ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Effect of internal control systems on performance of sic life insurance company in ghana

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of the Internal Control System on the performance of the SIC Life Insurance Company in Ghana. A descriptive quantitative design was used in the study to gain a better understanding of the impact of leadership on organisational performance. The sample size of the study included 65 company employees, and non-probability sampling techniques such as purposive and convenience sampling were used. Data was analyzed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). According to the findings of the study, SIC Life Insurance Company has an effective internal control system in place, with well-established policies and practices that demonstrate its commitment to risk management measures. In addition, the company prioritizes policy compliance, waste prevention, fraud, and inefficiency. Internal audit has a positive impact on the efficiency of a company's internal control systems, according to the study, by identifying flaws and making recommendations for improvement. The findings emphasized the significance of risk management and the critical role of internal audits in identifying and managing risks effectively. The research found a significant positive relationship between SIC Life Insurance's performance and the state of its internal control systems, internal audit, and compliance measures. It was recommended that the company should maintain its focus on its internal control system, which has proven to be effective and critical to its long-term success. Also, SIC Life Insurance Company should continue to invest in its internal audit function, ensuring that it is adequately resourced and empowered to identify flaws and make recommendations for improvement. SIC Life Insurance Company should priorities timely payables and ensure that all transactions are carried out in accordance with applicable regulations. Furthermore, the company should place a premium on producing reliable financial statements that accurately reflect its performance.

Source: KNUST
Effect of isolation distances on varietal seed purity for open pollinated varieties of pearl millet [pennisetum glaucum (l.) r. br.] at farmers’ level in Northern Ghana

Pearl millet seed supply in West Africa is dominated by the informal system in which small scale farmers produce and supply local seeds of landraces or open pollinated varieties mostly without any quality control during production. Standards for quality control are mostly designed for the formal and commercially oriented system which fails to supply adequate quantity of seeds. To increase agricultural productivity through the use quality planting materials more attention is required on small seed producers to ensure that seed of acceptable quality are produced and used by large scale millet producers. This study aimed at assessing the level of varietal seed purity at farmer‟s level. Two open pollinated varieties of Pearl millet were used, one variety as pollen source characterized by yellow coloured seeds and the other seed parent with grey coloured seeds. After cross pollination, it was expected to produce hybrid of yellow coloured seeds on the seed parents due to xenia effect. The results showed significant differences (p<0.001) in varietal seed purity with regard to the interaction between distance and direction of seed parents from the pollen parents. Closer pollen parents (from 0.4 to 30 m) showed higher significant differences in varietal seed purity compared to distant seed parents (from 40 to 60 m). Seed parents located to the direction of wind from pollen parents produced seeds with significantly lower seed quality compared to those located in the opposite direction. Varietal purity was positively and strongly correlated (p<0.01) with distances from pollen parents. Wind speed and direction showed significant direct effect on varietal seed purity while other climatic parameters such as temperatures, relative humidity and rainfall may have iv some indirect effects. Although it was possible to produce pure seed on some points of the experimental field at 60 m to the South East and to the West, 45 m and above to the South East, 50 m and above to the South, 55 m and above to the South West and North West, it is very challenging for farmers to produce seeds that meet standards. However, some measures can be taken by farmers in order to produce seed with an acceptable level of seed purity. These measures include: plotting the seed field by considering the prevailing wind direction in the area, planting at least 3 weeks after the source pollen is planted, choosing seed parents that are „‟taller‟‟ than the pollen parents, adopt a communal seed grower system where a cluster of farmers grow the same variety. These could not prevent cross-contamination from neighbouring farms with different varieties but rather can minimize the flow of pollen grains in the seed production filed.

Source: KNUST
The effect of inventory management practices on service delivery at St. Martin’s Hospital, Agroyesum, Amansie-West

