Browsing by Author "Wisenthige, K"

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Open Access
Cultivating prosperity: assessing the efects of fertiliser consumption, employment in agriculture, foreign direct investment, and exchange rates on value‑added agriculture in SAARC nations
(Springer, 2024-09-21) Sandumini, R; Kariyawasam, C; Sansika, N; Bandara, T; Wisenthige, K; Jayathilaka, R
Economic globalisation profoundly impacts most countries constituting a pivotal contributor to the national income of many nations worldwide. However, despite this, the optimisation of their modest earnings and value-added agriculture remains necessary. This study explores the influence of fertiliser consumption, employment in agriculture, foreign direct investment, and exchange rates—considered components of economic globalisation—on value-added agriculture in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries. Multiple linear regression was employed to quantify the influence in eight countries from 2002 to 2021. The analysis reveals that employment in agriculture significantly impacts value-added agriculture in this sector, with the exception of the Maldives, also a SAARC member. Fertiliser consumption in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka has demonstrated a notable contribution to value-added agriculture. Foreign direct investment significantly affects the value-added agriculture of Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Furthermore, exchange rate significantly impacts value-added agriculture, except in Bangladesh and the Maldives. This study suggests that fostering employment in the agricultural sector, promoting the utilisation of fertilisers, attracting foreign direct investment, and monitoring exchange rates can positively influence value-added agriculture in SAARC countries. Policymakers can utilise these insights to develop a conducive policy framework capable of effectively addressing the specific challenges of agriculture in their respective countries and optimising value addition in the agricultural sector. Through the implementation of these policies, SAARC countries can enhance the agricultural sector's contribution to economic growth, bolster competitiveness, and achieve sustainable development.
Open Access
Development of Analytical Framework for SME’s Competitiveness Based on Competency Approach
(PROCEEDINGS OF THE 13 th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATION & MANAGEMENT, 2016-11-28) Wisenthige, K; Guoping, C
The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical rationale for investigating the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and the SME’s performance at the firm level through adopting the concept of competitiveness incorporated with entrepreneurial competencies. The model distinguishes between two dimensions of competitiveness, assets and process and six areas of competencies of an entrepreneur with the in creating competitiveness scope and capabilities of the firm. A major contribution of the theoretical framework is the organization of the existing theories and findings in entrepreneurial characteristics, and future theoretical development and empirical studies of SME competitiveness can be made based on this framework.
Open Access
Does management support drive sustained agile usage? a serial mediation model and cIPMA perspective
(Public Library of Science, 2025-02-05) Wijesinghe, U; Mapitiyage, V; Wickramarathne, C; Wickramage, C; Wisenthige, K; Aluthwala, C
Agile software development is immensely popular in the industry, but most teams struggle to sustain its use. Human factors like management support, agile training, agile mindset, and team resilience are often neglected, hindering long-term success. However, research has not explored their underlying mechanisms in depth. Therefore, this study examines if management support impacts the sustained usage of agile methodologies within software development teams. It subsequently investigates the individual and serial mediating effects of agile training, the agile mindset, and team resilience on this relationship. Additionally, it compares the importance and performance of management support, agile training, the agile mindset, and team resilience in infusing agile practices. Finally, it determines these antecedents’ necessity for the enduring success of agile application. Data collected from 391 agile software development professionals using a structured questionnaire. Partial-least-squares structural equation modelling, importance-performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis were used to investigate relationships. The findings underscore the pivotal role of management support in infusing agile practices. Agile training, mindset, and team resilience emerge as critical mediators, with a strong serial mediation effect. While management support is paramount, its practical implementation falls short within teams. All four antecedents are found to be necessary for optimal agile sustainment. Thus, this study significantly advances theoretical understanding by introducing a serial mediation model that elucidates their mechanisms in impacting agile infusion. It extends prior organisational-level findings to the team-level. The study’s quantitative verification of qualitative findings strengthens their generalisability to a broader spectrum of teams. It pioneers in expounding the constructs’ relative importance, performance and necessity, to offer actionable insights for agile practitioners. Finally, it provides methodological guidance to apply importance performance map analysis and necessary condition analysis in agile software development research. Adult
Open Access
Does social media information credibility influence social commerce purchase intention of skincare products? Evidence from Facebook
(Public Library of Science, 2025-10-22) Ranjith, P; Nisansala, S; Jayasingha, N; Weerasekara, K; Wisenthige, K; Dayapathirana, N
Social commerce is transforming consumer purchasing behaviours by blending social media interactivity with e-commerce functionalities, and most purchases today are evidently facilitated through social media platforms with ease. Recognising the importance of credibility in skin-related purchases, this study aims to examine how social media information credibility factors, specifically source credibility and electronic word of mouth (e WOM) credibility, influence consumers’ purchase intentions for skincare products on Facebook, considering the mediating roles of trust in online communities and perceived privacy risk. Primary data were collected through a structured survey from 384 skincare purchasers who made their purchases via Facebook, and the model was tested using structural equation modelling (SEM). Further, the results reveal that source credibility, e WOM credibility, and trust in online communities positively influence social commerce purchase intention (SCPI), while perceived risk has a negative effect. Trust in online communities also reduces perceived risk and mediates the relationship between information credibility and purchase intention. Hence, these findings highlight the pivotal roles of trust and risk perceptions in shaping online consumer behaviour in the social commerce space, especially within the skincare market. The study emphasises the need for businesses to leverage credible information sources and build trustworthy online communities to enhance consumer confidence and engagement. Moreover, it contributes to the growing literature on social commerce by offering insights from an emerging market context, Sri Lanka, and suggests future research into broader dimensions of credibility and cultural comparisons to deepen the understanding of social commerce.
