International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies
International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies provides an innovative conceptual framework for consideration of industry managers, corporate sector strategists, and decision-makers. It starves to be the basis for collaborative dialogue and discussions between industry and academia. The key objective of the journal is to contribute significantly to teaching and learning by using business management-related case studies and industry-specific research articles. IJELCS is a double-blind peer-reviewed, open-access journal edited by the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, Pakistan. The Journal is an academic resource of industry-related case studies and research articles, which are the outcome of experiential learning and evidence-based exercises by academicians and corporate managers. It is a blend of quality research on experiential learning and a diverse set of case studies pertaining to different business disciplines covering strategic marketing, strategic management, organizational behavior, human resource management, finance & accounting, business ethics, entrepreneurship, economics, and other related functional areas.
Institute of Business Management, College of Business Management
AI prediction in Bridging Corporate Leadership and Academia: The Role of Online Learning in Professional Growth
Background: The study aims to review AI prediction in bridging Corporate Leadership and Academia. It is purposed to review the role of online learning professional growth for the leaders in academia. AI role has been increased with the passage of time where it is found that it is applying the predictive analytics for instance to help the data-driven insights exploration and research output improve under the privilege of decision making. Method: The study used a primary quantitative method where data has been collected from 150 samples with 35 sampling. Smart PLS software is used to outline the data and reveal the results. Results: The AI prediction is an independent variable for bridging Corporate Leadership and Academia as dependent variables. It is found that the role of online learning professional growth for the leaders in academia as a mediating variable is operational. Recommendations: The role of AI has been a motivation for the online professional learning where leadership in the academia can apply the data-driven leadership models.
Copyright (c) 2025 International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies
From Toxic Traits to Toxic Workplaces: The Mediating Role of Abusive Supervision in the Link Between Supervisors' Dark Triad and Employee Cynicism, and Organizational Sustainable Performance
Dark triad leadership has been linked to drastic consequences globally. This study investigates the influence of supervisors' Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) on organizational sustainable performance (OSP) through abusive supervision and employee cynicism, with artificial intelligence (AI) adoption as a moderator. Drawing on Conservation of Resources (COR) theory and Social Exchange Theory (SET), data from 450 employees in Pakistani SMEs were analyzed using structural equation modeling. The study’s results reveal that supervisor narcissism and psychopathy significantly increase abusive supervision, while Machiavellianism unexpectedly reduces it. Abusive supervision triggers employee cynicism, which subsequently reduces OSP. The findings also illustrate that abusive supervision and employee cynicism sequentially mediate the effects of narcissism and psychopathy on OSP. AI adoption moderates the damaging impact of cynicism on OSP. Theoretical contributions include validating Dark Triad-driven serial mediation pathways in an understudied context and demonstrating AI’s moderating role in mitigating cynicism. Practical implications suggest psychometric screening for Dark Triad traits in leadership, AI-integrated transparency tools, and robust accountability mechanisms to curb abuse and foster sustainable performance.
organizational sustainability performance
dark triad leadership, abusive supervision, organizational sustainability performance
The Price of Misconduct: Volkswagen's Financial Health and Responsible Business Practices
This study investigates Volkswagen’s financial and reputational fallout from the 2015 emissions scandal, analyzing its recovery trajectory from 2010 to 2023 through a multi-theory lens incorporating Agency, Stakeholder, Resource-Based View (RBV), and Institutional perspectives. Utilizing longitudinal financial data and OLS regression analysis, the research examines sharp declines in key metrics following the crisis—including a 46% drop in stock price and a negative Operating Profit Margin (-1.90%) in 2015—alongside trends in profitability (Gross Profit Margin fell to 15.89% in 2015, rebounding to 18.9% by 2023), liquidity (Current Ratio from 0.97 in 2015 to 1.22 by 2022), and solvency (Debt-to-Equity Ratio increasing to 28.20 by 2023). Agency Theory accounts for governance failures underlying the scandal, while Stakeholder Theory and RBV illustrate how Volkswagen’s €73 billion investment in electric vehicles and sustainable innovation facilitated trust rebuilding and financial recovery. Institutional Theory highlights regulatory pressures, catalyzing industry-wide transitions toward ethical and sustainable practices. A unique contribution is the linkage between ESG investments and long-term solvency enhancement, advancing a Sustainability-Driven Financial Resilience (SDFR) framework beyond short-term analyses. The study advocates policy reforms mandating ESG strategy integration and governance audits, offering a roadmap for balancing ethical responsibility and financial health in manufacturing contexts.
