Public Sector Universities Research Articles

Fostering Environmental Friendly Habits through Awareness Intervention: An Experimental Study to analyze SDG 12

Climate change is a trending issue all over the world, and it is important to protect the environment to save future generations. Our positive intention towards pro-environmental behavior causes a significant outcome in reducing environmental degradation. At the same time, irresponsible behavior leaves serious consequences for natural resources in the future. The leaders, policymakers and researchers are putting their efforts into mitigating climate change. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of environmental awareness intervention on pro-environmental habits among employees of a public sector university in Pakistan. The findings stated that a positive change had been seen after intervention in water conservation, energy conservation, recycling, economic concern, health concern, environmental concern and environmental awareness. The study concluded that awareness plays a significant role in adopting pro-environmental habits. Moreover, future researchers can extend this study to a larger area and time.

From Service Quality to Brand Loyalty: The Mediating Effect of Student Satisfaction in Public Sector Universities

Consumers and brands are crucial concepts and compelling research areas in brand management. A decade ago, researchers have noted that the brand equity’s concept is less explored in the education sector. Education system is too vital industries that are playing a major role in the society and growth of nation, thus highlighting its importance. Corporate industries prioritize customer satisfaction and loyalty, and some studies suggest that students should be considered customers. Consequently, universities need to enhance their understanding of brand equity-related concepts such as brand strength, brand image, and service quality. Providing high levels of service quality and cultivating a strong brand image leads to loyal customers. This study examines the mediating effect of student satisfaction on the relationships between brand strength, brand image, service quality, and loyalty. Using convenience sampling, we distributed 600 questionnaires to respondents from public sector universities in Pakistan. Service quality is identified as a multidimensional construct comprising interactional quality, outcome quality, and physical environment quality. These types are positively and significantly related to student loyalty. The study reveals that brand image and service quality show full mediation, while brand strength shows partial mediation. The results indicate that universities with a better understanding of their students, and those that share their plans and information effectively have more satisfied students. The findings regarding brand image suggest that universities should have a clear and definite vision to satisfy their students. Additionally, satisfied students feel honored to study at these institutions. Regarding service quality, the study suggests that universities with courteous, sympathetic, reassuring, and job-oriented administrative staff have more satisfied students. The perceived quality of the environment indicates that poor physical layouts, inadequate computer lab equipment, and insufficient campus facilities lead to student dissatisfaction. Furthermore, the results provide insights that can help university administrations develop strategies to enhance student satisfaction and retention. Current research paper contributes to the knowing of how universities can build and maintain brand loyalty by paying attention on mediating role of student’s satisfaction.

Factors affecting the students’ knowledge sharing through social media technologies: A structural equation modeling approach

This study investigates factors affecting students’ knowledge sharing over social media platforms. An online survey was conducted on 1470 distance education students, enrolled in an online Master of Library and Information Science program in a public sector university, Islamabad, Pakistan. Using the theory of reasoned action and factors, namely, trust, facilitation conditions, perceived reciprocal benefits, and individual creativity, a comprehensive research model was developed. Following the positivist paradigm, a quantitative survey research design was employed to conduct this study. Using IBM-SPSS and AMOS (version 21.0), structural equation modeling was applied to analyze the data, testing hypotheses, and research model. The research findings disclosed that the students used different social media platforms for knowledge sharing. Subjective norms and trust positively influenced students’ knowledge sharing behaviour intention. Facilitation conditions and behaviour intention were found to be key factors in students’ knowledge sharing through social media. Among the factors, student behavioural intention was found to be the most influential factor. However, attitude, perceived reciprocal benefits, and individual creativity did not influence knowledge sharing. Overall, the research model measured significant students’ knowledge sharing over social media platforms. There is a dearth of literature about the factors influencing knowledge sharing over social media from the Pakistani perspective. This study addressed the hitherto under-researched issue and developed a theoretical framework by extending the theory of reasoned action for social media-driven knowledge sharing from the Pakistani distance education students’ perspective.

