Browsing by Author "Wijesinghe, J.C."

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    Conducting Research in South Asian Small and Medium Enterprises: Questions about Methods
    (2011) Wijesinghe, J.C.; Foreman, J.; Elijido-Ten, E.
    South Asia, comprising of more than eight emerging economies, is the second poorest region in the world. Among the many challenges commonly found within this region, poverty is one of the biggest. The literature reveals that Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) play a significant role in achieving economic development. Recognising the importance of this sector, the governments of the South Asian region, attempt to provide more SME support in their quest to secure a sustainable growth particularly during this turbulent time. Consequently, more researchers are studying the practices and activities of these enterprises. The main objective of this paper is to propose suitable research methods for SME related research projects based on Sri Lankan experience. Our study reveals that face-to-face surveys are more suitable for collecting quantitative data while in-depth-interviews-based case studies provide a useful way to capture qualitative data which help to improve the reliability and validity of research.
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    Environmental Marketing as a Tool of Competitive Advantage: A Study Based on Organic Food in China
    (2011) Wijesinghe, J.C.; Chen, J.
    For the global economy to become ecologically sustainable, it is necessary to organise business and industry along ecologically sound principles and technologies. Due to the fact that, in recent years, both producers and consumers have been turning towards more environmentally friendly goods and services, environmental issues have become a major marketing focus. Therefore changes in patterns of consumption are just as important as changes to the production process. This research aims to investigate how consumer attitudes towards the production of environmentally friendly ?organic food? can change a firms? environmental behaviour to gain competitive advantages. This research is mainly based on Chinese consumers buying behaviour of organic food. Chinese consumers mostly consider ?Certification?, ?Branding?, ?Sensory appeal?, ?Social status?, and ?Value for money?. Food manufacturers may focus on these factors to gain competitive advantage over other manufacturers through environmental marketing.