International Journal of Social Science & Entrepreneurship

Potential of Cactus Leather in Pakistan's Leather Industry: A Qualitative Analysis.

Dr. Ahras Rashid — 2024-07-30

The rising trend of sustainability worldwide has significantly influenced various industries, transformed not only retail but also reshaped the luxury sector. One notable shift is the increasing focus on vegan leather, with cactus leather emerging as a promising alternative. This study explores the potential of cactus leather in Pakistan, particularly how it can contribute to sustainability in the country's leather industry. By introducing cactus leather, the research aims to raise awareness about sustainable practices and offer a viable alternative to traditional animal leather. The methodology employed in this study is qualitative, based on interviews with leather manufacturers, and the data was analyzed using a thematic analysis framework. The key findings highlight the potential of cactus leather as a sustainable substitute for animal leather, emphasizing its durability, aesthetic appeal, and environmental benefits. Cactus leather not only provides a cruelty-free option but also addresses issues related to pollution and water usage in leather production. The research aims to introduce cactus leather to the Pakistani market, particularly in regions like Thar and Kharan in Sindh and Baluchistan, where cactus farming could thrive and benefit local communities. Cactus leather eliminates the need for animal-based materials, allowing consumers to wear leather products without the associated guilt of animal cruelty. Additionally, the production process of cactus leather is less water-intensive and requires fewer toxic chemicals than traditional leather processing, further reducing its environmental impact. This study underscores the potential for cactus leather to revolutionize the leather industry in Pakistan, aligning with global sustainability trends and offering a practical solution to environmental and ethical concerns.

Impact Of Flexible HRM On Innovation Generation with Work-Related Stress as A Moderator

Niaz Hussain Buriro — 2024-07-31

FHRM offers workers with chances, skills and work drive, which makes the workplace effective and recognize the value of their flexible human resource management. The quantitative method has been applied to collect data from 550 employees of IT firms of Pakistan from which 400 employees responded appropriately and considered for analysis process in which SPSS 28 and Smart PLS .4 analysis tools were used to analyze the data. The findings of the research study discovered that the SKF of employees, and BF of employees positively and significantly influence the innovation generation and HRP flexibility is not significant and showed the weak relationship. In the light of moderation, the work-related stress impacts negatively on the relationship between skill flexibility and innovation generation and it weakens the relationship between both. There is no impact of work-related stress on the relationship between behavioural flexibility and innovation generation but it’s positively and low impact of HRP flexibility on innovation generation due to higher work-related stress, it strengthens the impact of HRPF on innovation generation in IT firms.

The Drivers of Omnichannel Shopping Intention: Assessing the Role of Gender as a Moderator in Apparel Industry

Dr. Muhammad Waqas Rana — 2024-07-31

The purpose of this study is to explore the influence of the drivers of omnichannel retailing on omnichannel shopping intention and the role of gender as a moderator in the retailing apparel industry. The findings highlight the significance of customer perception of research shopping (including showrooming and webrooming) behaviors, compatibility, and risk to their intention towards omnichannel shopping, implying a profound understanding of designing an effective omnichannel retailing strategy. This study adopted the quantitative research method approach. The data were collected through a survey method using a close-ended questionnaire. The sample for this study were the individuals who have done shopping in three months period – from the last three months till the time of data collection, physically or virtually. The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 and Smart PLS. Regression techniques and correlation factor analysis and reliability test were the top priority in data analysis. The study expands the understanding of omnichannel shopping intention and its drivers while assessing gender as a moderator.

Assessing Students' Understanding of Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): A Focus Group Study

Salima Barkat Ali — 2024-07-31

Artificial intelligence is at the center of technological advancement in the modern world. With the rapidly progressing use and multitude of uses, AI allows for more convenient methods, saving time and effort, both. The current study consisted of 3 focus groups with 8 in 1 group and 11 members in each of the other 2 groups, who were asked questions probing their understanding of the ethical use of AI. The responses to each question were manually recorded. The results displayed accountability as the best understood ethical concern in the context of responsible AI. Students were found to be most aware of accountability with different levels of knowledge of other ethical concerns covered in the framework. There was a moderately significant lack of awareness found among the students.

