JOURNAL OF SOCIAL SCIENCES DEVELOPMENT

ASSESSING JOB SATISFACTION AMONG LIBRARY PROFESSIONALS THROUGH THE LENS OF GOLEMAN’S EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE MODEL: EVIDENCE FROM PUBLIC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES IN PUNJAB, PAKISTAN

Muhammad Shakil, Dr. Fauz Dar Khan — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose – Purpose of this study is based on Goleman’s Emotional Intelligence (EI) Framework to investigate the Job Satisfaction (JS) psychological and environmental factors, among Library and Information Sciences (LIS) specialists employed in public university libraries in Punjab, Pakistan. Design/Methodology/Approach – A survey questionnaire was designed and validated by LIS experts and pretested before data collection, 315 LIS professionals filled the survey questionnaire who were employed in 54 HEC-recognized public sector university libraries in Punjab, Pakistan. Findings – The results suggest that library professionals generally possess moderate to high levels of emotional intelligence, with self-awareness emerging as the strongest competency. However, comparatively low levels were observed in motivation, empathy, and social skills. The lower JS is reported in people-centered, collaborative, and leadership-focused roles. Correlation analysis confirms self-awareness, empathy, and social skills showing stronger associations. Regression analysis identifies self-awareness as the strongest predictor of JS, followed by self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, thereby supporting Goleman’s EI framework. Research Limitations/Implications – The study is limited to university library professionals in Punjab, Pakistan, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to other regions of the country. Future studies may employ longitudinal designs to examine additional organizational and cultural factors influencing the relationship between EI and JS. Practical Implications – The findings indicate that academic library administrators should incorporate EI competencies into their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes to improve workplace attitudes and organizational effectiveness. It recommends structured CPD programmes focusing on weaker EI and JS dimensions to enhance employee engagement. Originality/Value – The present study contributes to the scarce LIS literature on EI in Pakistan by presenting empirical evidence of the role of Goleman EI five dimensions in predicting JS suggests extending future research to private sector universities, employing longitudinal and mixed-method approaches, and incorporating additional variables such as organizational commitment, leadership styles, psychological well-being, and workplace stress to develop a more comprehensive understanding of JS of LIS professionals.

RESOLUTION OF COMMERCIAL DISPUTES FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF PAKISTAN’S TRADE DISPUTE RESOLUTION COMMISSION ACT, 2022

Saira Ali — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper is outcome of my research as Executive Director General of TDRC, Islamabad in year 2024-2025. I did research on the Act of the newly established institution and comparative institutes in other countries, problems in legal edifice of the organization and what can be done keeping our specific scenario. The paper critically examines Pakistan’s Trade Dispute Resolution Commission (TDRC) framework under the Trade Dispute Resolution Act, 2022. Focus remains on its arbitration and mediation function, structure of the organization, and how far is it compatible with contemporary international commercial arbitration practice. It considers the relationship between the TDRC Act, the Trade Dispute Resolution Rules, 2026, the Arbitration Act, 1940, and Pakistan’s implementation of the New York Convention through the Recognition and Enforcement (Arbitration Agreements and Foreign Arbitral Awards) Act, 2011. The paper identifies a structural ambiguity in matter of conflict with statutory reference to the 1940 arbitration regime and the Rules’ reference to the UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules. It further examines the legal character of TDRC final determinations, and how they fit in the system of international dispute resolution, the mechanism and grounds of appellate review, whether arbitrators’ qualifications are specified or left open, whether institution is independent and transparent, and whether there exist a mechanism of cross-border enforcement. Comparative observations have been reviewed from Singapore and the United Arab Emirates. Institutional and legislative lessons have been derived, particularly the value of a modern Model Law-based arbitration framework and a clear separation between administrative functions and independent adjudication. The paper concludes that Pakistan can strengthen the credibility and international usability of its trade-dispute mechanism by clarifying the arbitration framework, modernizing domestic arbitration legislation, considering enactment of mediation, improving institutional safeguards, and considering a dedicated arbitration and mediation center for international commercial disputes.

