ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Exploring the determinants for successful implementation of donor-funded projects in Bono Region of Ghana: A case study from the agricultural sector.

Funds from donors have been of great importance to many developing countries, as it brings out great opportunities and benefits for the development of a country. Based on this, the study aimed to explore the determinants for successful implementation of donor-funded projects in Bono region. To achieve the goal, the following objectives were noted, these comprises; the extent to which the implementation of donor funded project has been successful, identify factors that hinders implementation of Donor funded projects, and to identify the determinants for successful implementation of Donor-Funded projects in Bono region. The quantitative technique was selected in conducting the study. The purposive and the convenience sampling technique were used for this study, in which the study was limited to 5 Agricultural donor agencies in the Bono region, and by the use of the convenience sampling technique, (10) questionnaires were distributed to respondents who were available and prepared in each agency to answer questionnaires given, based on this, the researcher obtained a sample size of 50. Results of data gathered were 42, which was used in conducting the research analysis. Data analysis was successful by the use of two analytical tools, which includes; the Relative Importance Index and the Mean score ranking. From the first objective, factors that were ranked as the extent to which the implementation of donor funded project has been successful were: Planning and Management of project are often effective and aids in successful implementation of project, all projects objectives achieved during donor projects and also, project targets at every stage is successfully achieved. In the second objective, the main factors that hinder implementation of Donor funded projects were; Poor management of key stakeholders, Inadequate timing of funds disbursement and social-cultural obstacles that bring differences during the execution of project. Lastly, factors ranked as determinants for successful implementation of projects includes; Good management of stakeholders, availability of qualified project staff at all times, project monitoring, and lastly frequent meetings with key stakeholders e.g. opinion leaders. and with the knowledge and assistance of respondents, all factors well ranked accurately. This helped in presenting the determinants for successful implementation of donor-funded projects, through which the main aim of the study was attained.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the effect of the implementation of value for money on construction projects performance in Ghana

The implementation of VFM in Ghana is challenged and highly ineffective. This affects the performance of the project. The aim of the study was to assess the effects of the implementation of Value for Money on construction project performance in Ghana. The study had three (3) objectives which were to identify the significant factors that affects VFM in construction projects in Ghana, to assess the critical challenges in achieving VFM in construction projects in Ghana and to identify the significant strategies to improve the achievement of VFM in construction projects in Ghana. The study adopted the quantitative research method and survey strategy. A review of literature was conducted on the set objectives and subsequently, a structured questionnaire was developed to aid in the collection of data. A total of 59 questionnaires were used for the analysis. The data collected were analyzed using mean score ranking and multiple regression. With the objective one, the first ranked factor was sufficient skills and expertise followed by the level of competition and the accurate assessment of project cost. With the second objective, cost performance was affected most by VFM. This was followed by quality performance. With the third objective, the most severe challenge was unclear client objectives. This was followed by poor risk allocation and lack of knowledge and awareness of VFM tools. there is a lack of awareness of some VFM tools. Based on the findings, it was recommended that, project managers should continuously educate themselves so as to gain more expertise in VFM implementation. Also, project managers must put in more effort to adequately understand the requirements of the client before the commencement of a project so as to enhance the achievement of VFM. Further studies can be conducted to evaluate the impact of VFM on project performance using the Structural Equation Modelling (SEM)

Source: KNUST
Exploring the Economic Effects of Industrial Fires in Ghana A Case Study of Manufacturing Industries in Tema Metropolis.