Confronting A Crisis: How Leadership Reacted During COVID-19 Pandemic -A Case Study of Two Private Schools of Karachi, Pakistan, Dealing with The Challenges of Online Teaching and Learning

Durezainab Hussain — 2024-07-31

The purpose of this study was to discover how school heads of two low budget schools reacted during the COVID-19 crisis and how their thinking, practices, and approaches helped them in dealing with the challenges of sudden digital transition in teaching and learning. For this case study, two principals were purposefully chosen representing two private schools, having a low fee structure, and catering to similar kind of clientele. Moreover, the data was collected through interviews, observations, and documents’ review. The findings showed that the preparedness of the schools and leadership is very crucial in dealing with a crisis. During the COVID -19 crisis, technological preparedness and competence were essential. Additionally, leaders’ ability to respond and communicate well on time, intuition and foresightedness, experience and training, good governance, and above all, resilience and trust were some of the major qualities highlighted in the research findings for them to emerge as successful leaders during a crisis. The COVID-19 crisis urged the principals to prioritize their safety and well-being along with taking care of the well-being of other stakeholders of the school community. Also, the need for equity in teaching and assessment was also echoed by the two principals

The Impact of Technostress on Rumination in the Banking Sector of Pakistan

Muhammad Mudassar Shahid — 2024-07-31

Although Pakistan's banking industry is leading the way in digital transformation, a hidden techno-stress is associated with this advancement. Our research, created with your business goals in mind, looks at how work-life conflict, information overload, and other tech-related worries affect the dedication and well-being of employees. We look at how common techno-stress is and how it relates to depressive thoughts. We aim to provide workable solutions that lessen technology-related stress while promoting worker well-being and corporate efficiency. We examine the effects of various types of rumination on productivity using survey data. We suggest strategies that reduce harmful tech stresses and encourage healthy detachment to increase employee happiness and organizational efficiency. Using a strict approach, we examine the intricate links between technostress and associated aspects. This study highlights the need for context-specific solutions for Pakistan's banking industry and provides insightful advice on fostering a positive workplace culture that grows with technology.

Exploring the Perceptions of Secondary School Teachers on Teaching Licenses in Sindh: A Qualitative Study

Rabia Ansari — 2024-07-31

The teaching license plays an imperative role in the professional development of teachers. Teaching licenses are vital in upholding the quality of education by ensuring that teachers meet established standards of competence and professionalism. It aims to assess teachers' knowledge, skills, and abilities required for effective teaching. Several researchers have concluded that teaching with a license is the only way to enhance teaching quality. those developed nationscated that developed nations, having quality education and robust educational systems, have strict criteria for teaching licenses before entering the teaching profession. The objective of this study was to explore the perception of secondary school teachers at public schools in Karachi on the first time the teaching license policy in Sindh was introduced. This research used a qualitative approach, and the data was collected from teachers through semi-structured interviews. The research design was phenomenology. The study used purposive sampling, and the sample size was based on 15 secondary school teachers from three public schools in Karachi. The data gathered through the interviews was thematically analyzed. The themes represent positive perceptions of teachers on teaching licenses. This research showed that teachers perceived teaching licenses as a positive initiative to empower teachers and the teaching profession, which are expected to improve teachers' competencies, skills, and practices in the classroom that will ultimately contribute to quality education and achieving student learning outcomes.

Role of Artificial Intelligence in Education

Muhammad Athar Hussain — 2024-07-31

This study was conducted to find out the role of Artificial Intelligence in education. The objectives of this study are: 1) To examine the significance of artificial intelligence in the field of education. 2) To determine the problems and possibilities of using artificial intelligence within the land of education, examining the relevant factors is important. 3) To explore the challenges of artificial intelligence inherent in the educational field. 4) To examine the potential benefits of incorporating artificial intelligence in education. The population of this study is all colleges (government and private) in the district of Rahim Yar Khan. Of these 20 colleges, 400 students (boys and girls) and 150 teachers (males and females) participated as a sample. The study is descriptive, and the quantitative research method is utilized. Two self-structured questionnaires were used as a research tool: one for students, comprising 40 items, and one for teachers consisting of 30 items. A simple random sampling technique is used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed with the help of SPSS. The results revealed that artificial intelligence plays a significant role in education and improves personalized learning experiences. AI technology is capable of fulfilling the needs of teachers and pupils in the teaching and learning process effectively e.g. tutoring, communication, evaluation, analysis, supervision, etc. It enhances the teaching and learning process by using modern technologies and methodologies. In short, the use of AI in education and learning is very noteworthy.

