ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Challenges and Structural Changes for Effective Implementation of PPP in the Road Sector

Ghana’s capacity to fund its infrastructural projects was seriously challenged in the early 1980s when the economy was hit by severe crisis, which resulted in the adoption of the International Money Fund (IMF) and the World Bank inspired Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). The way forward the Ghanaian government could partner the Private Sector in the provision of infrastructure and service such as roads, water, housing etc. has been discussed on national platforms across the country. The current global economic recession in addition to Ghana’s declining revenue base, makes sources of alternative means of funding road infrastructure very challenging. Public Private Partnership (PPP) presents a viable solution to the challenge posed by global financial crisis. The dilemma in adopting the PPP approach by road agencies and departments begins with a number of challenges which needs to be explored. The aim of the study was to explore the challenges of Public Private Partnership (PPP) model of procurement for road infrastructure in Ghana. The specific objectives included; to identify the key challenges that affect the implementation of PPPs in the procurement of road infrastructure in Ghana and to identify the structural changes required to improve the success rate of PPPs. The study made use of questionnaires as means of gathering useful data for the study. Developed questionnaires were administered through the use of snowball technique of sampling to collect data from the respondents. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 16 was used to perform descriptive analysis whiles Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the identified factors to determine the most pressing issues in order of importance. Analysis from the study identified these challenges to the usage of PPP models: Demand Risk (if traffic volumes do not turn out as expected); Design risk (improperly thought through output specifications); Construction risk (delays, contingencies); Legal risk (land acquisition issue); and Limited level of knowledge of PPP among Government institutions. In addition, the study revealed that some changes required to improve the success rate of PPPs are that: all contracting entities should ensure that the need to attain maximum Value for money is made paramount; every PPP arrangement should have a clear table or metrics showing the allocation of risk to the party best able to manage the risk; every contracting entity seeking to undertake PPP project should specify the expected output of each project; and also contracting entities should consider end-user affordability as one of the key considerations in making decisions related to the feasibility of PPP projects. It is therefore recommended that education and publicity is needed to increase the awareness of PPP model of procurement for road infrastructure.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the challenges of cost management in the Ghanaian real estate industry

The study aimed at exploring the challenges of cost management by project managers in the Ghanaian real estate industry. With this aim, three (3) objectives were established which were to identify the significant cost management practices used by project managers in real estate projects in Ghana, to identify the challenges faced by project managers in cost management in real estate projects in Ghana and to identify the significant strategies that can be adopted by project managers to improve cost management in real estate projects in Ghana. Literature review was conducted on the objectives to identify relating variables to aid in the development of an instrument for the study. The study adopted a quantitative research method which informed the use of questionnaire in the collection of data. After the development and distribution of the questionnaire, fifty-four (54) questionnaires were retrieved for the analysis. The data collected were analyzed using percentages and one-sample t-test. From the analysis, it was realized that, the superficial area method was the frequently used cost planning tool among real estate project managers. Also, with cost budgeting and estimating, the detailed estimating method was the only significant tool rated by the respondents. Finally, at the cost control phase, the project managers indicated that, the cash flow method is the most frequently used tool during real estate projects. With the challenges associated with cost management practices in real estate projects, the most frequently occurring challenge was poor reliability of project budget. With the strategies to improve cost management, the first ranked factors were the use of qualified and experienced project team and given a clear definition of scope. With these findings, it was recommended that, project managers must explore various options with regards to the tools used for cost management so as to adopt the most suitable approach for every specific project and project managers must endeavor to continuously keep accurate data on cost in order to enhance their cost planning processes

Source: KNUST
Exploring the causal relationship between procurement quality problems and specifications a study of procurement activities of Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the Greater Accra Region.

