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Understanding the Science of Wallet Management
No full textSDG 8 aims to promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. The beauty industry in Pakistan is a significant employer, particularly in urban areas where salons, retail outlets, and logistics chains depend on stable consumer demand. Through this project, we examine how macroeconomic instability (such as inflation and declining GDP) affects consumer spending and, by extension, employment and industry growth. By equipping L’Oréal Pakistan with data-driven pricing strategies and economic forecasting models, this research ensures that the company can remain adaptive during downturns, helping to preserve jobs and stimulate sectoral resilience. The project\u27s outcomes allow for continued growth, even in low-consumption periods, by understanding and meeting evolving consumer priorities
Research & Evaluation of new technologies in E&P sector
No full textThis report critically evaluates the operational feasibility of deploying the Schlumberger GAIA Earth Engine—a cloud-native, AI-driven geoscience platform—within the upstream operations of United Energy Pakistan (UEP). In light of mounting global pressure for digital transformation in the hydrocarbon sector, the report undertakes a multi-dimensional feasibility assessment, encompassing operational logistics, workforce adaptability, legal and regulatory compliance, environmental and social sustainability, and financial viability. Employing a structured methodology, the report delineates the compatibility of GAIA with Pakistan’s geotechnical landscape and UEP’s organizational framework. It establishes that the digital infrastructure, human capital, and policy ecosystem in Pakistan are increasingly conducive to the successful integration of high-fidelity geospatial analytics and machine learning-based exploration technologies. The study further substantiates that GAIA’s modular architecture and interoperability with legacy systems enable a scalable, low-disruption deployment across UEP’s assets. The findings reveal that the implementation of GAIA would enhance UEP’s subsurface interpretation accuracy, reduce non-productive time, improve predictive maintenance, and optimize drilling outcomes. The technology’s alignment with environmental standards and its ability to foster transparent community engagement underscore its broader strategic value beyond operational metrics. Concluding with evidence-based recommendations, the report positions GAIA as not merely a digital upgrade but a pivotal catalyst for UEP’s transition to a data-centric, environmentally conscious, and globally competitive energy enterprise
Financial Analysis and Market Assessment of Falak Foods Division
No full textThis Experiential Learning Project (ELP) was undertaken in partnership with Falak Foods, a consumer business unit of Matco Foods Ltd., Pakistan\u27s top agribusiness and rice exporter. As Falak Foods forays deeper into the FMCG space—making a specialty out of premium products such as Spices & Herbs, Himalayan Pink Salt, Organic Brown Rice, and Flour—it is confronted by both gigantic growth opportunities and operational sophistication. Our project was designed to enable strategic decision-making by producing three significant outputs: an in-depth financial forecast model categorized by product type, a detailed internal control framework based on the COSO model, and departmental Risk Control Matrix (RCM) that outlines key operational, financial, and compliance risks. We started by reviewing Falak Foods\u27 historical financials and building a multi-scenario financial model that projected revenues, cost of goods sold, gross margins, and profitability in its key product lines. Each product was modeled separately based on the size of the market, export history, and internal capacity assumptions, providing detailed insight into the potential performance in base, optimistic, and conservative scenarios. The revenue forecasts were accompanied by a cost driver deep dive, which determined logistics, raw material sourcing, and packaging as the most responsive variables. These projections were then tested against benchmarking of competitors and export trends to provide a forward-looking determination of Falak\u27s market stance. In parallel to the financial considerations, we crafted a COSO-compliant internal control structure that suited the operating conditions of Matco and its Falak Foods business. The structure comprised control environment improvements, risk assessment procedures, automated control activities, information systems based on ERP, and strong monitoring systems. The intent was to institutionalize governance, minimize operational risk, and develop internal resilience as the business expands its presence. Lastly, we created a Risk Control Matrix for five key departments—Finance, Procurement, Payroll, Logistics, and Inventory. The RCM tied identified risks with control measures, types of controls (preventive/detective), levels of automation, and ownership. The matrix is an actionable template for Matco\u27s internal audit and compliance teams to track and address emerging risks. The wider significance of the project is rooted in its alignment against SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). By enhancing Matco\u27s internal processes and forecasting, our outputs support sustainable growth, operational clarity, and long-term profitability. This report chronicles the analytical journey, methodological rigor, findings, and recommendations derived from this intense 10-week undertaking
Meezan Bank Gamification: Engaging Young Customers
No full textThe Meezan Bank Gamification Project was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of gamification in the banking universe and to develop a Shariah-compliant gamification strategy that can increase user engagement and foster long-term customer loyalty.
The project began with extensive research, including global and local case studies of financial service providers, to assess the use cases and efficiency of gamification in achieving key business objectives. The research primarily focused on three core elements of gamification: challenges, rewards, and progress tracking.
To guide our analysis, we conducted surveys with over 160 respondents and reviewed third-party research, particularly those exploring gamification within the Pakistani context. The client’s objectives emphasized user education, stronger customer engagement, adherence to Islamic principles, and minimal recurring financial outlay.
