Research Papers - Dept of Business

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Author: search.filters.author.Rajapakshe, WStart date: 2023

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Now showing 1 - 4 of 4
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    Accessibility and usability of virtual learning platforms: Lived experiences of visually impaired undergraduates in Sri Lanka
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2026-03-12) Rajapakshe, W; Wickramaarachchi, C; Alwis, M.K. S.S; Amarasinghe, A.A. M.L; Jayasekara, P.N; Jayasekara, P.T
    This study explores the accessibility and usability of virtual learning platforms of visually impaired undergraduate students in Sri Lanka, focusing on their lived experiences, use of assistive technologies, and institutional support mechanisms. As online learning becomes increasingly prevalent, accessibility and inclusive challenges persist, particularly in developing countries with limited infrastructure and institutional support. Despite the availability of assistive technologies, visually impaired learners frequently encounter barriers, including poorly designed platforms, limited usability of screen readers, and inadequate institutional guidance. Addressing a critical research gap, this study investigates how visually impaired undergraduates experience and navigates virtual learning environments to identify accessibility barriers, enabling practices, and context-specific strategies for inclusive digital learning. Using a qualitative approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen visually impaired university students across Sri Lanka. Thematic analysis revealed five core themes: barriers and challenges to effective virtual learning, preferred virtual platforms, accessibility features and tools, facilitators of learning success, and strategies to optimise the learning environment. These findings illuminate how systemic inequalities, infrastructural limitations, and institutional neglect collectively constrain the digital learning experience for visually impaired students, while also highlighting enabling practices that foster access and inclusion. The study's originality lies in foregrounding student-led insights in a developing country context and integrating practical, context-specific recommendations for platform developers, educators, and policymakers. By centering the voices of visually impaired learners, this research contributes unique and actionable knowledge to the field of inclusive digital education.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Enhancing Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) performance: Analyzing the role of human resource practices in Sri Lanka’s telecommunication industry through Lewin’s change management model
    (Public Library of Science, 2025-01-10) Pubodhya S.H.N.; Rajapakshe, W
    This study explores the integration of sexual and reproductive health (SRH) education in Sri Lanka, utilizing the Health Belief Model (HBM) to predict the perceived quality of SRH education among non-state undergraduate students. In many Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, cultural resistance and skepticism often challenge SRH education initiatives. The research is based on a questionnaire survey, examining factors influencing the perceived quality of SRH education, such as cultural norms, embarrassment, attitudes, awareness, and institutional support. In recent years, the Sri Lankan telecom industry has experienced significant expansion and transformation, leading to a notable increase in mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This study investigates the impact of human resource practices on M&A performance, utilizing Lewin’s Change Management Model as a framework. The research is based on a questionnaire survey, examining factors influencing the performance of M&A in Sri Lanka Telecom industry, such as communication (Unfreeze), training (Change), leadership (Refreeze), and performance (M&A outcomes). Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) reveals that communication significantly influences training (β = 0.800), while training has a strong effect on leadership (β = 1.062), both directly and indirectly via communication (β = 0.850). Additionally, performance is positively impacted by training (β = 0.819) and leadership (β = 0.459), with communication exerting a substantial indirect influence on performance (β = 0.655). These results underscore the necessity for an integrated approach that enhances organizational performance and adaptability in an evolving business landscape. To optimize M&A outcomes, organizations are encouraged to prioritize leadership development, invest in comprehensive training programs, and align communication strategies effectively. This research contributes valuable insights into the management of change within the telecom sector, promoting sustainable growth and success in future M&A endeavours.
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    Exploring deceptive behavior in intra-organizational activities of teleworkers in the IT sector in Sri Lanka
    (Springer Science and Business, 2025-07-04) Rajapakshe, W; Bangsajayah B.S.A
    This study aims to explore and validate a conceptual framework based on socio-technical systems and information manipulation theories to understand how deficiencies in IT infrastructure and interpersonal distrust lead to communication breakdowns and foster deceptive behavior. The research examines this phenomenon, which became particularly pronounced as companies shifted to remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study employs moderated regression analysis (MRA) utilizing the PROCESS macro model 7 to assess hypotheses concerning the mediated moderation effect of deception. Data was collected from a judgmental sample comprising 200 remote IT workers to probe their motivations for deceptive practices within virtual work environments. Research findings demonstrate that the moderated mediation index (the interpersonal trust index) is −.1894. Moderated mediation is statistically significant, not including zero, as indicated by the 95% confidence interval (−.2380 to −.1385). Interpersonal trust moderates the indirect effect of IT infrastructure on communication deception. These findings imply that teleworkers can effectively communicate information if companies provide the infrastructure. Interpersonal trust can increase communication even in inappropriate household environments. Employers should prioritize managing trust and maximizing human capital to create a win–win situation for the company and teleworkers. This study sheds light on the role of interpersonal trust in shaping the relationship between communication and deception, filling a gap in the empirical literature on virtual work environments in the post-pandemic landscape. It provides novel insights by demonstrating how organizational trust moderates communication dynamics and mediates the influence of both deceit and IT infrastructure provision.
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    PublicationOpen Access
    Critical risk factors influencing the management of disruptions in construction projects: Insights from recent challenges in Sri Lanka
    (Elsevier Ltd, 2025-01) Rajapakshe, W
    The construction industry has a significantly contribute to the economy of Sri Lanka. However, in recent years, its overall share of the national output has declined, primarily due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, political instability, and ongoing economic challenges. Many construction firms halted projects and laid off employees, highlighting the critical need for effective risk management during crises to predict and mitigate risks. This study explores emerging risk factors in Sri Lanka's construction sector post-crisis. Using a three-phase linear decision-making model, the research combines a literature review, a survey of 290 construction professionals, and structural equation modelling (SEM) to identify major risk factors across four phases of risk management. Key risks out of 23 include general factors like health and safety issues, material costs, regulations, political interference, corruption, and labor shortages, while phase-specific risks involve delays, budget overruns, payment delays, and cancellations. The study revises the risk registers to improve risk management strategies. While the findings are context-specific to Sri Lanka, they may offer indicative insights for other developing countries facing similar crisis-driven disruptions. The practical implications extend to multinational and local companies, supported by data from 22 countries, offering a comprehensive framework for addressing construction industry challenges in volatile environments. The novelty of this study lies in its use of theoretical triangulation to align Classical Risk Management theory with real-world operational risk factors, revealing critical overlaps, behavioral influences, and contextual gaps in traditional frameworks.