Browsing by Author "Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B."

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The Case of Sri Lankan Fisheries Sector: Case Study Based on Selected Rural Fishing Areas and the Institutions Involved in Fisheries Sector
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Perera, L.B.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.
Sri Lankan fisheries sector contributed nearly 2.5 per cent to the country's national income which is a marginal increase by 0.6 compared to the GDP of negative 6.1% in 2003. Through out the Sri Lankan coastal line there are about 175,000 fishermen actively engaged in fishing industry, providing nutritious food, which comprises 57% of total animal protein (NARA 1998) consumed by the Sri Lankan. In the current context the fisheries sector is faced with a greater challenge for it has lost almost 80% of its material resources. Over 24,000 boats were destroyed and generally hundred of small businesses and entrepreneurs were badly affected through damage to property, premises, stocks, machinery as well as employees who were displaced, injured or perished. Apart from the tsunami catastrophe there are other burdensome issues such as technological gap, improper management in all types of activities, economic recession, political changes, cultural and attitude changes pertaining to the fisheries sector. It is clear that the fisheries sector is faced with new global challenges to uplift the livelihood of the devastated fishermen back to normalcy whilst increasing the level of its operations. Therefore, the research has been carried out to identify the appropriate technology and the key stakeholders of the fisheries sector to introduce a new framework with following objectives; Ascertain the history of technological development in Sri Lankan fisheries sector; develop a framework by integrating key stakeholders to eradicate poverty through technology in fisheries sector; identify future technology development directions in the fisheries with respect to ICT usage and find solutions to eradicate poverty through technology to improve the fisheries sector. The data collection was mainly based on interviews conducted in NARA, Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture and the questionnaire based interviews were done in rural fishing villages in Hambantota district. The research work enabled the identification of prevailing technology gaps in the Sri Lankan fisheries sector in comparison to the local and global best practices. Further, an investigation has been carried out to identify integration of key stakeholders to have smooth resource flow. Based on identified reasons, several strategies in overcoming the poverty of rural fishermen and conceptualized framework have been suggested.
Ethics and Entrepreneurial Behavior; A Study based on Chartered Engineers in Sri Lanka
(International Postgraduate Research Conference 2019, Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Wijesinghe, D.P.S.; Jayawardane, V.P.T.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.
Many innovative-minded chartered engineers have become successful technology entrepreneurs around the world. Thus, a tremendous responsibility lies upon these engineers to behave and perform ethically in today’s competitive business world to create a sustainable world. Being professionally ethical does not always give positive results in businesses. Although the case is like that, as business leaders who manage their technological ventures, entrepreneurial professional engineers cannot neglect Engineering Ethics and perform entirely as pure business managers. But, novice engineers who just stepping to techno-entrepreneurship are showing a dilemma in adhering to Engineering Ethics from the beginning of their entrepreneurial journey. Hence, there is a blooming requirement for a deep study to ascertain the implications of Engineering Ethics on entrepreneurial behavior and corporate performance of professional engineers working as techno-entrepreneurs. The research literature also does not contain sufficient evidence of such investigation around the world. In this context, this study is designed to ascertain the implications of Engineering Ethics focusing on Chartered Engineers working as techno-entrepreneurs in the Sri Lankan industrial sector. The main methodology intended for the study will be qualitative with semi-structured face to face interviews with experienced chartered engineers working as techno-entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka. The main analysis methods will be based on grounded theory techniques. A framework, which can be developed from such a study to guide the impact of Engineering Ethics on entrepreneurial behavior and corporate performance of engineers working as techno- entrepreneurs will be helpful for current and future entrepreneurial engineers. This will assist them to make ethical decisions without a dilemma as professional engineers to create a sustainable business culture in technological ventures in Sri Lanka.
Export competitiveness of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Sri Lanka: a case study based on the gem and jewellery sector
(Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2015) Dollawatta, N.N.W.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.