EXPLORING POTENTIAL CAREER CHALLENGES AND ASSOCIATED FACTORS INFLUENCING DENTAL STUDENTS, HOUSE OFFICERS AND RESIDENTS IN A PUBLIC SECTOR UNIVERSITY, KARACHI PAKISTAN - A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Objectives: To find out dental students' opinions about their future career challenges in the dental profession, and to recognize factors associated with career challenges faced by dental students, house officers, and residents in a public sector university, Karachi. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences on dental undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate students currently enrolled at Jinnah Sindh Medical University in November and December 2023. Participants were asked to complete a closed-ended questionnaire on a 5-point Likert scale specifically designed to record relevant items about their career challenges. The data was then analyzed through SPSS version 24. Results: A total of 163 people participated in the study with the majority being females (63.8%, n=104), the majority from second-year BDS (23.9%, n=39) with most scoring below 80% academically. Both parents had a university education (52.5%, n=171) and a monthly income of more than 80,000/=PKR (58%,n=94). The majority reported facing difficulty in securing a job in the government sector (74.2%), local postgraduate course (77.9%), postgraduate courses abroad difficult and expensive (68.1%) and quackery may affect their job prospects negatively(69.3%). The factors that showed positive association included “facing competition for government sector jobs” and “the difficulty of obtaining a job as a lecturer” at p-value=0.05. Conclusion: Young dentists perceive finding jobs in the public sector and getting admission to postgraduate courses as difficult in comparison to getting hired at a private clinic. All these hindrances can be avoided by arranging job fairs and career counseling sessions for students and graduates. KEYWORDS: Career Choice, Motivation, Goals, Specialization, Workforce

Beliefs about Difficulties in Learning Chinese as a Foreign Language in a Public Sector University

Chinese language teaching in universities was introduced as part of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor initiative (CPEC) signed in 2013 for economic, entrepreneurial, and social reasons. Over a decade of introducing Chinese as a foreign language, Pakistani language learners invested in Chinese language for scholarships, higher education, jobs, and business purposes. However, many CFL learners were unable to acquire Chinese language and had low proficiency in the language. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the beliefs about difficulties that foreign language learners face about learning Chinese as a foreign language in a public sector university. For this purpose, quantitative research using BALLI questionnaire was conducted within a public sector university. The beliefs about language learning inventory (BALLI) questionnaire inquired about the general and specific language learning difficulties that students face while learning CFL. Data was collected using stratified sampling from two hundred undergraduate students who have completed CFL-I and CFL-II language courses at the university. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics through SPSS. The findings of the study showed that learners considered Chinese as a difficult language to learn as compared to other foreign languages. Also, when inquired about the success of their spoken Chinese language in future, few of the participants believed that they would be able to succeed with Chinese language. Similarly, learners reported about the four language skills in Chinese and considered listening as easier than speaking. Additionally, the learners reported that reading and writing are equally difficult in acquiring Chinese.

English Language Speaking Anxiety: A Quantitative Study

The present study attempts to investigate the extent of English language speaking anxiety among the English as foreign/second language learners, studying at a public sector university in Sindh, Pakistan. The study is quantitative in nature and the data is gathered using random sampling survey method. Participants of the present study are studying in part II. A theoretical framework based on Horwitz et al (1986), a well-known theory followed by Foreign Language Classroom Anxiety Scale (FLCAS) is adapted. For the purpose of data analysis, SPSS (V.24) is used to determine the general descriptive statistics of the study. This study reveals the level of anxiety among students. It also concludes that learners even at a university level face language anxiety specifically in the EFL context. This study also assist the teachers and course designers for necessary steps be taken to overcome the English language speaking anxiety among EFL learners in EFL classroom.

Perceived Stress and Coping Strategies among Graduate University Students: Role of Gender

This study intended to explore the disparity in male and female approach to recognize perceived stress and coping strategies among first year university students. The data was collected from N=425 students (Male n= 301 & Female n= 124) aged between 20-23 years. All students belonged to a public sector university situated in the city of DERA GHAZI KHAN, Pakistan. Purposive convenient sampling technique was used to collect data. The data was collected through Perceived Stress Scale and Coping Resource Inventory. The findings showed that there were variations in the perceived stress and coping styles of males and females. Female graduate students reported high perceived stress as compared to male students and male students often used problem focused coping strategies whereas the female students on the contrary used more emotional focused coping strategies. Results pertaining to effect of perceived stress on the use of coping strategies declared that the effect of stress on coping strategies is different among male and female first year university students. The results of the study highlight the importance of providing trainings to first year graduate students on using effective coping strategies to deal with their high level of perceived stress.

