Journal of Management Science Research Review
The Journal of Management Science Research Review (JMSRR) is a double-blind peer-reviewed scholarly journal that publishes high-quality empirical and theoretical research articles in all areas of management science. The journal is committed to publishing rigorous and relevant research that makes a significant contribution to the field of management science.
Sociology of Digital Control: Datafication, Online Surveillance, and Gendered Norms in Everyday Life in Higher Education in Pakistan
This qualitative study examines the sociology of digital control by exploring how datafication, online surveillance, and gendered norms shape everyday life, particularly within higher education contexts. Using thematic content analysis, secondary literature was systematically reviewed from multiple databases including Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and institutional repositories. Purposive sampling was employed to select studies related to AI applications in higher education, such as learning analytics, automated assessment, and surveillance, alongside themes of digital inequality, and governance, with emphasis on Pakistan and comparable Global South settings. Through inductive-deductive analysis, nine major themes emerged, highlighting the mechanisms of digital control, gendered experiences of surveillance, and the role of digital platforms in reinforcing social norms. The findings indicate that digital technologies function as instruments of both governance and inequality, where data-driven systems intensify visibility, normalize monitoring, and reproduce gendered expectations. The study concludes that whereas digital control is pervasive, individuals and communities exhibit forms of resistance and agency, underscoring the need for ethical governance and gender-sensitive digital policies to ensure equitable participation in digital spaces.
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A Multi-Dimensional Assessment of Digital Transformation and AI in Driving Resilience and Sustainability of Construction Firms
This paper is a multi-dimensional evaluation of how digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) can increase the resilience and sustainability of construction companies. Based on empirical evidence gathered among construction organizations of various maturity stages, the research determines the impact of the digital capabilities, analytics powered by AI, and integrated information on the operational stability, environmental performance, and long-term competitiveness. Quantitative data show that highly transformed digital firms are characterized by around 35-45 greater operational resilience (manifested by better response time to disruption, proactive risk management and continued initiation of projects). The further impact of AI usage is the 30 percent efficiency of resources and the 25 percent decrease in the overruns, which is achieved through predictive maintenance, data-based scheduling, and real-time decision support. The results of sustainability indicate that there was a decrease in material waste by 28% and a decrease in carbon-related inefficiencies by 22% in digitally mature firms, which seemed to be closely connected between AI-enabled digital processes and environmental performance. A Digital Resiliency and Sustainability Index (DRSI) was created based on the weighted scores of digital integration (0.35), AI capability (0.30), organizational adaptability (0.20), and sustainability governance (0.15). Companies with a score of the index above 0.70 showed a substantially greater financial stability and ESG performance than the low-scoring ones. The results prove that digital transformation and AI are complementary enablers of resilience and sustainability and not separate technological interventions. The research paper adds to the literature of construction management as it provides empirical support and a systematic examination framework in order to drive strategic digital investment and the design of policies in the built environment sector.
Advancing Business Intelligence Adoption for Macroeconomic and Productivity Growth: An Econometric Assessment of Data Driven Decision Making in the U.S. Financial Sector
It is an empirical study of the macroeconomic and operational effects of Business Intelligence (BI) implementation in the banking industry of the United States, in terms of productivity and GDP. The study connects a multi source quantitative model that integrates information from the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA), Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), and 10-K filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to construct a longitudinal data set covering 2023 to 2025. The paper examines the relationship between the intensity of BI, as measured in actual terms by a new text analytics based BI Index, and economic consequences using log-linear econometric models, and finds that the two variables are related. The findings show that the relationship between the adoption of BI and the growth in sectoral GDP is strong (R2 = 0.999), and that increasing the strength of BI by 50% points results in a 1.6% increase in GDP, or a 16.6 billion dollar increase in economic activity. Nonetheless, the relationship between business intelligence and productivity has been slow and nonlinear, with short term inefficiencies caused by transitional changes as well as costs associated with technology integration. The findings support the Resource Based View (RBV) and Technology Performance Chain (TPC) models, demonstrating that Business Intelligence (BI) systems are advanced resources capable of transforming data resources into economic value through alignment with organizational strategy and the promotion of organizational learning. According to the research as a manager, competences such as analytics expertise, data management skills, and organizational readiness are key to realizing the benefits of business intelligence over time. The policy implications are that national digital policies and goals, such as the United States' AI and Data Strategy 2030, must incorporate the development of BI adoption indicators in order to support long term productivity gains and boost innovation competitiveness. This study addresses a gap in existing empirical data on the disconnect between a country's digital transformation efforts and its operational results in terms of overall performance by conducting the first multi source econometric analysis of BI in relation to the final performance criteria. It recognizes business intelligence as a vital economic driver that will put the United States at the forefront of the world's data driven economy.
Examining the Impact of Financial Innovation on Secure Transaction Management in Pakistan’s Banking Sector: A Case Study of Faisal Bank of Pakistan Using a PLS-SEM Approach
The rapid diffusion of financial innovation has fundamentally transformed transaction processing and service delivery in the banking sector, particularly in emerging economies such as Pakistan. While digital banking innovations enhance operational efficiency, accessibility, and customer convenience, they simultaneously introduce new challenges related to transaction security, data privacy, and fraud risk. This study examines the impact of financial innovation on secure transaction management within Pakistan’s banking sector, using Faisal Bank of Pakistan as an empirical case study. The research aims to provide robust evidence on how innovation-driven banking practices contribute to the effectiveness of secure transaction management mechanisms in a digitally evolving financial environment. Drawing on innovation diffusion theory and trust-based technology adoption perspectives, the study proposes a structural model in which financial innovation influences secure transaction management both directly and indirectly through digital trust. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to Faisal Bank customers actively using digital banking services. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to assess the measurement and structural models due to its suitability for predictive analysis and theory development in complex, multivariate research settings. The results indicate that financial innovation has a significant and positive effect on secure transaction management, suggesting that the adoption of advanced digital banking technologies strengthens authentication procedures, fraud detection capabilities, transaction reliability, and data confidentiality. Furthermore, financial innovation was found to significantly enhance digital trust, which in turn positively influences secure transaction management. The mediation analysis confirms that digital trust partially mediates the relationship between financial innovation and secure transaction management, highlighting the critical role of customer confidence in the effectiveness of secure digital transactions. These findings contribute to the existing literature by offering empirical evidence from a developing country context, where secure digital banking adoption remains underexplored. From a practical perspective, the study provides valuable insights for banking managers and policymakers by emphasizing the need to align financial innovation strategies with robust security frameworks and trust-building mechanisms. The results suggest that sustained investment in innovative financial technologies, coupled with transparent security practices and regulatory compliance, can enhance transaction security and support the long-term stability of Pakistan’s digital banking ecosystem.
Tax Revenue, Institutional Quality, and Sustainable Growth in Afghanistan (1996–2024): A Dual Source ARDL–ECM Analysis
This study examines whether domestic revenue mobilization is associated with sustainable economic growth in Afghanistan and whether institutional quality moderates that relationship in a fragile and conflict-affected setting. A reconciled dual-source annual dataset for 1996–2024 is constructed by harmonizing World Development Indicators with official Afghan fiscal and macroeconomic series, with observation-level provenance flags documenting source priority and reconciliation decisions. An autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) bounds-testing framework and its error-correction representation are estimated to accommodate mixed integration orders, structural breaks, and a small annual sample. Political transitions are captured using regime-segmented indicators interpreted relative to the Taliban I baseline regime. Bounds tests support a stable long-run relationship between real GDP growth, tax revenue, institutional quality, and standard controls. The error-correction term indicates rapid convergence to equilibrium (ECT ≈ −1.24). In the long run, the tax revenue coefficient is positive but imprecisely estimated (1.54; p = 0.284). The interaction between tax revenue and institutional quality is positive and economically large (9.68; p = 0.180), suggesting that stronger institutions increase the growth payoff to taxation, although statistical support is indicative rather than definitive. Overall, the findings imply that revenue-led growth strategies in Afghanistan and comparable fragile contexts are more likely to be effective when paired with institutional improvements that enhance budget credibility, reduce leakages, and strengthen policy predictability and compliance.
Sustainable Supply Chain and Business Efficiency: The Impact of Strategy, Digital Transformation, Supply Chain Resilience, and Green Human Resource Management
This study examines how sustainable supply chain practices affect business performance, where operational performance is one of the mediating variables. Particularly, it aims to explore how supply chain strategy (SCS), digital transformation (DT), supply chain resilience (SCR), and green human resource management (GHRM) collectively lead to organisational outcomes. The literature review showed that traditional supply chain models have been subject to major inefficiencies that are a result of recent disruptions in the world and pressure on the environment. Among the most important thematic areas, there will be the role of SCS as a comprehensive plan of monitoring activities, digital transformation, and integration of advanced technologies such as AI and ERP, and flexibility and recovery as the issues SCR is concerned with. In addition, the review examines the way in which GHRM integrates environmental values in recruitment and training to facilitate employee sustainable commitment. Besides, the study was a primary research study that used a quantitative research methodology to test hypothesised connections between quantifiable variables. Evidence was gathered based on a five-point Likert scale, with 101 valid responses to the questionnaire. The results were processed with the assistance of the two-step Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) of SmartPLS that comprised the testing of the measurement model, including the reliability and validity, as well as testing of the structural model. According to the analysis, it is possible to note that the most considerable positive impact is that of Supply Chain Strategy (0.369, p = 0.001) and then Green HRM (β= 0.183, p = 0.041). Remarkably, the direct effects of digital transformation and supply chain resilience on the operational performance were not statistically significant in this sample. However, operational performance was observed to be a strong and influential source of efficiency in the business (β= 0.560, p = 0.001). The validation of the hypothesis of indirect effect testing established that SCS and GHRM are effective in positively influencing the efficiency of the business by first increasing its operational reliability and flexibility. The result that improved operational outcomes are followed by high efficiency at the business level indicates that OP can be used as the endogenous mediator.
