University College of Management Studies

Journal Article Marginal-Cost Pricing with Joint Costs Get access S. C. Littlechild S. C. Littlechild Graduate Centre for Management Studies, Birmingham. Search for other works by this author on: Oxford Academic Google Scholar The Economic Journal, Volume 80, Issue 318, 1 June 1970, Pages 323–335, https://doi.org/10.2307/2230121 Published: 01 June 1970

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to ascertain how perceived service quality mediates employees’ customer orientation and customer satisfaction in the public utility sector. Design/methodology/approach The study focused on the commercial customers (small and medium-scale enterprises– (SMEs)) of Electricity Company of Ghana Ltd. There were 350 SMEs sampled for the study, and each had no more than 99 employees. Respondents were either owner-managers or employee-managers. Structural equation model (SEM) was used in estimating the effects among the variables studied. Findings Most public institutions have a built-in customer base, and therefore places less emphasis on employees’ customer orientation. This notwithstanding, findings revealed that employees’ customer orientation behaviors significantly impacted customers’ perceived service quality and satisfaction toward public institutions. Similarly, customers’ perceived service quality influenced their satisfaction toward public institutions. SMEs serve as an engine for economic growth in an economy, and therefore public institutions must consider their peculiar needs in the delivery of service to them. Originality/value This study pointed out that, employees’ customer orientation behaviors of public institutions have an influence on customers’ perceived service quality and satisfaction. Previous studies on these concepts have largely focused on the private sector, where there are lots of competition. This study also specifically studied commercial customers (SMEs) of public institution, which is quite novel, especially in relation to the concepts studied. And the contribution of SMEs to economic growth makes their study even much more important.

Abstract On 20 October 2020, prior to the US presidential election, Twitter modified its user interface for sharing social media posts. In an effort to reduce the spread of misinformation on the platform, the new interface nudged users to be thoughtful about the content they were sharing. Using data on over 160,000 tweets by US news media outlets, we show that this policy significantly reduced news sharing, but that the reductions varied heterogeneously by political slant: sharing of content fell significantly more for left-wing outlets relative to right-wing outlets. Examining Twitter activity data for news-sharing users, we find that conservatives were less responsive to Twitter’s intervention. Lastly, using web traffic data, we document that the policy significantly reduced visits to news media outlets’ websites.

Purpose This paper aims to examine the effects of extractive activities on the well-being of local communities and assesses stakeholder expectations of resource benefits and the corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices of oil companies in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach The paper uses a qualitative approach based on an exploratory research design to investigate the opinions and experiences of stakeholders in the growing oil and gas industry in Ghana. Findings The empirical findings demonstrate that entry negotiated agreements and local content requirements in the offshore oil industry have minimal benefits because of the lack of linkages with the economies of local communities. Additionally, the nature of CSR practices within the extractive industry is directly traceable to the resource governance arrangements and plural logics in Ghana’s institutional context. Research limitations/implications This study only provides insights into natural resource governance and CSR issues in offshore oil and gas projects. Thus, the findings are not generalisable to the entire industry, including onshore drilling, which have other sustainability issues. Practical implications This research highlights the gap in natural resource management in Ghana and the effects of community expectations on CSR practices in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, this study posits the significance for including compliance requirements for improving the well-being of host communities in entry negotiated agreements and local contents. Originality/value By highlighting the nuanced issues in natural resource management within the oil and gas industry in Ghana, this paper makes significant contributions to the CSR and sustainability literature.

Millions of households in rich and poor countries alike are at risk of being unwilfully displaced from their homes or the land on which they live (i.e., lack secure tenure), and the urban poor are most vulnerable. Improving housing tenure security may be an intervention to improve housing and environmental conditions and reduce urban health inequalities. Building on stakeholder workshops and a narrative review of the literature, we developed a conceptual model that infers the mechanisms through which more secure housing tenure can improve housing, environmental quality, and health. Empirical studies show that more secure urban housing tenure can boost economic mobility, improve housing and environmental conditions including reduced exposure to pollution, create safer and more resourced communities, and improve physical and mental health. These links are shared across tenure renters and owners and different economic settings. Broader support is needed for context-appropriate policies and actions to improve tenure security as a catalyst for cultivating healthier homes and neighbourhoods and reducing urban health inequalities in cities.

