ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
An assessment of the effects of delays in highway construction projects in Ghana_ a case study of the greater Accra and eastern regions

The highway system of every country forms an integral part of its development. The construction of this highway poses many challenges to inhabitants. Due to cash flow difficulties and others like Variations/Changes in scope of project, highway construction projects delays have become prevalent in Ghana. The effects of these delays that manifest both directly and indirectly tend to be ignored by the authorities. This research sought to identify the most significant causes and effects of delays and suggests, effective ways to minimize/mitigate them. The study was conducted through questionnaire survey supplemented with interviews among contractors and consultants by assessing the importance they attach to factors causing delays and ways in minimizing them. The research revealed the most significant effects of highway construction delays as high interests paid on delayed claims and compensations for fluctuation, traffic hold-ups and user delays, locked-up goods and services in the communities, health hazards to users in traffic hold-ups for inhaling carbon monoxide, soil erosion and higher labour and material costs. The rest are loss of business to locals in the work zones, locked up capital in plant and equipment as well as degrading landscape and aesthetics of towns and cities. Increased production cost and depreciating incomes result into low quality of work and labour agitations. The study identifies prompt payment, incentives for completion and realistic calculations as the most effective ways of mitigating delays in highway construction and its associated effects. The study also makes some recommendations on training of personnel, well-resourced independent Road Fund and proposes authority for local pressure groups to act as catalyst for early completion of projects and observance of Environmental obligations.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the effects of socio demographic factors on the food preferences of clients of food vendors . Case study of Asante Akim constituency

The purpose of the study was to assess the socio-demographic factors influencing food preferences of clients of food vendors, using Asante Akim Municipality as a case study. The researcher used descriptive research design for the study. Quantitative research approach was used. The population was made up of 296 food vendors and customers in the Asante Akim constituency. Random sampling technique was used to select 169 participants for the study. Questionnaire was the main instrument used to gather primary data. The computer statistical package for social scientists (SPSS version 21) was used to process all the quantitative responses from the questionnaire. The study results indicate that an average of 42.6% of the respondents agreed that they preferred jollof rice (ranked 1st), fufu (2nd), waakye (ranked 3rd), and banku (ranked 4th). The study revealed that the five most preferred foods among the respondents were jollof rice, banku with okro soup, banku with grilled tilapia, fufu with soup, and waakye. The menu items which were least preferred are ampesi, Ga kenkey, riceballs, tuo zaafi, kokonte and eworkple. This study results concluded that there is a significant relationship between customers’ socio-demographic characteristics and their food preferences, (educational level, marital status, ethnicity, occupation, and monthly income) and food preferences. However, there was no significant relationship between age, sex, and religion as socio-demographic characteristics and food preferences, except in the case of Waakye, for which sex had an influence and that females (54.5%) preferred it mare than males (45.5%). The study recommended that, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) and industry players should organize refresher seminars/ conferences for operators and owners to provide them with information pertaining to the trends and changes that are happening in the industry as far as customers’ preferences for food are concerned.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the emerging designing technologies in the clothing industry the perception of fashion designers within Adentan Municipality

The aim of this study was to investigate the emerging production technologies in clothing production in Ghana - the perception of customers within Adentan Municipality. The research design adopted was mixed method. The researcher used mixed research approach for the study. Population studied was fashion designers in the Adentan Municipality. The study population was 120 fashion designers. Random sampling was used to select 80 fashion designers for the study. Questionnaire, interview guide and focus group workshop were the main instrument used to gather primary data. Descriptive statistics was used to analyze data. The study results indicated that the emerging designing technologies in clothing industry were ranked as Computer-aided design (CAD) representing first (1st) in the likert ranking order, Automated inspection (AIN) ranked 2nd. Automated material handling devices (AMHD) ranked 3rd . The study shows that more than half of the respondents indicated that fashion designers use automated inspection machines to perform product inspection. Also, a little more than half of the respondents agreed that that fashion designers use systems capable of automatically loading, unloading, and sorting out. Moreover, more than half of the respondents agreed that Fashion designers use a form of programmable automation in which the processing equipment is controlled by means of numbers, letters, or other symbols. The study concluded that in order to demonstrate creative ability, the designer should be able to generate an original design from a unique concept, or be able to interpret trend information into a novel design idea. The study recommended that fashion designers must be encouraged to reduce the amount of solid and hazardous waste in their packaging. Fashion designers should creatively re-think, customize or re-design an existing design concept.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the fitness level of 15-17 years students of Three-Town Senior High School in Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region

