A system dynamics study of Pakistan's education system: Consequences for governance

Abstract

Purpose: Marred by complex internal and external pressures, Pakistan's education system struggles to move ahead. This paper uses system dynamics (SD) to analyze this complexity and identifies leverage points and intervention strategies for change.Methodology: An SD approach suggests that meaningful understanding comes from building up a big picture of phenomena. Causal loop diagrams (CLDs) are utilized to describe and explain the present system and helps to suggest actions that can be taken in the present that will impact the long term.Findings: Three factors are identified in terms of having the greatest impact in this area. We conclude that in order to reduce dependence on the military and foreign aid, it is imperative for Pakistan to turn its attention to its education sector.Practical implications: The implementation of the suggested strategies could arrest the vicious cycles occurring at present within the education sector. Consequently, the education sector could gradually be mended, inducing positive knock-on effects on the economy and the country as a whole.Originality: Each of the factors that have been identified have been examined separately in their role in advancing the education system; however, by utilizing this methodology, this paper attempts to bring a "system understanding" to a longstanding problem.

Critical success factors for sustainable entrepreneurship in Pakistani Telecommunications industry: a hybrid grey systems theory/ best-worst method approach

“…Second, firms should engage in continuous social responsibility to encourage foreign investors to invest in the sustainable production of valuable products and services (Porter and Kramer, 2019). This will not only increase FDI revenue but will provide new job opportunities, thus mitigating the issues raised by Richter: “the increase in unemployment and a lack of an educated workforce encourages poverty and crime, which perpetuates corruption and places greater pressure on the government” (Richter, 2019, p. 2).…”