A robust manufacturing sector is imperative for achieving sustainable and inclusive development. Also, in the Indian context, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are of vital importance due to their contribution to GDP, exports and employment. Indian Government has launched many schemes to vitalize and improve the competitiveness of Manufacturing MSMEs. ‘Lean Manufacturing Competiveness Scheme’ (LMCS) is a huge step aimed to act as a catalyst for lean adoption by Indian MSMEs. This paper uses SAP LAP framework to address critical questions regarding lean adoption by Indian manufacturing MSMEs in the context of the government scheme ‘LMCS’. The study adds to the existing body of knowledge on lean manufacturing that emphasizes on the importance of soft issues while implementing lean. It also benefits the stakeholders by suggesting suitable actions that can be taken to further improve the competitive priorities of MSMEs.

The integration of supply chain visibility has become very necessary in today’s corporate world. For quality health delivery system to be realised, the critical role of supply chain management cannot be overlooked. This study, which is more of quantitative study examined the effects of supply chain visibility on supply chain performance of Ghana health service. The study used Kumasi Metro Health Directorate as the case study and employed questionnaire to collect data. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were utilized to analyze the data gathered from the study area. Additionally, mean and standard deviation as well as frequencies and percentages were the main descriptive statistics used. Regression analysis was conducted to establish the effect of SCV on SCP. It was revealed that most respondents have a fair idea of the strategies being used to implement supply chain visibility in Kumasi Metro Health directorate. The study identified exchanging or sharing of information, use of asset status knowledge and improved electronic dissemination as SCV measures employed at Kumasi Metro Health Directorate. The findings also revealed that technological constraints, lack of synergy between automated systems and manual operations, inconsistencies in the flow of data between stakeholders, lack of communication between staff and management and budget constraint were noted as some of the bottlenecks that impede the smooth implementation of SCV in the Kumasi Metro Health Directorate. It was also found that Supply Chain Visibility has a positive effect on the supply chain performance of Kumasi Metro Health directorate. It is therefore recommended that Kumasi Metro Health directorate adopt effective networking programs as the basis for enhancing supply chain efficiency and performance.

This study examines the role of environmental taxes and environmentally-related technologies in the link between natural resources and load capacity factor in G10 nations over the period 1994 to 2019. Using robust econometric techniques, the study reveals that natural resources damage environmental quality by mitigating the nations’ load capacity factor while environmental taxes and environmentally-related technologies promote sustainable environment by increasing load capacity factor. The relevance of environmental taxes and environmentally-related technologies in moderating the effect of natural resources on environmental quality are dampened by extant average levels of natural resources rents which are negative. Policy implications are discussed.

Human Resource Information System (HRIS) is one of the most important Management Information Systems (MIS) which contribute to human resource service delivery of an organization. This study therefore, seeks to identify challenges associated with the process. A closed-ended questionnaire was administered to 63 respondents from the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) as well as Ho Technical University (HTU) to identify these challenges. The study found lack of management support as the major challenge to the adoption of Human Resource Information System (HRIS). The study concludes that that lack of management support slows down the adoption of HRIS. It is therefore suggested that management should be involved and sensitized on the importance of HRIS to improve and enhance its adoption.

Purpose This study explores the moderated mediation roles of evolutionary sense-making and pro-environmental behaviors between generative-AI adoption and sustainable innovation among owner/managers of extractive-based artisanal firms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A stratified sampling method was used to select 391 owner/managers of extractive-based artisanal firms in Ghana. The study relied on regression test statistics to measure the conjectured paths. Findings Through the deployment of hierarchical regression, generative-AI adoption was found to be a positive predictor of sustainable innovation among extractive-based artisanal firms. Further, pro-environmental behaviors moderate the mediated link between evolutionary sense-making and sustainable innovation. Research limitations/implications The study relied on cross-sectional design to explore the hypothesized paths mapped out to address the research objectives. Although cross-sectional design is effective in helping assess thoughts and behaviors of respondents, it is restricted methodologically in reflecting fluctuations in thoughts and behaviors overtime. The study suggests future investigations to be undertaken through longitudinal surveys. Originality/value The study is one of the first to use Industry 5.0 generative-AI applications to extend empirical literature on sustainable development among artisanal firms within the extractive industry in sub-Saharan Africa.

This research sought to explore the extent e-security and e-trust impact service quality on online buying among customers using a case of eBay e-retailing platform. This was necessitated by the worrying increase in online fraud coupled with personal data getting into wrong hands. Such developments have created anxiety among online shoppers negating the gains that could be made in adopting online facilities as marketing tool. The research was based on interpretive stance of the philosophical knowledge of inquiry adopting subjective approaches to gather data through group discussion and in-depth interview where a total sample of four(4) for the in-depth interview and six(6) for the focus group discussions. The frame was people between the age group of 20-35 living within Cardiff and have made purchases from eBay within a two month period. . This research found insights which were far reaching, confirming that of e-service quality is dependent on e-security and e-trust, without which satisfaction will be void. The research also identified other e-service quality pre-requisite variables including; item origination, delivery of item, reviews on product and seller, return policy, item description, types of e-security and e-trust.

