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1 – 10 of 15Samuel Owusu Asare, Godfred Fobiri and Francis Kwesi Bondinuba
Ghana’s legal framework for procurement has undergone substantial reform to increase its efficacy. However, disregard for legal obligations set forth has resulted in issues of…
Abstract
Purpose
Ghana’s legal framework for procurement has undergone substantial reform to increase its efficacy. However, disregard for legal obligations set forth has resulted in issues of fraud, corruption and poor oversight. This study seeks to synthesize literature on the recognition of legal obligations arising from tendering procedures and measures to promote fairness, transparency and accountability under Ghana’s procurement framework.
Design/methodology/approach
Legal frameworks and publications from diverse countries have been synthesized using a systematic literature review across three databases (Scopus, JSTOR and HeinOnline) to illuminate key concepts, issues and best practices relevant to the study. Data obtained from included publications was synthesized using Sandelowski and Barroso’s two-step approach by using a qualitative meta-summary and thematic synthesis.
Findings
The study reveals that issues of conflict of interest, corruption, lack of capacity, inadequate oversight and insufficient legal follow-through hinder the effectiveness of procurement regulations. The findings highlight the need for targeted improvements in resource allocation for consistent application of transparency measures, regular publication of notices and robust enforcement of accountability mechanisms. The report proposes the creation of a common data environment for networking and information dissemination, implementing feedback systems and trust rating schemes.
Practical implications
The study contributes to the body of knowledge on procurement regulation by providing a thorough analysis of Ghana’s procurement framework. The findings will help policymakers close the observed implementation gaps by guiding the revision of current legislation and the introduction of new regulations. Research findings can be used to guide the creation of focused training courses.
Originality/value
This study, one of the first of its kind in Ghana, examines the current procurement framework, including legal obligations and implementation challenges. It contributes to the body of knowledge on the subject by providing a current and fact-based analysis as well as relevant recommendations for strengthening the framework.
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Rebecca Owusu, Samuel Kwesi Ndzebah Dadzie and Ernest Teye
Despite the importance of plantains in food security, nutrition and socioeconomic development, their production over the years has not matched up with demand, simply because of…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the importance of plantains in food security, nutrition and socioeconomic development, their production over the years has not matched up with demand, simply because of their highly perishable nature and high post-harvest losses. Current attempts at increasing production levels have targeted converting plantains into forms that may help to increase their shelf life. One of such forms is a ripped plantain powder mix for ease of preparing ripped plantain fritters (kaklo). As part of product development and introduction, this study aimed at examining consumer preferences for the ripped plantain powder mix for kaklo using advanced discrete choice modelling techniques.
Design/methodology/approach
We employed random utility maximization and random regret minimization methods in both utility space and willingness to pay (WTP) space to analyse choice data on 198 sampled consumers in Cape Coast, Ghana.
Findings
Our econometric modelling revealed that consumers attached high value to the proposed ripped plantain powder mix for preparing kaklo. They prefer a formulation that would have the traditional reddish-brown colour, sweet and spicy, certified but also affordable.
Practical implications
This implies that to improve marketability of the product, it should be cheap, Food and Drugs Authority certified and must have a sweet and spicy taste.
Originality/value
This paper is one of the first to apply the random utility maximization and random regret minimization models in the utility space and WTP space to examine consumer preferences for ripped plantain powder mix for plantain fritters preparation.
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Emmanuel Coleman, Isaac Kwesi Nooni, Samuel Korenteng Fianko, Linka Dadzie, Ebenezer Nickson Neequaye, Jasmine Owusu-Agyemang and Edna Obuo Ansa-Asare
This study aims to investigate the attainment of quality in Government of Ghana’s (GoG) infrastructural projects through effective contract management and especially, relating to…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate the attainment of quality in Government of Ghana’s (GoG) infrastructural projects through effective contract management and especially, relating to qualification, competence and experience of supply chain stakeholders.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey questionnaire and field observations were used to collect primary data from staff of the education ministry and construction professionals. Documentary analyses of contract documents were also undertaken.
