Causes of government construction projects failure in an emerging economy: evidence from Ghana

Purpose This study investigates the factors that cause government construction projects failure in a developing. Methodology The study used sequential data collection approach through an in-depth semi-structured interview (16 participants) and questionnaire survey (230 participants) to solicit their perceptions from project management practitioners, contractors and client (government officials) about the factors that lead to Ghanaian government construction projects. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to determine the relative importance of the factors identified. This was followed by Spearman rank correlation coefficient and Kendall’s coefficient of concordance to measure the degree of agreement among the participants on their perceptions. Findings Thirty-four (34) factors were identified as the main factors that lead into Ghanaian government construction projects failure. The top ten (10) most important factors that cause Ghanaian government construction projects failure are: political interferences, delays in payment, partisan politics, bureaucracy, corruption, poor supervision, lack of commitment by project leaders, poor planning, starting more projects than the government can fund, and change in government. The failure factors were grouped into four main themes and found that the most important failure factors are leadership. This is followed by management and administrative practices, resources, and external forces respectively. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to only the public sector and therefore finding may not be applicable in the private sector. Practical implications Policy makers and construction project management practitioners would be able to use findings as a guide during the implementation of government projects in order to reduce and/or avoid government construction projects failure. Originality/value Construction projects failure in developing countries is high. Accordingly, extant literature has been devoted to identifying the factors that lead to failure; however, they have mainly been discussed from generic point of view or individual case studies. Researches that focus exclusively on government construction projects in developing countries are rare despite the dynamics in which these projects are implemented. This research extends the construction project management literature by focusing on government construction projects in a developing economy; where there are weak public institutional systems coupled with partisanship politics and bad cultural orientation towards government sector work inherited from colonial rule

Transport Modelling of a pyro-convection event in Alaska

International audienceSummer 2004 saw severe forest fires in Alaska and the Yukon Territory that were mostly triggered by lightning strikes. The area burned (>2.7×106 ha) in the year 2004 was the highest on record to date in Alaska. Pollutant emissions from the fires lead to violation of federal standards for air quality in Fairbanks. This paper studies deep convection events that occurred in the burning regions at the end of June 2004. The convection was likely enhanced by the strong forest fire activity (so-called pyro-convection) and penetrated into the lower stratosphere, up to about 3 km above the tropopause. Emissions from the fires did not only perturb the UT/LS locally, but also regionally. POAM data at the approximate location of Edmonton (53.5° N, 113.5° W) show that the UT/LS aerosol extinction was enhanced by a factor of 4 relative to unperturbed conditions. Simulations with the particle dispersion model FLEXPART with the deep convective transport scheme turned on showed transport of forest fire emissions into the stratosphere, in qualitatively good agreement with the enhancements seen in the POAM data. A corresponding simulation with the deep convection scheme turned off did not result in such deep vertical transport. Lidar measurements at Wisconsin on 30 June also show the presence of substantial aerosol loading in the UT/LS, up to about 13 km. In fact, the FLEXPART results suggest that this aerosol plume originated from the Yukon Territory on 25 June

Around the world in 17 days ? hemispheric-scale transport of forest fire smoke from Russia in May 2003

International audienceIn May 2003, severe forest fires in southeast Russia resulted in smoke plumes extending widely across the Northern Hemisphere. This study combines satellite data from a variety of platforms (Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS), Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS), Earth Probe Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME)) and vertical aerosol profiles derived with Raman lidar measurements with results from a Lagrangian particle dispersion model to understand the transport processes that led to the large haze plumes observed over North America and Europe. The satellite images provided a unique opportunity for validating model simulations of tropospheric transport on a truly hemispheric scale. Transport of the smoke occurred in two directions: Smoke travelling northwestwards towards Scandinavia was lifted over the Urals and arrived over the Norwegian Sea. Smoke travelling eastwards to the Okhotsk Sea was also lifted, it then crossed the Bering Sea to Alaska from where it proceeded to Canada and was later even observed over Scandinavia and Eastern Europe on its way back to Russia. This is perhaps the first time that air pollution was observed to circle the entire globe. The total transport time was about 17 days. We compared transport model simulations using meteorological analysis data from both the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecast (ECMWF) and the National Center for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) in order to find out how well this event could be simulated using these two datasets. Although differences between the two simulations are found on small scales, both agree remarkably well with each other and with the observations on large scales. On the basis of the available observations, it cannot be decided which simulation was more realistic