This study is aimed at exploring the economic effects of industrial fires (A case study of manufacturing industries in the Tema metropolis). It undertakes a review of accidental fires and its economic effects on industrial buildings. Advocates argue that industrial accidental fires have huge effects on the economy. The objective of the research was to identify the causes and economic implications of fire outbreaks in industrial buildings. Hence, the specific objectives included: to identify major causes of industrial or institutional fires; to identify the economic loss of fire outbreaks in industrial buildings; and identify preventive measures to avoid fire outbreaks in industrial buildings. The research design was survey research which employed both quantitative and qualitative tools. The qualitative method involved the use of open-ended questionnaires whiles the quantitative procedures involved the use of closed-end questionnaires etc. Data collected from the survey was analyzed using descriptive statistics (cross tabulation, percentages, etc). Simple random sampling technique was employed as a means to select respondent industries. Respondents were made up of senior officers especially safety officers in manufacturing industries. The sample size was seventeen (17) manufacturing industries in Tema. The survey revealed that, the major cause of accidental fires in manufacturing industries was overheating of equipment. It was also realized that manufacturing industries despite their importance in the economy were faced with a lot of challenges. Some of these were temporary relocation of firms and increase in payments of insurance premiums as a result of accidental fires. Lastly the study revealed that the best ways to prevent accidental fires in industrial buildings included compliance with safety standards during designing and construction of houses and industrial structures or buildings.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the effect of work environment on project success in josan steel industry limited in Kumasi.

The fundamental issue in project management is managing effectively the project triple constraints in the whole life cycle of project to increase productivity. At the same time, environment of work is seen as a major characteristic, which affect project management structure. The current study explored the linkage that exist between environment of work and project three dimensional constraints (Time, Cost, Scope) of projects of the Steel Company. The conceptual framework compose of remuneration and reward, satisfaction of job, security of the job, and hours of work as elements of work environment of work and project triple constraints time, cost and scope as the dependent variable. The study targeted ninety (90) employees of Josan Steel Industry Limited. 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 steel company 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 the employees of Josan Steel Industry. The study used Yamane (1967), sample size calculation to arrive at seventy-three (73) respondents constituting all employees in Josan Steel Industry, with an alpha level of 5% and a confidence level of 95% to gather data for analysis. The data generated was analysed using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression technique to determine the significance the independent variables has on triple constraint variables. Descriptive statistics was used to test the data. The study concluded by saying project triple constraint – time, cost and scope are significantly determined by work environment. The study found that remuneration and reward has significant positive relationship with project triple constraints and also job satisfaction has positive relationship with project triple constraints. It was clear that without good work environment project triple constraint is affected negatively. The recommendation the study gave was that managers of project must be equipped with the practical and real areas of management of project in that all difficulties associated with project triple constraints must be known. Programs of training for teams of a project are relevant, in connection to behavioral improvement of workers. Again, the study suggested that other researchers focus on the real physical environment factors and how these influence project triple constraints

Source: KNUST
Exploring the effects of motivation on employee retention: A case study of Internal Revenue Service

The importance of motivation in retaining core employees cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore keeping the best employees continue to remain a challenge for most managers. The study aimed at exploring the effects of motivation on employee retention. The Internal Revenue Service, Upper East Region, was selected as a case study organization with the entire members of the organization (48) constituting the sample size for the study. Both primary and secondary data were used in the study. Self-administered questionnaire were primarily used in collecting data from respondents although interviews and situational observations were made to have a first-hand insight about the natural day to day operation and working environment of the Service. A selected number of managers, senior as well as junior staff were also interviewed as part of the data gathering process. Data collected were subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS) software. According to the study 70.8% of the respondents said that they were not satisfied with their current motivation packages. Respondents strongly agreed that good manager-employee relationship can cause core employees to be retained. About 81.2% of the respondents were not satisfied with the mode of selection for training and development and has led to feeling of inequity, de-motivation and labour turnover. It is therefore recommended that Internal Revenue Service should establish appropriate selection criteria that would ensure a fair balance in the selection of staff for training and development; ensure that all staff are promoted on time; and that Internal Revenue Service sets aside funds to provide incentive bonuses to hardworking districts. The study also recommended that a competitive and attractive salary should be provided by management in order to retain the core employees of IRS.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the effects of personality traits on employees at Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (Kma)

