Browsing by Author "Ubayachandra, E.G."

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Adaption of Information Technology Systems on Success of Supply Chain Management in Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Ubayachandra, E.G.; Rathnasooriya, W.A.S.; Wijayaratne, W.A.M.C.
The research topic “Adaption of Information Technology Systems on success of Supply Chain Management in Apparel Industry of Sri Lanka” discussed in this research paper. This study aims to identify the degree of application of information technology in supply chain management in the apparel industry. Also the study will cover the problems encountered in implementations of supply chain management and finding out the requirements for successful IT implementations in Supply chain management. As such the problem centered in this study was how far information technology is used by the appeal industry in case of its supply chain management. Also the notable research gap identified by the researcher was what factors have affected implementation of Information Technology systems and to what extent the apparel industry uses IT systems in its Supply Chain Management. IT was filled by the research. The key objective researcher attempted to achieve was to examine practice of IT in supply chain management. It was followed by the three specific objectives. Consistent with the objectives of the research, four research questions were raised and mainly such as what is the degree of applying IT solutions in Supply Chain Management followed by two other questions were raised. Based on the variables represented in the conceptual framework, five hypotheses were formulated. Therefore empirical evidence was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Mainly deductive approach was used as the research approach. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in presenting and analyzing the data. Inferential statics such as regression and correlations analysis were used to determine relationship between relevant variables. There are ten number of findings made. The degree of applying IT solutions in supply chain management is somewhat average in the Sri Lankan apparel sector. The adaption of IT systems needs to get further competitive advantage and other benefits in the supply chain management. Finally eleven recommendations were made and twenty suggestions for future researchers pointed out.
Adoption of JIT System in Tire Industry in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Ubayachandra, E.G.; Rathnasooriya, W.A.S.; Weerabahu, W.M.H.P.
This research paper aims to explore and understand the contextual factors that have significant impact on the use of innovative manufacturing practice like Just-In-Time (JIT) in the tyre industry. This system is used to replace the implementation of JIT method in tyre manufacturing industry instead of employing more labor because the other competitive tyre manufacturing industries have practiced this method and they have come to a higher profitable level. The tyre industry profitability has been eroded by rising labor cost, increasing number of rivals and constantly changing customer demand. Many manufacturing firms have looked into innovative manufacturing systems to remain profitable. As a result, transforming business by implementing new manufacturing practices has been applied. JIT) production system represents one such new technology. The sole problem addressed in what factors affecting the adoption of Just-In-Time (JIT) system in Sri Lankan tyre industry. However, it is unclear what the necessary step might be, and what type of factors have significantly impact on the use of JIT system as a whole. This will be an interpretive research study using quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques. A preliminary conceptual model has been developed based on literature review and relevant theories were guided to carry out the research.
An Empirical Investigation Into Determinants of Success of Foreign Financed Development Projects in Sri Lanka
(2010) Ubayachandra, E.G.; Silva, H.W.N.S.
By this empirical study it was aimed to investigate into the factors that affect the success or performance of foreign financed community based development projects in Sri Lanka. Out of the 548 existing project implementing organizations (Action Plan 2006) for the convenience of the analysis 64 organizations covering 15 districts were taken into consideration. The selected organizations are mixed with UN organizations, government and semi-government ventures,international NGOs, local and national NGOs. For collecting data 250 questionnaires which were received back without rejection were administered among the selected organizations. The key purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence made by identified couple of factors on success of considering projects. Specific objectives were to examine the interrelationship between main two factors and to identify the influence made by infrastructure facilities on success of these projects. For this purpose three research questions were addressed. They are; what is the degree of influence made by two factors on success? What is interrelationship between two factors? What is the influence made by infrastructure facilities on success? Success of the projects was estimated in terms of allocation of resources, goal attainment and other impacts associated with productivity and quality improvement. Univariate analysis and Byvariate analysis were employed in analyzing the data. Furthermore, "t" test and "F" test were applied fortesting respective two hypotheses. In computing P value it was considered that for high significant level should be equal to 0.05 and for significant level a should be equal to 0.10. For more clarification SPSS computing software version was associated. As indicated by the results of discussion it was noted that though both endogenous factors and exogenous factors make influence on success of projects, a dominant and vital role is played by endogenous factors in determining the performance of community based development projects in Sri Lanka. Thus a great attention should be paid on endogenous factors in strategically planning and implementing these projects.
Consumer Buying Behavior of Decorative Paints Industry in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ubayachandra, E.G.; Mendis, A.S.M.G.
