ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of drying methods on nutritional composition and sensory qualities of dehydrated sliced mango (mangifera indica l.) pulp

Fresh, ripe and firm mango varieties (Keitt and Kent) were obtained from a commercial farm in Somanya and used for the studies. The research was carried out on mango slices to study the effects of some pretreatment methods and drying using the solar and gas drying methods. The effects of packaging types and storage time on the sensory and nutritional qualities of solar and gas dried mango fruits were studied. The study showed that pretreatment significantly (p<0.05) affected all parameters with the exception of crude fibre. Certain nutritional and sensory properties were significantly maintained as compared to control samples (no pretreatment) for the two mango varieties studied. Though all pretreatments had significant effect (p<0.05) in maintaining nutritional and sensory qualities as compared to control samples, potassium metabisulphite pretreatment was more preferred for solar drying of the two mango varieties. Gas dried mango fruits had significant effect (p<0.05) in maintaining nutritional and sensory qualities as compared to the solar dried mango fruits with no pretreatment for both mango varieties and the gas dried samples were more preferred to the solar dried ones. The packaging material and storage time significantly (p<0.05) affected the moisture, microbial load, vitamin C and pro-vitamin A during storage. High density polyethlene and polypropylene packs were suitable for storing both sulphited solar dried and gas dried mango fruits since there were no significant differences (p>0.05) in the parameters monitored. No significant differences (p>0.05) were recorded between the two mango varieties used on all the nutritional and sensory attributes monitored with the exception of pro-vitamin A and vitamin C contents for solar dried pretreated mango fruits slices.

Source: KNUST
Effect of duration of fermentation and different methods of drying (solar and sun) on some quality traits of cocoa beans (theobroma cacao l.)

Ghana earns a premium on each ton of cocoa exported to the world market based on the quality of the cocoa beans coming from the country. This is used as a benchmark in determining quality standards for cocoa coming from other parts of the world into the world market. However, the persistent improper drying resulting from farmrs spending lesser time for drying has resulted in poor quality beans. This study was, therefore, conducted to develop a solar technology for drying cocoa beans with good quality standard comparable to sun dried cocoa beans. Structured and semi structured questionnaires as well as interpersonal discussions were used to collect data. Parameters studied included cut test, pH, Total Titratable Acidity (TTA), moisture content, ash content, temperature and relative humidity.Information generated covered harvesting methods, fermentation days, drying methods and their effect on quality of cocoa beans. Heap fermentation was mostly used by farmers during this experiment and a good percentage (26%) of them fermented their cocoa beans for only five days which led to poor quality cocoa beans. The study revealedthat cocoa beans fermented for seven days with both solar and sun drying produced good quality cocoa beans. However, cocoa beansalso fermented for five, six and eight days in only the solar dryer, similarly, produced good quality traits as per the International Market Standards. Purple beans incidence was also observed to be lower in solar dried beans than sun dried beans while whilst the reverse was true for acidity levels and pH. There was not much difference in their drying rate and time as the recommended moisture level was attained after four days. Overall, cocoa beans dried in solar were of better quality than those dried in the sun as the constructed solar dryer was able to dry the cocoa beans to the recommended premium quality cocoa grade. Therefore, the solar drying technology could be adopted for use in Ghana to address farmer concerns about how to maintain quality of cocoa beans

Source: KNUST
Effect of dynamic managerial capability on performance during technological turbulence: the mediating role of innovation

This research discusses how technological turbulence affects Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (smes) and their performance and highlights the importance of dynamic managerial capability in sustaining and improving performance in turbulent business environments based on the model developed from the concepts of the Resource Base View (RBV) and Dynamic Capability (DC) theories. The study tests a model that examines the roles of technological turbulence and innovation as a moderator and a mediator in the relationship between dynamic managerial capability and firm performance and tests the model against 300 smes in Ghana. Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Model (PLS-SEM) algorithm and bootstrap techniques justified the model. The results support the hypothesized direct and indirect effects of the three variables on the performance of smes and reveal that dynamic managerial capability is the most important variable, followed by technological turbulence and innovation. The findings suggest that dynamic managerial capabilities enhance and help maintain stable performance during turbulent business environments. Keywords: smes, Dynamic Managerial Capability, Technological turbulence, Performance, Innovation, PLS-SEM.

