11th Students' Research Symposium 2022
Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/26042
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Item Examining The Barriers to The Microfinance Sector: Evidence from Padukka Division Sri Lanka(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Hansani, W.A.; Abeysekera, R.Purpose: Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide services to low-income people to alleviate poverty. MFIs face barriers when reaching out to clients. This research aims to examine the barriers to the microfinance sector in the Padukka division of Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the multiple case study method. Four MFIs were selected for the study. Data were gathered by conducting 12 in-depth interviews of managers, officers, and clients from selected MFIs. The data were analysed by using crosscase analysis and pattern matching. Findings: Supply-side and demand-side barriers were identified. Supply-side barriers are Deposit side barriers, loan-side barriers, and lack of knowledge, Demand-side barriers are lack of knowledge, non-membership, and economic barriers. Originality: The findings contribute to the microfinance domain, and the practitioners could implement the recommendations.Item Investigating the Impact of Financial Literacy on the Performance of Micro Enterprises in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Fernando, B.R.M.; Abeysekera, R.Purpose: The micro-enterprise sector continues to be a fundamental inducement for job creation and economic growth in Sri Lanka. About 80 per cent of the economy is provided by the small-scale sector, which shows the importance of harnessing its potential in developing the Sri Lankan economy. It has been established that financial literacy significantly influences whether or not small-scale enterprises succeed. Yet, the exact effect of financial literacy on small-scale enterprise performance has to be fully identified in Sri Lanka, hence the need for the present study. This research study examines the effect of financial literacy (awareness, attitude and knowledge) of managers on the performance of micro enterprises in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: Primary data were obtained from micro scale-enterprise managers through structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings: The results revealed a significant effect of financial literacy on firm performance (both financial and non-financial performance). Also, all four financial literacy components (knowledge, behaviour, attitude, and skill) significantly positively affect financial and nonfinancial performance. Originality: This study fills empirical and practice gaps.Item The Role of Microfinance Services on Women’s Empowerment in the Kotapola Division, Sri Lanka(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Hettiarachchi, R.C.; Abeysekera, R.Purpose: Women have always been the focus of microfinance because they are associated with lower socio-economic status. The microfinance industry works to empower women in reducing poverty and can, in turn, have a transformative impact on their families and communities. This study focuses on identifying factors that empower women in the Kotapola division. Methodology: The data were gathered from 100 women in the Kotapola area who obtained services from microfinance Institutions. Based on the literature review, 20 factors were used in the questionnaire to identify the most significant factors. Factor analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: Seven factors significantly enhanced women empowerment in the Kotapola division. They are Poverty Reduction, Income Level, Consumption Level, Self-Satisfaction, Entrepreneurship skill, Social status and Decision Making. Originality: The study’s findings contribute to the microfinance knowledge domain.