International Conference on Business and Information (ICBI)

Permanent URI for this communityhttp://repository.kln.ac.lk/handle/123456789/10226

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 827

Human Capital and its Impact on Small Firm Success
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Sriyani, G.T.W.
Entrepreneurship literature has identified number of factors that determine the growth or success of the small firms. Among those factors, Humane Capital has been identified as the most prominent factor. Especially in small firms owner manager plays the strategic role within the enterprise (Pennings, Lee, & Van Witteloostuijn, 1998). Gimeno, & et al., (1997). The general assumption is that human capital of the founder improves small firm’s chances to survive. The one key factor to achieve higher level of success is investing in human capital. Owner manager’s capability of running smoothly the business determines the level of success. Human capital makes the founder more efficient in managing and operating the business. Human capital acts as a resource and it is created by changes in persons that bring about skills and capabilities that make them able to act in new ways. Whether the Human Capital possessed by the owner manager is a strong determinant of the small business success is the main research question addressed in this research. This study focused on several objectives such as to categorize human capital attributes meaningfully based on the interrelationships among the human capital attributes; to reveal the effects of human capital on the business success and determine the strong human capital attribute which shows a strong impact on the business success; and finally suggest some recommendations based on the findings of the research. The sample includes 100 small scale manufacturing enterprises located in Southern Province of Sri Lanka. The Factor Analysis and Multiple Regression Analysis have been used for data analysis. The research founded that 11.9 percent of variation of the business success makes by human capital. Among the four factors of human capital variables resulted in factor analysis, Training and Education has a significant positive impact on business success. The other three human capital variables have no significant association with business success.
Exhaustion and stress: an empirical study among workers in apparel industry of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Fernando, W.R.P.K.; Selvam, M.; Bennet, E.
Stress is a normal part of human life in the modern world. And everyone has to cope with it. The effect of stress is a deviation from the existing physical and psychological damage of human life. The aim of this paper is to identify the level of stress among apparel industry workers in Sri Lanka. A sample of 50 workers from 10 factories in apparel industry under Board of Investment (BOI) was randomly chosen for the purpose of this study. Once upon a time the apparel industry is the largest foreign exchange earner and a key generator of employment in the Sri Lankan Economy. However, Sri Lanka is no longer maintaining its comparative advantage in the apparel industry. The study has found that majority of Stress Related Factors are inter correlated and significantly influenced stress.
STRATEGY FOR ACHIEVING ECOLOGICAL SUSTAINABILITY WHILE IMPROVING BUSINESS PERFORMANCE: A FIELD STUDY IN TEXTILE & CLOTHING INDUSTRY
(2010) Gamage, T.C.; Abeysinghe, D.
World is focusing its attention on corporate environmental responsibility than ever before. Expanding economic activities has been accompanied by growing concerns about global warming, climate change, energy security and scarcity of natural resources. While industries are showing greater interest in environmentally benign manufacturing and are undertaking a number of corporate social responsibility initiatives, a quantum leap in improving environmental performance cannot be observed, due to the incompatibilities between expected business performance & initial investments needed in achieving such a goal. These incompatibilities may serve as obstacles for corporations? response to ecologically sustainable business practices. Ecologically sustainable manufacturing results cost efficiency and productivity; delivery of market innovation through new market opportunities and differentiation for profitability; and creating competitive advantage through compliance with regulatory bodies. To survive, thrive, and to be distinct in a competitive business environment, industry must be restructured and existing and breakthrough technologies must be more innovatively applied to realize green growth. This should involve a paradigm shift in the business scenario and integrate ecologically sustainable business practice efforts into the corporation?s overall business strategy. This is the most effective way to address these concerns while maximizing growth and returns for the corporation. In the case where integration does not take place, industry may lose its market value. This scenario was observed in the Sri Lankan textile & clothing industry, which has not completely unleashed, its immense potential to obtain the rightful place in global economic space.
Impact of job design on employees’ performance (with special reference to school teachers in the Kalmunai zone)
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Hussain Ali, M.A.M.; Aroosiya, M.A.C.F.
