ICBI 2019

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The Impact of On-the-Job Training on Employee Performance: A Study of Production Assistants in Noritake Lanka (Pvt) Limited
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Human Resource Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Nawarathna, K.J.N.M.D.V.; Abeykoon, M.W.M.; Harshani, M.D.R. M.D.R.
Although a plenty of researches have conducted to assess the effects of employee training in manufacturing industry in other countries, in Sri Lankan context research findings in this regard are very limited. Therefore, the objective of the current study was to assess the impact of employee on-the-job training on performance of production assistants in one of the leading manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka. The independent variable and the dependent variable of this study were the level of on-the job training and the employee performance respectively. The reliability of the instruments was tested by using Cornbrash’s Alpha coefficient. The type of this study is hypothesis testing ant it was conducted in the natural setting with the minimum interference of the researcher. The study is a cross-sectional in time and the primary data were collected by using random sampling technique and sample size was 100 production assistants who were working in Noritake Lanka (Pvt) Limited located Matale District. Data was collected through a structured questionnaire via an offline survey. The correlation and regressions analysis were performed to test hypotheses and analyzed data. Finding revealed that on-the-job training has a significant impact on employee performance. Correlation analysis shows that on-the-job training has a strong positive relationship with employee performance. As a significant factor, this would mean that it is very significant to pay a high attention regarding the on-the-job training methods, because it directly affects to the performance of the employees in addition to that proper and wellstructured on-the-job training are required to meet with the desired outcomes of the organization.
The Impact of Work Values on Turnover Intention of Generation Y Employees in Office Automation Industry of Sri Lanka
(, International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Human Resource Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Jayamanna, D.A.C.M.; Gamage, P.N.
Managing employee turnover is a matter of critical importance to any organization in the contemporary business arena. This situation becomes even stringent as organizations are continuously pressurized by greying of the workforce and the constant need to replace them with suitable employees from the emerging generations. In this context, managing generation Y becomes a matter of absolute importance as they are the generation who dominates the contemporary workplace and who will take up responsibility as the leaders in the near future. However, when it comes to generation Y, dealing with employee turnover becomes another critical matter as they report the highest number of employee turnover rates when compared to other generations in the workplace. Conversely, when analyzing the reasons for such turnover, work values play a significant role, as generational differences occur mainly due to the differences in the values they uphold. Therefore, studying the impact of work values on turnover intention of generation Y employees becomes a matter of significance in any industry. However, when it comes to the local office automation industry this situation becomes ever more critical as the average employee turnover rate among millennials skyrockets to 23%. Accordingly, the thesis findings confirmed that work values indeed had a significant impact on turnover intention of generation Y employees. However, results also suggested that intrinsic values such as cognitive and altruistic work values had the strongest impact on turnover intention. On the other hand, traditional extrinsic values such as instrumental and prestige work values had no significant impact on turnover intention of the millennials. The findings thereby indicated that in order to retain generation Y employees, modern organizations should be more interactive and engaging, thereby creating a conducive and free environment for employees to learn and excel themselves professionally. Therefore, it compels managers to think past providing mere financial benefits and traditional welfare measures in order to retain employees. Hence, this research provides a novel contribution to the existing body of knowledge regarding generation Y employees in the Sri Lankan office automation industry.
Determinants of Foreign Direct Investment and its impact on Economic Growth: Evidence from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Countries
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Gunawardhana, C.S.; Damayanthi, N.M.M.
It is argued that Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) inflows benefits the recipient countries by providing capital, technology and long term foreign exchange and bridges savings and investment gap of the recipient country. Further, FDI provides an important role in achieving economic growth in the developing countries. This paper identifies the influential factors that determine FDI inflow in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Countries and empirically investigates the relationship between economic growth and FDI. Further, this study uses time series data from 1980 to 2018 and considered the size of the economy, economic growth, potential of the host market, economic stability, and degree of openness, income level and institutional developments in the host country to identify influential factors to determinants of FDI. Analysis reveal that countries with larger Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate can successfully attract FDI and FDI on the other hand, significantly affect economic growth of a country. In addition, it was found that current account balance, financial deepening and trade openness significantly play a crucial role in determining the FDI flows into recipient countries.
