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Article
Publication date: 24 August 2021

Müge Uyarcan, Emine Yayla, Deniz Akgül and Damla İşseven

According to the dietary needs of celiac people and very limited variety of commercially available foodstuff, the demand for gluten-free products is increasing every day. Keeping…

242

Abstract

Purpose

According to the dietary needs of celiac people and very limited variety of commercially available foodstuff, the demand for gluten-free products is increasing every day. Keeping this in view, the present study aims to develop healthier gluten-free chicken products by using different cereal sources and to determine the effect of substitution of wheat flour with gluten-free flours on quality of chicken products.

Design/methodology/approach

Buckwheat, chickpea and rice flours were used as gluten-free flours for the production of chicken products. The physical (yield parameters, crust colour), chemical (proximate composition, caloric value, pH) and sensorial properties of coated chicken products were measured. Duncan's multiple range test and principles component analysis were performed.

Findings

Gluten-free flours were significantly effective on yield parameters, colour, moisture, protein, lipid and caloric value of the samples (p < 0.05). The results showed that gluten-free chicken products had better pickup, lighter appearance, higher cooking yield and moisture, lower cooking loss, oil absorption, lipid and caloric values compared to commercial wheat flour coated control. Regarding the overall impression rank sums, the panellists were more preferred gluten-free products than control group. The samples coated with chickpea flour were best rated by the panellists. The results of the study suggested that the use of chickpea coating flour could be best nutritionally and sensorially suitable option for producing gluten-free chicken product.

Originality/value

This study offers potential healthy alternatives to increase the variety of gluten-free products that celiac people desperately need today.

Details

British Food Journal, vol. 124 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0007-070X

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Article
Publication date: 6 July 2012

Z. Ren, P. Kwaw and F. Yang

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the traditional procurement approach (TPA) under Ghana's procurement reform and explore if other possible procurement…

1791

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the performance of the traditional procurement approach (TPA) under Ghana's procurement reform and explore if other possible procurement strategies could help to improve value for money in the Ghanaian public sectors. The fundamental questions to be addressed are: “Is the procurement reform addressing the deficiencies in the public sector procurement?”; “Are clients and professionals satisfied with the present procurement system?”; “What are the possible alternatives?”; and “What procurement selection criteria should be adopted?”.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer the above questions, an extensive literature review was conducted which provides the background to public procurement reform and reveals the status of the TPA in the public sector. Based on the outcomes of the literature review, three rounds of questionnaire surveys and face‐to‐face discussions were undertaken. The targeted population was carefully selected from different sectors of the industry and regions of the country.

Findings

The results of the study reveal the deficiencies in contractors’ performance arising from the use of TPA with a focus on time, budget, buildability and relationships among participants. It also ranks the criteria for procurement selection and suggests the D & B method as the most favourable alternative procurement strategy. Suggestions were made in the area of tendering processes, collaborative working, contractors’ competence, government's work efficiency, and whole‐life performance criteria.

Practical implications

This study evaluates the TPA performance after Ghana's procurement reform in 2003 and provides guidelines to the industry and government for further procurement reform aimed at improving value for money.

Originality/value

This research provides a systematic study on the public procurement reform and the TPA adopted in Ghana's public sector. The essential problems associated with the TPA in the industry are identified and analyzed, the procurement selection criteria are examined and an alternative procurement approach is postulated.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

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Article
Publication date: 30 April 2020

Michael Addy, Emmanuel Adinyira, James Cofie Danku and Florence Dadzoe

Developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with significant challenges as the economies continue to emerge. There is a huge infrastructural demand and various efforts to…

773

Abstract

Purpose

Developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa are faced with significant challenges as the economies continue to emerge. There is a huge infrastructural demand and various efforts to step up supply. Whilst stepping up the supply, the environmental concerns of these supplies require a lot of attention. With the need to reduce the environmental impact of buildings whilst promoting a green infrastructure, various studies have explored the obstacles to green building technology adoption. This study explores the impediments to the development of the green building market in sub-Saharan Africa.

Design/methodology/approach

Using building consultants as the unit of analysis, this study explores the impediments using a structured survey questionnaire. The study area is Ghana, an emerging country in sub-Saharan Africa.

Findings

Key impediments to the development of the market is lack of awareness, lack of education and lack of fiscal incentives. The analysis shows that all the variables identified are significant in impeding the growth of the market. The results suggest that within the domain of developing countries, environmental issues may not be of immediate concern as economic issues take centre stage. For sustainability of the environment, it is unequivocal that dissemination of knowledge to key stakeholders be done.

