Student Submissions

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http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11988/24

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A process for automated class scheduling at Ashesi
(2014-04) Donkor, George
At the beginning of every semester, the registrar at Ashesi University goes through the laborious task of either manually or semi-automatically developing a course schedule. Very often, after the schedule has been developed, conflicts are realized in the various schedules. Conflicts are categorized into student, lecturer and room conflicts. An open source software, FET was recently used by the university to help develop schedules for the courses. This project is an attempt to review the ways in which the automation process can be enhanced in order to potentially reduce the conflicts faced. At the heart of automated course scheduling is the algorithm being used. Any effort made at enhancing the scheduling process in Ashesi will require an efficient algorithm. This paper begins with a background on scheduling, an extensive research on existing approaches and algorithms follows. The algorithms reviewed include the Multi-Agent System approach, Sequential methods, Constraint Based Methods, Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, Particle Swarm optimization and Tabu Search. The algorithm used in the FET software is also reviewed. These techniques are compared based on their computational time, ease of implementation, solution quality and constraint handling. Based on the literature, it is realized that Particle Swarm Optimization is potentially the best algorithm with respect to the set criteria. A basic version of the Particle Swarm Algorithm is implemented and tested and the results compared with the results from testing the current FET software algorithm, recursive swapping. The outcome implies that recursive swapping, can produce good solutions but Particle Swarm Optimization is easier to implement.
Modeling wait times at Ashesi's cafeteria
(2013-04) Armo-Himbson, Ekua Asaaba
Waiting and delays have a negative impact on business as it leads to loss of repeat business and customers. Operations managers are constantly seeking ways to reduce and possibly curb delays. This study looks at the feasibility of modeling as a means to curb delays and improve overall service delivery. This study asks one main question: Whether the process at Akornor can be modeled to provide management enough information to enhance decision making. Using observation and recording, data from Akornor was gathered on four different days. Fifty questionnaires were also administered to customers of Akornor to obtain customer related information. Findings from this study showed that 32% of customers who had to wait were most likely to leave and find other alternatives. Other findings showed that Akornor has average cashier service time of 0.69 minutes for both customers on the meal plan and customers who are not on any plan with Akornor. However, customers on staff discount have an average cashier service time of 0.72 minutes. Cumulative average serving time was 2.34 minutes. Akornor can be modeled but there will be difficulty in obtaining data on arrival rates. However, information on serve time and number of people in a queue is easier to obtain.
The maritime industry of Ghana: Role of our ports, challenges and key lessons from successful maritime nations
(2015-4) Khadi, Omar
Ghana as a nation largely enjoys natural resources endowment. Resources include gold, cocoa, bauxite, diamond and (in more recent times) oil. However, one resource that is largely understated and underplayed in terms of importance and role is Maritime Resource Endowment (MRE). Maritime Resource Endowment is the proximity of a country to a coastline which allows for the presence of a maritime industry. This study aims to identify the role of our ports in the growth and development of the Ghanaian economy. The main aim of this research was to identify major challenges being faced by the maritime sector. A comparative study was also employed using successful maritime examples that faced similar challenges and were able to overcome them. This study gathered information through the use of archival and literature analysis. Certain major stakeholders were not left out as their views were culled through semi structured interviews. Data collected through interviews and literature analysis was merged to come out with the findings of this research. From the research done, countries like Singapore and The Netherlands have taken certain steps such as huge investment in human resource and infrastructural developments. This study in conclusion highly recommends the methods employed by the developed maritime nations i.e. Singapore and the Netherlands to the relevant Ghanaian authorities as a source of framework in drawing up effective maritime policies for the country.
Of Galamsey Operations (Final Ppp).Pptx
Final Impacts
An investigation into the buying behavior of young women in tertiary institutions for fashionable clothing: case of Ashesi University College and University of Ghana
(2014-04) Opare-Asamoah, Emefa Sharon
The aim of the research was to investigate into the buying behavior of fashionable clothing amongst young women in the tertiary institutions. Women are however considered to have a unique self-image and the drivers of fashion in the world (Tamboli, 2008). The theoretical frameworks used for this study were the five-stage model decision process (need recognition or problem recognition, information search, evaluating alternatives, product choice and outcomes) and the major factors that influence consumer behavior. Surveys based on these theories were used in collecting data from respondents from Ashesi University College and University of Ghana. This research adopted an exploratory and descriptive research where data was collected through interviews and the use of questionnaires. Family and Friends were found to be the major factors that influence a young Ghanaian woman to purchase fashionable clothing. Three most important criteria for these young women in selecting fashionable clothing are Comfort, Style and Style. Findings from this study revealed that though young women are not trendsetters in fashion, they like to buy fashionable clothing.
