Browsing by Author "Wickramarachchi, R."

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Adopting e-commerce based technologies in SMEs of developing countries
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Wickramarachchi, R.; Pathirana, B.S.V.
Adopting e-commerce technologies would promise several benefits to small and medium scale enterprises (SMEs) such as, access to wider range of markets, greater potential for partnerships and low cost etc. Also the competition in the global market and advances in Information Technology have made SMEs, not adopting e-commerce based technologies vulnerable to e-enabled firms. The benefits of using e-commerce may differ from country to country due to cultural differences and other factors such as per-capita income, computer literacy etc. Ease of use, relative advantage gained by e-enabled firms over the others, compatibility, and demonstrability of the results are viewed in different perspectives by developed and developing countries. Level of socio economic development would decide on the extent to which the firms are influenced by and usage of e-commerce. The objective of this article is to present the factors that influence the decisions of adopting e-commerce for SMEs, and develop a model for developing countries. A literature review was conducted using 40 research papers and model was developed by identifying widely cited factors. This model suggests 3 main influencing factors, namely: characteristics of the e-commerce solution, characteristics of the organization and characteristics of the external environment. As this is part of an on going research at department of Industrial Management, University of Kelaniya, it is expected to modify and validate the model identified in the Sri Lankan context.
Adoption of Industry 4.0 and lean concepts in hospitals for healthcare operational performance improvement.
(International Journal of Productivity and Performance Management, 2021) Ilangakoon, T. S.; Weerabahu, S. K.; Samaranayake, P.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Purpose – This paper proposes the adoption of Industry 4.0 (I4) technologies and lean techniques for improving operational performance in the healthcare sector. Design/methodology/approach – The research adopted a systematic literature review and feedback of healthcare professionals to identify the inefficiencies in the current healthcare system. A questionnaire was used to get feedback from the patients and the hospital staff about the current practices and issues, and the expected impact of technology on existing practices. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis. Findings – The results indicate that I4 technologies lead to the improvement of the operational performance, and the perceptions about I4 technologies are made through the pre-medical diagnosis. However, a weak correlation between lean practices and healthcare operational performance compared to that of I4 technologies and operational performance indicate that lean practices are not fully implemented in the Sri Lankan healthcare sector to their full potential. Research limitations/implications – This study is limited to two government hospitals, with insights from only the doctors and nurses in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, the study is limited to only selected aspects of I4 technologies (big data, cloud computing and IoT) and lean concepts (value stream mapping and 5S). Therefore, recommendations on the adoption of I4 technologies in the healthcare sector need to be made within the scope of the study investigation. Practical implications – The implementation of I4 technologies needs careful consideration of process improvement as part of the overall plan for achieving the maximum benefits of technology adoption. Originality/value – The findings of the research can be used as a benchmark/guide for other hospitals to explore the adoption of I4 technologies, and how process improvement from lean concepts could influence the overall operational performance.
Applicability of Lean and Green Concepts in Logistics 4.0: A Systematic Review of Literature
(IEEE Xplore Digital Library, 2019) Edirisuriya, A.; Weerabahu, S.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Sustainability is emerging as a main consideration throughout the industrial world due to the environmental pollution and degradation happening in a major scale as a result of industrial wastes while lean management is becoming a popular management tool in minimizing waste. Logistics industry contributes for these issues due to the wastes released in a considerable amount. Experts have highlighted that implementing lean principles in parallel to green concepts is more successful; which could lead to waste and cost reduction. A theoretical gap has been identified in the field of logistics in applying lean and green concepts in the context of Industry 4.0. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to address the identified research gap with the objective of examining the important lean practices and green concepts which are expected to enhance the operational performance of logistics functions. A key word based search, analysis of the topic and abstract, full text review were the steps followed respectively, for selecting the most relevant research papers which have been proven as valid, accepted and published to extract the knowledge for this study. As the major contribution, authors have developed a conceptual framework which focuses on the enhancement of operational performance of logistics operations by applying lean and green concepts with special reference to Industry 4.0 technologies. The results of the study will be beneficial for the LSP as it will suggest the strategies, concepts and techniques to enhance the operational performance of logistics functions.
