Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

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Nation branding as a tool for the increase of Foreign Direct Investment
(2010-04) Agyeman-Duah, Racheal Pokuah
This research study sought to find out how nation branding can be used to increase foreign direct investment. The study considered the different opinions and views of experts in the area of nation branding such as Simon Anholts statement that “a nation‟s identity should stress a reality that resonates with people, both within and outside the country.” This study is especially relevant at this time because of the recent discussion and debate about nation branding and how it can be effectively used to improve a Ghana‟s economic standing. Most African countries today are competing for the attention of multinational companies that have the adequate resources that can be used to improve some economic sectors. During the study, information was gathered from members of the Ghanaian public (students and white collared workers) about their perceptions of Ghana. Most respondents provided positive views about Ghana and agreed with the decision to brand the country. The study also found out that foreign investors chose to come to Ghana because they perceived Ghana as a democratic country and a place with significant future prospects in business. The presence of the existing competition makes the branding process expedient for Ghana as the country seeks revenues from foreign investment and since Ghana hopes to reach middle income status by the year 2015.
A study on the role of e-banking and its relation to customer satisfaction in the banking industry of Ghana
(2010-04) Amanfo, Gloria Owusuaa
This study aims at examining the role of e-banking and its relation to customer satisfaction in the banking industry in Ghana. The study addresses some issues that affect the role of e-banking and its link to customer satisfaction in Ghana‟s banking industry. Data were obtained from bank staffs and bank customers through a questionnaire using simple random sampling as well as an interview with bank staffs. All 60 questionnaires sent out were responded. Findings from the study indicate that e-banking has had a positive impact on the productivity and profitability of the banking industry amid expansion. Also, customers are to a large extent satisfied with services provided through electronic delivery channels by banks in Ghana. There was also evidence that customers‟ age group contributed to the propensity to use any of the electronic delivery channels used by banks. This study concludes by highlighting the need for banks to understand the customer needs, develop appropriate e-banking marketing strategies that maximize value for customers and satisfaction in the long run.
An empirical investigation of the costs and benefits from moving up the supply chain: The case of Ghana cocoa
(2010-04) Tutu, Adwoa Pinamang
Using simple cost-benefit analysis, this thesis investigates why Ghana, the world‟s second largest cocoa producer, has followed a strategy of exporting its cocoa beans instead of processing the beans into semi-finished and finished cocoa products. It is assumed that apart from the necessary technological ability needed to process cocoa beans the economic incentive for an increasing focus on processing relative to producing the beans for export is the profit incentive. The analysis is complicated by the fact that although there may be higher margins to be earned from processing cocoa, Ghana also earns high premiums from exporting raw beans because it exports the most quality cocoa in the world: all cocoa is typically discounted to Ghana. The results of this study showed that while generally, costs were higher for processing of raw cocoa beans into semi-finished and finished products and revenues from processing were mostly higher than from production for export; profits from processing were always higher than from production. This proved that financially it would be more profitable to increase processing of cocoa beans in Ghana. This study would serve as a springboard for further research on Ghana‟s cocoa industry and would largely benefit the Ghana government and Ghana Cocoa Board with regards to plans for expansion of the cocoa industry. It would aid the government and COCOBOD in the creation of policies and regulations which would boost the industry.
Developing a derivative securities market in Ghana: requisite conditions
(2010-04) Aduodeh, Daniel Ekerumeh
The development of a derivative securities market in Ghana was studied with the focus on the requisite conditions which form a foundation upon which a successful derivatives market would thrive. The study addressed the availability of participants, the presence or absence of a legal regulatory framework and the possibility of developing a derivatives market. The importance of this study is to provide a platform for which business could unbundle and redistribute risk through hedging, allow for price discovery and increase the inflow of global resources into Ghana. The researcher used SPSS 16.0 software for windows in analyzing the quantitative data on the level of awareness of derivative instruments, the possibility of developing a derivative market in Ghana, organizations currently involved in any form of derivative trading and number of derivative contracts traded. The qualitative data collated through interview was analyzed using content analysis. Themes and keywords from the interview were isolated and described. The study found that Ghana is ready for the development of a derivatives market but lacks the needed legal and regulatory framework for derivatives trading. It is recommended that policy makers should pass the law allowing the development of a derivatives market. With effective investor education, Ghana could start gradually probably with the establishment of a commodity exchange since the economy is commodity based.
