ICBI 2023

Permanent URI for this collectionhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/27062

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Agility for Competitive Performance, Driven by Digital Technologies: A Systematic Literature Review with Special Reference to the Apparel Supply Chain
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Emmanuel, S.; Jayarathne, A.; Herath, R. P.
One emerging theme in the practitioner literature argues that the future supply chain will be agile and produce significant supply chain competitive performance advantages despite the world becoming more complex and uncertain. Achieving supply chain competitive performance is made possible in large part by developments in digital technologies. This systematic review paper aims to determine how agility and digitalization affect supply chain performance. A comprehensive literature review was done, covering the years 2005 through 2022, and it included the analysis of 149 articles. The results highlight the connection between supply chain competitive performance and digital technology, information, and agility. The evaluation also highlights the significance of addressing opportunities and challenges in the supply chain with such technology and abilities. A fresh model of supply chain performance and agility is presented for study. The authors of this ground-breaking study systematically reviewed the literature that links agility and digitalization to competitive performance. This research will aid apparel industry professionals in planning for the future of the supply chain and provide researchers with a framework for foreseeing the role that digital technologies will play in that chain.
An Analysis of the Obstructive Factors that Impact the Empowerment of Women Entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Amarasooriya, D. N. P.
The sector of small and medium enterprises is considered an encouraging platform for the economic empowerment of women through participating in economic development as entrepreneurs. The lower productivity exhibited by these SMEs in Sri Lanka was identified because of the high participation rate of female entrepreneurs in the informal economy. An unfavorable environment has been created obstructing the transition of women entrepreneurs towards the upper echelon of the business world through diverse impediments. Thus, the research focused on exploring the barriers that hinder the business growth of women entrepreneurs in small and medium-scale enterprises. Accordingly, the research was conducted as secondary research. Since this research encompasses the areas of gender, entrepreneurship and international trade, feminist theories, entrepreneurship theories and internationalization theories were applied in developing the analysis. Based on these theories, the factors which directly and indirectly influence the growth of womenowned small and medium-scale enterprises were explored and discussed. In Sri Lanka, a minor percentage of female participation in small and medium enterprises occurs due to limited access to financial resources, lack of financial literacy, social prejudices, social and cultural restrictions, and limited opportunities for networking and communicating with external resources. Thus, closing the gender gap in education, giving access to capital through a concerted policy action and providing women entrepreneurs with opportunities to improve their financial literacy and educational level were highlighted as the major recommendations in the study to empower women entrepreneurs to climb the value chain. Women entrepreneurs in small and medium-scale enterprises need to be facilitated with greater access to the domestic, regional, and international markets to enable them to expand their businesses with productivity and innovation. Thus, vital policy measures should be taken to mitigate the barriers involved in formalizing the business mechanisms while focusing on increasing the benefits that women entrepreneurs can gain through that standardizing process.
Antecedents of Mobile Marketing Technology Adoption on SME’s Business Performance in Tourism Industry in Sri Lanka with Mediator Effect of Digitalization and Moderator Effect of Environmental Factors
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Silva, J. S.
This study aims to examine the impact of mobile marketing technology adoption on the business performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the tourism industry in Sri Lanka, considering the mediator effect of mobile marketing digitalization and moderator effect of environmental factors. Sri Lanka has experienced a significant growth in mobile technology adoption, providing SMEs with new opportunities to reach and engage with the customers. However, the effective utilization of mobile marketing technology by SMEs requires proper technology adoption, as well as support from reliable mobile telephonic service providers. SMEs can acquire a unique opportunity for marketing campaigns using mobile marketing technology rather than traditional marketing practices. Enhancing customer reach, cost efficiency, data-driven decision making, personalization, competitive advantage, customer engagement and loyalty, geolocating targets, measurable ROI are the benefits of mobile marketing to overcome the traditional challenges. This research also employs a quantitative approach, collecting survey data from SME owners and senior managers. The findings of this study will contribute to the literature on mobile marketing technology in the context of Sri Lankan SMEs, offering valuable insights for SMEs seeking to enhance their business performance through effective mobile marketing strategies.
