ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of working capital management practices on financial performance and competitivenes of small and medium-sized enterprises in the kumasi metropolis.

The study identifies the effect of three major constructs of working capital management (cash, receivables and inventory management practices) on the financial performance and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SME) in the Central Business District of the Kumasi Metropolis. The study uses data gathered from hundred (100) smes in the Central Business District via the administration of structured questionnaires. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is employed in the testing of the four hypotheses of the study. Results of the data analysis indicates that a high conduct of cash, receivables and inventory management practices result in a better SME financial performance and also a strong positive relationship exists between financial performance and competitiveness. The study is aimed at drawing the attention of owners/ managers and other stakeholders of smes on the need to concentrate on an efficient cash, receivables and inventory management practices in order to improve on their financial performance and competitiveness in the business environment. When SME financial performance and competitiveness are improved across sectors, the vital issue of SME sustainability will also be improved. From the outcome of the study, it is recommended that the relevant state agencies in charge of small businesses organize educational programmes to train owners and managers of smes on the rudiments of basic accounting record and book-keeping. SME owners and managers who lack knowledge and expertise in basic accounting can equally outsource for the services of a professional to inculcate and maintain efficient working capital management practices in their business.

Source: KNUST
Effect of working environment on the performance of employees in the public sector: using Koforidua Technical University as a case study.

Highly qualified staff or professionals are attracted to organizations that offer jobs, which provide satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment. Consequently, organizations, institutions, and corporate bodies are increasingly appreciating the need to provide and support working environments that enhance employee efficiency and satisfaction, since an ideal working environment is the fulfillment and attainment of affection towards increased productivity. The purpose of the study was to assess and ascertain the effect of working environment on employees’ performance in the public sector. Through the application of a cross-sectional survey, empirical data for the study was collected from three identified groups of workers at Koforidua Technical University comprising; 113 Senior Members, 45 Senior Staff and 77 Junior Staff, using a questionnaire. The data was analyzed using Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21. Findings of the study indicate that training and development programmes, recognition and appreciation of hardworking staff, and physical office conditions, positively impact employees performance. However, transparency and communication between a subordinate and superiors were found to be the most influential antecedent of working environment on the performance of employees in Koforidua Technical University. The findings of the study lend credence to support assertions that a good working environment in institutions and organizations will positively motivate staff towards enhanced productivity Based on our findings, the study recommends managerial, policy and strategic actions technical areas in the organization, as well as the improvement of communication climate, both at the organization and the personal level. towards the provision of regular training that is tailored towards specific requisite andtechnical areas in the organization, as well as the improvement of communication climate, both at the organization and the personal level.

Source: KNUST
Effect On Aflatoxin Levels In The Processing Of Maize Into Kenkey

The study was conducted to determine the decrease or increase in Aflatoxin levels with the various steps in processing of contaminated maize into kenkey which is a popular food consumed by almost all Ghanaians. Maize and maize products are known to be susceptible to contamination by fungi that produce secondary metabolites such as aflatoxins. Aflatoxins have been defined as extremely toxic and carcinogenic compounds which appear to be pervasive in the environment. The incidence and level of aflatoxin contamination in various food commodities have been studied all around the world and continues to be of great concern. A mass of 10 kg of maize was first inoculated and found to be highly contaminated with aflatoxin after which the contaminated maize was sifted to remove all debris and other physical contaminants and the following processing techniques followed: washing, soaking in water (steeping), milling; fermentation and cooking. Aflatoxin levels were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). All the steps involved in the preparation of kenkey showed quite significant reduction in aflatoxin G2, B2 and B1 levels (p<0.001) in the maize. There were no signs of aflatoxin G1 in the maize but rather in the water residue used. There was a significant rise in the aflatoxin G1, G2, B1 and B2 levels in the water residues used in the preparation of kenkey. This is matched with the reduced level of the aflatoxin in the kenkey, meaning the process of kenkey preparation significantly reduced aflatoxin levels. Based on the results obtained, it will be recommended that further work be done on other foods that use these aflatoxin susceptible grains and produce.

