Research Journal of Social Sciences and Economics Review
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser
<p><iframe src="https://rjsser.org.pk/" width="100%" height="4550"> </iframe></p>Sir Syed College of Education Katlang Mardan Khyber Pakhtunkhwaen-USResearch Journal of Social Sciences and Economics Review2707-9015Combating Challenges: The Role of Vice Chancellor in the Management and Development of Pakistani Public Sector Universities
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/711
<p><em>Education plays a pivotal role in individual, societal and global development and is a fundamental human right. According to Nelson Mandela "Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." By investing in education, individuals and societies can unlock their full potential, leading to a more prosperous, equitable, and peaceful world. The role of higher education is much more crucial which plays a vital role in knowledge creation and dissemination to develop individuals, institutions, societies and nations and encompasses several key areas like <strong>human capital development, research and innovation, socio-economic impact, cultural and intellectual enrichment, policy and leadership, community development and global competitiveness</strong><strong>. </strong>Promoting higher education greatly depends on the role and functions of an outstanding academic leadership. Being in charge of academic institutions and playing a central role in the advancement of individuals, organizations, and ultimately society makes the Vice Chancellor (VC) extremely important in the academic leadership. A VC position demands an outstanding person with amazing skills. The role of VC in Pakistani universities is pivotal in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the higher education sector. This paper explores the critical functions of VCs in managing and developing universities amidst multifaceted challenges. Through a comprehensive analysis of administrative practices, strategic decision-making, and leadership dynamics, this research identifies key challenges including funding constraints, infrastructural deficiencies, and academic quality assurance. It examines how VCs navigate these issues by implementing innovative policies, fostering academic excellence, and enhancing institutional resilience. The study employs a qualitative analysis of institutional performance metrics. The findings reveal that effective leadership, strategic vision, and stakeholder engagement are essential for overcoming obstacles and driving institutional growth. The paper concludes with recommendations for policy reforms and leadership practices to bolster the efficacy of VCs in shaping the future of Pakistani universities.</em></p>Prof. Dr. Zahir ShahDr. Jamal ShahSawaira Idris
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2024-08-182024-08-185311010.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(1-10)A Comparative Analysis of Pakistan Relations with Afghan Taliban and with the Previous Afghan Government (2014 - 2021): Security Dilemma Perspectives
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/696
<p><em>This study analyzed the intricate relationships between Pakistan and the Taliban (the Islamic Emirates of Afghanistan); examining its historical background and Islamabad’s strategic dimensions and security concerns. Pakistan's recognition of the Taliban during their first regime in 1996 was a culmination of close ties forged during the Soviet-Afghan conflict that had led to the establishment of a foundation of mutual trust between Pakistan and the Taliban (Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan). The disputed Durand Line issue and counterbalancing India have shaped Pakistan's perspective, making the Taliban a valued ally compared to the previous Afghan government (2014 - 21) in Afghanistan. Notably, the study indicates a shift in dynamics with the Taliban's second (2.0) regime, revealing a complex relationship where some members show less commitment to Islamabad. This study used a comparative qualitative analysis to collect data from relevant literature, including interviews. The analysis employed the lenses of Security Dilemma and Neorealism theories to unravel Pakistan's motivations. Despite expectations, the recent return of the Taliban to power has not ensured an ideal scenario for Pakistan, as its security situation has worsened than before. In essence, Pakistan's dual approach toward a stable government and support for the Taliban reflected a nuanced strategy wherein Pakistan sought a stable Afghanistan while simultaneously supporting the Taliban's extremist views to safeguard its strategic interests and influence regional dynamics. The study contributed to a deeper understanding of this intricate interplay between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban in the context of historical legacies, strategic calculations, and regional power dynamics.</em></p>Amanullah ZarawarNaveedullah AlokozayMuhammad Numan
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2024-08-192024-08-1953112210.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(11-22)The Influence of Parents and Institutions on the Development of English Language Proficiency among Secondary School Students in Punjab, Pakistan
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/709