Open Access
Effects of Media Richness and Verbal Interactivity on Consumer Engagement
(Emerald Publishing, 2022-12-01) Wimanthika, K; Wisenthige, K; Rathnayake, K; Edirisooriya, D; Cadir, I; Abeysekara, A
Many brands are interested in their public profiles because they highlight the value of actively engaging in overall social media interactions in establishing their brand within and between consumers. As today's fashion customers have more choice and understanding, this provides a challenge to companies in terms of client loyalty. Fashion and clothing manufacturers are increasingly conscious of the link between brand recognition, fashionrelated conversations, and future purchasing behaviour. The emphasis of this study is on fashion brands' successful customer-engagement marketing techniques through Instagram. This study looks at the most up-to-date consumer engagement that takes place on Instagram with the variables of media richness and verbal interactivity. Basically, the entire research that has been carried out is based on Morgan table 384 and incorporates pages of 14 specific brands with more than 50k followers. The result was generated using multinominal logistic regression to analysis data. The findings show that, among the variables chosen, media richness has a greater influence than verbal interactivity. When examining each variable separately, it becomes clear that the media richness variable has a greater engagement rate for edited photos than for actual photos, carousels, and videos. The main objective of the study is to realise the increase of consumer engagement through the above-mentioned independent variables. Empirical studies were uncovered defining how modern marketing communications connect brands into customer perception, while claiming more investigation. In addition, this research article investigates the usage of Instagram for penetrating consumer interaction in the context of social media platforms.
Open Access
Factors Impacting Job Satisfaction of Female Academic Staff in Sri Lankan State Universities
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Edirisinghe, G; Serasinghe, I; Amarasinghe, S; Galappatti, D; Wisenthige, K; Jayathilake, T
The purpose of this research is to investigate the critical factors impacting job satisfaction of female academic staff in state universities. With a rising number of women entering academia, it is critical to identify the factors that contribute to their job satisfaction to build an inclusive and supportive work environment. Using a comprehensive literature review, survey questionnaires, this research investigates numerous factors that affect job satisfaction of female academic staff. The study was adopted a quantitative-method approach to gather data from a diverse sample of female academic staff members from various state universities with structured questionnaire is administered to a representative sample of female academic staff to gather quantitative data on their job satisfaction levels and identify key factors influencing their contentment at work. Using 330 sample size for the research according to the morgan table and using smart pls software for the data analysis. Data analysis method is structural equation modelling. According to the study's findings, several major factors have a substantial impact on the job satisfaction of female academic staff members in state universities. When it comes to their overall job satisfaction, work-life balance stands out as a key factor, with many participants citing difficulties juggling their professional and personal obligations. The study also emphasizes the value of inclusive and encouraging work environments and employee dedication. The results of this study have broad repercussions. Institutional leaders and politicians can conduct targeted interventions to improve working conditions and promote a more inclusive and supportive environment by studying the factors impacting job satisfaction among female academic staff at state universities. With a particular focus on the experiences of female academic workers, this study adds to the body of knowledge on job satisfaction in academia.
