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The Influence of Government Policies and Business Environment on Entrepreneurial Growth in Edo State, Nigeria
This empirical study investigates the nexus between government policy frameworks, the prevailing business environment, and the growth trajectories of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in Edo State, Nigeria. Despite the widely acknowledged centrality of entrepreneurship to economic development in lower-income countries, the localized policy-growth relationship remains empirically thin, largely due to persistent institutional bottlenecks, inconsistent regulatory enforcement, and limited formal support structures reported by local entrepreneurs. To bridge this gap, a cross-sectional survey design was adopted to collect primary data from 200 entrepreneurs selected across the three senatorial districts using a multistage sampling technique. The analytical framework integrated descriptive statistics, Pearson product-moment correlation, one-way analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression. All measurement instruments underwent reverse coding and item purification, with internal consistency rigorously confirmed via Cronbach's alpha coefficients. The empirical results indicate that perceived government policy (r = 0.040, p = 0.571) and the general business environment (r = -0.040, p = 0.574) lack any statistically discernible association with entrepreneurial growth. Furthermore, no significant sectoral differences in growth performance were observed (F(5, 194) = 0.823, p = 0.535). Descriptive outputs reveal only moderate entrepreneurial vitality alongside notable policy skepticism, as the majority of respondents explicitly credited their business progress to personal resilience rather than external institutional interventions.These findings collectively point to a systemic structural disconnect where policy design fails to effectively translate into tangible entrepreneurial outcomes. Crucially, the absence of significant correlations does not imply policy irrelevance; rather, it signals that weak administrative enforcement, deficient policy communication, and proactive entrepreneurial adaptation collectively dampen expected effects. Therefore, enhancing policy delivery infrastructures and broadening access to targeted support initiatives emerge as indispensable strategic priorities for fostering sustainable SME growth in Edo State. Classification: M13 (New Firms; Startups); O17 (Formal and Informal Sectors); L26 (Entrepreneurship)
Copyright (c) 2026 Victor Olufunso Akinlolu-Ojo, Dominic Ativie, Enyinna Okpara, Patrick S. Ohikhena , Susan Chioma Udeh https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Between Promise and Appropriation: A Systematic Budget Analysis of Pakistan’s Constitutional Obligation to Safeguard Minority Rights Across Federal and Provincial Governments (2021–22 to 2025–26)
Pakistan’s Constitution obligates the state to safeguard the rights of its religious minorities, who constitute approximately 3.5 to 4 percent of the national population. However, this declaratory guarantee has historically lacked an empirically testable fiscal benchmark, leaving the operational reality of minority welfare provisioning largely unexamined across multiple tiers of government. This study aims to operationalize the constitutional mandate as a measurable standard. It seeks to systematically extract, classify, and compare minority-directed public expenditure in Pakistan across the federal and four provincial governments (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan). It does so over a five-year period (2021–22 to 2025–26), while identifying structural mechanisms of fiscal exclusion. A mixed-methods documentary analysis was employed to audit official demand-for-grant schedules and budget publications. Line items were categorized using a standardized four-category coding scheme. The analysis integrated real-terms inflation adjustments, geographic-demographic correspondence mapping utilizing census data, and triangulation against an independent human rights conditions baseline. The audit reveals a severe real-terms contraction in federal minority-directed spending alongside profound spatial inequalities, epitomized by Sindh concentrating over 96 percent of its dedicated fund in two urban divisions. Crucially, budget architecture actively forecloses constitutional compliance verification. This is demonstrated by the absence of demographic tracking in mainstream sector budgets and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s structural misclassification of nearly two billion rupees of majority-serving stipends under the minority affairs functional code. Furthermore, state allocations remain entirely disconnected from documented crises of communal violence. Budgetary opacity and administrative inertia operate as primary mechanisms of fiscal exclusion, rendering constitutional promises functionally unverifiable. Meaningful reform requires formula-based geographic sub-allocations, functional code separation, and mandatory demographic disaggregation in mainstream public financial management. Classification: Public Finance / Development Studies / Minority Rights References Anthony, G. M. N., & Arslan, M. (2020). Effectiveness of local government systems, pro-poor budgeting, and policies for marginalized communities. Pakistan Social Sciences Review, 4(3). https://pssr.org.pk/issues/v4/3/effectiveness-of-local-government-systems-pro-poor-budgeting-and-policies-for-marginalized-communities.pdf Asif, M. (2025). Fiscal federalism in Pakistan: A critical analysis of the National Finance Commission Award and resource distribution among provinces. 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Religious minorities in Pakistan: Constitutional rights, social realities, and the quest for inclusive citizenship. Journal of Religion and Society, 5(1), 600–612. https://islamicreligious.com/index.php/Journal/article/download/459/594/645 Government of Balochistan, Finance Department. (2025). Budget estimates 2025–2026: Grant BC21064 (Minorities affairs department). https://balochistan.gov.pk/budget-past-five-years Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Finance Department. (2021). Demands for grants 2021–2022. https://www.finance.gkp.pk/articles/budget/budget-estimates/budget-estimates-2021-22 Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Finance Department. (2022). Demands for grants 2022–2023. https://www.finance.gkp.pk/articles/budget/budget-estimates/budget-estimates-2022-23 Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Finance Department. (2023). 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Budget 2024–2025: Grant SC21147 (Minorities affairs). https://finance.gos.pk/Budget/VolumeIIIDetail2425 Government of Sindh, Finance Department. (2025). Budget 2025–2026: Grant SC21147 (Minorities affairs). https://finance.gos.pk/Budget/VolumeIIIDetail2526 Hasan, Z., & Kamil, M. (2025). The Sachar Committee Report: A socio-legal analysis of Muslim marginalisation, state policy, and constitutional equality in India. SSRN. https://ssrn.com/abstract=6084566 Iqtidar, H. (2012). State management of religion in Pakistan and dilemmas of citizenship. Citizenship Studies, 16(8), 1013–1028. https://doi.org/10.1080/13621025.2012.735026 Islam, S. (2025). A systematic review of public budgeting strategies in developing economies: Tools for transparent fiscal governance. American Journal of Advanced Technology and Engineering Solutions, 1(1), 602–635. https://doi.org/10.63125/wm547117 Jaffrelot, C., & Kalaiyarasan, A. (2023). Post-Sachar Indian Muslims: Facets of socio-economic decline. In T. Fazal, D. Vaid, & S. S. Jodhka (Eds.), Marginalities and mobilities among India's Muslims: Elusive citizenship (pp. 19–41). