iRAPA - International Research & Publishing Academy (E-Journals)
iRAPA - International Research & Publishing Academy (E-Journals)Not a member yet
512 research outputs found
Sort by
Impact of Stress on Employee Performance at Banking Sector AJK
Get PDFThis study aimed to investigate the relationship between perceived stress and employee performance, along with the moderating role of gender among bank employees (from private and public sector banks) in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK). Standardised scales were used to assess perceived stress, its subcomponents (perceived helplessness and lack of self-efficacy), and employee performance. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent-samples t-tests, and moderation analysis were conducted to analyse the data. The results revealed a significant negative correlation between perceived stress and employee performance, confirming that higher stress levels are associated with decreased work performance. Significant gender differences were found, with female employees reporting higher perceived stress than male employees. Moreover, gender moderated the relationship between perceived stress and employee performance, indicating that the negative impact of stress was more substantial for females. These findings emphasise the importance of implementing gender-sensitive stress management strategies in the banking sector. The study contributes to the literature by exploring gender as a moderating factor. It suggests that future research examine other potential moderating variables, such as work-life balance or organisational support. Overall, the research highlights the need for targeted interventions to enhance employee well-being and optimise performance under stressful work conditions
Smoking Behavior as Risk for Sleep Disturbance, Self-Control, Depression, Anxiety and Stress
Get PDFThe present study aims to assess risk for mental health problems (i.e., sleep disturbance, low self-control, depression, anxiety, and stress) among smokers and non-smokers from different academic institutions in Karachi, Pakistan. To assess variables, the Pittsburgh Sleep Symptoms Questionnaire (PSSQ-I), Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS), and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) were used. Logistic regression analyses indicated that individuals with smoking behaviour are at greater risk for sleep disturbance, heightened vulnerability for loss of self-control and mental health disturbances (i.e. depression, anxiety, and stress) as compared to their counterparts (non-smokers). It shows that individuals who smoke could suffer from health issues. These findings suggest that smoking behaviour is closely associated with an increased risk of both mental and physical health problems. Further, the present study provides valuable insights into the detrimental psychological consequences of cigarette smoking and underscores the need for early detection and identification of individuals at risk for smoking behaviours, and designing and implementing evidence-based interventions and preventive strategies to address this public health issue. Future research may further explore the causal mechanisms underlying the relationship between smoking and mental health issues, as well as potential moderating factors such as age, duration of smoking, and social influences
Measuring Uranium Concentration in Amara Governorate, Southern Iraq in Two Different Ways
Get PDFThe current study uses ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry) and SSNTDs (solid-state nuclear track detectors) to measure uranium concentrations in 25 surface soil samples from selected locations in Omara governorate in Southern Iraq. In the ICP-MS technique, uranium concentrations ranged from 0.66 ppm to 1.6 ppm. In the SSNTDs technique, uranium concentrations ranged from 0.81±0.31 ppm to 1.95±0.50 ppm. The results obtained from the soil samples were within the permissible limits recommended by the UNSCEAR Committee of 11.7 ppm
Sustainable Tech Entrepreneurship and Green Innovation: Driving Resilience and Environmental Impact through Digital Transformation and Circular Business Models
Get PDFGrowing issues of climate change and depletion of natural resources demand a business model change towards sustainable business models. This research examines Sustainable Technology Entrepreneurship (STE) and Green Innovation (GI), including a focus on digital transformation, circular business models, and green finance as evolution towards environmental resilience and sustainability. Regarding the potential issue of knowledge gaps when treating these components together, in this paper, the significant role these elements play in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is also emphasized. In the study, a conceptual framework is developed, and a structural equation model (SEM) is used with data from over 200 participants. It is already demonstrated that digital technologies (DT) play the role of a considerable driving force behind sustainable entrepreneurship, a somewhat significant and supportive role of circular business models, and a moderate but significant one of green finance. STE is recognized as a significant mediating factor of the phenomenon, related to environmental resilience by way of innovative, sustainable concepts. This paper emphasizes the effectiveness of synergies between DT, circular economy principles and green finance to support sustainability, which can help key recommendations to policymakers and corporate managers for sustainable leverage of a growth path of economic development
The Dynamics of Politeness and Face-Threatening in Pakistani TV Entertainment Talk Shows: Analyzing Host-Guest Interactions
Get PDFThis study examined the pragmatic role of politeness in Pakistani TV entertainment shows, focusing on the strategies employed by the host and guests to navigate face-saving and face-threatening acts. To this end, six episodes from three distinct seasons of the Pakistani TV entertainment show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ were carefully selected, ensuring an inclusive representation of different hosts and guests. A descriptive and analytical research methodology was employed to examine the data taken from the show. The results established on the classification of politeness theory specified that all four strategies were used in interaction among the participants of the show for face-saving and face-threatening. Focusing on three different hosts, the study unfolded how politeness strategies, varied depending on the guest and context. The analysis also revealed that while the hosts of the first two seasons used a similar approach, the host of the third season adopted a more enthusiastic and interactive style, emphasizing positive politeness, especially with guests from the showbiz industry. Subsequently, it was concluded that both face-saving and face-threatening approaches were being engaged in the Pakistani TV entertainment show ‘Mazaaq Raat’ however, their use was arbitrary except for the use of positive strategy in the opening of the show by the host
Socio Economic Factors Influencing Women Empowerment in Sindh: A Case Study of Hyderabad District
Get PDFThe most sustainable wealth of a Nation is its human resources, and women make up the half of population thus, it is economically imperative to empower women to grow and prosper in all socio-economic landscapes. Given the importance of women’s role in bringing economic growth, peace and prosperity to a nation, the main objective of this study is to identify and analyze the impact of factors that influence women empowerment in Hyderabad District, Sindh Pakistan. After an extensive review of the literature and discussion with field experts, major factors related to social and economic categories were identified, which were tested using multiple regression to assess their impacts. The results showed that women are being deprived of their basic human rights such as choice of marriage, right to inheritance, ownership of land, right to do work as per preference, freedom of expression and mobility and are largely barred from working in hi-tech industrial sectors due to cultural taboos as such jobs are viewed suitable to only men. The findings would help policymakers in making informed decisions to enhance women empowerment, enabling them to contribute towards socio-economic development at local and national levels.
