ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Assessing the determinants of internal audit effectiveness in some selected higher learning institutions in Ghana

Public finance management’s effectiveness is very significant for achieving economic stability and growth thus reducing poverty in the country’s economy. Lack of effective management of financial resources might result to poor operational performance, reduce effectiveness and also decrease the financial stability of public sectors. Public officials are therefore expected to recruit individuals with financial knowledge and capabilities to undertake effective auditing to help promote and enhance efficiency in business activities. Thestudy sought to assess the determinants of internal audit effectiveness in some selected higher learning institutions in Ghana. The study adopted quantitative research approach and survey questionnaire. The filed data were analyzed using SPSS version 23. The study found that 79.6% changes in internal audit effectiveness were explained by the independent variables used in the study, the remaining 20.4% changes in internal audit can be related to other factors which were not considered in the study. The study found that internal audit staff competency is a significant determinant of effectiveness of internal audit; independence of internal audit is a significant determinant of internal audit effectiveness; and management support of internal auditing is a significant determinant of internal audit effectiveness. The study recommends that internal auditors should be professionals, proactive, have sufficient and professional knowledge, attend regular educational seminars and ensure effective interactions with their management to enable them enhance the competencies of internal audits operations in the public sector.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the dropout rate of the expanded programme on immunisation in Asutifi District.

The induction of an immune response to infectious disease by vaccination has become a widely applied and acceptable public health intervention. For immunisation to be effective as a long-term global childhood disease control strategy, it is essential that parents continue to present their children for vaccination. A recent study in assessing the dropout rate of immunization has shown that, immunization coverage in Asutifi District has been high with percentage of fully vaccinated children ranging between 95% in the district and 90% to 97% in the sub-districts. There is an account of high dropout rate of eligible children receiving the vaccines in the sub-district above the National and WHO, recommended level of dropout rate less than 10% (WHO, 2005). The aim of the study was to determine the dropout rate of the Expanded Program on Immunization to assess the ability of the service to hold on to the number of children who started the vaccination. A descriptive cross-sectional survey among a representative sample of 300 children between the ages of 12-23 months from households with varying socio-economic status from both urban and rural sub-districts was done to illicit information on the immunization coverage. Approximately 95% of children under the age of two had been completely vaccinated. Averagely about 40% of eligible children in the district had timely received vaccines during EPI programme. Seventy seven percent of children receive their vaccination at the outreach post. The vaccination schedule showed that 4.4% who started BCG vaccination dropped out as at the time of receiving measles vaccine. The dropout rate for DPT1 and DPT 3 was 0.67%. More than 62% of mothers do not present their children for vaccination because they are busy with their economic activities and 31.25% of household are unaware of the need to return for subsequent doses. These shortcomings are affecting the sustainability of routine immunisation programmes and are promoting the growth of a large number of partially immunised children. To protect the continued operations and to enhance the coverage of routine vaccination programmes, it is important that the dropout rate and these difficulties be addressed. The dropout rates for children in the sub-district are between 5% and 10% signifying differences in how each sub-district is able to hold the number of eligible children who were targeted for vaccination. Generally the dropout rate indicates that the efficiency of the service delivered during EPI programme in the sub-district differ from one sub-district to another. The difference that exist in the dropouts within the sub-districts demonstrate a service delivery gap and suggest that greater efforts are required by government and the district health management team to rethink of resource allocation and strengthening processes to improve immunization coverage among rural poor.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the determinants of exchange rate behaviour in Ghana

The study sought to investigate the determinants of exchange rate behavior in the economy by specifically assessing the short run and long run impact of inflation, interest rate and real GDP on nominal exchange rate, using the Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model on time series dataset on quarterly series from 1970Q1 to 2012Q4. The study found that inflation did not have any significant impact on the behavior of the exchange rate in both the short run and long run. Money supply and the real GDP on the other hand, were significant in the behavior of exchange rate both in the long run and short run. Interest rate was significant in the short run but not in the long run. Whiles interest rate was significant just in the short term but did not matter in the long run. The study found that an increase in money supply causes appreciation of the cedi in the short term but gradually lead to depreciation in the long run. Whiles the real GDP causes depreciation in the short run but eventually causes appreciation of the cedi in the long run. Money supply becomes a crucial target in the long run but real GDP is crucial in the short run when it comes to stabilization of the domestic currency. The study also found that, the change in the exchange rate regime from the fixed to the floating did not have significant impact on the trends in the domestic currency.

