Browsing by Author "Perera, H. S. C"

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Analytic hierarchy process for selection of ERP software for manufacturing companies
(SAGE Publications, 2008-10) Perera, H. S. C; Costa, W. K. R
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems are popular as an IT enabled tool, which integrates different functional areas of business. ERP systems are implemented as a total business solution that supports major functionalities of business. However, many of the implementations are not success stories. Most post implementation problems are due to the inappropriate selection of systems. This paper describes multi-criteria decision model using Analytic Hierarchy Process for the selection of ERP systems for manufacturing companies. First, ERP evaluation criteria are developed by using past literature and through a questionnaire distributed among Sri Lankan manufacturing companies. Seven major criteria are identified and under each criterion several sub-criteria are identified. Selection of the best suited ERP system leads to a multi-criteria decision making problem as ERP systems should be evaluated based upon many criteria. Using the identified main and sub criteria, an Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model is developed for ranking the ERP software. An example of a case is presented to show the actual implementation of AHP model. Expert Choice software is used to solve this AHP model.
Open Access
A Case Study of Technology Transfer Process in a Government Research Organization in Sri Lanka
(Technical Reports. Department of Management of Technology, University of Moratuwa Sri Lanka, 2015) Perera, H. S. C; Darshana, M; Liyanage, C
The purpose of this paper is to identify and discuss the critical elements of a successful technology transfer process of a research organization by exploring the technology transfer process adopted by a leading government research institute in Sri Lanka. A field study based on a structured questionnaire and personal interviews was carried out to collect data. The study identified several factors that hinder a successful technology transfer as well as several facilitating factors. Findings reveal that contract research projects and funded projects have the greatest probability of commercialization success. It exposed that only 37% of the technologies that had received patents have been successful in the commercialization stage raising concerns about the research productivity. It was also found that the personal approach to technology transfer is dominating but dwindling compared with other approaches. Although the overall technology transfer success is about 86%, commercialization success is well below an acceptable level for this organization. Finally, this paper presents recommendations for an effective technology transfer process which can be applied for similar institutes.
Open Access
Challenges and potential impact of applying lean manufacturing techniques to textile knitting industry: A case study of a knitting factory in Sri Lanka
(2012) Gamage, K. G. D. A.S; Piyanka, W. P. G. T; Jayathilake, L. P. C. B; Gamage, J. R; Perera, H. S. C
Application of lean manufacturing in mass production, especially in apparel industry, has become a popular practice in meeting the objectives of waste minimization and productivity improvement these days. But when it comes to batch production, for example textile knitting which is an upstream process of the supply chain, application of lean techniques is a challenge. This study investigates challenges of application of lean techniques to a textile knitting factory in Sri Lanka. . The purpose of the study was to investigate the challenges in improving the productivity through lean techniques in a less labour intensive batch production environment. The objectives of the study were to quantify the impact of lean practices and to identify the key challenges specific to the knitting industry. The case study based research approach was followed thought the project which is similar to that used by Kasul and Motwani’s study. Interviews, observations and archival sources were the sources from which data was collected. The results were calculated of main product categories based on the volume and price. For example it was found that the process Value added (VA) to Non-value added (NVA) ratio for JCOL 56(the main product) is 4.64% and with the suggested improvements for waste minimization it was found the ration could be improved to 9.37%. Therefore improving the process would bring in a lot of financial & non-financial gain as well as the lead time reduction which is a key factor in reducing the operational costs.
Open Access
Classification of failure factors in information systems
(2015) Perera, H. S. C; Gunawardhana, D. N. T
Failure rate of Information Systems have rapidly increased in different aspects due to different reasons. Although above situation is not a new sight in the field of Information System, it creates many obstacles to regular activities of any organization. The failure of Information System has become a common state for any organization or industry and not depending on their rank or status. Numerous factors may have affected for Information System Failures and these factors are functioning together or individually to create the failure situation of Information Systems. The objective of this paper is to identify the main failure factors in the Information Systems. An in-depth review of the existing literature has been done to meet the objective of this study. Multidisciplinary studies across different countries, industries and areas have taken into account for identifying the main failure factors of Information Systems. This paper is presented to focus the main failure factors that affected for Information System failures based on literature; environment, quality control, human related, technology related and other connected factors. It can be mainly divided into two parts. They are conceptual factors and background factors or hard factors and soft factors. User participation, participant behavior, user satisfaction, attitudes and expectation level, and the management of organization, infrastructure facilities and pattern of usage play a crucial role in the field of Information Systems that have been identified as background factors with significant impact on Information System failures. Quality failure, project failure, system failure, management failure and software failure identified as conceptual failure factors.