Human Capital Turnover in the Construction Industry: A Review with Focus on Archies Construction Pvt. Ltd

Durr e Shahwar Khan — 2024-07-31

This present research focuses on identifying the reasons behind the high rates of turnover among staff at Archies Construction Pvt Ltd and how the problem can be solved. Retirement, voluntary or forced termination is equally costly within the construction business as it heavily affects schedule, cost and organizational performance. This research also studies the internal factors referring to human capital theory, namely job satisfaction, reward, and promotion, management support, and the coercive factors including market trends and fluctuations, competition, and regulation. Employing survey and qualitative interviewing methods, the study combines the closed, quantitative survey data collected from employees and qualitative data obtained from the interviews with current and former employees of the company. The study brings out several internal factors that are important drivers of turnover such as lack of satisfaction with leaders, absence of career development in organizations, and poor employee remuneration. The problem is further compounded by external forces like the competition witnessed when seeking for the qualified personnel and the volatility of the market forces. The assessment points out that high turnover rates raise costs of hiring and training, impact project duration and employees’ morale thereby diminishing a firm’s stability. In response to these challenges, it is suggested that the following retention strategies should be adopted: it is proposed that leadership should communicate more effectively with employees; organizations should provide enhanced career progression plans for staff; and organizations should ensure that rewards and remuneration given to employees are competitive. Moreover, an enhancement of the degrees of employee engagement and supportiveness of workplace climate could enhance employee turnover. In other words, by managing both internal and external sources of turnover, it is possible for Archies Construction to maintain a stable workforce, exhibit sound labor productivity and, therefore, improve its performance on projects in general and its financial performance in specific.

The study enhances the existing knowledge on HCM in industries that rely on projects and offers best practices for addressing turnover. Further research could focus on changes in economic or technological factors pertaining to workforce retention in the construction industry.

The Influence of Effective Leadership on Teaching and Learning at College Level District Rahim Yar Khan

Iqra Shafiq — 2024-07-31

This study was conducted to find out the influence of effective leadership on teaching and learning at the college level in District Rahim Yar Khan. The study aims to: 1) Analyze the primary leadership practices and tactics used in educational institutions and their impact on the quality of teaching and learning results. 2) Evaluate the correlation between leadership efficiency and academic achievement. 3) Examine the influence of proficient leadership on teachers' motivation, professional growth, and instructional practices. 4) Provide suggestions and best practices in educational leadership to improve the overall quality. 5) Provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of leadership on the advancement of inclusion, diversity, and equality within the education system. A descriptive quantitative survey design was selected for this study. The population of this study is all private colleges in the district of Rahim Yar Khan. The sample includes 15 private colleges, 400 students (boys and girls), and 150 teachers (males and females) participated as a sample. Two self-structured questionnaires were used as a research tool: one for students (comprising 40 items), and one for teachers (comprising 30 items). A simple random sampling technique is used for data collection. The collected data was analyzed with the help of SPSS. The results revealed that leadership plays a pivotal role in the success of any institution. Further, students must maintain a better environment in the colleges; express their viewpoints during the discussion, and have a teamwork strategy that helps them to check effective leadership's influence on teaching and learning.

The Impact of Green HRM Practices on Employee Performance: Mediating Role of Psychological Ownership in The Banking Sector of Pakistan

Hassam Gul — 2024-07-31

This paper investigates the mediating role of psychological ownership in the association between green human resource management and employee performance. The study utilized a quantitative research design based on data analysis of 980 employees from 20 commercial banks in Pakistan. Psychological ownership mediates the association between green human resource management practices and employee performance. The paper highlights the significance of green human resource management practices in fostering psychological ownership and enhancing employee performance in the workplace. For future studies, longitudinal designs with multiple sources and stages of data collection will be essential to gain a profound understanding of the relationship between the constructs. Testing across various organizational forms and cultures is recommended for a comprehensive assessment. Managers are encouraged to raise employee awareness through green human resource management practices to help employees attain a competitive edge by enriching their knowledge, skills, and abilities, enhancing their quality of life and work performance. This study contributes to the existing literature by offering a descriptive and practical elucidation of the role of psychological ownership among the employees of the banking sector in Pakistan in the connection between green human resource management practices and employee performance. The banks must recruit those individuals who have the knowledge and work for a sustainable environment, and they own their position at the workplace.

