ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Caricature Painting on Royal Palm Trees

More revelations are being made. Older theories are giving way to new theories and new theories are giving way to the expected and the unexpected. We solve old problems with new solutions and new solutions create new problems because old problems are insoluble, thus leaving residue in new solutions. The following thesis transforms a report on a practical painting project (‘Caricature Painting on Royal Palm Trees’) to a dissertation on ambiguity of life’s long-held inklings. It begins with a rather uncommon introduction; and introduction of questions; a debate which involves everybody and implores the reader to ask questions she never asked. It would be noticed that the writer uses the pronoun ‘we’ in diverse ways. Sometimes it means ‘all of us’; sometimes it is used in place of Africans; other times in place of ‘artists’ and so forth. A review of literature related to the practical project and a survey of the writer’s earlier experiments follows under the heading, ‘What Have Others Done, What Have We Done?’ The Chapter takes the reader through references to other artists, their attempts at related projects, and references to the writer’s earlier experiments, oeuvre, and how these led to ‘Caricature Painting on Royal Palm Trees’. The word ‘Artist’ with capital ‘A’ is used to mean the writer or the man who undertook the above- mentioned project. It is different from ‘artist’ (with small ‘a’) which means every artist’. In the third chapter, we are taken through description and interpretation of the paintings on the living palm trees. The writer concludes with analysis of positive and negative reactions of people towards the project and also the expected and unexpected. This is why this chapter has the heading ‘Where Have We Come To?

Source: KNUST
Caricature painting on royal palm trees

More revelations are being made. Older theories are giving way to new theories and new theories are giving way to the expected and the unexpected. We solve old problems with new solutions and new solutions create new problems because old problems are insoluble, thus leaving residue in new solutions. The following thesis transforms a report on a practical painting project (‘Caricature Painting on Royal Palm Trees’) to a dissertation on ambiguity of life’s long-held inklings. It begins with a rather uncommon introduction; and introduction of questions; a debate which involves everybody and implores the reader to ask questions she never asked. It would be noticed that the writer uses the pronoun ‘we’ in diverse ways. Sometimes it means ‘all of us’; sometimes it is used in place of Africans; other times in place of ‘artists’ and so forth. A review of literature related to the practical project and a survey of the writer’s earlier experiments follows under the heading, ‘What Have Others Done, What Have We Done?’ The Chapter takes the reader through references to other artists, their attempts at related projects, and references to the writer’s earlier experiments, oeuvre, and how these led to ‘Caricature Painting on Royal Palm Trees’. The word ‘Artist’ with capital ‘A’ is used to mean the writer or the man who undertook the above- mentioned project. It is different from ‘artist’ (with small ‘a’) which means every artist’. In the third chapter, we are taken through description and interpretation of the paintings on the living palm trees. The writer concludes with analysis of positive and negative reactions of people towards the project and also the expected and unexpected. This is why this chapter has the heading ‘Where Have We Come To?’.

Source: KNUST
The Case for Environmental Planning for the Accra-Tema Sub-Region

Since the early nineteenth century, when the industrial revolution took off, industrialization has been regarded as the panaceas to underdevelopment, the key to the improvement of living standards of societies. The economic development of the advanced countries can be largely attributed to their industrial programmes viz. West Germany, Britain, Japan, U.S.A, France and U.S.S.R. industrialization has therefore been adopted in most developing countries including Ghana.

Source: KNUST
Cash Management of Rural Banks: the Case of Adonten Community Bank (January 2005-December 2005)

This paper examined the cash management policies and techniques of rural banks in Ghana. The researcher designed the research to look at the float management techniques, collection techniques disbursement control and investment of idle cash. Specifically, relevant data from the Adonten Community Bank within the period of Ist January 2005 to 31st December 2005 were collected using a questionnaire. The data collected was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The following are the arguments that the paper uniquely put forward after the analysis o the empirical data: that the collections and disbursements activities of the rural banks did not create any float; that disbursements were always higher than collections; that the difference collections and disbursements was very significant; that there was no relationship between collections and disbursement. These findings imply that the banks' working capital will soon * diminish to the extent that management will have to use retained earnings or raise debt or equity capital to finance its operations. Interestingly, the findings did not support an earlier assertion that collection and disbursement activities generally create float. In addition, the findings also sharply contrast the assumption that collections should exceed disbursements at all times. The researcher believes that the greatest limitation of this paper is perhaps the use of only one rural bank; therefore, the findings may not be reflective of all rural banks in Ghana.