ESG and Firm-Specific Risk in the Australian Energy Sector: Evidence from ASX Companies
This study investigates the effect of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance on Australian energy firm-specific risk, a critical sector with exposure to both market risk and sustainability. Based on balanced panel data of 20 ASX-listed energy firms between 2020 and 2024, firm-specific risk is proxied by idiosyncratic volatility measures (VOL-360 and VOL-200). The study uses fixed effects panel regressions, based on Hausman, Wald, and robust tests. The results confirm that ESG performance significantly affects firm-specific risk, though the effect varies with subdimensions. Social score reduces volatility, evidencing higher investor confidence in socially responsible firms. Environmental and governance scores are shown to have conflicting or destabilizing effects across different model specifications. These results suggest that, in the Australian market, investors place larger importance on social performance than on environmental and governance aspects. The findings emphasize the need for regulators to ensure stricter ESG disclosure levels and managers to reinvigorate social norms as means of reducing firm risk and enhancing market stability.
Exploring the Factors Triggering Employee Turnover in Banking Sector of Pakistan
Employee turnover has become one of the major challenges in the banking industry of Pakistan; high rate of attrition has affected organizational performance, increased recruitment and training costs as well as undermined service quality. Despite the sector being central to the national economic stability and growth, banks are still faced with a challenge of retaining talented employees, a phenomenon that is attributable to job dissatisfaction, lack of career advancement, work-life imbalance, and ineffective compensation framework. The main problem lies in the lack of understanding of the interplay of such determinants on turnover decisions in the unique context of socio-cultural and economic environment in Pakistan. The current research aims to fill this gap by examining the causal factors of employee turnover not in aggregate statistical trends, but in the experience of the subject employees. The research is based on a qualitative research design that is in the form of in-depth interviews and focus group discussion with current and former banking professionals to elicit fine details and bring out shared themes. The results should provide some insight into organizational and individual-level predictors, thereby, creating particular retention strategies. The preferred outcome is to provide an evidence-based answer that can assist policymakers and banking institutions in devising viable human- resource practices in order to raise the rates of commitment, turnover, and resilience of the banking sector in Pakistan.
Employee Turnover, Banking Sector, Job Satisfaction, Retention Strategies, Work life Balance, Organizational Commitment, Human Resource Practices
Impact of Influencer Marketing on the Purchase Intention of Consumers
This study explores the relationship between influencer attributes, product characteristics, and customer buy intention in the context of influencer marketing. Regression modeling and quantitative analysis are used in the study to show that influencers' attractiveness and credibility significantly impact consumer behavior. Still, their expertise doesn't seem to have much of an effect. It also emphasizes how vital product characteristics influence consumers' purchasing decisions. Based on the concept of the theory of reasoned action (TRA), the study closes gaps in the literature and provides insightful direction for more research. The study offers valuable insights into customer preferences by highlighting the significance of product characteristics, influencer credibility, and attractiveness. The results of this study reveal that choosing influencers is viewed as reliable, appealing, and a top priority for marketers looking to maximize consumer engagement and brand promotion. Enhancing product features should also be prioritized to influence consumer purchase decisions. This study adds to the body of knowledge in academia and offers marketers practical methods for maximizing influencer marketing's potential to increase brand loyalty and customer engagement. Marketers should consider these findings and adjust their strategies to improve consumer engagement through influencer marketing.
