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    Antecedents of Export Performance of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) In Sri Lanka: The Role of Entrepreneur Behavior and Experience and the Moderation Role of Industry Context
    (Department of Commerce and Financial Management, University of Kelaniya, 2017) Mudalige, D.M.
    A number of scholarly researchers have explored the benefits of engaging in international activities in increasing sustainability of SME sector. However, SMEs offer a poor contribution to export income of Sri Lanka compared to other countries. Although research has shown that the entrepreneur characteristics are associated with enhanced export success, past research has failed to identify the entrepreneur characteristics that are most influential in SME export success in Sri Lankan context. Much of the research in Sri Lanka has focused on external or institutional factors and barriers for exports with little attention to entrepreneur behaviour. Few studies have focused on studying internal barriers and export success. This study aimed to fill this research gap by testing the relationship between entrepreneur characteristics and export performance from a capabilities perspective. This study argues that entrepreneurial orientation, social capital and human capital are important capabilities of the entrepreneur which lead to successful export performance. These capabilities are known to play a synergic and complementary role which allows the entrepreneur to develop a dynamic stance that is essential in the international market. This research followed quantitative research methodology using non-disguised questionnaire. A randomly selected sample of 197 export SMEs in Sri Lanka was analyzed. The results were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structured Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) method. This study established that entrepreneur capabilities namely entrepreneurial orientation, social capital and human capital have a significant positive influence on the export performance of SMEs. Further, using Multi-Group Analysis (MGA), it was found, that industry context which the SME operates has a moderation effect on the relationship. The outcome of this research will enhance our understanding of success factors of SME export performance.
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    The Impact of Total Quality Management Practices on Export Performance of Apparel Exporters in Sri Lanka
    (Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Abeykoon, M.W.B.; de Alwis, C.
    In today’s global competition and economic liberalization, quality has become one of the important factors in achieving competitive advantages. Hence, the quality and its continuous advancement has developed a significant meaning for todays' business. Developed countries often resist exports from developing countries if the exports do not meet their country quality standards. Sri Lanka like other developing economies is also trying hard to exploit business opportunities in international markets and has succeeded as far as textiles and apparel industry. Purpose of this study was to examine the impact of Total Quality Management Practices (TQMP) on Export Performance (EP) of apparel exporters of Sri Lanka. A five point Likert scale questionnaire was used as the key instrument of data collection and data were obtained from 65 apparel exporters in Sri Lanka. Eight dimensions were used to measure TQMP including Leadership, Training, Employee Management, Information and Analysis, Supplier Management, Process Management, Customer Focus and Continuous Improvement. The regression and correlation analysis were used to examine the impact of TQMP on EP and the relationship between TQMP and EP. Results of the study clearly indicated that all dimensions except Information and Analysis were significantly correlated with EP. In addition, Customer Focus, Continuous Improvement and Supplier Management were found as the most significant dimensions that impact on EP.