This study tried to assess the fitness level of 15-17 years students of Three-Town Senior high School in Ketu South Municipality of the Volta Region. Relevant literature relating to the research topic was reviewed. The study used the descriptive survey method to find out the fitness levels of the students. The population for the study was two hundred students, a sample of sixty (60) students were used for the study. The questionnaire format was used to collect the data from the students. A major finding of the study was that most of the students who were able to successfully finish the circuit training (weight) were the same people who successfully completed the stretching exercise (flexibility), among other findings. A number of recommendations were made by the study, dominant among them being the need for all senior high schools to institute fitness clubs and such club activities should be made compulsory for all students, among other recommendations.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the impact of accounting information system on borrowing cost of SMES in Ghana

This study assessed the impact of accounting information system on borrowing cost in Ghana. Specifically, the study explored SMEs motivation for adopting Accounting Information Systems, the factors that influence Loan Officer’s decision to provide credit to SMEs, the relationship between financial reporting benefits of using AIS and SMEs access to credit and the impact of Accounting Information system usage on SMEs Borrowing Cost. The study deployed both mixed research approach where data was collected from the Chief Accountant or finance officers of 7 SMEs who were purposively targeted by the researcher. Also, the study collected data from the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), deputy CEO, loan officers and deputy officers operating in the head offices of the 13 microfinance institutions in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly to achieve the other research objectives. The findings of the study revealed that SMEs adopted AIS to improve their decision-making quality from the data reported to managers and also to maintain the quality level of this information. Also, loan officer’s perception of SMEs honesty in terms of financial reporting and competence through the quality of their financial reporting data were revealed to be associated with their decision to extend credit to SMEs or otherwise. Moreover, the results of the study revealed that, AIS usage has a negative and statistically significant relationship with SMEs cost of borrowing. Base on the findings of the study, the researcher recommended that the government through the NBSSI (National Board for Small Scale Industries) and other regulators of SMEs in Ghana in their attempt to sustain businesses and increase employment should put out strategic plans such as providing subsidized loans to SMEs solely for the procurement of AIS to help majority of SMEs in Ghana use AIS so that they can make better decisions and also attract lower cost on their borrowed funds.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the impact of employee ethical behaviour on organizational climate and corporate reputation among staff of a higher education institution in Ghana

The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of employee ethical behaviour on organizational climate and corporate reputation in a higher educational institution in the context of Ghana. The study employed the quantitative approach and descriptive design to collect the desired data for the study. The analysis of the study was based on the responses of 195 employees of the University of Education, Winneba. The results of the study indicate that there is a statistically significant effect of employee ethical behaviour (perceived trust, personal morality, rules and operating procedure and laws and professional codes) on organizational climate and corporate reputation, where the correlation coefficient which indicates a statistically significant correlation relationship between the construct of employee ethical behaviour and organizational climate and corporate reputation. The outcome of the study is an indication that a unit increase in employee ethical behaviours would lead to a corresponding increase in organizational climate and corporate reputation. Based on the study results, the study recommended that organizational leaders should ensure that there is a serious control system that only enables the use of proper enforcement of employee ethical standards to increase the performance of an organization in terms of organizational climate and corporate reputation.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the impact of financial education on loan repayment a case study of unique trust bank in the Kumasi metropolis

For rapid economic growth, there is the need for small businesses and individuals to have access to loan facilities to expand their businesses. Commercial banks therefore come in handy by way of granting of credits to facilitate the growth of businesses. However, despite the significant impact of credit on small businesses, quite a large number of customers default in repayment of loans granted to them thereby threatening the stability of financial institutions in the country. In this study the researcher have assessed the impact of financial education on loan repayment among customers of all the branches of Unique Trust Bank- Ghana in the Kumasi Metropolis (UTB – K). The main research question that guided the study was what is the impact of financial education on loan repayment? In this report, the researcher used descriptive approach. The population of the study was 200 customers of UTB – K. Data collection instrument was questionnaire and multi- stage sampling was employed. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. The study indicated that financial literacy has an effect on loan repayment. The managerial implications for UTB, limitations of the study, recommendations and suggestions for further studies have been discussed.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the impact of small and medium enterprises of the Ghanaian clothing sector A case of Amanfrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region, Ghana

