vii Keynote SpeaKer’S profile Mrs. Pearl Esua – Mensah is a creative and motivati - onal leader,...

vi

Planning Committees

Organizing Team

Prof. Joshua Alabi (Chairman)Prof. Abednego Okoe FeehiProf. Goski AlabiRev. Joseph Kwaku AntwiDr. Albert PuniDr. Emmanuel S. AsamoahDr. Joseph TuffuorDr Ibrahim MohammedDr. Raymond DziwornuMr. Collins Badu Agyemang Mr. Akwasi Sarfo KantankaMr. Geoffrey GleMr. Edward OdjidjaMr. Paul Danquah

PubliciTy & PrOTOcOl Mrs. Helen Arkorful Mr. Gerald J.N. Nyanyofio Mrs. Beatrice Akosua Adjapong Mrs. Berlinda Adzomani DiapimMrs. Harriet AdzowuMrs. Leticia AkyeampongMr. Ibrahim MonipaakMrs. Freda LarwehMrs Fidelis Quansah

awards cOmmiTTee

Rev. Stephen AcheampongMr James Ami-NarhDr. Ibrahim Mohammed

scienTific and ediTOrial Team

Prof. Abednego Okoe Feehi Amartey (Chair- University of Professional Studies, Accra)Prof. Goski Alabi (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Emeritus Prof. Kwame Gyekye (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Prof. John K. Akokpari (University of Cape Town, South Africa)Prof. David Lackland Sam (University of Bergen, Norway)Dr. Emmanuel S. Asamoah (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Dr. Raymond Dziwornu (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Dr. Hillar Addo (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Dr. Alexander Preko (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Dr. Samuel Agbanu (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Mr. Collins Badu Agyemang (University of Professional Studies, Accra)Mr. Frederick Doe (University of Professional Studies, Accra) Mr Peter Ackah (University of Professional Studies, Accra)

vii

Keynote SpeaKer’S profile

Mrs. Pearl Esua – Mensah is a creative and motivati-onal leader, Founder/ CEO of Feniks Ltd, a business Consultancy Company with special focus on sup-porting medium sized companies to achieve their growth potential through optimisation of Finance, Brand Strategy and Governance. Prior to starting Feniks Ltd, Pearl was Deputy Managing Director of

UT Bank LTD Ghana for 6 years, and held various executive positions in UT Holdings including Director of Finance and Administration, UT Financial Services/UT Holdings, Ghana. Other positions held are Group Financial Accountant, Parity Group Plc UK; Group Reporting Accountant Kantar Group Uk, DSC Communications Ltd UK and Data Layout Ltd, a reprographics/ printing company, in London.

Professionally, Mrs Esua-Mensah is a certified professional accountant (FCCA) with an MBA from Manchester Business School in the UK. A dedicated and dynamic professio-nal with over 20 year’s global experience in finance and business strategy with excellent interpersonal, communication and negotiation skills, and the ability to identify and in-fluence business critical opportunities. She has demonstrated excellent logical and ana-lytical approach to solving complex problems and issues. She has extensive knowledge in managing mergers and acquisitions, capital raising, reorganization of existing busi-nesses, Brand strategy and management, and a proven record in building dynamic retail banking portfolio with specific focus on Small and Medium-sized Enterprises.

In terms of recognition and awards, Mrs Pearl Esua – Mensah has a passion for empowe-ring the youth and is a patron of Waves international. She has had a number of spea-king roles across the country. She was awarded Overall Young professional (Female) Role Model by Young Professionals Youth Coalition Initiative in 2011. She was awarded among others, the Finance Personality of the year by the maiden National Women in Fi-nance awards in February 2014. She was recognized for her role in chairing the commi-ttee to establish Invest In Africa (IIA) in Ghana in 2015.

mrs Pearl esua-mensah, managing Consultant- Feniks Limited

viii

PRogRamme &

BOOK OF ABSTRACTS

ICBMED 2016

ix

oUtline oF PRogRamme

day 1: THursday, aPril 21, 2016mOrning sessiOn

08:00 – 09:00 Arrival and Registration of Participants09:00 – 09:05 Formal Welcome - MC09:05 – 09:10 Introduction of Chairman09:10 – 10: 20 Remarks by Chairman, Prof. Joshua Alabi - Vice Chancellor, UPSA10:20 – 10:30 Remarks by Prof. Abednego Okoe Amartey - Pro VC/ Chair-Editorial Committee10:30 – 11:10 Keynote Address: Mrs. Pearl Esua-Mensah (Managing Consultant, Feniks Limited) 11:10 – 11: 30 Presentation of Awards 11:30 – 12: 10 Lunch / Poster Sessions

day 1: THursday, aPril 21, 2016 breaKOuT sessiOn

12:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 1: Session 112:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 2: Session 212:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 3: Session 312:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 4: Session 412:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 5: Session 512:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 5: Session 612:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 5: Session 712:10 – 15:00 Conference Room 5: Session 8: Graduate Students15:00 – 15:20 Poster Sessions

day 2: friday, aPril 22, 2016

09:00 – 09: 05 - Welcome and Introduction of Speakers – MC09:05 – 09:25 - Plenary Address

“Staying Afloat by Maintaining and Improving Quality Standards“ – Prof. Goski Alabi, Dean & Quality Consultant

x

ABSTRACTS- Presentations Sessions

09:25 – 10:25 - Session 9 – Plenary Presentations Chair: Dr Raymond Dziwornu

Models of Social Entrepreneurship: An OverviewWilliam Asamoah Owusu, Prof. Frank Janssen and Dr. Bernard Acquah Obeng

Entrepreneurial Education and Motivation for Venture Creation among Tertiary Students in Ghana: The Mediating Role of Perceived Value of EntrepreneurshipDr. Albert Puni and Alex Anlesinya

Internet of Everything (IOE) and its Influence on Businesses with Virtual Teams- The Case of West AfricaEleanor Afful

10:30 - 11:30: Panel Discussion

Theme: “Rising Cost of Operations – Push Factors and Strategic Options”

Panellists: Dr Charles Williams, CEO- Galaxy Oil Mr Harry Quartey, CEO- Emerald Properties Mrs Mabel Nana Nyarkoa Porbley, MD- Nsia Insurance Ghana Mr. Anthony Oppong, CEO – Ghana Bankers College Dr. Charles Barnor, Dean (UPSA) & Financial Consultant

Moderator: Akwasi Sarfo Kantanka (Marketing Lecturer & Business Consultant)

11:30am- 12:00pm: Concluding Ceremony

Musical Interlude: UPSA Choir

Chairman’s Concluding Remarks: Prof. Joshua Alabi -Vice Chancellor, UPSA

ICBMED 2016

xi

PResentation sessions

sessiOnal cOOrdinaTOr: dr alberT Puni

Session 1: Information Systems, Knowledge Management and E-BusinessChair: Mr. Paul Danquah, Dr. Hillar Addo, Dr John D.K Bosco

DATA MANAGEMENT: EFFECTIVE AGILE APPROACH TO MINIMIZE OPeraTiOnal cOsTsSolomon Kutiame and Azumah Mamudu

ANALYSIS OF SERVICE DELIVERY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN ACCRA, GHANA: THE CASE OF DVLAHenry Matey and Dr. Hillar Addo

infOrmaTiOn sysTems and e-business THe glObal cOncerns and THe OPPOrTuniTy fOr sTudenTs TO creaTe smes and gen-eraTe incOme fOr educaTiOnRev. Andrews Gyimah Boadi

icT uPTaKe and academic PerfOrmance: case Of final year STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIESNketia-Amponsah E, Allassani W, Aziale L. and Kumi A. M.

e-learning sysTem adOPTiOn issues in HigHer educaTiOn: THe CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRAIsaac Asampana, Albert A. Akanferi and James Ami-Narh

THe rOle Of gHana scHOOl Of law in Training sPecialized INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADJUDICATORS AND ITS IMPACT ON ELECTRONIC CRIME VERDICTSRichmond Koduah and Maud Elliot Ashong

VIRTUAL MANAGEMENT- A NEW BUSINESS ORGANIZATION PARA-digm: THe case Of gHanaBen Ocra and Augustina Dede Agor

assessing THe adOPTiOn Of e-business by smes in THe PHar-maceuTical reTailing secTOr in gHana TO miTigaTe againsT rising cOsT Of OPeraTiOnsStephen A. Essel and William Agyemang

xii


Session 2: Marketing and Consumer BehaviourChair: Dr Ibrahim Mohammed, Mrs. Fedilis Quansah, Dr. Kwami Agbanu, Ak-wasi Sarfo Kantanka

THe effecTs Of cusTOmer relaTiOnsHiP managemenT On cus-TOmer lOyalTy in THe HOsPiTaliTy indusTry: a case sTudy On FOUR (4) TOP STAR HOTELS IN GHANAProf. Abednego Okoe Feehi, Henry Boateng, Tiniwah Deborah Mensah and Benjamin Angenu

POliTical marKeTing cOmmunicaTiOn in gHana: a sTudy Of IDENTITY AND VOTER BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS.Dr. Samuel Kwami Agbanu and Dr. Alexander Preko

facTOrs influencing THe PurcHase decisiOns Of made in gHa-na gOOds: THe case Of lOcal rice Ebenezer Arthur Duncan

failing TO Plan is Planning TO fail – THe argumenT fOr a cri-SIS COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY (THE CASE OF MILLICOM GHANA LIMITED- TIGO GHANA) IN ENHANCING ITS CORPORATE REPUTATIONYussif Mohammed Hardi

COMMERCIALISING NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN COMPETITIVE marKeTs: a mcPdam mOdel: meTHOdOlOgical, cHallenges, POSITIONING, DELIVERY, AFTERMATHS AND MONITORING AND EVAL-uaTiOnThomas Yaw Tachie-Eyiah

cusTOmer PercePTiOn Of frOnTline emPlOyees aTTiTude in CORPORATE BRANDING: A STUDY OF THREE (3) SELECTED HOTELS IN GHANA’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRYProf. Abednego Okoe Feehi, Henry Boateng, Tiniwah Deborah Mensah and Benjamin Angenu

eXamining resisTance TO cHange and green marKeTing: aTTi-TUDINAL AND BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AMONG GHANAIAN CONSUM-ersDr. Alexander Preko, Dr. Samuel Kwami Agbanu, Safo Kantanka Akwasi and Feglo Mawuli

CELEBRITY QUALITIES, POLITICAL CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS and marKeTing POliTics in gHanaDr. Samuel Kwami Agbanu and Dr. Alexander Preko

ICBMED 2016

xiii

Session 3: Small Business and Enterprise Development Chair: Mrs. Helen Arkorful, Mr. Frederick Doe, Dr. Emmanuel Asamoah

sOcial enTrePreneursHiP: bricOlage resOurce mObilisaTiOnWilliam Asamoah Owusu and Prof. Frank Janssen

effecT Of macrOecOnOmic facTOrs On THe PerfOrmance Of manufacTuring cOmPanies lisTed On THe gHana sTOcK mar-KeTDr. Emmanuel S. Asamoah

NICHES: STRATEGIES FOR SMES TO REMAIN COMPETITIVEEmmanuel H. Dougan

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK MARKETING (SNM) IN THE PERFOR-mance Of smes in gHanaAdjin-Tettey, Theodora Dame, Ayiglo, Abigail and Sadat, Mohammed

SERVICE QUALITY IN BANKS: EVIDENCE FROM STUDENTS OF A PUB-LIC UNIVERSITY IN GHANARobertson Neequaye Kotey and Joshua Ofori Essiam

deTerminanTs Of PerfOrmance in THe wOOd indusTry in gHa-NA: AN OVERVIEWFidelis Quansah and Dr. Patrick Tandoh-Offin

BRANDING STRATEGIES FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A QUALITA-TIVE STUDY OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY IN GHANADr. Emmanuel S. Asamoah

Session 4: Accounting, Banking and Finance Chair: Dr Helen K. Ahulu, Mr Redeemer Krah, Mr. Peter Ackah, Mr. Alhassan

Bunyaminu

TAX INCENTIVES AND SMEs ATTITUDERichard Amankwa and Redeemer Krah

LINKING SERVICES TO PERFORMANCE OF MICRO FINANCIAL INSTI-TUTIONS: A VIEW FROM GHANAChristine AvortriINTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION, BOARD QUALITY AND FINANCIAL RE-PORTING QUALITY OF LISTED COMPANIES IN GHANA

xiv


Dr. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor, Oppong Hannah Oparebea, Mensah Lancelot, Anarfo Simon and Asueme Dinah Adjoa

PensiOn indeXaTiOn in gHana: realiTy Or myTH?Damnyag K. John Bosco

ASSESSMENT OF BOOKKEEPING PRACTICES AND ITS RELEVANCE TO small-medium enTerPrises in la-nKwanTanang municiPaliTyPeter Ackah and Lazarus Lanquaye Lamptey

