Department of Economics
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Item Digital Influence and Environmental Action: A Study on Social Media and Plastic Reduction Behavior Among Students.(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2025) Tayyeba Rasheed; CIIT/FA23-REC-002/LHR; Dr. Rao Muhammad Atif; LHR TP 10043Plastic pollution is a pressing environmental issue, with single-use plastic products being a major contributor. Social media plays a crucial role in shaping public awareness and behavior regarding environmental concerns (Rapada et al., 2023). This research examines the impact of students’ exposure of social media information about plastic pollution on their plastic reduction behaviors, based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Specifically, the role of the mediating variables (attitude, subjective norms and perceived control) play between social media exposure and the actual plastic reduction behavior. The focus is on understanding how phycological factors of TPB (Environmental attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control) mediate the relationship between social media exposure and plastic reduction behavior. Primary data was collected through the use of a survey questionnaire on a sample size of 400 students at COMSATS University, Lahore Campus. An experimental design was employed to get most robust and comparative evidences, in which entire sample size was divided into four groups the social media exposure group, WhatsApp exposure group, and the control group. The measurement model is evaluated and the hypothesized direct and indirect relationships among latent construct are tested by using Smart PLS 4. In the second stage of the research, the awareness content and interventions, as posters showing the alarming impact of plastic pollution on human health and the ecosystem, were shared through Facebook, WhatsApp, and structured lectures, while the control group did not receive any intervention. This multi-channel process made it possible to scrutinize the effectiveness of awareness-building Media campaigns more properly in various communication channels. Moreover, t-tests for paired samples were applied in order to see how the students had changed their plastic use before and after the interventions. It thus provided an excellent means of comparison for showing how exposure through social media, WhatsApp, and lectures significantly alter the plastic consumption level of students over time. Results of SEM analysis indicate that the overall positive impact of social Media exposure on plastic reduction behavior (Pre_SME → Pre_PRB= 0.472, p =0.000), emerging strongest predictor than the indirect effect via TPB constructs. There was an also substantial influence of social media exposure on phycological factors; environmental attitudes (Pre_SME→ Pre_PRB= 0.725, p < 0.001) and descriptive norms (Pre_SME → Pre_DN = 0.709, p < 0.001), highlighting its potent ability to influence component of TPB societal expectations and motivational components, although it did not directly predict the behavior. Conversely, the impact of perceived behavioral control on the behavior was prominent in the lecture exposure group, highlighting the significance of well- structured environments for the development of capability. The WhatsApp exposure group demonstrate most theoretical consistent results aligning with TPB model, as it accounted for the predictive role of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control, along with the direct effect of exposure on plastic reduction behavior. Perceived behavioral control (Pre_PBC → Pre_PRB = 0.275, p = 0.011) and subjective norms (Pre_DN→ Pre_PRB = 0.305, p = 0.032) both phycological factor emerge as significant predictor of plastic reduction behavior in WhatsApp exposure group. These are further supported by the result from the paired-samples t-tests 2.79, t (99) = 15.31, p < 0.001. indicating that the social media group had the highest decrease in plastic consumption pattern, followed by the WhatsApp and lecture exposure groups, while the control group demonstrated no statistical change. Frequency analyses also revealed consistent shifts from high to low weekly plastic consumption in all intervention groups, with the substantial decreases in the social media exposure group. In summary, the congruence of findings underlines that awareness campaigns through different medium are particularly effective in developing plastic reduction behavior and highlighting the importance of using digital means of communication in developing environmental conscious and sustainable behavior.Item Analyzing the Environmental Impact of Plastic Bag Regulations: A Panel Data Study on PM2.5 Levels(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Saliha Khalid; FA21-REC-002; LHR TP 8480; Dr. Rafi Amir-ud-DinThis study provides a comprehensive analysis of the impact of the ban and tax on the use of plastic bags on the air quality measured by PM2.5. Utilizing a panel dataset of 208 countries spanning 1960 to 2021, we employed Fixed Effects, Driscoll and Kraay, and