Do demand side variables influence financial inclusion? Lessons from South Punjab – Pakistan

Financial inclusion helps to eradicate poverty and unemployment and improves the livelihoods of the public. This research aims to examine the demand side variables that influence financial Inclusion in south Punjab, Pakistan. This research has examined the influence of education, income, accessibility, and religious belief on financial inclusion. This study has used a quantitative research design. The Likert scale questionnaire was distributed among two hundred and eighty respondents through convenience sampling.  SPSS 16 has been used for data analysis in this research. Results showed that income, education, and accessibility have a significant and positive impact on financial inclusion, but no significant relationship between religious belief and financial inclusion is found due to the availability of Islamic banking in Pakistan. This research is significant for financial inclusion policymakers and for financial institutions as it will help them to make programs to promote financial inclusion accordingly. On the supply side, a lot of work has been done but negligible work has been done on the demand side of financial inclusion. This study investigated the demand side variables that influence financial inclusion

Direction and Destination Pattern of Fresh Oranges Export from Pakistan: A Markov Chain Approach

Current study is an endeavor to examine the behavior of the big five Pakistani oranges importers i.e., Afghanistan, Ka-zakhstan, Russia, the UAE, and Ukraine. For measuring the occurrence probability of a random variable, the Markov chain analysis is applied to the time series data from FY 2013–14 to FY 2019–20 collected from secondary sources. The Markov chain process with the transition probability matrix (TPM), the compound annual growth rate (CAGR), the coefficient of variation, and the Cuddy Della Valle instability index (CDVI) have displayed interesting results. Based on the TPM, the study concludes that, in terms of quantity, Afghanistan and the UAE showed the highest retention levels and remained consistent. However, the CDVI of all the importing nations for the exports of fresh oranges from Pakistan displayed inconsistent export growth. This study demonstrated the significance of Markov chain theory and its application in the Pakistani context for behavioral prediction of importing countries. This study measures the retention behavior of importing countries, and the results showed that Kazakhstan, Russia, and Ukraine are not willing to import fresh oranges from Pakistan in the future. Regulations and directions that can increase fresh oranges production and exports, as well as alternative management strategies and policies to improve fresh oranges exports in Pakistan, are required. &nbsp

Risk Appetite Discriminated Investors Wealth Accumulation: Regime-Switching versus Non-Regime-Switching Models-Based Strategies

Main objective of current research is to assess which strategy from Regime-Switching and Non-Regime-Switching Models is better for wealth accumulation by investors who are discriminated based on their risk appetite having portfolio in Sharia-Compliant cement stocks listed on PSX. The sample is consisting of 14-Sharia-Compliant cement stocks which are registered on Pakistan Stock Exchange while the daily closing balances of selected companies are retrieved from different reliable secondary sources of data for the period 18-Nov-2015 to 15-Dec-2021 and the collected data is being processed though statistical tools. The ending wealth attained through Regime-Switching Model of risk-averse investors, risk-neutral investors and risk-taker investors are 1.443, 1.340, and 1.476 respectively which are higher than attained through Non-Regime-Switching and sharp ratios are also better of all investors in RS.  Hence, the results indicate that Regime-Switching Strategy is better than Non-Regime-Switching for wealth accumulation. This is very helpful for investors in making investment decisions wisely and policy maker in formulating of policies to rescue the investors from risk. Uniqueness of study derives from focus on risk-appetite investors wealth maximization problem, for which two entirely different models used

Firm-Level Determinants Of Export Performance

Contribution of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in global export is becoming significant but still a large number of these are unable to outperform in international market.  In this study, we have identified and classified the firm-level controllable determinants of export performance.  Based upon a comprehensive and systematic literature study we finally developed a synthesized model which may provide a broader understanding of the export behavior of the SMEs to enhance their export performance.  Many information sources have been explored to collect the relevant literature.  The determinants found from the literature are classified into firm’s characteristics, management characteristics, and export marketing strategic capabilities. In this paper, we have proposed a synthesized model for the researchers who are interested to investigate the issue further (i.e. about SMEs export performance determinants)

Implications of Cultural Capital in Women’s Higher Education Participation and Social Mobility

Equality of opportunity in higher education participation is a basic right of people in a society that leads to their social mobility in the long run. Benadusi (2002) endorsed Bourdieu’s explanations that cultural capital acts as an empowering force that predetermines equality/inequality of educational opportunity of people in a society. The study, thus, aimed to explore cultural capital as means of participation in higher education and eventually social mobility of women. A cross sectional survey was used to collect data from 103 working and 97 non-working women using purposive and convenience sampling. The study found positive relation of cultural capital of women with their participation in higher education and social mobility. Significant difference was also found between cultural capitals of working and non- working women, where cultural capital of working women was high as compared to non-working. The study therefore, concludes that education for women must be the core value of our society to enhance their cultural capital as well as social mobility in a society. Because higher is the cultural capital of women; higher would be their participation rate in higher education and social mobility for them.

