M. Karaminezhaad, A.H. Jafari, A. Sarrafi and Gh. Safi
To evaluate bismuth, which is inexpensive and non‐toxic, as a substitute for mercury, indium and gallium in Al‐5%Zn‐X sacrificial anode.
Abstract
Purpose
To evaluate bismuth, which is inexpensive and non‐toxic, as a substitute for mercury, indium and gallium in Al‐5%Zn‐X sacrificial anode.
Design/methodology/approach
The effect of bismuth on the electrochemical behavior of Al‐5%Zn‐Bi in the artificial sea water environment was investigated. Potentiodynamic, potentiostatic, galvanostatic, weight loss and efficiency test methods were employed. The surface of the specimens were studied by SEM and analyzed by EDAX. Image analyzer was also used.
Findings
Adding 0.3‐0.5%Bi to Al‐5%Zn alloy produces considerable active sites on the anode surface and, when the corrosion process continues, the corrosion will be uniform by joining these numerous shallow pits and a high efficiency sacrificial anode will emerge.
Research limitations/implications
Preventing segregation by good casting practice or homogenization heat treatment will be helpful to prevent unpredicted localized corrosion and investigating the effect of these processes on the performance of this new alloy is helpful. Investigating the performance of this new suggested alloy in environments like soil is highly recommended.
Practical implications
Owing to the toxicity of mercury and high price of gallium and indium, bismuth, which has a much lower price and showed a good performance in the present laboratory tests, can be a good substitute for the above mentioned elements.
Originality/value
The previous lack of a systematic research on the effect of bismuth which can be a good substitute for indium and gallium, on anodic behavior of aluminum gives this paper its high value.
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Isaac Nyarko Adu, Kwame Owusu Boakye, Samuel Yeboah and Evelyn Twumasi
This study seeks to examine the mediating role of innovative work behavior (IWB) in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership (EL) and employee performance.
Abstract
Purpose
This study seeks to examine the mediating role of innovative work behavior (IWB) in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership (EL) and employee performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted the cross-sectional research design of quantitative approach where data were collected from 344 employees in Ghana’s food and beverages industry. The retrieved data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics (partial least squares structural equation modeling).
Findings
Mainly, the study revealed that IWB positively and significantly mediated the relationship between EL and contextual and task performance (TP). The study found that EL has a significant positive relationship with task and contextual performance (CP). This indicates that leaders who demonstrate entrepreneurial qualities, such as innovation, proactiveness and risk-taking, are likely to enhance their team’s ability to complete specific tasks effectively (TP) and contribute positively to the broader organizational environment (CP).
Practical implications
Practically, organizations that prioritize EL qualities among managers and supervisors in the form of providing training programs, coaching and mentorship opportunities that emphasize innovation, risk-taking and pro-activeness in decision-making significantly influence their employee performance.
Originality/value
The originality and value of this study lie in its comprehensive exploration of the relationship between EL, IWB and performance outcomes.
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Ernest Effah Ameyaw and Albert P.C. Chan
The public‐private partnership (PPP) procurement approach enables the development and management of public infrastructure and services through leveraging private capital…
Abstract
Purpose
The public‐private partnership (PPP) procurement approach enables the development and management of public infrastructure and services through leveraging private capital, management expertise, and creative commercial skills. This approach, pursued by the Ghanaian Government in the development and management of water supply services, contains a plethora of risks resulting from the complexity and dynamic interactions between municipal and central governments (pursuing monetary and political goals), public movements, private water operators, and international donors pursuing their own objectives. The paper seeks to increase awareness of the risks that can erode or reduce potential benefits of PPPs in the water supply sector.
Design/methodology/approach
A research approach integrating a literature survey and case study is adopted. A rigorous literature review of PPP risks is first undertaken. Based on six case studies carried out in the Ghanaian water supply sector, this paper identifies and categorises the risks specific to water supply PPP contracts in Ghana.
Findings
A total of 40 risk factors are identified, classified into eight categories based on their sources and their content presented in detail. Common risks which are worth practitioners' attention include weak regulatory and monitoring regime; financing; absence of risk allocation mechanisms; inexperience in PPPs; public opposition; delayed and non‐payment of bills, etc.