Workplace bullying and its impact on productivity
(2010-04) Afful, Claudia Akaaba
Workplace bullying has been identified as a major occupational and social problem that has been in existence for ages. It is considered damaging, continual and long lasting where one party exerts some negative influence and supremacy over the other party. This study examined the impact on workplace bullying on employee productivity which eventually affects the productivity of a firm. Specifically, this study addresses the impact that it has on a target‟s ability to perform through exploring bullying from the viewpoint of both targets and witnesses. The study attempts to answer one key question. “Does workplace bullying have an effect on productivity?” Focusing on bullying in 7 Multinational Companies in Ghana, 29 targets and 21 witnesses to bullying formed the sample with the aid of self-administered questionnaires. Findings suggest that bullying does affect a target‟s productivity and ultimately an organisation‟s productivity as was noted by most of the respondents (86%). Moreover, most respondents reported that they were least productive (52%) due to bullying at work. Also, findings indicate that as a result of bullying in the organisation, duties and responsibilities are not performed to maximum potential, hence leading to a loss in productivity. The study does not only establish these facts but provide in-depth knowledge, useful efforts to identify, prevent, reduce and combat workplace bullying in order to prevent loss in productivity.
The role of culture in human resource training and development
(2010-04) Boakye, Akuba Agyeman
This dissertation analyzed the role of culture in Human Resource Training and Development practices through a qualitative study of ProCredit Ghana Ltd. The guiding theory for the work was the 'Model of Culture Fit' developed by Kanungo and Medonca in 1990 which postulates that national culture and industry culture influence human resource management practices through the mediation of organizational culture. Through a survey, interviews, observation, and company policy documents, cultural values based on the cultural dimensions of Geert Hofstede and organizational culture dimensions of Edgar Schein, existing in the organization were established. The quantitative and qualitative data were both analyzed to determine if relationships existed between the cultural values on the various levels based on the guiding theory. The organizational cultural values were found to be positively correlated with the national cultural values and the industry values. The analyses showed that the organizational culture had a role in the development and structuring of training and development programs. Another interesting find was the ability of employees to adapt to the environment of the firm although some of the firm's values conflicted with their national values. The study will guide organizations in the development of an organizational structure that will enhance the strategy of the firm and improve all human resource management practices.
Feasibility of Just-in-Time (JIT) in Ghana
(2010-04) Agyei-Boahene, Akosua
Just-in-Time, a system of production that calls for the elimination of inventory has taken many parts of the world by storm. Many producers and even suppliers are engaging the statutes of this new production system and are seen to be clearly reaping the benefits associated with it. Ghanaian firms seem to be tarrying with respect to the use of this system thus this paper seeks to discover how beneficial this system of production will be to producers in Ghana and how feasibly its implementation will be. In attaining the objectives of this study, both qualitative and quantitative data were collected with the main data source being Magvlyn Ind Limited. Published journals and articles were some of the other data sources used. A regression analyses served as the tool for the determination of the strength of the relationship between sales and inventory. Also a qualitative analysis was used in the analysis of the questionnaires and other secondary data collected. In conclusion, it was determined that there is a very strong relationship between inventory levels and sales and that inventory levels have a positive impact on sales. Also it was realized that Just-in-Time would not be the most feasible of production options for producers because of the current economic and infrastructural difficulties and also because of Ghanaians attitudes towards change.
The contribution of football to national development
(2010-04) Acquah, Ebenezer Yaw
In Ghana the speed with which development is being achieved is constantly under scrutiny. This developmental process is mainly rooted in donor-funded programs undertaken by the government. It is essential that the nation finds self-sustaining alternatives to support these programs and in time do away with reliance on foreign aid. The purpose of this study was to investigate if football qualifies as one of such alternatives. The study posed the question of whether or not football currently contributes substantially to economic development. The study then assessed the implications of this contribution for economic development in the long term. The study was conducted by gathering opinions of members of a Supporters‟ group/organization in Ghana using questionnaires. The study was also based on data on match revenues and attendances at home league matches of 14 teams played over a 17-week period. Finally, the study also relied on expert analysis and opinions of credible and established individuals on the Ghanaian football scene. The study found that, based on the variables evaluated, football contributes to economic development but not substantially. However, it was conclusive that football‟s current contribution has the potential to be massively substantial in the long run if given the right environment to thrive in.