The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of job design on employees’ performance in the school of Kalmunai Zone in Sri Lanka and which factors of job design highly influence on employees’ performance in the organizations. To analyze this condition, one hypothesis was formulated using deductive approach. The study was conducted by using a random sample of five school in Kalmunai Zone. Type of investigation was correlational and it was cross-sectional on time horizon. The unit of analysis was organizational level; each school. Teachers served as respondents on behalf of the firm. Measures of the study were of good quality after assuring reliability and validity. Data were collected from 103 respondents which was 100% response rate. In order to test the hypothesis that was concerned with relationship between perceived level of job design and perceived degree of employees’ performance the Pearson Product- Movement Correlation technique was applied. The results of the study showed a significant and positive relationship between perceived level of job design and perceived degree of employees’ performance in the schools. Found relationship was significant (correlation coefficient was .363 that was significant at 0.01 level) implying that a school should adopt an effective task identity, autonomy and feedback in order to improve teachers’ performance.
Learning style orientation among marketing and entrepreneurship undergraduates with special reference to university of Ruhuna, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Rupasinghe L.R.; Buddhika S.A.
Recent efforts to improve higher education have focused on improving the learning process in education. Although researchers have recognized the importance of designing tailor made learning programmes to individuals there have being limited attention paid to identify individual’s preferences in learning. The implications for faculties are significant since otherwise those faculties are likely to reach only some of the students in a given course if they assume that all students learn the same way or that one teaching approach will connect with all students. The situation is more evident in Sri Lankan context where there are very few formal studies in this area. Therefore the objective of this research is to find out learning style orientation of Management graduates in order to try to fill the above knowledge gap. In fact learning style orientation is bridging the gap between personality and cognition thus the learning would be more effective as well as enduring. In order to measure learning style orientation research employed Learning Style Orientation Inventory (LSOI). Sample consists of 50 undergraduates belonging to Marketing and Entrepreneurship specialization area. The study was conducted as a survey. It was observed that across all learning styles respondents who are following Entrepreneurship specialization area has recorded higher mean scores. Moreover research accepted the alternative hypothesis which stated that there are significant differences among learning styles when it come to Marketing & Entrepreneurship undergraduates.
The role of intuition in decision making: an empirical study on academic staff in a Malaysian public university
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Huam Hon Tat; Pooi Sun Hooi; Amran Md Rasli; Thoo Ai Chin; Rosman Md Yusoff
Decision making is the process of deciding something important by a group of people or an organization. An empirical study was investigated to analyze intuitive decision making style among academic staffs at five various faculties in one of the public universities in Malaysia. Its objectives are: to identify intuitive decision making style among academic staffs; to identify difference intuitive decision making style based on age, gender, race, working experiences, professional level and field of expert; and lastly, to identify relationship between intuitive decision making style and situational factors. 94 academic staffs of five various faculties were involved in this study. Data were collected using questionnaire and SPSS was used for data analysis. The findings show that out of four situational factors, two of them, i.e. information and risk factors were found to have significant relationship with intuitive decision making style. Recommendations of the study are highlighted and further research discussions are also suggested.
Impact of trade liberalization on economic growth of Sri Lanka: an econometric investigation
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Herath, H.M.S.P.
This paper examines impact of trade liberalization on economic growth of Sri Lanka. The research problem is expressed as “To what extent does trade liberalization or openness of the economy influence on economic growth of Sri Lanka?” The primary objective of the study is to investigate the causal relationships between the trade liberalization and economic growth of Sri Lanka. The study is mainly based on secondary data. In identifying the impacts of trade liberalization on growth and trade balance, data were collected on a specific time interval before and after the trade liberalization. The time period selected is from 1960 to 2007. To identify the impacts of trade liberalization, total time period is divided into two sub periods of before trade liberalization i.e. (1960 to 1976) and after trade liberalization i.e. (1977 to 20070). Since the study is based on secondary data, basically it is uses data published in annual reports of Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The variables identified in the main objective of the study are tested hypothetically, and quantitative analytical methods are applied to make accurate and reliable conclusions. Therefore, graphical presentations and regression analysis are used to assess the degree of relationships among variables concerned. Further to test the structural changes of the country, the Chow test is applied. Findings of the study confirm a significant positive relationship between trade liberalization and economic growth of Sri Lanka. The result of Chow test proves a clear change of economic growth before and after trade liberalization of the country.
Impact of Micro-Credit Programs on Eliminating Economic Hardship of Women
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Maheswaranathan, S.; Kennedy, F.B.
