2nd - 2015

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/13580

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Corporate Governance and Earnings per Shares: A Study of Sri Lankan Manufacturing Companies
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ayesha, P.V.; Chathurika, P.K.A.G.; Kumarihami, H.M.D.A.; Sagarika, D.B.T.; Senanayaka, C.; Sewwandi, R.M.S.
Good corporate governance practices are important in reducing risk for investors, attracting investment capital and improving the performance of companies. This study is initiated on “corporate governance and firm performance” with the samples of 26 listed manufacturing companies in CSE. Data was analyzed using the data representing the periods from 2009 to 2014. Board size, board meeting, executive directors, non-executive directors were used as the determinants of corporate governance whereas earnings per share (EPS) is used as a measure of firm performance. Hypotheses were tested using SPSS statistical software. According to the finding of the research corporate governance make a significant influence on companies EPS. Thus, study concludes that the determinants of corporate governance used in the study are correlated to the performance measures of the organization.
Cultural comparison in Asian countries: An Application of Greet Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Dissanayake, D.M.S.B.; Niroshan, W.W.A.E.; Nisansala, M.H.; Rangani, M.L.D.; Samarathunga, S.K.R.A.; Subasinghe, S.E.I.; Wickramaarachchi, D.N.; Nirasha, K.; Wickramasinghe, D.N.; Wickramasinghe, W.W.M.E.G.P.M.B.
Countries differ from one country to another country by their identical characteristics which are coming under their own national culture. People behaviors are respectively linked to cultural values of the country and this association is based on the framework of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions. The study indicates the cultural differences of the countries among the world according to a four dimension which are Power distance, Uncertainty avoidance, Individualism vs. collectivism and Masculinity vs. femininity. Power distance means the extent to the nations which accept the power in organization or anywhere is distributed unequally without further justifications. The extent to which the members of a culture feel threatened by ambiguous or unknown situations and have created beliefs and institutions that try to avoid these is reflected by the Uncertainty avoidance. The third dimension is Individualism vs. collectivism which reflect the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members, and the fourth dimension, Masculinity vs. femininity indicates that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined by the winner / best in field – a value system that starts in school and continues throughout organizational behavior. The purpose of this study is comparing the national culture in Asian countries and identifies what factors affect to association with the Hofstede’s cultural dimension studies. In this study we identify the how above four dimensions index behave on Asia. The power index of almost all the countries in Asia take high value that means all the nations in Asia has been tend to accept the power coming from top without further justifications. Uncertainty avoidance index of the Asia is scored low amount excepting few countries indicating the lot of nations in Asia who not comfortable with an ambiguity situations. Masculinity vs. femininity index of the every Asian countries score a small amount excepting Japan, Iraq reflecting the nation who work in order to live rather than live in order to work. Individualism vs. Collectivism index shows small value in countries below 50 in almost every country in Asia reflecting nations who highly desire for collectivism than individually survive.
Customer Brand Awareness on Professional Educational Institutions in Sri Lanka
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ariyarathna, D.H.L.; Ayesha, D.H.P.; Hettiarachchi, H.A.M.D.; Kumara, K.M.D.P.; Kumari, W.G.H.K.; Nimesha, M.A.; Samanthika, S.V.G.M.; Senevirathna, S.M.A.P.
The main objective of this research is to enhance understanding of customer brand awareness on professional courses in Sri Lanka. On the other hand increase student knowledge for the brand awareness on professional course. Information gathered using secondary sources such as articles, journals. In this research data are collected from eight articles. Most researcher discussed brand awareness with brand equity. Customer brand awareness variables have intermediate relationship and the results provide partial support for the brand equity being far more significant than awareness-related determinant.
Customer Satisfaction on Eco-tourism Practices in Sri Lanka
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Deshani, J.A.K.K.P.; Kumara, K.K.I.H.; Wijesinghe, D.M.S.; Wijesundara, W.M.N.D.; Kumuduni, M.N.; Pragalathan, M.; Randunu, W.W.H.; Usama, M.M.