Ethics training in Ghanaian corporations.
(2010-04) Chele Lopez, Abelardo
Ethics is an essential part of employee training. Studies conducted suggest that the benefits that may be derived from the implementation of ethics training in an organization are numerous, ranging from increase in productivity to improvement in employee effectiveness. This exploratory study investigates how ethics training programs implemented in an organization may impact the performance level of the organization's employees. The study also seeks to find out some of the specific benefits that may be derived from the implementation of ethics training. The main question that this study attempts to answer is; Does ethics training have an impact on employee performance? The study is set in Ghana specifically in the city of Accra. Three interviews with key employees and 40 distributed questionnaires constitute the instruments used during the compilation of this study. Findings suggest that ethics training plays an important role in the employees' performance in an organization and is an essential ingredient if success is to be achieved. The findings also suggest that the employees themselves consider ethics training as a vital element for their personal improvement and as a necessary factor for the achievement of their targets. The findings and lessons obtained during the compilation of this study may constitute a good addition to already scarce intellectual resources on ethics training in the Ghanaian context. The findings may also be beneficial for companies trying to improve on ethics training in Ghana as well as serve as assistance in further research.
How does service quality enhance the corporate image of CDH Insurance Company Limited?
(2010-04) Boaten, Nana Sarkodie
The insurance industry in Ghana represents one of the vibrant areas of the fast growing service sector. The objective for the study was to find out the perceptions customers had regarding the level of service quality provided during the service encounter and how it translated into forming the right image for the company. The study showed that majority of customers who had received service at CDH Insurance was of the opinion that, the service was of high standards. It was also showed that the company had employed strategies to help facilitate the service encounter process between frontline staff and customers, which was yielding results and creating a lasting impression in the minds of customers. The study also highlighted that customers' perceptions of CDH Insurance Company were rated very high. At the end of the study, the results obtained were able to answer all the research questions posed at the beginning of the study. At the end the study CDH customers had a very high rating of the image of the company due to the quality of service rendered by frontline staff of the company.
How the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) can be improved
(2010-04) Agyeman, Charles Antwi
Governments in Africa have eulogized free markets and the role of the private sector in economic growth and development. The private sector requires an enabling environment to thrive and flourish, thus the need for a vibrant capital market to improve the private sector‟s access to capital. In lieu of this, the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) has enabled businesses in Ghana and the government to raise long-term capital and helped investors to obtain liquidity, fair capital safety and diversity of investments. It has also been one of the best performing stock exchanges in the world. That notwithstanding, there are numerous challenges hampering the development of the GSE. Therefore, this study explores how to improve the GSE by identifying the challenges impeding the development of the GSE and finding ways to deal with such challenges. The method used was to survey investors on the GSE and also interview the key players in the industry. It was found that the GSE is generally illiquid and not efficient. The number of listed securities on the Exchange is woefully inadequate. Also, most of the listed companies have very limited float of shares available for trading and their financial performance has been abysmal over the years. The cost of listing is generally very expensive and most of the brokerage firms are concentrated in Accra. Analyzing the results, massive education, incentives for listing, government use of the GSE for divestiture and bond issue for infrastructure are discussed as possible solutions.
An employee self-service intranet portal system
(2010-04) Ayimey, Nutifafa
Human resources management (HRM) is the management of people in an organization. In order for this to be effective, a number of activities must be carried out. Records of these activities have to be kept in order to keep track of progress. Some approaches have been tried over the years to make HRM efficient. These are the paper based system and automation of some HRM. These approaches however have proven to be inadequate. This project focuses on designing and building an employee portal system that would encourage employee interaction and puts as many activities of HRM as possible into the hands of employees. It is also aimed at automating as many HRM activities as possible. By this approach, the human resource manager would be freed up for other important human resource functions, employees would be made to feel a part of the organisation and the organisation would save money, thus making the HRM process both effective and efficient.
