Research Journal of Social Sciences and Economics Review

Association of Social Support and Type ‘A’ Personality with Students Distinction at University Level

Tabassum Faiz Soleheria — 2024-05-03

This study sought to find out the association between social supports and Type 'A' personality patterns with students' distinction at the university level. The study has two objectives and two hypotheses. The study was conducted at the University of Peshawar and various departments of the University were randomly selected; the sample included Thirty (30) purposively selected participants. All the respondents were those who were high achievers in their respective departments. A quantitative approach was used to analyze the study findings. The sample consisted of 30 students, and about 60% of them were classified as Type 'A' and the categorization was based on scores they obtained on the Type 'A' scale. The results revealed a momentous association between personality patterns and academic distinction. Results demonstrated that Type 'A' students are more dominant, responsible, and academically successful; they have a happy-go-lucky and enthusiastic personality. It is also revealed through results that the factor of social support is highly significant and shows that academic success depends on social support in great deal. These findings suggest that family help, emotional support, and social environment have an important role in individual success in educational lives. High scorers have a better family interaction pattern than other students who have minimal or no social support. The study recommended that for stakeholders. Parental awareness programs about the significance of family interaction must be provided through various gatherings like parent-teacher associations. Teachers should help their students to become more confident and to express their ideas and views freely. Their support will increase the chances of greater academic success in their life.

Influence of Socio-Economic Status on Social Adjustment of University Students

Asiya Anwar — 2024-05-03

The purpose of the study was to investigate how undergraduate students' social adjustments at the university level are impacted by their socioeconomic status. The study's population consisted of all Sargodha University undergraduate students enrolled in various departments. A total of 550 students were chosen at random from 11 different departments. The Socio-economic status survey for students and the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (SACQ) research scales were modified and employed; the corresponding Cronbach Alpha values were 0.90 and 0.79. This descriptive study employed the survey technique. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis process. Major findings were that the majority of students had moderate levels of social adjustment and were from moderate SES backgrounds. Moreover, the majority of the students were better at socially adjusting to others. Male students were better than female students in their social adjustment whereas students with low SES had better social adjustment than students with moderate & high SES. Then, It is suggested that department administrators should arrange student-exposure events including lectures, seminars, group projects, and discussions. The results of this study also showed that teachers' educational practices can be greatly enhanced if they take appropriate considerations into account when taking such activities for the social adjustment of university students.

Intention of Consumers to Purchase Electric Vehicles in Developing Countries

Ali Asghar Jamali — 2024-05-08

Electric vehicles (EVs) have appeared as a strategic solution for minimizing vehicle emissions. For the successful integration of EVs into existing transportation frameworks, it's critical to know the reasons which influence consumer buying decisions towards EVs. This study is designed to delve into these factors, with a specific emphasis on consumer perceptions. A survey was administered in October 2023, targeting potential buyers in Qasimabad Taluka, Hyderabad City, yielding 400 valid responses. The analysis employing binary logistic regression, provided empirical insights. The outcomes revealed that gender, specifically being male, and falling within a certain income bracket were significant indicators of a propensity to acquire an EV. Conversely, individuals in their 20s and 30s were less inclined to consider purchasing EVs. These results offer actionable guidance for the formulation of marketing methodologies and act like a benchmark for stakeholders in the EV sector to enhance the effectiveness of policies aimed at promoting EV adoption.

Assessing Classroom Management Skills of University Teachers: A Case of University of Malakand

Saima Muhammad — 2024-05-08

This descriptive study analyzed classroom management skills and how it has been affected by some selected demographic variables. The researchers used a quantitative research design to explore the problem. By using a stratified random sampling method 120 university teachers were selected from nine faculties of the University of Malakand. A self-constructed questionnaire consisting of 41 Likert-type items was validated through a panel of experts and was used to collect data from the respondents. The instrument focused on three major components of classroom management skills that are content management, covenant management, and conduct management. The reliability of the instrument was established through Cronbach's alpha value which was found to be .86. The analyses of data revealed that university teachers had above-average levels of observance towards classroom management skills. Findings revealed that teachers' age, designation, and experience had a significant effect on their perceptions of classroom management skills. The results also revealed that teachers' gender, current post of service, and academic and professional qualification had no significant effect on their perceptions of classroom management skills. The study recommended that university administration with the collaboration of the Higher Education Commission may arrange in-service training opportunities to enhance their classroom management skills. For this purpose, the university may request the National Academy for Higher Education to arrange both short and long training sessions for the fresh and experienced faculty to improve their skills related to classroom management.

