ICBI 2014

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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.
Applicability of Student Learning Experience Survey Instrument in Sri Lankan Context
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Weligamage, S.
The use of students learning experience in quality evaluation of higher education is widespread around the world. Outcomes of these exercises are used as indicators of teaching quality, accountability, learning improvement, process benchmarking and performance-based funding. Applicability of Course Experience Questionnaire (CEQ) as a survey-based instrument in evaluating teaching quality and students’ support were tested and validated in many countries. However, this instrument was not used previously in the South Asian and Sri Lankan context. This paper examines the applicability of students’ CEQ in Sri Lanka, where there is a need for improvement in teaching quality of public-funded universities, because till date there is no appropriate outcome-based evaluation system in place. Findings supported the structure of a slightly modified version of student CEQ and further support the applicability of the instrument in a non-western context.
Behavioral Intention towards using M-Learning among Higher Educational Students in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Perera, M.
The proliferation and popularity of mobile phone usage in Sri Lanka has created an untapped potential for educators and organizations. The very recent introduction of mobile learning to the higher education sector of the country is set to exploit much of this opportunity, but there remains some doubt on readiness of students towards this revolutionary distance learning method. This research was focused on increasing the knowledge for the education sector towards understanding of students' intention in accepting and adopting into M-learning as many of the benefits of M-learning has not yet been fully realized in Sri Lanka. Also, the study was also conducted with a view of identifying the factors affecting behavioral intention of higher educational students in Sri Lanka towards M-learning. Based on prior studies, related theories and frameworks four variables were identified in order to assess the behavioral intention of students towards and M-learning system and those were: attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control and perceived risk. The research approach of the study was deductive discipline and primary data were gathered from a self-administered questionnaire. The relationship between each independent and dependent variables were examined along with the hypotheses developed. The sample size was 200 students who represented four public universities and four other higher educational institutes in Sri Lanka. The results revealed that there were positive relationships between attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention while perceived risk demonstrated a negative relationship with the behavioral intention. The study has discussed the findings followed by both descriptive and inferential statistics and based on the findings it is possible to provide recommendations in favor of implementing M-learning systems within the higher educational sector in Sri Lanka.
A Comparison between All Share Price Index and Standard and Poor’s Sri Lanka 20 Index
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Piyananda, S.D.P.; Fernando, C.S.P.K.; Senevirathne, G.H.S.H.
This research studies the daily returns of the two main indices in Colombo Stock Exchange; namely the Standard and Poor’s Sri Lanka 20 and All Share Price Index, to examine the nature of their return distribution and volatility. The main objective of the paper is to investigate whether any one index outperforms the other in terms of its returns and volatility. Data is collected for a sample period of 12 months and analyzed using the SPSS statistical software. A normality test was carried out to explore the nature of return distribution and it is found that the return distribution of both ASPI and S&P SL 20 index are not normally distributed. Positive value of skewness and kurtosis of the two indices further reinforces this fact. Levene’s test shows there is no statistical difference in variance of indices. Further the independent sample t test and Mann-Whitney U test infer that there is no statistically significant difference between the mean returns of the two indices. Nevertheless the results of the return per unit of risk show that ASPI reports a higher return per unit of risk compared to S&P 20.
Corporate Governance and Firm Performance: A Study of Sri Lankan Beverage, Food and Tobacco Companies
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Kawshalya, P.; Aruppala, D.
Corporate governance is a highly discussed topic which received the attention of corporate world during the last decade due to the paramount importance embodied within it for the company performance and stability. Basically corporate governance means the set of rules by which management of the company is directed and controlled. It attempts to ensure that managers and other insiders of an organization take measures or adopt mechanisms to safeguard the interest of stakeholders. With the global financial crisis which affected many of the world business giants, companies are highly concerned to improve their corporate governance practices and therefore today researchers also have a great awareness to carry out researches in this area. However currently in Sri Lanka context less researches available on Corporate Governance. This study focuses on “Corporate Governance and Company Performance” considering all Beverage, Food and Tobacco companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange as at December 2013. Data was analyzed using the data of financial year 2012/13. Data was analyzed using SPSS statistical software and hypothesis were tested performing descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and regression analysis for collected data. According to the findings of the research corporate governance does not make a significant influence on companies ROE, ROA and EPS. Thus, study concludes that the determinants of corporate governance used in the study are not correlated to the performance measures of the organization.
