IPUMSE 2019

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/5216

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Impact of demographic, economic and organizational factors on employee motivation in plastic industry: an empirical study in Kurunegala district
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Aloysius,N.M.; Herath,H.M.K.N.B.
INTRODUCTION Within the organizational context, human resource is the most valuable and indispensable factor essential to carry out the organizational functions smoothly, effectively and efficiently (Serasinghe et al., 2016). Employee motivation is one of the important dimensions that managers need to increase effective job management amongst the employees within the organization (Ali and Ahamed, 2009). Motivation as stated by Ran (2009) is the “process that accounts for an individual’s intensity, direction, and persistence of effort toward attaining a goal”. Literature indicates employees motivation is affected by age, marital status, sex, education as demographic variables (Thomas and Martin, 1979); pay and incentive as economic variables; upward mobility, integration, formal and instrumental communication as organizational variables (Porter and Steers, 1973). Successful manufacturing industry is the key for a sustainable development of a country (Rajala et al., 2016). The Sri Lanka Export Development Board states that plastic processing is a flourishing industry in Sri Lanka for over 45 years. Plastic industry provides direct and indirect employment for thousands of skilled and non-skilled labour (Kahangamage and Mangala, 2005). The country is still at a preliminary production stage, and it is only beginning to seek out new opportunities and explore new markets (Sri Lanka Export Development Board, 2017). For the better survival within the market while attaining competitive advantage, each manufacturer in this industry should have highly motivated employees who strive to attain high quality production (Patrick, 2012). Herzberg (1959) found that there are two different sets of factors that affect motivation. One set of factors are hygiene factors, those which, if absent, cause dissatisfaction. The other set of factors are motivators, which produce the feelings of satisfaction and if present, serve to motivate the individual to superior effort and performance. Followed by interviews with HR mangers in set of selected plastic manufacturing factories, the research was able to recognize a gap between the actual and expected levels of performance among the operative employees. This created a need of providing recommendations to increase the performance of operative employees in plastic industry in Kurunegala district.
Impact of E-Service quality on customer loyalty: in case of online shopping customers in Sri Lankan retail industry
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Weeratunge,K.D.M.K.; Wijethunga,W.M.H.U.
With the rapid worldwide growth in electronic commerce businesses are attempting to obtain a competitive advantage by using e-commerce to interact with customers. However there are instances where many online stores related to retail industry denouement their businesses since not much effort is put in identifying the crucial factors to create a loyal customer base. There are many factors influencing customer loyalty, amongst e-service quality plays a critical role. Businesses with the most experience and success in using e-commerce are starting to realize that the key determinants of success or failure are not merely web site presence and low price but also include the electronic service quality (e-service quality) (Yang, 2001; Zeithaml, 2002). Since studies on the level of e-service quality and customer loyalty are only handful, the purpose of this study is to measure both e-service quality and customer loyalty among the online shopping customers in Sri Lankan retail industry. Hence through this study researchers intended to fill the existing knowledge gap through the research problem “How e- service quality affects the customer Loyalty among Online customers in Sri Lankan retail industry?”
The impact of personality on career exploration behaviors of undergraduates: with special reference to university of Peradeniya
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Fahmitha,M.A.; Edirisooriya,W.A.
Graduates are the one of the human capital resources of our country as they have the potential to determine the performance of an organization or a country (Hanapi & Nordin, 2013). Graduates transition from college to career is an important stage as it is going to decide their status, identity and self-esteem throughout their career decision. Accordingly, career exploration is the central construct to find out new jobs (Raveeswaran & Sivaskaran, 2016), graduates in this transition need career exploration behaviors. On the other hand, unemployment of graduates is one of the prominent issues that many countries currently struggling with (ILO’s Flagship report, 2018). The study of UNESCO (2012) states that the worldwide graduate unemployment rate has been increased to 6.2% in 2012. Further, Aina (2017) states that a high percentage of jobless youth contributes to the overall unemployment in Malaysia. By supporting the above view, Oluwajodu, et al., (2015) mention that graduate unemployment in South Africa appears to be rising together with the overall unemployment rate. In Sri Lanka, there are number of graduates unemployed in each year and they have formed unemployed graduates union for the purpose of finding government employment opportunities (Raveeswaran & Sivaskaran, 2016). Thus, the purpose of this study was to address the graduate unemployability issue in Sri Lanka. Moreover, Raveeswaran & Sivaskaran (2016) have mentioned that the activities of Sri Lankan unemployed graduates show that they are lack of career self-efficacy and career exploration behavior. Stumpf, et al., (1983) define career exploration as the individuals' activities of collecting and analyzing information on their personal characteristics, as well as information on jobs, organizations and occupations. Since graduates are vital for a countries performance (Hanapi & Nordin, 2013) it is essential to focus on the issue of graduates lacking career exploration behaviors. Among many factors personality has an important contribution in
Application of six sigma methodology to reduce the cycle time of acceptable quality level (AQL) audit procedure: a study based on Hela Intimates (Pvt) Ltd, Narammala
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Sulakkhana,S; Perera,R.A.S.A.
