Highlighting impactful, policy-relevant research from GIMPA researchers
Nneoma Benita Amos-Fidelis, Edafe Bawa Dogo, Ebenezer Adaku & Joseph Ashiboye.
Lean manufacturing, technological resilience and business sustainability: evidence from an emerging economy.
In resource-constrained and volatile environments typical of emerging economies, manufacturing firms face mounting pressure to enhance sustainability. While prior research has explored lean manufacturing and technological resilience separately, their integrated impact on business sustainability, particularly in disruption-prone environments, remains underexplored. Addressing this gap, the study investigates the mediating role of technological resilience in the lean–sustainability nexus, offering context-specific insights from small-scale manufacturers in Nigeria.
Quantitative survey research design was employed, using data from 406 Nigerian small-scale food and beverage manufacturers. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was applied to test the hypothesized relationships and to assess the mediating role of technological resilience.
The results reveal a partial mediation effect of technological resilience on the relationship between lean manufacturing and business sustainability. Lean manufacturing significantly enhances sustainability outcomes, but its impact is amplified when firms exhibit higher levels of technological resilience. Although lean manufacturing demonstrates a strong direct effect on sustainability, firms with higher technological resilience may experience additional gains, particularly in dynamic or uncertain environments. Thus, technological resilience acts as a contextual amplifier rather than a prerequisite.
The study concentrates on small-scale manufacturers in an emerging economy, which expands the existing knowledge base to include less-developed countries’ contexts and also presents empirical evidence on the alignment of lean practices with technological resilience as a means of improving sustainable performance. The results offer practical pointers for companies that are prone to fluctuating environments and support the global ongoing efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 9.
Samuel Koufie, Lexis Alexander Tetteh, Amoako Kwarteng & Richard Amankwa Fosu.
The impact of ethical accounting practices on financial reporting quality: the moderating role of religiosity.
This study aims to investigate the impact of ethical accounting practices on financial reporting quality by using the extended theory of planned behaviour (ETPB) and integrating religiosity as a moderating variable. Using a survey method, data was obtained from 371 chartered accountants who were in good standing as of April 2023. The collected data were then analysed using partial least squares structural equation modelling. The results revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between ethical accounting practices (attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioural control and ethical judgement) and financial reporting quality of accounting practitioners. Furthermore, a moderation test was conducted, which demonstrated that religiosity enhances the positive correlation between ethical accounting constructs (attitude, subjective norm and ethical judgement) and financial reporting. Practical implications Leading by example, top-level management should actively promote a culture of religiosity that prioritises integrity and adherence to financial reporting requirements. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is one of the very few ethics studies in accounting that demonstrates that the application of the ETPB improves financial reporting quality in a context fraught with allegations of moral breaches by accountants.
Vivian Osei, Chunguang Bai, Amoako Kwarteng, Disraeli Asante‐Darko & Matthew Quayson.
Dynamic Capabilities and Circular Economy Innovations for Achieving NetZero in Mining.
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions requires context-sensitive and innovation-driven strategies, particularly in environmentally intensive sectors such as mining. This study examines how dynamic capabilities, specifically sensing, seizing and reconfiguring, facilitate circular economy (CE) innovations that support firms’ progress towards NetZero objectives. Drawing on survey data from mining firms in Ghana, the study employs partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyse both linear and configurational relationships. The results indicate that reconfiguring capabilities play a central role in perceived NetZero progress, particularly when combined with CE-based process innovations. Environmental dynamism further strengthens the positive relationship between CE innovations and progress towards NetZero. By clarifying how organisational capabilities and CE innovation types interact under dynamic conditions, this study contributes to the literature on sustainability transitions and offers practical insights for mining firms and policymakers seeking to advance NetZero-oriented strategies in resource-intensive and volatile environments for sustainable development.
Frederick Nsiah, Anokye M. Adam, Emmanuel N. Gyamfi & Mohammed Z. Isshaq.
International Domino Effect of Liquidity Risk from South Africa Across the SSA Region.