DECODING FEEDBACK: HOW STUDENTS’ CONCEPTIONS OF FEEDBACK DRIVE COGNITIVE ENGAGEMENT IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Shafaque Fatima — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aimed to investigate the effect of students’ conceptions of feedback on their cognitive engagement. Although student cognitive engagement is an extensively researched construct, it is still developing, and various areas remain to be explored one of which is the assessment context for student engagement. Educational researchers have highlighted that investigating the relationship between assessment and student engagement is crucial. To collect data for the constructs, a survey methodology was employed using a convenience sample of 499 university students from six public and private institutions. Two validated instruments the Students’ Conceptions of Feedback (SCoF) inventory and Cognitive Engagement sub-scales from Attitudes Towards Mathematics (ATM) were administered after obtaining formal permission from the developers. Hypotheses were derived from an extensive literature review. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via SmartPLS 3 was utilized for statistical analysis. The findings revealed a statistically significant positive effect of SCoF on cognitive engagement.

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ INTENTION TO ADOPT A WEEKLY ONLINE CLASSES DAY: THE ROLE OF TRAVEL SAFETY AND LEARNING EFFECTIVENESS IN PAKISTAN

Dr. Qasim Ali Qureshi, Dr. Samia Tahir, Dr. Neelma Riaz — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

University students may value a regular day of online classes differently depending on their learning expectations, travel arrangements and living conditions. Informed by Situated Expectancy-Value Theory, this study examines seven predictors of intention to adopt a weekly online classes day in Pakistan. An instructor-mediated survey recruited students at the National University of Sciences and Technology and COMSATS University, Islamabad. Partial least squares-structural equation modelling was performed using SmartPLS 4 on a sample of 145 students. Perceived learning effectiveness and travel safety benefits were positively associated with intention. Travel cost savings, travel time savings, additional home/hostel costs, digital security concerns and home/hostel study disturbances were not statistically significant predictors. The model explained 57.5% of intention variance. The findings may extend the application of Situated Expectancy-Value Theory to a planned weekly online arrangement, highlighting anticipated learning effectiveness and travel safety as relevant considerations in educational choice. Universities considering a weekly online classes day may consider prioritising effective teaching and retaining campus attendance for practical activities while supporting safe mobility for students.

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL DEPENDENCY, ONLINE IMPULSE BUYING, AND SOCIAL MEDIA ENGAGEMENT ON PURCHASE INTENTION: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF CONSUMER TRUST

Dr. Lubna Ahmed Soomro, Dr. Amena Zehra Ali — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study aims to investigate the relationship between digital dependency, online impulse buying tendency and purchase intention mediated by consumer trust as a mediator. The study is based on Stimulus-Organism-Response framework and trust-transfer theory; and is conducted on adult online consumers in Sindh province in Pakistan. The quantitative cross-sectional survey design is applied with the help of well-established multi-item measures and SPSS analysis. Descriptive statistics, reliability testing, Pearson correlations, hierarchical regression and mediation analysis using Hayes' PROCESS Model 4 are included in the analysis. The results show that digital dependency positively influences purchase intention, as does the tendency to buy online impulsively and social media engagement. The three predictors also significantly impact consumer trust, with social media engagement having the greatest impact on trust (β = .307, p < .001). The final regression model accounts for 37.2% of the variance in purchase intention and consumer trust significantly predicts purchase intention (β = .261, p < .001). Mediation analysis also reveals that the relationships between digital dependency and online impulse buying tendency, social media engagement and purchase intention are mediated in part by consumer trust. Social media engagement has the highest mediation effect in terms of indirect effects, mediated by consumer trust (indirect effect = .091, 95% CI [.057, .130]). Overall, the findings reflect the critical role of consumer trust in increasing their online purchasing intentions among online consumers in Sindh based on their digital engagement and online purchasing tendency.

WHEN GREEN SPACES LOSE THEIR ECOLOGICAL VALUE: URBAN DEVELOPMENT AND RED AVADAVAT (AMANDAVA AMANDAVA) CONSERVATION THROUGH BIODIVERSITY-SENSITIVE URBAN DESIGN IN BAHRIA TOWN, LAHORE