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Component part standardization: A way to reduce the life-cycle costs of products
(Elsevier, 1999-04-20) Perera, H. S. C; Nagarur, N; Tabucanon, M. T
This paper studies the effects of component part standardization on life-cycle costs. Three possible situations for component standardization are discussed. A summary is presented of various costs in different phases of the product life cycle and how they are shared among the manufacturer, user, and society. Then, we explain how the component standardization reduces the costs of different phases of the product life cycle. Finally, we point out some of the possible disadvantages of component standardization.
Open Access
A Cost Model for Evaluating Component Standardisation: A Case Study
(O. P. A, 2000) Nagarur, N. N; Perera, H. S. C; Tabucanon, M. T
As manufacturing industry tries to grapple the oftenconflicting objectives of increasing product variety and reducing the production costs, one of the strategies oft contemplated is component standardization or using common components. However, developing and using standard components may sometimes push the overall costs actually higher. This paper proposes an evaluation model for decision making in the context of component standardization. First, it discusses various types of costs to be considered for selecting desired components. Then the paper presents a specific case study in which some purchasing parts are considered for standardization. An evaluation model is developed for the relevant costs of the case. The solution and sensitivity analysis are presented and discussed.
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Developing a performance measurement system for apparel sector lean manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka
(Sage Publications, 2013-12) Perera, P. S. T; Perera, H. S. C
Performance measurements systems were rarely adapted to changing manufacturing environments. Lean is one such practice aiming at productivity improvements. Non-cost performance improvements resulting from lean makes the inadequacy of traditional measurements for evaluating performance. Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers adapt lean manufacturing to meet global business challenges. However a study has not been done to develop an appropriate performance measurement system for lean environment in Sri Lankan apparel sector lean practicing companies. This study develops such a model from literature review and interview. Finally it is validated with the existing models.
Open Access
Does agility foster sustainability: development of a framework from a supply chain perspective
(2014) Perera, H. S. C; Soosay, C; Sandhu, s
Supply chains need to possess agile and sustainable characteristics to achieve competitive advantage. Currently there is very little knowledge about how these two approaches interact within a supply chain. Drawing on the dynamic capability perspective, social capital theory and the related literature, this paper develops a conceptual framework depicting how agility and sustainability are related in manufacturing supply chains. We argue that agility as a dynamic capability strengthens the social capital of firms and enables social, environmental and economic sustainability within the supply chain. The paper concludes with describing the methodological approach and empirical analysis to be undertaken, as well as explaining the theoretical and practical implications of the proposed study.
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Environmental performance evaluation in supply chain
(SAGE Publications, 2013-03) Perera, P. S. T; Perera, H. S. C; Wijesinghe, T. M
Environmental performance evaluation is an area of growing concern among the worldwide community. Consequently, measurements to evaluate environmental performance are of great importance. However, lack of a quantifiable model to study the environmental performance is a problem in this area. This study therefore attempts to quantify the environmental performance of supply chain of a manufacturing company, which requires evaluation of many criteria. Therefore, selection of environmental performance measures leads to a multi-criteria decision making problem. As a result, analytical hierarchy process is selected to develop the model and is solved with Expert Choice software. Finally the proposed model is applied to a case study company to identify the key areas of environmental performance of the company’s supply chain and to assess various product categories manufactured under those key areas.
Open Access
Factors affecting successful implementation of lean manufacturing tools and techniques in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(SSRN, 2011-04-27) Silva, N; Perera, H. S. C; Samarasinghe, D
Lean Manufacturing is a business strategy which was originated and developed in Toyota Motor Company, Japan. It is useful in identifying waste associated with processes. As a result companies can improve their productivity and quality and can achieve a competitive advantage over others. Lean Manufacturing was originated in automotive industry and then later on spread to many other industries in both developed and developing countries. In implementing this concept Toyota has introduced and developed many tools and techniques which can be used effectively. In Sri Lanka, apparel sector is the leader in implementing Lean Manufacturing. However a little research work is carried out in regarding its suitability. Therefore in order to fill this empirical gap, this research is an attempt to identify factors such as suitable methods of implementation, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits of implementing Lean Manufacturing concepts in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka. The study first undertook literature review in the field of Lean Manufacturing. Then it developed broader research questions and administered them to fifteen apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka using personal interviews and observations methods. The sample firms were selected judgmentally. In analyzing the data descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques were used. The result of the study revealed factors such as implementation strategies, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits have influenced the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing in mass production apparel industry. Since Lean is new to most of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, the full benefit is not yet achieved. But current situation suggests that the industry can go forward with Lean.
