ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the role of project managers in the promotion of Sustainable Procurement in Design-build Projects in Ghana

Infrastructural development has a reputation of doing irreparable damage to the environment. The quest for meeting human development requirements whilst simultaneously sustaining the ability of our eco systems to provide natural resources for the dependence of current and future generations is of the outmost concern. This study was conducted with the aim of assessing how Project Managers involved with design- build (DB) projects; which is fast becoming the second most popular project sourcing; can contribute to the promotion of sustainable procurement (SP) throughout the project management phases. The objectives of this study which was necessary in the realization of the research aim were: to assess the level of knowledge of Project Managers on the concept of SP, to identify the measures that Project Managers employ in promoting the implementation of SP on DB projects, identify the challenges encountered by project managers in the promotion of the concept and to ultimately identify the underlying role of project managers in their advocacy to promote SP on DB projects. The researcher adopted the survey method strategy and used questionnaires as the major tool for the collection of primary data. A total number of sixty (60) questionnaires were retrieved out of the one hundred and forty-five (145) that was administered online to Project Management Professionals of the Project Management Institute. With the adoption of purposive sampling, 39 of the responses were deemed valid and the sample size was validated by employing the Central Limit Theorem. Data gathered was analysed using descriptive statistics. Findings from the study indicated to that fact that most of the Project Managers with experience with design-build projects were aware of the concept of SP and mostly, have made efforts to promote the concept even though organisations they belong to did not have policies on SP. The major challenges encountered by them whilst implementing it on design-build projects were negative perception about sustainability being more expensive, project stakeholders not having in-depth knowledge of SP, lack of organizational policies on SP among others. Providing education to project participants about the potential social, economic and environmental benefits and encouraging organizations to implement policies enforcing the implementation of SP on DB projects was seen as an effective strategy to actively promote SP. Recommendation was made for conducting of educational outreach programmes by necessary bodies to create awareness for the concept which will make it easier for Project Managers to obtain stakeholder support for its implementation on projects.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of Service Quality in Organisational Performance in the Insurance Industry of Ghana:-A Case Study of Done Well Insurance Company Limited, Kumasi Area Office.

To succeed in today’s fiercely competitive markets, companies have to move from a product and selling philosophy to a customer and marketing philosophy which will enable companies increase profitability, market share and retain customers by meeting and satisfying customers and customer needs. Today a competitive market position and a good reputation of a company can quickly translate into market share, and profit, but that distinction is often earned only through a philosophical commitment to service backed by diligent attention to what customers want and need. The essence of this paper is to find out the impact of service quality delivery in organizational performance. Various literatures on service quality were reviewed and all attempts were made in linking the literature to the current study. Quota and purposive sampling were the main sampling techniques used in the study. Questionnaires and unstructured interview were the main research instruments used in collecting the data. It was revealed that a number of clients often encountered the problem of double deduction on their policies and it exhibited that four hundred and fourteen (414) of the insured did not encounter such problems. The problem encountered by staff includes information asymmetry on the part of management. A situation where most of the information needed by front liners in Kumasi to work are sometimes withheld from them, but twice told to their counterparts at other offices, particularly, those in the head office that are the pets of some managers. The study also revealed that DICE normally build their effectiveness on some key individuals through consistent training of such individuals as well as timely and adequate provision of logistics for the service delivery. This is because those individuals are seen by the management as prisms through which the company’s returns on investment can be gauged. However, most of the staff indicated that DICL service quality delivery is effective and has impacted on performance. Notwithstanding that some did not support the idea. It was recommended that DICE should decentralize their system of operations and then give equal treatment to all staff irrespective of where the office is located. In addition, the company should not adopt keyman system where the company’s operation is dependent on certain key element in the company. It was realized that some of the respondents indicated that trainings were not frequently organised. Frequent training of Human capital represents the human factor in the organisation which gives the combined intelligence, skills and expertise that give the organisation its distinctive character. Management therefore needs to organize more training and seminars for effective service quality delivery. This is so because effective customer satisfaction and growth in premium income could be achieved through effective customer service delivery.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of public relations in improving beneficiary participation in Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly’s activities.

