ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
The perception of class size on teaching quality and the performance of STEM students in private undergraduate universities in Ghana: A comparison between Ashesi University and Central University

International Higher Education in the twenty-first century is facing significant uncertainties not only because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but also because of other challenges like limited access and funding. In Africa, higher education is under threat from the growing population that puts pressure on existing resources. This challenge is no different in Ghana, a West African country located along the Gulf of Guinea. This is attributable to the fact that access to higher education is determined to a large extent by the available facilities in the heavily subsidized public universities in Ghana. Private universities exist but they are either more expensive or cheaper but much less reputable than state universities and are often much smaller than public universities although a few are large. Given the challenges of access and quality in higher education, the study sought to determine the relationship between class size and student performance in STEM courses, in two private undergraduate universities in Ghana. The mixed method approach was used with semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as data collection methods. The sample size was 258 STEM students, and sampling techniques were the simple random sampling and purposive sampling. The findings showed that there was no significant relationship between class size and student performance at the conventional level of significance. However, students indicated that effective time management, learning environment and critical thinking skills impacted them significantly. Therefore, if measures are put in place, where despite the class size, individual needs of students are met, that is most important.

Source: Ashesi
The principal factors and dynamics that influence migration in West Africa: A focus on Gambia and Nigeria

Developing countries typically need both human and capital to develop, as the two resources complement each other in creating prosperity. The human capital resource plays a significant role by utilizing the natural and physical capital resources efficiently in the production process. When human capital resource becomes unavailable or scarce, through brain drain, migration or other means, economic growth slows down, compromising economic development. This research explored the factors that accounts for migration of such human resources from Africa, particularly Gambia and Nigeria, to Europe and other high-income countries. This research utilized a quantitative research method, involving the collection and analysis of both primary and secondary data. The primary data were obtained from Gambia and Nigeria through questionnaires. The secondary data on migration, unemployment, GDP, and others were obtained from the World Bank. The primary data showed that most Gambians and Nigerians are likely to migrate to high-income countries for economic reasons. The correlational analysis from the secondary data revealed that a positive relationship exists between unemployment and migration for Gambia and Nigeria. Other factors such as the pursuit of education, crisis and natural disasters also influence migration. Since the results show that the most active and working population of Gambia and Nigeria mostly migrate, and human resources is lost, it is recommended that policies in accelerating white and blue-color jobs be implemented in these countries.

Source: Ashesi
The pros and cons of the implementation of the eco—a discussion of the views of Anglophone and Francophone students

In 2019, ECOWAS member countries made up of countries in the WAEMU and the WAMZ, decided that they would create and implement the Eco, a common currency for the subregion by the horizon 2020. In December 2019, the WAEMU, with the project in mind, decided that it would stop using the CFA Franc. This decision, although applauded by the international community, created turmoil between countries in the WAEMU and the WAMZ because WAEMU countries want to keep a peg to the Euro. This study’s objective is to assess the view of students, a subgroup of the ECOWAS region about the Eco and its implications for the countries’ economy and individuals’ identity. The study uncovered three significant themes: performance, uncertainty, and united identity.

Source: Ashesi
The relevance of mental health to employee satisfaction and job productivity

An employee's level of job satisfaction has an impact on how productive that employee is, which in turn could influence the employee's mental health, that is, their levels of stress and depression. Unfortunately, a lot of companies in Accra, Ghana, do not take these factors into consideration, when cultivating their organisational culture, and this adversely affects not only their employees, but the company's overall performance. This paper examined the relationship between job satisfaction and depression and stress (mental health), though the interference of job productivity in employees in Ghana. Primary quantitative data was collected through an online survey questionnaire from a sample of 100 people working in private and public companies within the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Job satisfaction, productivity, stress, and depression were measured using Short Index of Job Satisfaction (SIJS), Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ), Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) respectively. Mediation analysis was used to determine the relationship between job satisfaction, job productivity and mental health. Results showed that job productivity does not mediate the relationship job satisfaction and negative mental health (stress and depression). However, job satisfaction and job productivity were significantly positively related, meaning higher job satisfaction led to higher job productivity.

