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Massive growth of technology based e-learning systems is enabling student access to academic content from higher education institutions around the world. This study explores the antecedents of behavioral intention of students to use e-learning systems in university education to supplement classroom learning. A quantitative approach involving a structural equation model is adopted and research data collected from 358 undergraduate students is used for analysis. The study framework is based upon the technology acceptance model (TAM) and three external factors are proposed to influence the behavioral intention of students to use e-learning. Frequently used external factors in previous researches like computer experience and anxiety were not used and alternate factors were explored. Results show that self-efficacy, enjoyment and results demonstrability have a significant positive influence on perceived usefulness and on perceived ease of use of the e-learning system. The study contributes to understanding such contributory factors from the viewpoint of a student by suggesting that these factors hold well in the Pakistani academia culture where sufficient relevant empirical evidence did not exist due to lack of prior studies.

Change Acceleration Process model (CAP) emerged in early 90's as a set of principles for accelerating change management efforts in organizations. Business Process Improvement (BPI) projects open avenues of opportunity and success for organizations in this highly competitive era. However, most of these projects fail due to lack of commitment, communication, scope creep and inadequate resources. This research attempts to study industry relevant factors most critical to success of a BPI Project in the highly competitive telecom sector. Modified Delphi technique employing a panel of telecom professionals was adopted in order to determine the critical success factors (CSFs) after a thorough review of the literature. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to map extracted factors to the five agents of change. Research outcome defines the relevant CSFs in terms of vision, skills, incentives, resources and action plan. A significant contribution of this research is an extended CAP model for implementation of BPI projects. Practical implications of this research are utilization of the proposed model for BPI project success.

To be successful in the tough competitive market, businesses should be exceptionally good in worth, timeliness and accuracy; especially in the case of software outsourcing in Pakistan. With the advent of quality system standards, outsourcing firms and the outsourcers need to achieve certain objectives regarding the quality of software. Software projects developed in Pakistan still exceed the planned budget and fall behind schedule resulting in low customer satisfaction primarily because of project management issues. In current economic crisis of Pakistan, the failure of outsourced software projects cannot be afforded at all. Effective project management and collaborative efforts of government and software professionals can make Pakistan a highly desirable field for software outsourcing. In this paper the current practices about project management knowledge areas and their applicability to outsourced projects in local software industry are reviewed. Weak areas in management are identified and measures are proposed to successfully manage outsourced software projects.

Global climate change, environmental pollution and depleting natural resources have necessitated major changes in the way businesses undertake procurement, manufacturing, operations and provision of goods and services to customers. Therefore, green supply chain management (GSCM) practices have caught the attention of researchers in many different countries. However, the adoption of GSCM practices and their influence on firm performance is still in its early stages. This study examines the influence of GSC determinants on firm performance in Pakistan’s manufacturing industry. Survey data was collected from 317 respondents working at various managerial levels in supply chains from manufacturing firms of Pakistan. Green supply chain management practices were assessed using five variables; ‘eco-design, green purchasing, green information systems, cooperation with customers and green manufacturing’. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that green supply chain (GSC) initiatives had a significant impact on firm performance. Excluding green purchasing, the remaining four elements of GSC were shown to be statistically significant in predicting firm performance. This study highlights the importance of employing green strategies and practices in supply chains in order to improve overall organizational performance. In addition to practical implications for supply chain related environmental concerns, some directions for future research have also been suggested.