Findings
The results show that executing agencies’ failure to apply appropriate contract management processes was linked to the gap between stakeholders’ knowledge and actual practice. This was confirmed by Spearman’s rho tests of correlation between overall mean ranks given by professionals and non-professionals, which indicated strong agreement between those groups. Factors such as contractors’ engagement of unqualified supervisory staff, lack of proper projects monitoring and evaluation by executing agencies mainly contribute to the poor quality of work.
Research limitations/implications
Investigations were limited to the Funds and Procurement Management Unit of the Ministry of Education, Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies and local contractors. Nonetheless, the methodology used could be used in future studies to analyse the socio-economic implications on the quality of education infrastructure.
Practical implications
Construction is booming in Ghana but the capacity to improve the work quality through effective contract management is limited. However, with the effort of stakeholder and statutory bodies’ support in capacity building initiatives, GoG projects could offer some novel solutions to improve quality of work.
Social implications
Construction industry professionals and students’ knowledge and perception on construction industry and contract management is significantly improved.
Originality/value
This study provides information on respondents’ knowledge on contract management process, which, if not properly understood, can lead to poor quality of work and loss of money.
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Edward Ayebeng Botchway, Kofi Agyekum, Jenefailus Nikoi Kotei-Martin and Samuel Owusu Afram
This study explores the utilization of simulation tools for building performance assessments among design professionals in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the utilization of simulation tools for building performance assessments among design professionals in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
A quantitative approach was used to obtain responses from 104 design professionals in Ghana through a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was generated through a critical review of the related literature on the subject matter. Data from respondents were analyzed through descriptive and inferential statistics.
Findings
Results from the analysis indicated that design professionals in Ghana possessed a low level of awareness of the simulation tools used for building performance assessments. Subsequently, the findings also revealed that the design professionals' level of usage of the simulation tools was low.
Practical implications
Practically, the establishment of this study informs design stakeholders, educational institutions and researchers in Ghana. For design professionals, these findings will focus on enhancing their use of simulation tools for evaluating building performance in Ghana. For educational institutions, these findings will enable them to implement the necessary strategies for incorporating the concept of building performance simulation into their curriculum in order to boost awareness and utilization. Finally, researchers will also use the study's findings to identify any research gaps for future studies.
Originality/value
The findings from this study pioneer knowledge on an under-investigated topic within the Ghanaian construction industry. It also provides insight into the developing state-of-the-art technology employed in the built environment.
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Lexis Alexander Tetteh, Cletus Agyenim-Boateng and Samuel Nana Yaw Simpson
The study examines the instigating factors behind the development of the local content (LC) policy in Ghana and it further investigates the accountability mechanisms that drive…
Abstract
Purpose
The study examines the instigating factors behind the development of the local content (LC) policy in Ghana and it further investigates the accountability mechanisms that drive the LC policy implementation to promote sustainable development.
Design/methodology/approach
The study reports on a series of interviews with key actors using Institutional Theory and the application of Bovens’ (2010) Global Accountability Framework as a lens for discussion and interpretation of results.
Findings
The results reveal that two forces instigated LC policy enactment. One is external funding pressure from the Norwegian government and the World Bank. The other is the government’s engagement of Civil Society Organisations and other internal stakeholders to justify its activities and missions to signal adherence to impartiality, neutrality, and, to a lesser extent, solidarity. The analysis also reveals tensions in how accountability legitimacy relates to implementation of the LC policy. The study further discovers that while participation, transparency, monitoring, and evaluation are frequently invoked as de jure institutional legitimacy in oil and gas contracts, actual practices follow normative (de facto) institutionalism rather than what the LC policy law provides.
Research limitations/implications
The interview had a relatively small number of participants, which can be argued to affect the study’s validity. Nevertheless, given the data saturation effect and the breadth of the data obtained from the respondents, this study represents a significant advancement in LC policy enactment knowledge, implementation mechanisms and enforcement in an emerging O&G industry.
