Recent Submissions

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PublicationOpen Access
Circular Economy Practices and Challenges in the Industries of Bangladesh: A Case Study
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Rashid, I.K.A
Circular economy (CE) is a concept that represents a paradigm shift from the conventional linear economic model—characterized by the "take-make-dispose" approach—toward a more sustainable framework grounded in the principles of "reduce-reuse-recycle." This transition emphasizes enhanced resource efficiency and the minimization of waste generation. While regions such as Europe and North America have made significant progress in integrating circular economy principles, Bangladesh continues to operate largely within a linear economic framework, exhibiting low levels of recycling and substantial waste accumulation. Circular economy awareness and implementation remain limited across most industrial sectors in Bangladesh, with only a few industries demonstrating preliminary engagement. Nonetheless, the country possesses considerable untapped potential for CE adoption. To investigate the current status and practices of the circular economy in Bangladesh, this study employed semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders across relevant sectors. Additionally, secondary data sources, including annual reports and industry publications, were analyzed to complement and triangulate the primary findings. In this paper, circular economy practices and challenges in a large home appliance manufacturing company of Bangladesh are explored and beneficial guidelines are suggested.
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PublicationOpen Access
Smart Irrigation System Using Arduino and LabVIEW for Real-Time Monitoring and Efficient Water Management
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Vinayagamoorthy, S
Efficient water management is a critical challenge in agriculture, particularly in regions experiencing water scarcity and climate variability. Conventional irrigation systems, typically based on fixed schedules or manual practices, often result in over- irrigation or under-irrigation, leading to resource wastage and reduced crop performance. This paper presents the design and implementation of a Smart Irrigation System that integrates Arduino-based embedded hardware with a LabVIEW graphical interface to achieve real-time monitoring, automation, and user-driven control of irrigation. The system continuously measures soil moisture, temperature, and humidity, enabling dynamic threshold-based irrigation supported by a manual override option. Experimental validation confirmed that the system operates reliably, responds accurately to changing soil conditions, and prevents unnecessary irrigation by activating the water pump only when required. Unlike existing solutions, the proposed system provides dual operating modes, interactive threshold adjustment, and intuitive real-time visualization through LabVIEW, making it both scalable and cost-effective for small- to medium-scale farming applications. This work contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by combining affordability, adaptability, and improved water-use efficiency.
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PublicationOpen Access
An Investigation of Effective Document Management Strategies for Post-Contract Period Used by Consultant Quantity Surveyors in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Kahandawa K.A.A.G; Wijekoon, W.M.C.L.K.; Buddhini P.H.Y.
In the construction industry, efficient document management is crucial for ensuring the successful completion of projects, compliance with regulations, and the delivery of high-quality results. The importance of proper document management becomes even more apparent during the post-contract period, as it governs essential processes such as project handover, maintenance, and future reference. Most studies have examined document management issues from the contractor’s perspective, leaving a gap in understanding how consultant Quantity Surveyors, who manage extensive documentation during the post-contract period, handle these challenges. This gap is critical, as poor practices cause disputes, delays, and weak claim administration, yet little research addresses it. This research aims to explore effective strategies for managing construction documents during the post-contract period by consultant quantity surveyors in Sri Lanka. An extensive literature review was conducted to identify existing document management strategies and assess their effectiveness. Mixed-methodology approach was adopted in this study. Data were collected through preliminary interviews, a comprehensive questionnaire survey, and semi-structured interviews with professionals in the construction industry. The questionnaire survey yielded 50 responses from industry professionals, which were analyzed using the Relative Importance Index (RII) analysis. Qualitative data were obtained from preliminary interviews with five industry experts and semi-structured interviews with an additional five experts, which were evaluated using thematic analysis. The research proposes current best practices for implementing document management systems (DMS) to support construction projects. Key aspects such as the evaluation of existing DMSs, identification of writing strategies, strategy implementation, challenges encountered, recommended solutions, and the effectiveness of document management strategies and standards are highlighted. The findings reveal a strong preference for physical records, driven by concerns over digital durability, security, and familiarity. The study identified for integrate digital DMS to enhance efficiency, security, and long-term accessibility, encouraging a gradual shift towards more sustainable, technology-driven practices in the industry.
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PublicationOpen Access
Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Improving Labour Productivity In the Sri Lankan Construction Industry
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Henadeera N.S; Bandara R.P.H.S; Buddhini P.H.Y
The construction industry plays a vital role in fostering economic growth globally, with labour productivity being a critical determinant of project success and industry competitiveness. Despite extensive research and strategic efforts, Sri Lankan construction companies continue to face significant challenges related to low labour productivity, often stemming from interpersonal, organizational, and technological issues. Recent studies highlight the potential of emotional intelligence (EI) as a pivotal non-technical factor that enhances individual and team performance in construction settings. This research investigates the impact of EI on labour productivity within the Sri Lankan construction sector. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were collected through structured questionnaires from a diverse sample of 45 workers and open-ended interviews from interviewers, including project managers and HR professionals. Quantitative analysis using correlation techniques and qualitative thematic analysis revealed that the impact of EI positively influences communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, and motivation among workers. Furthermore,5 key strategies and practical actions were identified as effective measures to enhance labour performance. The study underscores the importance of integrating EI development initiatives into industry practices to mitigate common productivity barriers and promote a more cohesive, efficient, and motivated workforce. The findings contribute to the theoretical understanding of non-technical skills in construction productivity and propose practical frameworks for industry stakeholders to implement EI-enhanced management practices, ultimately leading to higher efficiency, safety, and project success in Sri Lanka’s evolving construction landscape.
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PublicationOpen Access
Entrepreneurial Orientation on Talent Acquisition and Retention in Construction SMEs
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) De Silva, M; De Silva, P
This study investigates how Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) influences talent acquisition and retention strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Construction SMEs often face limitations in attracting and retaining skilled employees. Therefore, this study examines the role of EO dimensions (innovativeness, autonomy, and proactiveness) in offering a strategic approach to address these challenges and enhance HR practices. The author adopted a mixed-method research approach for this study, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with SME managerial-level professionals and administering a questionnaire survey among professionals in the construction sector. The data were analysed using correlation techniques and thematic analysis to identify the strategic alignment between EO practices and talent management efforts. The findings revealed that internships and employee referrals are the most used and effective talent acquisition strategies. In terms of talent retention approaches, performance-based incentives and career development programs were identified as dominant approaches. Moreover, the study found that the EO dimensions of autonomy and proactiveness significantly impact the adoption and success of these talent retention and acquisition strategies. The results offer a framework for construction SMEs to improve talent-related outcomes by integrating EO into their HR planning.

The SLIIT Research Document Archive (RDA) is the institutional repository of SLIIT, managed by the SLIIT Library. The primary purpose of SLIIT RDA is to manage, store, and disseminate SLIIT research output with its community and beyond, reaching the wider public. This plays a pivotal role in preserving the academic legacy of the institute.

The collection comprises the research output of SLIIT staff and postgraduate research students, including research publications, conference and symposium papers, books, book chapters, theses, and other scholarly materials. Access to full texts may be restricted depending on the access and licensing terms.