ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing Parental influence on Adolescent Sexual Behaviour in the Bantama-Metro

Introduction According to the WHO, the term adolescence is defined as a period of life between 10-19 years. It is a unique period of age characterized by significant physical, cognitive, emotional and social changes. Parents-adolescent’s influence is vital for the outright growth and development in all aspects including sexual and reproductive health of adolescence. However, parents-adolescence communication on sexual issues, supervision and monitoring and provision of basic needs are sometimes lacked. This behavior most often results in a larger proportion of adolescents engaging in unhealthy or risky sexual behavior. Thus, the purpose of this study was to assess the influence of parents in adolescent sexual behavior. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 10-19 years in the Bantama metropolis. A structured questionnaire was used to assess socio-demographics of respondents, sources of information regarding reproductive health, parental roles, adolescent’s knowledge on sexual and reproductive health and sexual behavior. Simple random sample was employed to select participants. Data in the questionnaires was coded and entered using MS Excel Version 2016 for windows and then exported to Stata Version 14.0 for analysis. The mean, standard deviation, percentages and cross tabulations were used for the descriptive analysis. Results A total of 400 adolescence aged 10-19 participated in the study. There was high knowledge on condom use 269 (67.25%) and adolescents main source of information on sexual and reproductive health were from peers, 105 (26.25%). Academics issues are the most issues discussed with parents by adolescents, (52.50%) whilst sexual and reproductive health issues are the least issues discussed with parents, (3.75%). The study found that, more than half 247 (61.75%) had never had sex before, out of the respondents who have had sex, majority 81 (52.94%) had had sex for the last six months and condom was the most common 50 (76.54%) . Most 62 (76.54%) had had sex with only one person whiles 8 (9.88%) had had sex with three or more persons. Conclusion Poor parental relationship with their children in matters related to sexual and reproductive health as they enter adolescent were high in this study. Adolescence knowledge on emergency contraceptives, birth control pills were low compared to knowledge on condom use, abortion services and STIs including HIV/AIDS. Adoption of behavioral change strategies such as family gathering, real lifestyle experience story-telling that would enable them have cordial relationships with their adolescent children Health facilities should intensify their education on long lasting family planning services and emergency contraceptive pills for adolescents. Comprehensive health education about sexual and reproductive health should be infused into the school curriculum to enable adolescents have adequate knowledge on sexual issues.

Source: KNUST
Assessing patient satisfaction in health care delivery at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital

This patient satisfaction survey is a marketing research which seeks to bring to the fore base line concerns from the client perspective which in no doubt provides a basis for continuous improvement and guidance in achieving excellence in health care. The theoretical concept of client-care, quality of care and client satisfaction has been analyzed. A patient satisfaction index (criteria) modeled around the SERQUAL scale was used. This includes communication, waiting time, staff attitude, privacy, care and environmental cleanliness. The survey involves both outpatient and inpatient of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH) which was compared with secondary data from Korle-Bu Teaching hospital. The results show that generally about 60% of out-patients were either very satisfied or satisfied with the service delivery in KATH. This has been attributed to unfair queuing system and inadequate doctors leading to prolonged delays and frustration of clients. Inpatients (70.26%) appeared more satisfied than their outpatient counterparts. The major areas of dissatisfaction include waiting time, environmental cleanliness, state of the wards staff attitude and poor response to emergency. For most of the determinants, Korle-Bu scored higher than KATH except drug availability (79.35% against 72.92%) and information flow on illness 79.15% versus 67.84%. Patient waiting times for both Polyclinics were prolonged with up to 40% of outpatients spending beyond 4 hours. The survey of the Directorate managers confirms the need for a standard or comprehensive client care document which is quality driven and client focused considering the multidisciplinary services available.

Source: KNUST
Assessing performance appraisal systems in selected public offices in the Ejisu Juaben Municipality.