A study of the street hawking phenomenon: A review of intervention programmes
(2010-04) Asare, Dorothy Nana Yaa Boafoa
There has been an increase in the number of recruitment agencies in Ghana over the years. The aim of these recruitment agencies is to create the perfect fit between companies and individuals looking for job opportunities. This service is how ever rendered by Human Resource Management (HRM) department in the companies. The company has the option of choosing between the two methods when recruiting: using the services of recruitment agencies or maintain their recruitment activities in-house. The research investigates the viability of recruitment agencies in Ghana to establish how efficient and effective their services rendered are. Through exploratory research, the recruitment requirements of companies in Ghana Club 100 (2011) and the factors that influence the choice of method adopted were established. The research discovered that, majority of companies in the sample use the in-house recruitment method mainly because it satisfies the recruitment requirement of the companies. It is recommended that the recruitment agencies concentrate on the factors that mostly influence the decision made by companies when choosing a recruitment method to adopt. The companies in Ghana Club 100 (2011) were advised to try the services of the recruitment agencies and determine the gap they could fill in their company to contribute to its success.
Financial risks management practices of multinational companies in Ghana
(2010-04) Larbi, Afua Adumea
This study sought to find out the management practices employed by multinationals in Ghana in controlling the financial risks they are exposed to. It also assessed the management practices used by multinationals in the recent financial crisis. This study is relevant since multinationals located in developing countries operate under different business environment and economies as compared to developed economies. Hence, multinational companies in developing countries should control financial risk by using management practices conducive for the environment they operate in. The study made use of interviews as the method used in collecting data. Data collected was then grouped and analysed according to the common management practices. Analysis generated from the data collected concluded that, interest rate risks and exchange rate risks were the most common financial risks the companies face. In managing these risks, management set limit within which the company can absorb risks as the first step in controlling financial risks. The study also identified hedging tools such as options, forwards and future contracts as dominant management practices in controlling financial risk.
Corporate social responsibility, a tool in creating corporate brand awareness: A case study of the telecommunication industry in Ghana
(2010-04) Bankas, Maria A
This study is an effort to find out the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in creating Corporate Brand Awareness. University students have been identified by the telecommunication companies as an attractive target group with financial prospects. Therefore, questionnaires sought to find the views of 120 students that provided insight to the role that CSR plays in creating corporate brand awareness in the telecommunication industry. The results from the research showed that CSR plays a role in creating brand awareness for the companies that are highly engaged in it; in this case, Zain and MTN. This is particularly so because, these companies made sure that customers and the public at large were aware of their CSR activities. On the other hand, the CSR activities of a company like Kasapa were not known to the public and so it was considered to be inactive in CSR. It is also important to mention that, most consumers factor into their purchasing decision, the element of brand awareness, implying that they were more likely to purchase a product or service of a brand that they are more aware of. Therefore, creating brand awareness through CSR moves a company further to completing the purchase of its product or service. Other benefits derived from using CSR as a tool in creating corporate brand awareness include protection of brand reputation and a solid foundation for brand perceived loyalty and quality.
Developing an optimization model for efficient distribution of petroleum products: A case study of Tema Oil Refinery (TOR)
(2010-04) Korley, Eunice Naa Anyema
This research explores linear programming optimization models for distributing products by tankers in a land transportation system. Tema Oil Refinery (TOR) is used as a case study. The transportation problem is of great economic significance to the Government of Ghana, whose economy is traditionally dominated to a large extent by the oil sector. Any enhancement in the existing transportation procedure has the potential for significant cost savings for the Ghanaian economy. A linear programming model for the TOR problem is constructed in this paper. A set of nodes and arcs is used to form the network, and the decision variables are the different transportation routes. The objective function minimized is formed by summing the products of the decision variables and their corresponding cost coefficients. The constraints of the model include capacity at the depots and the demands of the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs). The scope of this research covered five (5) OMCs across three (3) capital cities namely; Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi. The resulting linear formulation is greatly simplified and it was solved using Solver (an in-built optimisation tool) in Microsoft EXCEL.
