MANAGEMENT OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER (ASD) and COLLABORATIVE TEAMS

Autism Spectrum disorder (ASD) is a condition related to the development of the brain that can lead to persistent challenges with socialization, restricted interests, and repeated behaviour. Diagnosis for ASD is used as a basis of DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder) produced by American Psychiatric Association. ASD is observed in children during early years of life and significantly affects an individual’s wellbeing. Autism has remained a mystery for many specialists and researchers  for years. Although the cause of autism is still unknown, a number of strategies have been developed that have helped so many people around the world to live independently. So far there are no authentic facts for ASD prevalence in Pakistan however the statistics is roughly calculated from South Asia that ASD might be as common in Pakistan as somewhere else around the world. In a country like Pakistan where Autism is still a new phenomenon especially in rural areas, we have very restricted qualified human resources to provide a reliable rehabilitation service for a child with ASD and their family. Apart from that due to inadequate awareness exposure, knowledge, and incompetency in diagnosis, these children go undiagnosed and are mishandled.

The Impact of Uncertainty, Corporate Social Responsibility and Stakeholder Interest on Organizational Financial Performance: A Study of the Perceptions of the Financial Decision Makers of Service Sector of Pakistan

Corporate sector plays a pivotal role in the growth and economic development of the country. The objective of the present study is to assess the financial decision practices in the service sector of Pakistan. The study investigates the relationship and importance of financial decision determinants (uncertainty, CSR, and stakeholder interest) and financial performance in the presence of mediating role of capital budgeting, capital structure, and dividend policy. The target respondents of the present study were Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) of the service sector industries (Telecommunication, Banking, and Insurance) of Pakistan. The sample was limited to listed companies at Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE). The total population of the study was eighty four and all the respondents were approached for data collection. A questionnaire was used for data collection having 5- point Likert scale. Pilot testing was conducted in order to test the validity and reliability of the instrument. Refined questionnaire was distributed among companies operating in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, and Quetta. This study employed Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA), reliability, descriptive statistics, and a Structural Equation Model (SEM). Results reveal that the decision makers are well aware and agreed to the importance of applications of financial decisions and its determinants in the service sector of Pakistan. However, there are few areas where respondents do not agree or do not consider important, like pattern of past dividends, concern over maintaining share price and dividend cuts. The study concludes that the availability of financial resources and attitude of senior management are the major constrains for the capital investment. The study provides sufficient evidences that capital budgeting, capital structure and dividend policy are key mediators among determinants of financial decision practices and organizational financial performance. Resource availability is an important constraint to capital investment; this should be removed through private public partnership, foreign direct investment and by reducing interest rates. It is recommended that companies may take initiatives in corporate social responsibility activities and may screen out uncertain situations while making financial iii decisions. Service sector companies are also recommended to enhance the interest of stakeholders by providing them consistent dividend and establishing the suitable platform for the understanding the financial decisions. Keywords: Uncertainty, Corporate Social Responsibility, Stakeholder Interest, Capital Budgeting, Capital Structure, Dividend Policy, Organizational Financial Performance