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Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify drivers and deterrents to sustainable procurement (SP) via field-level inquiry in the context of public sector higher education institutes in an emerging economy like Pakistan. Design/methodology/approach Unstructured interviews guided by the interview guide were conducted. The participants were selected via purposive sampling. A three-step process was carried out for data analysis. The first-order codes were generated from the views expressed by the informants. The descriptive codes (second-order categories) were developed, providing insights into the main factors. These codes helped to generate the third-order themes related to drivers and deterrents of SP. Findings The results reveal that interdepartmental cooperation is the most discussed driver, followed by government regulations. The most noted deterrents include a lack of interdepartmental cooperation, a lack of environmental laws and resistance to change. The participants have highlighted interdepartmental coordination as both a driver if available and a deterrent if not available. Social implications The identified drivers and deterrents shall help the managers and policymakers as a guide while transitioning from traditional procurement to SP. Originality/value With the increased focus of the higher education commission Pakistan on implementing green practices in higher educational institutes, this study proposes the understanding of a systematic and holistic view of SP by proposing a theoretical framework.

A formal study determines the impact of varied approaches and perspectives on entrepreneurial behavior. Entrepreneurs are necessary in today's competitive business environment because they stay abreast of the most recent technological developments, which aid in expanding their enterprises. Statistical methods known as structured equation modelling (SEM) quantify and examine the connections between latent and observable variables. To determine the relationship between the study's independent, mediating, moderating, and reliant variables, researchers employed innovative PLS software to do structural equation modeling. Using a questionnaire, data is gathered from a random population sample using the SEM approach. The obtained information is subsequently examined using Smart PLS's analysis and testing capabilities. Overall, results from the majority hypothesis indicate that entrepreneurship is significantly affected. The R2 value is 0.560, which suggests that the factors affecting entrepreneurship account for 56% of the variance. As per the results, the significant influence of inspiring motivators on new business ventures, innovativeness, and responsiveness should urge managers to involve employees in formulating common strategic visions to encourage them to launch new internal creative projects. Additionally, managers should develop training programs to increase employee enthusiasm and creativity, improving their ability to think creatively and act in a self-renewing manner.

Aim: To determine the frequency of common congenital anomalies among neonates in tertiary care hospital Study Design: A cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: Children Hospital Larkana Pakistan from April to October 2018. Methodology: One hundred twenty-four newborns with congenital anomalies were included in this study after taking parental consent. All the newborns were assessed by prenatal, natal, and postnatal history, general physical examination, and relevant investigations like ultrasound abdomen, echocardiography, and CT Scan Brain were done; Questionnaire was filled out immediately within 24 hours after hospital admission. Results: The mean maternal age of the patients was 24.16±4.13 years. Central nervous system (CNS) anomalies were observed in 21% of cases. Neural tube defects like hydrocephalus 6.5%sacrococcygeal teratoma 2.4%, meningomyelocele 11.3%, and encephalocele 0.8%. Cardiovascular system (CVS) anomalies were found in 11.3% cases in which cyanotic 2.4%, (2 were Tetralogy of Fallot and 1 was Transposition of great arteries) Acyanotic 8.9% (10 Ventricular septal defects and 1 atrial septal defect). Gastrointestinal tract (GIT) Anomalies (39.5%) like, duodenal atresia (0.8%), anorectal malformations (25%), Pyloric Stenosis (0.8%), exomphalocele (5.6%), diaphragmatic hernia (2.4%), Hirschsprung disease (4.8%). Genitourinary system abnormalities (16.9%) like Hypospadias (14.5%), undescended testes (0.8%), cloacal exstrophy (0.8%) and hydrometrocolpos (0.8%). Musculoskeletal abnormalities (11.3%) like clubfoot (0.8%), developmental dysplasia of Hip (0.8%), polydactyly (1.6%) and cleft lip & palate (8.1%) of cases. Conclusion: Congenital abnormalities are prevalent in our setup, and the CNS is the most commonly involved system, followed by the gastrointestinal system, genitourinary system, cardiovascular system, and musculoskeletal system. The prevalence and pattern of congenital defects must be known in order for healthcare providers to create preventive interventions at various levels.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to determine the knowledge of parents regarding polio vaccination in unvaccinated children less than 5 years of age. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Place and Duration: Department of Pediatrics, Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana Pakistan from February 2018 till August 2018 Methodology: All parents of unvaccinated children of either gender with ages from 2 months to less than 5 years of age visiting the hospital outpatient department for any reason were included in the study. Information about the OPV immunization status, demographics, education of the family earner, occupation and income, accessibility of vaccination center in terms of distance, the behavior of immunization staff, parents' views regarding vaccines were recorded. Questions were asked about the vaccination schedule. Results: Mean age of the child and respondent’s age was 2.96 ±0.89 years and 31.40 ±3.96 years respectively. Male preponderance was found to be higher 146 (63.50%). Adequate knowledge about polio was found in 58 (25.20%) parents. Conclusion: The Knowledge of parents regarding polio vaccination was found unsatisfactory in unvaccinated children less than 5 years of age.