The Influence of Corporate Governance on Earnings Management in Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Rajapaksha, R.A.S.; Tilakasiri, K.K.
The main objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of corporate governance on earnings management. Unlike most prior studies in the area, focused mainly on US firms, this study looks at the listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. The study used secondary data of 30 manufacturing companies (2013-2017). The findings of the study reveal that board members with Finance expertise has a negative significant relationship with earnings management. This confirms that board members with finance expertise lead to reduce earnings management. Further, CEO duality has a negative significant relationship with earnings management. This means that firms which have two separate positions for chief Executive Officer and chairman are more effective in reducing earnings management. Moreover, it is revealed that board meeting has a positive significant relationship with earning management.
Does Weather Contributes to Stock Price Variation? A Cointegration Analysis
(, International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Gunasekara, A.L.; Jayasinghe, J.A.D.K.
The objectives of this study are to investigate whether there is a long term relationship between stock returns and weather factors and to examine whether the weather factors have an outperforming effect over macroeconomic variables when explaining the stock price variation. This study is motivated by the emergence of behavioral branch of asset pricing which pays attention towards the irrationality of investors who are influenced by the mood and the sentiment. This study investigates this phenomenon taking evidence from a growing market, Colombo Stock Exchange. The study use Johansen Cointegration Test with VAR - Vector Error Correction Estimates and Variance Decomposition. The results confirm that weather factors are related with the stock prices in the long run and reveal that temperature has an outperforming contribution to the stock price variation whiles supporting the Temperature Anomaly which is widely researched in this background.
Exploring the Financial Literacy Programmes Delivered by the Sri Lankan Micro Finance Institutions: A Case Study Approach
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Premarathne, W.G.I.D.; Abeysekera, R.
Global Financial Literacy Survey done by the Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services reveal that in 2014 only 35% of adults are financially literate in Sri Lanka. There is a dearth of researches covering this critical area using a qualitative approach. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to focus on the critical, yet an under-researched dimension of MF, the intercession of MFIs in delivering FL to the MF clientele focusing on the profiles such as delivering channels, importance, constraints, and strategies to address. Multiple case study method was used as the research method. The data were gathered from a purposive sample using in-depth interviews. The findings show that several channels of delivering FL; social mobilization programmes, seminars, training programmes, community committees, and credit societies, and the importance of delivering FL are; enhancement of human capital, the sustainability of industry and firm, upgrade new venture survival, client protection, and social and economic empowerment and development. Further, the barriers to delivering FL; budget, industry competition, inactive participation, clients’ attitudes, inactive regulatory bodies’ contribution, and external barriers were investigated with the strategies adopted in addressing barriers; community awareness, motivational strategies, regulatory framework and cost addressing strategies. Findings of this study have implications for policymakers in paying attention to make a financially literate clientele in the MF discipline.
The Impact of Remittances and Gender on Expenditure Pattern on Rural Households in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Dharmadasa, R.A.P.I.S.; Rathnayake, K.K.H.M.; Samaraweera, W.G.R.L.
This study examines the impact of migrant remittances on expenditure pattern of rural households in Sri Lanka. Using a nationally representative data set, fractional logit models were estimated within the Engel curve framework for female headed and male headed households in order to examine the relationship between gender, remittances and expenditures of the rural households. The results suggest that with the receipt of internal remittances, male household heads allocate less on education and more on ad hoc purchases, entertainment and transport expenditure, while female household heads allocate more on food expenditure. The results further reveal that international remittances do not provide significant impact on household expenditure pattern in the rural sector households. Moreover, remitters’ contribution for the ad hoc purchases, entertainment and transport expenditure increases while their presence as a migrant to the household head. Based on the results, the research concludes that there is an association between receipt of remittances and expenditure pattern of rural Sri Lankan households and also the gender of the household head and expenditure pattern of rural Sri Lankan households.