Application of industry 4.0 concepts to optimise workforce performance in human resource processes: context of Sri Lankan apparel industry
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Weerasekara, M. M.; Wickramarachchi, R.; Vidanagamachchi, K.
To cope with the new technologies driven by the fourth industrial revolution such as Cloud based systems, Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, Artificial Intelligence, skill development is vital in order to enhance the performance of the workforce. Advancement of the technology will affect disruptively for all organisational functions including human resource. There is a threat that humans will be replaced by advanced technological systems in the near future. It will badly affect all areas of operations including human resources, if organisations fail to absorb the technology. Even though these technologies have been widely used in many countries, developing countries such as Sri Lanka are far behind. This paper focuses on how to improve the performance of the employees by developing necessary skills, using various technologies included in Industry 4.0. Previous researchers have mentioned about how industry 4.0 applications disrupt human resource but not how to fulfil those gaps. Sri Lankan apparel industry has been identified as one of the key industries to implement these concepts to measure the workforce performance since it involves both human and machinery in its processes. By introducing advanced technologies to areas such as recruitment, talent on-boarding and off-boarding, training and development, both time and cost for unnecessary processes can be reduced while increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of the employees. Initial data collection has been conducted through two questionnaires based on a sample of 30 individuals from each level which are above executive and below executive from human resource departments. Five apparel firms were chosen to collect the data as a quantitative approach. Questionnaire was developed to discover the relationship between variables such as industry 4.0 application, skill development, job satisfaction and job performance to check how they intervene with enhancing performance. Data analysis was done through structural equation modelling using AMOS supporting software. The study suggests ways to optimise skills and satisfaction level of workforce performance using industry 4.0 applications with smart human resource concepts. In addition, an innovative model will be introduced to enable apparel industry to enhance the process of human resource development using technologies through industry 4.0 application.
A combined Approach of Analytic Hierarchy process and Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory Methods for Evaluating Key Success Factors of Third-Party Logistics Service Providers
(IEOM Society International, 2021) Perera, T; Wijayanayake, A; Wickramarachchi, R.
This study aims to evaluate key success factors associated with the third-party logistics (3pL) service providers in Sri !1tru.This study used the systematic literature review and expert's opinlon to"identi$ tt. t.y success factors of third-party logistics industry in Sri Lanka. In total, 20 key rr...r, factors were obtained, and those key success factors were grouped into four categories as organization strategy, management and process, human resources and customer o-rientation' The study used the Q-sort technique to gr*p key-success factors into four categories and Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHf) to identiflz the priorities of thi key ,u"..r, factors. Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method used to identify the interelationships among the key ,r.r.r, factors in each category' The result shows that business expansion, technology and automation, internationalizationof operations, management and leadership style are the most important key iuccess factors in the Sri Lankan third-party logistics industry' The outcomes ofthis study can help managers/practiiioners to formulate flexible decision strategies for performance better in their third-party logistics firms and experience a competitive advantage against the competitors.
Combining Industry 4.0 with Lean Healthcare to Optimize Operational Performance of Sri Lankan Healthcare Industry
(IEEE Xplore Digital Library, 2018) Ilangakoon, T.; Weerabahu, S.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Healthcare is one of the industries that requires the highest quality services for the wellbeing of the society. Today, the demand for healthcare growing rapidly with increasing aging population, rapid urbanization, changing diets, inactive lifestyles and rising obesity levels. The Industry 4.0 technologies and lean techniques can be used to enhance the operational performance of the healthcare supply chain and the patient flow. This paper examines the factors contributing for the inefficiencies in Sri Lankan Healthcare sector and how the operational performance can be optimized through premedical diagnosis of diseases by incorporating Industry 4.0 technologies and lean techniques. Based on a systematic review of literature and feedback of healthcare professionals, the paper identifies the inefficiencies in the current healthcare system. A conceptual framework has been developed by considering the direct impacts from lean management practices and Industry 4.0 technologies on improving operational performance through pre-medical diagnosis of diseases. Thus, patients can take preventive actions and be more health conscious while the healthcare providers and other related parties can plan their medical services and supporting services for arising health requirements making the healthcare industry much more efficient.
