Abstract:

The introduction of new technologies has changed the way services are rendered by majority of organizations. Mensah, (2012) defines electronic banking as the provision of new and conventional banking products and services specifically to clients through electronic correspondence channels, usually using the internet. Parameswaran, (2012) defines electronic banking as the provision of financial services for the individual clients through the internet. (Parameswaran, 2012) further explains that electronic banking also involves the transfers of funds through an exchange of electronic signals between financial institutions rather than using cheques or other documentation.

The purpose of this study is to identify factors affecting the acceptance of technology in the Ghanaian Banking Industry.

The methodology used in this study is questionnaire, survey and information from Eco bank’s website.

The results of the studies showed that Eco bank is able to use its websites to advertise, provide information to their clients, sell products and reach new customers. Technological tools have also helped employees get task done more quickly and efficiently. This then translates into high profitability of Eco bank and hence high employee remuneration. Technology acceptance has made it simple to set up banking facilities in rural areas. Also through technology acceptance, the customers of Eco bank and the general public are able to access a branch for a variety of services through the convenience of home banking.

Electronic financial services either by Internet or via mobile phone or other means of remote transmission or through smart cards has rapid expansion and has changed the nature of financial services around the world strongly.

Keywords: modern business, information technology, economy, innovations, mobile banking and social influence.

References:

[1]. Ackah, D. (2016). GRIN - Adoption of electronic banking in Ghana banking system. Grin.com. Retrieved 12 December 2016, from http://www.grin.com/en/e-book/284721/adoption-of-electronic-banking-in-ghana-banking-system.

[2]. Akrani, G. (2011).What is a bank? Introduction, definition and features of bank. Kalyan-city.blogspot.com. Retrieved 16 December 2016, from http://kalyan-city.blogspot.com/2011/02/what-is-bank-introduction-definition.html.

[3]. Boakye-Yiadom, N. (2016). The changing face of banking in Ghana. Ghana news. Retrieved 12 December 2016, from http://citifmonline.com/2015/06/19/the-changing-face-of-banking-in-ghana/.

[4]. Kai-Mensah, V. (2016). Eco bank launches Eco bank mobile app. Ghana news. Retrieved 16 December 2016, from http://citifmonline.com/2016/10/25/ecobank-launches-ecobank-mobile-app/.

[5]. Page, V. (2016). Mobile banking. Investopedia. Retrieved 16 December 2016, from http://www.investopedia.com/terms/m/mobile-banking.asp.

[6]. Rahman, Z., Tahvildari, A., Honarmand, H., Yousefi, H. and Daghighi, M. (2016). Mobile banking and its benefits - ProQuest. Retrieved 13 December 2016 from:

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[8]. Rajesh Goyal & nbsp. (2016). AllBankingSolutions.com -. AllBankingSolutions.com. Retrieved 16 December 2016, from http://www.allbankingsolutions.com/banking-tutor/what-is-banking.shtm.

Abstract:

Remote working is becoming a growing trend within all technological & organizational business. However, in Export Management, its growing trend has voiced concerns over the containment of remote working and the determined impact it has on business. Communication continues to involve in Export Management especially, with the explosion of technology has meant that flexible working legislations have been introduced. However, there are managerial personnel who adhere to remote working without determining the effect it has on export performance. There are number of factors that have not been addressed and this article looks to highlight & investigate the impact remote working has on export management, how it can be managed and the influence it has on effectiveness, productivity and sales in export organizations, not to mention from an employee personnel point of view, identifying the positive role remote working may have on employee personnel and whether it develops a positive working environment and determine the attitude towards personnel within Export Management organizations. Because many of these antecedents can be controlled managerially, these findings suggest important ways in which a remote employee's work performance can be enhanced, through the intermediary effect of improved remote work self‐efficacy. The research will be tested with self-efficacy theory and critical research & historical evidence to investigate the global impact remote-working employees have, a type of psychology model that determines the adoptions of positive psychology. The current study also provides a basis for future research in the remote work area through its development and testing of a remote management framework.

Keywords: Self-efficacy, Remote, Communications, Performance, Global, Productivity.

References:

[1]. Bell, B. S. & Kozlowski, S. W. J. (2002). "A typology of virtual teams: implications for Effective leadership". Group and Organization Management.

[2]. Cascio, Wayne, F (2000). "Managing a Virtual Workplace. Themes: Structure and Decision Making". The Academy of Management Executive. Academy of Management.

[3]. Citrix XenApp, Crossloop IBM BigFix, LiteManager, LogMeIn, Netop Remote Control.

[4]. Ellison, Nicole B. (2004), Telework and Social Change: how technology is reshaping the boundaries between home and work, Westport, Connecticut: Praeger, ISBN 9780313051715, OCLC 57435712.

[5]. Gajendran, R. S.; Harrison, D. A. (2007). "The good, the bad, and the unknown about telecommuting: Meta-analysis of psychological mediators and individual Consequences". Journal of Applied Psychology.1524–1541. doi:10.1037/0021-9010.92.6.1524.

[6]. Hill, J. E.; Miller, B. C.; Weiner, S. P.; Colihan, J. (1998). "Influences of the virtual Office on aspects of work and work/life balance". Personnel Psychology. 6570.1998. tb00256.x.

[7]. Joshi, Rakesh Mohan, (2005) International Marketing, Oxford University Press, New Delhi and New York. ISBN 0-19-567123-6.

[8]. Jury, A. W.; Bordia, P. & Krebs, S. A. (2005). Transformational leadership within Virtual teams: Examining the mediating influence of trust and role clarity for Performance and knowledge sharing. 6th Australian Industrial and Organizational Psychology Conference, 30 June – 3 July 2005. Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort, Gold.

[9]. Patricia Reaney (January 24, 2012), about one in five workers worldwide Telecommute: poll, Reuters, retrieved June 29, 2012

[10].  Powell, A.; Piccoli, G. & Ives, B. (2004). "Virtual Teams: A Review of Current Literature and Directions for Future Research". Database for Advances in Information Systems.

[11].  Staff, Investopedia (24 November 2003). "Tariff". Investopedia. Archived from the Original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 7 May 2017.

[12].  Seyoum, Belay (2009) “Export-Import Theory, Practices, and Procedures Second Edition” - http://rafael.glendale.edu/poorna/ib/seyoum%20book.pdf.

[13].  Targeted Trade Barriers". cftech.com. Archived from the original on 5 December 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2015.

[14].  Washington, Charles W. L. Hill, University of (2015). International business: Competing in the global marketplace (Tenth edition. ed.). ISBN 978-0-07-811277-5.

[15].  What is the definition of telework?” Frequently Asked Questions, United States Office of Personnel Management, retrieved January 8, 2013.

Abstract:

This study is an attempt to evaluate the logistics and supply chain processes involved in providing humanitarian aid commodities for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Jos Plateau State, Central and Maiduguri Borno State, North Eastern Nigeria.

The study was carried out in two IDP camps, one located in each of these two towns – Jos and Maiduguri, with the method of survey questionnaire which was administered to 60 respondents randomly selected from 200 state and non-state actors involved in the supplying of aid commodities to both camps at the time of this study.

The findings uncover gaps between research and practice; providing new insights into human behaviour in the humanitarian aid commodity logistics and supply chain management. Explanations for these barriers and possible solutions to mitigate them are disclosed in the course of this study.

The summary of the findings from the study are: Initial IDP needs assessments are not done, no clearly outlined national disaster management plans, the capacities of the state and non-actors inadequate and Logistics Service Providers generally ill equipped.

It is in the opinion of this researcher that in order to ensure a very effective and efficient response to the needs of Internally Displaced Persons in Jos Central and Maiduguri North Eastern Nigeria the state and non-state actors must address the gaps identified in this research.

Keywords: Camps, Conflict, Disaster, Displacement, Host Community, Humanitarian Logistics, Humanitarian Aid Commodities, Humanitarian Aid Worker, Internally Displaced Persons, Kampala Convention, Logistics Service Providers, State and non-state Actors and Supply Chain Management.