Shanze Gul Arshad, Jungiaan Dashti, Shifa Rasul, Muhammad Fawad Aziz — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The transformation of Lahore’s green landscapes into built environments is increasingly associated with biodiversity loss, particularly among avian species. As urban development expands, buildings, reflective surfaces, and impervious structures replace ecologically valuable landscapes, reducing habitat availability for birds and other wildlife. This pattern is evident in Bahria Town Lahore, where the conversion of ecologically diverse landscapes, including farmlands, wetlands, and native vegetation, into built environments dominated by ornamental landscaping and hard surfaces raises concerns about habitat degradation and fragmentation. This study examines the relationship between construction-driven green space loss, the expansion of impervious surfaces, vegetation loss, and the fragmentation of green infrastructure, focusing on their implications for avian biodiversity and local climatic conditions in Bahria Town Lahore. It adopts a qualitative, comparative, and analytical methodology informed by the framework of Biodiversity-Sensitive Urban Design (BSUD) to explore how urban development patterns influence ecological connectivity and habitat suitability. Particular attention is given to the Red Avadavat (Amandava amandava), a bird associated with grasslands, dense grassy vegetation, and suitable shrub habitats. Its habitat requirements provide a basis for evaluating species-responsive urban planning and the ecological limitations of predominantly ornamental landscaping. The study emphasises that urban development and ecological conservation need not be competing objectives. Integrating biodiversity-oriented green infrastructure, native vegetation, habitat corridors, green roofs, and green walls into urban planning can help reconcile urban growth with biodiversity conservation. Ultimately, the research advocates a shift from predominantly ornamental landscaping towards ecologically informed urban development in Bahria Town Lahore, where green spaces are valued not only for their aesthetic and recreational benefits but also for sustaining wildlife, enhancing ecological connectivity, and supporting a climate-responsive urban environment.

LIGHTING QUALITY ASSESSMENT OF A HERITAGE LIBRARY: A CASE STUDY OF MONTGOMERY HALL, QUAID-E-AZAM LIBRARY, LAHORE

Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Heritage buildings adapted for contemporary library use often face difficulties in providing adequate and uniform lighting while preserving their architectural character. This study evaluates the lighting quality of Montgomery Hall, a historic Neo-Classical reading space within the Quaid-e-Azam Library, Lahore, with particular emphasis on illuminance, visual comfort, and compliance with recommended lighting requirements. A case-study methodology was adopted using field measurements, architectural documentation, a user questionnaire, and lighting assessment modelling. The study area was divided into a 3 m × 3 m measurement grid, and illuminance was measured at 20 points at a desk height of 0.75 m during daytime operating hours. Measured values were compared with recommended illuminance levels for reading, bookshelf, and circulation areas. A questionnaire survey was conducted to assess users’ perceptions of lighting quality, satisfaction, visual comfort, and reading conditions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS. The field assessment revealed spatial variation in illuminance. Areas adjacent to the large arched windows received higher daylight levels, whereas central and interior zones, particularly bookshelf areas, experienced lower illumination. Glare and excessive brightness were observed near window-adjacent seating. Questionnaire analysis indicated significant relationships between lighting-related variables and perceived visual comfort and satisfaction, with regression models statistically significant at p < 0.001. The findings indicate a performance gap between the existing lighting environment and contemporary library requirements. Conservation-sensitive interventions, including improved luminaire distribution, glare control, optimised daylight integration, and energy-efficient lighting controls, are recommended to enhance visual comfort and lighting uniformity while preserving the heritage character of Montgomery Hall.

THE IMPACT OF INFORMAL STAKEHOLDER INFLUENCE MECHANISMS ON STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS IN NIGERIAN ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS

Caleb Chidiebere Okwara, Muhammad Adnan, Farah Khurshid — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This research studied the influence of the informal stakeholder influence mechanism on stakeholder engagement effectiveness in road infrastructure projects in Lagos State, Nigeria. The research philosophy was positivism, and the approach was deductive. The study used a survey research strategy with a quantitative, cross-sectional design. Data collection was carried out using a structured questionnaire administered through Google Forms. A non-probability purposive sampling technique was used due to the absence of a database of informal stakeholders in the Lagos State Road infrastructure sector. One hundred and three (103) respondents participated in the study. The research instrument was tested and confirmed to have high reliability, measuring α = 0.874 for community leadership and social networks, α = 0.882 for informal negotiation and political mediation, α = 0.866 for stakeholder participation and inclusiveness, and α = 0.845 for conflict resolution and project acceptance. All instruments exceeded the accepted reliability score of 0.70. The researcher supervisor confirmed face validity. The results showed that community leadership and social networks had a weak, statistically insignificant correlation with stakeholder participation and inclusiveness (ρ = 0.138, p = 0.164). However, community leadership and social networks was found to have a moderate statistically significant relationship with conflict resolution and project acceptance (ρ = 0.351, p = 0.001). Informal negotiation and political mediation had a weak though statistically significant correlation with stakeholder participation and inclusiveness (ρ = 0.211, p = 0.033). Informal negotiation and political mediation was also found to have a moderate statistically significant relationship with conflict resolution and project acceptance (ρ = 0.388, p = 0.001). The correlation between informal negotiation and political mediation and conflict resolution and project acceptance was found to be the strongest among all relationships studied. Consequently, three out of the four hypotheses were confirmed to be true. Therefore, this study concludes that informal stakeholder influence tactics are likely to have a stronger relationship with conflict resolution and project acceptance than stakeholder participation and inclusiveness. The study recommends that project managers and government statutory agencies such as Lagos State Ministry of Works and Infrastructure should consult community leaders and informal negotiators from the beginning of a project, instead of waiting until conflict arises. Project teams should establish direct, clear-cut lines for stakeholders’ participation rather than channel participation through community leadership for true and inclusive stakeholder engagement.

STATISTICAL MODELING OF MILD-STEEL CORROSION UNDER MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AT A MAJOR SEAPORT

Sumera Saad, Attra Ali, Imran Khan, Shamim Jhatial, Kainat Yousuf — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Background: Marine environments expose metals to chloride and sulfate deposition, moisture, and changing atmospheric conditions that may accelerate corrosion. Understanding these relationships is essential for developing effective corrosion monitoring and maintenance strategies for marine infrastructure. Objective: This study aimed to assess marine atmospheric corrosivity at West Wharf, investigate associations between environmental exposure variables and mild-steel corrosion, and develop statistical models to characterize accumulated corrosion. Methods: Mild-steel coupons were exposed at West Wharf, and corrosion was quantified using the weight-loss method. Chloride and sulfate deposition rates and time of wetness (TOW) were measured during the observation period. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation analysis, polynomial regression, and multivariable regression modeling were used to examine environmental associations and characterize corrosion patterns. Model adequacy was evaluated using goodness-of-fit measures, the Durbin–Watson test, and heteroscedasticity diagnostics. Results: The mean chloride deposition rate, sulfate deposition rate, and TOW were 76.44 ± 19.62 mg/m²·d, 151.33 ± 30.78 mg/m²·d, and 1754.27 ± 1423.19 h, respectively. Mild-steel corrosion exhibited positive correlations with chloride deposition (r = 0.39) and TOW (r = 0.24), whereas the correlation with sulfate deposition was weak (r = 0.06). The polynomial regression model explained 93.9% of the observed variation in corrosion (R² = 0.939, p = 0.001), with statistically significant linear (p = 0.017), quadratic (p = 0.032), and cubic (p = 0.040) terms. The multivariable model explained 91.0% of the variation. Chloride deposition was positively associated with corrosion (β = 0.45, p = 0.043), whereas sulfate deposition showed a negative adjusted association (β = −1.42, p = 0.001). The lagged term was also statistically significant (β = 0.01, p = 0.007). Conclusion: Mild-steel corrosion at West Wharf was associated with variations in marine environmental exposure, with chloride deposition showing a positive relationship with corrosion. The fitted models may help characterize site-specific corrosion patterns and inform monitoring and maintenance planning. Further validation using independent observations and additional exposure periods is needed to establish their predictive reliability and generalizability.

NEW PUBLIC MANAGEMENT REFORMS: ORIGINS, INSTRUMENTS, OUTCOMES AND TRAJECTORIES: A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

Dawood Nawaz, Ishrat Fatima — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

New Public Management (NPM) has been one of the most influential and contested reform movements in the history of modern public administration. Since Hood (1991) gave the movement its name, a very large literature has described, evaluated and criticized the application of market-inspired and managerial ideas to government. This review synthesizes that literature in order to trace the intellectual and political origins of NPM, identify its principal reform instruments, assess the empirical evidence on its effects on efficiency, service quality, accountability and public service ethos, examine its reception in developing countries, with particular reference to Pakistan, and map the post-NPM alternatives that have emerged in response: the new public service, public value management, new public governance, the neo-Weberian state and digital-era governance. The review concludes that the effects of NPM are context-dependent rather than uniformly beneficial or harmful; that post-NPM reforms have largely layered new logics onto existing ones rather than replacing NPM; and that the spread of data-driven technologies and artificial intelligence opens a further reform wave whose relationship to NPM remains under-theorized. Research gaps and implications for reform design in settings of limited institutional capacity are outlined.