Determination of Phase Transitions in Y-Shaped, Branched Alkane, C120H241CH(C195H391)C119H23 Using Raman Spectroscopy
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Suranga, P.A.; Wickramarachchi, R.; Spells, S.J.
Raman spectroscopy has been used to identify solid – solid phase transitions in the symmetrically branched alkane, C120H241CH(C195H391)C119H239 during real-time heating. The vibrational modes in the region from 1700 to 200 cm-1 were studied. A single phase transition was identified at 87°C ± 5°C in this alkane based on the changes in the band intensities. It was revealed that the crystalline bands show subtle changes whereas the disorder bands show the most significant changes at this transition.
Evaluating the level of best practices related with lean and green concepts of logistics service providers
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Edirisuriya, A. W.; Weerabahu, W. M. S. K.; Wickramarachchi, R.
The world is experiencing environmental problems due to the environmental pollution and degradation happening in a major scale due to the waste generated both by public and industries. Among the industrial waste generators, logistics industry plays a major role due to the wastes released in different forms in their operations. Sustainability is emerging as a main consideration throughout the industrial world to reduce and control the industrial waste. Lean management is becoming a popular management tool on minimizing wastes. Although lean and green concepts have been studied in different industrial contexts, a theoretical gap has been identified in the field of logistics. A comprehensive literature review was conducted along with the expert reviews based on interviews to address the identified research gap. The objective of the study is to examine the best practices related with lean and green concepts which are applicable to the logistics industry. A key word based search in Google scholar and Scopus was conducted for selecting the published research papers which have been proven as valid to extract the knowledge for this study. In this stage, the studies conducted on lean and sustainable practices were selected while excluding the other studies. Then the topics and abstracts of selected articles were analyzed to select the studies that have studied about the practical implementation of green and lean concepts. Finally, a full text review was conducted to identify best practices in the logistics industry while excluding the research papers in other industries. Transportation and the warehousing are the main logistics functions focused in this study. The result of the study is a best practice reference model developed by authors for logistics service providers to identify their stage in implementing lean and green best practices. Best practices were identified through a comprehensive literature review and industry based observations. The identified best practices have been categorized for five different levels which gives a clear understanding for an organization regarding the current stage while providing a clear road map for organizations to develop to the next stage. The model is validated through the reviews of experts in the logistics industry. The proposed model will be beneficial for the logistics service providers. It can be concluded that the result of the study will lead the logistics service providers to reduce their industrial wastes and provide a sustainable service if the model is used properly.
Factors affecting successful implementation of E-government projects in Sri Lanka
(Research Symposium 2009 - Faculty of Graduate Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2009) Wickramarachchi, R.; Gunawardana, L.H.D.
E-government concept which enables governments to provide an enhanced service has become one of a most widely discussed topics today. Sri Lanka is lagging behind in this respect when compared with developed countries and many developing countries. In 2002 the government of Sri Lanka launched the e-Sri Lanka programme to spread the dividends of ICT across the country. There is considerable evidence to point out that most of the Sri Lankan government institutes are only in the initial phase of implementing e-government services, and some experienced failures due to number of problems such as poor infrastructure, ineffective leadership, ineffective requirement identification etc. Very few researches have been conducted to identify factors that contribute towards successful completion of e-government projects, especially in Sri Lanka. The objective of this research is to identify enablers of successful e-government projects and to develop a framework which may help organizations to initiate, execute and implement e-government efforts successfully. A survey was carried out among selected public sector organizations to collect data. Based on the research, it was found that clear vision for e-government, well established objectives and strategies, effective leadership, attitudes of management and staff, availability of funds, size of IT staff, requirement identification, overall Information technology infrastructure, and business process reengineering are the most important factors an organization should address when implementing e-government projects. Moreover, it is quite evident that some factors are specific to individual organization. The framework developed highlights the common e-government enablers that should receive more attention in each stage of the life cycle of e-government project.