Many organizations make an attempt to apply new concepts to improve the business processes which address the customer’s requirement. Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma are few systematic approaches that can be practice to reduce waste and improve value, make products with fewer defects with customer focus (high quality, low cost, shorter delivery time) (Itkin, 2008; Chee, 2008), as well as robust production operations, reduce the cost (Fliedner, 2008, Kaushik et al 2012).Six Sigma is a process- driven approach in the aim of reducing the defect in an organizational process focusing the customers’ requirements in greater value (Kwak and Anbari 2006). Under quality Management Framework Six Sigma Methodology is considered as a set of Statistical tools which can be used for process improvement (Goh and Xie 2004; McAdam and Evans 2004). Under Six Sigma methodology, DMAIC process is a widely used methodology to improve quality and it can be extended to Total Quality Management (TQM) (Black and Reverer 2006; Kumar 2007).It stands each letter respectively Define, Measure, Analysis, Improve and Control. Define stage highlights the identification of quality problem and scope of the project. Measure stage is defined as measuring the current process of performance. Under Analysis stage, the data related to the quality problem is analyzed by using statistical tools and quality tools. Improve stage defines as to improve the current process by selecting critical solutions for the quality issue. Control stage highlights to maintain the improved process and leads to continues improvement. By applying Six Sigma application many organizations achieved, more benefits by improving their operations processes (Prasad et a., 2012); while many countries gained a significant contribution towards the overall economy by increasing their Gross Domestic Products (Tjahjono et al., 2013). According to Stolzer and Halford (2004) studies, they have identified that this application is more sophisticated and relevant to gain more return on investment of particular air carrier organization. (Prasad et al 2012) applied Six Sigma methodology to engineering education institute and identified that this methodology is a powerful tool to eliminate waste and improve their operations process. (Zasadzień 2017) Highlighted that Six Sigma methodology was successfully applied to a maintenance process in Poland. Therefore, the researcher used this Six Sigma methodology to improve the Acceptable Quality Level (AQL - is the final quality audit procedure to clarify whether the produced items are tally with the specification) in sample checking process at Hela Clothing, Narammala as it takes more time than the standard time given by the SOP (Standard operating procedure). This is a critical quality problem of the organization and researchers made an attempt to reduce the AQL process time and improve the process by using Six Sigma methodology.
The effect of leadership styles on employee competencies development: evidence from a leading state-owned bank operating in Central Province, Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Samarakoon,S.M.N.S.
In the modern era dominated by modernization, commercialization and diverse socio-economic changes the financial institutions especially Banks have a vital role to play to meet the demands and the challenges of people. Thus, this study concerns on the effect of the leadership style of Bank Branch Manager on competencies of subordinates and competencies development in banking organizations. Leadership as it is and the Transformational Leadership in particular, has been found to be a key variable affecting performance in organizations by several contemporary researchers. There is a scarcity of applied research on transformational leadership and employee competencies development variables in the banking business environment in Sri Lankan context. This study addresses this gap and is focused to identify and study the level of specific six competencies among junior managers and middle managers who are working under the supervision of branch manager and the effect of branch head on such competencies development in the banking business environment
Time orientation and sequential coherence as novel determinants of open innovation performance
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Yapa,S.R.; Senathiraja,R.; Poesche,J.; Kauranen,I.
