ICBI 2017

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The Intercultural Organizations: Communication and Management-Perception, Awareness & Behavior of Freshly Graduated Hospitality Students.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) David, B. P.; Francis, R. S.
The hospitality industry hails its global and diverse recognition in being an industry which meets international travelers’ needs worldwide as well as being an important channel for GDP growth over the globe and a direct and indirect job opportunity generator. On the one hand, in a globalization context, hotels groups have developed ventures and new markets across their borders, employing local manpower whilst on the other hand, it allows thousands of individuals venture into finding jobs locally and abroad. Nevertheless, organizations must face a major issue, which allows smooth operations. Indeed, the human factor comes up with differences in cultures and can lead to miscommunication, which has to be managed for those businesses to be successful: intercultural management is the solution. Although there is vast literature to address the issue, the development of curriculum in terms of intercultural integration for hospitality graduates is vital, to gear them for the ever-evolving workplace. Therefore, this study aims at providing an overview of what has been done and what is to be achieved by both schools and organizations in terms of perception, awareness and behavior toward intercultural communication and its management styles. A survey has been conducted to a sampling population of students who would be in the cross-culture industry, to identify the existing elements and their gaps on the subject. A questionnaire has been circulated through the internet to collect a relevant number of 300 respondents. Findings highlighted that few factors could explain the different hypotheses identified in this study. The proposed variables can be engaged as tools to improve the perceptions and understanding of the hospitality professionals.
Future of Tourism: Exploring the Perceived Realities of Young Tourists.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Romy, A.
Vision 2050 for the tourism sector is a prominent research area nowadays. People are waiting to witness the miraculous world with flying cars, autonomous vehicles, self-sustained cities and regular space tours. Futurologists have designed strategies for the progressive path towards 2050. These are all surreal unless it happens. Does the future generations will really be able to witness these? The literature review guides to enquire, whether and how the future of tourism 2050 concept is perceived to happen. This paper also proposes a discussion on the tourists perspective regarding the fantasies sketched for future. The study suggests adopting a qualitative research approach, which enables an in-depth understanding of tourists’ perceptions. The narratives about tourists ‘perceptions on future tourism shall be collected and analyzed through in-depth interviews and focus groups. The research expects to comprehend whether the designs for the future would cater the desires of all types of tourists. This would create new insights to the future of tourism enthusiasts so as to concentrate on short-term and realistic plans for the future.
Identification of Water Stress of Plants Using Image Processing.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) De Silva, R.; Senanayake, P. A.
Low Leaf Water Content (LWC) levels in plants lead to water stress, and the leaves become wilted. Most farmers use slight wilting as the visual indicator to water their plants. Though the researchers have studied LWC of plants extensively using remote sensing and complex methods, the agricultural industry cannot use them as they are complex and costly. This paper presents a simple method of recognizing water stress of leaves using leaf images taken by a smartphone. Our initial experiment on a large sample of mung bean leaves indicates that RGB values of images are related to water stress. The method would be beneficial to the agricultural industry as once further developed; it could be used to determine the watering time point of plants. The process can be automated by capturing the images by a camera mounted on a land or an aerial robot and processing them online.
Examining the Role of Multitasking on Academic Performance of University Undergraduates.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Perera, S.; Yatigammana, M. R. K. N.; Sarathchandra, K. S. H.
Nowadays, majority of the youth use more than one information and communication technologies such as smart phones, tablets and laptops. These devices allow them to do many activities simultaneously such as talk on the phone while check the Facebook account and listen to music while studying, or surfing internet with more than one site on the web. Thus, it is important to investigate whether this multitasking behavior of the undergraduates will effect on their academic performance. The purpose of this study is to examine the university students’ multitasking behavior and to determine the impacts of this multitasking on their university Grade Point Average (GPA). The population of this study was 3rd and 4th year undergraduates of the Department of Commerce and Financial Management of University of Kelaniya. A random sample of 100 is taken. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire. A pilot study with 30 students has done to check the reliability of the questionnaire. The data analysis showed that there is a significant negative impact of ICT Usage and Internet skills on GPA. Also, there is a significant negative impact of Multitasking behavior on GPA. Further, the multitasking is a mediating factor between Internet skills, ICT usage and GPA of the undergraduates. The findings of the study revealed that, concentrating too many activities at one time leads to decrease the academic performance of the undergraduates.