THE COLLECTIVE IMPACT OF SOCIAL MEDIA, MARKETING ORIENTATION, AND ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY ON PURCHASE INTENTION AND BEHAVIOR
Increasing environmental degradation, climate change concerns, and resource depletion have intensified global attention toward sustainable consumption and environmentally responsible behavior. As a result, green purchasing has emerged as an important area of research in consumer behavior and marketing literature. Although awareness of environmental issues has increased, many consumers still fail to consistently engage in green purchasing, highlighting a gap between intention and actual behavior. Understanding the factors that influence green purchase intention and how this intention translates into green purchase behavior is therefore essential for promoting sustainable consumption. The primary objective of this study is to examine the determinants of green purchase behavior by focusing on environmental responsibility, green marketing orientation, green product knowledge, and social media, while investigating the mediating role of green purchase intention. The study seeks to explain how these factors shape consumers’ intention to purchase green products and whether intention acts as a key mechanism that converts green-related perceptions and influences into actual purchasing behavior. By integrating multiple antecedents within a single framework, the study provides a more comprehensive understanding of green consumer decision-making. The theoretical foundation of this research is rooted in pro-environmental behavior and intention-based decision-making perspectives, which suggest that ethical responsibility, knowledge, and external influences play a central role in shaping environmentally friendly consumption. Environmental responsibility reflects consumers’ moral obligation toward environmental protection, which can motivate sustainable purchasing decisions. Green marketing orientation signals firms’ commitment to environmental values and influences consumers’ trust and evaluation of green products. Green product knowledge reduces uncertainty by enhancing consumers’ understanding of eco-friendly attributes, while social media serves as a powerful channel for information dissemination and social influence in modern consumption contexts. A quantitative research approach was adopted to empirically test the proposed model. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire using a cross-sectional design. A total of 200 valid responses were obtained from consumers with sufficient awareness of green products and environmental issues. Measurement items were adapted from established scales and assessed using a Likert-type format. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), which is suitable for predictive research models and for examining mediation effects. The analysis involved assessing both the measurement model and the structural model, with bootstrapping techniques applied to test the significance of direct and indirect relationships. The empirical findings indicate that environmental responsibility, green marketing orientation, green product knowledge, and social media all have significant positive effects on green purchase intention. These results suggest that consumers who feel a stronger sense of responsibility toward the environment, possess better knowledge about green products, and perceive marketing efforts as environmentally oriented are more likely to develop intentions to purchase eco-friendly products. Social media also plays a meaningful role in shaping intention by increasing awareness and exposure to green-related information. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that green purchase intention has a strong and significant influence on green purchase behavior, confirming that intention is a critical predictor of actual green buying actions. Environmental responsibility also shows a weak but significant direct effect on green purchase behavior, indicating that ethical concern may sometimes influence behavior independently. However, the direct effect of social media on green purchase behavior is not supported, suggesting that online exposure alone is insufficient to ensure consistent green purchasing without the formation of strong purchase intentions. The mediation analysis confirms that green purchase intention significantly mediates the relationships between all antecedent variables and green purchase behavior. This finding highlights the central role of intention in translating environmental concern, knowledge, marketing influence, and social media exposure into actual purchasing behavior. Overall, this study contributes to green consumer behavior literature by offering empirical evidence on the mechanisms underlying green purchase decisions. Practically, the findings suggest that policymakers and marketers should focus on strengthening consumers’ environmental responsibility, improving green product knowledge, and designing credible green marketing strategies that encourage intention formation and support sustainable consumption. Keywords: Green Purchase Behavior; Green Purchase Intention; Environmental Responsibility; Green Marketing Orientation; Gr: een Product Knowledge; Social Media; PLS-SEM
Too Much or Too Little Cash? Optimal Cash Holdings and Firm Value in Family-Owned and Shariah-Compliant Firms
This study examines whether deviations from optimal cash holdings affect firm value under different ownership and governance structures. Using panel data from 100 non-financial firms listed on the Pakistan Stock Exchange over the period 2009–2018, we employ a threshold model to capture the nonlinear association between corporate cash holdings and firm value. The results reveal a significant nonlinear relationship, confirming the existence of an optimal level of cash holdings that maximizes firm value. Deviations from this optimal level, either in the form of excess or insufficient cash are associated with a decline in firm value. Moreover, the negative value effects of such deviations are more pronounced in family-owned and Shariah-compliant firms, suggesting that concentrated ownership and religious governance frameworks intensify the costs of suboptimal cash policies. These findings offer important implications for corporate managers and policymakers, highlighting the need for carefully calibrated cash management strategies, particularly in firms characterized by family control and Shariah compliance. By providing evidence from a developing economy with relatively weak governance mechanisms, this study extends the cash holdings literature and uncovers previously overlooked moderating roles of family ownership and Shariah compliance in shaping the value consequences of corporate cash policies.
Determinants of Psychological Satisfaction towards Purchasing Counterfeit Green Clothing Brands in Karachi
This study is to investigate the mediation role of psychological satisfaction (PSAT) on purchase intention (PI) of counterfeit brands in the presence of psychological and attitudinal factors (PAF) of apparel consumers of Karachi. The target audience for the study is people from 18 to 65 years of age with buying power and knowledge of green fashion and counterfeits. A diverse sample of 312 respondents was collected through a combination of convenience snowball non-probability sampling methods to access consumers who may be hesitant to reveal counterfeiting purchasing behavior. The data were collected through structured survey with 5-point Likert scale. The analysis was done using PLS-SEM. These factors can significantly influence PSAT: FoMO, social-adjustive function, schadenfreude, similar perceptions, value-expressive function. Moreover, PI can be predicted through the PSAT. Also, the PSAT mediates their purchase intention. Managers of successful sustainable apparel brands must know how to nourish emotional engagement, social desirability, and digital presence and differentiate on product-related authenticity, design, and affordability. Officials advised to boost anti-fake campaigns consumer awareness. With these insights, it will be possible to decrease the consumption of counterfeit products and promote authentic sustainable fashion in Pakistan.
Resilience in Crisis: Examining the Impact of Interest Rates, Trade Openness, and Unemployment on Indonesia’s Economic Recovery from COVID-19
This paper attempts to capture the contribution of real interest rates, trade openness, and unemployment to Indonesia's economic recovery after the COVID-19 crisis. Using multiple linear regression on annual data from 2011 to 2023, the study examines the influence of the three variables on Indonesia's GDP growth throughout the recovery phase. By incorporating a dummy variable for the post-crisis period, the analysis captures shifts in economic dynamics after 2021. The findings show that trade openness and unemployment significantly impact GDP. Trade openness has a negative relationship with GDP, suggesting that reliance on international markets may have hampered recovery. Unemployment also shows a negative association with GDP, underscoring the importance of labor market stability in supporting economic resilience. Although real interest rates did not demonstrate statistical significance, they are main influential in shaping the economic environment, signaling the value of a balanced approach to monetary policy in crisis recovery. The study theoretically contributes to how economic resilience in emerging markets is viewed by highlighting the interactions between monetary, trade, and labor market variables. The findings also have some important implications for policymakers, who will be reminded that reducing unemployment and helping to boost local industry is important in fostering growth. Additionally, cautious adjustments in trade policy may enhance stability, particularly during times of global uncertainty. Future research could expand by examining sector-specific impacts, a more granular timeframe, or comparative.
Analyzation Of Financial Performance of Sector-Wise Life Insurance Companies of Pakistan: (With Special Reference to Public Sector and Private Sector Life Insurance Companies of Pakistan)
This study is looking at the life insurance market in Pakistan, especially the financial performance based on net premium growth of the top companies in the market. Public and private sector enterprises are the primary actors being targeted. The data for this study came from the financial reports of different public and private sector firms, as well as the financial statements analysis of financial sector 2017-2023 released by the statistics & DWH department, state bank of Pakistan - SBP. Inductive research is the research approach employed here, which implies that data is acquired first, and then a conceptual framework is constructed based on the collected data. This framework aided in the creation of a financial model, which was subsequently evaluated using regression analysis. The research intends to acquire insights into the financial performance of the life insurance business in Pakistan and how the major participants, both in the public and private sectors, have performed based on net premium growth from 2017 to 2021 by analysing these important variables. The regression analysis is most commonly used to identify links and patterns between variables, allowing for a better knowledge of the industry's dynamics and the elements that influence its financial performance.
Exploring the effects of Industrial Digital Technology on Sustainable Firm’s Performance with a mediating role of Green Supply Chain Management Practices in FMCG Industry of Pakistan
This study investigates how Industry 4.0 digital technologies contribute to Sustainable Firm Performance (SFP) in Pakistan’s FMCG manufacturing sector, emphasizing the mediating role of Green Supply Chain Management (GSCM) practices. Despite the global shift toward digital and sustainability-driven operations, empirical evidence from developing economies remains limited, particularly regarding how technological capabilities integrate with green practices to enhance triple-bottom-line performance. Addressing this gap, the study draws upon the Practice-Based View (PBV) and Information Processing Theory (IPT) to propose a comprehensive conceptual model. A structured survey was administered to FMCG manufacturing firms, and the data were analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings reveal that core Industry 4.0 technologies—such as IoT-enabled monitoring, big data analytics, AI-based decision systems, and blockchain-supported traceability—significantly strengthen multiple GSCM dimensions, including green design, green information systems, green procurement, internal resource development, and reverse logistics. However, green manufacturing did not exhibit a significant direct effect. The results further demonstrate that GSCM practices play an essential mediating role, indicating that digital technologies create sustainable value primarily through enhanced coordination, cleaner processes, and improved supply chain transparency. Sustainable Firm Performance showed strong positive effects on economic, environmental, and social outcomes, confirming its importance as an integrated measure of organizational sustainability and competitiveness. Moreover, the mediation analysis highlights that governance design and structured process facilitation partially transmit the influence of digital technologies toward improved sustainability outcomes, reinforcing the need for effective governance mechanisms. Overall, the study provides valuable empirical evidence that digital transformation aligned with green supply chain strategies can significantly enhance long-term sustainability in resource-constrained developing economies. The findings offer meaningful guidance for managers, practitioners, and policymakers aiming to strengthen sustainable and digitally enabled supply chain ecosystems.
Impact of Business Intelligence on Product Innovation: A Pragmatic Analysis of Automobile Manufacturing Companies of Sindh, Pakistan.
Intent of the current research study is to analyse the dynamics of business intelligence on product innovation the business intelligence plays a vital role in the automobile industry in the providence of Sindh. The current study was incorporate the resource-based view theory has a significant role for the utilization the capabilities and resources of the firm available with regarding the competitive intelligence and the business intelligence towards the automobile industries. Thus, the research contributes the application of new knowledge and techniques, for future competitive advantage from the business environment, the emerging technologies, and the governing situation in which the companies are competes and the rival of new competitors and the consequences. More research also contributes the value addition and new knowledge the induction of business intelligence. The study is based on survey research the target population of the study were Managers and Engineers of the automobile manufacturing firms in Sindh Pakistan; cluster sampling technique is employed with close ended questionnaire on five-point Likert-scale was provided to respondent for the responses. The data analysis through the approach of smart pls, to examines the mediating effects and the direct impact on the product innovations to increase the firm productivity. The results reveals that a significant mediations effects established and also established product innovation in association of competitive intelligence, innovation intelligence. The theoretical approach is assumed in this study based on cross sectional data and quantitative technique for future research qualitative and mix method could be applied, the target population may be other areas like pharmaceutical manufacturing firms, service and public sector. The current research study is for decision and policy makers to incorporate the business intelligence for the development of product innovation to get maximum competitive advantage from the business environment.
