School of Business

Permanent URI for this communityhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/4207

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 430

Embargo
THE PERSPECTIVES OF UNIVERSITY ACADEMICS ON THEIR INTENTION TO PURCHASE GREEN SMARTPHONES IN SRI LANKA
(Informing Science Institute, 15 June 2023) Janak, P; Kumarasinghe; Huang, Q; Rathnayake, N
Aim/Purpose Most people use their phones for work and communication. Businesses today require sustainable mobile phones to limit the environmental impact of mobile phones. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a green product uses less energy. Green smartphones need low radiation emission, are made from recyclable materials, and are designed to last longer than typical smartphones. Further, the manufacturing process needs to have a low environmental impact. The present study aims to identify the influence of variables (such as Green Awareness, Environmental Concern, Altruism, and Willingness to Pay) on green smartphone purchase intention among academics in the Sri Lankan higher education sector. Background With the swift technological advances, almost everyone has begun to use smartphones. Simultaneously, smartphone manufacturers have begun to release cutting-edge smartphone models to the general public. As a result, it has generated a significant amount of e-waste for the environment. As a result, therefore, the sustainability of green smartphones has become a major societal concern in the developed world, but this is not yet true in the developing world Methodology The study used a qualitative research method in which the authors attempted to acquire primary data by conducting in-depth interviews with academics from the Sri Lankan higher education sector using a semi-structured interview guide. Eight interviews were conducted, audio recorded, and word-to-word transcribed for content analysis. Researchers used content analysis to determine the presence, meanings, and linkages of specific words, themes, or concepts. Contribution The findings provide important environmental insights for smartphone makers and society, such as introducing waste reduction programs and energy-saving practices and creating awareness among people to change their consumption patterns. The study will provide valuable insights into the green smartphone phone purchasing intentions of academics in a developing country, especially helping green smartphone producers and marketers construct effective tactics with the insight of the current study based on university faculty members’ viewpoints. Findings The current study’s findings revealed that academics acknowledge the need for environmental protection with an awareness of the green concept and environmental concerns. According to the interviews, most participants intended to move from their present smartphone to an ecologically friendly phone, as they explained on altruism. This implies that even academics in underdeveloped countries are worried about environmental issues and have shown a more robust understanding of these issues and how environmentally aware individuals’ activities may assist the earth’s sustainability. Further, academics have a willingness to pay for a green smartphone. Recommendations for Practitioners Academics prioritize environmental conservation when making purchases. This implies that manufacturers and enterprises should focus on developing and innovating more environmentally friendly products. Recommendations for Researchers Using only academics as a sample approach is severely limited if the study’s population comprises people with various qualities. Nevertheless, this study presented only four independent variables, and more factors impacting green smartphone purchasing intention may exist. As a result, it is proposed that future research consider other factors. Impact on Society It was discovered that most participants displayed altruism in their product purchases, implying that policymakers must strengthen the moral practice of concern for the welfare and happiness of other humans, even in developing countries. Future Research A further in-depth study focusing on many perspectives, such as limits and motivations for purchasing green products in various socioeconomic groups with varying moderating factors such as gender, education, and rural-urban, would be advantageous. Individual (emotions, habits, perceived behavioral control, trust, values, personal norm, knowledge) and situational (availability, product attributes, subjective norm, brand, eco-labeling) variables should be included in future research
Embargo
Investment risk concepts and measurement of risk in asset returns
(MCB UP Ltd, 1995-01-01) Alles, L. A
The theory of finance is built around return and risk concepts and a basic tenet of finance is that there is a trade off between the risk and returns of assets. As such the measurement of risk goes to the very core and foundation of the theory of finance. Given that the main theories of finance have been maturing over several decades of discussion and debate, one would imagine that a concept as fundamental as the measurement of risk would be a well settled issue by now. On the contrary, the recent finance literature shows ample evidence that risk measurement and risk concepts are drawing continued scrutiny from academic researchers. This is because there are several alternative, and competing ways in which risk can be conceived of and it is not clear which of the alternative concepts is most appropriate. Each concept of risk can be measured or estimated in several ways as well. Estimation methods can be diverse in their precision. Risk measurement can be further complicated by the fact that risk is not a static feature. Risk changes over time. Whether risk changes can be modelled satisfactorily is a major challenge taken up by researchers.
Embargo
The information on inflation in the Australian term structure
(Routledge, 1997-12-01) Alles, L. A; Bhar, R
In this paper we examine the information on inflation contained in the term spread of the Australian term structure in a model in which we allow the expected real term spread to vary with time. Previously, Mishkin (1990) assumed a constant expected real term spread in a similar inflation forecasting model. We further extend the model by allowing the coefficient of the nominal yield spread also to vary with time. Results show that the model based on the time-varying expected real rate, estimated with the Kalman filter, is more suitable than the model based on the constant real rate. Also, the term spread lagged one period has more information on future inflation than the contemporaneous term. Finally, the forecasting power of a model with a randomly time-varying yield spread is inferior to the other versions examined.
Embargo
An examination of causality and predictability between Australian domestic and offshore interest rates
(North-Holland, 2000-01-01) Alles, L. A; Ann, A.T. H
