The way business has been conducted in modern times has traversed the need to achieve financial gains. Globally, it has become imperative for organisations to thrive competitively on the basis of ecologically conciousness and sustainability. Hence, the primary aim of this investigation is to determine how Eco-Intellectual Capital (EIC) influences the sustainability performance of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). The study made use of primary data and employed a quantitative research approach using a survey for data collection. The main data collection instrument used was a structured questionnaire. Data for the study were solicited from a group of 500 employees and owners managing SMEs in Ghana. Data collected from the questionnaires were analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 24 and IBM SPSS AMOS (26.0) Graphics. The results showed that EIC had a favourable effect on the social and environmental dimensions of sustainability performance. On the economic (financial) dimension, however, the effect was not significant. Aside from magnifying Eco-Intellectual Capital and Sustainability Performance literature, this research study is one of the few that looks at how green human, structural and relational capital work together to improve the economic, social and environmental sustainability of SMEs in emerging economies.

The agenda to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to mitigate climate change remains a global concern. Researchers, policymakers and governments have shown interest in this regard. While empirical studies on the subject matter has been increasing conflicting results and little evidence on the effects of some variables necessitate for further studies. In this study the effect of female population, urbanization and trade openness on carbon dioxide emission in Ghana is assessed. The study used the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, & Technology (STIRPAT) model as the foundation for empirical modelling. Time series data spanning from 1971-2018 was used for regression analysis. In both long run and short run periods, urbanization was noted to exert positive influence on carbon dioxide emission while trade openness and female population exert negative effect on carbon dioxide emission. Thus, growth in urbanization increases carbon dioxide emission while the opposite is the case for trade openness and female population. Findings from the study suggest intensifying the empowerment of women could be a crucial catalyst for the achievement of Ghana’s nationally determined contributions toward CO2 reduction. Also, trade negotiations that promote environmental protection should not be relaxed

Extractive multinational corporations perform corporate social responsibility (CSR) activities for their host communities in the form of community development (CD). Consequently, the functions and roles of CSR in CD in developed and developing countries are very large and therefore cannot be overemphasized. This chapter points out the CSR activities and CD engagements of multinational corporations in the extractive mineral sector in Africa. Mineral extraction takes place in many communities in Africa. It is, therefore, imperative for organizations in the extractive industry to demonstrate their commitment to CSR by making important contributions to CD. Furthermore, the paper highlights the long-term community development of multinational mining corporations toward communities near them, which equally enhances goodwill and harmony with the adjacent communities. A content analysis of sustainability reports of firms in the extractive industry in Africa revealed that CSR efforts toward CD are in the areas of education, health, employment, skills development, water, and sanitation. It is envisaged that recommendations that will be put forward will enable policy makers and the extractive industry actors to ensure good relations between them and the communities.

Sustainable environment offers many benefits to individuals and societies. As a result, the agenda to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to mitigate climate change remains a global concern. Researchers, policymakers and governments have shown interest in this regard. Empirical studies on the subject matter have been increasing conflicting results and little evidence on the effects of some variables necessitate for further studies. To offer value to the literature, in this study, the effect of female population, urbanization and trade openness on carbon dioxide emission in Ghana is assessed. The study used the Stochastic Impacts by Regression on Population, Affluence, & Technology (STIRPAT) model as the foundation for empirical modelling. Time-series data spanning from 1971-2021 were used for regression analysis. In both long run and short run periods, urbanization was noted to exert positive influence on carbon dioxide emission while trade openness and female population exert a negative effect on carbon dioxide emission. Thus, growth in urbanization increases carbon dioxide emission while the opposite effect is the case for trade openness and the female population. Findings from the study suggest the need to intensify the empowerment of women, which could be a crucial catalyst for the achievement of Ghana's nationally determined contributions toward CO2 reduction. Also, international trade negotiations that promote environmental protection should not be relaxed.

Access to electricity is touted as one of the ways of reducing poverty and improving the livelihoods of people. However, an increased consumption may also contribute to higher carbon dioxide emissions. While many studies have therefore assessed the determinants of electricity consumption for developing countries that have a lower electricity consumption and inadequate supply to meet demand, the effect of financial development on electricity consumption has been mixed. Consequently, this study models electricity consumption in Ghana with special attention on the effect of financial development. The results show that price reduces electricity consumption while income and population density increase consumption of electricity. When financial development is represented by domestic credit to private sector, domestic credit to private sector by banks and broad money supply, the effect is negative on electricity consumption. However, the effect is positive when financial development is represented by foreign direct investment. A financial index constructed from the four indicators shows financial development reduces electricity consumption in Ghana. Among other things the policy implication includes the need to formulate appropriate policy based on a specific indicator for financial development.