Customer Switching Behavior in Commercial Banking Industry: With Special Reference to Colombo District, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Dayarathna, D.D.K.S.; Gajanayake, R.; Amaratunge, S.
In the modern business world the customer is the most important factor because the survival and growth of any organization highly defended upon the customer base. Therefore retain the customer is a challenge for any organization. Because if the customers are dissatisfied with the level of service offered that they will move to another service provider. So in this study the main objective is to find out the key factors affect for customer switching in commercial banking sector in Sri Lanka. Further the attempts have been made to find out the degree of the influence of these factors on customer switching behavior in Sri Lankan commercial banking industry. In this research the researcher selected 10 leading Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka and 200 customers in Colombo area as sample to gather data. The findings of this research revealed that demographic factors and advertising are more important factors for customer switching behavior. Also Service quality, customer satisfaction, price and innovations & technologies have an impact on customer switching behavior in banking industry of Sri Lanka. The results of this research allow bankers and practitioners to develop and implement marketing strategies to decrease customer switching behavior and increase bank profits. Furthermore, this research provides useful information for future researchers investigating customer switching behavior in the commercial banking industry in Sri Lanka.
Effectiveness of Relationship Marketing Tools on Building Brand Perception: With Reference to Surgery Transplant Products in Sri Lankan Pharmaceutical Industry
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Geethanga, P.L.P.; Dissanayake, D.M.R.
The pharmaceutical industry is one of the rapidly growing industries in global and even local contexts. Industry practices referring to marketing and business development are found as peculiar in terms of its norms and legal frameworks operate. The “transplant segment” of the medical sector in Sri Lanka too seems to be a competitive segment as per the intensity of investment and competition exist. Having focused to the behavioral significance of this product segment in Sri Lankan context, researchers investigated about how customer relationship practices impact to develop perception and market positioning of the product brands. Researchers used 40 sample units (medical professionals) from different areas where the transplant surgery methods being implemented actively, and empirical data were collected through structured questionnaires. The independent variables were recognized as four variables namely personnel sponsorship, institutional sponsorship, continuous medical educational programs and commitment rewards where brand perception was referred as dependent variable measured through 3 items namely price, quality and packaging were taken as dependent variables driven to perception . As per the four hypotheses tested, it was found that all the relationship marketing practices significantly impact on the brand perception. The contribution of personnel sponsorship and continuous medical educational (CME) programs were found as most effective relationship marketing tools indicating above 0.6 of correlation coefficient at 95% confidence level whereas commitment rewards was also figured as an effective relationship marketing tool at above averaged level.
An Empirical Analysis of Liquidity in S&P SL 20 Index of Colombo Stock Exchange
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Fernando, C.S.P.K.; Chandrasena, S.M.; Perera, H.A.N.D.
This study analyzed the liquidity formation in the recently introduced index to the CSE, the S&P SL 20. The main focus of the study was the depth of trading liquidity. Three possible influences on depth; timing, market condition and trading volume, were identified. Regression and correlation analyses were used to test developed assertions. First regression model tested the impact of time on share price. Second regression model tested the impact of time on share volume. Finally, the impact of share volumes on share price was tested with correlation analysis. A highly and continuously trading stock sample was drawn from the S&P SL 20 index as to test the variables at their ceiling liquidity. The results shows there were no material impact from any of the variables studied on trading liquidity of sample stocks.
Exploring Perceived Impact of Tourism on Regional Development in Southern Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Edirisinghe, S.D.
