Estimating Import-Demand Function in ARDL Framework: The Case of Pakistan

We develop a structural econometric model of import demand for Pakistan, with binding foreign exchange constraint. ARDL and DOLS techniques are used to estimate the log-run coefficients of price and income elasticities. The empirical results from ARDL bound testing approach and Johansen’s method for cointegration show strong evidence of the existence of a long-run stable relationship among the variables included in the import demand model. The price and income elasticity estimates have correct signs and are statistically significant. The coefficient of scarcity premium, as it appeared statistically significant with correct sign, confirms the presence of a binding foreign exchange constraint on aggregate import demand, particularly before the period of trade liberalization.Import Demand; Foreign Exchange Constraint; ARDL; DOLS; Pakistan

SPIRITUALITY IN THE PERSPECTIVE OF SACRED SCRIPTURES OF THE WORLD RELIGION

Spirituality is a systemic practice and mostly experience of a religion. This is the most powerful, comprehensive and profound experience. The purpose of thisstudy is to investigate importance and the purpose of spirituality in world religion? And how much religious scriptures emphasized upon their followersto attain it? Most of the religious sacred texts have described thathuman being as a spiritual being.The physical domain needs personal hygiene too because it is pre-requisite for spirituality. Some purposeful physical activities of self-controlhelp to attain high level of spirituality. Our five senses and apparent bodyneed to be bounded by some set rules and religious laws. Spirituality can be achieved by some physical and mental training and control.This is the most prominent feature in world religion andeven persuaded to be practiced at particular sacred places. Methodology of this research study is descriptive. This research study has foundthat purpose of spirituality in world religion is to be closer to the Lord. Although the tools and methodologies to achieve spiritualityin world religions’ are different but the purpose is almost same as given in theirprescribed religious literature.&nbsp

Ritual

Humans are spiritual beings and preferred to be an element one way or the other of this potent mighty power that fascinated him Men have been urged to look or visualize the Mighty Lord Different kind of tools and means were designed in various religious communities to offer a few beautified methods to meet this fundamental intuition To attain spirituality many ancient religions had their own rituals and ceremonial systems that mostly consist of external rites and practices The purpose of the study is to examine and determine the importance of rituals that are being practice in the world religions What the methods religious scriptures has mentioned for their followers to adopt to attain spirituality The study is to find out similarities and differences in rituals practices to attain spirituality as mentioned in their religious scriptures Research methodology for this study adapted is descriptive This research study has fined out that some ritual systems are concerned with inwards purification rather than outwards The major purpose of all such practices fasting sacrifices charity etc are all to free men from the entire evil deeds make him pure as the will of the Lord and closer to i

AN EVALUATIVE STUDY OF BLENDED LEARNING AS AN INNOVATIVE CHALLENGE FOR PAKISTANI ACADEMIA: PERCEPTION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

ABSTRACT Blended Learning is blend of online learning activities, pedagogical methods and instructional technologies with F2F teaching. Importance of active participation of individuals in learning process is obvious and active learning involves dynamic partnership of teacher and students to share responsibility of instruction. Blended learning enhances interaction, understanding and involvement of students and teachers in the learning process. This is now globally, recognized teaching pedagogy in all kinds of higher education institutions. Blended Learning is the need of hour for the 21st century. It is a unique approach to impart knowledge, understanding and skills in the students. The purpose of the study is to investigate perception of undergraduate students about blended learning. This is a quantitative research in which a survey conducted by using structured questionnaire. Objective of this research study is to investigate the perception of students about advantages and challenges of blended learning. The sample of the study is 50 undergraduate students, randomly selected from the target population of a public university of Pakistan. The data is collected online. From the findings, it was concluded that students perceived digital illiteracy, Internet connectivity, technical problems, frustration, social isolation, lack of technical support service and access to personal devices as limitations of Blended Learning. The students appreciated BL as it develops computer skills, communication skills and provides easy access to authentic resources, and timely feedback from instructors and enhances their confidence. It was recommended that by opening more computer laboratories with the provision of technical support services and regular training of students from the university can overcome the limitations of BL