Source: KNUST
Assessing The Determinants Of Internal Audit Effectiveness In Some Selected Higher Learning Institutions In Ghana

Public Finance Management’s Effectiveness Is Very Significant For Achieving Economic Stability And Growth Thus Reducing Poverty In The Country’s Economy. Lack Of Effective Management Of Financial Resources Might Result To Poor Operational Performance, Reduce Effectiveness And Also Decrease The Financial Stability Of Public Sectors. Public Officials Are Therefore Expected To Recruit Individuals With Financial Knowledge And Capabilities To Undertake Effective Auditing To Help Promote And Enhance Efficiency In Business Activities. Thestudy Sought To Assess The Determinants Of Internal Audit Effectiveness In Some Selected Higher Learning Institutions In Ghana. The Study Adopted Quantitative Research Approach And Survey Questionnaire. The Filed Data Were Analyzed Using SPSS Version 23. The Study Found That 79.6% Changes In Internal Audit Effectiveness Were Explained By The Independent Variables Used In The Study, The Remaining 20.4% Changes In Internal Audit Can Be Related To Other Factors Which Were Not Considered In The Study. The Study Found That Internal Audit Staff Competency Is A Significant Determinant Of Effectiveness Of Internal Audit; Independence Of Internal Audit Is A Significant Determinant Of Internal Audit Effectiveness;And Management Support Of Internal Auditing Is A Significant Determinant Of Internal Audit Effectiveness. The Study Recommends That Internal Auditors Should Be Professionals, Proactive, Have Sufficient And Professional Knowledge, Attend Regular Educational Seminars And Ensure Effective Interactions With Their Management To Enable Them Enhance The Competencies Of Internal Audits Operations In The Public Sector. Key Words: Internal Audit, Audit Effectiveness, Higher Learning Institutions Inghana

Source: KNUST
Assessing the Ecology of Wetlands in Kumasi and the Adaptations of the Communities to Floods

In an attempt to maintain wetland sustainability, it is important to manage anthropogenic activities on wetlands. Due to the ever increasing population, wetlands are abused by society leading to degradation. This research aimed at studying the ecology of wetlands in Kumasi and the adaptations of the wetland associated communities to flooding. The wetland areas namely Aboabo, Ahinsan, Atonsu, Asokore Mampong, Bantama and Kwadasu Estates and the associated land uses were delineated and their physicochemical and heavy metal characteristics analyzed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. With the aid of questionnaire, the adaptations to flooding by wetland communities were studied. Results showed an increased trend for urban development (70%) with non-forested vegetation and wetlands suffering the consequences. High variation existed among some physicochemical parameters (TDS, temperature, conductivity, dissolved oxygen and salinity). pH was neutral to alkaline. The study showed that land use activities that take place in wetlands in Kumasi and its environs have negative effect on the functioning of the wetlands. Most of the streams are being used as waste disposal sites causing the wetland areas to flood in the least rain. The communities adapt to flooding by dredging the streams, creating embankment at the shoulders of the stream and sweeping away the flood water and in extreme cases vacate their home only to return after the flood subsides. It has become difficult if not impossible for city authorities to enforce the statutory laws of urban development and thus demolish buildings that flout these laws.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the distribution strategies of beverage companies in Ghana and its impact on sales performance: a case of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL)

For most firms, distribution strategy is a key decision for building a successful business. Many companies have built lasting competitive advantages through their choices of distribution strategies. Against this background the study examined the distribution strategy of a single beverage company in Ghana. Data was collected from distribution managers of Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) as well as its key distributors and wholesalers across the country. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires and structured interview guide. The questionnaires were administered to officials of the company’s key distributors, wholesalers and retailers. The interview was conducted among distribution managers of GGBL. The structured questionnaires were analysed quantitatively with the use of SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Scientists) while the interview data was transcribed and presented. The findings revealed that the company uses a form of indirect distribution strategy where key distributors, wholesalers and retailers play active role in the distribution of the company’s products to final consumers. The study further found that the current distribution strategy of the firm has significant impact on the company’s sales target, volume and profit. However, the findings revealed that channel conflict, logistics constraints and difficulty in managing the various distribution channels are some of the challenges associated with the firm’s distribution strategy. The study recommends among others that the company should give some form of support to key distributors to enhance their capacity to store and transport the company’s products to retailers and final consumers.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the economic burden of urinary Schistosomiasis among household members in Wassa Amenfi District

