ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The effects of sources of phosphorus on yield and nutrient uptake under mucuna - maize rotations

The effects of Rock Phosphate (PR) and Triple Super Phosphate (TSP), applied to Mucuna fallow, on the yield and nutrient uptake under Mucuna -maize rotations were evaluated in an On-station and On-farm trials to study treatment responses. The study was carried out in the Sunyani district, which lies in the transitional zone, in the Brong Ahafo Region. The study period was from 2000 major season to 2001 minor season. At the On-station, five rates of PR (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 kg P ha-1) were applied to Mucuna fallow whiles the On-farm had 50 kg P h-1of TSP and 50 kg P h-1 of PR. At both sites, natural fallow served as a control. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with 4 and 10 replicates for the On-station and On-farm, respectively. Response variables measured were maize density at establishment and harvest, Mucuna biomass, maize dry matter yield, number of cobs per plant, thousand grain weight, maize yield (t ha-1 ) and, N and P uptake in maize grain and straw. At both sites, maize stover and grain yields responded to phosphorus (P) application. Improvements in soil available P (ppm) had a significant effect (P< 0.05) on maize stover and grain yields. However, the yield efficiency revealed that 1 kg of phosphorus (P) application increased output only at 80 kgPh-1 of PR application. Uptake of N and P in maize stover and grain responded (P<0.05) to the P application but the effect on the uptake of calcium, magnesium and potassium was not significant (P>0.05). The study showed an enhancement in Mucuna biomass build up with the application of P, but this was less persistent and broke down rapidly with the on-set of harmattan. Nitrogen and phosphorus uptake in the Mucuna biomass improved significantly (P<0.05) at both sites with application of the treatments, which reflected in improvements in maize stover and grain yields. Lower weed biomass recorded on Mucuna plots showed and confirmed the positive effect of Mucuna biomass on weed control in the succeeding maize. This reduced the number of weeding on the Mucuna plots. While natural fallow plots were still dominated by Chromolaena odorata, Euphorbia sp. dominated the Mucuna plots Improvements in soil available phosphorus influenced nitrogen fixation, and this was found to be positively correlated (r2 = 0.98) with Mucuna dry matter production at both sites. However, changes in soil organic matter was not significant (P>0.05). The study revealed that, phosphorus is essential for Mucuna -maize production system. This is because the maize crop benefited from improvements in soil nitrogen and organic matter through Mucuna and phosphorus application. Soil fertility management with the use of cover crops should consider an integrated system where deficiencies under legume fallow could be addressed through mineral fertilizer amendments.

Source: KNUST
Effects of strategic planning on the performance of rural banks in Ghana: evidence from rural banks in the Ashanti Region.

The main objective of the study was to assess the effect of strategic planning on corporate performance of rural banks with the geographical scope being the Ashanti Region of Ghana. The research studied all the 25 Rural Banks operating in the Ashanti Region. The purposive sampling was adopted to select a sample of 100 senior management members. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data from at least one senior management members of the Rural Banks. A likert scale was used to determine the level of agreement on how their respective banks do follow the strategic planning process. Again, the same likert scale was adopted to enable the respondents describe the factors which affects the strategic planning process of their respective banks. Managements were later asked to show their level of agreement to how strategic planning has improved the corporate performance of their banks by using a set of indicators such as profit, competitive advantage, sustainability, etc. Statistical analysis was performed on the responses provided by the management members. The study revealed that all the Rural Banks follow the strategic planning process with variations in each of the banks’ process. It was again identified that all the communication, organisational structure and other factors affect the strategic planning process of each of the banks. The study has also revealed that all the banks have chalked some success in terms of their corporate performance. The study therefore recommended that managements should provide the right kind of leadership to involve and communicate the principles and goals of strategic planning to the staff to enable them provide input into the process. Management was therefore urged to show commitment in the implementation of the output of the strategic process and again monitor the process accordingly.

Source: KNUST
Effects of stress on public sector employee performance: a case study of Volta River Authority.

Work-related strain or anxiety and its effect or undesirable bearing on a worker‘s productivity or efficiency is an essential element in the business environment, with far-reaching practical and economic consequences. Effect of work-related stress on worker‘s performance has remained acknowledged as an essential area of disquiet for business or corporate entities. Deleterious stress disturbs the physical and psychological well-being of the workers which reflect performance on job. Consequently, it is important to comprehend dissimilar work-related stress instigators vis-à-vis different aspects of job performance. This study evaluates existing writings and texts on the subject matter to appreciate the occurrence or event in order to advance apposite stress controlling tactics to not only protect the workers from diversity of well-being glitches but to progress their (workers) execution of task or function and the execution of task or function of the organisation.