Openness has become a strategy for organizations (Chesbrough, 2017) and a trend in innovation management (Lopez & Carvalho, 2018). It has attracted wide academic attention (Kim et al, 2015). Open innovation (OI) encourages organizations to collaborate with external organizations in harnessing new knowledge to accelerate internal innovations and also to partner with external organizations to early commercialize innovations (Chesbrough, 2003). Through a pilot study done in 2017 using 160 managers of 114 business organizations, we found that OI is popular among organizations in Sri Lanka. Despite its popularity as a strategy to promote innovations in organizations, there is criticism against open innovation claiming that it does not always increase innovation performance (Lee & Shin, 2017; Yapa, et al., 2018). Cheng & Shiu (2015) emphasize that the relationship between OI and innovation performance is not direct and increased OI may reduce innovation performance (Lauritzen & Karafyllia, 2019; Bengtsson, et al, 2015). Scholars regularly point out the necessity to identify novel determinants to understand performance differences in open innovation initiatives. Having conducted two qualitative inquiries the authors identified two novel variables namely time orientation and sequential coherence that can explain differences in innovation performance of open innovation initiatives. We selected the local software industry that records varying levels of innovation performance in open innovation initiatives for an empirical study as it constitutes a fertile ground.
Value relevance of integrated reporting: perception of stock market investors
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Pathiraja,P.M.D.S.; Priyadarshanie,W.A.N.
As a newly emerged concept, Integrated Reporting (IR) has been diffused among the corporate world in various scales. However, IR is still an immature concept in Sri Lanka. For instance, adoption of integrated reporting is not yet compulsory for the companies listed in Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and companies tend to adopt IR on voluntary basis. Voluntarily adoption implies that there are some kinds of value addition from the IR practices otherwise those entities may not adopt IR. Lee et al., (2015) have investigated the association between IR and firm valuation. This study has explored the association between cross-sectional variation in IR disclosures and firm valuation in the period after the implementation of IR within the listed firms in South Africa. As the conclusion, it suggests that the firm valuation is positively associated with IR disclosures. Martinez (2016) has investigated the effects of IR on the firm’s value by considering the voluntary adopters of the IIRC’s framework. The results indicated that IR is positively associated with market value of the entity. Thus, IR can be depicted as a value creation momentum as evident by the previous studies. Nevertheless, some practitioners viewed that IR is one of most disruptive innovations in corporate reporting (Simnett and Huggins, 2015; Deloitte, 2015). Even though many in depth case studies and researches relating to IR are available, the day-to-day reality of IR remains elusive (Gibassier et al., 2018). These kind of findings from previous researches bring light to create new research avenues in investigating the value relevance of IR in relation to the investors rather emphasizing the value relevance of IR that directly perceived by the entity. Thus, the purpose of this study is to examine the perceived value relevance of IR by stock market investors in Sri Lanka. Previously, many researchers focused to examine the basis of IR concept (Aceituno et al.,2013; Lai et al.,2016; Arrubla and Grima, 2016; Villiers et al., 2017; Rensburg and Botha, 2013; Serafeim, 2014), difference between sustainability reporting and IR while emphasizing the superiority of IR concept (Jensen and Berg, 2012; Soyka, 2013; Makiwane and Padia, 2013; Dragu and Tudor, 2013; Zyl, 2013; James, 2013; Aceituno et al., 2014), value relevance of IR concept and its association with firms characteristics (Kosovix and Patel, 2013; Yeo et al., 2014; Lee at al., 2015; Martinez, 2016). But, studies relevant to the value relevance of IR in the investor’s perspective is rare and this study attempts to fill that empirical gap.
Consumers’ willingness to choose LankaPay national payment card: a conjoint analysis
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Upul Attanayake; Prasad Neelawala
Consumers are complex entities whose behavior is closely linked to a set of socio-demographic and psychographic factors as well as cultural aspects. Presently, many customers choose to make payments by card as it is more convenient and secure. When choosing a payment card brand, they opt for well-known brands such as VISA, Master and AMEX as they are internationally well established and trusted by many. They also offer many benefits such as special discount schemes through their large network of reputed vendors and service providers. It is in this highly competitive climate that LankaPay is proposing to introduce a national card brand. Soman (2001, 2003) found that the use of prepaid cards (integrated circuit cards, ICC, usually referred to as ‘smart cards’) increases the amount spent per transaction. However, because the money is transferred so it can be used for a specific purpose there may be an awareness that the money is ‘spent’. Hence, this research tries to ascertain the success of a proposed local payment card brand by examining the mindset of potential customers. LankaPay is a financial services organization owned by Central Bank of Sri Lanka. As a mover to diversify its operations, LankaPay is proposing to launch its very own National Card Scheme (NCS) to Sri Lankan customers. There are several international payment card brands currently operating in Sri Lanka and there are no local brands currently operating in this field. Therefore the need for a national brand is strongly felt.