Boreal forest fires in 1997 and 1998: a seasonal comparison using transport model simulations and measurement data

Forest fire emissions have a strong impact on the concentrations of trace gases and aerosols in the atmosphere. In order to quantify the influence of boreal forest fire emissions on the atmospheric composition, the fire seasons of 1997 and 1998 are compared in this paper. Fire activity in 1998 was very strong, especially over Canada and Eastern Siberia, whereas it was much weaker in 1997. According to burned area estimates the burning in 1998 was more than six times as intense as in 1997. Based on hot spot locations derived from ATSR (Along Track Scanning Radiometer) data and official burned area data, fire emissions were estimated and their transport was simulated with a Lagrangian tracer transport model. Siberian and Canadian forest fire tracers were distinguished to investigate the transport of both separately. The fire emissions were transported even over intercontinental distances. Due to the El Niño induced meteorological situation, transport from Siberia to Canada was enhanced in 1998. Siberian fire emissions were transported towards Canada and contributed concentrations more than twice as high as those due to Canada's own CO emissions by fires. In 1998 both tracers arrive at higher latitudes over Europe, which is due to a higher North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index in 1998. The simulated emission plumes are compared to CMDL (Climate Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory) CO₂ and CO data, Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) aerosol index (AI) data and Global Ozone Monitoring Experiment (GOME) tropospheric NO₂ and HCHO columns. All the data show clearly enhanced signals during the burning season of 1998 compared to 1997. The results of the model simulation are in good agreement with ground-based as well as satellite-based measurements

Purification of metals through filtration and electromagnetic separation

The applicability of a high frequency electromagnetic field to the removal of nonmetallic inclusions from silicon and aluminum, and the mechanism of depth mode filtration during aluminum purification were investigated. Electromagnetic separation experiments at frequencies of 63 - 120 kHz and aluminum filtration experiments using both conventional Al₂O₃ filters and AlF₃ coated Al₂O₃ filters were carried out by flowing molten aluminum through, and partly solidified in the filter bed followed by analysis of the metal and filter material. Materials were characterized with an optical microscope and macroscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDX), x-ray diffraction (XRD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS). 3D FLUENT CFD simulation was made in support of the filtration experiments. In the high frequency electromagnetic field work, the induced fluid flow significantly enhanced particle segregation either at the wall or at the bottom or deposition close to the top. The electromagnetic particle separation efficiency was significantly improved by higher coil current and longer separation time. Higher frequency also improved particle separation efficiency but was less significant than current or separation time. Filtration results showed that depth filtration of aluminum involves the contribution of three important mechanisms which are (1) collision and interception effect which involves particles transport from the melt and attachment to filter wall, (2) effect of inclusion bridges and (3) interfacial energy between collided inclusions --Abstract, page iv

Vertical transport of surface fire emissions observed from space

We use optimal estimation to infer the vertical distribution of surface emissions lofted from boreal and tropical biomass burning during June-October (JJASO) 2006. We use satellite observations of CO, a tracer of incomplete combustion, at thermal infrared and microwave wavelengths from Aura Tropospheric Emission Spectrometer (TES) and Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), respectively. TES and MLS together typically provide two to three pieces of information. We use a maximum a posteriori (MAP) methodology to estimate emitted CO mass in five vertical regions spanning the troposphere and lower stratosphere, equivalent to estimating surface emissions. Correlations between neighboring vertical regions, due to vigorous mixing induced by surface heating, reduce the inversion to the information content provided by the data. We use a total of 1785 TES profile measurements, of which 672 are colocated with MLS. We define an injection height based on MAP statistics. We find that 10%-20% of boreal and tropical fire emissions, depending on the region, reach the free and upper troposphere during JJASO 2006. Our injection height estimates during two key pyroconvective events, Siberia (July) and Indonesia (October), qualitatively agree with measurements of aerosol index and attenuated backscatter from Aura Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) and CALIPSO, respectively. Surface emissions inferred from our mass estimates agree with the Global Fire Emission Database biomass burning emission inventory to within +/-10%. The small percentage of emissions injected above the boundary layer result in disproportionate changes in CO concentrations of more than 2-25 ppb and 15-160 ppb over boreal and tropical regions, respectively.</p