Source: KNUST
Effects of technology on the performance of monitoring and evaluation system in projects undertaken by non-governmental organizations’ projects in Ghana

The demands for greater accountability and real results have increased, there is an attendant need for enhanced results-based monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of policies, programs, and projects. A functional M&E systems as a results-based management tools involves careful collection of realistic proof to determine the degree to which expected outcomes are achieved. In gathering this M&E data, most of the developing countries and local NGOs still largely depend on paper-based data collection and reporting of information, an approach with inherent problems related to poor infrastructure, timeliness, quality and accurate data flow. These challenge affect the effective performance of M&E system which rely on quality data. This study seek to assess the effects of technology on the performance of M&E system in Non-Governmental Organization in Ghana. The study adopted quantitative research approach to collect data for better understanding of M&E system, how technology affect data collection and quality and M&E system challenges in the NGOs. A structured questionnaire was employed to capture data from 53 sampled NGOs in the Northern region. A response rate of 96 percent was recorded. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistical method, frequency and percentages, mean score ranking and Relative Importance Index raking (RII) and presented in tables. The study revealed that, management of local NGOs have seen the need for effective M&E system in measuring performance and impacts of interventions and have therefore set up M&E systems in their organizations. The use of technological tools had positive effects on the performance of M&E system through its effect on data collection and quality. The greatest effect was on timeliness and integrity of data that influence management decision making and impact evaluation even though there were some challenges that face M&E system and the use of technology like limited network and security risk among others. The study concludes that, the use of technology in M&E data collection, analysis and quality have a positiveiv relationship M&E system and therefore need to be integrated in all stages of project life cycle. The study therefore recommend that, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should be developed and enforce to ensure proper integration of technology into M&E system as M&E system is integrated in all stages of project life cycle. Also, modern technology for M&E data analysis and storage like online databases (servers, dropbox, clouds etc.) should be integrated in organizational M&E system. Human, financial and material resource allocation with the support of SOPs would help address the challenges of M&E system.

Source: KNUST
Effects of temperature on the biodegradation of used lubrication oil contaminated water

Biodegradation of hydrocarbon contaminants in water by mixed culture of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms was investigated using a fixed bed bioreactor system. The study was performed with special emphasis on the effects of temperature on the biodegradation process. Microorganism capable of degrading hydrocarbons were isolated from oil – contaminated water and then cultured in a nutrient (mineral salt) medium. Temperature levels of 27oC, 37oC, 47oC and 57oC within the bioreactors were studied. At each temperature, sample concentration of 500 mg/L and 1000 mg/L were studied respectively for five days. Microbial population density, pH, conductivity dissolved oxygen (DO), and total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) were monitored to ascertain the progress of biodegradation within the bioreactors. Maximum degradation rate of 98.29±0.0 % was obtained at temperature of 47oC at oil concentration of 1000 mg/L. Minimum degradation rate of 55.55±0.0 % was also achieved at the temperature of 57oC at oil concentration of 500 mg/L. The study revealed that degradation rates generally increased as oil concentration was increased. Degradation rates also increased as temperature was increased from 27oC to 47oC but reduced when increased to 57oC.

Source: KNUST
“Effects of the financial sector liberalization on savings mobilization and credit allocation by rural banks in Ghana”

This research had sought to examine how rural banks’ mode of savings mobilization and credit allocation had been influenced by Ghana’s Financial Sector Liberalization Programme. This programme created conditions which enabled rural banks to increase their savings and lending through the introduction of new products, expanding the size of their operational areas and adopting much more flexible lending modes. However, the mode of lending by rural banks was linked to clients with a high probability to repay, and so favoured traders and salaried workers as against clients in other sector of the rural community. From the study, it was realized that the introduction of FINSAP had resulted in the growth of both savings and credit allocation by rural banks in Ghana. Next, rural people even though have limited income tend to save in more than one area, for example rural banks, credit unions, “Susu” groups, non-financial savings, and among others. For rural people, the most essential reason for saving is the possibility of accessing credit in future. Savings behaviour was not dictated by the deposit rate while lending rate was a deterrent for educing credit demand.