Performance appraisal systems are a key tool for holding civil servants accountable and should be considered as a key variable of the larger performance management equation. Specifically, appraisal systems are most effective in involving employees and providing feedback on performance. A crucial element of a performance management system is performance measurement monitoring that shows where change is required and which will in turn produce the desired behavior that will produce improved performance (Fryer et al., 2009). Performance management is action, based on performance measures and reporting, which results in improvements in behavior, motivation and processes and promotes innovation (Radnor and Barnes, 2007). According to Kurt (2004), while business leaders see the need for appraisal systems, they are frequently disappointed in them because of various challenges that derail its objectives. One of the responsibilities of management is to ensure that an organization functions effectively and efficiently. In order to achieve these goals, managers must be able to determine and assess performance levels of both an organization and its individual employees (Kurt, 2004). This study was conducted in the Ejisu Juaben Municipal Assembly, using data collected through questionnaires and interviews. Data was analyzed quantitatively and thematically. The results indicated that in public offices in the Ejisu Juaben Municipal Assembly, performance appraisal is a periodic ‘ritual’. It also showed that, majority of workplaces do not attempt performance appraisal. Employees are not included in the planning and genuine evaluation process. This study sought to establish the effectiveness or otherwise of performance appraisal system in these offices.

Source: KNUST
Assessing policymaker and taxpayer attitudes towards public finance for urban sanitation: the case of sanitation surcharges in two Ghanaian municipalities

Municipal Authorities (Assemblies) in Ghana have been unable to generate adequate revenue to effectively manage sanitation. To address this challenge, the Akuapem North and Ga West Municipalities have recently introduced a sanitation surcharge, which is collected through property rates. Using a mixed-method approach, this paper assesses the attitudes of policymakers and taxpayers towards the policy and the implications for its effective implementation. Qualitative data were collected through interviews with officials of the Municipal Assemblies while quantitative data were collected through a survey of 832 randomly selected property owners. The study revealed that policymakers’ de jure acceptance of the policy has not translated into de facto implementation. Although most taxpayers support the policy, a significant minority of them oppose it due to lack of trust in the Assemblies. Therefore, the Assemblies need to devise effective communication strategies, and enhance transparency in the use of revenue collected through the surcharge.

Source: KNUST
Assessing preparedness for obstetric emergencies at Kumasi South and Suntreso Hospitals

Emergencies including obstetric emergencies are cited as a major threat to human life all over the world. Maternal mortality rate in Ghana has been high over the years with the average figure being 214 /100,000 live births. In Ashanti Region and Kumasi the figures were 270/100,000 and 380/100,000 live births for the year 2002 respectively. Contributions of a health care facility towards reducing deaths, suffering and disability would depend on how it is prepared with requisite resources, training, orientation and commitment to receive patients with emergency obstetric conditions and offer them appropriate and acceptable care. The Ashanti Regional Health Administration is interested in finding out the state of preparedness of the public health facilities within the Kumasi Metropolis to manage Clients whose conditions require emergency response. The study was conducted at Kumasi South and Suntreso Hospitals. The study had a cross - sectional design facilitated by the application of quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and tools. Key finding was that some inadequacies exist in terms of personnel, facilities, equipment and supplies such as drugs. The preparedness to handle emergency obstetric conditions was inadequate to curb the high maternal mortality rate in the Kumasi Metropolis. It was recommended that Kumasi South Hospital should have an anesthetist. In addition it should have telephone facility in all units linked to the care of patients with emergency obstetric conditions. A functional blood bank should be established at Suntreso Hospital. Support services such as the laboratories, theatre and blood bank should operate on 24-hour basis. Policy to ensure daily inspection of emergency equipment must be instituted and operationalized. Implementation of these recommendations will help improve on preparedness to handle emergency obstetric conditions by these two Kumasi Metro hospitals.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Procurement Monitoring Processes and Procedures at Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly

The research aimed to assess the procurement monitoring processes and procedures in Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies in Ghana using the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly as a case study. The outcome of the research was based on 89 respondents who were selected from the Yilo Krobo Municipal Assembly in the Eastern region of Ghana. The results were analysed using percentages and ranking based on Relative Importance Index (RII). The study found that the decentralized departments of the agencies prepare annual procurement plans and the staffs are aware of the procurement monitoring processes and procedures that guide government agencies to efficiently manage procurement. There is also procurement monitoring teams that supervise contracts. However, very few of the decentralized departments use the existing procurement monitoring processes and procedures. Nonetheless, departments that have used the processes and procedures have observed its efficiency in public procurement processes. Based on the findings, it is recommended that MMDAs build the capacity of staff directly involved in procurement to promote strict adherence to the PPA on procurement monitoring processes and procedures. Also the PPA should periodically build the capacity of staff on the Ghana Public Procurement Act of 2003, (Act 663) improve users knowledge and understanding in order to ensure a more efficient use of the Act. MMDAs should also devote adequate funds and other resources to monitor procurement in order to ensure that contractors, service providers and suppliers deliver quality services for the benefit of society.

