Senior Theses and Projects

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    Leveraging Communication to Improve Communication Across Pharma George Chemist Limited
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Sarkodie, Naana Akosua Tabuah; Enyan, Michael Paa Kwesi; Sapara-Grant, Julian
    The PharmaGeorge pharmacy chain started operations in June 2009 with one (1) retail pharmacy situated at Kwabenya in Accra, Ghana. The wholesale pharmacy was established in 2014 to procure stocks and supplies for the Pharma George retail outlets and other retail facilities in Accra. The business has grown in numbers over the decade since its inception. The retail outlets have increased from one to seven, with the new retail outlets in hotspots like Dome, Osu and Achimota. Though the business has experienced a healthy growth period in operations, recent events like covid 19 have made traditional areas like inventory management, conducting of meetings and information transmission (calls and WhatsApp) of the business quite ineffective because of the safety protocols for travelling to and from places and the failure to represent the issues accurately. A thorough needs assessment revealed that the problem the company faced was not with the lack of technology in communicating but with the attitude of the employees and the lapses of information flow in the organization. This project aims to design a comprehensive I.T and communication policy guideline that will provide guidelines to improve and manage the flow of communication and eradicate the lapses of information flow within Pharma George.
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    Medifem Hospital – Efficient Customer Journey/Experience
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Salifu, Aisha; Yemofio, Digney; Kulondwa, Shamuel
    The mission of Medifem is to provide cherished healthcare experiences to improve the quality of life of patients, their families, and the community. Medifem’s ways of communicating with their customers have not given their customers the desired customer experience. Front desk interaction with customers is unwelcoming. Customers also struggle to find their way around the hospital. As a result, Medifem's healthcare service communication methods need to be improved to enhance client interaction and experience. With that, the team explored solution frameworks and technology that will enable Medifem to match its exceptional healthcare service ambit to its service delivery approach. The purpose of this project is to improve the customer journey experience at Medifem through effective communication methods that provide a more enhanced/immersive experience for its customers. To achieve an efficient customer experience, the team has designed a customer service training manuals which would be used to create a comprehensive customer service training framework by the respective Medifem team to help improve front desk interactions. Also, the team has created Medifem hospital maps to help customers easily navigate Medifem.
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    Corporate Governance and Human Resource Function of Pharmageorge
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Peprah-Agyemang, Barima; Sanakey, Yesha; Zanu, Zoe
    The PharmaGeorge Work Package 1 consulting team was tasked with finding solutions to corporate governance and human resource management problems that had been plaguing PharmaGeorge Chemists Ltd, a pharmaceutical company which deals in the retail, wholesale, and production of pharmaceutical products within the Greater Accra Region. The brief provided to us by officials within PharmaGeorge indicated that there was no human resource department nor was there a board of directors. They also noted the lack of a performance management system, standard operating protocols, and a clear, concise management structure. Armed with this knowledge, the consulting group conducted an internal scan of the organisation and analysed the wider Ghanaian pharmaceutical industry. The consulting group went on to conduct a situational analysis and needs assessment research of PharmaGeorge. The group settled on the use of a qualitative research method, specifically the interviewing of some employees and management of PharmaGeorge to source out the problems; corporate governance, and human resources management wise. After an analysis using the content analysis tool, it was clear that PharmaGeorge did not have a clear, understandable, and documented governance structure. Employees are also unsure of the hierarchy, reporting lines and do not possess a document outlining their job responsibilities. PharmaGeorge also lacked data on the performance of its employees, making it difficult for the company to assess what gaps needed to be filled. After an extensive desk study plus reviewing of the results of the needs assessment, it was determined that the optimum solutions to the corporate governance and human resources management issues of PharmaGeorge Chemists Ltd is a corporate governance framework/strategy that details a board structure, an organogram, job descriptions for every role within PharmaGeorge and a performance management system.
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    TheoVision International – Data Management
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Kazare, Marcellina; Ansah, Ndaale; Abdul-Mumin, Zelia Amonebaafe
    Data is a key resource in businesses; however, success in a business cannot be achieved by merely possessing such resources but by efficient utilization (Maritz,2003). According to Lessing and Scheepers (2001), data forms part of businesses’ strategic and operational resources. Therefore, data management is a crucial component of all businesses; hence companies need to implement efficient data management systems that reflect their mission and organizational processes to ensure the proper utilization of the available data. This report details a company profiling and internal analysis of TheoVision International to provide an in-depth overview of the organization and its operations. This is followed by an environmental scan of the organization to understand the industry dynamics and TheoVision International’s position within the industry. From research conducted, TheoVision International has a reputable brand among its immediate stakeholders. The organization also operates in a moderately competitive market, with technology being a major influencing factor in the operations and functioning of most organizations in the industry. To determine the needs of the organization in data management, an extensive needs assessment was conducted to ascertain the gaps between the current state of data management and the desired state. It was discovered that TheoVision International has an existing system to leverage data organization, project tracking, and collaboration; however, this system is not being fully utilized. Using the ADKAR model for change management, a change and resistance management strategy was developed to ensure effective use of the current system. The solution was evaluated based on the solution matrix developed, literature reviews as well as the goals and objectives of the organization with respect to data management. A step-by-step implementation plan was designed to help the organization successfully implement and execute the strategy.
