ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing Community Participation in Promoting Basic Education at the Akorley D/A Basic School in the Yilo Krobo Municipality, Eastern Region, Ghana

This research examines community contribution in promoting basic education at the Akorley D/A basic school in the Yilo Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The specific objectives of the study were; to identify the contribution of the community towards the improvement in teaching and learning, to identify the challenges that confront the community with regards to the improvement of the school, to investigate the strategies designed to improve on the community’s contribution towards teaching and learning and to recommend strategies that can be implemented to improve on the contribution of the community towards the school. The literature discusses the variables of community participation and quality basic education. Information was gathered, using two instruments, from a sample size of one hundred and sixty (160) respondents made up of fourteen (14) teachers, nine (9) SMC, nine (9) PTA executive members and one hundred and twenty eight (128) community members through purposive, convenient and stratified sampling methods. Questionnaire and Interview Guide were used to elicit information on the Akorley community’s participation in promoting basic education in the school. Community participation was identified as the independent variables and promoting basic education as the dependent variable. Data obtained from each of the research instruments was then statistically analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solution (SPSS version 16) and presented in tables, charts and percentages. The result of the study indicated that the contribution of the community towards the improvement of the school is generally low, even though some attempts have been made to improve upon teaching and learning in the school. Sharing of information is one of the important recommendations the researcher puts forward if community participation should be enhanced amongst the study population. The researcher further recommends that the sensitization of community members on the need for education, especially girl-child education, should be done on regular basis as well as setting of awards scheme for better performing teachers, better achieving students and better performing girls in the school. This research therefore adds a new dimension to community participation and quality basic education promotion since a few similar studies had been conducted. As this research takes place in the Ghana context, it contributes to the pool of findings relating to the topic.

Source: KNUST
Assessing construction and demolishing debris usage in the Ghanaian construction industry

Lots of construction and demolition waste are produced in the course of construction activities which has a serious impact on surroundings, if it’s not properly handled. This has become a serious issue in the Ghanaian Construction industry. Other issues of waste management on construction sites has caused lots of failures like increasing the cost of project and the loss of materials that are valuable Based on that, the research aim at exploring the usage of construction and demolishing debris in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Three major objectives were derived from this aim to help achieving it. The objective was, to identify the usage of construction debris in the Ghanaian Construction Industry, to determine challenges of usage of debris in the Ghanaian Construction Industry, to identify critical success factors for utilization of construction debris in the Ghanaian Construction Industry. Quantitative research approach was used for the study, alongside with a purposive and snowball sampling technique. Out of the 50 questionnaires administer, 31 were retrieved. The variables were analyzed using means score, descriptive statistics and a reliability of the scale checked using Cronbach Alpha coefficient. All variables identified were ranked in order of importance and usage. The revealed that, the Ghanaian construction industry make use of construction debris as filling material for landfill, land reclamation and many others. However, some challenges were identified as hindering factors to the proper utilization of these waste materials. Strategies through the study were identified as mitigating factors to help increase the rate of their usage.

Source: KNUST
Assessing coverage of insecticide - treated nets (ITNs) in the prevention of malaria in Ejisu - Juaben Distrct, Ghana

The malaria burden is a challenge to human development. It is both a cause and consequence of under-development. In Ghana, malaria is the leading c use of morbidity accounting for about 40% of outpatients (OPD) attendance. It is also the leading cause of mortality in children under five (5) years, a significant cause of adult mortality and leading cause of work days lost due to illness (RBM-Ghana, 2000). Use of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) which is one of the strategies adopted at the Abuja African Heads of State conference for the prevention of malaria is still low in Sub-Saharan Africa (Monasch et al., 2003; Curtis et al., 2003). Coverage of possession and use of ITNs was assessed through modified EFI cluster survey method of twenty (20) towns and villages in Ejisu-Juaben district. The communities were further grouped into rural and urban communities. Possession of FUN in the district was low (31%) when compared to the Abuja target of (60%). But use of ITN was high (88%) as against (16%) reported in Ejisu-Juaben district annual health report (GHS-Ejisu-Juaben, 2004). There was no association between possession and use of ITN (p=O.2l: NS). Possession was high in urban than in rural but the difference between urban and rural was not statistically significant (pO.47: NS). However, use was high in rural than in the urban communities but was also not statistically significant through the Fisher’s exact test (p=O. 11: NS). There was a light knowledge on ITN but did not have any effect on possession due to high cost of nets and lack of access to nets except pregnant women. More long lasting nets should be imported into the country and must be subsidize for all not only children under 5 and pregnant women because everybody suffers from malaria and this can reduce malaria morbidity and mortality cases in Ghana. Conical nets should be imported for rural communities for easy hanging even without beds. Education on ITN should be intensified and should include re-treatment of nets.

