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Parvaaz Mentorship Program – Cohort III Kicks Off
No full textThe Parvaaz Mentorship Program – Cohort III officially launched on June 3rd, 2025, with a successful Meet and Greet Session at the IBA Main Campus. The event brought together mentors and mentees for their first in-person interaction—an opportunity to connect, align expectations, and lay the foundation for a year of growth, guidance, and professional development. We’re excited to witness the journeys that will unfold through this impactful mentorship experience.https://ir.iba.edu.pk/career-development-center-gallery/1131/thumbnail.jp
Parvaaz Mentorship Program – Cohort III Kicks Off
No full textThe Parvaaz Mentorship Program – Cohort III officially launched on June 3rd, 2025, with a successful Meet and Greet Session at the IBA Main Campus. The event brought together mentors and mentees for their first in-person interaction—an opportunity to connect, align expectations, and lay the foundation for a year of growth, guidance, and professional development. We’re excited to witness the journeys that will unfold through this impactful mentorship experience.https://ir.iba.edu.pk/career-development-center-gallery/1135/thumbnail.jp
The hand that feeds: a labor history of Pakistani migrant workers in Saudi Arabia
No full textThe Gulf region hosts around 90% of Pakistanis living outside their home country, and most of these are in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UAE. This study aims to explore the experiences of the Pakistani migrant population living in the industrial city of Yanbu, KSA. By focusing on the historical and social factors in both countries that make migration to Saudi Arabia an appealing option for Pakistanis, the research seeks to touch on their position in the workforce, the impact of migration on women and families, and plans after the migration stay comes to an end.
This research will include both a structural analysis of the institutions that facilitate migration, and cultural inquiry regarding the lives of the immigrants themselves. The first will largely use historical context provided by previous scholarly work and relevant migrant demographic reports. The latter part will be explored through oral interviews with immigrants from the industrial city of Yanbu, where they will be asked about their recollections about coming to Saudi Arabia, and how their work, family life, or education intersects with the diaspora experience as a whole.
Ultimately, the project seeks to shed light on the nuances of the Pakistani diaspora in the Gulf with regard to families and socioeconomic factors that are often overlooked due to the temporary nature of their stays in the region
Workplace Aesthetics and Design: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study on Employee Wellbeing in Pakistan
No full textWorkplace aesthetics, natural light, colors, spatial layout, and personalization, are increasingly becoming recognized the world over for their influence on employee wellbeing. Yet, in Pakistan and broader South Asia, such considerations need to be more researched and implemented in organizational design, particularly in traditional or resource-constrained companies. This study investigated how Pakistani employees perceived workplace aesthetics and identified the elements they found most impactful. It also examined how these aesthetic perceptions related to three dimensions of wellbeing: psychological, work, and life satisfaction.
A mixed-methods design was employed. Quantitative data were collected from 107 participants using validated instruments from Barton & Le (2023) and Zheng et al. (2015), assessing aesthetic need, perceived aesthetics, and wellbeing. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and independent-samples t-tests were conducted in SPSS. Qualitative data comprised nine interviews and participant-submitted photos, analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s (2006) thematic analysis and Gillian Rose’s visual methodology.
A statistically significant moderate positive correlation was found between aesthetics and wellbeing scores, indicating that more positively perceived workplace aesthetics were associated with greater employee wellbeing. The qualitative findings revealed that natural light, calming colors, greenery, and personalization were consistently valued, while dim/harsh lighting, enclosed spaces, and clutter led to people feeling discomfort in their environment. The findings highlighted that employees valued aesthetic aspects and linked them to their emotional and psychological health
How Work Culture Affects the Mental Well-being of Remote Employees in Pakistan
No full textThis research study intends to find out the effect of organizational culture on the psychological well-being of employees working remotely in Pakistan. With the increase in remote work, especially during the post-pandemic period, it has become more essential to comprehend the role of organizational practices in shaping the psychological well-being of employees. This research is rooted in the literature on occupational health, but more specifically, in the manner that aspects such as communication, managerial support, flexibility, and work-life balance impact employees\u27 mental well-being within a virtual workplace. A cross-sectional survey design with a quantitative approach was used, collecting the views of 100 full-time remote workers in both local and global organizations in Pakistan. The GHQ and a number of structured items were used to measure workplace culture in multiple dimensions. The findings revealed that employees who reported ineffective communication, lack of managerial support, and poor work-life balance had lower mental well-being. On the other hand, those who felt more flexibility and stronger feelings of belongingness had improved psychological outcomes. This research concludes by insisting on the critical necessity for organizations to rethink their remote work models and adopt more people-oriented policies. In an environment where remote work is poised to become a permanent model, the research underlines the necessity of developing inclusive, communicative, and supportive workplace cultures that prioritize mental health. Through doing so, organizations can enhance not just individual health but also long-term productivity and employee retention in the new future of work
LIVING WITH ADULT ADHD A Gendered Exploration of Diagnosis and Perception in Pakistan
No full textAdult Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a prevalent yet poorly understood condition that continues to impair the functioning of many adults in Pakistan. There remains a significant gap in qualitative research examining the diagnostic journeys and the struggles of adults with ADHD in Pakistan, despite its high prevalence (Khan et al., 2019; Mushtaq et al., 2021). This research sought to address the lack of qualitative insights into the socio-cultural and gendered dynamics of ADHD diagnosis in Pakistan. The sample was 7 clinically diagnosed adults (aged eighteen and above) who regularly get psychological support, and do not have severe impairments. The male-to-female ratio was 3:4. The sample was recruited through collaboration with mental health professionals and clinics. The study employed a qualitative research methodology and utilised semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data by coding, categorising, and visualising it.
