Aisha Rizwan, Shabana Naveed and Yaamina Salman
Based on the service eco-systems perspective, this paper evaluates the strategies and actions adopted by the Government of Pakistan to handle the COVID-19 crisis with the…
Abstract
Purpose
Based on the service eco-systems perspective, this paper evaluates the strategies and actions adopted by the Government of Pakistan to handle the COVID-19 crisis with the involvement of multiple actors including public, private, third-sector organizations and civil society.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is based on an in-depth analysis of secondary sources including research articles, policy documents, policy briefs, governmental reports, third party evaluations/reports and media publications.
Findings
A multi-stakeholder approach was evident during the pandemic with an effort to better manage the crisis which has exerted immense social, cultural, economic and political impacts on the lives of the citizens. Collaborative efforts among stakeholders (government, private and third sector) were witnessed, resulting in a coherent response. The successful management of COVID-19 in Pakistan is attributed to multiple factors including the formation of a specialized public organization which effectively and proactively took data-driven informed decisions and aggregated the efforts of the federal and provincial governments for a timely response.
Originality/value
This paper gives insights for policymakers to create a sustainable post-pandemic socio-economic environment by building resilient structures across the government while promoting cooperation and collaboration. It suggests strategies for policymakers responsible for providing sustainable societal solutions to combat the social, economic and administrative challenges under the pandemic. As Pakistan has managed and contained the pandemic in a relatively efficient way, it is hoped that this paper can provide a learning experience for other countries with similar national contexts.
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Muhammad Naeem Shahid, Aamir Abbas, Khalid Latif, Ayesha Attique and Safwan Khalid
This study aims to identify the impact of corporate governance on performance of sugar mills. In order to study this relation, a model is constructed in which ownership structure…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to identify the impact of corporate governance on performance of sugar mills. In order to study this relation, a model is constructed in which ownership structure and independent directors are taken as independent variables. Whereas firm performance is analyzed by using proxy variables such as return on asset (ROA), return on equity (ROE) and sales growth. Moreover, size of board, working capital management (WCM) and philanthropy are taken as mediating variables between governance variables and firm performance.
Design/methodology/approach
The data of 32 sugar mills listed at Pakistan Stock Exchange for the period of four years (i.e. 2014–2017) is used for this research. Moreover, to investigate the model, generalized least squares statistical method is used to measure the relationship between variables.
Findings
The results revealed that there is significant but positive relationship between independent directors and ROA while ownership structure and ROE have significant but negative relationship. Thus, the board of directors should make it sure that all stakeholders and organizations should increase the nonfamily ownership in firms for better corporate performance. Moreover, philanthropy and WCM mediate the relationship between corporate governance and firms' performance.
Practical/implications
This research work will be helpful in the corporate governance, and further researchers can conduct their study by considering executive/nonexecutive director and institutional owners as governance variables.
Originality/value
This paper fulfills an identified need to study how Corporate Governance effect the performance of firm.
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Abdullahi Abubakar Lamido and Mohamed Aslam Haneef
This paper critically reviews and analyzes the trends in waqf studies within the Islamic economics literature. It analyzes the recent developments and debates in waqf reform and…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper critically reviews and analyzes the trends in waqf studies within the Islamic economics literature. It analyzes the recent developments and debates in waqf reform and advances the argument for prioritizing research on waqf economics; the waqf dimension that is concerned with modelling how to utilize it to enhance productivity, consumption, redistribution, investment and saving, and generally contribute sustainably towards poverty reduction, economic empowerment and development.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper is conceptual in nature, focusing on a systematic historical analytical review of waqf studies in Islamic economics literature.
Findings
Despite the documented historic role of waqf in constructing the Muslim socio-economic architecture as the third economic sector and a mechanism for civilizational development and renewal, it received little attention in the early writings on modern Islamic economics. While the past one decade has witnessed a renewed interest in waqf research, most studies focus on its legal, juristic and administrative aspects in addition to the nostalgic reflections on its past glories. Little attention is comparatively given to the socio-economic aspect, which represents the actual raison d’être for its institutionalization.
Practical implications
An important task ahead of the current generation of Islamic economists is to formulate waqf-based development models that are rooted in proper diagnosis and deep understanding of the current socio-economic realities of the OIC member countries for the purpose of uplifting living standards and stimulating sustainable socio-economic development.
Originality/value
The paper contributes to the debate on priorities in waqf studies and practice and can trigger further discourses and research on the future of research in waqf economics.
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Tamanna Parvin Eva, Silvia Akter, Mashruha Zabeen and Shamsul Huq Bin Shahriar
The purpose of this study is to explore learner-centered emerging technologies, methods of learning with artificial intelligence (AI), student engagement and concerns related to…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore learner-centered emerging technologies, methods of learning with artificial intelligence (AI), student engagement and concerns related to the assessment process at public and private universities in Bangladesh.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employed a qualitative research approach to investigate innovations in learning, student engagement and assessment concerns. Respondents were categorized into three clusters: Cluster-A comprised students from various academic levels, Cluster-B included faculty members with online teaching experience and Cluster-C consisted of information and communication technology (ICT) experts from university information technology (IT) departments. Qualitative data were collected via in-depth interviews.
Findings
The research findings indicate the widespread acceptance and utilization of learner-centered technologies, with online and hybrid learning offering flexibility, accessibility, self-paced learning and better student engagement opportunities. While AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini are valued for clarifying theoretical concepts, concerns exist regarding their ethical use, particularly in completing assignments. The assessment process faces challenges related to online exams, with concerns over cheating prompting calls for AI-supported solutions. However, there is a gap between commitment and action in regulating unethical AI usage, highlighting the need for clearer guidance and investment in technological solutions for an effective assessment process.
Research limitations/implications
Limitations of this study include the inability to quantify the satisfaction level with the emergence of learner-centered technologies, which could be better explained through a quantitative study.
Originality/value
This study’s originality and value stem from its thorough investigation of innovations in learner-centered education considering the emergence of AI and student engagement, uniquely focusing on the perspective of a developing country.