Application of Life Cycle Perspective Costing (LCC) Use in European Union (EU) as a Green Procurement Tool for Cost-effective Public Procurement in the Health sector, Sri Lanka: A Survey-based Study
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Dinesh, K. L. S.; Liyanage, U. P.; Wijeyaratne, W. M. D. N.
In Sri Lanka public procurement guidelines should be followed by all government agencies, when they are required to procure goods, works, and services. The Objective of such guidelines is to ensure the value for money of the process. The Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka has issued a national policy on sustainable consumption and production for Sri Lanka. Two sections of this policy document are reserved for public procurement and Health sectors. According to the policy document, the Ministry of Health should ensure sustainable practices at all levels in the health sector to be transformed into green work set up by 2030. The policy suggests applying sustainable public procurement (SPP) practices in all sectors and for each product or service that has a significant cost-saving impact. This paper mainly discusses Life Cycle Perspective Cost (LCC) and other Green and Sustainable evaluation practices regulated in health sector institutes in the European Union (EU) and reviews the possible adoption of those green and sustainable concepts to public procurement processes in Sri Lanka for cost-effective Public Procurement. The Adoption of green would maximize the value of public money while minimizing damage to the environment and maximizing economic, and social benefits to the public health sector in Sri Lanka.
Assessment of Local (Domestic) Preference Adaptability in the Public Procurement Process for the Health Sector in Sri Lanka to Promote Local Economic Growth: A Survey-based Study
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Dinesh, K. L. S.; Liyanage, P.; Wijeyaratne, W. M. D.
In Sri Lanka (SL), public procurement guidelines should be followed by all public institutes, when procuring goods, works, or services. There are multiple guidelines relevant to be followed for this purpose to ensure the value for money of the public procurement process. The Ministry of Environment, Sri Lanka has passed a national policy on sustainable consumption and production for Sri Lanka and two sections are allocated for public procurement and Health. According to the policy document, the Ministry of Health should ensure sustainable consumption practices in the health sector to be transformed into green work settings by 2030. Adoption of those green and SPP public procurement would maximize the value of public money while minimizing damage to the environment and maximizing economic, and social benefits to the public health sector in Sri Lanka. The Local preference is applicable for public procurement in Sri Lanka, where applicable. The Domestic preference supports the capacity development of local businesses of the home country, while able retain the public money within the country as it allows preference for local bidders when evaluating bids. The level of adaptability of this concept in the health sector, in Sri Lanka is accessed in this paper based on the survey conducted.
Audit Quality and Earnings Management: Evidence from Food & Beverage and Hotel Sectors of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Randenigala, C. J.; Wijesinghe, M. R. P.
The company's earnings are crucial for investors' decision-making since they provide emblems about value-creating ability. However, with the possibility of manipulating earnings, the whole purpose of financial reporting becomes valueless. External auditing can be identified as one of the control mechanisms that minimizes earnings management. This study examines the impact of audit quality on earnings management in the food and beverage sector and hotel companies in the Colombo Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2019. The real earnings management approach and total accruals are used to measure the earnings quality, while audit firm size, presence of the audit committee, frequency of the audit committee meetings and audit timeliness are the audit quality proxies. The study used regression analysis as the main analysis tool, and the findings reveal the existence of earnings management in the food and beverage and hotel sectors. Interestingly, audit quality does not significantly impact earnings management in the food and beverage sector, while it can be identified as impacting earnings management in the hotel sector. Moreover, the size of a company and its leverage also significantly impact earnings management in both sectors. These findings suggest that effective regulation and monitoring are necessary to improve audit quality for both sectors, especially in the hotel sector companies in Sri Lanka. Hence, enhancing audit quality would minimize earnings management and improve earnings quality, which is instrumental to the decisionmakers, especially investors and creditors. Henceforth, we suggest improving the audit quality in the food and beverage and hotel sectors and enhancing disclosure requirements such as research and development expenses, audit time, and non-audit service.
