ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Managing Risks in New Product Development Projects in the Food And Beverage Manufacturing Industry in Ghana

New product development projects in the food and beverage sector have a host of risks that should be managed to ensure project success. This study’s purpose was to determine the risk management practices within the food and beverage manufacturing industry in Ghana during new product development and how the risk management practices influence the success of new product development projects. This study adopted both qualitative and quantitative research approaches. This was because two of the study’s objectives required the collection of qualitative data, while one other objective also required quantitative data to collectively answer the research questions. The study’s data were analysed using both qualitative and quantitative data analysis tools. NVivo was used to analyse the qualitative data while Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version 26) was used to analyse the quantitative data. The study revealed that political, environmental/climatic, regulatory, market, technological/technical, operational, competitive, supply chain, financial, performance, and credit risks as some of the main risks associated with new product development initiatives in Ghana’s food and beverage industry. This study also revealed that risk management practices positively and significantly influence the success of Ghana’s new product development projects at various stages of the new product development process. Managers can, therefore, use these insights to bolster the success of their new product development projects by improving their risk identification and analysis strategies; tailoring risk management practices across product development phases; and aligning their risk management practices with international standards like ISO 31000.

Source: UCC
Managing Sodic Soils: The Role of Organic Amendments

A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of organic amendments in managing sodic soils for crop production. Soils sampled from Cape Coast industrial area, opposite Ameen Sangari Industries Limited, were used in the study. In preliminary studies, wastewater discharged from the soap making industry contained pH of 11.2, EC of 4.37 dS m-1 and ESP of 60.4. Soil used in the study had the following properties: pH of 8.7, EC of 3.7dS m'1 and ESP of 18.0. A pot experiment was then conducted in which saw dust biochar (SDB), palm fiber biochar (PFB), poultry manure biochar (PMB) and poultry manure (PM) were applied to the sodic soil. Gypsum amendment and a control (soil only) were included for the purpose of comparing results. All amendments were applied at the rate of 4.78 t ha-1. Amended soils were incubated at room temperature. The incubated soil was weekly sampled for 6-weeks for laboratory analysis. From the results, organic based amendments reduced soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC). The same amendments significantly (P = 0.05) increased soil Ca+2 and Mg+2, with SDB registering the highest increase. Increases soil Na+ and K+ were marginal and statistically insignificant (P = 0.05). PFB recorded the highest CEC at week 6. SDB and PFB reduced soil sodicity below the minimum threshold of ESP 15. SDB recorded the highest OC increase at week 6. PMB released the highest amount of available P. Insignificant (P = 0.05) increases were observed for soil NH4+-N and NO3乙N. SDB and PFB recorded 90 % and 80 % maize seed germination and also, 10.1 t ha'1 and 8.7 t ha'1 dry matter yields respectively. No maize seed however germinated in the control and all other amendments.

Source: UCC
Managing stress among library staff in public university libraries in Ghana

The study investigated the management of stress by public university library staff in Ghana. The major purpose was to identify strategies that are employed by public university library staff to manage the stress they experience. One hundred and forty-four (144) respondents were sampled for the quantitative phase using the Fisher et al. (1998) formula for determining sample size, but for the qualitative phase nine (9) management staff were chosen. Purposive, simple random and convenience sampling techniques were employed. Questionnaires and interview guides were used as research instruments to gather relevant data for the study. Descriptive statistics, inferential statistics and thematic analysis were used as statistical tools to analyse the data. The study showed that indeed the library staff in public university libraries has a lot of stressful job events. However, it was indicated that library staff also adopt numerous coping strategies such as taking time off work and leave, positive thinking, building a strong human relationship and going for counselling in an attempt to manage their stress

Source: UCC
Managing the human resource at the Volta river authority : An examination of training programmes of non-engineering staff

This study examined training programmes outlined for non engineering staff in the Volta River Authority (VRA) and if adequate training is being given to this category of staff. It also seeks to find out if there is any point of reference by which training is done, and how systematic is the training programme. The research also seeks to determine if any serious training need analysis is being done. The study design used for this research was exploratory. It was also a case study, concentrated on one company. Data needs and sources were primary and secondary, and included the administration of questionnaires, interviews of five managers, internet search, library search from books and journals. Secondary data used were mainly documents from the organisation. The data gathered were analysed using descriptive statistics, and presented using tables and charts. The findings of the study indicated that training needs of staff were identified before nominations for training. Courses attended were mainly off-the-job and were beneficial and relevant to their jobs. It was concluded that staff gained knowledge, skills, and a change in their work attitudes. The study also revealed that non engineering staff of the VRA received as much training as their engineering counterparts. Among the recommendations was the need to consider other forms of training apart from off-the-job training, On-the-job training is strongly recommended for non-engineering staff. A comprehensive training need analysis is recommended at all levels with the active involvement of the trainers, managers and the staff, to facilitate the determination of the appropriate need for training.