Source: Ashesi
The Role of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) in Improving the Quality of Healthcare Services: A Case Study of Port Medical Centre

Using Port Medical Centre as a case study, this undergraduate thesis paper follows the interpretivism approach to study the impact of Electronic Medical Records (EMRs) on healthcare quality and delivery within the developing world’s context, specifically Ghana. With the world moving toward digitalization, the study aims to close the knowledge gap about the use and impact of EMRs through an analysis of the difficulties and perceived impact of digital health programs. This study adds to the growing corpus of research in this field by providing context-specific information unique to Ghana. The study uses a qualitative design to explore the attitudes, perceptions of clinicians, patients and administrators and the experiences they encounter with regard to an EMR system. Purposive sampling was used to collect data through semi-structured interviews, which allowed thorough examination of the topic from the standpoint of the various stakeholders engaged. Findings indicated that despite the positive impact that medical process in the western world are experiencing with the adoption of the EMR system, there are mixed feelings about the adoption of EMR in Port Medical Centre. The study shows that some medical practitioners do not find the introduction of the system to be as helpful as they initially thought while other clinicians in the same hospital believe that the system has aided in improved care management, reduced medicine dispensary errors, enhanced data management. The study highlights lack of technical knowhow, rigidity of the system and frequent software updates as intermediary factors that attribute to the displeasure of the system’s users. It is recommended that more workshops be embarked on and a more user-centric platform for a better experience to enhance healthcare delivery.

Source: Ashesi
TheoVision International – Data Management

Data is a key resource in businesses; however, success in a business cannot be achieved by merely possessing such resources but by efficient utilization (Maritz,2003). According to Lessing and Scheepers (2001), data forms part of businesses’ strategic and operational resources. Therefore, data management is a crucial component of all businesses; hence companies need to implement efficient data management systems that reflect their mission and organizational processes to ensure the proper utilization of the available data. This report details a company profiling and internal analysis of TheoVision International to provide an in-depth overview of the organization and its operations. This is followed by an environmental scan of the organization to understand the industry dynamics and TheoVision International’s position within the industry. From research conducted, TheoVision International has a reputable brand among its immediate stakeholders. The organization also operates in a moderately competitive market, with technology being a major influencing factor in the operations and functioning of most organizations in the industry. To determine the needs of the organization in data management, an extensive needs assessment was conducted to ascertain the gaps between the current state of data management and the desired state. It was discovered that TheoVision International has an existing system to leverage data organization, project tracking, and collaboration; however, this system is not being fully utilized. Using the ADKAR model for change management, a change and resistance management strategy was developed to ensure effective use of the current system. The solution was evaluated based on the solution matrix developed, literature reviews as well as the goals and objectives of the organization with respect to data management. A step-by-step implementation plan was designed to help the organization successfully implement and execute the strategy.

Source: Ashesi
"To perm or not to perm": A case of natural hair in Accra, Ghana.

This study investigates the reasons behind some Ghanaian women‘s switch from chemically altered or relaxed hair to wearing their hair ―natural. The black hair care industry in the USA is worth an estimated 3billion dollars yearly and is dominated by products such as hair relaxers and hair extensions. A majority of women in Ghana chemically relax their hair for various reasons. However, a growing number of Ghanaian women are beginning to switch from chemically treated hair to natural hair, a practice that is perhaps a deviation from the norm. The objective of this study is to reveal the reasons behind some Ghanaian women opting for natural hair instead of relaxed hair and the potential effect these reasons have on the local black hair care industry in the area considered under study. The paper also delves into the history behind black women wanting straighter hair and how hair straightening begun in America and Ghana. This study is useful in understanding the factors that inform hairstyling choices among women, particularly Ghanaian women. It is also a ground breaking research in terms of literature regarding Ghanaian anthropology information for stakeholders in the black hair care industry in Ghana (i.e. salons, retailers of hair care products) by providing insight into a gradual change in preference by consumers.

Source: Ashesi
Total quality management for small-scale Ghanaian dressmakers: A case study of three companies in Accra

Ghana’s government places a lot of emphasis on promoting goods produced in the country as a method of moving its country towards the goal of being an industrialized economy. Efforts made to promote the use and purchase of goods produced in Ghana include the launch of the made-in-Ghana campaign and logo in 2014 by the country’s Trade Ministry. Even though the government has made several attempts to promote the use and purchase of made-in-Ghana goods, research shows that most of the goods used in Ghana are imported from other countries. In the apparel industry, most of the products are imported from countries outside the African continent. There is evidence that the reason for this phenomenon is that imported clothes come at a higher quality than clothes made in Ghana. The aim of this research was to find out the level of knowledge about Total Quality Management among local dressmakers and to find out what accounts for the difference between the quality of clothes made in Ghana and those from other continents in order to understand fully why imported clothes are purchased in larger volumes than locally made clothes. The findings of this research showed that local dressmakers have knowledge about some TQM concepts and some international fashion standards but had problems abiding by these standards because of lack of access to capital.