Objective: To determine the neonatal mortality and ascertain the disease patterns at neonatal ward in a tertiary care hospital Material and Methods: Design: Hospital based cross sectional study. Participants: Two thousand, two hundred and seventy five neonates were registered using retrospective data from 1st January 2020 to 31st Dec 2020. We recorded gender, birth weight, cause of admission, and admission outcome. Data was analyzed using Microsoft excel data spread sheet. Results: There were 2275 patients registered from CPDR (complete patient data record register) from 1st January 2020 to 31st Dec 2020. The mean birth weight was 2.35 kg, with lowest birth weight of 0.9kg and highest birth weight of 4.8kg (SD 0.8 and SE 0.01, CI 0.025). Out of 2175 admitted neonates 506 (23.2%) died, 1250 (57.4%) were discharged after desired improvement, most common presenting complaint and cause of admission was HIE grade 1 , followed by Sepsis, 418 (18.5%), 380(16.9%), respectively. Conclusions: Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy grade I is the most common morbidity pattern in our study, the mortality rate was observed very high, indicators of birth weight were also poor. There is a great need for improvement of antenatal care for mothers to enhance different measures of newborn welfare and wellbeing.

PurposeThis paper aims to identify, using a literature review and expert panel input, what impedes organizations from implementing sustainable procurement, particularly in an emerging economy context.Design/methodology/approachThe extant literature review was carried out to explore and identify the barriers to sustainable procurement. Using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), the authors established a contextual relationship among the 22 identified barriers. These barriers are then classified into different categories, using the matrice d’impacts cross-multiplication appliqúe an classment (MICMAC) technique, based on their driving and dependence power.FindingsThe findings improve our understanding of the critical barriers and their direct and indirect effect on each other in obstructing sustainable procurement practices. The study is the first of its kind in identifying the barriers to sustainable procurement and developing a hierarchical relationship among barriers using an integrated ISM–MICMAC methodology based on data from an emerging economy (Pakistan). With a focus on sustainable practices, this study also responds to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.Practical implicationsThe results of the hierarchical model help understand which barriers are the most crucial to be fixed immediately (i.e. absence of environmental laws and lack of consumer pressure) and how different barriers could influence each other, specifically in emerging economies. The practitioners can use the findings to make more informed decisions to mitigate the crucial barriers that could impede their goals of sustainable procurement.Originality/valueThe study is the first of its kind to identify the barriers to sustainable procurement and develop a contextual relation and hierarchical framework in the Pakistani context.