Source: KNUST
The Effects of the Internet Application on the Performance of Travel and Tour Firms in Ghana: (A Case Study of FJ Travel and Tour Company)

The objective of this research is to find out the effect of Internet application on the performance of Travel and tour firms in Ghana, with FJ Travel and Tour Ghana Limited as a case study. Interviews and questionnaire were used to gather data for this research. Three sets of questionnaires were used to gather data. These questionnaires were designed for staff and customers of FJ Travel and Tour. Respondents were asked to indicate how the use or otherwise of the internet by FJ Travel and Tour Ghana Limited has impacted on their businesses. Data was also gathered from interviews. The interview was designed in a manner in which the questions were such that it allowed the respondents to come out with their own views and experiences. The findings showed that firms in Ghana are not performing well in using the Internet in reaching their target market, with regards to website availability, customers’ knowledge about the websites, in cases where they exist, ease-of use, reliability, quality and convenience of their internet services. It has been established that e-commerce is a very important line, service firms in Ghana must take on, if only they want to stay ahead, this is because consumers are becoming more sophisticated, as they demand a much easier and faster access to products and services. The researcher recommended that firms in Ghana should focus their marketing communications on convincing consumers by using the internet, because it is cheaper doing business on-line. They should also start scanning the internet to monitor customer-buying patterns and competitive activities etc. as well as using video conferencing and application software in their management.

Source: KNUST
Effects of the public procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) on public financial management of MMDAs in Brong – Ahafo Region

The Governments of Ghana’s commitment to financial discipline, accountability, transparency, ethical conduct and effective management of public procurement have been pursued for years. One of numerous efforts is seen with the promulgation of the Public Procurement Act, 2003 (Act 663) to regulate public spending. However, since the introduction of the act, it aims have not been fully realized in certain parts of the country including the Brong-Ahafo Region. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the Public Procurement Act (Act 663) on Public Financial Management of MMDAs in the Brong – Ahafo Region. The causes of delay in the implementation of procurement activities as well as measures required to improve procurement processes were looked at. Quantitative research design was employed. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit 50 procurement personnel working in the various MMDAs in the Brong Ahafo Region. Structured questionnaire was administered to them. Out of 50 questionnaires distributed, 48 were received and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) version 16. The outcome of the studies revealed that the act has the effect of delaying procurement processes in the region. That notwithstanding, it has considerably helped effectively manage government resource in procuring goods, works and services in the region. The only challenge found was that the capacity (i.e. the academic qualification) of most of the procurement personel in procurement was low. It was consequently recommended that the District and municipal assemblies should organize training courses and workshops to build up the capacity of the staffs. Adoption of e- procurement tools (information communication technology) was also recommended.

Source: KNUST
The effects of the seed powder of moringa oleifera lam on the quality of wastewater used for vegetable farming in the Kumasi Metropolis

Moringa oleifera Lam (MO) is a pan tropical, multipurpose tree whose seeds contains high quality edible oil (up to 40% by weight) and water soluble proteins that act as effective coagulants for water and wastewater treatment. Laboratory jar test procedures have been used for coagulation studies on experimental runs using actual wastewater from urban vegetable farms in Kumasi. Water extracts of Moringa oleifera seeds were applied to a wastewater treatment sequence comprising coagulation–flocculation–sedimentation. The results indicate a significant (p<0.05) reduction in turbidity. It revealed that 20mL of 4% (w/v) and 5 % (w/v) MO seed coagulant were very effective in removing turbidity of 250-350NTU to 10 NTU for 1L of raw water. In addition turbidities of 250-300 NTU were lowered to 10-50NTU at 80-100ml of 1.5, 2 and 3 % (w/v). MO also achieved an overall percentage turbidity reduction of 70% for low turbid water (<50NTU), 80% for medium turbid water (50-150NTU) and 95% high turbid water (>150NTU) at 3%w/v and 100mL of MO using 1L of raw water. It was also observed that pH, conductivity, and TDS of the wastewater were not affected by the MO seed powder. Nitrate, chlorine and sulphate were not influenced by the MO except phosphate which recorded a slight increase. Natural alkalinity and total hardness of the raw water remained unchanged after treatment with the MO seed powder. From the results, MO concentrations of 1.5 - 5% (w/v) also reduced faecal coliform levels of the wastewater by 97.88%-99.96% (log 1.71-3.82) within one hour. These studies have shown that the MO seeds are highly effective in the treatment of wastewater from shallow wells and ponds from urban vegetable farms.