Sound public procurement policies and practices are among the essential elements of good governance. Good practices reduce costs and produce timely results; poor practices lead to waste and delays and are often the cause for allegations of corruption and government inefficiency. Nearly a decade after the introduction of Public Procurement Act, there still exist some Quality problems. The study therefore sought to assess the casual relationship between procurement quality problems and specifications in public procurement in Ghana. The objectives are to establish the problems faced by Public Procurement Authority’s (PPA) in the utilization of specifications in the procurement process, to identify the procurement quality problems in public procurement planning in Ghana and to model the impact of specifications on procurement quality problems. Using a purposive sampling approach, questionnaires were given to professionals. The analyses used was the mean score ranking, one sample t-test and relative importance index The results show that, respondents found two major factors that does not serve as a problem to the utilization of specification as these factors failed under the one sample t test. These factors were; selection criteria for consultants and the standard details and specification to minimize workload. Also, delaying completion of project, lack of satisfaction by the end user, failure of constructed project was the impact of specification on quality problems. The research therefore recommends that, several aspects of quality problems and specification can be looked at in case there is to be a research on relationship between quality problems and the use of specification in Public Procurement. It is also advised that the research can be done on a larger scale considering other professionals in procurement.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the causes of low cocoa production in Ghana: a case study of Adansi North.

There is enough evidence to suggest that cocoa production has decreased in the Adansi North District in the Ashanti Region. The aim of this study was to assess the causes of both the individual and institutional factors responsible for low cocoa production in the district. Using prepared interview questionnaire and focus group discussions, primary data was gathered from sample size of 102 respondents comprising 91 farmers and 11 cocoa extension officers in farming communities around Fomena in Adansi North District in the Ashanti Region by means of stratified probability sampling technique. The data gathered was subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 to generate frequency tables, pie and bar charts. The findings of the study have shown decrease in the average farm size of most farmers. Pests and diseases, decline in soil fertility, inadequate cocoa extension services, poor farm practices, small farm sizes, increased ‘galamsey’ operation (as farmers converts cocoa farms into small scale mining sites), limited level of education and participation in cocoa research, low producer prices of cocoa have been identified as the main causes of low cocoa production in the district. Institutional factors and policies regarding access to credit and low producer price policies, the supply of and access to insecticides and fertilizers, extension services have also been observed as causes of low cocoa production in the district. Producer price and for that matter price in general as a key determinant of the direction and flow of economic resources has been found to be a major determinant of low cocoa production among farmers in the district. Contrary to the general expectation that low cocoa production will result in severe loss of livelihood (income, rural-urban migration), most farmers have rather converted their cocoa farms into other economic uses perhaps due to the low producer price policies. Producer price policies should be set such that risks taken by farmers are rewarded in order to ensure that farmer’s interest in cocoa production is maintained and encouraged.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the challenges with monitoring and evaluation in the building construction industry of Ghana. A case study of chips compound projects.

Monitoring and Evaluation over the years have been very challenging in the Construction Industry of Ghana. This dissertation Explores the Challenges with Monitoring and Evaluation in the Building Construction Industry of Ghana: The Case of CHPS Compound Projects. Specifically, the study identifies the challenges to Project Monitoring and Evaluation practice in the Ghanaian Construction Industry, it also determines critical success factors for improving Monitoring and Evaluation in the Industry. A total of 40 respondents were drawn from different consultants, which included mainly Monitoring & Evaluation Officers, Field Officers, Engineers, Project Managers, Quantitative data was obtained through prepared questionnaires. Questionnaires have been used as a data collection tool, while the data analysis was done through a special programme known as Statistical Package or Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel 2019. Findings of this study showed that the challenges with M&E practices are Lack of adequate financial resources, lack of M&E expertise, Lack of training of those tasked with M&E activities. The study also revealed that Competent M&E expertise is needed for the success of projects as well as effective planning and controlling, M&E plan and an educational Policy to emphasis on M&E across the Construction Industry

Source: KNUST
Exploring the challenges of public private partnership on infrastructure projects in Ghana A case study at Takoradi Harbour Expansion Project

The objectives of this present study is to identify the challenges in implementing public private partnership by examine the factors that hinder the successful adoption of public private partnership in Ghana, a particular case of Takoradi harbor expansion projected. The study investigated into the implementation challenges of the public private partnership, policy in Ghana using Takoradi port expansion project as a case study. Also to identify the potential of Public Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities to Western Region Sekondi-Takoradi Environment. Infect public private partnership projects need to be completed and executed under a stable legal framework. Two of the major areas are the state aid controls and the public procurement regulators. Developing countries in particular, will need to attract lenders and sponsors by providing financial comfort, often through the use of government support [state guarantee, subsidies, tax relief, availability payment] and legislation needs to be reviewed prior to initiating of public private partnership project in order to avoid legal problems during the contract period. The study made use of questionnaire as a means of gathering information for the whole study. A total number of thirty-nine (39) questionnaires and only thirty (30) were retrieved for analysis. All information were analyzed with the use of the statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. The findings revealed that project management challenges of public private partnership at the Takoradi port expansion project were low.

