ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The impact of loan acquisition on employees in the Mining Companies in Tarkwa- (A Case Study of Goldfields Ghana Limited)

Granting of loans to mining workers in today’s economy has become a vital choice in financing their numerous financial obligations. Credit facilities all over the world have helped many nations, corporate bodies, institutions, small scale businesses and individuals in meeting major economic challenges. The unlimited economic activities of these individuals and the insatiable needs and the lifestyle of workers have necessitated the choice for other financial support either from the employer or from their bankers. The purpose and the frequency with which employees take loans has become an issue for which this study has been conducted. Also, the economic benefits derived from these facilities by these employees would have to be enumerated in investigating the impact of its usage on the lifestyle. This study also sought to determine the behavioral practices of these mining workers which have become a lifestyle issue in the mining communities recently. The researcher used questionnaires and interviews in this study. Employees were categorized into junior staffs, senior officials and management staffs. The questionnaires were designed for all three categories of workers in Goldfields Ghana Ltd to be answered. The study recommends that management of Goldfields Ghana Ltd should establish financial literacy programme through the induction training the company has for all employees. Resource financial specialist can be consulted intermittently to educate them on the use of loans for investment purposes towards their future, planning for their retirement and making the best out of the loans taken to improve their lifestyle.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Leadership Styles of Project Managers on Information Technology (It) Project Success. A case of National Information Technology Agency

Information Technology projects continue to face challenges and this affects organizational goals negatively. Factors such as leadership, performance and user - friendliness may determine whether an IT project is successful or not. The purpose of this quantitative study was to determine the leadership styles of Project Managers and the impact it has on Information Technology project success. Information Technology project team members of National Information Technology Agency located in Accra were asked to rate their Project Manager’s leadership style and the successfulness of the project. Using simple random sampling with confidence level of ninety - five percent (95%) and eighty - five percent (85%) response rate, the study used the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire to rate the three leadership styles that is transactional, transformational and passive avoidant on an Information Technology project. The items on the questionnaire were rated on the scale of zero (0) to four (4) with zero (0) being not at all, one (1) is once in a while, two (2) is sometimes, three (3) is fairly often and four (4) is frequently, if not always. The outcome of the research identified the Information Technology project team members to perceive their Project Manager to exhibit fairly often both transformational and transactional leadership styles and once in a while exhibits passive avoidant leadership style towards a fairly often successful Information Technology project. Therefore it is recommended that Project Managers should adapt both transformational and transactional leadership styles towards a successful Information Technology Project. Keywords: Leadership, Leadership Styles, Project Managers, Information Technology Projects, Success

Source: KNUST
The impact of local revenue structure and administration on district development – the case of West Gonja District

To correct the spatial imbalance that has characterised the country since colonial ara, the PDC government has adopted self—reliant development philosophy by decentralising decision— making process to the local levels. By this, some development task has boon shifted from the centre to the local governments, but very little is known about the impact the district revenue structure and expenditure pattern has had on the local economies so fare It is not known whether the local governments have adequate and reliable tax base from which revenues can be generated to meet their development obligations. Whether the revenue sources identified for the district governments are administratively viable, and whether local taxes impose heavy burden on the population and impede economic activities, have also received peripheral attention. With these problems in viewed, and using West Gonja district as a case study, this study investigated into the adequacy or otherwise of the district tax base, evaluated the cost—effectiveness of revenue administration, measured the incidence of local taxes and assessed the impact of the district development activities. The methods used in collecting data for the study was through desk and field studies, The subject matter of data collected, included district revenue sources and expenditure pattern as published in the trial balances for the fiscal year 1986—89, and views of the community on the impact of the district development activities. From the study, it came to light that, the district has a potential economic base that can be tapped to raise revenue for the district, but revenue generation capacity is low. The revenue mobilisation efforts have declined since 1986. The reason for the low revenue generation capacity were attributed to unreliable revenue data base, inefficient tax administrative machinery, lack of voluntary compliance of tax obligations and general laxity in the enforcement of tan laws. It was also realised that allocation of district funds across functions ad activities are not balanced and this has created spatial disparity. There was no direct linkage between tax payment and benefits derived. The nature of the district tax structure was regressive and tax sources like basic, cattle and bicycle rates, as well as investments in commercial activities are not administratively viable. Generally, the district development efforts have had minimal impact on the socio—economic development of the district. The study further revealed that people are willing to pay higher tax rates if they are involved in the formulation of local fiscal policies. On the basis of those findings, recommendations were made to improve the tax collection machinery of the district, to involve local communities in revenue collection and to integrate planning and budgetary- processes. Other recommendations made, serve as a guide for the district to diversify into viable productive ventures, mobilise financial resources from private sources and also to enhance and sustain community self—help activities.