A Conceptual Paper on an Extended Model of Goal Directed Behavior to Understand Entrepreneurial Intention of University Students
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Jayasinghe, M. R.; Shamil, M. M.; Fernando, W. R. P. K.
Despite empirical evidence regarding the capability of entrepreneurship in improving economies, there is a gap in utilizing the potential of graduate entrepreneurship for such purposes in financially hit Sri Lanka. Understanding the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention of undergraduates in the career decision making stage and having a higher likelihood of entering and retaining in self-employment given their higher educational attainments, is important for future measures to promote graduate entrepreneurship. As behavior is driven by goals, according to the Model of Goal Directed Behavior (MGB), the aim is to test the applicability of an Extended MGB to examine the entrepreneurial intention (EI) of Sri Lankan state undergraduates. Research Gaps indicated the need to explore the impact of the MGB components, and the perceptions of supportive university environment, recessionary economic context, and entrepreneurial culture, on EI. A positivist philosophy, deductive research approach, survey research strategy, mono method quantitative research choice, cross sectional time horizon and a structured questionnaire technique will be used to collect data from a stratified cluster sample of 581 undergraduates from a sampled population of 7328. Findings will help enhance the understanding regarding the antecedents of entrepreneurial intention of undergraduates and offer recommendations for educators and policy makers for promoting graduate entrepreneurship.
Consumer Ethnocentrism in The Contemporary World: Literature Review
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Mallikarachchi, M. C. K.; Ambepitiya, K.
This paper aims to provide an overview of the literature on consumer ethnocentrism. Along with demographic, social, cultural, and psychological factors, product features and other facilities also impact consumer behavior. The impact of many factors and problems on ethnocentrism is examined, and issues with the research's consistency in terms of definition and measurement are found. Investigating consumer ethnocentrism behavior locally and globally is essential in considering the literature. Future, study directions and a description of consumer ethnocentrism are suggested.
Coping Responses for Workplace Stress by the Sri Lankan LGBTQ+ Community
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Arachchilage, I. M. W.; Jayasinghe, J. A. C. B.
Lesbian, gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and other sexual minority (LGBTQ+) employees in Sri Lanka face workplace discrimination, as organizations lack adequate policies and practices to protect them from marginalization and vulnerability. Thus LGBTQ+ employees must work under pressure, and it affects their job satisfaction and performance. Sri Lankan LGBTQ+ studies are lacking due to challenges in finding respondents, overcoming social and cultural barriers, and gaining societal support. This study investigates the workplace stress of LGBTQ+ employees in Sri Lanka, focusing on their feelings and perceptions. It also examines coping strategies for overcoming workplace stress and the most common coping mechanisms for these employees. The research explored LGBTQ+ employees' experiences in Sri Lanka and potential solutions to workplace stress through a qualitative approach, interviewing eight respondents who experienced discrimination. The study findings revealed that LGBTQ+ employees are discriminated at the workplace through social exclusion, sexual harassment, and hostile work settings. The research identified nine coping strategies practiced by the Sri Lankan LHBTQ+ employees and highlighted the four most common strategies that were successful in the Sri Lankan context. The studies’ findings provide significant insights for the organization's policymakers related to human resource management and scholars.
Determinants of Consumer Purchasing Intention for Residential Real Estate: Potential Middle-Income Buyers' Point of View in Colombo and Suburbs
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Weerakkody, W. T. N.; Bandara, Wanninayake, W. M. C.