Influence of Brand Citizenship Behavior on Employee Brand Commitment in the Non-Banking Financial Services Sector in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Doctoral Colloquium], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Jayampathi, G.A.S.
Despite the emerging popularity of the concept of the brand citizenship behavior (BCB) deployed to align brand commitment of employees, little has been studied about how BCB influences the brand commitment of employees in the non-banking financial services sector of Sri Lanka (NBFS.) The prime objective of the study is to find out the influence of brand citizenship behavior on employee brand commitment where employee’s brand love mediates the relationship between brand citizenship behavior and employee brand commitment. There are four independent variable identified as helping behavior, brand sportsmanship, brand endorsement, and self – development, whereas the dependent variable is employee brand commitment. The research employed stratified random sampling method where 385 employees who are dealing with customers for marketing purposes from NBFS sector through structured questionnaire. Furthermore, the structural equation modeling was the principal data analysis technique employed. Alongside, author used a deductive approach, associated academic publications and industry-related publications to review empirical arguments. Further, the study attempts to review theoretical and empirical contribution to justify the relationship between brand citizenship behavior and employee brand commitment. Finally, major findings reveals that there is an empirical research gap to further investigate the brand citizenship behavior and employee brand commitment. This paper directs the future research directions to further examine the relationship between brand citizenship behavior and employee brand commitment in the field of non - banking financial services sector in Sri Lanka.
A Conceptual Framework for Improving Performance Oriented M-Learning for Marketing Professionals in the Sri Lankan Information Technology Industry
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Doctoral Colloquium], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Velananda, Y.L.
Marketing Professionals in Sri Lankan information technology industry are frequent travelers and have insufficient time to participate in regular classroom training environment and looking for a new technology era where they can learn at anytime, anywhere. Mobile devices are attached to people’s lives. Therefore, the best solution is use of mobile learning. This study proposes a Conceptual Framework for Improving Performance Oriented M-Learning for Marketing Professionals in the Information Technology Industry concerning nine factors: Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Personal Innovativeness, Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social influence; Self-Management of Learning, Perceived Self Efficacy and Perceived Playfulness. The factors were based on Technology Acceptance Model, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and several other factors from the literature. The report discusses the problem statement, objectives and literature review. Then factors were analyzed based on data collected from 132 participants using a survey questionnaire. Data were analyzed using Cronbach's Analysis, Spearman's Correlation Coefficient and Two-way ANOVA. Based on the results, critical success factors (CSF) were identified and the framework was developed. Finally, the developed framework was tested; recommendations and the future research were discussed. A conceptual framework - nonagon model was built based on the analysis. The Perceived Ease of Use, Perceived Usefulness, Personal Innovativeness, Performance Expectancy, Effort Expectancy, Social Influence, Self-Management of Learning, Perceived Self Efficacy and Perceived Playfulness were found as the CSFs. The software development companies and the educational institutions can adapt to this framework. Researchers can focus on M-learning targeting other professions and industries.
The Impact of Psychological and Behavioral Factors on Investment Decisions: Evidence from Individual Investors in Colombo Stock Exchange
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Bandara, O.A.K.D.; Weligamage, S.S.
Behavioral Finance is a newer field of study that attempts to explain irrational behavior of investors which traditional financial theory fails to explain. This study aims to identify the psychological and behavioral factors that affect the investment decisions; to assess the impact of the identified factors on the investment decisions and finally to evaluate the extent to which these factors can explain the investment decisions of individual investors in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Snowball sampling technique was used to identify respondents for the study and the sample consisted of 74 respondents. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the identified respondents. Factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and case study descriptions were used to analyze and interpret the data. Findings of this study proved that prospect factors have significant negative and market factors have a significant positive influence on investment decisions of CSE investors. Hence it can be concluded individual investor decisions are affected by irrational biases and investors should attempt to avoid these biases to generate higher returns in their portfolios and investment advisors should consider the influence of these factors on their client’s investment decisions for the purpose of enhancing their wealth.