Source: KNUST
Effect of workplace spirituality on employee performance in the telecommunication industry, the mediating role of organizational commitment

The study uses explanatory research design to evaluate the mediating role of organizational commitment in the relationship between workplace spirituality and firm employee performance. The study uses quantitative research method for data gathering and interpretation. More so, the study uses primary source of data, which was collected on the field using structured questionnaires. The population of the study was employees of selected all telecommunication firms in Kumasi. The study considered a sample size of 200 respondents. Respondents were sampled to responds to the questionnaires using convenience sampling technique. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS. The result shows that workplace spirituality has a significant positive relationship with employee performance. Therefore, a rise in workplace spirituality results to increase employee performance. The result shows that workplace spirituality has a significant positive relationship with organisational commitment. In addition, the result shows that organisational commitment has a significant positive relationship with employee performance. Therefore, a rise in organisational commitment will result to increase. Moreover, the result shows that organisational commitment mediates the relationship between workplace spirituality and employee performance. The study suggest that firms should foster a workplace culture that supports spirituality. Organizations can foster a workplace culture that supports spirituality by encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work and promoting values such as compassion, empathy, and kindness. This can help create a more supportive and fulfilling work environment, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and performance.

Source: KNUST
Effective approach to cost management for surface mines in Ghana: a case study of Sansu surface mine

This thesis is about how to manage the operating cost of mining. Like all gold mining companies in Ghana, the Sansu Surface Mine of Ashanti Goldfields Company Limited (AGC) is saddled with the problem of surviving in the face of increasing operating cost and falling gold price. To solve this problem, AGC has adopted certain strategies including cutting down the labour force, looking for less costly materials and conducting performance auditing by a special Continuous Improvement Team (CIT). The main objective of this thesis is to provide an alternative strategy to reduce and control the operating cost of mining at Sansu Surface Mine. Accordingly, the thesis has studied the current mining operations and their organisation, cost performance levels, and cost management practices. Instead of Responsibility Accounting System (RAS) of cost management, which entails cost planning, budgeting and controlling on departmental basis as currently practised at the mine, this thesis has adopted Activity Based Management (ABM) Strategy for managing the operating cost of mining. Using the ABM concept, the mining operations have been reorganised into unit activities, i e drilling, blasting, loading and hauling. For each activity cost and performance standards have been developed and subsequently built into standard annual budget. By comparing the annual standard budget with the actual operating mining costs of the unit activities, the activities with high variances have been identified. Strategies to reduce the high variances and the cost controlling in respect of all the unit activities have also been outlined. Application of ABM strategy will not only keep the operating mining cost within budget but also ensure the full utilisation of available capacities and resources and so improve productivity and ultimately profitability.

Source: KNUST
Effective communication as strategy to enhance construction project performance

Effective communication is a professional practice fundamental to all industries across the globe. In managing any project, communication is a core competency that, which when properly executed, connects every member of the project team to a common set of strategies, goals and actions. However, despite wide recognition of the importance of communication to project successes, a combination of organizational and personal factors has rendered communication ineffective. It was on this premise that the study sought to examine the role of effective communication on construction projects in some selected construction firms in the Accra metropolis. The study adopted a descriptive research design in form of a survey and a sample size of fifty-nine (59) respondents drawn from D1K1 and D2K2 firms in the Accra metropolis which included project managers, civil engineers, site supervisors among others. A total of 59 questionnaires were administered and 46 were retrieved representing a response rate of 77.97%. Purposive sampling method was adopted in selecting construction professionals whose views are relevant to the issue being looked at, where the researcher tried to create a representative sample without sampling at random. Key descriptive tools used for the analysis included frequency tables whereas mean score ranking together with relative importance index (RII). The study identified 6 strategies to enhance the use of communication media and channels among project team members. These strategies include choosing the appropriate communication media or channel, establish clearly the channels of communication to operatives, keeping communication channels open in all directions among others. Further, the study established measures to improve the performance of communication strategies on projects; these were identified to be at 3 levels of significance. Significance level can be high, moderate, and less in that order. The study thus concluded that, the identified levels of measures be adopted to help improve project performance through effective utilization of communication strategies. It was recommended that project managers or leaders must set clear project objectives to all project participants so to ensure all the project team follow one course. With this, individual tasks become clear to all project members and that would enhance project performance.

