Innocent Senyo Kwasi Acquah, Judith Quaicoe and Michael Arhin
Consumer expectations of quality have grown in recent years, forcing organisations, both service and manufacturing, to adopt total quality management (TQM) principles to satisfy…
Abstract
Purpose
Consumer expectations of quality have grown in recent years, forcing organisations, both service and manufacturing, to adopt total quality management (TQM) principles to satisfy customer demands efficiently. However, previous studies on the performance impacts of total quality management practices have mainly focused on the financial performance of firms in the manufacturing sector. This study focusses on the research questions: (1) What is the effect of TQM practices on operational performance? and (2) How do TQM practices combine to influence the operational performance of healthcare facilities?
Design/methodology/approach
Using a sample of 154 health facilities (i.e. private hospitals, pharmacies, maternity clinics, and diagnostic centres), the authors applied symmetric (PLS-SEM) and asymmetric (fsQCA) data analysis approaches to examine how TQM practices influence the operational performance of health facilities in the Ashanti Region of Ghana.
Findings
The PLS-SEM results revealed that five out of the seven TQM practices investigated influenced operational performance. However, the fsQCA results identify five different complex combinations of TQM practices that lead to operational performance.
Research limitations/implications
Longitudinal studies can be conducted in the future to assess changes in the variables over time. A control variable, such as firm size, should be considered to assess the level of implementation of TQM practices based on firm size. A different performance measure, for instance, sustainability indicators or the balance score card, could be used to examine performance.
Practical implications
A proper and coordinated integration of the TQM practices is required for firms to be able to achieve operational performance. TQM practices vary in their sufficiency for operational outcomes; therefore, management needs to carefully consider their implementation as part of the organisation's strategy.
Originality/value
This research, by focussing on TQM practices from both symmetrical and asymmetrical perspectives, contributes to the understanding of the literature on TQM, thereby providing actionable insight on how to invest in the various TQM practices for improved operational performance.
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Yushawu Abubakari and Awurafua Amponsaa Amponsah
This study aims to delve into economic cybercrime within the African diaspora, with a specific focus on Ghanaian nationals residing in the USA. It aims to shed light on the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to delve into economic cybercrime within the African diaspora, with a specific focus on Ghanaian nationals residing in the USA. It aims to shed light on the nuanced and unique approaches that diasporic actors adopt to execute economic cybercrimes, especially online frauds.
Design/methodology/approach
Drawing on press releases and official indictments collected from the U.S. Department of Justice, the study adopted content analysis. Through this approach, the study outlines its findings
Findings
The analysis reveals patterns in economic cybercrimes among Ghanaians abroad. Notably, the findings suggest that diasporic individuals often work with local accomplices to perpetrate various economic cybercrimes, with money laundering being particularly prevalent among those living outside their home country. This underscores the profound influence of geographical location on the choice of cybercriminal activities. Moreover, the research reveals that diasporic actors use several tactics, including adopting false identities to interact with victims and the creation of sham companies for laundering money. Additionally, demographic characteristics such as age and gender seem to significantly influence the involvement of diasporic individuals in economic cybercrimes.
Research limitations/implications
The research was primarily based on press releases and official indictments within the USA. Although these sources offer substantial insight into the rise of cybercrime among Ghanaian diaspora members, their focus on specific data types and geographical regions might constrain our comprehension of the nuances of this phenomenon, particularly across various diasporic groups and regions. Hence, future research could enhance our understanding by conducting fieldwork, not just in the USA but also in other areas using primary data to delve deeper into the issue of cybercrime within the diaspora.
Practical implications
The study’s findings have implications for individuals, organizations and policymakers alike. By understanding the strategies of economic cybercrime offenders, as demonstrated in this research, individuals can be better equipped to navigate digital technologies for both personal and business purposes. Moreover, policymakers and government agencies can use these insights to develop policies aimed at mitigating the spread of economic cybercrimes, particularly within diasporic communities.
Originality/value
The paper stands out for its innovative approach and scope. While numerous studies have explored cybercrime activities, the prevalence among diasporic actors remains underexamined. Through its methodology and scope, this paper opens avenues for further research into the phenomenon of cybercrime within diasporic communities.