Tourism is presently one of the most crucial contributors to the economy in Sri Lanka. Tourism is one of the largest earners of foreign exchange in Sri Lankan economy. It accounts for Rs. 132,427 million of foreign exchange earnings in 2012 (Tourism and Development Authority, 2012). Many hoteliers in Sri Lanka promote the sustainable use of alternative form of tourism concept as a new market oriented concepts. Being a good business opportunity and the fastest growing segment, Sri Lankan tourism is changing its outlook to sustain new concepts like eco-tourism. Since Sri Lanka is rich with much cultural and natural diversity, it has the potential to develop the eco-tourism concept as an alternative form of tourism better than other destinations for the benefit of the Sri Lankan economy and community (Authority, 2012). The research was done with the intention of providing a thick description to the concept of eco-tourism with the customer satisfaction. Sri Lankan eco resort hoteliers construct the meaning of eco-tourism in various ways. They are more towards nature based tourism, wild life tourism and environment conservation tourism. They were unable to target eco-tourism market and attract eco tourist. Because the hoteliers’ practice of the eco concept differs from international practices and standards, they could not meet the expectations of eco tourists. Even though the eco resort hoteliers’ main market is eco tourist market, they cater and address to other type of tourists. Comparing to the international standard components, Sri Lankan hoteliers consider only few aspect as an essential components of an eco-resort. It has created a gap between the needs of eco tourists and the services of eco resort hoteliers. Based on these findings, the researcher tried to identify the quality of practicing the concept of genuine eco-tourism and meeting the customer expectations. Then it is important to explore this phenomenon in Sri Lankan context to find out whether there is an impact of eco-tourism practices in eco resorts to the arrival of eco tourists. The finding of the present study indicates that the positive relationship was observed among eco-tourism strategies and customer satisfaction.
Design an Effective Solid Waste Management Model for Sri Lankan Context
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jinadasa, A.R.P.; Munasinghe, M.A.S.H.; Pathirana, P.W.S.K.; Perera, W.A.I.D.; Sandamalee, B.H.M.A.; Sandamalee, B.H.M.A.; Wickramasinghe, A.A.S.R.; Wijekoon, T.M.P.; Mubeenudeen, M.M.M.
The purpose of this research paper was to design an effective Solid Waste Management model (SWM) for Sri Lankan context based on current Sri Lankan Solid Waste process. In line with that, researchers have observed generation, collecting, controlling and get recycled outcome on solid waste. The increasing solid waste generation has become an important issue in recent years due to the uncontrolled growth of the urban population and industrialization. In Sri Lanka, urban solid wastes heap up on the roads due to improper disposal system and this higher level of waste generation in Sri Lanka is happening due to increased consumption patterns. Applying the case observational method, researchers designed a model which is capable for managing solid waste in Sri Lanka. The model that identified in the study is an effective solid waste management process to manage improper solid waste disposal. Through a substantial literature review on different types of waste management models, researchers observed current solid waste recycling models and identified significant phases in the available SWM practices in Sri Lanka. Significant phases on SWM like; waste collection, transportation and disposal methods have been depicted in the developed model in the study. The model provides important approach for policy development in the country. Also the model lead the companies to have a supportive strategic decisions and develop RRR businesses and lead the households to earn income by selling reproduced solid waste which highlight a sustainable waste management in Sri Lanka.
Determinants of Logistics Outsourcing: A Review of Relevant Literature
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Perera, M.K.T.P.K.; Adhikari, A.M.D.I.; Wickramasinghe, H.H.L.M.; Dasanayaka, D.M.J.H.K.; Karunanayaka, K.P.W.; Wickramaarachchi, W.A.S.S.; Ruwantha, W.T.M.; Fernando, W.M.K.K.M.W.
Outsourcing is currently ongoing through stage of unstoppable growth. Logistics is the most famous function of outsourcing. Outsourcing has emerged as one of the popular and widely used business strategy of this globalized era. After exhausting the traditional modes of cost cutting, outsourcing has become the most favored avenue for cost cutting In the light of increasing competition and potential economic benefits in the logistics sector, the objective of this paper is to examine the determinants of logistics outsourcing and identify the key factors that are required for a successful a logistics hub. For the logistics hub, the analysis on the determinants of competitiveness is made using literature which are presented information about logistics outsourcing.
