ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Quality control practices in building construction Project in Ghana

The need for quality in construction has become very important to all stakeholders in the industry, since construction has a great impact in contributing to a countries development. This study aimed at exploring the quality control practices in building construction project management in Ghana. The various objectives for the study includes, identifying the quality control practices used in construction projects, to identify factors that hinders the implementation of quality control practices during the execution of construction projects, and to recommend strategies for effective management of quality control in the construction industry. The quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was obtained using questionnaire. In obtaining a sample size, the researcher by using the convenience sampling technique, gave out ten (10) questionnaires each to the selected group of respondents who were prepared in answering the questionnaire, these group of respondents were: Project managers, architects, contractors, engineers, and quantity surveyors, and site managers. The study had a sample size of sixty (60) and retrieved forty-five (45) questionnaires back from respondents. With the help of the Relative Importance Index, all factors were analyzed successfully. From the data gathered, factors identified under quality control practices used in construction projects included: “Long term improvement plans of quality is supported by management”, “Management assigning extra significance to quality than any other objective, e.g. cost”, “Quality Assurance: ensuring that policies are developed to promote the satisfaction of customers”, and “Quality Management: quality issues being reviewed in management meetings”. These factors were selected as the best quality control practices. From the second objective, the factors that hinders the implementation of quality control practices during the execution of construction projects were: Lack of management commitment to continual quality improvement, Workers lack information and knowledge on the importance quality, Uncertainties of workers about management’s goals and also, Struggle in calculating the efficiency of quality control. Also the final objective was achieved where by the study recommend strategies for effective management of quality control in the construction industry, based on findings from the literature review, the various strategies includes: Team targets towards quality must be attained and vision of the team must be shared, reworking on that part of the project where quality was not achieved, management of construction, must ensure team work to achieve quality requirement from customer and also, operated effort and sharing the work load equally across the team to aid attain quality. The study came to a conclusion where by at the end of its findings, it was able to attain the quality control practices in building construction project management.

Source: KNUST
Quality control practices in building construction project in Ghana

The need for quality in construction has become very important to all stakeholders in the industry, since construction has a great impact in contributing to a countries development. This study aimed at exploring the quality control practices in building construction project management in Ghana. The various objectives for the study includes, identifying the quality control practices used in construction projects, to identify factors that hinders the implementation of quality control practices during the execution of construction projects, and to recommend strategies for effective management of quality control in the construction industry. The quantitative approach was adopted for the study. Data was obtained using questionnaire. In obtaining a sample size, the researcher by using the convenience sampling technique, gave out ten (10) questionnaires each to the selected group of respondents who were prepared in answering the questionnaire, these group of respondents were: Project managers, architects, contractors, engineers, and quantity surveyors, and site managers. The study had a sample size of sixty (60) and retrieved forty-five (45) questionnaires back from respondents. With the help of the Relative Importance Index, all factors were analyzed successfully. From the data gathered, factors identified under quality control practices used in construction projects included: “Long term improvement plans of quality is supported by management”, “Management assigning extra significance to quality than any other objective, e.g. cost”, “Quality Assurance: ensuring that policies are developed to promote the satisfaction of customers”, and “Quality Management: quality issues being reviewed in management meetings”. These factors were selected as the best quality control practices. From the second objective, the factors that hinders the implementation of quality control practices during the execution of construction projects were: Lack of management commitment to continual quality improvement, Workers lack information and knowledge on the importance quality, Uncertainties of workers about management’s goals and also, Struggle in calculating the efficiency of quality control. Also the final objective was achieved where by the study recommend strategies for effective management of quality control in the construction industry, based on findings from the literature review, the various strategies includes: Team targets towards quality must be attained and vision of the team must be shared, reworking on that part of the project where quality was not achieved, management of construction, must ensure team work to achieve quality requirement from customer and also, operated effort and sharing the work load equally across the team to aid attain quality. The study came to a conclusion where by at the end of its findings, it was able to attain the quality control practices in building construction project management

Source: KNUST
Quality control practices in plywood manufacture (a case study)