Source: KNUST
Effects of threshing methods on seed quality of three rice varieties stored for a period of four months

The field and laboratory work were done between June 2014 and April 2015 to evaluate the effects of different threshing methods and storage on the seed quality of three rice varieties. The field work was done in Nobewan at the Anum valley in the Ashanti region of Ghana. The area lies between latitude 6ᵒ 35‟ to 6ᵒ 54‟ north and longitude 1ᵒ 4‟ to 1ᵒ 23‟ west of the Greenwich meridian. The field was laid out using 3 x 3 Factorial in the Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The laboratory experiment was done at the seed quality control unit laboratory, Grains and Legumes Development Board Kumasi, Ghana. The experiment was conducted as factorial on the basis of completely randomized design in three replications. The treatments were variety at 3 levels (Nerica-L41, Jasmine-85 and Sikamo) and the threshing method at 3 levels (Box or bambam, Drum and Machine) and the measured seed quality parameters namely analytical purity, standard germination test and vigour tests including 1000 seed weight, seedling vigour index and conductivity test were analyzed before and after a storage period of four months. The result revealed that machine threshing recorded the highest percentage of broken grains whilst box threshing had the lowest. Moreover, Jasmine-85 threshed using machine recorded the highest germination while Sikamo threshed using machine recorded the lowest seed germination after storage. Electrical conductivity values increased after storage although the values were still within the high seed vigour bracket. However, 1000 seed weight increased after storage due to moisture absorption by the seeds during storage.

Source: KNUST
Effects of tillage and Npk 15-15-15 fertilizer application on maize performance and soil properties

The effects of two tillage treatments and four NPK15-15-15 fertiliser application on Akposoe maize (Zea mays, L.) performance and soil properties were evaluated under rainfed conditions in Kumasi in the 2010 minor and the 2011 major cropping seasons. The experiment was arranged as a factorial in a randomised complete block design. Tillage consisted of disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing and No Tillage while fertiliser application included 0, 150, 250, and 350 kg ha -1 . Overall, in both 2010 and 2011, at 10 weeks after planting, the disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing presented plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, root length and dry matter yield significantly greater than that of No Tillage. In 2010, grain yield obtained under No Tillage was higher than that under disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing although there was no significant difference between the two treatments. In 2011, however, disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing resulted in a significantly higher grain yield compared with that of No Tillage. Generally, applying NPK 15-15-15 fertiliser gave statistically significant growth and yield parameters in comparison with that of the 0 kg ha -1 fertiliser application rate. In 2011, the 250 kg ha -1 fertiliser application rate gave significantly higher grain yield compared with that of the 0 kg ha -1 rate. Soil penetration resistance and dry bulk density values after harvest were lower in the disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing plots than in the No Tillage plots before ploughing. In contrast, moisture content and total porosity after harvest were higher in the disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing plots than in the No Tillage plots before ploughing. Disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing, and applying NPK15-15-15 fertiliser at 250 kg ha -1 increased maize growth and yield. Additionally, disc-ploughing followed by disc-harrowing reduced soil penetration resistance and bulk density while increasing soil moisture content and total porosity.

Source: KNUST
Effects of total quality management practices on mobile and digital banking applications.

Quality management in the banking sector have received much attention in recent years, as a result of its quality products like the mobile and digital banking applications, which have provided the organizational benefits and sustainability. As such, quality of products like mobile and digital banking is a key factor of organizational performance. Based on this the researcher aimed to identify the effects of the total quality management practices on mobile and digital banking application on the performance of the banking sectors in Ghana. The following objectives were adhered to achieve the aim of the study identified, factors for measuring the mobile and digital banking application performance of the banking sectors in Ghana, to identify the effect of Quality Management Practices of mobile and digital application on the bank’s performance and to identify how the total quality management system put in place is influenced by the cultural of the bank. In order to achieve the objectives a survey was conducted using a convenient and random sampling to select the respondents and the data was collected from the workers of the selected bank. Primary data collected by administering questionnaires was used in the analysis using quantitative analysis, where descriptive analyses including, tables and graphs, regression analysis and correlation were used in the analysis. Base on the analysis it was revealed that the use of the TQM of mobile banking practices has improved customer services and care in a large extent in which the quality management practices of these application’s on the bank’s performance were that, the applications are reliable, easy to used, the user Interface of the app is well designed, logging into the mobile banking app is fast and they are confident about the security of banking via these banking applications. Finally, there is a positive effect of Quality Management Practices of Mobile and Digital application on the bank’s performance as well.

Source: KNUST