'Employer’s perception on employability skills and attitudes of new graduates’: Qualitative insights from the employer’s in Sri Lanka
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Galhena, R.D.; Dasanayake, D.H.C.U.K.; Piyasekara, G.M.T.N.; Ranaweera, W.G.K.H.; Samaraweera, P.P.M.; Wickramarathna, U.V.G.A.U.; Wijerathne, W.A.D.M.; Wimalasiri, R.K.H.S.
The concept and definition of employability of employees has been discussed for a number of years but there has been a growing interest in graduate employability over the last decade. As the interest in promoting graduate employability has increased numerous studies have produced detailed breakdowns and taxonomies of particular skills and attitudes required to promote graduate employability. The purpose of this research is to identify what skills & attitudes Sri Lankan employers expect from a fresh commerce stream graduates when recruiting to a company. Interview was used as the research method of this study and the sample consist of executive level officers from telecommunication, media, FMCG, finance, accounting, technology, construction sectors. Finally, from this study it was identified that team work, interpersonal skills and planning & organizing skills are the main skills that are highly considered when recruiting a new graduate and positive, loyalty, flexibility, professionalism/ work ethics are the main attitudes that they are highly valued in a graduate.
Employers' Perception of Employability Skills of Students of Commerce and Management Discipline: A Qualitative Approach
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Fonseka, K.W.D.D.; Kodikara, D.P.; Kodithuwakku, I.K.A.H.E.; Senadeera, H.V.N.; Silva, M.A.C.M.; Herath, H.M.N.S.B.
Enhancing employability skills of students in Commerce and Management discipline is considered as an important task within the Sri Lankan higher education community. This research was conducted with the objective of identifying required skills and strategies to develop skills in order to expose students of Commerce and Management discipline to the job market. And also this was conducted based on sample constituting by five solid ventures representing all industries in Sri Lanka. Some literature reviews are also included in this paper which have extracted from educational reports and theoretical research papers. This Research identified that current job market level of Commerce and Management students is at a good level, apparently private sector employers are looking for more skills, and also research findings reveled that introduction to employability skills, employer needs, matching employer need and skills and attributes that are valued by employers. This research concludes that universities and other higher educational institutions should conduct special programs to develop the skills of students to meet the requirement private sector employers in the industry.
Factors affecting to the credit recovery in Sri Lanka: A Review of Literature
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Jayawardana, N.T.A.; Wijekumari, W.D.W.N.; Jayarathna, W.S.M.; Lakmal, M.M.N.; Sadaruwan, G.H.; Dayan, G.L.S.
One of the most important matters in banking in general and lending in particular is the ability of a lending officer to confidence lend out money and be assured that these funds will be recovered from the borrower without resorting to punitive action. The problem of credit default is a real one that has cost many financial institutions fortunes in bad debts. Because of lack of information on credit defaults many credit officers are likely to still lend out funds that may never be recovered. This study sought to identify factors that lenders could look out for and the foresight they would need to have in order to avoid default of credits. The findings were that the education background of borrowers is a vital factor that they all need to be weary of as they make decision to lend. It also was brought to the fore that it is vital to equip credit officers with sufficient knowledge and skills in the field of lending for them to be better analyst of credit assessment.
Factors Influencing Undergraduate’s Intension on E-Waste Recycling
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Bandara, L.A.C.J.; Bhagya, E.K.P.; Chathurangani, A.H.N.N.; Darshana, K.N.; Liyange, L.P.; Madhumada, H.A.N.D.; Mafaz, M.B.; Premasiri, P.S.M.; Umar, N.H.
Recognizing the emerging and serious issue of Electronic waste, this paper has made an attempt to ascertain the intention on e-waste recycling among undergraduates of University of Kelaniya. The main objective of this research paper is to identify the influencing factors of e waste recycling in the selected respondents about e-waste. The data was collected from 50 respondents through the distribution of well-structured questionnaires. An insight into understanding the e waste management practices and key predictors in relation to e waste recycling intention are essential as they will lay the foundation for future effective e waste management. This paper reports a preliminary exploration of the construct of e waste Recycling intention among undergraduates of University of Kelaniya. The findings of the study revealed that respondents of undergraduates of University of Kelaniya, were having only considerable relationship in between perceived knowledge and willingness than other influencing factors.