An assessment of Ghana’s preparedness to meet the deforestation target under the Millennium Development Goal 7
(2010-04) Ladson, Deladem Kwaku
Due to the quest to attain economic development, Ghana is rapidly developing but this has come at the expense of natural resources in the country. Ghana has lost majority of its forests due to agricultural activities, mining and lumbering. There is a school of thought that are of the opinion that forests are essential for the mitigation of climate change. Due to the severity of the negative effects of climate change such as change in rainfall patterns and increase droughts, there has been rallying calls to reduce deforestation all over the world; as a result reducing deforestation is one of the targets under the goal on environmental sustainability for the Millennium Development Goals. This study assesses Ghana's readiness to meet the deforestation goal under the MDG on environmental sustainability, MDG 7. The study analyzed data on the Ghana's deforestation rates from 1990 to 2007 alongside information from government agencies and programmes or interventions are taking place to reduce deforestation in the country. The forest transition theory influenced the method for study; the study states that development has an effect on deforestation and therefore the need to manage forests sustainably. The study concluded that Ghana cannot meet the deforestation target by 2015 but can meet the target of at least 35% of land covered by forests on a later date. It also recommended a study that would develop a formula to predict the rate of deforestation in the future
Small scale businesses: A case study of stagnation amongst street food vendors in Accra
(2010-04) Bobodu, Dorothy Esiawonam
Street food vendors make a significant contribution to the lives of the impoverished in the society and the economy at large. However, it seems the sector has become stagnant in growth and expansion. A large number of street food vendors have been operating in the same place for numerous years with no concrete progress. This reason influenced the choice of my thesis topic so that the problem can be investigated and appropriate measures taken to help boost the sector. The research studies the stagnation in the growth and expansion of street food vendors. Using a purposive sampling method, a more qualitative than quantitative questionnaire was developed for a sample size of 72 street food vendors. This questionnaire is intended to help examine the reasons for the street food vendor's choice of venture, characteristics of these vendors, expansion ideas, years of existence and their financial information during their past years of existence. Answers to these questions will clarify what hinders the expansion of their businesses. Finally, the findings from the research indicate that the stagnation of the street food sector is in part attributed to religious beliefs, family dependency, small capital outlay, harsh attitudes from government officials but predominantly caused by the lack of access to credit and managerial skills, and refusal in building appropriate markets for these vulnerable individuals who operate from the street.
Trade liberalization and its effect on locally manufactured goods: The case of PZ Cussons Ghana Limited
(2010-04) Allotey, Lois Naa Adoley
The trade liberalization policy was introduced in 1986 as part of Ghana‟s economic recovery program. Trade liberalization is a policy that seeks to remove all trade practices that impede the free flow of goods and services from one country to another. Practices that deter trade include tariffs, duties and other non-tariff barriers. This thesis discusses the impact that the policy of trade liberalization has had on the marketing of locally manufactures goods in Ghana using PZ Cussons Ghana Limited as a case study. Specifically, a comparative study of the marketing strategies and profits of PZ before and after liberalization was executed. Results of the study suggests that in the pre liberalization era PZ Cussons concentrated solely on sales management where efforts were mainly geared towards increasing sales output with little promotional effort. However, in the post liberalization period, PZ Cussons employed network marketing as its primary strategy to keep ahead of the competition. The introduction of trade liberalization created a competitive environment which positively influenced the marketing activities of PZ Cussons Ghana Limited. However, PZ‟s performance under the trade liberalization was under-mined by unfair competition from rival companies who evade taxes and engaged in bribery at the ports at the borders of Ghana. The research therefore highlights the importance of versatility in a company‟s strategy mix in order to thrive in the changing Ghanaian policy environment.
Measuring the systematic risk of companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange
(2010-04) Ocran, Karl Nii Narku
The Beta of a stock is an index which measures its volatility relative to the market rate of return (Systematic risk). The beta of a stock is a critical component in not just valuing a stock but a company as well. Beta gives investors a fair idea of the risk associated with a particular security relative to the market, as such, enables them make informed decisions. Arguably, the absence of valid beta data of companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) has partially contributed to the unattractiveness of the stock market as both local and foreign investors are not well informed about the risk of particular stocks. Thus, this research, seeks to provide investors and academicians with valid beta data. Of the 37 companies listed on the GSE the researcher measured the betas of 36 companies using the Market Model. Research results revealed that, most companies listed on the GSE would be considered defensive stocks because they have beta values less than the overall market (1). Hence, the returns of most stocks vary less than proportionately than the returns of the entire market. In the words of the average investor, this would mean that stocks listed on the GSE are not risky. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that, future studies such as, testing the effect of various models of beta estimation in the Ghanaian market be conducted in order to complement this work.

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