Source: Ashesi
Trade liberalization and its effect on locally manufactured goods: The case of PZ Cussons Ghana Limited

The trade liberalization policy was introduced in 1986 as part of Ghana‟s economic recovery program. Trade liberalization is a policy that seeks to remove all trade practices that impede the free flow of goods and services from one country to another. Practices that deter trade include tariffs, duties and other non-tariff barriers. This thesis discusses the impact that the policy of trade liberalization has had on the marketing of locally manufactures goods in Ghana using PZ Cussons Ghana Limited as a case study. Specifically, a comparative study of the marketing strategies and profits of PZ before and after liberalization was executed. Results of the study suggests that in the pre liberalization era PZ Cussons concentrated solely on sales management where efforts were mainly geared towards increasing sales output with little promotional effort. However, in the post liberalization period, PZ Cussons employed network marketing as its primary strategy to keep ahead of the competition. The introduction of trade liberalization created a competitive environment which positively influenced the marketing activities of PZ Cussons Ghana Limited. However, PZ‟s performance under the trade liberalization was under-mined by unfair competition from rival companies who evade taxes and engaged in bribery at the ports at the borders of Ghana. The research therefore highlights the importance of versatility in a company‟s strategy mix in order to thrive in the changing Ghanaian policy environment.

Source: Ashesi
Understanding Consumer Behavior in Paid OTT Media Adoption Among Generation Z in Ghana

Generation Z is gradually taking over the majority of the market share. Their demographic is more popularly associated with the arts and cultural scene. Paid OTT streaming services have also recorded large spikes in patronage, especially the giants such as Netflix and Amazon Prime. With Generation Z’s market share growth, it is essential to study their purchasing behavior and consumer preferences to inform business and marketing strategy. Various researchers have researched to understand the influences to subscribe to these services, but limited research has been performed based on a specific demographic or consumer type. Even less research has been conducted in countries outside India and the USA. This study was performed to understand Gen Z consumer behavior in Ghana through paid OTT media services. This study was primarily qualitative but included quantitative aspects to support and represent the data collected. Findings revealed that among factors such as convenience, variety of content, and peer recommendations, ease of access and control significantly influence their OTT media consumption patterns. Additionally, cost concerns, especially regarding the high exchange rates, play a crucial role in their subscription decisions.

Source: Ashesi
Understanding the Drivers of Retention Among Generation Z and Millennial Employees in the Ghanaian Workforce

The research seeks to thoroughly analyze the retention factors in Gen Z and millennial employees in the Ghanaian work environment, taking into consideration the accompanying factors of private and public sectors. Employing a qualitative approach, paired with an interpretivist research paradigm, this study aims to reveal the special attributes, views, and types of jobs of these two generational cohorts. To achieve this goal, this research employed in-depth interviews, focus group discussions and questionnaire survey. The study also reveals, generational differences and factual context influence how the employees experience their jobs in the public sector vs the private sector. Results are intended to give organizations operating in Ghana practical cases that could be useful for making retention policies based on the different generations and local issues. The study hopes to widen the scope of the HR manager's knowledge about the complex connections among different generations and some factors to pay attention to regarding retention.

Source: Ashesi
Understanding the implication of changing levels of inflation on standard of living in Ghana

This paper explains how standard of living in Ghana is affected as inflation changes from time to time. The need for such understanding has become relevant considering the dramatic fluctuations of inflation in Ghana especially in 2012. Additionally, inflation happens to be one of the most keenly discussed indicators in Ghana even though it is not clear whether its meaning is not lost on those who love to talk about it. Furthermore, available literature does not only lack context-specific studies for Ghana; the literature also fails to agree on a common conclusion on the subject Real GDP per capita and Human Development Index are used as indicators of standard of living. Employing a quantitative framework, the research uses regression and sensitivity analyses to explain the theoretical relationship between inflation and standard of living in Ghana, as well as determine the sensitivity of standard of living to inflation. Using data for the period of 1980-2012 mostly obtained from the World Databank, the analyses performed establish that there is a significant negative statistical relationship between inflation and standard of living in Ghana. However, Inflation accounts for only a portion of changes in standard of living. This paper also proves that standard of living increases in sensitivity to inflation as inflation rate rises. The study asserts that it is important to maintain a low stable rate of inflation in Ghana. The study also recommends indexation of salaries to prevent social problems such as strike actions. Furthermore, it highlights the need to make more public other indicators such as unemployment and poverty to give a better indication of the welfare of Ghanaians. With regards to further research, the study advises the use of other determinants of welfare to identify other factors that affect standard of living, and the use of primary data to determine the applicability of the theory established to reality.