Despite concerns about sustainability in the mining industry, integrating sustainability in mining continues to pose a big challenge for many companies. In developing countries, attention has been drawn to shortcomings in sustainability implementation in the mining sector. However, sustainable mining has been touted as adopting responsible business practices that protect the environment, and the wellbeing of society, while ensuring firms improve performance. To address this, this chapter seeks to propose ways of implementing sustainable mining practices. The chapter takes a closer look at sustainability practices in mining involving sustainability as environmental protection, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability as long-term community development. The chapter adopted a desk research approach to identify some sustainability practices in the mining sector in Africa. Secondary data from sustainability reports of four reputable mining companies in Africa were used to understand the sustainability practices of mining firms. The chapter also relied on an interview with a manager of a reputable mining company in Ghana on their sustainable mining practices. The findings in the chapter serve as evidence of the sustainability practices that mining firms implement. The chapter provides some recommendations for industry players and policymakers on ensuring sustainability in mining. It also contributes to scholarly knowledge on sustainability by focusing on mining sustainability in developing economies.

Background : Identifying and addressing research gaps on environmental sustainability in this striving time of COVID-19, it is imperative to ensure proper waste management disposal, efficient use of energy as well as judicious use of transport in order to achieve the SDGs 2030. Aim: The proposed scoping review is aimed at mapping evidence on global perceptions of environmental sustainability amidst COVID-19 pandemic. Methods : The proposed study will be guided by the enhanced version of Arksey and O’Malley’s scoping review framework, and Levac et al. 2010 recommendations together with the 2015 Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines. A comprehensive keywords search for relevant studies presenting evidence of environmental sustainability during COVID-19 pandemic will be conducted with the following databases: SCOPUS, Google Scholar, EBSCOhost, and PubMed. Literature from university repositories and international organization such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and government websites relevant to the proposed study will also be retrieved. The proposed review will use the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis: Extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) to present the results of the study. For data extraction in a content thematic manner of analysis, NVivo version 11 software package will be used. A mixed methods appraisal tool (MMAT) version 2018 will be employed to appraise the quality of all the included studies. Discussion : We are hopeful that the results of the proposed study will inform future research and unveil evidence-based information to report potential environmental sustainability issues that may arise in this new phase of COVID-19 pandemic. It also anticipated that the proposed study will enable policy and regulatory bodies to implement new strategies to achieve the SDGs inclusive of COVID-19 pandemic.

Purpose: In a developing country such as Ghana, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) have become the fulcrum for economic growth and development. This study aims to examine factors influencing the business performance of SMEs in an emerging market economy. Study design/methodology/approach: A descriptive survey design was used to collect data from SMEs in the service sectors of retail, hospitality, trade/commerce and manufacturing. The target population were from two municipalities. SPSS 23.0 was used to analyse the data got through the use of the questionnaires. Findings: The results indicate that governments in emerging economies are not doing enough to help SMEs. Access to credit had aided businesses to acquire modern technologies and raw materials for operation. Many entrepreneurs used their educational level, available business information services and marketing strategies to identify potential customers and to devise better strategies for dealing with their competitors. Originality/value: The study is the first to conclude that while access to credit aids SMEs’ in their operations, it can equally serve as a constraint to their performance. Besides, availability of business information service can help SMEs to gain competitive advantage. Moreover, marketing strategies impact SMEs performance positively. The study will help policy makers and development partners to fashion policies that will enhance the performance of SMEs.

Even though the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has been applauded for several decades, the concept of stakeholder engagement is relatively new to the Ghanaian mining sector. This study investigates the CSR process of an extractive company and examines how stakeholders are engaged in CSR. Using purposive and snowball sampling in identifying its respondents, data was gathered through interviewing 21 selected respondents from various stakeholder groups and documents such as sustainability annual reports were analyzed. It was discovered that Newmont Ahafo Mines has consistently had a prominent CSR drive in Ghana for several years and stakeholder involvement in CSR is important for implementing relevant CSR programs. Findings of this study contribute to the building of empirical reference which will serve as guidelines for management practitioners dealing with stakeholder relations and CSR in Ghana’s mining sector. Therefore, it is recommended that the mining sector put immense effort in engaging various stakeholders in their CSR initiatives.

