Asif Kamran

Reason and Trends for Using Packaged Milk in Pakistan: Study of Urban Pakistani Consumers

Milk is one of the basic commodities and important in one’s day-to-day life. Pakistan with current estimates is the 4th largest milk producing countries in the world with 33 billion annual productions. Out of the total milk produced, 97 % is in the informal sector like loose milk which is then sold in both rural and urban markets. On the contrary, 3 % of the total milk produced is catered by packaged milk producing companies and dominated by leading packaged milk brands like, Nestle MilkPak and Olpers by Engro Foods. Since Milk industry is still dominated by loose milk which constitutes 97 % of annual milk production, there are pros and cons associated with the same. The major concern is the health hazard issue linked with the loose milk production till it is delivered to its customers. The process followed by farmers is quite traditional where no measures are taken to improve the current milk production system with regard to un-packaged milk. Our research relates to mixed method approach which has been used as part of the research methodology. Qualitative and Quantitative data will be collected through various research instruments like, survey, focus groups and in-depth interviews with the selected sample size. Results will be analyzed by SPSS tool by using various test types like, descriptive statistics, correlation and Chi Square test. To strengthen the research, case study method will be used as well to identify key players in the market and their strategies to promote the packaged milk brand in Pakistan.

Economic Determinants of Workers’ Remittances in Pakistan

Workers’ remittances have become the second foremost source of monetary flows to developing countries. Pakistan has experienced fluctuations in economic indicators in the past that hindered the flow of workers’ remittances in the country. According to World Bank data, Pakistan has become fifth largest remittances receiving developing country in 2011. This paper explores the economic determinants of workers’ remittances of Pakistan using annual data spanning from 1990 to 2010. Research aims to analyze the extent to which multi variables impacts the flow of workers’ remittances in Pakistan. The research is causal and explanatory in nature and follows quantitative research design. This study identifies empirically verified economic determinants of workers’ remittances of Pakistan by using multiple regression. The quantitative substantiation of multiple regression analysis shows that FDI, exchange rate and GDP appeared to be important determinants of workers’ remittances, other determinants of workers’ remittances are inflation rate and interest rate. In particular, workers’ remittances increased with the increase in GDP and FDI. Contrasting to this, rise in interest rate and fluctuation in inflation level lowers the inflows of workers’ remittances in Pakistan, as greater insecurity in relation to price changes in future period and high inflation reduces the return on funds remitted.

A Study on Determinants of Unemployment in Pakistan

This study has been carried out to examine the determinants of unemployment in Pakistan for the period of 1981–2010 using Regression Model, descriptive stats and graphs. Population growth, Interest rate, foreign direct investment, gross domestic product and literacy rate in Pakistan are being used as explanatory variables. Also the state of democracy in the country has been taken into consideration. Findings include that population growth fuels unemployment positively and where as literacy rate and foreign direct investment has negative impact on unemployment. Often it is perceived that unemployment rate of rural areas is greater because in rural areas there are less chances of employment as compared to urban areas where there are more chances of employment due to more industries. Political regime is also taken into consideration as a dummy variable. In this research we also analyze factors underlying the employment, study the trends of variables involved in the study and suggest recommendations for reduction in unemployment in Pakistan. Numerical data collected from various sources which will be presented in forms of charts and tables and will be given statistical and mathematical treatment through use of E-views. The study is by and large descriptive in nature all the findings will be analyzed theoretically and objectively.

Impact of Work-life Balance on Employees Productivity and Job Satisfaction in Private Sector Universities of Pakistan

The objective of this research paper is to discuss the nature of work and family policies in Pakistan’s environment particularly in Education Sector. There are 133 universities in Pakistan, of which 73 are Public sector universities and Private universities are 63 which are functioning under Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. This study will further assess that how different Educational sectors in Pakistan have approached the work life balance agenda and examines the actual outcomes for both the employees and the employers. Employees can achieve a healthy balance between work and family life through flexible working arrangements. Results of this study will be beneficial for organizations to better choose the policies to formulate, therefore helping organization to increase the effectiveness and productivity. There is a positive moderate relationship between job satisfaction and work-life balance; which suggests that universities should focus their efforts on formulating and implementing work-life balance policies. the questionnaire to tell partakers the rationale of this study, which is to evaluate employees work related approach on family friendly/work-life balance policies execution among different universities of Pakistan Chi square test and regression analysis was conducted to examine the strength of relationship between work-life balance policies and employees job satisfaction.

Power Generation Capacity and its Investment Requirements in Pakistan for Twenty Years (2011–2030)

Pakistan is facing an unprecedented power crunch. Despite sufficient generating capacity, there is extreme shortage of output, and load shedding for long hours has become the norm. This paper develops a forecasting model for estimating the least possible generating capacity of electric power, required in Pakistan during the 20 years (2011–2030). The estimation is based on demographic and macroeconomic factors. Data from 1950 to 2010 has been analyzed. After developing the model, forecast has been made over the 20 years for the least possible generating capacity in mega watts (MW) which needs to be in place. The investment requirements have been identified for each of the years in the forecasted period. It may be noted that forecasting electric power demand is not the objective of this study.