A Discourse Analysis on Research Texts on Mumpreneurs.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Surangi, H. A. K. N. S.; Ranwala, R. S.
Research investigating female entrepreneurs has developed considerably over the past two decades. However, mumprenurship concept is still a relatively under-researched area and represents a challenging research field. Departing from a social constructionist understanding of mumpreneurs, this study examines how the entrepreneurial mothers are constructed in research articles. The paper makes use of a discourse analysis to examine a selection of empirical research articles from 2000 to 2017 on mumpreneurs in entrepreneurship research in order to convey the key concept, main findings, key contribution, and the methodology. The analysis of the research texts revealed several assumptions and constructs that were taken for granted about mumpreneurs. Main findings based on the discourse analysis reveal six hegemonic statements: Mumpreneurs are not ‘proper’ entrepreneurs, many women face competing and often contradictory societal expectations when they are combining motherhood and business, entrepreneurship supporting motherhood, new entrepreneurial identity: ‘I am not just a housewife, running home based business and mumpreneurs’ motivations change over and the life course. The practices and the research results are moreover dependent on the particular context in which the articles are produced. This means that their results and assumptions cannot be generalized to other contexts uncritically.
Study on the Impact of Ergonomics on Employee Performance in the IT Industry of Sri Lanka.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Sulaiman, M. S. M.; Liyanagamage, C.
Ergonomics has become an important consideration in organizations especially employing knowledge workers. This study attempts to explore the impact of Ergonomics on the performance of the employees of the IT sector in Sri Lanka. A sample of 161 IT professionals serving at different levels of organizations at different junctures in their careers from several organizations was taken for this study. Their responses were gathered and analyzed from a quantitative perspective. Office Ambience, Spatial Arrangement, Safety, Equipment & Furniture were taken into consideration. Findings of the study revealed that all four variables are statistically significant and the multiple Regression analysis revealed that Spatial Arrangement was the most significant factor in explaining employee performance. This study serves as proof to owners and leadership of IT organizations that it is, in fact, important that they provide an ergonomically sound work environment for their employees as the impact of ergonomics on their performance is quite considerable.
Impact of Supply Chain Actor Citizenship Behavior on Supply Chain Learning Processes.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Liyanage, H. L.
Critical evaluation of early literature into supply chain learning indicates lack of research into the impact of supply chain actor citizenship behavior on supply chain learning processes. Therefore, this study explores the impact of supply chain actor citizenship behavior impact on supply chain learning processes. The study uses constructivist epistemology, interpretative theoretical perspective, case study research methodology and grounded theory thematic technique in data analysis. Findings of the study indicate that different elements of the supply chain actor citizenship behavior concept are connected to different levels of supply chain learning processes. Self-development is found to have an impact on intuition process, helping behavior is found to have an impact on interpretation process, tolerance is found to have an impact on integration process and constructiveness is found to have an impact on institutionalization process. An original contribution to theory includes extending organizational learning theory and citizenship behavior concept to supply chain context. And practitioners are recommended to explore dynamics of self-development, helping behavior, tolerance, and constructiveness on enhancing supply chain learning processes.
Problems and Prospects of Tourism Development: With Special Reference to Negombo Area of Sri Lanka.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Kulathunga, S. D. K.
The objective of this study is twofold. First, to examine how different socio-economic factors affect tourism and the local community in the Negombo coastline. Second, to examine how demographic factors influence residents’ perceptions on socio-economic impact of tourism. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. OLS and ANOVA were used to analyze the data. Findings revealed that Negombo has gained from tourism as it has affected the socio-economic status of the community. However, among the existing problems overcrowding, social problems, illegal activities and pollution are creating negative impacts on the society.
Women in Tourism Employment: A Case of Maldives.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Moosa, Z.
