ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Examining the contribution of rural and community banks to the development of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in ghana: A case study of Amenfiman Rural Bank Limited

The contribution of Rural and Community banks towards the development of Ghana most especially the rural communities have been highly recommendable. Before the establishment of the first rural bank in 1976, the availability of formal credit in rural communities predominantly made up of small farmers and fishermen and small and medium scale enterprises was extremely limited. Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) form the majority of the private sector which is considered as the engine of growth in the Ghanaian economy. Rural and community banks are therefore expected to focus attention on the provision of quality banking services to the people in their catchment area including the SMEs. It is as a result of this that this study seeks to examine the contribution of Rural and Community Banks to the development of SMEs, taking cognizance of the role and contribution of Amenfiman Rural Bank Ltd. The sources of materials for the study were both primary and secondary. The primary data was collected by the use of structured questionnaires and interview guides which were designed and administered to SME customers and staff of Amenfiman Rural Bank Ltd respectively. The secondary data was collected from text books, journals, research papers and other intellectual works. Tables and graphs were used to analyze the data collected from the field. The study discovered that microfinance loans is very popular among services provided by rural banks to SMEs due to the fact that most SMEs do not have the collateral to access commercial loans from banks. The researcher also found out that it was very difficult for SMEs to access start-up capital from banks. This study therefore recommend among other things that SMEs should also use loan taken from banks for its intend purpose. Rural banks should take insurance cover for loans granted to new SMEs as start-up capital to reduce the effect of loan default in their book and operations and also reduce the risk of granting loans to new SMEs.

Source: KNUST
Examining the current level of adaptions and application of evidence based practice (Medicine) among medical practitioners in the public sector in diagnosis and treatment (A study of Korle-Bu and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospitals)

The world over on various sectors, information technology has made a great impact and the health sector has not been left out. One such area of technological advancement in health is the adoption of Evidence Based Medicine (EBM)...

Source: KNUST
Examining the Determinants and the Impact of Interest Rate Spread on Profitability of Ghana Commercial Bank

This study sought to investigate the determinants and the impact of interest rate spread of Ghana commercial bank over the period 2001 - 2007. it adopted the ex post approach of estimating interest rate spread and the model used to establish the relationship between the interest rate spread and it's determinants is based on the cost function and the profit maximization behavior of banks. The relationship between the bank profitability and its interest rate spread is established in this study using the accounting profit function of commercial banks. The findings of this work revealed that credit risk, and competition positively influenced the interest rate spread of the bank over the period of the study. However the operation cost was negatively related to the bank's interest rate spread implying that the bank could not pass on its cost of operation to its customers. The interest rate spread of the bank was also found to be negatively related to declining yield spread curve. The study also shows that borrowing and lending rates movement had a significant (explanatory power on the movement of the bank profitability.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of access to microfinance on performance of small and medium scale enterprises in Kumasi metropolis

This study argues that access to finance among SMEs in Ghana can influence their financial decisions in the area of control of financial resources, proper allocation of funds and proper selection of investment vehicles and awareness of growth funding options that can enhance the performance of firms. In order to achieve the above objective, the study uses a survey research design. The study uses a sample of 200 SMEs across the Municipality. These SMEs were selected using the convenience sampling technique, since this would provide access to SMEs that are ready to answer the questionnaires and hence ensuring a high rate of response. The study uses predefined questionnaires in order to measure the variables, these questionnaires are closed ended and were distributed to the SME owners in order to obtain the needed data for the research. The study was analysed using regressing analysis, descriptive statistics and analysis of means, using Statistical Package for Social Sciences v. 22. Based on the analysis, the study concludes that despite the pandemic, SMEs in Kumasi Metropolis are showing improved operational and financial performances. Furthermore, access to capital helps to improve the performance of these SMEs however, these SMEs are faced with high interest rate, unfavourable payment terms, pressure from loan officers and high processing fees among others when access finance. Policy maker and government agencies should try and expand the credit that they provide for SMEs in the country. This could range from credit at the start of the business and also subsequent finance since this could help improve the performance of the SMEs in this study. The study further recommends that SME owners should try and maintain adequate financial records that could help ease the pressure when it comes to assessing their financial performances when applying for credit. This would help reduce the high collateral demanded by financial institutions and also reduce the pressure from these institutions since this is a challenge these SMEs face.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of corporate taxation planning on the financial performance of listed financial and non-financial institutions in ghana.