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003280309 Kashif-ul-Huda. (2009). How not to do minority welfare. Economic and Political Weekly, 44(9), 19–21. Mehboob, F. (2025). Religious pluralism and minority rights in Pakistan: A contemporary analysis. Policy Journal of Social Science Review, 3(8), 56–76. https://policyjssr.com/index.php/PJSSR/article/view/414/404 Mir, Z. A. (2025). Challenges of social policy financing in Pakistan: Evidence from NFC allocations and provincial expenditure patterns. SSRN. https://doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.5816502 Mirjat, R. B. (2023). Minority rights with reference to judicial precedents in Pakistan. European Journal of Economics, Law and Politics, 10(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.19044/elp.v10no2a1 National Commission for Human Rights. (2022). Minority report. https://nchr.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Minority-Report-compressed.pdf National Commission for Human Rights. (2024). Risk of sanitation work in Pakistan report. https://nchr.gov.pk/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Risk_of_Sanitation_work_in_pakistan_Report.pdf Patras, A. I. (2024). Examining Pakistan's relationship with religious minorities: A case study of the Christian community. NUST Journal of International Peace & Stability, 7(1), 80–94. https://doi.org/10.37540/njips.v7i1.163 Ranjah, Z. U. (2020). Protection of the right to freedom of religion or belief in Pakistan. In The Asian Yearbook of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law (pp. 310–329). Brill Nijhoff. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004431768_014 Sammi, A., Rehman, T. U., & Syed, S. A. (2024). Legal context of minority rights in Pakistan. Al-Mahdi Research Journal (MRJ), 5(4), 815–836. https://ojs.mrj.com.pk/index.php/MRJ/article/view/513/652 South Asia Collective. (2022). 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Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Kashif Mirza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Workplace Mistreatment and Suicidal Behaviour: The Mediating Role of Hopelessness and Depression
By integrating the Affective Event Theory and Hopelessness Theory of Suicide, this research study investigates the direct and indirect impact of workplace mistreatment on suicidal behavior in Pakistani bureaucrats. Based on a cross-sectional sample of 263 employees working in the government, the analysis will be done using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) through SmartPLS 4.0. The model was able to test the direct, indirect, and serial hopelessness and depression mediation pathway. Findings in the workplace thwarting determine that mistreatment in the workplace is a significant predictor of suicidal behavior, both direct and indirect, with hopelessness , ) and depression ( , ). The observed chain: mistreatment hopelessness depression suicidal behavior also showed a significant serial mediation effect at ( , ) and was able to explain 42.1% of the variance in the dependent construct. The results highlight the significance of early emotional programs in curbing suicidal consequences, especially in inflexible, high-power distance environments. This study contributes to the field of organizational psychology by demonstrating that affective and cognitive degradation coincide in unhealthy bureaucracies, leading to severe health outcomes. References Abramson, L. Y., Metalsky, G. I., & Alloy, L. B. (1989). Hopelessness depression: A theory-based subtype of depression. Psychological review, 96(2), 358. Aquino, K., Grover, S. L., Bradfield, M., & Allen, D. G. (1999). The effects of negative affectivity, hierarchical status, and self-determination on workplace victimization. Academy of management journal, 42(3), 260-272. Aquino, K., & Thau, S. (2009). Workplace victimization: Aggression from the target's perspective. Annual review of psychology, 60(1), 717-741. Ashkanasy, N. M., & Daus, C. S. (2002). Emotion in the workplace: The new challenge for managers. 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An Affective Events Theory Perspective on Mental Health in the Workplace University of Colorado at Boulder]. Wang, X., Wang, H., & Liu, J. (2024). A thousand miles of dike collapsed in an ant nest: family incivility predicts adolescents’ hopelessness and suicidal ideation. Current Psychology, 43(11), 10434-10447. Weiss, H. M., & Cropanzano, R. (1996). Affective events theory. Research in organizational behavior, 18(1), 1-74. Yun, J.-Y., Myung, S. J., & Kim, K. S. (2023). Associations among the workplace violence, burnout, depressive symptoms, suicidality, and turnover intention in training physicians: a network analysis of nationwide survey. Scientific reports, 13(1), 16804. Zapf, D., & Einarsen, S. (2002). Individual antecedents of bullying: Victims and perpetrators. In Bullying and emotional abuse in the workplace (pp. 183-202). CRC Press. Zhong, W., Liang, Q., Yang, A., & Yan, R. (2024). Why emotional neglect brings suicidal ideation? The mediating effect of meaning in life and the moderating effect of post-stress growth. Child Abuse & Neglect, 149, 106700. Zohar, D., Tzischinski, O., & Epstein, R. (2003). Effects of energy availability on immediate and delayed emotional reactions to work events. Journal of Applied Psychology, 88(6), 1082.
Copyright (c) 2026 Abdul Rehman, Laila Shahbaz https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Climate-Augmented Taylor Rule: Integrating Climate-Induced Supply Shocks into Monetary Policy for Asian Economies
This study aims to assess the monetary policy behaviour in nine Asian economies, namely, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia, and determine whether a Climateächlich Taylor Rule (CATR) is more representative of the monetary policy behaviour for the period 2002-2024. The analysis is based on the standard Taylor framework, but with a composite Climate Shock Index (CSI) based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) of temperature anomalies, rainfall deviations and disaster-related indicators, which are used as proxies for climate-driven supply shocks. Results indicate that climate shocks have a positive and statistically significant impact on policy interest rate, even after controlling for inflation and output conditions, using dynamic panel techniques including diagnostic testing and robustness checks. Country-specific coefficients indicate a stronger climate response for more Agriculture-dependent and climate-vulnerable economies like that of Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, implying high cross-country heterogeneity. The results overall suggest that conventional Taylor rule types are incomplete when facing rising climate risks and argue for the inclusion of climate variables in monetary policy reaction functions for the emerging Asian economies. References Ahmed, I., & Asif, M. (2026). The Role of HR in Managing Quiet Quitting and Employee Disengagement in Gen Z Employees of Telecom Sector. Policy Journal of Social Science Review, 4(6), 118-151. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20581688 Arellano, M., & Bond, S. (1991). Some tests of specification for panel data: Monte Carlo evidence and an application to employment equations. Review of Economic Studies, 58(2), 277–297. Asian Development Bank. (2024). Global shocks and monetary policy transmission in emerging markets. https://www.adb.org/ Asian Economics Letters. (2025). Monetary policy effectiveness under climate uncertainty: A Bayesian dynamic stochastic general equilibrium approach. Asian Economics Letters. Balakrishnan, D. (2022). Vulnerability assessment for livelihood inclusion and social empowerment (VALISE) of farmers: A post flood analysis [Doctoral dissertation, Kerala Agricultural University]. Baltagi, B. H. (2021). Econometric analysis of panel data (6th ed.). Wiley. Batten, S., Sowerbutts, R., & Tanaka, M. (2020). Climate change: Macroeconomic impact and implications for monetary policy. In Ecological, societal, and technological risks and the financial sector (pp. 13–38). Cevik, S., & Jalles, J. (2024). Eye of the storm: The impact of climate shocks on inflation and growth. Review of Economics, 75(2), 109–138. International Monetary Fund. (2024). The nexus of climate and monetary policy: Evidence from the Middle East and Central Asia. https://www.imf.org/ Iqbal, U. (2024). AI-enhanced network optimization for electric vehicle charging infrastructure expansion in the United States using graph theory and demand analytics. Journal of Engineering and Computational Intelligence Review, 2(2), 112–129. Iqbal, U. (2025a). AI-driven predictive maintenance for US smart manufacturing: Deep learning models for equipment failure prediction and operational resilience. Journal of Engineering and Computational Intelligence Review, 3(1), 114–138. Iqbal, U. (2025b). AI-powered supplier risk intelligence: Predicting financial and geopolitical supply chain disruptions in US critical industries. Journal of Engineering and Computational Intelligence Review, 3(2), 173–193. Iqbal, U., Bekmez, S., & Qurashi, F. A. (2026). Operational risk management through machine learning and business intelligence in US businesses. Spanish Journal of Innovation and Integrity, 54, 239–253. Iqbal, U., & Bhutto, Y. (2026). Digital transformation through artificial intelligence and advance business analytic in American operational management. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Econometrics, 3(1), 37–50. Khan, R. D. A., Ping, H., & Asif, M. (2026). The impact of green human resource management on employee green performance through green commitment and transformational leadership. Center for Management Science Research, 4(5), 635–677. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20510765 Mohiuddin, D., Zaveri, A. A., Ahmed, I., & Umar, M. (2026). A systematic literature review of multi-channel analytics linked to POS and connected to food businesses in the UK. In 2026 International Conference on AI Innovations and Industry (ICAIII) (pp. 1–6). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAIII69475.2026.11521642 Mohiuddin, D., Tariq, M. H., & Tahir, A. (2025). The Impact of Generative AI on Personalized Content Marketing in E-Commerce. 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Should central banks manage climate change risk via a CO2 emissions augmented Taylor rule? Evidence using a DSGE approach. Journal of Environmental Management, 343, Article 117989.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hina Shafiq https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
The Role of Landscape Context, Management Intensity, and Vegetation Heterogeneity in Shaping Urban Park Multifunctionality – A Case Study of Chengdu
Infrastructure Urban parks are very essential elements of green infrastructure, which provide various ecosystems services such as regulation of microclimates, sequestration of carbon, preservation of biodiversity, and recreation. But the size itself does not dictate the performance of parks. The paper examines the potential of the trio of linked aspects landscape context, management intensity, and vegetation heterogeneity to collectively influence urban park multifunctionality in Chengdu, a fast-urbanizing subtropical mega city. A stratified 3 x 3 x 3 sampling design was applied to categorize the parks by gradients of impervious cover surrounding maintenance intensity surrounding the park and vegetation diversity giving the 60 representative parks under 19 functional combinations. Multifunctionality has been measured based on the cooling intensity, storage of carbon, biodiversity, and recreational value. Spatial autocorrelations were studied with the help of the Morans I, and Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were used to measure both global and local drivers. Findings show that vegetation heterogeneity is the most significant positive predictor of multifunctionality (β = 4.04, p < 0.001), which has a significant positive impact on biodiversity and cooling capacity. However, the management intensity exhibits a strong negative correlation (β = −0.058, p < 0.001), which indicates the theory of making ecological trade-offs in the intensive maintenance regimes. Independent effects of park area and surrounding impervious cover are weaker than internal composition when internal composition is taken into consideration. Multifunctionality is highly clustered in space, which is mainly identified using spatial analysis, and GWR is seen to enhance the model performance (Adjusted R2 = 0.78) considerably by capturing the local variation. The results have shown that, urban park multifunctionality develops as a result of interaction between inner ecological complexity and urban pressures instead of park size. Improving the vegetation diversity and moderated and spatially differentiated management approaches especially in densely populated areas can significantly aid in delivering ecosystem services. The suggested stratified and spatially explicit model offers a generalizable model towards the optimization of urban park planning in fast developing urban areas. References Ahmed, I., & Asif, M. (2026a). The Role of HR in Managing Quiet Quitting and Employee Disengagement in Gen Z Employees of Telecom Sector. Policy Journal of Social Science Review, 4(6), 118-151. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20581688 Ahmed, S., & Asif, M. (2026b). The impact of hybrid working on employee well-being with the moderating role of organizational performance: A case study of IT sector in Pakistan. Qualitative Research Journal for Social Studies, 3(2), 1006-1030. https://doi.org/10.63878/qrjs1173 Ashinze, U. K., Edeigba, B. A., Umoh, A. A., Biu, P. W., & Daraojimba, A. I. (2024). Urban green infrastructure and its role in sustainable cities: A comprehensive review. World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 21(2), 928–936. Asif, M., Abid, M., & Riaz, A. (2026). Psychological drivers of investment decision making: A multi‑bias analysis of an emerging market’s retail investors. Contemporary Journal of Social Science Review, 4(2), 677–688. https://doi.org/10.63878/cjssr.v4i2.2608 Aznarez, C., Svenning, J.-C., Taveira, G., Baró, F., & Pascual, U. (2022). Wildness and habitat quality drive spatial patterns of urban biodiversity. Landscape and Urban Planning, 228, 104570. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2022.104570 Borysiak, J., & Stępniewska, M. (2022). Perception of the vegetation cover pattern promoting biodiversity in urban parks by future greenery managers. Land, 11(3), 341. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030341 Chen, L., Peng, P., Zhu, E., Wu, H., & Feng, D. (2025). Fairness of urban park layout from the perspective of multidimensional supply and demand relationship. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 102, 129016. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2025.129016 Dizdaroglu, D. (2022). Developing design criteria for sustainable urban parks. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 6(1), 69–81. https://doi.org/10.25034/ijcua.2022.v6n1-6 Fan, L., Cui, X., & Wang, G. (2024). Impact of urban functional dynamics on surface temperature: A case study of Chengdu. Land, 13(12), 2181. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13122181 Giedych, R., Maksymiuk, G., & Cieszewska, A. (2024). Eco-spatial indices as an effective tool for climate change adaptation in residential neighbourhoods—Comparative study. Land, 13(9), 1492. https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091492 Guo, S., Yang, G., Pei, T., Ma, T., Song, C., Shu, H., Du, Y., & Zhou, C. (2019). Analysis of factors affecting urban park service area in Beijing: Perspectives from multi-source geographic data. Landscape and Urban Planning, 181, 103–117. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2018.10.001 Haase, D., Larondelle, N., Andersson, E., Artmann, M., Borgström, S., Breuste, J., Gomez-Baggethun, E., Gren, Å., Hamstead, Z., & Hansen, R. (2014). A quantitative review of urban ecosystem service assessments: Concepts, models, and implementation. Ambio, 43(4), 413–433. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13280-014-0504-0 Halecki, W., Stachura, T., Fudała, W., Stec, A., & Kuboń, S. (2023). Assessment and planning of green spaces in urban parks: A review. Sustainable Cities and Society, 88, 104280. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2022.104280 Han, D., Zhang, T., Qin, Y., Tan, Y., & Liu, J. (2023). A comparative review on the mitigation strategies of urban heat island (UHI): A pathway for sustainable urban development. Climate and Development, 15(5), 379–403. https://doi.org/10.1080/17565529.2022.2081437 Iqbal, U. (2024). AI-enhanced network optimization for electric vehicle charging infrastructure expansion in the United States using graph theory and demand analytics. Journal of Engineering and Computational Intelligence Review, 2(2), 112–129. Iqbal, U. (2025a). AI-driven predictive maintenance for US smart manufacturing: Deep learning models for equipment failure prediction and operational resilience. Journal of Engineering and Computational Intelligence Review, 3(1), 114–138. Iqbal, U. (2025b). AI-powered supplier risk intelligence: Predicting financial and geopolitical supply chain disruptions in US critical industries. Journal of Engineering and Computational Intelligence Review, 3(2), 173–193. Iqbal, U., Bekmez, S., & Qurashi, F. A. (2026). Operational risk management through machine learning and business intelligence in US businesses. Spanish Journal of Innovation and Integrity, 54, 239–253. Iqbal, U., & Bhutto, Y. (2026). Digital transformation through artificial intelligence and advance business analytic in American operational management. Journal of Theoretical and Applied Econometrics, 3(1), 37–50. Jimenez, M. P., Elliott, E. G., DeVille, N. V., Laden, F., Hart, J. E., Weuve, J., Grodstein, F., & James, P. (2022). Residential green space and cognitive function in a large cohort of middle-aged women. JAMA Network Open, 5(4), e229306. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.9306 Khan, R. D. A., Ping, H., & Asif, M. (2026). The impact of green human resource management on employee green performance through green commitment and transformational leadership. Center for Management Science Research, 4(5), 635–677. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.20510765 Kodym, A., Lapin, K., & Sanyal, D. (2025). Ecological connectivity in urban and semi-urban forests. In Ecological connectivity of forest ecosystems (pp. 365–381). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-89412-0_16 Li, X., Li, X., Zhang, M., Luo, Q., Li, Y., & Dong, L. (2024). Urban park attributes as predictors for the diversity and composition of spontaneous plants: A case in Beijing, China. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 91, 128185. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.128185 Lin, B. B., Gaston, K. J., Fuller, R. A., Wu, D., Bush, R., & Shanahan, D. F. (2017). How green is your garden? Urban form and socio-demographic factors influence yard vegetation, visitation, and ecosystem service benefits. Landscape and Urban Planning, 157, 239–246. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landurbplan.2016.07.007 Ma, Q., Zhang, J., & Li, Y. (2024). Advanced integration of urban street greenery and pedestrian flow: A multidimensional analysis in Chengdu's central urban district. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 13(7), 254. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijgi13070254 Meng, F., Ren, Z., Zhang, P., Wang, C., Hong, S., Geng, R., Hong, W., Wang, X., Huang, B., & Zhang, B. (2025). Estimation of the relationship between urban landscape pattern and crop yield by remote sensing data and field measurement. Remote Sensing, 17(22), 3667. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17223667 Mexia, T., Vieira, J., Príncipe, A., Anjos, A., Silva, P., Lopes, N., Freitas, C., Santos-Reis, M., Correia, O., & Branquinho, C. (2018). Ecosystem services: Urban parks under a magnifying glass. Environmental Research, 160, 469–478. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2017.10.023 Miao, X., Pan, Y., Chen, H., Zhang, M.-J., Hu, W., Li, Y., Wu, R., Wang, P., Fang, S., & Niu, K. (2023). Understanding spontaneous biodiversity in informal urban green spaces: A local-landscape filtering framework with a test on wall plants. Urban Forestry & Urban Greening, 86, 127996. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ufug.2023.127996 Priya, U. K., & Senthil, R. (2024). Framework for enhancing urban living through sustainable plant selection in residential green spaces. Urban Science, 8(4), 235. https://doi.org/10.3390/urbansci8040235 Szulczewska, B., Giedych, R., & Maksymiuk, G. (2017). Urban park as a subject of research in the 21st century in Poland, on the basis of CEON database. Architektura Krajobrazu, 4, 16–31. Tams, L., Paton, E. N., & Kluge, B. (2023). Impact of shading on evapotranspiration and water stress of urban trees. Ecohydrology, 16(6), e2556. https://doi.org/10.1002/eco.2556 Vashist, M., Kumar, T. V., & Singh, S. K. (2024). A comprehensive review of urban vegetation as a nature-based solution for sustainable management of particulate matter in ambient air. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 31(18), 26480–26496. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-024-33031-8 Wang, A., Dai, Y., Zhang, M., & Chen, E. (2025). Exploring the cooling intensity of green cover on urban heat island: A case study of nine main urban districts in Chongqing. Sustainable Cities and Society, 124, 106299. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2025.106299 Wang, X., Jia, H., Xiao, S., & Liu, G. (2025). Coupling coordination spatial pattern of habitat quality and human disturbance and its driving factors in Southeast China. Remote Sensing, 17(17), 2956. https://doi.org/10.3390/rs17172956 Xiao, Y., Yang, Y., Zhao, T., Wang, W., Lv, W., & Zhao, W. (2026). Contrasting causal pathways of vegetation greening between economically strong and weak towns in China's Greater Bay Area. GIScience & Remote Sensing, 63(1), 2623327. Zhang, H., Kang, M., Guan, Z., Zhou, R., Zhao, A., Wu, W., & Yang, H. (2024). Assessing the role of urban green infrastructure in mitigating summertime urban heat island (UHI) effect in metropolitan Shanghai, China. Sustainable Cities and Society, 112, 105605. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scs.2024.105605 Zhang, J., Zhu, X., & Gao, M. (2022). The relationship between habitat diversity and tourists' visual preference in urban wetland park. Land, 11(12), 2284. https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122284
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Bilal, Kamran Ahmed, Saman Asif Saman Asif , Sohail Abbas https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Reimagining Education beyond Borders: A Review of Global Competence, Curriculum Transformation, and Future Learning Systems
Globalization, digitalization, climate change and interculturalism are unprecedented challenges for education systems globally. This literature review explores the ways in which global competence frameworks, curriculum transformation and the future learning systems could equip learners with the necessary skills to thrive in a borderless and interconnected society. The researcher analysed 46 peer-reviewed publications (2017-2025) in order to capture and critically consider the current conceptualisations of global competence (OECD and UNESCO frameworks) and curriculum reform efforts from content-based to competence-based models. The review identifies pedagogical strategies that are effective for global learning such as project-based learning, collaborative online international learning (COIL), and inquiry-based learning. Barriers to implementation in the Global North and South, such as digital inequities, teacher preparedness, and policy fragmentation are analysed. The paper suggests an integrated model that connects five dimensions globally – global competence, curriculum transformation, intercultural pedagogy, digital and future learning systems, and equity/sustainability/civic responsibility. Implications are for