<p><em>The study aimed to investigate the impact of parental and institutional factors on the proficiency of English language skills, specifically listening and speaking, among secondary level students in the southern districts of Punjab province. The study covered a population of 201366 9th-grade students from 2106 public secondary schools. A sample of 384 students, representing both genders, was selected using the Krejcie and Morgan rule (1970) stratified and simple random sampling techniques. A survey questionnaire was developed to collect feedback from 9th-grade students on their listening and speaking skills. The questionnaire included sections on demographic variables, parental and institutional factors, as well as students' overall perception of their language skills and available resources for improvement. The data was analyzed using linear regression to assess the impact of parental and institutional factors on students' listening and speaking abilities. The regression analyses revealed a significant connection between parental and institutional factors and students' language learning outcomes. The study emphasizes the substantial role of both parental and institutional efforts in improving students' language learning outcomes.</em></p>Azra YasmeenDr. Allah Noor KhanDr. Mazhar Gul
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2024-09-032024-09-0353233110.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(23-31)Development of Quality Mathematics Test items through the Application of Classical Test Theory at the Elementary Level
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/715
<p><em>The study examined development of the quality mathematics test items at the elementary level by using classical test theory. This quantitative study employed development and descriptive methods of research. The population comprised all the students of Mathematics Grade 7th of tehsil Sahiwal district Sargodha. A sample of 100 students was selected for multi-Stage sampling technique. The researcher developed a test of multiple-choice items on an elementary-level course of mathematics. This test was used as the instrument to gather data from the respondents. Microsoft Excel was a suitable tool for item analyses for assessment used to examine the information and account the study findings. Reliability of the test noted (0.78) the test measured under the application of CTT. The validity was also ensured by discussing with 5 experts having Ph.D. qualifications. 33 items were found to be of moderate difficulty level (having item difficulty of 0.25 to 0.75), these were accepted whereas, 16 items were rejected and 6 items were rewritten for the enhancement of excellence of mathematics assessment matters at the elementary level. On the other hand, 16 items with a discrimination index below 0.20 were discarded because they failed to differentiate between high and low achievers. Whereas, 6 items with a discrimination index below 0.30 were revised because they did not adequately discriminate between the groups. 28 items with a discrimination index between 0.4 and 0.1 were accepted because they were effectively discriminating between the high and low achievers. Keeping in view the given results it is recommended that QAED academy may arrange the training for elementary school teachers to develop their tests in a standardized way. It would be beneficial for the development of an item bank.</em></p>Muhammad Touseef KhizarDr. Fareeha SamiSyeda Hoor Fatima
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2024-09-112024-09-1153323710.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(32-37)Comparative Study of Male and Female Faculty Achievements at Mirpur University of Science and Technology (AJ&K)
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/714
<p><em>This research was conducted on comparative study of male and female faculty achievements at higher education level at Mirpur University of Science and Technology, AJK. The objectives of the study were to assess the faculty achievement at university level, to compare the male and female faculty achievement at university level<strong>. </strong>The quantitative research approach and survey research design was used to collect the answers from the targeted respondents<strong>. </strong>The population of the research study comprised of faculties of Mirpur University of Science and Technology (MUST) Mirpur AJK<strong>. </strong>Sample was comprised of two faculties Natural Sciences and Social Sciences. Stratified sampling technique was used to select the sample size. However total sample size was hundred. There were two part of questionnaire first part was demographic and second part was based on discovery, teaching and learning and application. For data collection, the researcher personally visited from two faculties(i) social sciences and (ii) natural sciences. It was concluded that the highest value of MPhil teacher was found. It was concluded the achievement of male teacher in discovery were highest than female and in teaching and learning achievement of female teachers were highest than male and the achievement of male teachers in application were highest than female teachers<strong>. </strong>It is recommended that male and female faculty member may increase their teaching learning strategies through the implementation of specialized professional development programs. Encourage teachers to integrate practical applications of knowledge into their teaching methods.</em></p>Dr. Humaira AbbasiHaleema SadiaSana Dawood