It is often argued that micro-credit program interventions at the grassroots level increase the ability of the poor to deal with crises. Economists argue that micro credit program does not always bring development in the life of the grassroots’ level people. Hence, policy makers view micro credits financed by the organizations are, most of the time, not allowed to the poorest (refunding problems). This paper examines the relationship between the Micro-Credit programs and elimination of economic hardship of women. Ten in-depth interviews and 50 self administrated questionnaires were distributed among the beneficiaries of BRAC in Eravur Pattu Divisional Secretariat Division in Batticaloa District in order to collect data. The study reveals that there is a strong positive relationship exists between Micro-Credit Programs and Elimination of Economic Hardship of women. That is, most of the women in Eravur Pattu involve in micro credit process in order to manage their economic hardship of the families and it resulted in improving the quality of life than existed earlier. Microcredit loans empower the poor to seek alternative ways to improve their life styles. The in-depth interviews support that the micro credit programs should be extended to male in order to develop their quality of life. In addition recommendation and suggestions are given to strengthen the micro credit programs and to extend this program to male.
Keyword Advertising Advisor (KAA): An automated system to provide precise information for effective keyword-based advertising
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Gamage, K.
Keyword-based advertising is vital in online advertising as it is a significant technique that extends the business horizons. This technique helps to advertise in a timely and accurate manner by eliciting information about what potential consumers are interested in. However, keyword advertising is still in its development stage and many advertisers fail to use this effectively due to lack of experience and unawareness of related tools. This reduces the economic benefit advertisers can derive from this advertising channel. Thus, market research is seen as the most vital component on which the decisions should be based for effective keyword advertising. The research of this study consists of personal interviews, offline and online surveys and background reading. These techniques helped the author to come up with the best effective solution which fits the real need of keyword advertisers. The Unified Software Development Process (USDP) methodology is been used in this research as it is more beneficial and easy to capture and elicit requirements.The project uncovered that search advertisers should engage with search advertising related tools and cost effective, in developing online presence particularly focusing on how those tools facilitates technology towards achieving advertising objectives. The author’s project concept was based on a web based keyword advertising support tool which provides precise information for effective keywordbased advertising. The objective of this research is to support keyword advertisers to be effective and efficient in their advertising campaigns by providing the advertisers with past and present information relating to competitor keyword advertising and projecting information with a view of enhancing search advertising strategy and then to expand the presence n the online market.
The Determinants of Capital Structure: An empirical Analysis of Listed Manufacturing Companies in Colombo Stock Exchange Market in SriLanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Prahalathan, B.
Capital structure/leverage level of the firm determined by several factors. Proper capital structure leads the firm to achieve the better performance and ensures the sustainability in its operation. Even though there are several factors contribute to the institutional performance, determinants of the capital structure play an important role. Therefore it is necessary to identify that what are factors contribute to the firms’ capital structure composition in its operation. Hence the present study was undertaken with the objective of finding out the relationship between capital structure determinants and leverage level of the listed companies in SriLanka. Using a multiple regression analysis, the leverage behavior of the listed manufacturing companies in Colombo stock exchange market in SriLanka was examined for the period of 2003-2007. The final sample consists of 19 manufacturing companies. In this study, dependent variable that is, leverage level of the companies, is measured by long- term debt ratio, shortterm debt ratio and total debt ratio. Capital structure determinants (independent variables) are measured by capital intensity, tangibility, profitability, firm size and nondebt tax shield. Findings showed that the direction of the explanatory variables such as, tangibility, profitability, firm size and non-debt tax shields with total debt largely consistent with the explanations of trade - off theory and prove past empirical findings also.
Impact of perceived organizational politics on employees’ job satisfaction in the commercial banking sector of Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Kodisinghe, K.A.M.S.
This research has been mainly based on the model of perceived organizational politics proposed by Ferris, Russ and Fandt (1989). Four constructs namely perceptions of organizational politics, job satisfaction, perceived control and understanding have been taken into consideration. Further the locus of control introduced by Robbins (2005) was also taken as the next construct. The research studies carried out on the relationships between the above mentioned variables seem to be inconsistent. Some researchers have found that no correlation exists between these variables whereas other studies indicate a weak to moderate relationship between these variables. Many theoretical findings and researches on the perception of organizational politics – job satisfaction relationship have been originated from the western organizational context. It seems that information about Sri Lankan environment is almost nil. The researcher has attempted to find out whether there is a relationship, positive or negative among the above mentioned five constructs in the Sri Lankan environment. The researcher selected the commercial banking sector for this study as it is the most developed and promising sector. The sample of the study consists of 300 employees currently engaged in the commercial banking sector. The sample respondents were chosen randomly. After one month long questionnaire collection, 300 useful questionnaires were collected to identify the relationship in this research. The data was analyzed by using regression analysis and correlation analysis. Hypotheses of the study were tested with the help of the analyzed data. The results indicate that locus of control is positively related to perceived organizational politics. In other words, internal locus of control personalities perceives a lower level of organizational politics compared to external locus of control personalities. Perceived organizational politics impact negatively on job satisfaction. Perceived control and understanding influence the negative relationship between perceived organizational politics and job satisfaction at a moderate level. Besides, internals acquire higher job satisfaction compared to externals. These conclusions were drawn subject to number of limitations such as sampling errors and findings cannot be generalized to organizations other than commercial banks which have quite unique job characteristics.
