Public Sector Universities Research Articles

Prevalence of Smoking Habit and Its Associated Factors Among the Students of Public Sector Universities in Karachi

Smoking, which accounts for a large portion of preventable deaths worldwide, has a huge negative impact on public health expenditures, reduces lifespans, and reduces daily productivity. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of smoking and its associated factors among students enrolled in public sector universities in Karachi in order to address this urgent issue. Data were gathered using questionnaires that students completed, and they were then rigorously statistically analyzed using the chi-square method and IBM SPSS Statistics 20. The results of this study provide insight into important factors affecting students' smoking habits. Notably, gender was crucial, with significant differences between male and female pupils. Another important component that emerged was age, with smoking prevalence rising sharply as people aged. The survey also found that there were significant correlations between students' smoking habits and those of their siblings and close friends. Additionally, it was discovered that people's religious beliefs have a big impact on their smoking habits. These findings highlight the critical importance of including these aspects in the creation of successful anti-smoking initiatives geared toward college students. The prevalence of smoking among this group can be lowered by using personalized treatments that consider factors including gender, age, peer pressure, and religious attitudes. This will ultimately enhance public health and lower healthcare costs.

Exploring the employment motivation, job satisfaction and dissatisfaction of university English instructors in public institutions: a Chinese case study analysis

This study considers the important areas of language teacher employment motivation, job satisfaction and dissatisfaction in state universities in China. This is an area in which there is a distinct lack of research studies. Through an exploratory case study analysis, and depth enlightening interviews, this paper considers the experiences of two outwardly successful doctorate status educators, examining their early career motives and subsequent employment satisfaction and dissatisfaction. It finds that these English instructors were driven by a diverse range of extrinsic motives to work in the Chinese public university sector. They were largely satisfied with their jobs, but they also reported dissatisfaction in certain areas. For example, they appreciated the teaching loads and respect afforded to university teachers, but harboured worries about their longer-term professional development. The study also reveals the different treatment and concerns experienced by home and expatriate university English teachers working in China. There are implications for a wide range of important pedagogic and professional areas. These range from teacher wellbeing and mental health to development and training, career management and leadership practice. On a more macro level still, there are also potential implications for institutional human resource governance.

Perceptions of academic librarians regarding their interpersonal competencies: A case of Pakistani universities

This investigation aimed to assess the perceived level of interpersonal competencies possessed by academic librarians working in public and private sector universities across Pakistan. The study also examined differences in perceived interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on demographic characteristics. A quantitative survey method was opted to collect data from 276 academic librarians selected through proportionate stratified simple random sampling technique. A total of 257 (92.4%) responses were received back that were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS-23). The findings showed that academic librarians’ perceived collaboration, communication, customer service, ethics & values, leadership, and learning & innovation were at very skilled level. On the basis of age and professional experience, there were no significant differences in respondents’ opinions; however academic librarians from private universities were found to be more skillful about interpersonal competencies than those from public universities. Female respondents thought they were more adept at interpersonal skills than male respondents. Further, the respondents having MS/MPhil degrees were more interpersonal competent than those having BS (Hons.)/MLIS/MA degrees. Strong interpersonal abilities enable university librarians to play a significant role that support social and political well-being of the university. In local scenario, they could organize lectures and training sessions to help other academic librarians develop their skills. They could join statutory groups that develop laws to advance the field of librarianship. Moreover, the present study suggested the development a comprehensive instrument in assessing the interpersonal competencies of academic librarians based on the competency index for the library field prepared by OCLC web junction in 2014.

Hurdling Barriers: Exploring Inaccessibility in Higher Education Institutions for Mobility Assistive Device Users

This article explores the challenges faced by students with disabilities using mobility assistive devices (i.e. wheelchairs or crutches) in a large public sector urban higher education institution. Cities are characterized by rapid pace and complex infrastructure including buildings, roads, and public spaces that present unique obstacles that hinder these individuals' mobility and overall experience. For this qualitative study, the locale chosen was a large public sector university, and data was collected from 10 students with disabilities who use wheelchairs and other mobility assistive devices and reside in the campus student accommodation. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the infrastructure on campus is not accommodating for students with disabilities who use mobility aids, which directly and indirectly impacts their educational experiences. In addition, the university lacks a uniform policy for providing services and allocating resources for students with disabilities. The participants believe that the university is indifferent to their needs; however, the facilities and behaviors within departments vary and at times can be quiteenabling. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and equity within our urban educational landscapes.

