Theses and Dissertations
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Item Evidencing information overload in the annual reports and their impact on the financial performance of the listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka(2023) Regina, A. L. VAs the world indulged in the information era, perceiving a clear understanding of the role of information in the business context became vital. Therefore, this study aims to examine whether the information disclosures in the annual reports of the listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka are overloaded enough to impact financial performance. A total of 270 firm-year observations were utilized in this research, covering ten years from 2012 to 2022 for twenty-seven companies. Separate panel regression models were developed to reveal the inverted U-shaped relationship between every information attribute and financial performance. Information attributes comprised the quantity of information in the annual reports and the quality of the information, which was measured by several readability scores. The study's outcome reveals that an increase in information—both in terms of quantity and quality—in the annual reports initially produces a positive association with financial performance. However, after a certain level, further increases in that information establish a negative relationship. This leads to an inverted U-shaped curved relationship between the information and the financial outcome. The findings of this study draw the attention of annual report preparers, policymakers, and standard setters towards reconsidering the construction mechanisms of annual reports in this cluttered information era. Since this is an original study carried out in Sri Lanka, the outcome provides significant insights to organizations in designing the information content and quality in annual reports. Preparers could create a mechanism to identify whether including particular information in the annual reports is coherent with the decision-making process in advance, thereby avoiding information overload for the stakeholders.Item ASSOCIATION BETWEEN CAROTID ARTERY INTIMA AND MEDIA THICKNESSES (CIMT) AND RISK OF CORONARY HEART DISEASE (CHD) IN A SELECTED SRI LANKAN POPULATION(2024) Abeysuriya, V.Introduction: Carotid artery Intima Media Thickness (CIMT) is an important biomarker for assessing coronary heart disease (CHD) risk. Despite its importance, the application of CIMT in South Asian populations remains under-explored. In this study, a systematic review and meta-analysis of global literature on CIMT to clarify its demographic and regional variation was conducted, and CIMT values were assessed in a specific Sri Lankan cohort. Methods: Phase 1 involved a systematic review and meta-analysis conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and the Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) criteria. A comprehensive search for relevant studies was performed to evaluate the global applicability of CIMT as a prognostic tool for CHD risk. Phase 2 comprised a comparative study conducted from November 2019 to October 2020 at Nawaloka Hospital PLC in Colombo. This phase examined two cohorts of participants aged 40–74 years: those with coronary heart disease (CHD) (n=338) and those without (non-CHD) (n=356). Data collection included socio-demographic information, anthropometric measurements, clinical evaluations, biochemical analyses, and CIMT assessments. The original Framingham Risk Scores (oFRS) and recalibrated Framingham Risk Scores (rFRS) were calculated for the non-CHD group. Results: There were significant differences in mean CIMT between the CHD and non-CHD cohorts, with notable variations across WHO regions. After adjusting for age, region, and ultrasound equipment, the CHD group exhibited a significantly thicker mean CIMT. Segment-specific CIMT variations were also observed. A total of 694 participants (male n=399, 57.5%) were enrolled, with a mean age of 60.2 (±9.86) years. The composite mean CIMT for the CHD group was significantly greater than that of the non-CHD group. Statistical evaluations indicated disparities in participant distribution across 10-year CHD risk categories based on both oFRS and rFRS, with the rFRS model classifying individuals into lower risk categories compared to the oFRS. Conclusions: CIMT measurements are influenced by regional, age, sex, and disease-specific factors. CIMT was higher in subjects with CHD as compared to the control group and increased with higher CHD risk groups. The rFRS model consistently classified subjects in lower risk categories as compared to the oFRS.Item SCHOOL DROPOUTS OF ADOLESCENTS IN THE URBAN AREA OF COLOMBO, SRI LANKA WITH REFERENCE TO MODARA AND MATTAKKULIYA AND POSSIBLE STRATEGIES TOWARDS CONTINUOUS EDUCATION(2023) Solangaarachchi, Rev. Fr. T. G. K.This sociological study is done based on children who are considered to be the school dropouts of adolescents in Modara and Mattakkuliya areas, belonging to the Colombo Divisional Secretariat in the Colombo district. These adolescents live under the care of their parents, grandparents and with