Source: KNUST
Effective infrastructure project delivery process in Ghana. A case of Bono region.

Over the years, huge sums of money have been invested by government in the pursuit of infrastructure development. This is because infrastructure has been described as the backbone of every economy. However, despite the positive intentions with which these resources are committed to using, available evidence suggests that most of the physical projects that are designed end up being abandoned making the intended beneficiaries unable to use the facilities. It is against this backdrop that this study aim at determining a more operative way of delivering projects to solve the problem of project abandonment in Ghana with focus on the Bono region. This study focused on the effective project delivery process, the current challenges in project delivery and relevant strategies for effective project delivery. The study employed quantitative design, employing the method of a Descriptive research design whiles the target population for was the key local government workers of Sunyani Municipal Assembly and Sunyani West District Assembly in the department of Planning, Finance, Procurement and Works who are directly involved infrastructure project development. The study relied on simple random sampling in coming up with a sample size of 55 from a population of 63 respondents. The study focused on primary data sources with a self-administered questionnaire that was utilized as a sources of data. Data collected for this research was purely quantitative. The quantitative data which was collected were examined with the help of Statistical Package for social sciences. The findings of the research were presented in the form of frequency tables. Whiles the explanation was presented in the text. The study concluded that all the MMDAs in the Bono region go through all the five phases/process (Initiation, Planning, Execution, Monitoring and Control, and Closer) to deliver infrastructure projects. Again, the study concluded that financial challenges, political factors, delayed payment of contractors and corruption are the major challenges of project delivery. In addition, the study concluded that the following relevant strategies should be put in place to help solve the current challenges of project deliver; public-private partnership, budgetary provisions should be made available before awarding a contract, proper stakeholder consultation, adequate feasibility should be conducted, proper budgeting, continuous project monitoring, adequate planning, contracts should not be awarded to contractors who do not have sufficient expertise on a particular work and finally prompt payment of contractors certificate.

Source: KNUST
Effective leadership and motivation in promoting high employee performance – a case study of the Environmental Protection Agency

The study focused on the contributions of leadership and motivation to effective performance in an organisation with particular reference to the Environmental Protection Agency of Ghana (EPA). The study sought to determine the types of leadership styles and motivation skills required by managers to impact positively on the performance of employees. The sample size for the study was 60 respondents made up of 28 managers and 32 subordinates. Simple random sampling, convenience sampling and purposive sampling methods were used and the instrument used was the questionnaire method. It was found that leadership within EPA is basically transactional since task is mostly accomplished by employees who follow instructions without any argument and communication in the organisation is closed. The study also found that respondents ranked monetary compensation or remuneration first among eleven factors of motivation. The study recommended that decision making needs to be shared between managers and employees for effective performance, that there should always be self-examination by managers and that any job design efforts should have inputs from junior staff. It was suggested that further studies should be carried out to include other theories and aspects of leadership and motivation.

Source: KNUST
Effective management of private commercial vehicles business in the Kumasi metropolis: a case study of taxi-cab business in Kumasi.