The purpose of the study was to assess small and medium enterprises of the Ghanaian clothing sector in the Amanfrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region. This study used descriptive research design. Quantitative research approach was used. The population was made up of one hundred and sixty-two (162) SMEs operating in the Ghanaian clothing sector in the Amanfrom Municipality in the Ashanti Region. Simple Random sampling technique was used to select 113 participants for the study. Questionnaires were the main instrument used to gather primary data. The computer statistical package for social scientists (SPSS version 22) was used to process all the quantitative responses from the questionnaire. The study results held that majority 70% of the respondents agreed that in Ghana, small scale enterprises including dressmakers collectively account for more than 70% of the total industrial employment. Moreover, most of the respondents agreed that in Ghana the informal apprenticeship system in which a young person serves under a master for a given period to learn a craft or trade, plays a key role in skill formation in the small-scale dressmaking sector. Furthermore, 85% of the respondents agreed that the training provided by small and medium enterprises of the Ghanaian clothing sector is intended to make them increase their output leading to enhanced revenue streams. There is the need for the government to facilitate the setting up of a special bank which will deal with only SME’s issues.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the impact of teacher absenteeism on learners performance a case of selected senior high schools in the Kumasi Metropolis

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of teacher absenteeism on learner’s performance among senior high school students. Descriptive research design was employed for this study. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents. A total of one hundred and sixty (160) participants participated in the study. Questionnaire was the data collection instrument used to solicit for data. The collected data was analyzed using statistical package for social science (SPSS) version 21. The results were presented using percentages and mean values in a Table. The study find out that, Unconducive working environment, Personal stress, poor supervision, Lack of accommodation at school and illness were some of the causes of teacher absenteeism. Waste of student’s time, increased work load within a period, increased student’s absenteeism, Failure of students in exams and Teachers rushing through topics to catch up time lost were revealed to be some effects teacher absenteeism had on learner’s academic performance. The study concludes that the problem of teacher absenteeism can best be addressed only when the views of teachers are taken into consideration. The study recommend that the head of school in collaboration of the metro educational directorate should conduct regular and prompt in-service training for teachers. Since teachers who are poorly remunerated tend to be more absent from school, the government needs to review salaries of teachers so that reasonable salaries are paid to them.

Source: UEW
An Assessment of the influence of training and development on employee performance in the telecommunication industry (case study Vodafone Ghana, Central Region)

The purpose of the study was to investigate the influence of training and development on employees’ performance at Vodafone Ghana in the Central region. In this study, the researcher used the descriptive survey design to specify the nature of the phenomenon. The census sampling technique was used to sample 54 workers for the study. The research instrument used for the study is a questionnaire. The instrument was pilot tested in a selected area which was not the area for the actual study. However, the respondents had similar characteristics as respondents for the actual study drew our attention to some sections for clearing ambiguities. The data obtained were analyzed and summarized using descriptive statistics. The results demonstrated that the variables had meaningful correlations with one another. The study's conclusions showed that the organization's training and development initiatives were in line with technology. According to the recommendations, top management should make sure that all of the tools and equipment utilized for employee training are in line with modern technology. The suggestions also state that management should be aware that the majority of people do not arrive at their employment with the full range of skills and knowledge needed to perform well. As a result, at Vodafone Ghana, employee performance should be improved by giving the staff the training they need to provide the necessary results. Additionally, pertinent literature on subjects relating to this research was reviewed. The final sections of this study are a recommendation and a conclusion.