GMM models to estimate the effects. In all models, our findings suggest that the ban considerably decreases the proportion of the population exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding WHO guidelines. Meanwhile, the ban increased the proportion of the population exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding the Interim Target-1 value, while reducing those exceeding the Interim Target-3 in the Driscoll and Kraay and GMM models. Counterintuitively, the introduction of a tax on plastic bags was shown to significantly raise both the mean annual exposure to PM2.5 in a given area and the proportion of the population exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding all WHO targets and guideline values, as per the GMM model. Similar trends were observed in the fixed effects and Driscoll and Kraay models, albeit for a fewer number of WHO target values. In terms of combined effect, the ban was found to decrease the proportion of the population exposed to PM2.5 levels exceeding the WHO guidelines, Interim Target-1, and Target-2 values, but increased those exceeding the Interim Target-3 value. However, the tax policy resulted in increased exposure across all measures. These results underscore the intricate relationships between plastic bag policies and air pollution levels, offering important implications for policy design. Considering the significant reduction in the population's exposure to PM2.5 following the implementation of a plastic bag ban, such policies should be promoted. However, the ban's effect of increasing exposure to PM2.5 exceeding the Interim Target-1 value calls for supplementary measures to counter this unexpected consequence. The finding that taxation leads to an increase in PM2.5 exposure is surprising and may hint at complex underlying dynamics, such as an increase in the use of alternative materials with higher PM2.5 emissions. Policymakers may need to reassess the efficacy of taxation as a tool to improve air quality and explore mechanisms ix to ensure that the use of alternative materials does not lead to higher pollution levels.Item The Effects of Education and Technology on Pakistan's Shadow Economy(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2022) Ammara Sultan; FA19-REC-005; LHR TP 7901; Dr. Abdul FarooqPakistan is a developing country with numerous economic challenges, including corruption, inflation, poverty, unemployment, tax evasion, and shadow economy, all of which contribute to Pakistan's lower GDP. In developing economies like Pakistan, the shadow economy is a major matter of concern because it lowers the economy's growth rate. An increase in the informal economy reduces governmental revenue. With advancement of technology, we now have ICTs (information and communication technologies), cash turnover is reduced, and financial transactions are made more easier after monitoring. It is possible to contribute to economic growth by reducing the informal economy. Extra resources devoted to increase the education level can help to minimize the extent of the informal economy. In literature the study to examine the impact of technology and education on shadow economy in Pakistan's economy is inevitable. Objective of this research is to investigate the impact of technology and education on shadow economy of Pakistan covering the period of 1990-2020. The study will develop the econometric model of time series data and applied the Unit root test. I applied the Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model and find the short run and Long run resultsItem Empirical Investigation of Socio-economic and Bank Specific Factors on Credit Defaults: Evidences from Pakistan(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Shehzad Irshad; SP19-REC-003; LHR TP 8078; Dr.Abdul HaqueFinancial institutions are backbone of the economy. A major issue for financial institutions is to investigate the factors which are responsible for credit defaults. This study investigates the impact of various socio-economic and bank specific factors along with inflation rate on loan repayment. Secondary data is used in the study. A Cross-sectional sample of 350 borrowers, which took personal loan from different commercial banks in the area of Lahore was selected. Descriptive as well as multiple regression techniques were used for analysis. The results reveal that borrowers' gender, age, marital status, educational level, occupation, and income do not affect loan repayment. However Interest rate and disbursed amount negatively affect loan repayment, whereas loan maturity period and inflation rate positively effect loan repayment.Item How do the foreign investment, migration and global value chains (GVC’s) affect the trade liberalization in Belt and Road Initiative countries.