed as a percentage of diameter or log length depending on the location and direction of defect. The veneer recovery volume was expressed as a percentage of the original log volume. Residues in the form of log trimming during bolt manufacturing (i.e barking logs into bolts that can be peeled into useful veneer), peeler core, rounding offs, and wet veneer clipping losses were also expressed as a percentage of the original log volume. A very weak correlation was observed between log diameter and veneer recovery. Similar observation was made between felling defects and veneer recovery. Scatter diagrams did not follow the normal polynomial or exponential function. Weak linear and quadratic relationships were noted. Quadratic regression did not differ much from the simple linear or multiple regression equations. The speculation that these secondary species have size related felling defects which reduce veneer recovery could not be proved.

Source: KNUST
Effect of low-cost irrigation methods on microbial contamination of lettuce irrigated with untreated wastewater

objective To assess the effectiveness of simple irrigation methods such as drip irrigation kits, furrow irrigation and use of watering cans in reducing contamination of lettuce irrigated with polluted water in urban farming in Ghana. methods Trials on drip kits, furrow irrigation and watering cans were conducted with urban vegetable farmers. Trials were arranged in a completely randomised block design with each plot having all three irrigation methods tested. This was conducted in both dry and wet seasons. Three hundred and ninetysix lettuce, 72 soil, 15 poultry manure and 32 water samples were analysed for thermotolerant coliforms and helminth eggs. results Lettuce irrigated with drip kits had the lowest levels of contamination, with, on average, 4 log units per 100 g, fewer thermotolerant coliforms than that irrigated with watering cans. However, drip kits often got clogged, required lower crop densities and restricted other routine farm activities. Watering cans were the most popular method. Using watering cans with caps on outlets from a height <0.5 m reduced thermotolerant coliforms by 2.5 log units and helminthes by 2.3 eggs per 100 g of lettuce compared with using watering cans without caps from a height >1 m. conclusion Simple, cheap and easily adoptable irrigation methods have great potential to reduce crop contamination in low-income areas. When used in combination with other on-farm and post-harvest risk reduction measures, these will help to comprehensively reduce public health risks from using polluted water in vegetable farming.

Source: KNUST
Effect of macroeconomic variables volatilities on firms profitability: Analysis of listed firms on the Ghana stock exchange

The Ghana Stock Exchange had been in existence for the past two decades playing its role of bringing individuals with excess funds looking for investment opportunity and firms seeking for extra Funds to expand and grow their business together. There are more thirty five thousand firms in Ghana, but over the past two decades of the operations of the Ghana Stock Exchange it had seen less than fifty (50) firms listing on the Exchange. The study used Ordinary Least Square (OLS) to analyze the effects of Macroeconomic Variables (Exchange rates, Interest Rate, Inflation and Broad money Supply) volatility on profitability of listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange. In this study, profitability theories are utilized to provide the theoretical basis for the work, also the study adopted the use of Returns on Assets (ROA) to proxy profitability. The study covers fourteen (14) listed companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange over the period 1996 to 2015 (20 years). The results proved that, there is a significant relationship between Macroeconomic Variables (Exchange Rate, Interest Rate, Inflation Rate and Broad Money Supply) and the profitability (ROA) of listed firms. It was again observed that the controlled variable (Fixed Asset Turnover) used in the study had one or more significant relationship on profitability (ROA). The results, may guide government to ensure that prudent measures are put in place to ensure that the various Macroeconomic variables used in the study are kept at a reasonable level or at a stable range over a period of time.

Source: KNUST
Effect of material and time of refilling on the growth, plant population and grain yield of maize under no-tillage system

Low plant densities of maize are often observed on maize fields, especially in no-till farmers’ field and this may be partly due to low seeding rate or poor seedling emergence. A 2x3 factorial experiment in randomized complete block design with 4 replications was carried out at Wioso in the Atwima Nwabiagya district during the major season of 2007.The objectives of the study were to determine the right period of refilling maize field and the comparative effect of refilling with seed and seedling on the growth, optimum population density, and yield of maize. The factors were material for refill, which was either seeds or seedlings, and time of refilling either at 5, 10, and 15 days after planting. The results showed that refilling with seedlings produced the greatest effect in the number of leaves per plant, leaf length, leaf diameter, and plant height and stem girth. Furthermore, refilling with seedlings contributed more to the optimum plant population density. Total grain yield when seedlings were used as refill was 967kg more per hectare than when seeds were used as refill material. On the other hand, plants from seeds refill were weak, lodged more and allowed much solar radiation penetration to the ground. Grain yield from seed refill plants was 6%, whilst seedling refill plants contributed 34% to the total grain yield. Refilled at 5 days after planting induced greater growth than 10 or 15 days after planting, however, this could not be translated into grain yield. The results indicate that it is possible to do refilling in maize field by using seedling and this contributes more than the traditional method of using seeds.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Microcredit on Beneficiaries in Koforidua

Microfinance has become wide spread in the country. The assertion that needs to be discussed is how do these MFIs affect the lives of the people who access their products in the areas where they are operating? To what extent are these institutions having impact on their beneficiaries through the microcredit they provide? Has the poverty level reduced in those areas as microfinance is claimed to do? What are the answers to these questions? It is for this reason that this study has been undertaken to know what microfinance does for the clients in Koforidua. This study therefore investigated the effect of microfinance on clients in Koforidua focusing on household income, poverty reduction and expenditure on food. The study employed the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), logit analysis and probit analysis. These were used to estimate the effect of loans on household income and relationship between household participation and food expenditure, effect of loans on poverty and probability of households to participate in microfinance programme respectively. The study found that the amount of loans received by a household had a positive and significant impact on household income. This same variable on the other hand reduced the poverty level of those living below the poverty line. However the depth of the impact of microfinance on poverty was found to be shallow when the poverty levels of programme and non-programme households were compared. The expenditure on food by households in the low income bracket who normally access microfinance services mostly iii takes a high percentage of their income. The participation of a household, however, in microfinance programme has no significant effect on the households’ expenditure on food. The study concludes that apart from loans the other services provided by microfinance institutions need to be marketed effectively. This will help assess the overall effect of microfinance on clients in Ghana and the world at large.

Source: KNUST