Source: UCC
Managing the maintenance of rural water supply facilities in the Builsa district

In Ghana, the issue of managing the maintenance of water supply facilities still remains a big problem in rural water provision. One of the recurring issues in rural water supply is how to ensure sustainability of water supply facilities. The main objective of this study therefore, was to examine the maintenance structures as they exist for the effective management of water supply facilities in the Builsa District. The research was a non-interventional study, and using simple random sampling, five percent (5%) of the total number of hand-pump communities in the District were selected. The administration of questionnaires, in-depth interviews, observations and focus group discussions (FGDs) were used to solicit data from the field. It was found that lack of cooperation or collaboration among stakeholders, inadequate logistic support, bureaucratic processes at the District Assemblies, lack of commitment and embezzlement of funds on the part of committee members, inadequate means of transport and lack or bad access routes to some of the communities, and high attrition rates were some of the major constraints. Additionally, poor financial mobilization and management did not guarantee readily available funds for pump maintenance and repairs. The study therefore recommends the provision the requisite financial and logistical support for the DWST. Women, who are mostly the water users, should be empowered to play active role in the maintenance system.

Source: UCC
Managing the Paradigm Shift to E-Learning in Distance Education (A Case Study at CoDE, UCC)

This study sought to find out how e-learning staff in the College of Distance Education of University of Cape Coast (CoDE, UCC) are prepared and vested in the management of paradigm shift to e-learning. Diagrams of Educational Management Paradigm of the past and that of today were looked at. There have been a number of earlier comparative studies e.g. Peter’s(2003) which indicate that paradigm shift includes a transition from modern curricula to post-modern curricula. The population for the study consisted of all 15 staff of CoDE in UCC who are managing the e-learning platform. All the 15 staff were used as the sample for the study. The instrument used for data collection was an interview guide. Data were analysed using themes. All the respondents agreed that e-learning platform is a forum for knowledge sharing and it is also a space for collaboration and interactivity. They also agreed that the Goal of e-learning is to create a transformative learning environment. They also stated that they have the skills in implementing e-learning at CoDE in UCC. However, their main challenges were that students are not given the chance to control e-learning platform. It is recommended that staff should be very clear about their multiple roles they are prepared for and take on while implementing e-learning. The staff should also have the corresponding changing role-related skills and competencies in order to provide high quality platform for distance learners.

Source: UCC
Managing traffic congestion in the Accra Central market, Ghana

Traffic congestion is a major phenomenon in most Ghanaian cities, especially in market centers resulting in massive delays, a decrease in productivity and reduction in sales. Therefore, the study sought to assess the management of traffic congestion in the Accra Central Market. The study employed an exploratory design to sample 300 respondents through the administration of questionnaires. In-depth interviews were conducted with four officials of management institutions in Accra. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v 21 whereas the qualitative data was manually analyzed. The study revealed that bad attitude of drivers, traders, and pedestrians, Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and poor road designs were the main causes of traffic congestion. The effects of traffic congestion are decreasing sales and productivity and cause stress. The study recommends public education, strict enforcement of road traffic regulations, and provision of adequate parking spaces to help manage traffic congestion in the Accra Central market

Source: UCC
Managing uncertainty in medicine quality in Ghana: The cognitive and affective basis of trust in a high-risk, low-regulation context

Where regulation is weak, medicine transactions can be characterised by uncertainty over the drug quality and efficacy, with buyers shouldering the greater burden of risk in exchanges that are typically asymmetric. Drawing on in-depth interviews (N = 220) and observations of medicine transactions, plus interviews with regulators (N = 20), we explore how people in Ghana negotiate this uncertainty and come to trust a medicine enough to purchase or ingest it. We identify two mechanisms – attempts to mitigate uncertainty through seeking observable signs of quality and attempts to reduce informational asymmetry – that underpin cognitive assessments of a medicine's trustworthiness. However, these ‘cognitive’ forms of trust assessment have limited traction where uncertainty is high and trustworthiness remains unknowable, so a third mechanism comes into play: one based on affective relationships within which transactions are socially embedded. Even these, however, cannot eliminate uncertainty, because of the dispersed and under-regulated nature of wider supply chains. In conclusion, we reflect on the need for careful research on actors' practices and decision-making across supply chains to inform more effective policy and regulation.