Source: KNUST
Effect of e-banking on the financial performance of banks in ghana “evidence from banks within kumasi metropolitan assembly

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of e-banking on the financial performance of banks in Ghana “Evidence from banks within Kumasi Metropolis”. The study used a descriptive research design with quantitative approach. The study population was drawn from total number of staff and some selected customers of selected banks in the Kumasi Metropolis. A simple random sampling technique and probability sampling technique and sample size of 381 were used for the study. The researcher employed statistical software such as Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) to analyze the data. The outcome of the analysis revealed e-banking services help promote the financial performance of banks in the Kumasi Metropolis. In other words, e-banking services such as online banking, mobile banking, agency banking, SMS banking, ATM banking, NEFT are statistically significant predictors of financial performance of banks in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. On the other hand, PC banking is statistically insignificant predictors of financial performance of banks in the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. The study recommend that Banks should try as much as possible to overcome safety issues related to cybercrime, fraud and theft. The government should support by putting up legislation and provide infrastructure to provide smooth environment for e banking services to strive among the banking sector. Also, the banks should keep working in cycle with mobile network companies to craft innovation services that are tailored to their target market to promote e-banking services. Furthermore, the should increase awareness on the e banking services and advocates for more fast, safe and convenience services for customers to access and utilizes it. Lastly, the banks should lower their transaction fees and commission to increase the customer based this will help them get more revenue and profits. Usually customers do not like high transactions fees and it desist them into engaging in e-banking services.

Source: KNUST
Effect of e-marketing orientation on the performance of small retail firms in ghana: the mediating role of e-trust. A case study of accra metropolis

Market orientation, according to sin et al. (2014), supports institutional framework as well as long-term connections with clients and distributors. In order to obtain greater organizational effectiveness, firms need to have powerful marketing skills. The study is on corporate social responsibility and competitive advantage the mediating role of marketing capability. The main objective is effect of e-marketing orientation on the performance of small retail firms in ghana: the mediating role of e-trust. The specific objectives were to examine the relationship between e-marketing orientation and performance of smes in the retail sector, to investigate the relationship between e-marketing orientation and e-trust, to investigate the effect of e-trust on the performance of smes and to examine the mediating effect of e-trust in the relationship between e-marketing orientation and performance of smes in the retail sector. Data was collected from 384 owners of small and medium-sized enterprises in the greater accra region of ghana, using convenient sampling. Questionnaire were used to gather data. The data was analysed using (spss version 24). Findings from the analysis indicate that there is a positive relationship between e-marketing orientation and performance of smes in the retail sector. That is, within the retail sector, e-marketing orientation has a significance effects on the performance of these small retail firms. Also, there is a significant relationship between e-marketing orientation and e-trust. The research showed a significant effect of e-trust on the performance of small retail firms in ghana. The research finally shows that e-trust has comparatively mediated the effects of e-marketing orientation and performance of smes in the retail sector. The research recommended that as customers are now building trust on e marketing, small and medium size enterprises must also do well by protecting the trust which customers have in the industry. The study also recommend that there should be a policy by iii policymakers on the e-marketing orientation so as to protect customers patronising from the electronic market.

Source: KNUST
Effect of efficiency on firms’ value: evidence from manufacturing firms

The study examined the effect of efficiency on the firm value of manufacturing firms. The study design was explanatory. The study sampled 12 manufacturing firms from 2010 to 2021. The data was analysed descriptively and quantitatively using panel regression. The study found that most of the manufacturing firms covered under the study have positive cash conversion cycle suggesting that it takes longer for the firms to convert their inventory and account receivables into cash. The study also found that there was no significant effect between efficiency and asset return. It was also discovered that efficiency had a significant negative effect on the market performance of manufacturing firms. It is recommended that shareholders/investors should closely monitor the cash conversion cycle of the manufacturing firms in their investment portfolio. They should also ask for explanations from the company's management on the reasons behind the longer cash conversion cycles and what steps they are taking to address the issue.