Personality traits are extremely important in today’s competitive organisational setting. Employees individually possess diverse personality traits that may influence negatively or positively their performance of jobs assigned to them. It is therefore important that managers and organisational members take into account these important individual differences because realising these traits will help managers and colleagues to deal with employees’ job performance. This research was therefore conducted to look into the impact of personality traits on job performance in the Public sector with Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) as a case study. One Hundred and Fifty (150) of both senior and junior staff from the various departments under the KMA was used as the sample for the study. The study relied on both primary and secondary data. Data was analysed quantitatively using Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS).The study revealed that the Five Factor Model of Personality, whose dimensions are Neuroticism, Conscientiousness, Agreeableness, Openness to Experience and Extroversion was seen to be exhibited by every employees, group within Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. The study further revealed that Conscientiousness and Extroversion were the major predictive factor which has a positive correlation with job performance. Therefore for work to be performed effectively and efficiently the Human Resource Manager should look out for employees with Conscientiousness and Extroversion traits and assign them duties first before those with other character traits are considered. Again in recruitment and selection Human Resource Managers should not only consider the academic qualification of applicants, they should move a step further by exploring their personality.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the effects of local community Involvement in the implementation of Government funded projects

The involvement of local communities is a very significant part of recovery for any community and its projects. In regard to this, the study went into exploring the effects of local community Involvement in the implementation of Government Funded Projects. The objectives of the study which helped in attaining the main aim of the study were; to examine the extent of local communities’ involvement on government funded projects, to identify factors that will ensure local communities involvement in government funded projects, and lastly was to identify effects of local communities’ involvements in government funded projects. The research adopted the quantitative strategy. Data was obtained using questionnaire and base on the purposive sampling technique and the Yamane formulae, the study selected fifty-two (52) project managers including other construction professionals D1K1-D4K4 construction firms. Data from respondents was analyzed and presented using Microsoft Excel software’s and the data was further analyzed using the Mean score ranking and the Relative Importance Index. Results from the first objective came out as; about fourth-fifth percent of the respondents took a great extent in involving local community members and the rest did that partially, which proved how relevant this study will be to the respondents in aiding them to know how to manage and involve local community members. The second objective resulted as follows; The initial point which is essential is to recognize the leaders of the community in order to develop a very significant relationship between management and the community, also by giving the community a higher level of motivation to encourage them in involving themselves in community projects and lastly management must also completely educate the community about the aims of a development project, in making the know how relevant it is to support the project development. The rest of the factors were also ranked in this manner which presented certain important factors that can help in enhancing the involvement of local communities’ members. The last objective also resulted as follows; Community participation is key to the success of any given government funded project and also it builds the tendency to associate, establish link and live peacefully with each other and cooperate well. These elements were presented from literature as the effects of involving local community members, which can also lead to a successful project delivery.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the effects of social capital on managerial effectiveness: A case study of Ghana Statistical Service

The study sought to explore the effects of social capital on managerial effectiveness in the Ghana Statistical Service. The research design adopted was exploratory. The population was comprised of staff and management of Ghana Statistical Service in six regions of Ghana, namely, Ashanti, Western, Central, Eastern, Brong-Ahafo and Greater Accra regions. Convenience sampling was used to select staff and purposive sampling for six managers. Data were analised using frequencies, mean, standard deviation, t-test and a multiple regression analysis. It was found out that multiple sources of social capital exist at the GSS. Some of these sources are; organizational norms, effective collaboration among members, managements’ respect for subordinates, willingness to share knowledge, among others. These had a positive impact on the three dimensions of social capital, namely, cognitive, relational and structural. The study also showed a high level of all the three dimensions of social capital at the GSS. However, the study revealed a weak correlation between the antecedent factors and the cognitive dimension of social capital. The study also revealed a moderate relationship between the antecedent factors and relational dimension on one side and the antecedent factors and structural dimensions on the other side. The social capital further affected positively the level of managerial effectiveness, namely, subjective performance, organizational context performance and managerial behavior performance. It was therefore concluded that social capital had a positive impact on the managerial effectiveness of GSS. Based on the findings of the study it was recommended that an effective collaboration between the staff and management must be enhanced. Sufficient funds must also be made available to carry out programs geared towards enhancing social capital staff and management of GSS.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the extent of use and adoption of free and open source software in a tertiary Institution in Ghana (Case study of KNUST)