GOVERNING NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS IN DEVELOPING-COUNTRY CITIES: A BIBLIOMETRIC MAPPING OF URBAN SUSTAINABILITY, INSTITUTIONAL CAPACITY AND CLIMATE RESILIENCE

Adil Adrees, Khiza Sohail, Dr. Mohi Ud Din, Mohammad Adil Khushi — Sun, 01 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) have emerged as a critical instrument for advancing urban sustainability and climate resilience, particularly in developing countries where rapid economic-driven urbanization intensifies exposure to climate risks. There is little theoretical coherence and well-organized knowledge regarding patterns of collaboration. The current paper aims at filling this gap by conducting a high-quality bibliometric systematic literature review (B-SLR) of 1,260 articles included in the Scopus database since 2006. The paper uses performance analysis, science- mapping methods, with the help of Bibliometrics package and VOS viewer, to analyze the results of scientific production, journals and sources impact, most active authors and institutions, citation patterns, collaboration, co-occurring keywords and thematic development. The findings show that publication activity remained modest from 2006 to 2013, accelerated after 2015 and surged markedly following global climate policy shifts, including the adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, post-COVID urban recovery and a renewed focus on sustainable development. The findings also show major governance biases between the institutions of the developed and developing countries with the knowledge creation being disproportionately generative in the Global North due to the asymmetries in the institutional capacity and bringing implications of the lack of transferability of NbS policies in various urban settings. The study provides a critical mapping of the intellectual framework and development of the NbS research in the past 20 years, which enables both scholars, policymakers and practitioners interested in developing NbS strategies to achieve sustainable and climate-resilient urban development.

POLITICAL PARTIES, ETHNO-NATIONALISM AND NATIONAL INTEGRATION IN KHYBER PAKHTUNKHWA

Nouman Khan, Dr. Shahbaz Khan, Dr. Muhammad Umar — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This paper examines how political parties in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa dealt with the ethnic and regional grievances of the province during the period 2010 and 2024, and what this meant for national integration. The study uses Relative Deprivation Theory as its main framework and Recognition Theory as a supplementary lens. This qualitative study relies mainly on election results, party manifestos, official records and press reports supported by a small number of semi-structured interviews with politicians and journalists, which were analysed through thematic analysis. The paper founded that parties carried only part of grievance of the province. The renaming of the province in 2010 met the long-standing demand of the Awami National Party for recognition of the Pashtun identity. However, it left the complaint of the province over its share of resources unsettled and created a new grievance among the Hindko-speaking population of Hazara Division. In the 2013 general election, most Pashtun voters moved to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf because of its clear position on the war on terror rather than any appeal to ethnic identity. Similarly, in the newly merged tribal districts, voters in the 2019 elections preferred independent candidates and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf over the older nationalist parties, while grievances raised by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement later found a party platform in the shape of National Democratic Movement (NDM). In Hazara Division, the demand for a separate province never became a strong party force, because the division itself is divided over it. The paper concludes that wider access to elections increased political inclusion but did not by itself produce national integration. When political parties failed to address grievances of the people, those frustrations turned into mass mobilization outside the party system.

FROM ADOPTION TO TRANSFORMATION: ORGANIZATIONAL OUTCOMES OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE INTEGRATION WITHIN TEXTILE SMES IN PAKISTAN

Dr. Ammara Saleem, Dr. Ayesha Sohail, Dr. Hadia Awan — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the organizational outcomes achieved by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Pakistan's textile industry after adopting Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology. This study uses the Resource-Based View (RBV) and Dynamic Capabilities (DC) theories to understand how AI adoption will impact process efficiency, customer and market responsiveness, innovation, costs, and strategic growth. Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a qualitative multi-case design. Eleven SMEs from the textile industry in Punjab, Pakistan, were interviewed. The SMEs were then categorized by AI maturity level (Nascent, Intermediate, and Advanced). Thematic Analysis was conducted in NVivo 12 using the six steps outlined by Braun and Clarke (2006). Findings: Overall, 5 outcome categories were identified: Process Efficiency, Customer & Market Responsiveness, Innovation & Improvement, Cost Reduction & Improvements, and Strategic Growth. The range of outcomes seen differed across the AI maturity levels. Those with a higher maturity level experienced larger organizational change. Originality/Value: This study provides detailed qualitative insights into the outcomes of AI adoption in Pakistan's textile SMEs. Using RBV and Dynamic Capabilities theories, this study demonstrates how organizational AI maturity influences outcomes.