Cognitive Effects of Fashion Brand Advertisements on Consumer Perception and Decision-Making Behavior An Experiential Learning Approach
The prime motive of companies before marketing their products or services is to discover the preferences and buying behaviors of their clients and prospects. This psychological mechanism is correlated with cognitive learning, which can be defined here as an executive mental process that shapes customer purchasing attitudes. The data already stored in consumers’ memories plays a crucial role in shaping their choices and decision-making processes. This information consists of diverse strategic efforts that fashion brands put in place to win their customers’ attention. In the present study, these experiential approaches have been classified into three categories: Product Attributes, Advertisement Strategies, and Social Media Engagement. Quantitative methods with a positivist research philosophy have been used for data evaluation, which were collected through primary sources. The results demonstrate that online reviews, online offers, product price, and visual appeal are the most chosen factors among different attributes when buying fashion products, whereas influencer content, captivating storytelling, and product quality are other characteristics that most customers focus on before making purchasing decisions for fashion products. Moreover, integrated marketing and product design do not seem to influence consumers much. An alarming finding is that environmental concerns have been the least preferred trait when respondents consider shopping with fashion brands. Thus, the study recommends that, alongside an emphasis on online reviews and offers, fashion brands should advertise environmental concerns in more engaging and creative ways to make it a popular trait among consumers.
Ad, The Advancement Advancements in Technology, such as Artificial Intelligence and Automation, reshape Traditional Business Models and Workforce Dynamics: A Bibliometric Review
Within the context of technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence and computerization, and their effects on conventional plans of action and labor force components, this bibliometric review examines the relationship between technological advancement and automation. The study delves into 291 entries from 10 journals covering the years 2018 to 2023. It reveals a growing body of evidence on technological advancement and automation, as seen by their increased research rates, diverse geographic backgrounds, and widening orientations. To fully grasp the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements in the corporate world, this research stresses the need to know the ethical aspects of management.
Leveraging Marketing Analytics for Digital Transformation: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Cement Industry
Marketing analytics is a new, complicated, multidisciplinary field that the research community has explained with several hypotheses. The 4th industrial revolution has created economic prospects in marketing analytics techniques and measurements. Based on the lapses in marketing analytics literature and important studies on developing economies, this research gap is fresh and urgent. The gap analysis and literature research show understanding, implementation, strategies, initiatives, concerns and challenges, and corrective activities as a network of constructs that need to be examined using descriptive case study. The literary reasoning of methodological rigour supports a descriptive case study method for describing a nascent and complex phenomenon to expand the literature and develop a conceptual framework. For originality, indigenous corporate research, the case study is on a cement company that is part of a hybrid conglomerate, which has business and social welfare perspective. The chosen corporation is part of a developing economy's top ten corporate conglomerates. The company's distinctiveness is that it is controlled by largely army forces personnel and common public, focuses on business and welfare, and has not been investigated much due to severe rules developed from institutional culture of forces. Purposive sampling was used since the problem required specialists from varied domains with relevant and remarkable expertise for "knowledge-thickness." Interviews were conducted with the company's senior, middle, and lower executives and officers. Response content and theme mapping was done in NVivo. Marketing analytics is a strategy shift that requires a clear connection between organisational transformation, matching strategies and projects, relevant metrics, field difficulties, and remedial actions. Failures are inevitable when change occurs in silos without a rigorous transition. The study's major contribution, is that it shows the "How" and "What" of ecosystem change through marketing analytics, according to Rouse (2005), by pattern identification and thick explanation of major set of measurements, multi-layered challenges, and remedies.
Digital Marketing as the Global Marketing Initiative: A Case Study of Al-Gohar Traders
The rise of E-commerce and digital marketing strategies has provided businessmen with ample cost-efficient and effective opportunities to create new start-ups or expand their current businesses in the Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) arenas. This case initially highlights the role digital marketing played in initiating a B2B start-up in the rock salt industry of Pakistan. Then, it describes how the online showroom (B2B Websites), search engine optimization, email marketing, paid marketing at b2b portals, social media marketing and e-commerce initiatives supported Algohar Traders in establishing itself in the global arena and then expanding its market share in those international countries in such a small period with minimal marketing resource utilization. After highlighting the role of digital marketing, the case talks about the hurdles Algohar Traders faced in this industry and the possible solutions to those problems.
Optimizing Job Performance: Exploring the Leadership Paradox in Health Care.