Technologies in Indian Banks and Customers’ Perception: An Empirical Study in Maharashtra
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Mannan, S.A.
The traditional function of banking is limited to acceptance of Deposits and providing the credit in the market. Today’s banking is known as Innovative banking. The coming together of information technology, communication and entertainment (ICE) has given rise to new innovations in the product design and their delivery in the banking and finance industry. Driven by new technologies, changing customer preferences, and increased competition, banks have taken to heavy investments in new distribution channels like advance automated teller machines, telephone systems, and on-line banking, one of the reasons for internet applications not to have picked up as expected so far have been the concerns about the security and lack of the legal framework related to such transactions. This hurdle has been reduced to a large extent in the recent past with framing of laws enabling financial transactions through electronic media. The most of the private and nationalized Indian banks have entered in the technology age and providing various types of electronic products and services to their customer. The objective of this paper is to analysis the implementation of technology in Indian banks and understanding the customers’ perception. This study is based on the survey and the data which is collected through the issue of questionnaire to the bank’s customer. The results show that customers are satisfied with technology oriented banks products and services. The empirical findings not only determine the different parameters also provide guidelines to bankers to focus on the parameters on which they need to improve and spread the awareness of electronic banking products and services to each and every section of the society.
DETERMINANTS OF PROFITABILITY UNDERLINING THE WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND COST STRUCTURE OF SRI LANKAN COMPANIES
(2010) Morawakage, P.S.; Lakshan, A.M.I.
Efficient working capital management is an integral part of the overall corporate strategy to create shareholder value. Researchers investigated the relation between the companies? working capital, cost structure and their profitability. This relationship is examined using correlation and regression analysis. In this research, researchers have selected a sample of 65 Sri Lankan companies listed on Colombo Stock Exchange for a period of 5 years from 2003-2007, researchers have studied the effect of different variables of working capital management and cost structure on the profitability of Sri Lankan Companies including the Debtors turn over in days, Inventory turnover in days, Creditors payable in days, and working capital cycle representing the working capital and Administrative, Selling and Finance expenses representing the cost structure . The results suggest that managers can increase corporate profitability by reducing the number of inventory turn over days and increasing the creditors payable days in order to minimize the length of the working capital cycle. Increase in creditors payable days would give opportunities to the company for further investments. Also it suggests that the spending on selling and distribution would not increase the profitability and more finance cost would hinder the profits of the companies.
A study on influence of advertisement in consumer brand preference (special reference to soft drink market in Manmunnai north d.s division Batticaloa)
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Vivekananthan, V.
Measuring the influence of Advertisement in Consumer Brand Preference is very essential for every marketer. If advertisement does not create any positive change in consumers’ brand preference, all the resources such as money, time and efforts spent on advertisement will go in vain. Most of the marketers use Advertisement as a tool to attract substantially new customers and to retain the existing customers. This research studies about the “Influence of Advertisement in Consumer Brand Preference in the Soft Drink Market”, which is one of the most competitive markets in Batticaloa. Every Brand in this market use Advertisement as a major weapon to overcome the fierce Competition. There are numerous Advertisements of different Soft drink brands exposed in Television. But, the main thing here is, the marketer want to identify that, do all these advertisements positively influencing the consumers’ brand preference. In order to study the influence of Advertisement in Consumer Brand Preference, three main variables are considered with appropriate dimensions. They are; Information, Communication and Comprehension. The structured questionnaire was used to collect primary data from 200 respondents. The study found that all three variables indicate high influence of Advertisement in consumer brand preference. Even though it has high influence in overall view, the advertiser wants to consider the indicators, which have low and moderate influence in their future developments of the Advertisements to maintain its position in the market in the long-run. Eventually, this study recommends some actions for improving the influence of Advertisement in consumer brand preference.
Competitiveness of manufacturing industries in union territory of Puducherry (India): a critical analysis
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Nambirajan, T.; Prabhu, M.