Source: KNUST
Impact of Macroeconomic variables on profitability of Ghana Commercial Bank and Agricultural Development Bank in Ghana

The survival of Commercial Banks in Ghana depends on the ability of the banks to maximize their returns on the resources they employ. Nonetheless, the ability of these banks to make profit is dependent on macroeconomic variables, which are crucial in determining profitability of banks. Several studies have been conducted on the impact of macroeconomic variables on profitability of banks but the results lack consensus. This study therefore sought to find the impact of Gross Domestic Product, Real Interest Rate, Exchange Rate and Inflation on the profitability of Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB) and Agricultural Development Bank (ADB) in Ghana. The study employed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) estimation technique using data for the two banks from 1980 to 2014. The study found that real interest rates and GDP had a negative and significant effect on profitability of ADB but interest rate had a positive and significant effect and GDP had insignificant effect on profitability of GCB. Exchange Rate had a positive and significant effect on the profitability of ADB but insignificant effect on that of GCB. Since macroeconomic variables play a crucial role in the profitability of banks in Ghana, it is expedient that the government implements macroeconomic policies that will encourage sustainable growth and conducive environment for banks to grow and increase their returns in the economy, in order to be able to advance support to businesses in the country in the form of loans.

Source: KNUST
Impact of Logging on Biodiversity and Conservational Status of the Fure Headwaters Forest Reserve in the Asankrangwa Forest District, Western Region, Ghana

The Fure Headwaters Forest Reserve forms part of the network of permanent forest estates in the High Forest Zone of Ghana which are noted for harbouring conservation values. Some conservation attempts have been made by the Ghana Forestry Commission through the creation of Globally Significant Biodiversity Areas. But there remains a critical need to address the conservation of social, cultural, unique flora and fauna values within production management zones. The study sought to assess the main conservational values in the Fure Headwaters Forest Reserve with focus on tree species and mammals and compare the impact of logging activities on these values. The survey was conducted in compartments 17, 26 and 40 of the forest reserve after they had been randomly selected from a group of homogenous compartments stratified according to their logging history. Three sample plots of sizes 100m x 100m were demarcated in each of the compartments. Each sample plot was subdivided into sixteen subplots of sizes 25m x 25m. Four subplots representing 25% of the sampled area were subsequently selected using simple random technique. Tree species with diameter greater or equal to 10cm at breast height (dbh ≥ 10cm) were identified and enumerated within each subplot for the assessment. The mammal survey was however conducted in each of the 16 subplots constituting the one hectare plot demarcated. This was done to ensure that enough ground was covered in the assessment and also to be able to determine promptly the mammal sign densities per hectare. Mammal species were identified with the help of a specialist (zoologist) from the Wildlife Division of the Forestry Commission using identifiable animal signs such as foot prints, skeletons, faeces/droppings, fur, left-over of eaten fruits, physical presence, and indicators of mammal habitats. Star rating species are high in Fure Headwaters Forest Reserve especially in the unlogged forest area but show decrease in the active logging and logged forest areas. It was also found out that logging activities have negative impacts on conservational status of a forest and it is evidenced that when these biodiversity are not carefully managed may result in eventual erosion of genetic resources in the forest reserve. The findings and recommendations may be useful to government agencies whose mandate is to ensure sustainable management of Ghana’s forest resources. Some fundamental field operations especially stock survey need to be revised to include details of all conservational values to serve as a guide towards their careful management in production forest reserves.