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2024-09-152024-09-1553384710.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(38-47)Transformational Leadership: Examining the role of Organizational Change and Organizational Innovation
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/717
<p><em>This study examined the role of Organizational Change (OC) and Organizational Innovation (OI) with relations to Transformational Leadership (TL). Since, conceptual model portrayed mediation, thus this study also examined the mediation effect between OC, TL and OI. This study was absolutely quantitative and explanatory with deductive approach to develop and test hypotheses based on the conceptual model followed by the positivist philosophy which is usually used in quantitative studies. Data sought through instrument (close-ended questionnaire) on seven point Likert scale from First Line Managers (FLMs) of private banks of Sindh. A sum of 107 close-ended questionnaires distributed among FLMs through convenience sampling out of which 100 received back for final data analysis. Two tools used for data analysis i-e, SPSS and PLS-SEM. Two conceptual models developed to test the relationships between factors. Direct effects model and specific indirect effects model. All direct relationships tested and approved through direct effects model and medication effect tested and approved through specific indirect effects model. Study revealed significant results particularly for private banks of Sindh which can be further corroborated while conducting the similar study in any other sector of the Sindh province.</em></p>Dr. Tauqeer Hussain HakroEman Khaled IrtaimehDr. Khalid Hussain Abbasi
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2024-09-152024-09-1553485610.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(48-56)Impact of Training on Organizational Commitment: An Evidence of General Universities of Sindh
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/716
<p><em>Research is being examined on the influence of training over organizational commitment amongst faculty members working in higher educational institutions in Sindh, concentrating on three general universities. A cross-sectional survey was conducted by collecting data from 380 faculty members. Validating scales focusing on three dimensions of organizational commitments affective, normative, and continuous. The study also evaluates the perceptions of training programs, including their kinds, adeptness, and relevance. Descriptive statistics concludes the characteristics of the sample and reliability analysis assured the survey’s internal consistency. Regression analysis assessed the relationship between training and every dimension of organizational commitment along with demographic variables. The outcomes show a significant positive association between training and each dimension of organizational commitment. Faculty members who received training from their organization perceived the highest level of organizational investment for their career growth, which led to their commitment to their organizations/institutions.</em></p> <p><em>Recommendations pertain to all the resources allocated for their training programs, encouraging continuous learning, and assimilating training objectives into performance management. Motivating faculty members for team management and knowledge sharing is being highlighted. The current research’s consequences underscored the importance of ongoing training initiatives for improving organizational commitments and faculty retention. Limitations are focus is being made on specific institutions, the limitations in the causal interference are being designed on cross-sectional and potential response bias from personally reported data. Future studies should be longitudinal designs, and qualitative methodologies, and discover furthermore variables to clearly understand the association between training programs and all the dimensions of organizational commitment.</em></p>Irfan Ahmed LashariProf. Dr. Syed Muneer Ahmed Shah
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2024-09-162024-09-1653576710.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(57-67)Impact of Social Media Usage on the Academic Achievements of Undergraduate Students
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/720
<p><em>Social media is a digital platform that helps people in sharing information, knowledge and almost all type of content like pictures, videos, audio, documents, and text on a global scale. Social media come in many forms, including social networking sites like WhatsApp, Facebook, and video sharing apps like YouTube. Especially social media becoming a common educational tool for university graduates, social media platforms are used by students for projects, assignments, and classes. The main variables of the study were social media and academic achievement. The main purpose of current study was to investigate the impact of social media usage on the academic achievement of undergraduate students. The research methodology used in this study was quantitative in nature. The research instrument for this study was self-developed by the researcher. The data were collected through questionnaire. The population of the study was undergraduate students (semester 2, 4, 6 and 8) of University of Sargodha. The sample of current study was 200. Sample was collected through convenient sampling technique. Data were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). For the further analysis of data to produce findings Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used. The study revealed that WhatsApp and YouTube have significant moderate positive relationship with academic achievement but Facebook has weak positive correlation. Research study recommended that students should be encouraged to set aside dedicated study time free of social media distractions, stay focused and navigate the bad impacts of excessive social media use on academic performance.</em></p>Dr. Sajid HasanSaima NasreenMaryam Tasneem