All paint companies today offer complete range of products for consumers as local ventures due to high import tax imposed by the government for importation of paints. On the ground of rapidly increasing demand for the decorative paints in consequence of increase in building, shelter and other governmental and private constructions, the decorative paints industry is competitively growing today. Besides, today this particular industry has become a more profitable one in Sri Lanka. On account of this preferable situation, the Sri Lankan decorative paints companies focus to offer user friendly and environmental friendly decorative products. This evidently shows commitment of the decorative paints companies towards better world. Though it is so, to the preliminary survey conducted it was noted that 95% of market share has been captured by seven companies out of the 60 local paints suppliers. Thus, the focal problem was why such a situation has come about. Of the four objectives included in the study, key purpose was to examine the relationship between purchase intention and purchase behavior of consumers in respect of paints. Consistent with the objectives the research questions were also set. Additionally, a research gap noted from literature review has also been filled up in this study. The research approach employed here is the deductive method and mix of both qualitative and quantitative perspectives were applied. The selected sample consists of Colombo, Kaluthara and Gampaha. Three hypotheses were formulated from respective literature review and better methodological choice was made to get the study systematic. More primary data were associated as this is an empirical in nature and from different documentary evidences secondary data were gathered. Descriptive statistics was used to present data and to analyze data, Correlation analysis was employed. Eventually findings were made and it was concluded that brand image, product quality and price have considerable impact on buying behavior of decorative paints. Accordingly, recommendations were produced. In addition some related researchable areas have also been pointed out at the end of the paper.
Effective University Management: Issues for Academics
(Department of Economics, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Ubayachandra, E.G.
The significant of efficient and effective management for fruitful and productive university system is stressed here. The university system is considered here in a Sri Lankan context. It is sure that university system has a center stage role in providing a productive labour force to the labour market in the country.to achieve its goal or mission it must have an appreciable and clear vision. In steering towards this mission with a better vision, leadership in the universities ought to be well equipped.This article stresses the importance of university authority and academies working together through managerial roles and sharing a strategy for an effective management process. Further an attempt is made to point out self-management, understanding individual behavior, assertiveness, delegation, empowerment and good relationship as aspects that could help to harness an effective university management process to enhance and strengthen productivity.
An Empirical Investigation into Determinants of Success of Foreign Financed Development Projects in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ubayachandra, E.G.; de Silva, S.K.D.U.
By this empirical study it was aimed to investigate into the factors that affect the success or performance of foreign financed community based development projects in Sri Lanka. Out of the 548 existing project implementing organizations (Action Plan 2006) for the convenience of the analysis 64 organizations covering 15 districts were taken into consideration. The selected organizations are mixed with UN organizations, government and semi-government ventures, international NGOs, local and national NGOs. For collecting data 250 questionnaires which were received back without rejection were administered among the selected organizations. The key purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence made by identified couple of factors on success of considering projects. Specific objectives were to examine the interrelationship between main two factors and to identify the influence made by infrastructure facilities on success of these projects. For this purpose three research questions were addressed. They are; what is the degree of influence made by two factors on success? What is the interrelationship between two factors? What is the influence made by infrastructure facilities on success? Success of the projects was estimated in terms of allocation of resources, goal attainment and other impacts associated with productivity and quality improvement. Univariate analysis and bivariate analysis were employed in analyzing the data. Furthermore, "t" test and "F" test were applied for testing respective two hypotheses. In computing P value it was considered that for high significant level it should be equal to 0.05 and for it significant level should be equal to 0.10. For more clarification SPSS computing software version was associated. As indicated by the results of discussion it was noted that though both endogenous factors and exogenous factors make influence on success of projects, a dominant and vital role is played by endogenous factors in determining the performance of community based development projects in Sri Lanka. Thus a great attention should be paid on endogenous factors in strategically planning and implementing these projects.
Factors Influencing on Brand Switching of Users of Mobile Telecommunication in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Ganegala, G.W.N.K.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
Mobile telecommunication is one of the fast growing industries in Sri Lanka. Currently few numbers of operators engaged in this small market with huge competition. Due to highly competitive market environment service providers attract others customers to sustain. As a result of that the switching behavior of customers’ has been frequently happening. This study was focused on the problem of identifying the Factors Influencing on Brand Switching of Users of Mobile Telecommunication in Sri Lanka. Main objective of this study was to determine the factors impact on switching behavior of mobile telecommunication users in Sri Lanka. Deductive research approach was used for this study and 150 switched respondents between ages 18-55 were selected under convenience sampling method. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study and survey method used to collect most of the primary data. Five independent variables were identified according to the previous literature namely Brand Image, Core service failure, Attraction by competitors, price and Social influence. The data were analyzed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Data analysis revealed that the brand image had the most impact on brand switching behavior than the other factors. However, all five factors were found significant impact on switching behavior among mobile phone users. Findings of this study provide important implications to the telecommunication operators in their effort to increase their customer base and to retain customers with the organization.