The study investigated the adverse liquidity risk spillovers from South Africa to the rest of the banking systems in the sub-Saharan Africa region. The study employed the GVAR macroeconometric framework and its associated generalised impulse response function (GIRF) to explore the interdependence and evolution of shocks to other countries in the SSA, given a negative standard deviation shock to South Africa’s liquidity. We used quarterly data from 31 countries spanning from 1996 to 2019. This includes the period of marked proliferation of cross-border banking in the region. The GIRFS provided the time profile for 31 countries. The time profiles of the GIRFS of each country’s banking system liquidity were analysed. Our results show that South Africa’s banking system liquidity has contemporaneous interdependence with several other banking systems in the SSA region. An adverse shock to South Africa’s banking system liquidity has a heterogeneous effect on several countries; the magnitude is generally moderate. While the shock triggers adverse spillover effects on the liquidity position of 19 banking systems, the liquidity level of 10 banking systems increases, and the liquidity of three banking systems remains resilient over time. The implication is that an extreme adverse liquidity shock could trigger a liquidity crisis in the majority of the banking systems in the SSA region. Hence, the negatively affected countries should minimise their banking system connectedness with the South African banking system and monitor an extreme liquidity shortage in South Africa.
Elizabeth Addy, Magdarlene Quartey, Samuel Okae-Adjei, Bernice Korkor Gligah, Smile Gavua Dzisi & Emmanuel S. Adabor.
Influence of entrepreneurship education and business startup initiatives: Evidence from Ghanaian Technical University business students.
Entrepreneurship education (EE) is a key economic driver aimed at stimulating economic growth, technology, innovation and business in Ghana. However, its impact on Business Startup Initiatives (BSIs) remains inadequately explored within Ghanaian Technical Universities (GTUs). In this paper, we investigated the influence of EE and Entrepreneurship courses (EC) on BSIs among business students in GTUs using the social cognitive career theory (SCCT). A survey method was used to collect data from a random sample of 320 business students in the TUs. The PLS-SEM path analysis on EE and EC had a significant positive influence on BSIs in idea generation, business plans, career choices, goals, and innovation. This study establishes the importance of EE and EC in enhancing BSIs among TU business students. This research encourages the TU management to focus on EE and the EC approaches in initiating startups. The SCCT used contributed significantly to the BSI dimensions.
Richmond Darko & Emmanuel S. Adabor.
Computational predictive maintenance: integrating machine learning, survival analysis and optimization in dual-model framework for digital press engineering.
Unplanned downtime in industrial cut-sheet digital presses leads to significant production losses, yet existing maintenance strategies often fail to accurately predict component failures or optimize replacement schedules. Conventional approaches either rely on fixed preventive intervals, which may replace healthy parts prematurely, or reactive strategies, which risk costly emergency replacements. To address these challenges, this study develops a computational framework for predictive maintenance that integrates ensemble risk assessment with constrained optimization. The framework combines four predictive models—Generalized Additive Models (GAM) for remaining useful life prediction, Random Forest classifiers for Threshold-Based Maintenance Approach (TBMA) and Overdue-Severity Based Maintenance Approach (OSBMA) alerts, and Cox Proportional Hazards models for survival analysis—into an equal-weighted ensemble that prioritizes component replacement under realistic operational constraints (budget, capacity, critical thresholds). GAM achieved a regression performance with 88.27% variance explained (R2 = 0.8827, RMSE = 127.74 days), while Random Forest classifiers demonstrated classification accuracies exceeding 95% for both threshold proximity and overdue severity detection. Cox Proportional Hazards analysis yielded excellent risk discrimination (C-index = 0.848), identifying usage velocity and replacement cycle as significant failure predictors. The optimization framework, validated through extensive scenario analysis (n = 16 scenarios), achieved 78.4% cost savings by eliminating 100% of emergency replacements while maintaining 81% critical component coverage under base-case constraints (25 parts, $10,000 budget). Sensitivity analysis confirmed framework robustness: even under extremely conservative assumptions (no emergency premium, minimal downtime costs), cost savings exceeded 32.9%. Ensemble weight sensitivity analysis (n = 15 weighting schemes) revealed that equal weighting is Pareto-optimal, with all schemes producing identical economic outcomes (Coefficient Variations = 0%), demonstrating that model diversity matters more than weight optimization. The results validate a computationally efficient, constraint-aware approach to predictive maintenance that balances risk reduction, operational feasibility, and economic optimization, advancing decision support methodologies for industrial asset management.
Stephen T. Odonkor & Anthony M. Sallar.
Occupational health and safety knowledge, attitudes and practices among healthcare workers in Accra Ghana.
Healthcare workers operate in an environment, that in relation to exposure to biological hazards is considered to be a hazardous occupational setting, compared to other workers in other industries. This paper sought knowledge, attitude, and practices of Occupational Health Safety (OHS) among healthcare workers in Accra, Ghana.