Green vehicle routing problem: A systematic review of literature
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Waidyathilaka, E.; Tharaka, V. K.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Among the key supply chain functions, logistics plays a prominent role in delivering products and services to the customers. The process accounts for a larger portion of the supply chain cost. Hence, it has forced organizations to move towards cost reduction strategies. Vehicle routing optimization is one such strategy and depending on the organizational focus it has been derived to achieve multiple objectives along with the main objective of reducing the costs. Over the past decade, the concern on environmental sustainability has increased among world population, thus forcing the industries to move towards sustainable operations. Transportation has been identified as a supply chain operation with a high impact on the environmental sustainability. The impact of transportation on the environmental sustainability is multifaceted, such as the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, air pollutants, environmental impacts from the transportation of toxic chemicals etc. A new branch of Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP) known as Green VRP (GVRP) has been emerged to satisfy the need of ensuring the sustainability in transportation. GVRP consists of several categories that focus on different sustainability requirements resulting from transportation. Literature review has been carried out with ten articles selected through a three step filtering process; preliminary search based on key words, primary filtering of articles based on title and abstract and secondary filtering of articles based on relevance to the topic. Based on the literature reviewed on GVRP, it has identified the features and classification of GVRP along with the limitations and the predictable future developments. The reviewed literature has also been analyzed to identify the algorithms used for problem solving. Hence, this study presents the results of a systematic review of literature on GVRP. The article will stand as a guide in understanding the current state of the practices in relation to GVRP and will provide guidance for future research as well.
Investigating industry 4.0 applications in Sri Lankan healthcare industry to optimize operational performance
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Ilangakoon, M. T. S.; Weerabahu, W. M. S. K.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Healthcare is one of the industries that depends on the highest quality services for the wellbeing of the society. Today, the demand for healthcare has been increased with increasing aging population, rapid urbanization, changing diets, inactive lifestyles and rising obesity levels. Healthcare providers search for different innovative methods to optimise their operations and increase the patient satisfaction. Most of the western countries are now adopting new technologies to improve the efficiency of their healthcare processes with the introduction of Industry 4.0 concept. Industry 4.0 which is also known as fourth industrial revolution, uses technologies such as big data, Internet of Things, simulation, augmented reality, cloud computing, autonomous systems, cyber-physical systems, additive manufacturing and systems integration. When Industry 4.0 is applied in the healthcare sector, it is known as Health 4.0. The objective of this study is to investigate the current applications of technology in healthcare processes, applicability of Industry 4.0 technologies in Sri Lankan healthcare domain and how these technologies optimise the operational performance of healthcare operations and processes. Based on a systematic review of literature, a conceptual framework had been developed. Further data was collected from healthcare domain experts using in-depth interviews to identify the level of industry 4.0 technology applications in Sri Lankan healthcare domain for the enhancement of operational performance. A qualitative analysis of data using thematic analysis had been done to evaluate the research findings by identifying the technological applications in healthcare and categorize them under Industry 4.0 components. It was found that major issues such as absence of continuous medical records of patients, early diagnosis of diseases and intellectual waste happening in hospitals can be managed and reduced using Industry 4.0 technologies such as big data analytics, cloud computing and Internet of Things. These technologies can be used to develop systems to share patient information over cloud systems, information systems for resource planning and connecting medical practitioners, disease prediction systems and new sensor based equipment to optimise the healthcare processes, which will make it easier for the patients to get treated and for the hospital staff to manage their routine work efficiently and effectively.
An Investigation of IT Governance Practices in Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Asanga, U.; Wickramarachchi, R.