Workplace Bullying on Academic Female Workers of Higher Education Institutions: A Case Study of LUAWMS, Uthal

Mohammad Riaz Bandija — 2024-07-31

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of workplace bullying on academic performance of female workers of higher education institutions. Female employees who work in various departments and fields under various supervisors have a significant place at universities. The effects of workplace bullying on female academic employees at higher education institutions are addressed by this study. The mixed method of research served as the foundation for this study. This study's target population included all female employees, department heads, deans, and teachers. A sample of the six faculties has been chosen. The information was gathered using a carefully thought-out questionnaire. The information was gathered from a few LUAWMS faculties. There are five items in the interview and nearly thirty in the questionnaire for this survey-based data collection method. SPSS and statistical software were used to carry out the analysis process. The study's findings support the association between workplace bullying and female vulnerability, as well as the factors that contribute to workplace bullying, as documented in the literature. Women who work long hours for the benefit of the organization are particularly vulnerable and are more likely to be harassed by men and other coworkers.

E-Satisfaction from E-government Services after E-Participation: A Perspective of E-Service Users (Citizens)

Maria Abbasi — 2024-07-31

In the improvement or deterioration and continual usage of e-government services, users of e-government services are the most important characters in the satisfaction of e-government in Pakistan. The current study aimed to measure Pakistani users’ satisfaction with e-government service apps and websites. Five hypotheses are framed and key factors (Trust, Citizens’ Involvement, Reduction of Corruption, Transparency, Effectiveness, and Efficiency of e-services). The influence of Pakistanis' satisfaction level with the e-government based on the corresponding literature review is identified in the study. To investigate the proposed hypotheses, survey data was gathered from 310 citizens of Pakistan. The data is analyzed using SPSS, leading to numerous significant findings. These findings emphasize the worth of understanding the main drivers of e-satisfaction to make available endorsements for generating e-government thresholds that are aligned with the expectations and needs of the users. They also propose valuable understandings for government policymakers and general practitioners to develop e-government portals by making an allowance for several factors.

Exchange Rate Policy: A Disguised Determinant of China’s Trading Partners

Fahim Qazi — 2024-07-31

The study examined the role of Chinese official exchange rate in the selection process of china’s trading regions. Interestingly, it is found that the Chinese exchange rate is an important determinant of the trade shifting from one region to another. This is done through employing macroeconomic modelling based on error correction equations. For this, China’s exports and imports are divided into 20 categories through 20 separately estimated short run and long run equations. The annual dataset is taken from W.D.I databank for the period 1908-2016. As a popular suggestion from different institutions, it was examined that how the appreciation of Chinese currency would affect the convergence (divergence) of China’s trade towards (from) a particular region? Also, the outcome comparison between one time appreciation and gradual appreciation of exchange rate is also examined. It is found that besides inter regional and international political factors, Chinese exchange rate gradually diverge China’s trade from high income economies and middle- and low-income economies in Europe and Central Asia to the other regions. The exchange rate appreciation will reduce the pace of this divergence (and convergence to the other regions). The magnitude of reduction in pace is greater in case of a onetime appreciation of currency as compared to the gradual appreciation.