Source: KNUST
Impact of Management and Policy on Small Reservoirs for Irrigation in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Many small dams have been constructed in the Upper East Region (UER) of Ghana to address the problem of water scarcity and to help bring security to the livelihoods of the people in the region. Small reservoirs are important for socioeconomic development in the UER, without which the livelihood of many communities would be jeopardized. The reservoirs are a widely used form of infrastructure in the Upper East Region for the provision of water mainly for irrigation and for livestock watering, fishing, and domestic use. Government developed strategic policies aimed at increasing and improving dry season irrigation farming in the region. As a result, considerable attention was given to the development of Water Users Associations (WUAs) capable of managing the schemes. There is thus, the need to assess the impact of government policies and management by WUAs on the small reservoirs for irrigation. This study assesses the impact of management and policy on small reservoirs for irrigation in the UER. Nine small reservoirs were selected for the study. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools were used namely, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and one-to-one discussions. The results of the study show that the impact of government policies and management functions by the WUAs have been the recognition and increased sense of ownership of these reservoirs by the beneficiary communities which has resulted in increased financial mobilization leading to timely repairs of damaged dam infrastructure and protection of the scheme; the growth and appreciation of participatory culture which led to the increase in number of women involved in dry season farming and the smooth democratic change of leadership between the periods 2001 and 2004 at all the dam sites visited; the application of enough fertilizers leading to increased farm yields. From the study it can be concluded that by harmonizing the interests of individuals served by small multi-purpose reservoirs through the formulation and implementation of policies coupled with proper management, the goal to improve food security at the household level and increase sustainable livelihoods in the UER could be attained.

Source: KNUST
The impact of manufacturing on rural economies: the case of the Wenchi factory

In an attempt to develop, developing countries sought a rapid structural and institutional transformation of their entire economies which would brine the fruits of economic progress to the broadest segments of their populations. The “Industrialization” option was chosen as sine qua non for economic development. It was felt that a manufacturing strategy would provide jobs, raise productivity and income level and hence increase standards of living by increasing consumption and improving upon health needs of the people. To achieve this government participated directly or indirectly in establishing manufacturing ventures especially through Deve1opnnt Planning. In fact serious manufacturing development Ghana was initiated through the 7-year Development Plan of 1962/63-1969fl0. The Wenchi Tomato Factory was one of the many such industries envisaged by the plan. It is over 15 years now since most of these industries were established and it is felt that there is the need for a study to determine the impacts or otherwise such ventures are making to local economies. The study itself began in 1982; D to the taxing data requirement it could not be completed in December 1982. It was to be completed in January 1983. Unfortunately, the author developed liver abscess and. was confined in hospital until May 1983 when the Universities were already closed. Even though the study is based on data collected in 1982, the conclusions are valid for 1984.

Source: KNUST
The Impact of Market Orientation On Company’s Performance and Competitiveness:a Case Study of Ghana Oil Company Limited (Goil)

For over four decades, corporate market-oriented strategy has been recognized as a pillar of superior company performance by both academics and practitioners. Market orientation in both manufacturing and service industries has attracted a significant amount of academic and practitioner interest in the current marketing literature. Oil marketing Companies (OMCs) are basically engaged in the sale and marketing of petroleum products through established retail outlets and industrial or commercial network. Trends in market shares for the Oil marketing Companies in Ghana indicate the competition in the industry is very keen. The intensity of competition in the industry is influenced by an increase in the number of competitors. These conditions have led to competitive advantage. Customers have more power than ever before. The author in this study therefore, sought to assess the impact of market orientation on GOIL’s performance and competitiveness. The study was a descriptive cross sectional study. Both primary and secondary data were collected during the study through the use of written questionnaires, review of manuals and oral interviews. In all 242 GOIL workers, allied workers and customers were interviewed. In general, drawing conclusions from empirical investigations, show that there are close correlation between Market Orientation and companies’ performance and effectiveness, rendering the former an extremely significant basis for building a competitive advantage.

