Gomal University Journal of Research

WORKPLACE GENDER EQUALITY AND LEADERSHIP SUPPORT AS PREDICTORS OF WOMEN’S CAREER ADVANCEMENT: THE JOB SATISFACTION AS MEDIATOR

2026-03-30T06:25:38Pakistan Standard Time

This study examines the impact of workplace gender equality and leadership support on women’s career advancement, with a particular focus on mediating role of job satisfaction. Grounded in Social Cognitive Career Theory & Social Exchange Theory, research investigates how organizational and leadership factors influence women’s professional growth. Quantitative research design was adopted, data were collected from women employees working in various organizational settings. The findings reveal that workplace gender equality has a significant positive effect on women’s career advancement by ensuring fair access to opportunities and reducing structural barriers. Similarly, the leadership support was found to play a role in enhancing career progression by providing mentorship, encouragement, and developmental opportunities. The results further indicate that job satisfaction significantly mediates the relationship amid workplace gender equality, leadership support, and career advancement, highlighting standing of employees’ psychological experiences. Practically, findings suggest that organizations should implement inclusive policies and supportive leadership practices to enhance job satisfaction and promote women’s advancement. Overall, the study underscores the importance of the equitable as well as supportive working environments for sustainable career development.

WORKPLACE INTERVENTIONS & ORGANIZATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN LABOUR INDUSTRY: A PAKISTAN–UNITED KINGDOME PERSPECTIVE

2026-03-30T06:25:38Pakistan Standard Time

The main aim of study was to examine the role of workplace interventions, including training & development, health & safety, performance management systems, and leadership practices in organizational development outcomes such as productivity, employee engagement, and operational effectiveness. A structured questionnaire was used to gather primary data consisting of 110 employees who work in different cement processing plants in Pakistan. The researcher used quantitative analysis methods such as correlation tests and regression tests to evaluate the relationship between workplace interventions and organizational development indicators. The findings showed that there is strong positive relationship amid workplace interventions and organizational development. Regression analysis also showed that interventions, especially training and safety programs, are important predictors of the organizational performance and commitment of employees. The results indicate that well- designed and regularly deployed interventions are crucial factor in enhancing organizational growth within the labor-intensive sectors. The results provide significant information in extracting the desired information, reaching the conclusion and making decisions. The research has practical implications for the management in the cement industry to focus upon strategic interventions that will help in improving the welfare of employees and the competitiveness of the organization.

THE INFLUENCE OF INTERNAL CONTROL SYSTEM AND AUDIT TECHNOLOGY ON BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: MEDIATING ROLE OF AUDIT EXPERTISE

2026-03-30T06:25:38Pakistan Standard Time

The current study investigates the impact of internal control systems & audit technology on business performance and financial transparency in the United Kingdom’s retail sector. In an increasingly competitive and regulated environment, retail organizations must adopt effective auditing practices to ensure accuracy, compliance & operational efficiency. This study specifically examines how audit managers’ expertise and decision-making mediate the relationship amid audit practices & organizational outcomes. A quantitative research design was employed, primary data collected through structured questionnaires distributed among employees working in retail organizations across UK. A total of 300 valid responses were obtained using a convenience sampling technique. The statistical analysis was conducted to evaluate the relationships between variables and to test mediating effect of audit expertise. The findings reveal that internal control systems and use of audit technology both have significant positive impact on business performance and financial transparency. Organizations with strong internal controls and advanced technological tools are better equipped to detect the errors, prevent fraud, and enhance reporting accuracy. Furthermore, the study highlights that audit expertise plays a crucial mediating role, as skilled audit managers strengthen the effectiveness of these systems through the informed decision-making and professional judgment.