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS OF LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT On THe PrOfiTabiliTy Of banKs lisTed On THe gHana sTOcK eXcHangeAlhassan Bunyaminu, Peter Ackah and Hamidu Faisal

assessing THe PerfOrmance Of e-zwicH as an elecTrOnic Pay-menT sysTem in THe greaTer accra meTrOPOliTan areaRobert Lawrence Afutu-Kotey, Gerald Joseph Nii Tetteh Nyanyofio, Desmond Asa-moah,

Delight Anane , Collins Kordah and Innocent Fiakofi

Session 5: Human Resources Management, Social Responsibility and EthicsChair: Dr Ummu Ibrahim, Dr. Wisdom Mensah, Mr. Collins Badu Agyemang

eTHics Training fOr Human resOurce PracTiTiOners: a cra-dle fOr building and PrOmOTing eTHical culTure in Organi-zaTiOnsCollins B. Agyemang

a sTudy Of leadersHiP and emPlOyee cOmmiTmenT in THe Pub-lic secTOr Of gHana: a case Of ga wesT municiPaliTyUnity Yakah

WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG WORKING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN gHanaEsther Julia K. Attiogbe and Edward N. Tetteh

Hrd climaTe and emPlOyee engagemenT: PercePTiOn Of em-PlOyeesTheresa Obuobisa-Darko

ICBMED 2016

1

recruiTmenT and selecTiOn PrOcess as a TOOl fOr cOmPeTi-TIVE ADVANTAGE AT THE BANKING INDUSTRY: BARCLAYS BANK GHA-na limiTed and gHana cOmmercial banK in fOcusHannah E. A. Acquah, Benjamin Edem Zogbator, Jillian N. O. Otoo and Alexander Abada

cOrPOraTe sOcial resPOnsibiliTy PracTices amOng rural banKs in gHanaDr. Emmanuel S. Asamoah

INNOVATION AMONG WORKGROUPS OF SOME SELECTED TELECOM-municaTiOn cOmPanies in gHanaAlbert Eshun

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOURS: A STUDY OF SE-lecTed banKs in gHanaRobert Mensah, Charlotte O. Kwakye-Nuako and Magdalene Jackson Okwabi

Session 6: Public Administration, Media Relations, Governance and LeadershipChair: Dr. Albert Puni, Dr. Ebenezer Malcalm,

Dr. James Mensah, Mr Brian S. Akrong

GOVERNANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION’S INSTITUTIONS IN GHANA: THE INTERACTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PERSONAL VALUES PREFERENCE, LEADERSHIP STYLE AND LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESSProf. Alabi Goski and Abdulai Munkaila

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN’S CHARTER ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY: A COMPARATIVE analysis Of swiTzerland and gHanaDr. Anastas K. Nyamikeh

REPACKAGING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN HIGHER LEARNING IN-sTiTuTiOns - managing inefficiencies and cOrPOraTizaTiOn: a PHenOmenOlOgical sTudyDr. Vivian Amoako

ASSESSMENT OF HEAD TEACHERS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES’ INFLUENCE On academic PerfOrmance Of basic scHOOls in gHana: a sTudy Of KasOa cOmmuniTyDr. John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor and Abdul-Lateef Abubakar

ABSTRACTS- Oral Presentations

2

PUBLIC-PRIVATE-PARTNERSHIP IN GHANA: THE CONSTRUCTIONIST PERSPECTIVEJoseph Gerald Nii Tetteh Nyanyofio

ASSESSING THE UNIT COMMITTEE MODEL UNDER GHANA’S DECEN-TralizaTiOn PrOgrammePatrick Mahama

MEDIA COVERAGE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN gHana: a sTudy Of gHanaian business newsPaPersHarrison Kofi Belley

SERVING THE PUBLIC INTEREST: AN ANALYSIS OF THE GHANAIAN PUBLIC OFFICIAL’S EXPERIENCEDr. Samuel Batchison Ofei

Session 7:Tourism, Environement and Sustainable Development and Socio-Cultural Practices

Chair: Dr. Robert Lawrence Afutu-Kortey, Dr Joseph Tuffuor, Dr Ibrahim Mohammed,

effecTs Of OccuPaTiOnal HealTH and safeTy On emPlOyee PerfOrmance in a fruiT PrOcessing indusTry in accra, gHanaAmpem Darko Aniapam

small scales indusTries susTainabiliTy in sub-saHaran afri-ca: POwer raTiOning, imPacT and adaPTaTiOn sTraTegiesPortia Oware Twerefoo and Justice Musah Surugu

“HIDDEN AGENTS”: HOUSE HELPS AND WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION by wOrKing mOTHers in gHana; imPlicaTiOns fOr Human re-sOurce PracTicesDr. Ummu Ibrahim and Esther Julia Attiogbe

PROSPECTS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF THE ABURI BOTANICAL gardensAmpem Darko Aniapam, Ernest Mensah Abraham, Edward Koomson

finding a lasTing sOluTiOn TO THe Kayayei PrOblemMrs. Charity A Boateng

ICBMED 2016

3

climaTe cHange and energy PrOducTiOn and cOnsumPTiOn: THe case Of gHanaErnest Mensah Abraham, Ampem Darko Aniapam and Edward Koomson

THE CHALLENGE OF REVERSE LOGISTICS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM scale suPPly cHains lOcaTed in accraEsther Julia K. Attiogbe

THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING E-GOVERNMENT IN DEVELOP-ING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF THE GHANA ELECTRONIC GOVERN-MENT (GEGOV) PROJECTLawrence Offei Asare

Session 8: Graduate Students Presentations Chair: Dr. Joseph Tuffuor, Dr. Alexander Preko, Mr Edward Koomson, Mr Gerald

Nyanyofio


4

SeSSion 1: information SyStemS, Knowledge management and E-BusinEss

DATA MANAGEMENT: EFFECTIVE AGILE APPROACH TO MINIMIZE OPeraTiOnal cOsTs

Solomon Kutiame and Azumah Mamudu, Department of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies, Accra P. O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana Abstract

This paper examines the opportunities for SMEs to remain agile using technology amidst rising cost of operation. Information technology is no longer an afterthought but the ac-tual cause and driver of small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs). Data exploration and mining present opportunities for SMEs to understand the behaviour of their custom-ers and the performance of their competitors to be able to make informed, efficient deci-sions. By monitoring data on sales patterns, buying trends and competitor performance, SMEs can reduce many guesstimate approach to business decisions, and ensure business operates more efficiently amidst rising cost of operations for high return on investments. Most SMEs in Ghana are unable to utilize social media, online engagement reporting, and transactional data to enhance marketing strategies. The paper seeks to assess the impact of cost of operations on SMEs and suggest technological approach through data analysis, modeling and engineering or prototyping to minimize the cost of operations. Keywords: Data management, operational cost, information technology, Small and Me-dium scale Enterprises

...........................................................................................................................

ANALYSIS OF SERVICE DELIVERY AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN ACCRA, GHANA: THE CASE OF DVLA

Henry Matey and Dr. Hillar AddoDepartment of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies,

Accra .P. O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

An Information System (IS) offers numerous alternatives for managing affairs/transac-tions between organization and their customers in services delivery. Years back lack of Information system purely oriented to customer satisfaction do result to longer waiting

ICBMED 2016

5

time by individuals thereby creating long queues in service delivery to which in the long term impact negatively on expected revenue and profit by most Institution and Organi-zations. Today the availability of specific applications Information System. It’s expected that, if not eliminating probably reducing long queues drastically in service delivery. Several effort or steps were taken in putting measures in place such as expanding facil-ities, sharing information through an integrated application architecture, provide timely and periodic maintenance on systems by service providers in trying to solve the problem of long queues, yet waiting lines are seen in places like; Banking Halls and the use of ATMs (as an extended banking services), Electricity Company pay points, The Telecom companies, Clinics and Hospitals, Traffic Light, Shopping Centre’s like the Mall etc. The purpose of this study, seek to focus on Driver and Vehicle Licensing Authority (DVLA) in Ghana since long waiting line is much associated with their service delivery being one of the public’s most important agency in the country. Using Convenience sampling technique a total number of hundred and twenty (120) questionnaires were administered forty (40) to the staff and eighty (80) to the clients of DVLA (Branch Offices in Accra).fi-nal the data would be analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) with the support of Microsoft Excel 2010 for presenting the final data in frequency tables, percentages, charts etc. in depicting the actual results. In spite that an information system is in use, waiting lines are having negative impact on the services delivery at DVLA.

Keywords: Service delivery, Information systems, DVLA

...........................................................................................................................

infOrmaTiOn sysTems and e-business THe glObal cOncerns and THe OPPOrTuniTy fOr sTudenTs TO creaTe smes and gen-

eraTe incOme fOr educaTiOn

Rev. Andrews Gyimah BoadiDominion University College, Accra, PMB CT 69, Cantonments, Accra

Email: [email protected]

One of the various challenges countries face in the world today is to prepare the cities, towns, villages and the governments for globalization and the information communica-tion technological revolution. Policy makers, business executives, Non-governmental Organizational activists, academics, media, security services and ordinary citizens are increasingly becoming concerned with the need to make their societies competitive in the emergent information economy. The paper seeks to address the e-business where ICT is used to enhance businesses and includes the process that a business organization conducts over a computer mediated network. In this, the production processes including procurement, ordering and replenishment of stocks and processing of payments using


6

electronic links with suppliers and production control processes. Again, Customer fo-cused processes including promotional and marketing efforts, selling over the Internet, processing of customers’ purchase orders and payments and customer support. Further-more, internal management processes such as employee services, training, internal infor-mation sharing, video-conferencing and recruiting. Electronic applications enhance in-formation flow between production and sales forces to improve sales force productivity. Workgroup communications and electronic publishing of internal business information are likewise made more efficient. Finally, the paper will consider the opportunity infor-mation systems and E-Business have provided for students to create SMEs and generate income for education. Critical discourse analysis shall be employed.

Keywords: Information systems, e-business, globalization and the information commu-nication technological

...........................................................................................................................

icT uPTaKe and academic PerfOrmance: case Of final year STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

Nketia-Amponsah E, Allassani W, Aziale L. and Kumi A. M.Department of Information Technolgy Stuies, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P.O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, GhanaAbstract

This paper seeks to answer the question 'Can ICT tools impart on students’ academic performance in terms of Grade Point Average? The paper hypothesized that ICT has no effect on students’ performance. However based on the multivariate Ordinary Least Square (OLS) estimation, the paper rejected the null hypothesis of no significant associa-tion between ICT and academic performance among final year undergraduate students of the University of Professional Studies, Accra. This paper adopts a quantitative research methodology to ascertain whether ICT has a direct effect on the academic performance of 230 final year students of the University of Professional studies, Accra. Overall the study shows a positive and significant relationship between expenditures on ICT and academic performance. The paper further reveals that of the mix of ICT tools used by students, email remains the most effective tool for improving academic performance. Conversely, the use of iPad at least per this study retards students’ academic performance due to its non-academic usage and the amount of time expended on its usage at the det-riment of academic exercise.

Keywords: academic performance, ICT, tools, computer, technology

ICBMED 2016

7

e-learning sysTem adOPTiOn issues in HigHer educaTiOn. THe CASE STUDY OF UNIVERSITY OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES, ACCRA.

Isaac Asampana, Albert A. Akanferi and James Ami-NarhDepartment of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies,

Accra. P. O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Abstract

The adoption of e-learning management systems in higher education has resulted in a new teaching approach globally for over a decade. However, it is often a daunting task es-pecially in the early adoption stages in developing countries due to limited resources and lack of technical know-how among others. This article seeks to investigate the factors affecting the post implementation success of e-learning management system. A quantita-tive data gleaning techniques would be employed to investigate the level of acceptance of e-learning by students; the effects of perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and other social factors. A qualitative research strategy focusing on in-depth interviews and focal group discussions with lecturers and information technology (IT) staff, would be analyzed to determine the effects of the variables; technical fit, training and users’ involvement on the successful implementation of the system in large size classes. Pre-liminary investigations indicate that poor IT infrastructure, inadequate training and the relevance of the system to quality lecture delivery are some of the challenges confronting its adoption. The author concludes by making recommendations on the possible outcome of the study which include the effect of the relationship between technology acceptance model (TAM) and users; and the impact of information systems implementation critical success factors such as IT infrastructure, training, change management on the adoption of the e-learning systems.

Keywords: E-learning, Technical fit, Information System, Information Technology

...........................................................................................................................