Source: KNUST
Assessing credit management practices at Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited.

The study explores the credit management practices of Fidelity Bank Ghana Limited using both Sunyani and Techiman branches as a case study. Thus, the justification for undertaking this study is to deeply investigate the practices, policies and to some extend the causes of credit management problems and to propose possible solutions that will enable the bank run its operation in the safest way possible, since credit is the main income earner of banks. The ability of banks to formulate and adhere to policies and procedures that promote credit quality and curtail non-performing loans is the means to survival in the stiff competition in the banking industry. Inability to create and build up quality loans and credit worthy customers leads to default risk and bankruptcy as well as hampers economic growth of a country. A sample size of hundred (100) respondents was purposively selected for the study, consisting of ten (10) staff and ninety (90) loan customers. Structured questionnaire and face-to-face interview were employed to collect primary data. For the purpose of the study both primary and secondary data were used. The secondary data was collected from annual reports, directives, and bulletins of the bank. Descriptive statistical tools were used in analysing the data collected. The study indicates that the three most pressing factors that influence access to credit are collateral surety, net profit per month and level of savings of business with the bank. The study recommends, among other things, that the due credit delivery processes should be followed strictly to minimize the incidence of high loan default. It also recommends that appropriate training programmes should be offered to staff involved in credit delivery process to enable them makegood credit decisions. Providing the credit collection section with the appropriate logistics to enable them carry out their main task of debt collection, was also recommended.

Source: KNUST
Assessing consumers’ behaviour towards food supplements: A case of forever living products.

Considerable media attention has focused on the value of food supplements. Informational articles and studies report associations between supplement use and health conditions. Marketing data gleaned in the United States show a dramatic increase in sales of dietary supplements since 1997 displaying some approximate total sales of $20.3 billion in 2005. At the same time, survey conducted by the National Health and Nutrition Examination indicate that between 2003 and 2006, half of the U.S. population which made up of 70% of adults 71 years of age or older, patronised dietary supplements. The impact of nutrition information food supplements preferences corresponds to the consumer competence regarding the understanding of nutrition information on food supplements. The current study Assessing Consumers’ Behaviour towards Food Supplements: A Case of Forever Living Products. The conceptual framework compose of environmental and individual differences that affect the consumption of food supplements. The study targeted one hundred and six (106) consumers in Oforikrom District. The instrument for the data collection was developed by the researcher, preceded by a pilot study. The pilot study was initially conducted in a similar district to ascertain its validity and reliability. The data for the study was basically from primary source in that closed-ended questionnaire was designed and distributed to consumers of Oforikrom District. Standing on the shoulders of Yamane (1967), the study used eighty-three (83) respondents constituting all consumers in Oforikrom District, with an alpha level of 5% and a confidence level of 95% to gather data for analysis. The data generated was analysed using the mean score ranking. Descriptive statistics was used to test the data. The study concluded by saying that environmental and individual differences have strong influence on consumers and the decision to purchase food supplements is determined by these factors. The recommendation the study gave was that consumers’ knowledge, environmental influences, individual influences and consumer’s evaluation influence decision of purchase. Therefore, it is recommended that health institutions, network marketing companies and individual consumers take cognisance of these factors. Again, the study suggested that environmental influences, individual influences critical must be looked at carefully by health institutions, network marketing companies in order to convince consumers to consume food supplements. This can be done through thoroughv understanding and interpretation of the benefits and negative effect food supplements by health institutions, network marketing companies.