Accordingly, the report presents our findings and strategic recommendations for each of the three gamification elements: Challenges: We recommend implementing features such as Knowledge Navigator, Smart Spending, Zakat Zone, Riba Radar, and Product Pathfinder. These proposed challenges align with Meezan Bank’s strategic goals and based on secondary research, have strong potential to enhance user interaction and build loyalty. Progress Tracking: Our recommendations include various formats of progress bars (e.g., linear and segmented), along with the innovative Meezan City concept, where users’ complete challenges, earn points, and expand a virtual city. These methods have demonstrated effectiveness in similar contexts and align well with insights gathered from our primary research. Rewards: To meet the client’s requirement for Shariah-compliant, innovative, and cost-effective reward mechanisms, we propose features such as Digital Badges, Leaderboards, User of the Month Spotlight, Streak Tree, and Virtual Coins. These elements provide intrinsic motivation and meaningful recognition without requiring significant financial investment.
In conclusion, this project provides a clear roadmap for Meezan Bank to implement gamification in a way that is engaging, ethical, and impactful. Our strategy is particularly targeted toward enhancing the banking experience for younger customers, especially those under the age of 35, by creating a more interactive and rewarding journey
IBA’s Annual Career Fair draws large number of students
No full textThe IBA Karachi hosted its Annual Career Fair 2025 at the IBA Main Campus, organized by the IBA Career Development Centre (IBA-CDC). With the theme Think Next, the event attracted over 170 companies and professionals from diverse industries. The fair provided students with a platform to explore career opportunities, engage with industry leaders, and receive mentorship. Executive Director Dr. S Akbar Zaidi highlighted IBA’s commitment to producing employable graduates. The event featured mentorship lounges and interactive career guidance sessions, with industry experts sharing insights on career growth and development
An Exploratory Study on the System of Waqf in Pakistan in Comparison with Türkiye: Concept, Legislation, and Accounting
No full textThis thesis explores the system of Waqf in Pakistan, juxtaposing its conceptual, legislative, and accounting frameworks with those of Türkiye. Drawing upon Islamic jurisprudence and historical practices, the study emphasizes the enduring potential of Waqf as a model for sustainable societal development. While Pakistan\u27s public is remarkably generous, the country\u27s Waqf institutions are hindered by outdated legislation, limited awareness, and weak accounting standards. Conversely, Türkiye boasts a robust Waqf system with modernized laws, transparent governance, and innovative applications. Employing a qualitative methodology, this research incorporates thematic analyses of interviews with scholars and practitioners to uncover gaps and opportunities in both contexts. This study recommends legislative reforms, improved governance, and modern financial instruments to strengthen Pakistan\u27s Waqf system. These proposals aim to guide policymakers, academics, and philanthropic organizations
Systematic exploration of fuzzing in IoT: techniques, vulnerabilities, and open challenges
No full textAs our dependence on the internet and digital platforms grows, the risk of cyber threats rises, making it essential to implement effective measures to safeguard sensitive information through cybersecurity, ensure system integrity, and prevent unauthorized data access. Fuzz testing, commonly known as fuzzing, is a valuable technique for software testing as it uncovers vulnerabilities and defects in systems by introducing random data inputs, often leading to system crashes. In the Internet of Things (IoT) domain, fuzzing is crucial for identifying vulnerabilities in networks, devices, and applications through automated tools that systematically inject malformed inputs into IoT systems. However, despite its importance, existing research on fuzzing techniques in IoT contexts remains limited by the absence of standardized benchmarks, inefficiencies in re-hosting strategies, and difficulties in detecting complex, condition-dependent vulnerabilities. The primary objective of this study is to comprehensively evaluate current fuzzing practices, emphasizing adaptive techniques designed for IoT systems. Using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) model, a systematic literature review was conducted across 32 academic articles published between 2020 and 2024. The analysis revealed that although fuzzing enhances IoT security, its effectiveness is hindered by device heterogeneity, limited system resources, and evolving cyber threat landscapes. The findings suggest that to overcome these limitations, future research should focus on AI-driven fuzzing methods, robust multi-architecture support, and the development of standardized evaluation frameworks to strengthen IoT cybersecurity
IBA Executive Director, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, appearance on DAWN News Morning Show
No full textIBA Karachi proudly shares that Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA Karachi, was featured on DAWN News\u27 morning show Chai, Toast aur Host on May 13, 2025. In this insightful conversation, Dr. Zaidi reflects on IBA’s 70-year legacy of academic leadership, the prestigious AACSB Accreditation, and the IBA\u27s unwavering mission to deliver world-class education rooted in integrity, impact, and inclusion. He underscores how IBA stands apart by offering rigorous academic programs with a significantly lower fee structure than other leading business schools while empowering deserving students through a robust financial assistance framework. The interview reaffirms IBA’s commitment to shaping future leaders — without compromising access or excellence
IBA Consultancy Society\u27s 3 day inaugural business event Synergy in IBA Karachi
No full textSYNERGY is a dynamic, module-based competition aimed at equipping students with the essential skills and competencies required to thrive in today’s fast-paced and globally interconnected business environment