Public relations are very essential in improving the level of communication between Assemblies and the people, hence the essence of increasing beneficiary participation in MMDAs activities. In this regard this study seeks to examine three specific objectives: on how public relations help to increase awareness of the activities of Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA), how public relations promote participation of people/beneficiaries in Assembly activities and projects and the measures the Assembly put in place to improve people/beneficiaries’ awareness and participation in the Assembly activities and projects. To obtain empirical evidence from the field a total of 155 people were covered by this research as the study respondents, in which I used the purposive and random sampling techniques. The study found that majority of the respondents interviewed 54% were not aware of KMA’s activities. This problem was identified and was associated to the issue that the assembly used the press agentry approach of participation which has not improved enough to enhance people knowledge on participation in the Assembly activities. The study also found that public relations have not been able to increase the participation of beneficiaries in the assembly’s projects. This represent 41% respondents who indicated that they were not involved in the implementation process. On the level of awareness of the activities of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly, 56% of respondents indicated they were informed of Assembly activities through the media (mainly through radio and social media). The study also found that the Assembly decided to use media and social media outlets as measures to improve beneficiary awareness and participation in the Assembly activities and project. The study recommended that the Assembly should adopt an appropriate module of public relations- two-way communication.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of stakeholders in the implementation of Community Day Senior High Schools

The introduction of community day senior high schools in less developed communities in Ghana has gained dominance in public discussions due to the challenges associated with it. As a result, a lot of questions have been asked as to how the system can be improved to deliver the main aim of education in the country. To this end, the research aimed at exploring the roles of the stakeholders with the objectives of identifying the significant stakeholders, identifying the important roles of stakeholders, and identifying the critical challenges stakeholders are facing. Purposive sampling technique was applied to the population of three community day senior high schools in the Greater Accra Region. A survey questionnaire was therefore administered to parents, students, teachers, principals, Ghana Education Service (GES), Ministry of Education (MoE) and district assemblies where these schools are situated to solicit for information. The data collected was subjected to quantitative analysis using SPSS 23.0 (Statistical Package for Social Sciences), the mean method and the Relative Importance Index (RII). From the analysis, the study concludes that there are nine significant stakeholders, seven important roles played by these stakeholders and six critical challenges these stakeholders are facing in the implementation of the community day senior high schools. In the efforts of improving the quality of education, it is recommended that, researchers use the information provided herein as it adds to the general body of knowledge on senior high schools. Moreover, key among the many suggestions made by the stakeholders was that, Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings must be organized at least once a term to enable parents contribute their ideas for the improvement of the schools.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the role of Sub-district structures in decentralised local governance: a case study of Sagnarigu Municipal Assembly.

The research investigated into the role of the sub-district structures of local government in the Sagnarigu Municipality using a participatory study design. Data was collected from both primary and secondary sources. In addition to literature review, a sample size of 100 participants was used and responses from the Municipal Assembly officials, stakeholders of the sub-district structures and the members of the community represented the primary data. Data was analysed using qualitative techniques. Results from the analysis indicated that sub-district structures are confronted with a number of constraints that militate against the realization of their potential for inducing grassroots development. The Unit Committees in the rural communities of the Municipality are more effective and efficient in keeping touch with the grassroots than their counterparts in the urban communities. Recommendations are made to the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development to ensure that the Municipal Assembly adequately provides for the financial and logistical needs of the sub-structures as timely as possible and massive public education should also be done by stakeholders in democratic decentralisation to educate the public about the need for depoliticisation of local governance in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the significance of communication in the timely delivery of projects.

