Patrick Owiredu, Camillus Abawiera Wongnaa, Patricia Pinamang Acheampong, Monica Addison, Kwaku Agyei Adu and Dadson Awunyo-Vitor
Various models and approaches are implemented to provide technical assistance and support to improve cocoa farmers' welfare in Ghana. The Farmer Business School (FBS), which is…
Abstract
Purpose
Various models and approaches are implemented to provide technical assistance and support to improve cocoa farmers' welfare in Ghana. The Farmer Business School (FBS), which is analogous to Farmer Field School (FFS), is one of the few initiatives of GIZ (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) and Ghana Cocoa Board (COCOBOD). The main aim of the initiative is to train smallholder cocoa farmers to perceive cocoa production as a business. However, there is limited or conflicting evidence as to the effect of FBS on productivity and food security, especially in Ghana. This study assessed FBS participation and the participation's impact on productivity and food security of cocoa farmers.
Design/methodology/approach
The study used primary data collected from 542 cocoa farmers in Central and Western North regions of Ghana and employed descriptive statistics, perception index and Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) as analytical tools.
Findings
The results, which reported an overall perception index of 0.7, indicated that the farmers had a strong positive perception on the FBS program. The results also showed that sex of a farmer, number of years of formal education, farm size, extension contact, perception, distance to extension outlet and membership of farmer-based organizations (FBOs) significantly influenced the decision to participate in FBS program. Also off-farm income, years of education and household size significantly influenced farm productivity and household food security. The results further showed that participation in FBS improved productivity and food security of cocoa farmers.
Research limitations/implications
The study used data from two regions of Ghana, namely the Central region and the Western North region. Findings from studies using data covering all cocoa growing areas of Ghana could be more informative in formulating policies aimed at encouraging participation in FBS and consequently help improve cocoa productivity and food security.
Originality/value
This article offers insights into the welfare effects of FBS on cocoa farmers as previous similar studies are without this information.
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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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This article surveys the literature dealing with theory and applications of life cycle costing (LCC). It deals with the literature published in the last 25 years and provides 667…
Abstract
This article surveys the literature dealing with theory and applications of life cycle costing (LCC). It deals with the literature published in the last 25 years and provides 667 references.
Understanding electronic communication and the patterns that characterize its development are critical to realizing full benefits from computer‐supported work. Cooperative work…
Abstract
Understanding electronic communication and the patterns that characterize its development are critical to realizing full benefits from computer‐supported work. Cooperative work depends on effective communication and on the ability of organizations to manage the technology of communication appropriately. Organizations that do not understand the political and social dimensions of their communications system will inevitably fail to achieve their purposes.
Performance programs, games, rituals and story telling are lookedat as part of the performance of organization. Some leaders in thesemethods are gifted performers, and they are…
Abstract
Performance programs, games, rituals and story telling are looked at as part of the performance of organization. Some leaders in these methods are gifted performers, and they are able to pass on the plots of these themes to succeeding generations of employees.
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In 1988, personality and effectiveness data were collected from asample of 105 organisational development consultants. A model wasdeveloped of the relationship between OD…
Abstract
In 1988, personality and effectiveness data were collected from a sample of 105 organisational development consultants. A model was developed of the relationship between OD consultants′ personality characteristics and their effectiveness as change agents. The present study provides validation for that model by studying the same personality characteristics in a sample with slightly differing demographics. The question was tested statistically by using the regression equation from the sample used in 1988 to predict the dependent variable (consultant effectiveness) in this study′s sample.
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The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on teamwork by focusing on the influence support systems, like industrial relations, have on teamwork. Teamwork is…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on teamwork by focusing on the influence support systems, like industrial relations, have on teamwork. Teamwork is conceptualized through three dimensions; technical, governmental and normative.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on a case study approach in a single company with available data over a long period of time.
Findings
Industrial relations conceptualized as local representation and partnership had a strong influence on all three dimensions of teamwork; technical, governmental and normative. Especially important is the union's involvement in the introduction of teamwork, shaping the arrangement and interpretation of it.
Research limitations/implications
The paper is based on a single company, describing a particular phenomenon. Also, the contextual environment with a strong partnership culture with cooperative industrial relations is important.
Practical implications
The practical implications emphasize the importance for members of an organization to be involved in the introductory part of new organizational development such as teamwork in order to have an influence on arrangement of teams and the interpretation of teamwork.
Social implications
The social implications are connected to industrial democracy and high level of involvement, which has consequences for the work environment in a company working along these lines.
Originality/value
There are not many available cases of semi‐autonomous teams working over a long period of time, and the paper gives an in‐depth understanding of the strength of this way of working. The main contribution is to highlight how local representation and labor‐management partnership has influenced the dimensions of teamwork.
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The aim of this chapter is to investigate the meaning of terrorism, with a view to highlighting the main hurdles in the way of creating a working definition, as well as the…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this chapter is to investigate the meaning of terrorism, with a view to highlighting the main hurdles in the way of creating a working definition, as well as the necessity of developing definitions and classifications of this phenomenon.
Design methodology/approach
This chapter provides an overview of the literature on terrorism as a social/political phenomenon. It is therefore based on secondary sources.
Findings
While most literature on the topic finds it pointless or impossible to define terrorism, here we argue just the opposite. Common critiques of current definitions may be overcome by using multiple definitions and classifications.
Research limitations/implications
The chapter provides the methodological foundations for a comprehensive theoretical analysis of terrorism.
Originality/value of the chapter
The chapter applies insights from methodology of social sciences to the problem of defining terrorism.
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The expansion of the US economyduring the 1950s and 1960s, combinedwith a relatively small baby boom,created unparalleled opportunities forupward movement in organisations.The…
Abstract
The expansion of the US economy during the 1950s and 1960s, combined with a relatively small baby boom, created unparalleled opportunities for upward movement in organisations. The 1990s, however, with a baby bust aftermath and adverse economic trends, are turning career opportunities upside down. Organisational growth has been slowed down, and many middle and upper management jobs have been eliminated. However the baby‐boomers are now looking for such positions, with meagre prospects, whilst the baby‐boomers of the 1960s and 1970s can scarcely match up to the demand for low‐level entrants to industry. To combat this uneven situation, the established concepts and cultures of careers must be totally revised. The alternative, linear, steady state, spiral and transitory career views are all examined and their interchangeability, where possible, is discussed. It is concluded that fundamental changes must be made in the ways in which careers are structured and managed in organisations, resulting in balancing productivity and morale against the distribution of money, power and prestige.