The Attitude of Pakistani Undergraduates towards Speaking English

The fluency in speaking skills is one of the important skills that determines professional and academic success. Students in Pakistan are eager to learn how to speak better English for many social benefits. To become fluent speakers of English, it is mandatory for the teachers to provide a good number of opportunities to students for improving their English-speaking skills. This study aims to explore the reasons with which students prefer to speak English in different contexts. The factors that encourage or discourage students for adopting English to communicate are also examined. For this purpose, interviews of undergraduate students at a public sector university were conducted. The findings that emerge from this study are that students are motivated to learn English and speak English because it promises several social gains. Additionally, students receive its advantages during studies as it provides them better grades and improved impression in front of teachers and peers. It was concluded that while keeping, strong hold to one’s culture, speaking English for better understanding of the world is necessary.

Native Chinese Language Teachers’ Beliefs about Teaching Chinese Abroad

The impact of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) expansion has changed the dynamics of foreign language learning in Pakistan. Due to the increased regional importance of Chinese language, some public and private sector universities are offering Chinese as a compulsory language course at the undergraduate level. Due to the significance of forthcoming opportunities for local youth, one public university in Karachi, Pakistan hired native Chinese teachers to teach undergraduate students Chinese as a foreign language. The present study explored the beliefs of Chinese teachers based on their teaching experiences at the university. Data for this collective case study was collected through semi-structured interviews with three native-Chinese teachers and analysed thematically. The findings revealed that the Chinese teachers held positive beliefs about the prospects of Chinese language learning in Pakistan due to job opportunities. However, they seemed to hold reservations regarding the limited time span for the offered Chinese language course. There were also certain negative beliefs in connection with the traditional learning practices of the learners which the teachers considered barriers to the learners’ language learning. These findings depict the requisite exigency to address the issues highlighted by the Chinese teachers for effective Chinese language learning. The beliefs of teachers and their shared experiences need to be addressed for productive development in teaching and learning Chinese. Curriculum designers and decisionmakers should consider teachers’ beliefs to align the curriculum and teaching methodologies as per the provision that includes teachers’ experiences to further improve Chinese language teaching and learning.

Embracing technology in EFL pre-university classrooms: A qualitative study on EFL learners' perceptions of intensive and extensive reading approaches

This study attempts to explore the perceptions of Pakistani pre-university EFL learners about the intensive reading (IR) and extensive reading (ER) approaches and the use of technology in these two approaches. This is a qualitative study using a purposive sampling technique. The participants were 10 pre-university undergraduate students enrolled in the foundation program of a public sector university in Pakistan. Researchers used semi-structured interviews and reflective diaries as data collection tools. Thematic analysis and personal interpretation techniques were used to analyze the results. The results showed that after participating in the reading classes, the students had positive perceptions of the IR and ER approaches and found them useful and interesting. The results also showed that the learners felt that their language skills improved significantly after participating in the IR and ER-related activities. Students also found these reading approaches to be complementary to each other. The results also indicated that teachers' use of intensive reading and extensive reading approaches could make learners skilled and autonomous readers. Ultimately, their reading problems could be solved with these approaches. Moreover, the learners also perceived the use of technology in these two reading approaches as of great benefit to them. The researchers recommend incorporating IR and ER activities into the EFL classroom using digital resources to maximize EFL learners' reading abilities and other language skills.