THe rOle Of gHana scHOOl Of law in Training sPecialized INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY ADJUDICATORS AND ITS IMPACT ON

ELECTRONIC CRIME VERDICTS

Richmond Koduah and Maud Elliot AshongDepartment of Information Technology StudiesUniversity of Professional Studies, Ac-

cra .P. O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana,


8

Abstract

The various literatures that have been reviewed on Information Security (I.S) and law have failed to identify the role of training institutions in curbing electronic crimes. There-fore, this research intends to explore the role of Ghana School of Law (GSL) in training specialized Information Technology adjudicators (lawyers and judges) and its impact on e-crime verdicts. The objectives included assessing the I.T training needs of GSL and finding out the impact of I.T training on e-crime verdicts. Hence, the effective role played by the GSL in training students in I.S, the need of training specialised I.T adjudi-cators, the effective use of technology in courtrooms, and the impact of training special-ised I.T adjudicators on e-crime verdicts were evaluated. The qualitative data comprised of 40 final year students, 10 lecturers and 36 lawyers. In addition, secondary data such as: books, journals, newspapers and internet were collected from trusted sources. This mixed method exploratory survey shows that a significant proportion of the respondents disbelieved that the role of GSL in training I.T adjudicators has been effective. It also emerged that the training of specialized I.T adjudicators has impact on e-crime verdicts. These findings could lead to fair e-crime judgments, boost up the prosecution desire for e-crimes, help GSL to be more effective in training, push I.T experts into law, encourage the use of technology in Courtrooms, serve as an advocating tool for introducing I.T pol-icies in Ghana, and lead to the possible establishment of I.T Law institutions and firms in the nation.

Keywords: Information Security, Information Technology Law, Specialized I.T adjudi-cators, Ghana School of Law, Electronic crime verdicts.

...........................................................................................................................

VIRTUAL MANAGEMENT-A NEW BUSINESS ORGANIZATION PARA-digm: THe case Of gHana

Ben Ocra and Augustina Dede AgorDepartment of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies,


Abstract

With advancement of information and communication technologies (ICT), the way of doing business is going through radical change. Today, many employees have virtual workplaces so they can work virtually from home and the other location remote from their organizations. The paper maintains that traditional management methods and structures are failing to adequately accommodate a complexity-based world view, which is characterized by change, hyper competition and the exponential explosion of informa-

ICBMED 2016

9

tion science and shows how the management paradigm has been updated by the new era of the virtual structures. Pre-tests were conducted prior to the data collection with a small sample of company managers in order to assess the survey’s reliability and to modify any questions that may create confusion. Because of the explorative character of the survey, the study bases on a convenience sample as it could not be expected to receive a totally random sample of users. The data for this study is unique because behavioral data is collected at the individual level and consist of a sample of 100 respondents. Data were collected through face to face survey conducted in Greater Accra. The concludes that, the emergence of such technologies as e-mail, the Internet, telecommuting, and voice mail which has spawned such products as the virtual office, the virtual company and virtual teams, however, requires closer scrutiny in order to understand the organizational code involved in order to harness it optimal benefits for competitive business advantage. The results of this study are important for practitioners and especially companies using virtual means to either attract, retain, or interact with existing or new customers as well as promote or sell existing or new products or services. Nevertheless, due to the nature of contemporary technology and applications, additional research is needed to further understand behaviors.

Keywords: Virtual Management, Information and Communication Technologies, Man-agement Paradigm

...........................................................................................................................

assessing THe adOPTiOn Of e-business by smes in THe PHar-maceuTical reTailing secTOr in gHana TO miTigaTe againsT

rising cOsT Of OPeraTiOns

Stephen A. Essel and William AgyemangDepartment of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies,


Abstract

This study seeks to assess the factors that affect the adoption of e-business systems by Ghanaian SMEs as a measure to reduce operating cost in the pharmaceutical retailing sector. It also aims to identify various e-business systems that are appropriate for SMEs in this sector. The research focused on identifying the various e-business systems adopt-ed and used by SMEs especially those in the pharmaceutical retailing sector. Respon-dents who were shop pharmacist responded to questions relating to the various e-busi-ness systems they have adopted its relevance to their operations in reducing cost and any challenges with adoption and its use. Questionnaires were developed and based on the 5 point likert scale were sent out to 120 pharmaceutical retailing outlets. This research


10

highlights the various e-business system appropriate to SMEs for adoption in Ghana and factors that favor adoptions and the challenges they encounter. The study’s findings shows that management support is a critical factor for adoption whiles a non-techno-logically inclined SME owner/manager is a huge challenge to adoption of e-business systems. SMEs are keen on adopting e-business systems that will yield some returns through reduction in cost of operations. Hence, e-business adoption for SMEs is critical, so only the essential e-business systems that are relevant to their operations should be considered. Future research could look at other sectors and also where empirical data can be obtained through a semi-structured interviews to offer some qualitative perspective on this study area. With the gradual growth in the adoption and use of e-business systems, SME will be focused on identifying those that are relevant to their operations. Managers and owners of SME business will appreciate that when the appropriate technology are adopted and use with their support it will have a term effect in reducing their cost of operations.

Keywords E-business systems, SMEs, Pharmaceutical retailing

ICBMED 2016

11

sEssion 2: MarkEting and ConsuMEr BEhaviour

THe effecTs Of cusTOmer relaTiOnsHiP managemenT On cus-TOmer lOyalTy in THe HOsPiTaliTy indusTry: a case sTudy On

FOUR (4) TOP STAR HOTELS IN GHANA

Prof. Abednego Okoe Feehi,Department of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.Email: [email protected]

Henry BoatengSchool of Communication/Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Research Center

University of Technology, SydneyEmail: [email protected]

Tiniwah Deborah MensahDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Benjamin AngenuUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract Modern marketing considers Customer Relationship Management (CRM) as founda-tion for the success of any business. Without Customer Loyalty (CL) however, no busi-ness will survive in the long term. The objective of the study is to investigate the effect of CRM practices on customer loyalty in the Ghanaian hospitality industry. The study will explore the critical components of CRM that impact the dimensions of CL within the context of the hospitality industry. A survey research design was employed and the respondents totalled three hundred (300). Questionnaire was used to collect the data and analysed using ANOVA and regression. The findings are expected to demonstrate the specific components of CRM relevant to the development of customer loyalty in hospitality management. Further, the study is expected to identify the levels of loyalty practiced by clients based on the theoretical underpinnings of the study. Practical impli-cations will include the relevance of the study in contributing to academia and influenc-ing practitioners approach to building customer loyalty in the industry. The results are further expected to show the effect of CRM on CL.

Keywords: CRM, customer loyalty, hospitality industry, Ghana


12

POliTical marKeTing cOmmunicaTiOn in gHana: a sTudy Of IDENTITY AND VOTER BEHAVIORAL INTENTIONS.

*Dr. Samuel Kwami Agbanu1 and Dr. Alexander Preko2

Department of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, AccraP.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.

Email: [email protected], [email protected]

*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Consumer identity has longstanding relevance to and significant influence on consumer product and service promotion. However, although this concept is undoubtedly a funda-mental basis of promotional strategy, it is highly underdeveloped in the emerging field of political marketing communication worldwide, more so in Ghana, where few studies are available that provide a systematic documentation of identity transference in voter behavioral intentions in political marketing practices. In this paper, an attempt is made, within political marketing communication discourses in Ghana to examine, within the plethora of existing social identities, the emergence of identity utility in political mar-keting communication and its influence on voter intention and behavior. The paper fur-ther addresses the issue of whether or not the varied social identities existing within Ghanaian social-cultural milieu are affected differentially in their response to political marketing, media, and messages and how these responses affect their voting intentions and relationships with the political ideologies available. The study used questionnaires to gather data from 1052 students from a public university in Ghana, adopting a simple random approach to respondent selection. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to indicate the factor groupings, as well as to validate the instruments utilized. Reliability test was run to check reliability levels and internal consistency of the instruments, whiles regression analysis was conducted to examine the relationship among social identities factors of age, income, household size, and religion and voter intention and responses to political message. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to identify which religious group was significant to voting intention and political behaviour. The findings revealed that political message positively affect the matured voters, low-income earners, and neg-atively affect small household size, as well as female voters. The study also showed that political media adopted by a political party positively affect the matured voters and small household size voters while low-income earners and female voters are negatively affect-ed. Furthermore, it showed that matured voters and small household size voters positive-ly affect voting behaviour and low-income earners and female voters negatively affected voting behaviour. The outcome of the study revealed that religion was not statistically significant to voting intention and political behaviour. Thus, political marketing com-municators need to recognize divergent responses of different social identities towards a more effective political communication targeting and persuasion of voter customers.

Keywords: political marketing, behavioural intention, marketing communication

ICBMED 2016

13

facTOrs influencing THe PurcHase decisiOns Of made in gHana gOOds: THe case Of lOcal rice

Ebenezer Arthur DuncanDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.

Abstract

To ascertain the factors influencing consumers purchase decision of local rice, a de-scriptive and a quantitative research design was adopted. A five point scale question-naire was used to gather primary data from 160 respondents in Madina, Accra. HAM (health benefits, availability and media impact) conceptual frame (model) developed by the study was used to measure the independent variable influence. Similarly, the depen-dent variable decision was measured using consumer decision model propounded by Engel, Kellat and Black well (1968). The results showed that consumer health benefits has a positive significant relationship with purchase decision of made in Ghana rice. The availability of local rice in the market influences purchase decision. Finally although the media also have a positive effect on purchasing decision of local rice it was found to be the least significant.

Keywords: purchase decision, local rice, consumer decision making

...........................................................................................................................

failing TO Plan is Planning TO fail – THe argumenT fOr a cri-SIS COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY (THE CASE OF MILLICOM GHANA

LIMITED- TIGO GHANA) IN ENHANCING ITS CORPORATE REPUTATION

Yussif Mohammed HardiDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra,

P.O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana.Email: [email protected]

Abstract

The motivation for this paper was to investigate how well prepared Organizations are, with Millicom Ghana Limited (tiGO Ghana), an organization in the telecommunications industry as a case study, in responding to crisis in case it does happen and how well to communicate with its stakeholders during crisis to maintain and enhance its corporate reputation. A cross section of some Regional Managers and Sectional Heads were in-terviewed, also an overview of the crisis communications strategies of Millicom Ghana


14

Limited and a comprehensive review of literature on crisis communications was carried out and compared with established standards in crisis communications. It was evident that there is a strong correlation between effective communication in times of crisis and how well organisations corporate reputations can be enhanced.

Keywords: Corporate Reputation, Crisis Communications Strategy, Stakeholders, Mil-licom Ghana Limited

...........................................................................................................................

COMMERCIALISING NEW PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN COMPETITIVE marKeTs: a mcPdam mOdel: meTHOdOlOgical, cHallenges,

POSITIONING, DELIVERY, AFTERMATHS AND MONITORING AND EVALUATION

Thomas Yaw Tachie-EyiahDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra,


Abstract

Driven by the need to maximise profit and compete in a competitive marketplace, Gha-naian businesses conduct researches to gather critical information about target consum-ers and the products and services they need to enable them to develop strategies for new-products introductions. Considering the competitive advantages accrued to organi-sations commercialising new-products and services onto the marketplace, benefits such as customer loyalty, the potential to charge higher prices, strong brand power to support new products and services launches stand out significantly, and therefore it is imperative for firms to continuously improve efforts on new products introductions. However, there is a persistent myth in new-product innovations and management that the failure rate of new products introduction is around 80% or higher. The high attrition rate of new prod-uct projects, together with the desire to maximise returns from R&D programmes, there-fore, points to careful critical new product development (NPD) tasks. There is abundance of literature on new-products introductions, but research on models or framework used to challenge the high failure rates in product commercialisation and guarantee successes is almost absent in contemporary literature, thus creating a gap which the paper seeks to fill. The paper is based on a review of literature and takes a case study approach. The paper intends to present a conceptual framework – MCPDAM model - towards commer-cialising new- products in a sequential order. An exploratory research with the qualita-tive methodology was adopted and primarily data was collected from case study organ-isations using personal in-depth interviews. The findings revealed that largely all three

ICBMED 2016

15

selected companies implemented the MCPDAM model to a high extent in new-products introductions, and the level of competitiveness, market shares and profitability of the companies involved was very high. The findings of the study presents strong strategy for new-products introductions that eliminate high rate of failure and guarantees high success rate of commercialisation of new products in competitive markets.Keywords: commercialization, new products, competitive markets

...........................................................................................................................

cusTOmer PercePTiOn Of frOnTline emPlOyees aTTiTude in CORPORATE BRANDING: A STUDY OF THREE (3) SELECTED HOTELS IN

GHANA’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY

Prof. Abednego Okoe FeehiDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Henry BoatengSchool of Communication/Cosmopolitan Civil Societies Research Center

University of Technology, SydneyEmail: [email protected]

Tiniwah Deborah MensahDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Benjamin AngenuUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

Corporate branding is considered a critical key success factor in hospitality branding. In service branding however, frontline employees or boundary spanners are synony-mous with the service organization as the “moment of truth” form the basis for customer evaluation of the service. The purpose of the study is to examine the role of frontline employees in corporate branding in the hospitality industry. Employees are now viewed as playing a key role in brand management as they facilitate the communication between the organization and its customers. The identification of the diverse roles of frontline em-


16

ployees in a service organization setting will provide the opportunity to distil appropriate strategies in managing and promoting hotel brands. The study adopted a survey research design, and data were gathered through questionnaires. A sample size of three hundred (300) customers from respective hotels were selected using convenience sampling tech-nique. Data was analyzed using correlation and regression analysis. On completion of the study, the findings are expected to establish a correlation between aspects of frontline employees and corporate branding of hotels. Based on the gaps in the literature, there will be classification of frontline employees in key thematic areas. The study will have implications for scholars and practitioners in the hotel industry. The lessons to be learned from the findings can add to the service and branding literature as well as improve hos-pitality management.

