R. Hinson | University Of Ghana, Accra,Legon (original) (raw)

Papers by R. Hinson

Bank and Bank …, 2008

Internet banking is a tool in the service delivery arsenal for banks. This study focuses on clien... more Internet banking is a tool in the service delivery arsenal for banks. This study focuses on client-bank relationship and on how Internet adoption may improve the qualitative relationship between banks and firms in Ghana and the business they serve. The study adopted a triangulation approach in meeting its objectives. A sample of 180 companies was sampled from the manufacturing, commerce, and services sectors of the economy. The findings of the study were mainly reported by means of descriptive statistics. The research findings indicate that Internet banking services are at their infant stage. Of the respondents, 68% had heard about Internet banking while 33% have never heard about it. 55% of the respondents said security concerns were the major barrier to the adoption of Internet banking. 55.6% of the firms that responded were not connected to the Internet whiles 44.4% were. Majority of the interviewees said they would still visit the bank even if their company adopts Internet banking. Access to their account balance and understanding customer needs are the most important factors for facilitating a good bank client relationship for firms in Ghana and their banks. Banks in Ghana need to start considering the introduction of Internet strategies in the development of customer relationship management (CRM) programs, which will ultimately increase the customer lifetime value of their clients. The present paper is one of the first Internet banking studies from a West African context on the usefulness of Internet banking technologies to bank clients.

International Journal of Corporate Social Responsibility, 2017

The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework and propositions showing the integr... more The aim of this study is to develop a comprehensive framework and propositions showing the integration of market orientation (MO) as an economic-oriented strategy and corporate social responsibility (CSR), as a sociallyoriented strategy for business performance (BP). A review of literature on the three constructs of MO, CSR and BP facilitated the development of the framework and a number of research propositions. An integrated conceptual framework of economic and social strategies is constructed based on prior conceptualisation of MO and CSR. In total, twenty-six (26) propositions are developed based on the integrated conceptual framework. An empirical examination of the model will clarify further, relations among the variables and then authenticate the developed model and propositions. The study provides practitioners with a framework and the accompanying propositions for decision making with respect to their strategic choices and performance. The conceptual framework and the proposition developed when implemented are expected to enhance both the firm and customer value which has a wider implication for the society. The novelty in this research is the common antecedents of both MO and CSR. This research augments the few studies on the integration of MO and CSR.

Acta Commercii, 2004

This article reports the findings of an empirical study of the problems of developing Project Man... more This article reports the findings of an empirical study of the problems of developing Project Management (PM) practice in Ghanaian organisations. Based on previous research and survey data, the characteristics of the project life cycle (PLC) are used as a basis to examine the nature, type and severity of the problems encountered by organisations implementing projects. It is also used to determine the extent and relevance of PM usage: concepts, methods and application. It is concluded that although PM is important, legitimate and relevant, its practice in Ghana has been fraught with problems. Some recommendations for overcoming these problems are also made, and it is recommended that further research is required in order to ascertain the nature of PM practice and to gauge the attitudes and opinions of people involved in projects in Ghana.

$Research paper thumbnail of Service quality on ghana\'s first executive MBA programme: some exploratory insights$

IFE PsychologIA, 2005

ABSTRACT The educational literature suggests that there is mounting pressure on tertiary institut... more ABSTRACT The educational literature suggests that there is mounting pressure on tertiary institutions from customers of higher education to close the widening gap between their expectations of institutional performance and actual performance (Brigham, 1994). This study was the first part of a two-part service quality study of Ghana\'s first executive MBA program. The authors of the paper needed to ascertain in an exploratory context what the current service delivery experiences of the students were. Half of the respondents did not believe that the physical facilities on the EMBA were appealing. They cited worn out furnishing and fittings and unattractive looking air conditioners as some of the reasons why they thought the facilities were unappealing. Just over half (57.7%) of the respondents believed that lecturers had the knowledge to answer their questions. They were of the opinion that some lecturers were too steeped in the theoretical aspects of the course they lectured in, without showing an expansive enough appreciation of the practical ramifications of the theory both locally and internationally. 20% of the respondents would not recommend the program to friends or family because they perceived the service quality on the program was not high enough; felt competitor programs like the GIMPA EMBA had better service quality and they felt the distance learning programs like the Leicester Distance Learning EMBA offered more flexibility. This is an initial exploratory study and therefore the results are not conclusive; but rather reflective. The key areas of reflection for the program managers of the LEGON EMBA would include a look at reformulating the program content, including seasoned guest lecturers as part of the program, a look at consolidating their strengths and improve their weak areas of the teaching faculty. An EMBA student representative must also be nominated to serve on the EMBA governing Council.