References:

[1]. Anderson, B. (2006) Under Three Flags: Anarchism and the Anti-Colonial Imagination. London: Verso.

[2]. Altay, N., Prasad, S. and Sounderpandian, J. (2009), “Strategic planning for disaster relief logistics: lessons from supply chain management”, International Journal of Services Sciences, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 142-61.

[3]. Balcik, B., Beamon, B.M., Krejci, C.C., Muramatsu, K.M. and Ramirez, M. (2010), “Coordination in humanitarian relief chains: practices, challenges and opportunities”, International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 126 No. 1, pp. 22-34.

[4]. Beamon, B.M. and Balcik, B. (2008), “Performance measurement in humanitarian relief chains”, International Journal of Public Sector Management, Vol. 21 No. 1, pp. 4-25.

[5]. Benini, A., Conley, C., Dittemore, B. and Waksman, Z. (2009), “Survivor needs or logistical convenience? Factors shaping decisions to deliver relief to earthquake-affected communities, Pakistan 2005-06”, Disasters, Vol. 33 No. 1, pp. 110-31.

[6].     Beresford, A. and Pettit, S. (2010), “Humanitarian aid logistics: the Wenchuan and Haiti.

[7].Chakravarty, A.K. (2011), “A contingent plan for disaster response”, International Journal of Production Economics, Vol. 134 No. 1, pp. 3-15.

[8]. Cohen, R., Deng, F. (1998). Masses in flight: The global crisis of internal displacement. International Review of the Red Cross 835.

[9]. Coyle, John J. and others. The Management of Business Logistics: A Supply Chain Management for Disasters: Humanitarian, Aid and Emergency Logistics, IGI Global, Hershey PA, USA.

[10]. Creswell, John W. Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. Thousand Oaks CA: Sage Publications, 2003.

[11]. D. Guha-Sapir, D. Hargitt, and P. Hoyois, “Thirty Years of Natural Dis- asters 1974–2003: The Numbers,” Centre for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters, Brussels, http://www.emdat.be/Documents/Publications/ publication 2004 emdat.pdf. Accessed 5/28/09, 2004.

[12]. Drysdale, Sean, John Howarth, Valerie Powell, and Tim Healing. “The Use of Cluster Sampling to Determine Aid Needs in Grozny, Chechnya in 1995,” Disasters, 24(3): 217-227(September 2000).

Abstract:

Over the years, the evolution of and use of mobile phones and other mobile devices such as tablets has offered society the opportunity to access financial services such as mobile money.

Mobile money allows one to transfer money or make payments with their mobile phone, in the comfort of their location and in a simple, fast, convenient and affordable way.

This research sought to determine the effect of the evolution of mobile money services on traditional banking in Ghana.

The article showed that mobile money is a viable tool for financial inclusion, it has improved efficiency of transactions, it has initiated some changes in traditional banking and has a generally positive impact on traditional banking in Ghana.

Keywords: Mobile Phone, Mobile Money Transfer, Financial Inclusion, Mobile Money Subscribers, Ghanaian Economy, Threats, Business Activity, Payment Systems.

References:

[1].     Abbey, R. (2016). Mobile money transactions hit GH¢35.4bn | Economy - Business. Thebftonline.com. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from http://thebftonline.com/business/economy/18970/mobile-money-transactions-hit-gh354bn.html

[2].     Abbey, R. (2016). Mobile money unnerves banks … PwC survey indicates | Banking-finance - Business. Thebftonline.com. Retrieved 6 March 2017, from http://thebftonline.com/business/banking-finance/20674/mobile-money-unnerves-banks-pwc-survey-indicates-.html

[3].     Ablordeppey, S. (2016). Ghana news: 4 Ways mobile money is threatening banks - Graphic Online. Graphic Online. Retrieved 21 March 2017, from http://www.graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/4-ways-mobile-money-is-threatening-banks.html

[4].     Akuffo-Duah, B. (2011). Competition in the Banking Industry of Ghana (Post Graduate). Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

[5].     Allotey, G. (2016). ‘Mobile Money’ - a gift to the Banking industry. Ghana News. Retrieved 17 March 2017, from http://citifmonline.com/2016/08/31/mobile-money-a-gift-to-the-banking-industry/

[6].     Appiah-Danquah, O. (2014). Africa’s Mobile Money Evolution. ModernGhana.com. Retrieved 19 March 2017, from https://www.modernghana.com/news/571561/africas-mobile-money-evolution.html

[7].     Ayeebor, G. (2016). Mobile Money. ModernGhana.com. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from https://www.modernghana.com/news/671019/mobile-money.html

[8].     Blay, P. (2015). Speaker overrules proposals seeking mobile money ‘ban’. Ghana News. Retrieved 21 March 2017, from http://citifmonline.com/2016/06/25/speaker-overrules-proposals-seeking-mobile-money-ban/

[9].     Blay, P. (2016). Banks threatened by mobile money service – PwC survey. Ghana News. Retrieved 21 March 2017, from http://citifmonline.com/2016/09/01/banks-threatened-by-mobile-money-service-pwc-survey/

[10].  Blay, P. (2016). Mobile money transactions hit over GH¢600m in June 2016. Ghana News. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from http://citifmonline.com/2016/08/10/mobile-money-transactions-hit-over-gh%C2%A2600m-in-june-2016/

[11].  Boakye-Yiadom, N. (2015). The changing face of banking in Ghana. Ghana News. Retrieved 19 March 2017, from http://citifmonline.com/2015/06/19/the-changing-face-of-banking-in-ghana/

[12].  BOG. (2011). Retrieved 19 March 2017, from https://www.bog.gov.gh/payment-systems/participants

[13].  Donovan, K. (2012). Mobile Money for Financial Inclusion (1st ed., p. 63). GSMA Mobile Money Tracker 2012.

[14].  Dowuona, S. (2016). MTN Mobile Money billed to lead way to cashless society. Myjoyonline.com. Retrieved 6 March 2017, from http://www.myjoyonline.com/business/2016/August-12th/mtn-mobile-money-billed-to-lead-way-to-cashless-society.php

[15].  Garcia, M. (2017). CTU Promotes the Use of Mobile Money. Retrieved from http://www.ctu.int/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/PR-005.17-Mobile-Money.pdf

[16].  Ghana News Agency. (2016). Value of mobile money in Ghana tops GH¢679.2m in June - Ghana Business News. Ghana Business News. Retrieved 21 March 2017, from https://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2016/08/26/value-of-mobile-money-in-ghana-tops-gh%C2%A2679-2m-in-june/

[17].  Hansen, O. (2016). Banking olfa sahar. prezi.com. Retrieved 21 March 2017, from https://prezi.com/jhwqdktg_fyc/banking-olfa-sahar/

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[19].  Kirui, O., Okello, J., & Nyikal, R. (2012). Impact of mobile phone-based money transfer services in agriculture: evidence from Kenya (Selected Paper prepared for presentation at the International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference). International Association of Agricultural Economists (IAAE) Triennial Conference.

[20].  Konutsey, S. (2016). Economics of mobile money and financial inclusion: Bank of Ghana at the forefront of regulations. Ghana News. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from

http://citifmonline.com/2016/04/13/economics-mobile-money-financial-inclusion-bank-ghana-forefront-regulations/

[21].  Kunateh, M. (2015). Ghana: 18.5 Million Subscribers Patronize MTN Mobile Money Per Month. AllAfrica.com. Retrieved 6 March 2017, from http://allafrica.com/stories/201508071625.html

[22].  Kunateh, (2016). MTN Mobile Money Subscribers Hit Jackpot - Ghana Business & Finance. Ghana Business & Finance. Retrieved 6 March 2017, from http://ghanabizfinance.com/2016/09/05/mtn-mobile-money-subscribers-hit-jackpot/

[23].  Lal, R., & Sachdev, I. (2015). Mobile Money Services - Design and Development for Financial Inclusion (Ph. D). Harvard Business School.