The study aims to systematically map and describe the evidence on individual’s sustainable consumption behaviour and energy and transport use in Africa. The paper employed Arskey and O’Malley’s’ framework of 2005 as a guide to conduct a scoping review. Using keywords separated by Boolean terms (AND/OR) with all limiters removed, relevant published studies in Science Direct, SCOPUS, and Google Scholar were searched. Full-text screening guided by the inclusion criteria was independently conducted and data extraction was done using a piloted form to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the data. The results revealed that out of 176 studies, six met this study’s inclusion criteria and were included for data extraction. Among the six included studies, two were multi-country studies involving African countries, and study each was conducted in Ghana, Mauritius, South Africa, and Egypt. Of the included studies, five were on sustainable energy consumption domain, one on energy use and recycling behaviour, and the factors influencing sustainable energy consumption; price, income, urbanization, intention, attitudes, subjective norms and personal values. However, we found no evidence on individual’s sustainable consumption behaviour and transport use. Concluding, the results suggest that limited studies on sustainable consumption behaviour of energy and transport use are found in Africa. Therefore, further studies are needed to protect the gains made so far on environmental sustainability as well as to encourage and improve the individual’s sustainable consumption practices.

The new paradigm shift in the discourse on sustainability and sustainable consumption globally and particularly in Africa, has led to the need to understand the consumption practices of people in order to strategize and safeguard scarce natural resources for posterity. This study aims to systematically review published research to answer the research question: what evidence exists on individuals' sustainable consumption practices in Africa? The study focuses on consumers' waste minimisation, sustainable food consumption, sustainable transport and sustainable energy consumption in Africa, to provide evidence for policy decisions and future research. The study adopts the 2015 Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines, Arksey and O'Malley's suggested scoping review framework, and Levac et al. 2010 recommendations. To present the results of this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Review would be used. This study seeks to identify future strategies to encourage greater sustainable consumption practices in African households.Keywords: Sustainable consumption and production, Waste minimisation, Sustainable food consumption, Sustainable energy consumption, Sustainable transport, AfricaJEL Classifications: M31, P28, P36, Q01, Q56DOI: https://doi.org/10.32479/irmm.11845

This paper aims to explore the motivations and challenges of engaging host communities in CSR practices within the context of Newmont Ahafo Mines (NAM), a subsidiary of a Multinational Mining Enterprise (MNE) operating in Ghana’s mining sector. This paper draws insights from stakeholder theory and interviews conducted with internal stakeholders (management and employees) and stakeholders in host communities (traditional rulers and community members). The findings indicate that effective decision-making, gaining legitimacy, cost savings, management of risks, and accountability are some of the perceived motivations of NAM’s stakeholder engagement in CSR. Nonetheless, the most critical challenges to NAM in improving stakeholder engagement in CSR practices are the lack of community members’ support in CSR projects, communities’ high expectations of NAM on development projects and over-dependency on NAM on the part of host communities. Therefore, it is reasonable for MNEs in emerging economies to attune engagement practices to the host community’s context. This will enable CSR practices and policies to fully exploit the latent benefits of CSR in the mining sector.

Background Free maternal healthcare financing schemes play an essential role in the quality of services rendered to clients during antenatal care in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, healthcare managers’ and providers’ perceptions of the healthcare financing scheme may influence the quality of care. This s coping review mapped evidence on managers’ and providers’ perspectives of free maternal healthcare and the quality of care in SSA. Methods We used Askey and O’Malley’s framework as a guide to conduct this review. To address the research question, we searched PubMed, CINAHL through EBSCOhost, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, and Google Scholar with no date limitation to May 2019 using keywords, Boolean terms, and Medical Subject Heading terms to retrieve relevant articles. Both abstract and full articles screening were conducted independently by two reviewers using the inclusion and exclusion criteria as a guide. All significant data were extracted, organized into themes, and a summary of the findings reported narratively. Results In all, 15 out of 390 articles met the inclusion criteria. These 15 studies were conducted in nine countries. That is, Ghana (4), Kenya (3), and Nigeria (2), Burkina Faso (1), Burundi (1), Niger (1), Sierra Leone (1), Tanzania (1), and Uganda (1). Of the 15 included studies, 14 reported poor quality of maternal healthcare from managers’ and providers’ perspectives. Factors contributing to the perception of poor maternal healthcare included: late reimbursement of funds, heavy workload of providers, lack of essential drugs and stock-out of medical supplies, lack of policy definition, out-of-pocket payment, and inequitable distribution of staff. Conclusion This study established evidence of existing literature on the quality of care based on healthcare providers’ and managers’ perspectives though very limited. This study indicates healthcare providers and managers perceive the quality of maternal healthcare under the free financing policy as poor. Nonetheless, the free maternal care policy is very much needed towards achieving universal health, and all efforts to sustain and improve the quality of care under it must be encouraged. Therefore, more research is needed to better understand the impact of their perceived poor quality of care on maternal health outcomes.