IT (Information Technology) has become more important today in almost every industry, compared to yesteryear. It gives advantages such as cost reduction, increased productivity, increased service completion and production speed, differentiation; gains competitive advantage, reduces bottlenecks, provides better customer service and much more. However, IT brings with it some risks as well. This is because IT has become more and more vulnerable. IT projects failures, information system crashes, cyber crimes and other such issues. Therefore, IT should be managed properly. The need of IT governance emerged because of that. The purpose of this research is to conduct a study in the field of IT governance practices in Sri Lanka, find the gaps between existing modules and existing practices and try to identify the issues of implementing IT governance. The goal of this study is to determine important factors of existing IT governance models and examine how they have been applied in selected industries. Another purpose of this research is to identify industry awareness of IT governance in Sri Lanka and identify the level of adaptation of IT governance. This study uses a multiple survey design in which the research phenomenon is examined in real life situations. The methodology consists of both quantitative and qualitative techniques. First, identifying existing models of IT governance, best practices and implementing issues are done with a thorough literature review. Experts’ opinion towards IT governance in Sri Lanka and developing a module is followed by a survey in IT intensive industries such as banks, and telecommunication industries. Finally, the survey results are measured quantitatively, and whether there is a gap between existing practices and existing models is identified. The research will show the industry awareness towards IT governance and its maturity level. With the identified gaps between existing practices and existing models a framework for the Sri Lankan context can be developed as further research.
A lean maturity assessment model to improve warehouse operations for the 3PL industry in Sri Lanka
(4th International Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2019) Gamini, G. L. M.; Vidanagamachchi, K.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Warehousing plays an important role in the logistics sector in order to facilitate economic and business benefits for both parties including customer and the service provider. 3PL (third-party logistics) service providers are specialized in providing end-to-end logistics solutions including warehousing, transportation and distribution. Efficient warehouse operations can yield a win-win situation for both parties. Lean management has become a well-accepted and most commonly used approach in identifying waste and non-value-added activities in warehousing industry. However, majority of the 3PL service providers in Sri Lanka have not incorporated those practices into their operations mainly due to lack of domain knowledge. Maturity assessment models can be used as a self-assessment tool and are useful for the company to assess the current stage of lean implementation. It guides the company to set benchmarks and enhance the overall productivity of the operation. Although there are many maturity assessment models developed focusing on various domains such as software development and project management, no such work has been carried out for the field of 3PL warehouse operations in relation to application of Lean management practices. In this research, the authors have developed a lean maturity assessment model to assess the level of lean maturity applicable for the 3PL warehouse operations. A systematic review of literature was conducted by referring 25 research articles. Existing maturity models developed for other applications and lean warehouse practices were also studied in order to develop a suitable maturity model. A pilot study also was carried out with a 3PL provider, in order to study on the practical aspect of lean implementation. Based on these, a Lean maturity assessment model which consists of stages providing a clear roadmap to a company was developed. The results of the study will lead the relevant 3PL service provider to identify the level they are existing and decide the strategy they need to implement in order to improve warehouse efficiency. It is recommended to validate this model through multiple case studies and also the reviews of experts in 3PL warehouses as further research area
A methodology for identifying ‘Web metrics’ for ‘Web analytics’
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Wickramarachchi, R.; Malavisooriya, L.M.
The need for perusing sound business practices when adopting an organizational web strategy is highlighted by many authors. Measuring effectiveness of business activities is a standard practice of any organization. However, few organizations actively take steps to assess successfulness of their web strategy. The main reason for this is due to the lack of a standard approach to measure the effectiveness of web sites. Many authors have come up with different types of metrics (measurements) for measuring the effectiveness of web sites. Two common approaches identified are; user centric measurements which depend on consumer surveys and site centric measurements which depend on server logs. The latter approach is preferred by many organizations Software tools have also been developed for collecting and analyzing results from web metrics. But still Organizations are faced with problems of identifying appropriate metrics for their web site. Different sections of a web site have different functions and objectives. Therefore different metrics are needed to measure the effectiveness of different sections of a web site. Thus a formal methodology for identifying suitable web metrics for a particular web site is invaluable for measuring the effectiveness of web sites. The research proposes a methodology for identifying appropriate web metrics for measuring the effectiveness of a web site; based on the objectives and functionalities of the web site. A set of metrics have been identified by combining the findings of previous researches which are evaluated through expert opinions. These metrics are the input for methodology development where a stepwise approach is proposed to identify appropriate web metrics based on the functions of a particular web site.