Source: KNUST
A case for the introduction of computer graphics into the senior secondary school visual arts graphic design programme in Ghana

The computer has become an indispensable tool in our day to day activities. It makes human beings work with comfort and lessens the time used to calculate, gather, arrange and store data, and retrieve information. In Education, learning with the computer at every level provides teachers and students the opportunity to explore the world and learn at their own pace. For the teacher in particular, the computer serves as a powerful and reliable instructional resource whereas students can use it both as writing and a drawing tool. It is for this reason outlined above that it is very imperative for the proposition of Computer Graphics to be included in the training of visual artists in the Senior Secondary Schools in Ghana The Demonstration method of research was deemed suitable and the purposive sampling method was used to narrow the selection of students for the pre-testing exercise involved in the study. The computer hardware and software can be considered as a subject for study and as a tool to be used in education as well as in the design process to increase students’ interest in the design process. The study has shown that computer graphics as a modern technology will make the learning of concepts and skills very easy and let performance become easier for students. This will make the study of graphic design in particular and art educations in general enviable since it will equip its students with the necessary techniques that will help students face the challenges posed by modern day advertising and communication. CoreIDRAW, Microsoft Word, Office, Microsoft Works, and PowerPoint are easy to learn and their introduction into the Senior Secondary School Visual Arts Programme would enhance the capabilities of students in designing and that would make them efficient to fit into the job market.

Source: KNUST
A Case Study of Fiaseman Rural Bank Limited at Prestea/Huni-Valley District in Western Region of Ghana

The study investigates the accessibility of credit facilities among small-scale farmers of the Fiaseman Rural Bank Limited in the Prestea/Huni-Valley District in the Western Region of Ghana. The study used primary data obtained from one hundred and twenty (120) farmers and twenty-five (25) management members of Fiaseman Rural Bank through the use of structured questionnaire. Awareness of credit facilities among small-scale farmers interviewed was high among respondents however; several factors hindered their accessibility to these credit facilities. High interest rate charges limited farmers’ access to loan whilst high risk associated with agriculture was the highest constrain faced by the Fiaseman Rural Bank Limited in granting loans to farmers. Loan size of less than 500 Ghana Cedis was mostly granted to small-scale farmers. The empirical result from a Probit regression model showed that marital status, family size, interest rate, income of household head and the value of collateral were the major factors influencing farmers’ access to credit. Marital status, family size and the value of collateral positively affects credit accessibility whilst interest rate and income of household head influences credit accessibility negatively

Source: KNUST
Cash flow ratio analysis and financial performance of listed firms in Ghana.

Cash inflows and outflows are the lifeblood of and the key determinant of firm value. Also, cash as the lifeblood of any business means, it is a vital component required for effective management. The current study is motivated by the lack of an updated approach to appraising financial profitability which may not present the true nature of the growing economy of Ghana thus, the need for a robust approach to enhance the appeal to investors. Financial analysis based on standard ratios, such as return on assets and net sales to income, can often overestimate or underestimate financial results, leading to a flawed assessment of a company's financial health. Therefore, this study uses cash flow ratios as a more reliable method to determine how much revenue a company has produced. This study aims to evaluate the impact of cash flow analysis on the financial performance of listed firms in Ghana. The sample consists of 16 firms quoted on the Ghana Stock Exchange, covering the period from 2012 to 2021. Data were obtained from secondary sources, and financial performance was assessed using regression analysis. The study found that cash flow from financial activities has a significant impact on the performance of listed firms measured by return on equity (ROE). The study recommends that listed companies in Ghana adopt cash flow analysis as a robust method to evaluate financial profitability. This approach can increase the attractiveness of these companies to potential investors in Ghana's growing economy.

