Students’ Research Symposium - Department of Finance (SRS-DFIN)

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    Factors and Challenges Affecting the Success of Women Entrepreneurship; A Study in Bakery Products Industry in Northwestern Province of Sri Lanka
    (Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Mudalige, M.B.N.; Abeysekera, R.
    Introduction: It is frequently recognized that economic growth and wealth are dependent on entrepreneurship and that the number of women entrepreneurs worldwide has significantly increased. The modern world views entrepreneurship as a potent force that promotes productivity, job creation, and economic expansion. This study aims to determine the critical elements and obstacles that impact the performance of female entrepreneurs in Sri Lanka and their ability to manage their businesses and to provide recommendations for the most effective course of action. The primary goal of this study is to identify and analyse the variables and obstacles that could affect how well women entrepreneurs succeed. Methodology: This research followed the social constructivism philosophy to examine the real, and this research is conducted as qualitative research in which data, words, images or objects were collected through the methods of interviews, field notes and participant observations in the evaluations. Also, this study is also associated with the inductive approach. In this research, I used the purposive sampling method. The population is Sri Lankan women business owners who have been active in the bakery products industry in the northwestern province of Sri Lanka for over three years. I identified 10 Sri Lankan women business owners active in the Bakery products industry in the northwestern province of Sri Lanka as a sample. The data collection method is conducting interviews. I could identify four main success factors as main themes, and the findings of challenges are detailed as 20 sub-themes from the interviews conducted. Conclusion: This study goes a step further and explains the factors that influence the success or failure of women entrepreneurs. Hence, it will help women entrepreneurs across Sri Lanka and all stakeholders, like the government, customers, employees, and investors, to make appropriate decisions.
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    Factors and Challenges Affecting the Success of Women Entrepreneurship; A Study in Salon Industry in Kurunegala District of Sri Lanka
    (Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Dissanayake, D.M.K.L.; Abeysekera, R.
    Introduction: Women’s entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka grapples with persistent challenges, stemming from intertwined issues that have impeded historical progress. This study aimed to discover the factors and challenges faced by women entrepreneurs in the salon industry in the Kurunegala district. Methodology: Qualitative methods were used to collect data from interviews with women entrepreneurs in the salon industry. The findings show that a significant obstacle is the limited financial capability of women entrepreneurs, constraining their capacity to invest, expand, and compete effectively. Findings: Insufficient governmental and regulatory frameworks exacerbate these challenges, as a lack of robust support structures hampers the growth and sustainability of women-led enterprises. The need for more reliable evidence and data is a key contributing factor to these impediments. The absence of comprehensive information, often influenced by societal rules and customs, complicates the development of targeted policies and initiatives addressing the specific needs of women entrepreneurs. More accurate data is needed to ensure the formulation of informed strategies to uplift and empower women in business. The nation's status further compounds the challenges women entrepreneurs face in Sri Lanka as a developing country. Women managing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) confront a complex interplay of financial constraints, regulatory limitations, and a need for more reliable data. This underscores the urgent need for comprehensive and tailored interventions to address these unique challenges. Conclusion: Bolstering women's entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka requires initiatives encompassing targeted financial support, reforms in governmental and regulatory frameworks, and the generation of reliable data reflecting diverse rules and customs in business environments. By addressing these challenges directly, Sri Lanka can create an environment conducive to the success and sustainability of women-led businesses, contributing to individual economic empowerment and broader societal development.
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    Women Entrepreneurship in Textile and Apparel Industry: Challenges and Success Factors in Colombo District
    (Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2024) Edirisinghe, E.A.L.S.; Abeysekera, R.