Tourism is emerging as promising phenomena for countries in solving critical economic problems. By tourism, Sri Lanka too can keep trust on sustainable development. Especially to the rural coast line natives can improve their lives through tourism. Scholars define that rural tourism as an activity that includes farm tourism and agro-tourism, campsites, lodges, safari drives, craft markets, cultural displays, adventure sports, walking trails, heritage sites, musical events and any other tourist activity taking place in a rural area. But tourism generates positive and negative impact on the natives and culture. Main research problem of this study is “What are the existing situation of socio economic impact on Southern coastline tourism”. More over the study explore the perceived impact of tourism on southern community in Sri Lanka by taking 100 sample units of Southern coastal line covering Weligama,Matara and Devinuwara. For understanding phenomena of interests researcher used descriptive analytical technique and stratified random sampling technique. Data collecting instrument was selfadministered questionnaire and quantitative analytical technique employed. The findings of this study clearly show that the locals of these coastal areas are supportive to tourism and that negative socio-cultural impacts on the local community have been relatively minimal. But it is important to control and reduce the negative impacts and to enhance the well-being of locals through tourism.
The External Auditor’s Opinions and The Stakeholders’ Purposes; An Empirical Analysis in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Wickramasingha, S.R.M.; Nanayakkara, K.G.M.
Our paper specially investigates the Sri Lankan audit opinions and its’ effect to the investors’ decision making. It has been conducted the market-based model with a sample of thirty one(31) listed manufacturing companies on the Colombo Stock Exchange; the dependent variable “Stock Return” serve as proxy for Investors’ Decisions and independent variables are “Audit Opinions” published in Sri Lanka. This research study’s final consequence is robust the notion of the audit opinions are not informative value to the investors’ decisions.
How Delphi Method adopts to collect the Data for Identifying Corporate Social Responsibility Activities in Sri Lanka?
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Tilakasiri, K.K.
Researcher has developed a CSR framework in 2012 from the developing countries point of view. Current study also based on that CSR framework and identified the main activities relating to the three bottom lines, people, profit and planet. Although there is no mandatory requirement for CSR in Sri Lanka, the firms are running with the several CSR activities. Basically, the firms do not consider the CSR frameworks when they implement the CSR activities (Fernando 2010). The different firms activate their own activities as CSR, firms like to disclose those activities. Moreover, the new business organisations and existing non-CSR organisations wishes to identify the most popular CSR activities for their potential responsibilities. However, there is no accepted theory or a mandatory requirement of CSR activities to understand the above wishes. Therefore, this study fills this gap summarising the most popular CSR activities are being implemented by the public listed companies in Sri Lanka. Many Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) researchers have described their CSR studies as two ways. First, the development studies such as CSR concepts, standards, and frameworks. Second, the relationship studies such as relationship between CSR and Company performances and Stock Markets. The latter studies have been expanded up to the identification of the advantages from implementing CSR activities in their business organisations. While discussing CSR on developing world, it can see that (Lantos 2007; Fernando 2010; Tilakasiri 2012) no accepted frameworks, standards and indices, but the companies are tried to organize CSR activities, looking at the developed world CSR frameworks, standards and techniques. However, this study’s aim was to recognize CSR activities relates to Sri Lankan context. Delphi method was used for refining the data and the content analysis research technique was used to classify the qualitative CSR activities according to the stakeholder theory. Looking at the developed countries’ CSR organisations, it cannot be identified the real feedback of CSR or benefits to the developing countries. Therefore, this study tried to develop the CSR activities in developing countries which they own such as Sri Lanka, it is good to identify the benefit and advantages from the CSR concept for the particular country. Research problem of the study was, How CSR activities are categorised by the existing firms? What are the popular CSR activities in Sri Lanka? Are there similar CSR activities in the firms in Sri Lanka? If so what are those? 5 point Likert scale used for analysing the significance of the activity and content analysis research technique used for analysing the data. On conclusion, the study identified 28th CSR activities as major activities in Sri Lanka.
The Impact of Brand Loyalty on Buying Behavior of Consumers of LED Television (Case Study to Philips LED TV)
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Ravindra, P.; Kumarapeli, K.
