ghanaopendata/ghanaian-research-english huggingface dataset:
Developing a System for Multi-Level Internet Marketing, Enterprise Application (Itechmedia)

Multi-level marketing (MLM) is a marketing strategy in which the sales force is compensated not only for sales they personally generate, but also for the sales of others they recruit, creating a downline of distributors and a hierarchy of multiple levels of compensation. Most commonly, the salespeople are expected to sell products directly to consumers by means of relationship referrals and word of mouth marketing. The paper’s intention is to deal with the issues of the comprehensive multi- level marketing integration. It is a conceptual view over the different aspect of the integration process on different levels. The author presents some basic principles of internal and external integration of the marketing inside and outside the business systems. It is suggested an integration methodology to be used for the conceptualization and development of the -integration process. Another aspect of the paper is the presentation of models for vertical and horizontal markets and marketing integration beyond the boundary of the business systems. Some of the problems of marketing networking process are also discussed in the article. This paper again presents some issues of e-commerce adoption by SMEs in Ghana. It highlights findings from a series of semi-structured interviews with the SME managers in Ghana concerning the impediments of adopting and implementing e-commerce in the organizations. The findings reveal that SMEs do not embrace e-commerce because there are skeptical with some of the e-commerce components. Among the barriers include lack of knowledge in e-commerce; not interested with fancy stuff; irrelevant to their businesses; and influenced by the failure rate of their peers. Results are discussed and some implications for the management are made.

Source: KNUST
Developing a three-term improved circuit theory (ICT) algorithm and Computer-Aided design (CAD) for Co-Planar Dipole Array Antennas

The use of antennas in wireless and satellite communication systems has necessitated antenna research in the area of the development and implementation of new efficient computational algorithms and other analysis techniques to aid in the design of antennas. The Improved Circuit Theory (ICT) method for multielement antennas is one of such analysis techniques. As a contribution towards the building of an advanced National Information and Communication Infrastructure (NICI) in Ghana, the study proposes an efficient ICT method of analyzing coplanar multielement wire antennas to aid in the design of antennas to support the NICL To achieve the proposed efficient ICT method, the conventional two-term ICT method was modified to include a third trial function to develop a Three-term ICT algorithm known as TTICT. A trial function analysis was carried out to select an appropriate third trial function from a list of known trial functions which together with the two Storer functions of the conventional ICT algorithm were used to derive two more elements of the new generalized input impedance matrix of the TTICT which is necessary for the implementation of the ICT method. For any length of the dipole elements of a parallel co-planar dipole arrays, these trial functions which are used in the current distribution equation of the ICT algorithm do not simultaneously vanish at the feed point thereby expanding the valid dipole elements lengths of a parallel co-planar array to arbitrary dipole elements lengths to which TTICT applies. TTICT was validated by applying it to analyze two parallel co-planar dipole arrays namely Yagi-Uda and Log-Periodic Dipole Arrays (LPDA). The accuracy of the results of the input impedance and the radiation characteristics computed with TTICT are n good agreement with those computed with the Method of Moment (MoM). Moreover, all the new formulas of the TTICT algorithm including the radiation pattern expression are expressible in closed form TTICT still presents an ICT algonthm that is superior in terms of computer running time and lesser storage space compared to MoM. TTICT algorithm thus provides a relatively very efficient method for the analysis of parallel co-planar dipole array antennas of arbitrary dipole elements lengths and would therefore be found useful in computer-aided design and computer-aided engineering (CAD/CAE) systems for the analysis of parallel co-planar dipole array antennas where response time is paramount.

Source: KNUST
Developing a training package to improve herbal eye care amongst traditional medical practitioners in Offinso District, Ghana