Tax planning activities include tax avoidance and tax evasion schemes that affect the financial plans of banks due to changes in national tax laws. Tax planning schemes reduce the tax burden of firms through extensive outsourcing and higher levels of pre-tax income leading to higher profits. Assuming the firm does not change, the fewer income taxes increased by firms become lower after-tax income before taxes profit, because the cost of tax avoidance is lower than for firms with lower before-tax gross income. The study aimed at identifying the impact of effective tax rate on tax planning for financial and nonfinancial organizations. A comparison was done between the tax planning determinants of financial and nonfinancial organizations. The used data from the annual reports of 12 listed financial and nonfinancial organizations. The study concludes that tax planning measured with effective tax planning improves the financial performance of financial organizations. Firm size has also shown that the financial performance of financial organizations is positively affected when the organization’s size improves.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of e-procurement in reducing procurement fraud and corruption: a case of selected mining companies in Ghana

The study's main objective is to assess how e-procurement may reduce procurement fraud and corruption in four (4) Ghanaian mining enterprises. To achieve this objective, a research questionnaire was then designed, disseminated to study population, and responses from participants analyzed using factor analysis. The study revealed breaking of monopoly of power, transparency and accountability, and breaking of information asymmetry, as e-procurement anti-corruption variables that combat procurement fraud and corruption in the mining companies. The most effective e-procurement factor for preventing procurement fraud and corruption is breaking of monopoly of power, followed by transparency and accountability, and the least is breaking of information asymmetry. The results add to the body of knowledge on e-procurement in underdeveloped countries while also expanding it in Ghana. As a result, the study supports earlier research as well. Overall, the study's findings imply that e-procurement reduces corruption and fraud in the procurement processes of Ghanaian mining firms. A deeper comprehension of the potential of e-procurement to fight against corruption is a motivation for procurement professionals to advocate for its implementation as part of an anti-corruption agenda. The study is also restricted to the Ghanaian mining sector.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of demographical factors on project performance in the Ghanaian construction industry

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of demographical factors on construction project performance in Ghanaian construction industry. Based on the aim, three (3) research objectives were set which were to identify the significant demographical factors in construction project management in Ghana, to identify the significant measures of construction project performance in the Ghanaian construction industry and to identify the effect of demographical factors on construction project performance in Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative research method and a survey research technique. Hence an extensive literature review was conducted for each objective and based on it; a structured question was developed to aid in collecting data from the respondents to ascertain their perception on the aim of the study. The questionnaire was distributed to 66 respondents and 52 were retrieved for the analysis. The data collected was analyzed using mean score ranking and percentages. From the analysis, it was realized that, the level of experience is the most significant demographic factor followed by years of experience. Furthermore, the analysis showed that, client satisfaction is the most significant performance criteria followed by quality performance. Finally, the analysis showed that, the level of education has the most effect on project performance followed by years of experience. With these findings, it was recommended that, construction organizations should promote demographic diversity as it can increase creativity and thus provide a wider range of perspectives and construction firms should continually educate their employees as education significantly affect the performance of a project. The study was limited to only construction firms. However, other construction project stakeholders and organizations can be explored to identify their perception of demographic factors and project performance. Hence further studies can explore other stakeholder groups like consultants

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of family control on the performance of family businesses in Kumasi and Accra.