other caregivers. The school dropouts in the urban area of Colombo are found to be the victims of a society which is strongly corrupt due to socio-economic factors. The main objective of this research work is to look into the main causes for students to dropout halfway of their schooling. The primary and secondary data were collected by providing questionnaires, interviews and observations using accepted data collecting methods. The collected data are presented using the most suited methods to analyse data by charts, tables and descriptive methods. It is observed that adolescents show an interest towards primary education amidst various social issues, yet the secondary education has been disrupted by these adolescents. It is found that less attention of parents has largely affected the adolescents. Thus, adolescents lack the proper guidance to nurture their own career paths and achieving their life goals in this society. The primary socialization process has been less among parents, grandparents and other caregivers like close relatives. Therefore, a considerable portion of the children are subjected to a de-socialization process instead of a successful primary socialization process in our selected sample of adolescents. The parents, teachers and key informants are interviewed as to why the percentage of school dropouts in this area is high and in a vulnerable state. The contribution and the support from the parents are found to be very poor in providing a proper education to their child. This fact is further confirmed and proved by the schoolteachers and by the key informants of the sample selected for the study. This study clearly manifests the necessity for considerable attention and contribution of parents to lead adolescents toward a proper education. The socio-economic and demographic background of the school dropout adolescents, factors and agencies that create the reasons for school dropouts, impact of the school dropouts on their family and society and the attitude about continuous education have been discussed in the study. Apart from this, the Zonal Education Director, Grama Niladhari and police OICs of Modara and Mattakkuliya were consulted for lengthy discussions to gather information on the topic. The following were spotlighted as reasons for the school dropouts. Poverty, low level of education of parents and caregivers, drug addiction of parents and adolescents, their attitudes towards education are the key factors identified. Therefore, in order to reduce the above-mentioned causes in this society, remedial measures have been proposed and recommended in this study. Among them, promoting parent-teacher relationships, initiating continuous counselling sessions for needy parents and adolescents, engaging in more extracurricular activities, introducing vocational training in interested fields, initiating scholarship programmes for adolescents who are from the absolute poverty level, getting attention and support from the religious leaders in the area, necessary curriculum revision to introduce practical orientation in education, children should be cared for by loved ones and giving proper attention to their education are prominent. Thus, these recommendations will help policy makers and educationists to work on school dropout adolescents in Sri Lanka.Item THE ANALYSIS OF THE INFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS: SPECIAL REFERENCE TO UNIVERSITIES IN SRI LANKA(2023) Dilhani, H. G. P. S. C. D.Information behavior examines how individuals interact with information, encompassing purposeful and passive actions in their daily lives. It includes seeking, managing, giving, and using information across various roles. This study focused on the administrative officers of Sri Lankan Universities, addressing an area that has received relatively less attention in the existing literature. Therefore, the primary objective of this study was to comprehend the impact of personal and professional factors on the information behavior of Administrative Officers in State Universities of Sri Lanka. Moreover, the exploration of this study is primarily anchored in the proven effort to fill a gap. The research employed an online questionnaire as its research tool. Data collection involved the distribution of the questionnaire among a sample size of 218 officers from 17 state universities, resulting in an 81% response rate. The study collected data on three personal-related variables—age, gender, and education—and three professional-related variables—management level, job experience, and usage of information systems. Additionally, three dimensions of information behavior were investigated: information sources, information characteristics, and information types. The SPSS statistical analysis package was employed for multivariate analysis of variance, analysis of variance, and multiple comparisons using the Scheffe test to fulfill the study's objectives. Based on the study findings, professional factors such as position, experience, IT usage, and personal factors like age and education emerged as contextual elements impacting the three dimensions of information behavior