Schistosomiasis is a communicable disease caused by the adult form of a long fluke that belong to the genus schistosoma. Infection with any of the 5 species of schistosorna worm is rarely fatal but the resulting organ damage is progressive, leading to chronic illness and complications in adult life. It ranks second to malaria in terms of socio-economic and public health importance in the tropical and subtropical areas. It is estimated to affect between 200 and 300 million people in 79 countries. In Ghana, urinary and intestinal forms of the disease are common. It is a frequent cause of absenteeism from school by pupils and from work by carers. The study objectives were assessing trend of urinary schistosomiasis reported at Asankragwa Catholic Hospital from 2001 to 2003, estimating the total cost of disease among households and describing the actions by households to manage costs. Evaluation of direct medical and non-medical and indirect costs was carried out retrospectively among hundred households with a member who has suffered urinary schistosomiasis and had received treatment at the Catholic Hospital at the district capital These households were selected using simple random and purposive sampling. Direct medical cost obtained at the District Hospital included cost due to registration, consultation, laboratory test and drugs. The direct non-medical cost which was prospectively obtained using an interview guide were cost of travel to the health facility, food bought by the accompanied person and the sick whilst seeking care and cost of labour hired by the households in the absence of the member. The indirect costs, foregone earnings by the sick and accompanied person were calculated using the wage rate approach. Urinary schistosomiasis is perceived as the commonest water related disease in the study area and affects mainly 10 to 14 year age group. The reported cases at the out-patient seem to be decreasing, though insignificantly, from 3.38%, 3.35% and 3.32% for the year 2001, 2002 and 2003 respectively. Average direct medical cost was ¢45,700.00. The component of drug in this cost was ¢30,800.00 per episode. Average costs of transport per household were ¢13,424.52, 16% of the total directs cost Average costs of hired labour was ¢20,200.00 per household. This is about 11 % of average village daily wage. Food purchased was on the average ¢4,567, 53% of total non- medical cost. Average total direct costs were ¢83,791.00 per episode per household. On the average each household lost 1.15 days per episode which translates to an amount of ¢20,642.00 per day per episode, 13% higher than the average village daily wage. As a coping strategy, savings were used to meet the cost involved. Urinary schistosomiasis imposes a high economic burden on households in Wassa Arnenfi District and is likely to result in delay in seeking help from appropriate sources.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the economic performance of cocoa agroforestry in Ghana

In Ghana cocoa occupies a key position in terms of foreign exchange earnings and domestic incomes, as well as being the major source of revenue for the provision of socio-economic infra-structure. Agroforestry is an important category of agriculture that provides potential benefit to farmers, communities and society at large with a wide array of forest-related goods and services. The main objective of the study was to assess the economic performance of cocoa agroforestry in Ghana. The analysis is expected to assess the relative attractiveness of the various shade levels to cocoa farmers as well as to the society. Research data were collected by the means of Focus Group Discussion, household structured interviews and in depth case study. Data were analyzed through quantitative economic methods and models. The results of the present research indicated that the medium and low shade levels were financially viable whiles high shade level and full sun plantation were not profitable. However, to the society cocoa agroforestry production had a positive impact on the overall welfare of the society irrespective of the shade level. There also exist some barriers to the adoption and the motivation of existing cocoa agroforestry system in Ghana, including, inadequate education on; the benefits derived from the inclusion of shade trees in cocoa plantations, which species to plant and how to plant them, tenure ship and logging as well as compensation for destroyed crops are possible threats to the realization of the full benefit of the cocoa agroforestry system.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the economic viability of the slash and char system for carbon sequestration and agricultural productivity: a case of smallholder maize farmers in Ghana

This thesis looked at the viability of the slash-and-char system under smallholder maize production in Ghana, with a particular reference to the slash-and-burn practice which leads to increased Green House Gas emissions. Analysis is made for carbon sequestration using biochar under a maize production system for three locations in Ghana. The study, shows that carbon sequestration through the slash and char system for maize production is not a profitable alternative to the slash and burn system, both in the short term and in the long term from the perspective of the farmer. For both short and long term agricultural decisions, the farmer would not adopt the slash-and-char practice relative to the slash and burn practice. The proposed carbon sequestration practice is only profitable from the farmers‟ point of view if there is an incentive scheme for maize farmers. However, the slash-and-char system is a profitable alternative to the slash and burn practice from the view point of the society. The study therefore recommends that farmers should be motivated to adopt the carbon sequestration practice since it leads to a net positive impact on the economy in terms of national income and clean environment. It is further recommended that such incentives should at least be more than the farm income forgone as the farmer changes from the slash and burn practice to the slash and char practice.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effect of branding on consumer behavior in telecommunication companies in Ghana.

