ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluating credit management practices at Suma Rural Bank Limited.

This study seek to evaluate the credit management practices at Suma Rural Bank(SRB) to ascertain whether or not the credit management practices conforms to the operational guidelines for Rural and Community Banks issued by the Bank of Ghana. The study as well examines the sectorial allocation of the Bank‟s Credit from 2010 to 2014. The study also assessed the operational procedures used by Suma Rural in managing credit. Customers and banking official‟s satisfaction as well as challenges associated with the Credit management practices of Suma Rural Bank were also assessed. A nonprobabilistic sampling; purposive sampling technique was, used in selecting the 140 participants for the study. The sample size of the 140 comprised of 120 loaned customers and 20 Banking officials whose job responsibilities are in line with credit or loans. Together with an interview guide, questionnaires were distributed in order to obtain primary data from the participants. The study revealed that majority of the Bank‟s Credit Allocation between 2010 and 2014 was allocated to salaried workers; even though the Guidelines of the Bank of Ghana provide that agriculture must be the priority for Rural Banks. The study further revealed that SRB Ltd has an effective credit management practices which includes Client Assessment, Credit Appraisal, Client Evaluation, Monitoring and Supervision and Client training. It was again revealed that customers were dissatisfied with the time it take SRB Ltd to process their loans. They posited that it takes the bank a longer period of time for the processing of the loans. The credit management procedures were viewed as more challenging to both the customers and the banking officials as it is time involving, much bureaucratic and cumbersome.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating access to Anti-malaria medicines and quality of Service delivery by community pharmacies and licensed chemical shops in Ashanti Region, Ghana.

In Ghana, most people seek primary healthcare from either their families, relatives or from the private pharmaceutical service providers (ie community pharmacies and licensed chemical shops) rather than from hospitals and clinics initially. Private pharmaceutical facilities are the main port of call for the management of uncomplicated in sub-Saharan Africa. However, often the course of treatment given is sub-optimal. The objectives of the study were to assess the stocks of anti-malarials in private pharmaceutical service provider’ facilities and their operating hours, the quality assurance procedures available in the facilities, their knowledge in malaria control and to evaluate the study communities’(Kumasi Metropolitan (KMA) and Obuasi Municipal (OMA) Assemblies) health seeking behavior and their level of awareness in malaria control. Two complementary studies, the Drug Availability Study (DAS) and the Drug Use Study (DUS) were employed to determine the degree to which the medicines recommended for the treatment of malaria are available and used. Four data collection techniques were used namely; structured interviews, simulated client interviews, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and document reviews. The mystery clients posed either as caretakers of children under-5 years, pregnant women, or adults all presenting signs of clinical malaria in all the fifty (50) pharmaceutical facilities sampled. In addition, key informant semi-structured interviews were conducted to ascertain their views about the study. The knowledge and practices of staff of pharmacies and LCS shops in malaria control was generally acknowledged to be inadequate and not consistent with the current Anti-Malaria Drug Policy (AMDP). Ninety four (94%) percent of community pharmacies and 28% of LCS shops had the recommended anti-malaria medicines available in their facilities. 53% of LCS shops had Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine (SP) as the only anti-malaria medicine in their facilities. None of the LCS Shops managed mystery client with uncomplicated malaria according to the policy whilst 47% of community pharmacies did manage according to policy. Only 25% and 28% of LCS shops and community pharmacies respectively discussed malaria prevention with mystery clients. Also, 19% of LCS shops and 6% of community pharmacies respectively promoted ITNs use to mystery clients. However, only 3% of LCS and none of the community pharmacies gave instruction on the use of the ITNs offered to the client. Besides, none of the facilities enquired about the malaria immune status of the client. Regular and comprehensive training of all staff of pharmacies and licensed chemical shops in malaria control presents a feasible strategy for achieving significant improvements in malaria control considering their large numbers and extensive distribution in almost every community or village in Ghana

Source: KNUST
Evaluating efficient supply chain management on sustainable supply chain in the cocoa sector: the moderating effect of top management support