The emergence of the information and mass communication age has brought to light the irrevocable important role that information, knowledge as well as technology play in facilitating the socio-economic development of a country. The use of ICT to develop, deploy and delivery services that enable efficiency at the work place is catching on in developing countries such as Ghana yet there is still so much that is needed to encourage the use of such technologies. Most of the software that are used in many educational institutions are proprietary and users need to pay for user licenses from the software owners. This research seeks to explore the potential of the adoption of Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) based on a framework developed from FOSS and Diffusion of Innovation theory in one of the leading tertiary educational institution in Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University Science Technology (KNUST). The study examined the extent of adoption and use of Free and open Source software at KNUST, FOSS innovations considered by KNUST, the challenges faced by KNUST in the adoptions and use of FOSS, possible solutions and finally a recommendation on critical issues to be considered for the effective implementation of FOSS innovations. A qualitative study with case study design was done. The study interviewed 12 permanent IT professional employees of the university, 22 national service personnel, 59 students randomly selected from specific colleges and 3 lectures. Also 500 out of the total 3000 plus computers that exist in the study area were randomly inspected to determine the operating environment as well as the type of FOSS user applications that were installed on them. The findings indicated that, although the advantages of FOSS for KNUST far overshadow the disadvantages of migrating from the operating platform, FOSS adoption was very low than what the study expected. Additionally in terms of cost, features specifications and support for the current hardware FOSS provides the alternate solution. However, KNUST's FOSS adoption and use has been a failure due to a wide variety of reasons notably among them are poor student and lecturer educational awareness, the inability of the university to adequately support the ICT staff to implement FOSS innovations, and an ICT policy which is not well elaborate on the use alternate operating environment at the university. Challenges to implementing FOSS initiatives at KNUST ranged from inadequate ICT infrastructure at the study site, poor ICT skills of most lecturers as well as students. There were also inadequate funds for the ICT staff to implement alternate systems such as FOSS initiatives. The results of this research are expected to make a THEORETICAL and/or PRACTICAL contribution to IS knowledge in proposing a Standard Operating Environment model based on FOSS and Dol.

Source: KNUST
Exploring the factors that influence decision making in tendering for government of Ghana project – A case study of the Adentan and Ga East Municipal Assembly

The Government of Ghana remains the largest investor in the construction sector in Ghana, delivering much needed infrastructure projects under its development agenda. Construction companies are partners in this process as they bid for these projects to deliver them. Since the government will continue to procure the services of consultants and contractor to execute projects, construction companies will always be required as partners in this process. Construction companies do not only bid for any government project simply because it has been advertised, but also there is a decision-making process that is undertaken. Thus, this study was undertaken to evaluate the factors that influence the decision-making process of construction firms regarding the decision to bid for governmental projects. The objectives were to identify the decision-making processes used and the factors that influenced the decisions. The study made use of quantitative strategy using the census sampling method was used. One hundred and twenty-five (125) questionnaire were administered to construction firms registered with the Adentan and Ga East Municipal Assembly. The questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics and mean score indexing. The study revealed that construction companies do not impulsively bid for any government project nor rely on intuition to make the decision, but rather have to depend on experience, past data from previous projects and organise pretender meetings to evaluate the factors of projects they wished to bid for. With regards to the factors that influence the decision to bid for a project, the study revealed that the most significant included the client identity and financial standing, level of competition, project complexity and technological requirements. It was recommended that construction companies must invest in their capacity so they can increase their chances of winning governmental projects

Source: KNUST