Open Access
Factors influencing IMF assistance in the Sub-Saharan African region
(PLOS ONE, 2024-07-16) Abeywickrama, K; Perera, N; Samarathunga, S; Pabasara, H; Jayathilaka, R; Wisenthige, K
This study examines the determinants influencing the likelihood of Sub-Saharan African (SSA) countries seeking assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The IMF, as a global institution, aims to promote sustainable growth and prosperity among its member countries by supporting economic strategies that foster financial stability and collaboration in monetary affairs. Utilising panel-probit regression, this study analyses data from thirty-nine SSA countries spanning from 2000 to 2022, focusing on twelve factors: Current Account Balance (CAB), inflation, corruption, General Government Net Lending and Borrowing (GGNLB), General Government Gross Debt (GGGD), Gross Domestic Product Growth (GDPG), United Nations Security Council (UNSC) involvement, regime types (Closed Autocracy, Electoral Democracy, Electoral Autocracy, Liberal Democracy) and China Loan. The results indicate that corruption and GDP growth rate have the most significant influence on the likelihood of SSA countries seeking IMF assistance. Conversely, factors such as CAB, UNSC involvement, LD and inflation show inconsequential effects. Notable, countries like Sudan, Burundi, and Guinea consistently rank high in seeking IMF assistance over various time frames within the observed period. Sudan emerges with a probability of more than 44% in seeking IMF assistance, holding the highest ranking. Study emphasises the importance of understanding SSA region rankings and the variability of variables for policymakers, investors, and international organisations to effectively address economic challenges and provide financial assistance.
Open Access
Firm Level Competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs): Analytical Framework Based on Pillars of Competitiveness Model
(International Research Journal of Management, IT & Social Sciences, 2016-09) Wisenthige, K; Guoping, C
The research on competitiveness has been increasing in popularity amongst scholars, there is a lack of studies focusing on the firm level competitiveness of Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). The objective of this paper is to develop a framework model, which can be used to analyze the competitiveness of the SME at the firm level. In this paper, we propose a framework of six pillars of competitiveness, which constitute the physical and human resources, innovation, networking, management processes as well as customers (demand conditions) and competitors (supply conditions). The methodology is unique in the sense that it incorporates the unique analytical framework called the bottlenecks over the pillars of competitiveness, which calculate the individual level competitiveness points for each SME and competition points that can collate significantly with the selected measures of competitiveness. This comprehensive framework needs to be tested empirically with the data in future research.
Embargo
Focus on Middle East and Central Asia: rationale of IMF assistance seeking
(Springer Science and Business, 2025-11-08) Wisenthige, K; Pathiranage, H.S.K; Jayathilaka, R
This study delves into the rationale behind the tendency of nations in the Middle East and Central Asia (MECA) to seek aid from the IMF. The IMF supports global financial stability, aiming to foster economic growth and prosperity across its member countries by promoting policies that encourage monetary cooperation and financial resilience. The study employs a conditional fixed-effects logit model, the analysis spans 22 years of data from twenty-five MECA countries to identify the factors driving these nations to seek IMF assistance. It focuses on six determinants: Current Account Balance (CAB), Inflation (INF), Corruption (CORR), General Government Net Lending and Borrowing (GGNLB), General Government Gross Debt (GGGD), and Gross Domestic Product Growth (GDPG). The fixed-effects logit shows that slower GDP growth raises the odds of an IMF programme, while short-run changes in corruption control and public debt ratios are not significant once country and year effects are absorbed. Inflation is weakly positive; the current account balance is still insignificant. A post-GFC and an income-group robustness check confirm the pattern. Furthermore, the study identifies Lebanon, a lower-middle-income country, as a leading example of seeking IMF assistance during the study period. Overall, this research highlights the importance of policymakers understanding the dynamics and rankings within the MECA region to effectively address economic challenges, provide financial support, and foster a more sustainable economic structure.