(2022) Faiza Akram; SP20-REC-005; LHR TP 8080; Dr. Wajiha ManzoorThe belt and road initiative is a fantastic opportunity for international trade of these by increasing their share in global trade. This study investigates the effects of foreign investment, global value chains, financial development, and migration on international trade liberalization from 1998 to 2020. The data of this study is based on belt and road initiative countries by analyzing with panel regression, Hausman test, ordinary least square, and yearly fixed models to evaluate the nexus between the variables. Moreover, Generalize Method of Movement (GMM) is performed to check the endogeneity issues in panel data. The study's findings suggested that foreign direct investment and migration enhance trade openness. At the same time, trade liberalization is associated with fewer global value chain integrations. The evidence in this study supports that political stability, domestic financial development, and gross domestic product are important factors of trade openness. This study suggests policy proposals for improving trade openness and foreign direct investment. Because of international trade, it is advised to reduce global trade barriers.Item Perception of Sustainable Tourism: Analysis from Local Community Attitudes(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) Zoya Yaseen; FA19-REC-003; LHR TP 8477; Dr. Summaira MalikThis study aimed to explore the impact of sustainable tourism factors - economic, environmental, and sociocultural- on Murree residents with the mediating effect of quality of life and residents' support towards tourism development. In this cross-sectional study, data was collected from the local community of Murree, Pakistan. This study opted for a non-probability sampling technique using a close-ended questionnaire. The response rate of the local community was 85.7%. The present study analyzed the demographic of sample size, descriptive statistics, and correlation. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal accuracy and validity estimations, hypothesis testing, and mediation testing. The empirical findings revealed the significant and positive mediating role of quality of life between economic impact, sociocultural impact, environmental impact, and support for tourism development. The study also indicated that the majority of the local community supports tourism, but is also most concerned about the high prices, traffic blockage, overcrowding, and making natural landscapes less available. The study emphasizes on the responsibilities of local government in the development of sustainable tourism through well-planned and targeted policies.Item The Role of Foreign Remittances in Fostering the GDP of Pakistan(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2023) MUHAMMAD UMER; SP20-BEC-005; HINA AMIRThe study is an addition to the research to examine the contribution that worker remittances provide to Pakistan's GDP. The analysis of the study concluded the impact of workers’ remittances, inflation, unemployment rate, emigrants, and total reserves on the GDP of Pakistan. Time series data (1993 to 2021) has been gathered from different authentic sources like the World Bank and IMF. The results of the ADF unit root test indicate that emigration and inflation are stationary at levels, whereas worker remittances, the unemployment rate, and total reserves are stationary at first difference. Both a long-term and short-term link between the variables is shown by the ARDL findings. The findings demonstrate that GDP is significant impacted by each independent variable. Furthermore, the study examined that the workers’ remittances and emigrants is positively related to the GDP of Pakistan while inflation, unemployment rate, and total reserves are negatively related to the GDP of Pakistan. The findings of this study will be a great contribution to the current research for policy recommendations.Item Work Stress and Economic Productivity: A Case Study of the Textile industry in Pakistan(Library Information Services, COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus, 2022) Imran Ishaq; SP20-REC-003; LHR TP 8689In Pakistan the textile sector contributes nearly ¼ of the industrial value-added products and provides 40% of the total industrial workforce. Additionally, the industry has an average share of 60% in national exports. It also contributes 8.5% to the national GDP. Job-related stress among organizations has converted a significant anxiety for establishments without an immunity for the textile and apparel manufacturing, constituting a significant portion of the manufacturing industry in developing nations. The textile industry needs to improve its supply chain, increase productivity, and maximize value addition to survive in the modern, intensely competitive global market (Shah, Warraich & Kabeer, 2012). Due to multiple factors, anxiety at work is disturbingly fetching a universal public health crisis. Among the most prevalent manufacturing sectors with higher rates of stress at work are fabric mill workers facing work stress worldwide, directly affecting the firm's Productivity, and ultimately negatively impacting economic growth throughout the industrial sector. Work-related stress is a problem that could result in severe social and economic consequences that could be prevented if appropriate measures are taken (Ahmed, 2008).