Managing stock effectively is important for any organization, running a hospital is no exception because without enough stock, services to patients will come to a halt. Stock represents the largest single investment in assets for most organizations. Health facilities must provide 24 hour services and accordingly, the need to keep stocks of certain medicines and other medical supplies to be able to discharge their duties effectively. It is a generally held opinion that where stock management by health facilities is poor, delivery of healthcare is normally affected. Hence, this study examined the effect of inventory management practices on healthcare delivery using St. Martin’s Catholic Hospital, Agroyesum, Amansie-West as a case. A sample of 60 staff and 30 patients, was selected for the study. Questionnaires were used as the main instrument of data collection. The study revealed that the hospital ensures agreements with supplier for short cycle deliveries (items which do not take long to deliver), ensures accurate prediction of supplier delivery dates and operate Materials Requirements Planning system (MRP). The study also revealed that the hospital ensures Strategic Supplier Partnerships as an Inventory management practice and strictly uses Information Technology in its inventory management practices. The patients were satisfied with the hospital’s reliability of healthcare service (24 hour service and full complement of medical staff), completeness of healthcare service, empathy of healthcare staff and affordability of healthcare service and physical appearance of healthcare service. However, among the challenges the hospital faced with inventory management was poor storage of drugs leading to insufficient inventories, bureaucratic process in procurement, loss of drugs through inventory shrinkages, conflict of interest, weak management system and insufficient funds for procurement. It was therefore recommended that there is a need for management to emphasize the importance of inventory management and the hospital should improve the demand forecasting of major medical supplies and adoption of advanced information system such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) to link their inventory practices with their service delivery.

Source: KNUST
Effect of it capability on performance of smes, the mediating role of business process agility and the moderating role of market dynamism

This study develops and tests arguments that the relationship between IT capability and smes performance is channeled through Business Process Agility, and that the indirect effect of IT on performance, via Business Process Agility, is conditional upon levels of market dynamism. The proposed relationships are tested on a sample of 205 small- and medium-sized enterprises (smes) within the Kumasi Metropolis. Findings from the study indicate IT capability indirectly affects performance by improving the agility of their business processes. Findings from our study indicates, while the statistical analysis did not find a significant direct moderating influence of market dynamism on the link between IT capability and BPA, it is important to note that the significance of market responsiveness should not be disregarded. Instead, it highlights the need of smes adopting a proactive approach in adapting their strategies and procedures to anticipate market developments. This research is a valuable contribution to the existing body of academic literature and has practical implications for managers of small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) as well as policymakers. By acknowledging the deep relationship between information technology capabilities, the agility of business processes, and the dynamic nature of the market, small and medium-sized enterprises (smes) may get a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively traverse the difficult and multifaceted terrain of contemporary business and cultivate long-term success.

Source: KNUST
The Effect of Job Design on Employee Motivation and Job Performance: (A Case Study of GTbank and GCB)

Performance improvement in service organizations is of major concern to managers as one way of enhancing organizational growth. This proposition in turn leads to the suggestion that performance improvement gains can be realized for service organization by expanding conventional motivation and having a good job design policy. The study examined the effects of job design and employee motivation on job performance between employees at GCB and GTBANK who were purposively and conveniently selected. A cross-sectional survey and a case study were employed. A sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents was selected to partake in the study; sixty (60) respondents each were selected from GTBANK and GCB respectively. The study made use of both primary and secondary sources of data collection. The results of the study confirmed that job design tend to affect motivation and job performance significantly. The study also revealed that workers’ performance does not depend on the behaviour of other workers in the company but on the motivation policies available in the company.

Source: KNUST
The effect of labour-intensive road construction on the success of road works in Ghana

The labour based Technology approach in road construction has been in existence since 1986 and responsible for (1) improving rural accessibility, (2) increasing the construction capacity, and (3) Creating rural employment. This method of road construction has faced a lot of challenges over the years. This research sought to identify the effect of labour based road construction on the success of road works in Ghana. Questionnaires were designed and administered to Clients (technical staff of the Department of Feeder Roads and Highways in Northern Region), Staff of the Construction. The questionnaires sought the views of the respondents on whether labour based construction has desirable effects on success of road works in Ghana. Descriptive statistics and Relative Importance Index were used to analyse and quantify the extent of the identified impacts and challenges of LBT for road construction as perceived by the Technical staff. Respondents believed that indeed more human capacity was engaged in the LBT and thereby cost less expensive to adopt this technology in road construction. The results again showed that all the identified impacts of LBT in road construction had an effect on the standard of living in the communities. Rural employment generation was the most prevalent identified impacts.The assessment of the challenges of LBT for road construction, of which Labour management was dominant, is also discussed, which has been a major setback in the road construction sector is the most prevalent challenge.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Leadership Behaviours on Employee Performance in Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited

The study was aimed to investigate the effect of leadership behaviours on employee performance. Specifically, the study identified the leadership behaviours exhibited by managers in Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) in enhancing employee performance and specific behaviours that affected the performance of the employees. The study was conducted considering the effect of three major leadership behaviours, namely, job-centred style, people-centred style and democratic style on the performance of employees. The data for this study was obtained by administering questionnaire to personnel in GGBL. The data received from the respondents was analyzed with the help of statistical software program SPSS_17. To test for the hypothesis, Pearson Coefficient correlation analysis was conducted to examine whether the hypothesis was accepted or rejected. It was observed that strong correlation existed between a job-centred leadership behaviour exhibited by leaders in Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited and employee performance. The job-centred leadership behaviour had significant positive effective on performance and hence productivity. It meant that the managers were very particular about getting results and only motivated employees to give their best in order to increase productivity. People-centred and democratic behaviours were very insignificant and a few negative correlations suggested a decrease in performance by employees, probably due to management acting with strict internal rules to achieve results. It was recommended to have a balanced leadership style to equally reflect much interest in people to enhance employee performance for a competitive advantage.

Source: KNUST
Effect of leadership style on clients satisfaction in health facilities in Bantama sub-metro of Ashanti region, g Ghana

Introduction The state of client satisfaction in a hospital could be largely seen to be dependent on the type of leadership style exercised by top management of the hospital. Patient satisfaction enhances hospital image, which translates in increased patronage of the services of a particular hospital. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effect of leadership style on client‟s satisfaction in Suntreso Government Hospital in the Bantama Sub-Metro in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods The study was quantitative using cross-sectional study design. A total of 292 clients and 150 staff from the hospital was interviewed using structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using Stata version 12. Chi-square was used to establish any association between the various leadership styles and clients‟ satisfaction. Statistical significance for all testing was set as 0.05. Result The Health care managers employed both transformational leadership styles and transactional leadership styles. Also, a high proportion of clients (84.2%) were satisfied with the service received. Finally, transformational leadership styles such as Individual Consideration (p-value =0.0141), Intellectual Stimulation (p-value = 0.0221) and Inspirational Motivation (pvalue =0.0337) had significant relationship with the level of clients satisfaction. Finally, the relationship between transactional leadership styles such as Contingent Reward (p-value =0.0235), Management by Exception – Active (p-value =0.0311), xi Management by Exception – Passive (0.0167) and client satisfaction was statistically significant. Conclusion Leaders were practicing both transformational and transactional leadership styles and this translated into a high level of clients‟ satisfaction. Therefore, management should continue to encourage the use of both leadership styles in order to sustain the level of client‟s satisfaction

Source: KNUST
The effect of left-turning traffic on the performance of through traffic at a signalized intersection: case study of Anloga intersection in Kumasi, Ghana

Rapid vehicular population growth in urban centres in developing countries such as Ghana has resulted in increased volumes contributing to long delays at signalized intersections. At intersections where there is high volume of left-turning traffic, spill back and blocking of the through traffic has much effect on saturation flows. In many situations, a change of layout of intersection or even grade separation may be the option for improving delay and LOS but uneconomical to most developing countries due to lack of funds or inadequate right-of-way or both. The objective of this thesis was to evaluate the effect of left turning traffic on delay to through traffic at signalized intersection, evaluate the effect of left turning traffic on saturation flow for through traffic at a signalized intersection and propose a left-turn storage lane length that will improve the saturation flow and reduce delay for through traffic at a signalized intersectionusing micro simulation tool (VISSIM).An intersection characterized by long queue and delays during peak periods was chosen as the study site. Two hours video data collection was undertaken on a typical morning peak from which the traffic demand and turning movements were extracted. VISSIM was used for simulation analysis of the intersection. The model was calibrated with the traffic flow, queue length and delay data for the approaches and the result validated. After conducting a sensitivity analysis by increasing the approach volume from 1000pcu/h to 3000pcu/h and varying the left turn traffic percentage and left turn storage lane lengths, it was revealed that as the approach volume of signalizes intersection increases with a corresponding increase in left-turning traffic volume proportions, delay to through traffic movement increases and its saturation flow reduces. It was also found out that, for approach volumes of 1000pcu/h to 3000pcu/h and corresponding left turn traffic proportion 10% to 20%, 150m optimal storage lane is required to reduce delay and improve on saturation flow. For an approach volume of 1000pcu/h to 3000pcu/h with 30% to 50% left turn traffic proportion, 175m storage lane is required to reduce delay and improve on saturation.