In the present research work, authors aim to evaluate competitive priorities among the manufacturing industries in Union Territory of Puducherry, India. Data were randomly drawn from a sample of 52 executives of manufacturing industries in Union Territory of Puducherry. For the purpose of analysis, authors have considered eight competitive domains consisting of 43 factors. Cronbach’s Alpha is a commonly used procedure to assess the internal consistency reliability of several items or scores that are going to be used to create a summated scale score. To measure scaling performance of competitive priorities in manufacturing industries, we have selected following domains such as Quality, Cost, Delivery, Flexibility, Customer focus, Know- how, Innovation and Image. Our statistical analysis reveals that quality, delivery, cost and customer-focus are the most influencing domains on the competitive priority of manufacturing industries located in Union Territory of Puducherry.
Promote Uva as a remarkable tourist destination; with special reference to Badulla district, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Fernando, I.N.
Thinking towards stakeholder satisfaction in higher education: an application of performance prism
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Singh, K.; Weligamage, S.
Quality of service and customer satisfaction is key concerned area in the today’s business. When considering education, quality of educational service and stakeholder satisfaction can be taken as more important. Most of the performance management systems are fails to address and consider the entire stakeholder needs after considering the importance and contributions of all stakeholders to the organization. The Performance Prism Model can be used as one of performance management and measurement tool which is closely looking at measurement from a stakeholder perspective. Performance prism model is taking consideration of two ways process as first identify the what are the want and needs of stakeholders and second to identify what are the organizations wants and need from its stakeholders. The purpose of the study is to review the performance prism model and to identify the possibility of application of this model into higher educational institutions. Finally presents the interrelation between stakeholder need, organizational capabilities, existing process, strategies and stakeholders’ role. The study concluded that use of performance prism model can be highly benefited in an academic institution and the process should start from identifying stakeholder needs, and then formulate strategies using existing capabilities and process and finally deliver better value with the support of all stakeholders in the system.
Empirical Investigation of Price Variability Mechanism of the Colombo All Share Price Index
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Kumar, V.; Mittal, P.
There is considerable quantitative research on stock market volatility internationally, but little on SriLanka‟s emerging stock markets. Using Colombo Stock Exchange ASPI return data, this paper investigates the index price variability mechanism in different time horizons using Realized volatility as a tool. The paper also considers S&P CNX Nifty Index of National Stock Exchange, India for computing the Index returns variability during 2005-2009 and then investigates whether any analogous asymmetric characteristic is reflected in the two emerging markets. We find no significant asymmetry in the volatility proportions computed in different time horizon on either of the considered emerging markets as compared to a common finding for developed stock markets that exhibits a larger return volatility due to negative shock entering the market.
Dairy market trends in Vavuniya: identifying potentials and challenges in a post-conflict setting
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Thampoe, M.; Gnanaseelan, J.; Morais, N.
Vavuniya is primarily an agricultural district. Milk production is an important secondary source of livelihood for the rural people. The aim of this study is to map the potentials and challenges of dairy market in Vavuniya district. This study inquires whether milk and milk based products have a good market opportunity and what challenges are faced in marketing milk and milk based products in Vavuniya. Questionnaire survey, interviews and focus group discussion were used to collect primary data from a cross section of dairy consumers, producer groups, institutional representatives and key informants. The research team obtained response from 265 households in four DS divisions. Narrative and statistical analysis methods were used to analyse the primary data. This study is significant in finding out that there exists considerable demand for fresh milk. However, the lack of availability, accessibility, and quality of local fresh milk, and locally processed milk based products have made the consumers resort to seeking more imported powdered milk and milk based products. The study also found that there is considerable willingness to buy or switch to local products when these constraints are addressed. The study concludes that it is a positive trend in developing dairy market in Vavuniya, particularly in a post-conflict setting.
Impact of innovation on new product development in India
(University of Kelaniya, 2010) Ghune, N.; Bargal, H.; Phalke, M.; Saxena, B.; Yadav, S.K.; Sharma, A.; Shukla, R.
In today’s turbulent environment, continuous improvement and effective design and change have become requirement for all organizations. As a result, designing and managing organizational change has been a frequently studied topic over the last few decades. Cooperation of marketing managers with new product project managers in an organization by creating a frame work consistent with the reduction of related risk leads to the development of an organization’s product and increasing its market share. However, the innovation is a process of developing some principles for managing new product development. Approach of any organization depends on its decision-making process which affects how its business system develops and performs in the dynamic scenario. This paper considers general, but fundamental, approaches to decision-making process and innovative marketing management practices, their effects on new product development and finally its influence on business systems.