This article examines the impact of product packaging on the purchasing intention of Made-In-Ghana brands using Agbeve Herbal Centre Products as case study. Opining on the fact that packaging elements such as color, wrapper design, background image, and innovative ideas all have significant impact on consumers’ purchasing intention, the study establishes that visual appeal is more significant than the qualitative aspect of packaging given the area of study. Methodologically, both primary and secondary data sources were utilized through a survey research approach. The paper argues that while many Ghanaians want to purchase made in Ghana products, the packaging discourages them. In this regard, consumers are reluctant to purchasing Agbeve herbal products due to very poor packaging. The study findings revealed that given the challenge at hand, lack of packaging design experts has hampered packaging development as there are very few packaging design experts compared to the number of SMEs in the country. Ghana, to a large extent, lacks packaging design experts to help in such areas as design, and production of packaging structures. As a result, there are many manufacturers who are ready to improve upon their packages but cannot get the necessary expertise. Also, institutions such as the Food and Drug Authority and Ghana Standard Board mandated to implement the existing but inadequate laws on labeling and packaging are faced with many challenges and hence, many products with no user information are found on the market. Furthermore, education and the influx of imported products have enlightened many consumers about what a good packaging structure is. As a result, there is a growing urge for brands to be enhanced by manufacturers which stands as a major challenge to local manufacturers, many of whom do not have the means to meet such expectations. The study therefore recommends among others that, in a bid to suiting international packaging standards, a strategic campaign on the improvement of local manufacturing climate through policy, regulatory and enlightenment framework review while complementing manufacturing of Made-In-Ghana products through exploring current packaging trends so as to enhance sales and overall trade development. Keywords: Product Packaging; Marketing; Perceived Quality; Purchase Intention DOI : 10.7176/EJBM/11-5-09

Achieving environmental sustainability is a global priority, requiring economies to adopt innovative strategies for renewable energy transition. This study examines the nonlinear economic determinants of Malaysia’s renewable energy adoption, addressing a critical gap in understanding how investment, technology, and trade openness influence energy transition across different economic regimes. Using quarterly data (1990–2022), we employ Smooth Transition Regression (STR) and Threshold Regression Model (TRM) to capture regime-dependent effects of foreign direct investment (FDI), public-private partnerships (PPPE), technological innovation (ICT), economic growth (GDP), and trade openness (TRD). The results confirm that FDI and PPPE significantly drive renewable energy adoption, but their impact varies across economic thresholds. While ICT enhances energy efficiency, its influence is nonlinear, strengthening at higher economic levels. The study also supports the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, showing that GDP initially hinders but later accelerates renewable energy adoption. However, TRD negatively impacts renewable energy expansion, suggesting that Malaysia’s current trade structure reinforces fossil fuel dependence. By integrating nonlinear modelling approaches, this study provides new empirical evidence on the threshold-driven nature of energy transition, offering policy insights for optimizing investment strategies, technology diffusion, and trade reforms to accelerate Malaysia’s clean energy future.

This study developed a scale measuring patients' perceptions regarding physical activity (PA) counseling by physicians. Confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess psychometric properties. The first factor extracted was "PA recommendation," which accounted for a variance of 45.1% out of total variance of 76.3% and comprises 5 items. The final scale yielded satisfactory psychometric properties including internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.75), convergent validity, discriminant validity, and predictive validity. Nine (9) items that makeup two factors (i.e., PA recommendation and follow-up) are potential measures of patients' perceptions regarding PA counseling by physicians in healthcare.

It has been viewed that behavioral factors undoubtedly play a role in decision making process. People receive information from different sources and process these in their mind while making a decision. People are creating separate mental accounts for different goals when it comes to spending/ investing. The aim of this study is to understand the relation that exists between mental accounting of an individual and his buying behavior towards the purchase of gold and gold exchange traded funds (ETFs) as an investment to the person's locus of control. The study was conducted on 114 individuals who invest in commodities and the results show that individuals with internal and external locus of control differs on their mental accounting while taking decision of investment in Gold and Gold ETFs. Individuals from different gender, age groups, education level and income level differ in their mental accounting for taking decisions to invest in Gold and Gold ETFs.

