iRepository (Institute of Business Administration)
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An assessment of barriers in transformation from conventional to Islamic banking
No full textThe transformation of traditional banks to the Islamic banks is spreading across the world, but in Pakistan, the case has taken longer to turn out no matter how great the need is to have Shariah compliant services. This study examines the major obstacles towards conversion. With the aid of exploratory qualitative research design, a total of six semi-structured interviews were carried out among the banking professionals, regulators and the Shariah scholars working in the Islamic banks or engaged in conversion process. Relevant expertise was guaranteed by using purposive sampling. Thematic analysis revealed four main themes of these challenges namely operational constraints (lack of human resources, system transformation, product redesign), institutional and environmental barriers (readiness to launch into the market, resistance by stakeholders), financial constraints (expensive conversion costs, profitability issues) and regulatory complexities (dual governance, ambiguities in compliance). Although Islamic banking provides prospects of ethical fit and market development, it is vital to overcome such obstacles through concerted policies, capacity strengthening, and education and enlightenment. The study also offers suggestions to financial institutions for smooth transitioning towards Islamic banking in Pakistan
Influence of sovereign risk on stock market returns in Pakistan
No full textThe pro-cyclicality of sovereign risk, driven by global systemic factors, has led to unprecedented volatility in stock returns, causing significant losses for investors in the stock market. In Pakistan, political instability and a deteriorating macroeconomic environment, exacerbated by high external borrowing from the IMF, have resulted in frequent changes in monetary policy, negatively impacting both the money and capital markets. The objective of this study was to empirically assess the influence of sovereign risk on stock returns, specifically the KSE 100 index. Additionally, the study explored how incorporating other macroeconomic variables, such as inflation, business confidence, economic policy uncertainty and exchange rates, might affect the relationship between sovereign risk and stock returns. By reviewing previous empirical studies, the research found varying impacts of term spreads on stock markets. To measure the impact, both linear and multiple linear regression analyses were conducted using monthly data from January 2015 to December 2024, sourced from Refinitiv Data stream. The variables included exchange rates, KSE 100 prices (from which returns were calculated), inflation rates, business confidence index, economic policy uncertainty index, 5-year and 10-year sovereign bond yields, and 6-month T-bills to calculate the sovereign term spread. The results revealed a weak and statistically insignificant impact of sovereign risk on stock returns, with only the exchange rate showing a modestly significant negative effect
From Diversity to Proactiveness: Unveiling the Path Through Caring Climate and Positive Affect
No full textThis cross-sectional study design seeks to explore relationship between Diversity oriented HRM and the various organizational outcomes of caring climate, positive affect, and employee proactiveness. Other control variables such as age, gender, tenure, education etc have also been included to isolate specific impacts of DHRM. The approach is important in realizing the potential benefits of diversity oriented (DHRM) practices and also contributes to the understanding of roles that the workforce engages in
Moving beyond the rhetoric
No full textPakistan’s transition to a fully Shariah-compliant banking system is approaching a critical stage, with the December 2027 deadline set by the Federal Shariah Court. Significant progress has been made, including growth in Islamic banks, branch networks, and Sukuk issuance, but challenges remain, such as conventional public debt, liquidity management, human resource capacity, and public awareness. Successful conversion requires bold, transparent reforms, coordination between regulators, banks, and government, and a clear, time-bound roadmap. Achieving these goals could enhance financial inclusion, attract ethical investment, and position Pakistan as a global leader in Islamic finance
Impact of Technology on Customer Satisfaction in Shell Pakistan’s B2B Lubricants Market
No full textThis MBA Executive Capstone Project evaluates the impact of technology on customer satisfaction in Shell Pakistan’s B2B lubricants market. With the transition to Wafi Energy Pakistan, Shell has undertaken a digital transformation journey—most notably with the deployment of the Digital Energy Hub (DEH) and Distributor Management System (DMS) platforms. These tools aim to streamline order processing, documentation, and communication for B2B clients and distributors. The project investigates how Shell’s technology initiatives have influenced customer experience, retention, and service quality. Using the INDSERVE framework, the project analyzes structured interviews with B2B clients and distributors to assess service reliability, responsiveness, empathy, assurance, and tangibles. The findings reveal that while Shell has made meaningful progress in digital adoption—with 90% distributor usage and 65% B2B client engagement—several service gaps remain. Key insights highlight a lack of predictive tools, limited ERP integration, manual lubricant consumption tracking, and insufficient field-level engagement from Shell’s technical teams. Clients expressed interest in IoT-based oil condition monitoring, automated refill prompts, and more agile communication tools such as WhatsApp chatbots. Distributors praised Shell’s digital direction but requested real-time dashboards, route planning tools, and centralized CRM systems. To address these gaps, five strategic recommendations were developed: 1. Unified Digital Platform: Integration of DEH and DMS into a consolidated mobile-first experience. 2. IoT-Enabled Predictive Monitoring: Smart sensors for real-time lubricant health tracking and automated reordering. 3. ERP/API Integration: Seamless data exchange with client and distributor systems for invoicing and stock management. 4. Shell Digital Academy: Training modules and certifications to boost user adoption and digital literacy. 5. Smart CRM & Proactive Engagement: Intelligent systems to enhance customer interactions and upsell opportunities. The project concludes that while Shell Pakistan has laid a strong digital foundation, achieving long-term competitive advantage requires deeper personalization, predictive analytics, and field-level collaboration. With proper implementation of the proposed recommendations, Shell can emerge as a market leader in customer-centric, technology-driven service delivery in Pakistan’s lubricants industry