Exploring Stress, Anxiety and Depression among Teachers at Public Sector Universities of Balochistan

The study sought to explore the stress, anxiety, and depression among teachers at public sector universities of Balochistan. The accessible population consists of 267 teachers from social sciences departments at four public sector universities (UOB, BUITEMS, UOL and SBK) in the Quetta and Loralai divisions. The probability sampling technique was used for sample selection. Out of the total accessible population, 223 teachers were randomly selected. A closed-ended questionnaire based on the Likert scale, which was established by Lovibond & Lovibond, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-42) in 1995 was adopted for data collection. The data were analyzed through percentages. Statistical values of items related to depression concluded that most of the subjects could not experience any positive feeling at all, most of the participants could not see to get going, the majority of the subjects had nothing to look forward to, the greatest number of the participants felt sad and depressed, mostly the participants had lost interest in just about everything. Findings generated from items related to anxiety revealed that a great number of the participants were aware of dryness of their mouth, the majority of the subjects experienced breathing difficulty, most of the participators had a feeling of shakiness, and a maximum number of the subjects found self in situations that made them so anxious.

Understanding hijab-wearing behaviour among female university students: an empirical examination of cultural influence, family influence, and personal preference

ABSTRACT The study aims to examine the impact of cultural influence, family influence and personal preference on hijab-wearing behaviour among female university students. By employing convenience sampling, a sample of 350 students from two large public sector universities was selected. Data were collected through a well-structured cross-sectional survey having items assessing cultural, family influences and personal preference, as well as hijab-wearing behaviour. SmartPLS-4 software was used to test the study hypotheses. The results showed that cultural influence and family influence along with personal preference have a significantly positive impact on hijab-wearing behaviour. The study highlights the importance of cultural and familial influences and personal preference in determining hijab-wearing behaviour among female university students. It suggests further research to examine potential mediating and moderating factors, as well as the influence of religious beliefs and peer pressure. Practical implications for educators, policymakers, and religious leaders are also discussed.

Students’ Knowledge, Attitude, and Practices Regarding Solar Ultraviolet Exposure in Karachi, Pakistan

BACKGROUND: Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun is a significant environmental component that impacts on human health. Excessive UVR exposure has immediate impacts like burning and tanning, as well as long-term consequences including skin damage, photo-aging, skin malignancies. The objective for this study is to determine the student’s knowledge, attitude and practice regarding solar ultraviolet exposure in Karachi, Pakistan. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was done in Public Sector University; total 361 students were recruited through stratified cluster sampling from different colleges of university. Data collection was done by validated structured questionnaire. Logistic regression was used to determine the association of outcome variables with risk factors and p-value of <0.05 as a threshold of statistical analysis. RESULTS: Most of the students were appropriate knowledge (71%), positive attitude (51%) and safe practice (54%) regarding ultraviolet solar exposure. Almost half (69%) of participants were used sun protective agents. After adjustment of covariate, female gender (OR 2.20 (95% CI 1.29-4.07) (p-value 0.004), significantly associated with in-appropriate knowledge, third year students (OR 2.93 (95% CI 1.01-8.95) p-value 0.048) were significantly associated with negative attitude. Age group 18-21 years (OR 1.75(95% CI 1.43-5.31) p-value 0.003) were significantly associated with un-safe practice regarding solar ultraviolet exposure harmful effects. CONCLUSION: This study found that knowledge level was appropriate but attitude and practice level need to improve for prevention of harmful effects of solar ultra violet ray exposure. The study encourages students to be more aware of sun protection behavior in order to avoid the long-term effects of sun exposure.

Educational quality and inclusion through collaborative hybridized cybergogy: transformative learning horizons in Pakistani universities

PurposeIn today’s world, empowering individuals, promoting social cohesion and advancing economic development all hinge on access to high-quality education, prioritizing diversity, inclusion and equality. Rethinking current educational strategies using cyber-physical learning assets is necessary to accommodate the learning inclusivity and equity and escalating demands of a globalized world. There is a pressing demand for evidence to support the efficacy of collaborative learning in transforming curriculum and fostering learner inclusion. However, it is recognized as a pedagogical technique within the quality education domain. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating how hybridized cybergogy paradigms facilitate collaborative learning, focusing on diversity, equity and inclusion, to improve educational quality in higher education.Design/methodology/approachThis study used a qualitative approach with an exploratory design guided by an interpretive philosophical perspective. The data was gathered from 60 prospective teachers from the public sector university of Sindh, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants. They were then analyzed using theme analysis to understand their views on the potential of hybridized cybergogy paradigms for collaborative learning to improve the quality of education provided at institutions.FindingsThe study results confirm that learners benefit from increased access to learning resources, improved critical thinking and problem-solving skills and a more diverse and inclusive classroom working together in a collaborative hybridized cybergogy setting. By fostering SDG 4 (Quality Education) and the 21st-century skills necessary for global marketplace engagement and competing in progressive environments, this creative method equips learners with the capabilities to face modern global challenges.Practical implicationsThe study offers valuable practical suggestions to stakeholders in higher education, including faculty, policymakers and teacher education programs, for integrating hybridized cybergogy and collaborative learning to align curricula with sustainable development goals. Additionally, it bridges a significant gap in the existing literature, which will aid future researchers interested in exploring this area.Originality/valueThis study stands out as it explores an underexamined area while providing novel educational insights.