Open Access
Factors influencing employee motivation in tile manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka
(2017-01) Jayasuriya, N; Kumarasinghe, W. H; Perera, H. S. C
This paper presents factors that affect to the level of employee motivation in ceramic tile manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. The labour productivity in ceramic tile industry in Sri Lanka far lower (7200 Sq.) comparing to other countries. Among the other factors that impact on productivity, employee motivation is considered as direct influencer. Therefore, this research focuses on identifying factors that influencing the employee motivation in ceramic tile manufacturing industry and identifying areas to be improved regarding the employee motivation in the sector. In order to accomplish the objectives proposed, selfadministrative survey questionnaire has been used. Questionnaire was developed in two languages i.e. Sinhala and English. Data have been analysedusing SPSS and sample of 65 respondents. The findings shows pay and benefit as the most important factor in employee motivation while interpersonal relationship and job security as second and third important factors respectively. Then based on the survey findings the researcher presents some recommendations for the industry. In turn this research helps the measurement to formulate suitable policy to motivate the employees.
Open Access
Framework to identify the affecting factors of electronic service quality of Information Systems of a university: A CONCEPTUAL MODEL
(International Journal of Advanced Studies in Computers, Science and Engineering, 2015-10-01) Gunawardhana, D. N. T; Perera, H. S. C
Electronic media usage is very high in every field with technological innovation. Universities and higher education institutions also use electronic media to see the most effective results on behalf of inputs. Although information and knowledge are separate concepts, they join together to work like a combined socket and the electronic media is the key gear in a given academic environment. Latest technologies have reached the university systems at a higher priority level. From that point, usage of electronic information system has become an essential discussion in the field of education. Many a research have been done in the field of IS and have created an awareness in the direction of service quality of IS in the education environment. Identifying the factors that affect the information system service quality is important to take necessary decisions of IS. This effect was to introduce a framework to identify the affecting factors of IS service quality in a university environment. Introduced framework has principally based on the E-S-Qual model and it has moderated according to literature in this field with findings of the researcher.
Open Access
THE IMPACT OF IMPORTANT CONTEXTUAL FACTORS ON ‘INFORMATION QUALITY’AS A SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICE
(Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2012-12-18) Silva, C. W. C; Fernando, M. A. C. S. S; Perera, H. S. C
Supply Chain Management (SCM) practices have been defined as a set of activities undertaken in an organization to promote effective management of its Supply Chain (SC). The ‘Quality of Information’ exchanged between trading partners is one of such constructs (practices) vital for achieving excellence in organizational management. The objectives of the study are to analyze the impact of important contextual factors on ‘Information Quality (IQ)’ and to recommend the dimensions to be improved for achieving better level of the practice. Data were collected from manufacturing firms of three industries: Apparel, Food and Printing. Industry, Organization Size, SC Length, Channel Structure and Demand Uncertainty were the contextual factors considered. For evaluating IQ, the measurement instrument developed by Suhong Li et al. was used. It defines Timeliness, Accuracy, Completeness, Adequacy and Reliability of information as basic dimensions of IQ. The study discovered that Industry, Size of the firm and Downstream SC structure have significant impacts on IQ.