Investigating the Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility in Local Community Development: A Case Study of Pakistan Beverages Ltd SITE Area Hyderabad
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) has increasingly been identified as a significant tool whereby organizations play their part in societal well-being on the one hand, and sustainable development on the other in contexts where developing nations still have fatalities as far as services by the state go. This paper discusses the practice and perception of CSR in Pakistan Beverages Ltd. (PBL), SITE Area Hyderabad, and how it is perceived to develop the local communities. Because of the non-test approach, the qualitative, interpretivist approach, as well as the single-case study design, is employed. Direct observations together with review of documents were used to complement the primary data that are presented as 10 in-depth and unstructured interviews that are conducted with the purposely chosen employees of various levels of the organization. To determine recurring themes and patterns, the qualitative content analysis was applied. It is reported that CSR at PBL is perceived as a multi-dimensional concept that involves community-oriented, including educational support, charitable activities, partnerships, and internships, as well as internal CSR which is regarded as employee welfare, occupational health and safety, rewards, healthcare benefits, and volunteering. It is important to note that the theme of internal CSR became prevalent, indicating that employees have a strong connection of corporate responsibility to the daily workplace practices that can make them feel well, safe, and satisfied with their jobs. The study also shows that although CSR activities are seen to bear significant direct and indirect benefits in the community, there is still a room to mature CSR in terms of, making the environmental responsibility more responsible and more systematic CSR reporting. The proposed findings make a contribution to a body of literature in CSR by demonstrating the developmental applicability of internal CSR and providing context-driven results within the manufacturing industry of Pakistan.
The Impact of Legal Resource Factors on Social Entrepreneurship
This study is a quantitative research study exploring the impact of legal resources on social entrepreneurship in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK), Pakistan. The legal resources, including regulatory frameworks, intellectual property rights, contract enforcement and government legal support are very important in defining the operational environment of social enterprises. A total of 246 respondents who represented different social entrepreneurs all over KPK were used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. The study employed statistical methods such as correlation and regression analysis to determine the degree to which the social entrepreneurship growth and sustainability are dependent on the legal factors. The results indicate that there is a strong positive correlation between the factors related to the legal resources and social entrepreneurship, which implies that the favorable legal systems boost the entrepreneurial activity with the social aim. The research will be very helpful in informing the policy makers and development practitioners to enhance legal frameworks that promote a favorable environment in the region to promote social innovation and enterprise development.
A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW OF DEEP LEARNING AND SENTIMENT-DRIVEN MODELS FOR CRYPTOCURRENCY PRICE PREDICTION
The very high volatility and fast evolution of cryptocurrency markets have revealed the weaknesses of conventional price-based forecasting models, and more behaviorally informed and adaptive predictive models are required. This paper is a systematic review, which aims to assess the connection between deep learning and sentiment based models and their improvement of cryptocurrency price prediction through the integration of investor psychology, market stories and nonlinear dynamics. The research will attempt to synthesize the evidence on the effectiveness of models, current trends in methodology, and applicability to the real world based on fragmented previous research. The systematic review of the literature was done according to PRISMA guidelines. The predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to retrieve peer-reviewed journal articles via Scopus, targeting the articles that were published between 2019 and 2024. It is a review of the empirical and conceptual literature utilizing deep learning architectures (e.g. LSTM, CNN, GRU) and methods of sentiment analysis (e.g. transformer-based models and topic modelling e.g. BERTopic). The results indicate that sentimental deep learning models are reported to be more effective than traditional statistical and machine-learning models in the case of predicting the cryptocurrency prices, especially when the market is volatile. Sentiment activity based on social media and news information are very useful in generating more accurate forecasts, volatility alerts and risk sensitivity in various studies. This paper provides a systematic thematic research synthesis of sentiment-based deep learning studies that have been conducted in the cryptocurrency markets, along with theoretical, methodological, and practical contributions. It offers a basis to the further studies in the field of explainable AI, cross-market validation, and responsible application of predictive analytics in digital finance. Keywords: Cryptocurrency price prediction; Deep learning; Sentiment analysis; BERTopic; Behavioral finance; Systematic review.
Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Economic Growth: The Moderating Role of Corruption
This primary goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation while underlining the moderating effect of corruption, especially in the context of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Multiple hypotheses are tested through a panel data framework using a Random Effects Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression model. The study incorporates interaction terms to assess the moderating impact of corruption on innovation- and entrepreneurship-led growth. Data were compiled from World Bank, Global Innovation Index, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, UNCTAD, and IMF for the period 2010–2023. The results reveal that education and political stability are key drivers of economic growth, showing consistent positive effects. In contrast, innovation has a significant negative association with GDP per capita, suggesting structural or absorptive inefficiencies in the region. Entrepreneurship shows a positive but statistically insignificant effect, and corruption does not significantly moderate the relationships between innovation or entrepreneurship and growth. The findings suggest the need for BRICS nations to enhance institutional quality, improve innovation diffusion mechanisms, and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems. Policymakers should consider institutional reforms and investment in education to maximize growth returns from innovation and entrepreneurship. This study builds on the Schumpeterian growth theory and explores Drucker’s perspective on the innovation–entrepreneurship nexus, extending prior models by incorporating corruption as a moderating institutional factor. Unlike prior studies that focus on developed economies, this paper contributes a novel empirical analysis of emerging markets using both traditional economic variables and institutional indicators. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Corruption, Innovation, Economic Growth, BRICS, Institutions, Schumpeter, Drucker
Leadership Style Innovation Capability Knowledge Management and Firm Growth in Pakistan’s Small and Medium Enterprises
Digital transformation has become a strategic priority for financial institutions seeking sustainable performance in increasingly competitive environments. This study investigates the impact of digital transformation on organizational performance in Pakistan’s banking sector, with particular emphasis on the mediating roles of customer satisfaction and employee engagement. Using survey data collected from banking professionals, the study employs Structural Equation Modeling to examine the proposed relationships. The empirical findings indicate that digital transformation has a significant positive effect on organizational performance, both directly and indirectly. Customer satisfaction and employee engagement are found to partially mediate this relationship, highlighting their critical role in translating digital initiatives into performance outcomes. The results suggest that effective digital transformation enhances service quality, operational efficiency, and workforce involvement, thereby strengthening overall organizational performance. This study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence from an emerging economy context and offers practical insights for banking managers and policymakers aiming to leverage digital innovation for sustained competitive advantage.
The Impact of Cold Chain Logistics Risks on Firm Performance: Assessing the Mediating Roles of Data Analytics and Human Factor Capabilities under Environmental Dynamism
Thermal integrity as a concept in cold chain logistics is a decisive factor of success in companies dealing with perishable goods, but these companies are experiencing growing operational risks and environmental unpredictability. This study examines how Cold Chain Logistics Risks (CCLRs) affect Firm Performance (FP), in addition to considering the roles of internal capabilities, namely data-driven decision making and workforce training in the context of environmental dynamism. The data was gathered using a quantitative research design, where a structured survey was used to gather empirical data of 105 professionals associated with cold chain companies in Karachi, Lahore, and Sahiwal, Pakistan. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the conceptual framework in SmartPLS software. The descriptive findings point out to a strongly male dominated workforce (91.42) with a majority of them being at the age bracket of 26-30 years and are primarily working in large sized companies (45%). The structural analysis affirmed the existence of positive important relationships along the hypothesized directions: CCLR has a significant impact on Environmental Dynamism and Internal Capabilities. Most importantly, Internal Capabilities became one of the most effective Firm Performance predictors, which means that the value of the technical and human resilience assets is the main force behind the ROI and market share. These results conclude that operational pressure caused by logistics risks is effective but the strategic implementation of ICT infrastructure and multi-skilled workforce fills the gap amid risk exposure and organizational success. This paper is a roadmap that managers can use to develop strength in unstable markets by investing in technology and human capital.
Green Supply Chain Integration and Sustainable Supply Chain Performance: The mediating roles of Green Innovation and Supply Chain Resilience, and the moderating roles of Green Value Co-Creation and Absorptive Capacity
The research focuses on how the Green Supply Chain Integration (GSCI) affects the Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (SSCP) and the parallel mediating role of Green Innovation (GInv) and Supply Chain Resilience (RES) in particular, and the possible moderating role of Green Value Co-Creation (GVCc) and Absorptive Capacity (AC) in particular. The study was based on the resource-based view, relational view and the knowledge-based perspective, and had a quantitative approach where primary data was gathered through a web-based survey of managers engaging in the supply chain and sustainability practices working in different industries. The mediated-moderated conceptual model was empirically constructed and analyzed with the help of the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS software. The results show that, the direct relationship between the three dimensions of GSCI, which include Green Internal Integration, Green Customer Integration and Green Supplier Integration and SSCP, was not found to be significant after adjusting some factors between them therefore indicating that the relationship between them is largely indirect. Green Customer Integration (= 0.345, p = 0.001) and Green Internal Integration = 0.210, p = 0.037) became significant positive predictors of Green Innovation and no significant impact of Green Supplier Integration was noticed. The direct positive impact of Supply Chain Resilience on SSCP was the most consistent and strong (β = 0.296, p = 0.001), which emphasized the importance of the latter in the attainment of sustainable results in unstable conditions. In sum, the structural model was moderate to high in explanatory power, considering that it explained 47.8% to 52.4% of the variance in the endogenous constructs. The findings emphasize the fact that the role of green supply chain integration in sustainable performance is majorly indirect in nature with Supply Chain Resilience being the predominant means of transmission and Absorptive Capacity acting as an important enabling factor. These results criticize the simplistic direct-effect approaches and stress the strategic significance of building organizational resilience capacity and knowledge acquisition systems in making successful conversion of green integration initiatives into long-term sustainability benefits in a business world that is becoming more uncertain and disruptive.