The crux of this study was to examine the effect of family control on the performance of family businesses in Kumasi and Accra. A sample size of 200 was used. Data for the study were elicited from both primary and secondary sources. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used in gathering primary data. The analysis was aided by SPSS and Microsoft excel. The study revealed that, majority of the respondents involves family members in running their businesses. It was found further that, the involvement of family’ members affect business performance. The study discovered that a unit change in the level of control in family businesses would affect business performance significantly by 75.5%. The implication is that any time there is an effect in family business control, the efficiency of performance is affected. Moreover, the study revealed that, family business contributes immensely to economic development through tax payment. There is creativity in production when it comes to family business. Meanwhile family businesses face myriad of challenges, these include; job descriptions were based on the wish of family members and not based on needs of the business and this affected the business badly. Most family business doesn’t take into account the business point of view in recruiting. Also, these businesses were faced financial restraints in running their operations. Interestingly, the cost of input was a challenge facing family businesses. The study discovered further that, there was no clear reporting relationship which affected the businesses. Employees were rewarded illogically, not based on results. In addition, family businesses had challenge of succession planning. It is therefore recommended that capacity building is eminent to ensure compliance, financial access and sustainability.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of microfinance on the performance of small and medium size enterprises in tamale

The researcher sought to examine the effects of microfinance on the performance of small and medium enterprises in Tamale. The study adopted survey and explanatory research design. Out of the entire small and medium scale enterprise in Tamale, only sixty-seven (67) of these enterprises were studied. Questionnaires were administered coded and processed with the help of Ms Excel and SPSS for statistical test and accuracy. Statistical tools such as frequency tables, percentages graphs, correlation, regression and ANOVA were applied to illustrate the results. It was revealed that the credit from microfinance institutions has helped to: increase productivity; increase income from business; increase savings and reinvestment; and helped in employing more hands and has given the SMEs in Tamale new skills to manage their business. The results further indicate that a good loan recovery procedure will enable both microfinance institutions and SMEs better manage their debt portfolio. Based on these findings, Microfinance institutions should repackage their products to make them conform to their main purposes, that is, services to the poor and their small enterprises. The study therefore concludes that micro financing of small businesses by microfinance institutions has a great effect on the performance of SMEs in Tamale.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of material requirement planning on firm performance: evidence from the manufacturing sector in ghana.

Material Requirements Production planning is a technique for planning that helps production managers schedule and place orders for dependent-demand items such as raw materials, component parts, and sub-assemblies in relation to the level of production that they want to achieve. Managers of organisations that manufacture products are well-versed in the role that raw materials play in the day-to-day operations of an organisation. Direct materials play an important role in the production process of the vast majority of manufacturing companies, which in turn affects their performance. Due to inefficient materials management systems, the majority of finished goods are kept in the warehouse rather than being transported to the locations where they will be consumed, which contributes to the inefficiency of the organisation. Therefore, this study is set to analyse the effect of material requirement planning on the performance of manufacturing firms in Ghana. A total of 200 questionnaires were collected and subsequently analysed through a structural equational model. The study revealed that there's a strong, direct, and positive relationship between MRP and FP. In essence, improvements in MRP practises directly contribute to the enhancement of firm performance. a strong, direct, and positive relationship between the use of IT and FP Therefore, effective utilisation of IT in the manufacturing sector in Ghana can directly contribute to improved supply chain performance. Finally, it was revealed that while IT and MRP alone improve firm performance, their cooperation reduces it. This showing that IT moderates the MRP-firm performance link, but not in a positive way. As MRP practises improve, this stimulates better usage of IT, which in turn improves FP. This has the potential to augment the favourable influence of Material Requirements Planning (MRP) on firm Performance (SCP), thereby bolstering the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the supply chain.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of supply chain efficiency, effectiveness and differentiation on competitive advantage: evidence from firms in Ghana