policy makers, teachers, and researchers. We believe that fostering global competence is a systemic and equitable transformation that integrates the concept into curricula, pedagogy, assessment, teacher development, and relies on digital infrastructure with sustainability and social justice dimensions. References Ahadi, A., Bower, M., Lai, J., Singh, A., & Garrett, M. (2024). Evaluation of teacher professional learning workshops on the use of technology: A systematic review. Professional Development in Education, 50(1), 221–237. https://doi.org/10.1080/19415257.2021.2011773 Ahmad, E. A. (2024). Revolutionizing learning: Leveraging social media platforms for empowering open educational resources. International Journal of e-Learning and Higher Education, 19(1), 83–106. https://doi.org/10.24191/ijelhe.v19n1.1915 Aldridge, J. M., & McLure, F. I. (2024). Preparing schools for educational change: Barriers and supports—A systematic literature review. Leadership and Policy in Schools, 23(3), 486–511. https://doi.org/10.1080/15700763.2023.2171439 Arifin, Z., Saputro, S., & Kamari, A. (2025). The effect of inquiry-based learning on students' critical thinking skills in science education: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 21(3), Article em2592. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/15988 Bulut-Sahin, B., & Kondakci, Y. (2023). Conflicting perspectives on the internationalization of higher education: Evidence from the Turkish case. Journal of Studies in International Education, 27(5), 834–852. https://doi.org/10.1177/10283153221126245 Choi, Y., & Kim, Y. (2020). Deconstructing neoliberalism in global citizenship discourses: An analysis of Korean social studies textbooks. Critical Studies in Education, 61(4), 464–479. https://doi.org/10.1080/17508487.2018.1501718 Cobb, D., & Couch, D. (2022). Locating inclusion within the OECD's assessment of global competence: An inclusive future through PISA 2018. Policy Futures in Education, 20(1), 56–72. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103211006636 Coker, H. (2020). Why does digital learning matter? Digital competencies, social justice, and critical pedagogy in initial teacher education. Journal of Teaching and Learning, 14(1), 133–141. https://doi.org/10.22329/jtl.v14i1.6259 Dai, K., & Hardy, I. (2024). Language for learning? International students' doctoral writing practices in China. Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development, 45(8), 3174–3187. https://doi.org/10.1080/01434632.2022.2089154 del Cerro Santamaría, G. (2020). Challenges and drawbacks in the marketisation of higher education within neoliberalism. Review of European Studies, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.5539/res.v12n1p22 Engel, L. C., Rutkowski, D., & Thompson, G. (2019). Toward an international measure of global competence? A critical look at the PISA 2018 framework. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 17(2), 117–131. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2019.1642183 Fundi, M., Sanusi, I. T., Oyelere, S. S., & Ayere, M. (2024). Advancing AI education: Assessing Kenyan in-service teachers' preparedness for integrating artificial intelligence in competence-based curriculum. Computers in Human Behavior Reports, 14, Article 100412. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chbr.2024.100412 Gamage, K. A., & Dehideniya, S. C. (2025). Unlocking career potential: How micro-credentials are revolutionising higher education and lifelong learning. Education Sciences, 15(5), Article 525. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15050525 García-Gutiérrez, J., Ruiz-Corbella, M., & Armentia, A. L. D. (2017). Developing civic engagement in distance higher education: A case study of virtual service-learning (vSL) programme in Spain. Open Praxis, 9(2). https://doi.org/10.5944/openpraxis.9.2.578 Graham, C. R., Danaa, G., Purevsuren, T., Martínez, A., Spricigo, C. B., Camilotti, B. M., & Batsukh, T. (2023). Digital learning transformation in higher education: International cases of university efforts to evaluate and improve blended teaching readiness. Education Sciences, 13(11), Article 1143. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13111143 Grimaldi, P. J., Mallick, D. B., Waters, A. E., & Baraniuk, R. (2019). Do open educational resources improve student learning? PLOS ONE, 14(3), Article e0212508. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0212508 Guntersdorfer, I., & Golubeva, I. (2018). Emotional intelligence and intercultural competence: Theoretical questions and pedagogical possibilities. Intercultural Communication Education, 1(2), 54–63. https://doi.org/10.29140/ice.v1n2.60 Hackett, S., Dawson, M., Janssen, J., et al. (2024). Defining collaborative online international learning (COIL) and distinguishing it from virtual exchange. TechTrends, 68, 1078–1094. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-01000-w Hackett, S., Dawson, M., Janssen, J., de Klerk, S., Hogue, R., & others. (2024). Defining collaborative online international learning (COIL) and distinguishing it from virtual exchange. TechTrends, 68, 1078–1094. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11528-024-01000-w Holst, J., Singer-Brodowski, M., Brock, A., & de Haan, G. (2024). Monitoring SDG 4.7: Assessing education for sustainable development in policies, curricula, training of educators and student assessment (input indicator). Sustainable Development, 32(4), 3908–3923. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2865 Irwanto, I., Saputro, A. D., Widiyanti, W., & Laksana, S. D. (2023). Global trends on mobile learning in higher education: A bibliometric analysis (2002–2022). International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 13(2), 223–231. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2023.13.2.1816 Karabassova, L. (2021). English-medium education reform in Kazakhstan: Comparative study of educational change across two contexts in one country. Current Issues in Language Planning, 22(5), 553–573. https://doi.org/10.1080/14664208.2021.1884436 Loyens, S. M. M., van Meerten, J. E., Schaap, L., et al. (2023). Situating higher-order, critical, and critical-analytic thinking in problem- and project-based learning environments: A systematic review. Educational Psychology Review, 35, Article 39. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-023-09757-x McLure, F. I., & Aldridge, J. M. (2022). A systematic literature review of barriers and supports: Initiating educational change at the system level. School Leadership & Management, 42(4), 402–431. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2022.2113050 Mouboua, P. D., Atobatele, F. A., & Akintayo, O. T. (2024). Language as a tool for intercultural understanding: Multilingual approaches in global citizenship education. Magna Scientia Advanced Research and Reviews, 11(1), 19–30. https://doi.org/10.30574/msarr.2024.11.1.0071 Mulenga, R., & Shilongo, H. (2024). Hybrid and blended learning models. Acta Pedagogia Asiana, 4(1). https://doi.org/10.53623/apga.v4i1.495 Nugraha, M. G., Kidman, G., & Tan, H. (2024). Interdisciplinary STEM education foundational concepts: Implementation for knowledge creation. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(10), Article em2523. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/15471 OECD. (2023). Micro-credentials for lifelong learning and employability: Uses and possibilities (OECD Education Policy Perspectives No. 66). OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/9c4b7b68-en Olson, J. M., & Krysiak, R. (2021). Rubrics in assessment. In Curriculum development and online instruction for the 21st century (pp. 194–212). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-7653-3.ch010 Pishtari, G., Rodríguez-Triana, M. J., Sarmiento-Márquez, E. M., Pérez-Sanagustín, M., Ruiz-Calleja, A., Santos, P., Prieto, L. P., Serrano-Iglesias, S., & Väljataga, T. (2020). Learning design and learning analytics in mobile and ubiquitous learning: A systematic review. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51(4), 1078–1100. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12944 Rahiman, H. U., & Kodikal, R. (2024). Revolutionizing education: Artificial intelligence empowered learning in higher education. Cogent Education, 11(1), Article 2293431. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2293431 Rehman, N., Huang, X., Mahmood, A., AlGerafi, M. A., & Javed, S. (2024). Project-based learning as a catalyst for 21st-century skills and student engagement in the math classroom. Heliyon, 10(23), Article e39988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39988 Robertson, S. L. (2021). Provincializing the OECD-PISA global competences project. Globalisation, Societies and Education, 19(2), 167–182. https://doi.org/10.1080/14767724.2021.1887725 Sarpong, J., & Adelekan, T. (2024). Globalisation and education equity: The impact of neoliberalism on universities' mission. Policy Futures in Education, 22(6), 1114–1129. https://doi.org/10.1177/14782103231184657 Tafese, M. B., & Kopp, E. (2025). Embedding social sustainability in education: A thematic review of practices and trends across educational pathways from a global perspective. Sustainability, 17(10), Article 4342. https://doi.org/10.3390/su17104342 Teichler, U. (2017). Internationalisation trends in higher education and the changing role of international student mobility. Journal of International Mobility, 5(1), 177–216. https://doi.org/10.3917/jim.005.0179 Tight, M. (2021). Globalization and internationalization as frameworks for higher education research. Research Papers in Education, 36(1), 52–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/02671522.2019.1633560 Vaccari, V., & Gardinier, M. P. (2019). Toward one world or many? A comparative analysis of OECD and UNESCO global education policy documents. International Journal of Development Education and Global Learning, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.18546/IJDEGL.11.1.05 Vahed, A., & Rodriguez, K. (2021). Enriching students' engaged learning experiences through the collaborative online international learning project. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 58(5), 596–605. https://doi.org/10.1080/14703297.2020.1792331 Valdivieso, T., & González, O. (2025). Generative AI tools in Salvadoran higher education: Balancing equity, ethics, and knowledge management in the Global South. Education Sciences, 15(2), Article 214. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15020214 Vorobyeva, K. I., Belous, S., Savchenko, N. V., Smirnova, L. M., Nikitina, S. A., & Zhdanov, S. P. (2025). Personalized learning through AI: Pedagogical approaches and critical insights. Contemporary Educational Technology, 17(2), Article ep574. https://doi.org/10.30935/cedtech/16108 Wahlström, N., Alvunger, D., & Wermke, W. (2018). Living in an era of comparisons: Comparative research on policy, curriculum and teaching. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 50(5), 587–594. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220272.2018.1502814 Wimpenny, K., Finardi, K. R., Orsini-Jones, M., & Jacobs, L. (2022). Knowing, being, relating and expressing through Third Space Global South–North COIL: Digital inclusion and equity in international higher education. Journal of Studies in International Education, 26(2), 279–296. https://doi.org/10.1177/10283153221094085
Copyright (c) 2026 Muhammad Rafiq-uz-Zaman https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Health Care Seeking Behaviour of Street Children in Rawalpindi
Background: Street children experience substantial barriers to healthcare due to poverty, social exclusion, inadequate education, and unstable living conditions, making them highly vulnerable to poor health outcomes. Objective: The objective of this research was to identify the health seeking behaviour of street children in Rawalpindi, focusing on the socio-economic challenges and informal healthcare practices that influence their access to medical care. Methodology: This study used a phenomenological research design, in which qualitative methods (observations, recorded interviews) were used to examine the living and health conditions of 20 street children aged 10-19 and the data were analysed by means of Thematic Analysis. Results: Findings revealed critical barriers to health care access, including low education levels, financial instability, and poor health care experiences. Additionally, nutritional deprivation and experiences of stigma within formal healthcare settings contribute to adverse health outcomes, with many children resorting to self-medication and informal healthcare Practices. Conclusion: This study emphasizes the need for targeted interventions to include the quality of life of street children in Rawalpindi, addressing both their immediate health needs and broader economic factors that perpetuated their vulnerable status. References Abdullah, M. A., Basharat, Z., Lodhi, O., Wazir, M. H., Khan, H. T., Sattar, N. Y., & Zahid, A. (2014). A qualitative exploration of Pakistan's street children, as a consequence of the poverty-disease cycle. Infect Dis Poverty, 3(1), 11. doi: 10.1186/2049-9957-3-11 Ahsan, S., Orakzai, A. A., Hussain, H., Orakzai, M. A., & Huma, N. (2021). Health Status and Health Seeking Behaviour of Street Children inas Peshawar. Journal of Saidu Medical College, 11(2), 78-83. Alsager, A., Franchett, E., Siyal, S., Bhamani, S., Yousafzai, A. K., & Sudfeld, C. R. (2025). Household Food Insecurity, Growth and Development of Preschool Children: Evidence From Rural Pakistan. Maternal & Child Nutrition, 21(4), e70062. Ashraf, A., Hussain, B., & Ullah, F. (2020). Legal and institutional coverage to street children in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Pakistan Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences Research, 3(2), 101-114. Cumber, S. N., & Tsoka-Gwegweni, J. M. (2015). The Health Profile of Street Children in Africa: A Literature Review. J Public Health Afr, 6(2), 566. doi: 10.4081/jphia.2015.566 Fehmi, A., Shinwari, R. A., & Ali, S. (2024). Assessment of the status of out-of-school street children in Islamabad and Rawalpindi cities, Pakistan. Liberal Arts and Social Sciences International Journal (LASSIJ), 8(1), 48-63. Gautama, M. S. N., & Rias, Y. A. (2026). Synergistic effects of food insecurity and open defecation on wasting among street children in East Java, Indonesia. Discover Public Health, 23(1), 162. doi: 10.1186/s12982-026-01496-y Jörgensen, E., Napier-Raman, S., Macleod, S., & Seth, R. (2024). Access to health and rights of children in street situations and working children: a scoping review. 8(1). doi: 10.1136/bmjpo-2024-002870 Karanja, M. W. (2015). Factors influencing implementation of rehabilitation of street children in Kenya: a case of the action for children in conflict (AFCIC) in Thika sub-county. Macleod, S. L., MacRae, P., & Pimenta, J. (2023). Children in street situations’ access to healthcare: qualitative findings from the Street Child World Cup 2022. BMJ Paediatr Open, 7(1), e002101. Mahmood, T., Khan, A., & Nik Ab Malik, N. M. A. (2025). Bridging the nutrition divide: understanding poverty-linked inequalities in under-five children health in Pakistan. Frontiers in Public Health, Volume 13 - 2025. doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1640318 Marasini, P. G., Acharya, L. M., Bhusal, M., & Adhikari, A. (2024). Nutritional Status of the Street Children in Selected Metropolitan Cities of Nepal. PMJN, 101, 47.41. Sohel, M. S., Alam, S., Rahman, M. M., Obaidullah, M., Mohammad Towhidul Anam, A. S., Hossain, B., & Alamgir Hossain, M. (2024). Exploring the multifaceted vulnerabilities of female street child labor in the capital city of Bangladesh. Heliyon, 10(18), e37302. doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e37302 Vedadi, S., Iqbal, S. M. J., & Muneer, S. (2013). Street children and its impact on educational attainment in north-western state (Punjab) of Pakistan. Journal of Education and Vocational Research, 4(12), 366-372.