Impact of Green Digital Campaigns on Green Brand Attitude: An Empirical Study of the Fast-Food Sector in Pakistan
The growing impetus for environmental sustainability has encouraged fast-food brands in particular to incorporate green messages in their digital marketing endeavors, especially in emerging economies. The present study investigates the impact of green digital campaigns on green brand attitude in the fast-food industry in Pakistan while assessing mediating roles of brand trust, brand authenticity, and customer engagement. The study adopts the Stakeholder Theory and customer-based brand equity models. The study is based on a quantitative cross-sectional approach. The perception of sustainability-oriented digital marketing by fast food brands was measured using structured research instruments administered among 205 undergraduate students in Lahore. The relationships were tested through Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for the direct and indirect effects between the constructs. The findings show a significant and positive influence of green digital campaigns on green brand attitude. Apart from this, the brand trust, brand authenticity, and customer engagement are found to act as partial mediators. It is evident that greenwashing and transparency within sustainability communication have great significance to consumers. The current study empirically confirms the green marketing and digital branding literature theory from a psychological perspective that defines how green digital communication affects sustainable consumer attitude towards it in emerging markets. From a practical perspective, the results indicate that fast-food brands should consider communicating their sustainability initiatives in transparent, authentic, and engaging ways in order to nurture trust and positively enhance green brand attitudes. The research also suggests directions for future research such as extending the demographic coverage and using longitudinal designs to capture long-term effects of sustainable digital marketing.
Strengthening Sustainable Sales Performance through Digital Sales Capability and Adaptive Selling Behavior: Evidence from Pakistan’s Textile Export Industry under Market Uncertainty
This study investigates how digital sales capability and adaptive selling behavior jointly contribute to strengthening sustainable sales performance within Pakistan’s textile export industry under conditions of heightened market uncertainty. The textile export sector represents a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy, yet it faces persistent challenges stemming from global demand volatility, technological disruption, shifting buyer expectations, and intensified international competition. In response, exporting firms are increasingly compelled to transition from traditional relationship-based selling approaches toward digitally enabled, data-driven, and adaptive sales practices. Drawing upon sales capability theory, adaptive selling theory, and uncertainty management perspectives, this research develops and empirically tests a comprehensive conceptual framework that positions digital sales capability as a strategic enabler of adaptive selling behavior, sales innovation capability, and ultimately sustainable sales performance, while explicitly accounting for the moderating influence of market uncertainty. Keywords : Digital Sales Capability; Adaptive Selling Behavior; Sustainable Sales Performance; Market Uncertainty; Sales Innovation Capability; Textile Export Industry; Pakistan; B2B Sales; Export Performance; Sales Strategy; Customer Analytics Utilization; Sales Training Effectiveness; Intrinsic Motivation; Work Enthusiasm; Sales Force Effectiveness; Digital Transformation; Emerging Markets; Competitive Advantage; Sales Sustainability; Export Marketing https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18464490
Navigating Influencer-Driven Brand Trust: The Role of Social Media Influencer Experience and Consumer Engagement Intention
The growing popularity of social media influencers has radically changed the relationship between consumers and brands in the internet sphere. Influencer attributes, including credibility, expertise, and attractiveness, in the fashion industry, have been the focal point of the previous scholarship; little has been done in terms of experiential elements of influencer interaction and its effects on consumer trust. This gap in the research is particularly relevant to the context of emerging economies, where the influencer marketing process is rapidly developing, and the customers respond to it in ways that are not necessarily similar to the trends detected in developed markets. The current research study is located in the theoretical frameworks of the Flow Theory and the Social Exchange Theory, where the brand trust is affected by social media influencer experience, and the intentions of further engagement serve as a mediating variable. The article also explores the mediating role of brand innovativeness and brand-influencer fit. A quantitative approach was used to identify data of 300 active users of social media. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS 4.0 was used to test the hypothesis model. The findings show that experience of influencers has a strong positive impact on the intention of consumers to continue engagement. However, the desire to keep engaging with the brand does not directly increase brand trust. In addition, brand innovativeness is a significant modifier of the indirect correlation between the experience of the influencer and the brand trust, but the brand-influencer fit exhibits a small moderating effect. This study contributes to the prior influencer marketing research, highlighting the importance of experiential and brand-level determinants in building trust and providing useful information to develop effective influencer marketing strategies in new markets.
Assessing the Sustainability Integration in Green Procurement Planning in Organization Evidence from the Financial Sector
Purpose: This research study examines the effect of considering sustainability in the green procurement planning on the way it affects green performance and organizational sustainability success in the banking industry. Design/Methodology/Approach: In a cross-sectional survey, 489 professionals who work in commercial, Islamic, government, and private banks were used to gather the data. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS‑SEM) was used to test the proposed conceptual framework. Findings: The findings indicate that the sustainability aspect of green procurement, which encompasses the evaluation of environmental suppliers, ethical procurement, lifecycle costing, stakeholder’s involvement, and adherence to sustainability guidelines makes a considerable influence to green performance. Also, sustainable procurement planning has a direct positive effect on organizational sustainability in economic, environmental, and social level. The consequences of green performance on organizational sustainability are also positive which serves to justify the mediating role of green performance. Research Limitations/Implications: The paper ends by giving recommendations to the practitioners and giving directions in which future research on sustainable green procurement should take. Practical Implications: The results highlight the strategic relevance of considering sustainability in the procurement planning to enhance the long-term green performance and organizational sustainability. This paper examines the reasons why sustainable procurement practices can lead to green performance and long-term organizational success focusing on the concept of sustainability as a strategic concern in contemporary green management particularly when the decisions made by procurement are likely to impact the environment, social and economic performance. Originality/Value: The research offers empirical data in the banking industry, in which the topics of sustainable procurement and green management have been expanded. Keywords: Green Supply Chain, Sustainable Procurement, Green Management, Procurement Planning, Sustainability Integration, Sustainable Development, Banking industry.
Monitoring Sedimentation Dynamics Through SBAS-InSAR for Sustainable Management
Sedimentation is a critical geomorphological process that influences the sustainability of river systems, reservoirs, floodplains, and coastal environments. Accelerated sediment deposition driven by natural processes and human activities can lead to reduced storage capacity, increased flood risk, and degradation of ecosystems and infrastructure. Effective monitoring of sedimentation dynamics is therefore essential for sustainable environmental management. This study investigates the potential of the Small Baseline Subset Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SBAS-InSAR) technique to monitor sedimentation dynamics through the analysis of surface deformation. Multi-temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar data were processed using the SBAS-InSAR approach to generate deformation velocity maps, cumulative displacement patterns, and deformation time series for the study area. The results reveal spatially coherent subsidence patterns concentrated in sediment-rich environments such as river floodplains, reservoir margins, and depositional zones. Temporal analysis indicates predominantly gradual and sustained deformation, with variations linked to hydrological conditions and sediment supply. These deformation trends are interpreted as indicators of sediment loading and consolidation processes. The findings demonstrate that SBAS-InSAR provides reliable indirect information on sedimentation dynamics over large spatial extents and long time periods. By integrating remote sensing-derived deformation data with environmental context, this approach offers valuable support for sediment risk identification, resource planning, and sustainable management. The study highlights the potential of SBAS-InSAR as a complementary tool to conventional sediment monitoring methods, particularly in data-scarce regions and under changing climatic conditions.
STRATEGIC BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES FOR ENHANCING TOURISM UNDER CPEC: A CROSS-BORDER PERSPECTIVE
This study quantifies how strategic business and management practices can unlock tourism potential along the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Using a 2015-2023 panel of 378 district-year observations and a cross-section of 1,822 tourism SMEs, we estimate a Spatial Durbin Model and double-hurdle revenue equation. Results show that a 1 % increase in road density raises district tourist arrivals by 0.46 % and spills over 0.21 % to neighbours (p < 0.01), while heritage density amplifies the total effect to 0.49 %. PPP intensity, visa facilitation and digital-platform adoption exert significant positive elasticities. Stakeholder surveys reveal that 54 % of SMEs cite regulatory uncertainty and 82 % of Chinese operators demand one-stop digital licensing, whereas 63 % of local communities insist on KPI-linked revenue sharing. Two pilots confirm policy impact: a tri-sector governance board in Gilgit-Baltistan lifted satisfaction by 18 % and cut poaching by 35 %, while a Gwadar Blue-Economy PPP achieved 72 % occupancy and created 400 local jobs. Simulations indicate that joint visa and PPP reforms could raise arrivals 12.8 % and yield a USD 2.3 billion net present value over five years. The study concludes that CPEC hardware must be complemented by governance software—digital platforms, heritage-linked PPPs and community revenue-sharing—to generate inclusive, sustainable tourism growth.
The Influence of Digital Transformation On the Re-configurability and Performance of Supply Chain: A Study of Home Appliances Manufacturing Industries in Pakistan
The proposed research aims at examining the effects of digital transformation on the performance of the supply chains using the mediating variables of supply chain integration, visibility and reconfigurability in the electronics, machinery and home appliances manufacturing sectors in Pakistan. Even though the digital transformation is now widely recognized as a competitive driver, there is a paucity of empirical evidence as to how digital features can be converted into quantifiable performance results in the developing economies. This study fills this gap with a proposed and tested integrated capability-based framework based on the dynamic capability theory. A quantitative, cross-sectional study design was utilized based on survey data gathered on 250 managerial respondents within the Pakistani manufacturing companies. Measurement of constructs was done on validated multi-item Likert scales. The data were analyzed with the help of a Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) with SmartPLS to determine measurement validity, the structural relationships, mediation effects, and model fit. Findings show that digital management technologies and digital network connectivity have a positive impact on supply chain integration (β= 0.322; 0.336) and visibility (β= 0.284; 0.330). Integration of the supply chain can greatly lead to improvement in performance (β = 0.215, p =0.05) and visibility alone does not depict a significant direct effect. The model describes 62% of variance on performance of the supply chain (R2 = 0.620). The present study has its contribution by empirically demonstrating the re-configurability of supply chains as a central mediating dynamic capability between digital transformation and performance in an emerging economy setting, which can have both theoretical and practical managerial implications. Keywords: Digital transformation; Supply chain integration; Supply chain visibility; Supply chain re-configurability; Supply chain performance; Manufacturing industry; PLS-SEM; Pakistan; Dynamic capability theory
Integrated Cyber Defense Strategies for the Modern Digital Ecosystem: Evaluating Zero Trust Models, AI-Driven Threat Intelligence, and Secure Cloud Architecture for Resilient Infrastructure Protection
The rapid expansion of digital ecosystems, driven by cloud computing, interconnected networks, and data-centric operations, has intensified the need for advanced and adaptive cybersecurity strategies. This study evaluates the combined effectiveness of Zero Trust Architecture, AI-driven threat intelligence, and secure cloud infrastructure in strengthening organizational resilience against evolving cyber threats. Using simulated cyberattacks, access control analytics, intrusion detection logs, and cloud performance assessments, the research examines how each component contributes to proactive risk mitigation and enhanced system reliability. The implementation of Zero Trust principles demonstrated substantial improvements in access governance, reducing unauthorized lateral movement and limiting attack surfaces. Meanwhile, AI-based threat intelligence engines significantly improved detection accuracy, enabling real-time identification of anomalies and automated incident response. Additionally, secure cloud architecture—with its encryption layers, segmentation controls, and dynamic policy enforcement—proved essential in sustaining system performance while maintaining strict security compliance. The integrated approach produced measurable gains in threat prevention, resilience, and operational continuity across public, private, and hybrid cloud environments. The findings confirm that traditional perimeter-focused models are insufficient for modern infrastructures and that a unified, multilayered defense strategy is crucial. This research concludes that organizations adopting intelligent, Zero Trust-aligned cloud frameworks can effectively navigate emerging threats and build a more robust, adaptable cybersecurity posture.