The Impact of Corporate Social Responsibility on Employee Commitment and Compassion at Work: The Mediating Effect of Meaningful Work and Positive Affect
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Human Resource Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Weerasekara, N.; Ajward, R.
This paper aims to theoretically explain the relationships between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), employee commitment and compassion at work using both Social Identity Theory (SIT) and Social Exchange Theory (SET) by developing a conceptual model into which incorporates mediation effects of meaningful work and positive affect. Further, this paper highlights the importance of examining employees’ perception of CSR activities in the licensed commercial banking sector. A structured questionnaire that was developed based on a comprehensive review of literature and refined using both expert opinions and a pilot survey was used for data collection. Sample comprised of 410 respondents with a response rate of 91%, and a convenience sampling strategy was used to secure responses from 13 local licensed commercial banks in Sri Lanka. Structural equation modelling using Smart Partial Least Square (PLS) was utilized to test the proposed relationships. As per the findings, there are significant (p<0.05) positive relationships between CSR and employee commitment and compassion at work. Also, meaningful work partially mediates the relationships between CSR and employee commitment and CSR and compassion at work. However, positive affect partially mediates the relationship between CSR and employee commitment only. It does not mediate the relationship between CSR and compassion at work. Theoretically, this study fills a gap by utilizing both SIT and SET in explaining relationships between CSR, employee commitment and compassion at work. Findings enhance existing literature on CSR, commitment and compassion at work. Moreover, this adds new insights on mediating capability of psychologically related variables.
Difference of Work Related Behaviors between Generation X and Generation Y: A Study of Professionals in one of the Leading Development Banks in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Human Resource Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Pathirage, U.K.; Weerasinghe, T.D.
Managing a multi-generation workforce today is becoming endlessly challenging, basically due to their different work related behaviors. In the recent literature, it is reported that further investigations are required for three work related behaviors of generations; work engagement, career development and teamwork, in banks, especially in developing countries. As a leading development bank in Sri Lanka, XYZ is unique in its multi-generation workforce consist of 2347 permanent employees as at 31st July 2019 across the county. In the context a gap is identified for such a study among two major generations; Gen X and Gen Y. Hence, bridging the gap in the context, and adding further evidence to the extant literature, this study was carried out as a cross-sectional, quantitative, field study among a sample of 350 Gen X and Gen Y professionals, randomly selected from XYZ Bank. Primary data were collected based on a standard measurement scale, through an offline questionnaire survey. Descriptive statistics and the Independent Sample t-test were used to analyze data and coming to conclusions with the aid of SPSS software. There is no significant difference found among Gen X and Gen Y professionals at XYZ Bank in terms of those three work related behaviors; work engagement, career development and teamwork. Further, the importance of a strong corporate culture is emphasized in which generational differences are neutralized up to a significant extent. So, it is recommended that the XYZ Bank does customize its people management policies and practices based on the need and the dynamics of its corporate culture.
The Persuasive Power in Virtual Reality Advertising on YouTube
(, International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Marketing Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Ranaweera, H.R.A.T.
Virtual Reality (VR) is a rapidly booming area of technological advancement. Despite, the evaluation in VR technology which gives rise to both opportunities as well as challenges, there is a severe lack of research exploring VR from a marketing perspective. Given this background, this preliminary study seeks to understand the persuasive power of VR advertising. The study adopts a qualitative content analysis of 1690 User Generated Content (UGC) corresponding to 10 digital advertisements created using VR technology. They were selected based on their popularity which was determined by the number of viewers. The content analysis revealed three major persuasive mechanisms applied in VR advertising: 1) Persuasion through immersive experience; 2) Persuasion as a function of people reflections about the content of a message and; 3) Persuasion through emotional engagement. This extant research adds to the emerging scholarship on the application of VR in marketing by identifying how persuasion mechanisms are applied in VR adverts.
