PERS 2015
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://ir.lib.pdn.ac.lk/handle/20.500.14444/198
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Item type: Item , Measuring the impact of per capita income and average years of schooling on income inequality: A panel data analysis(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2015-09-23) Siriwardana, T.M.A.C.; Ranjith, J.G.S.Introduction At the crest of the age of globalization are tainted by several economic crises, which undoubtedly have implications for income inequality. Therefore, it might be possible to find a link between income inequality, human capital and per capita income. In this regard, the relationship between income inequality and per capita income are highly discussed area in economics since 1950s. In this regard, Kuznets (1955) curve provides theoretical basement to contrast the dynamic relationship between income inequality and per capital income paradox. Some of the existing literature detected negative relationship between income inequality and growth which depends on exogenous factors such as human capital (Fuente, 1997). In contrast Frorbes (2010) identified positive relationship and Corak (2013) found no relationship between those variables. Therefore, there is no consensus among the researcher regarding the relationship between income inequalities, human capital and economic growth. However, most of the above research uses panel data only for the less time period (10 to 20 years). With this research gap, in this study we uses 40 years observation for 140 countries to analyze the relationship between income inequalities, human capital and economic growth.Item type: Item , Households demand for food commodities: evidence from Kurunegala divisional secretarial division, Sri Lanka(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2015-09-23) Kumari, U.W.B.M.; Nigel, J.Introduction In Sri Lanka, as like in many of the world’s poorest and developing countries one of the prime components of the final demand for food is household consumption. The food ratio which presents the total food expenditure as a percentage of total food and non-food expenditure was 42.3% of the total household expenditure in 2009/10 (Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) – 2009/10, 2010/11). Changing prices, income, and other socio-economic factors have many implications on the demand of food commodities at household and country levels. Planning of food production or fixing of import targets necessitates an estimate of the prospective final demand for food commodities, which will generate requirements for increased supply through production or by imports. Hence, an analysis of household’s consumption of food commodities on the basis of demand functions becomes necessary and useful. A considerable number of empirical studies has been done in the field of consumer demand for food commodities, both in Sri Lanka and other countries (Ray, 1982; Cox and Wohlgenaut, 1986; Nirmali and Edirisinghe, 2010). However, literatures at micro-level which primarily focus on households demand for food commodities are not widely covered in the existing literatures. Hence, this study provides a useful inside information and knowledge that can be used by policy makers to set policies or design strategies related to food commodities. Complementing the existing studies, the present study will fill the gap by investigating the empirical realities of the households demand for food commodities in the Kurunegala Divisional Secretarial (D.S) Division of the Kurunagala District in Sri Lanka.Item type: Item , Corporate social responsibility practices among small and medium enterprises in Sri Lanka(University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2015-09-23) Piumali, W. M. H.; Kumari, R. M. C.Introduction Over the decades, the concept Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has continued to grow in importance and significance and representing an important topic for research (Young and Thyil, 2009). Unfortunately, CSR initiatives, so far, have tended to focus mainly on large and multinational companies. Traditional CSR has been perceived as a “luxury good” that only large companies could allow in (Spence et. al., 2003). As a result, businesses have underestimated the impact of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) on society. However, more recent studies challenge traditional CSR concepts and define how such activities may not be a business threat and cost burden for SMEs, rather an opportunity to gain competitive advantage (Tilley et. al., 2003). SMEs form the vast majority of businesses in most countries and are crucial for the following reasons: the dynamic and stability of the economy, the size/composition and quality of employment, the quality of life in general, and the socio-political structure of an economy (Nooteboom, 1988). Small and medium-sized businesses play a vital role in the Sri Lankan economy. SMEs are makeup large part of Sri Lankan economy. These are found in all sectors of the economy, primary, secondary and tertiary and provide employment for persons of different skills, skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled (Central Bank Report, 2013). A study on CSR and effectiveness of SMEs in Nigeria research recognize the overriding fact that there is growing concern for corporate social responsibility activities in the SMEs. It is clearly revealed that many SMEs engage in some kind of silent social responsibility, hose that attract the attention of participating firms are business ethics, customer and urban affairs. However, majority of the responding firms reported their least involvement in the environmental affairs (Lawal and Sulaimon, 2007). Memdani (2008) studied that corporate social responsibility is not just the responsibility of big giants but also of small and medium enterprises too. Large number of SMEs has started moving ahead towards achievement of this goal and they are benefited also Due to relatively little attention being given to CSR in relation to SMEs until recent years, particularly in Sri Lanka, investigates CSR practices from the perspective of SMEs in Sri Lanka. Major reason to undertake this research is to fill the gap of findings among Sri Lankan small and medium enterprises. The researcher is interested in understanding CSR practices in Sri Lankan SMEs which is not researched adequately. Therefore the research question in this study is what are the CSR practices among SMEs in Sri Lanka?