Source: KNUST
The impact of market segmentation on the automobile paint industry in Ghana-a case study of Akzo Nobel Sikkens/Bamson Ghana Ltd

This was a study undertaken at Akzo Nobel Sikkens/Bamson Ghana Ltd. it was aimed at finding out the impact of Segmentation as a Marketing strategy, in the automobile paint industry in Ghana. It was established that, the company has many options of levels of Segmentation from Mass Marketing, Niche to Micro Marketing to choose from as part of the overall Segmentation criteria. Both Primary and Secondary data were used. Secondary data gathered were from literature of previously conducted research in the subject area. Internal sales data of the company for the period 1999, 2002 and 2007 were taken. This was aimed at gathering data in order to ascertain information on turnover of the firm pre and post research which then will inform management on the impact of Segmentation on turnover. In a bid to find out the criteria and variables which are used to determine the company’s segmentation, measurability ranked as the topmost criteria considered in segmenting automobile paint market, followed by the size of the market, accessibility, growth potential, and differential responsiveness in that order. The variables used by the firm to segment the market are geographic, demographic, psychographic and behavioural. Finally the thesis concludes with some recommendations for management and the company’s development. In the light of segmenting the paint industry in Ghana recommendations for other manufacturers were made, for researchers who would want to widen the scope in that area of study some recommendations were also made.

Source: KNUST
Impact of mass drug administration of ivermectin and albendazole on the prevalence of lymphatic filariasis in the Nzema East and Ahanta West Districts

Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is considered a public health problem by WHO. The Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) targets <1% prevalence by 2020. After more than a decade of implementing the annual mass administration of ivermectin and albendazole in Ghana, this study was conducted to assess its impact on LF prevalence in the Ahanta West and Nzema East Districts of the Western Region. A total of 2,626 adults living in the endemic communities were recruited and tested for microfilaraemia (mf) and circulating filarial antigen (CFA). The study participants were also interviewed to determine the number of rounds of ivermectin and albendazole received. The survey revealed 15.6% of the study participants tested positive for mf whilst 39.2% were positive for antigenaemia. Prevalence rates of mf and antigenaemia among the males were 20.9% and 44.4% respectively, higher than in females who recorded mf and antigenaemia prevalence of 5.8% and 29.7% respectively. The prevalence of lymphedema was 10.1% and that of hydrocele was 40.3%. The prevalence rates were generally higher in younger age groups between 18 and 40 years but declined as the ages increased. The prevalence rates of mf, antigenaemia, hydrocele and lymphedema decreased as the number of MDA rounds increased. After more than ten years of the MDA programme, 97% of study participants had received less than 6 rounds of ivermectin. Non-compliance was higher in males than females and the age group with the highest level of non-compliance was 18-30 years. Prevalence rates among participants who had received at least 7 rounds of ivermectin were <1%. The MDA programme is therefore an effective way of reducing the prevalence of LF and its pathologies. High non-compliance by people living in endemic areas contributes to the persistently high prevalence rates. This poses a threat to the target to eliminate lymphatic filariasis by 2020 and hence a strategy must be employed to ensure a sustained success.

Source: KNUST
The impact of merger and acquisition on selected companies trading in the Ghana Stock Exchange

The study was carried out to find out the impact of merger and acquisition (A&A) on selected companies trading the Ghana Stock Exchange using quantitative and qualitative methods. The objectives of the study were: 1. To discuss the motivations behind mergers and acquisitions in Ghana. 2. To analyse the influence of mergers and acquisition on share prices. 3. To analyse the influence of mergers and acquisition on dividend payment. 4. To analyse the influence of mergers and acquisition on efficiency. 5. To make appropriate recommendations on the Mergers and Acquisitions in Ghana. The study revealed that there are varied motives for merger and acquisitions in Ghana. Among the common motives were identified as competitive business advantage, managerial # prestige and interest, diversification of business and expansion, reaping the gains of undervalued business and influence of professionals and experts. Again, it became obvious that the merger and acquisition per se do not necessarily ensure efficiency of business since share prices, dividend payment and return on asset ratio could be positive or negative depending oh how the business is managed. There are also challenges of management resistance to change as a result of the M and A, undervaluation and low assessment of acquired businesses to the advantage of the acquiring companies and short-run diminishing returns after the merger and acquisition. Companies considering merger and acquisition require possessing deep financial resources to be able to sustain the business during the M and A period. Management of M & A should also try to tie their personal objectives with that of their companies for a successful merger and acquisition. Again, focusing on strong core business after the M and A would help maximise good will and performances indicators. Relying on experience managers for the M and A transactions whiles avoiding merger of equals, integration of the target business within the acquirer's company, replace of managers for the new companies and mutual engagement and benefits of professional services for both the acquiring and acquired companies may greatly ensure successful merger and acquisition.

Source: KNUST