Factors Influencing Undergraduate’s Intention on E-Waste Recycling
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Malsha, K.A.I.; Kumari, M.M.U.N.; Thasani, E.W.A.; Thisera, H.A.M.; de Silva, L.H.C.H.; Lakmali, K.K.D.; Dilshani, K.A.C.; Jayamanna, A.; de Soiza, I.; Nilukani, D.G.A.; Weerasingha, H.; Pushpakumari, H.A.S.
Rapid advancement of electronic wastes becomes a huge problem for human and environment. Undergraduates can be identified as one of the major group of people who uses electronic equipments for various purposes. Thus, this paper attempts to identify the factors that impact for the intention of e- waste recycling within undergraduates. After reviewing literature, a conceptual model is developed which can be further used by the researchers for the empirical testing.
Inflationary Impact on Capital Structure: An Analysis of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Chandrasena, M.R.I.N.; de Silva, G.V.G.; Maushani, B.V.N.; Samarakoon, S.M.N.S.; Samarathunga, B.H.A.I.; Fernando, K.S.R.; Samarakoon, K.M.C.; Mapitigama, K.K.P.R.
The capital structure reflects all of the firm’s equity and debt obligations. Firm’s capital structure is determined on several factors and it is very important to lead the firm towards better and performance. Therefore determinants of capital structure obviously play an economically important role in a firm. Hence it is necessary to identify that what factors contribute to the capital structure composition. The current research is conducted to identify the relationship between determinants of the capital structure and the firm’s leverage. As identifications through literature reviews, determinants to the capital leverage (Dependent variables) are profitability, tangibility, firm size and capital intensity & Inflation. In Sri Lanka there is no any study was conducted to identify the relationship between Inflation (Independent Variable) and the capital Leverage (Dependent Variable).According to that the main objective of the present study is to identify the relationship between capital structure and its determinants with the predictor of inflation. To obtain a final conclusion, analyzed 25 manufacturing companies (Sample) listed in Colombo Stock Exchange from the population of 37 manufacturing companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange during the period of 2010/2011 year of assessment to 2013/2014 year of assessment. Findings showed that capital intensity is a significant predictor of short term leverage, firm size is a significant variable of long term leverage and final model was rejected statistically.
Personality and Undergraduate Performance: An Assessment of the Big Five Personality Model
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Gunarathna, M.A.S.Y.; Gunewardana, W.N.N.; Gunewardana, W.N.N.; Imalka, K.D.S.P.; Nimeshi, G.K.S.; Ranwala, R.S.; Sarathchandra, K.S.H.; Silva, A.R.; Silva, M.T.M.
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between Personality and Job Performance. In order to construct the above mentioned relationship with related to job performance we have used the dimensions of the big five personality model dimensions which are Extroversion, Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Open to Experience and Agreeableness. As the methodology, a questionnaire was used as the research instrument.Particularly, the study was conducted in the University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, among the undergraduates of the Faculty of Commerce and Management studies. Multiple regression analysis of the study was used to prove the stated hypothesis of the study and the researcher concludes that the dimensions in the big five personality model make an impact on the job performance of the undergraduates. Finally, the researcher suggests the Job performance levels varies among high and low categories of Open to experience, Emotional Stability, Agreeableness, Extroversion and Conscientiousness.
Social Media and Marketing: A Working Study
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) de Silva, D.P.J.I.; Gunasekara, D.T.; Perera, R.M.C.; Malwanna, M.H.S.P.; Sirisena, D.K.C.M.; Welimanna, N.C.N.; Ranasinghe, M.P.C.; Maduranga, R.L.R.
During different time era’s different methods of communications has developed and changed the everyday life. Social media has become the way of communication in the 21st-century, enabling us to express our thoughts, ideas and feelings in a complete new way. This way of communication have also had a huge impact on corporations, where they have realized that without a proper plan and social media strategy they have no chance to stand out in the rapidly changing digital space. To ensure a successful presence on social media the companies need to take different marketing theories into consideration so that they can boost their brand in diverse aspects. If this can be combined with innovative ways of consumer interaction the companies have a good chance to take the lead in social media marketing. Provided the importance, this study intends to assess the impact of social media activities on marketing effectiveness. The research team investigates the companies which utilizes social media as a marketing tool and intends to achieve the said objective above. The survey is a proposed cross sectional survey and data will be collected from marketing managers by means of a semi structured questionnaire. The proposed study may have important implications to the practice and the theory provided the value and emergence of the field of social media a marketing tool.