Open Access
Impact of lean manufacturing on performance and organisational culture: A case study of an apparel manufacturer in Sri Lanka
(2012) Gamage, J. R; Vilasini, P. P. G. N; Wijenatha, L; Perera, H. S. C
The rapid change in fashion designs, varying order quantities and increasing quality levels at lowest possible cost, demand the apparel manufacturer to be focused on more effective and efficient manufacturing processes for survival in an immensely competitive market. The necessity of reducing cost of production has left manufacturers with the challenge of adopting lean manufacturing where the focus is on waste minimisation. The purpose of this study was to investigate the applicability of lean manufacturing practices for the apparel industry in Sri Lanka. The main objectives were to implement lean practices in an apparel manufacturing factory, to assess its influence on manufacturing performance based on lean performance indicators and to qualitatively compare the impact on the organisational culture with that of the Toyota Production System (TPS). A leading apparel manufacturing facility was identified which had already initiated the process of lean implementation. The initial state of performance and improvements after lean implementation were measured through key performance indicators (KPI), such as dock-to-dock, on-time delivery, first-time-through, fabric utilisation, etc., generated from published records and the company’s resource planning system. The impact of lean manufacturing on the organisational culture over the period of lean implementation was analysed through interviews and direct observation of the personnel who were directly involved with the implementation process. The KPIs reflect a favourable influence of lean adoption in bulk apparel production and a favourable cultural change towards one associated with TPS. The results showed that the lean implementation caused a reduction in the cost of production (10%), reduction of lead time (30%), and increase in plant efficiency (20%). Based on the positive trends of qualitative and quantitative performance indicators it was concluded that organisations in the bulk apparel production industry could achieve positive cultural shift and gain financial benefits as well through implementation of lean manufacturing practices.
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Impact of TQM and technology management on operations performance
(IUP Publications, 2010-08-01) Kuruppuarachchi, D; Perera, H. S. C
This paper examines the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) and technology management practices on operations performance of manufacturing organizations. This study contributes to the understanding of the co-alignment between TQM and technology management by bridging the gap between the two areas which are often addressed separately. The study also examines the impact of the two practices: TQM and technology management on operations performance which have been considered as the primary sources of competitive advantage. The required data was drawn from 44 Sri Lankan manufacturing organizations and analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique followed by a detailed path analysis. The study findings indicate that TQM shows a positive predictive power against operations performance, while technology management has no significant direct relationship on operations performance simultaneously with TQM. The findings also reveal a strong interrelationship between TQM and technology management practices, which shows that the organizations with high TQM, also follow technology management practices in a better way. Along with these relationships, both TQM and technology management have interrelationships among their own components as well.
Open Access
An improved approach to line balancing for garment manufacturing
(Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, 2016-06-01) Wickramasekara, A. N; Perera, H. S. C
Production managers in the apparel industry frequently face the issue of being unable to complete the orders at the scheduled time. One of the reasons for this issue is the unavailability of a Line Balancing procedure that could encompass the stochastic nature of the sewing process, which is manifested through the likes of variability of sewing times, machine breakdowns, correcting defective products, and operator breakings such as for changing bobbins and drinking water. The objective of this research is to introduce a diverse approach to Line Balancing through giving due consideration to the stochastic nature of the process. The improved approach was developed through case study approach. Having selected a sewing line in an apparel factory, the process times of operations, major random events and the times elapsed between random events were recorded. Then the whole production cycle was simulated using ARENA software. By attempting and analysing different scenarios, a different approach for line balancing was introduced. The initial steps of the algorithm developed includes: collecting processing times and necessary information on manufacturing process, fitting standard probability distributions to both value added and non-value added activities, developing the precedence diagram, developing an initial algorithm for balancing a production line and finally, making necessary adjustments to the algorithm analyzing different scenarios. In order to check the validity of the algorithm, a production line was balanced for two different daily production targets. Thus, the application of proposed algorithm to balance the production line reduces the gap between the expected production target and the real achievement.