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2024-09-302024-09-3053687810.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(68-78)Integration Challenges: Exploring the Impacts of immigration on Mental Health among Afghan Immigrants in Germany
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/721
<p><em>This research investigates the integration challenges faced by Afghan immigrants in Germany and their impact on mental health. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of these challenges through a qualitative research methodology. In-depth interviews were conducted with 25 Afghan immigrants selected via purposive sampling to ensure diverse representation. The interviews, conducted online in Dari and Pashto, covered key topics such as cultural adaptation, language acquisition, employment difficulties, and coping strategies. Data were analysed using NVivo 12 to identify and explore emerging themes. Findings revealed significant psychological distress among participants, manifesting as anxiety and depression, primarily due to integration difficulties. The study also highlighted the prevalence of trauma from migration experiences, exacerbating mental health issues. Social isolation and the absence of robust support systems further intensified feelings of disconnection and hindered mental health recovery. Language barriers, cultural adjustment struggles, and economic challenges were identified as major integration obstacles, contributing to the overall mental health burden. In conclusion, the research underscores the need for targeted social activities, culturally appropriate mental health interventions, and comprehensive support systems to address the unique challenges faced by Afghan immigrants, thereby fostering better integration and mental health outcomes.</em></p>Abdul Qayoum SafiMr. Shafiqullah Atish
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2024-09-302024-09-3053798810.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(79-88)Visible/Invisible Plot Structures: A Deconstructionist Study of Nadine Gordimer’s Jump and Other Stories
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/727
<p><em>This research presents a deconstructionist reading of selected short stories from Nadine Gordimer’s Jump and Other Stories (1991). In so doing, a three-step model of narrative construing is proposed. This three-step model, firstly, locates invisible structures in the plot building of the selected short stories that appear alogical. Secondly, it is argued that at closer scrutiny these invisible constructions appear logical, thus a paradoxical pair of invisible and visible structures is established. Finally, this research postulates that the time-and-again shifting weight of the paradoxical pair eventually reveals the presence of invisible constructions. With this revelation, the plot collapses—which is evident in the short stories' startling, rather jumpy, endings.</em></p>Faiza AnumDr. Aniqa MunirSaima Najib Chaudry
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2024-09-302024-09-3053899510.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(89-95)"The Weave of Heritage: An Animated Tale of Swabi’s Cultural Shawl Chail"
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/718
<p><em>This research shed light on the materiality of clothes and the significance of notions or beliefs about it. The focus was on a case study of a living symbol of culture and feminine identity of the women of Swabi called Chail. Chail was a chador that had been used by women in Swabi for a long time and had become a manifesto. The main idea of this project was to revitalize the materiality of Chail in terms of history and culture. The animated documentary followed the journey of a young girl who uncovered the historical importance of Chail in her village. Fascinated by the shawl’s cultural significance, she embarked on a quest to discover the creator behind this symbolic garment. Through this narrative, the project brought to life the history and cultural relevance of Chail through finding its creator, offering a visually engaging exploration of tradition and identity.</em></p>Haleema AyubDr. Suffi Bilal Khalid
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2024-09-302024-09-30539611410.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(96-114)The Impact of Psychological Detachment on Employee Engagement: Analyzing the Moderating Role of Emotional Intelligence
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/724
