Sumerianz Journal of Scientific Research

    
Online ISSN: 2617-6955
Print ISSN: 2617-765X

Quarterly Published (4 Issues Per Year)

Journal Website: https://www.sumerianz.com/?ic=journal-home&journal=29

Archive

Volume 3 Issue 12 (2020)

Effect of Information Communication and Technology (ICT) on the Performance of Financial Institutions in Ghana; A Case of Barclays Bank Ghana Limited, Sunyani Branch

Authors : Kyeremeh Kwadwo
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.312.166.180
Abstract:
The study sought to examine the contribution of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on performance of banks in terms of service delivery in financial institutions in Ghana. The high competition in the Ghanaian banking industry has forced rapid changes as a result of technological innovation, increased awareness and demands from customers. The study adopted both exploratory and descriptive research design. Qualitative research method was used in collecting data and data was analyzed qualitatively. The main instrument for collecting data was the structured questionnaire. A sample size of 50 respondents consisting of 8 staff members and 48 customers of Barclays Bank was used for the study. A structured questionnaire was the main data collection instrument. The purposive and systematic sampling techniques were used to obtain the required sample size. The main tool which was used for the data analysis was Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Frequencies and percentages were used to present the data in a tabular form. The limitation affecting the study was time and financial constraints. The study revealed that ICT has an appreciable positive effect on performance due to improved customer service delivery. This affects the growth of Barclays Bank. ATM service flaws such as withdrawal discrepancies, issuance of faulty cards and long time for applied ATM cards to arrive deter most customers from accessing the service. Following from this study, it is recommended, Barclays Bank enhances the performance of their ATMs and their networks to increase customers satisfaction.

Pages: 166-180

Three Dimensional Body-Mind-Spirit Worlds on Human Society, Social Fields and Chinese Cultural-Social Ecology

Authors : Yi-Fang Chang
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.312.156.165
Abstract:
First, we propose three dimensional body-mind-spirit worlds on human society. Some observed results imply “ghosts” are probably the existences of some biological or non-biological objects. Any observations and detections on mind and spirit worlds and on relations between both and matter are all valuable. Next, we discuss social field. Third, human ecology and social ecology are researched. Fourth, we study energetics and the entropy ecology. Fifth, from the social “diseases” exist widely, if which continues to increase or spread, it will produce various social crises. Finally, we propose the Chinese cultural-social ecology, whose aim is human and nature are completely harmonious, and reach the highest state of the unity of nature and human. From this explore the way to resolve the human crises. Human decision-making will shape the future of our world.

Pages: 156-165

Extraction and Physicochemical Characterization of Oil from Unripe Plantain (Musa Paradisiaca) Peels

Authors : Orodu Victor Enearepuadoh ; Igara Evawere Abigail
DOI : doi.org/10.47752/sjsr.312.151.155
Abstract:
Extraction and physicochemical analysis of oil from unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels was carried out using cold extraction method. The peels were washed with distilled water, sun dried for 3 hours and oven dried for 6 hours at 85oC. It was then ground thoroughly. 700g of the sample was weighed and 1.20 liter of n-hexane was added for 72 hours. It was placed in a water bath for the evaporation of the solvent. The physicochemical properties determined were Saponification Value (SV), Iodine Value (IV), Free Fatty Acid Value (FFA), Peroxide Value (PV), Acid Value (AV) the mean results obtained SV 335.18mg/KOH/g, IV 7.16gI2/100g, FFA 338.76mg/KOH/g, AV 696.35mg/KOH/g and PV 328.46meq/kg. In comparing these physicochemical properties with the standard given by WHO/FAO, it was observed that IV and PV were below the range, SV, AV and FFA was above the range. Hence, the oil obtained from unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca) peels is not fit for human consumption because AV, SV and FFA are higher than the standard given by WHO/FAO rather it can be used for making of soap and shampoos, PV showed the stability of the oil and IV indicates it’s nondrying quality which will not be suitable for ink and paint making due to its low iodine content.

Pages: 151-155