    Introduction: According to the Upper echelons theory, this study explores the main success factors that influence the women entrepreneurs in the Textile and apparel industry in the Colombo District and the major challenges they face during their business journey. Methodology: The research shows what makes it hard for women to run businesses in this field and suggests ways to improve things. The study takes a qualitative-inductive approach, using semi-structured interviews with 12 women entrepreneurs who have more than 3 years of experience in the textile and apparel industry in the Colombo District. Findings :This paper highlights internal success factors such as the need for Independence and passion for forming a business, self-confidence and need for achievement, family and friends support, educational background and technology, and previous occupational experience and external factors such as socio-cultural Factors, government policies, exporting and international markets, participation in women's business networks and mentorship workshops, quality of the product & social media that influence women entrepreneurs in textile and apparel industry. Conclusion: Moreover, competition and adaptation to fashion trends, lack of business knowledge and technology, work-life balance, and COVID-19 impact were identified as challenges.
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    Impact of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction with Special Reference to Mobile Telecommunication Industry of Sri Lanka
    (Department of Finance, Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2020) Muthubanda, I.M.; Abeysekera, R.
    Purpose – Service quality is crucial for every business organization as it allows companies to differentiate themselves from their competitors and enhance the satisfaction of their customers. The study attempts to examine the impact of service quality on customer satisfaction with special reference to the Mobile Telecommunication Industry of Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach- A survey was conducted for data collection through a structured questionnaire distributed to the customers of four main mobile service providers. The study followed the random stratified proportional sampling method to collect data. Descriptive Statistics, Cronbach's alpha, Multicollinearity Test, Pearson's Correlation and Multiple Linear Regression were used for data analysis. Findings - The study found a positive and significant relationship of network quality, Assurance and Reliability with customer satisfaction. However, Responsiveness, Empathy and Convenience do not have a significant relationship to customer satisfaction of Sri Lankan mobile telecommunication industry. Contribution - The study fulfils the existing research gap in service quality and customer satisfaction of the mobile telecommunication industry of Sri Lanka. The findings of this study will help the management of mobile service providers to plan their future strategies and enables future researchers to conduct studies related to this area.
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    Investigating the Impact of Financial Literacy on the Performance of Micro Enterprises in Gampaha district, Sri Lanka
    (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Fernando, B.R.M.; Abeysekera, R.
    Purpose: The micro-enterprise sector continues to be a fundamental inducement for job creation and economic growth in Sri Lanka. About 80 per cent of the economy is provided by the small-scale sector, which shows the importance of harnessing its potential in developing the Sri Lankan economy. It has been established that financial literacy significantly influences whether or not small-scale enterprises succeed. Yet, the exact effect of financial literacy on small-scale enterprise performance has to be fully identified in Sri Lanka, hence the need for the present study. This research study examines the effect of financial literacy (awareness, attitude and knowledge) of managers on the performance of micro enterprises in the Gampaha District, Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: Primary data were obtained from micro scale-enterprise managers through structured questionnaires. The data were analysed using Multiple Regression Analysis. Findings: The results revealed a significant effect of financial literacy on firm performance (both financial and non-financial performance). Also, all four financial literacy components (knowledge, behaviour, attitude, and skill) significantly positively affect financial and nonfinancial performance. Originality: This study fills empirical and practice gaps.
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    Examining The Barriers to The Microfinance Sector: Evidence from Padukka Division Sri Lanka
    (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Hansani, W.A.; Abeysekera, R.
    Purpose: Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide services to low-income people to alleviate poverty. MFIs face barriers when reaching out to clients. This research aims to examine the barriers to the microfinance sector in the Padukka division of Sri Lanka. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study used the multiple case study method. Four MFIs were selected for the study. Data were gathered by conducting 12 in-depth interviews of managers, officers, and clients from selected MFIs. The data were analysed by using crosscase analysis and pattern matching. Findings: Supply-side and demand-side barriers were identified. Supply-side barriers are Deposit side barriers, loan-side barriers, and lack of knowledge, Demand-side barriers are lack of knowledge, non-membership, and economic barriers. Originality: The findings contribute to the microfinance domain, and the practitioners could implement the recommendations.