The purpose of this article was to review some of the relevant literature applicable to women’s employment in the context of Maldives. It also reviews the status of women’s employment in the Maldivian tourism industry by focusing on the employment in the tourist resorts. Tourism has become the world's largest industry that provides employment and contributes to GDP. Tourism is also seen as an avenue for income generation for women. Women represent 50% of the labor force worldwide. Even with education and skills, they are a minority in the workplace. Hence, this review provides an understanding of the status of employment related to women in the tourist resorts of Maldives.
Role of E-learning in Providing Lifelong Learning.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Yatigammana, M. R. K. N.; Suraweera, S.A.D.H.N.; Pathirage, D. P.; Jayantha, R. H. U.; De Pasqual, M. K.; Priyankara, C.; Wijayarathne, P. G.
The E-learning has opened up access and promoted equity by offering more affordable opportunities for quality lifelong learning. Through e-Sri Lanka project introduced in 2003, the government of Sri Lanka aims to (1) improving access and use of information and communication technology; (2) giving access to and use of public services online by businesses and citizens; and (3) improving the competitiveness of the private sector and in particular of the knowledge industry and SMEs. As a result, there is an increasing demand for empowering the population of Sri Lanka through affordable community access to technologies and provide basic computer literacy training services to regularly use ICT or e-services. After identify this requirement, the National E-learning Resource Centre (NELRC) of University of Kelaniya with the collaboration of Information and Communication Technology Industry Skill Council (ICTISC) has started developing interactive multimedia based e-learning materials to enhance ICT skills of all the citizens in Sri Lanka. As the first step, and interactive multimedia based e-learning material is developed to enhance ICT skills of National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) level 2 which promotes e citizen. A four stage model of analysis, design, develop and delivery is used to identify the mixture of best multimedia to achieve each learning outcome of NVQ level 2, design the prototype, testing, producing the final version and deliver the content to user.
Successful of Self-efficacy through Inventive Drama.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Vitharana, W. B. A.
Self-efficacy is disturbed with people’s views in their skills to produce given achievements (Bandura, 1997). One cannot be all things, which would require mastery of every realm of human life. People differ in the areas in which they cultivate their efficacy and in the levels to which they develop it even within their given pursuits. The drama had a positive impact on students’ development of communication skills, socialization levels, and development of emotional intelligence, social skills, empathic skills and empathic tendencies regardless of the grade levels of the students. The purpose of this study is to explore the effects of an Inventive Drama Based Awareness of Self- efficacy Skills Training Program on grade ten students’ perception of self- efficacy. This is a quasi-experimental study. Perfectly 80 students were similarly divided into two groups as they are investigational group and control group. The investigational group has attended to ten sessions of development as inventive drama based exercise program. The exercise program was achieved by involving the theory of Bandura’s self- efficacy as they are; presentation success, indirect experiences, verbal persuasion and expressive states. It has been prepared to promote students’ perception of self-efficacy skills. Awareness of Self- efficacy Towards Using Inventive Drama Technique has been offered as pre-test and post-test to both groups in order to get the data. It has been found that there was significance on behalf of experimental group in the end of this study (p< 05).
Movements and Linkages between Emerging Stock Market Indices with Currency Returns: A Study with Reference to ASIA.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Lingaraja, K.; Selvam, M.; Raja, M.; Ramkumar, R. R.
The aim of this study is to investigate the co-movements and dynamic linkages, between stock prices in emerging equity markets and exchange rates in currency markets of Asia, for eight countries, namely, China, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand, by estimating correlation and granger causality tests, with 15 years daily returns for the period from 1st January, 2002 to 31st December, 2016. This research study focused on currency rate returns, which were evaluated against respective Stock market indices of Asian emerging markets. It applied different statistical tools to analyze the obtained data. The research study also analyzes the causal relationship between the time series data, pertaining to currency and sample stock indices of Asian countries. The study found no correlation between indices and exchange rate returns of countries of Asia, though very weak relationship did exists, except China and Indonesia. The result indicated the non-existence of linkages and movements between the exchange rate and stock market index, under sample emerging countries in Asia, during the period under study.
Modeling the Best ARIMA Modeling Approach for Forecasting Market Indices in Colombo Stock Exchange, Sri Lanka.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Madushani, M. L. P.; Erandi, M. W. A.; Madurangi, L. H. L. S.; Sivaraj, L. B. M.; Weerasinghe, W. D. D.; Jayasundara, D. D. M.; Rathnayaka, R. M. K. T.