The attempt of this study is to examine the impact of the brand loyalty generates on consumers buying behavior especially concerning to LED television. Hence, the purpose of the study is to determine the factors contribute to construct brand loyalty in the minds of consumers and to what extent they influence on consumers‟ buying decision towards LED televisions. The researcher initiates the study in finding relevant literature with regard to the brand loyalty and consumer buying behavior. Based on that literature, the conceptual framework is developed and examined during the study taking the variables from the available literature. The factors such as brand awareness, brand image, perceived quality and company reputation and consumers‟ buying decision are the main variables investigated in the current study. The research methodology mainly focused on gathering primary data using a questionnaire. The analysis of primary data allowed the researcher to examine the hypotheses developed based on the variables identified as main contributory factors in constructing brand loyalty which influence the buying decision of the consumers. The conclusions of the study suggest that there are statistically significant relationship exist between the identified variables and consumers‟ buying decision. Therefore, the recommendations are given by the researcher to increase effectiveness of factors affecting in constructing the brand loyalty towards the selected LED television brand.
Impact of Climate Change on Paddy Yield; An Empirical Study based on Hambantota District
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Anuranga, B.K.H.D.
The intergovernmental panel on climate change (IPCC) defines Climate Change (CC) as the change in the state of the climate that can be identified (using statistical tests) by the changes in the mean and or the variability of its properties and, that persists for an extended period, typically decade or longer”. Paddy cultivation is highly vulnerable to CC and subsequently its yield determines how much income is earned by farmers. This study was undertaken by the researcher to ascertain whether there is a relationship between CC on paddy yield gained by farmers in Hambantota district as the same study dedicated to Hambantota District has had not been done. Data, temperature and rainfall, for a period of 30 years both in Yala and Maha were obtained from the Meteorological Department in Sri Lanka at the same time paddy yield in Hambantota district also was used and regression analysis used in quantitative method analysis was employed in determining whether CC has an impact on paddy yield gained the. The researcher built following hypotheses for the model Rise in temperature may impact on crop yield to fall down, fall in temperature may impact on Crop yield to fall down, and Rise may impact Crop Yield to increase. It was found out that temperature has a significant impact on paddy yield whereas rainfall has no significant impact on paddy yield. Additionally, an independent predictor variable, extent of land makes a significant impact on paddy yield. To mitigate the adverse effects of CC, enlarging the extent of land cultivated and remedial actions to be taken to control the adverse impact by rise in temperature were also suggested.
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 Service Quality Dimensions on Student Satisfaction: A Study Based On Commerce and Management Faculties of Public Sector Higher Education Institutions in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Wasala, W.M.N.K.; Senarath, S.A.C.L.
Public sector higher education institutes in Sri Lanka are in a close competition in recent years in order to offer high quality services and achieve higher national and International rank. But quality in higher education is a complex and multifaceted concept and a single appropriate definition of quality is lacking. Every stakeholder in higher education has a particular view of quality depending on their specific needs. But out of these stakeholders, students' perception of quality is more prominent than others. Since positive perceptions of service quality can lead to student satisfaction and satisfied students may attract new students through word-of-mouth communication and return them to the university to take further courses. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between student satisfaction over the service quality dimensions offered by Commerce & Management Faculties of the public sector universities in Sri Lanka. The research will be conducted using the HERDPERF service quality model and six declarative hypotheses will be developed for the dimensions chosen and tested through correlation analysis. Finally the outcomes of the results concluded that all five aspects are positively correlated with the student satisfaction and academic aspect and reputation has a strong relationship toward student satisfaction.
Impact of Supervisory Leadership Style on Employee Level of Stress in Sri Lankan Healthcare Sector
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Weerasuriya, M. K.; Nishanthi, H.M.
