ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the capacities of Municipal Assemblies to adopt electronic procurement with respect to the influence of technological, organisational and environmental factors, a multiple-case study of nine Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra

This study was conducted to evaluate the capacities of Municipal Assemblies to adopt electronic procurement with respect to the influence of technological, organisational and environmental factors, in a multiple case study of nine Municipal Assemblies in the Greater Accra Region. The Municipal Assemblies include: Ga Central, Ashaiman, Adenta, La Dade-Kotopong, Ledzokuku-Krowor, Ga South, Ga West, La Nkwantanang-Madina and Ga East. The objective of the study was ultimately to explore how technology, organisation and environment as proposed by Tornatzky and Fleisher (1990) affect the capacities of Municipal Assemblies to adopt electronic procurement. Major areas considered included the state of electronic procurement in the public sector and the capacities of adoption in terms of the contextual factors (technology, organisation and environment) technology competence, top management support, government regulation in terms of clearly defined legal framework etc. amongst others. A semi-structured interview was administered to staff and management of the Assemblies who have insight into procurement or make relevant procurement decisions in the Municipalities. The study revealed that only five of the Assemblies (Ga Central, Ashaiman, Adenta, La Dade-Kotopong and Ledzokuku-Krowor) exhibited some level of technology competence which could facilitate their migration to e-procurement. The remaining four (Ga South, Ga East, Ga West &La-Nkwantanang Madina) are at a stage where traditional procurement is supported with electronic systems such as computers. It was also discovered that Ghana as a nation does not even have Internet Laws, which could have facilitated national ICT policy formulation. The conclusion drawn from the study indicated that none of the Assemblies presently has the capacity to fully integrate internet tools and platforms to replace the traditional procurement processes. A number of recommendations were made to the Assemblies and Government and these recommendations suggested a review of the Municipal Assemblies’ traditional procurement practices over the years, in areas of technology, their organisation and their operating environment, in order to identify current trends being used all over the world which have proven to be much more efficient with reduced corruption and high outcomes for value for money. Again the Assemblies must also be equipped in terms of physical infrastructure (computers, servers, fax machines, routers etc.) and needed human resources which would support technology adoption. Top management must also show the right commitment to such innovations so that it would make the adoption much easier. Finally the Government is advised to create the enabling environment by facilitating the formulation of National Internet laws which could serve as guidelines for the formulation of comprehensive national ICT policy.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the budgeting system of University for Development Studies

The role of Budgets cannot be over emphasized in the implementation of organizational policies and strategic plans. This study, which covered 1994 to 2003, evaluated the budgeting system of the University for Development Studies (UDS) with the view to identifying weaknesses inherent in the system. It also reviewed the methods of budgeting used to establish whether that can influence government decision to release funds to the university. Further the study identified variances and their causes in the university’s budgets. Data was gathered mainly from the university’s annual budget estimates and audited accounts. This was supplemented with information from interviews, focus group and informal discussions. The mean budget estimates and actual releases, the student t-test and ANOVA were used to seek answers to research questions. The significant differences among research variables were tested at 0.05 significant levels. It was found that the budgeting system used during the study period was weak relative the standard definition. The study also revealed that government is not influenced by the technique of budgeting used. Instead, student population, among others, are factors considered in the allocation of funds. The annual budget estimates were found to be erratic and inconsistent, but government subvention had steadily increased over the study period. There is no budget committee and budget manual. Also, the budget section is weak in terms of staffing and logistics. Based on these findings, it is recommended among other things that a budget committee be formed and training arranged for budget staff and budget holders. The University can also lobby Parliament for a special fund. Research is also needed in the University’s information management.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the challenges and benefits of the New Ghana Cedi to urban market women in the Accra Metropolitan Area

Currency redenomination is not new to the Ghanaian economy. The 2007 redenomination exercise was necessitated by some reasons identified by the Bank of Ghana. Some of them include security, portability, difficulty in software and accounting procedure in the old Cedi. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the challenges and benefits of the usage of the New Ghana Cedi by urban Market Women after its introduction. The researcher adopted an accidental sampling method to collect both qualitative and quantitative data in order to achieve the research objectives. In total, 60 questionnaires were self administered in and around the Makola market area. The findings revealed that the major benefits of the new Ghana cedi to market women is the security as a result of the portability of the new currency compared to the old cedi. The major challenges identified in the study are difficulty identifying counterfeit notes, difficulty changing the Ghc50 note when customers buy from the market women and the difficulty in using the New Gh1 pesewa coin as many customers refuse to accept it as change from the market women.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of the competitive strategies in the banking industry in Ghana.: a case study of Barclays bank of Ghana Ltd.