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Since the advent of digital activism, a lot of scholarly attention has been paid to the use of the internet, especially in Africa, for effecting changes in authoritarian rule…
Abstract
Since the advent of digital activism, a lot of scholarly attention has been paid to the use of the internet, especially in Africa, for effecting changes in authoritarian rule. This chapter extends the work done by such scholars focusing on the work of African digital feminist activists, thus adding to the growing body of work on digital feminist activism. Drawing on interviews and analyses of digital material produced by four different feminist groups in Ghana, this chapter explores the variety of ideas that such digital feminists express, and the manner in which such ideas are received by the larger Ghanaian society. It argues that, indeed, digital feminists are making a positive impact on the larger Ghanaian society. While these digital feminists are subjected to cyberbullying, there are also many ways in which other individuals, both Ghanaian and otherwise are showing support for these women and their ideas. Increasingly, with particular reference to the newest of these groups, it is clear that they have institutional support for their views as evident in public and private organizations sanctioning employees or associates whose digital language they have critiqued. As with activism targeted at authoritarianism, digital activism targeted at patriarchy gets results, changing mindsets and penalizing sexist behaviors.
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De-Graft Johnson Dei and Francisca Yaba Asante
This study explored the role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a Sustainable Development Goal.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explored the role of academic libraries in the achievement of quality education as a Sustainable Development Goal.
Design/methodology/approach
The study adopted a qualitative research approach and descriptive case study design. This study focuses on academic libraries from four universities in Ghana. From each university, the researchers purposely selected four respondents, comprising the heads of the libraries, deputies, and two assistant librarians or library assistants. Primary data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observations and document reviews. The results were analyzed and presented in descriptive and interpretive forms.
Findings
The study established that the majority of the library staff were aware of the sustainable development goal, SDG 4. The libraries provided relevant materials to support students’ learning, organize training on information literacy and engage library patrons in periodic information literacy programs to create awareness of the SDG 4. Since the libraries do not have their own internally developed policies on the SDG 4, they depend on the general United Nations (UN) document on the SDG and SDG 4 as a guide in information delivery; and the general policies on information delivery, teaching and quality assurance of the universities in general and the libraries in particular. The study concluded with a framework to guide the successful accomplishment of the SDG 4 in libraries.
Research limitations/implications
The study focused on academic libraries in Ghana and adopted the purposive sampling technique which makes it assume a weak power of generalization.
Practical implications
The study has implications for academic libraries and librarians in Ghana in achieving the SDG 4. It will guide librarians and academic libraries in formulating policies to guide them in their activities. The framework developed as a result of the findings will equally guide the librarians in their quest to provide information to achieve the SDG 4.
Originality/value
This study's originality lies in its articulation of academic libraries' initiatives in the actualization of the SDG 4 in Ghana with a developed framework to guide librarians and academic libraries. Academic libraries and librarians who are eager to contribute their quota to the achievement of the SDG 4 will find this study useful.
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Michael Karikari Appiah, Samuel Amponsah Odei, Gifty Kumi-Amoah and Samuel Ankomah Yeboah
This study aims to examine the relationship between green supply chain management (Green SCM) practices and environmental performance, and develop an integrated model to explain…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine the relationship between green supply chain management (Green SCM) practices and environmental performance, and develop an integrated model to explain the mediating role of ecocentricity on the relationship between Green SCM practices and environmental performance in the context of the Ghanaian downstream petroleum industry.
Design/methodology/approach
To address the objectives of the study, a survey had been conducted among companies in the Ghanaian downstream value chain. The paper used the structural equation modeling approach and smart partial least squares (Smart-PLS) analytical tool.
Findings
The study revealed that Green SCM practices had a significant and positive relationship with supply chain ecocentricity and environmental performance. The study further revealed that supply chain ecocentricity significantly mediated the relationship between Green SCM practices and environmental performance.
Practical implications
The study has developed a new integrated model to enhance oil and gas marketing and distribution company's adaptation and implementation of Green SCM practices.
Originality/value
The study had successfully applied the natural resource-based view and the stakeholder theory in the context of Ghana's downstream petroleum industry. Specifically, these theories had been integrated to form a new model to explain the relationship between Green SCM practices, supply chain ecocentricity and environmental performance in the context of Ghana's downstream petroleum industry. The newly developed integrated model has wider predictability as compared to the individual theories.