Accounting for words: Financial Performance as a driver of Managers’ Discussion in 10-Ks
This paper examines the impact of topics extracted from annual 10-K reports that are contextually focused by managers on the financial performance indicators of the firms. The paper goes beyond the conventional tone-based sentiment analysis and uses topic modelling to identify five economically significant themes in the Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) section with the help of Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA). We use a sample of publicly listed companies in the United States, and the dependence of financial ratios and managerial discussion content is investigated by a dynamic System Generalized Method of Moments (System GMM) model. The results indicate that the financial performance is selective in managerial disclosure. The profitability and efficiency indicators have a strong impact on the income, growth, and cost-related stories, whereas liquidity and solvency measures show a weak ability to explain. The performance in the market influences cost of operation discourses, as opposed to profitability discourses. Comprehensively, the findings reveal that the thematic organization of disclosures is strategically adjusted by the managers based on underlying financial conditions, which provides novel information about the role of narrative reporting in capital markets.
Green Supply Chain Integration And Sustainable Supply Chain Performance: The Mediating Roles Of Green Innovation And Supply Chain Resilience, And The Moderating Roles Of Green Value Co-Creation And Absorptive Capacity
The research focuses on how the Green Supply Chain Integration (GSCI) affects the Sustainable Supply Chain Performance (SSCP) and the parallel mediating role of Green Innovation (GInv) and Supply Chain Resilience (RES) in particular, and the possible moderating role of Green Value Co- Creation (GVCc) and Absorptive Capacity (AC) in particular. The study was based on the resource-based view, relational view and the knowledge-based perspective, and had a quantitative approach where primary data was gathered through a web-based survey of managers engaging in the supply chain and sustainability practices working in different industries. The mediated- moderated conceptual model was empirically constructed and analyzed with the help of the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) in SmartPLS software. The results show that, the direct relationship between the three dimensions of GSCI, which include Green Internal Integration, Green Customer Integration and Green Supplier Integration and SSCP, was not found to be significant after adjusting some factors between them therefore indicating that the relationship between them is largely indirect. Green Customer Integration (= 0.345, p = 0.001) and Green Internal Integration = 0.210, p = 0.037) became significant positive predictors of Green Innovation and no significant impact of Green Supplier Integration was noticed. The direct positive impact of Supply Chain Resilience on SSCP was the most consistent and strong (β = 0.296, p = 0.001), which emphasized the importance of the latter in the attainment of sustainable results in unstable conditions. Absorptive Capacity turned out to be a critical organization competency, with a strong positive direct impact on both the Green Innovation (0.245, p = 0.019) and Supply Chain Resilience (0.444, p < 0.001), and a significant indirect impact on SSCP through the resilience pathway ( 0.131, p = 0.011). Green Innovation, in its turn, showed a comparably non-significant positive impact on SSCP (= 0.208, p = 0.092), and no mediation by Green Innovation was established. Also, the moderating effects of Green Value Co-Creation (on the GSCI–SSCP relationship) and Absorptive Capacity (on the GSCI–Green Innovation and GSCI–Resilience relationships) were not found as all terms of interaction were not statistically significant. In sum, the structural model was moderate to high in explanatory power, considering that it explained 47.8% to 52.4% of the variance in the endogenous constructs. The findings emphasize the fact that the role of green supply chain integration in sustainable performance is majorly indirect in nature with Supply Chain Resilience being the predominant means of transmission and Absorptive Capacity acting as an important enabling factor. These results criticize the simplistic direct-effect approaches and stress the strategic significance of building organizational resilience capacity and knowledge acquisition systems in making successful conversion of green integration initiatives into long-term sustainability benefits in a business world that is becoming more uncertain and disruptive.
This primary goal of this study is to investigate the relationship between economic growth, entrepreneurship, and innovation while underlining the moderating effect of corruption, especially in the context of the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). Multiple hypotheses are tested through a panel data framework using a Random Effects Generalized Least Squares (GLS) regression model. The study incorporates interaction terms to assess the moderating impact of corruption on innovation- and entrepreneurship-led growth. Data were compiled from World Bank, Global Innovation Index, Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, UNCTAD, and IMF for the period 2010–2023. The results reveal that education and political stability are key drivers of economic growth, showing consistent positive effects. In contrast, innovation has a significant negative association with GDP per capita, suggesting structural or absorptive inefficiencies in the region. Entrepreneurship shows a positive but statistically insignificant effect, and corruption does not significantly moderate the relationships between innovation or entrepreneurship and growth. The findings suggest the need for BRICS nations to enhance institutional quality, improve innovation diffusion mechanisms, and strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems. Policymakers should consider institutional reforms and investment in education to maximize growth returns from innovation and entrepreneurship. This study builds on the Schumpeterian growth theory and explores Drucker’s perspective on the innovation–entrepreneurship nexus, extending prior models by incorporating corruption as a moderating institutional factor. Unlike prior studies that focus on developed economies, this paper contributes a novel empirical analysis of emerging markets using both traditional economic variables and institutional indicators. Keywords: Entrepreneurship, Corruption, Innovation, Economic Growth, BRICS, Institutions, Schumpeter, Drucker.
Advancing Sustainable Investment Strategies through Green Finance and ESG Integration: A Data-Driven Approach to Portfolio Optimization, Risk Management and Long-Term Value Creation
The rapid expansion of sustainable finance has positioned green finance instruments and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration as central pillars of modern investment decision-making. However, despite growing investor demand and regulatory momentum, significant challenges persist in effectively translating ESG information and green finance signals into robust portfolio construction, risk management, and long-term value creation. ESG data heterogeneity, rating disagreement among providers, sectoral materiality differences, and uncertainties associated with climate transition risks continue to limit the practical and financial effectiveness of sustainable investment strategies. Addressing these gaps, this study proposes a comprehensive data-driven framework capable to systematically integrate green finance indicators and ESG metrics in portfolio optimization and risk management processes. The proposed framework brings together multi-source ESG data harmonization, sector-specific materiality weighting and green finance exposure metrics like green revenue intensity, green bond allocation and climate transition proxies to create a consistent and investable sustainability signal set. These sustainability variables are simultaneously integrated with the traditional financial factors in a multi-objective portfolio optimization model that aims to maximize risk-adjusted returns while minimizing downside risk while improving sustainability performance. The optimization process explicitly takes into account practical investment constraints such as transaction costs, turnover limits, liquidity considerations and ESG-based exclusion and tilt requirements. Risk management is taken care of through dynamic estimation of volatility, measures of tail-risk such as Conditional Value-at-Risk (CVaR), and climate aware stress testing in adverse market and transition scenarios. The empirical analysis uses the rolling window backtesting and out-of-sample validation among the diversified equity portfolio in order to analyze the consistency of their performance, drawdown behavior, and portfolio resiliency under different market regimes. Sustainability outcomes are measured with composite ESG scores, carbon intensity and green exposure measures to align with long-term goals for environmental and social outcomes. The results demonstrate that portfolios constructed using the proposed integrated ESG–green finance framework exhibit improved downside protection, reduced tail risk, and enhanced resilience during periods of market stress compared to conventional and ESG-only investment strategies. Importantly, these benefits are achieved without systematically sacrificing long-term return potential, supporting the argument that disciplined ESG integration can coexist with fiduciary performance objectives. This study contributes to the sustainable finance literature by providing a transparent, replicable, and data-driven methodology that bridges the gap between sustainability goals and financial performance, offering practical insights for asset managers, institutional investors, and policymakers seeking to advance resilient, value-creating sustainable investment strategies.
Organizational Culture and Human Resource Practices under Industry 5.0 across the Asia–Pacific Region: A Comparative Sociological Analysis of Entrepreneurial Orientation, Human-Centric Innovation, Workforce Adaptation, and Managerial Change.
The transition toward Industry 5.0 represents a fundamental shift from technology-centric automation toward human-centric, resilient, and sustainable organizational systems. While prior research has predominantly focused on Industry 4.0 technologies, limited scholarly attention has been given to the sociological transformation of organizational culture and human resource (HR) practices required to support Industry 5.0, particularly within the heterogeneous institutional landscape of the Asia–Pacific region. This study addresses this gap by developing a comparative sociological analysis of how organizational culture and HR practices jointly shape entrepreneurial orientation, human-centric innovation, workforce adaptation, and managerial change across diverse Asia–Pacific contexts. Grounded in organizational sociology and human resource management theory, the study conceptualizes Industry 5.0 as a socio-technical paradigm in which cultural values, leadership norms, and HR systems play a central role in mediating human–technology collaboration. Drawing on comparative data from organizations operating in multiple Asia–Pacific economies, the research examines how variations in institutional environments, labor market structures, and cultural norms influence the configuration and effectiveness of culture–HR systems. The analysis focuses on the alignment between organizational culture types and HR practice bundles, including talent development, participatory decision-making, performance management, and reskilling strategies, and evaluates their impact on key Industry 5.0 outcomes. The findings reveal that organizations characterized by adaptive and innovation-oriented cultures, supported by high-involvement HR practices, demonstrate stronger entrepreneurial orientation, greater capacity for human-centric innovation, and higher levels of workforce adaptability. In contrast, control-oriented cultural environments relying on rigid HR systems tend to experience slower managerial transformation and greater resistance to human-AI integration. The study further highlights the moderating role of institutional context, showing that the effectiveness of human-centric HR practices is contingent upon national skill systems, regulatory frameworks, and socio-cultural expectations prevalent across the Asia–Pacific region. This research makes three key contributions. First, it extends Industry 5.0 scholarship by foregrounding organizational culture and HR practices as critical sociological drivers of human-centric transformation. Second, it provides a comparative framework that explains cross-regional differences in Industry 5.0 adoption within the Asia–Pacific context. Third, it offers practical insights for managers and policymakers seeking to design culturally aligned HR systems that foster sustainable innovation, entrepreneurial behavior, and inclusive managerial change in the emerging Industry 5.0 era.