The residential Real Estate Market within the Market Economy plays a significant role and has been taken into consideration for the purpose of this study. Consumer behavior and intention lead to demand, which the study has explored to derive enormous benefits. The study of the housing market has become vital since the decision to buy a house is complex and unique beyond goods and services. The data was analyzed using the quantitative technique and utilized 384 respondents as the sample size within the study area chosen, which is Colombo and suburbs. This paper focused on the behavior of middle-income potential buyers within the Real Property market under the selected attributes, for instance, Price, Legal Attributes and Amenities. The main objective of the research was to analyze the impact of these determinants. Data was analyzed using regression. According to the study, attributes including location, legal aspects, and services have a favorable influence on a consumer's purchasing intention whereas price increases have an unfavorable impact. However, the study indicates that affordability, a moderating variable, has a significant impact on consumer purchasing intention.
Determinants of Risk-taking Behavior of Licensed Commercial Banks: A Case of Licensed Commercial Banks in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Damayanthi, N. M. M.; Gunawardhana, C. S.
Although being a widely researched area elsewhere in the world, the determinants of risk-taking behavior of Sri Lankan banks remain unexplored and important area considering the systemic importance of banks in the financial sector. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between risk-taking factors and its various determinants of banks. The study employs a panel data analysis using quarterly financial data of selected licensed commercial Banks (LCBs) in Sri Lanka for a period of 10 years, i.e., 2013Q1 to 2022Q4. The test results revealed that the size and corporate age of the banks have a negative relationship with the standard deviation of the net interest margin. NPL ratio, cost to income ratio and the diversification indicator reflected weak positive relationships with risk-taking behavior of LCBs. The outcome of the study may utilize for preparation of a risk-based supervision framework that can be used by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL). Further, the study stress CBSL to analyze the possibility of introducing stringent control mechanisms for newly licensed banks to be followed during the initial years of banking operations, considering the accumulation of excessive risks by such entities.
Developing a Business Simulation Game to Enhance Innovation Readiness of Organizations: A Design Based Research
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) De Silva, T. R.; Yatigammana, M. R. K. N.
This concept paper narrates a study aimed at investigating the process of developing a set of design principles and a scientifically validated business simulation game to enhance the level of innovation readiness within organizations, based on contemporary best and emerging practices. The study will employ an empirical approach using the Design-Based Research (DBR) method, which integrates theory and design elements. The uniqueness of this study lies in its integration of various concepts of innovation readiness and business simulation design, providing a holistic framework for enhancing organizations' ability to innovate. Additionally, the study incorporates theories such as Cognitive Flexibility Theory, change efficacy, change valence, and experiential learning to create a business simulation game. The anticipated outcomes are twofold. Firstly, the establishment of a set of design principles will guide future research endeavors and aid in the development of similar simulations. Secondly, the creation of a robust simulation game will enable organizations to enhance their level of innovation readiness, leading to better and faster innovations.
Developing a Conceptual Framework to Investigate the Demand Articulation of SMMEs for Digital Marketing Adoption and Performance: Reference to SMMEs in the Sri Lankan Tourist Lodging Industry
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Herath, H. M. B. I.; Razi, M. J. M.
The concept of demand articulation is acknowledged in the field of marketing science as a valuable tool for implementing industry-specific policies aimed at expediting the commercialization of emerging technologies. The objective of this study is to construct a conceptual framework for examining the relationship between social media adoption and performance in the tourist lodging industry in Sri Lanka, focusing on the demand articulation for digital marketing by small, medium, and micro enterprises (SMMEs). The researcher conducted a thorough content analysis of the digital marketing behaviors on social media of SMMEs in the tourist lodging industry. The findings indicate the applied gap reflecting the scarce levels of digital marketing strategies in the realm of social media marketing (SMM), specifically in areas of video marketing, property management system (PMS) utilization, content updating, social media boosting and optimization, and overall liveliness. The researcher has considered the policy-related demand articulation on social media adoption by investigating the impact on the existing TOE model to construct a new framework to address the theoretical gap. The study mainly revealed that the new technology demand articulation leads to its adoption by the SMEs on demand-side innovation policies, sectoral policies, and challenge policies based on the literature review.