Keywords: branding, corporate branding, hospitality industry, Ghana, frontline employ-ees

...........................................................................................................................

eXamining resisTance TO cHange and green marKeTing: aTTi-TUDINAL AND BEHAVIORAL ANALYSIS AMONG GHANAIAN

cOnsumers

*Dr. Alexander Preko, Dr. Samuel Kwami Agbanu, Safo Kantanka Akwasi and Feglo Mawuli


[email protected]; [email protected]*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Competitive edge among organizations worldwide has raised the importance of green marketing in scientific and marketing practice. Although green marketing has assumed prominence as a key source for advancing organizational competitive through utility of it in strategic orientations and in marketing mixes in developed economies, it seems to have received less interest in most developing countries. In Ghana, few studies have addressed both the interest in green marketing as a competitive tool and the perceived hindrance of behavioral and attitudinal factors to its embrace. Thus, in this quantitative explorative study, an attempt is made to explore the relationship between consumer attitudinal and behavioral factors and green marketing efforts in some selected Ghanaian organizations and the extent that organizations are promoting green marketing both to overcome such factors and gain competitiveness in the marketplace. The study used questionnaires to gather data from 271 shoppers in one of Ghana’s shopping Malls in Accra utilizing the

ICBMED 2016

17

simple random approach. Factor analysis and Cronbach alpha analysis conducted to test constructs validation and reliability. Structural Equation Model was used to evaluate the factors and validate the model. The findings showed that green attitude influenced green behaviour. What is more, the findings also showed that listening, watching, reading envi-ronmental issues best explained green attitude while switching to purchase environmen-tal friendly products, looking for environmental information on products, and buying recyclable product explained green behaviour of Ghanaian consumers.

Keywords: green marketing, attitudinal and behavioral

...........................................................................................................................

CELEBRITY QUALITIES, POLITICAL CANDIDATE CHARACTERISTICS and marKeTing POliTics in gHana.

*Dr. Samuel Kwami Agbanu1 and Dr. Alexander Preko2


Email: [email protected], [email protected]

*Corresponding Author

Abstract

Previous documented studies of marketing communications strategy have revealed a consistent pattern of usage of celebrities in competitive and promotional strategies, mostly focusing on the reinforcement power of celebrity unique qualities and imager-ies towards activation of consumer confidence and loyalty. Though much of the studies in the consumer marketing literature emphasizes both celebrity perceived personality attributes and images for consumer certainty, confidence, and assurance of buying and loyalty intentions, whether or not within political marketing communications, political candidate attributes and personality traits acts similarly is yet to receive scholarly in-terest in the political marketing communications literature. Undeniably however, polit-ical candidates are pivotally critical in the electoral marketplace, raising a necessity for scholarly discourse whether or not political candidate personality, attributes and traits receive parallel consumer (voter) endorsements, assurances, and confidences in their voting decisions. In this paper, attempt is made to examine political candidate traits and personality factors and how voter perception of these characteristics provides bases for voter decision making within the overall infant political marketing communications milieu of Ghana. The study used questionnaires to gather data from 1052 students from a public university, adopting a simple random approach in the selection of study partici-pants. Exploratory factor analysis was conducted to examine extracted factors, as well as to validate the items in the data collection instruments, whiles Cronbach alpha analysis


18

was calculated to check for the level of reliability and internal consistency. Additionally, regression analysis was calculated to examine the influence of political candidate ap-pearance, personality traits and political image on voter intention and political message. The findings showed that political candidate appearance, personality traits and political image contributed positively to voting intention and behaviour, except political image that was found not to be significant to voting intention and behaviour. Outcome of this study provides good basis for political marketing communicators to focus on key can-didates’ traits and appearance attributes that potentially resonates with voter consumer mind-sets towards a favourable voting decisions.

Keywords: Celebrity qualities, political candidate, marketing politics, marketing strat-egy

ICBMED 2016

19

sEssion 3: sMall BusinEss and EntErprisE dEvElopMEnt

sOcial enTrePreneursHiP: bricOlage resOurce mObilisaTiOn

William Asamoah OwusuCRECIS

Louvain School of ManagementUniversité catholique de Louvain

1, Place des Doyens - 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve - BelgiumEmail: [email protected]

Prof. Frank Janssen, MBA, Ph.D.CRECIS

Louvain School of ManagementUniversité catholique de Louvain


Abstract

Social Entrepreneurship (SE) is innovatively solving the ever growing complex social problems such as hunger, homelessness, environmental pollution, drug abuse, and do-mestic violence. It has also provided some basic social goods such as healthcare, educa-tion and arts, that government and the marketplace cannot provide adequately. However, social entrepreneurs are facing financial challenges as a result of declining support from traditional philanthropic and government sources and therefore, they are compelled to pursue revenue generation strategies in order to be sustainable.The aim of this paper is to empirically examine entrepreneurial behavior through the lens of “entrepreneurial bricolage” in creating social ventures in the Ghanaian context. The study seeks to find answers to the questions of how do social entrepreneurs use resource at hand to establish ventures in a resource constrained environment. The empirical re-search relied on a qualitative methodology and employed a case study with a focus on social ventures' resource mobilization in the context of complex social problems, as the unit of analysis in Ghana. Compared with their commercial counterparts, social entrepre-neurs use wider array of relevant stakeholders to solve social problems. Different types of resources were seen to be treated as “means at hand”. As Di Domenico et al., (2010) realized, social entrepreneurs use all available means to acquire unused or underused resources that are capable of being leveraged in a different way to create social value.

We call for research into the fundamental reasons and processes in getting existing com-


20

petitors to collaborate to solving social problems. We term this as “competitor bricolage” Social entrepreneurs operate in different environments, and, more importantly, under dif-ferent rules, in varied location, industry, size and characteristics of founders. Due to such diversity in the limits of qualitative research methods, the findings are being generalized. Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship, Resource Mobilization, Venture Establishment, Bricolage, Ghana.

...........................................................................................................................

effecT Of macrOecOnOmic facTOrs On THe PerfOrmance Of manufacTuring cOmPanies lisTed On THe gHana sTOcK

marKeT

Dr. Emmanuel S. AsamoahDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between macroeconomic variables and stock prices of manufacturing companies listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange using monthly data that spans from January, 2004 to December, 2014. Macroeconomic variables used in this study were Consumer Price Index (as a proxy for inflation), Money Supply, 91 day Treasury Bill Rate (as a proxy for interest rate), Exchange Rate and Petroleum Prices. The Ordinary Least Square estimation (OLS) and Granger Causality Tests were used to examine the relationship between stock prices of manufacturing companies listed on the Ghana stock exchange and the five macroeconomic variables. It was found that there is no significant relationship between stock prices of manufacturing companies listed on the Ghana stock exchange and the selected macroeconomic factors. However a relation-ship was found between Money Supply and stock prices as well as exchange rates and stock prices of Unilever using granger causality tests.

Keywords: macroeconomic factors, stock market, manufacturing companies, perfor-mance

ICBMED 2016

21

NICHES: STRATEGIES FOR SMES TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE

Emmanuel H. Dougan Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra P.

O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

Competition, competition, competition! SMEs are in a dilemma as to how to survive the competition. ‘’It is ... convenient to have some term to describe the status of an animal in its community, to indicate what it is doing and not merely what it looks like, and the term is ‘niche’’ Niche strategy has become appropriate for SMEs to remain competitive, survive and grow by exploiting profitable market segments that are overlooked by large firms. This study looks at the ecological niches of financial services in Ghana. It further applies ecological niches of three broad theories: niches and audiences discuss the audi-ence and their taste, social positions and offerings; niches and competitors argue about the fitness of firms as against competitors in the positions they operate in order to sur-vive; resource partitioning reviews the strengths of the financial services firms in terms of their size and the market segment in which they operate. Outcome and implications for practice are that SMEs can use findings when faced with competition so they could survive and grow enterprises.

Keywords: niche, competition, audiences, resource, small and medium scale enterpris-es.

...........................................................................................................................

THE ROLE OF SOCIAL NETWORK MARKETING (SNM) IN THE PERFOR-mance Of smes in gHana

Adjin-Tettey, Theodora Dame1, Ayiglo, Abigail2 and Sadat, Mohammed3

Department of Public Relations Management, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.Email: [email protected], [email protected], sadat.

[email protected]

Abstract

The use of social media in marketing or promotion of goods and services of corporate entities is termed Social Network Marketing. In Ghana, many firms, including SMEs have added online infrastructure to their business to reach out to the online community


22

by signing on to social networking sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. This has almost become the norm due to the fact that such companies target the youth who are likely to have accounts on these sites. Small and Medium Enterprises in the fashion/beauty industry, manufacturing, photography, events, catering and other service indus-tries who have a huge chunk of their targets/clients being the youth have a presence on social networking sites. With Facebook being the most widely patronised site in Ghana, this study sought to investigate how such companies engaged Facebook in their market-ing/promotional activities, and whether their presence on these sites has had any impact on their financial and non-financial performance. Using the case study approach, this study analysed the Facebook accounts of ten SMEs in terms of the number of likes, number of followers, richness of content and interaction with customers. It also used semi-structured interviews to seek information from the management of the companies on the benefits of Facebook in their business activities.

Keywords: Social Network Marketing, Social Networking Sites, SMEs, New Media

...........................................................................................................................

SERVICE QUALITY IN BANKS: EVIDENCE FROM STUDENTS OF A PUBLIC UNIVERSITY IN GHANA

Kotey, Robertson Neequaye and Essiam, Joshua OforiDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.Email of corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract

The present study is a descriptive research aimed at accessing the criteria students use in selecting their banks and describing students’ expectation and perception of service quality in the banking industry of Ghana. Subsequently, the study identified the di-mensions of service quality that drives customer perceived service quality in the banking industry of Ghana. The target population of the study was customers of banks in Universities. In all 496 students of a public university in Ghana were selected as the sample size of the study. The findings of the study revealed that customers’ perception of the level of excellence of service quality of the banks was found to be below their expectation. The findings of the study revealed that the most influential dimension that drives students' perception of overall service quality was the tangibility dimension. The study recommended that greater emphasis should be placed on tangibility since it is found to be the most influential factor of overall service quality perception of students of banks in Ghana.

Keywords: Service quality, perception, expectation, students, banks

ICBMED 2016

23

deTerminanTs Of PerfOrmance in THe wOOd indusTry in GHANA: AN OVERVIEW

Fidelis QuansahDepartment of Marketing, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Dr. Patrick Tandoh-OffinSchool of Public Service and Governance, GIMPA, Accra


Abstract

The potential that the wood industry presents for diversifying national economies through improved foreign exchange earnings, increased employment opportunities, and local economic development cannot be underestimated. At the global level, this potential of the wood industry has been deemed to be dependent on factors such as market orien-tation, firm size, management attitudes, and firm, industry, product and market character-istics. Thus, it is possible for countries and economies at different stages of development, different levels of industrialization and with differing levels of wood or forestry resource endowment to demonstrate or respond differently to the industry’s potential benefits also at the local or domestic level. The wood industry in Ghana contributes significantly in all three areas mentioned above. The timber or wood industry, dominated mainly by private small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs), averagely accounts for about 6% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to Awuah-Seiwaah (2010), the sector is the fourth most important foreign exchange earner (accounting for 11%) after Minerals (36%), Cocoa (35%), and Tourism (12%). It provides direct employment to more than 100,000 people in logging and processing mills as well as in public institutions. It also contributes about 4% of the national tax revenue in Ghana. It is clear therefore that the performance of the wood industry depends on the above-mentioned factors. This study aims to determine which factors are the most important for evaluating the performance in Ghana’s wood industry, especially in a global market space where being internationally competitive is essential. The study reviews empirical research that have applied factors that have generally been accepted by researchers to be the determinants of performance in the wood industry as a way to assess the usefulness of such factors in evaluating and making appropriate recommendations for improving performance in the wood industry in Ghana.