Originality/value
A comprehensive list of risks associated with water supply projects in Ghana has been identified. This list will aid practitioners, municipal and central government authorities, and the domestic and the (potential) international private sector audience in managing risks involved in such projects.
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De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Thomas Kankam Adjei, David Mensah Sackey, David John Edwards and Reza M. Hosseini
This paper is anchored in a premise of a universal call to action by all UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is anchored in a premise of a universal call to action by all UN member states in 2015 to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure that all people enjoy peace and prosperity by 2030 within the blueprint of the sustainable development goals (SDGS). The purpose of this study is to mainstream the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector within the framework of public–private partnerships (PPP): challenges, opportunities and strategies.
Design/methodology/approach
Literature review was carried out to explore concepts, theories and frameworks for initiating PPP. Best local and international practices in the implementation of PPP projects; challenges and opportunities in the implementation of PPP projects, strategies for mainstreaming the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector and assess business action in the implementation of the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector. The study is situated within the social constructionist philosophical tradition. The qualitative research strategy was adopted as the main methodological choice. Interview guides were used to collect data from respondents in the Accra metropolis.
Findings
Lack of a PPP policy law in Ghana, conflict of interest in PPP projects, excessive government control over projects, cumbersome licensing and legal regime and economic stability were the most significant challenges identified to PPPs. Technology transfer, efficiency gains and mobilization of additional resources for development on the government side where the opportunities for the private sector. Awareness creation, modeling inclusive business with corporate social responsibility (CSR) and SDGs, exploring business opportunities in SDGs such as carbon trading, aligning national policies with SDGs, establishing sustainability units and partnerships with relevant bodies were proposed for mainstreaming the SDGs in Ghana’s energy sector.
Research limitations/implications
It was established from this study that indeed PPPs have a major role to play in unleashing all available forces and prospects toward achieving the SDGs. This paper is constrained to the energy industry in Ghana. It provides a theory-based direction on how companies in the energy sector can contribute to social and economic interventions through a framework of PPP framework within the SGDs. Future research may explore how companies in other sectors may contribute to the sustainability discourse.
Practical implications
This will ultimately lead to additional funding to support government efforts in the implementation of SDGs, honing of sustainable (inclusive) business models, creating an enabling environment for PPPs toward inclusive growth and national development leaving no one behind. It recommended that there should be a national policy and law on PPPs and the private sector should be incentivized to engage government in PPPs implementation for the SDGs. Theoretically, this study contributes to the policy analysis discourse and scaling-up literature on the SDGs.
Originality/value
This study explores the challenges associated with mainstreaming the SGDs in the energy sector from a public–private business perspective. It also offers a new policy, economic and legal regulatory framework that contributes to emerging trends. The outcome of the analyzes advocates for clear business strategies for implementation of the SDG apart from CSR.
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Alhassan Musah and Ibrahim Nandom Yakubu
This paper seeks to provide empirical insight into how industrialization and technology affect environmental quality in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to provide empirical insight into how industrialization and technology affect environmental quality in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
Using Ecological Footprint (ECF) as a measure of environmental degradation, the authors employ annual data from World Development Indicators of the World Bank and the Global Footprint Network spanning from 1970 to 2017 and apply the fully modified least squares (FMOLS) technique.
Findings
The results reveal that industrialization has a negative significant influence on ECF, suggesting that industrialization contributes to environmental sustainability in Ghana. The authors find that technology is harmful to the environment as it has a positive significant effect on ECF. The study also documents that while education and financial development improve environmental sustainability, fossil fuel consumption exacerbates environmental degradation in Ghana.
Originality/value
The environmental impact of industrialization is still being debated, with very scanty empirical evidence in the African context. Based on a detailed review of the literature, this paper provides an initial attempt to investigate the industrialization–environmental sustainability nexus in Ghana. Besides, whereas most extant studies have employed CO2 emission as a proxy of environmental degradation, the authors use ECF to gauge the level of environmental degradation which is regarded as a more inclusive metric.