Embargo
Fueling the future: unveiling what drives gig worker motivation and engagement in Sri Lanka’s corporate landscape
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-03-25) Perera, L; Jayasena, C; Hettiarachchi, N; Siriwardana, D; Wisenthige, K; Wickramaarachchi, C
Purpose: The gig economy has rapidly grown due to economic trends supporting flexible work and digital platforms, leading to increased demand for corporate gig workers. Although numerous studies have explored various aspects of the gig economy, research on the motivational and engagement factors of gig workers remains relatively rare. This study aims to investigate the factors that influence corporate gig workers’ motivation and engagement in the geographical context of Sri Lanka. Specifically, job autonomy, remuneration, social connection and technology and investigated here. Design/methodology/approach: A quantitative study, employing a deductive research approach, was conducted with data gathered through a survey designed using a five-point Likert scale questionnaire. Respondents were conveniently selected from Sri Lankan corporate gig workers. A total of 397 responses were obtained through a snowball sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling, providing a robust framework for evaluating the hypothesized relationships. Findings: The findings revealed that job autonomy, remuneration, social connection and technology significantly influence corporate gig worker motivation, whereas motivation significantly influences the engagement of corporate gig workers in Sri Lanka. Research limitations/implications: This study faced common limitations. Due to challenges in identifying the framework for the population, a snowball sampling technique was employed. One key limitation is the study’s narrow focus on motivation factors within the Sri Lankan context, which may affect the generalizability of the findings. Additionally, the geographic focus and uneven sample distribution could limit the broader applicability of the conclusions. Future research should adopt a cross-cultural approach to explore the influence of social commerce adoption, enhancing the generalizability of the results. Practical implications: A comprehensive understanding of the factors that influence the corporate gig worker motivation and engagement is provided, facilitating, the decision-makers to gain insight to enhance worker motivation and engagement by adapting strategies. This can lead to higher productivity and job satisfaction among gig workers. Originality/value: Examination of the motivational and engagement factors specific to corporate gig workers in Sri Lanka, a context that has received limited attention in previous research. Also, it contributes to the existing literature by providing a deeper understanding of the gig economy and gig work, particularly in a non-Western setting.
Open Access
Impact of Dynamic Capabilities on Business Performance of SMEs during an Economic Crisis with reference to Western Province
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Haputhanthri, H; Jayawickrama, U; Lakma, L; Sellahewa, E; Wisenthige, K; Jayathilake, T
The current economic crisis which is experiencing has a significant impact on the development and performance of most SMEs, making their existence even more susceptible. In the face of the current economic crisis, Dynamic capabilities (DCs) can be utilized as a survival mechanism to help organizations to increase the value of their businesses, get competitive advantages, and increase business performance in a changing business environment. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of three dimensions of DCs which are sensing, seizing, and reconfiguring on the business performance of SMEs during this economic crisis. In addition, this study investigates how DCs could impact business performance through Information technology (IT) adoption as a moderator. The quantitative approach is adopted, where a cross sectional survey was utilized to collect primary data from SMEs. Findings of the study based on a sample of 380 SMEs in western province and stratified random sampling method was utilized to select participants. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was used to analyze data by using Smart PLS 4 software. The results revealed that only sensing and reconfiguring capabilities have a significant impact on SMEs’ performance and IT adoption moderates the relationship between DCs and business performance during the economic crisis. Therefore, this study provides a great effort to quantitatively investigate the impact of three procedures of DCs and the moderate effect of IT adoption during the economic crisis. Furthermore, it conveys a better understanding of how SMEs could deploy their DCs to ensure higher levels of performance in periods of crisis. The results of this research will pave a path for them to successfully take effective strategic decision on the SMEs.
Embargo
Impact of Economic Globalisation on Agricultural Value-Added: The African Region Experience
(Springer, 2026-01-27) Jayathilaka, R; Wisenthige, K
Globalisation has been a critical driver of economic growth in many nations. However, the agricultural sector has yet to realise its full potential in terms of agricultural value-added and the distribution of benefits to primary producers within value chains. Notably, the African region possesses a high potential for agricultural value-addition compared to other regions. This research examines the impact of economic globalisation on agricultural value-added within the African context. Using advanced statistical techniques, including panel data regression and multiple linear regression, the study assesses the influence of globalisation on agricultural value-added across 26 African countries from 2000 to 2021. The findings indicate that, while certain countries have benefitted significantly from economic globalisation, enhancing their agricultural value, the majority still require a greater focus on optimising agricultural value addition. Senegal exhibited the most pronounced impact on agricultural value addition, whereas Burkina Faso, Morocco, South Africa, Tunisia, and Uganda showed negligible impacts. Policies aimed at optimising fertiliser inputs, advancing technology, developing the technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes of the agricultural labour force, facilitating foreign market access for raw materials, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices could help enhance value addition and support the overall economic development of the African region. This research contributes to the knowledge-based economy by providing empirical insights into the factors driving agricultural value-added, underscoring the role of knowledge creation, diffusion, and application in boosting agricultural productivity and economic growth in the African region.