A Multimodal Discourse Analysis of Newspaper Articles in the Pakistani Context
Get PDFThis paper analyses multiple modes used by two different newspapers in reporting the same news of the wedding ceremony of a daughter of one of the famous political leaders. The two news articles of the same event from two different online newspapers, namely The News and The Express Tribune, were analysed by looking into visual and verbal modes of communication. The news article of Bakhtawar Bhutto Zardari’s Nikah Ceremony in two different newspapers was taken for data analysis. Articles were analysed by looking into their pictorial design that was complemented with text, narrative structure of broadcast article and core system of values/beliefs which contour each report. This frame structure demonstrates the in-depth affiliation between the varieties of language patterns, i.e. grammar and vocabulary and the societal and interactional aspects that strengthen these choices. This study is limited to articles from two newspapers reporting news of the daughter’s wedding ceremony of a political leader. This research suggests that multiple modes used in text are really helpful in disseminating information with symbolic resources, which engages more readers with the newspaper
Eco-Innovation, Environmental Performance, and Implication of Transient Competitive Advantage in Pharmaceutical Industry of Pakistan
Get PDFThis study examines the role of eco-innovation in stimulating a transient competitive advantage and its remarkable impact on the environmental performance of Pakistan\u27s pharmaceutical industry. The study outcomes reveal that eco-innovation significantly enhances organisations\u27 ability to achieve short-term, transformative advantages in dynamic market environments. Besides, these transient competitive advantages facilitate a strategic route map, which may aid corporations to optimise their environmental performance. The research study delivers noteworthy revelations for businesses seeking to incorporate sustainability into their strategic framework while upholding competitiveness in quickly changing market environments and presents a logical association among eco-innovation, transient competitive advantage and environmental performance of the firm. Investigating factors like leadership, culture, and internal readiness for sustainability-driven innovation could provide actionable approaches for companies aiming to implement eco-innovation and agility into their fundamental operations
Entrepreneurial Orientation as Mediator between Product Innovation and SMEs Growth: Evidence from Ready-Made Garment Industry of Sindh
Get PDFThis study addressed the gaps in how Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) mediates between product innovation and SMEs’ growth of the readymade garment industry in the Sindh region, based on two theories, such as the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capabilities. It analysed the information gathered from 200 SMEs in Sind, and the respondents were given a questionnaire with a 5-point Likert scale by demonstrating the outcomes of SMEs\u27 growth, both directly and indirectly, through entrepreneurial orientation. All things considered, this study identifies entrepreneurial orientation as the missing link and correlation. Growth and Product Innovation in SMEs: An Experimental Contribution to the Study and Support the Impact of Product Innovation and Entrepreneurial Orientation as Mediating Factors in SMEs\u27 Growth. The study highlights the necessity of enhancing entrepreneurial abilities as a means of achieving innovation-driven growth in emerging economies, providing crucial insights for SMEs\u27 owners, governments, and business development organisations
Exploring the Representation of Gender in Language Textbooks of Public Schools at Secondary Level
Get PDFEnglish is one of the global languages connecting people from different countries over the decades. It is one of only the impersonal languages spoken universally. Still, nowadays it serves numerous purposes as it acts as fabricator of personality, opinions and basis of collaborating thoughts traditional, dogmatic or social. English language textbooks grasp students\u27 attention as it is considered a prominent and esteemed language. This research aimed at exploration on how public-school textbooks have utilized the English language to embody female appearance in secondary-level textbooks. This study is grounded on Mills\u27s (1995) concept of feminist stylistics as the theoretical framework. Mill proposed three stages of analysis: Word, Phrase/Sentence, and Discourse. Gender issues should be considered while developing textbooks, as they are vital in educating and influencing learners\u27 beliefs. This study used content analysis as a tool for analyzing gender roles presented by textbooks writers’. The findings of the study revealed that male characters are dominant in roles and occupations compared to female gender. It was also observed that writers’ have used more generic masculine nouns and pronouns such as he, she him, her for general representation of both genders. Female is underrepresented by textbook writers’ as compared to male genders. This study is significant for textbook designers, curriculum committees, policymakers, and implementers.