IFE PsychologIA, 2006

Sales strategies which firms adopt to enter, penetrate and grow in export markets is an issue per... more Sales strategies which firms adopt to enter, penetrate and grow in export markets is an issue pertinent to the export business and yet this has received little empirical attention in management literature. This study sought to investigate the design and implementation of sales management policies and strategies in the non-traditional export sector of Ghana. The study showed that there is a positive relationship between export sales turnover and export sales strategy design and implementation. No relationship was established between the planning of daily sales activities and sales turnover as almost all firms had daily sales plans irrespective of their sales turnover. The older the firm in export business, the more likely it was for management to put in place strategies that will facilitate the growth and profitability of the firm. This might be the case that as firms stay longer in business they are likely to improve on their managerial experience curves and for that matter adopt more pragmatic management strategies that will enhance the success of their businesses. Results show that management of non-traditional export firms in Ghana should be critically concerned with the design and implementation of comprehensive sales management strategies, taking into consideration other factors like internet use and planning of sales presentation in order to achieve enhanced performance results in foreign markets. IFE PsychologIA Vol. 14(1) 2006: 26-39

Gender and Behaviour, 2005

ABSTRACT The study of women in management in the Ghanaian business literature is a fairly neglect... more ABSTRACT The study of women in management in the Ghanaian business literature is a fairly neglected area. In relation to Ghana however, there is no study that has sought to explore the nuances that characterise the work of women in marketing. This study investigated the characteristics of successful Ghanaian women in the marketing. Criteria for choosing successful women included the completion of at least a decade of marketing practice and the acquisition of substantial marketing knowledge before or during their marketing careers either through formal degree programmes, diplomas or executive education programmes. Key findings included 90% of the successful women surveyed indicating that had control over their own careers, 50% of the respondents agreeing that others had control over their careers, with another 50% disagreeing. 80% of the successful marketing women had mentors but these mentors were not engaged in the marketing profession themselves. 60% of the mentors for these women were men however. Family takes a central role in the lives of successful marketing women in Ghana and this finding contradicted the findings of White et al (1997), who contend that work takes a central role in the lives of successful women. All the respondents believed that their marketing success could be traced to their high need for achievement and this is consistent with Nath (2000) who observed that professional women in India also possessed individual drive for success. This study was exploratory. Recommendations for future research included the replication of the study for the other professional disciplines in Ghana like accountancy and human resources management. Other studies also need to be carried out among female professionals in Ghana; which studies will focus on middle-level and female junior staff; to begin to understand the challenges they might be facing in their quest to climb up the corporate ladder.Gender & Behaviour Vol.3 2005: 348-360

Abstract Purpose: With the cut-throat competition now prevailing in Ghana&amp;#x27;s bank... more Abstract Purpose: With the cut-throat competition now prevailing in Ghana&amp;#x27;s banking sector, it has become imperative to study students&amp;#x27; perception of service quality in Ghana&amp;#x27;s banking sector. This is because undergraduate students are usually first time account holders and ...

Public Relations Review, 2014

ABSTRACT This study examines the socio-economic development potential of engaging dialogue on sub... more ABSTRACT This study examines the socio-economic development potential of engaging dialogue on sub-Saharan Africa Police Service Websites (SSAPWs). Drawing upon Kent and Taylor's (1998) dialogic communications framework the study covers countries from Angola to Zambia. SSAPWs were found to have performed reasonably high on the ease of interface, while lagging in terms of disseminating useful information; ability to engage the public in constructive dialoguing (i.e. dialogic loop); conservation of visitors; and return visits. While internet penetration rates in SSA may be low and expensive, most people with internet access are underreported, as data is atypically derived from unreliable PC internet subscriptions as opposed to social media usage via mobile devices. The authors argue for more proactive public sector marketing strategies, leveraging the SSAPW platform for effective crime detection, reporting and fighting – in a collaborative effort between the police and the citizens of concerned states. In so-doing the study not only contributes to the scant literature on the potential of constructive dialogic communications on the websites of public services in the developing world context – not the least in the police service sector. In other words the study goes beyond the usual suspects (e.g. online retailing) to dialogue in policing.

Marketing Intelligence & Planning, 2011

Purpose–This paper seeks to determine from the standpoint of undergraduate students, service-qual... more Purpose–This paper seeks to determine from the standpoint of undergraduate students, service-quality dispositions of bank brands operating in Ghana; in respect of customer service (human interaction), service knowledge and bank infrastructure and technology. ...

Management Decision, 2007

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the link between the determinants of p... more PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to examine empirically the link between the determinants of perceived strategic value (PSV) of e‐commerce and e‐commerce adoption among Ghanaian small and medium size enterprises (SMEs), defined as businesses that employ a maximum of 200 employees.Design/methodology/approachThe authors randomly sampled SME owners/managers from the membership of the Ghana Club 100 (GC 100) and non‐traditional exporters (NTEs). Established databases are not the norm in Ghana, and GC 100 and NTEs had membership databases that were accessible to the local co‐author. Investigating e‐commerce adoption issues among these companies was warranted. The authors used a structured instrument developed and validated in prior studies to collect the data in a face to face interview. A pilot study was conducted to ascertain the clarity and reliability of the questionnaire. Of the SME owners/managers: 200 were contacted; 112 agreed to participate in the study; 107 responses were ob...