Open Access
Impact of economic globalisation on valueadded agriculture, globally
(PLoS ONE, 2023-07-21) Sansika, N; Sandumini, R; Kariyawasam, C; Bandara, T; Wisenthige, K; Jayathilaka, R
Economic globalisation is the integration of national economies into the global economy through the increasing flow of goods, services, capital, and technology across borders and it has contributed to garnering a significant portion of most nations’ national income, although its agricultural value-added aspect has yet to be maximised. This pioneering study explores the impact of economic globalisation on value-added agriculture in a global context based on countries’ income levels. Panel data regression with the stepwise method was employed to quantify the impact of economic globalization on agriculture value added in 101 countries between 2000 and 2021. The findings of our study reveal that economic globalisation, through various channels such as fertilizer consumption, employment in agriculture, agriculture raw materials export and import, exchange rate, and foreign direct investment, significantly influences the agricultural value-added factor globally and across different income levels. Furthermore, the results show that agricultural employment significantly impacts the agricultural value-added factor globally and across all income levels. Also, countries with low and lower-middle-income levels significantly affect agricultural value-added due to exchange rates. In comparison, high-income and lower-middle-income levels have an impact due to foreign direct investment. Finally, the upper-middle-income countries have significantly affected agricultural value-added due to agricultural raw materials imports. This study confirms that employment in agriculture, exchange rate and foreign direct investments positively impact agriculture value-added on the global level and based on the income level of countries.
Open Access
Impact of Entrepreneurial Factors Influencing Social Commerce Adoption: Based on Sri Lankan Small and Medium Enterprises
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Panditasekara, C.M.; Rasaputhra, S; Peiris, V; Navanjali, R; Wisenthige, K; Jayasuriya, N
Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are required to understand social media and strategies for using social commerce for business expansions in this new digital era. SMEs are important to the economic growth of any country since they play a major role in most international economies. In the same manner, the COVID-19 pandemic has reformed people's mode of lifestyle and dealing with information. This study has led to the expansion of social commerce especially related to entrepreneurs and SME owners. This study focuses on the impact of entrepreneurial factors when adopting social commerce by SMEs in Sri Lanka. The framework has been developed with the factors of Attitude (AT), Innovativeness (IN), and IT Knowledge (IK) under the entrepreneurial factors. The present research conducted a thorough quantitative study of the impact of entrepreneurial factors when adopting social commerce by SMEs. The simple random sampling technique was utilized to select SMEs from the target population of SMEs listed at chambers of commerce. 384 SMEs in the Western Province were selected for the data analysis of this research. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) was used to test the developed hypotheses. The results indicated that adopting social commerce in Sri Lankan SMEs is practical and hugely beneficial to all parties involved. Entrepreneurs who are interested in applying social commerce for their businesses will find the study to be insightful. The study's findings showed the importance of utilizing social commerce in daily business activities as most SME owners hold the belief of possessing the required knowledge, skills, and resources in their business operations on social media as the focal point with a special emphasis on entrepreneurial factors.
Open Access
Organizational Culture Impact on Employee Loyalty in Private Banking Sector in Sri Lanka
(Emerald Publishing, 2022-12-01) Wisenthige, K; Samarakoon, A; Lakmali, R; Samarakoon, D; Dissanayake, D
Companies now recognize the need of investing in their people if they want to continue providing solid value to their clients. This research set out to quantify how much of an effect company culture had on loyalty among private bank employees in Sri Lanka's Western Province. Employee loyalty was used as the dependent variable, while the organization's culture was examined as the independent variable along four dimensions: managerial culture, open working environment, incentives and perks, and training and development. Data was gathered by self-administered questionnaires on a 5-point Likert scale from 374 bank employees chosen via simple random sampling. The effect was evaluated by a multiple-regression study. Based on the findings, improving the openness of management choices; providing value to a person's professional development; the positive culture with opportunities will help bank decision-making and planning; associated with people-centred ideas, which guide managers and to act in the best employees' interests of stakeholders. Schedule job-related training to satisfy the employer's and workers' goals. Government and Central Bank of Sri Lanka policymakers recognize that company culture must be used to increase employee loyalty. The procedures and approaches that are decided upon to carry out the study are discussed in the section of the paper titled "Methodology” and the population as well as the sample size of this study are considered, together with the technique of collecting data, the type of data collected, and the method of analysing data. The findings of this study revealed that organizational culture has an impact on employee loyalty.