Knowledge’s and Practices of Cross Infection Control Protocols among Dental Health Care Professionals in Public Sector University of Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives: 1. To assess the knowledge and practices of cross-infection control protocols among dental health care professionals (DHCP). 2.To compare the scores among different groups: junior and senior, male and female DHCPs, as well as between doctors and non-doctors. Study design and setting: A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 112 DHCPs from a public sector university in Karachi, Pakistan. Methodology: Participants were provided with self-administered questionnaires, consisting of closed-ended and multiplechoice questions, designed to evaluate their knowledge and practices concerning cross-infection control. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, with a significance level set at p=0.05 for comparison of scores. Results: Data of 112 participants was analyzed. The male to female ratio was 3:5 with mean age of 25 years. 97.3% of the population believed aerosols as main cause of communicable diseases reported to be vaccinated for hepatitis B. The knowledge was good, and practices were adequate to ensure cross-infection control, but we found difference between the diploma holders and graduate/postgraduates and between graduate and postgraduates at p-value 0.05. Conclusions: The results indicate showed the knowledge and practices to be adequate. Increased awareness and stringent adherence to PPE usage may have been influenced by a change in mindset following the recent pandemic. Though seminars and workshops should be arranged to provide them with updates. Also, vaccination against communicable diseases should be made mandatory for professional practice.

Mediating Role of Organizational Commitment between Perceived Organizational Support and Employee Perception in Public Sector Universities

This research aims to examine the mediating role of organizational commitment between perceived organizational support and employees' perceptions of unethical pro-organizational behavior in public sector universities. The sample of 233 individuals from public sector universities in Sindh and Baluchistan was collected using non-probability purposive sampling. Data was collected using an adapted five-Likert scale questionnaire. The primary technique for data analysis was PLS-SEM using SMART-PLS 4.0. The findings demonstrated the critical role of organizational commitment in public sector institutions and how it acts as a bridge between perceived corporate support and employee perception. However, job security and organizational trust's moderating effects in the study were not substantiated. Public universities also face particular difficulties in creating an organizational commitment culture, which mediates employee perception and perceived support. Employees obey management's directives and stick to established procedures, which promotes growth and generates creative ideas. This study concludes that organizational commitment is crucial in public sector universities in mediating the relationship between perceived support and employee perception. It helps in growth constructively and fosters creativity. Perceived organizational support contributes to building commitment, and providing a supportive work environment, above all, it boosts employee well-being. The research's findings will be useful in policy and decision-making processes in public sector institutions.

Disaster Management and Preparedness among Students at Tertiary Level: A Case of Mixed Method Research

This study has been designed to examine the awareness level of youth [students] regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice about disaster management and preparedness. For this purpose, research was conducted in a public sector university, and students of the faculty of arts participated. A mixed research method (MMR), both quantitative and qualitative research designs, was used to ascertain the objective of the study. A sample of 352 male and female students was selected. A well-structured questionnaire was designed, and data was collected by employing a purposive sampling technique. However, a focused group discussion (FGD) was also conducted. The data was analyzed by employing the T-test, and a conclusion was drawn. The study revealed that most of the students lack knowledge of disaster management and preparedness as the awareness level in youth is very low, and they do not even know about the importance and different dimensions of disaster management and preparedness. Moreover, they are found unaware of the disaster phases and basic knowledge about the risks and vulnerabilities.

Relationship between Socio-Emotional Skills of Teachers and Students’ Performance at Postgraduate Level

The research is an attempt to find out the relationship between teachers' socio-emotional skills and students’ performance at the postgraduate level. The objectives of the study were to identify the socio-emotional skills of teachers and to measure the relationship between the socio-emotional skills of teachers and the construct of students’ performance at the postgraduate level. The study was quantitative and descriptive in nature. The correlational survey design was adopted. Three public sector universities of district Faisalabad, such as UE Faisalabad, GCUF, and GCWUF, were the accessible population of the study. By using a convenient sampling technique, a total sample of 357 BS program students (211 female and 146 male) were selected from different departments of the three public sector universities. A structured and self-developed questionnaire was used to collect the data from the BS program students. The expert opinion and Cronbach’s Alpha value techniques were used to assess the questionnaire’s validity and reliability. All of the questionnaire statements were close-ended, and the respondents’ perceptions were gauged using a five-point Likert scale. The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS version 22). The results showed that self-awareness, social awareness and relationship management were at higher levels in teachers than self-management and responsible decision-making.