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    The Impact of Inventory Management on the Performance of Atala Limited
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Addai-Deseh, Serwaa-Sompa; Zateh-Gammor, Zanita; Orevaoghene, Israel N.
    The primary goal of the project is to increase operational efficiency within Atala Limited and avoid discrepancies in stock takes by providing a system that allows for real-time data reconciliation. Atala Limited needs a system that provides real time data reconciliations to implement the values of integrity and efficiency, while monitoring and controlling stock and inventory levels across branches. Structured interviews and literature reviews were used as the means of data collection. The Deputy General Manager of Atala Limited and the staff who were dealing with their old system were involved in the data collection process. Open-ended questions were used in interviews to get insight into the organization and industry. After analyzing the data collected, it is recommended that the company incorporates the Tally Prime Software, Tally.net, as well as a policy document to improve the inventory control system that the company currently has. When these proposed solutions are implemented in the daily operations of the business, it would help to combat the issues surrounding inventory management control. Among the many features provided by Tally Prime which includes data reconciliation and synchronization as well as stock alerts, Atala Limited will also benefit from the ability to access data from any location, on any computer, at any time through Tally.net. We believe that this software will greatly improve the efficiency of inventory management at Atala Limited.
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    Exploring Digital Opportunities for Retailers in the Construction Industry: The Case of Atala Limited
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Egbenya, Bridget; Nirere, Marie Aimée; Osei, Michael Twene
    Atala Limited is a Limited Liability company founded by Mr. Kwaku Atala Asante as a sole enterprise in 1986 before it was later converted to a limited liability company in 1998. It aims to provide the public with quality building materials at affordable prices and to contribute to the overall development of the real estate industry by collaborating with public and private developers on projects. Atala envisions to become the leading supplier of quality steel products and building materials in Ghana. A thorough study of the market and a needs assessment conducted revealed that, Atala Limited operates in a fiercely competitive market that sells comparable products at comparable prices. The organization is faced with fierce competition from existing competitors and new entrants. Therefore, to remain competitive and profitable, it is crucial for Atala Limited to pursue a differentiation strategy that would set it apart from competition. Research conducted and literature reviews studied revealed that, consumers in the industry are highly price sensitive. They are drawn by complementary services such as free delivery of products, bonuses etc. and good customer service. At the end of this study, the writers propose as a solution, the creation of a multipurpose website (to increase market reach and revenue) and a social media strategy (enhancing customer experience and increasing brand awareness). This report covers the company and industrial analysis, needs assessment, business case, solutions and implementation plan and ends with the conclusion and recommendations.
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    Leveraging Technology to Improve Stock and Inventory Management at PharmaGeorge Chemist
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Fosu, Kennedy; Otusheso, Mojisola; Ntim, Maame Ama Serwah
    PharmaGeorge Chemist is a registered limited liability pharmaceutical company in Ghana, with most of its operations centered in the Greater Accra region. The company began operating a wholesale pharmacy in 2014 to procure stock and supply to PharmaGeorge Chemist retail outlets and other retail outlets in Accra. Though poised as one of the leading pharmaceutical companies in Ghana with seven retail outlets dotted across Accra, the firm regularly has challenges maintaining adequate stock levels, threatening several retail outlets with a shortage of drugs. After an extensive needs assessment and situational analysis by conducting interviews with PharmaGeorge Chemist employees, it was deduced that the company was facing was due to the lack of a coordinated procurement process which often results in miscommunication between different departments. This project aims to present a procurement process guideline and a change management strategy for Pharma George’s inventory management system to improve the procurement and ordering system at PharmaGeorge Chemist and a training strategy for its employees on its inventory management system (Trademaster) to eliminate the uncoordinated procurement and poor dissemination of information at PharmaGeorge Chemist.