Does the Resource Capacity of Exporters Differ Significantly from the Non-Exporters? Evidence from SMEs in an Emerging Economy

Compared to the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that remain continuously focused on a domestic market, it is argued that those that export learn from their exporting. Exporters learn from, for example, international competitors and consumers. Based on this motivation, the internationalisation of SMEs is flourishing across the world because by determining to remain competitive in the international market, the capacity of exporting firms is enhanced. Ghana has hailed the motivation of SMEs’ internationalisation. Consequently, policies and programmes are being implemented to encourage SMEs to export. Whilst the Ghanaian exporting sub-sector is growing, it is not known whether or not the resource capacity of exporting firms differs significantly from the non-exporters. The objective of the study is to compare the resource capacity between exporting and non-exporting SMEs and to establish whether or not the Ghanaian evidence compares with findings from other developing and developed economies, as well as to further inform public policy. The study draws from a firm level panel data set from the World Bank relating to SMEs from the Ghana manufacturing sector from 2000–2002. By employing the independent sample t-test, multivariate analysis of variance and the chi-square test a number of hypotheses are tested. The results show that the capacity of the exporting firms regarding the number of employees, productivity of staff and business experience were higher and differed significantly from the non-exporting firms. Following the results, it is recommended that current export-led programmes by the government of Ghana must be deepened because of the micro returns that are derived from export participation. Key Words: Internationalisation, Ghana, Exporting, Non-exporting, SMEs

Assessment of Breakfast Eating Habits Among Students of Takoradi Polytechnic

The main objective of this study was to assess breakfast eating habits of students of Takoradi Polytechnic. Descriptive research design, which is a non-experimental research design, was applied. The sampling method adopted was the non-probabilistic convenience sampling technique. The data used was basically primary and qualitative in nature which was collected via the questionnaire administration method of the survey technique. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 16. It was discovered that majority of the students regard breakfast as the most important meal of the day. Also, the results revealed that the most common reason for eating of breakfast among students of the Polytechnic is to boost energy to start the day. Moreover, it was evidenced that majority of the students were ignorant about the constituents of a complete breakfast. It was further evinced that students perceive breakfast as a good eating habit. Individual preference was also revealed the principal determinants of students’ food choice and breakfast eating habits. It was finally discovered that lack of energy is a possible effect of skipping breakfast.  The study concluded with such recommendations, among others, that the Polytechnic should require the services of a Nutritionist to brief students on the importance of eating breakfast and what a good breakfast should contain. Students should be guided to stock their cupboards with ready-to-eat breakfast they can grab and go with. The teaching calendar of the Polytechnic should be revised so that students can have time to eat breakfast before leaving for class to avoid headache when they attend lectures in the morning. The Polytechnic should consider an establishment which serves breakfast at an affordable price on campus to encourage breakfast eating among students in the Polytechnic. Keywords: Breakfast, constituents of complete breakfast, food choice, Takoradi Polytechnic, students’ eating habits

Extreme Temperature Variability in the Southeastern United States: Trends in Mississippi State

Over the past century, Mississippi has experienced significant increases in average temperatures, contributing to a variety of environmental and socioeconomic challenges. Changing precipitation patterns, including more frequent and severe droughts, threaten the state’s agriculture and water resources. At the same time, increasingly intense storms and floods pose risks to infrastructure and human safety. This paper explores evolving climate patterns in Mississippi, focusing on increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns, and the increasing frequency of extreme weather events, and examines the broader implications of these extreme temperature trends for Mississippi’s economy, health, and livelihoods. Trend analysis shows that Mississippi experiences year-round precipitation, hot summers, and relatively mild winters. The warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico serve as a major source of moisture and help moderate temperatures along the Mississippi coast, which impacts tourism and agricultural productivity. Over the past thirty years, the average annual precipitation in Mississippi has been 58.9 inches, with the northern region receiving about 50 inches and the coastal region nearly 65 inches. The state’s average temperature is extremely high, with a record low of 53°F and a record high of 75.3°F. This paper offers valuable insights into how Mississippi can adapt to a warming climate while protecting its natural resources and communities. The analysis highlights the need for stronger climate adaptation strategies and policy interventions to mitigate these impacts, with a focus on sustainable land and water management practices. This paper provides valuable insights for policymakers, environmental scientists, and stakeholders seeking to address the state’s climate challenges