Decomposing the causal relationship between entrepreneurship education and intentions

The purpose of this study is to decompose the causal relationship between entrepreneurship education (EE) and entrepreneurial intentions. The study segregates the “undifferentiated whole” of entrepreneurship education and finds out whether the components of entrepreneurship education (objectives of EE, content/curricula of EE, methodology of EE, and environment of the university) have a similar or different influence on entrepreneurial intentions as suggested by recent studies. Data was collected from 344 students who were enrolled in the final semester of BBA and MBA programs at 14 federally chartered public-sector universities in Islamabad, Pakistan through a closed-ended questionnaire. Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) was used to analyze the data in SmartPLS software. The study results indicate that constituents of entrepreneurship education influence entrepreneurial intentions in a similar manner as an undifferentiated whole of entrepreneurship education. Hence, it clarifies the illusion that heterogeneity of the construct of entrepreneurship may contaminate the established entrepreneurship education-intention relationship. However, the magnitude of influence of each constituent varies.

Silent suffering: exploring the far-reaching impact of supervisor ostracism via sociometer theory

PurposeA limited number of empirical studies have indicated that individuals who experience workplace ostracism tend to engage in subtle and retaliatory behaviors as a means of seeking inner peace. However, research on organizational behavior and employee psychology in relation to ostracism is still in its nascent stages. Specifically, further investigation is warranted to explore how supervisor ostracism influences task procrastination (TP) through psychological processes such as self-efficacy, self-esteem and motivation. Notably, a significant gap exists in the ostracism literature, as it has yet to thoroughly examine employee behaviors related to knowledge hiding (KH) and TP in the context of individual or team-based work (Zhao et al., 2016; Brouwer and Jansen, 2019). Therefore, the present study aims to address this gap and expand the research stream within the education sector by introducing “threat to self-esteem” (TSE) as a mediating factor in the outcomes of ostracism.Design/methodology/approachThe study employed a quantitative approach, using questionnaires to collect data and mainly focused on statistics and standards. The authors used SPSS and Smart-PLS to employ numerical values developed from questionnaire surveys. Likewise, we employed primary data collection tools, including mixed survey analysis (self-reported and peer-reported). The data were collected from middle-level managers working in three public sector universities. By using a three-wave research design with a two-week interval in each phase, we were able to separate the measurement of the predictor and moderator factor [supervisor ostracism (SO) and individual resilience (IR)], mediator (TSE) and outcome variables (KH and TP).FindingsThe study has discovered a substantial relationship between variables, and all hypotheses are accepted according to the data results and findings. The study measures the effects of supervisor ostracism on knowledge hiding and task procrastination through mediating effect of threat to self-esteem, which individual resilience moderates. This study adds a few contributions to the current literature, following the goals stated above. First, this attempts to highlight employee KH behavior and TP behavior by identifying SO as the primary predictor.Research limitations/implicationsThe organization should closely monitor the level of workplace ostracism. One strategy to accomplish this goal is to routinely gauge the extent of ostracism at work using targeted techniques like surveys and observation. The organization can also create an employee assistance program for the workers to assist them in coping with the mistreatment and better adjusting to the workplace culture. Furthermore, employee empowerment and collaborative decision-making can boost workers' self-esteem, eventually leading to diminishing knowledge-hiding and procrastination habits inside the organization.Originality/valueThere is a research gap regarding the barriers to KH from the perspective of team dynamics and interpersonal mistreatment at work because prior research has focused on knowledge sharing, organizational culture and organizational obstruction. Research on organizational behavior and employee psychology in relation to ostracism is still in its nascent stages. Specifically, further investigation is warranted to explore how SO influences TP through psychological processes such as self-efficacy, self-esteem and motivation. Notably, a significant gap exists in the ostracism literature, as it has yet to thoroughly examine employee behaviors related to KH and TP in individual or team-based work.