Impact of Digital Teaching Methods on Teaching Quality
The fast-growing adaption of digital technologies in higher learning has changed the way of instructional delivery but empirical data are scarce on how teaching practices that involve digital technology can produce quality teaching. The previous research has mostly concentrated on the adoption of technology or direct impacts without considering the motivational processes that cause instructional practices to affect teaching outcomes. The research was conducted to fill this gap by exploring the effects of digital teaching practices and teaching interactivity on the quality of teaching, using student motivation as a mediator factor and digital literacy as an explanation factor in students. It is proposed in the study that the quality of teaching in digital settings is attained based on the motivation processes among the learners rather than the application of technology. The survey data used in the study were quantitative and cross-sectional research design based on survey data collected on higher education students. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) was used to test the proposed conceptual model. Cronbach alpha, composite reliability and average variance extracted were used to measure reliability and validity of the measurements, and the structural path analysis, mediation analysis and moderation analysis were conducted. The findings demonstrate that digital teaching strategies (β=0.408 p 0.001), and interactive teaching ( β= 0.482 p 0.001) have significant positive effect on student motivation which consequently has a positive effect on the quality of teaching (β= 0.361 p 0.001). The correlation between instructional practices and the teaching quality is mediated by student motivation whereas the effect of student digital literacy on teaching quality is direct (β=0.572, p < 0.001). The model describes 72.7 and 74.4 percent of the variance in the motivation of students and teaching quality. The research offers empirical findings in support of a motivation-based account of teaching quality in digital higher education that brings a fined insight into the effectiveness of instruction and useful advice into designing interactive and learner-centered digital teaching methods. Keywords: Digital teaching methods; Teaching interactivity; Student motivation; Digital literacy; Teaching quality; Higher education; PLS-SEM
Factors shaping E-trust and purchasing intentions in Pakistan's online market: A structural equation modeling analysis
The fast expansion of online shopping has changed the buying habit of consumers; nonetheless, the issue of trust in online shopping platforms has been a major challenge especially in emerging economies. The study proposed was to investigate the determinants of consumer trust in online shopping and the impact that such determinants have on online purchase behavior in Pakistan. The quantitative and cross-sectional design was used to collect the data of 302 consumers with a prior experience of online shopping using a structured questionnaire. The relationships between perceived security, privacy protection, the quality of the site, perceived risk, the reputation of the vendors, consumer trust as well as online purchase behavior were analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). According to the findings, consumer trust significantly depends on perceived security, privacy protection, the quality of the web site, and reputation of the vendor, whereas perceived risk has a hefty negative impact on consumer trust. The online purchase behavior was found to be strongly positively related to consumer trust. The mediation analysis also showed that consumer trust partly mediates the associations between determinants of trust and online purchasing behavior. The structural model had a high explanatory power as it had a significant percentage of variance in consumer trust and online purchase behavior. This paper is significant to the literature on e-commerce since it shows empirical data on Pakistan, which is a developing digital market and consumer trust is a key factor in online buying behavior. The results can be used by online retailers and policy makers as a guideline as they can see the need of enhancing security, privacy protection, the quality of the websites and the reputation of vendors to increase consumer trust and encourage long-term expansion of online shopping.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION AND SUPPLY CHAIN RELATIONSHIPS AS DRIVERS OF SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT IN PAKISTAN
The paper examines the impacts of digital transformation and relations within the supply chain on sustainable performance and the mediating effect of Total Quality Management (TQM). Although previous studies have recognized the significance of digitalization and collaboration towards sustainability, there is inconclusive empirical research on how these capabilities have been converted into economic, environmental and social impacts particularly in Pakistan settings. The research fills this gap by providing and experimenting an integrated capability-based model explaining how and through which processes sustainability results are obtained. The adopted design was a quantitative, cross-sectional research design. The firms were identified to be operating in Pakistan and data were obtained using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The assessment of measurement reliability and validity were evaluated using Cronbachs alpha, composite reliability, AVE and HTMT, and structural relations were evaluated by bootstrapping processes. The findings indicate that the digital transformation has a strong beneficial influence on the sustainable performance (β = 0.319, p = 0.001). The direct effect of TQM on sustainable performance (β= 0.426, p = -0.001) is also strong and mediating influences on digital transformation and supply chain relationships are significant. The direct impacts of relations with suppliers and distributors are negligible and this means that relational resources are of contribution to sustainability via quality execution mechanisms. The model describes 76.4 percent of the variations of sustainable performance. This research study is important in that it empirically confirms that TQM is a dynamic capability of the execution level that transforms digital and relational resources into sustainable performance. The results not only can be used by managers in their practices but also serve as a strong basis of longitudinal and cross-country studies in the future. Keywords: Digital transformation; Total Quality Management; Supply chain relationships; Sustainable performance; PLS-SEM; Emerging economies https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18595518
Development and Initial Validation of a Theory of Planned Behavior Questionnaire- Assessment of Purchase Intentions Towards Products Associated with CRM Campaign
In recent years, increasing social awareness and ethical concerns among consumers have significantly influenced marketing strategies adopted by organizations. Consumers today are not only motivated by functional benefits such as price and quality but are also increasingly attentive to the social and moral implications of their purchasing decisions. As a result, cause-related marketing (CRM) has emerged as a prominent strategy that integrates corporate objectives with social responsibility by linking product purchases to charitable or social causes. Despite the growing adoption of CRM campaigns by organizations, consumer responses toward such initiatives remain complex and require deeper empirical investigation. he Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) provides a well-established theoretical framework for understanding how beliefs and perceptions influence individual intentions and actual behavior. TPB proposes that behavioral beliefs, perceived behavioral control, and intentions collectively shape consumer decision-making. Although prior studies have applied TPB in various ethical and socially responsible consumption contexts, limited research has focused on developing and validating a TPB-based measurement instrument specifically tailored to assess purchase intentions toward products associated with CRM campaigns. This gap highlights the need for a context-specific questionnaire that can reliably capture consumer perceptions and behavioral responses in CRM settings. The primary objective of this study is to develop and initially validate a Theory of Planned Behavior–based questionnaire to assess purchase intentions toward products associated with cause-related marketing campaigns. Specifically, the study examines the relationships among behavioral beliefs, perceived behavioral control, purchase intention, and purchase behavior within a CRM context. The research aims to provide empirical evidence on how consumers’ beliefs and perceived control influence their intentions and actual purchasing behavior toward cause-linked products. A quantitative research design was employed to achieve the objectives of the study. Primary data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from validated scales in prior literature and modified to suit the CRM context. The questionnaire utilized a five-point Likert scale to measure respondents’ perceptions of the study variables. Data were collected from a sample of 250 respondents who had exposure to cause-related marketing campaigns. A convenience sampling technique was used due to time and accessibility constraints, which is consistent with similar MBA-level behavioral research studies. The collected data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS software. PLS-SEM was selected due to its suitability for predictive research models, moderate sample sizes, and complex relationships among constructs. The data analysis involved a two-stage approach, including measurement model assessment and structural model evaluation. Reliability and validity were assessed using indicator loadings, composite reliability, average variance extracted, and discriminant validity measures. The structural model was evaluated using path coefficients, coefficient of determination (R²), effect sizes, and hypothesis testing through bootstrapping procedures. The findings of the study indicate that behavioral beliefs have a significant impact on perceived behavioral control toward products associated with CRM campaigns. This suggests that consumers who believe their purchases contribute positively to social causes feel more confident and capable of engaging in such purchasing behavior. Furthermore, perceived behavioral control was found to have a significant influence on purchase intention, highlighting the importance of minimizing barriers related to affordability, accessibility, and convenience. The results also demonstrate that purchase intention significantly affects actual purchase behavior, confirming the central assumption of the Theory of Planned Behavior that intention is a key predictor of behavior. Overall, the study provides empirical support for the applicability of the Theory of Planned Behavior in explaining consumer responses to cause-related marketing campaigns. The development and initial validation of a TPB-based questionnaire contribute to the existing literature by offering a reliable measurement instrument for future CRM-related research. From a practical perspective, the findings offer valuable insights for marketers and organizations seeking to design effective CRM campaigns by strengthening consumers’ beliefs and perceived control. The study concludes by highlighting its limitations and suggesting directions for future research, including the incorporation of additional variables and the use of longitudinal research designs to further explore consumer behavior in socially responsible consumption contexts. Keywords: Artificial Intelligence, Academic Libraries, AI-Driven Services, Library Automation, Information Services, User Satisfaction, Emerging Technologies, Digital Libraries, Technology Adoption, Pakistan.
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE AND THE FIRM’S CAPITAL STRUCTURE (CASE STUDY OF LISTED COMPANIES IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY OF PAKISTAN)
Corporate governance is an evolving area of research in management. Hence, study in hand has observed the relationship of corporate governance with that of the capital structure in listed organizations of Textile Industry in Pakistan Stock Exchange. Related literature is reviewed to extract results of earlier studies regarding corporate governance. Moreover, related variables have been studied and analyzed through the annual reports of selected firms for five years. Corporate governance is explained by board size, independent members on companies’ board non-executive members on the companies’ board and chairman duality. Capital structure is explained through debt-equity ratio. Correlation of independent variables including size of board (total number of the directors on companies’ board), non-executive directors on board and directors independent on board with the dependent variable Debt Equity Ratio was calculated through statistical software SPSS. Significant correlation was observed between percentage of debt equity ratio with independent directors on company’s board and non-executive directors on company’s board. However, correlation was not found significant in between debt-equity ratio and board size of the listed textile companies in Pakistan Stock Exchange. It is apparent from the said study that corporate governance observance is still at its initial stage in the listed companies of Pakistan and require considerable time and policy implementations to meet the international corporate governance practices.
Determinants Of Customers Perception Towards Islamic Banking: A Quantitative Study In Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan
This paper explores the determinants of customer perceptions towards Islamic banking in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, with a focus on customer satisfaction, adoption, and long-term engagement. The research aims to examine the influence of factors such as customer awareness, bank profitability, and service quality on consumer preferences for Islamic banking products. A quantitative approach was employed, using a structured questionnaire to collect data from 150 respondents. The data was analyzed using SPSS software, and statistical techniques such as correlation analysis, reliability testing (Cronbach’s Alpha), and multiple linear regression were applied. The results show a strong positive relationship between customer awareness and consumer preferences, while service quality emerged as the most significant factor influencing customer satisfaction. The findings also indicate that profitability had a weaker, insignificant impact on customer preferences. The study highlights the need for Islamic banks to improve service quality and profitability to enhance customer engagement and satisfaction in the region.