Estimating Import-Demand Function in ARDL Framework: The Case of Pakistan

We estimate the import demand function for Pakistan using the structural model recently developed by Emran and Shilpi (2010). ARDL and DOLS techniques are used to estimate the log-run coefficients of price and income elasticities. The empirical results from ARDL bound testing approach and Johansen’s method for cointegration show strong evidence of the existence of a long-run stable relationship among the variables included in the import demand model. The price and income elasticity estimates have correct signs and are statistically significant. The coefficient of scarcity premium, as it appeared statistically significant with correct sign, confirms the presence of a binding foreign exchange constraint on aggregate import demand, particularly before the period of trade liberalization

Estimating Import-Demand Function in ARDL Framework: The Case of Pakistan

We develop a structural econometric model of import demand for Pakistan, with binding foreign exchange constraint. ARDL and DOLS techniques are used to estimate the log-run coefficients of price and income elasticities. The empirical results from ARDL bound testing approach and Johansen’s method for cointegration show strong evidence of the existence of a long-run stable relationship among the variables included in the import demand model. The price and income elasticity estimates have correct signs and are statistically significant. The coefficient of scarcity premium, as it appeared statistically significant with correct sign, confirms the presence of a binding foreign exchange constraint on aggregate import demand, particularly before the period of trade liberalization

Assessing Gender Mainstreaming in Developmental Organizations of Abbottabad

The study assesses strategies of various developmental organizations in Abbottabad to incorporate gender in Project management. This is census based research because of various limitations attached with data collection, whole population considered to reduce the chances of maximum error. Data analysis performed by descriptive statistics, correlation and regression. The results show that there are strategies at national level and various international commitments as well. Moreover, a five year project also implemented successfully by UNDP to spread the awareness of gender mainstreaming and to make the organizations to adopt gender mainstreaming in their policies, planning and managements. However, primary data analysis shows that employers are aware of gender mainstreaming and have aptitude about gender mainstreaming, but due to no implementation of designed national level policies, both genders feel lot of problems regarding the fulfillment of their duties. These problems create stress and frustration and deteriorate the effectiveness of employers work that ultimately impact badly on overall efficiency of organizations

Entwicklung des Kommunikationsteilsystems für ein objektorientiertes, verteiltes Betriebssystem

Thema dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung eines Kommunikationsteilsystems fuer das Experimentiersystem CHEOPS zur Ermoeglichung einer Interobjektkommunika- tion zwischen Objekten auf dem gleichen bzw. verschiedenen Systemen. Ausgangspunkte stellen dabei eine verfuegbare Implementation eines Ethernet- Treibers der Kartenfamilie WD80x3 fuer MS-DOS, eine geforderte Kommunikations- moeglichkeit mit UNIX-Prozessen sowie die dort benutzbaren Protokoll-Familien dar. Die Arbeit beschaeftigt sich mit der Analyse und Konzipierung des Ethernet- Treibers sowie der Internet-Protokoll-Familie fuer CHEOPS als auch deren Implementation resultierend in einem minimalen Grundsystem. Weiterhin wird ein erster Entwurf fuer ein spaeter weiterzuentwickelndes bzw. zu vervoll- staendigendes Netz-Interface vorgeschlagen und durch eine Beispiel-Implemen- tierung belegt

Does Rural–Urban Migration Improve Employment Quality and Household Welfare? Evidence from Pakistan

Urban migration unlocks new employment opportunities for rural dwellers in a productive manner. This study assessed the quality of employment of migrant workers, and its effect on rural households’ welfare. To this end, we used primary data collected from the four major districts of Lahore, Gujranwala, Faisalabad, and Sialkot in Punjab, Pakistan. These data include 504 immigrant and non-immigrant families in rural areas, and 252 migrant workers in urban destinations. We use IV probit and two-step sequential estimation methods for the empirical analysis. The study provides new insights for migration in Pakistan. First, migrant workers are better off in their new urban settings in terms of improved incomes and living conditions, but their social protection status is still poor. Second, the results of the employment quality models show that migration is a successful strategy for rural households to improve the quality of their employment. In addition, the characteristics of migrants and native households affect the relative improvement in the quality of employment and migrants’ conditions. Third, the results of the propensity score matching technique suggest that migration has a positive impact on rural households’ income, and these impacts are more pronounced in large cities. Based on the findings, the study recommends that the government should invest in quality education in rural areas, and ensure that social security schemes are provided for migrant workers in urban areas