Investigating the attitudes and habits of middle-income Ghanaians to purchasing cut flowers in Accra, Ghana
(2014-04) Asiedu, Joana Akosua
The middle-income bracket in Africa is one that is growing and doing so rapidly. Ghana has been identified as having around “46.6% of the population belonging to the middle class who is gaining strength due to increased jobs, wealth, and political participation” (Grail Research, 2012). With this notion in mind, the middle-income bracket is being exposed to varying lifestyle changes as well as opportunities broadening their scope and exposing them to different cultural ideas. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitudes and habits of middle-income Ghanaians toward purchasing cut flowers in Accra. Unlike the western and European countries that have embraced the purchase and the use of cut flowers as a part of their culture, as Africans it is not innate quality we imbibe (International Marketing, 2012). Hence, the interest developed to understand the rationale behind Ghanaian consumers who chose to buy cut flowers and for which occasion they buy cut flowers. What motivates them to and how often they buy? A research conducted by Czinkota et al. in 2012 identified that the floral industry in Ghana is relatively young compared to other markets such as Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. However, there is evidence of growth in this market based on consumer changing preferences and the prevalence of the culture and knowledge of cut flowers unto the Ghanaian scene. This study focuses solely on the understanding the attitude and habits of the middle-income bracket to buying cut flowers and how this information could enhance potential growth within the industry here in Ghana. With just a few dominant forces in the trade, it will be highly beneficial for suppliers to know how consumers react to the product and as such know how best to market them in order to sell more and improve the culture of buying flowers here in Ghana considering there is a positive attitude to buying cut flowers and they do so regularly.
Technologies For Development
Innovation in mobile
ASHESI UNIVERSITY
E290 Ashesi Univ Stanford Bus Schl
It was December 2007 and Patrick Awuah, founder and president of Ashesi University, began updating his school's business plan. He looked back on the university's short history with pride-in only 10 years Awuah and his team had turned a lofty vision into reality. Ashesi had become one of the most respected educational institutions in Ghana, with about 100 top-notch students enrolling in its liberal arts program each year. But many challenges still lay ahead, not least of which was raising the $7.2 million needed to complete the first phase of construction for the permanent campus. There was the issue of academic dishonesty, which seemed to be on the rise at Ashesi and was directly at odds with the school's mission. Awuah also wondered how much longer it would be until he felt ready to begin replicating the model in other parts of Africa, which had always been part of the long-term strategy.
Developing a distribution strategy to improve the availability of Recyclon Ghana products to customers
(2015-04) Asamoah, Ebenezer Aboagye
Recyclon Ghana LLC is a privately owned company, which was established in September 2014. The company recycles waste into functional products to generate revenue. The central purpose of this project is to identify and define a major problem faced by Recyclon Ghana LLC and develop a functional solution to curb the problem. Presently, Recyclon Ghana LLC does not have a strategized distribution system, which will assist the company to make its products always available to its customers. The founder chiefly and exclusively does most of the activities pertaining to distribution. Accordingly, when the founder is absent from operations or highly engaged, distribution stops. To solve this issue, a Two-level distribution model was developed to strategically assist Recyclon Ghana LLC to improve its supplies to its customers. Also, it will assist Recyclon Ghana to reduce cost, retain its customers and maximize profit. This distribution strategy was developed based on interviews with the founder and co-partner, customers and insights obtained from distinguished writers in the field of product distribution. Cost-benefit analysis, SWOT and PESTLE, and other analysis done shows that the use of this strategic distribution strategy by Recyclon Ghana LLC would improve its ability to reach its customers. This is because customers will have access to an online shop and other sales avenues where they can make regular purchases.
An assessment on the effectiveness of credit risk management tools utilized by financial institutions in Ghana.
(2012-05) Badu, Abigail Nana Yaa
Credit risk management is a very essential model for any financial institution, since most of the financial decisions revolve around the corporate cost of holding risk. This management practice is particularly important to banks since credit risk constitutes their core business processes. The banking industry in Ghana though is thriving profitably; the industry suffers the problem of credit risk. Results of the study revealed that credit risk management is a very effective and efficient management tool that helps to reduce credit default rate, non-performing loans, and increase in cash flows as well as portfolio growth amongst financial institutions. However, this paper concludes that methods and procedures used by financial institutions to manage credit risk are credit assessment, purpose of the credit, track records of applicant, monitoring of credit, controlling of credit, evaluating collateral provided by the customer, and proposing of terms and conditions in relation to the loan requested. Further, the study also revealed that both external and internal factors of environment affected the operations of credit risk management. These factors are: interest rates, currency exchange rates, efficient management of government fiscal policies and political stability of the country.
Animation as a tool for development communication: An HCI perspective
(2012-04) Taylor, Ariel Safiya
Information sharing through animation is a major step in influencing today's society to improve their lifestyles for better future. Organizations and government affiliates globally utilize animation in public awareness campaigns to share vital information relevant to societal problems. Interpretation of character movements, gestures and other visual aids vary in cultures but relays pertinent information just the same. This research addressed design issues that affect viewer's comprehension of content and their ability to retain valuable information. A study that sought after the elements of animation design that improves viewer's retention of material found that visual aids are more effective in communicating complex information. To gather data for the observational study I conducted, there were questionnaire and a few interviews to prove which attributes of animation are preferred. The results showed that a mixture of audio and visual aids in the form of cueing create an intriguing animation that everyone can appreciate. As stated from literatures, these findings clearly emphasize the usefulness of HCI design principles to creating animation that communicates development. Furthermore, character designs should also have these principles included for a remarkable user interface.