Source: KNUST
Assessing performance of micro and small scale Agribusinesses in Northern Ghana: Non-Financial and Stochastic frontier analysis

The need for the reduction in poverty status of rural people through the development of agribusiness is of paramount concern to most governments. Agribusiness in Africa is considered the catalyst for economic growth and poverty reduction. It is a business solution to rural poverty if redistribution mechanisms work. From literature reviewed, the importance of agribusiness to the development of Ghana is quiet clear however much is not being done to develop agribusiness. The broad question is whether, they are doing well. The main objective of this study is to assess the financial and non-financial performance of micro and small agribusinesses in Ghana. This study analysed the performance of micro and small agribusiness. Performance was assessed in two dimensions; through the non-financial method and profit efficiency using the stochastic efficiency frontier model. With the non-financial method, it was clear that the entrepreneurs achieved most of the objectives that were identified. Each objective scored below 50%, hence the level of satisfaction was fairly distributed and not concentrated on some few objectives. The level of success was low. The average measure of profit efficiency of 60.0 percent was recorded in the area. This suggests that an average of about 60 percent of potential maximum profit is gained due to production efficiency, while the remaining short fall of discrepancy between observed profit and the frontier profit can be attributed to both technical and allocative inefficiencies. The variables in the inefficiency model that have negative coefficients, meaning that as these variables (educational level, farming experience, and household size) increase the profit efficiency of the farmer increases. Whiles the variables (sex of proprietor and age) are positive and hence vice versa. The positive coefficient of age is in agreement with the work of Abdulai and Huffman (1988) while the negative coefficient of educational level was in conformity with Kumbhakar and Bhattacharya (1992b), Ali and Flin (1989), Abdulail and Huffman (1988) and Huffman (1974). The result of this study has clearly shown that employing the stochastic profit frontier model allows a detailed analysis of the determinant of specific farm efficiency. The average profit efficiency of 0.601 suggests that considerable amount of profit is gained among maize producers in the sampled area.

Source: KNUST
Assessing performance management practices: A case study of Obuasi Senior High Technical School

The focus of the study was to assess the performance management practices of the Obuasi Senior High Technical School (OSTS), Obuasi. Performance management helps to rate the performance of the employee and evaluate their contributions towards organization achievement. However, the careful development of performance management processes and performance measurement techniques poses a number of detailed analytical problems that take on a particular significance in the education sector, which merit further examination. To achieve this goal, data was collected using self- administered questionnaires on a population of 141 teaching and 15 non-teaching staff. The findings of the study indicate that performance was managed mostly through performance appraisal, done annually, termly or when an employee was due for promotion. It was further revealed that performance results were not linked to reward; promotioninterview was done based on length of service for poor and good performers. Again, the purpose of appraisal was not clear to the staff, while the results of appraisal were not discussed with the appraisees. Based on the findings it is recommended that the interval of assessing staff should be increased to weekly and monthly. It was further recommended that appraisal should be linked to the goal of the institution, rewarding and punishing when due and should also be used to assess training needs of personnel lacking requisite skills.

Source: KNUST
Assessing procurement practices in the NGO sector: a case Study of the African women’s development fund

As development actors, NGOs have become the main service providers in countries where the government is unable to fulfil its traditional role. Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) play a vital role in the socio-economic development of Ghana especially in the rural areas. They complement government’s efforts in providing sustainable development by filling development gaps where government falls short. Despite these important roles local NGOs play in the development process they are faced with a number of challenges which raises concern about their sustainability. The aim of this research was to critically assess the procurement practices applied by NonGovernmental Organizations, case study of African Women’s Development Fund (AWDF). The following objectives were set to help achieve the aim of this study: to determine procurement process or practices used by African Women’s Development Fund, to analyse factors that influence procurement process or practice use by AWDF, to assess challenges in the procurement process or practices used by AWDF. The study adopted a qualitative method of enquiry with a semi-structured interview guide to gather data from the employees at AWDF. Findings from the study revealed that the factors that influence the AWDF procurement process were equity, effectiveness and efficiency, smooth and efficient process. The challenges that are faced by AWDF were Inadequate Understanding of Procurement, Poor responsiveness of suppliers, Differences in the Brand Quoted by the Suppliers, Suppliers have bad business relationship, bureaucracy and delay on the part of suppliers. The study therefore recommended that there should be a procurement unit or department for all procurement activities to be channeled and also the need to employ procurement professional as a procurement assistant. The procurement review committee should iii also be empowered in order to perform their tasks to the standards required of them or a more effective review committee should be formed.