Traditional Medical Practitioners (TMP5) have considerable more eye care interactions with rural population than existing biomedical health personnel. There is no doubt that over the years, a good number of TMPs have perfected the art of symptomatic treatment and the use of herbal extracts but there is no documentation to this effect. Percentage blind in the Offinso district is 1.4%. Upgrading the knowledge and skills of TMPs with the developed training package, may improve on herbal eye care and reduce or curb blindness from preventable and avoidable causes. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in 16 of the 161 communities in the Offinso district. By simple random sampling, 16 communities were picked among 55 communities in the district. All 55 communities were accessible within distances that ranged between 1-5km.The 16 communities were put into 4 clusters with 4 communities within each cluster. Focus group discussions were conducted within the four clusters among TMPS who were chosen by purposive sampling. Individual TMPs were then interviewed in their home so that the environment within which they worked would be tested. The study revealed the following findings: The profession was male dominated with 82% males, 18% females and a mean age of 60.22 years. Even though education is important to the advancement of the profession, only 21% were educated beyond primary level. Knowledge was passed down by parents and fetish priest. All had knowledge about cataract, but 63% TMPs knew and claimed treating others such as red eye, Ophthalmic Neonatorum, corneal ulcer etc as well. “Kooko” (piles or hemorrhoids) was the known cause of most eye problems especially Cataract, the most common eye condition. Criteria used to assess vision before and after medication were mostly symptomatic On personal hygiene practices, only 2% TMPs made clients wash their faces with water. 6% TMPs washed hands with soap before applying herbal medication on clients’ eyes. Extracts were instilled directly into clients’ eye; charges for services could be in cash, kind or both. The usual charges of 10-20 thousand cedis (1-2 US Dollars) were very common: medication did not usually attract any charges. Eighty nine percent TMPs were ready to accept practices from the hospital. Herbal eye care will continue as long as primary eye care continues to be unavailable to the majority of the people living in rural Offinso district. Therefore training TMPs to improve on eye care may reduce or curb blindness from avoidable causes. In view of this biomedical eye care personnel shall use the developed training package which contains a revised form of Snellen E chart, to train the TMPs. This may help to improve on herbal eye care within the district.

Source: KNUST
Developing a strategic procurement process for the Ghanaian Construction Industry

A strategic procurement process is vital for the success of firms in terms of procuring goods, services and works. However, procurement in various organisations are entangled with challenges which cause delays in the entire procurement process. This quantitative study was conducted in some building and civil construction firms in the Accra metropolis in the Greater Accra region with an aim of developing a strategic procurement process for private entities in the Ghanaian construction industry. The study was conducted using survey questionnaires. The structured questionnaires were used to obtain data to ascertain the challenges associated with procurement processes and measures to improve procurement processes. A total number of sixty questionnaires were administered and fifty were retrieved representing a response rate of 83.33%. Relative Importance Index rankings was the main tool used for analysis. The findings of the research revealed that the main challenges encountered in the procurement processes were difficulties in long term strategic planning, long payment processes to suppliers, service providers cutting corners to limit losses, unnecessary delays and ad-hoc approaches to economic size projects. However, the main strategic measures to improve the procurement processes included ICT adoption, adoption of just-in-time procurement, effective records management, adequate controls to reduce corruption and high level of compliance with procurement regulations were also ascertained. Further studies have been recommended to improve procurement process practices in organisations such as effects of procurement processes on productivity.

Source: KNUST
Developing an option for sustainable plastic waste management in Ghana: a case study of Sunyani Municipality, Ghana

Urbanization and continuous economic growth of Sunyani municipality have resulted in rapid increase in volume and types of solid waste. This thesis provided a consolidated data on municipal solid waste (MSW) generation, as well as data on plastic waste component of the MSW which is quite problematic. The total amount of waste collected during the study period of one month was 6857.1 kg and an average of 685.68 kg per day. The study results shows that the total amount of 2,516,823.3 kg of solid waste is generated in the municipality for the period of one month which translate to an average of 83,894.11 kg of MSW generated daily. The solid waste generation rate was 0.57 kg per person per day. The average amount of plastic waste generated daily was found to be23851.7 kg and this represents 22.93% of the MSW. The plastic waste generation rate was 0.14 kg per person per day. The percentage of various sorted types of plastic in the MSW were as follows: PET (12.94%), HDPE (4.95%), PVC (0.01%), LDPE (17.26%),PP (14.59%), PS (11.24%), Others (5.14%) and HDPE/LDPE composite (sachet water plastic) (34.61%). The sachet water plastic, which is without resin code, was analysed and identified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) machine. The sachet water plastic, which is also the most abundant plastic component in the MSW was pelletized into recyclate (pellets) which is stored and can be sold to other recycling companies.

