Papers by Muhammad Usman Akram

This paper establishes that pursuing a circular economy is central to the success of Vision 2030 ... more This paper establishes that pursuing a circular economy is central to the success of Vision 2030 whereby Saudi Arabia has laid down its plan to shift from an oil-reliant economy to one that is innovation and sustainability-based. This paper looks at the renewable energy policies of the Kingdom with a special focus on renewable energy and green policies including the Neom project and Saudi Green Initiative. While notable progress has been achieved, certain areas require further enhancement, such as refining legislation, advancing technology integration, and fostering adaptability within organizational cultures. These aspects therefore require policy improvement, increased investment in, and public awareness of innovation. Additionally, given that Saudi Arabia is already leading the world in green hydrogen, with such ongoing visionary projects and effective collaboration across the region and the rest of the world, there is little doubt that the country is a solid part of the sustainability wave. This paper discusses the environmental, economic, and geopolitical impact of Saudi Arabian circular economy active strategies and future recommendations that can be implemented. Thus, Saudi Arabia can obtain economic diversification, keep its environment safe, and have a global impact-all in one century, becoming an example of 21st-century sustainability.
This study investigates the impact of interest rates on stock market returns, focusing on the Kar... more This study investigates the impact of interest rates on stock market returns, focusing on the Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE) from 1997 to 2010. The analysis incorporates macroeconomic variables such as exchange rates, the industrial production index, and behavioural factors like investor sentiment. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis provide foundational insights into the dataset, while unit root and stationarity tests ensure robust econometric modelling. The revised regression approach, utilizing differenced data, confirms a significant negative relationship between interest rates and stock market returns. The findings align with global trends but underscore the unique characteristics of emerging markets, offering valuable implications for policymakers and investors.

This study evaluates the service quality and customer satisfaction of Niazi Express, a leading tr... more This study evaluates the service quality and customer satisfaction of Niazi Express, a leading transport company in Pakistan. The research uses the SERVQUAL model to examine key factors such as punctuality, cleanliness, pricing, and staff way of behaving that influence customer perceptions. A quantitative approach was adopted, collecting data from 200 passengers and 50 employees through structured surveys. Statistical analysis reveals that punctuality and staff conduct significantly impact customer loyalty, while issues like fare transparency and service inconsistencies remain concerns. Findings indicate that enhancing service quality can improve customer retention and competitiveness. The study recommends improvements in operational efficiency, employee training, and fare policies to align services with passenger expectations. By addressing these areas, Niazi Express can enhance overall customer satisfaction and strengthen its market position. Future research can expand this study by comparing different transport services or incorporating qualitative insights from customer interviews to better understand service quality dynamics.
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Papers by Muhammad Usman Akram