Faculty Research

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It is a repository for research articles produced by UMT Faculty.

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A mechatronic approach for automatic inspection of deformable webs
(Proc. of Mechatronics, 2002) Umer Farooq; King, Tim; Gaskell, P. H.; Kapur, N.
Machine vision using image data feedback for fault detection in complex deformable webs
(Transactions of the Institute of Measurement and Control, 2004) Umer Farooq; King ,Tim; Gaskell, P. H.; Kapur, N.
Strategic directions for developing an islamic banking system
(The Pakistan Development Review, 2005) Suleman Aziz Lodhi; Rukhsana Kalim
Not available
Academic counseling: a positive analysis for investigating the role of teacher-student interaction at business schools
(Global Business Review, 2005) Ahmed F. Siddiqi
The study investigates the relationship between cognitive and affective outcomes of the quality of teacher-student interaction at different business schools in Pakistan. As early as 1936, Kurt Lewin recognized that the environment was a determinant of human behaviour and performance. Following Lewin s work, Murray proposed a Needs-Press model in which situational variables found in the environment account for a degree of behavioural variance. Attempts were also made to study situational variables found in the environment that affect the learning process, on the one hand, and students professional performance, on the other. A multistage stratified random sampling plan was used to select a sample from business schools at Lahore, Islamabad, Multan and Karachi. Stratification was done first at the ownership level, where the two strata consist of public and private sector schools. At the second stage, three strata were made according to the students' background, where students coming from English-medium schools, semi-English-medium schools and vernacular-medium schools were placed in three strata. In the third stage, the stratification was done on a gender basis. In the final stage, students were selected using systematic sampling. Such a multi-stage stratification plan permitted us to do an in-depth analysis of the whole process of teacher student interaction. The study identifies the types of interactions that are most likely to enhance students progress in business administration courses. It also identifies the important factors inhibiting or encouraging, teacher-student interaction. Further, it provides suggestions to enhance this interaction process.
Quantification of social economic deprivations of squatter settlement's inhabitants: a case study of Lahore
(2006) Rukhsana Kalim; Sheraz Ahmad Bhatty
In Pakistan the gravity of the issue of urbanization is as severe as in any other country of third world. The growth rate of urban population is rising day by bay and decade by decade. For example the share of urban population had reached at 32.5 percent (of total population) in1998 as compared to the 28.3 percent in 1981 and 17.8 percent in 1951. At the same time the growth of the existing population also requires more housing facilities. With little financial resources, the drastic option of illegally occupying a vacant piece of land to build a rudimentary shelter is the only choice available to the people who choose to live in big cities. This phenomenon causes the emergence of squatter settlement (Katchi Abadis). Socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants of these squatter settlements are quite different from those of normal settlements. Keeping in view the existing literature, still there is a need to conduct an in-depth study on the socio economic deprivations of residents of squatter settlements (Katchi Abadis). In the present study an effort has been made to quantify the socio economic issues. For this purpose Socio Economic Opportunity Index (SEOI) is established to evaluate the level of deprivation of inhabitants of squatter settlements. The Index is made by redefining and reconstructing the variables used in the Poverty of Opportunity Index (POPI) presented in Human Development in South Asia Report, 1998. In SEOI four important variables; income, health, education and housing are taken into account. Lahore, being the mega city of 5 million population size and having 227 squatter settlements (Katchi Abadis) in it, is targeted for the study purpose. Primary data is collected from 240 households in 11 squatter settlements (Katchi Abadis) via developing a questionnaire. Stratified random sampling technique is used to determine the sample squatter settlement (Katchi Abadis) and representative households. To see the total effect of various deprivations, Atkinson formula is used. The results of Socio Economic Opportunity Index (SEOI) show that 65.6% population of the squatter settlement is deprived of basic social and economic opportunities thus necessitating the support of the government to these inhabitants.