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    Excellent Performance Academy: Effective Administration and Finance Systems
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Koko, Enyonam Ama; Duku, George Junior; Owusu, Nana Kwame
    Excellent Performance Academy is a low fee-paying school established in 1999. Currently, the school has a population of about 150 students and 20 teaching and non-teaching staff. The daily administration of the school is taken care of by a proprietor. There is also a headmaster who oversees the school's academic activities. Over the years, Excellent Performance Academy has faced some challenges that impede its smooth running. Junior consultants were tasked to diagnose the situation and find the main issue. In trying to address the challenges of the school, an organizational scan, industry analysis, and SWOT analysis were conducted to understand the business and the education industry at large. After gaining knowledge about the industry, situational analysis and a needs assessment were conducted to place the school in context and identify the main problems facing Excellent Performance Academy. The main problem identified was the lack of essential financial management systems to ensure smooth operations, especially regarding the teacher remuneration and school fees collection. As a result, junior consultants concluded that the school needs a well-structured system for fees collection. The team created a comprehensive financial management system for the school. The system comes mainly in two parts. The first part is a school fees tracker, which would help the school track fees, reduce the cost of fee collection, and help keep records. The second part of the management system is a budget template to help the school plan and ensure it operates within its means.
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    Consulting Project for Rising Sun Academy: Financial Management and Human Resource Management
    (Ashesi University, 2022-05) Kobia, Abigail; Parker, Maame Esi; Quarshie, Naa Amanua
    The financial management and human resource management of low fee-paying private schools is often neglected because the focus is mostly on government and high fee-paying private schools. Rising Sun Academy is a low fee-paying private school, and the school’s goal is to cross the chasm by moving from an ineffective to an effective human resource and financial management system. The sampling method used to obtain respondents for one-on-one and focus group interviews is the snowballing technique. The outcome of the research study demonstrates the main human resource and financial management problems of Rising Sun Academy. The paper discusses the solutions touching on their viability, desirability and feasibility, the implementation plan and the key success factors and indicators. The research depicts the high employee turnover rate and the late payment and non-payment of school fees as the problems of Rising Sun Academy. The research outcome suggests an employee motivation plan handbook and instalment plan system for both problems.
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    The Effect of Early Entrepreneurial Exposure on Financial Independence Among Ghanaian Youth
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Bleboo, Eyram Ama
    Financial independence is a criteria or marker in the journey towards adulthood and is one that has always been of considerable significance among youth globally. Yet, there are few to no studies on financial independence in emerging economies, especially Ghana. In addition, higher unemployment rates tend to reduce the probability of obtaining a job, which consequently affects income, and the youth's desire to even attain financial independence (Whittington & Peters, 1996). Yet, one of the most absent views is on entrepreneurship and how it may he used to achieve financial independence (Perrone, Vickers & Jackson, 2015). Therefore, this study investigates the effect of early entrepreneurial exposure, and age on financial independence. This research utilized online questionnaires to acquire primary data. The data was subsequently analyzed using a multiple linear regression model. Dummy variables were created for categorical independent variables in the estimation model. The results show that the independent variable, entrepreneurial exposure, had a negative yet insignificant relationship with financial independence, whereas age had a positive and statistically significant relationship with financial independence.
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    Strategies to Improve the Effectiveness of the Pre-university Educational Systems of Ghana and Rwanda
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Niyomushumba, Theoneste
    Education is key to sustainable national development. It should be the objective of all governments to ensure that quality education is accessible to all citizens. This thesis focuses on the educational systems of two developing African countries: Rwanda and Ghana. The first aim of the thesis is to identify and compare the challenges, strengths, and weaknesses of the Rwandan and Ghanaian educational systems. Next, the research will analyze Singapore and Finland systems to provide suggestions for improving the educational systems of Ghana and Rwanda. Rwanda and Ghana are being compared because of the historical difference in their educational systems. The choice of benchmarking the educational systems of Singapore and Finland is because both countries are ranked high in terms of quality and performance of their educational systems.
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    Quality control as a means of standardization in the cocoa industry: A case on Quality Control Company Limited, Tarkwa District Ghana.
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Sey, Ernest
    This paper brings to the fore some unresolved quality-related challenges which the quality control agencies face along the cocoa value chain. The research questions are (i) What are the main problems faced by the quality control officers of COCOBOD during quality checks before cocoa is exported? and (ii) How have the problems identified by quality control officers impacted the process of quality checks in Ghana's cocoa industry in recent times? The theoretical framework used in this paper is Total Quality Management (TQM). This paper is primary research that employs qualitative methods to gain in-depth insight into quality control and its effects on the cocoa industry of Ghana. Purposive sampling technique was used in this research to secure respondents for relevant interviews. The key insights from the paper are; some farmers in an attempt to make extra money dried to achieve the required weight of 64kg, the quality control officers host and teach farmers how to dry their beans but some farmers do not practice what they are taught entirely and the quality control officers work diligently but their rate of performance is slow because each officer has to meet a daily quotas. A recommendation is NIR Spectroscopy (Near-infrared) can be looked at as an alternative in checking the quality of cocoa beans in the future. These findings are important because if Ghana cocoa beans are to enjoy premiums continuously these findings should be addressed, and recommendations can be implemented.
