Journal of Applied Research and Multidisciplinary Studies

Overview of Pakistan’s Transportation Infrastructure from Future Perspective: A Systematic Literature Review

2024-03-29T04:03:56+00:00

Economic growth has emerged as the most influential tool in the recent years and an efficient transport infrastructure is one of the key factors to achieve economic development. Furthermore, the integration of advanced technological trends may accelerate the economic activities. However, the same has not been widely discussed in the Pakistani context so far. Therefore, the current study aimed to analyze the existing situation, difficulties, and future prospects for transport infrastructure development in Pakistan. The study investigated significant issues pertaining to the condition of roads, railways, airports, and ports as well as future trends and recommendations along with strategies for sustainable and efficient infrastructure. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify the current state and key opportunities for the development of Pakistan’s transportation infrastructure from future perspective. Findings showed that securing funds, increasing governance and institutional capacity, tackling urban congestion, limiting environmental impacts, and assuring infrastructure maintenance are all difficult tasks. However, the analysis offered opportunities arising from Pakistan's strategic location, prospects for regional integration, public-private partnerships, technical breakthroughs, tourism, and economic growth. Strategies and recommendations were also provided for policymakers and key stakeholders. Implications concentrated on evaluating active initiatives, conducting region-specific analyses, analyzing the impact, developing creative financing approaches, and integrating the emerging technologies. Pakistan may foster a robust and sustainable transport infrastructure by tackling issues and capitalizing on opportunities, hence boosting economic growth, connectivity, and overall development

Environmental Footprint of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC): A Quantitative Approach to CO2 Emissions and Climate Effects

2024-03-26T08:29:21+00:00

The current study is one of the initial and premier studies that was conducted to understand the environmental and climatic concerns related to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The base of the theory was developed on pollution heaven hypothesis and analysis of selected variables was conducted through SMART-PLS via using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). The analysis indicated that environmental concerns related to CPEC are not only perceived as the major predictors for CO2 emissions, however, they are also capable to harm climate and public health as well. The findings may help to develop a concrete policy framework for ongoing and upcoming phases of CPEC development. The framework would mitigate environmental risks associated with these activities and save the communities from environmental and health hazards of CO2 emissions. A substantial framework on this aspect would not only increase the economic and social significance of the project, however, it would also be a significant step towards addressing ecological and climatic harm to the environment. Hence, the current study is one of the pervasive studies that may not only increase the knowledge and research work associated with CPEC, however, it would also aid in policy formulation to further strengthen the Pak-China relationship.

Impact of Social Media Utilization on University Student's Learning, Sleeping Habits, and Social Interactions: An Empirical Investigation

2024-03-29T04:05:12+00:00

Social media usage has grown prevalent across the world, affecting the lives of people of all ages including university students. People may now interact with others across the borders due to the increased acceptance of social media platforms. The current study attempted to investigate the consequences of social media usage on university students' learning, sleeping habits, and social interactions. A cross-sectional approach was employed to conduct the current study with a sample of 200 students selected from First Technical University in Ibadan, Nigeria. A questionnaire was utilized to collect the data. Additionally, statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-squared (Fisher's exact test) method. According to the data, 98% of the participants used social networking sites. Furthermore, 66% of students said that social media addiction had a detrimental influence on their academic performance since they were more drawn to social media engagement. Tiktok was the most widely used social media platform (41%), followed by Snapchat (24%), WhatsApp (19%), Instagram (10%), Telegram (2%), and Twitter (2%). Additionally, the survey examined students' sleeping patterns, with 50% reporting bedtime between 10 p.m. and 11 p.m. and 44% sleeping between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. Notably, 71% of students blamed their later bedtime on their use of social media. Finally, half of the respondents admitted that social media impacted their social interactions considerably. In conclusion, the current study highlighted the extensive usage of social media among university students and its potential impact on various aspects of their lives. The findings highlighted the need for more study and interventions to address the addictive nature of social media, encourage good sleeping habits, and buffer any harmful effects on interactions among this demographic.

Psychological and Behavioral Effects of Smog on University Students

2024-03-26T08:33:54+00:00

The current study addressed the serious issue of air pollution with a specific focus on the pervasive problem of smog and its far-reaching implications for human health. Smog, a consequence of the interaction between toxic emissions and sunlight, has been identified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a major contributor to enduring health issues including asthma and chronic respiratory conditions. The current qualitative study conducted interviews with 16 participants residing in heavily polluted areas, such as Lahore and Faisalabad with a specific focus on university students. This is because both cities have been recognized as the most polluted regions in Pakistan according to the latest Air Quality Index. The findings unequivocally established a direct correlation between pollution and university students’ behaviors. Beyond behavioral impacts, the research also illuminated the pivotal role of air quality in shaping various aspects of students' lives, spanning mental health, social interactions, moods, attitudes, outdoor activities, and academic performances.

THE ROLE OF NATIONAL SOCIAL SAFETY NET ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT, VOCATIONAL SKILLS, JOB COMPETENCY IN KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