Practical implications

Academic institutions and professional bodies have a pivotal role to play in raising awareness of green buildings. Governmental support such as various structures should be put in place to build up the local capacity of firms not only to compete with foreign counterparts but also to ensure innovative delivery of green buildings.

Originality/value

The paper presents contextual realities on the green market restrictions within developing countries in sub-Saharan Africa through a deeper understanding of market barriers and recommends pathways for stakeholders.

Details

Smart and Sustainable Built Environment, vol. 10 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2046-6099

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Article
Publication date: 18 October 2024

Richard Ohene Asiedu, De-Graft Owusu-Manu, Samuel Gyimah, David John Edwards and Alexander Baah Amoakwa

To transition into a green/circular economy (CE), both academics and industrialists have undertaken research into various areas of circular business models (CBM), yet despite…

73

Abstract

Purpose

To transition into a green/circular economy (CE), both academics and industrialists have undertaken research into various areas of circular business models (CBM), yet despite numerous studies conducted, the ensuing discourse contains scant information regarding the barriers to CBM adoption in the built environment. Therefore, this present study explores the critical barriers hindering the adoption of CBM in the Ghanaian construction industry (GCI), establishing the criticality of the principal barriers identified.

Design/methodology/approach

The mixed philosophies of interpretivism and postpositivism were adopted to deductively analyse primary data collected via a survey questionnaire. A comprehensive literature review was first conducted to identify the barriers of adopting CBM in the construction industry. Data gathered from professionals with knowledge of CBM and the green/CE were then analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential fuzzy synthetic evaluation.

Findings

Emergent barriers to CBM adoption in the GCI were identified as institutional barriers (i.e. inadequate technology development and transfer, insufficient green incentives in the industry and lack of institutional framework that promote); proficiency barriers (i.e. lack of understanding of circular business models, inadequacy of expertise amongst construction professionals, unfamiliar techniques associated with circular business models and fear of greater investment cost) and cultural barriers (i.e. cultural reluctancy of clients to embrace circular urbanization, inadequate measurement tool, lack of a culture that encourages community engagement in environmental decision-making, inadequate performance information and database, lack of prior experience of stakeholders, inadequate government policies, low public awareness and lack of manufacturer and supplier support). The fuzzy synthetic analysis confirmed all the principal barriers as critical. These barriers had a respective criticality index of 3.66, 3.59 and 3.39. Evidently, the CBM adoption in the GCI faces major challenges and consequently, sector stakeholders must strategize their organizational undertakings to transition their traditional business models towards innovative circular ones.

Originality/value

This study provides a novel and thorough evaluation on the barriers to CBM adoption and establishes the criticality of the identified barriers. The study's findings offer essential direction to GCI stakeholders and policymakers to facilitate the shift towards a CE in accordance with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Details

Benchmarking: An International Journal, vol. ahead-of-print no. ahead-of-print
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1463-5771

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Article
Publication date: 17 March 2023

Asaah Sumaila Mohammed, Francis Xavier Dery Tuokuu and Edgar Balinia Adda

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discourse on livelihood access and challenges of fisherfolks and farmers within coastal communities in Ghana. Insights from such…

163

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to contribute to the discourse on livelihood access and challenges of fisherfolks and farmers within coastal communities in Ghana. Insights from such studies can help to create win-win outcomes between communities and oil companies and give the latter social license to operate. Also, it will help to identify the existing knowledge gaps that still need to be filled and contribute to the overall management of Ghana’s oil resources. It will further contribute to the government’s livelihood diversification programs in oil-producing communities.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed the use of qualitative research paradigm to collect primary data in oil- and gas-producing communities in the Western Region of Ghana. Specifically, focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were conducted among diverse stakeholders.

Findings

Findings from the study show that several people and households along the coast of Ghana’s Western Region depend on the fishing industry as their livelihoods. However, fisherfolks are facing several challenges due to oil production. For instance, the quantity of fish harvest has reduced drastically since oil production started in 2010. Farming activities have also been adversely affected. The study has unearthed that the existing social and economic infrastructure are very limited to support the development of the coastal communities in Ghana’s Western Region. The study suggests that to deal with some of the challenges faced by coastal communities, livelihood diversification programs should be introduced.

Research limitations/implications

Not every community within the oil and gas areas in the Western Region was covered. Future work will address this limitation.