Impact of Students’ Ubiquitous Learning through Web 2.0 Tool on Students’ 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Collaboration

Ubiquitous learning is transforming education by enabling human-focused learning through seamless access to resources from anywhere. In addition, these tools enhance context understanding and make it easy to interact between real and digital learning resources, all while offering individualized learning opportunities. This research surveyed public sector university teachers in the Sindh and Punjab provinces of Pakistan to gather their opinions on how Web 2.0 tools and ubiquitous learning are affecting the development of 21st-century learning skills in students. The research aimed to assess the impact of Web 2.0 tools for ubiquitous learning (UL) on the critical thinking and collaboration skills of graduate-level students. To collect data, the study administered a self-developed questionnaire with 50 items rated on a 7-point Likert-type scale to 500 university teachers. This constituted the primary data for the research. According to the findings, ubiquitous learning has a noteworthy effect on fostering critical thinking and collaboration skills in university students. To make ubiquitous learning successful, both private and public sector universities must have adequate ICT infrastructure and provide teacher training that focuses on ICT-based teaching methods. The study can assist university teachers in establishing a ubiquitous learning (UL) environment that employs web 2.0 tools, thereby enabling students to effectively enhance their 21st-century learning skills, including critical thinking and collaboration.

Foreign‐educated academics: Assessing teaching quality and exploring teaching‐related challenges

AbstractReturned academics who have doctoral education abroad, a fast‐growing group in developing countries, are seen favorably in producing quality academic outcomes. However, academic performance and barriers are also important to learning mobility benefits and ensuring optimal outcomes motivated by the absence of research in the native context. The explanatory sequential embedded mixed‐methods study aimed to evaluate the teaching quality of returned doctorates compared with their local compatriots and explore teaching‐related challenges at public sector universities in Punjab, Pakistan. A multilevel sequential mixed‐methods sampling design was used to select 814 students and six academics from the six universities (three top and three medium‐ranked higher education institution) of central Punjab. The researchers developed two research instruments: (a) Student Evaluation of Teaching Quality Scale (SETQS) and (b) Semi‐Structured Interviews Protocol for Returnees (SSIP‐R). The psychometric properties of quantitative measure (SETQS) were ensured through factor analysis, while an expert panel review validated the qualitative measure (SSIP‐R). Inferential statistics were applied to quantitative data, while a thematic analysis technique was applied to qualitative data to find complementarity among results. The findings revealed that returnees and non‐returnees were similar in a few teaching aspects. However, returnees performed relatively better in interpersonal behavior, subject mastery, instruction, and learning resources. Teaching performance differed slightly by discipline and largely by university ranking. Further, returnees' capacity to perform was impacted by various academic challenges. Explored challenges and relevant solutions correspond to Bronfenbrenner system theory's microsystem, exosystem, and macrosystem levels. Higher education authorities and universities need to address academic challenges. In turn, this may lead to smooth, professional reintegration of the returnees into the local system, leading to enhanced teaching performance.

Unveiling the Impact of Gaslighting on Female Academic Leadership: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study

Gaslighting is a psychological manipulation phenomenon that makes people doubt their own perception and sanity. In light of the prevalence of women in academia, this may have profound effects on academic leadership. Gaslighting is a common problem for women in academic leadership that can be harmful to their mental well-being and ability to develop in their careers. This phenomenon may lead to physical health effects, psychological and emotional stress, work-life balance issues, professional setbacks, low self-esteem, loss of confidence, and low self-efficacy. This study adopted a qualitative phenomenological research design with purposive sampling. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with 15 mid-career female academic leaders working in two public sector universities in Punjab. Research ethical guidelines were followed by obtaining the informed consent of the participants and keeping their identities confidential. Transcribed data was analyzed through thematic analysis while adopting the IPA (interpretative phenomenological analysis) model. The study provided insights into the causes of gaslighting at the individual and organizational levels. Furthermore, the psychological, emotional, and professional impacts of gaslighting were explored. Participants suggested remedial measures such as awareness, engagement, social networking, documenting and reporting incidents, professional counselling, and boundary-setting skills that may help female academic leaders face and handle this situation effectively.