Case overview Mr Qazi was sitting in his office in the Multan branch, reviewing his past month’s key performance indicators when he got a call from his Town Operations Supervisor, Mr Ahmed, based in Bahawalpur. Ahmed was recently promoted and transferred to Bahawalpur, from Multan branch. He informed Qazi about the huge inventory variances, which were not earlier reported by the previous Town Operations Supervisor, Mr Sagheer. Qazi was informed that differences were around 2.37% of total sales vs the allowable company limit of Zero inventory variance. Qazi was worried about whether to report these differences to higher management or not. He was very well aware that reporting might even cost him his job, and that of Sagheer too. He could not see any solution to the recovery of the inventory or cash against the same. Should Qazi take a risk and let go of Sagheer? Should he report the differences? Expected learning outcome 1. Demonstrate the fraud and integrity-related issues. Why and how happened? 2. Analyzed the role of organizational policies in the decision of blow the whistle. 3. Identify the behaviors that helped a whistle-blower. 4. Assess the ethical dilemmas in which professional duties may conflict with personal ethics. 5. Propose organizational policies to encourage whistle-blowing and to discourage the fraud or integrity-related issues. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and logistics. Study level/applicability BBA.

Adolescence, the time between childhood and adulthood, is typically accompanied by significant and frequently challenging changes in a young person's life. An adolescent's personal growth and sense of self-worth are influenced by biological, cognitive, social, and environmental factors. The reason for this research was to find out the Self-esteem among Higher Secondary School Students (VIII, IX, X). The objective of this study was to obtained having 100 items questionnaire for Higher Secondary School Students. The result demonstrated that there was no significant difference in the level of Self-esteem among Higher Secondary School Students based on gender. So the aim of the present study was to examine the level of Self-esteem among Higher Secondary School Students.

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to investigate the role of the stakeholder's relationship with supply chain resilience (SCR) and organizational performance (OP) using the lens of stakeholder theory in the manufacturing and service industry. Investigating the supply chain community in Pakistan, this paper explores the relationship between SCR, OP and the stakeholder's relationship (including customers and suppliers).Design/methodology/approachA partial least square (PLS) – structural equation modeling (SEM) technique using SmartPLS 3.3.3 was used to test the hypotheses. Data were collected through a survey (questionnaire) completed by 202 supply chain representatives. All respondents were supply chain professionals working in different organizations in Pakistan.FindingsThe findings of the study revealed that supplier relationship (SR) and customer relationship (CR) have a positive and significant impact on SCR and a positive and significant relationship between SCR and OP. A positive and significant relationship between customer relationship and OP was also noted. The mediating role of SCR is also found positive and significant.Practical implicationsThe outcomes of the study will help managers to strengthen SCR through relationship management. The study is also helpful to increase OP through stakeholder management.Originality/valueThis study empirically tests an inclusive model with a PLS-SEM technique where SCR plays a mediating role in the mechanism, which is crucial since the supplier and customer (stakeholder) relationship has been never tested to gauge the OP by positioning SCR as a mediator while using the lens of stakeholder theory.

Learning outcomes To understand the strategic importance of location selection within the organization. To analyze the constraints in decision-making for selection of location. To analyze the alternate options for a location selection. To understand the usage of the factor rating method. Case overview/synopsis Due to a countrywide anti-encroachment drive, Mr Mughal loses his shop. He had just received a notice that his shop including those of others near him was established on one of the amenity plots. The structure was declared as illegal and was to be demolished in 24 h. He had to vacate the shop and his display center to avoid the loss of his items. He along with other shop owners approached to Supreme Court of Pakistan (SCP) to stop this demolishing act and to prove that these shops belonged to them for decades and that they had already paid the price of shops at that time. However, the SCP rejected their appeal straightforward and the anti-encroachment drive was carried out. Now, Mr Mughal had to find out an alternate location to establish his display center and to resume his business operations. Complexity academic level Undergraduate. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and logistics.