The study was a cross-sectional design. A validated questionnaire which contained questions on risk assessment and safety practices, was used to obtain data from 365 respondents, who worked in 12 public healthcare facilities in Accra.
Almost all the respondents 95.9 % and 97.0 % respectively have a very high knowledge regarding occupational health and safety and of cross infection prevention with 69.9 % obtaining knowledge from occupational, health and safety training programs. However, this high knowledge was at variance with practice. Five critical issues reported relating to awareness vis a vis practical usage was: wearing gloves (99.4% vs. 94.0 %); regularly washing hands with bacterial agents (98.0% vs. 94.5 %); proper disposal of sharps (99.4% vs. 94.0 %); wearing of masks (97.7% vs. 86.3) and prophylactic treatment procedure after exposure (95.3% vs 55.6 %). Findings relating to respondents’ attitude towards Occupational Health & Safety in terms of agreements were as follows: all exposures to occupational hazards should be reported to and appropriately documented by appropriate authorities (97.8 %); importance of proper hand washing after every procedure or each contact with a patient (98.4 %); the necessity of personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of exposure to the occupational hazard (97.8 %) and wearing aprons and facemasks in procedures where splash/spill of blood and body fluids is likely (97.3 %).
The respondents demonstrated a high level of knowledge of occupational hazards but this was not mostly translated into practice. Training courses, curricular and seminars as they relate to OHS should be intensified, and compliance in adhering to mitigation measures should be addressed. These findings are useful and will influence policy towards health and safety of workers at the workplace.
Nana Assyne, Alfred Nyadroh, Joseph Budu, Emmanuel Antwi-Boasiko, Elizabeth Addy, Felicia Engmann, Emmanuel Adabor & Isaac Wiafe.
Data-Driven Decision-Making Adoption and Capability Development in Ghanaian Organizations: A TOE–RBV Perspective.
This study examines how Ghanaian organizations develop data-driven decision-making capability (DDMC), rather than merely adopting data tools. Anchored in the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the Resource-Based View (RBV), dynamic capabilities theory, and Simon’s decision process logic, the study explains how data resources are transformed into decision intelligence, organizational routines, and maturity progression. Data were collected through 30 semi-structured interviews across healthcare, finance, technology, public administration, NGOs, manufacturing, real estate, and regulatory bodies. Thematic analysis identifies a four-stage maturity continuum and three interdependent data pillars: internally generated operational data, externally sourced strategic intelligence, and mandated compliance data. The findings show that data quality problems create a barrier chain that weakens later investments, while positive-deviant organizations build VRIN capability bundles around governance routines, leadership commitment, analytical culture, and decision review practices. The study positions DDMC as a dynamic capability that improves specific decision episodes such as resource allocation, revenue assurance, service redesign, compliance judgement, and risk response, and proposes maturity-aware strategies for Ghana and comparable developing economies.
Williams Ohemeng & Elvis Kwame Agyapong.
Macroeconomic uncertainty, governance and development among emerging economies of Sub-Saharan Africa.
The study evaluates the effect of macroeconomic risk (uncertainty) on development (living standards and welfare of the people) among economies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) for the period spanning 2000–2022.
Data were compiled from various sources and were analyzed using two-step system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimation procedure.
Results indicate that macroeconomic risk or instability in key macroeconomic indicators pose a threat to the development of the sub-region, all other factors held constant. The study further reveals that in times of increased levels of macroeconomic risk, improved levels of effectiveness of governance, reduced rate of corruption, stable political environment and improved regulatory structures help in assuaging the threat to development. The results, again, show that instability in exchange rate, money supply, import price and inflow of foreign investment hinder development, all other things being equal.
The study underscores the need to empower economic management teams to pursue policies that ensure macroeconomic stability and strengthen governance/regulatory structures to improve living standards and welfare of the people in SSA.
The study focuses on a holistic measure of macroeconomic instability and development in evaluating the impact of uncertainty on living standards (socio-economic development), compared to related studies that assess economic growth. Furthermore, the moderating role of institutional quality in the surmised relationship is analyzed.
Francis Ransford Essilfie, Samuel Ato Dadzie, Stanley Coffie, Raphael Aryee & Hannah E.A Acquah.
Leadership styles and job satisfaction: Bibliometric and Scientometric analysis.