Efficient Supply Chain Management (SCM) has presently become a crucial strategy adopted by many firms and organisations to remain competitive within their respective sectors and as well to continue to be profitable and therefore has been identified as a significant phenomenal component of trade which is a crucial aspect of economic development and activities. With supply chain disruptions impeding the flow of products, hampering firms’ abilities to produce their goods as well as adversely impacting on the performance of a supply chain, this study aims at examining the effect efficient supply chain management practices have on sustainable supply chain with a moderation effect of top management. The study with the adoption of a quantitative research method, employed a convenience sampling to selected 10 cocoa companies in the Kumasi metropolis of the Ashanti Region and then, a simple random sampling technique to arrive at surveying 167 staff members of the selected companies. Through the utilization of SPSS, the study revealed that the cocoa companies adopted the following efficient supply chain practices in their operations; information technology, relationship management, and internal integration. Analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between efficient supply chain practices and sustainable supply chain. Results further indicates that top management has a positive and significant moderation effect on the relationship between efficient supply chain practices and sustainable supply chain. Study revealed that some of the challenges affecting the adoption and implementation of supply chain practices are companies lack professional expertise, and lack frequent Supply Chain Management training among others. The study recommends that in light of the challenges identified, workshops and seminars should be organized for the workers to help enlightened them on the challenges and how they can be mitigated.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Tax Assessment of Self Employed: Case of Selected Tailors and Seamstresses at Kumasi Central Market.

A very good look at developing countries, Ghana being no exception, reveals that it will be very difficult for a country to develop, if it keeps on relying heavily on external sources of funding for its developmental projects. The fact also remains that, for a country which is developing and has a low per capital income, majority of its citizens will be self-employed. It therefore follows that; greater proportion of its internally generated funds must come from* the self-employed. The researcher is of the view that anything humanly possible must be done to sensitize the self-employed, so as to make them self willing to contribute their quota to the internally generated revenue, in the form of taxation. The Internal Revenue Service must also be backed to work effectively and efficiently. The main objectives of the research were to find out whether the way IRS assesses the self employed was fair, and also the difficulties encountered by IRS in their bid to assess the self employed and subsequently collect tax. A sample of one hundred and seventeen comprising tailors and seamstresses out of the total population of four hundred and seventy was used to carry out the study. With the IR S staff, all the eighteen people at the operations department of the Asokwa branch of I R S were used. The instruments used for the collection of the primary date were questionnaires and interviews. The questions were both close and open-ended items. The result of the study indicated among others that, both Tailors and Seamstresses on one side, and the I R S staff on the other were satisfied with the way the self employed are assessed. The study also revealed some difficulties encountered by the IRS staff at the operations department. Among the difficulties are; logistical problems, example computers, vehicles for movements, and communication equipments, tax payers resistance, and staffing problem. Recommendations like vigorously sensitizing the self employed as to why they should pay tax and also keep records of their financial transactions were made. Recommendations were also made to equip the I R S with the needed tools like computers, motor vehicles and mobile facilities. For a speedy development of any nation, the self employed can never be sidelined, so prudent measures must be put in place to bring them on board for a smooth take off

Source: KNUST
"Evaluating ICT Maturity and IT Governace for Commercial Campanies in Rwanda" (Case Study: Bralirwa Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwanda)

This research project focuses on assessing the ICT maturity and the IT control (Governance) systems and their impact on Rwanda commercial companies, with emphasis on Bralirwa (Brasseries et Limonaderies du Rwanda). Through this research, an assessment of the current user profile as well as the current ICT controls and procedural processes will be critically analysed to determine the effect they have on growth and productivity of Bralirwa. A set of guidelines and a framework as alternatives will be suggested for better skilled use of the information system for better ICT control processes. The present project is divided in two parts: The first part focuses on the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) of ICT in the company (Bralirwa). The second part focuses on the ICT controls and governance processes within the company.NB: The assessment approach presented in this research is similar to "From today to tomorrow" method used in getting a general idea of any MCM situation in disciplined approach. The method follows a seven steps process. (Looijen. M, 2008).

Source: KNUST
Evaluating procurement practices and its effects on the operations of public sector organisations. The case of volta river authority.