Perceived Risks of Social Media in the University Libraries of Pakistan: An Empirical Investigation

Purpose The research on social media adoption and use is on the rise in Pakistan. However, researchers did not focus on investigating the risks associated with social media use for library services. So, this study examines perceived risks of library services through social media in the university libraries of Pakistan. Also, suggest possible solution to overcome the observed risks. Methodology Using a structured questionnaire, a national-level survey was conducted. Respondents of the study were professional librarians designated as Head or Chief or University librarian representing their organization. The study was conducted in an organizational perspective and required a single response from each organization. The questionnaire was distributed among 181 university librarians working both in public and private sector university libraries in Pakistan. However, valid responses were 124 (69%). Findings The Pakistani university libraries are using social media platforms for library services. However, the research findings reveal that there are several risks to offering library services through social media. Among the responded libraries, the libraries that do not use social media platforms for service delivery feel riskier compared to the libraries that offer library services through social media. It is also found that there is no formal policy on social media usage in the libraries. Practical implications The research findings provide valuable insight to university administration, library social media users, and developers on how to consider the identified risks while designing state-of-the-art library services through social media. Also, the study findings may be easily generalized at national level due to the coverage of the whole population. Originality This is a novel study that explores the perceived social media risks associated with using social media to offer library services. Also, the study is first attempt that covers whole population through a census survey in an organizational perspective.

TTS as a recipe to enhance the performance of academic staff in public sector universities of Pakistan

TTS as a recipe to enhance the performance of academic staff in public sector universities of Pakistan

Internal Marketing, Faculty Engagement, and Innovative Behavior: An Empirical Study in Higher Education

The current research study investigated the significance of internal marketing (IM) to enhance faculty innovative behavior (FIB) and faculty engagement (FE) in higher education (HE). Furthermore, the mediation of FE in the association between IM and FIB has been investigated. Three hundred teachers from three major public sector universities in union territory (Jammu and Kashmir) in India have been contacted to gather responses. The study contributes in numerous ways to the literature—dimensions of IM have a significant and positive impact on FIB in the HE sector. FE significantly mediated the effect of IM and its dimensions on FIB. This study also enlarged the scope of social exchange theory by using it from faculty perspectives in HE. Furthermore, the study has made an attempt to modify the scale to measure constructs for making them suitable in the HE sectors. Research findings offer numerous suggestions for administrators in HE institutions.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications and usage among the LIS professionals of Pakistan

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an important and emerging sub-discipline in information technology that is progressively being implemented in every field. It is gradually being introduced to support new forms of research, discovery, and reuse of library contents in advanced and interesting ways. University libraries have the potential to substantially improve their library services through the implementation of sophisticated AI tools. This study explored the application of AI tools in the university libraries of Pakistan, as well as draw a comparison in the usage of AI tools between public and private sector universities. This is a quantitative study and data is collected through survey methodology. We used purposive sampling to collect the data from 175 university libraries. The collected data was analyzed using a statistical package for social sciences (SPSS-version 22). Findings indicate that while AI-based services are starting to be introduced into university libraries in Pakistan, no university library has implemented the full suite of AI-based tools. Natural language processing, voice searching, and chatbots are the most familiar and popular tools currently used in libraries. However, robotics technology is rarely used with a mean value of (1.62) because of the financial investment and high level of IT skills required. We found that private university libraries are using AI tools more as compared with public sector university libraries. The study concludes with several key recommendations, including closer collaboration between the library and the respective university IT department for technical support and assistance; improved financial support and ICT infrastructure to establish AI technology-based library services; and training development plans for library staff. Insights gained from this study should contribute to the capacity of Pakistani University librarians and their staff to maximize the full potential of AI within their institutions. The research implications are helpful to library leaders and policymakers in building a policy for AI-based technology in their respective university libraries.