BACKGROUND:The world aims to achieve universal health coverage by removing all forms of financial barriers to improve access to healthcare as well as reduce maternal and child deaths by 2030. Although free maternal healthcare has been embraced as a major intervention towards this course in some countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the perception of the quality of healthcare may influence utilization and maternal health outcomes. We systematically mapped literature and described the evidence on maternal perceptions of the quality of care under the free care financing policies in SSA. METHODS:We employed the Arskey and O'Malley's framework to guide this scoping review. We searched without date limitations to 19th May 2019 for relevant published articles in PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Science Direct, and CINAHL using a combination of keywords, Boolean terms, and medical subject headings. We included primary studies that involved pregnant/post-natal mothers, free maternal care policy, quality of care, and was conduct in an SSA country. Two reviewers independently screened the articles at the abstract and full-text screening guided by inclusion and exclusion criteria. All relevant data were extracted and organized into themes and a summary of the results reported narratively. The recent version of the mixed methods appraisal tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. RESULTS:Out of 390 studies, 13 were identified to have evidence of free maternal healthcare and client perceived quality of care. All the 13 studies were conducted in 7 different countries. We found three studies each from Ghana and Kenya, two each in Burkina Faso and Nigeria, and a study each from Niger, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania. Of the 13 included studies, eight reported that pregnant women perceived the quality of care under the free maternal healthcare policy to be poor. The following reasons accounted for the poor perception of service quality: long waiting time, ill-attitudes of providers, inadequate supply of essential drugs and lack of potable water, unequal distribution of skilled birth attendants, out-of-pocket payment and weak patient complaint system. CONCLUSION:This study suggests few papers exist that looked at maternal perceptions of the quality of care in the free care policy in SSA. Considering the influence mothers perceptions of the quality of care can have on future health service utilisation, further studies at the household, community, and health facility levels are needed to help unearth and address all hidden quality of care challenges and improve maternal health services towards attaining the sustainable development goals on maternal and child health.

The incessant demand and consumption of energy services among individuals’ is increasing throughout the world. Individuals’ electricity consumption in Northern Cyprus has risen considerably. However, the demand for electrical energy services on the island is heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels. Burning fossil fuels has adverse effects on its environment. Therefore, sustainable energy consumption is required and individuals are targeted for energy conservation to reduce electricity consumption. Against this background, using the Structural Equation Modeling approach, this research incorporates social‐psychological factors; personal norms, positive and negative emotions into the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) model to assess the relationships among the variables, explain their impact on consumers’ electricity conservation intentions and enhance the explanatory power of the model. Data was conveniently obtained from a quantitative sample of 400 electricity consumers. The results indicate that negative emotions have the strongest significant influence on intentions, but personal norms have the least effect on intentions to save electricity. Furthermore, the study revealed that our expanded TPB model can provide improved explanatory power more than the original TPB. Policy implications, limitations and future research are discussed.

dissertation submitted to the School of Graduate Studies, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the award of degree of Master of Science in Procurement Management, 2014

The paper aimed at contributing to the body of knowledge in the area of production deviant behaviour or counterproductive deviant behaviours (CWB) by assessing respondents understanding of CWB and the reasons that influence the occurrence of CWB. The paper is based on quantitative descriptive survey of workers in Sunyani Township. A sample of 174 was selected using convenient sample method and primary data collected through using self-designed questionnaire administered at the work place. Results indicate that respondents do not support CWB, and will report the occurrence to management. Respondents have seen co-workers engaged in CWB at their job places with majority of the respondents not engaged in CWB. The three most important reasons workers indulge in CWB are dissatisfaction with the job; type of person and because deviant behaviours are not punished. Management of organisations should focus on both personal and organisational factors in trying to prevent CWB in an organisation. They should strengthen internal control systems in order to detect and prevent these behaviours. Future studies should focus on causal studies and also increase sample size.