Practical implications
The findings of this study suggest that future policy development in emerging economies should involve detailed consultations to increase decision-maker knowledge, process transparency and expectations. This will improve implementation and reduce stakeholder tension, conflict and mistrust.
Originality/value
The findings of this study build on earlier investigations into legitimacy, accountability and impression management in and outside the O&G sector. Also, the findings reveal the legitimising tactics used by O&G actors to promote local content sustainable development targets.
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Samuel Awuni Azinga, Anthony Frank Obeng, Florence Y.A. Ellis and Martin Owusu Ansah
This study examines the impact of transformational leadership on employees' innovative behavior via the mediating role of employee affective commitment and the moderating effect…
Abstract
Purpose
This study examines the impact of transformational leadership on employees' innovative behavior via the mediating role of employee affective commitment and the moderating effect of psychological capital.
Design/methodology/approach
A sample of 555 employees from Ghana's textiles and dress-making industry through a three-wave self-administrated questionnaire participated in this study. The study's hypotheses were analyzed using Hierarchical Regression.
Findings
Results revealed that the dimensions of transformational leadership positively influenced employee affective commitment and employees' innovative behavior. Furthermore, employee affective commitment positively influenced employees' innovative behavior. Moreover, employee affective commitment exercised mediation effects in the relationship between transformational leadership and employees' innovative behavior. Hope and Optimism moderated the employee affective commitment and employees' innovative behavior relationship. Self-efficacy negatively moderated the employee affective commitment and employees' innovative behavior relationship. Staggering, resilience had no moderation impact on the employee affective commitment and employees' innovative behavior relationship.
Practical implications
The research provides guidlines to employers to prioritize training and development, institutionalize coaching and promote policies and investment that help to uphold employees’ positive emotions and positive psychological development.
Originality/value
This study tests the mediating role of employee affective commitment and moderating role of psychological capital in relation to transformational leadership and employees' innovative behavior. In addition, it assesses the interactive outcome of positive affect and positive psychological development of employees, which has attracted less theoretical and empirical deliberations.
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Nicholas Oppong Mensah, Jeffery Kofi Asare, Ernest Christlieb Amrago, Samuel Afotey Anang and Tekuni Nakuja
This paper seeks to examine the prospects and constraints of implementing food banking in the in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper seeks to examine the prospects and constraints of implementing food banking in the in Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
Multistage sampling technique was used to select 385 respondents for the study. Descriptive statistics were used to present prospects of food banking. The probit regression model was used to analyse factors influencing food banking implementation whereas Kendall's coefficient of concordance was used to analyse constraints in implementing food banking.
Findings
Addressing food poverty, helping to provide food aid to respondents in times of pandemics (such as Covid 19) and also helping in reducing food wastage were the most notable prospects of food banking. Age, household size, food bank awareness and food poverty had a significant positive influence on food banking implementation, whereas residential status and employment status had a significant negative influence on food banking implementation. The most pressing constraint in implementing food banking is funding and support with the mean rank of 3.03 whiles the least pressing constraint is improper documentation of potential beneficiaries with the mean rank of 6.72.
Social implications
This study provides empirical contributions and practical implications for implementing food banks in Ghana. Thus, the government of Ghana through the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MOFA) can enact policies that can help prevent food losses and wastage. In this vain, food which could have been wasted would be redirected to food banks. This can serve as a tool for social intervention, poverty alleviation and prevention of hunger among the vulnerable in Ghana.
Originality/value
Despite several studies on food banking in affluent countries, food banking research in developing countries such as Ghana remains scanty. Thus, this paper makes significant contributions to the literature on prospects and constraints in implementing food banking and the factors influencing food banking implementation.
