Department of Industrial Technology

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://dspace.njala.edu.sl/handle/20.500.144402/181

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    The Impact of Timber Export on Economic Growth in Sierra Leone
    (Science Research Publication, 2023-09-30) Dumbuya, Ibrahim
    Sierra Leone is one of thenatural resource-based economies in Africa that relies on its natural resource exports for growth. This study examines the impact of timber export on economic growth in Sierra Leone between 1990 and 2020 using time series data from the Statistic Sierra Leone and World Development Indicators. The analysis uses cointegration and error, correction models. The findings from the result showed that timber export has an insignificant effect on the economic growth of Sierra Leone in both the short and long run. The findings recommend, among other things, that policies aimed at increasing the productivity and quality of timber be implemented. Furthermore, the additional value needs to be added to the timber before exporting. Correspondingly, the professional knowledge and expertise needed to transform the harvested timber to final products made available by training local technicians in the timber processing value chain.
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    The Effect of Foreign Direct Investment on Economic Growth in Sierra Leone
    (Science Research Publication, 2023-10-31) Dumbuya, Ibrahim
    Sierra Leone is one of thepoorest economies in Africa that relies heavily on foreign direct investment (FDI) inflow for growth. This study examines the impact of FDI on economic growth in Sierra Leone between 1990 and 2020 using time series data from the World Development Indicators (WDI). The analysis uses cointegration and error, correction models. The findings from the result showed that FDI has a significant positive effect on the economic growth of Sierra Leone in both the short and long run. The findings recommend, among other things, that policies aimed at increasing the productivity and growth be implemented. Furthermore, since FDI of the economy is also significant, government should make further efforts to strengthen the implementation of it reform agenda which has the potential to attract more FDI into Sierra Leone. This is true because, the inflow of FDI has been on the increase because of the increase in exportation since the introduction of certain reform measures by the government which have further encouraged and boost foreign investment in various sectors of the economy.
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    Quantitative Analysis of Wood Tar Production Efficiency of Selected Wood Species in Sierra Leone
    (2024-09-26) Fofanah, Mohamed Syed
    Wood tar is the byproduct that is discharged when wood is carbonized in a charcoal kiln or distilled in a distillation furnace. Burning of charcoal and biomass gasification processes release large quantities of trace gases and particles that contribute to air pollution and climate change. This study aims at contributing to the identification of woods suitable for wood tar production in Sierra Leone in order to help rural communities involve in charcoal production protect the environment at the same time earning additional income from sale of wood tar. Carbonization using Tumulus kiln was done on four different weights of the dry wood samples taken at 400kg, 500kg, 600kg and 700kg. The quantities of wood tars produced by the three wood samples (Phyllanthus discoideu, Diallum guinesis and Mangifera indica) determined. The study revealed that all three wood samples are suitable candidates for wood tar production with Mangifera indica and Phyllanthus discoideu most preferred.
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    NON-PYROLYTIC FIELD METHOD FOR THE PRODUCTION OF RESINOUS WOOD TAR FROM MANGIFERA INDICA (MANGO TREE)
    (2024-12-31) Fofanah, Mohamed Syed
    Resinous wood tar is a dark, viscous liquid of hydrocarbons and free carbon which is a by-product of the high temperature carbonization or pyrolysis of resin producing woods like pine and mango woods in anoxic conditions. Pyrolysis produces flue gases that contain pollutants, such as carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, which can pollute the air and water. This study provides an alternative technology for the production of wood tar using non-pyrolytic method which is comparatively a less complex process, save cost due to low energy consumption and mitigate environmental pollution. The two main objectives considered in the study were to determine the wood tar production efficiency of mango tree resin and some physical properties of the wood tar produced. The experimental method basically involves the immersion of the mango wood bark chips in water for 72 hrs so that the resin in the chips will adequately dissolve in water. The solution is boiled at 100oC to allow water to evaporate under controlled environment leaving a dark brown tarry concentrate. The 5000ml of resin solution obtained from the 5kg bark chips immersed in water yielded 300ml of liquid wood tar and 168g of concentrated wood tar. The wood tar produced has a pH of 4.37 (acidic) and density of 1.06g/cm3.