The general objective of the study is to determine the effect of branding in the Ghanaian telecommunication companies on consumers’ buying behavior within the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana. The study adopted a quantitative researcher design. Data for the study were gathered from both primary and secondary sources. The study employed convenience sampling technique to select 200 respondents to administer the questionnaires. The data were analysed using SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The study discovered that an unprecedented majority of the respondents had adequate knowledge on these branding strategies. Although some respondents acknowledged that branding is about logo, service quality, pricing, coverage image, signage and slogan. A whopping majority seem this as combination of all the above. The study had also discovered that branding has a significant association with branding and customer buying behaviour. The study revealed that brand loyalty has positive and significant association with customer buying behaviour. Brand awareness also has positive and significant association with customer buying behaviour. Finally, perceived quality and brand association has positive and significant association with customer buying behaviour. The study is therefore recommending that telecommunications conduct regular scientific studies to identify measure to improve and sustain their brand. These could be customer survey on the particular brand or brand performance assessment. Moreover, customer satisfaction is very vita in to attract and retain customers especially in the telephony business environment where competitions among firms are very intensive and unabated. Customer services such as complains handling, waiting time and customer relationship management must be given a maximum attention.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effect of branding on the performance of bottled mineral water producing companies in Ghana

There has been a high influx of many brands of bottled water in the Ghanaian market over the decade but a few have been competitive. This work was carried out to determine the effect that branding has on the performance of bottled water producing companies in the Ghanaian market. Price, as a factor, was revealed not to be of much influence on customer choice of bottled water, as much as poor taste, colour or odours in water were. The study also revealed that 5 out of the 32 bottled water companies command about 80% of total market shares presently, leaving the other companies struggling to be competitive. This was the motivation for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative approaches were employed for the study. A sample size of 275 respondents comprising of 175 consumers, 50 distributors/retailers, 40 employees and 10 managers, 2 each from 5 selected bottled water companies were selected using convenience sampling. The work was analysed using comparison of means as the tool. The Lack of platforms for consumer feedbacks, inadequate training and capacity building of employees and distributors, quality standard adherence challenges, poor distribution of products constitute some of the main findings of the study. These factors establish that strong branding has a positive relation with performance of the companies in terms of their growth, market share and profitability. It is clearly revealed that branding of bottled water basically bother on quality. The study recommends that a more customer-focused approach is adopted to ensure quality standards to appeal to consumers. Also, an integrated approach to ensuring the promotion of brands by enhancing flow of information along the supply chain to address the performance gap. It is also recommended that, sufficient resources be allocated for brand promotion and quality management in bottled water companies.

Source: KNUST
Assessing the effect of credit appraisal system on Profitability: a case study of Access bank Ghana Limited.

This study assessed the effect of credit appraisal system on the profitability of Access Bank Limited. The study made use of the descriptive research design in its methodology as questionnaires were administered to thirty (30) employees of Access Bank (Adum Branch) through the convenience sampling technique. The findings of the study deduced that, the factors that influence access to credit at Access Bank comprise the collateral value of the borrower, the cash flow of the customer, creditworthiness of the customer and also customers’ having an account with the bank. The steps involved in the credit appraisal process involved the opening of an account by the customer, operating the account for a period not less than six months in order to evaluate the cash flow and creditworthiness of the customer, the collateral value of the applicant which must be a landed property and also assessing the purpose of the credit facility. With regards to the credit control indicators at Access Bank, the following were identified in their order of magnitude (from highest to lowest): collateral value, cash flow statement, creditworthiness, guarantors and geographical limit. The study also found that the profitability levels of Access Bank had been on the increase due to the lower percentages of bad debts which ranged from 2.01% in 2010 to 0.1% in the year 2014. The credit appraisal system of Access Bank has contributed to profitability since it helps to evaluate the eligibility criteria of applicants by ensuring that only qualified applicants are given credit facilities. Furthermore, Access Bank has a strong monitoring and evaluation team that monitors the activities of applicants operating higher risk ventures before credits are given to them since such businesses attract higher interest rates of loans given out to them. There is also the existence of a strong loan repayment team that enforces the effective repayment of loans by customers thereby reducing the rate of non-performing loans at Access Bank. The study therefore recommended the need for Access Bank to continually review and strengthen its credit control indicators and processes and improve on them upon discovering mishaps.

Source: KNUST