Reimagining Curriculum Knowledge Through Agentic AI Systems
The rapid emergence of agentic artificial intelligence (AI) systems—those capable of autonomous decision-making, adaptation, and collaboration—poses profound implications for how curriculum knowledge is conceptualized, designed, and enacted. This article explores the epistemological and pedagogical shifts required to reimagine curriculum knowledge within an era increasingly shaped by intelligent, co-creative technologies. By framing agentic AI not merely as a tool but as a knowledge partner, the study argues for a transition from static, content-centered curricula to dynamic, dialogic, and evolving knowledge ecosystems. Drawing upon critical theories of curriculum, posthumanist perspectives, and contemporary AI ethics, the paper proposes a framework for “AI-augmented curriculum agency” that integrates human intentionality with machine intelligence to foster creativity, inclusivity, and epistemic diversity. The article concludes that agentic AI systems invite educators to reconceptualize curriculum as a living, responsive process—one that continually co-produces knowledge in relation to social, cultural, and technological transformations. Keywords: Agentic AI; Curriculum Theory; Knowledge Co-Creation; Posthumanism; Educational Technology; AI Pedagogy; Knowledge Systems; Epistemic Agency.
Relating Emotional Intelligence, Inclusive Leadership, Quality of Life: A Study among Health Care Professionals across Azad Kashmir
The articles provide an overview of healthcare professionals emotional intelligence and its impact on their professional quality of life. Inclusive leadership act as an interlinking role between professional’s quality of life and their emotional intelligence. For fulfilment of current study, authors comprised total 286 health care professionals across Azad Kashmir. Data has been gathered through self-administrative adopted questionnaires. For this data analyzed by using statistical tests. The statistical analysis included normality, descriptive, frequency, correlation and regression. There is a favourable correlation among all variables that indicated further causal relationship. Findings showed that emotionally intelligent professionals significantly related with their quality of life. Moreover, inclusive leadership demonstrated full mediation between emotional intelligence and professional’s life quality. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Inclusive Leadership, Professional Quality of Life, Healthcare professionals.
Human Capital and Entrepreneurial Income: The Mediating Role of Motivation and Access to finance
This study examines the relationship between human capital and entrepreneurial income, with a particular focus on the mediating roles of entrepreneurial motivation and access to finance. Drawing on human capital theory, the study argues that education, skills and experience alone may not fully translate into higher entrepreneurial income unless supported by psychological and financial mechanisms. A quantitative research design was adopted and data were collected from registered small and medium enterprise entrepreneurs. The analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, regression analysis and mediation analysis. The results reveal that human capital has a strong and positive direct effect on entrepreneurial income (β = 0.57, B = 0.62, t = 6.20, p < 0.001), explaining 32.5% of the variance in income (R² = 0.325). Correlation results indicate significant positive associations among all variables, with human capital correlating with entrepreneurial income (r = 0.57), entrepreneurial motivation (r = 0.52) and access to finance (r = 0.48). Mediation analysis further demonstrates that entrepreneurial motivation significantly mediates the relationship between human capital and entrepreneurial income (indirect effect = 0.18, t = 3.60, p < 0.001). Similarly, access to finance is found to be a significant mediator (indirect effect = 0.15, t = 3.00, p = 0.003). Importantly, the serial mediation path involving entrepreneurial motivation and access to finance is also statistically significant (indirect effect = 0.008, t = 2.67, p = 0.008), indicating a sequential mechanism through which human capital enhances income. Overall, the findings suggest that while human capital directly improves entrepreneurial income, its impact is substantially strengthened when entrepreneurs are highly motivated and have better access to financial resources. The study contributes to entrepreneurship literature by highlighting the combined psychological and financial pathways through which human capital translates into income generation.
FINTECH AND BANKING: DETERMINANTS OF CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IN PAKISTAN
This paper discusses the determinant of customer satisfaction of fintech services in the banking industry in Pakistan, and specifically, the moderating role of trust. Based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and the perceived risk theory, the study determines the use of information technology platforms, the perceived ease of use, risk associated with the service, and social influence as the important antecedents of trust, which in effect influence the overall customer satisfaction. Quantitative survey was conducted and analysed on 250 employed fintech users in the major Pakistani cities using SPSS 20.0. Structural regression and mediation analyses proved the significance and the positive effect of all four antecedent factors on trust (p < 0.01) and the strength of the influence of trust as a predictor of customer satisfaction. In addition, trust was confirmed as a strong partial mediator in all four antecedent-satisfaction pathways. These results have significant implications for Pakistani banks aiming to enhance fintech adoption, regulating bodies crafting enabling policy landscapes, and academics transferring belief systems to additional settings in emerging markets. Keywords: Financial Technology (Fintech), Customer Satisfaction, Trust, Perceived Ease of Use, Social Influence, Information Technology Platform, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Pakistan.
Implementation of E-logistics in Supply Chain Operations
The rapid growth of e-commerce has intensified pressure on supply chains to improve speed, reliability, and customer responsiveness, particularly in emerging economies such as Pakistan. While prior research has examined digital transformation and logistics technologies, limited empirical evidence explains how smart warehousing and last-mile delivery translate into performance outcomes. This study addresses this gap by investigating the mediating role of operational efficiency and the moderating influence of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between digital logistics practices and e-commerce supply chain performance. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire from e-commerce firms and logistics service providers operating in Pakistan. The proposed model was tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) integrated with machine-learning- enhanced analysis to assess reliability, validity, mediation, moderation, and predictive power. The results show that digital transformation (β = 0.312, p < 0.001), technology integration (β = 0.326, p < 0.001), and dynamic capabilities (β = 0.247, p < 0.001) significantly improve operational efficiency, while organizational resources exhibit a non-significant effect. Operational efficiency strongly influences organizational performance (β = 0.825), customer satisfaction (β = 0.826), and competitive advantage (β = 0.774), explaining 76.2% of its variance. This study provides robust empirical evidence that operational efficiency is the primary mechanism through which digital logistics practices enhance e-commerce performance. By integrating mediation and moderation within a machine-learning- enhanced SEM framework in a developing-country context, the study advances digital supply chain theory and offers actionable insights for managers and policymakers.
Influence of Digital CSR Messages on Gen Z Brand Engagement
The growing significance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) within the digital domain has influenced and brought about changes concerning the engagement approach being adopted by brands and socially conscious consumers, particularly Gen Z. Gen Z consumers, as online natives, scrutinize brands based on their ideologically driven values and commitments articulated on online platforms. The impact of online CSR messages toward Gen Z engagement with brands is explored in this research study specifically related to emotional engagement, trust, value concordance, and interactivity. This study on CSR messages and Gen Z engagement applies a qualitative research approach using help from eight semi structured interviews conducted on Gen Z students across different universities in Pakistan to examine and explore the personal constructs and perceptions related to Gen Z consumers about online CSR message interpretation and meanings derived through this study based on its dataset. The data collected through research has been explored using thematic data analysis to extract key dimensions and determining drivers related to Gen Z engagement as revealed through findings presented below. Emotional engagement was identified as an important mechanism by which CSR communication helps to humanize brands and create positive brand attitudes. Trust was indicated to vary from being dependent on consistency, credibility, and congruence between espoused values and brand performance. Also, interactive and richly visual CSR communication, including short video messages, voting universals, and campaigns led by influencers, was indicated to enhance cognitive, emotional and behavioral engagement among Gen Z. The symbolic CSR communication type was shown to create distrust and disengage Gen Z. The study makes an original contribution to both CSR communication and brand engagement literature by introducing a consumer and qualitative perspective on Gen Z response behaviors toward online CSR communication.
Culture, Habitus, and Society: A Multidimensional Sociological Perspective on Social Practices of Students in Higher Education in Pakistan
This study explores the interconnections between culture, habitus, and social practices among students in higher education in Pakistan. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional survey, the research targeted 316 students enrolled in BS (4-year) programs within the Faculty of Social Sciences at a public sector university, using stratified random sampling to ensure representativeness. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire assessing students’ attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors, with reliability confirmed via a pilot study (Cronbach’s alpha > 0.70). Analysis using descriptive statistics revealed that students’ social interactions, academic engagement, and everyday practices are shaped by the interplay of internalized dispositions, cultural norms, and institutional structures. The concept of habitus highlighted how prior experiences and social backgrounds influence students’ adaptation to the academic field, whereas cultural capital accounted for variations in access to knowledge, resources, and recognition. The findings demonstrate that student behaviors reflect negotiated identities, symbolic boundaries, and socially mediated expectations, positioning higher education simultaneously as a site of social reproduction and a space for agency and transformation. This study underscores the value of a multidimensional sociological lens in understanding student practices within Pakistan’s educational and cultural context.
PRODUCT ATTRIBUTES AND CONSUMER PREFERENCE AS DETERMINANTS OF WILLINGNESS TO PAY FOR NUTRITIONALLY ENRICHED EGGS
The increasing demand of functional foods has highlighted the need to mark eggs with nutritional value but the reaction of consumers and readiness to sell and produce the products is poor in economies that are still developing such as Pakistan. The existing literature is mainly based on the developed markets and usually fails to explain the behavioural process by which the product characteristics determine the monetary valuation. This research fills this gap as it considers the influence of product attributes on consumer preference and subsequently willingness to pay premium-priced eggs enhanced with nutrients in the case of university students in Karachi, Pakistan. The research design was a quantitative and cross-sectional study conducted based on a structured questionnaire. The data were gathered among the students at the universities and the relationships involving the product attributes, consumer preference, the trust in the nutritional claims, prior purchase experience, and willingness to pay were tested by employing the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings indicate that the product attributes also contribute a lot in the consumer preference with the introduction of the product attribute being able to explain it (R2 = 0.799). The relationship between product attributes and willingness to pay is entirely mediated by consumer preference, and the model has been found to explain 79.2% with the variance in WTP explained by the model (R2 = 0.792). Valuation behavior is also supported by trust in nutritional claims and previous purchase experience which proves the hypotheses put forward. The paper provides valuable new empirical evidence over the cases in Pakistan by incorporating behavior learning and attribute based theories that explain preference based valuation. These results can be helpful to policy-makers and manufacturers and present the basis of further longitudinal and cross-market studies. Keywords: Nutritionally enriched eggs; Product attributes; Consumer preference; Willingness to pay; Functional foods; Pakistan
Reviving the Human Touch: Managing the Conservation of Handwork Skills in the Era of Digitalization
The accelerating pace of digitalization has transformed workplaces across the service sector, reshaping tasks once performed manually into processes dominated by automation, artificial intelligence, and digital communication. While these changes enhance efficiency and productivity, they also exert pressure on the conservation of handwork skills, raising concerns about the erosion of creativity and craftsmanship. This study investigates the relationships between digitalization intensity, change management practices, employee emotional responses, and the conservation of manual skills in Pakistan’s service sector. A cross-sectional survey of 170 respondents was conducted using validated scales, with data analyzed through SPSS and Hayes’ PROCESS macro to test mediation effects. Results indicate that digitalization intensity negatively influences the preservation of handwork skills, whereas effective change management practices positively contribute to their conservation. Employee emotional responses emerged as significant mediators, shaping whether employees resist or embrace hybrid approaches that integrate human creativity with digital efficiency. The findings highlight that successful digital transformation depends not only on technological adoption but also on managing human emotions and fostering supportive organizational cultures. This study contributes to theory by integrating technological determinism, change management models, and affective events theory, while offering practical implications for leaders seeking to balance innovation with the human touch. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed, emphasizing the need for longitudinal and cross-sectoral studies.