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    Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Sustainability And Company Performance: A Case Study of Miro Forestry Company Ltd in Mile 91, Sierra Leone
    (2024-11-08) Fofanah, Mohamed Syed
    Organizations globally are increasingly adapting to dynamic business environments, where management must consistently identify strategies to maintain or enhance competitive advantage. Total Quality Management (TQM) has emerged as a critical approach for manufacturing firms seeking to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness. Although previous research has explored the relationship between TQM practices and organizational performance, the findings have been inconclusive, signaling the need for further investigation. Notably, in Sierra Leone, limited research exists on the effect of TQM on the performance of manufacturing firms, revealing a knowledge gap. This study addresses this gap by examining the impact of TQM practices on the performance of manufacturing firms in Sierra Leone, with a specific focus on Miro Forestry Company Ltd. The main objectives of the study are to: (1) assess the impact of customer focus on organizational performance, (2) evaluate the role of top management commitment in enhancing performance, (3) examine the effect of continuous improvement on performance outcomes, and (4) determine the influence of employee involvement on organizational performance. The study employed a descriptive quantitative research design. A sample of 121 employees was selected from a target population of 400 using stratified random sampling. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS alongside correlation analyses to assess relationships between variables. The findings were presented using figures and tables. Results show that TQM practices, which mainly involve customer focus, top management commitment, continuous improvement, and employee involvement were found to positively impact organizational performance. Customer focus significantly enhances customer satisfaction, while top management commitment and continuous improvement contribute to overall performance. Employee involvement also positively influences performance outcomes. The study recommends that companies should foster a robust organizational culture characterized by trust, respect, and a shared sense of purpose. Additionally, continuous improvement should remain a central focus to sustain performance. Management is also advised to prioritize quality management by motivating employees and offering incentives to support TQM initiatives.
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    Comparative Study of Soil Profiles of Ceramic Stoves Production Clays of Sierra Leone: (Case Study of Four Traditional Pottery Communities)
    (2024-05-05) Fofanah, Mohamed Syed
    Sierra Leone soils are mainly ultisols in which the accumulated clay has long been recognized as an important raw material for building and manufacturing of ceramic utensils. The basis for classification and understanding ceramic clays is the soil profile description made in the field, where soils occur. Laboratory investigations only supplement understanding of soil profile descriptions made in the field. For ceramic products to be appreciated in Sierra Leone, which has a high potential for the establishment of ceramic industry due to her huge deposit of clay, research has to be done to provide information on the various clay deposits with reference to their ceramic suitability and to do so an understanding of the soil profiles from which this clays are extracted is essential. Two hundreds or more years have passed since the discovery of ceramics and many civilizations in the world have developed this industry to economically viable and environmentally sound levels. Where Sierra Leone stands in all this development is yet to be determined. The development of ceramics at the traditional level in Sierra Leone has regrettably not advance beyond the first basic stage discovered by primeval man. To this day, sundried mud instead of firm relatively indestructive fired bricks are used for building houses in rural communities. This study aims at identifying some properties of soil profiles whose clays could be used in ceramics production of tiles, bricks and household utensils so as to establish small scale ceramic industries that could improve the livelihoods of pottery communities in Sierra Leone. Three soil profiles, representing taxonomic units, were sampled from each of the four sites (Pa Loko, Niagorehun, Yengema and Mabettor). The sampled soil profiles from each unit were described using freshly exposed vertical pits and fresh auger boring at depth within horizons. Clay samples were collected from the "B" Horizon and both the physical and chemical properties of these clays were analyzed. From the results of both the physical and chemical analyses of the clay samples collected from the various soil profiles, a conclusion could be made that the clays are suitable for the production of ceramic building materials, especially fired bricks. For manufacture of ceramic wares, these clays need further processing through addition of grog and other additives to improve it firing characteristic.