There are many criticisms questioning the nature of the management of transport business taking into account challenges which threaten the survival of the business. However, although there isn‘t a great deal of research carried out on the management of commercial transportation systems in Ghana, a lot more has been written especially in the case of advanced countries like the USA, UK and Europe etc. Drawing on different perspectives, the objective of this study was to identifying the major challenges for the effective management of commercial transport operations in Kumasi Metropolis. The data was collected through the use of structured and semistructured questionnaire. A sample size of 135 was selected purposively for the study. This was made up of 30 operators, 30 employees (drivers) and 75 passengers. Different set of questionnaires was designed for operators, drivers, and passengers (commuters) within the population. Again both qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools were applied in analyzing data collected from the field. The research findings reveal that challenges such as high capital requirement; rising cost of funding and spare parts and out-of production of some spare parts and the lack of supervision and regulatory body hinder the effective management of commercial transport operations. However, the managing of labour force based on the adoption of human resource management principles. The findings also enable us to demonstrate that there are challenges in the management of commercial transport and do recognize that criticisms of the lack a good management of the transport system can be at times justified. The monograph has value for managers, drivers and users of commercial transports. The various challenges exposed and recommendations presented in the study highlight the main determinants for effective management of the commercial transport system and helps drivers, owners and users alike to rethink their approach to contributing to a better commercial transport service.

Source: KNUST
Effective management of risk factors associated with public investment projects in Ghana

Risk management is an important part of the decision-making process in construction project management particularly regarding the project’s integration, scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, communications, and procurement. Effective risk management in public investment projects requires a comparison between the potential risk and the possible return or future profits on the project. This study explored the effective management of risk factors in public investment projects in Ghana. The study was carried out along the tenets of a preliminary literature review and followed by a survey using a structured questionnaire. Fifty-nine (59) questionnaire were distributed by purposive sampling, and 50 completed questionnaires representing 85% were considered valid for the analysis. The data collected were analysed using Relative Importance Index (RII) and standard deviation. The study reveals that, change of government, changes in management ways, lower quality of work, change of government policy, new governmental acts or legislation, poor communication between parties involved, resource management, Ambiguous planning due to project complexity, changes in design, legal disputes during the construction phase among the partners, gaps between the Implementation and the specifications due to a misunderstanding of drawings, delayed disputes resolutions, undocumented change orders are the major risk factors that affect public investments projects in Ghana. Considering the mitigation techniques, planning for alternative methods as stand-by, transfer or share risk to/with other parties, referring to previous and ongoing similar projects for accurate, utilize quantitative risk analyses techniques for accurate time, consciously adjust for bias risk premium to time estimation, depend on subjective judgment to produce a proper program and Produce a proper schedule by getting updated project information are the major risk mitigation techniques. Finally, it was recommended that investors working in the public sector have to be aware of the fact that, change of government and change of government policies have a major risk on public investment and as such they should always bear in mind and also have alternatives as a stand-by

Source: KNUST
Effective Management of working capital is the life blood of every business: An assessment of working capital management practices within Ghana Water Company Limited

This study examines the working capital management practices within the Ghana Water Company Limited and its impact on the organization’s financial position. Liquidity and profitability are two vital aspects of corporate business life and as such working capital has been described as the life blood which flows through the veins and arteries of the entire Organization. Working capital management has thus, become a basic and broad aspect of assessing the performance of a corporate entity. It engages every part of the structure and it gives courage and morale to the management and personnel. The survey was conducted in the Central Regional Offices of the company. In all six (6) top officials were interviewed for the study. The sample was selected by the purposive sampling technique and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The data collected was analyzed using frequencies and percentages with the use of excel software. The study revealed that the company offers its services on credit to its customers and it takes five weeks after product consumption before customers are expected to make payments. Then nine weeks before any action is taken against recalcitrant customers, by that time the real value of the debt would have been depreciated because of the nature of inflation in the country. The study realized that the separation of the Revenue and Accounting Department helped in improving revenue management as each department served as a check and balance mechanism for the other with the Internal Audit Departments playing only a supervisory and investigative roles when major discrepancies occurred. The study also revealed that management of the company believes in the effective management of working capital and will cautiously puts in place policies and practices that attempt to increase cash inflow and the overall profitability of the firm.

Source: KNUST