Keywords: Performance, wood industry, resource endowment


24

BRANDING STRATEGIES FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: A QUALITA-TIVE STUDY OF THE AUTOMOBILE INDUSTRY IN GHANA

Dr. Emmanuel S. Asamoah Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

The main objective of this study is to investigate the branding strategies used by auto-mobile firms in Ghana. The study focuses on the factors that determine the use of such strategies and the factors that must be considered when developing branding strategies for the automobile industry in Ghana. The study adopted the qualitative research meth-odology because it is explicitly interpretive, creative and personal than in quantitative analysis. Interviews and questionnaires were used in information gathering. Also, the non-probability purposive sampling was used. In all 28 customers (18 individual ve-hicle owners and 10 corporate vehicle owners) were involved in the study. 52 employ-ees were also selected from the various departments in different automobile companies currently operating in the country. Furthermore, 6 managers with marketing and brand management responsibilities were drawn from different companies and interviewed. The findings were that companies that devoted much time and resources in building and man-aging their brand become successful over an extended period of time. The implication of this study is that having effective branding strategy that adapts (rather than standardized) to the needs of a specific market increases the level of customer satisfaction and loyalty, efficiency of business strategy and the competitiveness of an enterprise.

Keywords: brand, competitiveness, automobile, brand management, branding strategy

ICBMED 2016

25

sEssion 4: aCCounting, Banking and FinanCE

TAX INCENTIVES AND SMEs ATTITUDE

Richard Amankwa and Redeemer KrahDepartment of Accounting, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P. O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

The use of tax incentives by both developed and developing countries as the leading fiscal tools to achieve their specific economic objectives cannot be underestimated. Tax incentives have over the years been used to attract both domestic and foreign investors, reduce unemployment, promoting specific industries and attracting companies towards certain types of economic activities. This study investigates the utilisation of tax incen-tives among Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana. The study employed the survey design using self-administered questionnaires and utilising the simple random sampling technique in selecting the sample. The findings suggest low levels of utilisation of tax incentives among the SMEs sampled. A major factor identified for the abysmal level of utilisation was the lack of awareness SMEs have about the existence of such tax incentives. The study therefore recommends an intensive education should be undertak-en to create awareness about the available tax incentives to SMEs.

Keyword: SMEs, tax incentives, attitude

...........................................................................................................................

LINKING SERVICES TO PERFORMANCE OF MICRO FINANCIAL INSTI-TUTIONS: A VIEW FROM GHANA

Christine AvortriDepartment of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

Access to financial services has been identified as potential tools to spout economic growth and improve the lives of the poor. Microfinancial Institutions have globally been accepted as institutions that proved capable of developing methodologies (approaches) that extend financial services to the hitherto un-bankable. The rampant collapse of Mi-


26

crofinancial institutions in Ghana recent times calls for investigation into the effect of the core services (micro-credit and micro-savings) on their performance. The study therefore assesses the effect of micro-credit and micro-savings on the financial performance of Mi-crofinancial Institutions in Ghana. The study was conducted in Ghana using unbalance panel data of 16 selected Microfinancial Institutions for six years period and Panel OLS regression, the study found that service offered affect sustainability of the Microfinancial institutions. However micro-credit has greater and statistically significant effect on sus-tainability than micro-savings. The result also shows that Profit status (STATUS) affects the sustainability though not significant such that, profit- making financial institutions is more sustainable than for non-profit financial institutions. The age and regulation affect sustainability such that matured and non- regulated institutions are more sustainable than new (inexperienced) and regulated ones. The results also reveal, though moderate that microfinance institutions that accept deposits as well as advance loans to customers are less sustainable as compared to microfinance institutions that accept only credit. The study recommended that managers of MFIs should manage certain key intervening fac-tors like number of staff, rate of expansion, attract active borrowers so as to enhance their sustainability. Though regulation promotes healthy financial system, the regulated, reg-ulator assess the various regulatory requirements and implements those that are healthy to the financial performance of the institutions.

Keywords: service performance, micro finance institution, economic growth, mi-cro-credit, micro-savings

...........................................................................................................................

INTERNAL AUDIT FUNCTION, BOARD QUALITY AND FINANCIAL RE-PORTING QUALITY OF LISTED COMPANIES IN GHANA

Dr. John Kwaku Mensah MawutorSchool of Graduate Studies (SOGS)

University of Professional Studies, Accra GhanaP.O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra


Oppong Hannah OparebeaUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana

P.O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra

Mensah LancelotUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana


ICBMED 2016

27

Anarfo SimonUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana


Asueme Dinah AdjoaUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana


Abstract

This research work focused on assessing the effect of internal audit function on financial reporting quality and the interaction of board quality of listed companies in Ghana. The seven banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange were used. The data for the study was collected from primary and secondary sources. The responses from staffs were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS version 20) with regression analysis as the analytical tool. In spite of the contributions of listed companies in the growth of the Ghanaian economy, fair knowledge about the effect of IAF on the quality of the financial reports and the role of a quality board is not widely known. This is what motivated the need to undertake a research into this area. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of internal audit function on the financial reporting quality with board quality as the interactive variable. In meeting the purpose of the study sample was drawn from seven banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange with individuals from the internal audit department, finance department, operations department and middle level management. The results indicated that positive relationship exists between board qual-ity and financial reporting quality. It was also found that board quality is significant to financial reporting quality at p<0.05. Also internal audit function was found to have a negative relationship with financial reporting quality.

Keywords: Internal audit, reporting, quality, board quality, listed companies, economy, Ghana Stock Exchange

...........................................................................................................................

PensiOn indeXaTiOn in gHana: realiTy Or myTH?

Damnyag K. John BoscoDepartment of Information Technology Studies, University of Professional Studies,

AccraP.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.



28

Abstract

The study sought to examine the pension indexation in Ghana in the light of the pre-vailing microeconomic indicators couple with the overall performance of the trustee (SSNIT). The bases of pension superannuation allowance indexation remained ques-tionable and a subject of dissatisfaction among retirees. The study purposively gathered panel data from 1991 to 2013 in relation to annual augmentation of pension superannu-ation allowance, treasury bill rates, inflation rates, minimum wage and the performance of the pension scheme. The data was analyzed using paired wise observation test to ascertain whether beneficiaries of the scheme get real positive return on their invest-ment and the sustainability level of the scheme. The findings of study revealed that the pension indexation is not significantly different from the microeconomics indicators but significantly different from the performance of the scheme. Furthermore, retirees do not get real positive returns on their investments and the sustainability rate of the scheme is on the decline. The study concludes that the SSNIT pension allowance indexation is unrealistic and the scheme is not sustainably at the current operational level. The Trustee should engage in more profitable investment portfolios, minimizes its expenditure and review the pension indexation upwards to ensure retirees get real positive returns for their investment.

Keywords: Pension, Indexation, Reality and Myth

...........................................................................................................................

ASSESSMENT OF BOOKKEEPING PRACTICES AND ITS RELEVANCE TO small-medium enTerPrises in la-nKwanTanang municiPaliTy

Peter Ackah, Lazarus Lanquaye LampteyDepartment of Accounting, University of Professional Studies, Accra,


Abstract

Small medium enterprises (SMEs) have over the years been very significant to the eco-nomic development of most developing countries, especially Ghana. It is a major form of business and a major employer making strong positive impact on the economic growth in the country. This study researched into the assessment of bookkeeping practices and its relevance to small-medium enterprises in La-Nkwantanang municipality. It explored both theoretical and empirical literature as bases for the study. Convenience sampling method was used to select 120 respondents. It made use of questionnaire for collecting data from SMEs in the municipality. Our analysis revealed that SMEs in the municipality

ICBMED 2016

29

keep records of their transactions hence have basic knowledge on how to keep records of their business activities due to their educational level. From the findings of the study, 74% of SMEs practiced bookkeeping and most of them kept their records in a Notebook. The study recommended that there must be a regular education through workshops and seminars by the municipal assembly for the operators of the SME’s. There must also be an intensive publicity in the local dialect through the mass media to sensitize SME oper-ators on the need to maintain proper books of records.

Keywords: Small and Medium Entreprises (SME’s), Book keeping practices, Business activities, La-Nkwantanang Municipality

...........................................................................................................................

A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF EFFECTS OF LIQUIDITY RISK MANAGEMENT On THe PrOfiTabiliTy Of banKs lisTed On THe gHana sTOcK

eXcHange

Alhassan Bunyaminu*Department of Banking and Finance, University of Professional Studies,

Accra,P.O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana.Email: [email protected]

Peter Ackah and Hamidu FaisalDepartment of Accounting, University of Professional Studies, Accra,


*Corresponding author

Abstract

The study assessed the effect of liquidity risk management practices on the profitability of Ghanaian banks listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). Specifically, the study, examined the trends of liquidity and profitability of banks from 2004-2013; ascertained the strategies employed to manage liquidity risk, and finally evaluated the effect of li-quidity risk management on profitability. Seven (7) out of 8 banks were sampled. Both primary and secondary data were used. A structured questionnaire was used to gather data on liquidity risk management practices. Overall, 20 respondents were sampled. Secondary data was gathered from the Financial Statement of the banks. Loan-to-deposit ratio (LDR), Loan-to-asset ratio (LAR) and current ratio (CR) were used as the main indicators of liquidity risk while return on equity (ROE) and return on assets (ROA) were the main profitability indicators. Panel regression method was used to examine the effect of liquidity risk management on profitability. The study found that the banks gave slightly higher loans than the deposits amassed (LDR=118.9%), the loans constituted


30

47.37% of their assets (LAR=47.37%) and the current asset was slightly more than their current liabilities (CR=1.149). The banks made 25.47% profit in excess of shareholders fund (ROE=25.47%) and 3.99% in excess of their net asset (ROA=3.99%). The banks employed several measures to manage liquidity risk except that the banks failed to fre-quently monitor their liquidity risk position and report to senior management. Increasing loans to asset ratio (LAR) led to a decrease in profitability (ROE). Also increasing cur-rent assets relative current liabilities (CR) resulted in a decrease of ROE. Age and size of bank played significant controlling effects on profitability. The banks were advised to frequently monitor their liquidity position and frequently report to senior management for review.Keywords: liquidity risk management, liquidity position, profitability, monitoring risks, performing risk assessments

...........................................................................................................................

assessing THe PerfOrmance Of e-zwicH as an elecTrOnic Pay-menT sysTem in THe greaTer accra meTrOPOliTan area

Robert Lawrence Afutu-Kotey, Gerald Joseph Nii Tetteh Nyanyofio, Desmond Asa-moah, Delight Anane, Collins Kordah and Innocent Fiakofi

Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P. O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Corresponding Authors email: [email protected]/[email protected]

Abstract

Several electronic payment systems have been introduced within the financial sector in Ghana in recent times. However, the one that generated popular interest is the e-zwich smart card payment system - a national domestic smart card payment system meant to reduce the large amount of cash held outside the banking system. Despite the enthusiasm that accompanied inception of the e-zwich in 2008, it is estimated that only 20 percent of the population have bank accounts and 90 percent of the cash issued by the Bank of Ghana is still held by the non-bank public. Utilizing primary data collected through the use of questionnaires administered to users and non-users of e-zwich and other forms of Electronic Payment System and interviews conducted with officials within the financial sector, supplemented by secondary data from selected financial institutions, this study assesses the performance of e-zwich as an electronic payment system within the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area. The study revealed that e-zwich has the potential to reduce the unbanked population in Ghana and is beginning to show some good signs in terms of good initiatives by the Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement System. Howev-er, more education is needed for the public and the financial institutions operating the

ICBMED 2016

31

e-zwich in order for its full potential to be realised. The study concludes by observing that a technology like e-zwich will be adopted if it is perceived to be useful and its us-age is perceived to be easy. Most people therefore acquire and use the payment system because of its compatibility with the cash payment system and the high level of conve-nience that it offers.

Keywords: Electronic payment system; e-zwich; technology, Ghana


32

sEssion 5: huMan rEsourCEs ManagEMEnt, soCial rEsponsiBility and EthiCs

eTHics Training fOr Human resOurce PracTiTiOners: a cradle fOr building and PrOmOTing eTHical culTure in

OrganizaTiOns

Collins B. AgyemangDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P.O.

Box 149, Legon, Accra.Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Interest in ethics and morality has been a compelling subject in various segment of so-ciety. Human Resources (HR) professionals are given a great deal of moral, ethical and legal responsibilities. In the context of managing people at work, three strategic areas deserve special attention and emphasis: employee privacy, testing and evaluation and organizational research. In executing some major mandates of HR professionals in re-cruiting, training, reviewing, terminating and working with employees, there seem to be a great deal of ethical ramifications and corollaries. These positive or negative con-sequences can have a mammoth impact on the I-O psychologist’s or HR profession, the job applicants, concurrent employees, and their employers. In a maze of complicated relationships, personnel issues and work related dilemmas, many in the workplace look to the managers of human resource for guidance. In a sense, employees bequeaths on the I-O psychologist and HR team with implicit trust to unlock the tetchy work related dilemmas with their ‘magical formulas’. While I-O psychologist situated in work set-tings cannot prescribe ethical behaviour by merely intransigent rules, a lot of training is required to resolve the multiple dilemmas so that an acceptable and temporary consensus can be reached. The author unveil the cogent gap in the training of personnel principally charged to manage employees and sheds light on the critical role of the I-O psychologist or HR expert in ethical decision making in both research and practice. Second, the author draws attention to some contemporary personnel areas of utmost consideration for eth-ical lens. Third, the author from the African perspective, introduces into the discussion the challenge of promoting ethical culture vis-a-vis the “human-face syndrome”. The paper submits meaningfully by suggesting some strategies for resolving some of the myriads of work-related dilemmas and conclude with a passionate appeal to building a context-driven ethical codes of conduct to guide the behaviour of I-O professionals and human resource specialist.