A survey carried out by Timber Export Development Board revealed that operational Quality Control equipment and grading were absent in most plymills. This virtually non-existent Supplier Quality Assurance and Process Control Systems as tools for ensuring Quality Control has resulted in the fallen standards of Plywood manufactured in Ghana. This formed the basis for the topic of the study. Studies were made in two plymills in Kumasi. In each mill, the production stages and products were observed and assessed against the documented procedures. Data was also obtained through measurements of these products. Control graphs were drawn and the causes of variation from the specified methods were identified. It was found that both mills did not have a separate unit charged with quality control, and that the quality control practices were carried out with subjective methods which could yield unreliable results. It was also found that in some production stages, there were indications of out-of-control conditions. The final grade of the plywood was found to be B/BB, which is the recommended export plywood grade. Based on these problems, it is recommended that every effort should be made to establish some basic quality control laboratory for the purpose of undertaking basic tests on plywood meant both for home consumption and for export. It is also recommended that training of staff should constitute an important component of the work programme of the mills for the enhancement of the quality of production. In addition, the mills should document production and quality control procedures for the guidance of all production and quality control personnel.

Source: KNUST
Quality control studies on Agbelima - development of quality specifications and evaluation of cassava varieties for processing

Quality control is an important aspect of food manufacture, but the institution of an effective quality control system requires the development of standard quality specifications for the particular product. It is important that the interests of both the consumer and producer are taken into consideration in developing such standards. Agbelima is a fermented cassava product of major dietary importance in Ghana, and has in recent times gained entry into international trade. However, no quality specifications have been established for the product. An investigation was conducted to identify important sensory quality attributes consumers and producers associate with Agbelima, the relative importance of these attributes in assessing Agbelima quality, objective indicators of human evaluation for each sensory attribute, possible acceptance limits for each attribute and cassava varieties and processing conditions that gave the best quality products. Colour, cohesiveness, smoothness, aroma and sourness were identified as the first five most important sensory attributes in descending order of importance. The identified objective indicators of human evaluation of each of the attributes were C* and b* for colour, starch content for cohesiveness, average particle size and fineness modulus for smoothness, and total titratable acidity and pH for sourness. No objective indicator was identified for aroma. Optimum quality ranges for all attributes were also identified. The cassava variety/fermentation time combinations that gave the best quality Agbelima were TMS 30572 at 72 hrs, TMS 4(2)1425 at 48 hrs, TMS 30572 at 48 hrs, and TMS 4(2)1425 at 72 hrs fermentation times, in descending order of Agbelima quality.

Source: KNUST
Quality control standards in television broadcasting: a case study of Kwese Free TV – Ghana

Although the current dispensation of television broadcasting looks very exciting to the Tv viewer in Ghana, a lot needs to be done to ensure sanity on the screens. Television shapes the life style of the society (viewer), hence the need to deploy quality control measures to derive the best Tv broadcasting has on offer. The aim of the study was therefore to assess the quality control standards in television broadcasting in Ghana with the focus on Kwese Free TV. The set objectives were to evaluate the compliance protocol of Kwese Free TV, to assess quality control measures that are implemented by Kwese Free TV and to determine the effectiveness of quality control measures that is adopted by Kwese Free TV. The research was inductive in nature. Descriptive case study was adopted as the research design focused on qualitative studies. This form of research approach was adopted because the study aimed at creating analytical themes to give deeper understanding to quality control standards at Kwese Free TV. An interview guide was used for data collection and a primary data collection tool that is made up of open-ended questions. The population of the study was the staff members of Kwese Free TV and it is out of this that further sampling was made. A total sample size of five respondents were selected for the interview. The collected data were analyzed according to themes. The findings gathered indicates that the regulatory bodies have played and continue to play a significant role in how the TV network operates in terms of quality but the internal culture at Kwese Free TV is one that depicts conformity and adherence to quality control due to their bureaucratic procedures. This act if upheld can influence advertisers and reflect in their revenue generation. It was therefore recommended that, there is the need to institute and intensify education of media houses on the importance of complying with set regulations to ensure better compliance to the existing regulations governing the programming content of television broadcasting

Source: KNUST
Quality Evaluation of Domestic Water Sources within Ziope Community of the Volta Region

Water of good quality is of a basic importance to human survival on earth. The provision of potable water to the rural and urban populations is necessary to prevent health hazards. The aim of this project is to assess physicochemical, microbiological and trace metals of samples of domestic raw water sources (Borehole, Hand Dug Well and Pond) within the Ziope community in the Volta Region using WHO standard guidelines. Data on parameters were collected four times from September, 2010 to February, 2011. Most of the parameters analysed were within the WHO guideline limits for potable water. However, microbiological, some physicochemical and heavy metal parameters such as total hardness, total dissolved solid, calcium hardness, chloride, turbidity, total coliform, faecal coliform and lead values determined exceeded WHO standard for drinking water. Those that could be of health concern were turbidity, total coliform and faecal coliform. Thus, microbiologically, the water samples were of poor quality and unfit for human consumption without prior treatment. It is recommended that sediment in the wells should be removed regularly and also be disinfected regularly with chlorine.