Barclays PLC has enjoyed a considerable financial success in the country since it commenced operations in the past nine decades. However, the overall direction of the banking industry has changed towards lower interest rates, quality customer service, tailored products, and there is also intensified competition. This paper seeks to identify and evaluate the competitive strategies adopted by BBG and identify the areas of competition in the banking industry. It will also determine the effects of competitive strategies on the performance of the bank. This study employed both qualitative and quantitative methods of research. Questionnaires as well as interviews were the tools used in gathering data. Among others, the study revealed that, the environment in which BBG finds itself is highly competitive and that BBG operates in the area of pricing, products, and customer service as well as customer assets mobilisation. BBG has adopted the niche or focus strategy to give more attention to its large corporate clients. It is recommended that, BBG continues to find ways of differentiating itself by changing its strategic direction to also focus on the middle and low earning customers and incorporate a refocus on superior customer service.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of the economic and social impart of plantation schemes in the economic development of Eastern and Western Regions of Ghana – a case study of Asutsuare Sugar Estates and Bonsaso Rubber Estates

Plantation schemes became popular in the country following the 7-year development Plan’s objective of increased state participation in the agric - cultural sector. As part of this objective sugarcane and rubber plantations were established in the Asutsuare and Bonsano sub-regions respectively with the aim of large scale cultivation of sugarcane and rubber for processing into alcohol, sugar and tyres. This study evaluates the impact of these plantations and suggests solutions to the problems which have been encountered by these schemes in their operations to ensure their efficient functioning. It was observed that although these projects have been in existence for over 15 years, Ghana still faces acute shortages of sugar and tyres; in addition substantial expenditures of foreign exchange are still being expended on the importation of these items to supplement local production. This state of affairs has been due to various problems which have impeded the successful operation of these schemes. These problems include organization and management inadequacies, foreign exchange constraints, labour shortages and lack of adequate raw materials. The study revealed that although the plantation are large scale under-takings which are normally well established and therefore enjoy many technical economies, the role of the small holder should not be overloo1sd because their continued production of the industrial raw material is essential to supplement the output of the plantations. For example, by 1975 outgrowers in Asutsuare were contributing about 60% of sugarcane processed by the sugar fact cry. Furthermore the performances of the projects have been influenced by the economic and political environment in the country. Also, the dismal performances of these projects have due to the lack of coordination between the projects’ agricultural and industrial part.

Source: KNUST
An evaluation of the effect of ethanolic root extract of zingiber officinale (Ginger) on the morphology of the reproductive system of male wistar rats.

Ginger has been shown to have a positive effect on the weight of the male reproductive organs, and to possess antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antioxidant, anticholestereolemic, anticancerous, antiemetic, anti-rhinoviral, anti-inflammatory and anti-insecticidal properties. As a result, dietary patterns in Africa especially Ghana are characterized by a high consumption of ginger. However there is very little information on the effects of ginger on the morphology of the male reproductive system. Therefore the present study was designed to investigate the effects of ginger on the structure of the testes, epididymis and semen parameters of the male rat using quantitative and qualitative methods. Forty-eight male wistar rats were divided into four groups designated as control, A, B and C and administered daily by gavage with 1 ml distilled water, 100 mg/kg, 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of ethanolic ginger extract respectively for 30 days. Results of the present study show that there was an increase in body weight, testicular and epididymal weight in the extract-treated rats in a dose dependent manner which was not statistically significant. Both the control and extract-treated male rats showed normal morphology of the testes. However, in the extract-treated animals, there was a considerable increase in the proportion of interstitial tissues and seminiferous tubules. There was a strong positive correlation between volume fraction of the seminiferous tubules and sperm count. In addition, there was a strong positive correlation between sperm count, body weight, epididymal and testicular weight in the extract-treated animals. Ethanolic ginger extract caused a significant (p = 0.001) increase in sperm count, motility, viability and morphology. Therefore, ginger extract may be potentially useful in the management of male infertility especially those with low sperm count.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative dispute resolution (Adr)and adjudication in conflict resolution in International business transactions