Culture, cognition and knowledge-based development
(Journal of Knowledge Management, 2006) Ahmad Raza; Abdul Rashid Kausar; Paul, David
Purpose – The purpose of this article is to provide a theoretical critique of the concept of the knowledge-based development. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-disciplinary critique is discussed. Findings – Provides cross-disciplinary analysis and critique of the concept of the knowledge-based development. Originality/value – This paper provides a deeper analysis of the knowledge-based development and proposes a broadening of the current paradigm on the economic development by integrating psychological and anthropological points-of-view.
Measuring the peace dividend: evidence from developing economies
(Routledge, 2006) Rabia Aslam
The paper attempts to trace the nexus between defense spending and economic growth in developing countries, using data for 59 developing countries from 1972–2000. The purpose is to measure the opportunity costs of defense spending mainly in terms of alternative public programs. The correlation of social sector expenditures with growth rate as well as the extent of correlation between social and defense sector spending is not clear in the majority of developing countries. It follows that even if defense spending is reduced, the prospects for a peace dividend in the aftermath of the Cold War might be inhibited by political interests that oppose increases in social sector expenditures. If so, defense cutbacks might not lead to a welfare windfall as is generally presumed. Accordingly, this paper tests whether a defense spending cutback will enhance funding for other public programs and whether such a reallocation of resources will prove to be beneficial for the long-term growth rate of the economy.
Method for transmission of voice over wireless packet-switched networks
(2006) Foster, Gerry; Hobbis, Kevan; Sesmun, Amardiya; Sajjad Shami
Analyzing the assessment methodology of business schools: an empirical investigation
(PTQE, 2006) Amer Hussain
Effective assessment of teaching and learning has become a major issue for higher education all over the world. Effective assessment methodology helps the management universities to upgrade their pedagogy and course curriculum according to the requirement of stakeholders and market competitiveness. Effectiveness in assessment is generated by the mutual agreement of students, faculty and management on applied assessment methods. This research analyses the existing practices and compares it with the perceived approach of students, faculty and management towards assessment methodology in teaching and learning. This paper tries to explore the gap between plasticized and desired assessment methodology. The study develops an estimate of 300 cases, includes 50 faculty, 50 management and 200 students of management universities of Lahore Pakistan. The study collects data through stratified random sampling of six schools including private and public sector on a self-constructed research instrument. Scale is developed with the help of literature, expert opinions, consultation with academicians and students and validated through pilot testing. Various statistical tools are applied using SPSS statistical package and results are developed. The findings of research may help the management of business education institutes to reconsider their applied assessment methodology and design it according to the recommendations of respective stakeholders. The paper also suggests managerial implications and explores future avenues for research
Faith & reason: a synthesis in our society
(Oxford Business & Economics Conference, 2007) Naveed Yazdani
Designing out a malignant supply-chain
(2007) Ahmed F. Siddiqi
Management of supply-chains is a pivotal successfactor for any organization in a knowledge-based economy. Efficiency of a typical supply-chain depends on an identically optimal performance of its each and every component, while any comparatively weak component may desolate the whole performance. One way out is intelligent application of already proved-efficient statistical experimental designs. The present article is attempting to treat supplychain management as a system of quantifiable components and then use designed experiments, not only to improve its performance but to guard against the malignant effects of any miscreant component. The article attempts to explain guiding principles involved in planning, executing, and analyzing designed experimentation in the domain of supply-chain management. Some specific statistical plans are also discussed for their comparative merits and demerits in the field of supply-chain management.
The social management of embodied knowledge in a knowledge community
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2007) Ahmad Raza; Abdul Rashid Kausar; Paul, David
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the patterns of social management of knowledge in a knowledge-community, reflecting on multiple social processes at work. Design/methodology/approach – This is a social epistemological critique ofmanagement of knowledge. Findings – First, knowledge communities are essentially multiple interactive social structures ranging from localization in space to emergent cross-boundary social spaces operating at micro, meso and macro-social levels. Second, patterns of knowledge management in different contexts such as organizations, groups, communities and virtual communities are predominantly social in nature and new knowledge emerges through social interactions. Originality/value – The paper underscores the significance of a social-epistemological view of knowledge communities and management of knowledge.