The impact of attitude towards green products on willingness to pay premium: with special reference to millenialls in Sri Lanka
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Niwarthana,W.; Gannoruwa,S.; Rathnayake,R.M.U.R.K.
With its holistic redefinition of the conventional business pathways, the concerns on the green products has emerged in today’s contemporary business world in which, each and every firm is finding their ways and means to maximize their strategic objectives while minimizing the impact that they made towards the environment. Beyond the cut throat competition of gaining the mind share and the market share for their brands, it can be seen that today’s marketer plays a vital role in creating a distinctive identity through the green concerns. Even though this is an emerging area in the real business world, it has become an overlooked area in the domain of research. Green products are often associated with inconvenience, high costs, and lower performance (Chen and Chai 2010; Mainieri et al. 1997; Newman, Gorlin, and Dhar 2014; Ottman, Stafford, and Hartman 2006). Also it can be observed in the Sri Lankan consumer market that, the level of price towards the green products is comparatively high compared to the artificial products. Even though the price level is high, how far the attitude towards green products made them to pay premium on purchasing such products has become a question for the researchers. Thus, the purpose of the study is to study the impact made by the attitude towards the green products on the willingness to pay premium among the Millennials in Sri Lanka.
A systematic literature review on the mediation effect of support for innovation at workplace to the impact of power distance and employee innovative behavior
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Niranga,W.A.M.; Rajapakshe,R.A.C.P
Research on employee innovative behaviour identifies itself as the central point of organizational success in the long run. Since the foundation of innovative behaviour is ideas, the study of identifying what really motivates innovative behaviour is critical in workplace. Based on the research findings on antecedents of innovative behaviour, it is evident that this has been recognized as a micro level outcome of individuals which have resulted on various dynamics. Moreover, employees are unable to implement innovative ideas on their own in the organizational context without an adequate support receiving from the management, organization and culture (Scott and Bruce, 1994; Oldham and Cummings, 1996; Hunter, et al., 2007). Yet, innovative behaviour is less visible on present contexts of contemporary organizations due to power distance (Daniels & Greguras, 2014). The research on power distance in different cultural backgrounds shows that power relationships formed among individuals, groups and organizations are a source for various positive and negative individual and organizational outcomes (Tripathi and Bharadwaja, 2018; Rao and Pearce, 2016). Therefore, understanding of power distance on innovative behavior is especially important in organizational research as innovations, support for innovations and innovative behaviour are crucial for a contemporary organization. Though, relatively a few studies have tested how and why power distance is affecting on employee innovative behavior in an organization; their focus was mainly based on broad outcomes which in return call for more research on micro level outcomes of a workplace. Hence, this study mainly focuses on a Systematic Review of Literature on employee innovative behavior at a workplace which is a micro level outcome of power distance and support for innovations. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows. Research objectives are presented in the next section. Then, theory section briefly reviews the literature pertaining to power distance, employee innovative behaviour and support for innovations. Later, research method is outlined. Results section presents the model developed from the Systematic Literature Review. Finally, a discussion of the research findings and implications for the management and theory are presented.
The impact of energy consumption and financial development on economic growth in Sri Lanka: an ARDL bounds testing approach
(University of Peradeniya, 2019) Neruja,N.
Economic growth is the symbol of progress; it refers to the increase in the productive capacity of a country. Energy is fundamental to human survival and economic growth. It is the basis of for millions of years, animals in the form of food and meat are using for survival of human lives. Energy means anything that has an ability to modify and transform. The prime force of all the economic activities and industrial production is energy It is considered sustenance and helping hand of an economy. It is also important for socio-economic development. Most countries especially the less developed countries have benefited from transfer of technology in the process of exploration, production and marketing. Financial development consists of approaching financial activities in a country, such as foreign direct investment and promoting banking activity, stock market activity, and domestic credit to the private sector, which influence on economic efficiency and energy demand 1% The reason to put the financial development in the production is that it lets people easy to get loan (cheaper cost) in some items, for example household appliances, mobiles, house, et al. Therefore, it may have a positive effect on economic growth . Although many studies have investigated the energy consumption- economic growth nexus and the financial development-economic growth nexus, very few studies have examined the relationship among energy consumption, financial development, and economic growth with production function. Therefore, this study performed an in-depth analysis of the impact (both in short run and long run impact) of energy consumption and financial development on economic growth with production function and an advanced methodology-ARDL bound testing procedure for the empirical study of Sri Lanka.

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