Browsing by Author "Wisenthige, K"

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Open Access
Assessing the influence of diverse skills on employability outcomes for IT undergraduates
(Public Library of Science, 2026-04-10) Senadheera, D; Wisenthige, K
Rapid technological advancements have reshaped the global job market, emphasizing the importance of specialized competencies such as user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design, alongside technical and interpersonal skills.. This study examines how UI/UX skills (UIUX), soft skills (SS), and technical skills (TS) influence the employability (EP) of IT undergraduates in Sri Lanka, addressing a notable gap in existing literature that often examines these competencies in isolation and predominantly within Western contexts. The current study offers a detailed examination of employability determinants in Sri Lanka’s IT sector by incorporating gender as a moderating factor and investigating the mediating roles of self-efficacy (SE) and proficiency levels (LP). The collection of data involved 345 IT undergraduates participating in structured surveys, which were subsequently analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results demonstrate that gender significantly affects the relationship between soft skills and technical skills with employability, underscoring differences in the assessment of these competencies among different genders. Moreover, the degree of proficiency influences the connection between technical skills and employability, yet it does not play a significant mediating role in the relationship between soft skills and UI/UX employability. Self-efficacy has proven to be a significant mediator across various skill categories UI/UX, soft, and technical highlighting its essential function in converting competencies into career success. This work seeks to add to existing knowledge by tackling the main significant gap of examining the combined effect of UI/UX, soft, and technical skills on employability. This study contributes to the theoretical understanding of employability by presenting an integrated model that elucidates the complex interactions among skills, mediators, and gender within the Sri Lankan IT sector. The results provide actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and industry leaders, advocating for curriculum alignment with industry needs and the promotion of self-efficacy through mentorship and experiential learning.
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.
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Determinants of student satisfaction in private universities: examining the impact of academic staff quality
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-02-14) Wisenthige, K; Pathirana, U; Perera, B; Wijesinghe, K; Wijethunga, A
Purpose: The study utilized a quantitative approach to investigate student satisfaction, focusing on the lecturers’ knowledge, quality of delivery, student support and evaluation. The population included second- to fourth-year undergraduates, data from a sample of 600 were collected through a structured questionnaire using stratified random sampling and analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). Design/methodology/approach: The aim of this study is to examine the various dimensions of academic staff quality that affect student satisfaction within a selected private higher educational institute in Sri Lanka, providing a clear understanding of the dimensions of academic staff quality and recognizing the important role of the said dimensions in shaping the educational experience of the students. Findings: Results revealed that effective support for students, lectures’ broader knowledge, quality of delivery and quality of evaluation were significant predictors of student satisfaction and that they are crucial indicators of how strong the impact of the academic staff is in contributing to overall undergraduate student satisfaction. Originality/value: This study filled a gap in higher education research in Sri Lanka by offering empirical evidence on the impact of academic staff quality on satisfaction among students in private universities. It serves as a valuable reference for those exploring higher education concepts, providing a novel understanding of the influence of the key component of academic staff quality.
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.
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Driving performance in the digital nomad era: the mediating roles of well-being and job satisfaction
(Emerald Publishing, 2025-12-07) Peiris, P; Kavindya, S; Mandodari, A; Jayasinghe, Y; Wisenthige, K; Rajapaksha, V; Suraweera, B
Purpose – Despite the growing academic focus on digital nomadism, there is a lack of studies on the job performance of digital nomads, which compounds an essential theoretical and empirical gap. Informed by this, the study explores the role of nomadic work drivers in job performance, with well-being and job satisfaction acting as mediators, contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the job performance of digital nomads. Design/methodology/approach – Adopting a quantitative approach, this study used an online survey disseminated to digital nomad Facebook groups, collecting data from 226 participants through systematic sampling. The data were analyzed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings – The findings revealed that well-being and job satisfaction significantly mediate the relationships between nomadic work drivers (destination, technology and work preferences) and job performance. Conversely, the relationship between work-life balance and job performance through both mediators was found statistically insignificant. Practical implications – The study contributes to the growing body of literature on digital nomadism, clarifying how work drivers influence job performance through well-being and job satisfaction, while offering practical insights to create supportive work environments that boost productivity, a priority in today's era of global remote work. Originality/value – This research is unique to the extent that it explores the dual mediating effects of well-being and job satisfaction in the relationship between nomadic work drivers and job performance, an approach that has been significantly absent in previous studies.