Abusive supervision remains a critical challenge in the health care settings, significantly affecting the emotional well-being and performance of nurses. The study investigates how abusive supervision indirectly impacts job performance through emotional exhaustion. This study further examines whether servant leadership can reduce these negative impacts. Grounded on leadership theories of leadership and occupational stress, the study employed model 7 of the PROCESS macro to analyze a sample data 306 nurses from public hospitals in Quetta. Findings reveal that while abusive supervision does not reduce job performance, it significantly increases emotional exhaustion, which further negatively impacts job performance. Moreover, servant leadership moderates this relationship by improving the psychological burden caused by abusive supervision, thereby lessening its adverse effects on nurses’ well-being and work outcomes. However, the protective influence of servant leadership is partial it reduces, but does not entirely eliminate, the destructive consequences of abusive supervision. These finding highlights the pivotal role leadership styles in shaping employee resilience and performance, particularly in high stress environments, like health care. By aligning with sustainable development goal 3 on ensuring good health and well-being in workplace, study advocates strategic intervention that prioritize servant leadership that encourage leaders to shift from authoritarian control to a more supportive and empathetic approach can contribute to a healthier, more engaged, and higher performing nursing workforce.
Digital Whisperers: Decoding the E-WOM and Credibility Cocktail Driving Purchase Intentions
This research explored the conduct of online purchases in the digital sector through an integrative process, using collections of variables seldom seen in previous studies. The study cantered on the effect of eWOM, message source credibility, perceived risk, and group influence on real purchasing intention to further assess the concept with the most impact. The survey consisted of consumers of Daraz.pk, who recently made online transactions. The examination used a self-regulated survey to collect feedback from respondents. SEM-Smart PLS was used as the evaluation method for the study. It has been observed that eWOM has the most significant effect on purchase intention, followed by message source credibility. Perceived risk often ideally mediates the relation between eWOM and message source credibility against online purchase intention. Social implications of the study include consumers' increasing reliance on online reviews and the shaping of consumer behavior via online reviews.
Copyright (c) 2024 International Journal of Experiential Learning & Case Studies
Import Substitution Elasticity in Antidumping Measures: A Case Study of Pakistani Firms Behaviour
This study explore the factors which influencing the firms to file Anti-Dumping cases in Pakistan with the special focus on Import Substitution elasticity as major factor. The study employs Probit regression approach to estimate the potential factors which induce the firms to approach the authority to impose the anti-dumping measures to counter the unfair trade practice and shelter the domestic industry. The potential factors are, Elasticity of substitution, Real Effective Exchange Rate, Industry competitiveness, Trade liberalization, quality legal system, GDP and total domestic production of commodities against which anti-dumping duty is imposed. The estimation result shows that higher level of elasticity of substitution, Industrial competitiveness level, real effective exchange rate and trade openness would increase the probability of imposing anti-dumping duty. While quality of Legal system, GDP and Higher production level would induce a lesser probability of imposition of anti-dumping duty. This study help to understand the behavior of the local business entities asking for shelter against the import competing products and unfair trade practice like dumping etc. There are very limited studies on the relationship between import substitution elasticity and anti-dumping measure. For developing countries, like Pakistan, this is kind of pioneer study which result are contrary to Developed countries.
Factors Affecting Pre-Travel Planning of Families Netnographic Study of Facebook Group “The Travel Diary”
The aim of this research was to identify which factors are taken into account when families – with children or elderly parents – are planning to travel. To understand what these factors are, the Facebook group “The Travel Diary” was observed. For this study, the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was chosen as the theoretical framework. Existing literature has also utilized TPB to study the factors that affect travel. However, the broader themes (under which these factors are categorized) have only been analyzed individually. The focus of this research is to study as many broader themes holistically as possible to gain deeper insights. Additionally, previous research has mainly gathered data through structured interviews. The current research, on the other hand, employed netnography in order to observe online community members to gather authentic, unobtrusive data. The themes that arose from the eight-week observation were traveler characteristics, travel characteristics, destination characteristics, travel arrangements and sources of recommendations. Some factors that, to the best of the researcher’s knowledge, have not been studied yet in literature were food related and baby related arrangements.