Source: KNUST
Developing and marketing the tourism potential within the Ejisu-Juaben municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana (a case of selected sites).

Tourism experts have said that Ghana stands a great advantage of being the best tourism destination in Africa because of its unique slave forts and history. But inadequate infrastructure and lack of aggressive marketing of tourism potentials have been an impediment to the optimisation of the sector. The main research objective was to identify the tourism potentials of Ejisu-Juaben Municipality, to assess the development strategies being used by the selected sites and also evaluate the marketing strategies being used by the selected sites to attract tourists to their destinations. Semi-structured interview, survey (questionnaire), and personal observation were the main data collection instruments. Some of the findings included that the Municipality has got a lot of tourism potentials ranging from natural tourism to heritage. However, most of the tourism sites have not been well developed. Secondly, none of the selected sites has a master plan. Lastly, most of the respondents indicated their organisations do not collaborate with key stakeholders. It can be concluded that even though the municipality can boast of various tourism potentials, not much have been done to develop it. It was recommended that, the Municipality should adopt a comprehensive and well organised tourism development and marketing strategy. Secondly, People with requisite tourism management capabilities should be employed to manage Bonwire, Adako Jachie, and Bobiri tourist destinations. Lastly, management of the selected sites should adopt integrated marketing communication techniques to promote their destinations.

Source: KNUST
Developing appropriate eating patterns among adolescent students in boarding schools: a case study on Sekyere West District

Many people if asked why they eat would respond with “to stay alive” or “because of hunger.” Both of these are appropriate answers; the body has a physiological need for food, and when deprived for even a short period of time, a sensation of hunger is experienced. This is a normal physiological response, designed to balance the output and storage of nutrients with input from food. In most cultures, food customs or habits were created by geographical location, superstitions, religious beliefs, social activities, economics, foreign influences and technological advancement. The study was a descriptive qualitative type. Self-administered questionnaires and structured interviews were tools used to collect data for the study. A sample size of 180 was used. The study covered all the major schools in the Sekyere West District. The sample size of 180 was distributed among the main boarding schools as follows: Amanianpong Secondary School 48 (26.7%) St. Monica’s Teacher Training College 51(28.3%) St. Monica’s J.S.S. 48 (26.7%) and St. Monica’s Secondary School 33 (18.3%) since most of the issues studied were qualitative, data analysis was done manually and the results put in tables and percentages. The result showed that the people interviewed were all educated. This means that the responses were not only based on perceptions alone but also experience. The majority of the people interviewed were much concerned about the nutrient content of the meal prepared for students. 70% of the respondents said that the nutrient content of the students’ meals is low. There were not many complaints about the taste of the meals since majority of the respondents said that the taste is good. Almost everybody interviewed was of the view that the meals provided to the boarding students were not balanced diets for that reason; authorities should do their best to improve upon it. Most of the respondents said that the quality of meals given to the students is not commensurate with the amounts they pay, and that the meals are not worth the price they pay. The idea of the dinning hail being run by private agents was not supported by majority of the respondents. About 75% of the people interviewed were not satisfied with the idea. All the four Headmasters plus 78% of the parents and 86% of the matron/kitchen staff interviewed supported the idea of creating a forum for students to ventilate their views. The study brought to the fore problems that have to be solved. It is anticipated that due to the time limitations and financial constraints further study would be conducted to unearth any problem that this study was unable to identify.

Source: KNUST
Developing digital techniques for fashion illustration

Fashion illustration has the potential to attract the attention of its viewers by way of communicating fashion design ideas through various presentable media. But in situations where fashion designers have challenges in fashion illustration, creativity tends to become an imitation of others’ works. In the case of the Fashion Design and Textiles studies Department of the Kumasi Polytechnic, students are admitted from diverse background with basic requirements. Most of these students often have little or no background in the visual arts and for this reason, their output in fashion illustration and creative design tend to be low. Again, the fashion industry, in its quest for new opportunities and better ways of production is now employing the assistance of new technologies into the production system. It is for these reasons that this research sought to develop digital techniques to solve fashion illustration problems in the Fashion Design and Textiles studies Department of Kumasi Polytechnic. Action Research processes were used with selected students to address the concerns of the department and by so doing Qualitative and experimental research methods were employed as the case maybe. The project focused on the development of digital techniques in the form of sourcing for inspiration, drawing techniques, colour combination techniques and fabric selection techniques with the CorelDraw software. Students were trained systematically to use the techniques for fashion illustrations in more than one semester. In order to demonstrate the level of skills acquired, the selected students produced samples of works with the techniques in various outfits. These works were assessed critically according to the expected results. Finally, the study recommends that more research into new technological ways of solving problems with artistic software should be encouraged for the fashion industry to progress.