Decreasing Costs Over Time in Construction Projects: Effective Cost Management

Hafiz Muhammad Qamar Abbas — 2024-05-15

Cost management effectiveness is a critical aspect of construction project management, with cost overruns posing significant challenges to project success. This research article investigates the phenomenon of decreasing costs over time in construction projects. It examines various strategies employed by project managers to reduce costs as projects progress, analyzes empirical data from real-world construction projects, and discusses the implications of cost reduction trends on project management practices. The study reveals that factors such as economies of scale, learning curve effects, technology advancements, and process optimization contribute to cost reduction over time. The findings provide valuable insights into effective cost management strategies and their implications for project stakeholders. The construction industry faces constant pressure to deliver projects within budget while maintaining high quality standards. Decreasing costs over time in construction projects requires strategic planning, efficient resource utilization, and continuous optimization of processes. This abstract explores various methodologies for cost reduction in construction projects, including value engineering, lean construction principles, strategic procurement, technology integration, risk management, and effective project management. By implementing these methodologies throughout the project lifecycle, construction teams can identify cost-saving opportunities, streamline operations, mitigate risks, and ultimately achieve significant cost reductions. Case studies demonstrate the tangible benefits of these methodologies in real-world construction projects, showcasing how proactive cost management strategies contribute to project success. Through careful analysis, collaboration, and innovation, construction projects can achieve cost savings while delivering high-quality results within schedule constraints.

Faculty Preparedness for Universal Design for Online Teaching at the University Level: A Systematic Review

Dr. Fouzia Ajmal — 2024-06-11

The systematic review examines the readiness of faculty members to utilize and implement universal design in online learning at the university level. (Li, 2020; Sun & Chen, 2016). The purpose of this systematic review is to examine how university teachers perceive and utilize universal design in their daily classroom instructions. This systematic review explores the teachers’ readiness to implement universal design in their online courses at the university level the review includes detailed research of the most relevant literature and articles based on the readiness of faculty members to utilize universal design in teaching at the university level inst. The systematic review involved conducting a detailed search of relevant literature and articles that explored the preparedness of educators for implementing Universal Design in online higher education instruction. The procedure included a complete investigation of different survey reports and researchers that dealt with the identified problem. Assessing faculty preparedness for online education needs a thorough analysis of factors that affect teachers' preparedness which can be teachers' training and professional development institutional backing their perceptions.

Effect of Parental Involvement on Students’ Behavioral Adjustment at Primary School Level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Saman Yasin — 2024-06-14

The study explores the effect of parental involvement that contributes to the broader domain of behavioral adjustment in terms of externalizing, internalizing and hyper active behavior. The research was carried at district Peshawar of province Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The objective of the study examined the effect of parental involvement on students’ behavioral adjustment with respect to three aspects of behavioral adjustment. The literature review and data analysis showed the significant effect of parental involvement in the adjustment process during the initial years of school. The children at pre-primary level are energetic with lesser stress modules therefore can’t be classified as having behavioral issues however, when they come in the phase of practical learning in primary level they may face acute adjustment problems. However the early intervention of these problems may help the child to excel in school and also to stabilize him/her behavior in adolescence. 220 primary school teachers were selected through multistage sampling technique. Social Skills Rating System (Gresham & Elliot, 1990) used by Margetts in 2005 was adapted for collecting data from the respondents. The collected data was analyzed by applying various statistical tools. The validity of the instrument was checked and the reliability was found within a good range. The mean value for all variables showed agreement of respondents towards the questions asked. No significant difference was found between the perceptions of two different organizations. The results of linear regression reflected inverse/ negative relationship between parental involvement and indicators of students’ behavioral adjustment. Thus, with the effective parental involvement undesired effects of students’ behavioral adjustment can be decreased.

Exploring the Educational Frontier: Unveiling the Dynamics of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) in Contrast to Traditional Teaching

Dr. Sumaera Mehmood — 2024-06-30

The study investigates the differences between traditional teaching methods and computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The goals of the study were to examine how computer-assisted instruction affects secondary school pupils' academic achievement in general science, to ascertain how traditional teaching approaches affect secondary school pupils' academic achievement in the general science course, to ascertain how traditional teaching approaches affect secondary school pupils' academic achievement in the general science course, to evaluate the impact of both traditional and CAI instruction on students' academic achievement in the General Science course; to propose recommendations based on the results of the current study for General Science educators, students, administrators, teacher trainers, and policy makers. Based on the research questions, we formulated four null hypotheses. We employed the nonequivalent control group design as one type of quasi-experimental design. We selected a random sample of two intact sections of 10th grade, totaling sixty-four students studying General Science, and conducted the experiment over ten academic weeks. We collected pre-test and post-test data on academic achievement. We used the conventional lecture format to instruct the control group. We addressed research and hypothesis questions using summary statistics and paired t-tests. The results of the study exhibited that CAI outperformed the traditional lecture method. The results of the present study provided much-needed motivation to use CAI and improve students' academic performance. Animated videos and images make science concepts easily understandable. The animated videos and images capture the students' attention, enhancing their focus during the teaching and learning process. Computer-assisted instruction is beneficial for slow learners or especially ADHD students. The attractive colors in the diagrams helped them to focus their attention on the teaching and learning process and make this process more enjoyable.