Mixed Method Approach to Environment, Social and Governance Disclosure and Firm Performance
(, International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Doctoral Colloquium], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Nanayakkara, M.S.
Corporate transparency are expected by their stakeholders to be informative through both financial and non-financial information (Atan, Razali, Said, & Zainun, 2016). It has become a fundamental value and a signifier in today’s business environment. It is important to incorporate Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) elements in the business to ensure long-term sustainability. Despite the large amount of previous studies, a consensus about the effect of ESG disclosure on firm performance is not agreed upon. Conducted in two phases, this thesis first explores the current status of ESG disclosure practices of the Sri Lankan listed firms by using ESG index. Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (G3) are used as the basis of formulating ESG index. The study focuses on the ESG disclosures made in the annual reports by a sample of 125 companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) during the period from 2013 to 2018. Secondly, this study empirically examines the impact of ESG disclosure on firm performance. Firm performance is measured by means of Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q indicating operational, financial and market performance. Panel data regression technique is used to examine the impact of ESG on firm performance. Based on the results of the first phase, the second phase examines the factors that explains the extent and engagement of ESG disclosure a sample of 20 companies, including the companies which have higher ESG score and lower ESG score. Data is collected using questionnaire to identify the drivers and reasons for the differences in ESG disclosure level. Thematic analysis is used to analyses the data collected in the second phase. This study provides a methodological contribution to the literature by constructing a stakeholder driven disclosure index. Further, this study contributes to the literature by expanding the scope of existing literature on ESG disclosure in a developing country. The findings of the study help for companies to implement and disclose their ESG activities in order to improve the value of the firm. As well, this study provides insight on the importance of ESG initiatives which are useful for developing and improving ESG policies in Sri Lanka to comply with global environmental standards and guidelines.
The Impact of Internal Controls on Organizational Performance of State-Owned Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics]. Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Kumari, K.A.H.M.; Weerasooriya, W.M.R.B.
Internal control system plays an important role in determining how banks achieve their performance in a competitive business landscape. This study proposes to investigate the impact of internal controls on organizational performance of state-owned commercial banks in Sri Lanka. For this study, internal control was measured by five components: control environment; control activities; risk assessment; information; and communication, and monitoring as per COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of Tread Way Commission). 132 executive level employees from state-owned commercial banks in the Central province responded to the questionnaire. Respondent sample was selected using stratifiedԁ sampling technique. Correlation analysis revealed that internal controls have a significant positive relationship with organizational performance in the case of state-owned commercial banks in the Central Province. This means that state-owned commercial banks should pay more attention to internal controls pertaining to control activities and risk assessment because these variables predict the organizational performance of state-owned commercial banks in the Central Province of Sri Lanka.
Causality Effect and Exchange Rate Volatility of Sri Lankan Rupee and Emerging Asian Currencies against USD
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Lingaraja, K.; Mohan, C.J.B.; Raja, M.
This study examines the long-run volatility and causality effects of Sri Lankan (LKR) currency and nine currency of emerging countries in Asia against USD over 15 years i.e., from 01st January, 2002 to 31st December, 2018. A descriptive statistics and Graphical model were specified and empirical results showed a significant currencies movements. The Granger causality test indicates the strong evidence that the causation runs between Sri Lankan currency (LKR / USD) to nine Asian emerging countries currency price behavior against USD. The purpose of the study is to make a finer point with respect to relationship, volatility and causality effect between the Sri Lankan currency and Asian Emerging countries currency returns against USD. It is found that the significant uni-directional causality effects and relationships among the sample currency data series with LKR against USD. Hence, this result would help to international portfolio managers, multinational corporations, and policymakers for decisionmaking in the Asian region.
The Significance of SWOT Analysis for Performance of Entrepreneurial Process: A Review
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Kumarapeli, K.