The concept of leadership has received increasing attention in recent years, both from academics and practitioners. Hence the research question focused in the study was: What is the impact of supervisory leadership styles on employee job related stress level? Through the study it was revealed that there is an impact of supervisory leadership style on employee job related stress level in healthcare sector. The study employed questionnaire based survey method. Respondents were selected using the convenience sampling technique and the sample size was limited to sixty employees out of the total population. The correlation between supervisory leadership style and job related stress was 0.313 at 95% confidence level indicating a moderate positive relationship between the two variables. Adjusted R Square revealed that the real impact of leadership style towards the employee level of stress is only 7.9% where the employee stresses greatly induced by other factors to 92.1%.
Low Visibility of Foreign Banks in the Sri Lankan Banking Industry
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Premathilake, H.; Wijayanayake, A.
The Sri Lankan banking sector is dominated by Licensed Commercial Banks (LCBs) that has the highest contribution and accounts for 86%, of the Banking Sector assets. Out of the 22 LCBs,11 are branches of international banks. But the six main local LCBs, which include 2 state banks that alone account for 42% of the LCB assets, has dominated the banking sector so far. Even though the international banks are backed by a long history of operations in Sri Lanka and a goliath and stable Group structure, they are yet to make their mark in the local banking industry. This research, focus on identifying the factors affecting the visibility of international banks, via an in-depth study in customer awareness of the products and services offered, customer preference and loyalty towards the banks and the level of marketing done by these banks to establish their brand image. Both primary and secondary data collection techniques were used to obtain data. Primary data collection was done via a questionnaire that was circulated primarily via electronic format. The secondary data used, was marketing budgets and Net Promoter Scores (NPS) of international banks. Both qualitative and quantitative data analysis methods such as co-relation, two sample variance testing and non parametric analysis has been used to identify relationships between the variables under investigation and their impact on the visibility of foreign banks in the Sri Lankan retail banking industry.
Macro-Economic and Internal Determinants of Share Prices in Sri Lanka A Case from Colombo Stock Exchange- Banking Sector
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Chandrasena, S.M.; Fernando, C.S.P.K.; Ranaweera, R.M.C.S.
The focus of this study is to identify the relationship between internal and macro-economic determinants on share prices in Sri Lankan based banking companies in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). The study uses panel data pertaining to the banking sector over the period of seven years from 2006 to 2012. The fundamental purpose of this research is to ascertain the syndicate effect of profitability, dividend payout ratio, return on asset, Gross Domestic Production (GDP) and inflation (Independent variables) with share prices (Dependent variable). A sample of 7 listed banks has been selected from the CSE for the study. The basic objectives are to identify the relationship between share prices and selected independent variables and to capture the impact of unobserved data on share prices. Pool regression model and fixed effect model are employed to meet the objectives of the study. The results of the pool regression model show that profitability of the firm and GDP have a positive significant impact on market stock prices. By capturing the impact of unobserved data the entity fixed effect model reveals that certain banks had firm specific effects on share price. The time fixed effect model shows that favorable time periods cause to make favorable changes in share prices.
Market Orientation, Innovativeness and Performance in E-Learning Programme of Sri Lankan Universities
(University of Kelaniya, 2014) Vaikunthavasan, S.; Samarakoon, S.M.A.K.
The purpose of the study is to explore the market orientation, innovativeness and performance of the government Universities in Sri Lanka. Sri Lankan Universities were the unit of analysis. Data for this study were collected from the faculty heads or coordinators of Higher education programmmes in government Universities in Sri Lanka. Convenient sampling method was adopted, structured questionnaires were issued directly and sent through the mail to collect data and one hundred and fourteen respondents were gathered in this study. The MARKOR was used to measure the Market Orientation. Correlation and regression analysis were used in order to identify the association among market Orientation, innovativeness and performance. Three market orientation measures included intelligence generation; intelligence dissemination and responsiveness to intelligence were used to investigate their relationships with Innovativeness and performance. All three measures were found to be statistically significant and positively related to the Innovativeness and performance of the course programmes Universities in Sri Lanka. Based on the studies, the Universities were suggested to follow proper market oriented strategy in higher education system, it will lead to optimum performance achievement.