Factors Influencing the Purchase Intention of Fast Moving Consumer Goods from Supermarkets
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Jayasiri, N.A.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
more and more fierce competition in today’s business, require the companies to investigate the influencing factors to their businesses. It is an attempt to develop knowledge and conduct the research in a meaningful and practical way. This research reports on examine the influencing factors on purchase intention in the supermarket in Sri Lanka. There are many different influencing factors (Corporate image, Relationship marketing, Customer trust, New product preannouncement, Price promotion, Service experience, Convenience) for retaining the customer. It was based on the Literature review and other general influencing factors of purchase intention. Then satisfaction customers are intention to buying products from supermarkets. Quantitative research design is used as the research design. Data was collected from 200 respondents using the closed end questionnaire. Respondents were selected from the Kiribathgoda area supermarket shoppers. Collected data were analyzed by using descriptive analysis method, independent T- test one way sample analysis were used to analysis the data. According to the correlation analysis found that there is strongly positive relationship between influencing factors and purchase intention. Therefore developed all null hypotheses were rejected. Supermarkets owners should pay attention to build attitudinal loyalty than behavioral loyalty. Therefore it is essential to identify the influencing factors to get the attraction from the customers.
How Japanese Manufacturing Ideally Words
(Department of Economics, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Ubayachandra, E.G.
At present, it is noted that Operations Management has made a Considerable change in manufacturing field. It is highly visible in Japanese management practice today. Japanese management is very popular in manufacturing. In this practice, the newly introduced concepts namely Just-In-Time (JIT), Total quality control (TQC) and Kanban play a greater role. How do these concepts become more popular in the real practice today? Secrecy behind this is that they have shown so feasible in the Japanese management practice today. Currently a more comprehensive understanding of these new concepts and the Japanese practice has led to their usage throughout the world during 1970s and on into the 1980s. In Japanese management practice employee involvement has become very popular. Openness and total employee involvement are important to Japanese. All employees help to solve production problems when they occur. The Japanese workers are specially well-equipped to participate in decision making. One of the most often discussed aspects of the Japanese management is lifetime employment. It allows employees to take risks and offer suggestions that improve operations. Productivity in United States failed to keep pace with that of other industrial countries. (J.eromeA.Mark, 1979). During this era, many foreign companies started to carve out substantial niches for themselves in United States markets. Prominent examples for this situation are Nissan, Toyota, Sanyo, and Sony. Under this climate, managers in United States have become acutely aware of a more competitive worldwide market. Here, the competitiveness is a frequent topic of discussion at present among managers and government officials and in the mass media. Competitiveness can be defined as the relative standing of one competitor against other rivals. It is of course like the game of musical chairs. The major three American automakers such as General Motors, Ford and Chrysler have worries about their organizations’ relative standing in the United States automobile marketplace. Competitiveness has become a prominent business and government concerns in the era of global business as a contest among nations. Members of the mass media routinely talk about the competitiveness is a benchmark for past performance. In this case, the Japanese companies play a greater role at present. These companies have a significant percentage of the world Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) market. This rapidly increasing competition has meant decreased market shares of United States and Canadian business practices. Before this challenging situation especially United States and Canada have refined their attention on cost control, productivity improvement and quality. Since 1970s Japan has penetrated into North American markets. Now it is repeated itself in Western Europe. Under this climate, North American business practices are gaining a greater appreciation of the strategies implemented by the giant international competitors, Particularly the Japanese manufacturers. As such, it is worthwhile to understand the Japanese management practice and the secrecy behind their manufacturing. As the situation is so, it was a puzzle to the author that why Sri Lanka is still at the bottom of the industrialization.Also, the author aims to point out the manner in which existing industries in Sri Lanka ought to be restructured. Especially, this message would be given to the owners of the industries here and the policy markers. Moreover, a vacuum of providing opinions in this respect was also indentified by the author. The ideas have been presented along with this paper methodologically. It was concluded here that as western companines now learn from Japanese, Sri Lanka should essentially absorb and implement the Japanese management techniques to develop our industries.