EDUCATIONAL TRANSIT AND REGIONAL DISPARITIES: SOCIOECONOMIC IMPACTS AND POLICY FRAMEWORKS OF RURAL-TO-URBAN STUDENT MIGRATION

Muhammad Rafiq-uz-Zaman, Naveed Farah, Sidra Hussain, Namra Khan, Maria Khalid — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The educational migration from rural to urban areas tends to be either presented as a vehicle for upward mobility or as a “brain drain” for sending areas. This paper will argue that both framings are incomplete. It is a multilevel lens to explore education-motivated migration, including children moving with caregivers; household migration to access urban schools; rural-origin students moving to undertake tertiary education; daily commuters and return or repeat educational migration. The four related mechanisms identified in a narrative synthesis are: the variably distributed geography of educational provision, socioeconomic selection into mobility, inequities in educational experiences and transitions, and the redistribution of human, financial and social resources from origin to destination place. The evidence from China is particularly rich, with comparative evidence from South Africa, the United States, Italy, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Australia, Brazil and other contexts showing some repeated mechanisms and some that are context specific. Mobility can enhance access to educational opportunities and long-term success, but it may only benefit those who have the capacity to take advantage of it, and in the context of school quality, admission policies and post-study labour-market access. Rural schools and communities can also be weakened by selective outflows and destinations can limit student advancement and/or segment students. The paper proposes a place-sensitive policy framework, which features portable education entitlements, population responsive funding, enhanced rural provision, transition supports and regional graduate employment strategies. The goal of the central policy must not be to limit student mobility, but to truly make it a choice and ensure that opportunity is not tied to the capacity of the family to move.

BEYOND AGGREGATE PERFORMANCE: EXAMINING ORGANIZATIONAL CULTURE, STRUCTURE, AND INNOVATION STRATEGY THROUGH THE BALANCED SCORECARD FOR PAKISTAN’S HOSPITALITY SECTOR

Zaira Yasmin Bukhari, Khawaja Khalid Mehmood — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study focuses on the impact of organizational culture, structure, and innovation strategy on four aspects of Balance Scorecard (BSC) performance of hotels operating in Pakistan. The research is based on survey data gathered from 255 managers working in the hotel industry in Pakistan. It uses structural equation modeling on Amos to examine these relationships. The results show that there is a positive impact of innovation strategy on the four performance dimensions. The impact of organizational culture on financial performance, internal business performance, and learning and innovation performance is significant and positive, but its effect is not significant on customer performance. Furthermore, the organizational structure significantly and positively predicts financial, customer, and internal business performance but not learning and innovation performance. Thus, the results indicate that organizational factors affect various performance dimensions in a differential manner. This study breaks organizational performance into four perspectives of the BSC, giving a more detailed understanding of the relationship between the organizational characteristics and performance in the hospitality sector. The study provides implications for hotel managers who want to match organizational culture, organizational structures and innovation strategies with specific performance targets. Specifically, it suggests that hotels must go for organic structure, adopt innovation strategy, and cultivate a culture that focuses on best management principles, and is employee centered as well as customer centered to bring out the best of BSC performance.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INDOOR ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND USER SATISFACTION IN UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS: A QUANTITATIVE STUDY

Usman Muhammad Buksh, Nida Rehman, Izza, Danish Ahsan — Mon, 02 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) is highly essential as it determines the comfort, wellbeing, productivity, and satisfaction of the occupants. University buildings cater to a wide range of activities that take place within education institutions, which makes it critical to maintain a healthy indoor environment that supports learning, teaching, and administrative functions. This study aims to establish a relation between the indoor environment and the satisfaction of the occupants with a focus on thermal, indoor air quality, visual, acoustic comfort, and ventilation quality. A quantitative research method is used for this study where a survey instrument is administered to a sample of 250 students, faculty members, and staff in Lahore, Pakistan. A Likert scale is used to measure respondents’ perception of the indoor environment and their overall satisfaction. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach’s Alpha test, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression are performed to analyze the data. The study makes an original contribution by identifying the indoor environment aspects that have the highest influence on occupants’ satisfaction. The findings offer new insights into the importance of indoor environment quality and its impact on building occupants. The research also generates additional implications for architects, facility managers, and administrators while providing recommendations for improving the indoor environment of educational buildings.