Source: KNUST
Developing effective strategies for teaching creative arts in the lower Primary Schools: a case study in Agona Swedru District Administration ‘B’ School

The research work was primarily geared towards enhancing the teaching and learning of the Creative Arts in Ghanaian primary schools. The problem of ineffective teaching of this new curriculum was identified through direct observation in the schools where I had worked as a teacher. Consequently, in–depth study proved that it was grave and needed a redress. Furthermore, in the researcher’s advent to curb the problem of the study, an Action Research was embarked upon. Various research instruments were adopted to find the root cause and evaluate the various strategies to arrest the situation at hand. The instruments included observation, questionnaire and interview. Besides, varied related literature was reviewed to prove the work holistic. This convincingly increased the researcher’s knowledge on the problem. Here, a number of strategies were embraced to rectify the problem. Detailed lesson notes were written to guide the sequence of events. Also, putting children at the centre of instruction, the activity method of learning was employed. Better still, relevant ample materials were provided to aid the understanding of the concepts. Consequently, it was realised that the activity method of teaching Creative Arts stood as the best. It was again observed that children from the first level through the other grades respond and grow in a program in which art fundamentals and techniques are taught sequentially and purposefully using relevant ample teaching and learning materials. The researcher assembled these materials for effective usage. Finally recommendations were made that, teachers must select appropriate topics for the different learning levels of the various grades, and use activity based methods with set achievable objectives and motivating pupils appropriately. Also teacher trainees must be given enough orientation in the subject, likewise regular in-service training should be organized to help classroom teachers to be abreast with new development and trends in the field. Other stake holders, the government, school administration and parents have to exercise their social responsibilities of providing all educational logistics needed for the realization of the goals of Creative Arts.

Source: KNUST
Developing guidelines for achieving standard labour outputs for concrete works in the Ghanaian construction industry

The construction industry is considered as capital intensive industry and driven by its major resources such as Labour, Materials, Plant and Tools. These resources must be properly planned before initiating a project. Out of those resources mentioned, the one considered under this study is labour. Many projects in Ghana and over the world have suffered from delays of projects and unreasonable cost overruns due to several factors which spans from non-achievement of standard labour output during construction stages and unrealistic duration during planning stages. This research was aimed at developing guidelines to achieve standard labour outputs used for concrete works in the Ghanaian Construction Industry and to establish an innovative way of measuring output during construction for effective and efficient labour output. It specifically studied the standard labour output to concrete works currently achieved on site by the contractors, the challenges faced in achieving these outputs and recommended guidelines to effectively achieve improved outputs. The study was done on a selection of 40 Contractors involved in the construction of buildings and other civil works in Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data generated from the survey was further analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages, tables etc.) and relative importance index (RII). The research was able to identify three highly important practices to serve as a guideline in achieving standard labour outputs for concrete production and delivery which include; continuous flow of materials, setting target for workers and increasing crew size in complex formworks. The study also found out that, most contractors in Ghana find it difficult in achieving the standard labour output due to numerous challenges. The study was able to establish that, low wages, changing of crew members, equipment breakdown, complexity nature of formwork and in-competent supervisors were the five major challenges to non-achievement of standard labour output faced by contractors in Ghana during concrete works. However, proximity to materials, morale and attitude of workers, poor co-ordination of work and materials and tools shortage were the least challenges to achieving standard labour output in Ghana. It was recommended that contractors should constantly study the guidelines identified in this study to maximize their labour output during concrete works on site, attend refresher courses to equip themselves with effective management of labour, development of work pack ticket which is a sheet of paper designed by the site engineer outlining all the works to be carried out the following day including targets set and discussing set targets with workmen before activities are carried out.

Source: KNUST