Does Hedge Fund Support Pakistan Economy

This study analyzes and explores the Scope of Hedge Fund in Pakistan. Due to time constraint the research is limited to certain core point. Main focus is to find out the reason why Hedge fund is not started in Pakistan till yet, what are the major problems hedge fund has to encounter. What style and strategies will be successful in Pakistan and what are the main challenges that the hedge fund has to face in Pakistan. Due to shortage of primary data availability in references of Pakistan, the study is design in an exploratory form to get the maximum insight over the topic with in limited time period. Data is gathered through questionnaire and interviews both are structured. The respondents of the study are the top head of Investment banks as the investment bank play a big role in bringing Hedge funds in Pakistan economy and financial market. One interview is conducted with Dr. Ishrat Husain to find out the view of regulatory bodies over the issue. Through this research it is found that there are very few investment strategies/option available for hedge fund which can limit the huge investment style menu to very few options. And if we start hedge fund on this stage it would not as successful idea as it globally.

Analysis of the Recruitment and Selection Process

This research is based on the pure and practical facts which the HR personnel’s deal with in their daily work routine, either it is regarding to salary issues, personal issues or regarding any form of change in the staff’s own contracts or anything regarding to job and organizations requirements. The purpose of the research was to identify the problems relating to the recruitment and selection methods and sources used in different ways by organizations. The finding of the research was merely or purely based on the opinions and results from the Human Resource Department of English Heritage. To provide the best available information and research materials on the different procedures adopted by organizations on the recruitment and selection methods and analyze their expectations and outcome of the procedures. A design of questionnaire was produced and was given to different executives in this field to provide us with the results based on that questions and a questionnaire was used in it. The feedback from the questionnaire has findings which are based on the primary and secondary researches. This Research study includes the feedback from the HR personnel’s from the Organization’s and my own research findings from previous and primary reports. This research is very practical study which provides further insights for academics and managers of both large and small organizations.

Wind Power Energy Pakistan Economical Renewable Power Resource

Pakistan today faces a severe energy crisis with a shortfall of approximately up to 5000 megawatts. Limited fossil fuel reserves increases the dependence on import of fossil fuels, particularly oil on a large scale. Moreover, too much reliance on imported oil is critical from energy security point of view along with the burden on a poor economy of Pakistan coupled with the demand of rural population which represents the major size of the population waiting to be connected to the national electricity grid. The study is based on the descriptive research; data is gathered from different institutions and stake holders namely Pakistan Meteorological Department and Pakistan Council of Renewable Energy Technologies responsible for collecting wind data and identifying wind corridors in different parts of Pakistan. To attract investment in the wind power sector which is relatively new in Pakistan the state has to provide investment and production incentives to the investors such as tax incentives and accelerated depreciation which lowers the cost of capital and motivates the investor to inject high capital. Disbursement of grants and aids to municipal and local corporations having limited resources and announcement of fiscal policy by the state lowering the interest rates on the lending and exempting customs duties on the equipment and wind turbines, eliminating or at least reducing the property tax on the land required for the wind farm.

Impact of Human Resources Practices upon Turnover and Productivity in the Banking Sector of Pakistan

When we talk about the HR practices, we come to know that good HRM practices are instrumental in helping to achieve departmental objectives and en- hance productivity. A firm’s current and potential human resources are very im- portant for the development and execution of the successful implementation of its strategic business plan, and so in the banking sector, retaining the trustable and loyal workforce can manage to bring productivity for the firm and lower turnover among the employees. HR practices focus clearly on changes to employees’ jobs and career prospects. Situational factors such as commitment of employees change the process significantly influences over the quality and type of skills that the new employees possess. By providing them with the formal and informal training experiences, such as basic skills training, on-the-job experience, coaching, mentoring, and management development, can further influence employees’ and satisfaction with the change process make important contributions to withdrawal of employee commitment, loyalty, trust, pessimism and powerlessness. The result of effectively managing human resources is an enhanced ability to attract and retain qualified em- ployees who are motivated to perform. The results include greater profitability, low employee turnover, high product quality, lower production costs, and more rapid acceptance and implementation of corporate strategy.

Strategic HRM Practices in Roche Pharmacueticals, Pakistan

In an organization, people working individually or collectively contribute to the achievement of the objectives of business. The use of a strategic and coherent approach to the management of organization’s most valuable assets-the people working is known as Human Resource Management (HRM). This paper entails the extent the “best practices” are being practiced by Roche Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan for superior performance. We would like to recommend to the management that other HR practices should be applied like reverse mentoring. The concept of reverse mentoring is that of filling in the gaps of knowledge and skill of the older employees with regard to emerging trends. As most of the employees around 70 % are above the age of 30 so this practice will really be applied in order to gain profitability. The main objective of the study is to understand the changes in strategic HRM practices (Role and Structure of HR department, Recruitment, Retraining and Redeployment, Performance Appraisal, Compensation, Career Planning and Performance Management System) in Roche Pharmaceuticals, Pakistan. The HR is playing an important role in the transformation of Pakistan from an underdeveloped country to prosperous nation. Roche is conducting induction training for all their employees.