PERCEPTIONS OF STUDENTS ENROLLED IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS TOWARDS INCLUSIVE EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

2026-03-30T06:25:39Pakistan Standard Time

To include individuals with special needs in settings wherein all students are learning and enjoying equitable opportunities for the acquisition of learning outcomes. To study this phenomenon, the investigator started exploring the challenges and opportunities to develop quality of the program. In line with this connection, current study, entitled “The perception of students enrolled in a special education program towards inclusive education was investigated. Objectives of the study are: To examine the attitudes of students enrolled in special education degree programs towards inclusive education; To assess the willingness and acceptance levels of students in special education degree programs regarding inclusive education. Two null hypotheses were developed to proceed with the study further. The participants were students from B.Ed. (1.5Y) Special Education degree program of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, learning through the distance learning. The sample comprised 22 students, 11 males and 11 females as participated in current research study. The sample was collected using convenience sampling. The responses were recoded using a 15-item measuring tool. Responses from all 22 students were recorded and then analyzed by the percentage and chi-square statistics. The results showed that most of participants had a positive response to inclusive education. All the results were significant based on the interpretation of the chi-square analysis.

PSYCHOSOCIAL FACTORS OF HEALTH AGENCY IN POST-SURGERY RECOVERY: A LIVED EXPERIENCE STUDY OF PATIENTS

2026-03-30T06:25:39Pakistan Standard Time

The aim of the current research was to explore the lived experiences of health agency among the patients post abdominal surgery during recovery phase. Psychosocial factors within a health agency play a profound role in shaping patients’ post-surgery recovery, particularly when examined through a lived experience perspective. Thus, the data was collected through semi-structured interviews from adults who undergone abdominal surgery (N=5) and were in recovery phase. The patients were selected through the purposive sampling technique at age range 20-60 year onwards. Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to extract themes. Three themes were highlighted (1) Recovery as multidimensional journey, (2) Embodied and intentional health management during recovery and (3), the supportive relationships and future oriented recovery. It is concluded from data that during the recovery phase, where patients experienced the physical limitation, pains, emotional shocks, psychological distress, take active decisions, actively cope with stress, modify lifestyle behaviours, and fully participate in treatment choices, got strength from family and reconstructing life meaning and future goals. The results of study provide significant information and current study will offer practical insights to improve the post-surgery recovery outcomes through independence and self-management support by documenting lived experiences of the adults across lifespan.

BEYOND ADOPTION: UNPACKING THE DIRECT IMPACT OF AI UPON MARKETING ADVANCEMENT: MODERATING ROLE OF TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES

2026-03-30T06:25:39Pakistan Standard Time

The present research examines inputs of compatibility, relative advantage, complexity, perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, anthropomorphism, tangibility, and cost effectiveness in determining advancement of marketing practices in Pakistan, with moderating input from technical capabilities, and the mediating input from AI adoption. With quantitative research approach, the study used a questionnaire survey as primary data to conduct the analysis. The study used the convenience sampling technique to collect 384 responses from operations and marketing managers of pharmaceutical companies of Karachi, Pakistan, and utilized the structural equation model (SEM) as a statistical technique to perform the analysis using SMART PLS. The study found that AI adoption significantly advances marketing practices. The key factors like anthropomorphism, compatibility, complexity, cost effectiveness, perceived use, relative advantage, and technical capabilities all significantly influence both AI adoption and advancement of marketing. The study found AI adoption significantly advances marketing practices, driven by factors like anthropomorphism, compatibility & perceived ease of use. Still, the blend of AI adoption and technical proficiencies showed no significant influence. Interestingly, perceived usefulness did not impact adoption but did augment marketing outcomes.

THE CLINICAL AND HEALTHCARE ACCESS PROFILE OF CHILDREN WITH DOWN SYNDROME IN PAKISTAN: A DISTRICT-LEVEL ANALYSIS

2026-03-30T06:25:39Pakistan Standard Time

Down syndrome (DS) is a common chromosomal condition associated with intellectual disability & multiple medical complications. In order to conduce the study, null hypotheses were formulated to precede the study. A descriptive cross-sectional study with the inferential analysis was conducted to assess the demographic characteristics, related health conditions as well as healthcare accessibility amid children with Down syndrome attending special education center in District Mardan. The total of 100 students diagnosed with DS were included using purposive sampling. The standardized 15-item questionnaire was used to collect data, which was then analysed using descriptive statistics and the chi-square test. Most participants were between 13 and 18 years old, and 70% were men. There was a statistically significant link (p < 0.05) between respiratory disorders, thyroid abnormalities, and sensory impairments. Still, congenital heart defects & neurological illnesses were not significant. There were also significant differences in healthcare access features, with high medical prices (60%) being the biggest problem. The findings of current study suggest that children with down syndrome in this context experience many health difficulties and inequitable access to medical care. Similarly, results reveal that these patterns are not random and have a statistically significant meaning in specific context. The improved care for those affected could come from earlier diagnosis, more awareness and better coordination of healthcare at district level.