Source: KNUST
EXPLORING THE CONCEPT OF CERAMICS MIXED MEDIA IN GHANA

The introduction of Modern ceramics in Ghana is credited to Michael Cardew between 1942 and 1945, when he taught and worked at Achimota College in Accra and Vume in the Volta region, respectively. Traditionally, the modernist ceramic tradition in Ghana concentrated on form and function, with an emphasis on glazed finishes. It heavily depended on clay and glazes, despite the considerable range of materials that are available for complementing some of the structural, aesthetic and practical limitations that affect the usage of clay for artistic expression. The aim of this study was to move on from the prevailing modernist ceramic tradition by experimenting and reporting on the use of mixed media with clay for the production of forms to create meaning through effects and textures that are difficult to achieve with clay alone. The study used a studio-based experimental research approach involving the manipulation of clay and mixed media. The results obtained from the experimentations with the clay and the mixed media created new aesthetic qualities and emotional experiences that were not possible to achieve with clay alone. The results affirmed that traditional materials, such as rope, fan blades and wood, assume new meanings and effects when added to clay, leading to new opportunities for artistic expression and emotional experience in ceramic art.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the Concept of Standout in Structural Packaging- Challenges and Prospects in Ghana

Often times, packaging is the first and only marketing tool consumers encounter before a purchase. It is therefore considered the most important communication and informative tool. The issue of packaging in Ghana at present is very pressing, owing to the fact that, as a developing country, the manufacturing industry is now taking shape and as a result, there are many locally-made products whose packages compared to their foreign counterparts need to be improved, especially with regard to their structures to enable them compete with their foreign counterparts. For this reason, there are many good quality products made in Ghana whose patronage, even on the local market is low. This study, ” Exploring the Concept of Standout in Packaging Structures - Prospects and Opportunities in Ghana” sought to offer alternative design solutions to structural packages offered on the local market. It sought to address the issue regarding the fact that Ghanaian consumers generally prefer imported products to similar locally-made brands, and patronise the former mainly because of the high quality and attractive-looking nature of their packaging and not always because they may be of a higher quality. Products such as wood carvings, food, textile products, soaps like the ‘Azumah Blow’ soap, ‘Alata Samina’, native sandals, toffees and chewing stick, among others were explored and alternative packages designed for them. This research sought to: 1. Design and create sample packaging structures of locally made products 2. Assess the impact of the packaging structures The qualitative approach was adopted for the study, using interviews and questionnaires. Data gathered from the questionnaires revealed that 55.0% of the respondents consider it unnecessary the look of the structural packaging of their products. They maintained that it is the content of the product they are concerned with and not the packaging structure. 40%, however, were of the view that the structural design of a product is very essential to the marketability of their products and therefore sought the assistance of the researcher in that regard. 5.0% of the people interviewed were indifferent on the issue. They were of the opinion that a product, be it packaged or not was not an issue to them, and that they will be attracted to good structures anyway. Finally, recommendations were made regarding the outcome of the research.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the concept of standout in structural packaging- challenges and prospects in Ghana

This study sought to offer alternative design solutions to structural packages offered on the local market. It sought to address the issue regarding the fact that Ghanaian consumers generally prefer imported products to similar locally-made brands, and patronise the former mainly because of the high quality and attractive-looking nature of their packaging and not always because they may be of a higher quality. Products such as wood carvings, food, textile products, soaps like the ‘Azumah Blow’ soap, ‘Alata Samina’, native sandals, toffees and chewing stick, among others were explored based on the views of the population for the study and alternative packages designed for them. Both the qualitative and quantitative approaches were adopted for the study, using the concept of triangulation; interviews, questionnaires and observation. Data gathered from the questionnaires revealed that while 90% of the youthful population for the study consider it very necessary the structural design of a package, 55.0%, most of them unschooled market women consider it unnecessary the look of the structural packaging of their products. They maintained that it is the content of the product they are concerned with and not the packaging structure. 40%, however, were of the view that the structural design of a product is very essential to the marketability of their products and therefore sought the assistance of the researcher in that regard. 5.0% of the people interviewed were indifferent on the issue. They were of the opinion that a product, be it packaged or not was not an issue to them, and that they will be attracted to good structures anyway. It is recommended that the Institute of Packaging, Ghana (IOPG), The Federation of Ghanaian Exporters (FAGE), The Ghana Exports Promotions Authority (GEPA), The Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and The Ministry of Trade and Industry as well as all stakeholders in the packaging industry should collaboratively formulate a comprehensive policy for the packaging value chain, especially with regard to structural packaging to enhance the current regulatory framework to ensure compliance within the packaging industry.