Print ISSN: 2616-5163 Online ISSN: 2616-4655 Aims and Scope | Author Guidelines | Current Issue | Archive | Indexing | Editorial Board | Contact Us Volume 4 | Issue 1 | 2021 Title: Understanding the Importance and Practices of Operational Risk Management in Ghanaian Banks Author(S): Maxwell Dela Yao Gakpo*; Aaron Issa Anafure and John Kofi Mensah Corresponding Author Affiliation*: University … Continue reading "Journal of International Business and Management (JIBM)"

Occupational health and safety hazards may have direct or indirect effects on employee participation levels in service businesses as well as other forms of industries. Adequate employment conditions and effective management of occupational health and safety (OHS) help companies attain their goals and improve job satisfaction and efficiency. Occupational, health, and safety is an inter-discipline field concerned with ensuring the protection, wellbeing, and welfare of employees or working people. Recent injuries at work have encouraged employers to place a greater focus on workplace health and safety procedures. Occupational safety and health risks are issues associated with safeguarding the life, health, and wellbeing of individuals employed or living. Occupational safety and health services have as their goals for the development of a safe and secure work atmosphere. Job-related tension, disputes, work capacity problems, ill health, and other hazards OHS workplace conditions can hinder employee well-being and productivity. Employers are responsible for handling risks and addressing challenges within the work environment according to OHS regulations. This study was to describe occupational health and safety hazards as operational risk-related issues affecting employment commitment and the support they require in these situations.

In recent years, major advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have introduced new human-technology coordination challenges related to trust and human agency. Likewise, major humanitarian crises have been proliferating worldwide, which can be characterized as “extreme contexts.” An important question surfaces at the intersection of these trajectories: How can human-technology coordination challenges related to trust and human agency be overcome to leverage AI in extreme contexts? We explore this question through an archival analysis of human-AI (HAI) teams recently formed to address humanitarian crises in Gaza, Kenya, Sudan, and Nepal. Our study reveals two concerns hindering effective human-technology coordination by HAI teams operating in extreme contexts: a tightrope of trust, as those without previous AI exposure may not trust its outputs, and those involved in its development may have concerns related to its reliability, safety, and limitations; and agency ambivalence, as the use of AI frees up cognitive resources but may undermine human agency in decision-making. HAI teams address these concerns through coordinative divergence and coordinative convergence. Our study extends the literature by exploring how teams can overcome novel human-technology coordination challenges that are surfacing in light of recent advancements in AI and the proliferation of crises in extreme contexts.

Schistosomiasis is a freshwater parasitic disease caused by infection with the trematode of the genus Schistosoma. The common species of Schistosoma that affect humans are the Schistosoma haematobium, S. japonicum, and S. mansoni. The clinical manifestations of Schistosoma are determined by causal factors, which include the type of Schistosoma, period of infection, host-specific factors that influence the activity to the worm eggs, and access to treatment. A 51-year-old woman who is a known HIV type 1 positive patient for the past 18years and is on antiretroviral therapy presents to the clinic with a year history of vulva itching. On examination of the vulva is a clean base ulcer that measures 5x3cm with raised edges. Investigation shows normal Full blood count and blood urea nitrogen. Her viral load has decreased from 45,460 in 2018 to 201 viral copies in 2020. The pathologist received a skin wedge biopsy measuring 3.5x2x1.5 cm of greyish white with dark brown areas. Sections of the tissue showed an ulcerated skin with a heavily mixed inflammatory infiltrate mainly of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and eosinophils. A diagnosis of Vulva Schistosomiasis was made. The patient was treated with Praziquantel and the ulcer is healing. It is therefore recommended that there should be adequate distribution of praziquantel in Schistosoma endemic areas to help reduce and prevents schistosomiasis. Again, there should be regular provision of praziquantel living with HIV ( preventive chemotherapy) who stays in Schistosoma endemic areas.

Background: The study examines the influence of mobile money interoperability on the payment and receipts of small and medium-sized businesses, with case studies from the Ga Central Municipal Assembly. The findings are intended to provide insight into how mobile money interoperability has benefited SMEs, as well as the level of awareness among SMEs and the challenges they face in using the mobile money interoperability service in their daily operations, in order to make recommendations to relevant stakeholders to improve service delivery in the municipal assembly and throughout Ghana. Methods: The research design for the study is quantitative in nature specifically a survey design. The study established that mobile money interoperability has a positive effect on payment and receipts of SMEs in many ways. Results: Accessibility, efficiency, and dependability, as well as transaction prices and transaction time, are all elements that influence SMEs' decision to use mobile money interoperability, according to the report. The study also discovered that mobile money interoperability has an impact on SMEs' profitability, sales turnover, credit sales/purchase payments, and daily sales. Conclusions: The report recommends that SMEs improve their awareness of mobile money interoperability payment and receipt systems in order to increase usage and educate SMEs on interoperability theft, usage, and benefits in order to make it safer and more beneficial for them. Finally, the study recommended that mobile money providers make conscious efforts to strengthen the security characteristics of mobile money interoperability systems in order to prevent theft cases.