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E-commerce success redefined: integrating information systems and customer empowerment for e-customer engagement
(Emerald Publishing, 2026-03-17) Boyagoda, G; Thalagala, S.M; Pathirana, S.L; Jeewantha, S; Wisenthige, K
Purpose – This study aims to explore the impact of system quality, information quality, service quality and customer empowerment on customer satisfaction and e-commerce success in Sri Lanka, focusing on Millennials and Generation Z. By integrating the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success (D&M ISS) model with customer empowerment theory, the research seeks to provide insights into the key drivers of e-customer engagement in e-commerce. Design/methodology/approach – A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 413 respondents employing the purposive sampling technique. The data collection instrument comprised 32 questions related to system quality, information quality, service quality, customer empowerment and customer satisfaction, as well as demographic questions. The data were analysed using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). Findings – The results revealed that the system quality, information quality and service quality significantly influence customer satisfaction and intention to use the system in the context of e-commerce, which leads to higher customer engagement. Furthermore, the findings substantiate the crucial role that customer empowerment plays in terms of increasing customer satisfaction. Research limitations/implications – This study focuses on Millennials and Generation Z e-customers in Sri Lanka. It provides insights into this demographic, but does not capture the diverse cultural and technological landscape of the entire country. The study examines Information System (IS) dimensions and customer empowerment, excluding other significant variables like overall customer engagement. Self-reported data may introduce biases, and future research with larger sample sizes and different methods could improve the validity. Focusing on four selected online shopping platforms may limit the applicability as the e-commerce landscape is continuously evolving. Practical implications – The findings offer guidance to e-commerce businesses and policymakers to enhance their digital services and customer satisfaction. Businesses can improve their system quality with intuitive designs, offering accurate information to boost engagement and deliver excellent service quality. Initiatives such as interactive tools, loyalty programs and tailored support can empower customers, fostering a stronger impact. Policymakers can support e-commerce growth by improving regulations and providing training programs. These measures contribute to a more efficient and satisfying online shopping experience, driving long-term customer loyalty and business growth. Social implications – The research emphasises the role of customer empowerment in fostering customer engagement, contributing to the growth of the digital economy and enhancing online shopping experiences. Originality/value – This research enhances the academic understanding of e-commerce success by strengthening the DeLone and McLean Information Systems Success model by adding the concept of customer empowerment. This unique improvement is applied in the context of Sri Lanka, an emerging market with its own socio-economic characteristics. This addition provides new insights into key factors affecting e-customer engagement in the e-commerce sector.
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.
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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.
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Focus on Middle East and Central Asia: rationale of IMF assistance seeking
(Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH, 2026-03) 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.
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From AI Assistance to Critical Thinking: Exploring Cognitive Offloading and Metacognition as Mechanisms within Personalized Learning Environments
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2026) Gunathilake, N; Gamage, A; Rajapakshe, D; Jayasooriya, M; Wisenthige, K; Yapa, C.G
The rapid adoption of AI-assisted learning tools in higher education has completely transformed the undergraduate study system, but empirical evidence on their impact on deep cognition and learning processes is limited. This study investigates the effects of AI-assisted learning tool usage on metacognition, cognitive offloading, personalized learning, and critical thinking among Sri Lankan undergraduates. Using positivism philosophy and a deductive quantitative approach, data were collected from 379 students in computing, management, and engineering subjects through a 35-items, five-point Likert scale questionnaire, and analyzed using PLS-SEM. The findings reveal significant direct, indirect, and moderating relationships among key variables, suggesting that the use of AI-assisted learning tools influences students’ learning regulation, reliance on external support, and development of higher-order thinking. This study provides empirical evidence for the cognitive and psychological effects of AI-assisted learning tools, and helps address an important research gap, and offers practical insights for educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers to use balanced and effective AI integration in higher education.
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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
How E-commerce Succeeds: The Role of Information Systems in Boosting Customer Satisfaction
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025) Pathirana, S.L; Pathirana, S.J; Boyagoda, G.S.B; Thalagala, S.M.K; Wisenthige, K; Aluthwala, C
The rapid growth of e-commerce has revolutionized consumer behavior, especially among Millennials and Generation Z, who increasingly rely on online platforms for their purchases. This paper shows the impact of information systems success on individual performance outcomes in e-commerce, focusing on the DeLone and McLean information system success model and its three key dimensions: system quality, information quality, and service quality. A quantitative survey method was employed to gather data from e-commerce users in the western province of Sri Lanka, which is an economically developed region where Millennials and Generation Z are highly engaged with international and local e-commerce platforms. The study uses PLS-SEM to identify that system, information, and service quality significantly increase customer satisfaction and thereby improve individual performance in e-commerce. The study will address the significant research gap in Sri Lanka, where the rapid growth of e-commerce has not been adequately studied in terms of the impact of information and individual outcomes
Open Access
How social media impact social entrepreneurial intentions: the serial mediation roles of risk propensity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy
(Cogent OA, 2025-08-20) Gomes, C; Wisenthige, K
As societies around the globe experience various social problems with a rising population and an ever-changing political and economic landscape, scholars have been paying much attention to social entrepreneurship. Social entrepreneurship possesses the ability to address many social problems, especially in developing nations such as Sri Lanka. In this light, this study was carried out to find the impact that social media has on social entrepreneurial intentions among undergraduate students in Sri Lanka, while exploring the mediation effects of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and risk propensity. A sample of 252 students was taken from a Sri Lankan university, and a telephone-based survey was used to collect data. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to analyze data, using the SmartPLS4 software. The results from the analysis showed that social media significantly impacts social entrepreneurial intention, while entrepreneurial self-efficacy and risk propensity had a serial mediation effect on the impact. This study makes many novel contributions to social entrepreneurial intention research, as it explores how social media impacts social entrepreneurial intentions and the serial mediation effect of risk propensity and entrepreneurial self-efficacy in a single theoretical model. Policymakers and educational institutions are heavily encouraged to use social media platforms to diffuse social entrepreneurial concepts among undergraduate students. Finally, the study offers limitations and directions for future research.
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.
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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.