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    The Role of Microfinance Services on Women’s Empowerment in the Kotapola Division, Sri Lanka
    (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya Sri Lanka, 2022) Hettiarachchi, R.C.; Abeysekera, R.
    Purpose: Women have always been the focus of microfinance because they are associated with lower socio-economic status. The microfinance industry works to empower women in reducing poverty and can, in turn, have a transformative impact on their families and communities. This study focuses on identifying factors that empower women in the Kotapola division. Methodology: The data were gathered from 100 women in the Kotapola area who obtained services from microfinance Institutions. Based on the literature review, 20 factors were used in the questionnaire to identify the most significant factors. Factor analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings: Seven factors significantly enhanced women empowerment in the Kotapola division. They are Poverty Reduction, Income Level, Consumption Level, Self-Satisfaction, Entrepreneurship skill, Social status and Decision Making. Originality: The study’s findings contribute to the microfinance knowledge domain.
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    The Impact of Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation (With Special Reference to Kaluthara District)
    (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Hansani, R.A.M.; Abeysekera, R.
    Introduction: The purpose of this study is to analyse the impact of microfinance on poverty alleviation in the Kalutara district. The study focussed on how loan facility, Saving Facility, Member’s ability and training affect poverty alleviation. Design/Methodology/Approach: To achieve the research objectives, the researcher collected data from 150 customers of microfinance institutes in the Kalutara district. This study used the stratified random sampling technique. Questionnaires were used as the main source of the data collection method in this study. Descriptive Statistics, independent sample T-Test, and ANOVA test were used for data analysis and SPSS was used as statistical software to analyse the survey data. Findings: The findings revealed that factors including loan facility, Saving facility, and Training affect poverty alleviation. Conclusion: This study fills empirical and practical gaps. Microfinance institutions must concentrate on loan facilities, saving facilities, and training to alleviate poverty.
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    Exploring the Effectiveness of Microfinance in Promoting Microenterprises Growth – Special Reference with Gampaha District
    (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Wickramasinghe, W.A.M.N.; Abeysekera, R.
    Introduction: Access to microfinance is necessary to create an economic environment that enables Micro-Enterprises to grow and prosper. Therefore, the researcher wants to find out the factors that would contribute to this. This research study explores the effectiveness of microfinance in promoting microenterprises growth from the Gampaha District evidence. Design/Methodology/Approach: The researcher has purposively selected four microfinance institutions in Gampaha, and data were gathered based on the twelve in-depth interviews through a semi-structured questionnaire. Findings: The findings reveal that Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) provide microcredit to existing businesses rather than start-ups. Further, they provide mainly financial services overlooking non-financial services. Moreover, they prefer to use individual lending over group lending. MFIs use business expansions, income and profitability, employability and asset growth as the yardsticks to measure the effectiveness of microfinance programmes. Conclusion: The findings will help the development of microfinance institutions and achieve microenterprises owners’ objectives
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    Barriers in Progressing Micro Insurance Scheme in Self Employment: With Special Reference to North Central Province
    (Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2021) Senanayake, S.D.L.; Abeysekera, R.
    Introduction: The primary goal of this research is to identify the major barriers or variables that influence the implementation of microinsurance schemes in the north-central province, with a focus on the self-employment sector. Design/Methodology/Approach: Based on the literature review, the conceptual framework was formulated with independent variables and a dependent variable. Independent variables selected for the study are willing to pay, trust in insurance, accessibility, simplicity and flexibility. The dependent variable is the implementation of microinsurance. Questionnaires were distributed to collect data in two districts of Northcentral Province. The study followed the simple random sampling method for data collection. The sample size was 140. Descriptive statistics and linear regression models were used for data analysis and SPSS was used as statistical software to analyse the data. Finding: According to the findings willingness to pay and trust in insurance significantly influence the implementation of microinsurance. Conclusion: This research help develop microinsurance programmes in Sri Lanka which are not developed at the moment.