The international business community is often confronted with conflicts in their business activities. This has resulted in multinational companies seeking their lawyers at the merest whisper of a breach of contract or some form of infringement. Most litigants express concerns that the courts are not offering the best resolution for their disputes. Participants perceived the court system as overly formalistic, cumbersome, and destructive of relationships, alienating, humiliating, slow, and expensive. To combat this crisis, scholars noted the need for alternative processes. The general objective of the study is therefore to comparatively assess the advantages and disadvantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Adjudication (litigation) in international business transactions using a study of selected multinational companies based in Ghana. A case study survey method was selected for this research as it focuses on the topic, and accommodates several data-gathering techniques. The study population consisted of all management employees in three selected multinational companies. The three selected multinational companies are Shell Ghana Limited, Tullow Oil Limited and Hydro Dive International. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of seventy respondents. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered for data collection. For analysis of data from closed-ended questions, a computer programme called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistics. The study found ADR as an effective means of resolving conflicts among international businesses as compared to litigation. It is recommended that measures such as; ensuring transparency in the arbitration of disputes and shortening the duration of resolution processes are implemented to ensure fairness in the settlement of disputes; and also ADR policies must be made to work in complex issues. ADR settlements must also be tailored to sufficiently bind on all parties in the dispute.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the effect of hedgerow intercropping using Leucaena leucocephala and fertilizer application on growth and yield of garden eggs (Solarium melongena)

Field trials were conducted to investigate the effect of alley cropping local garden eggs with Leucaena leucocephala for two seasons on a sandy loam Orthi-Ferric Acrisol in Kumasi, Ghana. The local garden eggs (Solanum melongena) were grown in 4m wide alleys between established Leucaena hedgerows. The crop was subjected to three main- plot and two sub-plot treatments in a split-plot design. The main-plot treatments were N.P.K., 15-15-15 compound fertilizer application at 0, 180 and 360 kg/ha levels. The sub-plot treatments were mulch application at no mulch and mulched levels. The Leucaena prunings used as mulch material provided significant amounts of nutrients during both seasons. The local garden eggs (Solanum melongena) responded very well to the N.P.K compound fertilizer used, since plants without fertilizer had significantly reduced rate of growth and produced very low yield which was far below potential yield levels of the crop. In the minor season (1993) , the half rate (180 kg/ha) fertilizer and full rate (360 kg/ha) fertilizer treatments increased the mean yield of the crop by 58 and 65 per cent respectively and in the major (l994) season, the half and full rate fertilizer treatments increased the mean yield of the crop by 44 and 49 per cent respectively over the no fertilizer treatments. An economic analysis for the 1994 cropping indicated that it was more economical to produce the crop with the half rate fertilizer than with the full rate fertilizer. Applying the Leucaena mulch promoted growth significantly, especially in the major season. In both seasons, applying the Leucaena mulch increased the mean yield of the crop by about 21 per cent over the no mulch treatments. Better yield of the crop in mulched treatments plots was in part due to the significant amount of nutrients provided by the Leucaena mulch material. By applying the half rate fertilizer plus mulch combined treatments, the mulch treatment could at least substitute for the half seduction in the fertilizer. The economic analysis for the 1994 cropping indicated that the ball rate fertilizer plus mulch treatments was the most profitable, followed by the full rate fertilizer plus mulch treatments, with the no fertilizer plus no mulch treatments being the least profit able and uneconomical. Producing the crop with the no fertilizer plus mulch treatments gave a substantial amount of yield and was more economical than producing it with no fertilizer plus no mulch. The results imply that producing garden eggs (Solanum melonogene) with Leucaena mulch in alley cropping can reduce fertilizer requirement. The economic analysis in 1994 indicated that alley cropping with garden eggs is profitable ad may become an attractive alternative to small scale farmers as prices of fertilizer increases in relation to the price of the crop.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative dispute Resolution (adr) and adjudication in conflict resolution in International business transactions.

The international business community is often confronted with conflicts in their business activities. This has resulted in multinational companies seeking their lawyers at the merest whisper of a breach of contract or some form of infringement. Most litigants express concerns that the courts are not offering the best resolution for their disputes. Participants perceived the court system as overly formalistic, cumbersome, and destructive of relationships, alienating, humiliating, slow, and expensive. To combat this crisis, scholars noted the need for alternative processes. The general objective of the study is therefore to comparatively assess the advantages and disadvantages of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and Adjudication (litigation) in international business transactions using a study of selected multinational companies based in Ghana. A case study survey method was selected for this research as it focuses on the topic, and accommodates several data-gathering techniques. The study population consisted of all management employees in three selected multinational companies. The three selected multinational companies are Shell Ghana Limited, Tullow Oil Limited and Hydro Dive International. A purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample size of seventy respondents. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered for data collection. For analysis of data from closed-ended questions, a computer programme called Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used. Data was analysed by using descriptive statistics. The study found ADR as an effective means of resolving conflicts among international businesses as compared to litigation. It is recommended that measures such as; ensuring transparency in the arbitration of disputes and shortening the duration of resolution processes are implemented to ensure fairness in the settlement of disputes; and also ADR policies must be made to work in complex issues. ADR settlements must also be tailored to sufficiently bind on all parties in the dispute.