Source: Ashesi
Understanding the motivation and circumstances of kayayei in the Ghanaian economy: The kayayei experience

Kayayei is an occupation in Ghana that involves carrying items in the market from one place to another for a fee. Kayayei is not a crime neither is it an immoral act, but the social, economic and health issues associated with the work makes it dangerous. A lot of interventions have been created in the north but the kayayei phenomenon is increasing. This research sought to understand the motivations and circumstances that influence women from the north to migrate to the southern part of Ghana to work as kayayei rather than engage in the various interventions that have been established for them. Using a qualitative approach, data was collected from people from Sherigu, Sumbrugum and Zaare, all in the Upper East region through interviews and questionnaires. The convenience sampling method was used and the sample size for the questionnaires was 50, and 15 out of them were interviewed. From the data collected, some of the circumstance to migrate include crop failures, few opportunities, rural poverty, inability to save, low wages as well as inadequate jobs. Also, some of the motivation to migrate include, the promise of greener pastures, job opportunities, ability to save and peaceful environment. Most importantly, some of the challenges with the interventions included lack of proper planning, lack of constant supply of raw materials, bias/corruption, low wages and inadequate jobs. It was recommended that the various initiatives should be evaluated before they are set up. Also, the minimum wage in Ghana should be enforced by the government in the various interventions.

Source: Ashesi
The use of visual advertisement in gaining a competitive advantage: A study of the mobile telecommunication industry in Ghana

The main focus of the study is to find out how mobile telecommunication providers use visual adverts to gain a competitive advantage. To understand visual advertising and how it affects the consumers‟ choice of mobile phone brand, it is important to examine the mechanisms used to capture the consumers‟ attention and to understand the specific part of the adverts that appeal to the consumers. The survey results generated useful insights on this subject matter. Questionnaires to customers and interviews with business executives of some selected companies were also conducted to source the views of how companies use visual advertisement to appeal to customers and gain a competitive advantage. Results indicate that the mechanisms used such as humor, a sense of „realness‟ and simplicity are essential variables in attracting and appealing to new and existing customers. It was realized that even though consumers like simplicity in the visual adverts, they pick on little pieces of detail. It was also realized that when certain advertising mechanisms and techniques are used it appeals to the human psyche and sticks in minds The study will be useful on the whole for companies who want to reach their consumers via visual advertisement. It is also useful for companies who want to use visual adverts to gain a competitive edge over their competitors. Based on the insightful findings, they will find this project very useful.

Source: Ashesi
Using Anime As an Educational Tool to Influence The Development of Self-expression, Communication and Servant Leadership

Anime, a genre of animation originating from Japan, gained international recognition during the late 1980s and early 1990s due to the success of television series such as "Dragon Ball" and "Sailor Moon." This thesis examines the potential of anime as an effective self-learning tool to impart knowledge on topics such as servant leadership, self-expression, and communication. A research approach that integrates concepts from education, media psychology, and Greenleaf's servant leadership framework is characterised using a qualitative research design. Anime is an unparalleled self-learning instrument that fosters enhanced individuality and imparts insights into the virtues of servant leadership. Because of its varied narratives and profound character development, it is an effective resource for teaching and learning about effective leadership and communication. This research addresses a significant gap in existing literature, which frequently neglects to recognise the educational benefits of anime in developing these essential skills in non-traditional educational settings. The study employs thematic analysis of qualitative data to demonstrate how anime can augment viewers' capacity to articulate themselves, communicate proficiently, and embrace servant leadership attributes. The results indicate that anime is a distinctive and influential medium that effectively captivates learners and fosters essential interpersonal skills crucial for thriving in a globalised society. This thesis explores the use of anime as a tool for educational innovation, showcasing its ability to enhance self-learning experiences and emphasising its value for personal and professional growth.

Source: Ashesi