Generally, the movements of the stock prices are highly volatile and make much more dynamics. As a result day by day the large number of companies has been listed on stock exchanges across the world. Under this scenario, examine a suitable model for forecasting stock prices is a biggest challenge in the modern world. The propose of this study is to examine a suitable model for forecasting stock prices in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE), Sri Lanka. Since the data has a non-seasonal linear trend, an autoregressive integrated moving average model was used for modeling and forecasting. The empirical results suggested that ARIMA model is more accurate for forecasting ASPI index than other traditional regression methods.
Winning the Market by Reforming the Capitalism: A Case of DAMRO.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Gangodawilage, D.; Punchibandara, M. M. T.; Wijayanama, P. T. C.; Liyanage, P. W.; Kannangara, Kannangara,; Madushanka, J. T. D.
A humble man who believed in himself and fearless in taking risks created one of the most successful furniture businesses Sri Lanka has ever seen. DAMRO today is a well-known brand in the households and corporates alike. With manufacturing facilities in Sri Lanka and India and over 190 showrooms, DAMRO dominates in a highly fragmented market with the competitive advantage of high quality products with simple designs and good customer service at an affordable price. In India DAMRO is one of the top 10 furniture brands. DAMRO is built with unique culture where humbleness, hard-work, integrity, no-nonsense approach seem to be undeclared values. As a high-touch leader Chairman knows his people well. He is involved in every aspect and detail of the organization. While that created a well aligned family business so-far, DAMRO is outgrowing where systems, controls, structures and empowered managers are needed. This context has been studied by researches based on case story analysis along with secondary sources.
Consumer Attitudes toward Mobile Advertising: With Special Reference to Fast Food Industry.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Wijesundara, C. B.; Hennayake, H. M. G. Y. J.
The rapid proliferation of mobile phones has created a new channel for mobile marketing. The use of Short Messaging Service to access customers through mobile devices is gaining popularity. In Sri Lanka, most of fast-moving food companies are using Short Messaging Service to reach their customers. However, little has been done to investigate the attitudes towards SMS as an advertising tool. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the factors influence on consumer attitudes toward mobile advertising. Data was collected through a sample of 200 respondents from Colombo District. A deductive approach was employed to construct the conceptual framework, and accordingly, hypotheses were formed. The hypotheses were tested using Co-relations. Findings revealed that credibility and permission-based advertising of the mobile advertisements have a greater impact on consumer attitude towards mobile advertising. Managerial implications and the research propositions were suggested for the mobile marketing sphere at the conclusion.
Role of the Internal Audit Function to Earnings Management: Evidence from Sri Lankan Manufacturing Industry.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Kankanamge, C. A.
The purpose of this paper aims to examine the role of internal audit function (IAF) to control the opportunistic earnings management (EM) in Sri Lanka during the period from 2014-2016. Even though there are studies conduct on this topic on developed market settings, significant gap remain unresolved in emerging market context. IAF Size, independence, meetings and financial expertise used in this study as IAF characteristics. Code of Best Practice of Corporate Governance (2013) used to operationalize the IAF characteristics. To measure the EM, Kothari, Lenon and Wesley (2005) performance adjusted discretionary accrual model was used. Panel data of 100 firm year observations used to run the Ordinary least squares regression model. Regression results showed a strong negative relationship between IAF characteristics and EM. The findings based on this study provide useful information to the firms about the importance of having strong and effective IAF to constrain the earnings management of the firms.
The Impact of Human Resource (HR) Key Result Areas on Employee Satisfaction of Production Floor Workers in Sri Lankan Garment Industry.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Saparamadu, S.; Weerakkody, W. A. S.