Keywords: Ethics training, human resource practitioners, ethical culture

ICBMED 2016

33

a sTudy Of leadersHiP and emPlOyee cOmmiTmenT in THe Public secTOr Of gHana, a case Of ga wesT municiPaliTy

Unity YakahGraduate School, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

Effective leadership is an enabler that directly relates to competent and committed em-ployees in an organization. Literature review indicates that leadership is a critical vari-able that has the tendency of influencing employee organizational commitment. The purpose of this study was to seek to identify the relationship between leadership styles (transformational, transactional and laissez-faire) and employee organizational commit-ment (affective, continuance and normative) in the public sector within Ga West Munic-ipality of Ghana. Multifactor leadership questionnaire (MLQ) developed by Bass and Avolio (1995) was the main instrument used to measure leadership styles. Employee organizational commitment questionnaire (ECQ) which was also developed by Allen and Meyer (1990) was also used to measure the commitment levels of employees. The study relied on quantitative study approach to collect and analyze data to establish the relationship between various leadership styles and employees commitment. The findings revealed a weak but significant positive relationship between transformational leader-ship style and employees commitment. The transactional leadership style also recorded a weak and significant positive relationship with employee commitment. Laissez-faire leadership style, although recorded a positive relationship with employee commitment, did not indicate a very good significance level. The level of relationship indicates a very high level for transformational leadership and a very low positive relationship with lais-sez-faire leadership. The findings also indicated that among the three leadership styles, transformational leadership is the most significant and correlated explanatory variable to employee commitment within the study area.

Keywords: leadership, leadership style, employee commitment, public sector

...........................................................................................................................

WORK-LIFE BALANCE AMONG WORKING UNIVERSITY STUDENTS in gHana

Esther Julia K. AttiogbeDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P.

O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana


34

Email: [email protected] N. Tetteh

Department of Human Resource Management and Management StudiesMethodist University College Ghana


Abstract

This study explored how working university students in Ghana are able to balance work and study; and the effect this has on their academic performance. It was hypothesised that there is be a significant negative correlation between time spent at work and academ-ic performance. Also, that there would be a significantly negative correlation of work-life balance between male and female working students. Using the Pearson’s correlation technique test data from 360 working students randomly selected from four (4) universi-ties in Accra, Ghana, and it should be revealed that both hypotheses would be supported. Recommendations would be made appropriately.

Keywords: Work-life balance, working university students, job and academic perfor-mance, gender

...........................................................................................................................

Hrd climaTe and emPlOyee engagemenT: PercePTiOn Of emPlOyees

Theresa Obuobisa-DarkoMethodist University College Ghana, P.O. Box DC 940, Dansoman Accra

Email: tobuobisa-yahoo.co.uk

Abstract

Human Resource Development (HRD) is not only about training and development of employees but consist of other activities like organisational development and career de-velopment. Having a conducive HRD climate in an organisation is important for organ-isational success. Engaged employees have been identified as a source of competitive advantage in organisation because they are ready to invest all their efforts and other resources they have to ensure organisational success.A key question, however concerns the influence of HRD climate on employee engage-ment. In short, one may ask, does HRD climate impact on employee engagement? While some studies have been carried out in developed countries, not much have been done in developing countries, thus creating a gap which the research intends to fill. The study examines the relationship between HRD climate and employee engagement among stu-

ICBMED 2016

35

dents of tertiary institutions who are working. Using Abraham and Rao's HRDC 38-item questionnaire for HRD climate and the 24-item Utrecht Work Engagement Survey (UWES) for employee engagement, data will be gathered from respondents and analysed to determine the relationship between the components of HRD Climate - General cli-mate, HRD mechanism and OCTAPAC - and employee engagement. This paper will be quantitative in nature and primary data will be gathered through the use of questionnaire and analysed appropriately.

Keywords: Human Resource Development, Employee engagement, training and devel-opment

...........................................................................................................................

recruiTmenT and selecTiOn PrOcess as a TOOl fOr cOmPeTi-TIVE ADVANTAGE AT THE BANKING INDUSTRY: BARCLAYS BANK GHA-

na limiTed and gHana cOmmercial banK in fOcus

Hannah E. A. Acquah1, Benjamin Edem Zogbator2, Jillian N. O. Otoo3

& Alexander Abada4

1,4Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies Accra- Ghana

2Regent University College of Science and Technology, Accra.3 Access Bank Ghana, Accra

*Email of Corresponding Author: [email protected]

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide insight into the selection and recruitment practic-es in the banking industry in Ghana by addressing the extent to which recruitment and selection practices help banks attain competitive advantage using Barclays Bank Ghana Limited and Ghana Commercial Bank. A total of 43 respondents consisting of three employees (an HR Officer, HR person in management position and an employee) and 40 customers were conveniently selected for the study. The study employed the use of primary data such as questionnaires and interviews. The study showed that the organizations’ recruitment and selection practices do reflect the current economic situation in Ghana but does not limit their choice of practices. In addition, Barclays Bank Ghana Limited’s previous Human Resource Management disposition is gradually giving way to more strategic employee focused practices hence providing a more motivated workforce. However, both companies still record high prof-its and still maintain their market share. Further, the study revealed that Human Resource Management plays an instrumental role in the company’s success even though it can only be achieved within the broader perspective of other company goals. The research relied on only two banks and therefore arguments made from the study are specific to


36

these banks. It therefore recommended that future work should be conducted by increas-ing the number of banks selected for the study.

Keywords: Human Resource Management, Barclays Bank Ghana Limited, Ghana Commercial Bank

...........................................................................................................................

cOrPOraTe sOcial resPOnsibiliTy PracTices amOng rural banKs in gHana

Dr. Emmanuel S. Asamoah Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P.O.


Abstract

Rural banks were set up to provide banking services through the mobilization of funds and direct them into credit for various segments of the country. Over the years, the rural banks have considered it important to engage in a number of corporate social responsi-bility initiatives and they endeavour to contribute to the socio-economic development of the areas they operate. They often make donations to support traditional administration, education, health and other social issues as and when they consider it necessary to sup-port. The main objective of this study is to examine the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) practices of rural banks. The mixed method approach was adopted in the study. Semi-structured questionnaire was used in the collection of data from 20 managers in rural banks with CSR responsibilities. Also, 120 relevant stakeholders were also selected as respondents. The stakeholders include employee, customers and the members of the communities who have benefited from the CSR initiatives. It was found that rural banks are attracted to education, health, agriculture, poverty reduction and community social services when they are to take CSR initiatives. The main motivation that drives their CSR initiatives is ethical and economic reasons. However, it was found that with the unlimited expectations on the banks to engage in CSR, there is a very limited resources to meet these demands.

Keywords: Corporate Social Responsibility, Rural banks, motivation, economic

ICBMED 2016

37

INNOVATION AMONG WORKGROUPS OF SOME SELECTED TELECOM-municaTiOn cOmPanies in gHana

Albert EshunPublic Affairs Directorate, University of Professional Studies, Accra


AbstractChanges call for innovation, and innovation leads to progress. The telecommunication industry in Ghana pivoted with intense competition. ‘Innovate or exit’ has been an adap-tive principle. Innovation is deemed critical for organizational survival amidst fierce competition. The present study therefore sort to examine the innovative strides and atmo-sphere that exists at the workgroup level of two selected telecommunications firms in Ghana (MTN Ghana Ltd and Airtel Ghana Ltd). The study was executed as a descriptive survey research where participants filled out a self-assessed questionnaire instrument. A simple random technique was used for respondents who were available at the time distributing questionnaires in the head offices of both MTN Ghana and Airtel. The selec-tion of 60 respondents was made up of 30 respondents each from the two organizations being compared s. With the use of a four dimension Team Climate Inventory (TCI), as-sessment was done and compared along vision, participation safety, task orientation and support for innovation. Analysis of data revealed that participants from both MTN and Airtel have similar perceptions regarding vision and support for innovation. Also, both groups of participants ranked vision and participative safety as 1st and 2nd most preva-lent climate factor but differed in the 3rd and 4th. Team members from MTN perceived task orientation more important than support for innovation while members from Airtel perceived support for innovation to be more important than task orientation. The TCI is a useful instrument to measure group climate dimensions that may facilitate work teams’ innovative capacity within the telecommunications industry in Ghana. The instrument can also be used both before and after the intervention when evaluating effects of inter-ventions for changing group climate.

Keywords: innovation, workgroup, telecommunication companies, competition

...........................................................................................................................

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE BIG FIVE PERSONALITY TRAITS AND ORGANIZATIONAL CITIZENSHIP BEHAVIOURS. A STUDY OF SE-lecTed banKs in gHana.

Robert Mensah1, Charlotte O. Kwakye-Nuako2 and Magdalene Jackson Okwabi2 Methodist University College Ghana,


38

P.O. Box DC 940, Dansoman Accra

Email: [email protected], [email protected] (corresponding author), [email protected],

[email protected]

Abstract Organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) is one of the newly emerging concepts in the literature of organization behaviour. This study examined the linkages between personality traits and OCBs among seventy six (76) employees who were randomly se-lected from some financial institutions within Greater Accra region, Ghana. Along with demographical data schedule, two standardized instruments were used to measure OCB (Organizational Citizenship Behaviour Scale) and personality traits (NEO Five-Factor Inventory). This study examined the linkages between personality traits and OCBs among seventy six (76) employees who were randomly selected from some financial institutions within Greater Accra region, Ghana. Along with demographical data sched-ule, two standardized instruments were used to measure OCB (Organizational Citi-zenship Behaviour Scale) and personality traits (NEO Five-Factor Inventory). Results of the study indicated a positive relationship between all the five facets of personality (extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness to expe-rience) and OCB which means personality traits influence organizational citizenship behaviours among bankers. The study also found no significant difference in organi-zational citizenship behaviours among male and female banking staff. It also emerged that junior ranked employees engaged more in organizational citizenship behaviours than senior ranked employees.

Keywords: Organizational citizenship behaviour, personality traits, NEO Five-Factor Inventory

ICBMED 2016

39

sEssion 6: puBliC adMinistration, MEdia rElations, govErnanCE and lEadErship

GOVERNANCE OF HIGHER EDUCATION’S INSTITUTIONS IN GHANA: THE INTERACTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS AMONG PERSONAL VALUES PREFERENCE, LEADERSHIP STYLE AND LEADERSHIP EFFECTIVENESS

Prof. Alabi Goski University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abdulai MunkailaDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra

P.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.Email:[email protected]

Abstract

The study focused on the governance of higher education institutions in Ghana by exam-ining the interactional relationship among leaders’ values preference, leadership style, social demographics and leadership effectiveness. The study employed cross-sectional survey design using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and Chi-Square Statistics to assess the relationships among the interacting variables. A total of one hundred and for-ty-six (146) academic leaders from eight (8) public higher education institutions were considered for the study. The study established a significant positive relationship among personal values preference (PVP), leadership style (LS), social demographics and lead-ership effectiveness of academic leaders. PVP explained 31%, whereas LS accounted for 27% and social- demographics explained 20% of the variance in Leadership Effective-ness as indicated by the adjusted R2. Indeed, personal values preference is the highest predictor of academic leadership effectiveness in HEIs. However, hedonism as a value preference did not surface among academic leaders and also, the results reveals that 89% of HEIs do not consider the values preferences of academic leaders in their quest to as-cend into various leadership positions within the departments, faculties and or colleges. The study thus recommends the need for governing councils and academic boards and appointment committees to assess leadership styles and personal values preferences of academic leaders during recruitment, selection and or appointments into leadership roles.

Keywords: Governance, Higher institution, personal values, leadership style, leadership effectiveness


40

AN ASSESSMENT OF THE IMPACT OF CITIZEN’S CHARTER ON GOOD GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC SERVICE DELIVERY: A COMPARATIVE analysis Of swiTzerland and gHana.