SWOT analysis is a popular strategic tool found in strategic entrepreneurship literature. It is a technique applied to understand the internal and external environment of a business entity. However, little is known about the application of SWOT analysis in the business start-ups. SWOT can be used to capture the all necessary actions and steps when entrepreneur starts a business. Specially, in competitive environment business sustainability, profitability is much essential. Therefore most of entrepreneurs used to go for more expensive consultations, concepts, strategies and opinions in order to maintain lucrative business. Core expectation of the literature review to illustrate what are the start-up challenges in a business and how to overcome them using SWOT analysis. Therefore I used prior research findings and prior research definitions to elucidate how far SWOT analysis could involve gaining success in an endeavor. Few definitions and one method has been described in the paper to leaners, entrepreneurs to identify the nature of SWOT in order to use and use SWOT can be recommended in any kind of business at the start-ups.
Profitability of Technical Analysis vs. Buy and Hold Strategy: Evidence from Colombo Stock Exchange
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Accounting, Finance and Economics], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Chathurika, H.L.D.J.; Kasunika, P.D.D.
This paper investigates the profitability of technical analysis in the Colombo Stock Exchange using fifteen companies listed in the S&P Sri Lanka 20 index. We tested the profitability of Variable-length Moving Average (VMA) technique against the buy and hold strategy by applying them to the prices of fifteen companies listed in the S & P Sri Lanka 20 index from 2000 to 2017. This study employs the Mann-Whitney U Statistic, a non-parametric test to evaluate the two strategies and identify whether the profitability of technical analysis is significantly different from buy and hold strategy. We find that, while delivering positive mean return to the investor, sell signals incorrectly predict the direction of share prices and majority of the spread is not statistically significant at least at 10% level to accept the predictability of VMA trading strategy. Thus, over the sample period from 2000 to 2017, no predictability of VMA trading technique is observed compared to the Buy and Hold Strategy. Further, it is not able to generate excess return after adjusting transaction costs under any of five trading rules. Hence, no profitability is observed compared to the Buy and Hold Strategy.
The Impact of User Demography on Contextual Issues of E-learning: With Reference to Banking Sector Employees
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Innovation & Technology], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Rathnasekara, K.I.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Yatigammana, M.R.K.N.
The introduction of information technology in learning processes, commonly referred to as elearning, opens new dimensions in developing competent employees over traditional forms of training and development functions. E-Learning is highly cost effective to the organization, convenient to the learners and saves learning time by quicker delivery cycles. Therefore, many organizations, including banks have introduced e-learning to their employees with the intention of bridging the competency gaps in a more effective and efficient way. However, there is a claim and statistically proven evidence that the expected effectiveness cannot be achieved due to low e-learning engagement of employees. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to critically examine the effect of demographic characteristics on the contextual issues faced by the employees in order to reveal any indications, if any, towards their effective engagement of elearning. A questionnaire was used to collect data from 523 employees covering all employee segments in the selected bank employing the random sampling method. The findings of the study revealed that time management related contextual issues have majority of significant difference with demographic characteristics of employees and organizational related contextual issues have no any statistical significant difference.
Innovative Marketing Strategy for (MSMEs): Scale Development and Validation
(International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI – 2019), [Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management], Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2019) Sathana, V.; Velnampy, T.; Rajumesh, S.
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a prominent role in the growth and development of a nation. Accordingly, this study intends to develop a scale to measure innovative marketing strategy in MSMEs in Sri Lanka. In the first phase, a preliminary set of indicators were identified from the innovative marketing literature and in-depth interviews were conducted with 10 MSME owners to further evaluate the identified indicators. Additionally, two group discussions and expert views of Marketing academics were also obtained to review the initial set of indicators. The final scale which consisted of 17 items was tested by collecting data from 696 MSME owners from the Northern Province of Sri Lanka using the stratified sampling method. An exploratory factor analysis was conducted to provide evidence of scale reliability and validity. The results revealed that there are three dimensions of innovative marketing strategy namely: marketing variables, unique proposition and integrated marketing. This paper contributes to develop and validate a scale for innovative marketing strategy in MSMEs.