[24].  Lamb, K. (2017). Inside National Payment Systems. Investopedia. Retrieved 19 March 2017, from http://www.investopedia.com/articles/economics/08/nps.asp

[25].  Monks, K. (2017). M-Pesa: Kenya's mobile success story turns 10. CNN. Retrieved 19 March 2017, from http://edition.cnn.com/2017/02/21/africa/mpesa-10th-anniversary/

[26].  Muisyo, J., Alala, D., & Musiega, D. (2014). The Effects of Mobile Money Services on the Performance of the Banking Institutions: A Case of Kakamega Town. The International Journal of Engineering and Science, 3(4), 16-24.

[27].  Mustapha, S. (2016). Ghana news: Who benefits from mobile money regulations? - Graphic Online. Graphic Online. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from http://www.graphic.com.gh/business/business-news/who-benefits-from-mobile-money-regulations.html

[28].  Mutinda, A. (2014). The Effect of Mobile Phone Based Money Transfers on the Financial Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Nairobi County, Kenya (Post-Graduate). University of Nairobi.

[29].  Oluniyi. (2009). MTN Ghana launches MTN Mobile Money - techbaron. techbaron. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from https://techbaron.com/mtn-ghana-launches-mtn-mobile-money/

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[31].  Saliu, I. (2015). Assessing the Impact of Mobile Money Transfer Service on the Socioeconomic Status of the Mobile Money Vendors: Case of Kumasi Metropolis. (Post - Graduate). Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

[32].  Selvakumar, M., Mathan, J., & Sathyalakshmi, V. (2015). Rural Perspective towards Financial Inclusion - ProQuest. Search.proquest.com. Retrieved 20 March 2017, from http://search.proquest.com/openview/4ddec8b992476f82a8ff9e912cfab33d/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=2041976.

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Abstract:

The paper investigates the prevalence of market orientation in insurance industry in Malawi. It is a well-known fact that market orientation improves business performance because all the right actions relating to the market and consumers are well thought through. This being a behaviour construct requires the top leadership to be fully involved and walk the talk in leading the organization to drive the marketing agenda.

The study aimed to find out the status of the insurance companies on market orientation while at the same time checking the influence of top leadership in the implementation of the marketing concept, a prerequisite for market orientation.

MARKOR scale for assessing market orientation was used bearing in mind that some of its constructs review the cultural angle thereby revealing employee behaviour towards their drive to live and or implement the marketing concept. Survey was conducted in one insurance company under the case study research methodology using simple random sampling. Primary data collection was complemented with qualitative in-depth interviews at the same company. Analysis was done using SPSS tool version 20.

The findings reveal that insurance companies in Malawi are market oriented. In addition, top leadership has strong influence on market orientation. Some shortfalls were identified for companies to work on to correct these shortfalls in order to achieve high-level market orientation.

Keywords: market orientation, insurance marketing, marketing concept, top leadership and market orientation, influence of top leadership, insurance sector in Malawi.

References:

[1].  Bingu wa Muthalika (2006), Malawi Growth and Development Strategy 2006-2011, Government of Malawi

[2]. Charles, Lagat & Chepkwony, Joel & Cheruiyot, Kotut. (2018). Market Orientation and Firm Performance in the Manufacturing Sector in Kenya. EUROPEAN Journal of Business Management. 4(10) 20-28

[3]. Chibwana C, Fisher M, Jumbe C, Masters W and Shively G (2010). Measuring the impacts of Malawi’s farm input subsidy programme. Draft for discussion at BASIS AMA CRSP TC meeting.

[4]. Chilima, SK. (2015). Investigating the Influence of Knowledge Management Practices on Organization’s Performance in the Telecommunication Industry in Malawi – A Case Study. PhD thesis submitted to the University of Bolton.

[5].CIA (2018) The World Bank fact book. Population below poverty line https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2046.html. Accessed June 8, 2018

[6]. Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research 2^nd ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.

[7]. Fortune Magazine (2014). The ten biggest R&D spenders in the world. http://fortune.com/2014/11/17/top-10-research-development/

[8]. Gauzente C. (1999). Comparing market orientation scales: A content analysis. Marketing Bulletin, 1999, 10, 76-82, Research Note 4

[9].   Grey, D. (2014). Doing research in the real world (3rd Ed.). New Dehli: Sage publication.

[10].  Hall N and Mtambo, M. Finance education in Africa: Opportunity for Action. Malawi case study for the Oslo summit of Education and Development. 2015. Education for Development summit 6-7 July. Oslo.

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[15].  IMF (2015) Malawi 2015 Article IV consultation – Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Malawi. IMF Country Report N0. 15/345. International Monetary Fund, Washington DC.

[16].  IMF (2018) List of Countries by Projected GDP per capita. International Monetary Fund World Economic Outlook April 2018. http://statisticstimes.com/economy/countries-by-projected-gdp-capita.php.

[17].  Kadango, EPT. (2017). Embracing Technology Advancement in Banks for the Marketing Orientation Efforts in Malawi. Texila International Journal of Management, 3(2), pp.17-28.

[18].  Keelson, SA (2012). The Evolution of the Marketing Concepts: Theoretically Different Roads Leading to Practically Same Destination!. Volume 1, Issue 2, pp. 35-41

[19].  Kohli Ajay K and Jaworski, Bernard J (1990) Market Orientation: The Construct, Research Propositions, and Managerial implications. Journal of Marketing 54:1-18.

[20].  Kotler P (2002) Marketing Management Millemium edition, 10^th edition, Pearson Custom Publishing, Boston, MA 02116, USA.

[21].  Kotler, P, Wong, V, Saunders, J Armstrong, G (2005) Principles of Marketing, Fourth European edition. Pearson Education, Prentice Hall, Essex, England.

[22].  Missaoui YM, Saidi HA (2014) Market Orientation of Saudi Banking Sector by MKTOR Market Orientation Measure Scale. Arab J Bus Manage Rev 5:2.

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[24].  Shule, V (2009). The role of political will in implementing art education in Tanzania. University of Dar es salaam.

[25].  Times Group (2017). Insurance Penetration worries Reserve Bank Governor. Article publishes by the Times Group, August 21, 2017 by Yohane Symon. Accessed June 8, 2018.

[26].  Toomela, A. (2008). Variables in psychology: A critique of quantitative psychology. Integrative Walter, M. (2010). Social research methods (2nd ed.). Melbourne: Oxford.

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Abstract:

Natural disasters are catastrophes that are beyond the control of humans. However, the effects of natural disasters can be reduced through rapid response and effective post-disaster management strategies. This study examines the barriers to effective disaster relief operations in Ghana and propose strategies for ensuring efficient response in disaster relief operations. Questionnaires were used to obtain data from officials of ten major disaster relief organizations in Ghana. The study revealed a number of constraints affecting disaster relief operations in Ghana. Key among these are lack effective planning, lack of logistics, people’s behavior and perception and lack of coordination and corporation. Strategies for efficient disaster relief operations should include appropriate in-country training and education to personnel, proper coordination among stakeholders and improvement in logistical suppliers through increased funding for disaster relief organizations.

Keywords: Natural Disasters and Catastrophes, Rapid Response, Disaster Relief Operations and Relief Organizations.

References:

[1].   Aboagye, D., Dari, T. and Koomson, J. (2013) Risk Perception and Disaster Management in the Savannah Region of Ghana, International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Vol. 3 No. 3; pg. 1.

   [2].   Addai, E. K., Tulashie, S.K., Annan, J.S. and Yeboah, I. (2017). Trend of Fire Outbreaks in Ghana and Ways to Prevent These Incidents, Safety and Health at Work 7 (2016) 284-292.

   [3].   Allotey, N. K., Arku, G. and Amponsah, P. E. (2010) Earthquake-disaster preparedness: The Case of Accra, International Journal of Disaster Resilience in the Built Environment, Vol. 1 No. 2, 2010, pp. 140-156.

   [4].   Altay, N., and Green, W. G. (2006). OR/MS research in disaster operations management. European Journal of Operational Research, 175(1), 475–493.