Source: KNUST
THE EFFECT OF ELECTRONIC BANKING ON CUSTOMER SERVICE DELIVERY IN KUMASI METROPOLIS

The study was an exploratory study aimed at understanding the effect of electronic banking on customer service delivery in three selected branches of three banks in the Kumasi metropolis. Purposive sampling strategy was adopted to select 69 customers as well as 29 staff of the three selected banks. Questionnaire was used as the principal tool for the data collection. With the aid of the SPSS windows software the data was analyzed using basic statistical tools such as frequencies and percentages. The study among other things brought to the fore that customers prefer to transact business in the halls in spite of the long queues largely because of the difficulty associated with accessing e-banking products. The data analysis also showed that customers of the selected banks were highly aware of the various e-banking platforms available at their respective bank. The study revealed that in spite of the difficulties associated with the use of e-banking products, majority of the respondents highly patronize these services. This was particularly the case with the use of ATM machines as respondents alluded. However, ignorance on the part of the customers regarding the use of e-banking services was a huge challenge. The study, based on the findings recommended among other things that masse public (customer) education regarding the usage/ advantages of e-banking products and services should be embarked by the banks. Also, the researcher suggested that there should be a widespread citing of ATM machines around vantage points.

Source: KNUST
Effect of employee engagement on employee performance, a study of Obuasi Government Hospital, Seventh Day Adventist hospital, Obuasi diagnostic centre and Kathal Clinic in Obuasi Municipality.

The study sought to find out the effect of employee engagement on employee performance of employees within selected hospitals in Obuasi Municipality. The design of the survey was an explanatory survey research design. The population consisted of all employees working in Obuasi Government Hospital, Obuasi Diagnostic Centre, Seventh Day Adventist hospital and Kathal Clinic. A simple random sampling procedure was used. A questionnaire measuring employee engagement activities, performance measurement and relationship between employee engagement and employee performance were administered to the respondents. Data was analysed using cronbach alpha, descriptive and regression analysis. It was observed after the study that there is a significant positive relationship between employee engagement and employee performance through involvement. Further the study found that the selected employee engagement activities; employee involvement, organisational commitment and citizenship and discretionary effort influenced employee engagement in the selected hospitals but the activity that has most effect was discretionary effort. The outcome of the study was discussed and recommendations made accordingly. Firstly, employees can be involved in the decisions that directly impact the work they do through periodic employee and supervisor meetings that enable them to plan ahead, assess opportunities and come up with improvement ideas. Secondly, management of the hospitals can create an environment for learning and allow the employees to exhibit discretion in their work. Information sharing through a freely assessable database will help employees input and assess information and give them enough space and time to test their own learning method and theories and also share will co-workers. Health employees have always been seen to have a direct impact on every customer they come into contact with. The customers either have a joyful impactful experience or regret ever coming to the healthcare service. Customer experience can be enhanced by the implementation of employee engagement within the selected hospitals.

Source: KNUST
The effect of employee retention on corporate image in the banking industry: The case of Ut Bank

A difficult task for managers nowadays is the retention of highly skilled employees. This is because employees are being attracted by more than one organization at a time and are offered various kinds of incentives. It has therefore become critical for management of organizations to develop retention strategies for their existing core employees. The objective of the study was to assess the effect of employee retention on the corporate image of UT Bank.An exploratory approach was adopted to assess the effect of employee retention on the corporate image of UT Bank. The population for the research was staff of UT Bank. The head office in Accra and the Tema Main Branch was selected for the study. A simple random sampling technique was used to select staff from the Tema and Head Office Branch of the bank. A purposive sampling technique was used in selecting some mangers of the bank for the interview. The study used both primary and secondary data. The study revealed that the strategies adopted by UT Bank to retain its employees were initiatives developed by the bank that started from the recruitment of employees. The major challenge that the bank encounters in the adoption of its retention strategies was the availability of higher paying jobs. Over two thirds of the respondents were positive that staff retention has an impact on the corporate image of UT Bank. It was recommended that UT Bank should offer a non-threatening channel for employees to offer comments and suggestions. UT Bank should also support an open door policy so that the employees feel comfortable and are able to express their doubts and feeling to their employers. The bank should try as much as possible to create a positive corporate image as this will give it a competitive advantage. UT Bank should also provide feedback to its employees as this would help employees to know how well or how poorly they have performed since feedback acts as a channel between the employee and the employer.