Decoding Career Choices: What Drives Undergraduates to Major in HRM?
The paper studies factors that affect students’ career decisions at the undergraduate level. The majors that have been taken under consideration in this study is Human Resources Management (HRM). The factors examined are Influencers (INL), Interests (INT), Financial Resources (FIN), Self-capacity (CAP), Career opportunities (OPP), and Personality (PER) and their effect on Students’ Career Choice (SCC). A survey was conducted using purposive sampling, and 225 bachelor’s students majoring in human resources management were selected. A structured questionnaire based on the 5-Likert Scale was used to collect the responses, and hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). The research intends to determine the relationship of each variable concerning Students’ Career Choice (SCC) in Human Resources Management (HRM). It was discovered that FIN, CAP, and OPP positively affect SCC. In Pakistan, little emphasis is placed on identifying the mechanism behind career decision-making. The research aims to fill the gap and identify the career decision-making processes of students, especially in Pakistan. Many factors affect students’ career choices, but the study considered only a few based on a thorough literature review. In addition to this, the research sample was only undergraduate students, leaving behind graduates and postgraduates. Once the mechanism is clear on career decisions, the study’s findings can benefit educational bodies, policy-makers, parent(s), and students.
The Dynamics of Training and Development Initiatives: Unraveling their Influence on Organizational Performance
The research proposed by this study explores the relationship between training and development (T&D) and the organization's performance with special reference to the corporate sector of Karachi. The premise for this research, therefore, lies in the understanding that the subject of employee development has been accepted as a key factor in the promotion of organizational effectiveness and efficiency and the attainment of competitive advantage within the complex business environment of the modern world. The study employed quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data is collected through closed ended question questionnaire based on five-point Likert scale the respondent were selected though convenience sample and analysed through SPSS and Smart PLS. The qualitative data is collected from a review of past relevant research papers from repositories and open-access journals, 102 respondents were interviewed during a survey conducted electronically. The study reveals the substantial positive interaction between organizational performance and T&D programs, highlighting the potential for significant improvement and instilling a sense of hope and optimism. According to the study, there is an urgent and compelling need for the corporate sector of Karachi to strategically focus on the training and development of people in order to support organizational growth and development. Training is a powerful tool and opens up several Seiten of learning and development besides increasing motivation and commitment to work that, in turn, has a direct impact on productivity. Further, to confirm the importance of T&D programs in sustainable growth and competitive advantage strategy, this study is quite appropriate through better focus, attention and development of its human capital, which is likely to result in the sustainable growth of the organization in the complex business environment of Karachi and other areas of the world.
Comovement between the Stock Markets and Commodity Market
The study extends the literature by investigating the comovement between the stock markets and commodity market of developed and emerging countries. Developed countries are represented by G7 countries while the emerging countries are represented by BRICS countries. Further, for the commodity market, the Global S&P GSCI commodity index is used that comprised of all major global commodities. The daily log returns of all the markets are used for analysis. Further, the wavelet coherence model is used to investigate the comovement between the stock markets and commodity market. The results show that the comovement between the stock markets of all the countries is increases over time particularly at the larger frequency scales. The comovement is higher during the crisis periods like the global financial crisis and COVID-19. Generally, the comovement in the context of developed countries is higher compared to the comovement in the context of emerging countries.
Comovement, stock market, commodity market, G7, BRICS, wavelet coherence
Green HRM and Organizational Sustainability: A Quantitative Corporate Study
This study investigates intricate relationships between Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) practices and Organizational Sustainable Performance (OSP) in corporate sector. Employing a quantitative and deductive approach data was collected from 83 participants. A structured questionnaire with a Likert scale was used through convenient sampling. The study examines four independent variables: Digital Technologies (DT), Employer Green Behaviors (EGB) Green Training and Development (GTD) and Green Career (GC) as potential contributors to OSP. The analysis reveals strong positive impact of Digital Technologies, Employee Green Behavior and Green Career on Organizational Sustainable Performance. However Green Training showed little to no effect on the dependent variable.This research aligns with resource-based view (RBV) positing that organizations with valuable, rare inimitable and non-substitutable resources achieve competitive advantage and long-term performance. The findings underscore the importance of integrating GHRM practices with strategic objectives. These objectives encompass economic, social and environmental aspects to achieve sustainable organizational outcomes. Moreover this study highlights the necessity of fostering culture of sustainability through effective HRM strategies. These strategies resonate positively with employees and the public. They ensure the longevity of their impact. The implications of this study are significant for corporate leaders and policymakers. They aim to enhance organizational sustainability by leveraging GHRM practices. Future research should explore the mechanisms through which these practices influence OSP. It should also examine the role of public acceptance and organizational resilience in sustaining these outcomes.