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Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa, Michael Nyarko, Monica Addison and Dadson Awunyo-Vitor
A key strategy in the policy of saw millers and artisanal millers supplying the domestic market with legal and sustainable lumber is the transformation of chainsaw operators into…
Abstract
Purpose
A key strategy in the policy of saw millers and artisanal millers supplying the domestic market with legal and sustainable lumber is the transformation of chainsaw operators into legal artisanal millers to stop the production of illegal timber and supply only authorized wood to local trade points. The challenge, however, is how to develop the concept of its viability and acceptability to the chainsaw operators. Specifically, existing and potential investors’ knowledge about the possible costs and revenue is non-existent. This study aims to examine the financial and economic viability of the artisanal timber milling (ATM) business in rural Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
Using data from three operational artisanal milling companies in Ghana, net present value, internal rate of return, profitability index and payback period were used in analyzing the viability of artisanal timber milling.
Findings
The results showed that the ATM business is financially and economically viable, attractive and profitable.
Social implications
ATM business has the potential to create more jobs in the timber industry, reduce illegalities in the forestry sector and improve the living standard of individuals used by the sector.
Originality/value
As part of ATM’s medium and long-term strategies, the study encourages stakeholders to consider assisting existing and potential actors who have the passion to venture into this business to acquire concessions and financial support from financial institutions.
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De-Graft Owusu-Manu, David Mensah Sackey, Dickson Osei-Asibey, Rachelle Kyerewah Agyapong and David John Edwards
The purpose of the study is to investigate the challenges in improving women's energy access, rights and equitable sustainable development from a Ghanaian perspective.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of the study is to investigate the challenges in improving women's energy access, rights and equitable sustainable development from a Ghanaian perspective.
Design/methodology/approach
The research utilizes a mixed method. A qualitative in-depth exploratory design was chosen to understand how gender is mainstreamed within Ghana's energy sector. This included semi-structured interviews with key managers, experience policy experts and focus groups. The semi-structured interviews were analyzed using thematic content analysis (TCA).
Findings
The study reveals that the National Energy Policy of 2010, as the main energy policy regulating the energy sector in Ghana, does make provision for gender equality, safety especially women, in line with Ghana's sustainable development goals. The energy policy aims to empower women and create gender parity in the sector. Nevertheless, the study also found major challenges to gender mainstreaming in the energy sector, including poor analysis in formulating energy policies, inadequate financial resources, and poor monitoring and evaluation.
Originality/value
The paper exposes gender equity challenges associated with the energy sector in Ghana. It also offers a new policy angle which connects gender mainstreaming to sustainable development. The research describes how women are included in developing energy policies and in addressing gender challenges in the energy sector.
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Manjeet Kharub, Rahul S. Mor and Sudhir Rana
This paper examines the mediating role of manufacturing strategies in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper examines the mediating role of manufacturing strategies in the relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
This study gathered 250 responses from firms in a developing country's key manufacturing sectors, including mechanical, electronics, automotive, textile and food. First, descriptive statistics were applied to fix outliers like respondent biases, missing values and normality issues. Second, exploratory factors analysis (EFA) ensured data adequacy and homogeneity through Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) and Bartlett tests. Finally, confirmatory factors analysis (CFA) was used to identify the interactions (direct, indirect and total effects) between latent variables representing manufacturing strategies (quality, cost, delivery and flexibility), competitive strategies (cost-leadership and differentiation) and firms' performance (sales growth and profitability). In total, two structural equation modelling (SEM) models (SEM-I, SEM-II) were created to test the hypotheses.
Findings
Of the 40 items identified by the literature review, four were outliers, and three could not satisfy the EFA criteria (eigenvalue >1). Only 33 items could therefore reach CFA. SEM–I and SEM-II study results found no direct relationship between competitive strategies and firm performance (−0.03 = β = 0.08; p > 0.05). However, the findings revealed that cost-leadership could be an appropriate strategic choice and improved firms' performance if the quality and delivery are focussed (0.20 = β = 0.87; p < 0.001). While competitive strategies impact manufacturing strategies positively, the latter is only a mediator between the cost-leadership strategy and the firms' performance.
Originality/value
This research shows that the cost-leadership approach currently seems viable; however, flexibility and cost requirements were not satisfied due to infeasible product differentiation. These results will be beneficial to executives interested in investing in India's industries.