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes of this paper is as follows: understand the impact of macroeconomic challenges on startups; gain insights into the effects of self-management attribute over entrepreneurial effectiveness and performance; create a conceptual framework for customer satisfaction; analyze the internal and external factors affecting the entrepreneurial journey of new startups. Case overview/synopsis This case revolves around the entrepreneurial journey of Mr Khursheed Chohan who belonged to Sukkur (Pakistan). He started his journey as a daily wage worker in the year 2002 at the age of 17 years. After one year he acquired a rickshaw on rent and would drive the same as a taxi. In the year 2006, he started the job as a private driver. For achieving his dreams, he moved to Karachi (the land of opportunities) at the age of 27 years. During his stay in Karachi, he learned about insights into the wedding decoration industry. Keeping in view the market requirements, he also took some training courses on learning computers. By the age of 34, he returned to his hometown with the will to start his business venture of wedding decoration services. It had been around one year, he was successfully running his business. However, the emergence of Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the imposition of lockdown over businesses were his most recent challenges. While Chohan had pre-booked several orders and secured advance money, shall he be able to survive the COVID-19 effects? Shall he be able to continue his entrepreneurial journey? Complexity academic level Undergraduate. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 3: Entrepreneurship.

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the process of procurement and describe the process of supplier selection; to understand the importance of vendor selection criteria and develop the same; and to develop the framework for steps involved in vendor selection. Case overview/synopsis Jelani was working in his office over weekends to select the supplier and finalize the contract for installation of SMD LED screen. It was going to be one of its kind in town, and the first ever project for the organization. He was working as procurement manager at Universal Ad Agency and based in their office at Hyderabad. Jelani had already missed the deadline of installation, and he knew that he was not going to get any extension in deadline for the second time. He had visited the markets of Lahore and Hyderabad to source out the best supplier. He had to prepare a strong case and present to CEO. With all the data available, would Jelani be able to select the best evaluated supplier from among the recently sourced out suppliers? Complexity academic level MBA elective courses of Purchase & Supply Management, and Operations Management. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only.

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to describe the possible problems in cross hierarchical and cross-functional coordination; to illustrate the month/year-end closing operations related issues at logistics and warehousing end; to analyze the importance of supply chain resilience/ contingency plan; and to compare the role of the tradeoff in decision-making: ethics (policies) vs operations. Case overview/synopsis Mr Azhar Ali working as a regional distribution manager was waiting for the finalization of sales orders, it was the last working day of the financial year. He had to fulfill all the orders to achieve his personal and organizational goals. He was excited as he was supposed to be promoted and transferred to Head Office on a national role, after a successful annual closing. It was not too late when his excitement turned into anxiety when he received a never expected direct call from Director Sales. Around 7:00 p.m., he was informed of some new orders for an important institutional customer, which was out of his own region. The orders were placed in Ali’s region because of stocks’ availability. Ali had no time to plan this huge order and there were no dispatch trucks available at that time. Should Ali take risk of organizational goals and his promotion and cancel those orders? Should Ali generate sales invoices to record sales and dispatch the stocks on next day compromising the organizational core values and policies? Complexity academic level BBA. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and logistics.