Interlinkages between Foreign Direct Investment, Energy Consumption, and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
This study aims to analyze the short and long run relationship and causal association among foreign direct investment, energy consumptions and gross domestic product (a proxy of economic growth) and time series data is used from 2000 to 2020 which is obtained from World Development Indicators (WDI) and State Bank of Pakistan SBP. The unit root ADF test applied for stationary and one variable is stationary at level, one at first difference and one at second difference, ARDL & Wald Test were employed to see short and long run causal association among variables of interest. Further; for Model Specification, Histogram, Breusch-Pegan Test, Ramsey Reset Test, CUSUM & CUSUM Squares tests were applied. The trend analysis of energy production & usage have very considerable gap, despite of being a major receptor of FDI inflows in Pakistan. Further results confirm there is short and long run causal association among FDI and energy consumption with GDP of Pakistan. Keeping in view the current situation of Pakistan, the policy makers should formulate policies that consider minimum level of debt and discourage loan-based investments. Such efforts would be helpful to mitigate the energy sector problems and ultimately enhances economic growth of Pakistan
Impact of Green Advertising on Consumer Purchase Intentions in the Beverage Industry: The Moderating Role of Product Quality
In the current era, the usage of environmentally sustainable products has risen significantly. Consumers are becoming more conscious of their selection and priorities by aligning their purchasing decisions towards a sustainable lifestyle. Hence, the importance of green advertising holds great value in developing awareness among consumers’ choices. The main intent of this research study is to quantitatively analyze the impact of green advertising and brand authenticity on consumer purchase intentions in the beverage industry. The mediating role of consumer trust and the moderating role of product quality on the relation between green advertising and consumer purchase intentions were also observed. Data were gathered from 284 respondents through a close-ended questionnaire using, non-probability, purposive sampling. The responses were analyzed through SMART-PLS 4.0 software, employing Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Despite indicating the non-significance results of mediating and moderating effects, this study reveals the considerable impact of green advertising on consumer purchase intentions in a developing country, Pakistan. It also highlighted the importance of an authentic brand image to obtain the attention of environmentally conscious consumers. In the end, the outcomes along with their explanations are given which can direct marketing managers to develop productive and successful sustainable advertising plans, along with the authentic brand image, in reshaping the consumer purchasing intentions toward their products and increase their products’ sales and market share.
Gauging Returns and Volatility of Crude Oil using GARCH Approach
This paper uses two distinct types of crude oil to measure the returns and volatility of crude oil: Brent and West Texas Intermediate (WTI). The time series data of two crude oil prices per barrel, collected from the international market, calculates the volatility and returns. The data spans from February 1, 2014, to February 1, 2024. 2537 observations are considered for WTI, and 2542 observations are taken for Brent in this paper. This study uses the E-view model to analyse the secondary data and look up the ARCH and GARCH impacts at a significance level. The mean reversion of WTI is 0.993582, and Brent crude mean reversion is 0.956194. The results show that WTI has a slower mean reversion than Brent because it is closer to 1. Further half-life model analysis showed that WTI reverted to its mean position after 99 days and Brent after 16 days. This study concludes that WTI is more volatile than Brent crude oil.