   [5].   Barbarosog˘ lu, G., O ¨ zdamar, L. and C¸ evik, A. (2002), An interactive approach for hierarchical analysis of helicopter logistics in disaster relief operations, European Journal of Operational Research, Vol. 140, pp. 118-33.

   [6].   Bempah, S. A. and Øyhus. A.O. (2017): The role of social perception in disaster risk reduction: Beliefs, perception, and attitudes regarding flood disasters in communities along the Volta River, Ghana, International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 23 (2017) 104–108.

   [7].   Buatsi, S.N. (2007), Humanitarian logistics: context and challenges in Ghana and Africa, International Conference on humanitarian logistics in Ghana.

   [8].   Christopher, M., & Tatham, P. (2011). Introduction. In M. Christopher and P. Tatham (Eds.), Humanitarian logistics. Meeting the challenge of preparing for and responding to disasters (pp. 1–14). London: Kogan Page.

   [9].   Disaster Management Center (1991), Disaster Management Lifecycle, University of Wisconsin Kovacs, G. and Spens, K., M. (2007) Humanitarian logistics in disaster relief operations, International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, Vol. 37, Issue 2, pp. 99-114.

[10].   Lamont, J. (2005), “KM’s role in the aftermath of disaster”, KM World, Vol. 14 No. 10, pp. 1-2.

[11].   Long, D and Wood D (1995) The logistics of famine relief, The Journal of Business Logistics, Vol. 16, Issue 1, pp. 213-229.

[12].   Ludema, M.W. (2000), “Military and civil logistic support of humanitarian relief operations”, in Arnold, E. and Walden, D. (Eds), A Decade of Progress – A New Century of Opportunity, Proceedings of the 10th Annual International

[13].   Symposium of the International Council on Systems Engineering, INCOSA, Minneapolis, MN, pp. 143-150.

[14].   NADMO (2014) Nadmo News, the Official Newsletter of the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO)”. No. 4 Vol. 3.

[15].   Nisha de Silva, F. (2001), “Providing special decision support for evacuation planning: a challenge in integrating technologies”, Disaster Prevention and Management, Vol. 10 No. 1, p. 1.

[16].   Ntajal, J., Lamptey, B, L., Mahamadou, I. B. and Nyarko, B.K. (2017). Flood disaster risk mapping in the Lower Mono River Basin in Togo, West Africa International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction 23 (2017) 93–103.

[17].   Okoampa, E. (2007), oral sources, presentations and workshop discussions, Accra, World Vision Ghana.

[18].   Pedersen, P.O. (2003), Development of freight transport and logistics in Sub-Saharan Africa: Taaffe, Morrill and Gould revisited, Transport Reviews, Vol. 23 No. 3, pp. 275-97.

[19].   Pettit, S. J., and Beresford, A. K. C. (2005). Emergency relief logistics: An evaluation of military, non-military, and composite response models. International Journal of Logistics: Research and Applications, 8(4), 313–331.

[20].   Safran, P. (2003), a strategic approach for disaster and emergency assistance, Paper presented at the 5th Asian Disaster Reduction Center International Meeting and the 2nd UN-ISDR.

[21].   Simpson, D.E. (2010) Fire protection and safety. A presentation of Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS). Ashanti Regional office at a Symposium of Building Technology Students Society (BTSS) Week celebration, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), Kumasi, 24-27 March 2010. 


[22].   Tomasini, R. and Van Wassenhove, L. N. (2009a). From preparedness, to partnerships: Case study research on humanitarian logistics, International Transactions in Operational Research, 16(5), 549–559.

[23].   Tomasini, R. and Van Wassenhove, L. N. (2009b), Humanitarian Logistics. London: Palgrave Macmillan.
 van Wassenhove, L.N. (2006), Humanitarian aid logistics: supply chain management in high gear, Journal of the Operational Research Society, Vol. 57 No. 5, pp. 475-89.

[24].   Yin, R. K. (2004). Case Study Research: Design and Methods, 3^rd Ed. Sage, Thousand Oaks, CA.

Abstract:

The research is aimed at investigating the pattern and extent of relationship among factors that stimulate consumer patronage of shopping malls in metropolitan Lagos. The Study utilizes survey method with questionnaire and interview as the two instruments used in data collection. Analysis is done largely using descriptive statistics. Also a four point Likert scale is used to measure the variables which form the basis for the use of regression model as the sole tool used in hypothesis testing. Based on the survey of urban shoppers, the study analyses the cognitive attributes of the shoppers towards attractiveness of shopping malls and intensity of the shoppers. The results of the study revealed that ambience of shopping malls, assortment of stores; sales promotions and comparative economic gains in the malls attract higher customer traffic to the malls. The analysis also revealed that class difference of consumers play an important role in choosing shopping malls. In other words, the research reveals a significant relationship between shopping malls sales growth and middle and upper class patronage. The study recommends that Mall Managers should therefore develop appropriate tenancy policies for retaining firms in reference to the socio-demographic factors of customers to satisfy different segments. An appropriate mix of anchor tenants who have different target groups would better attract customers to shopping malls and such assortment of stores could co-exist in a shopping mall successfully without conflict of interest. Shopping mall managers should focus attention on providing information about retailer’s offers beforehand for the customers to make their purchase decision prior to mall visit. There is the need for shopping mall managements to increase social and recreational facilities which acts as driving factors in augmenting the customer’s traffic to the shopping malls. Also, there is the need for government to monitor the sitting of shopping malls in order to ensure adequate space and avoid congestion which is the major feature of traditional markets.

Keywords: Correlate, Consumer, Patronage, Shopping, Mall, Product.

References:

[1]. Acto, F. and F. D. Anderson (1979), the influence of learning on store Image and Differentiation: An Empirical Demonstration, in N. Beckwith et al. Educational proceedings. Chicago.

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[4]. Behavior. Journal of Consumer Research, 2 (December) 157-164.

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[6]. Bitar, J. and Hafsi, T. (2007), strategizing through the Capability Lens: Sources and Outcomes of integration. Management Decision Volume 45 3 pp. 403-419.

[7]. Cravens, D. (2006) Strategic marketing’s Global Challenges and Opportunities. Handbook of Business Strategy Volume 7 number 1 pp. 63-70.

[8]. Darling, J. R. (2001) “Successful Competitive Positioning: the Key for entry into the European consumer Market”. European Business Review, Volume 13 Number 4. Pp.209-221.

[9]. Doyle, P. (1995), “Marketing in the new Millennium”. European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 29 No.3 pp. 23-41.

[10].  El-Ansari, A. I. (2006) “Marketing Strategy: Taxonomy and frameworks” European Business Review Volume 18, Number 4 pp.266-293.

[11].  Gardener, M.P. (1985), Mood states and consumer behavior: A critical Review. Journal of consumer Research, 12 (December), 281-300.

[12].  Groeppe-Klein, A. (1997), The influence of the Dominance Perceived at the point of sale on the price-Assessment, @ European Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. 3, eds. English, Basi G. Und Anna.

[13].  Ibrahim, M. F., and Galven, T.W.R. (2007). New age retail tenants: A new phenomenon Journal of retail and Leisure property, 7(3), 204-215.

[14].  Leo, P. Y. and Philippe, J. (2002), Retail centers: Location and consumer’s satisfaction. The service Industries Journal, 22 (1) 122-146.

[15].  Maronick, T. J. (2007) cially retail center’s impact on downtown shopping, dining, and entertainment. Journal of Retail & Distribution, 35 (7), 556-568.

[16].  Miranda, M. Konya, L. and Havira, I. (2005) Shopper’s satisfaction levels are not only the key to store loyalty. Marketing Intelligence and Planning, 23 (2) 220-232

[17].  Morschett, D., Swoboda, B and Foscht, T. (2005), perception of store attributes and overall attitude towards grocery retailers: The role of shopping motives. International Review of Retail, Distribution and consumer Research 15 (4), 423-447.

[18].  Nevis, J.R. and Houston; M. J. (1980), Image as a component of Attraction to Intra-urban Shopping Areas. Journal of retaining, Vol. 56 (spring), 77-93.