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Samuel Agbemude, Dorcas Nuertey, Emmanuel Poku and Felix Owusu
This study aims to assess the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on supply chain performance both directly and indirectly through entrepreneurial competence, as well as the…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the effect of entrepreneurial orientation on supply chain performance both directly and indirectly through entrepreneurial competence, as well as the moderating role of local community networking in these relationships, within the context of institutional voids in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
The study utilized a cross-sectional survey data from 225 small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in order to test the hypotheses. The data analysis was conducted using partial least squares structural equation modelling techniques.
Findings
The results revealed that entrepreneurial orientation is a significant positive predictor of both entrepreneurial competence and supply chain performance. Similarly, entrepreneurial competence was shown to positively predict supply chain performance, both directly and as a mediator between entrepreneurial orientation and supply chain performance. Local community networking, however, positively moderated the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and entrepreneurial competence but not the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and supply chain performance.
Originality/value
This study contributes to literature by looking at the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation, entrepreneurial competence, local community networking and supply chain performance within the context of an emerging economy with institutional voids. The study shows the importance of an entrepreneurial mindset in developing the necessary skills, competences and abilities needed to survive in the turbulent business environment.
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Kwame Owusu Kwateng, Francis Kamewor Tetteh, Nancy Asare and Derrick Manu
The occurrence of disaster and crisis is increasing. They are complex as well as challenging for humanitarian organizations (HOs) and societies involved in disaster relief…
Abstract
Purpose
The occurrence of disaster and crisis is increasing. They are complex as well as challenging for humanitarian organizations (HOs) and societies involved in disaster relief operations. This study examined the nexus between supply chain flexibility (SCF) and humanitarian supply chain performance (HSCP) among HOs with empirical evidence from HOs in Ghana.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed the quantitative method to explore the interdependencies among the variables. In congruence with this, the study employed the purposive and convenience sampling technique to obtain information from 168 respondents. The analysis was done using SPSS version 23 and Smart PLS version 3.
Findings
The outcome indicates that intercluster coordination (ICC) plays a significant mediating role between SCF and HSCP.
Practical implications
The outcome of the study indicates that a closer and stronger relationship ensures proper channel use among the HOs. This will improve the performance of the supply chain of HOs and their ability to deal with supply chain uncertainties.
Originality/value
The discovery of this study provides empirical support to the resource-based view theory. Thus, practitioners in the humanitarian setting give priority to factors that could enhance flexibility in their supply chain as well as implement coordination strategies to achieve a responsive humanitarian supply chain (HSC) system in the quest to minimize the outcome of disasters.
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Ernest Kissi, Theophilus Adjei-Kumi, Samuel Twum-Ampofo and Caleb Debrah
The non-achievement of projects of best value remains a perennial problem within the construction industry. This paper aims to identify the latent shortcomings affecting the…
Abstract
Purpose
The non-achievement of projects of best value remains a perennial problem within the construction industry. This paper aims to identify the latent shortcomings affecting the achievement of value for money (VfM) within the Ghanaian construction industry.
Design/methodology/approach
From a comprehensive literature review and pilot survey, 18 variables responsible for the non-achievement of VfM were identified. Through purposive and snowballing sampling techniques, a questionnaire was administered to the target professionals. Factor analysis was used to establish the latent shortcomings underlying the same dimensions of VfM achievement in the Ghanaian construction industry.
Findings
A total of six components were identified and explained as external factors; institutional culture and policy constraints; technical and decision-making factors; human-related factors and accountability and transparency constraints. The relative importance index was used in analysing the strategies to addressing the shortcomings.
Social implications
The prevalent situation of poorly delivered projects and the continuous campaign for VfM necessitated the need for a study into explaining the latent shortcomings in achieving VfM within the Ghanaian construction industry. It is recommended that governments give VfM in public projects serious attention. This would help to reduce the overall cost of construction projects without compromising quality. When VfM is taken seriously, governments can save more money and undertake more projects as well as gain public acceptance in terms of transparency and accountability.
Originality/value
This study has set the pace for further research in the VfM analysis by identifying the latent shortcoming, which other developing countries can emulate.
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