Source: KNUST
The Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Revegetation Methods Currently Used By Abosso Goldfields for Reclamation of Degraded Lands

The effectiveness of re-vegetation methods for lands disturbed by mining operations was investigated at Abosso Goldfield Ltd mine concession between July and August 2010. Three categories of re-vegetated sites namely (1) decommissioned tailings storage facility (South Tailings Storage facility: STSF-L), (2) borrow area (South Tailings Storage facility Borrow Pit; STSF-Bp) and (3) waste rock dump (Tomento South Waste Rock Dump: TMS) and a secondary forest (Rex Haul road forest: RHR-F) as control site were used for the study. For each site, reconnaissance survey was conducted to select appropriate sites for the study. Sampling was conducted in 25m X 25m main plot representative of the selected sites. The main plot was sub-divided into twenty-five 5m X 5m sub-plots and 10 sub-plots were randomly selected for the study. Flora survey for composition and abundance were conducted in the 10 selected sub-plots. Composite soil samples for depth of 0-20cm and 20-40cm were obtained, using a screw auger, for soil analysis. Earthworm extraction using the 2% formalin was done in three 30cm X 30cm quadrats laid in the 10 selected sub-plots. The findings of the study showed that topsoil management and replacement is very vital in the recovery of disturbed lands. Of the three revegetation methods studied, the method at TMS was the most effective followed by the method at STSF-L and the least effective was the method at STSF-Bp. It was also found that the use of Pueraria sp, Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucocephala were beginning to pose invasion problems. Based on these findings, it was recommended that: One, subsoil pulverization followed by sufficient topsoil replacement should be ensured in the revegetation of Borrow pits. Two, revegetation at STSF-Bp be reinitiated in order to meet mine closure reclamation objectives. Three, thickness of replaced topsoil should be increased to better facilitate the integrated revegetation approach and reduce maintenance cost. Four, to arrest species invasion problems, locally available species such as Centrosema pubescens should be used in place of Pueraria sp for cover material whereas for tree species, Anacardium occidentale, Casuarina equisetifolia, Gliricidia sepium and Musanga cecropioides be used in place of Acacia mangium and Leucaena leucocephala.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the effectiveness of root-knot nematode resistant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) and pepper (Capsicum annum L.) in Ghana

Nematode-resistant cultivars are the most useful, economical and effective means of managing nematodes. Three root-knot resistant tomato cultivars; Small Fry, Jetsetter and Celebrity and three root-knot resistant pepper cultivars Carolina Cayenne, Carolina Wonder and Charleston Belle obtained from College Station...

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the effectiveness of the collegiate system of administration at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana

In order to ensure synchronisation, decentralisation, and democratisation of operations as well as the devolution of power, the collegiate system of administration was implemented in the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST). It is anticipated that it will assist in the decision-making and execution processes to combat the bureaucratic issues related to the faculty system of administration. The study seeks to evaluate the effectiveness of the collegiate administration system and its associated challenges. The study used a quantitative approach to solicit data.

Source: KNUST
Evaluation of the effectiveness of training policies in Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority: a case study of port of Takoradi

The study attempted to evaluate the effectiveness of training policies at Takoradi Port. Recently, Ports in Ghana have come under serious criticism as being ineffective and inefficient. Therefore there is the need for a scientific study to be carried out to really determine the cause of ineffectiveness and inefficiencies at the Ports. A survey was undertaken using questionnaire and interview approach. Data were processed with the help of Statistical Programme for Social Sciences (S P. S. S). The study revealed that though Takoradi Port has training policy, it is flawed with deficiencies and inconsistencies and as such it is ineffective. The study discovered that Takoradi Port has a training policy in place and that employees have benefited from it. Though training programmes are available, they are not codified; so there is bias in the selection of employees by the training officer. It is therefore recommended among other things, that the training programmes should be codified and the modalities for selecting qualified workers for further training clearly spelt out; workers should be involved in the review of the training policy. There should be official communication of the review to the workers beforehand. It is believed that the study report will serve as a guide to the Port authorities.

Source: KNUST