[19].  Pearce, M. R. (1992. Retail Marketing Management: Text and cases. Scarborough Nelson Canada.

[20].  Peterson, Robert A. and Maria C. Merino (2003), A Consumer Information Search Behavior and the Internet. Psychology & Marketing, 20 (2), 99-1.

[21].  Parsons, A. G. and Ballantine, P. W. (2004), Market dominance, promotions, and Shopping Mall group performance. International Journal of Retail & Distribution Management, 32 (10), 458-463.

[22].  Rajagopal, A. (2006), Stimulating retail sales and upholding customer value. Journal of Retail and Leisure property, 6(2), 117-135.

[23].  Wakefield, K. L. and Baker, J. (1998), Excitement at the mall: Determinant and effects on shopping response. Journal of Retailing 74 (4), 515-539.

[24].  Zenithal, A., Parasuraman, A. & Berry, L. L. (1990). Delivering Quality Service, New York: The Free Press.

Abstract:

Achieving the goal and objectives of projects implemented remains the desire of project decision makers in the Gushegu district. The Gushegu district assembly in collaboration with the development partners have implemented water and sanitation projects in most of the communities in the district. However, many of these projects have not achieved their desired objective of ensuring availability of water and good sanitation due to varied challenges. There are many people especially in the rural areas in the district who still do not have access to drinking water all year-round while others are still living in very poor environment condition after decades of interventions in the area of water and sanitation.

This research sort to uncover the main challenges of the implementation of these important projects aimed at leveraging the people from poverty and disease in the Gushegu district of the northern region of Ghana.

The study found that inadequate commitment level of project staffs, lack of involvement of the project beneficiaries in planning and decision-making process and some cultural beliefs system of the people of Gushegu challenges the successes of the water and sanitation project implementations. Also, inadequate financial resources on the part of the Gushegu district assembly and unpredictable funds flow from the development partners as well weak monitoring of the planned implementation challenged the successes of the water and sanitation projects in the districts.

Therefore, the Gushegu district assembly, the development partner in the water and sanitation area, the community members who are the direct beneficiaries needs to work towards behaviour change and re-examine the institutional partnership to succeed in these projects.

Keywords: Sanitation, implementation, water challenges.

References:

[1.]     Alexia, H. (2006). A study of the Factors Affecting Sustainability of Rural Water Supplies in Tanzania. MSc Thesis. Cranfield University. Silsoe, 2006.

[2.]     Braimah, C.A. and Kheni, N.A. (2013), “Institutional framework and challenges in small towns’ water supply in Ghana”; International Journal of Development and Sustainability, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp.2311-2323.

[3.]     CWSA, (2014). The Community Water and Sanitation Agency Annual Report.

[4.]     CWSA, (2008). The Community Water and Sanitation Agency Annual Report.

[5.]     CWSA (2004b), Small towns’ sector policy (Operation and Maintenance Guidelines), Community Water and Sanitation Agency (unpublished), Accra, Ghana.

[6.]     Gushegu DA. (2016). Annual report on Water and Sanitation.

[7.]    Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing (MWRWH). (2007). National Water Policy (NWP).

[8.]     GOG, (2007). The National Sanitation Policy in Ghana. Assessing the Sanitation Policy.

[9.]     GoG, (2005). Small Communities Water and Sanitation Policy. Government of Ghana, Ministry of Works and Housing and Community Water and Sanitation Agency. pp 9-15.

[10.]       Ghana Statistical Service, (2012). 2010 Population and Housing Census; Summary report of Final Results, http://www.statsghana.gov.gh/docfiles/2010phc/Census2010_Summary_report_of final_results.pdf, last accessed Oct. 21, 2015.

[11.]       GoG (1997). Public Utilities Regulatory Commission Act 538; Government Printer, Assembly press, Accra.

[12.]       Metha, M and Knapp A. (2004). The challenge of financing sanitation for the Millennium Development Goals. Commissioned paper for the Commission on Sustainable Development. Norwegian Ministry of the Environment. Water and Sanitation programme-Africa. The World Bank Nairobi, Kenya, March 5, 2005.

[13.]       NDPC (2005), Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRSII) (2006 - 2009) - Ghana, Government of Ghana, Assembly press, Accra, Ghana.

[14.]       Owusu, G. (2005), Small Towns in Ghana: Justification for their promotion under Ghana's Decentralisation Programme, African Studies Quarterly, Online Journal for African Studies.

[15.]       Simon, H. (2007). Access to water for vulnerable. Master Dissertation published by Cranfield University.

[16.]       UN-Water (2009). “Sanitation contributes to dignity and social development”, factsheet No. 3.

[17.]       UNICEF and WHO (2008). Progress on Drinking water sanitation: Special Focus on Sanitation World Vision Ghana. 2017. Annual Report, Accr.

Abstract:

Human resource management in healthcare system play indispensable roles as it enable effective healthcare service delivery through staff performance monitoring and evaluation, compensation as well as recruitment of competent employee. This study reviewed the impact of practicing human resources management on the quality of healthcare service in proffering efficient treatment to patients. The study shows that effective human resources management great impact in efficient healthcare services and can significantly improve the performance of healthcare workers. The study recommends the necessity to measure the routine of the Head of human resources department in healthcare sectors before stabilizing performance development process as well as continuous improvement in staff capacity building for effective service delivery while more research should be done on this subject as it relates to patients’ safety.

Keywords: Human resource management, health care services, Nigeria.

References:

[1.]     Armstrong M. (1999). A handbook of Human Resource Management Practices. Kogan Page Limited.

[2.]     Awofeso N. (2008). Managing brain drain and brain waste of health workers in Nigeria. WHO 2008. Available at: http://www.who.int/bulletin/ bulletin_board/82/stilwell1/en/.

[3.]     Becker ASC. (2012). Review on Human Resources' Role in Improving Patient Safety & Quality of Care.

[4.]     Boselie P, Paauwe J, Richardson R. (2003). Human resource management, institutionalization and Organizational performance: a comparison of hospitals, hotels and local government. The International Journal of Human Resource Management, 14(8):1407–29.

[5.]     Chankova S, Nguyen H, Chipanta D, Kombe G, Onoja A, Ogungbemi K. (2007). Catalyzing Human Resources Mobilization: A look at the situation in Nigeria. Abt Associates Inc. May 30, Global Health Council Annual Conference, Washington. DC.

[6.]     Collins CJ, Smith KG. (2006). Knowledge exchange and combination: the role of human resource Practices in the performance of high-technology firms. Academic Management Journal, 49(3):544–60.

[7.]     Dreesch N (2005). "An approach to estimating human resource requirements to achieve the Millennium Development Goals." Health Policy and Planning, 20(5):267–276.

[8.]     Elvira, N. (2013). The Importance of Human Rsource Management to the Health care System. Journal of Economic Management and Financial Markets, 8(4):

[9.]     Federal Ministry of Health (2000). Health Systems Development Project II. FMOH, Abuja, August, 2000.

[10.]  Greenlaw PS. & John PK. (1986). Personnel Management: Managing Human Resources. New York: Harper & Row.

[11.]  Health Canada (2011). Health Human Resource Strategy (HHRS). Accessed 12 April 2011.

[12.]  Hill CW, Hoskisson RE. (2007). Strategy and structure in the multiproduct firm. Acad Manag Rev. 12(2):331–41.

[13.]  Keating, M. (2011). Managing professionals: exploring the role of the hospital HR function Aoife McDermott, Cardiff University Business School, Cardiff, UK. Journal of Health Organization and Management, 25(6).

[14.]  Lawton R, Parker D. (1999). Procedures and the professional: the case of the British NHS. Social Science Medical Journal, 48(3):353–61.

[15.]  Minehan M. (1997). Technology’s Increasing Impact on the Workplace. Human Resource Magazine, 168.

[16.]  Ouchi, W.G. (1997).The relationship between organizational structure and organizational control. Administrative Science Quarterly, 95-113 15.

[17.]  Simon, C. H. & Chan, W. (2012). High performance human resource practices and organizational performance. The mediating role of occupational safety and health. Department of Management and Marketing The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China,        Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Vol. 3 No. 2.