Projects are visualized with the anticipation of achieving its objective of being on time. Delays on construction projects is one of the major concerns in the construction industry in Ghana. The untimely delivery of government projects in Ghana have become so common that the populace anticipates these delays even before the projects kick-start. The overarching aim of this research is to critically assess the significance of communication in the untimely delivery of the University of Ghana Medical Centre Project. The research also looked at factors that account for the timely delivery of projects. Communication involves understanding fully the behavioural patterns that exist between those sending the message across and those receiving the message. The mode of communicating also becomes crucial at the particular point in time in which the message is being sent as well as the pitch, tone and mannerisms associated with the message sent. The research also highlights the channels of communication in most organisations and on most projects. In selecting the channel of communication, one needs to completely understand the strengths and limitations related to each possible channel. A structured interview guide was used to conduct interviews among project professionals on the University of Ghana Medical Centre site, the results of the survey were compiled and analysed in order to propose remedies for the issue uncovered. The findings of the research demonstrate that communication is needed as a major tool to successfully communicate other areas on the project such as the vision of the project, cost, time, quality and scope. This presupposes that the other knowledge areas of project management depend on communication for successful completion of projects. From my findings, it is recommended that project managers adopt suitable communication channels to enhance the effectiveness of communication on the project. Project managers should also implement proper modes of communication within the project management office.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the roles of a project manager in the procurement of works at the construction stage in Ghana; A case study of the Kejetia rehabilitation project.

The conventional literature buttressed the growing importance of a project manager in the construction of any project. However, their roles and challenges in a large project such as the Kejetia Rehabilitation Project has not been explored. This study therefore intended to assess the roles and challenges of the project manager in the Kejetia Rehabilitation Project. The objectives of this study was to determine the roles of the project manager in the procurement of works and also to assess the challenges that may undermine the operations of the project manger and to suggest ways of improving them. The study adopted a qualitative method, specifically a case study approach. Responses were solicited from the(one) project manager and 10 construction workers. A convenience and accidental sampling technique helped in collecting the data from the construction workers. The results indicated that the project does not employ minors below the age of 18, which is in tandem with the rules of the International Labour Organization. Also, the inadequate education on the part of the construction workers interviewed affected their perception on the roles and challenges. Furthermore, the challenges of the project manager include: long hours at work, unpaid salaries and delay in delivery of equipment and machinery. However, some strategies were adopted to help alleviate the aforementioned challenges. These are: regulator stakeholder meetings, regular monitoring, effective risk management strategies, well structured communication plan, management of stakeholder expectations, risk management plan and on the job training. The study therefore concludes that the construction workers should be involved more in the project because their perception on the project can help ensure its successful implementation. Again, the project manager should dedicate time to the work and recognize that the hours involved is necessary for the project success.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Social and Environmental Impact of Illegal Mining Operation in River Pra: A Case Study of Ghana Water Company Projects in Daboase

Illegal mining popularly known as galamsey has caused the people of Daboase, the district capital of Mpohor Wassa East their livelihood and the Ghana Water Company Limited millions of Ghana cedis to treat water for human consumption. This study aimed to assess the social and environmental impact of an illegal mining operation in river Pra and its impacts on water production of Ghana Water Company Limited. Three objectives were set for this work, which are 1.) To determine the effects of illegal mining in the river Pra on water treatment and production at Daboase head works 2.) To assess the impact of illegal mining in the river Pra on the environment 3.) To ascertain the socioeconomic implications of the polluted River Pra on the populace and proffer solutions to curb the galamsey menace in the area. Extensive literature review was done, and a quantitative survey was designed and used in the research. 61 questionnaires out of 66 questionnaires that were distributed were retrieved and wholly completed taking a rate of response of 92%. 7 people targeted for the interview were all interviewed representing a percentage of 100. 93% represented the overall respondent rate. To draw meaningful results, the collected data have been analyzed by using the quantitative data analysis techniques (which include Mean Scores, percentages and frequencies, and others) through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) IBM version 24. Results of the study show that land, water, air pollution and increased in water production cost are the main environmental impacts and social indicators such as employment, population increase and migration, economic and business development, prostitution, crime, conflict, poverty issues, infrastructural development and prices of goods and services are the social impacts of illegal mining. Regularization of the illegal mining with proper documentation be granted to the miners, attention be paid to the massive unemployment situation are some of the recommendations of this study.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the social and environmental impact of illegal mining operation in river pra: A case study of Ghana Water Company projects in Daboase