This study aims to assess the influence of procurement practices on the operational aspects of the Volta River Authority (VRA) within Ghana's electricity sector. The objectives; firstly, to evaluate the influence of tendering on procurement performance within VRA; secondly, to assess the influence of supplier selection on procurement performance carried out by VRA; and thirdly, to determine the influence of contract management on procurement performance at VRA. The study iv adopted the quantitative and descriptive survey method of research analysis collecting data using convenient sampling technique. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26 with a PROCESS MACRO using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The population of the study consists of 140 management employees, and a sample size of 100 respondents were selected. The results reveal that tendering has a positive influence on procurement performance. Supplier selection has a positive influence on procurement performance. Contract management has a positive influence on procurement. It is recommended organization should prioritize effective procurement practices, including rigorous supplier assessment, transparent tendering processes, and professional contract management, to enhance procurement performance and overall operational efficiency.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating Procurement Planning and its Effects on Accountable Procurement in Public Sector Organisations (A Study of Ministry of Food and Agriculture)

The main goal of the study is to evaluate the relationship between procurement planning and procurement accountability in public sector organizations. The study was guided by three objectives: to establish the contribution of procurement planning on procurement accountability, to examine the procurement planning practices that contribute to effective procurement accountability, and to examine the value of procurement planning on procurement accountability. A number of procurements were not carried out and were conducted outside the parameters of the procurement plan as a result of inadequate procurement planning and execution in government ministries, departments, and agencies, which also hampered the country's ability to hold procurement accountable. The study is necessary since all procurement activities are based on procurement planning, and the primary objective of public procurement is to offer citizens efficient and effective services. The study's primary goal is to assess how procurement planning affects procurement accountability in public sector organizations, with a particular focus on the Ghanaian ministry of food and agriculture in Kumasi. The study used a survey questionnaire and a quantitative research methodology. The data analyses used SPSS version 23. It was discovered that the value of procurement planning and the procurement planning process have a positive and significant impact on procurement accountability. Accountability, transparency, lower prices, accurate specifications, and increased quality were all made possible by the procurement planning process and its value

Source: KNUST
Evaluating Resources and Features Suitable for Ecotourism; a Case Study of Juaboso Bia District

This study identified and assessed the potential of natural resources Bia in biosphere reserve in the Juaboso Bia District which could be used for tourism. This study assessed resources and features suitable for ecotourism in the Juaboso Bia District.The study revealed that there were many resources in the biosphere reserve which suits ecotourism and the development of tourism. Those include the vegetation, plunge pool and animal species. However, certain illegal activities in the conservational area such as gun shooting, poaching and tree felling among others pose a threat on the survival of animal species in the area as well as the vegetation. It is recommendations that a joint government-private sector partnership arrangement is sort to protect natural resources and improve on ecotourism in the area. Also formation of management committee, improvement of the conditions of service of workers in the Bia conservation area, intensive public education and severe punishment for culprits can help improve ecotourism in the area.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating the causes of delay in building construction projects in Ghana

Delays in building construction projects has always been a big challenge in the Ghanaian construction industry. The aim of this research was to evaluate the significant causes and effects of delays in building projects in Ghana, using the Ashaiman, Tema and Kpone Katamanso Districts as case studies. The study was also aimed at identifying some mitigation strategies that can help reduce these delays in the country. As part of the literature reviewed were the conditions of contracts governing Works in Ghana, which has been outlined by the Public Procurement Authority in the Standard Tender Document for Works. Some clauses in the documents suggests what a contractor or client should do when they anticipate delays in the project, or when delays occur. It also includes compensation events which makes contractors eligible to receive compensation from their employers in situations where the actions of the employer cause works to be delayed. However, there is a limit to which the contractor can be compensated, and the interest of the employer is protected. Several causes, as well as effects of delays were identified through literature. Questionnaires were administered to a number of respondents to collate their inputs on the most significant causes of delays of building projects in Ghana. In addition to this, there were one-on-one interactions with some players in the building industry on their views on delays of building projects. It was observed that the most significant causes of delays were related to finance, i.e., inadequate funds and difficulty in paying contractors monthly, improper planning, changes in project scope by the owner, increase in building material and problems related to project management. The significant effects identified were extension of project duration, increased cost of projects and project abandonment (which turns out to put some people out of jobs). As a way of reducing delays in projects, it is recommended that enough funds should be allocated to cover the entire project, an effective project management team should oversee projects, as well as the involvement of a procurement team to oversee all procurement activities.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating the causes of delays in construction projects, case study: Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority

The issue of construction project delays is commonplace in Ghana. Major infrastructure projects undertaken by Ghana ports and Harbours Authority experience the issue of delays. Port expansion and other infrastructure improvement projects undertaken by GPHA, have all exceeded their proposed completion dates. This research sought to evaluate the causes of construction project delays using Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority as a case study. The study aimed to find the important causes of delay in construction projects and to identify the critical negative effects of the delays on construction projects undertaken by GPHA. A questionnaire survey was conducted among purposively sampled respondents who have collaborated with GPHA on different construction projects. Quantitative method of research was adopted for data gathering. Using the Relative Importance Index (RII) technique. The findings revealed that the important causes of project delays were, Political interference; Insufficient data collection and surveys before designs leading to errors; Inadequate cash flow due to non-payment; Unexpected ground conditions. Again time overruns, cost overruns and disputes between contracting stakeholders were established to be the critical negative effects of delays on construction projects undertaken by GPHA

Source: KNUST
Evaluating the causes of delays in the construction of Telecommunication Towers in Ghana

The phenomena of delayed delivery of tower sites in Ghana is widespread. This characteristic overtime has crept to alarming proportions and likely to worsen as field competition by MNO‘s, regulatory and other factors impact the industry. To explore these phenomena of delays in the delivery of telecommunication towers in Ghana, this study identified causes of delays in the construction of telecommunication towers and identified and offered remedies that can be adopted to address delays as its objectives. A Likert scale type questionnaire was administered, and the data gathered was analysed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) to establish their importance. Results observed from the study were unrealistic contract duration imposed by clients, neighbourhood agitations, slow granting of permits by the regulators, poor monitoring and controlling, delays in honouring payment certificates, lack of tower materials in the local markets/construction materials, contractor‘s financial difficulties and escalation of material prices and project management problem contributed significantly to the delays. In conclusion the study came out with remedies that can be adopted to address delays in the construction of telecommunication towers to include, reducing the bureaucratic channels and processes that contractors go through before their certificates are honoured, adequate allocation of contingency funds to take care of inflation and price fluctuations, regulatory bodies to make the permitting process and requirements very clear to facilitate timely acquisition of relevant permits, initiation of prompt payments, contractors to ensure that there is adequate construction planning and monitoring the quality of activities continuously, purchasing of materials in bulk or look for very good local substitutes of construction materials and engaging experienced subcontractors with good reputation to undertake the construction of the telecommunication towers.This study is thus supposed to assist stakeholders in the construction of telecommunication towers in Ghana to enhance the effectiveness of the management of the telecommunication sector.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating the effect of e-procurement on public sector operations: a study of selected outfits in accra metropolis

The effect of e-procurement on public sector operations. The study evaluates the effect of eprocurement using selected outfits in Accra Metropolis. Specifically, it identified e-procurement practices in the public sector. It also assessed the public sector operations in selected outfit within Accra Metropolis. Descriptive research was adopted and quantitative methodology was used to retrieve primary data through questionnaires administration from managers and directors within the public sector organizations in the selected outfit in Accra Metropolis. SPSS software was used for data analysis. The study identified e-procurement practices as involving electronic tendering, electronic purchasing, electronic auctioning and invoicing which were generally agreed upon by the respondents. The study identified the effect of e-procurement practices by considering it based upon quality and cost efficiency, timeliness and improvement in communication and was generally agreed upon by the respondent. The study generally found e-procurement as helping organizations to improve upon efficiency, effectiveness in operations, value for money procurement, improvement in services and increased procurement capacity. The study recommended that there should be provision of funds to acquire e-procurement technology, such as computers and automated machines to undertake e-procurement. There should also be competent staff to undertake e-procurement. Senior managers of the organizations should also be committed to eprocurement as that will lead to the attainment of objectives.

Source: KNUST
Evaluating the effect of fifo queuing system on originating and handoff calls

In cellular networks, there exist fixed and dedicated channel for the entire duration of a set up call. The signal strength and interference at various locations differs within a cell and this affects the quality of the on-going call including handoff calls. This may require the transfer of the on-going call to another cell with a better signal strength. Given a fixed channel at a cell site, and assuming the arrivals of originating calls and handoff requests to be Poissonian, either process could result in queuing. This thesis by using Matlab seeks to evaluate in terms of probability of blocking, which queuing system is more suitable when either or both priority are given and when no priority is given. It is observed that, for cell sites with traffic intensity to channel ratio of 0 – 0.75 which is considered as not congested, a system of either queuing the originating calls or the handoff calls can be employed. For a congested system in which the traffic intensity to channel ratio is 0.76 – 1 there should be separate queuing of both the originating calls and the handoff calls. When the cell site is very congested that is, having a traffic intensity to channel ratio of greater than 1, queuing of handoff calls provides the best network optimization.

Source: KNUST