The Effect of Talent Development on Job Satisfaction in Healthcare: A Mediating Role of Organizational Engagement

Imran Khan — 2024-06-30

Purpose:

This study aims to fill the gap in the literature by examining the relationship between job satisfaction, organizational engagement, and talent development, particularly in developing nations like Pakistan that have gotten relatively less attention in previous research. The main objective is examination of the impact of talent development on their job satisfaction within hospitals of Pakistan, particularly emphasizing mediating effect of organizational engagement.

Design/Methodology:

Based on AMO (Ability, Motivation, Opportunity) theory, this study advances theoretical arguments on the relationship between talent development, job satisfaction and organizational engagement. Data Collection was made from 205 nurses as sample population employed at hospitals, located at Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Data is analyzed using Smart Partial Least Squares-Structural Equation Modeling (Smart PLS-SEM).

Research Limitations:

Several limitations are likely to affect the findings’ generalizability. Secondly, common method bias is likely to be encountered due to the use of nurses as the sole sources of data. In addition, the use of the cross-sectional design limits the research to infer causal pathways between the study variables.

Practical Implications:

The key practical implication of the study is relevant to hospital management and policymakers in Pakistan. The results of the study showed that talent development programs enhanced nurses’ job satisfaction, especially due to the essential down-stream effect of organizational engagement. Thus, the various talent development opportunities and a positive organizational culture providing prospects for mastery lead to increased satisfaction and motivation.

Originality:

An added advantage of our study which distinguished it from the literature is its specific focus on the hospital context in Pakistan which is relatively thus far neglected by other studies in relation to talent development and job satisfaction. The usage of AMO framework and Smart PLS-SEM tool for analysis contributes to the methodological rigor of the study. Secondly, by identifying organizational engagement as the mediating variable in the relationship between talent development and job satisfaction, the study made a unique contribution to understanding how satisfaction of the employees can be managed in healthcare organizations in Pakistan.

Hidden Desires: Analyzing Sexuality in Rajput Folk Wedding Songs

Dr. Atifa Nasir — 2024-06-30

This paper is based on the thematic study of Rajput folk wedding songs that are sung at weddings and express sexual content which otherwise is a taboo among Rajputs living in Bhakkar, Punjab. Through an analysis of their lyrics, and symbolic representations, this research elucidates the dual function of folk songs: as entertainment and vehicles for sexual knowledge dissemination among the Rajputs. The research is a qualitative study employs the snowball sampling technique, recording of folk wedding songs from Rajput household women, and one professional singer. This research concludes that these folk wedding songs are characterized by entertainment and humor aligned with prevailing moral standards, however the interpretation of the songs in Rajput cultural context reveal that girls through imagination and education via folk wedding songs also express their desires of sexuality. In contrast, men however, socially allowed and are acceptable in facilitation of their hypersexual activities even through their wives.

E-leadership Practices of School Principals and the Barriers they face in Private School Sector of Lahore

Muhammad Amin — 2024-06-30

The aim of this qualitative study is to explore e-leadership practices of private school principals with an emphasis on how school principals incorporate digital technologies into their leadership practices. Further, the research is focused to investigate the challenges and barriers that school leaders face to implement the e-leadership practices. This exploratory study is based on constructivist paradigm. Data were acquired using semi-structured interviews with 10 private school principals selected purposively. The qualitative data was analyzed through thematic analysis. The findings revealed five major themes regarding e-leadership practices of private school principals. These themes include: technological integration, digital communication, professional growth, data-driven decision making, and collaboration and innovation Technology integration and digital communication were found to considerably increase administrative efficiency and collaboration, but professional growth and new e-leadership practices were considered as critical for creating a dynamic educational environment. The findings further unveil that key obstacles/challenges in the implementation of e-leadership practices include poor infrastructure, digital literacy gaps, and opposition by the staff to change traditional practices into e-practices. Recommendations include enhancing technical infrastructure, expanding digital literacy training, fostering a collaborative culture, getting technology financing, and offering ongoing professional development may improve the e-leadership practices in private school sector.

Women Empowerment and Combating Gender Inequality: University Leaders’ Role

Ume Kalsoom — 2024-06-30

The aim of this study is to investigate university leaders' role in women empowerment and combating gender inequality. The study has been executed through qualitative approach that is based on interpretivism paradigm. The convenient sampling technique has been used to select 20 women faculty members from two public universities. The semi-structured interview protocol has been used to generate qualitative data. The thematic analysis was applied to find the similarities and differences among participants’ response and to develop themes. The research findings reveal that women did not complain regarding empowerment in educational institutions, and they feel themselves empowered. Data highlight that departmental environment is fair, equal opportunities are available regardless of gender, equal compensation is being offered based on grade and productivity irrespective of the gender, paid leaves are being offered to all female and male faculty members. The study further unveils that university leader can further enhance women empowerment and combat with gender inequality through national and international networking with organizations working for this cause, offering extended maternity leaves, developing favorable departmental culture for this cause, and making sure relevant policies are being followed. However, there are still some challenges in enhancing women empowerment and combating with gender inequality including cultural stereotypes, limited resources and funds, and limited representation of women at higher positions. The research recommends that university management and governments should take further initiatives to empower women and reduce gender inequality.