KAAGS Company Limited - producers of the sort bin
(2014-4) Mends-Graves, Annmarie
The sort bin is a simple compartmentalized bin that encourages the segregation of waste types and seeks to encourage recycling habits in Ghana. This business plan highlights the description of the business, the market and competition, organization and structure, the production process and operational plan, financial highlights and the growth and exit plans.
The perception of poaching in telecommunication firms and its effect on employee morale: The case of MTN Ghana
(2015-4) Edoho, Anthonia Abasimo
This study sought to find out perceptions of employee poaching by employees in telecommunication firms and how these perceptions affected their morale. A survey was conducted in which 30 questionnaires were administered and 27 filled. Results showed that 92% of the population had a positive perception of poaching with 8% having negative perceptions. When a regression analysis was done on the data received, in order to test the significance of the relationship between the variables, p-value for significance did not meet the standard which implies that there is not significant relationship between the variables. According to these results, employee perceptions of poaching do not have any effect on morale.
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Alcoholism among women and its impact on the socio-economic development of Ghana: A case study of Sandema
(2012-05) Agoabasa, Festus Akaateba
Alcoholism or abuse of alcohol is not new in Ghana. But alcoholism among women is something most people would be shocked to learn about. However, it should not be a surprise to anyone who comes from Sandema. Sandema is the capital of the Builsa District located in the Upper East Region of Ghana. It is an economically and socially deprived community with high levels of unemployment and illiteracy rate. The situation is even worse when you factor in gender. Women have it bad in many impoverished communities. However, when you factor in illiteracy, poverty and alcohol abuse; the reality is even worse. This paper explores the causes and impact of alcoholism among women in Sandema. It reports the findings of a qualitative study using surveys and personal interviews. The snowball sampling2 technique was employed to solicit data pertinent to the research questions. This study reveals that most women in society mainly abuse alcohol to avoid coping with the realities of life. However, this avoidance coping strategy often leads to more dangerous drinking that affects the health and socio-economic wellbeing of the women. It is thus hoped that policy options and community efforts are directed towards alleviating this growing menace to promote individual and societal development.
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(2015-5) Ayamga, Aaron.
Sportsmen in general and footballers in particular earn significant amounts of money during their active careers especially in Europe and America. Indeed, it is against this backdrop that they have earned notoriety of living lavish lifestyles. Unfortunately, in the Ghana Premier League, footballers struggle to make ends meet. Not only are their wages low, the conditions under which they ply their trade leaves much to be desired. To make things even more difficult, a football career does not last generally as long as traditional employment such as teaching or farming. Thus footballers more than other employees need to secure their post retirement lives with a sense of urgency. However, this is easier said than done as footballer retirement planning is typically difficult because of the uncertainties of injuries and the short duration of the career. This work is an exploration of footballer retirement planning in Ghana, taking particular interest in pension scheme structures and how social security scheme can protect footballers in their retirement. The scope of this research was Ghanaian footballers playing in the Ghana Premier League. The research is primarily qualitative in nature. Data was obtained from both primary and secondary sources and data collection was done via interviews and document study. Analysis of collected data was done using descriptive and content analysis. From the data, it was found that more attention needs to be directed towards footballer welfare in general but particularly player retirement planning. There is indeed a current process registering all the clubs of the Premier league unto Ghana’s Social Security and National Investment Trust (SSNIT). However, for a better sustainable and more impactful solution, a few recommendations were made. Education was seen to be a major differentiating factor among retired footballers. A social support system that gives direction overtly or otherwise was also found to be of great help. Player unionization and enforcement of already existing labor laws were essential for fully claiming their rights. Also, a specially administered pension and insurance fund tailored toward footballer needs and nuances was suggested. Psychologists and other consultants need to be part of mainstream football management.
An investigative study of sponsorship in the Ghana Premier League
(2015-04) Obiwole, Abiola Ayodeji
For many football leagues all over the world, sponsorship is a very lucrative source of income. This is especially true in Germany and USA. Given that the sponsorship in the Ghana Premier League has not really been stable, this study seeks to understand how exactly, sponsorship works in the Ghana Premier League and also recommend solutions or ideas to improve sponsorship in the league based on the findings of this study. From the research, I was able out that the Ghana Premier League is not independent of the Ghana Football Association. Concerning sponsorship, sponsors are found using an external marketing body. The Ghana Football Association is therefore not involved in the process of finding sponsors but they are involved in negotiating the sponsorship fee. All the money that is gained from sponsorship is invested back into the league but the Ghana Football Association still funds the league regardless of sponsorship.

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