An Analysis of Social Networking Sites in Developing Electronic Word of Mouth and Brand Loyalty
The purpose of this article was to examine the role of social networking sites in fostering electronic word-of-mouth and enhancing brand loyalty in Pakistan. The study initially aimed for a sample size of 384 but received 370 completed questionnaires. After eliminating 15 responses due to aberrant findings, 355 questionnaire answers were analyzed, resulting in a response rate of 92.44 percent. Data were gathered by using an electronic survey questionnaire and analyzed with SPSS to test the proposed model for normality, reliability, frequency tables, standard deviation, mean, and correlation. The findings indicated that social networking sites, along with social networking site rewards and self-image, significantly boosted brand loyalty by facilitating electronic word of mouth and brand commitment. This research provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of social networking sites in strengthening customer loyalty through enhanced online engagement and communication. These findings are particularly significant for marketers and businesses aiming to leverage social media platforms to build stronger, more loyal customer bases.
Brand Identity and Brand Image Congruence to improve branding Practices: A Multi-Case Study on Startups
This study investigates the relationship between mindfulness, digital competencies, social media usage, and work performance in Pakistan’s automobile sector. The research explores the roles of trust, mindfulness, shared vision, digital competency, knowledge transfer, and network ties within this industry. The automobile industry demands high levels of employee performance, and social media networks are increasingly used for communication and interaction. This research hypothesizes that social media usage fosters employee trust, leading to better interaction and knowledge transfer. Additionally, mindfulness training is proposed to enhance work performance and reduce employee turnover. A quantitative approach with a conceptual framework will test these hypotheses. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of how these factors influence work performance in the Pakistani automobile industry.
Does Motivation Impact Employees' Job Performance in Public Sector Organizations? A Myth or A Reality
This study's objective was to identify the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on the job performance of the employees of public sector organizations. To conduct the study, employee engagement was incorporated as a mediating variable, and the working environment was incorporated as a controlled variable. The study's research methodology was explanatory, with a deductive approach and positivist research philosophy. The study data was cross-sectional and collected through convenience-based sampling from respondents with a grade level of BPS-16 and above. The collected data was analyzed using hierarchical regression analysis through IBM-SPSS. The findings showed intrinsic and extrinsic motivation's direct and indirect contribution to job performance by mediating employee engagement. The study's originality to the literature remained the utilization of employee engagement and working environment as mediating and controlled variables to assess the impact of motivation.
Riding the Wave: The Growing Preference for Public Transit System among Customers
Public transport is essential for urban mobility, reducing traffic congestion, and minimizing environmental impact. However, inadequate public transport conditions in Karachi have shifted interest towards private vehicles. The Green Line Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) System aims to offer a modern alternative and improve the current situation. This study aims to explore the role of technological developments, best practices, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) in improving service quality and attracting people to public transportation in Karachi. A cross-sectional study and survey were conducted in Karachi to gauge residents’ perceptions and expectations of the Green Line BRT System. Data were collected from 450 participants using a non-probability sampling technique. The findings reveal that technological advancements contribute to improved service quality and are considered significant by consumers when evaluating and selecting public transport services. Improved road quality further reinforces this connection. These insights are essential for policymakers and transport authorities to develop strategies that increase the attractiveness of public transportation and ensure sustainable urban mobility. Addressing core issues with modern technological methods can improve public transport systems and inspire further research.
Exploring the Connection between Social Media Marketing Activities and Purchase Decisions, Focusing on Electronic Word of Mouth and Brand Awareness
This paper examines the inspiration of social media marketing activities on customers’ purchase decisions in Pakistan. Following the development of a theoretical model comprising the prevalent activities undertaken in social media marketing – namely, trendiness, customization, and personalization – an online survey entailing 396 completed questionnaires was initiated to test its feasibility using the structural equation model. The analysis confirms the positive impact of SMMAs on purchase decisions, with a mediating role of electronic word of mouth and brand awareness. Moreover, brand image is found positively moderating the influence of electronic word of mouth on purchase decisions. This investigation is set to support online customers in their purchase decisions, along with helping companies in boosting electronic word of mouth and brand awareness using social media marketing activities.