2024-04-16T06:06:16+00:00

The study examined the role of National Social Intervention on women and youth empowerment in Nigeria. The empowerment theory propounded by Solomon, (1976) was adopted as a theory framework. The study adopted a survey and documentary research design. The population of this study comprises N-Power Volunteer Corps, public primary school Teachers, N-power officials, public primary school Pupils, and vulnerable Nigerians who benefited from conditional Cash Transfers. A purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling technique was used to select a representative from the entire population. Two method of data collection was utilized; primary method and secondary method. The survey used a combination of questionnaires and in-depth interviews to account for the wide range of experiences and viewpoints among respondents. Stratified and simple random sampling was used to select a representative sample from the larger population. The total population is 137,600,000 consisting of N-Power Volunteer Corps, N-power Build, and N-power Knowledge and Women. Two statistical techniques of data analysis were utilized; they are descriptive and inferential statistical techniques: The descriptive statistics will be used to present and interpret quantitative data. Descriptive statistics are; frequency tables, percentages, and figures. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to present and analyze the data. Out of the three hundred and seventy-eight (378), questionnaires distributed to the N-power beneficiaries in Nigeria, only three hundred and thirty-five (335) representing (89%) were duly completed and returned while Forty-three (43) (11%) were missing. In the same vein, out of the three hundred and eighty-four (384) questionnaires distributed to the Teachers Public Primary in Nigeria, only three hundred and thirty one (331) representing (86%) were duly completed and returned while fifty-four (54) representing (14%) were missing. The study revealed that the n-Power Programme actually empowered unemployed graduates in Nigeria. The N-power scheme has engaged graduates in four sectors of the Nigerian Economy. These include; education, health, tax, and agriculture. The temporary engagement of graduates in the scheme has led to proficiency skills in ICT, financial empowerment, on-the-job experience, investment in small-scale businesses, and above all reduced poverty in Nigeria. The study also revealed that N-power build and knowledge have not contributed to poverty reduction in Nigeria. Youth trained in vocational skills were not empowered at the end of the training. This means that all these efforts have not been translated into employment generation for self-reliance. The study further revealed that the findings from the analysis revealed that, Home Grown School Feeding of the Federal Government has empowered women, farmers, and the well-being of public primary school children in Nigeria. It was equally revealed that about 14,000 vulnerable Nigerians are benefiting from the Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme in Nigeria. Five (5,000) thousand is been paid monthly to the poorest of the poor in every community in Nigeria and every payment is done through the beneficiary's bank account.

The Role of Packaging in Consumer Purchase Intentions:Evidence from Packed Milk Industry of Pakistan

2024-04-02T05:18:59+00:00

The aim of this study is to investigate how packaging affects consumers buying intentions. The Packaging is discussed with the help of its factors by using Deliya and Parmar (2012) theoretical Model on packaging. In recent era, due to increased competition and clutter on store shelves, packaging has become an important tool of marketing. The consumer’s buying intentions is outcome variable and predictor variables are packaging features (such as background image, packaging color, printed information, innovative features, font style, packaging material and design of wrapper). Study applies random sampling technique and structured questionnaire is used to obtain data from 130 respondents of Lahore province in Pakistan. Data was analyzed applying descriptive analysis, bivariate correlation and multiple regressions through software SPSS. The research revealed that packaging has significant impact on consumers’ buying intentions specially design of wrapper in packed milk category of FMCG industry. The finding of this research will help the marketers in designing the packaging of packed milk for consumers in Pakistan.

Effectiveness of Online Cooperative Learning: Evidence of Students’ Achievement and their Attitude towards Intervention

2024-03-26T08:57:45+00:00

School Education Department is usually criticized for utilizing quite a smaller number of academic days due to many reasons such as summer and winter vacations, pandemics, terrorism, fog, extreme weather conditions and sudden holidays, etc. There is hardly any concrete mechanism or step taken to address the issue. The researchers hypothesized that if face to face mode is supplemented with some online learning, it will minimize students’ academic lose. The study is an effort in this regard. The purpose of the experimental study was to determine the efficacy of online cooperative learning (OCL) integrated in the rotation model of blended learning with specifically focusing on measuring the effect of intervention on students’ achievement and attitude towards OCL. By using a posttest only control group design, sixty-two first-year students were randomly assigned to either the experimental (30) or control (32) group. The experimental group received three OCL and three formal sessions per week whereas the control group had 6 face to face sessions per week. At the end of two months intervention, achievement test and questionnaire were administered to students to collect the data regarding both dependent variables. Data were analyzed by independent samples t-test and one sample t-test. The findings revealed that the students of experimental group significantly outperformed their counterparts in the control group regarding achievement and demonstrated positive effect towards OCL. It is concluded that OCL is feasible to be used with face to face mode. School education authorities are recommended to test and use this model on large scale to maximize students’ academic days.

Cause-Related Marketing & Millennials’ Purchase Intention: Sequential Mediation of Emotional Arousal and Altruistic Motivation

2024-03-26T08:58:57+00:00

Cause-related marketing (CRM) has grown in recent years as it significantly impacts businesses, charitable organizations, and customers. CRM is beneficial for any organization in two ways. First, it develops a positive image of the organization being socially responsible and gets easily differentiated among its competitors. Secondly, being emotionally loaded with a social cause, CRM grasps more attention among its existing and potential customers. It ultimately increases sales and builds brand equity. Keeping in view the importance of CRM, especially in the context of Pakistani young customers (millennials), this research aims to investigate how CRM transforms into purchase intention through emotional arousal and altruistic motivation using Stimulus-Organism-Response (SOR) Model. Using convenience sampling, data was collected from 311 generation Y (millennials) customers from Pakistan. Smart PLS was used to analyze direct and indirect relationships among variables. Results indicate that emotional arousal partially mediates between CRM and purchase intention. Similarly, Emotional arousal also partially mediates between CRM and altruistic motivation. On the other hand, no mediation effect of altruistic motivation was found between CRM and purchase intention. Altruistic motivation didn’t also mediate between emotional arousal and purchase intention. Finally, the sequential mediation effect of emotional arousal and altruistic motivation between CRM and purchase intention was also found insignificant. The study suggests that organizations should advertise their products in collaboration with different NGOs in order to get maximum purchases. Furthermore, CRM campaigns should focus more on the emotional arousal of customers. Finally, policies should be devised at the government level that encourages companies to market their products based on social causes benefitting the nation.