Volume 17 - Issue 2 - 2022

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/29552

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Subject: search.filters.subject.COVID-19

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    Enhancing IT Graduates’ Employability Skills for Surviving in New Normal: Perspective of IT Professionals
    (Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2022) Samarasinghe, H. M. U. S. R.; Kumarapperuma, C. U.; Rathanayke, R. M. N. M.; Karunarathne, K. N. P.
    This research focused on how Information Technology (IT) Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) contribute to equip IT graduate employability, from the perspective of IT industry experts in Sri Lanka. The research further identifies the mismatches between IT HEIs’ contributions to equip IT graduate employability and the industry demands after COVID 19 in Sri Lanka. Thirteen semi structured interviews were conducted via zoom platform with the industry experts representing major IT companies in Sri Lanka. The interview protocol was designed to get the expert opinion about the contribution which HEIs can make to equip future graduates with necessary employability skills in general and specifically in the new normal. According to key findings of the study, providing opportunities for industrial experience, sharing technical and practical knowledge, up-to-date syllabus, firm foundation of knowledge, trainings on online platforms and tools, developing soft skills and remote working skills of graduates such as trustworthiness, minimum supervision, stress management, self-driven, attitude, team spirit, ability to take challenges and responsibilities were identified as the areas in which HEIs could contribute towards creating smart IT graduates with a digital presence ready to be employed in new normal. The outcome of this study will strengthen HEIs with necessary requirements to upgrade their IT education quality and quantity wise as then graduates can meet industry expectations for better employability.
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    Coping with Psychological Issues Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic Times: Perspectives of Undergraduates of Non-State Universities
    (Department of Human Resource Management, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2022) Weerarathna, R. S.; Dunuwila, V. R.; Jayasuriya, N. U.; Madhusanka, A. K. P.; Ravishanka, M. K. U.; Pothupitiya, S. N.
    The COVID-19 pandemic caused much upheaval to people's lifestyles worldwide/globally. Even university undergraduates had to switch from conventional physical classrooms to online learning. According to several studies, various issues pertaining to online learning have intensified the stress levels of undergraduates. This study adopted a qualitative approach. Primary data were gathered through structured interviews, from which coping mechanisms used by the students were identified based on a thematic analysis performed through NVIVO. Coping mechanisms played a critical role in ensuring these undergraduates' ability to handle their psychological issues and continue their academic work. The population included non-state undergraduates in Sri Lanka in the academic year 2020 and the sample size was 30. Findings revealed online learning, high workload, and IT infrastructure issues as key challenges undergraduates face during the pandemic. Among these, two main themes were identified as individual activities and group activities regarding coping mechanisms adopted by undergraduates to alleviate stress. This study recommends/highlights the importance of undergraduates engaging in such activities that help sustain their psychological status. Similarly, the study emphasized the role of universities and higher education institutes in facilitating and promoting such activities among their student population.