Quality Assurance Framework for b2c E-Commerce Web Sites
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Wickramarachchi, R.; Uduwela, W.C.
A Web site is one of the main information sources in digitally enabled world, and activities of different Web sites vary from each other depending on the purpose of the site. £-commerce is one of the core domains among those purposes. A Web site could improve its activities by speedy communication, offering a more convenient services to users, cost reduction etc. One of the main marketing channels to reach end customers is B2C (Business to Customer) e-commerce where a business transacts with an individual consumer online. Currently a large number of Web sites provide B2C e-commerce services. However, many B2C e-commerce Web sites have a short lifespan due to number of reasons including issues relating to quality of Web sites. According to past research it is observed that there is a positive relationship between the online shopping behavior of a customer and quality of a Web site. This is mainly due to positive customer experience depends mainly on the quality of Web sites. As a result of poor quality Web sites companies may face a fewer number of visitor thus reducing sales. Therefore it could be concluded that the quality of B2C e-commerce Web sites is vital for customers as well as for companies. The main objective of this research is to identify factors that influence the quality of a B2C e-commerce Web site and develop a framework. The framework provides a set of guidelines in order to ensure that a Web site achieves a specified quality level. According to ISO standards there are three views of the quality of Web sites; namely, managers' view, users' view and developers' view. Users are interested in the quality in use which is mainly an external factor including sustainability, ability to install, functionality, adaptability, ease of use, ability to learn, interpretability, reliability, safety, security, correctness and efficiency. However, developers and managers are more interested in internal quality characteristics such as maintainability, testability, flexibility, reusability and portability of a Web site. Therefore, quality of a Web site could be evaluated from both view points of users and managers/developers. However, seeing a Web site from users' eyes is paramount as users are the ultimate judges of a Web site quality. Hence, this research focuses on the external quality of a Web site. A comprehensive literature survey was carried out in order to identify the factors affect the quality of e-commerce sites. The literature survey revealed that information content, ease of use, usefulness, download delay, navigation/ organization, interactivity, responsiveness, reliability, security, design! visual appearance are as main quality factors. This is an ongoing research at the Department of Industrial management, University of Kelaniya. It is expected to validate the developed framework with success and failure stories of B2C e-commerce Web sites and users' feedback. The proposed framework can be applied to other types of Web sites such as Business to Business (B2B), information providers etc. with slight modifications.
Simulation-based network optimization for petroleum distribution in Sri Lanka: A systematic review of literature
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Sachini, W. W. N.; Weerabahu, W. M. S. K.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Petroleum is one of the industries that has a massive impact on living conditions of the population. Petroleum industry contributes for transportation, power generation, agro chemicals, residential, commercial and industrial needs etc. Petroleum distribution network plays an increasingly important function in delivering value to the end user. Petroleum industry’s complexity has grown as a result of tight competition, strict environmental regulations, high operational costs and low margin of profits. The petroleum product demand fluctuation and the present scenario of high petroleum crude oil price fluctuation demonstrate that industries and markets all over the world are impacted by the volatility and uncertainty of the petroleum industry. These reasons drive petroleum industry toward strategic planning and optimization with respect to the uncertainties and constraints in factors such as the source, raw materials availability, expected market demand, production costs and distribution costs. The objective of this research is to study the current petroleum distribution network in Sri Lanka, identify the inefficiencies and critical factors causing inefficiencies and to propose a simulation-based optimization model to overcome these inefficiencies. A conceptual framework has been developed based on the findings observed from critical review of literature and further data was collected from Sri Lankan petroleum industry domain experts using in-depth interviews. The qualitative analysis of data has been done to evaluate the research findings. With the computational constraints of solving petroleum distribution network problems, a few optimization and approximation approaches have been introduced in the recent past. It has been identified that Sri Lankan petroleum distribution network has not been taken in to account for the optimization. Hence, this paper expects to introduce an innovative mathematical model for the optimization. The proposed model will be validated with complex and real data extracted from Sri Lankan petroleum industry. Subsequently, simulation is used to create scenarios on the designed model. Thus, this study depicts a simulation-based distribution network optimization model, with the purpose of minimizing the cost, based on inefficiencies and contributing critical factors, which are specific for Sri Lankan petroleum industry. As a result, the developed optimization model would enable the Sri Lankan petroleum industry to achieve higher performance leading to competitive advantage.