Library Review, 2006

PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness and utilisation of the ... more PurposeThe objective of this study was to evaluate the level of awareness and utilisation of the internet for academic research and learning among level 400 (final year) students of Ghana's oldest business school.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilised a cross‐sectional survey approach because it was restricted to final year students in the 2003–2004 year graduating class. The study also employed a convenience sampling technique and was executed by means of questionnaire administration and personal interviews. The final year students were asked to fill the questionnaires before a business policy lecture. The basic research instrument used in this research was a structured questionnaire with both open and close ended questions. Apart from questionnaires, in‐depth interviews with the respondents were also conducted with the respondents because we felt that because we were dealing with a research that had to do with technology, there could be latent issues that could only be ...

Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society, 2008

PurposeThe deployment and strategic use of e‐business, from basic e‐mail utilization to total ent... more PurposeThe deployment and strategic use of e‐business, from basic e‐mail utilization to total enterprise integration, involves the commitment of financial and technical resources. The resources have to be financed. The purpose of this paper is to ascertain the views of trade promotion organizations, donors, export associations and banks on e‐business financing in Ghana's non‐traditional export (NTE) sector, with the view to making policy contributions to the e‐business financing phenomenon in a developing economy (DE) context.Design/methodology/approachThe research design is qualitative since this is an exploratory study and deep preliminary insights were sought about a hitherto under‐researched information systems topic from a developing country perspective. Officials from the trade promotion; export association, donor and financial communities were interviewed to generate insights to help understand the phenomenon under investigation.FindingsSome banks find it difficult financ...

Journal of Electronic Commerce in Organizations, 2007

This study sought to ascertain what key international and local triggers accelerated or militated... more This study sought to ascertain what key international and local triggers accelerated or militated against their e-business adoption process in Ghanaian non-traditional export (NTE) firms. The macro international trigger explored was competition from exporters in other countries as well as an ascertainment of the significance of export direction. The macro level trigger explored hinged on the level of infrastructural support available for e-business adoption and deployment. Study focused on active non-traditional exporters in Accra. 60 firms responded to questionnaires on e-business and exporting. Analysis of the data was mainly by means of descriptive statistics. Competition acts as a trigger for e-business adoption even though its relationship to the level of internationalization could not be clearly established. E-business is important for Ghanaian exporters irrespective of where they are exporting to and they seem prepared to go electronic irrespective of the level of infrastruct...

Journal of Business & Industrial Marketing, 2008

PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the relationship between the perceptions of the strategic v... more PurposeThis paper sets out to examine the relationship between the perceptions of the strategic value of e‐commerce and e‐commerce adoption among 107 owners/managers of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) in a transitional economy, Ghana.Design/methodology/approachThe membership of the top 100 Ghanaian businesses, called the Ghana Club 100 (GC 100), and non‐traditional exporters (NTEs) was surveyed using a structured questionnaire in face‐to‐face interviews. Principal axis factoring with varimax rotation was employed to identify and estimate the constructs in the model, followed by an exploratory factor analysis to test for the inclusion of all items in the model. Finally, canonical analysis was employed to study the interrelationships among the sets of multiple dependent and multiple independent variables. By so doing control for moderator effects existing among various variables was effected.FindingsOrganizational support was the strongest predictor on the perceived strategi...

Journal of African Business, 2008

Richard Boateng, MSc, is an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) PhD Researcher at the ... more Richard Boateng, MSc, is an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) PhD Researcher at the Institute of Development Policy and Management, University of Manchester, United Kingdom. Robert Hinson is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Marketing, University ...

Internet Research, 2008

PurposeE‐commerce is diffusing into developing countries (DCs), and is assumed to help deliver th... more PurposeE‐commerce is diffusing into developing countries (DCs), and is assumed to help deliver the international development agenda. But how can the connection between e‐commerce and socio‐economic development be conceptualised? The aim of this paper is to analyse that connection by drawing from the development studies discipline to take a broader perspective on e‐commerce than that so far provided by firm‐level research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors adopt a literature survey approach, drawing their conceptual foundations from development studies, and supplementing this from the e‐commerce literature.FindingsThe paper develops a new, integrated model that explains the way in which e‐commerce can contribute to socio‐economic development.Research limitations/implicationsThis new model can help provide a foundation for future research on e‐commerce in DCs; research on e‐commerce policy as well as impact assessment research.Practical implicationsThe discussion and model provide...