The current study was conducted with the prime purpose of examining the impact of Human Resource (HR) key result areas on production floor workers’ satisfaction with the focus on production level employees of MNO Garments operating under MAS Holdings in the Biyagama export zone. The study investigated the effectiveness of HR key result which can influence on satisfaction among production floor workers. The research framework consists of one dependent variable and one main independent variable. HR key results areas are recruitment, training and development and remuneration. Three hypotheses were formulated using deductive approach. Hence the purpose of the study was hypotheses testing. Variables are neither manipulated nor controlled in the study. The sample population consisted of 100 production floor workers who were randomly selected from 10 modules including 10 employees selected for each module using the stratified random sampling method. Measures of the study had possessed sufficient validity and reliability. The structured questionnaire, which consists of 43 statements with five point scale, was used in order to collect the data and the sample. Unite of analysis is individual since data was collected from production floor workers. The data analysis included the univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis. The study revealed that there is a strong positive relationship between HR key results areas and employee satisfaction. Hence, it is concluded that Human Resource Key Result Areas and employee satisfaction strongly relates positively.
Use of Social Media in Professional Education: A Cross-Sectional Study among Teachers in India and Sri Lanka.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Kurian, S.; De Alwis, A. C.; Padmasiri, M. K. D.; Ramanathan, H. N.; Chacko, P. S.
Teachers are sophisticated users of social media. Although the faculty personal use of social media has shown ever-increasing trend the professional use of social media has lagged somewhat behind. A majority of faculty now uses social media in a professional context (including all aspects of their profession outside of teaching). The number of teachers who use social media in the classroom still does not represent a majority. They refer to different sites to match their varying personal, professional, and teaching needs. In general, they see considerable potential in the application of social media and technology to their teaching, but not without a number of serious barriers. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions of acceptance of social media in teaching and learning activities and the barriers that inhibit the minds of the management faculty in the use of it. The results indicate a positive inclination among teachers towards the use of social media for teaching-learning purposes with each of the indicator variables, performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence and facilitating conditions measuring higher than the benchmark. The dominant factor which emerged as a barrier to the usage of social media by the teachers was the lack of integration of social media with the learning management system.
Store Characteristics and Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Perceived Value.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Alroaia, Y. V.; Rahayi, S.
The aim of the present study is to examine the effect of store characteristics on customer loyalty with the mediating role of perceived value among customers of chain stores in a province in Iran. To answer the research questions and test hypotheses, a questionnaire was distributed among 385 members of the research sample. After collecting the questionnaires, data was analyzed by using Structural Equation Modeling and the results were extracted. The validity of the questionnaire was assessed by using content and construct validity, and its reliability was measured by Cronbach's Alpha test. The results indicated that the questions have high reliability. In terms of construct validity, which was examined by using confirmatory factor analysis, it was found that the questions have appropriate validity. Finally, the results of the data analysis and hypothesis testing indicate that: store characteristics have a significant impact on perceived value and customer loyalty; perceived value, as well, has a significant impact on customer loyalty. The mediating role of perceived value in the relationship between characteristics of store and customer loyalty is also confirmed.
Ecosystem Integration and Ecotourism Potentials in Kala Oya Estuary, Sri Lanka.
(8th International Conference on Business & Information ICBI – 2017, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka., 2017) Gunathilaka, M. D. K. L.
Ecotourism is a sustainable alternative to the more conventional tourism and has grown in popularity worldwide. Although the concept of ecotourism is new to Sri Lanka, it has the potential to develop as a major ecotourism destination in Asia. As the Government of Sri Lanka intends to increase tourist arrivals and revenue, development of ecotourism in Sri Lanka has to be an important feature of national tourism strategy. Accordingly, this study aimed to identify the integration of ecosystems and opportunities for ecotourism in Kala Oya Estuary in the Puttalam District. Vegetation sampling was carried out using the belt transect method. 15 sample plots of 5m x 5m quadrants were selected to examine the degree of integration of ecosystem. 25 randomly selected individuals comprising owners of tourist accommodation and villagers were interviewed to identify ecotourism opportunity in the Estuary. Shannon-Wiener diversity index (H1) was calculated to find the diversity of mangroves. Spatial maps were prepared using ArcGIS and Google Earth software and statistical analysis was performed using MS Excel. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic content analysis. It was found that the Kala Oya Estuary consists of significantly rich species and is associated with fewer constraints for ecotourism. Therefore, it is recommended to manage the area by encouraging the use of voluntary environmental tools and promotional programs to increase the ecotourism potential in the Kala Oya.