THE ROLE OF TEACHER IN ENHANCING QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND STUDENTS’ DEVELOPMENT

2026-03-30T06:25:40Pakistan Standard Time

The effectiveness of the teaching and learning process is a prerequisite for the success of any educational institution, as is the calibre of its teachers. The job of educators is crucial to advancement of society and necessary adjustments to it. Quality is the result of doing things correctly and effectiveness comes from doing things correctly & efficiency comes from doing things correctly. The largest problem facing the education systems today is raising the quality. Enhancing the quality of instruction and promoting the growth of an ideal human society are major responsibilities of teachers. The quality of life and the rate of development of a country and the globe at large are significantly influenced by education, which demands particular attention. The education system is in charge of making sure that students' abilities, comprehension & production are on par with best in the world. In any educational institution, teachers are the most crucial element. Teachers have the biggest impact on the quality of classroom. They serve as foundation of education. It is necessary to have excellent teacher educators. Knowledgeable & well-educated teachers are respected by peers and populace. Teaching and learning are complementary processes for educators. Teachers have always been vital for all civilizations to do this. Teachers need to be seen as professionals who create knowledge. A teacher needs to be a planner, an assessor, mentor, facilitator, developer and a source of information.

OPENNESS TO EXPERIENCE AND APPEARANCE ANXIETY IN YOUNG ADULTS: THE MODERATING ROLE OF REASSURANCE-SEEKING

2026-03-30T06:25:40Pakistan Standard Time

The university students increasingly face mental health challenges that may affect their academic functioning, emotional well-being & social adjustment. The current study examined the role of openness to experience in relation to reassurance seeking and appearance anxiety among young adults. A total of 220 university students with the age range of 16 to 31 years (M= 20.85, SD= 2.25) participated using a correlational research design. Pearson Correlation analysis results showed that openness to experience was negatively associated with reassurance seeking and showed a nonsignificant relationship with the appearance anxiety. However, moderation analysis revealed that reassurance seeking significantly moderated relationship between openness to experience and appearance anxiety indicating that individuals high in the openness may experience increased appearance towards anxiety when reassurance-seeking tendencies are elevated. The results from theoretrical and empirical outcomes offered significant information. The results provide significant information through the statistical procedures for analysing the data towars the desired conclusion and making suitable decisions about research issues under study. These results highlight the nuanced role of openness to experience in shaping the appearance-related concerns, particularly in the context of reassurance- driven behavior.

UNDERSTANDING THE PERCEPTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION STUDENTS ABOUT PERSONALIZED LEARNING THROUGH GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

2026-03-30T20:20:09Pakistan Standard Time

This qualitative phenomenological research study aims to understand the perceptions of higher education students about personalized learning through Generative Artificial Intelligence (GAI). For the nuanced and comprehensive insights 15 participants were selected through purposive sampling from three renowned universities in Lahore: FAST, University of Lahore, and Lahore College for Women University. Researcher collected data over semi-structured interviews with 5 participants. Findings of study vindicate that widespread adoption of GAI tools among Higher Education students is due to perceived ease of use and usefulness in the personalized learning. The participants from diverse academic background reveal that GAI is playing an instrumental role in enhancing their personalized learning experience.Benefits reported by the participants include assistance in writing and research,ideas generation,easy accessibility of information,project and assignment assistance,and enhanced learning experience over visualization, summarization, and comprehension of text. However,challenges like undue reliance,adverse impacts on creativity and thinking capabilities,data privacy & security concerns were also reported. Therefore,the study recommends policymaker and educators to raise ethical awareness among higher education students and equip them with skills to use GAI responsibly and effectively.The AI creators are recommended to enhance usability and accessibility of GAI tools for optimizing the use of GAI in the higher education.