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512 research outputs found
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Impact of Positive and Negative Perfectionism on Self-Efficacy of Students
Full text linkThis study examined the correlation between positive and negative perfectionism and self-efficacy among students. A sample of students was used to collect data using questionnaires that measured positive and negative perfectionism as well as self-efficacy. This was based on a correlational cross-sectional research design. A convenient sampling technique was implied. All the ethical considerations were strictly followed throughout the study. A statistical package was used to analyse the data statistically. The research findings demonstrate a positive and significant association between positive perfectionism and self-efficacy. This suggests that students who exhibit higher levels of positive perfectionism also have enhanced self-assurance and faith in their academic capabilities. In contrast, there was a negative but highly significant association between negative perfectionism and self-efficacy. Female students exhibit a greater degree of perfectionism and self-efficacy as compared to their male counterparts. These findings highlight the significance of fostering constructive perfectionism within an educational setting to enhance students\u27 self-confidence and academic achievements. This research emphasises the importance of implementing specific treatments in Pakistani educational institutions to address the negative impacts of perfectionism and enhance students\u27 emotional well-being and academic achievements
Digital Edge: Does Digital Literacy Enhance Academic Performance in Online Education?
Full text linkDigital literacy not only plays a crucial role in students\u27 academic performance but also their future job prospects. This study investigates students\u27 digital literacy level and its relationship with their academic performance. Furthermore, it compares the digital literacy level between male and female students. Using the Digital Literacy Scale (DLS), data were collected from 663 students enrolled in an online university in Pakistan, while their CGPA was used to measure their academic performance. The results showed that overall, students exhibited a high level of digital literacy. In one dimension (Creativity), they reported a low perception degree; while in others, their perception degrees were moderate (Copyright, Critical Thinking, Character, Connectedness, and Collaboration), high (Communication and Curation), and very high (Citizenship). Female students reported a lower level of digital literacy than males. A positive week, but a significant correlation was observed between their digital literacy and academic performance, thus suggesting that digital literacy plays a significant role in students\u27 academic performance. The results would be useful for the academicians and education authorities to develop relevant courses for positive student outcomes
Need for Integrated Islamic Schools in a Muslim State-Perspective of the Heads of Islamic School Systems of Karachi
Full text linkThe Single National Curriculum proposed by the Government of Pakistan in 2020 emphasized on the Integration of Islamic education across all boards for nation-building, whereas, the constitution and educational policies of Pakistan had always indicated the importance of a contextualized education system in compliance with the ideology of Pakistan and for preservation of Islamic morals through generations. Yet there was a rising inclination of parents towards integrated Islamic education schools in Pakistan. Research-based evidence on the uniqueness of their practices needed to be excavated. Therefore, this study sought to find out the purpose of having Islamic schools in a Muslim state and the requirements of an integrated Islamic education system from the perspective of Islamic school leaders. To achieve this objective, 4 heads of private integrated Islamic schools of Karachi were interviewed to study their perspectives on the need for integrated Islamic education systems in Karachi and their practices that make them stand out from other regular private schools of Karachi. The four themes that emerged from a qualitative analysis of their interviews were a divine sense of purpose, Islamic integration in the curriculum, Tarbiyah, and Fear of Allah, which can serve as guidance for the improvement of the unified national educational policy for nation-building
Key Drivers of Fintech Adoption Among Pakistani MSMEs
Full text linkThe adoption of financial technology by micro, small, and medium enterprises enhances their operational efficiency, improves financial accessibility, and financial inclusion in developing economies. The factors scrutinized for fintech adoption in this research are categorized into technology, organization, and environment context, including relative advantage, complexity, compatibility, top management support, organization readiness, readiness of trading partners, competitive pressure, and standard uncertainty. Primary data was gathered by disseminating a self-administered structured survey, and the responses were analyzed. The findings of the study reveal that all three elements of the TOE model positively influence fintech adoption, with the organization component being the highest predictor among the three. The research findings validate that TOE factors contribute significantly towards fintech adoption among Pakistani MSMEs. This research intends to enrich the literature on firm-level adoption, an underexplored area, especially in the context of developing and underdeveloped countries. The conclusions drawn from this study provide imperative insights for the government, policymakers, and fintech firms
Focus Group Discussions: A Catalyst Instrument for Shared Understanding of Careers Education among In-Service Middle School Teachers
Full text linkThis interpretive qualitative study explores in-service middle school teachers\u27 perceptions of careers education and its integration into the middle-level curriculum. Four Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with twenty in-service teachers were used as a source of data collection through a meaning-making process. The data was systematically analysed by using reflexive thematic analysis and all the ethical considerations were followed to maintain the rigour, trustworthiness and credibility of the data and interpretations. The study findings reveal that many teachers were initially unfamiliar with the concept of careers education, often confusing it with career counselling. The use of FGDs facilitated participants\u27 collective reflection and recognition of the potential for integrating career-related learning into their teaching and learning practices to enhance students\u27 future orientation and lifelong learning skills. The study further highlights the role of administrative support to equip teachers for delivering effective careers education through on-the-job training. The study underscores the need for developing clearer guidelines and frameworks to introduce the careers education concept into school settings. It further suggests careers education based on professional development training initiatives to support teachers in preparing students for a smooth transition from education to the workforce