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    Managing Crisis in Small Hotels to Improve Business Continuity
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Sackitey-Matey, Roselyn Naki
    Generally, small-to-medium size hotels contribute to the creation of jobs, economic development and wealth generation. According to the Insurance Information Institute, (2010) 40% of small firms never reopen after a disaster; only 26% of small-to-medium-sized enterprises have a disaster plan, and 75% of the largest section of the industry has none. Due to the temporary closing of international borders as a result of the global pandemic (COVID19), the hospitality industry has been severely impacted, with hotels, restaurants, other destinations, and source markets suspending operations and commercial activity (Hartman & Nickerson, 2020; Kim, Kim, & Park, 2020; Nastopoulos, 2020). This paper investigated the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on small hotels in Accra, Ghana and the existing strategies employed by the hotel industry to mitigate the adverse effects of disasters and how effective they have been. Further, the study also sought to explore the level of disaster preparedness and identify patterns in the business operations to develop a generic solution that will work best for small hotels used in this study. The study employed a phenomenological approach as it allowed for an in-depth understanding of how the crisis has impacted small hotels. Using data collected from managers from six small hotels in Tema on their perspectives and lived experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic, the study contributed to understanding the level of preparedness of small hotels and developing coping strategies that can be adopted to enhance future crisis management and avert closures of the small-hotels. The study had implications for policy makers and other stakeholders that can ensure business continuity and economic development in Ghana and across the region.
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    Examining the Determinants of Contemporary and Future Demand and Supply Dynamics of the Global Oil Industry: Implications for Ghana as an Oil Exporter.
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Ayomah, John
    Global Oil industry demand and supply dynamics have historically been and remain a major current concern because of how pertinent and far reaching the global oil industry is for global, national, and local economies. The current problem is that we do not know where oil will trend in the future, because the demand and supply determinants of the industry keeps shifting with global dynamics including pandemics like COVID 19 and for geopolitical reasons. Hence, it is imperative to understand what is happening in the oil industry now, and the .
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    Effects of COVID- 19 on Risk Tolerance and Coping Strategies Amongst Investors in Dar Es Salaam
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Klemence, Ester Etrofin
    Covid 19 poses a threat not only to health systems but also to the financial stability of both individuals and nations. The rapid spread of Covid 19 pandemic impacted the financial markets particularly, the investors who put their money into the financial markets with expectations of earning high returns. This study, thus, examines the impact of Covid 19 on the risk tolerance of investors in Dar Es Salaam and the coping mechanisms or strategies employed during the pandemic. This paper explored the strategies that the investors have used to protect their investments during the pandemic. Also, the paper assesses how Covid 19 has impacted the risk tolerance of the investors during the pandemic. The study employed mixed methods. The qualitative part of the study explored the strategies investors used during the pandemic to protect their investments and cope. It was found that investors used at most three common strategies which are diversification of the portfolio, sale of their investment and restraining from doing anything to the investment. A Quantitative method was used to assess the effect of Covid 19 on the risk tolerance of the investors. The study found that there was no significant relationship between covid 19 and the risk tolerance of the individual investor. This indicates that there might be other factors such as income, age, gender that might have caused this outcome. Hence, it is recommended that the study on how the age and gender of an investor can impact one’s risk tolerance should be conducted for future studies.
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    Can the Female Glass Ceiling Be Shattered in Private Corporate Ghana?
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Derkyi, Denise Nana Konadu
    Underrepresentation, inequity, and career development in senior leadership roles continue to be barriers for Ghanaian women in the private corporate sector, stifling their performance. This qualitative descriptive phenomenological study aims to investigate and comprehend the female glass ceiling in the workplace. The glass ceiling is a figurative social barrier that prevents women from rising through the ranks of management and senior roles in a company or industry. Many studies in this field have focused on perceived hurdles to women s advancement into leadership roles and the lived experiences of women who have succeeded, without emphasising the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the female glass ceiling. This research was undertaken to fill this gap in the existing literature. The study was conducted using interviews and surveys from a sample of four women in the auditing and banking sector to capture their views on this problem and find a way forward. These findings revealed that Ghanaian women leaders are still underrepresented in organisations and face challenges in pursuing professional careers due to a lack of support from policymakers and human resource employees. The findings may help policymakers, and human resource professionals reassess and change organisational policies by encouraging women to pursue the same career advancement chances as males through inclusion, corporate assistance, and education. This knowledge may influence organisational performance by promoting good social change across all organisations.