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: what tasks are to be done by medical representatives in pharmaceutical industry? This study also highlights various competencies required to do effective selling in this industry; analyzes and discusses different unethical practices going on in the market; explains why ethical norms are necessary in sales context when sales targets are already achievable with unethical means; and develops and comments on strategies Flori Pharmaceutical can make to overcome on these unethical issues. What should be the response of Dahar to the email of Naveed khan? What course of action should be taken by Dahar in the deceitful reporting case of Mohsin Ali? Case overview/synopsis Flori is considered a leading and growing multinational organization in the highly competitive environment of Pakistan pharmaceutical industry with over 40 years of experience. The company aims to command a leading position in developing new health-care products as it offers a wide range of diabetic, cardiovascular, respiratory and vitamin products based on quality as a result of high research and examination. Recently, an email to Bilal Dahar on March 2017 from Flori’s star sales person Naveed Khan has forced management to take some strong decisions regarding ethical norms and values to be adopted by medical representatives of Flori pharmaceuticals. The email highlighted the issues related to sales pressure which are leading toward unethical sales practices. Dahar just not have to maintain Flori’s ethical code of conduct but he and his team also has to work hard to achieve more than 26% growth rate in sales revenue as compared to last year. Dahar knew that the highly competitive environment of pharmaceutical industry has led most of the stake holders to indulge in unethical behavior to achieve their individual targets. He knew that this is dangerous in long term for the multinational organizations such as Flori pharmaceuticals as if the similar behavior continues, the sales culture and values of the organization would be on stake. He also has to decide what decision to be taken against deceitful reporting issue of one of the top-performer territory managers, who was key person in helping Flori to close the sales year 2016 with the revenue of Rs. 6.4bn, a 26% growth over the last year. The case is rich enough to provide a platform regarding management of several ethical challenges in pharmaceutical selling and developing strategies based on them. Complexity academic level BBA, MBA final year. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Subject code CSS 8: Marketing.

Learning outcomes To understand how the external culture of an organization affects the internal decisions; to explore how employment stereotypes are used in recruitment; to grasp the general understanding of how line managers give more value to the bottom line than “non-discrimination statement”; to understand the challenges while managing a diverse workforce; and to critically analyze hiring decision and recommend practical solution. Case overview/synopsis Asma Malik was hired as a management trainee around five years ago. After successful completion of her one year as a management trainee, she was placed in the finance department. She outperformed all of her targets and received multiple rewards of a star performer. However, Malik was passionate and eager to work in the field and to work with the sales team. It was her dream to be an outstanding salesgirl. Based on the company’s policy of equal opportunity employer, she quickly got herself promoted to the position of wholesale manager and she was the first one to be provided such a challenging position. However, the market dynamics and market acceptability in a country like Pakistan were quite thought-provoking for a girl to be a wholesale manager. And it was observed that sales were constantly declining, as she had assigned this role. Now Country Manager (CM) had to make a decision, whether to transfer her to any other position or to retain her in the same position. Complexity academic level Bachelor of Business Administration and MBA. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 1: Accounting and Finance.

Learning outcomes Learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the influence of external factors in operations planning; to understand the importance of contingency planning in new initiatives; to analyze financial and non-financial gains of the new project; to analyze and visualize the unexpected challenges in post-implementation of project; and to critically analyze the ethical consideration in decision-making. Case overview/synopsis After joining A to Zee Distribution, Shaikh had brought up several improvements to distribution operations and had suggested various cost-saving initiatives. He had also developed and implemented the distribution KPIs for the first time in the organization. One of the recent initiatives that he took was the start of a new project named ‘Bike Wala’. This project not only increased the market base for A to Zee but also significantly reduced their operations expenses. However, after around two months of the project, the delivery officers reported several incidents and accidents. These accidents included several injuries due to unbalancing bikes and excess load/weight in delivery boxes. The owner has asked Shaikh to close the project on humanitarian grounds and revert back to delivery vans. However, Shaikh is confused and willing for the project to continue. Shaikh had to choose from either his own career and initiative or safety and security of employees and the company’s assets. Complexity academic level BBA and MBA. Supplementary materials Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject Code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