Examining the Influence of Adoptability, Alignment, and Agility Approaches on the Sustainable Performance of Aviation Industry: An Empirical Investigation of Supply Chain Perspective

In a continuously changing environment, the aviation sector faces the challenge of balancing adaptability to technological changes, alignment with environmental and social considerations, and agility in responding to unforeseen challenges. Keeping in view these challenges this study has explored the impact of the adaptability, alignment, and agility approaches on the sustainable performance of the aviation industry operating in Pakistan. Applying the empirical and quantitative methods the data has been collected from the professionals of the aviation industry supply chain and operations field and assessed the influence of Adoptability, Alignment, and Agility on sustainable performance indicators, including environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic viability. The SmartPls, structural equation model (SEM) has been applied to scrutinize the path relationships of variables. Overall the findings reveal a nuanced landscape, and it shows that traditional Adoptability may not directly impact Economic Performance (ECP), but it significantly influences Environmental (ENP), Operational (OPP), and Social Performance (SOP). Therefore, the Agility and Alignment strategies exhibit a consistent positive impact across all performance dimensions and emphasize their pivotal role in fostering holistic sustainability within the aviation sector. This study recommends that the sustainable aviation industry advocates for tailored strategies to address economic sustainability concerns, emphasizing the need for organizations to readjust their approaches. The study also highlights the vibrant nature of the aviation industry, urging continuous monitoring, evaluation, and adaptation of strategies to align with evolving sustainability paradigms. The purpose of this study and its results is to provide valuable insights for industry practitioners, policymakers, and researchers, guiding the development of strategic frameworks to enhance the long-term sustainability of the aviation industry logistics and supply chain management

Understanding Flood Risk Management in Asia: Concepts and Challenges

In this chapter, an attempt is made to review the behavior of flood in Asian region and mechanism of flood risk management adopted among Asian nations. Flood is the most frequent natural disaster at present and vulnerability is widespread across the globe. Though, Asian region is on a knife-edge. Distribution of natural disasters in Asia followed by economic damage and human killing is illustrated in this chapter. In addition, discourse of China, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Nepal, Vietnam, and Sri Lanka on flood risk management is examined. Flood risk management policies framed by these nations over the period of time are synthesized. Research and investment on forecasting, planning, preparedness, assessment, evaluation, and mitigation of flood risk are explained. This synthesis can present a pathway for better response and flood management for debated Asian countries through filling the identified policy gaps. This chapter also urges a need of holistic and inter-countries research and cross country analysis followed by increased funding for sustainable management of risk

Impact of nitrogen nutrition and moisture deficits on growth, yield and radiation use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Crop production in arid and semi arid areas is restricted by soil deficiencies in moisture and plant nutrients, especially nitrogen. In order to evaluate the impact of nitrogen nutrition and moisture deficits on growth, yield and radiation use efficiency of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), a field experiment was conducted at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, during 2008 to 2009. The study comprised of four nitrogen levels, that is, N0 = control, N1 = 60, N2 = 120 and N3 = 180 kg N ha-1 and three water deficit levels, that is, I1 = irrigation at 25 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD), I2 = irrigation at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD), I3 = irrigation at 75 mm potential soil moisture deficit (PSMD). Results of the study revealed that maximum grain yield (6.72 t ha-1) was obtained in the case of N3 (180 kg N ha-1) when I2 = irrigation at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit (I2 × N3) was applied in contrast to lowest grain yield (2.00 t ha-1) in response to I3= irrigation at 75 mm potential soil moisture deficit × no nitrogen (control) (I3 × N0). Highest plant height (86.27 cm), number of spike bearing tillers m-2 (320), grains per spike (49.73), 1000-grain weight (50.55 g), biological yield (15.48 t ha-1), straw yield (8.76 t ha-1) and harvest index (43.42%) increased with increasing levels of nitrogen. The maximum value of these parameters was also observed in I2 where irrigation was applied at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit. The maximum value of RUE for TDM (6.45 g MJ-1) was observed in I2 × N3 irrigation at 50 mm potential soil moisture deficit and nitrogen (180 kg ha-1) treatment combination. Similarly, maximum RUE for grain yield (2.80 g MJ-1) was observed for nitrogen (50 mm potential soil moisture deficit and 180 kg N ha-1).Keywords: Wheat, nitrogen nutrition, moisture deficits, radiation use efficiency, yield, Triticum aestivum L

Trade diversification and Economic Growth of Pakistan

Objective: This paper examines Verdoorn hypothesis for Pakistan with its trading partners, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Malaysia. The another objective of this paper is to analyse shortrun and longrun association between intra-industry trade and its determinants, population growth, free trade agreement, term of trade and economic growth. Research Gap: In Authors’ best knowledge, few research papers have analysed benefits of intra-industry trade and incorporate its determinants for four trading partners countries Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. Design/Methodology/Approach: Grubel and Lloyd Index employed to estimate Intra-Industry Trade. The paper also estimates ARDL cointegration test, with three estimators Pooled Mean Group (PMG), Mean Group (MG), and Dynamic Fixed Effect (DFE), and Error Correction Model to find out shortrun and long-run association between intra-industry trade and its factors for Pakistan with its trading Partners by using panel data from 2000 to 2002. The Main Findings: Verdoorn Index has found positive for Pakistan and ARDL model also found long-run cointegration with speed of adjustment 1.6014. Population growth and terms of trade are positively associated with intra-industry Trade in the shortrun but these variables are insignificant with intra-industry trade in the long-run for Pakistan. The free trade agreement and real GDP, both, are positively associated long-run and shortrun with intra-industry trade. Theoretical / Practical Implications of the Findings: The policymakers should diversify Pakistan international trade and improve infrastructure to reduce transport cost and other cost to expand economic growth. Originality/Value: Some research papers have analysed IIT for Pakistan but these research papers do not consider impact of these determinants on Intra-industry trade for Pakistan and its trading partners