Determinants Influencing the Growth of Women-Owned Micro and Small Businesses: A Quantitative Study of Rural Areas in Sindh Province
This study looks into the multi faceted drivers that determine the development of women owned micro and small businesses in rural Sindh Province in Pakistan. Following a quantitative approach, where data was gathered on 300 nascent female entrepreneurs in various rural districts of Sindh area, the analysis has been done using SPSS in its preliminary analysis and hence structural model and moderation analysis using smart PLS-SEM. The seven significant hypotheses in the research are the direct effects of the skills of the owner, family, social, market, and technological variables on the development of the business, as well as the modifying activities of the type of the business sector and governmental support. The findings support the hypothesis of innovative ability of the owner, the family support mechanism, and the digital adoption as key contributors to the growth of the business with significant and positive effects, whereas social aspects manifest a more complicated dual effect. Market factors indicate indirect and not direct effects. Notably, the examined study determines that the statistical significance of the moderating effects of both business industry and government subsistence has been important to multiple growth associations. These results offer the empirical evidence of the intersectional nature of the entrepreneurial success in conservative rural areas and present specific advice to policymakers, development organizations, and support organizations. The study enhances the use of the Resource-Based View and the Institutional Theory in the understanding of women micro-enterprises in third world economies and provides practical information necessary in the designing of context sensitive interventions, which can mitigate the never-ending obstacle women entrepreneurs in various fields of business.
Antecedent And Outcomes Of Job Embeddedness In Healthcare Sector: A Mediated Model
This research strives to establish that how the role of job embeddedness explains effect of inclusive leadership on two dependent variables: organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) and employee resilience (ER) in nurses working in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan in times when organization’s ability to retain skilled healthcare professionals is becoming a significant challenge. Quantitative data is obtained by using a cross-sectional survey from 250 nursing staffs through self-administered questionnaires. A systematic sampling technique is employed to ensure a structured and representative selection of participants from the target population and data is analyzed using SPSS to test hypothesized relationships. Finally, this work shows that inclusive leadership leads to increased job embeddedness which when promoted increases overall OCB and resilience in workforce. Thus, the study demonstrates significance of approach that is based on idea of inclusive leadership that fosters a positive organisational climate and enhances exerted pressure on employees in regard to their commitment to the appointed positions. It presents guidelines for hospitals and healthcare organizations willing to enhance their leadership practices to foster employees’ job embeddedness aiming at staffing a highly engaged workforce, thereby providing a practical and theoretical value to this line of research.
The Impact of Public and Private Education on Social Welfare: Evidence on Human Capital and Government Subsidies
In this study, with a combination of welfare economics and human capital theory, it is found that the provision of education, be it through the public or the private sector, influences the equity of social welfare and income distribution. The 367 respondents in the study comprising mixed backgrounds of education use a cross-sectional survey to test a mediation-moderation model with the help of Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results have shown that education provision is a major issue affecting social welfare in both direct and indirect ways based on accumulation of human capital. Human capital is verified as a partial mediator but government education subsidies enhance a relationship that exists between education provision and human capital. Policy debriefing outcomes imply the significance of policy actions towards assuring a fair skill-making and welfare outcomes, pointing out the inabilities of education systems themselves without the establishment of the supportive systems. These understandings are relevant to the theory because they establish a connection between education provision, human capital and welfare within a cohesive framework and provide benefits in designing an inclusive education policy. Key Words: Education Provision, Public Education, Private Education, Social Welfare, Human Capital Accumulation, Government Education Subsidies, Welfare Economics, Income Distribution, Educational Equity, Policy Interventions
Impact of data privacy practices on mobile app adoption
Rapid growth in mobile applications has changed people's ideas about accessing services, communicating, and performing daily activities. It has also posed a barrier in using these applications because of increasing data privacy-related issues. The present study investigates the impact of data privacy practices on mobile app adoption, considering perceptions, trust, transparency, security measures, and data-sharing behaviors. Following a qualitative research design, the study was done by conducting seven semi-structured interviews with mobile app users in Lahore, Pakistan, from different professional and educational backgrounds. Thematic analysis was employed to derive major patterns and insights regarding privacy-driven adoption behavior. Findings reveal that users become much discomforted towards applications that require excessive and unnecessary personal information, significantly deterring their adoption intention. Transparencies within the privacy policies, particularly full and clear disclosure of data usage, appeared to be significant determinants creating trust among users. Trust was conceptualized as a mediating variable to use in linking privacy practices to the adoption decisions, especially for applications handling sensitive financial or personal data. Visible security features, such as encryption, two-factor authentication, and login alert, among others, positively influenced the hastening tendencies of users towards the adoption of mobile applications. The authors have also categorized users based on their selective data-sharing approaches whereby sensitive information would be withheld unless absolutely required for the core app functionality. It contributes to the literature by providing a round perspective on how privacy practices influence mobile app adoption on the user side. Findings of this study are helpful for the app developers, marketers, and policymakers with the need for privacy-centric design, transparent communication, and sound security measures to build up trust, adoption, and continuous user engagement.
Leading for Creativity in Projects: How Authentic Leadership Translates into Project Success through Employee Creativity and Cross-Functional Integration
Purpose: This research investigates the contribution of authentic leadership to project success in project-based organizations under what circumstances and how through looking at the mediating role played by employee creativity and the moderating role played by cross-functional integration. Design/methodology/approach: It is suggested that a moderated mediation model be developed based on the leadership and project management literature, with employee creativity linking the authentic leadership and project success, and cross-functional integration linking the authentic leadership and employee creativity. The study involved the use of cross-sectional survey of 215 project-based organization employees in Pakistan. Regression-based mediation and moderation analyses together with the bootstrapping procedures were used to test hypotheses. Findings: The findings show that authentic leadership is also in a positive association with employee creativity, which subsequently has a positive impact on the project success. There is a complete mediation between authentic leadership and project success with employee creativity implying that leadership has a major influence on project outcomes via innovative work behaviors. Moreover, cross-functional integration also enhances the positive correlation between authentic leadership and employee creativity that creates an indirect impact on project success in project environments characterized by high levels of integration. Originality/value: The research contributes to the project management literature by shedding light on the behavioral process, via which authentic leadership is converted to project success and cross-functional integration is designated as one of the contextual boundaries’ conditions. Its results provide practical information to those involved in projects and organizations who are aiming to improve the performance of projects by developing their leaders, fostering creativity and inter-functional cooperation.
Factors Demand Electric Vehicles: A Meta-Analysis
Electric vehicle (EV) adoption is influenced by economic, infrastructural, psychological, and policy-related factors, but the magnitude and consistency of these impacts vary across empirical studies.A meta-analytic framework was employed in this research to summarize the EV adoption literature quantitatively. By identifying 9 independent study-country units (total N=32,479), the authors extracted effect sizes (standardized coefficients (β), elasticities, marginal effects, willingness-to-pay (WTP) values) to be pooled and described the variability between studies even though formal heterogeneity statistics (Q, I²) were not available due to a lack of reported standard errors. The pooled (β) findings indicated that technology perceptions had the most substantial positive impact on adoption intention (mean β≈0.29, k=3), social influence (β=0.19, k=3), and environmental concern (β=0.17, k=2) ranked next.The analysis of charging-related variables revealed that the effects were quite mixed (β=0.01, k=4), positive being seen as facilitating conditions and negative as barriers; technological constraints (limited range, slow charging) had a consistent negative effect (β= 0.36, k=1). Price factors were heterogeneous: financial barriers (β= −0.75) and positive perceived value (β=0.23) yielded an overall negative mean (β=−0.26, k=2). EV demand was highly sensitive to purchase price (elasticity=-2.0) and operating cost (elasticity=−1.2, k=2 each), with charging infrastructure positively associated with sales (elasticity=1.22, k=1). WTP estimates showed consumers paid a premium for lower costs, extended range, and faster charging. Moderator patterns indicated stronger charging and cost effects in developing markets, with psychological and social factors consistent across contexts. The present study gathers the factors leading to the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), elucidates the relative importance of the main factors, and identifies gaps, mainly the lack of studies on driving range and policy incentives.
Trust, Empathy, and Cultural Relevance in AI Chatbots: Insights from Pakistani E- Commerce Consumers
The growing use of AI chatbots as the face of customer service in Pakistan e-commerce, as e-commerce markets develop and reliance on them increases, has implications for trust, empathy, and cultural sociality design around the matter of consumer / user experience. This research explores the importance of relational aspects relating to chatbot interactions, namely empathy, trust and culture, perceived by Pakistani consumers. Structured questionnaire was administered on 200 active Daraz users to measure perceived empathy, assurance, cultural fit and their joint effect on customer satisfaction. Findings indicated that although 62% of individuals appreciated the presence and effectiveness of chatbots, only 47% believed that chatbots were empathetic, with just 44% feeling confident in the accuracy and confidentiality of responses provided by a chatbot. Cultural relevance was found to be a strong determinant, where 58% participants wanted the interaction to be localized and bilingual (Urdu-English) for more natural end-user communication. Results of the regression analysis showed that character strengths were a significant negative predictor of bad days (β = - 0.74, p <.01), with cultural relevance being the most prominent predictor; followed by trust and empathy, which were still moderate but also strong predictors of TMF’s satisfaction (all p <0.05). These insights emphasize the recognition of chatbot effectiveness but also demonstrate that relationship deficits in empathy and reassurance are barriers to consumer adoption. The results suggest that embedding cultural sensitivity and transparent trust mechanisms into chatbot design can enhance consumer engagement and loyalty in Pakistan’s e- commerce sector.