PurposeThe current study attempts to bridge the existing gap related to the role of knowledge acquisition from international alliance partners to improve competitiveness by examining the distinct processes of knowledge acquisition and the challenges confronted in this learning process in order to enhance local and international market performance.Design/methodology/approachFollowing case-study approach based on systematic combining, the study presents a case of knowledge acquisition and learning in the context of an international consultancy alliance between leading Pakistani and Chinese engineering firms using six in-depth interviews of key engineers to explore the dynamic mechanisms for knowledge acquisition and learning from the Chinese firm. Grounded analysis drawn upon the Straussian version of grounded theory (GT) {{Strauss, 1990 #136} Strauss, 1998 #139} is used for data analysis in this research.FindingsIt was found that the processes of explicit and implicit knowledge acquisition from Chinese firms are integrated consultancy working, social and technical adaptability and seeking confirmation about the work done and knowledge/theories and models used in work. However, these processes are quite complex, posing serious challenges for National Engineering Services, Pakistan to acquire the required knowledge, which can be addressed through partners' motivation to share and acquire knowledge, cultural intelligence and friendship and informal association. The study also found that the knowledge acquired from technologically advanced international organizations by the host partner in the international strategic alliance not only provides a competitive edge to the local host in its local market but also builds its capacity to undertake similar projects in other parts of the world, substantially enhancing its market success.Originality/valueAdding up to the current literature that focuses on knowledge acquisition in a parent-subsidiary relationship, the current research proposes a framework for knowledge acquisition in the unique context of international strategic alliances. The research provides managerial guidelines to manage knowledge acquisition for gaining a competitive edge that would be helpful for the managers in the era of growing interdependence among the organizations across the borders.

PurposeAcademic dishonesty has been a matter of great concern in higher education for last few decades. The dishonest behavior of students at graduate and undergraduate level has become a severe issue for education and business sectors, especially when the students exercise same dishonest practices at their jobs. The present research aims to address this matter by investigating the perceptions of students towards academic dishonesty and exploring the security and penalties for dishonest acts of students.Design/methodology/approachA well‐structured questionnaire was used to collect the data from 958 respondents studying at graduate and undergraduate levels in different Pakistani universities.FindingsIt has been found that students involve in academic dishonest acts more frequently about which they believe to be less severe. Moreover, they also suggested lower or no penalties for the same dishonest acts which are perceived as less severe.Practical implicationsThe results provide a strong implication for academicians to develop the moralities and ethics in students so that institutions may provide ethically cultivated professionals to the business community.Originality/valueThe research paper is pioneer in its nature to explore the academic dishonest acts of students and their perceptions regarding some of the dimensions of academic dishonest and integrity in Pakistani university students.

Academic dishonesty has been a matter of great concern in higher education for last few decades. The dishonest behavior of students at graduate and undergraduate level has become a severe issue for education and business sector, especially when the students exercise same dishonest practices at their jobs. The number of private and public sector universities is increasing; therefore, the effects of academic dishonest behavior on potential professionals need to be carefully investigated and appropriate policies must be formulated by academicians in order to resolve this issue. The present research addresses this matter by investigating into the relationship of student's demographics such as age, gender, academic program, business/non-business major and CGPA with academic dishonesty. The results have reported that male students of less age studying at the undergraduate level have their own code of conduct and they are less concerned about the academic ethics. Moreover, business students showed a serious behavior regarding academic integrity, whereas, more intellectual students are also very much conscious towards academic integrity. The study found students' demographics to have a significant impact on their attitudes towards academic dishonesty. The results provide a strong implication for academicians to develop the moralities and ethics in students so that institutions may provide ethically cultivated professionals to the business community.

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This research is designed to check the Impact of kinds of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on kinds of Absorptive Capacity( AC) and impact of  kinds of Absorptive Capacity( AC) on  Innovation performance (IP). Data was collecting from 375 employees of  manufacturing micro-companies of Pakistan with the help of purposive sampling.  Results indicates that there are positive impact of kinds of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) on kinds of Absorptive Capacity( AC). Reserch also describes that there are positive impact of kinds of Absorptive Capacity( AC) on Innovation performance (IP). The study also has managerial implications by revealing the contribution of intangible resources to innovation performance. The research also offers different configurations that production managers might choose to use to achieve innovative by using the concept of  absorptive capabilities.