Learning outcomes The learning outcomes are as follows: to understand the impact of external factors in supply chain operations planning; to understand the role of quantitative and qualitative data in supply chain decision-making especially in the restaurant industry; to assess the pros and cons of centralized and decentralized supply chain operations; and to evaluate different alternatives in supply chain planning, for best service level at minimum cost. Case overview/synopsis This case visualizes the planning of supply chain drivers and process improvement to enhance supply chain speed and flexibility. Asim Rizvi has recently joined as senior supply chain manager at Food Lord, a renowned chain of restaurants in Pakistan. As instructed by his CEO, Rizvi has to take a decision for centralization, or to continue the decentralization of supply chain operations at two of their highest selling branches. These two branches were located at a distance of 125 km from each other. The objective of supply chain operations’ consolidation was to minimize cost and further improve the service level. Rizvi was confused about the decision because any decision cannot be taken on the basis of cost and benefit analysis only. A 360-degree analysis and future requirements also play a vital role to decide about supply chain operations. The CEO was very excited to take this decision; that is why newly hired manager Rizvi was analyzing all the facts to reach a decision that would be best for their business. Centralized or decentralized supply chain decision was not easy because normally the business dynamics completely change due to unpredictable customer demand, unavailability of professional suppliers and unavailability of a strong information system, etc. Complexity academic level BBA and MBA Supplementary materials Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes. Subject code CSS 9: Operations and Logistics.

Objective: To determine the status of thyroid function among β-thalassemia major patients dependent on transfusion. Material And Methods: This descriptive, cross sectional analysis was conducted at Dept. of Pathology (Hematology) - Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro and Thalassemia Centre Hyderabad upon a sample of 114 pre-diagnosed patients of either gender aged 5 and above and suffering from Beta Thalassemia with history of recurrent blood transfusions (more than 20 transfusions or a transfusion history of more than 2 years), chosen via non-probability - consecutive sampling. The laboratory results were recorded onto a pre-structured questionnaire after taking written informed consent. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS v. 16. 0 and MS. Excel 360. Results: Among the total 114 patients studied, a majority comprised of females. The mean age, TSH level and FT4 of the sample stood at 12.38 (+5.71 SD) years, 3.53 (+3.67 SD) and 1.34 (+1.16 SD) respectively. An interesting association between serum ferritin level and history of extensive blood transfusions, especially when the transfusions roughly exceeded 300 (P = 0.003). Conclusion: After careful consideration, it can be concluded that Hypothyroidism is common among transfusion dependent β-thalassemia major patients. Key Words: β Thalassemia Major, Blood Transfusion, Endocrinopathy, Hypothyroidism and Serum Ferritin.

Doping effects of various elements in the boron, carbon, and pnictogen groups on the electronic structure and electrical transport properties of SnSe were studied from first principles. It is identified that Sb and Bi induce significant resonant states near the conduction band minimum, and increase the delocalization of charge density in the out-of-plane direction. Our Boltzmann transport calculations further demonstrate that these doping effects on the electronic structure are related to the simultaneously improved Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Using the band unfolding technique, we analyze the resonant states in detail based on the effective band structures.

Underbalanced drilling is often done to reduce formation damage, avoid lost circulation problems, stuck pipes, etc. Thus, there has been a growing acceptance for underbalanced drilling. By far, it has also been proved that the advantages of underbalanced drilling are most evident in depleted reservoirs. Though there are some challenging issues with UBD such as bore hole instability problems due to the lack of positive support from the bore mud, these issues can be dealt with the evaluation of in-situ stresses and a realistic estimation of formation rock mechanical properties. Thus the above two factors and proposed borehole trajectory and mud weight design play an important role in avoiding borehole instability problems and achieving the field objectives.Candidate selection is the key to the success of underbalanced drilling (UBD) projects. The question to be answered is why sometimes UBD significantly improves productivity compared with conventional overbalanced drilling (OBD) practices but sometimes it doesn't. To answer this question, an extensive reservoir engineering study to understand the mechanisms of productivity improvement from UBD must be performed. A single-well model can be built that simulates the UBD process and the OBD process (while taking into account drilling filtration invasion, mud cake, and permanent formation damage) and their impact on production under a variety of reservoir conditions. Production rates should predicted for both UBD and OBD cases. Then, a model should be used to analyze the economic benefits of UBD operations (if any) for the given reservoir.Reservoir properties play a role in the success of UBD operations. The study would clearly demonstrate that UBD works for some reservoirs but not for all reservoirs.The study results would provide a set of reservoir criteria that can be used as guidelines to choose potential UBD reservoir candidates.