[18.]  Pereira D, Greenfield D, Ranmuthugala G, Braithwaite J. (2013). Centre for Clinical Governance Research in Health, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, University of New South Wales.

[19.]  Pfeffer J, Veiga JF. (1999). Putting people first for organizational success. Acad Manag Exec. 13(2):37–48.

[20.]  Raufu A. (2002). Nigerian health authorities worry over exodus of doctors and nurses.             Biomedical Journal, 325:65.

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[24.]  Valverde, M. & Ryan, G. (2006). Distributing HRM responsibilities: a classification of organizations, Universitat Rovira Virgili, Department of Business, Avinguda Universitat, Tarragona, Spain: Emerald Group Publishing Limited. 35(6).

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[28.]  Wright, P. (2011). The 2011 CHRO Challenge: Building Organizational, Functional, and Personal Talent. Cornell Center for Advanced Human Resource Studies (CAHRS).

[29.]  Zairia, M. (2002). Building human resources capability in health care: a global analysis of best practice – part I. Health Manpower Management, 24(3), MCB University Press.

Abstract:

Electronic banking basically refers to performing banking functions or transactions using a smart technologically inclined device or the internet.

Information Technology has recently influenced banking operations, transactions and service delivery. It has provided a channel through which banking is done in convenience, thereby, reducing customer queues in banking halls, administrative expenses and the complexities associated with traditional banking.

However, the disadvantages of electronic banking are quite significant. They include unauthorized data access, data loss and fraudulent activities.

Using the internet, banks display all relevant information regarding their products on their website which is easily accessible to customers. Through modern technology, branches are networked using terrestrial or satellite links such that customers can visit any branch of their bank to transact business and transfer funds both locally and internationally.

This paper discusses e-banking, various definitions, examples, advantages and limitations, electronic banking in Ghana and its impact on the profitability of banks in the Ghanaian banking industry.

From the study, e-banking adoption was a business strategy the bank used in response to customer needs and the changing marketing trends in the banking industry.

Obviously, tremendous benefits such as revenue generation, improved productivity, efficient service delivery and cost savings accrue from e-banking. The lack of a solid technology infrastructure was identified as a major challenge of e-banking adoption in the country.

Keywords: Electronic Banking, Efficient Service Delivery, Modern Banking, Convenient Banking, Customer Satisfaction, Banking Services.

References:

[1.]     Abor, J. (2014). Technological Innovations and Banking in Ghana: An Evaluation of Customers’ Perceptions. University of Ghana, Legon.

[2.]     Agrawal, A. (2016). Advantages and Disadvantages of Internet Banking. Tough Nickel. Retrieved 29 January 2018, from https://toughnickel.com/personal-finance/Advantages-and-Disadvantages-of-Internet-Banking.

[3.]     Ahiabor, F. (2013). Banking Competition and Profitability in Ghana (Graduate). University of Leicester.

[4.]     Bawumia, M., Belnye, F., and Ofori, M. E, (2005) The Determinants of Banks Interest Spread in Ghana: An Empirical Analysis of Panel Data, Bank of Ghana Working Paper No 2005/09.

[5.]     Brownbridge, M., and Gockel, A. F, (1996) the Impact of Financial Sector Policies on Banking in Ghana’, Institute of Development Studies.

[6.]     Chovanová, A. (2006). Forms of Electronic Banking, 14, 22- 25.

[7.]     Daniel, E. (1999) Provision of electronic banking in the UK and the Republic of Ireland, International Journal of Bank Marketing, vol.17(2), pg.72-82.

[8.]     Drigă, I., & Isac, C. (2014). E-Banking Services – Features, Challenges and Benefits. Annals of the University Of Petroşani, 14(1), pg.29 - 48.

[9.]     Emmanuel, A. (2018). The Effect of Internet Banking on the Ghanaian Banking Industry – A Case of Cal Bank, Unibank and Prudential BANK (Graduate). Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

[10.]  Enu, P., & Gberbi, J. (2015). Effect of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on the Delivery of Banking Services in Ghana: A Case Study of Zenith Bank Ghana Limited. Global Journal of Management Studies and Researches, vol.2 (2), pg.60 - 82.

[11.]  Furst, K., Nolle, D., & Lang, W. (2009). Internet Banking: Developments and Prospects. Economic and Policy Analysis Working Paper.

[12.]  Gilani, N. (2010). Advantages & Disadvantages of Electronic Banking | Sapling.com. Sapling.com. Retrieved 21 January 2018, from https://www.sapling.com/6706117/advantages-disadvantages-electronic-banking.

[13.]  Howcroft, B., Hamilton, R., Hewer, P. (2002), Consumer attitude and the usage and adoption of homebased banking in the United Kingdom, The International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 20 No.3, pg.111-21.

[14.]  Jehangir, M., Zahid, M., Jan, S., & Khan, A. (2016). Benefits and Risks of Electronic Banking in the Context of Customer Satisfaction. Journal of Applied Environmental and Biological Sciences, vol. 6(3), pg. 112-117.

[15.]  Johnson, S. (2018). The Disadvantages of Electronic Banking | Synonym. Classroom.synonym.com. Retrieved 29 January 2018, from http://classroom.synonym.com/disadvantages-electronic-banking-24007.html.

[16.]  Keivani, F.S.; Jouzbarkand, M.; Khodadadi, M.; Sourkouhi, Z.K. (2012) A General View on the E-banking, International Proceedings of Economics Development & Research, 43.

[17.]  Kiang, M.Y., Raghu, T.S., Hueu-Min Shang, K. (2000), marketing on the Internet – who can benefit from an online marketing approach? Decision Support Systems, Vol. 27 No.4, pg.383-93.

[18.]  Kwawu, L. (2011). The Contribution of Electronic Banking to Customer Satisfaction in Cal Bank Limited (Graduate). Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

[19.]  Mobarek, A. (2007) E-Banking Practices and Customer Satisfaction - A Case Study in Botswana, 20th Australasian Finance & Banking Conference.

[20.]  Nigudge, S., & Pathan, M. (2014). E-banking: Services, Importance in Business, Advantages, Challenges and Adoption in India, Challenges and Adoption in India. Challenges and Adoption in India. Vol. 2(3) pg. 190 - 192.

[21.]  SCN Education B.V. (2001). . Electronic Banking: The Ultimate Guide to Business and Technology of Online Banking. Braunschweig/Wiesbaden: F. Vieweg.

[22.]  Vyas, S. (2018). Impact of E-Banking on Traditional Banking Services. School of Computer Science and Information Technology, Rajasthan, India.

Abstract:

The core goal and expectation of student at any given learning environment is to achieve the required level of academic performance. This is also true for both educators and parents/guardians. However, sometime this ambition comes in contrary to their former expectation due to different factors that affects students’ performance. Among the long list of factors for poor academic performance, social economic factor is reported to highly contribute. This factor is reported responsible for majority of students’ failure to pay their school fees in time.

The major source (90%) of income for Private and Faith Based training institutions is from school fees. Often, there has been delay or failure in payment of school fee among students. The payment failure rate among many institutions is <50%; thus resulted to inconveniences on students study patterns. In the recent years, there has been an increased rate (11%) of academic failure among students in their tests, semester and final examinations. Institutional management and academicians have been putting great efforts to uplift level of students’ academic performance. Despite all these efforts, students’ academic performances are still not satisfactory. This article is particularly going to discuss the components of student’s economic backgrounds in relation with academic performance. The article looks on how the element of in time failure payment of school fee affects performance of the students. From this discussion, a constructive suggestion would be delivered accordingly to the respective stakeholders as a contributive solution to the problem under discussion.

Keywords: Poor Socio-economic Background, in time failure payment of fee and Poor Academic Performance.

References:

[1.]   Akomolafe, M. J. and Olorunfemi-Olabisi, f. (2011), Impact of Family Type on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance, European Journal of Educational Studies 3(3), 2011, Ondo State, Nigeria.