Monetary Policy History of Pakistan: A concise governor tenure wise explanation
No full textThis book provides a concise yet complete account of monetary policy formulation in Pakistan from 2006 to 2025. Specifically, it discusses how effectiveness of monetary policy is constantly challenged by macroeconomic imbalances, especially in the external sector. For an easy understanding of our readers, explanation of evolution of the macroeconomy of Pakistan, the internal and external macroeconomic shocks, and the response by the monetary authority, that is, the State Bank of Pakistan are put together in a Governors\u27 regime-wise manner. We hope that this work provides students, academics, researchers, politicians, and policymakers a rich perspective on evolution of monetary policy in Pakistan and help them use it in their reading of the economy of Pakistan in context of monetary policy
China’s growth amid headwinds
No full textThe article highlights China\u27s continued economic resilience despite global skepticism. After achieving a 5% GDP growth in 2024, China has set the same target for 2025, showing stable performance compared to slower-growing advanced economies. The country’s transformation is credited to its strategic pivot from quantity-driven to quality-focused growth, especially in manufacturing, renewable energy, and human capital development.
China\u27s success lies in strong governance, high investment in education and STEM fields, efficient public-private sector collaboration, and a governance system that combines central planning with local execution. With a large number of STEM graduates and returnees from international education, China is becoming a global leader in innovation and infrastructure. Its high savings rate, integration into the global economy, and large middle class further support its growth amid external challenges
Investigating the Mediating Role of E-Trust On E-Service Quality Dimensions and E-Purchase Intentions in the E-Commerce Sector in Pakistan
No full textThis study investigated the mediating role of e-trust on the relationship between e-service quality dimensions (website efficiency, website system availability, website privacy, and website usability quality) and e-purchase intentions in the e-commerce sector in Pakistan. Using a cross-sectional survey, data were collected from 350 respondents in Karachi through a structured questionnaire. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was employed to test the hypothesized relationships. Results indicated that e-service quality positively influences both e-trust and e-purchase intentions, with e-trust serving as a significant mediator. Among the dimensions, website usability quality demonstrated the strongest influence on consumer trust and purchase behavior, whereas privacy concerns highlighted areas for improvement. The findings underscored the critical role of trust in fostering online consumer engagement and provided actionable insights for e-commerce platforms to enhance service quality and consumer trust. This research offered theoretical contributions to understanding e-commerce consumer behavior and practical guidance for optimizing digital marketing strategies in developing economies like Pakistan. Limitations and future research avenues included exploring additional e-service quality dimensions and conducting longitudinal studies for broader generalization
Women Entrepreneurs Transforming Business for People and Planet: A Case Study from Pakistan
No full textThis case study explores the dynamics of women-owned and women-managed businesses in Pakistan, drawing from the World Bank Enterprise Survey (WBES) 2022. Using descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations, we investigate how gender influences access to finance, experiences with corruption, the adoption of ethical and environmental business practices, and innovation within formal firms. The findings underscore that women-led firms, though severely underrepresented (with only 4.9% reporting female ownership), face disproportionately greater financial and institutional barriers. Yet, these businesses show resilience by adopting ethical practices and training programs, and by navigating corruption with greater integrity. This research contributes to the global discourse on inclusive economic growth by offering firm-level insights into gender-specific constraints and strategies, with implications for gender-sensitive economic policies in Pakistan
Teaching for a Living Planet: A Reflective Journey in Sustainability Education in Pakistan
No full textThis paper offers a reflective narrative on teaching a Corporate Sustainability course at a Pakistani business school, focusing on how personal passion and moral purpose can transform sustainability education. Using an autoethnographic approach, it draws from firsthand experiences in the classroom and within institutional structures to explore the challenges and possibilities of teaching for a “living planet” in a context where sustainability is often marginalized. The reflections highlight how a value-driven educator—through authenticity, emotional engagement, and critical dialogue—can inspire students to move beyond compliance-based understandings and connect deeply with planetary and social concerns. While the insights stem from a single educator’s journey and may not capture all faculty perspectives, they provide an important lens into how personal commitment and pedagogical presence can drive meaningful learning. The paper urges business schools, especially in the Global South, to support such educators and create environments where sustainability is not just taught, but lived. Ultimately, it argues that transformative sustainability education can cultivate graduates who are not only professionally skilled but morally grounded in the service of people and planet