This study sought to establish the connection between supply chain management practices and competitive advantage from the standpoint of effectiveness, efficiency, and differentiation especially among Ghanaian firms. As such, it sought to test statistically the direct effect of supply chain efficiency, effectiveness, and differentiation on gaining an edge in competition. The study therefore adopted a quantitative survey approach to select a sample of one hundred (100) respondents to whom questionnaires were administered. The individuals forming the pool of potential participants within the sample size consisted of management, senior staff, and junior staff of Ghanaian firms in the western region. Among the 100 questionnaires distributed, 79 were returned, resulting in a 79% response rate. The analysis was conducted solely on the valid responses collected during the field study. The findings revealed that the companies ensure a high extent of supply chain effectiveness, efficiency, and differentiation. Also, the level of competitive advantage is generally as per the study findings. From the regression estimate the study's findings lead to the conclusion that though supply chain effectiveness, efficiency, and differentiation all had a positive effect on competitive advantage, only supply chain effectiveness was a significant factor. Hence, it is advisable for management to underscore the significance of supply chain effectiveness. Supply chain effectiveness should avoid being limited to the employees of the stores, warehouse, or logistics department alone. Each individual within the organization should recognize the significance of the right is done and adhere to related processes. There should also be improvement in the firms’ relationships with suppliers. This is one means of enhancing supply chain effectiveness as it would avoid situations such as the bullwhip effect.

Source: KNUST
Examining The Effect Of Supply Chain Integration On Supply Chain Performance In The Oil And Gas Industry In Ghana: Evidence From Service Levels Kits Delivery Of Schlumberger Gos Ghana

A study that seeks to examine effect of supply chain integration (SCI) on supply chain performance is one that cannot be overemphasized. This necessitated this study to examine the effect of supply chain integration on supply chain performance of service levels kits delivery of Schlumberger Gos Ghana. This was done by selecting sample of respondents who were actors among firms along the supply chain of Schlumberger GOS Ghana of which a response rate of 74.5% was achieved using appropriate methodological approaches. The study revealed that for the firms in Ghana to benefit from supply chain integration, there is the need for absolute supplier integration. That is, those who are at the helm of affairs among firms should develop measures for building strong relationships with their suppliers and providing them with necessary support that is necessary for such collaborating and engagement. Also, the study found out that though internal integration is vital to all stages of supply chain integration, it does not necessarily contribute much to supply chain performance. Finally, the study revealed that when there is supplier quality management, it could yield performance but this relationship was not statistically significant in this study. This means that for Ghana to have higher supply chain performance in the firms along the supply chain of Schlumberger GOS Ghana, there is the need for effective supply chain integration. Supply chain integration is a vital component of ensuring an effective supply chain network. The advantage of supply chain integration can be achieved through efficient relationship among various supply chain activities, with a linkage based on the effective construction and utilization of various supply chain activities for an integrated supply chain. And this is mostly applicable among firms in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Examining the effect of sustainable practices on organisational performance – the moderated-mediation roles of top management commitment and procurement capability

Sustainable practices have become a necessary need in recent times because of numerous environmental issues including land degradation, global poverty, absence of human rights, general health deficiencies and corporate governance. As such, this study sought to explore the relationships among sustainable practices, procurement capability, top management commitment and firm performance: empirical study from the public sector in the greater-accra region of Ghana. This was done by selecting sample of respondents who were top officials in the public sector institutions in the greater-accra region of Ghana of which a response rate of 50.5% from a sample size of 200 was achieved using appropriate methodological approaches. The study revealed that social practices and environmental practices are sustainable practices which influence organisational performance. However, these sustainable practices do not contribute to procurement capability. The findings also revealed that procurement capability does not mediate the relationship between sustainable practices and organisational performance. Finally, it was found that at high levels of top management commitment, the indirect effect of sustainable practices on organisational performance through procurement capability is weakened. This implies that top management commitment does not moderate the relationship between sustainable practices and organisational performance through procurement capability. It is therefore incumbent on all stakeholders in the public sector to ensure socially and environmentally sustainable practices that would improve performance of public sector institutions in Ghana. It is therefore recommended that top management in the public sector should involve themselves in activities and programmes which would bring improvement in the social welfare of staff and the communities they serve as well as been environmentally-conscious so as to improve their performance.

Source: KNUST