Practical implications

The study has revealed that the Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies need to expedite the process of conducting a comprehensive needs assessment of communities and capture them in their medium-term development plans.

Social implications

The corporate social responsibility programs will create win-win outcomes between oil companies and communities.

Originality/value

The study is an original piece of work with data collected from the field. The study will contribute to the efficient management of natural resources in Ghana and other developing countries.

Details

Journal of Global Responsibility, vol. 14 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2041-2568

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Article
Publication date: 14 February 2024

Benedict Ansere, Joshua Ayarkwa, Michael Nii Addy, Dickson Osei-Asibey and Ivy Maame Abu

This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge level of procurement officers (POs) in Ghanaian tertiary educational institutions regarding sustainability in general and…

191

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to assess the awareness and knowledge level of procurement officers (POs) in Ghanaian tertiary educational institutions regarding sustainability in general and specifically on environmental sustainability in the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended.

Design/methodology/approach

Through purposive sampling technique and face-to-face interviews using semi-structured open-ended questions, qualitative data was collected from 19 POs who are well vested in the procurement profession and willingly agreed to partake in the research. The qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis technique to help organize and elicit meaning from the data collected and to draw realistic conclusions from it.

Findings

The results showed that most POs were aware of the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended, primarily through seminars and workshops organized by the Public Procurement Authority. The interviewees demonstrated a good understanding of sustainable procurement, considering its social, environmental and economic aspects. However, one respondent primarily associated sustainability with only environmental issues. The POs were, however, of the view that the Amended Act 914 (2016) does not give detailed highlights on environmental sustainability, making implementation very difficult, especially regarding the procurement of goods. Overall, the findings indicate a positive level of environmental sustainability awareness and knowledge among the interviewed POs regarding the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended.

Social implications

The findings from the study could be used by policymakers to strategize educational campaigns by using the POs’ knowledge and awareness to the implementers of Act 663 (2003) as amended to effectively ensure environmental sustainability in procurement practices. The findings from the study have also contributed to the literature on procurement policy by drawing the attention of policy formulators to give equal attention to all the sustainability pillars, i.e. social, economic and environmental. This would consequently help the implementers to contribute to achieving sustainable development.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few empirical qualitative types of research seeking the views of POs in tertiary educational institutions in Ghana on sustainability and environmental sustainability as enshrined in the Public Procurement Act 2003 (Act 663) as amended. The findings give positive feedback to policymakers on the knowledge and awareness level of the POs on environmental sustainability and highlight the importance of awareness programmes and educational initiatives by the Public Procurement Authority and other stakeholders to ensure compliance with the Act.

Details

Journal of Public Procurement, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1535-0118

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Article
Publication date: 15 December 2020

Jemima Antwiwaa Ottou, Bernard Kofi Baiden, Gabriel Nani and Martin Morgan Tuuli

This research investigates the implementation of Six Sigma in competitive tendering processes to address persistent delays by identifying the potential benefits and challenges of…

573

Abstract

Purpose

This research investigates the implementation of Six Sigma in competitive tendering processes to address persistent delays by identifying the potential benefits and challenges of implementing Six Sigma in construction competitive tendering processes. The results seek to encourage practitioners to implement Six Sigma in addressing competitive tendering process delays.

Design/methodology/approach

Literature was reviewed to identify the benefits and challenges of Six Sigma implementation in construction processes and categorized under broad headings. Three case studies were used to authenticate the literature findings by applying Define-Measure-Analyse-Improve-Control to their construction competitive tendering processes. Furthermore, quality tools and techniques together with documentary analysis, content analysis and determination of frequencies of quantitised qualitative data were employed to identify potential benefits and challenges.

Findings

The most common Six Sigma benefits achievable in construction competitive tendering are Time Related benefits. Other benefits likely to emanate as ripple effects are Customer Focus Related, Quality Related, Process Improvement Related, Human Resource Related, Finance Related and Decision Related. However, implementation challenges should be expected.

Practical implications

Six Sigma implementation in construction competitive tendering promotes time efficiency. It is expected that this will encourage quantity surveyors, procurement practitioners and their institutions to implement Six Sigma in addressing persistent delays in their competitive tendering processes.

Originality/value

This paper demonstrates the use of merged approach under mixed method to identify the benefits and challenges of Six Sigma implementation in construction competitive tendering process within the Ghanaian context.