Illegal mining popularly known as galamsey has caused the people of Daboase, the district capital of Mpohor Wassa East their livelihood and the Ghana Water Company Limited millions of Ghana cedis to treat water for human consumption. This study aimed to assess the social and environmental impact of an illegal mining operation in river Pra and its impacts on water production of Ghana Water Company Limited. Three objectives were set for this work, which are 1.) To determine the effects of illegal mining in the river Pra on water treatment and production at Daboase head works 2.) To assess the impact of illegal mining in the river Pra on the environment 3.) To ascertain the socioeconomic implications of the polluted River Pra on the populace and proffer solutions to curb the galamsey menace in the area. Extensive literature review was done, and a quantitative survey was designed and used in the research. 61 questionnaires out of 66 questionnaires that were distributed were retrieved and wholly completed taking a rate of response of 92%. 7 people targeted for the interview were all interviewed representing a percentage of 100. 93% represented the overall respondent rate. To draw meaningful results, the collected data have been analyzed by using the quantitative data analysis techniques (which include Mean Scores, percentages and frequencies, and others) through the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) IBM version 24. Results of the study show that land, water, air pollution and increased in water production cost are the main environmental impacts and social indicators such as employment, population increase and migration, economic and business development, prostitution, crime, conflict, poverty issues, infrastructural development and prices of goods and services are the social impacts of illegal mining. Regularization of the illegal mining with proper documentation be granted to the miners, attention be paid to the massive unemployment situation are some of the recommendations of this study

Source: KNUST
Assessing the social impacts of illegal Gold mining activities at Dunkwa-On-Offin

Mining activities are undertaken in many parts of the world where mineral deposits are found. In developing nations such as Ghana, the activity is done both legally and illegally, often with very little or no supervision, hence much damage is done to the water bodies where the activities are carried out. This study sought to assess the social impacts of illegal gold mining activities at Dunkwa-On-Offin, the capital town of Upper Denkyira East Municipality in the Central Region of Ghana. The main objectives of the research are to identify factors that trigger illegal mining; to identify social effects of illegal gold mining activities on inhabitants of Dunkwa-on-Offin; and to suggest effective ways in curbing illegal mining activities. Based on the approach to data collection, this study adopts both the quantitative and qualitative approach. On the other hand, based on the approach to data analysis, this approach. Out of three hundred and eighty (380) questionnaires administered, three hundred and forty-four (344) were retuned. Of the three hundred and forty-four (344) returned, twenty four were rejected because they were not filled out properly. In the end, three hundred and twenty (320) questionnaires were analysed. The result of the analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS), revealed that factors such as poverty, unemployment, illiteracy and peer influence triggered illegal gold mining. The social effects of illegal gold mining included increase in cost of living, increase in the rate of crime, increase in the rate of illiteracy, increase cases of ailments and increase in the population of residents in Dunkwa-onOffin. Last but not the least, the proposed ways for curbing illegal gold mining included the implementing policies to regulate the small-scale mining sector, creation of alternative employment opportunities such as agriculture, impose sanctions aimed at deterring illegal mining, provision of training and technical support on how to mine properly, formation of a community-based task force to monitor illegal mining activities, prosecute chiefs who offer lands to illegal miners and provide financial reward to whistle blowers within illegal mining activities. In view of the above findings, it is recommended that other than cautioning chiefs against issuing out lands to people suspected to engage in illegal gold mining, government should establish district courts in the various mining communities to prosecute illegal gold miners including chiefs to deter others from venturing into this unlawful practice.

Source: KNUST