Source: KNUST
Assessing corporate governance practices in selected microfinance institutions in Ghana

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are playing an increasing role in the delivery of financial services to SMEs in Ghana. They have proven to be a powerful tool for promoting inclusive economic growth and employment generation. However, events such as huge financial scams by Onward Investment Limited in 2012, the PYRAM case and the seemingly bankruptcy of Noble Dreams Financial Services have raised many questions about trust, credibility and governance issues in the financial sector. This study therefore sought to assess governance practices in some selected Microfinance institutions in the Ashanti Region. The research was descriptive in nature. It combined both quantitative and qualitative approaches in the data analysis. The population comprises 170 “Tier 2” Microfinance Institutions operating in the Ashanti region out of which a sample of 4 institutions with a total of 116 respondents were chosen using convenience sampling technique. The main data sources included both primary and secondary. At the end, the study found some conflict of interest situations resulting from the fact that majority of CEO’s in the selected MFIs doubled as chairs of their board. Again the study found that many Microfinance institutions in the Ashanti Region did not have structured policies for reviewing CEOs compensations and performance. Reducing owner concentration was also identified as the most important variable in improving governance practices within MFIs. To address the challenges enumerated, the researcher recommends that MFIs review the role and contribution of non-executive directors to ensure that all directors have a sound understanding of the company’s operations. It is also important to ensure that directors have access to all the information required to function effectively. Auditing of financial statements must be tightened to meet the agreed International Accounting Standards.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Credit Management Practices in Savings & Loans Companies: A Case Study of First Allied Savings & Loans Ltd, Ksi

This study assessed the credit management practices at First Allied Savings & Loans Ltd and their effect on performance. The main objectives of the study were to identify the credit management practices at First Allied Savings & Loans and their effect on performance. This was against the backdrop of the increasingly risky nature of the financial landscape and the high incidence of non-performing loans due to the lack of well diversified and efficient strategies for credit delivery which has crippled a lot of financial institutions and plunged them into crisis. The descriptive survey method was used for the study. The sample size comprised of 33 respondents who were purposively selected in order to obtain the kind of data that was required for the study. Questionnaires were distributed in order to gather the primary data together with an interview guide. Secondary data was obtained from financial statements of FASL from 2009 to 2014 in order to conduct a cross sectional survey to reveal performance trends over the period. The research revealed that one of the hallmarks of the credit management practices of FASL was the client appraisal adopted by the institution which allowed for a comprehensive assessment of clients as well as identify any inherent risks. It was also discovered that the institution had a credit management policy in place and that it was effective in managing the credit risk associated with the credit granting processes and that if strictly complied with, helped reduced non-performing loans as well as improve the quality of loan portfolio. One major recommendation that was made was for management to put in place measures that would ensure the strict compliance of credit management procedures by credit sectional heads and loan officers as this was identified as a major setback to the quality of loan portfolio and secondly the need for more training programmes to be organized to sensitize the credit staff on modern trends in the credit granting process.

Source: KNUST
Assessing critical factors for price sourcing in the building industry: Challenges and strategies

Competition within the construction industry has greatly increased due to new knowledge and technology and how best value for money is achieved to the benefit of all stakeholders involved. All forms of financing have had its various challenges requiring that stakeholders take well calculated and pragmatic steps to control cost from the conception to the completion stage of any construction project. In getting this achieved, price sourcing plays a vital role with some identifiable successes but has not been void of its associated challenges. This research tries to assess the challenges of price sourcing stakeholders are faced with within the industry and the strategies that have been adopted in addressing these challenges. In order to achieve this aim, the following objectives were set to help achieve the aim; first, to examine the current price sourcing procedures and strategies. Secondly, to identify challenges involved in sourcing procedures and thirdly, to outline strategies for effective price sourcing. Also, literature review was undertaken delving into the price sourcing procedures, the challenges involved in price sourcing as well as the sourcing strategies that can be adopted by construction professionals for effective price sourcing. The study adopted a quantitative research method where questionnaires were used to collect data from construction professionals and the data obtained was analyzed using mean score ranking and one sample t-test. The study revealed that, Commerciality; the supplier plays a vital role within the organization, Negotiate and select suppliers and Rigor: not only organizational wise, but also structural, supply market analysis and professional approach emphasized were the frequently used price sourcing procedures. Foreign exchange fluctuations, Transportation delays, Type of products and Inventory management were the most experienced challenges. Also, it was revealed that most construction professionals practice single sourcing and out sourcing while a few practice in sourcing. The study recommends strategic price sourcing procedures by all construction professionals.