Source: KNUST
Cash management practices of three selected listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (Produced Buying Company Limited, Unilever Ghana Limited and Ghana Oil Company Limited)

The firms cash management practices which manage working capital in the form of cash receivables from customers, inventory holdings and cash payments to suppliers are inexorably linked to the firms operations and performance. However, this subject is often not given the adequate attention in many firms. This therefore ends up affecting the performance of such firms in the long run. The main objective of the study was to investigate the effect of cash management policies of Produced Buying Company, Unilever Ghana and GOIL Ltd. The study used structured questionnaires and the annual financial report of PBC, Unilever Ghana and GOIL Ltd between 2012 and 2013 for the study conducted. The methodology adopted to investigate this was basically survey approach, using descriptive and ratio analysis with common size income statement for the year ended 2013, from questionnaires with a total sample of 100 respondents from these three firms and their annual financial reports. The study found that, the firms with clear-cut cash management policy who are able to match policies with operational requirement and the automation of the cash management processes helped to improve their performance. The study concluded that a cash management policy that reduces operating expenses and the general administrative expenditures helps to improve financial position of the firms. Again, according to the study conducted centralization and streamline of company accounts receivable, accounts payable, inventory holdings and cash payment to supplier processes helps to reduce inconsistencies in business operations and improves performance in the long run.

Source: KNUST
CASH MANAGEMENT PRACTICES: A STUDY ON RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES FOR KWAME NKRUMAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS.

This study was conducted to gain information on current cash management practices of the various Halls and Hostels that provide accommodation for Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) Students. Purposive sampling technique was adopted to select the respondents for the study and data was collected mainly through the use of questionnaires. The data collected was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study revealed a worrying situation as unlike the practice in Halls of Residence, majority of the Hostels studied do not adhere to good cash management practices in terms of proper cash planning, control and disbursement. The study also highlighted some factors that pose as a challenge to effective cash management in both facilities which includes inadequate information on avenues to invest cash surplus and finance cash gaps; the seasonal nature of their major cash inflow against all-year-round cash disbursement and the unfavourable economic conditions prevailing in the country. The Researcher recommends a closer partnership between the University and the Hostel facilities by providing training and support on cash management issues for owners and managers.

Source: KNUST
Cashless banking in Ghana. ―a case study of Cal Bank Limited

Banks introduced IT as an alternative banking to the use of cheques, cash and other negotiable instruments. With IT, banks are able to offer customer friendly and convenient products and services. IT has significantly changed the transaction process in the modern global economy, thereby, meeting the growing demands of customers, organisations and clients of organisations. It is in light of this development that this work sought to study cashless banking in Ghana with CAL Bank Ltd. as a case study. The study adopted a mixed methodology of both quantitative and qualitative techniques to answer the set of research questions. Questionnaires were developed to gather data from both staff and customers of CAL Bank Kejetia Branch in the Kumasi Metropolis. It was found that customers makes use of all other cashless products the bank offers but mostly uses the CAL Visa Card service and that the majority of the respondents were satisfied with the bank’s cashless banking services and are even willing to recommend the bank to new customers. Though customers face some challenges using the services, they stated that helplines and complaint email address help in efficiently addressing challenges and thereby boosting bank responsiveness. It is recommended that banks should invest in promoting and expanding the cashless banking system. Apart from reaping financial benefits, this system will also ensure they are able to meet customer satisfaction levels while competing with both the local and foreign markets. Banks should also be innovative in developing more products and services that will promote a cashless system of banking.

Source: KNUST
Casting of life-size figure of babies in aluminium

Sculptures over the years have survived to reveal the cultures and expressions of many generations. Sculpture in effect tells history and spells out people’s way of thinking, dressing, religion, values and beliefs and in fact their way of life. The survival of sculptures however, depends largely on the kind of materials they are made of. Permanency, for which this project work is aimed at to achieve, requires technological advancement to experiment with aluminium as a material to cast a life size human figure. It is my opinion that, this project report, in spite of limited equipment and advanced technology, will come out successfully. The research delved into the use of aluminium for casting life-size figures of babies, this called for attempting different approaches to the methods of casting to arrive at the objectives. Experiments conducted also covered various materials such as Plaster of Paris, sand, and grog for mould making. In order to fulfill the objectives of the research, local equipment were also employed to prove the possibility of casting life size figures locally.