Dr. Anastas K. NyamikehPentecost University College, P. O. Box KN 1739,

Kaneshie, Accra, GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

Policy formulation may not be as difficult as its implementation. In many developing countries and indeed in Ghana, governments after governments have over time thrown up fine policies geared towards improvement in public administration but the implemen-tation of these policies have often times been different stories. As part of its efforts to reform the public sector within the framework of the New Public Sector Paradigm so as to enhance public administration and achieve the Millennium Development Goals, the government of Ghana in 2007 under the then New Patriotic Party government adopted the Citizen’s Charter. The central aim of the charter, in conformity with the universal idea that is gaining currency over the past few decades, is to ensure effective public service delivery and good governance. Prompt responsiveness to the needs of the cus-tomer/user, courtesy, friendly service, transparency, accountability and a zero-tolerance for corruption were inter alia, touted as some of the central tenets of the charter. Almost a decade down the line after its implementation in the ministries, departments and agen-cies (MDAs) of government, one wonders whether indeed the charter is achieving the central goals of effective public service delivery and good governance. Using a mix of both qualitative and quantitative research methods, the study shall do a comparative evaluation of the impacts of the citizen’s charters of Switzerland and Ghana on pub-lic service delivery in the respective countries to: Ascertain whether the charters have caused increasing responsiveness of public/civil servants to the public who use their services. Establish whether the charters have contributed to reduced user complaints and increased user satisfaction with public services. Find out whether the charters have en-sured transparency and accountability in government business. Know whether the char-ters have changed the expectations of the users/the public of public services.

Keywords: Policy formulation, Good Governance, Public service delivery

ICBMED 2016

41

REPACKAGING CORPORATE GOVERNANCE IN HIGHER LEARNING IN-sTiTuTiOns - managing inefficiencies and cOrPOraTizaTiOn: a PHenOmenOlOgical sTudy

Dr. Vivian AmoakoAdministration Directorate

University of Professional Studies, Accra, GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

In an era where corruption permeates social discussions, corporations set objectives and govern by pursuing set objectives in the context of social, regulatory and market envi-ronment, the need to repackage corporate governance is fundamental. The present study adopted qualitative approach to understand the structure and relationships which deter-mine directions and effective performance in four public universities in Ghana. Eight (8) strategic management heads were purposively selected and engaged in an in-depth interview using a semi structured interview guide. Data gathered were transcribed, cod-ed and analysed. “Control Mechanisms and Corporatization” were two major themes that emerged as aspects of contemporary corporate governance process in the quest to manage inefficiencies, sustain and promote ethical standards while propelling growth in higher learning institutions. The present study has implications for recruitment and/or placing decisions of higher learning institutional leaders and promoting a learning culture in higher education management.

Keywords: corporate governance, higher learning, corporatization

...........................................................................................................................

ASSESSMENT OF HEAD TEACHERS’ LEADERSHIP STYLES’ INFLUENCE On academic PerfOrmance Of basic scHOOls in gHana: a sTudy Of KasOa cOmmuniTy

Dr. John Kwaku Mensah MawutorSchool of Graduate Studies (SOGS),

University of Professional Studies, Accra GhanaP.O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra


Abdul-Lateef AbubakarUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra Ghana

P.O. Box LG 149, Legon


42

Abstract

The study revisits existing scholarly debate on whether or not the head teacher’s leader-ship styles have effect on academic performance. Both direct effect and indirect effect as well as relationship with other intervening factors were discussed. The leadership styles under study were the transformational, transactional and passive/avoidant leadership styles using the full range Multi-factor leadership attributes. This quantitative study ana-lysed and examined the extent to which head teachers in public and private basic schools directly affect the schools’ examination performance. The results revealed a minuet ef-fects in the analysis confirming earlier research findings on limited direct effect linking academic performance with academic performance. Class size as an intervening factor has negative direct effect on academic performance confirming earlier research findings of possible indirect effects of head teacher’s leadership style interacting with other inter-vening variables to affect academic performance. It is recommended that basic schools in general should have smaller class sizes as much as possible, that transactional leadership attributes in private schools should be considered by head teachers for improvement of performance.

Keyword: Transformational, transactional, leader, styles, performance, academic, schools

...........................................................................................................................

PUBLIC-PRIVATE-PARTNERSHIP IN GHANA: THE CONSTRUCTIONIST PERSPECTIVE

Joseph Gerald Nii Tetteh NyanyofioDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

The role of public administration as a catalyst for socio-economic development has un-dergone significant evolution since its inception. The traditional form has however un-dergone immense attack with the proponents of the new order (new public management) championing what they call the new form of governance created by public entrepreneurs who have reinvented government through various strategies aimed at meeting the needs of the customer, not the bureaucracy. Thus, the relationship between the state and the pri-vate sector has been explained from a positivist tradition with neo-liberalism as the main theoretical model. Adopting a constructionist research paradigm, the study prescribes

ICBMED 2016

43

a socialist economic framework for viewing the relationship between the state and the private sector. The article thereby demonstrates the utility of promoting further research consciously focusing on critical areas as far as the role of government in the regulation, stimulation and co-ordination of economic activity are concerned.

Keywords: Public administration, Private-sector, Positivist, Constructionist, Ghana

...........................................................................................................................

ASSESSING THE UNIT COMMITTEE MODEL UNDER GHANA’S DECEN-TralizaTiOn PrOgramme

Patrick MahamaDepartment of Public Relations Management,

University of Professional Studies, AccraP.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.


Abstract

This paper sets out to assess the Unit Committee Model under Ghana’s decentralization programme. It contends that the Unit Committee Model, which is a unique feature of Ghana’s decentralization programme, provides an enormous opportunity for grassroots mobilization for participation, representation and accountability of local and central gov-ernment, which are the key factors of the decentralization programme. While this fact is rightfully acknowledged, it is equally importantly admitted that the Unit Committee Model has not worked satisfactorily over the years in its core areas of responsibility. The methodology adopted for this study combined interviews with documentary analysis to seek an explanation and in-depth understanding of why the model has not been success-ful in its areas of responsibility as stipulated in the local government Act 1993 (Act 462). This study is an original inquiry and makes a significant contribution to the literature of decentralization in Ghana since very little is seen and known of the unit committee’s workings and contribution to Ghana’s decentralization programme since its inception in 1988 in spite of the enormous opportunity it has in this direction. Through interviews of key stakeholders (Officers at the District Assemblies, Assembly members, Unit Com-mittee Members and community members), it was found out that these unit committees exist merely by name and that their effectiveness at the grassroots is nothing more than mere formality in the structure of Ghana’s decentralization programme.

Keywords: Unit Committee, decentralization, district assembly, assembly member


44

MEDIA COVERAGE OF SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES (SMES) IN gHana: a sTudy Of gHanaian business newsPaPers

Harrison Kofi BelleyInstitute of African Studies (IAS), University of Ghana, Legon

P. O. Box LG 73, LegonEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

There is growing recognition of the important role of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play in economic development. They are often described as efficient and pro-lific job creators, the seeds of big business and the fuel of economic engines. Interest in the role of SMEs in the development process continues to be in the forefront of policy debates in most countries including Ghana. Despite this recognition, the media in Ghana has not performed well in the coverage of SMEs towards national development. This paper tries to evaluate the volume and prominence of media coverage of SMEs and its impact on national development. The methodology adopted for paper is content analysis of four selected print/newspaper in Ghana. A total of 192 editions of four newspapers were selected for a study that covered 2015. Among other things, the study revealed that the Business Newspapers did not give necessary attention to the coverage of SMEs. It also showed that the extent of coverage and the degree of prominence give to SMEs were not strong enough to translate into national development.

Keywords: Business newspapers, Media coverage, Small and Medium Enterprises

...........................................................................................................................

SERVING THE PUBLIC INTEREST: AN ANALYSIS OF THE GHANAIAN PUBLIC OFFICIAL’S EXPERIENCE

Dr. Samuel Batchison Ofei Drolor Centre for Strategic Leadership,

University of Professional Studies, AccraP.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.Email: [email protected]

Abstract

This study aims at analyzing the challenges of public officials in Ghana, who through stipulated guidelines, statutes, legislation and codes of conduct are required to serve the public interest. The extent to which public officials uphold the tenets of ethical behaviour including: provision of dedicated leadership, conditions for democracy; issues of protecting community legacy and creating the atmosphere for mutuality was exam-

ICBMED 2016

45

ined. The Principal-Agent theory relating to public interest issues was deployed to devel-op a theoretical framework to explain the study. The design of the study was mainly ex-ploratory. The mixed method approach was employed to collect data for both qualitative and quantitative analysis. The sampling techniques were purposive and convenience. Thus, the number, type of organisations and respondents were predetermined based on the unit of analysis, which was contingent on specific structural areas. Data analysis was partly descriptive through the use of charts, frequency tables and percentage responses. However, Chi-square tests were conducted to test some hypotheses. The study revealed largely, that the absence of appropriate conditions of service provides sufficient platform for the perpetuation of public sector corruption, conflict of interest and other unethical practices. The research reemphasized the challenges of bureaucracy and politicization in the public sector. Hence, reinforced the notion that public interest may be lacking with-out the active role of the judiciary in promoting and protecting public interest, and that public interest is more likely when there is dedicated leadership. It is thus recommended that the public official must not only be expected to serve the public interest but must also have his or her challenges met while performing his or her official duties.

Keywords: Public interest, public officials, bureaucracy, politicization


46

sEssion 7:tourisM, EnvironEMEnt and sustainaBlE dEvElopMEnt and soCio-Cultural praCtiCEs

effecTs Of OccuPaTiOnal HealTH and safeTy On emPlOyee PerfOrmance in a fruiT PrOcessing indusTry in accra, gHana

Ampem Darko AniapamDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P.O.


Abstract

The study investigated the extent of application of occupational health and safety (OHS) policy and its impact on the job performance of employees of a fruit processing industry in Accra. Structured questionnaires were used for the study. Perceptions of respondents about the extent of application of OHS policy, exposure of employees to hazards, the level of employees’ job performance as well as the gender dimensions were measured by adopting the Five-point Likert Scale. Overall, hundred and twenty (120) respondents were selected for the study, the extent of application of OHS policy received average to high rating, exposure of employees to hazards received ‘low’ to ‘very low rating’ and the extent of employees job performance received ‘average’ to ‘high’ rating. Positive and negative correlations existed between the application of OHS policies and employees’ job performance. Females viewed the level of OHS in the organisation in more negative terms than their male counterparts. The researcher recommends that the company should improve upon the organizational practices leading to effective implementation of OHS principles.

Keywords: accidents, hazards, policies, safety practices, employee’s performance.

...........................................................................................................................

small scales indusTries susTainabiliTy in sub-saHaran afri-ca: POwer raTiOning, imPacT and adaPTaTiOn sTraTegies

Portia Oware Twerefoo and Justice Musah SuruguUniversity of Ghana Business School

Department of Public Administration and Health Services Management P. O. Box LG 78, Legon, AccraEmail: [email protected]

ICBMED 2016

47

Abstract

Since 2006 Ghana electricity sector has become synonymous with loads shedding end-ing it with the popular “dumsor dumsor”. This situation is of major concerns not only for manufacturing and industrial organization but also for small and medium scale in-dustries. This study therefore sought to identify the impact of rationing on the activities of SMEs within the University of Ghana Staff Quarters as well as the coping strategies adopted by them in the event of non-access to supply. Ten (10) respondents were pur-posively selected from the various residences (A Type, B type, C Type, OT, and UGBS) for the study. Findings from the study suggested that the fall in productivity and profit margin of SMEs as a result of power rationing cannot be directly attributed to the cost associated in acquiring alternative power generating methods but rather the inability of these SMEs to adopt prudent business management practices. The study therefore con-cludes that despite the negative effect of power rationing on the activities of SMEs such as reduction in profit margin, loss of customers and the introduction of additional operat-ing cost, SMEs can effectively meet the demands of their customers and further survive in business if they adopt a strategy to enable them cope in this era of power rationing.

Keywords: Power rationing, SMEs, Business strategy

...........................................................................................................................

“HIDDEN AGENTS”: HOUSE HELPS AND WITCHCRAFT ACCUSATION by wOrKing mOTHers in gHana; imPlicaTiOns fOr Human re-sOurce PracTices

Dr. Ummu Ibrahim and Esther Julia Attiogbe.Department of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P.O.


Abstract

The increased participation of women in paid employment has seen a high demand of domestic workers across the globe. Domestic workers, who are popularly called house helps, assist working mothers in their daily chores such as cooking, washing clothes, sweeping, cleaning, and bathing the children among others. However, in developing so-cieties such as Ghana, there are cultural myths and negative stereotypes about house helps which hinders effective communication between them and their employers. In view of this, many working mothers are forced to saddle the pressures of combining for-mal work with their domestic duties; this invariably affects their psychosocial well-being negatively. This is an exploratory study that seeks to investigate the lived experiences


48

of working mothers who employed perceived witches as house helps. It uncovers how the negative perception of house helps as witches limits working mothers from enjoying the stimulation that a career provides. Purposive and snowball sampling methods will be used to select fifty working mothers from public and private sector organizations in the Greater Accra region of Ghana. Thematic analysis will be used to organize and catego-rize the data according to patterns and structures that connect the themes. The implica-tions of this study on human resource practices would be discussed.