A Time Series Analysis of Housing Prices, Monetary Policy, and Stock Market in Pakistan
Full text linkThis study analyses the relationship between monetary policy and housing prices in Pakistan. It also includes factors such as the stock market index and inflation, in addition to interest rates and housing prices, during the years 2016 to 2021. The dependent variable is housing prices, and the independent variables are the discount rate, inflation and the stock market index. These relationships are analysed in the study using the Vector Error Correction Model (VECM). Findings indicate that monetary policy cannot reduce housing prices in the short term. A short-term, positive, and unidirectional link exists between interest rates and house prices in the Pakistani context. Moreover, inflation has a short-term negative impact on house prices. Further, a bidirectional causation is found between home prices and inflation in Pakistan. Moreover, the stock market index in Pakistan has a long-term, unidirectional negative correlation with the housing prices in Pakistan. The study highlights the relationship between inflation and housing prices, providing valuable implications for policymakers and investors in emerging markets, particularly in the context of Pakistan\u27s real estate sector
Relationship between Gender Intensification and Gender Role Discrimination among University Undergraduates
Full text linkThe present study investigated the relationship between gender intensification and gender role discrimination among undergraduate students. A non-probability convenience sampling technique was applied for data collection. A sample of university students was included in the study. The results of the study indicated a significant correlation between the mean scores of gender intensification and gender role discrimination. Additionally, the results revealed a significant difference in gender intensification scores between male and female respondents, indicating that females scored higher than males. However, the t-test showed a non-significant difference in gender role discrimination scores between male and female participants. Findings of the present research will have an important impact on the understanding of how gender stereotypes and gender discrimination negatively impact on psychological well-being of university undergraduates. The intervention strategies can be planned after the identification of the causes of gender inequality, and to develop a gender equal environment for all students
The Impact of Advanced Analytics, Campaign Personalization, and Data Driven Decision Making on Digital Marketing
Full text linkThis study focuses on the concept of digital marketing through the concept of data driven decision making in the context of the Pakistani context. The research facilitates the appreciation of the cause and effect of the variable. It employs a quantitative research approach, using survey data of marketing professionals in e-commerce, retail, and service sectors that are evaluated using various statistical tests and used to approximate the correlations between the adoption of advanced analytics and its decision quality and marketing outcomes. Results indicate that advanced analytics can enhance the accuracy of the decision-making, the personalization of campaigns, and the Return on Investment (ROI) of marketing activities at a significant level, which emphasizes the transformative nature of this tool in digital marketing. The research paper concludes that the incorporation of advanced analytics into digital strategies is not just one of the tools of operations but a strategic necessity of companies that aim to remain competitive in the digital economy in the long term
Understanding Blood Donation Practices in Pakistan
Full text linkBlood is widely recognized as an essential bodily fluid crucial for sustaining life, and blood donation plays a critical role in saving lives. Ensuring access to a safe and sufficient supply of blood and its derivatives and reliable blood transfusion services is indispensable for a strong healthcare system. It is important to note that voluntary non-remunerated blood donors are the most reliable source of safe blood supply. In Pakistan, 70% of donated blood comes from replacement or paid donations, while only 10% comes from voluntary donations. In Pakistan, voluntary blood donation is scarce, and most blood comes from replacements. The respondents display limited understanding of blood transfusion, while they exhibit a positive attitude toward voluntary blood donation despite low participation. This discrepancy is attributed to inadequate awareness and campaigns, as well as prevalent myths and negative perceptions associated with blood and blood donation. Furthermore, sectarian-based segregation, the symbolic relationships between the donor and recipient and the exclusion of female blood donors exacerbate the gap between blood supply and demand. The research emphasises culturally suited solutions and strategies that can help enhance voluntary blood donation in Pakistan
Empirical Analysis of Factors Affecting Integration of Pakistani Equity Markets
Full text linkThe purpose of this study is to analyse the factors which determine the interconnection of the Pakistani equity market with the foreign equity markets. We nominated the equity markets of the top trading countries of Pakistan which include China, Germany, Indonesia, UAE, and the USA. The study period for this analysis covers the period from 2005 to 2018, including the time of the global financial crisis (GFC) in 2008. We investigated the level of correlation between Pakistan and its trading countries by applying the DCC-GARCH model using MSCI daily stock return data. Moreover, we employed the OLS regression model and the fixed effects model to determine the effect of the determinant factors on the level of connectedness among the selected equity markets. The results showed that the interest rate differential, inflation rate differential and trade intensity, between the selected pairs of equity markets of Pakistan with foreign equity markets have a significant effect on the correlation between them. In addition, the GFC also shows a significant impact on the equity market correlation for the equity market pairs chosen. However, the results vary in different combinations of the Pakistani equity market with other equity markets, selected based on the trade relationship