Source: KNUST
Effect of entrepreneurial orientation on performance of smes of selected smes in kumasi metropolis.

The research seeks to assess the effects of entrepreneurial orientation on performance of selected smes in Kumasi Metropolis. The sample population consist of staff and management of the selected smes, which is approximately 140. The study was done using an overall sample size of 130 smes owner/managers out of which 120 responses were received which constitute 92.3% response rate. Respondents were chosen using both purposive and convenience sampling techniques. The software utilized in data analysis was Statistical Package for Social Science version 20, and data was interpreted using regression, percentages, mean, and standard deviation. Reliability of variables were also tested using Cronbach alpha. Innovativeness, competitive aggressiveness (independent variables) were found to have a significant and positive effect on performance of smes (dependent variable). The study found a positive but insignificant relationship with proactiveness, risk taking propensity, and autonomy (independent variable) on performance of smes (dependent variable). It was therefore concluded that, entrepreneurial orientation practices considered have a tremendous impact on performance of smes in the metropolis. However, entrepreneurial orientation practices such as proactiveness, risk taking propensity, and autonomy are found to be insignificant and are therefore not making any unique impact on performance of smes in the metropolis. It is worth recommending that, the smes in the metropolis ought to pay critical attention to entrepreneurial orientation practices in the day-to-day management of the smes. Again, the smes owner/managers should put strict measures in place in order to pay special attention to various entrepreneurial orientation element evident in the metropolis with the view to achieving excellent performance and delivery.

Source: KNUST
Effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intention among tertiary students at the kwame nkrumah university of science and technology

Entrepreneurship has been extensively discussed in literature due to its proven benefits. Despite the high penetration of entrepreneurship studies in literature, using the theory of planned behaviour dimensions and their possible effect on entrepreneurial intentions has been neglected in the literature, especially in Ghana. This study investigates the effect of TPB dimensions such as perceived attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control on entrepreneurial intentions in Ghana. The study uses survey data from 120 students from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and employs the hierarchical regression method. The study finds evidence supporting that developing a positive attitude towards entrepreneurship affects students’ intentions to become entrepreneurs. In addition, the results show that perceived behavioural control towards entrepreneurship has a positive and significant influence on students' entrepreneurial intentions of students. The study concludes that developing positive attitudes and behavioural control enhances students' entrepreneurial intentions. This study has implications for a sound entrepreneurship framework that addresses the entrepreneurial needs of aspiring entrepreneurs. In addition, this study recommends that entrepreneurship education must be structured to develop individuals' attitudes to have a positive outlook on becoming entrepreneurs.

Source: KNUST
The effect of erratic power supply on SME’s in the Kumasi business district of Ghana

Energy supply is the major driving force for business sustainability in today’s competitive world. It is therefore important that an access to reliable power supply is essential for the success of any business which in turn leads to consumer satisfaction, high productivity, profitability and overall economic growth. The drive for this study was to find out the effect that erratic power supply is having on the profitability of the SMEs in the Central Business District (CBD) of Kumasi. The study used a simple random sampling technique which is a probability sampling method which draws a portion of a population so that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. The study also used 80 structured questionnaires to collect primary data directly from the selected SME owners to supplement secondary data from literature. The study identified that the erratic power supply from the national grid is a major challenge to SMEs profitability. The response to the questionnaire received indicates that some of the SME owners have acquired alternative sources of electricity such as petrol/diesel-powered generators to guarantee continuous supply of electricity with unbudgeted extra operational costs raging from GH¢50.00 to GH¢100.00 every month in addition to the perceived high tariffs they paid to the Electricity Company Of Ghana (ECG). The study further revealed that the energy situation in the country now is as a result of a systemic failure by various institutions responsible for power supply; because they haven’t invested consistently enough, planned well or addressed the issue of demand in the power sector. Based on these challenges the study recommends that government interventions are required to install solar panels for small consumers of power such as hairdressers, barbering shops and dressmakers to enable their businesses operate without any setbacks from energy crisis and also strategic power plants should be constructed for medium scale industries use.

Source: KNUST