Digital Divide & the Impact on Merit-Based University Admission: A Case of Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Ranasinghe, R. S. L. B.
As the world has seen an unprecedented growth of technology resulting in the information age, the long-experienced issues of resource distribution inequalities, especially in developing nations have taken a drastic turn causing digital divide. Sri Lanka, with constant issues of disparity in a conventional outset, is yet to establish a proper association of digital disparity, in the case of education of country’s youth. The purpose of the study is to test whether a linear relationship exists in between the defined two variables and to establish directional impact from the predictor variable towards the outcome denoted. Quantitative data of continuous nature for a longitude of five years which are readily available in the public domain in secondary sources were used. Preliminary Pearson’s coefficient test was conducted to determine association while a detailed impact was tested using the simple regression analysis. Results indicated a strong positive linear relationship between the predictor and outcome variables. Regression analysis resulted in the establishment of a strong positive impact of computer literacy (lack of digital divide) towards university admission. As a linear association was established, and a potential causality proposed, it is concluded that the computer literacy or the lack of digital divide reflected by it, has a positive impact on university admission. Further studies in survey format or qualitative exploration would be instrumental in implementing curative steps for the matter.
Do Exchange Rate and Inflation Impact Foreign Portfolio Inflows of Colombo Stock Exchange? An Analysis under Covid-19 Pandemic
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Dissanayake, D. A. S. D.; Gunasekara, A. L.
The purpose of this research is to examine whether the foreign exchange rate, inflation, and COVID-19 impact Foreign Portfolio Inflows to the Colombo Stock Exchange Sri Lanka. This Study uses secondary monthly time series data from 2015 to 2022. The independent variables of this study are changes in exchange rate, change in inflation and the COVID-19 dummy variable. The dependent variable is the change in Foreign Portfolio Inflows (FPI). The VAR model and Granger-Causality test are applied to test the relationship between inflation, exchange rate, COVID-19 and FPI. The VAR model shows that COVID-19, exchange rate and inflation have a no significant impact on current change in FPI. Granger Causality Test show that there is a one-way relationship between Inflation and the current change in FPI. This study concludes that the exchange rate does not impact current change in FPI and the impact stems from inflation on FPI is weak. This study is one of the first attempts to investigate whether the exchange rate, Inflation rate, and covid-19 impact Foreign Portfolio Inflows in Sri Lanka under Covid-19. Future research is needed to examine the relationship using other variables like oil price, domestic institutional investment, GDP, etc.
Does Sustainable Responsible Investment Cause Better Portfolio Performance: Concept Paper
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Rathnayake, S.; Nanayakkara, K. G. M.
The aim of this paper is to examine the performance of portfolios that are constructed based on environmental, social and governance (ESG) scores. The financial industry's growing need for sustainable products indicates that interest in ESG and sustainable investing is set for the long haul. The subject has been debated for a while, and earlier research on the risk-adjusted return differential between conventional and sustainable funds has produced various findings. This study will be carried out in part because previous research has concentrated on capital markets that are bigger, mostly developed countries. There is a huge lack of research in the developing country context. The purpose of this study is to close the knowledge gap about how different fund types performed financially in a developing market. This study will select all developing countries in the South Asian region. According to the World Bank categorization, the following are the countries: Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Pakistan. Data will be collected using Bloomberg. Financial data collected will be analyzed using panel data regression analysis.
Effect of Micro Finance Services on Growth of Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs) in Service Sector Operating in Colombo District
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Liyanage, G. S. D.; Liyanage, C. J.
The Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have been highlighted as a key strategic sector in Sri Lanka because MSMEs play a major role in economic development. The objective of the study is to investigate whether Microfinance services impact the growth of micro, small, and medium-sized businesses (MSMEs) in the Service Sector operating in the Colombo district. Micro, small, and mediumsized enterprises (MSMEs) in the service sector operating in the Colombo district are the population. A sample of 250 MSMEs were selected using the convenient sampling method and the data were collected through structured questionnaires. Independent variable of the study is Micro-finance Services which is determined by Micro-credit, Micro-saving, and Micro-insurance. The dependent variable is Growth of MSME's. The results found that there is a positive relationship between Micro-credit, Microsavings, and Micro-insurance services with the growth of MSMEs in the Service Sector Colombo District. Further, Micro-savings have been the most contributory factor and Micro-insurance services were the least contributory factor for the firm's growth. Based on the survey data, the author has developed a multiple regression model. The study recommended that the government should further promote microfinancial services to develop the MSMEs in Sri Lanka.
Effect of Product Evaluation on Purchase Intention toward White Goods: Mediating Role of Country of Origin
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Chacko, P. S.; Hycinth, F.
Country of Origin has become a significant factor in the era of globalization in the areas pertaining to consumer behavior studies. Country-of-origin (COO) is regarded as an intangible indication that might affect consumers' decision to buy and assess a product. With the rise of global trade and rivalry, COO is regarded as a potent image variable that has been applied to impact competitive positioning and business success of brands. Considering this information, the goal of this study is to determine how the COO affects the purchasing habits of young Indian consumers in purchase of white goods. The present study also investigates the interrelationships between COO, product evaluation and product purchase intention among the consumers of home appliances industry in India. Mediation analysis was used to establish the relationship between the three variables and the study found that product evaluation had a significant effect on consumer purchase intention of white goods via the mediating effect of country of origin.
Effect of Student Engagement, Student Satisfaction, and Perceived Learning in Online Learning Environment: Perspective of Management Students
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Pramod, J. A. T.; Weligamage, S. S.
Online education can be identified as a flexible education delivery system that can be applied to distance educational purposes, and this system creates an opportunity for teachers and students to reach each other when they cannot participate in traditional classrooms. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of student engagement, student satisfaction, and perceived learning in an online learning environment. A deductive approach and quantitative designs were used, 306 samples were included, and data was collected via a self-administered questionnaire using convenience sampling. Course structure, learner interaction and instructor presence were used as independent variables, student engagement as mediating variables and improved student learning and student satisfaction as dependent variables in the study. Descriptive and demographic data analysis, reliability analysis, correlation and regression were used to analyze survey data. Findings revealed that course structure, learner interaction and instructor presence have a statistically significant impact on improved student learning and student satisfaction. The finding of the study has also shown that student engagement is a significant mediator between course structure, learner interaction, instructor presence, perceived learning, and student satisfaction. To ensure the effectiveness of the online learning system and student satisfaction, teachers should give much attention to course structure design, which enhances learner interaction and learning.
Effectiveness of Online Teaching and Learning in Higher Education: Students’ Perspective
(Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2023) Madushanka, D.; Karunarathne, R. A. I. C.
The Covid-19 pandemic brought a significant shift in higher education, leading to the rapid adoption of exclusively online learning methods in Sri Lanka’s state universities. Prior to the pandemic, E-learning was not extensively utilized in these institutions, with most bachelor’s degree programs relying on traditional face-to-face lecturing and physical interactions. However, with the emergence of quarantine measures and lockdowns to curb the virus’s spread, universities had to prioritize Elearning to continue academic activities. This research aims to explore students’ perspectives on the online learning experience in Sri Lankan state universities during the pandemic. This study seeks to understand students’ perceptions of the management of knowledge delivery, the effectiveness of learning and assimilating information, and the use of E-learning platforms in the context of exclusively online education. This study is based on the quantitative research method and data were collected using an online survey method. Further, we collected data from 386 undergraduates in seven state universities, Sri Lanka and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. By examining students’ viewpoints, this research endeavors to provide valuable insights that can guide educational institutions in enhancing their online learning strategies and meeting the evolving needs of students.