The Impact of Country of Origin on the Brand Equity: The case of University Student in Purchasing Toothpaste in Sri Lankan Market.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Gomes, G.H.D.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
This study investigates the reflections of country of origin image on consumers brand equity with regard to the Sri Lankan University Students in purchasing toothpaste. The research problem of the study is to check the impact of the Country of Origin on the Brand Equity. Most of the past researchers have focused on impact of country of origin on the consumer buying behavior without considering a specific product category. The key objective of this research is to identify the impact of the country of origin on the dimensions of the brand equity and the specific objectives are to identify the relationship between Country of Origin and the dimensions of Brand Equity which are Brand Awareness, Brand Association, Brand Loyalty and Perceived Quality. This is quantitative research study and the sampling technique includes Judgmental sampling and Quota Sampling. The data collection method was Questionnaires. Sample size was 150 undergraduates from three different universities. To test the hypotheses, correlation analysis and simple regression analysis were performed. According to the Regression Coefficient, Country of Origin affects Brand Equity of Toothpaste purchasing which indicates positive association between the dependent and independent variables. According to the sample analysis, it describes that most of the toothpaste consumers prefer foreign toothpaste brands.
Impact of Industrial Export Earnings Instability on Economic Growth in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Ubayachandra, E.G.; Rathnasooriya, W.A.S.
The study on industrial export earnings in respect of economic growth in Sri Lanka is key research goal in considering the economic development and growth in a country. However, there is limited academic attention involved in this area. Accordingly, one aspect of this study was to fill up the research gap which is not touched up by other researchers so far. Resulting from the preliminary survey made regarding considering area, the researchers were able to identify a severe problem in this field. So, there is a continuous instability of industrial export earnings in Sri Lanka. Thus, the researchers intended to address why such a situation has taken place. Meanwhile, the study makes an attempt to achieve four objectives namely key objectives and specific objectives in this area and research questions raised in this study and this study was how far industrial exports instability makes influence on economic growth. A strong attempt was made to fill up the research gap none has sought so far. Accordingly, four objectives were set for getting a deeper understanding about the chosen field. Consistent with each objective, three research questions were also raised for more clarification. Meanwhile, based on the relationship among variables represented in the conceptual model, five hypotheses were formulated. And also, for the purpose of getting the study systematic, better methodological choice was also made and accordingly the deductive method was used for postulating the theme of the study. In addition both qualitative and quantitative perspectives were applied in analyzing the data. For presenting the data mostly bar charts, graphical presentations and tabulations were used to analyze the data. Correlation analysis was employed to test the data statistically. Based on the test results, ultimate conclusion including the findings was made. The major finding in this study is that there is a chronic instability of industrial export earnings in Sri Lanka. On the ground of this situation, the researchers have produced certain policy implications in support of eliminating these poor situation. Additionally, at the end of the study further researchable areas related to considering field have been pointed out for facilitating to those who are interested in doing research in this area.
Impact of Merchandising on Maintaining the Long Term Relationship With The Retailer (With Special Reference to Apparel Sector)
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Madhushani, A.B.N.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
This study examines the study on impact of merchandising on maintaining the long term relationship with the retailer (With special reference to apparel sector in Sri Lanka). Margin maintenance, merchandising support and vendor’s brand equity identified as independent variables and maintaining the long term relationship with the retailer identified as dependent variable. In here research has addressed complex problem related to impact of merchandising on maintaining the long term relationship with the retailer. Meanwhile research gap was identified from the literature review. At the same time the research gap has been filled accordingly. Meanwhile five objectives consistent with five research questions has been revealed. Based on three hypothesis study design was conducted. Mainly primary data was collected and in addition to that secondary data also applied. A total of 150 sample was collected from merchandisers in selected three apparel companies in Sri Lanka which are most considering on retailer brands an retailer relationship. The data set is collected through questionnaire, and convenient non-probability random sampling method. The findings revealed that there is a significant relationship between all independent variables with retailer relationship. Data presented using pie charts and bar charts whilst analyzing data using correlation a regressions analysis. Finally 05 recommendation were presented along with 10 key findings.