Source: KNUST
Quality evaluation of selected rice varieties

Rice, Oryza sativa is one of the four main cereals grown in Ghana. Like most food products, the quality of rice is evaluated according to suitability for specific end use. Unfortunately, in Ghana, very little attention has been paid to the processing and food characteristics of the many varieties that are being brought in for trials and adoption. Eight varieties of improved rice were obtained from the Irrigation Development Authority, Ashaiman and two reference samples were purchased from the open market for analysis and comparison. The properties of the varieties investigated were the milling characteristics, physical quality, proximate composition, cooking and sensory evaluation and pasting characteristics. The physical quality of all the varieties was very high with low levels of impurities. The sizes of the varieties were either long or extra long with slender shapes. The nutritional status of the selected varieties compared favourably with the reference samples. Sensory evaluation showed that most of the selected varieties were of a higher acceptability rating than the US#5 which was one of the reference samples. The amylose content also appeared to be the most important single criterion of rice eating quality and may be used as a reliable index for rice selection and classification.

Source: KNUST
Quality Management Practices of Construction Project Teams in Concrete Works.

The use of concrete in the Construction industry is widespread. However, several cases of deterioration of concrete structures associated with the lack of durability is a major cause of concern worldwide. The cost involved in restoring or replacement of these structures runs into millions of dollars. Poor quality concrete has been blamed on workmanship and ultimately poor Quality Management Practices. This research delved into the quality management practices of construction teams in concrete works. The aim of the research was to explore the nature and scope of quality management practices adopted by construction teams in concrete works. The objectives included the identification of current quality management practices used by construction teams in concrete works and an assessment of their knowledge on factors considered as basic but very important in the production of durable concrete. Other objectives were to assess the perception by Construction Project teams of the critical success factors in the implementation of total quality management in concrete works, and finally to propose a framework for quality management practice in concrete. A structured questionnaire survey was used to collect data from Construction Project teams namely; Project Managers, Project Engineers, Site Engineers, Clerk of works and Quality Control/Assurance Managers of D1K1 Contractors. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, One sample t-test and factor analysis. Analysis of the data revealed that most of the D1K1 contractors did not have a formal quality management system nor were they ISO certified. They however practiced several elements of these systems. The use of quality control/assurance tools were limited and not effective. The respondents had a narrow definition of what quality concrete was. iv The perception of the importance of some identified critical success factors for implementing Total Quality Management was however, found to be high. Implementing a formal quality management system will improve the durability and quality of concrete works. The study was limited to D1K1 contractors who are members of the Association of Building and Civil Engineering Contractors of Ghana and focused on in-situ concrete works at the Construction site. It brought to the fore the need for top management to be involved in concrete works in order to achieve quality concrete and also organize regular training for professionals involved in concrete works.

Source: KNUST
The quality of bottled and sachet bagged drinking water in the Kumasi Metropolitan Area, Ghana

Drinking water samples, from hand tied polythene, factory bagged sachet and bottled sources, bought from shops, streets vendors and market stalls in the Kumasi Metropolis, were analysed for total coliforms, faecal coliforms, faecal streptococci, iron, manganese and lead from December 2000 to July 2001. Total coliforms, faecal coliforms and faecal streptococci were not detected in bottled water samples. However total microbial counts (100m1-1) ranged between 1.00 x 103 and 2.40 x 105 With the exception of four brands that had 10 to 30 total coliforms and two brands that had 10 faecal coliforms each, all the other brands of factory plastic bagged sachet drinking water, were free of total coliforms, fàecal coliforms and fliecal streptococci. Total microbial counts ranged between 17.67 x 106 and 7.33 x 1010. Nine samples of hand tied polythene drinking water had a total coliform count of between 10 and 67, five samples recorded between 10 and 20 faecal coliforms and two others, had a colony each of faecal streptococci. Total microbial counts ranged between 9.00 x 1011 and 1.20 x 1013. There was a general trend towards an increase in coliform counts in factory plastic bagged sachet drinking water and hand tied polythene drinking water, with hand tied polythene drinking water recording the highest counts. Persons involved in the drinking water business should have basic education and should be aware of basic rudiments in good hygiene.

