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.

INTRODUCTION: Anthrax is a febrile soil-born infectious disease that can affect all warm-blooded animals including man. Outbreaks of anthrax have been reported in northern region of Ghana but no concerted effort has been made to implement risk-based surveillance systems to document outbreaks so as to implement policies to address the disease. We generated predictive maps using soil pH, temperature and rainfall as predictor variables to identify hotspot areas for the outbreaks. METHODS: A 10-year secondary data records on soil pH, temperature and rainfall were used to create climate-based risk maps using ArcGIS 10.2. The monthly mean values of rainfall and temperature for ten years were calculated and anthrax related evidence based constant raster values were created as weights for the three factors. All maps were generated using the Kriging interpolation method. RESULTS: There were 43 confirmed outbreaks. The deaths involved were 131 cattle, 44 sheep, 15 goats, 562 pigs with 6 human deaths and 22 developed cutaneous anthrax. We found three strata of well delineated distribution pattern indicating levels of risk due to suitability of area for anthrax spore survival. The likelihood of outbreaks occurrence and reoccurrence was higher in Strata I, Strata II and strata III respectively in descending order, due to the suitability of soil pH, temperature and rainfall for the survival and dispersal of B. anthracis spore. CONCLUSION: The eastern corridor of Northern region is a Hots spot area. Policy makers can develop risk based surveillance system and focus on this area to mitigate anthrax outbreaks and reoccurrence.

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.

Voters' participation is considered fundamental in an electoral process. Yet almost half the countries in the world have voter turnouts of (60-79) percent. To be able to predict and influences voters' behavior, political parties and political consultants need to identify determinants of voters' behavior. This study is pursued to identify the motivation behind a sample of voters who cast a ballot in the 2012 and 2016 presidential elections. Structural equation model Amos was used with a sample of 493 voters. The objective of this is to conceptualized a strategic direction and propose a framework for voters' behavior determinants. The findings revealed that political issue directly influences voting intention. The findings further established that; Voters' trust and loyalty mediate and moderate the relationship. We therefore recommended that, Management of the various political parties should pay particular attention to these political issue variables in their quest to influences voters' voting intention.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Southeast Asian economies are richly endowed with natural resources, yet the link between resource abundance and financial development remains complex and contested. This study explores the heterogeneous impact of different types of natural resource rents on financial development across five Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, over the period 1995 to 2021. Using a multi-method empirical strategy that integrates Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA), threshold regression, and quantile-based techniques, the analysis captures nonlinearities, distributional shifts, and institutional moderating effects within the resource-finance nexus. The results reveal that forest rents exert a positive and statistically significant effect on financial development, particularly at the median quantile and in economies with higher renewable energy adoption. In contrast, mineral and natural gas rents are negatively associated with credit expansion, especially in countries with weaker financial systems, suggesting the presence of a financial resource curse. Institutional quality and renewable energy consumption play crucial moderating roles by attenuating the adverse effects of rent dependency while enhancing financial sector efficiency. Efficiency estimates highlight Indonesia and the Philippines as regional frontrunners in transforming resource wealth into productive credit allocation. The study recommends integrating forest rents into green finance frameworks, strengthening governance mechanisms, and designing resource-sensitive financial deepening strategies. Overall, the findings offer timely insights to inform policy frameworks aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 8 and 9.

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.

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.

Purpose This paper investigates the mediated-moderation roles of adhocracy culture (ADC) and business ecosystem learning between user experience (UX) and continuous use of block-chain technologies (CUBT) among freight firms in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A stratified sampling technique was used in the selection of 327 employees of freight firms. This paper employs regression analysis to examine the hypothesized paths. Findings The findings show that ADC moderates the partially mediated role of the business ecosystem between technology UX and CUBT. Research limitations/implications Based on the cross-sectional design adopted, the study findings do not reflect the changing dynamics of employees of freight firms over a long period of time in Ghana. Originality/value This research is one of the first in maritime transport literature to explore the relevance of block-chain technologies among freight firms in an emerging economy.

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

This study examines the moderating role of Generative AI (GenAI) in the relationship between Self-Directed Learning (SDL) and Teacher Professional Competencies (TPC) among 363 high school teachers in Ghana. Utilizing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), the study empirically confirms that SDL significantly enhances all three dimensions of TPC: Professional Values and Attitudes, Professional Knowledge (PK), and Professional Practice (PP). GenAI independently improves PK and PP but negatively impacts PVA. More impotantly, moderation analysis reveals that higher GenAI usage significantly weakens the SDL-TPC relationship, with adverse interaction effects on PK, PP, and PVA. These findings suggest a curvilinear dynamics where moderate GenAI use enhances professional learning, but excessive reliance impairs self-regulated engagement and professional values. The study highlights the imperative for a balanced AI integration in teacher development programs, leveraging its strengths while preserving teacher autonomy and reflective practice in rapid digital transformation.

Purpose This study analyzes the influence of environmental awareness, knowledge and attitude on sustainable purchase intention (SPI) and subsequent sustainable purchase decisions (SPD) within the setting of online shopping. It aims to explore how SPI functions as a mediating mechanism in this relationship. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative research design using a structured questionnaire was used to examine the influence of environmental awareness, knowledge and attitude on SPI and sustainable purchase decision. The survey was conducted offline in Jammu and Kashmir, India, to 357 consumers who had prior online shopping experience, who were selected through purposive sampling. To reduce response bias, participation was anonymous and voluntary, with screening questions ensuring relevant experience. The proposed model was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings indicate that environmental knowledge, attitudes, and awareness significantly impact SPIs, which in turn mediates the relationship between these factors and sustainable purchase decisions. SPIs play a critical role in converting environmental concerns into actionable purchase decisions, bridging the gap between concerns and purchase tendencies. Practical implications The study offers insights for marketers, policymakers and e-commerce platforms by highlighting the importance of enhancing consumer awareness, knowledge and attitudes to strengthen intention and encourage purchase tendencies for sustainable goods and services in the online environment, thereby fostering sustainable consumerism and supporting sustainable purchasing behavior. Originality/value This research proposes a comprehensive conceptual framework in which SPI is studied as a mediator between environmental factors (knowledge, awareness and attitude) and sustainable purchase decision (SPD) in the context of online shopping. Unlike previous studies that have primarily examined these environmental concerns in isolation, this study simultaneously explores their combined influence, providing a more integrated and complete understanding of the drivers of sustainable online purchasing behavior. While the mediating role of SPI has been discussed in theories such as the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and value-belief-norm (VBN) theory, its application within the online shopping environment remains limited. By addressing this gap, the study contributes valuable insights for online marketers, businesses and policymakers aiming to promote sustainable consumer behavior.

This study explores disparities in information and communication technology (ICT) integration in Ghanaian early childhood education (ECE) taking into account gender and years of teaching experience. The study aims at understanding how these factors influence teachers’ confidence and frequency in using ICT tools. The cross-sectional design and quantitative research methodology were employed to analyse data from 49 teacher-respondents from both public and private schools using a standardised questionnaire. Teacher-respondents represented a diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and ICT proficiency levels. Our findings confirmed that no gender is innately more equipped to integrate ICT into the classroom but instead, given equal opportunities and the needed support both male and female teachers successfully perform. Again, we found that years of teaching experience did not influence ICT integration in ECE, rather, it highlighted the need for tailored professional development and support. Researchers recommend that teacher training programmes should enhance ICT-focused professional development and mentorship to ensure all educators, regardless of gender or experience, are confident and competent in using classroom technology.