Source: KNUST
Casting sculpture with clay mould

During my twenty-three years post-graduation experience as an art teacher and a practising sculptor, I have identified two problems that prevent the Ghanaian sculptor from making substantial impact in his society. A vist to our art galleries, national and regional museums, parks, art centres, cultural centres, or a drive through the national and regional capitals will reveal a lot to attest this assertion. There are only little to see on’sculpture in terms of monuments, busts, statues, fountains, landscape sculpture, architectural sculpture and so on. Ghanaian sculptors scarcely participate in exhibitions. But this is not so with other fields such as painting, textile or Ceramics. The first problem is that, sculpture processes are by nature very slow arid laborious. A sculptor really toils to have a work completed. With the peculiar poor nature of Ghana’s economy, a sculptor can hardly be wholly devoted to the creation of sculptures in a situation where the populace has problems in acquiring basic life necessities. Even if he starts, he will soon give up the practice and seek other ventures that offer better economic rewards. Another problem confronting the Ghanaian sculptor is material restriction. There are some materials that are not locally produced but are indispensable in executing special works. Plaster of Paris, the traditional mould material is an eloquent example. Its non-existence often cripples the creation or the completion of works that involve casting. There is a need to find an alternative material for plaster of Paris so that even in its absence, sculpture involving casting could be undertaken. I have observed that clay, which is in abundance in. the country, takes surface impressions of objects in the same details as plaster of Paris does. Most often we see trails of lorry tyres and footprints of persons and animals clearly marked on wet clayey road surfaces. (Plates 1 and 2). I have also observed that clay is capable of being pressed into slabs, rolled into coils, squeezed into moulds or twisted into different shapes. These characteristics suggest to me that, if carefully handled, clay can be used as a mould material for casting. In this research therefore, I have explored the potentials of clay as a possible mould material for casting. The result proved very successful. I have discovered that clay, which has been with us for ages and has found its uses in diver’s fields of human endeavour is also as perfect mould material. The presentation of this report is simple, describing a step by step approach to the processes used. Every step employed is supported by a photograph to make comprehension easy. I hope that the results of this project will go a long way to simplify some of the laborious casting processes as well as provide available local material for increased production.

Source: KNUST
Catchment yield studies for water supply schemes, using- Mampong water supply catchment as a case study

In Ghana catchments that have contributed raw water for water supply projects are undergoing great landuse changes such as deforestation, urbanization and cultivation. Manifested consequences on supply schemes have - raised expressed concerns .The situation calls for a review of the traditional approaches to the prediction of future yields for water supply projects. However, the enormous influence of catchment landuse on the characteristics of raw water supply sources has still not dawned on many. It has, therefore become necessary to sensitise engineers and planners on the need to incorporate future landuse as a factor in hydrological studies for water supply schemes. This study sought to achieve the above by evaluating the effects of catchment landuse on the availability of surface water from a selected catchment. Catchment yields were estimated on the basis of identified and predicted landuse scenarios, and a rainfall runoff model developed by the United States Soil Conservation Service. The following are some of the findings + The direct total runoff from the catchment is currently about eight times the value when the catchment was much like a virgin forest (1960), + The value when the catchment is fully urbanized further develops, and gets more impervious will be thirty - two times the initial value. These results show that current dry season flows are lower than dry season flows when the catchment was mainly forest. They also show that the dry season flows will further reduce .when urban landuse tends towards more imperviousness. Thus the streams will gradually lose their perennial character and become intermittent. Then, larger reservoirs, and more robust dams will be required if dry season water demand are to be met. In addition provision will have to be made to curb the consequences of higher flow rates and flooding. Obviously therefore, out water supply projects could fail, if we continue to base plans on yields estimated by methods that do not give due regard to possible changes in catchment landuse.

Source: KNUST
Cattle bone as jewelry material

The research explored and established what makes cattle bone as a jewelry material. The materials for producing jewelry are metal, wood, plastic, seeds, and shells. These materials may be havoc to unsustainable environmental pollutions. Conversely, cattle bone as waste in our environment in terms of properties bone is durable, shine, brittle, light in weight, can be dyed in an attractive creamy color which can be worn on the human body. Silver, gold, copper, bronze are metal materials which let people mine to get an income, but destruct our natural environment and pollute the water bodies, land degradation as a result of the building collapsing and aquatic poisoning. Also, cutting of trees to get wood results in forest degradation too a burden on government to pay. Plastic melts in order to produce earring also results in atmospheric pollution and burning of the artist at work as a health hazard to the entire environment. The researcher employed the qualitative research methods. The survey research method was used to explore the interest of the jewelry sellers and users and type of material for jewelry. An experimental method was used to understand the nature of cattle bone, select, create and test the prototype jewelry products. The researcher recommended the use of cattle bone for body jewelry as a form of waste for environmental sustainability and encouragement to Ghanaians and beyond.

Source: KNUST