Extension in the Airspace of Pakistan – Based on Lack of Harmony Between UNCLOS And ICAO Convention Regarding Distribution of Airspace Over EEZ

Syed Hasnain Abbas — 2024-07-31

This article is -written with a focus on the extension of the airspace of Pakistan from the existing dimension to the extent of the exclusive economic zone which was initially 200NM but now extended to 350NM since 2015 (National Institute of Oceanography Pakistan, n.d.). The stated objective is based on the following agenda points which are further elaborated on in this article: 1) The lack of harmony between the United Nations Convention on the Laws of Sea (UNCLOS) and the provisions of the Convention on International Civil Aviation (Article-12 and Annex-11 of the ICAO Convention) regarding the airspace distribution over Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ). 2) It is a vested right of the coastal state to regulate the airspace over its EEZ, and if not, then at least all the economic benefits should belong to the coastal state. 3) The difficulties and threats faced by coastal states if they are not provided with the opportunity to regulate their airspace over the EEZ. Based on the stated agenda and the discussion therein, the following results or outcomes are expected:1) The airspace over EEZ could be defined in a more harmonized way in line with all the international laws/bodies for which necessary amendments should be made in the UNCLOS, Article-12 and Annex-11 of the ICAO Convention. 2) Affected countries can approach ICAO through concerned departments/authorities / ANPs either for extension and adjustment of their airspaces over their EEZ or for the acquisition of financial benefits i.e. aeronautical charges or air navigation charges being earned from the airspace over their EEZ.

A Study on the Approach of Cholistani People towards Education of Their Children

Ayesha Mushtaq — 2024-07-31

The study aimed to explore the attitudes of Cholistani people towards the education of their children, particularly focusing on daughters, in the context of the region’s nomadic lifestyle and socio-economic challenges. The objectives were to assess parental attitudes towards education, examine the variation towards the education for girls, and identify factors influencing these views. The study is quantitative and a descriptive research design was adopted. The population comprised teachers from 45 public schools in the District of Rahim Yar Khan. The sample included 119 teachers selected by simple random sampling technique. The data was collected using a self-structured questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale and the collected data was analyzed by using the SPSS (employing frequency, percentage, mean score, and standard deviation analyses). Education for male children was often prioritized over female children. Stipends and financial incentives to promote education in the region, these measures were insufficient to address the deep-rooted challenges. The study concluded that a positive attitude toward education among the Cholistani people but socio-economic factors i.e. poverty, nomadic lifestyle, and gender bias, significantly hindered their ability to support and engage fully in the educational process. The availability of qualified teachers and the quality of educational management were also areas requiring improvement. The study recommended government investment in building more schools and improving existing ones with basic facilities including clean drinking water, proper sanitation, and safe transportation options. Mobile schools or flexible schedules should be introduced to accommodate the nomadic lifestyle of many Cholistani families.

Antecedents of Risk Information Sharing & Processing Mechanism in Supply Chain: A social and technical Perspective

Sobia Anwer — 2024-07-31

This paper emphasizes Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), whose execution can boost an organization's resilience and operating performance. Drawing on quantitative data from 231 supply chain professionals in various industries, the results highlight that subcomponents of SCRM—specifically strategy alignment and technology usage—significantly influence risk information sharing, analysis, and evaluation. Abstract Surprisingly, an SCRM-oriented culture does not significantly affect the exchange of risk information or the amount of risk partnership. At the same time, team support has insignificant effects on risk analysis and assessment. From these insights, it is evident that although having a culture of SCRM in place and some team involvement is beneficial, they could not, altogether, pave the way toward the organizational capability of evaluating and disseminating risk-related information. In its place, the emphasis on aligned SCRM strategy and technological advancement in the supply chain sector becomes a critical factor for risk mitigation. This suggests an absolute imperative for managers: to facilitate a technological-enabled SCRM approach that is collaborative, in line with the strategy, and allows integrated information processing. Fortifying these domains can help minimize weaknesses, increase response, and streamline the supply chain performance; continuous monitoring and improvement of information dissemination processes are essential, as they facilitate better risk management across the supply chain network.