The factors affecting the export competitiveness of Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) are very complex. From the firm’s point of view, the trading environment SMEs conducts their business play an important role. Thus, a trade-enabling environment, based on adequate trade policies, an efficient trade and customs administration and good infrastructure are critical for enterprises to compete effectively in the competitive global market. Today international competition became more innovative and knowledge based, understanding trade performance goes beyond the parameters of the traditional comparative advantage paradigm and stressed the role of technology and continuous innovation for international competitiveness. Therefore, this study aims to contribute to the assessment of export competitiveness by investigating the influence of firm and industry specific characteristics in the gem and jewellery products sub sector in Sri Lanka. Structured questionnaire survey followed by descriptive and inferential statistical analysis of data was performed to identify the key factors for the export competitiveness. This study revealed that the firms export orientation, human capital and technological capabilities have significant relations to the export competitiveness of the firms. Furthermore, the government policy, freight facilities and distribution, product variability, research and development, export market promotion attitudes at the industry and firm levels have significant impact for the export competitiveness.
Factors Affecting to Become Internationally oriented Technopreneurs: A Study on Internationalized Tech-based Fruit and Vegetable SMEs in Puttalam District of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2021) Fernando, W.M.S.N.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.; Mudalige, D.
In Sri Lanka’s context, tech-value addition for export agricultural produce is bit buzz but highly trending avenue to research on. As a nation, it is quite challenging but emerging trend in present domestic and global business circumstances where individuals keen on commencing internationally oriented agri-business activities with high technology sense. Typical and conventional business activities are improved by technopreneurs through enhancing perceived tech-value for the customers (Jeffery & McMullen, 2006) Therefore, this research study was conducted as to identify the factors effect mostly and their respective contributory values when becoming internationalized technopreneurs with special reference to internationalized techbased fruit and vegetable SMEs. Relevant theories and empirical reviews pertaining to the study was referred in order to grasp available knowledge. Out of 461 Internationalized TSMEs population, a sample of 240 were selected from Puttalam district. Mixed Approach was used to carry out the research where both quantitative and qualitative aspects of study scope was covered. Questionnaire was used as the main source of data collection plus analyzed using SPSS 24.0. A qualitative analysis, regression analysis, correlation analysis plus other PLS analysis were used comprehensively. The research identified that Access to International Markets, Attitudes of the Entrepreneurs, Government Assistance, Technopreneurial Knowledge as key factors affecting on becoming internationally oriented technopreneurs in Puttalam district’s Internationalized Tech-based Fruit and Vegetable Small and Medium Enterprises. In addition, it was identified the technopreneurial knowledge is the most contributing factor hence independent variables of Access to International Markets, Attitudes of Farmers, Government support, technopreneurial knowledge have strong positive relationships with the tendency of becoming an internationalized technopreneur. A wellcoordinated access methods to move towards emerging international markets, essentially the development of concurrent global technopreneurial knowledge and awareness, skills and competencies of technopreneurs will contribute positively to fill the present knowledge gap.
The Impact of Techno Incubators in Growth of Techno-based Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayakody, J.A.N.S.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.
The main objective of this research is to study the impact of the technoincubators to promote techno-based Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka. Literature survey shows that proper incubator process and techno-SME startup eco-system can reduce the mortality of the techno- SME startups. The main methodology of this research is primary data collection through sample survey of seventy one techno-SME entrepreneurs supplemented by interviews with key stake holders. The results show that lack of strong techno-SME promoting national eco-system, inconsistencies in selection process for the techno-incubator facilities, the services offered and the business support given by the techno-incubators are not in-line with incubatee’ s current requirements. In general, incubator authorities need more focus on business support services and appropriate skills development for techno businesses.
Impact of Technological Innovation on Growth of the Small Enterprises: A Study of Coir Industry in Sri Lanka
(Department of Accountancy, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Fernando, W.M.S.N.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.