Analysis of workplace surveillance in its quest for an ethical stance
(Victoria University, 2007) Saima Ahmed
This article examines the incidence of surveillance in higher learning academic institutions in Pakistan. It gives an overview of surveillance in a workplace and outlines how the latest technology has made the task more convenient for the employers. It further delves into the privacy issues that arise as a consequence of surveillance. A review of related ethical theories of has been undertaken to fathom the justification of surveillance practices in the modern workplace. in the literature review section, a number of studies that explore impact of surveillance have been reviewed. The data has been gathered from sixty employees working in different universities (both public and private sector)covering primarily their ethical stance on surveillance practices used.The study would help in figuring out the typical methods used and their extent of usage in order to establish incidence of surveillance in an academic institution setting. Finally relevant hypothesis are tested with available data to comprehend employees ethical stance on deployment of surveillance , their perception changes (if any) in case of availability of notices on surveillance etc.
A method for the determination of the optical constants ( n and k ) of thin films with large optical inhomogeneities
(Journal of Modern Optics, 2007) E. E. Khawaja; M. F AL-Kuhaili .; S. M. A. Durrani
The existing methods for determining the optical constants of inhomogeneous thin films deal with non-absorbing films or at the most with films that have very small absorption (k < 0:02). In this work, a method is presented for the determination of the optical constants of inhomogeneous thin films with large optical inhomogeneities. The optical constants are derived from normal-incidence measurements of reflectance and transmittance. The refractive index was modelled by quadratic variation. However, the absorption index was replaced by its mean value. The accuracy of this assumption was tested and its range of validity was determined. Subsequently, the method was applied to the determination of the optical constants of cerium oxide thin films.
The social democratization of knowledge: some critical reflections on e-learning
(Multicultural Education & Technology Journal, 2007) Ahmad Raza; Abdul Rashid Kausar; Paul, David
Purpose – This paper aims to make a theoretical critique of the revolutionary sociocultural transformations created by e-learning in the manner knowledge is created, codified, retrieved, managed and transmitted across the boundaries of different cultures. Design/methodology/approach – The structure of these transformations remains European and North American in orientation and very cautious in sharing the benefits of e-learning with the developing societies. The paper contends that this might lead to a parallel academic bureaucracy of e-learning institutions, alongside the traditional Western universities, making it economically hard for people of developing countries to participate in this great and new found experience of learning. The paper proposes a, “democratization of knowledge,” for this new venture of elearning. This rests on the premise, that e-learning, in order to be truly effective, must be multilingual in content and context, culturally divergent, morally relativistic and technologically sharing and integrate non-Western views on knowledge, morality, economics and politics, especially in curriculum designs. Findings – The paper demonstrates that the social democratization of knowledge can lead to the establishment of viable global civil society, helping millions in Asia, Africa and South America to contribute and share the fruits of knowledge explosion in a just, equitable and honorable fashion. Originality/value – The paper shows how e-learning can help the growth and improvement of less developed communities.
Aligning the supply chains of educational institutes with business strategy
(PIQC Institute of Quality, 2007) Asher Ramish; Ijaz Yusuf
Schools that offer business subjects or arts in any part of the world either offer quality education leading to high expense or would opt for medium quality education and focusing more on getting economies of scales. Supply chain optimization of educational institutions is highly dependant on number of parameters which I refer to as drivers (e.g. no. of faculty, students, empowerment of faculty etc.), the intensity level of which needs to be gauged always. A common challenge is to not only highlighting those drivers and their inter-dependencies across the business framework of the institution but to seek the line of demarcation in the entire range (intensity) offered by that specific driver. That ONLY would be possible if business strategy is clearly defined. This Paper represents a model based on integration of various causal loop diagrams on selecting the intensity levels of each driver so as to chalk out an appropriate system model aligned and optimized. This model will direct or guide you to fine tune a specific driver to create synchronization and help align your supply chain network with business strategy. We find that by varying the intensity levels of one of the drivers may misalign your educational institution’s supply chain from business strategy and vice versa. An SD model is made formulating a spectrum of education quality, one extreme of which would be a cost effective education system and the other extreme is a high quality education system. The model encompasses all parametric and structural changes in the educational institution. This system model is a true picture of how the institution’s supply chain is aligned with the business strategy and is a useful guide for all managers and administrators of those educational institutions, the supply chain of which is portraying turmoil in contrary to the business strategy.