among administrative officers. Further, a comprehensive analysis of the three independent variables was conducted to identify significant differences in means among subgroups and ascertain the direction of these variations. Therefore, one implication from the study's findings is that the age, education level, management experience, management position, and IT/IS usage of educational administrative officers collectively influence their information behavior. Furthermore, there are subgroup differences regarding the impact of information behavior on said factors.Item GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE IN SRI LANKA: AN ASSESSMENT OF ISLAND-WIDE PREVALENCE, TREATMENT OPTIONS IN USE, TREATMENT RESISTANCE, AND THE USE OF GASTROINTESTINAL PHYSIOLOGY TO PREDICT TREATMENT OUTCOMES(2023) Wickramasinghe, N. A. M.Introduction Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), although commonly found in Sri Lanka, has not yet been fully studied at a national level. This study was conducted to improve knowledge regarding GERD and its risk factors in Sri Lanka and provide baseline data for developing Sri Lankan guidelines on diagnosis and treatment. Methods The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1 is a cross-sectional, community-based epidemiological study to assess the island-wide prevalence of GERD and associated factors. A total of 1200 individuals aged 18–70 years were recruited from all 25 districts of the country using stratified random sampling. An interviewer-administered, country-validated questionnaire was used to assess the GERD prevalence and associated factors. Weight, height, waist, and hip circumference were measured. Phase 2 was a hospital-based prospective study of 209 patients attending the gastrointestinal clinics and endoscopy units of the National Hospital of Sri Lanka with complaints of GERD symptoms. Their information was obtained using the same interviewer-administered questionnaire used in Phase 1 with additional hospital reports. Follow-up questioning was done at 6 months and 1 year. During Phase 3, a hospital-based prospective study was conducted to assess the value of gastrointestinal physiology investigations, namely esophageal manometry and 24-hour pH impedance testing, in 46 treatment-resistant GERD patients. Results Of the normal population, 25.3% suffer from heartburn or regurgitation at least once a week. At the same time, 38.4% were using medication for the symptoms while 19.8% were on proton pump inhibitors. Of the patients with GERD symptoms who were referred for treatment to a specialized GI unit, 95% have undergone endoscopy. Of them, erosive GERD was detected in 33%. The rest of the patients were left without a definitive diagnosis due to the very limited number of patients undergoing MII-pH (22%). Meanwhile, 99% of patients were offered anti-reflux medication, though the follow-up management of them was not adequate, leading to ad hoc improper use of medications later. Treatment-resistant GERD was estimated at 15%. Of the patients who did undergo MII-pH, a diagnosis of GERD was obtained for 28.3%, while conclusive evidence of reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn was obtained for 17.8% and 13.3%, respectively. Newer metrics, such as mean nocturnal baseline impedance, significantly (p <0.001) impacted identifying patients with GERD. Using the results of all three phases of the study, a crude estimated value of 7% was calculated for GERD prevalence in Sri Lanka. Mental stress and inadequate sleep were significantly higher in subjects suffering from GERD symptoms and those objectively diagnosed with GERD. Certain dietary-related habits, such as sleeping after meals, were detected in patients with GERD and GERD symptoms. Considerable changes in dietary intake and patterns were noted in patients with GERD. Conclusion GERD management practices seemed more reliant on PPI-based medical management, with less emphasis on lifestyle change and behavioral therapies and even less on anti-reflux surgery. Diagnosis, follow-up, and management are ad hoc and not streamlined according to internationally recommended guidelines. Establishing centers with specialized investigation facilities such as MII-pH will optimize the diagnosis of GERD in Sri Lanka and help in the effective management of patients.Item INFLUENCING FACTORS OF TECHNOPRENEURIAL INTENTION AMONG FACULTY OF TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS IN SRI LANKA(2023) ADHIKARI, A. M. C. P.High technology and entrepreneurial skills are currently driving forces behind the economy. Entrepreneurship and technopreneurship are the true propellers of a knowledge-based economy. Technopreneurs play a key role in promoting and creating cutting-edge information and communication technologies (ICTs) goods and services for the local and global markets to meet consumer demand in the digital economy. This study mainly examined the factors that influence technopreneurial intention in the Sri Lankan context and developed a technopreneurial intention model to recognize the best strategies that encourage technopreneurs in Sri Lanka. Therefore, this