Source: UCC
Managing Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (Wash) Facilities in Basic Schools Within the Mfantseman Municipality, Ghana

ABSTRACT Inadequate Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) facilities in schools has serious health implications on children, especially girls and students living with disabilities (UNICEF & WHO, 2020), which may contribute to unequal learning opportunities (Adams et al., 2009). Hence, it is important to ensure effective school hygiene interventions and strategies to protect the lives of these children. This study seeks to examine the management of WASH facilities in basic schools within the Mfantseman Municipality of Ghana which is ranked among the least in terms of access to WASH facilities and academic performance (UNICEF & CDD-Ghana, 2018). The theoretical basis for this study was the Sanitation Behaviour Change Framework (SaniFOAM). The pragmatic philosophy, convergent parallel mixed method and descriptive design were employed. A total of 368 students, with four stakeholder heads and 16 head teachers (as key informants) were selected for the study. The data was analyzed with Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 22.0, and supported by manual analysis of the themes from the in-depth interviews and field observations. The findings revealed that pupils have satisfactory hygiene behaviour just that the WASH facilities are inadequate. Also, the findings indicated that Ghana Education Service (G.E.S) provides the logistics to schools for maintenance and teachers supervise the students to clean the facilities, based on a duty roster and sometimes as punishment to offenders. It is recommended that G.E.S, parents, teachers, government, and all stakeholders should ensure adequate provision of WASH infrastructure and interventions in schools to promote healthy and satisfactory sanitary practices of the pupils at all times.

Source: UCC
Mangroves Ecosystem Services of the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve: Diversity, Anthropogenic Stressors and Sociocultural Importance

Mangroves are coastal ecosystems present in many coastal states in tropical Africa, Asia, and America. Information on their benefits in marginally studied areas is essential to improve the global understanding of their importance and the threats thereof. This study therefore evaluated the ecosystem services delivered by mangroves in the Mono Transboundary Biosphere Reserve (MTBR) (Togo-Benin), and their associated threats and contribution to livelihoods and wellbeing. Data were collected using the mixed method approach via focus group discussion (n= 14), household survey (n= 274), in-depth interviews (n= 17) and expert-based survey (n= 10). Data collected were analysed using Habitat Risk Assessment model (InVEST), negative binomial Generalized Linear Model, and simple probability of likelihoods. Results showed that fifteen ecosystem services and seven associated threats were recorded in Togo, while twenty-one services and six associated threats were reported in Benin. In the reserve Benin’s mangroves are not at risk whereas 58% of mangroves in Togo are under medium risk and 42% are under low risk. differences in the local communities’ perceived diversity, importance, and threats to mangrove ecosystem services between the two countries. Sensitization activities should be intensified in Benin and livelihood options provided in Togo to protect mangroves in the reserve.

Source: UCC
Manifestations and outcome of severe malaria in children in Northern Ghana

Abstract. The symptoms of severe malaria and their contribution to mortality were assessed in 290 children in northern Ghana. Common symptoms were severe anemia (55%), prostration (33%), respiratory distress (23%), con- vulsions (20%), and impaired consciousness (19%). Age influenced this pattern. The fatality rate was 11.2%. In mul- tivariate analysis, circulatory collapse, impaired consciousness, hypoglycemia, and malnutrition independently predicted death. Children with severe malaria by the current World Health Organization (WHO) classification, but not by the previous one (1990), showed relatively mild clinical manifestations and a low case fatality rate (3.2%). In hospitalized children with severe malaria in northern Ghana, severe anemia is the leading manifestation, but itself does not contribute to mortality. In this region, malnutrition and circulatory collapse were important predictors of fatal malaria. The current WHO criteria serve well in identifying life-threatening disease, but also include rather mild cases that may complicate the allocation of immediate care in settings with limited resources.

Source: UCC
Mapping local patterns of childhood overweight and wasting in low- and middle-income countries between 2000 and 2017

A double burden of malnutrition occurs when individuals, household members or communities experience both undernutrition and overweight. Here, we show geospatial estimates of overweight and wasting prevalence among children under 5 years of age in 105 low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) from 2000 to 2017 and aggregate these to policy-relevant administra- tive units. Wasting decreased overall across LMICs between 2000 and 2017, from 8.4% (62.3 (55.1–70.8) million) to 6.4% (58.3 (47.6–70.7) million), but is predicted to remain above the World Health Organization’s Global Nutrition Target of <5% in over half of LMICs by 2025. Prevalence of overweight increased from 5.2% (30 (22.8–38.5) million) in 2000 to 6.0% (55.5 (44.8–67.9) million) children aged under 5 years in 2017. Areas most affected by double burden of malnutrition were located in Indonesia, Thailand, southeastern China, Botswana, Cameroon and central Nigeria. Our estimates provide a new perspective to researchers, policy makers and public health agencies in their efforts to address this global childhood syndemic.