A systematic review of literature on the readiness of post-harvesting technologies of paddy cultivation towards agriculture 4.0 in developing countries
(Research Symposium on Pure and Applied Sciences, 2018 Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Sandamali, G. A. S.; Weerabahu, W. M. S. K.; Wickramarachchi, R.
Agriculture is one of the key sectors of the economy of developing countries and paddy rice is the leading cereal crop grown in most of those countries. The introduction of new technologies to the post harvesting phase help to minimize the serious losses occurring during post-harvest operations. The evolution of agriculture 4.0 can be compared with similar evolutions in the industrial world, with industry 4.0. Agriculture 4.0 stands for the integrated internal and external networking of farming operations. It is vital to assess the readiness to adapt to this technological transformation which will provide a comprehensive roadmap to implement advanced technologies. Readiness is the measure used to assess the maturity of evolving technologies. It is the systematic, metrics-based process that assess the maturity of, and the risk associated with, critical technologies. The objective of this study is to investigate the readiness of post harvesting technologies of paddy cultivation related to agriculture 4.0. The relevant knowledge was extracted from the published research papers which have been accepted as valid. The articles were collected through a web search based on the key words. Then the topic and the abstract of each article were analysed in order to decide the relevance of the article for the study. Next, the full text of selected papers were reviewed by qualitative analysis to be considered in the final analysis. The technologies used in paddy cultivation were extracted from the selected research papers and analyzed qualitatively. Based on the comprehensive literature review, following fundamental questions: What are the post harvesting technologies of agriculture 4.0 which could be used in paddy cultivation and what changes are needed to be done in order to adapt to the new technologies were answered. The results of the study provide a model to assess the readiness of post harvesting technologies of paddy cultivation towards agriculture 4.0, which is aligned with complementary factors along four dimensions; Technoware, Humanware, Infoware, and Orgaware. Technoware includes precision agriculture which use drones to monitor the cultivation, autonomous tractors for harvesting, sensors such as capacitive sensor, mass flow sensor, photoelectric sensor and impact sensor for various purposes in storage phase. Humanware includes level of competence, perception on technology. Inforware compromises level of utility of facts and information sharing. Orgaware refers to the need of organizational support to make Technoware and Humanware more effective.
Use of Internet of things (IoT) for the people with disabilities: a Sri Lankan case study
(Research Centre for Social Sciences, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Wedasinghe, N.; Wickramarachchi, R.
The main reason for Disability among young cause is until the year 2009 Sri Lanka had 30 years of humanitarian operations in the country. Most of them were permanently disabled while working in the National security forces in the country. The objective of this study is to overcome the difficulties faced by blind or visually impaired community in Sri Lanka using Internet of things (IOT) concept. The study is basically consisting with two phases. In the first phase of the study examined the current technology adaption among the differently abled community in Sri Lanka and problems faced by them. The second phase examines how the modern new technologies such as Internet of things (IoT) successfully solving the issues in globally and develop a model to overcome the Sri Lankan disability digital divide. First phase of these study two set of samples were interviewed to identify the current disability digital divide in the country. Initially 314 participants were interviewed and in the second set of sample including with 180 disabled participants. Sample selected from different communities, different disabled categories and different geographical locations. Findings indicated that basic level ICT technologies used by the differently abled community are low. Findings indicated that Network layer, Application layer and Presentation layer considerations are need to be importance to overcome the disability digital divide as a holistic model to overcome the disability digital divide in the country.