SURROGACY AND LEGITIMACY OF THE CHILD

Dr. Mudasra Sabreen, Dr. Sayyeda Fatima — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Pakistan lacks legal framework to deal with issues related to surrogacy. Absence of legislation does not mean that surrogacy is not practiced. There is a need to analyse current framework, if any, to deal with surrogacy in Pakistan and suggest reforms. The Federal Shariat Court’s decision in Farooq Siddiqui v Mst. Farzana Naheed, [2017] PLD 78 is a milestone with regard to development of jurisprudence on surrogacy in Pakistan. Pakistan being an Islamic state has to keep into consideration Islamic law as well. In family law issues influence of Islamic law has been immense. This research paper studies surrogacy in Pakistani as well as Islamic law and suggests reforms. Comparative and doctrinal methods have been used and effort has been made to consult primary as well as secondary sources.

THE PATHWAY FROM INHERITED TRADITIONS TO NEGOTIATED CHOICES: EXPLORING THE SOCIO-CULTURAL DYNAMICS RELATED TO MARRIAGE PERCEPTION AMONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN MULTAN, PAKISTAN

Momina Asghar, Tehmina Sattar, Muhammad Imdad Ullah — Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study explored the socio-cultural dynamics shaping youth perceptions of marriage, focusing on how they navigate the required transition between inherited traditions and negotiated choices. The researchers used a triangulation method, combining quantitative and qualitative research designs. In addition, we surveyed N=400 unmarried students and conducted in-depth interviews with N=12 married university students using a self-administered questionnaire and interview guide for data collection. Multiple regression analysis showed that socio-cultural dynamics account for 87.2% of the variance in students' perceptions of marriage. The thematic analysis also identified six major themes shaping youth perceptions of marriage: negotiated marriage decision-making, family and cultural influence, digital media and contemporary marriage ideals, intergenerational negotiation and compromise, transforming partner-selection criteria, individual agency, and changing life priorities. In conclusion, the university students in the study area do not want to completely abandon their traditional values in spouse selection; rather, they want to negotiate to pursue their personal choice of marriage. Respecting children's spouse preferences, reducing gender pressure on females about marriage, and integrating family decisions, parental authority, and children's agreement can help develop a positive perception of marriage among university students in the study area.

SUSTAINABILITY MEETS AFFORDABILITY: UNDERSTANDING THE DRIVERS OF GREEN INTERIOR DESIGN ADOPTION IN PAKISTAN'S EMERGING ECONOMY

Sehrish Rafique, Aisha Abdullah, Fizah Zahid, Ayesha Arshad — Wed, 04 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Green interior design has become increasingly important for promoting environmental sustainability in the built environment. However, financial constraints, limited awareness, and practical adoption challenges still limit its implementation in emerging economies. This study examined the factors influencing green interior design adoption in Pakistan, focusing on environmental awareness, perceived economic benefits, perceived affordability, and perceived adoption barriers. Drawing on the Theory of Planned Behavior, the study employed a quantitative, cross-sectional research design and collected data through a structured questionnaire administered to professionals associated with interior design, architecture, construction, and property development. The collected responses were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4. The findings indicated that environmental awareness, perceived economic benefits, and perceived affordability positively influenced green interior design adoption, whereas perceived adoption barriers demonstrated a significant negative relationship. Among the examined factors, perceived affordability emerged as the strongest predictor, highlighting the importance of making sustainable interior solutions financially accessible. The findings emphasize that promoting green interior design requires more than environmental awareness; it also involves demonstrating long-term economic advantages, improving access to affordable sustainable materials, and addressing financial and professional implementation constraints. This study contributes to the understanding of sustainable design adoption in an emerging-economy context and offers practical insights for interior designers, construction professionals, developers, and policymakers seeking to strengthen sustainable practices in Pakistan.