Source: UEW
An assessment of the informal sector in the development of the local economy a case study of master craftsmen within the Wa municipality

Small and medium enterprises have been considered as the engine of economic growth and for promoting equitable development. The role of small and medium enterprise in the economic and social development of the country is well established. The sector is a nursery and as such a pre-requisite requirement of entrepreneurship; often driven by individual creativity and innovation. The relative importance of small and medium scale enterprises in advanced and developing countries has led and would continue to lead to a reconsideration of the role of small and medium scale enterprises in the economy of nations. However, the case of master craftsmen in the Wa Municipality has not received much attention. This study sought to: describe the operations of master craftsmen, analyse the contribution of master craftsmen to the development of the local economy, and to identify the challenges of master craftsmen in the Wa Municipality. Primary data were collected from 114 operators of master craftsmen and anlyased using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that master craftsmen operates in different activities such as motorcycle repairs, Television repairs, electronic gadget repairs, vehicle repairs, vulcanizing, and welding and fabrication. These enterprises operate in a small scale with employees not exceeding 5. These enterprises contribute to employment creation, apprentice training, revenue generation, tax revenue generation and provision of basic services. The challenges faced by these firms include inadequate working capital, poor electricity supply among others. The study concluded that the challenges faced by these firms further places a limitation to which their potentials could be utilized. It is recommended for stakeholders such as the Wa Municipal Assembly, National Board for Small Scale Industries to facilitate in the mobilization of these firms in order to have access to basic services.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the informal sector social security and national insurance trust (SSNIT) scheme contribution among artisanal workers in Kasoa

This study investigates artisanal workers' participation in the SSNIT Informal Sector Fund (SISF) and other pension plans in Kasoa, focusing on critical factors influencing subscription, plan evaluation, and barriers to access. Data analysis from Chapter 4 reveals that a significant majority (86%) of surveyed artisans are not subscribed to SISF, yet among subscribers, a notable proportion (85.71%) have enrolled within the last 3 to 5 years. Evaluation of pension plans reveals disparities across demographic factors, with gender, age, and occupation influencing subscription rates. Females and certain occupations, like businessmen/women and traders, exhibit higher participation rates. Regression analysis underscores the impact of knowledge about SISF and socio economic, financial, and geographical access on subscription decisions, advocating for enhanced awareness and accessibility measures. Chi-Square Test results highlight associations between socio-economic, financial, and geographical access and subscription rates, emphasizing the need to address barriers related to income, education, and geographic accessibility to promote pension scheme participation among artisanal workers.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the informal sector social security and national insurance trust (SSNIT) scheme contribution among artisanal workers in Kasoa

This study investigates artisanal workers' participation in the SSNIT Informal Sector Fund (SISF) and other pension plans in Kasoa, focusing on critical factors influencing subscription, plan evaluation, and barriers to access. Data analysis from Chapter 4 reveals that a significant majority (86%) of surveyed artisans are not subscribed to SISF, yet among subscribers, a notable proportion (85.71%) have enrolled within the last 3 to 5 years. Evaluation of pension plans reveals disparities across demographic factors, with gender, age, and occupation influencing subscription rates. Females and certain occupations, like businessmen/women and traders, exhibit higher participation rates. Regression analysis underscores the impact of knowledge about SISF and socio-economic, financial, and geographical access on subscription decisions, advocating for enhanced awareness and accessibility measures. Chi-Square Test results highlight associations between socio-economic, financial, and geographical access and subscription rates, emphasizing the need to address barriers related to income, education, and geographic accessibility to promote pension scheme participation among artisanal workers.

Source: UEW
Assessment of the levels of manganese, cobalt, copper and iron along the coastal belt of Ghana

The study looked at the levels of manganese, copper, cobalt, and iron in water and sediments from seven different water bodies along the coastal belt of Ghana using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry method. The concentration of manganese, copper, cobalt, and iron in the sediment ranged between (21.3�7.7-178.2�63.6) mg/kg, (0.353�0.1-18.3�5.4) mg/kg, (0.45�0.21-2.81�0.53) mg/kg, and (700.2�328.7-4071�1612) mg/kg respectively. Water also ranged between (0.035-0.076) mg/L, (<0.003-0.01875�0.002) mg/L, (0.0265�0.04-0.21675�0.08) mg/L and (2.3365�0.1 to 1.33575�0.05) mg/L for manganese, copper, cobalt, and iron respectively. The contamination factors and pollution load indices also indicated less pollution of the metals in the seven water bodies. The study, though, revealed that the pollution level is not alarming, however, this seems to be increasing slowly. From this study, it is clear that the metals analyzed in these water bodies do not pose a threat to the ecosystem. � 2013 by Nova Science Publishers, Inc. All rights reserved.

Source: UEW