Source: UCC
Mapping of noise risk zones derived from religious activities and perceptions in residential neighborhoods in the Cape Coast metropolis, Ghana

Ambient noise levels emanating from religious activities in residential neighborhoods are an emerging environmental problem that reduces little attention from enforcement agencies and policy makers in Ghana. This paper set out to quantify religious noise exposure in urban residential neighborhoods in the Cape Coast metropolis of Ghana. Subjective annoyance levels of residents in selected communities were determined. Noise risk zones were mapped using ARCGIS 9.3 software and surface interpolation for the data was carried out using inverse distance weighting. The results show that most(77and86 percent) of the locations recorded noise levels that were above the Ghana Environmental Protection Agency maximum permissible limit for day and night, respectively. Pearson’s correlation coefﬁcient for day and night noise exposure shows strong association (0.714) at the 0.01 level. There is variability in the levels of noise for both day and night, which are rather high (standard deviation¼ 7.59477 and 7.94022, respectively). Generally, levels of noise exposure correlated with levels of annoyance of residents, except that the highest noise exposure was not recorded in the community where the annoyance level of residents was highest. Residential neighborhoods within the study area largely experienced safe to tolerable levels of religious noise, although 5percentwerewithinthehigh-riskzone. Given that the selected residential area shave high population densities, even when the dispersion of noise risk is spatially limited, it affects a large number of people who belong to different socio-economic classes

Source: UCC
Mapping soil quality at Baifikrom small scale irrigration scheme in the central region of Ghana

Continuous irrigation has been observed to degrade soil quality, through leaching of soluble and colloidal materials, development of saline conditions and breakdown of soil structure. Evaluating the quality of soils give information on the current soil condition as has resulted from previous soil management practices such as continuous application of fertilizer, and direct future management practices to sustain the soil ecology. Soil physical parameters (aggregate stability); Chemical parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, extractable P, exchangeable K) and Biological parameters (organic carbon and microbial respiration) were selected to represent three soil indicators: soil degradation, nutrient cycling and crop productivity, respectively. These indicators were set to estimate soil quality. A raster interpolation for all the parameters and a reclassification of these raster maps was constructed in ArcGIS using all parameter maps to produce soil quality index (SQI). The highest SQI class ranged from 4.9 to 15.9 and the lowest class ranged from 0 to 1.5. Of the 11 plots, five had medium SQI while four had low SQI. Medium soil quality supports vegetable production; however, there is the need to improve pH and organic carbon content of the soils.

Source: UCC
Mapping the Incidence of School Dropouts: A Case Study of Communities in Northern Ghana

This paper examines the issue of school dropout in six communities in the Savelugu-Nanton District in the Northern Region of Ghana. The study focused on 89 children (64 boys and 25 girls) aged 7–16 years, who had dropped out of school. A snowballing sampling method was employed to recruit participants to the study. Two researchers interviewed the children using semi-structured interview schedules over a period of three weeks. School dropouts were asked to tell their own stories about their schooling experiences and the factors which led to them leaving school. From their accounts dropping out of school appears to be the result of a series of events involving a range of interrelated factors, rather than a single factor. The complex nature of the processes leading to dropout demands input from various actors (i.e. teachers, head teachers, parent-teacher associations, school management committees and community members) to detect and address at-risk factors early in order to reduce the likelihood of dropout.

Source: UCC
The Marital life of Prophet Hosea and its Implications for Ghanaian Clergy

The study is couched from the biblical perspective and is about the marital life of the Prophet Hosea and its implications for Ghanaian clergy. The purpose of this study is to find out the historicity of the Prophet Hosea, his marital life and how he managed the challenges that came his way and draw implications for the Ghanaian Clergy. I used Hermeneutical method and my Hermeneutical tool which represents my research design is Reader – response criticism. With this design, I was able to read and respond to the issues raised in the text as a real reader and come out with the meaning of the text from my own experiences, values and suppositions. The meaning I derived from the text (Hos. 1:1-3:5), did not suffer much subjectivity because I was guided by the text. With the Reader – response criticism, I sought to find out what there are for the historical perspective of Hosea, did he really live as a historical being on earth? Did he really marry a prostitute and face some challenges just as people are bound to experience in mundane life situation? How did he manage his marital challenges and what are some of the implications for Ghanaian clergy? The answers to these questions formed the basis of my research work. I found out that Hosea really lived as a prophet in Israel and that my study can be added to the stock of knowledge. I also found out that Hosea married a prostitute and that his wife, Gomer, was a prostitute before he married. Also, there is a relationship between selection of marriage partner and stability in marriage. Hence, the Ghanaian clergy should be careful who they marry.

Source: UCC