Students’ Perspective on Digital Education Interventions During COVID-19 Pandemic and Academic Performance of University Students in Punjab

This study aimed to comprehensively assess university students' perspectives on digital education during the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on academic performance. It focused on gauging satisfaction with digital learning, identifying challenges faced, and providing insights for future educational strategies. Sampling 1,309 students from Social Sciences, Humanities, and Arts departments across six public sector universities, the study revealed that female students exhibited greater awareness of online learning. While gender didn't affect computer skills or gadget availability, more females had reliable internet access (51%) compared to males (43%). Challenges included connectivity issues, time management, and power outages. Students expressed moderate satisfaction with study environments and support, signaling a need for improved online education solutions. Regional variations underscored the necessity for tailored strategies to address disparities in perceptions and experiences across different areas.

Exploring First-Generation Students' Experiences of Inhibitors and Motivators from a Pakistani Higher Education Perspective

First-generation students are characterized by different academic experiences as compared to non-first-generation students from a higher education perspective. The present study aims to explore Pakistani first-generation students’ experiences who were studying at a public sector university. The researchers examined their academic lived experiences employing the phenomenological approach of qualitative research. Thirteen participants studying in various academic departments were approached through snowball sampling and they were interviewed with a semi-structured guide to explore what were their experiences of inhibitors and motivators while studying at a university as first-generation students. Thematic analysis revealed that these students had diverse and distinguished experiences which were structured under three major themes named family support, unawareness regarding studies, and challenges in academic matters. The study has implications for the parents, community, and higher education institutions for providing opportunities for their development and growth in society.

Social Interaction Anxiety, Social Isolation, Self-efficacy, and Depression in Social Networking Users

This research was designed to explore the relationship between social interaction anxiety, social isolation, self-efficacy, and depression in men and women using different social networking sites. The study also explored social interaction anxiety as a predictor of social isolation, self-efficacy, and depression in social network users. A sample of 275 social network users (men = 136, women = 139) was employed from public and private sector universities of Lahore and Khyber Pakhtun Khwa (KPK), Pakistan by using a purposive sampling technique. Social Interaction Anxiety Scale, Social Isolation Scale, Generalized Self-Efficacy Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory were used to assess the study variables. Results showed that social interaction anxiety has a significant positive association with social isolation and depression, and a negative association with self-efficacy in men and women using social networking sites (p < .01). Further, multiple regression analysis showed that social interaction anxiety was found to be a significant positive predictor of social isolation and depression. Social interaction anxiety was found to be a negative predictor of self-efficacy among men and women using social networking sites. Some demographic variables such as physical activity, hours of using different social networking sites, and self-reported quality of sleep turned out to be significant predictors of social interaction anxiety, social isolation, self-efficacy, and depression among young adults using social networking sites. Furthermore, gender differences were significant across all the variables. The current findings have practical implications for social networking users, teachers, parents, researchers, policymakers, and information technology professionals.

The Mediating Role of the Participatory Leadership Style on the Effect of Job Stress on Job Performance

The aim of the current study is to shed light on the impact of workplace stress on job performance in Iraqi public sector universities through the mediating role of leadership style. Where stresses in the workplace were measured through three types: role conflict, role burden and work conditions, job performance was determined as a dependent variable, the participatory leadership style was tested as a mediating variable for the relationship, the structural equation modeling method was applied to test the study model. A sample of professors of public universities in Iraq-Baghdad was selected, and 120 answers were collected that were valid for analysis. The study concluded that conflicting roles and working conditions are the factors that have an impact on academic performance. In contrast to the workload, which did not have a statistically significant effect on the performance of university professors. As for the mediation role of participatory management, it was contrary to expectations. It was not a contributing factor in reducing the effects of work stresses on the performance of university professors. These results are attributed to the fact that the university work environment affects its leaders and professors and is governed by the instructions and regulations of higher authorities.

Hurdling Barriers: Exploring Inaccessibility in Higher Education Institutions for Mobility Assistive Device Users

This article explores the challenges faced by students with disabilities using mobility assistive devices (i.e. wheelchairs or crutches) in a large public sector urban higher education institution. Cities are characterized by rapid pace and complex infrastructure including buildings, roads, and public spaces that present unique obstacles that hinder these individuals' mobility and overall experience. For this qualitative study, the locale chosen was a large public sector university, and data was collected from 10 students with disabilities who use wheelchairs and other mobility assistive devices and reside in the campus student accommodation. The data was collected through in-depth interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that the infrastructure on campus is not accommodating for students with disabilities who use mobility aids, which directly and indirectly impacts their educational experiences. In addition, the university lacks a uniform policy for providing services and allocating resources for students with disabilities. The participants believe that the university is indifferent to their needs; however, the facilities and behaviors within departments vary and at times can be quite enabling. This study contributes to the ongoing dialogue on enhancing accessibility, inclusivity, and equity within our urban educational landscapes