dissertation aims to investigate the influencing factors of Innate Innovativeness, Environmental Support, Technopreneurial Self-efficacy, and Risk Propensity on Technopreneurial Intention among Technology Faculty Students in Sri Lanka. This study has addressed the survey-type research method, and a structured questionnaire was used to collect data and utilized a sample frame of Technology Faculty Students in Sri Lanka. Researchers have used analysis techniques of Descriptive Analysis, Structural Equation Model (SEM), and frequency tests where the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS), and SmartPLS were used as the main analytical software. The results of the study discuss the Positive and Significant impact of Innate Innovativeness, Environmental Support, Technopreneurial Self-efficacy, and Risk Propensity on Technopreneurial Intention and the non-significant moderate effect of Risk Propensity on the relationship between Innate Innovativeness, Environmental Support, Technopreneurial Self-efficacy on Technopreneurial Intention among Faculty of Technology Students in Sri Lanka. The study’s findings would be helpful for university officials and planners to advance and enhance the current teaching methodologies and modules. The same factors that influence entrepreneurial behavior, such as attitudes, drives, values, and requirements, also apply to technopreneurs.Item Impact of Digital Transactions on Financial Traceability and Credit Access for SMEs in Sri Lanka(2024) Premathilaka, S. C.This study explores the transformative impact of digital payment systems on financial traceability and its implications for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) regarding access to credit within formal financial channels. Through a thorough examination of existing gaps in theoretical, empirical, and practical knowledge, the research formulates a focused problem statement. While centering on its primary objective, the study also integrates additional factors to expand its analytical scope. The use of Digital Payment Systems (UDPS) and Financial Data Traceability (FDT) are positioned as mediating variables, while Government Intervention (GI) serves as a moderating factor, as supported by an extensive review of the literature. A carefully constructed theoretical framework underpins the study, aligning all core components. Grounded in a positivist epistemology and following a deductive approach, the study employs quantitative methods for primary data collection, supplemented by interviews to enhance validation. This mixed-methods strategy strengthens the validation process, beginning with a pre-survey for content validation and followed by a pilot survey involving 30 respondents to ensure measurement reliability and validity. Given the study's broad population base and the absence of a defined sample framework, a multilevel mixed-method sampling technique was employed, gathering responses from 600 SME digital payment users across all 25 districts of Sri Lanka, out of a larger population of 85,453 as of 2022. The data was analyzed using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) technique, which revealed that UDPS has the most significant effect on SME credit access, followed by GI and FDT. The findings provide new insights into the complex relationship between digital payment systems, financial traceability, government intervention, and SME credit access, contributing to a deeper understanding of these dynamics and their implications for business growth.Item THE IMPACT OF CONSUMER DETERMINANT FACTORS ON CONSUMER BUYING BEHAVIOR IN THE FAST FOOD INDUSTRY (EVIDENCE FROM GAMPAHA DISTRICT)(2024) Amarasinghe, A. K. D. D.This research delves into the intricate dynamics of consumer buying behavior within the fast-food industry, with a specific focus on the Gampaha District in Sri Lanka. Understanding the factors that influence consumers' choices in this context is of paramount importance for businesses striving to thrive in a competitive market. To explore this phenomenon, a quantitative research approach was adopted, aligning with a positivism philosophy. A deductive research approach guided the study, aiming to test hypotheses derived from existing literature. Data collection was carried out through an online questionnaire, administered to a diverse sample of 414 participants within the Gampaha District. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, employing regression analysis to examine the relationships between consumer determinant factors and consumer buying behavior. The study's findings yielded several noteworthy insights. Notably, while the hypothesis regarding the relationship between price and consumer buying behavior was not supported, food quality, brand recognition, promotions, and the dining environment emerged as significant determinants influencing consumer choices in the Gampaha District's fast-food market. This research provides valuable implications for local fast-food businesses, suggesting a need to prioritize food quality, maintain strong brand identities, invest in effective promotional strategies, and enhance the dining environment to attract and retain customers effectively. Additionally, the study recommends further research to delve deeper into the unique preferences and behaviors of consumers in this specific region, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the local fast-food market dynamics.Item IMPACT OF TEACHING AND LEARNING ENVIRONMENT ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT; MODERATING IMPACT OF THE BEHAVIORAL INTENTION IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN SRI LANKA(2024) Chandramohan, S.Higher education institutions globally face challenges in addressing student satisfaction, retention, loyalty, academic performance, and employability. In Sri Lanka, these challenges are particularly pressing for both state and non-state universities, with student retention and employability being key concerns. The global pandemic and subsequent economic crisis have exacerbated these challenges, compelling universities to shift to virtual classrooms and digitalized activities. However, this rapid transition has raised concerns about fulfilling the fundamental objectives of higher education. This study aims to investigate student engagement, a critical factor within the control of universities, to address these challenges effectively. Grounded in Astin’s Theory of Involvement (1984), Bronfenbrenner and Ceci’s Ecological System Theory, and Kember and Leung’s Teaching and Learning Environment Model, this research explores the variables influencing student engagement in Sri Lankan higher education. Additionally, technology adoption models are employed to assess the moderating role of technology in student engagement. A deductive approach was adopted, with data collected from students in both state and non-state universities. The findings reveal that Teaching, Student-Peer Relationships, Teacher-Student Relationships, and the Campus and Institutional Environment positively influence student engagement. Furthermore, the study highlights that technology integration plays a significant moderating role in shaping engagement outcomes. These results provide valuable insights into enhancing student engagement amidst technological disruptions. The research establishes a comprehensive model tailored to the Sri Lankan context, emphasizing the importance of effective teaching strategies, supportive relationships, and a conducive institutional environment. It also underscores the necessity of managing technology integration to ensure it enhances rather than hinders engagement. The findings contribute to the broader understanding of how higher education institutions can address contemporary challenges and enhance student outcomes effectively.Item REMOTE WORKING AND WORK-LIFE BALANCE: A STUDY BASED ON EXECUTIVE-LEVEL EMPLOYEES AT SOUTH ASIA GATEWAY TERMINALS (PVT) LTD PORT OF COLOMBO, SRI LANKA(2024) Kasthuriarachchi, D. M.The long-standing COVID-19 pandemic caused the transformation of traditional work settings into remote settings in several organizations in Sri Lankan contexts to mitigate the spread of the virus. Although novel settings offered flexibility over conventional notions of work, this introduced new challenges to individuals' work-life balance, which was maidenly experienced by the workforce of the Sri Lankan port industry. What are employees' perceptions of remote work settings as an alternative arrangement? The constraints faced by remote workers? And the strategies used to balance work and life were the major research questions of the study. Accordingly, the researcher focused on exploring the perception of remote workers on work-life balance as an alternative arrangement and examining the strategies adopted by the remote workers to balance the remote work arrangement and life activities as the study's primary objectives. The current study followed a qualitative design to explore the very delicate human perceptions. The findings of the study explored real-life experiences of remote workers in Sri Lanka's port sector using in-depth interviews and thematic analysis. By capturing the subjective narratives of participants, the study seeks to uncover coping mechanisms employed by individuals to mitigate these challenges. The findings revealed that a mixed system of remote work and normal office settings would be ideal for extended periods. Most of the female subjects had difficulty managing work and life balance compared to the male participants. As strategies, some worked during the morning and evening time accordingly, and some could help the household while working remotely, which was highly appreciated during a stressful situation, specifically in parental care and childcare. Remote workers use flex times, particularly morning hours, to complete office tasks and leave evening time for family activities. Ultimately, this study contributes a nuanced understanding of the interplay between remote work and work-life balance, offering valuable insights for individuals navigating remote work arrangements and organizations crafting policies to support a harmonious integration of work and personal life in the evolving landscape of the modern workplace and employee well-being.