Source: KNUST
Assessing project procurement management practices, The Ministry of Energy; a case study of Rural Electrification/SHEP in Ghana

The purpose of this research is to assess project procurement management practices at the Ministry of Energy. Self-help electrification projects (SHEP) were suspended in about 50 communities in the Hohoe South and Kpedze areas because 50% of the imported wooden poles were discovered to be inappropriate for electrification project. This adversely impacted the project as well as the communities’ socio-economic growth The objectives of this study are; to identify the project procurement management practices carried out at the Ministry of Energy for rural electrification/SHEP project, to examine the influencing factors for the choice of procurement management system adopted by the Ministry of Energy for rural electrification/SHEP project, and, to identify the effects of procurement management system on the outcome of the rural electrification/SHEP project. A population of 78 professional procurement respondents were reached across the country, through ‘convenience and purposive sampling’. Data from a total of 63 questionnaires were received and collected out of the 78 respondents constituting a response rate of 80.8%. This revealed that Open procedure also known as the competitive procurement practice is the most commonly used procurement management practiced under the SHEP, scoring an evident sky-high RII of 0.922. In view of these findings, the following are recommended; quarterly auditing, monitoring and evaluation of procurement management process to prevent corruption and promote good governance, capacity building training for both junior and senior procurement officers.

Source: KNUST
Assessing Project Communication Management Capabilities of Construction Firms in Ghana.

The construction sector in many third world nations plays an important role economically. The industry accounts for over 70% of gross capital assets, about 9% of GDP and more than half of investment in fixed assets. The construction industry further provides significant employment avenue only next to agriculture in many developing nations. Its economic significance notwithstanding, project performance in the construction sector still remain considerably low. The study sought to assess project communication management capabilities of construction firms in Ghana. The objectives of the study were (i) To Assess existing project communication capabilities within the construction firms in Ghana. (ii) Identify factors that militate against effective project communication capability within construction firms in Ghana. (iii) To suggest ways of proposed measures in project communication capabilities in construction firms in Ghana. The study used fifty three (53) project managers on construction site, with an error level of 5% and a confidence level of 95% to gather data for analysis.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 construction firms to ascertain its validity and reliability. The data generated was analysed using the mean score ranking and one sample t test. The study concluded by saying that communication capability, communication processes and communication factors influence project implementation success and also influence project team performance. The study outlined several recommendations. It is recommended that construction firms employ professionals with good knowledge in project communication management to execute project. Again, it is recommended strongly that project team members or employees must be given the required project communication management orientation in order to help teams to perform. The orientation will review how employees especially project teams should go about executing their jobs.

Source: KNUST
Assessing project management challenges in the Implementation of the cocoa rehabilitation and intensificationpProgramme (CORIP) in Ghana.

Project management’s fundamental concern is to effectively and efficiently execute projects to meet requirements. At the same time, challenges in managing project is seen as a key feature, which affect project management framework. The present study assessed the project management challenges of the Cocoa Rehabilitation Program in Sefwi-Wiaso in the Western Region of Ghana. The issues the study focused on were the current state of the programme, project management challenges in the programme and solutions to curb the challenges. The study used fifty (50) cocoa farmers in the Sefwi-Wiaso. 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 cocoa community to ascertain its validity and the reliability. The data for the study was basically from primary source in that closed-ended questionnaire was designed and distributed to cocoa farmers in SefwiWiaso. The data generated was analyzed using the mean score ranking. Descriptive statistics was used to test the data. The study concluded that Cocoa Rehabilitation and Intensification Program is currently doing well despite a few challenges. The study found that the program is currently achieving its objectives. It was clear that the program is facing some project management challenges: economic, environmental and social and that these are affecting effective program delivery. It is therefore recommended that the program implementers use their project management skills to solve practical problems of the program. In addition, project team members or employees must be given the required project management orientation in order to help teams to perform better in their roles. The orientation will review how employees especially project teams should go about executing their roles.

Source: KNUST