Details

Built Environment Project and Asset Management, vol. 11 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2044-124X

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Article
Publication date: 4 July 2020

Jemima Antwiwaa Ottou, Bernard Kofi Baiden and Gabriel Nani

Project management tools and techniques have been widely adopted in the construction industry; however, its combination with Six Sigma and application in construction procurement…

1146

Abstract

Purpose

Project management tools and techniques have been widely adopted in the construction industry; however, its combination with Six Sigma and application in construction procurement has not been widely researched. This paper explores the use of Six Sigma Project Procurement (SSPP) and its potential applications in public sector construction procurement.

Design/methodology/approach

The role of Six Sigma and project management in construction is critically evaluated using three case studies to demonstrate their application in public procurement.

Findings

The use of SSPP by public sector organisations creates efficient and effective construction procurement processes by addressing delays. The proposed timelines for competitive tendering in the Ghanaian Public Procurement Manual are not realistic.

Research limitations/implications

This paper contributes to and broadens the limited body of evidence and knowledge of applying SSPP to public procurement processes and identifies areas for further research.

Practical implications

Project management will continue to expand in the global construction industry. However, what will eventually determine if SSPP is embraced by public sector construction depends on the leadership and success of its execution. The application of SSPP to public construction procurement will address delays and lead to significant time reduction of the process. This will eliminate the major issue (delay) accounting for deficiencies in the process.

Originality/value

The paper yields immense value to construction project management researchers and practitioners, especially in the public sector. It recommends the inclusion of Six Sigma to promote focus on actual instead of perceived problems and advocates for decisions-making based on facts which will ensure continuous improvement.

Details

International Journal of Quality & Reliability Management, vol. 38 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0265-671X

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Article
Publication date: 15 January 2021

Michael Insaidoo, Lilian Arthur, Samuel Amoako and Francis Kwaw Andoh

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which the Ghana stock market performance has been impacted by the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

4760

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the extent to which the Ghana stock market performance has been impacted by the novel COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used the exponential generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity (EGARCH) model, by using daily time series data from 2 January 2015 to 13 October 2020. Both pre-estimation (Augmented Dickey-Fuller and Phillips-Perron) and post-estimation tests (Jarque-Bera) were conducted to validate the results.

Findings

While the study shows a statistically insignificant negative relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and the Ghana stock returns, the results confirm that the COVID-19 pandemic has occasioned an increase in the Ghana stock returns volatility by 8.23%. Furthermore, the study confirmed the presence of volatility clustering and asymmetric effect, with the latter implying that worthy news tends to affect volatility more than unwelcome news of equal size.

Practical implications

To dampen uncertainties that trigger stock market volatility, the government should surgically target worse affected COVID-19 pandemic businesses and households to check the drop in profits and demand. Rigidities associated with stock market operations must be addressed to make it attractive to investors even in the midst of a pandemic.

Originality/value

This paper is a pioneer attempt at assessing the extent to which a developing economy stock market has been impacted by the novel COVID-19 pandemic using the EGARCH model.

Details

Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies, vol. 14 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1754-4408

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Article
Publication date: 18 May 2023

Francis Kwaw Andoh, Emmanuel Attobrah, Alexander Opoku, Mark Kojo Armah and Isaac Dasmani

The question of what level of public debt can increase inequality has become crucial in Africa. In this study, the authors examine the effect of public debt on inequality in…

289

Abstract

Purpose

The question of what level of public debt can increase inequality has become crucial in Africa. In this study, the authors examine the effect of public debt on inequality in Africa and estimate the debt-inequality threshold. The authors then examine the moderating role of tax burdens and corruption in the relationship between public debt and inequality.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data from the period 2005 to 2019 in 38 African countries, the generalized method of moment and the dynamic panel threshold regression techniques were employed to achieve the purpose of the study.

Findings

The results reveal that a 1% increase in public debt leads to a rise in inequality by about 0.17%. However, the effects doubles when the public debt ratio hits 57.47%. Tax burden worses the effect of public debt by about 2.9 percentage points, while control of corruption reduces debt effect on inequality by 61 percentage points.

Research limitations/implications

Owing to data availability, the study period was restricted to 2005 to 2019. Moreover, the study could not consider the disagreggation of inequality into different income groups due to pausty of data. While this could narrow the scope of the study, the results provide an important insight for policy makers.

Originality/value

This contributes to the scant literature on the effect of public debt on income inequality in African countries. This study is a novelty because its provides the level of public debt which worsens inequality in Africa, as well as the moderating effects of tax burden and corruption control.

Peer review

The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-08-2022-0581

Details

International Journal of Social Economics, vol. 50 no. 11
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0306-8293

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