Copyright (c) 2026 Tamia Zafar, Naeema Hanif, Hira Nadeem, Zarak Khan, Muqadas Zahra, Sidra Sajid https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Behavioural Economics and Household Financial Decision-Making: Impacts on Household Welfare and Economic Stability
Household financial decision-making plays a critical role in determining both individual welfare and broader economic stability. Traditional economic theories assume that individuals make rational financial decisions; however, behavioural economics demonstrates that cognitive biases and psychological heuristics frequently influence financial choices. This study investigates the impact of behavioural economics on household financial decision-making and examines how cognitive biases affect household welfare and economic stability. Specifically, the research focuses on four major behavioural constructs: loss aversion, present bias, risk perception, and mental accounting. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was adopted, integrating quantitative, experimental, and qualitative approaches. Primary data were collected from 1,248 households across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa using structured questionnaires, behavioural experiments, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), probit regression, mediation analysis, and experimental analysis, while qualitative data were analysed through thematic analysis to provide deeper insights into household financial behaviour. The findings reveal that behavioural biases significantly influence household financial decisions. Loss aversion and present bias were found to have significant negative effects on household financial welfare and participation in formal financial services, whereas mental accounting demonstrated a modest positive association with financial outcomes. Risk perception was identified as a significant mediating factor between behavioural biases and financial welfare, while financial literacy moderated the adverse effects of cognitive biases. Experimental findings further confirmed that framing effects significantly influence investment decisions and risk-taking behaviour. The study concludes that behavioural factors should be integrated into financial policy design, financial education programmes, and consumer protection strategies to improve household financial outcomes and promote long-term economic stability. The research contributes to the growing literature on behavioural household finance by providing empirical evidence from Pakistan, highlighting the importance of incorporating psychological dimensions into financial decision-making models and public policy interventions. References Afzal, M. F. (2025). Loss aversion, risk perception, and household financial decisions in Pakistan: A prospect theory assessment. Asian Finance Research Journal, 7, 1–23. Agarwalla, S. K., Barua, S. K., Jacob, J., & Varma, J. R. (2015). Financial literacy among working young in urban India. World Development, 67, 101–109. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2014.10.004 Agunsoye, A. (2024). Rethinking financial behaviour: Rationality and resistance in the financialization of everyday life. Bristol University Press. Ahmed, S., et al. (2018). Household behavior in practicing mental budgeting based on the theory of planned behavior. Financial Innovation, 4, Article 28. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40854-018-0108-3 Altman, M. (2012). Behavioral economics for dummies. John Wiley & Sons Canada. Baron, R. M., & Kenny, D. A. (1986). The moderator–mediator variable distinction in social psychological research: Conceptual, strategic, and statistical considerations. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 51(6), 1173–1182. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.51.6.1173 Bhamra, H. S., & Uppal, R. (2019). Does household finance matter? Small financial errors with large social costs. American Economic Review, 109(3), 1116–1154. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.20171466 Chen, F., Han, J., & Bao, L. (2026). Risk preference elicitation in finance: Survey vs. experiment. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance, 101123. Cohen, J. (1960). A coefficient of agreement for nominal scales. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 20(1), 37–46. https://doi.org/10.1177/001316446002000104 Colarieti, R., Mei, P., & Stantcheva, S. (2024). The how and why of household reactions to income shocks (NBER Working Paper No. 32191). National Bureau of Economic Research. https://doi.org/10.3386/w32191 Cornell University, SC Johnson College of Business. (n.d.). The Institute for Behavioral and Household Finance. https://www.johnson.cornell.edu Dhami, S., Hajimoladarvish, N., & Georgalos, K. (2023). Precautionary savings, loss aversion, and risk (CESifo Working Paper No. 10570). CESifo. Frederick, S., Loewenstein, G., & O'Donoghue, T. (2002). Time discounting and time preference: A critical review. Journal of Economic Literature, 40(2), 351–401. https://doi.org/10.1257/002205102320161311 Godbole, A., Shah, Z., & Mudholkar, R. S. (2025). Preventing household bankruptcy: The one-third rule in financial planning with mathematical validation and game-theoretic insights. arXiv. https://arxiv.org/ Gomes, F., Haliassos, M., & Ramadorai, T. (2021). Household finance. Journal of Economic Literature, 59(3), 919–1000. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.20201518 Hair, J. F., Risher, J. J., Sarstedt, M., & Ringle, C. M. (2019). When to use and how to report the results of PLS-SEM. European Business Review, 31(1), 2–24. https://doi.org/10.1108/EBR-11-2018-0203 He, H., et al. (2025). Risk preference elicitation in finance: Survey vs. experiment. Journal of Behavioral and Experimental Finance. Holt, C. A., & Laury, S. K. (2002). Risk aversion and incentive effects. American Economic Review, 92(5), 1644–1655. https://doi.org/10.1257/000282802762024700 Illiashenko, P. (2017). Behavioral finance: Household investment and borrowing decisions. Visnyk of the National Bank of Ukraine, 242, 28–48. https://doi.org/10.26531/vnbu2017.242.028 Kahneman, D., & Tversky, A. (1979). Prospect theory: An analysis of decision under risk. Econometrica, 47(2), 263–291. https://doi.org/10.2307/1914185 Laibson, D. (1997). Golden eggs and hyperbolic discounting. Quarterly Journal of Economics, 112(2), 443–477. https://doi.org/10.1162/003355397555253 Lusardi, A., & Mitchell, O. S. (2014). The economic importance of financial literacy: Theory and evidence. Journal of Economic Literature, 52(1), 5–44. https://doi.org/10.1257/jel.52.1.5 Oda, N. (2025). Present bias, cognitive bias, and illiquid savings (TCER Working Paper). Tokyo Center for Economic Research. O'Donoghue, T., & Rabin, M. (1999). Doing it now or later. American Economic Review, 89(1), 103–124. https://doi.org/10.1257/aer.89.1.103 Ramos Zaga, F. A. (2023). The financial education in the light of behavioral economics. International Business Journal. Shah, M. U. D., et al. (2025). Digital payments and overspending: The role of mental accounting and present bias. International Journal of Finance & Economics, 31(2), 2417–2430. Social Science Registry. (2025). The inflation gamble. https://www.socialscienceregistry.org Thaler, R. H. (1999). Mental accounting matters. Journal of Behavioral Decision Making, 12(3), 183–206. https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1099-0771(199909)12:3<183::AID-BDM318>3.0.CO;2-F Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1981). The framing of decisions and the psychology of choice. Science, 211(4481), 453–458. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.7455683 Tversky, A., & Kahneman, D. (1992). Advances in prospect theory: Cumulative representation of uncertainty. Journal of Risk and Uncertainty, 5(4), 297–323. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00122574 Wahab, S. N. A. A., et al. (2025). Systematic literature review of household debt: Determinants and consequences. International Journal of Academic Research. (Verify complete bibliographic details and DOI.) Wahla, K. U. R., et al. (2020). Impact of exponential growth bias and mental budgeting on household financial decisions. Paradigms, 14(2), 145–152. Weber, E. U., & Milliman, R. A. (1997). Perceived risk attitudes: Relating risk perception to risky choice. Management Science, 43(2), 123–144. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.43.2.123 Zhang, L., et al. (2025). Present bias, mental budget constraint, and the payday consumption cycle. China Economic Review, 89, Article 102306. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chieco.2025.102306
Copyright (c) 2026 Ayesha Mustafa, Samrana Afzal, Saad Khan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Labour Market Outcomes: A Study of Employment Perceptions in Central Europe