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    Characterization of Ceramic Tile Bodies Prepared From Clays Collected from Four
    (2024-10-21) Fofanah, Mohamed Syed
    Sierra Leone has high potentials for the setting-up of ceramic industry because of its huge virgin deposits of raw materials, chiefly clay, but lacks the technological know-how to utilize these materials to an economically sound level. Tile body offers a foundation for the performance of a glaze. The chemical and mineralogical composition of these clay bodies coupled with some physical properties, such a plasticity, bulk density, porosity, and water absorption, play significant role in determining the quality of the glazed surface.This is attested by certain glaze defects like pinholes, crazing and crawling on the glaze surface resulting mainly from bubble development within the body matrix during firing. The study aims at contributing to the promotion and use of appropriate ceramic building materials technology in Sierra Leone, by providing relevant research data to guide the production of quality ceramic products. The three key objectives, were to determine (1) the physical properties (2) chemical properties (3) mechanical properties of the clay samples investigated for their suitability in clay tile bodies production. Clay samples were collected from four sites in Sierra Leone namely Matankay (C-M) in the Western Rural District, Bo (C-B) in Bo District, Koribondo (C-K) in Pujehun District and Yele (C-Y) in Tonkolili District. Based on their plasticity index values, grain size distribution, bulk density, porosity and dry-fired shrinkage results obtained from this study, the four clay samples investigated are suitable for clay tile body production provided grog, frits, fluxes and other components are added proportionately and fired at temperatures above 1100oC to improve vitrification of the clay tile body during biscuit firing before application of the glaze.
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    Assessing the Effectiveness of Chemical Exposure Management Practices in Sierra Leone’s Mining Sector: A Case Study of Sierra Rutile Mines
    (2024-11-29) Dumbuya, Ibrahim
    This study assessed the effectiveness of chemical exposure management practices in Sierra Leone's mining sector, focusing on the Sierra Rutile Mining Company. Utilizing a case study research design with both quantitative and qualitative methods, the research involved 70 workers from various departments, including the Mineral Separation Plant, Water Treatment Plant, Central Workshop, Laboratory, and Safety Department. Data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using SPSS and Excel. The findings indicate that workers' awareness of chemical exposure risks is adequate but the implementation of the strategies to mitigate the chemical exposure risk, such as effective monitoring, supervision, continuous training and strict adherence to regulatory frameworks are inadequate and inefficient. The study also reveals a shortage of specialized chemical safety personnel and poor adherence to safety regulations by management. These conditions have contributed to severe health outcomes such as respiratory and dermal diseases, eye defects, heart issues, lung damage, kidney problems, skin rashes, and mental health issues. The research concludes that chemical exposure significantly impacts workers’ health, and current management practices are insufficient. Recommendations include enhancing employee training on chemical safety, providing timely safety information, enforcing strict safety leadership, and improving regulatory compliance. Additionally, the study advises the government to prioritize research to support policy development. Future research should focus on health risk assessments, chemical toxicity, and the economic impact of chemical hazards.
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    The Relationship between Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Growth: A Review of the Literature (1994-2023)
    (Science Research Publication, 2025-02-28) Udeh, Ernest
    This paper presents a comprehensive review of the literature examining the relationship between Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic growth from 1994 to 2023. Over the past three decades, a growing body of research has explored the channels through which FDI impacts economic growth, including technology transfer, capital accumulation, and improvements in human capital. While early studies primarily focused on the direct benefits of FDI, more recent research highlights the importance of host country characteristics, such as institutional quality, governance, and absorptive capacity, in determining the extent of FDI’s positive effects. Additionally, the role of FDI in fostering productivity, innovation, and infrastructure development has been increasingly recognized. The findings suggest a complex, context-dependent relationship, with FDI often promoting economic growth in developing and emerging economies, but not always yielding the same results in advanced economies. This review synthesizes key theoretical frameworks, empirical findings, and policy implications, offering valuable insights for policymakers seeking to harness FDI as a driver of sustainable economic development.