THE AI LEARNING PARADOX: REVEALING HOW UNIVERSITY STUDENTS NAVIGATE LEARNING CONVENIENCE, COGNITIVE EFFORT, DIGITAL CONTENT INFLUENCE, ACADEMIC CONFIDENCE, AND EDUCATIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has introduced a significant paradox in higher education by simultaneously enhancing learning accessibility, personalization, and academic confidence while creating concerns regarding reduced cognitive effort and technological dependency. This study explores how university students navigate AI-supported learning experiences by examining five key dimensions: learning convenience, cognitive effort, digital content influence, academic confidence, and educational engagement. Adopting a qualitative research design, the study investigates the lived experiences of 18 Pakistani university students through semi-structured interviews. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis to identify patterns within students’ perceptions and practices of AI use. The findings reveal six major themes: AI as an educational accelerator, convenience versus intellectual struggle, confidence versus competence, transformation of digital learning consumption, risks of AI dependency, and purposeful AI-supported learning. The study demonstrates that AI can enhance educational engagement when used as a cognitive partner but may weaken independent learning when relied upon excessively. The findings highlight the importance of AI literacy, responsible technology integration, and pedagogical strategies that preserve students’ cognitive autonomy while maximizing the benefits of AI in higher education.

THE IMPACT OF GEN-Z’S DIGITAL INVOLVEMENT IN PROMOTING PEACE AND INTERFAITH HARMONY AT UNIVERSITY LEVEL

Alia Rifat, Dr. Firdous Bugti — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

The rapid growth of digital technologies has transformed the ways young people communicate, interact, and engage with social issues. As a digitally connected generation, Generation Z possesses significant potential to use online platforms for promoting peace and interfaith harmony. This study aimed to examine the impact of Generation Z’s digital involvement in fostering peace and interfaith harmony at university level. A quantitative descriptive research design was employed, and data were collected from 200 university students through a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was confirmed through Cronbach’s Alpha (α = .757), indicating acceptable internal consistency. The findings revealed that students actively use digital platforms such as social media to share peace-related content, participate in online discussions, collaborate with peers, and report hate speech or divisive content. The results further showed that digital engagement contributes to greater interfaith understanding, reduced tensions among different groups, and increased awareness regarding peaceful coexistence. However, students were found to be more involved in supporting existing peace initiatives than leading or creating new digital campaigns. Overall, the study concludes that digital Involvement by Generation Z students become as valuable ways for promoting peace, tolerance, and interfaith harmony among university students. The study recommends strengthening digital literacy, encouraging student-led peace initiatives, and creating supportive institutional environments to maximize the positive role of digital engagement in peacebuilding efforts.

FINANCIAL INCLUSION, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND ENERGY CONSUMPTION DYNAMICS: EVIDENCE FROM OIC ECONOMIES

Hammad Hussain, Fatima Farooq, Muhammad Faheem — Thu, 05 Nov 2026 00:00:00 +0000

This study examines the impact of digitalization and financial inclusion on energy consumption across 40 OIC member countries from 2001 to 2022. The research used several advanced panel econometric techniques, including cross-sectional dependence and slope heterogeneity tests, CIPS, IPS, and LLC unit root tests, Pedroni, Kao, and Westerlund cointegration tests, FMOLS and DOLS long-run estimators and the Method of Moments Quantile Regression (MMQR) approach. The findings indicate that digitalization and financial inclusion significantly reduce energy consumption in overall OIC countries and particularly in higher-income OIC countries by improving energy efficiency, facilitating technological innovation, and promoting the adoption of energy-efficient technologies. However, in lower-income OIC countries, digitalization and financial inclusion increase energy consumption due to increasing industrial activity, growing access to energy-dependent technologies, and rising economic participation. Furthermore, industrialization and population are found to increase energy consumption across all country groups. The interaction effect between Digitalization and financial inclusion indicates that their combined role contributes to energy sustainability, especially in higher-income OIC countries. The study highlights important policy implications for sustainable energy management in OIC economies. Policymakers should promote digital infrastructure, expand inclusive financial systems, and encourage green financing mechanisms to accelerate the adoption of energy-efficient technologies while ensuring sustainable energy transition pathways, particularly in lower-income OIC countries.