<p><strong><em>Purpose:</em></strong><em> In this study, the author investigates the moderating role of psychological detachment in the relationship between employee engagement in employees of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) at Islamabad International Airport.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Design/methodology/approach</em></strong><em> This study is cross-sectional, and data were obtained from 400 employees through self-reporting structured inventories. To check the moderating role of emotional intelligence on the relationship between psychological detachment and employee engagement, moderated regression analysis was carried out.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Findings:</em></strong><em> Consequently, analysis of the results confirmed that psychological detachment has a positive correlation with engagement. Furthermore, the study found that emotional intelligence interacted with psychological detachment in a way that indicated that workers with high levels of emotional intelligence can use psychological detachment to boost their engagement.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Research limitations/implications:</em></strong><em> Since the collected data were cross-sectional, they did not allow the authors to establish causality. Future work should embrace data collection techniques such as longitudinal to develop more efficient causal connections.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Practical implications</em></strong><em>: This is particularly relevant for organizations that want to increase employee satisfaction, as practice could be made of embedding emotional intelligence training into practice, as well as encouraging workers to practice psychological detachment from work related tasks during their free time.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Originality/value</em></strong><em>: This research supported the literature on organizational behavior by showing on how and in what ways emotional intelligence acted as a mediator on the relationship observed with psychological detachment on the employee engagement.</em></p>Gul AhmadDr. Muhammad Zia-ur-RehmanDr. Adnan Jamil
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2024-09-302024-09-305311512510.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(115-125)Metacognitive Awareness of 21st Century Teachers and its Effectiveness of Critical Thinking at University Level
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/732
<p><em>This study intended to investigate the correlation between 21<sup>st</sup> century teachers, their metacognitive awareness and its effectiveness in promoting students’ critical thinking at university level. This study followed correlational study. The sample size of 531 was extracted through Raosoft sample size calculator using proportional sample techniques constituted 190 teachers( male and female) and 341 students( male and female). Modified form of Schraw and Dennis (1994) metacognitive awareness inventory was developed for data collection. Validity and reliability for the teachers and students were found .953 and .858 respectively through pilot testing. The results showed that most of the teachers at University level were having the knowledge of metacognitive awareness and they were practicing it for promoting the critical thinking skills of their students, These results have shown that, teachers’ metacognitive awareness about declarative, procedural, conditional knowledge, planning and management skills and evaluation skill have a positive association with the development of students higher order thinking competencies including: social abilities and management skills, appraisal and reasoning abilities, exploratory and self-acting abilities and the transformation of students critical thinking skills.</em></p>Muhammad SaleemDr. Maksal MinazDr. Hafiz Muhammad Irshadullah
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2024-09-302024-09-305312613810.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(126-138)An Iconographic Analysis of the Animated Film Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor
https://rjsser.org.pk/ojs/index.php/rjsser/article/view/725
<p><em>This treatise endeavors to detect the non-technical components of Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor, a Pakistani 3D animated film. It investigates whether a new viewpoint has emerged in the context of social and cultural ideology in Pakistani thought, or if stereotypes continue to persist. For this purpose, an iconographic analysis of the film is conducted through Panofsky’s (1972) three-pronged approach. The three steps include: pre-iconographical description, iconographic analysis, and iconographical interpretation. The iconographic analysis revealed that Allahyar and the Legend of Markhor upholds and encourages stereotype indoctrination in its depictions of good and bad in Pakistani culture. Results also highlighted the director's inability or obliviousness to think outside the box or create a novel perspective. Patriarchy, classism, elitism, provincialism, patriotism, and a biased media were all depicted as major themes. These motifs illuminated gender, class, and ethnicity-based inequalities in Pakistan's political, cultural, and social environment. The artists' anxieties and skepticism are justified by factors such as consumerism, overreliance on Eurocentric art and history, lack of familiarity with local art, minimal government support, and financial restraints. Furthermore, the research showed that the film promoted national, political, and gender ideals. The authors argue that to foster creativity in art films and animations, future studies and research should focus on fostering critical thinking, visual literacy, and the development of curricula and new literature in these areas.</em></p>Dr. Suffi Bilal KhalidMs. Maham Iqbal
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2024-09-302024-09-305313915210.36902/rjsser-vol5-iss3-2024(139-152)