Source: KNUST
Effect of Leadership Style on Clients Satisfaction in Health Facilities in Bantama Sub-Metro of Ashanti Region, Ghana

Introduction The state of client satisfaction in a hospital could be largely seen to be dependent on the type of leadership style exercised by top management of the hospital. Patient satisfaction enhances hospital image, which translates in increased patronage of the services of a particular hospital. Therefore, this study was aimed at assessing the effect of leadership style on client‟s satisfaction in Suntreso Government Hospital in the Bantama Sub-Metro in the Ashanti Region of Ghana. Methods The study was quantitative using cross-sectional study design. A total of 292 clients and 150 staff from the hospital was interviewed using structured questionnaire. The data were analysed using Stata version 12. Chi-square was used to establish any association between the various leadership styles and clients‟ satisfaction. Statistical significance for all testing was set as 0.05. Result The Health care managers employed both transformational leadership styles and transactional leadership styles. Also, a high proportion of clients (84.2%) were satisfied with the service received. Finally, transformational leadership styles such as Individual Consideration (p-value =0.0141), Intellectual Stimulation (p-value = 0.0221) and Inspirational Motivation (pvalue =0.0337) had significant relationship with the level of clients satisfaction. Finally, the relationship between transactional leadership styles such as Contingent Reward (p-value =0.0235), Management by Exception – Active (p-value =0.0311), xi Management by Exception – Passive (0.0167) and client satisfaction was statistically significant. Conclusion Leaders were practicing both transformational and transactional leadership styles and this translated into a high level of clients‟ satisfaction. Therefore, management should continue to encourage the use of both leadership styles in order to sustain the level of client‟s satisfaction.

Source: KNUST
Effect of length of peduncle on the quality of solo papaya fruit during ripening

Papaya (Carica papaya L) is an important fruit crop for both its fresh and processed products.However it faces myriads of problems during harvesting,transportation and storage due to its high perishability. A study was carried out to compare the fruit ripening behaviours and quality of three (3) different lengths of peduncle of solo papaya fruit. Mature green fruits were harvested at random from a commercial orchard in the Atwima Akropong in the Ashanti region of Ghana. During ripening, data on various physico- chemical characteristics including fruit firmness, total soluble solids, total titratable acidity, visual peel and pulp colour, pH, sugar: acid ratio and shelf lifewere monitored in two days interval up to nine (9) days. Under ambient conditions all the fruits took seven days to ripen, however, the 2cm peduncle length fruit was more acceptable, colour change and pH, which indicates its potential for extended shelf life. Lower total soluble sugar, were also observed in the 2cm peduncle fruit for the study period which can be advantaged for extended storage which included the 1 cmlength and for sugar conscious consumers.The study also provided an understanding of the potential of the different peduncle lengths for the domestic and export markets for papaya fruits as it was discovered that both the 2cm and 1cm peduncle lengths offered better shelf life than the 0.5cm peduncle length. The study showedthat fruit meant for distant markets should be harvested with 2cm or 1cm peduncle length because they will give longer shelf life than the 0.5 cm peduncle fruit.

Source: KNUST
The effect of Leucaena leucocephala mulch on the growth and yield of irrigated tomato (Lycopersicon esculentus Mill.)

The research was conducted at Akumadan vegetable irrigation project in the Ashanti region of Ghana from 12th December, 1994 to 7th April 1995 with the following objectives: a) To evaluate the effect of Leucaena leucocephala mulch on the yield and yield components of irrigated tomato. b) To assess the fertilizer replacement potential of Leucaena mulch. c) To determine from the treatments, the most economic alternative for tomato production. Experimental design used was a split plot with fertilizer as the main plot treatment and leucaena mulch as the subplot treatment. There were three blocks with 4 levels of fertilizer (0, 50, 100 and 150 kgN/ha) and three levels of leucaena mulch (0, 5 and 10 tons/ha) The results show that leucaena mulch has a significant effect on the growth and development, fruit set, fruit weight, reproductive efficiency and fruit quality of tomato. Leucaena mulch also showed significant effect on weed control, soil moisture content and soil bulk density but not on soil chemical properties. Along with these were significant effects shown by fertilizer/mulch combination and by fertilizer alone. In general, leucaena mulch showed a high fertilizer replacement potential, better exploited at mulch levels of 10 tons/ha fresh mulch. At 10 cons/ha mulch level combined with 50 kgN/ha, yields were as economic a applying fertilizer alone a high rate of 150 kgN/ha. It was also realised that no extra rewards were gained by increasing fertilizer rates to 100 kgN/ha combined with 10 tons/ha mulch. Using the 1995 production figures, profitability margins tuined to be higher with a hiq5 supplementation of chemica fertilizer with mulch, with tons/ha mulch combined with 150 KgN/ha giving the highest B/C ratio.

Source: KNUST