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    Assessing Service Quality and Customer Satisfaction in the Hospitality Industry Using the Servqual Model – A Case Study of Fiesta Royale Hotel.
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Brantuo, Yaw
    Poor customer service has had a wide range of effects on businesses worldwide, including hotels. Remarks such as "I am never able to get my meals on time" and "the receptionist was conversing with someone else in the background while I was making a reservation" are just a few of the comments made by Fiesta Royale customers when asked about their customer experience. According to studies, customer service plays a vital part in various people's choice of holiday location. This thesis investigated whether customer service affects a client's decision to visit Fiesta Royale, as well as whether a customer's opinion of poor or excellent customer service influences their decision. Using a quantitative approach, an online questionnaire was administered to customers of Fiesta Royale to determine and describe the various components of service in the hotel that influence customers' satisfaction. The servqual model, was used as the instrument for measuring service quality and customer satisfaction. In addition, the study's research hypothesis was examined using the Pearson chi-square test. The study's results found no statistically significant link between the two factors (p-value of 0.9). It was also discovered that a customer's opinion of poor or high customer service quality does not determine their decision to stay at Fiesta Royale. The essence of this study would be to aid hotel managers in building comprehensive service quality strategies that will promote the best possible customer experience in order to grow and keep service patronage.
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    Assessing MMDAs Performance Towards Achieving SDGs 6 and 11: A Case of Ga Central Municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Hammond, Danielle Maame Esi
    Challenges associated with water, sanitation, and sustainability remain global problems, specifically in developing countries such as Ghana. To combat these issues, Ghana has tried to keep up with global development goals such as the United Nations (UN)’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Ghana has also tried to decentralize its governance structure to bring the government closer to the people. The core units of the decentralized governance structure are the Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs), and these same MMDAs are responsible for implementing national strategies such as the SDGs at the local level. The research sought to assess Ghana’s decentralized governance by studying challenges faced by the Ga Central Municipality Assembly, the Greater-Accra regional capital’s worstperforming MMDA of 2020. The objectives were to evaluate the state of Ga Central Municipality regarding progress on the SDGs relating to SDG 6 (water and sanitation) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities), identify problems encountered, and provide recommendations. The study followed a narrative qualitative research method, and the data collection methods employed were interviews and observation. The study used primary and secondary data and data sources, including the Ga Central Municipality residents, officers in the Ga Central Municipal Office, the UNDP, and the NDPC. Information from the Local Governance Act 936 was also used. The findings suggested that the Ga Central Municipality was in a poor state regarding attaining SDGs related to water, sanitation, and sustainability. The reasons for poor performance included lack of cooperation, communication, education, and financial constraints. Recommendations to resolve the issues were improved communication, cooperation, and education on the role and importance of MMDAs.
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    Impact of Social Media Influencers on Food Businesses in Ghana- Case Study of Pizzaman Chickenman
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Acolatse, Elom Awo
    The advent of social media influencers became necessary as social media usage became a go-to channel for selling products and services. Influencers on social media have aided in the marketing of products and services. Marketing is essential to a business's success. Customers obtain the appropriate product at the right time and place for the right price when the seven Ps of the marketing mix are combined, i.e. product, place, promotion, price, process, physical environment, and people. The relevance of food influencers comes in as many restaurant owners are perceived to lack expertise in digital marketing and branding activities and are interested in adopting the use of social media influencers to assist in selling their products. In Ghana, not enough studies have been carried out to determine the impact of social media influencers on food businesses' sales and brand awareness (Harding et al., 2020). The case study of Pizzaman Chickenman was chosen to answer the research questions and objectives. The objective of this thesis is to learn more about the positive effects of social media influencers on sales revenue, brand awareness, and food demand.
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    The Impact of Digital Banking on the Profitability of Universal Banks in Ghana
    (Ashesi University, 2022) Essuah, Maame Eba Akuba
    Change appears to be the one constant in an ever-changing world. This can be ascribed to technological advancements. One of the crucial aspects driving human progress is technological improvement. Treatment of diseases, higher productivity, rapid and effective task execution, and improved food production are just a few of the advantages. Ghana's banking industry has benefitted from technological advancement, as seen in the evolution from traditional "brick and mortar" branches to the current structure, which includes internet banking channels. The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of digital banking on universal banks' profitability in Ghana and evaluate investments made.