The study examines leadership styles and job satisfaction research by retrieving and analyzing the publications within management field. The study reviews the last 53 years of leadership styles and job satisfaction research in the field of management from 1970 to 2023. Leadership styles and job satisfaction studies is voluminous but fragmented across sectors and regions, with inconsistent theoretical grounding and unclear structural linkages among outlets, authors, and themes. This study contributes to bridge this gap by conducting a scientometric and a content analysis of leadership styles and job satisfaction studies. A total of 509 articles from the Scopus database were used in this study. The review uncovered most prolific journals, authorships, article citations, countries, institutions and co-occurrence network of keywords. Further, qualitative analysis revealed six leadership styles and job satisfaction themes: leadership styles and employee performance, job satisfaction and employee performance, concepts, methodologies, theories and models, and areas of study. This study serves as a reference for both scholars and practitioners in leadership styles and job satisfaction studies. It also provides pointers for future research on leadership styles and job satisfaction.
Disraeli Asante-Darko, Vivian Osei & Raphael Aryee.
Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Block Chain Adoption Barriers and Drivers in Developing Countries: a DEMATEL approach.
Groundwater remains a vital source of drinking water for many communities in Ghana, yet its safety is increasingly threatened by human activities and natural processes. This study assessed the microbiological and physicochemical quality of groundwater from boreholes (BH) and hand-dug wells (HDW) in eight communities in the Eastern region of Ghana, and results were compared against the World Health Organization (WHO) and Ghana Standards (GS 175-1) for drinking water. Water samples were analysed for turbidity, pH, alkalinity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), nitrate, sulphate, and phosphate using APHA standard protocols, while Escherichia coli and total coliforms were quantified by membrane filtration. The majority of the physicochemical parameters were within the safe values, but the alkalinity values were above 200 mg/L in some wells, and the level of nitrates in some of the HDW’s were more than 50mg/L, which is an indicator of agricultural inputs and sanitation leakage. Some HDWs were also reported to have phosphate levels exceeding the recommended safe limit of 0.1 mg/L, and this indicates that the water is being impacted by human activity. Microbial contamination was a common problem; E. coli was found in half of the water samples, and total coliform levels were higher in over 64% of them, including some drilled boreholes. The worst cases of microbial contamination were in the hand-dug wells at Akwadum and Effiduase. The results show that while the groundwater in the area is generally stable chemically, the presence of harmful microbes, especially in shallow, uncovered wells, poses serious health risks. These risks can be further exacerbated by climate change that leads to a greater amount of flooding, change in patterns of recharge and greater transport of contaminants to shallow aquifers. There is therefore a great need to enhance the protection of well sites, enhance sanitation, and set up routine water quality tests as a way of ensuring that there is a safe and long-term supply of drinking water.
Eleanor Joyce Korngo Akoto, Atia Alpha Alfa, Raphael Aryee, Judith Otukuor Ata Akoto & Obi Berko O. Damoah.
Circular Economy and Organizational Citizenship Behaviors: Exploring the Mediating Impact of Employee Socially Responsible Behaviors and the Moderating Influence of Social Value Orientation.
This paper explores the under examined relationship between circular economy (CE) practices and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs) in the service industry, analyzing the mediating role of employee socially responsible behaviors (ESRBs) and the moderating influence of social value orientation (SVO). While CE has gained attention in the manufacturing industry, its application in the service industry, particularly in the hospitality and healthcare sector, remains underexplored, predominantly in developing economies. Moreover, the mechanisms through which CE practices influence employee behaviors are not well understood. To address these gaps, we draw on social exchange theory to hypothesize that CE practices positively influence OCBs, mediated by ESRBs, with SVO moderating these relationships. Data were collected from 315 employees from the hospitality and the healthcare sector in Ghana using a simple random sampling. Structural equation modeling (AMOS 23.0) was employed to test the hypotheses. From the findings, CE practices positively influence OCBs (β = 0.196; p value < 0.01) with ESRBs mediating the relationship between CE and OCBs (β = 0.139; 95% CI = [0.058, 0.215]). SVO also moderates these (β = 0.041; p value < 0.05). This study is novel in introducing ESRBs as a mediator between CE and OCBs, revealing how employee behavior shifts through sustainability efforts. Practically, it guides hospitality and healthcare managers to design CE initiatives that encourage employee participation in recycling, energy-saving, and resource-efficient practices that foster OCBs.