Source: KNUST
The quality of antenatal care in the Sunyani Municipality

Quality antenatal care is critical to improve a range of health outcomes for women and children. In recognition of this, the World Summit for Children in 1990 adopted antenatal care as a specific goal, namely “Access by all pregnant women to prenatal care, trained attendants during childbirth and referral facilities for high-risk pregnancies and obstetric emergencies”. Similar claims have been voiced in other major international conferences, including the International Conference on Population and Development in 1994, the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995, their five-year follow-up evaluations of progress, and the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on Children in 2002. (United Nations, 2002) The main objective of the project is to assess the quality of antenatal care in Sunyani Municipality, and make recommendations to improve the quality of care. A descriptive cross sectional study was carried out in three Private and four Public health (including one specialist) facilities in six sub-municipalities within the Sunyani Municipality. A total of 250 antenatal clients who were receiving normal ANC services in the selected facilities were randomly selected for the study. It was realized that most clients could access a health facility within an hour. Age, education, marital status, residence and money were not barriers to women going for Antenatal care. The study also revealed that other factors like interpersonal relationship between provider and client, availability of amenities and technical competence were important to the client. Staff attitude was poor, waiting time was long and most clients were not satisfied with the care. Some facilities had more staff than the standard recommended by GHS. Amenities of the facilities needed improvement, as well as the technical competence of the staff. A small number of the respondents were teenagers. Emergency transport system was not adequate in the Municipality. It was therefore recommended that Health planners and managers in the municipality should: Set up systems for emergency transport during referral of complications, Strengthen the CHIPS system and upgrade local health facilities to provide additional services such as antenatal and obstetric first aid, Organize teenage clinic for teenage pregnant women and promote the National Insurance Scheme for affordable services. They should also improve staff attitude by continuous staff education impressing on commitment to work, need for empathy and understanding the needs of the clients, Improve waiting time by enforcing the gatekeeper system such that Regional Hospital only sees referred and emergency cases. Encourage the practice of focus antenatal care. Use health information to improve quality of antenatal care Inform, educate, and mobilize the community regarding danger signs and work with communities to improve access to antenatal care. Improve infrastructure and institute maintenance culture, increasing the staff numbers in facilities other than the Regional Hospital and Organize regular in-service training to improve staff skills.

Source: KNUST
Quality of care: the patients’ perspective (a case study of Mampong District Hospital in the Sekyere West District, Ashanti Region, Ghana)

Improving quality of care is one of the pillars of the reforms that the Health Sector has embarked on since 1990. A number of initiatives have been started to improve quality of care and to make health service delivery client focused. Among these is the implementation of quality assurance programmes at the levels of service delivery. A quality assurance programme has been developed in the Ashanti Region and Mampong District Hospital is one of the facilities that have been involved in the programme. The main purpose of the study was to; assess the extent to which the patient perspective of quality of care featured in quality assurance programme being implemented at the Mampong District Hospital and to make recommendations. The study was a cross-sectional type using quantitative research methods. Individual interviews with patients and management were the main techniques used for data collection. Management understanding of QA concepts was good but its commitment to QA activities was unsatisfactory. The most important expectations of patients were • To be provided with services when money is not available. • Health workers to be courteous to them. • To be granted privacy during consultations. Accessibility, interpersonal relationship, technical competence and amenities which constitute some aspects of dimensions of quality were studied. Majority of the patients interviewed were satisfied with the interpersonal relationship. Some aspects of technical skills of health workers were found to be unsatisfactory. It is recommended that training should be organised for all health workers to improve upon their job performance.

Source: KNUST
The quality of domestic water sources at Kintampo

The study was to assess the quality of domestic water sources at Kintampo. Kintampo town was divided into 5 strata (stratified sampling technique), and out of 200 hand-dug wells, 30 were selected for the study at random. The 3 mechanized boreholes operating in the town and the treated water were also selected.

Source: KNUST