Five core themes and eleven sub-themes were identified. Core themes included: Recognition and Realisation, Socio-cultural Influences, Coping Mechanisms, Impact of Diagnosis on Self, and Gaps and Barriers in Access. The findings reveal that a formal diagnosis provided clarity, language and relief to participants. However, it does not erase the functional or emotional struggles that participants experience throughout their lives. The results also uncover the influence of gendered norms on pre- and post-diagnosis experiences. Women internalised their struggles, expressing self-blame and emotional overwhelm more often, echoing the societal expectation to appear self-contained and composed. In contrast, men expressed disruptions in cognitive functioning and productivity, suggesting gendered norms around performance and control.
The study reflects on the lack of awareness and acceptance among the general population and medical professionals and emphasises the lack of formal support in clinical systems and educational institutions. It highlights the urgent need for culturally sensitive diagnostic practices, gender-informed mental health discourse, and neurodiversity-affirming support systems in Pakistan
Exploring the Relationship Between Maladaptive Daydreaming and Depressive Symptoms in an Undergraduate Population in Pakistan: A correlational analysis
No full textMaladaptive Daydreaming (MD) is a relatively newly identified phenomenon, defined by Dr. Eli Somer (2002) as an extensive, immersive fantasy activity that disrupts academic, vocational, and interpersonal functioning by replacing real-life interactions with elaborate internal narratives. Unlike normative daydreaming, MD is characterized by its compulsive nature and the significant impairment it causes. Depression, including both Major Depressive Disorder and dysthymia, involves persistent low mood and loss of interest in activities, often measured using instruments like the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II). This study aimed to explore the relationship between maladaptive daydreaming and depressive symptoms amongst undergraduate students in Pakistan to assess whether these constructs correlate with academic performance (CGPA) and vary by gender. Using a mixed-methods design, quantitative data was collected from 186 students aged 18–25 using the MDS-16 and BDI-II, while qualitative data was obtained through open-ended questions about the content of participants\u27 daydreams. Statistical analysis revealed a moderate positive correlation between MD and depressive symptoms (r = 0.35), but no significant relationship between these variables and CGPA or gender. Thematic analysis of daydream content revealed recurrent patterns of idealized selves and romantic fantasies etc. Importantly, the study situates these findings within a collectivist cultural context, highlighting how themes of emotional suppression, social pressure, and familial expectations may uniquely shape MD experiences in Pakistan. It lays the foundation for future studies to further investigate MD’s prevalence, psychological underpinnings, and treatment pathways across diverse sociocultural settings
Coping with Loss Through Narrative Music: A Qualitative Study of Individual Experiences
No full textThe influence of music has been dominant throughout civilizations; from being prescribed to alleviate illness by ancient Egyptians and Greeks to its contemporary use as a transitional funeral and mourning rite in traditional communities (O’Callaghan et al., 2012b), music has begun to penetrate the institutional psychiatric spheres as a form of therapeutic intervention, commonly referred to as ‘music therapy’. A study published in Death Studies found that bereaved adults who participated in a 10-week music therapy program reported a 25% reduction in grief intensity and improved emotional well-being compared to a control group (Hilliard, 2001). This demonstrates the potential of music therapy to help individuals process and cope with loss. Although the communal use of music in grief choirs has been thoroughly researched upon, an individual’s natural inclination towards music as means to cope with loss remains unexamined. Most research concerning music therapy and the bereaved has focused on the effectiveness of interventions; while this research is valuable, it does not reflect bereaved people’s natural use of music to cope with loss (O’Callaghan et al., 2012b). Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore the role of narrative-music as means to cope with loss by catering to the following research questions: (1) Is narrative music effective for coping with loss? (2) What is the comparative effectiveness of narrative and non-narrative music in coping with loss. A semi-structured interview will take place, catering to the following conceptual frameworks identified: (1) Dual-Process Theory, (2) Continuing Bonds in Grief and Bereavement Theory, (3) Meaning Reconstruction Model
SWOT Analysis of Hoechst Pakistan Limited (Entity of Packages Group) as an Employer in the Karachi Market
No full textThis experiential learning project (ELP) undertakes a comprehensive SWOT analysis of Packages Group as an employer in the Karachi labor market, with a special focus on its pharmaceutical subsidiary, Hoechst Pakistan. The project addresses a critical challenge: despite Hoechst’s strong internal culture and institutional backing, it faces limited external visibility and recognition among the emerging talent pool in Karachi, a city characterized by fierce competition and evolving employee expectations. This gap risks undermining Hoechst’s ability to attract and retain top-tier professionals important for sustained growth in the pharmaceutical sector.