Open Access
Reputation of Entrepreneur Mediates the Business Performance: A Study of Women-owned Small Enterprise in Sri Lanka
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Gunawansha, N; Rajapaksha, N; Witharana, N; Ishara, N; Wisenthige, K; Pathirana, U
This study intends to examine the impact of entrepreneurial network relationships on the success of women-owned small enterprises (WOSEs) in Sri Lanka. Knowledge sharing, innovation, transaction cost, and market opportunities all play a significant role as the network relationship's independent variables, with reputation representing as a mediator for the impact of innovation on women-owned small enterprises' performance. The present study used partial least square (PLS) structural equation modelling to examine the constructed hypotheses technique to examine the impact of entrepreneurial network relationships on WOSEs performance. The data used in this study is primary data collected from 384 women entrepreneurs registered in the chamber of commerce in Sri Lanka using a simple random sampling technique. The findings show that there is a significant positive impact of transaction cost, reputation, market opportunity, and knowledge sharing, on the performance of WOSEs. Innovation as a mediator also positively and significantly mediate the impact of knowledge sharing on performance. It implies that innovations strengthen the impact that knowledge sharing does on business performance. The findings of this study highlight the policymakers to take steps to improve the collaboration between other businesses which will indirectly improve the entrepreneurial network and ultimately improve the performance of WOSEs. Consequently, network relationships afford enterprises the opportunity to leverage embedded linkages to mitigate their vulnerabilities and attain economic benefits. Future studies could focus on businesses other than women-owned enterprises to examine the impact of entrepreneurial network relationships on small enterprise performance in Sri Lanka. Hence future research should establish how the entrepreneurial networks can help businesses to enhance competitive advantage and thus the performance of women owned enterprises.
Open Access
The role of platform interactivity in enhancing trust: unlocking purchase intentions for skincare products on Facebook
(Cogent OA, 2025-10-07) Jayasingha, N; Kavindiya, W; Ranjith, D.P; Pathiranage, S.N; Wisenthige, K; Dayapathirana, N
Social commerce, which integrates social media with e-commerce, has transformed how consumers engage with brands and make purchasing decisions. In Sri Lanka, the skincare product market on Facebook has seen significant growth, emphasizing the need to understand the factors influencing consumer purchase intention. This study explores how social media, perceived usefulness and platform interactivity influence trust in the seller and, in turn, affect social commerce purchase intention. Using purposive sampling, the study targeted active Facebook users who purchase skincare products. An online questionnaire was administered to 384 such users. Using structural equation modelling, the study found that perceived usefulness and platform interactivity significantly enhance trust in sellers. Additionally, trust in the seller plays a mediating role between these factors and purchase intention. The study offers theoretical contributions by extending the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) into a high-involvement product context. The findings highlight that a more interactive and engaging platform experience increases consumer confidence in online sellers, ultimately encouraging purchase behavior. Social media platforms like Facebook not only provide a space for product promotion but also serve as trust-building environments through user engagement and perceived usefulness. This study finds that useful and interactive Facebook posts build trust and lead to more skincare product purchases. Brands should post better content to earn trust and boost sales. For businesses, especially skincare brands operating in social commerce environments, this study offers practical insights into developing strategies focused on enhancing platform interactivity and trust to drive consumer engagement and intention to purchase.
Open Access
Unlocking cinnamon export success: Key determinants from the world's top five producers
(Public Library of Science,PLOS ONE, 2025-12-11) Wisenthige, K; Jayathilaka, R; Dabare, U; Marasinghe, T; Radeesha, M; Ann, F; Kavindya, N
The purpose of this research study is to identify the factors affecting cinnamon export income (CEI) in the main five cinnamon export countries, namely China, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Madagascar and Vietnam for the period from 1992–2022. Secondary data was sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organization and World Bank. Based on the past literature, it has been found out that production volume (PV), domestic consumption (DC), exchange rate (ER) and cultivated land area (CLA) significantly impact on CEI. Simple Linear Regression models were applied to analyse the impact of the identified factors affecting CEI in the present study. The findings revealed, PV negatively impacts the export income of cinnamon in China, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam, while having a positive impact on Indonesia and Madagascar. Moreover, while DC appears to have a positive impact in Sri Lanka, it has a negative impact in China, Vietnam, Indonesia and Madagascar for the same. Accordingly, ER is positive for countries Madagascar, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam while adverse for Indonesia and China. In addition, the study proved that CLA positively influences CEI of China, Vietnam, and Madagascar but negatively for Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Consequently, the findings from this study greatly assist policymakers, exporters, and the industry professionals in executing strategies to enhance the export income & thereof export practices of cinnamon. Finally, this research addresses several gaps in cinnamon export studies, supporting sustainable growth and competitiveness in the sector.