Keywords: Working Mothers, House helps, Witchcraft, Human Resource Development

...........................................................................................................................

PROSPECTS OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT OF THE ABURI BOTANICAL gardens

Ampem Darko Aniapam1, Ernest Mensah Abraham, Edward KoomsonDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra .P.

O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

The study assessed the prospects of tourism growth to the socio-economic development of the Aburi community and Ghana as a whole. The study adopted a quantitative ap-proach and employed a survey design with a questionnaire as the instrument for data collection. Secondary data was obtained from the Ghana Tourist Authority. The results showed that there was a negative relationship between international tourist arrivals to Ghana and participation at Aburi Botanical Gardens (correlation value of -0.92). Howev-er, there was a positive correlation (0.77) between foreign tourism receipts of both Ghana and the Aburi Botanical Gardens. The contradiction was as a result of increase in gate fees but not in the number of tourist arrivals. On the other hand, inadequate investments, ineffective promotion, poor maintenance, inadequate infrastructure and poor customer service with mean values of 4.35, 4.13, 3.73, 3.70 and 3.02 respectively (on a Likert scale of 5.00) were the challenges that have led to the decline in tourism development at the Aburi Botanical Gardens. Community cohesion (4.30), protection of historical and cultural resources (4.08), environmental protection (4.03), employment opportuni-ties (3.58) and improvement in the standard of living (3.18) were the major benefits that Aburi community derived from tourism development. Thus, it is recommended that a comprehensive plan will be put in place to enhance tourism development within the community.

Keywords: tourism development, socio-economic development, tourism

ICBMED 2016

49

finding a lasTing sOluTiOn TO THe Kayayei PrOblem

Mrs. Charity A BoatengDepartment of Public Relations Management,

University of Professional Studies, AccraP.O. Box 149, Legon, Accra.


Abstract

The Kayayei problem is about to be a chronic problem, and it needs a comprehensive approach. The number of Kayayei in Accra, Kumasi and Kintampo are alarming. The social problems the Kayayei and the nation are facing with their settlement in the cities is enormous. Kayayei face a range of personal and collective challenges daily, ranging from homelessness, and physical, verbal and sexual abuse such as rape. Most of the rape cases end up in teenage pregnancy, street children, robbery, prostitution diseases etc. The government’s effort to resettle them has resulted in most of them losing their accommo-dation and living in very deplorable conditions making them vulnerable to the weather, mosquitoes, wicked men who rob them of their earnings and also rape them. This presen-tation provides a sound and lasting approach to solving the Kayayei problem. It entails a well thought out plan involving the major stakeholders to engage in a combination of strategic accommodation and education to solve such problems.

Keywords: Kayayei, socio-economic problems, social vices, homelessness

...........................................................................................................................

climaTe cHange and energy PrOducTiOn and cOnsumPTiOn: THe case Of gHana

Ernest Mensah Abraham, Ampem Darko Aniapam and Edward KoomsonDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra P.

O. Box LG 149, Legon, Accra, Ghana

Abstract Climate change, a result of global warming comes with opportunities and risks. If the opportunities can be maximised while minimising the risks, then it must be well under-stood. The impacts of climate change are enormous and affect almost every facet of life. The ability of hydro-electric power plants to produce energy depend on the availability of water. The paper thus sought to deepen the understanding of the linkages between climate change and energy production and consumption. This was to enable appropriate climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions to keep the impacts within man-


50

ageable reach. The paper outlines the energy production and consumption regimes of the nation and how they are either affected by or are influencing climate change in the country. It argues that there is a linkage between energy production, consumption and climate change. The paper observes that Ghana’s land and water use approaches have contributed to the current challenge we face with declining water levels in the country. It recognises that there are various institutions, policies and arrangements that have been put in place to help to manage climate change. The current deficit in our energy needs calls for proactive measures to stem down the impacts of climate change in order to boost productivity and drive forward the nation’s development agenda. It recognises that sev-eral efforts and initiatives are on-going at the global, regional, national and local levels to respond to the impacts of climate change. It emphasises that though the state has a cli-mate change policy and other programmes in place to respond to the current challenges, more needs to be done if the current trend on energy production can be reversed.

Keywords: Climate change, Energy production, Consumption

...........................................................................................................................

THE CHALLENGE OF REVERSE LOGISTICS IN SMALL AND MEDIUM scale suPPly cHains lOcaTed in accra

Esther Julia K. AttiogbeDepartment of Business Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra. P.O.


Abstract

This paper sought to describe the effectiveness and performance of the overall reverse chain in the operations of small and medium retail and manufacturing firms in Accra. It sought to find out whether companies are incorporating the practice of reverse logistics in their value chains. Specifically the research investigated the type of returns received by retail and manufacturing firms; the final disposition of returned goods in retail and manufacturing firms; the value reverse logistics adds to the operations of these firms; and the barriers hindering the effectiveness and performance of reverse logistics. Adopting a purposive sampling method, the researcher selected managerial and other staff of four retail and four manufacturing firms. This sampling technique was chosen because it aid-ed access to the right people to provide the needed data for the study. The results indicate that firms, that have reverse supply chain as a strategic priority providing a responsive and effective transportation network and that have an easy return policy, are more likely to have the most reliable reverse supply chain. The results may also show at which stage

ICBMED 2016

51

reverse supply chain matters the most at the product life cycle.

Keywords: Reverse Logistics, Retailing, Manufacturing, Supply Chains, SMEs

...........................................................................................................................

THE CHALLENGES OF IMPLEMENTING E-GOVERNMENT IN DEVELOP-ING COUNTRIES: THE CASE OF THE GHANA ELECTRONIC GOVERN-

MENT (GEGOV) PROJECT

Lawrence Offei AsareDepartment of Administration, University of Professional Studies, Accra


Abstract

Electronic government (e-Government) has become a global phenomenon that is in-creasingly attracting attention of governments, donors, decision and policy makers, busi-nesses and citizens amongst others. This high interest and popularity of e-government programmes stem from its potential to enhance government and public sector produc-tivity and efficiency, drive and enable citizen-centric service delivery, in championing transformation in the way government interacts with the governed. In investigating the challenges of implementing e-government in developing countries, this paper adopted a qualitative case study strategy to allow an in-depth analysis of the lived experiences of implementers of the GeGov Project in Ghana. The study showed a strong political and institutional commitment and will among implementing partners that facilitated the implementation. Poor integration, weak customer focus and poor citizen engagement, as well as the laborious public procurement processes and requirements were found to hinder implementation. These were partly attributed to the inadequate and fragmented monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies and tools, weak M&E culture, the high cost associated with data collection, resulting in poor data quality for effective deci-sion making. The paper recommends government leadership and strong monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies and tools, as well as public education and sensitization programmes on the benefits the business community and ordinary citizens stand to gain form the successful implementation of the GeGov Project.

Keywords: e-government, citizen-centric service delivery, public procurement


52

sEssion 8: upsa graduatE studEnts prEsEntations

...........................................................................................................................

sEssion 9 – spECial prEsEntations

MODELS OF SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: AN OVERVIEW

William Asamoah OwusuCRECIS

Louvain School of Management Université catholique de Louvain


Prof. Frank Janssen, MBA, Ph.D. CRECIS

Louvain School of Management Université catholique de Louvain

1, Place des Doyens - 1348 Louvain-La-Neuve - Belgium Email: [email protected]

Dr. Bernard Acquah ObengBusiness School

Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration - GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

The concept of social enterprise is gaining a fast growing interest across the world, along with two closely related terms, “social entrepreneur” and “social entrepreneurship” However, the terms have different meanings for different people depending on their per-sonal and cultural background the activities of social entrepreneurs vary in size, scale, and purpose, there is less certainty about what exactly a social entrepreneur is and does. In the Ghanaian context, social entrepreneurship which is bluntly known as Non-gov-ernmental organization emerged mainly after the withdrawal of state funding, due to ex-ternal conditions imposed by foreign actors, as well as institutional support provided by foreign aid organizations as key drivers. High levels of unemployment and the negative social impact of structural adjustment reforms promoted by international financial insti-

ICBMED 2016

53

tutions have led to the recent movement towards social enterprise solution. However, with exception of selected few studies in Africa little is known about the heterogeneity in the organization, structure, forms of operation, ideology and activities of the social ventures. Our paper aims to understand social entrepreneurship in the Ghanaian context, and highlight how different it is from the explicit views of social entrepreneurship in the literature. The study provides as answers to the following questions: How does social entrepreneurship evolve in Ghana? What are the differences between the social enter-prises in Ghana and the explicit view of social entrepreneurship in the literature? This empirical research will rely on a qualitative methodology and will employ a case study with a focus on the underlying characteristics in social ventures as the unit of analysis in Ghana. A case study will be employed because according to Khavul, Chavez, and Bru-ton, (2011), there is no substitute for being in the field and collecting the data first-hand in the developing country context, as there is little published theoretical or empirical research compared to the developed areas.

Keywords: Social Entrepreneurship, Communal group identity, Models, Key drivers, Ghana

...........................................................................................................................

ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION AND MOTIVATION FOR VENTURE creaTiOn amOng TerTiary sTudenTs in gHana: THe mediaTing ROLE OF PERCEIVED VALUE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Dr. Albert PuniUniversity of Professional Studies, Accra, School of Graduate Studies

P. O. Box LG 149, Accra, GhanaEmail: [email protected]

Alex AnlesinyaUniversity of Ghana Business School,

Department of Organisation & Human Resource ManagementP. O. Box LG 78, Legon, Accra, Ghana


Abstract

There has been a persistent rise in the number of graduates from various tertiary institu-tions in Ghana annually. But the existence of limited job opportunities in the Ghanaian economy for the absorption of these teeming graduates has created massive graduate unemployment in the country. In order to halt or mitigate this situation, self-employment and business ownership is being perceived as an emergent avenue for job creations. As a result, it has been recognized that tertiary institutions need to be training their students


54

better with the different entrepreneurial skills and competencies needed for creating and managing their own businesses. Indeed, the importance of entrepreneurial education on self-employment or venture creation has been documented by various scholars, but re-ceived less attention from researchers, especially in the context of Ghana. In this light, this study seeks to examine the mediation role of perceived value of entrepreneurship on the influence of entrepreneurial education and individual student’s motivation for venture creation. The study purposively sample students from one of the nation’s leading public universities, where entrepreneurship course is mandatory. The data is analysed using simple linear and hierarchical regression to achieve the objectives of the study. It is expected that entrepreneurial education will stimulate motivation for venture cre-ation among Ghanaian tertiary students. This interest is expected to be further enhanced through their perceived values of entrepreneurship.

Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurial education, entrepreneurial intention/mo-tivation, venture creation, developing country, unemployment, Ghana, tertiary students, unemployed graduates.

...........................................................................................................................

INTERNET OF EVERYTHING (IOE) AND ITS INFLUENCE ON BUSINESSES WITH VIRTUAL TEAMS- THE CASE OF WEST AFRICA.

Eleanor AffulEmail: [email protected]

Abstract

The rapid convergence of information and communications technology towards ubiqui-tous connectivity will further change how and where people and things associate, gather and share resources in the business world. Just as the Internet has transformed businesses and lifestyles in the last twenty years, Internet of Everything (IOE) is driving the chang-es and innovations in the global business environment and Africa is no exception. The innovations in IOE involves the connection of sensors and communication devices to the Internet for applications in home appliances, mobile devices, wearable computers, and various embedded systems generating big data. With IOE connected things will soon send higher-level information back to machines, computers and people for further evaluation and to support decision making. This transformation from data to infor-mation through the following processes; people-to-people, people-to-machine and ma-chine-to-machine in IOE is important because it will allow all stakeholders involved to make faster, more intelligent decisions, as well as control the enabling environment effectively. This paper reviews the concept of how large volumes of data will be captured as a result of devices or objects connectivity to support the decision making process

ICBMED 2016

55

and to develop strategies to gain competitive advantage over other competitors. The paper also seek to ascertain the potential impact of the various attributes of the IOE and its development in the business world with virtual teams. The paper further reviews the investments opportunities of IOE and the possible challenges organizations can face in the implementation of IOE in the sub-region of West Africa.

Keywords: IOE attributes, big data, architectural framework, opportunities and chal-lenges.

yOu nOTes Here

57

yOu nOTes Here

58

yOu nOTes Here

ICBMED 2016

59

yOu nOTes Here

60

yOu nOTes Here

ICBMED 2016

61


62

vii Keynote SpeaKer’S profile Mrs. Pearl Esua – Mensah is a creative and motivati - onal leader,...

Documents

Transcript of vii Keynote SpeaKer’S profile Mrs. Pearl Esua – Mensah is a creative and motivati - onal leader,...