Adopting a mixed-methods research approach, this research combines quantitative data from a structured employee survey, qualitative insights from a focus group with final-year students from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), and an in-depth competitor interview with a mid-level professional from GSK. Additionally, secondary benchmarking was conducted through a thematic review of Codes of Conduct from global pharmaceutical leaders including Pfizer, Abbott, and GSK, as well as the Packages Group. This triangulation of data sources allowed for a rich, nuanced understanding of both internal realities and external perceptions.
Key findings reveal trustworthy and value-driven leadership, a culture of respect and collaboration, and authentic alignment with company values as core strengths. However, critical weaknesses include low employer brand visibility among prospective employees, lack of structured recognition systems, limited employee voice in decision-making, and pressure on work-life balance. Opportunities lie in making use of campus engagement, authentic employee storytelling on digital platforms, piloting flexible work arrangements, and visible peer recognition programs. Major threats come from dominant multinational competitors with strong graduate programs, a diluted employer value proposition overshadowed by the parent brand, and rapidly evolving Gen Z workforce expectations.
Grounded in Sustainable Development Goal 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and situated within IBA’s Behavioral Studies thought leadership domain, this project not only diagnoses the current employer branding challenges but also formulates practical, strategic recommendations. These include launching a “Life at Hoechst” social media campaign, instituting biannual pulse surveys and continuous feedback channels, piloting
flexibility initiatives for field staff, and creating structured recognition programs to enhance employee engagement.
The outcomes contribute to advancing knowledge on employer branding in emerging markets and offer actionable pathways for Hoechst to position itself as a competitive, authentic, and values-driven employer leading to attracting and retaining the best talent in a challenging market. The project shows how behavioural insights, combined with mixed-method research, can drive meaningful organizational change in a critical sector of Pakistan’s economy
Olpers FCMP 130G Pilot Launch
No full textThis Experiential Learning Project (ELP) was conducted in collaboration with FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan (FCEPL) to assess the market landscape and strategic potential for the newly launched 130g SKU of Olper’s Full Cream Milk Powder (FCMP). The primary objective was to evaluate the product’s visibility, competitiveness, consumer awareness, and overall positioning in Pakistan’s powdered milk segment. The project also aimed to identify key challenges and opportunities that could inform Friesland’s future marketing and distribution strategies.
The research followed a multi-method approach, combining retail audits, in-depth consumer interviews, and e-commerce and digital tracking to gather insights from both physical and online channels. Retail audits were conducted across 40 modern and general trade outlets in Karachi, while interviews were carried out with nine consumers from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Supplementary data was collected by analyzing competitor activity across platforms like Instagram, YouTube, FoodPanda, and KraveMart.
Key findings revealed that although Olper’s holds strong brand equity in the liquid milk category, its FCMP variant suffers from low consumer awareness, limited shelf visibility, and minimal promotional activity. Price sensitivity, SKU preferences, and usage occasions (e.g., desserts or tea) emerged as major themes from interviews, underscoring the need for targeted messaging and better in-store placement. E-commerce tracking also highlighted gaps in online availability and discoverability compared to competitors like Nido and Bunyad.
Based on these insights, the project recommends a low-cost integrated communication campaign to improve FCMP’s positioning, alongside improved merchandising strategies in general trade stores and expanded SKU options to attract trial. Strengthening digital visibility and ensuring consistent supply on e-commerce platforms were also identified as crucial for building consumer trust and driving adoption.
Overall, this project provided FCEPL with a comprehensive view of the challenges and growth opportunities surrounding Olper’s FCMP 130g launch. By addressing visibility, awareness, and pricing barriers, the brand can more effectively position itself as a competitive and accessible dairy solution in both urban and underserved markets