Source: KNUST
“Exploring the construction workers’ perspective of appropriate leadership style for the Ghanaian construction industry and its relationship to their attitudinal and behavioural pattern”

The construction industry plays a key role in advancing Ghana’s economic and developmental progress. It is also true that projects in the industry involve different individuals who work together to achieve a specific task at a particular time period. Such situations make leadership a necessary resource in any construction organization that aims at the achievement of individual and organizational professional goals. This study explores leadership styles of project managers viewed as most appropriate for higher performance by workers/ employees in the Ghanaian construction industry. The focus is on the managerial grid developed by Robert Blake and Jane Mouton. The study further investigates project managers’ views on construction workers attitude and maturity levels in the industry. Data from primary and secondary sources were used for the research. A detail review of related literature provided the secondary data while the primary data was obtained through a structured questionnaire targeted at construction employees and project managers in two foreign and two local construction firms in the Kumasi metropolis. The data was analysed through the use of descriptive statistics, mean score ranking and Relative Importance Index. The study showed that project managers in the construction industry exhibit team leadership, followed by Authority-Compliance and Middle-of-the-road Management. It was also revealed that employees preferred team management leadership as the appropriate style. However, their preference was comparatively found to be unsuitable for the kind of work attitude and maturity levels exhibited by the workers. Project managers indicated that employee9s do not work hard unless they are strictly supervised; absent themselves from work without seeking due permission from authority and like to attend social functions like “one-week” celebrations of deceased friends/relatives during working hours. An appropriate leadership style for them has therefore been proposed and called Philiasternic leadership style. This style of leadership strives for the achievement of high productivity by consciously provoking in workers the sense of discipline while showing average concern for the development of interpersonal relationship. The study proposes ways to promote leadership development in the industry. One recommendation it makes is that, Ghanaian construction firms should invest more in leadership development programs. This study adds on to knowledge on leadership in the industry. The worth of the study is to iv comprehend different leadership style practices in the construction industry and hence figure out the appropriate one needed for project success. Thus it gives information on how to improve leadership in the Ghanaian construction industry.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the critical success factors for stakeholder management in construction projects

The aim of the study was to explore the critical success factors for stakeholder management in construction projects in Ghana. Three (3) objectives were set which were to identify the challenges associated with stakeholder management in the Ghanaian construction industry, to identify the causes of the challenges associated with stakeholder management in the Ghanaian construction industry and to identify the critical success factors for stakeholder management in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study adopted a quantitative research strategy and a survey research technique. Hence an extensive literature review was conducted for each objective and based on it; a structured questionnaire was developed to aid in collecting data from the respondents to ascertain their perspectives regarding the subject of the study. The questionnaire was distributed to 61 respondents and 49 were retrieved for the analysis. The data collected was analyzed using mean score ranking and percentages. For the objective one, it was realized that, the most severe challenge of stakeholder management was unclear stakeholder followed by unidentified stakeholders and negative community reactions to project implementation. For the objective two (2) it was realized that, poor stakeholder communication was ranked as the most significant cause of the challenge of stakeholder management followed by inexperienced project manager and lack of stakeholder assessment. For the objective three, the most significant CSF was effective communication and engagement. The second ranked factor was identifying and analysing potential conflicts among stakeholders. The third ranked factor was effective and efficient stakeholder identification. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, construction firms should efficiently identify all stakeholders involved in a project in other to effectively prescribe strategic management plans and construction firms should develop clear and effective communication structures among stakeholders to ensure that, the stakeholders are properly engaged during project execution.

Source: KNUST