Imagining with imaginable: A Holistic Approach to Futures Thinking

Shams Hamid Founding — 2024-07-30

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought attention to how interconnected and dependent the globe is, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and team effort to address local, regional, and international sustainable development issues. The ability to receive and understand data from the outside world, our inner world of emotions, and our memories is known as imagination. It serves as a display for rational evaluation, introspection, and imaginative creation of our instincts, perceptions, emotions, thoughts, and conceptions. The capacity for creative imagination is the capacity to combine sensations and notions to create original ideas that are not always logical or true. We need to be conscious of the three filters that imagination uses to analyze information: the emotional, the intellectual, and the creative. We may create a more comprehensive and integrated approach to problem-solving and decision-making by comprehending these filters and how they interact. The "Theory of Imagination and Imaginables" and the "Model of Imaginables" are presented in this work using an interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approach. We may design sustainable, just, and compassionate futures by practicing creativity and using a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving. In addition to contributing to the emerging field of future studies, this study offers a valuable framework for people and organizations trying to understand the intricacies of our linked world.

Principals And 21st Century Leadership Challenges: A Phenemenological Study

Ghulam Muhiuddin Solangi — 2024-07-31

This purpose of this paper is to share the findings of a study which was conducted to figure out the views of principals of Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs) about existing leadership practices that are aligned with the needs and demands of 21st century requirements. The study also explored challenges that Principals encounter in making their institutes according to the vision of 21st century. The study was qualitative in nature and within this paradigm a phenomenological approached was used to collect data from the principals of public sector Teacher Training Institutions (TTIs). At present 27 TTIs are working in different cities of Sindh. Ten Principals of TTIs, 5 males and 5 females were selected using purposive sampling techniques. For data collection individual interviews were conducted. Thematic approach was used for data analyses. The themes emerged were personal challenges and institutional challenges. The findings of the study suggested that principals encounter personal and institutional challenges that are hurdle for them to meet the requirements of 21st century. These challenges included lack of facilities and resources such as internet facility, frequent break downs of electricity, absence of working computers and Science labs. Other challenges included teacher educators’ poor English language skills, low capacity in using ICT tools and low personal commitment. The study recommends to develop the capacity of principals and teacher educators in educational technology and educational research. The study also recommends to renovate computer and science labs of TTIs.

Driving Performance Excellence: The Influence of Transformational Leadership, Motivation, and Organizational Culture on Female Textile Employees in Karachi Megacity

Salman Ahmed Khatani — 2024-07-31

This research paper explores the importance of innovative behavior as a crucial skill in the 21st century. Rapid technological advancements and globalization make the world dynamic and competitive. This research investigates the influence of transformational leadership, motivation, and organizational culture on innovative behavior and job performance among female employees in the textile industry of Karachi, with a focus on gender equality as per the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Data from 144 female workers from different textile industries were analyzed using correlation, regression, and moderation analyses. The results reveal significant positive correlations between transformational leadership, motivation, organizational culture, innovative behavior, and job performance. Regression analyses confirm the predictive power of transformational leadership and organizational culture on job performance, highlighting the importance of nurturing effective leadership and fostering a positive organizational culture. While motivation exhibits significant correlations with innovative behavior and job performance, its direct impact is less pronounced in regression models, suggesting mediation by other factors. Organizational culture moderates the relationships between leadership, motivation, and employee outcomes, emphasizing the need to consider contextual factors in understanding workplace dynamics. These findings offer valuable insights for organizational leaders and managers seeking to optimize performance and create supportive work environments, with implications for leadership development, motivational strategies, and cultural interventions. Future research should explore longitudinal and cross-industry comparisons to deepen understanding and inform evidence-based practices for promoting gender equality and enhancing employee outcomes in the textile industry and beyond. The relevance of innovative behavior is essential for the success of individuals and organizations in particular, and of societies and nations in general, to tackle the challenges the 21st century continues to throw at us and shape the future in a more desirable direction

Correlation Between CSR and Stock Market Performance: Analyzing 32 PSX Companies

M. Mubashir Qadir Khan — 2024-07-31

This study examines the impact of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on the financial performance and stock prices of 32 companies listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). Analysisysis focuses on the correlation between CSR activities and Return on Equity (ROE), investigating how different CSR strategies, such as donations, employee welfare, and cause-related marketing, influence stock market performance. The research employs both qualitative and quantitative methods, including interviews with senior executives and analysis of company financial statements. The findings reveal varying degrees of correlation between CSR initiatives and financial performance, with some companies showing significant positive correlations, while others exhibit negative or no correlation. The study also highlights challenges in obtaining CSR-related data and discusses the implications of CSR on the long-term financial stability of firms.