Effect of Principals' Strategic Planning on Students' Academic Learning and Managerial Capability at College Level

The objectives of the study were to study the relationship between Principals’ strategic planning and students’ academic learning, to explore the key components of Principals’ strategic planning, to identify the factors that affect principals’ strategic planning on students’ academic learning and managerial capability at the college level, to recommend certain measures to promote the performance of principals. The study was survey and descriptive in nature. Quantitative as well as qualitative (QUAN-qual) methods were used. The explanatory sequential technique was adopted. This study emphasized the role of a college principal at a public sector institution. The population of the study comprised heads of private-area colleges, lecturers at open-area colleges, and pupils studying public-sector colleges. The simple random sampling technique was used. Following is a list of the most important aspects of the interview for principals: planning, organizing, staffing, coordinating, and budgeting, among other related responsibilities. The study concluded that the majority of respondents agreed with the declaration. Collectively, the majority agreed that the principal plans for the learning activities of college students. The training programs must be arranged for the college teachers to keep the staff updated. The college Principal must provide a way for all the workforce fellows to shadow all the rubrics & rulings.

Energy Drink Consumption and Eating Habits among Students of a Public Sector University in Islamabad, Pakistan

Background: Energy drinks are widely consumed globally, with various brands strategically targeting the younger generation through marketing and advertising. Despite potential impacts on general health and dietary patterns, the youth often succumb to the allure of promised benefits, such as enhanced metabolism. This study aims to investigate the relationship between Energy Drink (ED) consumption, dietary habits among Air University (AU) students, and the motivations behind consuming energy drinks. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted across different departments of Air University, involving 103 students aged 19-25 years (52 males, 51 females). Data was collected through a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Inferential statistics employed the chi-square test to determine the association between ED consumption and AU students' dietary habits. Results: Among the 103 students, 31% (n=32) reported energy drink consumption, with 62.5% (n=19) not restricting consumption to special occasions. Non-ED consumers demonstrated greater awareness of energy drink side effects and exhibited better decision-making regarding the intake of various healthy food substances on a daily basis compared to ED consumers. Conclusion: The study revealed a substantial proportion (31%) of ED consumers among AU students, indicating a lack of awareness regarding side effects and unhealthy dietary habits among this group.

An Analysis of Pronunciation Errors of Pakistani ESL Learners at University Level

This study investigates the pronunciation errors that Pakistani ESL learners make when speaking, especially entry-level university students who have just finished their intermediate education. The study can be significant in contributing to teaching and learning English as L2 in a Pakistani context. The research is also directed to explore the causes behind committing errors and the significant difference between errors made by the participants of both the selected universities. Using the purposive sampling technique, samples of 20 first-semester BS students from one private and one public university were collected for this purpose. Presentations of the students were recorded to collect the data, and the data was transcribed afterward to identify the errors. A qualitative approach, along with quantification of the data, was used to analyze the data, which was done following the descriptive analysis method. Gass and Selinker's (2008) error analysis model was used to analyze the data systematically; however, their model is simply an expansion of Corder's (1971) model for error analysis. Results revealed that the participants of Public Sector University were noticed to be committing most of the errors. Many factors are involved in committing errors, which were found in the data of this study; these errors are phonological, socioeconomic, and psychological factors. Findings suggest that the study can be helpful for pedagogical purposes as ESL teachers, course designers, and activity planners should consider the problems faced by the learners while planning for language learning development.

Exploring the Automation Landscape in University Libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: Status, Problems and Implications

This study investigated the status of library automation in the university libraries of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The survey research method was employed to collect data from libraries heads of central libraries in public sector universities. The sample comprised the entire population of 27 regional public-sector universities. The data collected through questionnaires were analyzed using descriptive statistics and interpreted through tables.The findings highlight the respondents' demographic information, revealing most male participants and a diverse range of designations and experience levels. The study reveals that most libraries were only partially automated, with a significant number in the initial stages of automation. The analysis of various library services and operations indicates a predominant reliance on manual approaches across most functions, with cataloguing being the only service showing some level of automation. Regarding software usage, the most frequently employed solution was Koha, followed by LIMS and SLIMS. The study revealed that automation saves time, improves information searching, improve efficiency and quick access to materials. However, challenges such as limited resources, power supply interruptions, and inadequate IT infrastructure were identified. The findings can inform decision-making processes and guide efforts to improve automation practices, resource allocation, and training opportunities to enhance library services and operations.