[2.]   Aremu, A.O. & Sokan, B.O. (2003): Multi – causal evaluation of Academic performance of Nigerian learners: Issues and Implications for national development. In O. Ayodele-Bamisaye, I.A. Nwazuoke, & A. Okediran (Eds.), Education this Millenium: journal of Innovation in Theory and Practice. Macmillan Nig Ltd. Pages 365 – 375, Nigeria.

[3.]   Bursar Office, Department of Account (BODA), Failure to Pay your Bill on Time, Graduates, Hold Policy, University of Connecticut: https://bursar.uconn.edu/failure-to-pay-your-bill-on-time-graduates/.

[4.]   Dieltiens V. and Meny-G. S., (2008), Poverty, equity and access to education; Wits Education Policy Unit and Social Surveys Africa, Annual Conference paper, Maputo, Mozambique.

www.createrpc.org/.../povertyequityandaccesstoeducation.doc

[5.]   Farooq M.S., Chaudhry A.H., Shafiq M., Berhanu G., (2011), Factors Affecting Students’ Quality Of Academic Performance: A Case Of Secondary School Level; Journal of Quality and Technology Management Volume VII, Issue II, Page 01 ‐ 14, University of the Punjab, Pakistan.

[6.]   Fleisch, B. & Woolman, S. (2004), on the constitutionality of school fees: A reply to Roithmayr. Perspectives in Education, 22(1): 111-123.

[7.]   Gyimah-Brempong, K. (2010), Education and Economic Development in Africa; Paper prepared for the 4th African Economic Conference, October 27-29, 2010, Tunis, TUNISIA.

[8.]   Kamau H. G., (2015), Impact of Pupils Absenteeism on Academic Performance of Public Primary Schools in Nyandarua district, Laikipia County, Mount Kenya University, Kenya.

[9.]   Madu J. S., (2018), how late/non-payment of school fees affect your child, how to overcome late payment of your child’s school fees: http://sunnewsonline.com/matters-arising-how-latenon-payment-of-school-fees-affect-your-child/.

[10.]         Muhdin M., (2016), Determinants of Economics Students’ Academic Performance: Case Study of Jimma University, Ethiopia; International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 6, Issue 1, Jimma University: www.ijsrp.org.

[11.]         Mushtaq L & Khan S. N., (2012), Factors Affecting Students’ Academic Performance, Global Journal of Management and Business Research Volume 12 Issue 9 Version 1.0 June 2012, Mohammad Ali J innah University Islamabad , Pakistan.

[12.]         Nairaland Forum (2018), Nairaland General Education; Ten causes of poor academic performance in school – most students never admit, Abuja, Naigeria: http://www.nairaland.com.nairaland.

[13.]         Nyandwi M. D., (2014), Determinants of Poor Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in Sumbawanga District, Tanzania, Morogoro, Tanzania.

[14.]         Okioga K. C., (2013), The Impact of Students’ Socio-economic Background on Academic Performance in Universities, a Case of Students in Kisii University College; American International Journal of Social Science Vol. 2 No. 2; March 2013 38, Kisii University College, Kenya.

[15.]         Prof. Peter Msolla, Issues of Higher Education in Tanzania, Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology:

http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTWBISFP/Resources/0_Prof_Msolla.pdf

[16.]         Shoukat A., Zubair H., Fahad M., Hamid K., Awais A. (2013), Factors Contributing to the Students’ Academic Performance: A Case Study of Islamia University Sub Campus, American Journal of Educational Research, 2013, Vol. 1, No. 8, 283-289, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan.

[17.]         Subhrabaran D., Monalisa D., and Tanwi D., (2014), Impact of Socio-Economic and Academic Background on Students’ Achievement in Higher Education, Journal of Global & Sciences Issues, Vol 2, Issue 4, 2307-6275: A Study of Assam University, India.

[18.]         Tilya, F. N. (2003). Teacher Support for the Use of MBL in Activity-Based Physics Teaching in Tanzania, PhD Thesis, University of Twente, Print Partners Ipskamp, Enschede. Netherlands.

[19.]         Waters J., (2017) Correlational Research Guidelines, Conducting Correlational Research, Capilano University, Canada: https://capilanou.ca/psychology/student-resources/research-guidelines/Correlational-Research-Guidelines/.

Abstract:

Microfinance emerged as a noble substitute for informal credit and an effective and powerful instrument for poverty reduction among people, the objective of this study is to estimate the effects of micro credit on the development of SMEs in Ghana. A total of 171 respondents were selected by using random sampling technique were administered to MFI and SMEs at Ho in the Volta Region, for them to indicate their views on micro credit in the area and how to improve it. A structured schedule of questions was prepared for this purpose. The research instruments used in the study were questionnaires and interviews. Simple statistical techniques such as descriptive statistics including tables were used in analyzing and summarizing the data. It was noted that access to financial institutions products and services is a crucial element for the development of SMEs. Thus their sustainable growth will largely depend on the capacity of financial institutions to mobilize resources from low valued to high valued and invest in SMEs activities. However, inadequate collateral, difficulty of processes, fear of inability to repay, and high borrowing cost were frequently mentioned reasons by SMEs for inaccessibility of banks products and services. Finally, The National Board for Small Scale Industries (NBSSI) and other SMEs funding and promotion agencies should incorporate SMEs coping strategies into their policies, programs and orientate them to replicate these strategies for others to enable SMEs have flow of resources (inputs) for production.

Keywords: Informal Credit, Economic Development, Income Generation, Industrialization, Economic Growth, Micro-Credit, Global Financial Systems, Alleviate Poverty.

References:

[1.]     Asiama, J. P. and Osei, V. (2007) Microfinance in Ghana: an overview. Economic Web institute. Working Paper, Bank of Ghana.

[2.]     Ghana Statistical Service (GSS) (2002), „Demographic and Health Survey? Ghana.

[3.]     Ghana Statistical Service/ GSS (2002). Ghana Living Standards Survey: Report of the Fourth Round (GLSS 3). Accra: Ghana Statistical Service.

[4.]     Ghana Statistical Service/ GSS (2002). Ghana Living Standards Survey: Report of the Fourth Round (GLSS 3). Accra: Ghana Statistical Service.

[5.]     IMF, (2008) World Economic and Financial Survey: Regional Economic Outlook.

[6.]     Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic research (ISSER) (20004). The State of the Ghanaian Economy in 2003, University of Ghana, Legon.

[7.]     Iversen, Jens, Rasmus Jorgensen, Nikolaj Malchow-Moller, and Bertel Schjerning (2005). “Defining and Measuring Entrepreneurship.” Technical Report 2005-17, Centre for Economic and Business Research.

[8.]     Latifee .H.I (2003), Microcredit and poverty reduction: Experiences of Grameen operation in Asia”, Grameen Trust.

[9.]     Littlefield, E. Murduch, J and Hashemi, S. (2003); Is Microfinance an Effective Strategy to Reach the Millenniums Development Goals? Focus notes series no. 24.Washington: (GAP-Consultative Group to assist the poor.

[10.]  Mensah, Sam (2004) "A Review of SME Financing Schemes in Ghana" paper presented at the UNIDO Regional Workshop of Financing Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, Accra, Ghana 15-16 March 2004.

[11.]  Morduch, Jonathan & S. Rutherford. 2003. “Microfinance: Analytical Issues for India.” Forthcoming in Priya Basu (ed.) India’s Financial Sector: Issues, Challenges and Policy Options. New York: Oxford University Press.

[12.]  National Board for Small Scale Industries (2006), NBSSI News, Vol. 1 Number 12.

[13.]  National Development Planning Commission (2005), Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II) (2006 - 2009), Vol. 1, Policy Framework.

[14.]  National Development Planning Commission (2007), Simplified Version 2006 Annual Progress Report, On the Implementation of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy (GPRS II), Accra, Ghana September, 2007, Government of Ghana.

[15.]  Schumpeter, J. (1934) the Theory of Economic Development, Cambridge, and Mass: Harvard University Press.

[16.]  Schumpeter, Joseph (1911); the Theory of Economic Development. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press.