The structure of scientific knowledge
(Elsevier, 2007) Ahmad Raza; Ahmed F. Siddiqi
This paper makes a theoretical critique of the concept of scientific knowledge. The classical conception of scientific knowledge has been discussed and analyzed in the first section. In the second section, emerging conception of the scientific knowledge has been explored. The author hopes to show on the basis of veritable critique from different philosophers of science as well as scientist (Kuhn, 1967, Polanyi, 1983, Prigogine, 1984), that the structure of scientific knowledge, the way it is interpreted and legitimized, is not only shaped by the personal and cultural orientations of its practitioners but also by the larger cultural context, in which it is carried out.
Knowledge democracy and the implications to information access
(Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2008) Ahmad Raza; Hasan Sohaib Murad
Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of “knowledge democracy,” deploying a pluralistic, and cross disciplinary and humanistic critique. Design/methodology/approach – This is a culturally pluralistic and humanistic interpretation of globally emergent form of learning pedagogy, particularly manifested in e-learning. Findings – This paper explores the concept of knowledge democracy in the context of knowledge and information revolution. It has been argued that knowledge democratization implies freedom and equality to access information and knowledge across cultures and societies, particularly in the context of globalization. It is asserted that a democratization of the notion of knowledge would cause a paradigm shift; the way instruction and education are socially structured in different social systems. The knowledge society provides a new spirit of global sharing of values, acceptance of others and learning to live with divergent worldviews. It is contended that e-learning in particular sets a new global social opportunity to transcend regional, racial and national prejudices. Originality/value – The paper underscores the significance of pluralistic and humanistic perspective on knowledge and e-learning.
Assessing the link between intellectual capital formation and performance of a university
(2008) Naveed Yazdani
The resource-based view (RBV) of the firm grew out of frustration with the structure-conduct-performance paradigm of the industrial organization (IO) view of the firm and the early RBV theorists found the IO view – that a firm’s success was wholly determined by its external environment – to be unrealistically limited and constraining. This paper is an attempt to apply the RBV of the firm to university settings and it looks at the process of Intellectual Capital (IC) formation of a university as the basis for its performance. The paper deals with the issues of IC formation, its measurement, definition of a university’s performance, its measurement and the association between the two. The paper provides an overview of the various RBV theories along with a detailed discussion on the notions of strategy, resources, capabilities, competencies and creation of competitive advantage of a firm with special emphasis on the role of human capital in sustaining this competitive advantage. While applying the RBV in Education industry, the four schools of University of Management & Technology (UMT) Lahore are studied in the light of RBV. The paper also highlights the limitations of the current study along with some of the future research implications for the human capital-RBV link.
Diversification and corporate performance: an evaluation of Pakistani firms
(2008) Choudhary Slahudin; Talat Afza; Mian Sajid Nazir
Diversification continues to be an important strategy for corporate growth and better financial performance. The relationship between the diversification strategy and profitability as well as diversification and market power has been explored by a number of studies for the developed economies. The present study is an attempt to investigate the relationship between diversification and a firm’s financial performance in the case of Pakistan. A sample of 65 firms have been categorized as diversified and non-diversified. For these firms, the financial performance in terms of risk and return has been analyzed with the return measured by Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE), Market Rate of Return (MKRT) and Tobin’s q, and the coefficient of variation used as the measure of risk. The results show that the non-diversified firms performed better than the diversified firms. However, the high return of non-diversified firms is accompanied by low risk and the low return of diversified firms is more risky. But there is a contrast in results based on book values and market values. The paper concludes that managers have to be careful while selecting the degree of diversification since the diversified firm may capture more market share but it can reduce its profitability

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