Source: KNUST
Assessing credit risk management of Zenith Bank Ghana

This study sought to assess the credit risk management of Zenith Bank Ghana with focus on the credit staff of the bank. The objective of the study was to identify the knowledge of and adherence to credit risk management, factors affecting the credit risk management causing problem loans as well as mechanisms in place to mitigate problem loans. Probability sampling was employed to select 30 credit staff who answered questionnaires. The study revealed that the bank has laid down organizational policies and practices regarding risk management and that there was an enforcement policy in place to ensure adherence. Poor credit appraisal and poor loan monitoring were brought to the fore as some of the causes of problem loans. Based on the findings of the study, recommendations such as education and training of credit staff, intensification of monitoring of the credit staff by management among others have been proposed.

Source: KNUST
ASSESSING CREDIT RISK CONTROL SYSTEMS IN FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN GHANA: A CASE STUDY OF SOME SELECTED FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS IN GHANA

Credit risk appraisal in the financial industry is very important since it would help reduce risk in the financial service delivery. The study seeks to identify the risk associated with providing financial services, explore the soundness of financial institution’s credit risk control system, assess if credit risk control system conforms to the Basel II accord. The data was collected from both primary and secondary data and included interviews and discussions with senior credit officers. The study resulted in a number of significant observations. The results of the study implies that environmental risk, market risk, liquidity risk, reputational risk, legal risk and credit risk are of importance to the operations of financial institution in the Obuasi municipality. The study also revealed that financial institutions have exposure concentrations on the individual or industry, it was further observed that the mean rating of the respondents on borrower selection, size and terms are higher than the cut-off point of 3.5, implying relevance to the financial institution. This has led to a couple of recommendations which comprise that the risk management policies of financial institutions should be updated regularly to avoid getting outdated and irrelevant with time, that the financial institution consciously resource all department of the institution for them to carry out their work, that codes of conduct for employees and members of staff are subject to regular review and also the performance accounting, information and communication systems must be evaluated. In conclusion, financial institution should identify and manage risk inherent in all products and services and ensure that they are subjected to adequate risk management procedures

Source: KNUST
Assessing crop–livestock water productivity in mixed-farming systems across climatic zones of Burkina Faso

Climate change adversely impacts food and feed production, depletes water, and increases the vulnerability of the people living within arid and semi-arid areas. The current study aims to assess crop–livestock water productivity within such drought-recurrent or water-stressed regions. This was done through secondary data collection and interviews from 589 households across the Sudan, Sudan–Sahel, and Sahel climatic zones of Burkina Faso. The findings confirm that the feeding strategies of livestock were based essentially on natural pasture, crop residues, and agricultural by-products. Moreover, crop–livestock total water productivity (TWP) was found generally higher in the Sudan zone (0.29+0.02 $US/m3) characterized by more favorable climatic conditions than the Sudan–Sahel and Sahel regions that experienced a similar TWP (0.21+0.01 $US/m3). The research gives insight into the valuation of virtual water contained in livestock feeds. Improving the accessibility in quantity and quality of such feeds through informed policy actions could enhance returns on transpired water. Additionally, other water harvesting and conservation methods are also essential to sustain more productive crop–livestock systems within water-stressed regions like Burkina Faso.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Customer Perception of the Performance of Telecommunication Operators Using the Analytic Network Process

Telecommunication has a significant social, cultural and economic impact on society and it’s of no difference in Ghana. The objective of this thesis is to assess the perceived performance of the telecommunication operators in Kumasi, Ghana and rank them. There are five telecommunication operators currently in operation and they are MTN, Tigo, Expresso, Airtel and Vodafone. The performance of the telecommunication operators were assessed according to the following criteria: Total Area of Network coverage, Quality of Network service, Average cost per user, Internet access and speed, Innovation and Contribution to society. These criteria were based on the NCA and the customers‟ perceptions. The model implemented in solving this multi-criteria decision problem is the Analytic Network Process (ANP) which is one of the best models of the Multi-criteria Decision Making (MCDM) methods because of its property of allowing dependence between its elements. Data collection involved administering an appropriately designed questionnaire to a sample of size one hundred of people who are customers of at least two of the telecommunication operators and also have a fair perception of the performance of all the telecommunication operators in Kumasi. They were also students of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology who are occupants of the Independence hall of the university. Upon the completion of the analysis of the problem with ANP, the ranking of the telecommunication operators are as follows from first to last; Vodafone, Airtel, Tigo, Expresso and MTN. Hence Vodafone is the perceived best and MTN, the worst. Also the results showed Contribution to Society to be a more appropriate measure of the perceived performance for the telecommunication operators than the rest a result confirming why network service and network coverage of the various telecommunication operators tend to be not so good on the average.

Source: KNUST