[17.]  Simanowitz and Brody (2004); Realising the potential of Microfinance, id21 insights, December, issue -51.

[18.]  Yamane, T. (1970). Statistics: An Introductory Analysis, (3rd ed), New York: Harper and Row.

[19.]  Yin, Robert K. (1989). Case Study Research: Design and Methods. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage.

Abstract:

The paper investigates how stock price react to dividends announcement the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) from 2015 - 2017. It focused on examining the reaction of share prices to dividend announcement using a sample of six banks (financial institution enlisted on the GSE from 2015 – June 2017. The methodology and the market model are used in estimating the abnormal and the cumulative abnormal return for -10 days before and +10 days after the announcement date.

The overall findings of the study showed that share prices react to dividend announcement though not instantly. It is observed that the average abnormal returns and the cumulative average abnormal returns for all the days before, on and after the day of dividend announcement are statistically significant and positive. It is expected that this study would help most investors to know the level of efficiency on the Ghana Stock Exchange. It suggests that in addition to the recent electronic trading development on the GSE, there is the need to further improve the quality, quantity and reliability of information on listed firms disclosed to the public.

Keywords: Dividend, Dividend Announcement, Efficient Market Hypothesis, Market Efficiency, Stock Prices, Stock Returns.

References:

[1.]     Adelegan, O. J (2000). An empirical analysis of the relationship between cash flows and dividend changes. A paper presented at the 23rd Annual Congress of the European Accounting Association, Munich, Germany p.5

[2.]     Fama E. F. & French, K. R. (1993). Common risk factors in the returns on stocks and bonds, Journal of Financial Economics, 33(1): 3-56.

[3.]     Fama E. F. & Gibbons M. R. (1982). Inflation, real returns and capital investments. Journal of Monetary Economics, 9.297-323.

[4.]     Fama, E. F. & French, K. R. (1988). Permanent and temporary components of stock prices. Journal of Political Economy, 96(2): 246-273

[5.]     Fama, E. F. (1965). The Behavior of stock market prices. Journal of Business, 38(1): 34-105.

[6.]     Fama, E. F. (1970). Efficient capital markets: A review of theory and empirical work. The Journal of Finance, 25(2): 383– 417.

[7.]     Fama, E. F. (1981). Stock Returns, real Activity, Inflation, and Money. American Economic Review, 71, 545-564.

[8.]     Fama, E. F., Fisher, L., Jensen, M. C. & Roll, R. (1969). The adjustments of stock prices to new information. International Economic Review, 10(1): 1-21.

[9.]     Fama, E. F., Fisher, L., Jensen, M. C. & Roll, R. (1969). The adjustments of stock prices to new information. International Economic Review, 10(1): 1-21.

[10.]  Fama, E.F. (1970). Efficient capital markets: A Review of theory trading profits. Journal of Business, 39(1): 226-241.

[11.]  Modigliani, F. and Miller, M. H. (1961).Dividend policy, growth, and the valuation of shares. American Economic Review, 48 (3), 261–297.

[12.]  Osei, K. A. (2002). The Investor Profile of the Ghana Stock Market, Journal of Management Studies, 17, 95-114.

[13.]  Osei, K. A. (2003). The Response to Annual Earning Information Announcements By Listed Companies on the Ghana Stock Exchange, The South African Journal Of Economics, 71,195 – 210.

Abstract:

The study was conducted to assess the marketing orientation for Malawian companies. Business performance is linked to market orientation hence it is important for companies to display the behaviour that is in keeping with this phenomenon. Malawi being a least developed country has its industry sector contribution key to its economic growth. Such industry need to contribute positively to help push the economic growth of the country.

Marketing orientation has proved to be important in driving such business growth through the implementation of the marketing concept. The aims for this study was to find out if companies in Malawi are market oriented. The gap that existed on the Malawi market was that no such research has been done in Malawi before and this study aimed to bridge that gap and help companies realize the importance of being market oriented.

The objectives of the study included as assessment of the market orientation of companies in Malawi, Resourcing of the marketing department tasked with the implementation of the marking concept and if the marketing concept is fully implemented in the companies in Malawi. The final objective was to check if MKTOR and MARKOR scales used for assessing market orientation give similar conclusion on market orientation.

The study was a case study in nature and used mixed research methods where both quantitative and qualitative data collections methods were applied. Survey instrument questionnaires were administered to two companies that participated in the study. This was followed by qualitative in-depth face-to-face interview where more observation on the market orientation constructs, proof of processes and behaviours were ascertained as part of action research necessary in case study methodology.

The research used simple random sampling in both companies to select respondents who participated in the study, which mainly looked for employees in supervisory and management level in order to make sure they would articulate and understand the study constructs under investigated. Analysis used SPSS version 20 where frequencies, means and equality of means analysis for construct comparison between two scales.

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Abstract:

This study aims to describe the level of satisfaction of patients and their families, The study is supported by a sample of 1068 patients, which is 653 outpatients with 40 questionnaires and 415 inpatients with 35 questionnaires during 26 July to 25 Aug 2016 from all of the Hoan My Da Lat Hospital fields to whom an evaluation questionnaire was given to be filled out on the day of their release. The average age is from 1-18 & 18-55, and 62% are female - 38% are male for outpatient is 48% male and female 52%. The section under the heading of:

·     Expectation of patient to Hospital Service

·     Medical staff’s (doctor, nurse, technician and pharmacist) attitude and treatment result.

·     Standard of procedures and information approach to patient.

·     Good support from customer service team, receptionist and cashier

·     Clean, Facility, cost treatment and equipment support.

·     Simple and waiting time.

Keywords: Patient satisfaction, outpatient, Orthopedic, O&G, Gastroenteritis, Internal Medicine, Quality.

References:

[1.]     Dao HT, Waters H, Le QV: User fees and health service utilization in Vietnam: how to protect the poor? Public Health 122, 1068–1078 (2008).

[2.]     General Statistics Office-Vietnam: Health statistics year book 2008. Vietnam: 2008. Luat ND, Dung TV: To chuc. Quan ly va chinh sach y te. Medical Publishing House, 2006 (in Vietnamese)

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Abstract:

Background: In order to improve the health status of its population and to find practical solutions to the main challenges of the health system, the Government of Cameroon has been implementing the Performance Based Financing approach (PBF) since 2011.

Following the pilot phase from 2011 to 2014, the project produced encouraging results as seen in the use of health facilities by the population, quality improvement and governance in health facilities. The project also enabled the actors involved to learn lessons during its implementation.

Methods: This paper is based on first hand observation carried out by the researcher alongside the ground implementers of the PBF system in the health sector (CDVA South West Region). The group developed some criteria to stimulate improvement in health care, by ensuring payment for greater performance. The group also developed main criteria to measure the improvement in performance which can be translated in monetary terms, coaching was regularly carried out to provide solutions to problems. These activities were carried out between 2011 and 2014 in four health districts of the South West Region of Cameroon.

Results: The paper starts with a discussion, to clarify the core concept of PBF and how the different terms are used. It then develops a framework of on the development of implementation, evaluation, monitoring, coaching and the final results.

Conclusion: The paper brings out a picture of the importance of the PBF system of health financing in the South West Region of Cameroon, showing the pictures of change and the changes in the quality and quantity of health care delivery by health facilities.

Keywords: Performance Based Financing, Monitoring and Evaluation.

References:

[1.] De Savigny D, Adam T: Systems thinking for health systems strengthening. Geneva: Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research, WHO; 2009.

[2.] Execution Manual. Performance- Based Financing (PBF) Cameroon.2017

[3.] Gertler P, Vermeersch C: Using Performance Incentives to Improve Health Outcomes. Washington, DC: World Bank; 2012. Report No.: Policy Research Working Paper 6100.

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[6.] Sophie Witter, Jurien Toonen, Bruno Messen, Jean Kagubane, Gyorgy Fritsche and Kelsey Vaughan. Performance Based Financing as a health system reform: mapping the key dimensions for monitoring and evaluation. 2013 13:367.

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