The Impact of Store Atmosphere on Buyer Behavior With Special Reference to Supermarket Chain in Gampaha District.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Kanchanamala, M.K.D.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
In recent years, there has been an increase the number of studies investigate the impact of store atmospherics on buyer behavior. Most of study focused store atmospherics on consumer purchase intention. The main objective of this research is to explore the supermarket store atmospherics on buyer behavior and analyze how it influences exterior variables, General interior variables, Store Layout, Interior Display variables and Humana variables of customer’s point of view in Sri Lankan context. Marketing literature has a great deal of empirical evidence confirming the influence of Store atmospherics on consumer buyer behavior. The findings from the study indicate Store atmospheric factors have significant positive correlation with buyer behavioral variables. And also study found human variable has strong power to impact consumer’s intent of purchase. Research sample was 100 respondents and questionnaires were design in 5 point Likert scale and data collect as survey.
Impact of the Promotion Tools on the Brand Loyalty in Relevance to Anchor Newdale Flavoured Milk in the Context of Western Province,
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Balakrishnan, G.P.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
In the present business environment, marketers are using different kinds of promotion tools to achieve the organizational communication goals. Companies spend millions of money on developing promotion tools but only very few of the promotion tools which are adopted to achieve the brand loyalty. Considerably a very low amount of researches has been done for the flavored milk industry in Sri Lanka, while in other countries there are many researches evaluating the relationship. With the limitations, a new research is required to evaluate the relationship between promotional tools and brand loyalty with special reference to in Anchor Newdale flavoured in western province Sri Lanka.This research was made based on 6 objectives and made sure that all 6 objectives were met and the research questions were answered. The Hypothesis created based on the objectives was also met by this research. For this purpose, 150 respondents were selected by using non probability sampling method. This research was conducted based on qualitative and quantitative basis and questionnaires, interviews and observation was used to collect data from the respondents. The data analysis covered correlation & regression by using the version 20.0 of SPSS package. Results revealed that promotion tools and brand loyalty are positively correlated.The researcher can conclude the fact that the promotion tools do have a positive significance on the brand loyalty. The analysis proves that this has been met. Although there is a positive significance towards the brand loyalty the relationship is basically moderate.
The Impact of Visual Merchandising on Customer Buying Decisions with Special Reference to Fashion Retailing Stores in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Rathnayaka, R.M .U.R.K.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
Fashion retailing industry is one of the fast growing industries in Sri Lanka. Visual Merchandising is an emerging concept, which was focused in this study and the problem centered here is that the extent to which the visual merchandising impact on customer buying decisions. The primary objective of this study is to identify the extent to which visual merchandising makes impact on customer buying decision in fashion retailing stores in Sri Lanka. This study was based on both primary and secondary data. The primary data were collected from the sample survey conducted in seven selected areas in Kandy District. 175 respondents were selected for the sample. Based on the literature, researcher selected five variables namely, Window display, Store Design layout, Mannequin display, Background music and promotional signage. Both inferential and descriptive statistical tools used to analyze the data. The study revealed that, the influence made from Window display and Promotional signage on consumer buying decision is very significant and the mannequins moderately influenced on customer buying decision. The overall conclusion is that, Visual Merchandising has a significant impact on buying decisions of customers in fashion retailing stores in Sri Lanka and it was further suggested that, retailers must strategically allocate their resources wisely towards these tools of visual merchandising to generate a greater appeal to the prospective customers.
Impacts of Social Network Advertising on Brand Loyalty (With Special Reference to Consumer Electronics Industry).
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Asees, F.A.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
This study focuses on how current marketing- branding strategies incorporate various aspects of social media to positively affect consumer loyalty to a brand. Within the past few years, social media has become an increasingly popular medium for brand, consumer engagement and making customers more loyal to the brands. Specially, in this study researcher has investigated to accomplish objectives such as find out most significant dimension as Informativness, entertainment, irritation, credibility which affect towards brand loyalty. The main reason for this study and the gap is less awareness about social network advertising campaign in Sri-Lankan market, Because of this reason there can be seen a big gap between the research related to this topic between Sri-Lankan context and international context. Main objective is to evaluate the consumer expectations in social network advertising while finding the Impacts of Social network advertising on brand loyalty and finding most effective dimension of social network advertising mostly affect towards Brand loyalty. A total of 216 respondents were selected to participate in the survey by building a questionnaire using face to face interviews method, structured interview method and in the end, the following results was sought: The indicators which represent each dimension have a high reliability & by looking at the reliability of each dimension can ensure there is a high internal consistency in this research.