Role of Islamic Banks to Increase Financial Inclusion in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa
This article investigates the contribution of Islamic banks to enhancing access to financial services by looking at their unique method of offering Sharia-compliant goods and services. Islamic banking principles, the study claims, encourage profit-and-loss sharing and forbid riba (interest), which increases access to financial services, particularly for devout Muslims. In particular, this paper looks at how Islamic banks affect financial inclusion in Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. This is accomplished by assessing academic literature, industry reports, and statistical data. It looks at potential substitutes, including mobile banking and microfinance, to reach those who need access to traditional banking services and delves into the difficulties Islamic banks have, such as a lack of knowledge about money and location. Data indicate that Islamic banks support economic development and stability by establishing trust via Sharia governance structures. In its last part, the report offers some suggestions on how governments may utilize Islamic banking to increase public access to financial services and promote social change.
A Study on The Relationship Between Digital Competencies, Mindfulness, Social Media Usage and Work Performance in the Automobile Industry of Pakistan
This study aims to investigate the relationship between mindfulness, digital competencies, social media usage, and work performance in Pakistan's automobile sector. The research explores the roles of trust, mindfulness, shared vision, digital competency, knowledge transfer, and network ties within this industry. The automobile industry demands high levels of employee performance, and social media networks are increasingly used for communication and interaction. This research hypothesizes that social media usage fosters trust among employees, leading to better interaction and knowledge transfer. Additionally, mindfulness training is proposed to enhance work performance and reduce employee turnover. A quantitative approach with a conceptual framework will be used to test these hypotheses. The findings will contribute to a better understanding of how these factors influence work performance in the Pakistani automobile industry.
Pre, During and Post Covid-19 Stock Returns and Volatility Comparison:
This study aims to study the pre, during and post-COVID-19 stock returns and volatility associated with Pakistan. For this study, daily financial data from 2018 to 2023. This study is based on daily prices and their returns. The data was divided into categories like Category A: Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Category B: during the COVID-19 pandemic and Category C: Post COVID-19 pandemic. The indices period is from 1st January 2018 to 25th February 2020 (Pre Covid-19), 26th February 2020 to 31st December 2021 (during Covid-19) and from 1st March 2022 to 8th May 2023 (Post Covid-19) period. The data were treated with Descriptive and Econometric Models using E-views, Microsoft Excel and SPSS. The findings of this research are that there is no stationarity issue in all the returns’ series, and the average return for Pre (Category A) and Post Covid periods (Category C) is positive; however, it is negative During the Covid period (Category B) which shows the bearish trend in Pakistan Stock Exchange market (PSX) due to the Covid-19 outbreak. Moreover, the coefficient of variation (CV) is computed, which shows that pre-COVID tenure has the highest relative dispersion (CV = 44.43), followed by during COVID (CV = 40.76), and post-COVID tenure has the most negligible coefficient of relative dispersion (CV = 23.1) which refers to the least volatile phenomenon. The findings also suggest no statistically significant difference among all average returns, and all are equal. The results from the econometric model show that the highest mean reversion value was 0.969991 During the COVID period. Post-COVID has a value of 0.449377, which indicates the quick mean reversion compared to the other two.
Social inclusive approach by developing women entrepreneurship
Abstract: Nestlé Pakistan is a subsidiary of Swiss multinational company Nestlé. The company is known for its quality food products throughout the world. It commits to help shape a better and healthier world and inspire people to live healthier lives. Nestlé Pakistan shares the Nestlé Global’s three overarching ambitions for 2030 to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by helping 50 million children live healthier lives, help to improve 30 million livelihoods in communities directly connected to its business activities and strive for zero environmental impact in its operations. Nestlé also have a global commitment towards 100% recyclable or reusable plastic by 2025. This exploratory case study looks into the ethical practices under which Nestlé contributes to the social cause in Pakistan. Rural women’s enrolment as sales agents for Nestle products initiative under its CSV (Community Shared Values) project starts with the Nutrition, Health and Wellness (NHW) awareness of women in rural setting of Punjab Province. The program was designed with two objectives, mainly: a) Better livelihood for financially disadvantaged women and their families and b) Demand generation of Nestle products in deep rural areas of Pakistan. This case has been written in the context of UNGC’s ten principles of ethical businesses. This case informs the reader the innovative business development with social initiatives by extending Nestlé International’s legacy of socially responsible business with a focus at enterprising rural women of Pakistan.