The Study on Identifying the Relationship between Opportunity Recognition and Sustainability in Small Business in Sri Lanka
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Perera, H.R.L.; Perera, K.T.J.C.M.; Rodrigo, B.K.U.P.; Gunawickrama, K.M.; Perera, P.V.H.N.D.; Ranasinghe, R.D.M.; Nanayakkara, K.A.D.C.A.; Rajakaruna, P.S.; Prasanna, M.N.A.; Suraweera, S.A.G.L.
Entrepreneurship nowadays is one of the fastest developing and expanding fields in the modern economic settings. Present in every industry and on both corporate and small business level, entrepreneurs are often regarded as the driving economic force for improvements and expansion. Nevertheless, with both scholars and practitioners increasingly recognizing the importance of this field and related research areas, an aspect receiving the most attention is the opportunity recognition and idea generation process. This study intends to identify whether high level opportunities mediate the relationship between opportunity recognition and firm’s sustainability. The key constructs which give more concern in the research are sustainability & opportunity recognition. A questionnaire will be used to collect data as a methodology of the research. 150 samples of entrepreneurs are to be selected & descriptive statistics will be used to analyze data. The study will generate new factors which will restrict to identify high level of entrepreneurial opportunities for Sri Lankan entrepreneurs.
Technology Adaptation of Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka: An Observational Survey
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Abeyrathne, G.D.; Habaragamuwa, I.D.; Holipitiya, G.P.; Indrachapa, R.G.P.; Jayawardana, L.J.; Nandasiri, D.L.; Ranasinghe, H.W.K.G.; Sandeepani, G.A.S.P.; Javid, H.J.M.
Technology adaptation has emerged as an important determinant of competitiveness in recent global trade. Gaining competitiveness became a driving force for the apparel firms to adopt technology. The purpose of this paper is to examine the status of technology adoption of Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing firms and the organizational factors that affect the level of technology adoption. Three companies in apparel industry were examined. A qualitative research with an observational study and online interviews were conducted to collect the data. The level of a firm’s technology adoption was found to be significantly related to factors such as top management interest, Employee acceptance, capital allocation to technology, tendency toward innovation. While employee acceptance was moderately related to technology adaptation, the effects of top management interest, capital allocation, and innovation were significant. The firms which have adopted new technologies have gained their success than which are not. Our analysis provides a guide to future businesses to adopt new technologies to gain the competitive advantage and achieve the success of the firms while concerning discussed variables which impacts on the technology adaptation.
Towards a Coherent Picture on Entrepreneurial Venture Growth: A Working Study
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Iqbal, H.S.; Kandanarachi, L.D.; Maddumage, M.T.A.; Perera, L.N.S.; Piyathilaka, V.A.R.; Siriwardana, H.N.; Somasiri, J.N.; Wathsala, G.V.S.; Rajapaksha, R.P.E.K.
Our research is demonstrated in the form of a working paper to empirically examine the interaction between the two extensions of inside and outside factors affecting entrepreneurship and growth. Leadership, cognition and motivational factors recognized as our main constructs and dimensions were identified for each one of them. Entrepreneurial venture growth is a multidimensional concept. Based on the independent variables identified we have developed a conceptual framework indicating the related dimensions on each of the concepts. Research data has been constructed with a targeted population of 200 and among them we have chosen 15 entrepreneurs to carry out our pilot study. The results of our findings could encourage the future researchers on the nexus of opportunity recognition and entrepreneurial behavior in established firms embedded in organizational routines. Based on our research outcomes we affirmed that reliability assessment is accurate and for the researchers who are interested to expand or study area, they could use this as a secondary source for their future endeavors. We also intend to continue this research in the further and develop and extend the scope based on the growth of entrepreneurship.
University Canteens’ Standard of Food and Nutrition: A Qualitative Study based on University of Kelaniya
(Department of Commerce and Financial Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Kulathunga, K.M.S.K.; Weragoda, S.; Liyange, T.; Chinthaka, T.; Sandeepa, K.D.; Mataraarachchi, C.P.; Sugirthan, R.