The influence of demographic factors on the purchase evaluation criteria of mobile phones in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2016) Chathuranga, P.A.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
During this second decade of the new millennium, maximizing the potential of mobile phones is a challenge that will engage governments, the private sector, and the development community alike. Mobile phones manufactures are constantly looking for new ways to differentiate themselves. The communization of this market causes a deeper view into what drives a consumer purchase of one brand over another. so the research problem is to “Identify the influence of demographic factors towards the purchase evaluation criteria of purchasing mobile phones in Sri Lanka” The research objective is to identify the influence of gender, customers’ age groups, level of income, customers’ level of education and customers’ level of occupation towards purchase evaluation criteria of mobile phones in Sri Lanka? The research is quantitative and both primary and secondary data collection methods were used to get information. Primary data was collected from a questionnaire of 100 respondents from the through convenience sampling. The data collected was analysed using SPSS and statistical tools such as frequencies, percentages, mean, mode, median and standard deviation, regression, correlation, r square, ANOVA and hypothesis testing were used to analyse data. According to the study done by the researcher, we can clearly see that the Sri Lankan customers consider the utilitarian criteria as more important when purchasing a mobile phone than the hedonic criteria. Under the utilitarian criteria the Sri Lankan mobile phone users consider more about the durability of the mobile phone they purchase and secondly consider the price of the mobile phone.
Marketing of Agricultural Products
(Department of Marketing Management, Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies,University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ubayachandra, E.G.
Personality Dimensions as Predictors of Job Satisfaction Of IT Employees in Sri Lanka
(2011) Ubayachandra, E.G.; Silva, H.W.N.S.
Under this study an attempt was made to investigate into relationship existing between personality dimensions and job satisfaction of IT employees attached to leading companies in Sri Lanka. For this purpose, four companies namely Ind. And financial system Sri Lanka ltd, Millennium Software Ltd, John Keels Computer service (pvt) Ltd, and Virtusa (pvt) Ltd. For the convenience of analysis, a sample consisting of 125 employees were selected by using simple random sample technique. Out of these four companies 32 employees were selected from Millennium Software Ltd. while 31 employees per each of other three companies were selected for the analysis. As this study is empirical in nature, a great attempt was made to collect primary data as much as possible by administering a detailed questionnaire which was subjected to a pilot study with a view to clarify reliability and validity of questions. In addition, further information was collected through a series of interviews held with senior management and other low level employees. For collecting additional information an endeavor was made to associate secondary data too. For this purpose, related documentary evidences such as electronically stored data /data mining were used. The focal problem of the study is existence of number of bottlenecks in software development industry in Sri Lanka. The key purpose of the study was to examine the correlation between personality dimensions and job satisfaction. Specific objectives were to identify the correlation between job performance and job satisfaction and to make a better set of suggestions to improve job performance and job satisfaction through the development of personality. Accordingly two research questions consistent with so-called objectives were addressed. They are, is there any relationship between personality dimensions and job satisfaction? What is the relationship between job performance and job satisfaction? The Big-Five personality dimensions were applied to conceptualize the respective theme of the study. For presenting data out of the descriptive statistical tools percentage values, mean, mode and standard deviation were used. Furthermore, in testing hypotheses the well known chi-square test was completely employed. Resulting from the analysis it was found that there is a direct relationship between personality dimensions and job satisfaction of IT employees in Sri Lankan leading companies. The most significant finding is that emotional stability, extraversion and consciousness dimensions are consistently valid predictors for all job categories there. All these dimensions are positively correlated with job satisfaction. And also it was noted that job performance and job satisfaction are almost interrelated each other.
A Study on Customer Dissatisfaction through Switching Behavior of Motor Insurance Policy Holders in Sri Lanka.
(Department of Marketing Management, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Jeewantha, D.A.N.; Ubayachandra, E.G.
Customer satisfaction with a company’s products or services is often seen as the key to a company’s success and long-term competitiveness. In the context of a service industry, customer satisfaction is often viewed as a central determinant of customer retention through the development of relationships. However, the few empirical investigations in this area indicate that a direct relationship between these constructs is weak or even nonexistent. The overall purpose of this article is to develop a conceptual foundation for investigating the customer dissatisfying elements, customer switching behavior and customer retention process, with the use of the concepts of customer satisfaction. The article involves a critical examination of the satisfaction–retention relationship, and the development of a more comprehensive view of the customer’s quality perception. The study considered three cues Price, Empathy and Responsiveness. The objective of the recommendations is to prove further insights of how to minimize the level of customer dissatisfaction occurred within the motor insurance industry. The recommendations will be based on the research findings, their implications and the insights of the findings towards strategy development.