This research paper examines the relationship between artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in organizations and three critical labour market outcomes: overall employment rates, job creation in emerging sectors, and job displacement in traditional industries. Drawing on a cross-sectional survey of 160 working professionals across various industries in Hungary and Central Europe, the study employs Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses to test three hypotheses. Results indicate statistically significant positive correlations between AI adoption and perceptions of employment rates (r = 0.311, p < 0.001), job creation (r = 0.498, p < 0.001), and job displacement (r = 0.459, p < 0.001). Notably, the relationship between AI adoption and job creation perceptions is stronger than that between AI adoption and job displacement perceptions, suggesting qualified optimism regarding AI's net employment effects within the Central European professional context. The study contributes individual worker-level perceptual evidence supporting the dual-effect model of AI and employment, extending the literature beyond macroeconomic analyses and beyond the traditional focus on Western economies. Policy implications for governments, educational institutions, and business leaders are discussed, emphasizing the critical role of institutional frameworks in determining whether AI adoption yields positive or negative employment outcomes. References Acemoglu, D., & Restrepo, P. (2019). Automation and new tasks: How technology displaces and reinstates labor. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 33(2), 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.33.2.3 Acemoglu, D., & Restrepo, P. (2020). Robots and jobs: Evidence from US labor markets. Journal of Political Economy, 128(6), 2188–2244. https://doi.org/10.1086/705716 Aithal, P. S., & Prabhu, V. V. (2024). New job opportunities due to integration of AI-driven GPTs across four industry sectors. Poornaprajna International Journal of Emerging Technologies, 1(1), 63–89. Ali, M. D., Ali, M. F., & Mujahid, M. (2025). Impact of artificial intelligence on the job market and the future of work. International Journal of Engineering Works, 12(5), 73–80. Arntz, M., Gregory, T., & Zierahn, U. (2016). The risk of automation for jobs in OECD countries (OECD Social, Employment and Migration Working Papers No. 189). OECD Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1787/5jlz9h56dvq7-en Autor, D. H. (2015). Why are there still so many jobs? The history and future of workplace automation. Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29(3), 3–30. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.29.3.3 Balakumar, A., Sawant, P. D., Nimma, D., Khan, S. A., & Siddiqua, A. (2024). Impact of AI-driven automation on job displacement and skill development. In 2024 IEEE SILCON Conference (pp. 1–5). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/SILCON61541.2024.10796682 Bessen, J. (2019). Automation and jobs: When technology boosts employment. Economic Policy, 34(100), 589–626. https://doi.org/10.1093/epolic/eiz014 Braganza, A., Chen, W., Canhoto, A., & Sap, S. (2021). Productive employment and decent work: The impact of AI adoption on psychological contracts. Journal of Business Research, 131, 485–494. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.08.018 Briggs, J., & Kodnani, D. (2023). The potential impact of artificial intelligence on the global labor market. Goldman Sachs Research. Brynjolfsson, E., Rock, D., & Syverson, C. (2021). The productivity J-curve: How intangibles complement general purpose technologies. American Economic Journal: Macroeconomics, 13(1), 333–372. https://doi.org/10.1257/mac.20180386 Buntak, K., Kovačić, M., & Sesar, V. (2019). Identifying opportunities and risk in ensuring business continuity. In Economic and Social Development: 46th International Scientific Conference (pp. 579–588). Challoumis, C. (2024). Harnessing AI for economic growth: Strategies for job creation in a tech-driven world. In Proceedings of the XIX International Scientific Conference (pp. 96–131). Chen, N., Li, Z., & Tang, B. (2022). Can digital skill protect against job displacement risk caused by artificial intelligence? Empirical evidence from 701 detailed occupations. PLOS ONE, 17(11), e0277280. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0277280 Chole, V., Sahu, S., Moolchandani, J., Kumar, A., Kumar, R., & Shukla, A. (2024). Analyzing the impact of AI adoption on job market dynamics. In 2024 13th International Conference on System Modeling and Advancement in Research Trends (SMART) (pp. 525–531). IEEE. https://doi.org/10.1109/SMART61765.2024.10733245 Domingo, P., & Wahab, A. (2024). Labour migration and trafficking in persons: A political economy analysis. International Labour Organization. Frey, C. B., & Osborne, M. A. (2013). The future of employment: How susceptible are jobs to computerisation? Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford. Georgieff, A., & Hyee, R. (2022). Artificial intelligence and employment: New cross-country evidence. Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence, 5, 832736. https://doi.org/10.3389/frai.2022.832736 Huttunen, K., Møen, J., & Salvanes, K. G. (2018). Job loss and regional mobility. Journal of Labor Economics, 36(2), 479–509. https://doi.org/10.1086/694398 Kuhn, S. (2019). World employment and social outlook: Trends 2019. International Labour Organization. Liang, G. (2024). Skill shifts and retraining initiatives: Adapting to post-pandemic labor market dynamics. Law and Economy, 3(1), 58–61. Nunnally, J. C. (1978). Psychometric theory (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill. Tschang, F. T., & Almirall, E. (2021). Artificial intelligence as augmenting automation: Implications for employment. Academy of Management Perspectives, 35(4), 642–659. https://doi.org/10.5465/amp.2019.0062 Wang, K. H., & Lu, W. C. (2025). AI-induced job impact: Complementary or substitution? Sustainable Technology and Entrepreneurship, 4(1), 100085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stae.2024.100085 World Economic Forum. (2025). The future of jobs report 2025. World Economic Forum.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rizwan Arshad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0
Technology-Enhanced Language Education under the Belt and Road Initiative: A Qualitative Linguistic Analysis of English Teaching in Multicultural Classrooms
This is a qualitative study that aims to explore the representation of technology-mediated English education in policies and studies related to multicultural classrooms in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Data collection: A purposive analytical corpus of 17 documents was created from four domains, namely, BRI education and language policy, technology-enhanced language learning, multilingual/English-as-a-lingua-franca pedagogy, and international guidance on digital education. Qualitative document analysis and thematic reflexivity were used for the analysis of documents that have been published between 2003 and 2024. The analysis was directed towards issues of access, interaction, linguistic norms, multilingual mediation, interculturality, assessment, and algorithmic authority. Findings: Five themes were developed. First, English is placed as a connecting resource, whereas implementing in English can result in unequal language authority. Secondly, the educational potential of technology is mainly those that enable people to interact with each other across borders, repair, revise and reflect on. Third, translanguaging and multimodality are not barriers to the learning of English. Fourth, digital participation is still dependent on the infrastructure, the accessibility, teacher mediation and data governance. Fifthly, automated systems can restrict legitimate variation in English and must be controlled by human use, critically examined. Originality: The study brings together language-policy studies in the context of BRI and technology-enhanced language learning and multilingual applied linguistics within one analytical frame. It suggests an iterative pedagogical cycle and assessment model of the digital English teaching responsive to language. Limitations: The results only refer to document representation and conceptual relations and are not indicative of classroom effectiveness or causality. The framework needs to be tested at multiple sites in classrooms. References Arshad, N., Baber, M. U., & Ullah, A. (2024). Assessing the transformative influence of ChatGPT on research practices among scholars in Pakistan. Mesopotamian Journal of Big Data, 4(1), 1–10. Baker, W. (2015). Culture and identity through English as a lingua franca: Rethinking concepts and goals in intercultural communication. De Gruyter Mouton. https://doi.org/10.1515/9781501502149 Bax, S. (2003). CALL—Past, present and future. System, 31(1), 13–28. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0346-251X(02)00071-4 Belz, J. A. (2003). Linguistic perspectives on the development of intercultural competence in telecollaboration. Language Learning & Technology, 7(2), 68–117. Bowen, G. A. (2009). Document analysis as a qualitative research method. Qualitative Research Journal, 9(2), 27–40. https://doi.org/10.3316/QRJ0902027 Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2021). One size fits all? 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