Open Access
Knowledge Management for Effective Clinical Diagnosis in Developing Countries
(Journal of Information Technology Review, 2013-05-02) Amararachchi, J. L; Pulasinghe, K; Perera, H. S. C
In the last two decades, the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) revolution has redefined the structure of the 21st century healthcare organization. The fundamental challenge faced by the 21st century clinical practitioner in a developing country is to acquire proficiency in understanding and interpreting clinical information so as to update knowledge that leverage the quality of decisions made at the clinics. An additional challenge must be considered by the clinical practitioners to make potentially life-saving decisions whilst attempting to deal with large amounts of clinical data. Since the Clinical Knowledge Management Systems (CKMS) consist of most related Data, Information and Knowledge, it could be utilized to achieve the above challenges. Shortage of medical experts in Health Institutions located in rural and remote areas in developing countries being a huge problem which effects badly to the quality of healthcare. By providing facilities for medical practitioners to access KMS, this problem can be alleviated substantially. A Knowledge Management (KM) solution would allow healthcare institutions to give clinical data context, so as to allow knowledge derivation for more effective clinical diagnosis. It would also provide a mechanism for effective transfer of the acquired knowledge in order to aid healthcare workers as and when required. This study has identified the factors that affect to the knowledge management initiatives. There is a strong association between accessing and using Information/knowledge in clinical activities and quality of healthcare. Moreover, attitudes of Medical Practitioners (MP), Infrastructure facilities, patient Information systems, patient treatment, staff benefits etc., have shown positive effect to the success of Knowledge Management in Health Institutions. The research has used a case study methodology for accomplishing the research objectives. Rural and remote areas in Sri Lanka have been considered for the case study since it is one of the developing countries situated in the Asian region. Based on the outcome of the study, we introduce a KM framework for Healthcare Institutions which would assist HIs to discover and create new knowledge. The framework has been validated using a sample of 15 hospitals situated in the Kandy district in Sri Lanka.
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Knowledge management framework for achieving quality of healthcare in the developing countries
(IEEE, 2013-01-20) Amararachchi, J. L; Perera, H. S. C; Pulasinghe, K
A severe dearth of medical experts in health institutions in the rural and remote areas in developing countries has directly affected the quality of healthcare. This problem can be alleviated by providing facilities to access up to date medical Information and knowledge for doctors who are stationed in these areas to update their knowledge. Since Knowledge Management System (KMS) consists of most related Information and knowledge, medical KMSs could be utilized to enhance the quality of clinical activities. This study was aimed to identify the factors that affect the knowledge management initiatives. Findings of the research have shown that there is a strong association between accessing and using Information/ knowledge in clinical activities and the quality of healthcare. Moreover, attitudes of Medical Practitioners (MP), Infrastructure facilities, patient Information systems, patient treatment, staff benefits etc., have contribute positively towards the success of knowledge management in Health organizations. The research has used the case study methodology for accomplishing the research objectives. Remote and rural areas in Sri Lanka have considered for the case study which is one of the developing countries in the Asian region.
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Knowledge management framework for achieving quality of healthcare in the developing countries
(IEEE, 2013-01-20) Amararachchi, J. L; Perera, H. S. C; Pulasinghe, K
A severe dearth of medical experts in health institutions in the rural and remote areas in developing countries has directly affected the quality of healthcare. This problem can be alleviated by providing facilities to access up to date medical Information and knowledge for doctors who are stationed in these areas to update their knowledge. Since Knowledge Management System (KMS) consists of most related Information and knowledge, medical KMSs could be utilized to enhance the quality of clinical activities. This study was aimed to identify the factors that affect the knowledge management initiatives. Findings of the research have shown that there is a strong association between accessing and using Information/ knowledge in clinical activities and the quality of healthcare. Moreover, attitudes of Medical Practitioners (MP), Infrastructure facilities, patient Information systems, patient treatment, staff benefits etc., have contribute positively towards the success of knowledge management in Health organizations. The research has used the case study methodology for accomplishing the research objectives. Remote and rural areas in Sri Lanka have considered for the case study which is one of the developing countries in the Asian region.
Open Access
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES IN APPAREL SECTOR
(2018-01) Mahakalanda, I; Perera, H. S. C
Apparel industry has become a premier foreign exchange earner of some developing countries including Sri Lanka. The manufacturers are facing tremendous pressure in the global market place and keen in implementing various performance improvement tools such as lean manufacturing, TQM and Six Sigma. Even though knowledge management (KM) has gained the popularity as a tool for enhancing performance, it seems KM is not much popular in the apparel sector. This research investigates the current status of knowledge management practices in apparel sector. A questionnaire survey along with some interviewing was carried out among 32 large scale manufacturers. Even though Knowledge Management is a novel concept in low tech labour intensive industries 60% of the respondents indicates that they are practicing knowledge management in their organizations. 20% respondents states that they have not heard about KM. Among the influential factors on knowledge management the apparel sector believes that people are more influential than technology and knowledge management process. Majority (60%) of the apparel companies have not understood implicit or tacit knowledge. Even though 40% of the companies are knowledgeable about tacit knowledge only 22.5% are aware of knowledge transfer process from tacit to explicit. However, none of them have formal process to convert tacit knowledge in explicit knowledge.