The prime aim of this research study is to identify the impact of Technological Innovation (Technopreneurship) on the Small Enterprises (SEs) Growth. The study primarily contemplates on four types of Technological Innovation based on Machine Technology, Computerized Operations, Mobile Technologies and Other Communication Media Technologies of Coir SEs in Puttalam district of Sri Lanka. Primary data is collected from a sample of 100 which is drawn from the total population of 133 Coir SEs through the application of Simple Random sampling. An Ordered Logistic regression analysis is used as per the Inferential (Multivariate) Statistical analysis. Results depict, the growth of these four types of technologies based Innovation (Technopreneurship) lead for Enterprise Growth. Moreover explains that higher (up to date) the extents of these technologies, higher the positive contribution for Technological Innovation performance. Inadequate finance, lack of the knowledge are identified as the main reasons for the lower orientation of Coir SEs on Technology based Innovation performance. To promote technology based more value addition Coir SEs in Sri Lanka, emphasis on ‘Technopreneurship’ is essential where there is a requirement of Coir Industry and SEs category aspects specific Business Incubator (BI) model in Sri Lanka.
Technology Issues in the Sri Lankan Tea Industry with an Emphasis on Regional Plantation Companies: A Case Study based on Two Selected Regional Plantation Companies
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Tennakoon, K.L.U.S.; Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.
Tea Industry of Sri Lanka, the largest net foreign income generator to the country is a key component in the Sri Lankan economy, contributing to 17% of the export income. The direct and indirect labour employed in the tea industry is about 650,000, which is about 11% of the total workforce of the country. In today’s dynamic and turbulent environment, industry survival and growth depends on appropriate technology integration and change management in work practices. As identified in the research, the Sri Lankan tea industry with a history of over a century is facing global challenges requiring certain changes to the technology, work practices, work norms and attitudes to overcome present problems faced by it. This research work attempts to look into appropriate technology integration methods to develop and sustain the tea industry of Sri Lanka with an emphasis on RPCs. The objectives of this paper is to assess the present technology status in the Sri Lankan tea industry; identify the technology gaps along the value chain in comparison to local and global best practices; Benchmarking against the best practices and to identify future technology strategies to improve competitiveness in Sri Lankan tea sector. The data collection was mainly based on interviews conducted through a wide category of people involved in different areas related to the tea industry. Two plantation management companies, a lead performer and an average performer in the industry were selected as the main data sources. The research scope extended from the field related activities to the production of tea and did not focus on the market development aspects of the tea industry. Based on Porter’s Value Chain Model of primary and support activities, a simplified model for the industry was developed. This model was used to analyze the processes involved and the present technology status of the industry. The research work enabled the identification of prevailing technology gaps in the Sri Lankan tea sector in comparison to the local and global best practices. Further, an attempt has been made to identify the technology integration issues, which are the underlying reasons for the technological gaps seen amongst industry players. Based on identified reasons, several strategies in overcoming the shortfall in technology integration have been suggested.
Technology Transfer and Management of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) with Special Reference to Rubber Industry in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2005) Dasanayaka, S.W.S.B.; Perera, P.V.V.U.
Sri Lanka was basically an agro-based economy at the time of independence. Due to 500 years of Western colonization and the recent economic liberalization, Sri Lankan economy became inclined towards the import-substituted and export-oriented enterprises. To meet the current global situation, there is a need to strengthen the level of technological capability of those enterprises, especially the SMEs. Technology is often considered as a determinant factor of the SMEs' competitiveness and sustainability under present globalization situation. According to the research, new technologies will not only lead to fundamental changes in their level of technological capability, but also lead to the formation of new SMEs and change the profile of existing ones rather than enhancing their overall level of technological capability. This study was designed to analyze the level of technological capability in SMEs together with the strategy, process and management of technology transfer in Sri Lanka. As a local resource based industry, the rubber industrial sub sector is identified as one of thrust areas to develop SMEs in Sri Lanka. Further, the technology transfer and its dependence on the technological factors and, social and economic issues are to be considered. The model of technology transfer and development for SMEs in Sri Lanka was well supported by the findings showing a regression relationship from the questionnaire survey covering 30 SMEs in the rubber industrial sub sector. A national policy framework for adopting and developing an appropriate technology for ensuring technology management is the major issue addressed in this study. It revealed that there is a necessity to enhance the level of technological capability as well as the management and commercialization of technology for SMEs and organizations through proper guidance and assistance.