This paper studies the causality and predictability between Australian domestic and offshore short term interest rates in both the first and second moments during the period 1987 to 1996. Causality flow is observed to be stronger from the domestic to the offshore market in the earlier sub periods but characterised by significant two-way causality flow in the latter sub-periods. Volatility tests show that the volatility in one market spills over to the other market simultaneously, which is consistent with Australian markets being well integrated with global markets. The predictability across the two markets in the first moments is examined through an error correction model, whose forecasting performance is assessed relative to a benchmark random walk model. To test the predictability of volatility, four different models are compared: A GARCH model, A GARCH model incorporating contemporaneous spillover effects, a GARCH model with lagged spillover effects, and a benchmark random walk model. Results indicate that the error correction model and the GARCH model with contemporaneous volatility spillover are the superior models for forecasting changes in interest rates and for forecasting volatility, respectively.
Embargo
Futures and forward price differential and the effect of marking-to-market: Australian evidence
(Blackwell Publishers Ltd, 2001-07) Alles, L. A; Peace, P. P. K
The objective of this paper is to examine the effects of marking-to-market of futures contracts on the price differential between futures and forward contracts based on the predictions ofthe Cox, Ingersoll and Ross (1981) (CIR) model. Cox et al., (1981) derive a series of propositions with respect to the relationship between futures and forward prices and a set of testable implications. These are tested empirically in this paper using Australian data from November 1991 to June 1997. The results provide evidence of the presence of significant futures and forward price differences, where the futures price is consistently below the forward price. Only partial support is found for the Cox et al., (1981) propositions, implying that the effect of marking-tomarket is not able to fully account for the price differential. Therefore, it is not possible to rule out the influence of other institutional factors on the futuresforward price difference.
Open Access
Asset Securitization and Structured Financing Future Prospects and Challenges for Countries in Emerging Markets
(International Monetary Fund, 2001-09-01) Alles, L. A
This article examines the issues and challenges involved for institutions, policy makers, and law-makers in less developed countries in their efforts to implement asset securitization techniques in their financial markets. Challenges and issues in the areas of market development, legislation, accounting, regulation and structuring are examined in the light of recent developments in securitization techniques.
Open Access
CAPM and Risk in the Australian Regulatory Context
(SSRN, 2002-09-01) Alles, L. A; Johnson, N. W; Kenyon, P
As one component in the determination of price caps for access to regulated gas pipelines under the National Access Code for Natural Gas Pipeline Systems (which is given legal effect through relevant State legislation), regulators utilise the CAPM to determine a 'reasonable' rate of return on the capital employed by the pipeline owner in the provision of gas transport services. A key issue in the use of CAPM in this manner is the determination of beta, the coefficient measuring systematic risk in the CAPM. Pipelines are not commonly traded in Australia, and hence market betas cannot be readily calculated from market data. This necessitates estimation of beta by other means. The methods used in practice is essentially a combination of comparisons with like pipelines which are traded (usually in the US or UK) combined with what can best be described as guesswork to incorporate differences between these pipelines and the pipelines being regulated. This process is less than rigorous and subject to rent-seeking behaviour by pipeline owners. This paper considers risk from the perspective of first principles, and derives a methodology for determining beta in the Australian regulatory context based upon a theoretical consideration of diversification choices of individuals.
Open Access
Problems and prospects of utilizing canal banks to enhance the built-environment in Colombo
(NSF, 2003-07-27) Perera, R
Waterfronts are assets that enhance the quality of built-environment in urban areas. They are used as public and recreational spaces in many cities around the world. However, cities and towns in Sri Lanka most often turn their back to water bodies. Colombo has environmental assets in the form of a sea front, a lake and a canal network, yet not much attempt has been made to utilize their potential to enhance the quality of environment of the city until recent times. The lake is being rehabilitated while the canal network has already been rehabilitated under externally funded projects. It is observed that the rehabilitated canal network is fast falling back to its previous state of stagnation and pollution due to non-utilization of improved canals and banks. This paper focuses attention on possible strategies to sustain their improved environmental quality in order to enhance the built-environment of the city
Open Access
Towards an Information Systems Excellence Model
(University of Canterbury. Accountancy Finance and Information Systems., 2004) Cragg, P. B; Mills, A; Suraweera, T; Todorova, N
This paper proposes an IS excellence model based on the concept of business excellence. The Baldrige excellence model contains seven criteria, including: leadership; strategic planning; customer and market focus; human resource focus; process management; measurement, analysis and knowledge management; and business results. For each of these criteria, the paper explores significant IS literature to develop corresponding criteria in the IS context. The proposed model extends the existing work on IS Success and provides an holistic framework that brings together many topics that are often researched in relative isolation, eg, IS leadership, IS strategy, IS service quality, and IS user satisfaction
Open Access
Measurement of IT Management Sophistication in Small Firms
(AIS Electronic Library (AISeL), 2005-12) Cragg, p; Mills, A; Suraweera, T
This study developed an instrument to measure IT management sophistication in small firms. Multiple-case studies were used to explore the concept of IT management sophistication in small firms and provide a pool of indicators representing IT management sophistication. Small chartered accountancy firms in New Zealand were surveyed and the data was analysed using PLS. The final model of IT management sophistication included three dimensions: IT planning, IT controlling and IT leading. The validity and reliability of the measurement instrument was examined thoroughly. The results provide a significant foundation for researchers of IT management in small firms.
Embargo
Asset Securitization and Structured Financing Future Prospects and Challenges for Emerging Market Countries
(IMF working paper, 2006-01-31) Alles, L. A
This article examines the issues and challenges involved for institutions, policy makers, and law-makers in less developed countries in their efforts to implement asset securitization techniques in their financial markets. Challenges and issues in the areas of market development, legislation, accounting, regulation and structuring are examined in the light of recent developments in securitization techniques.
Open Access
Identification of the Poor in Sri Lanka: Development of Composite Indicator and Regional Poverty Lines
(researchgate.net, 2006-03) Siddhisena, p; Jayathilaka, R
The identification of the poor and the definition of poverty is rather complex since poverty dimensions are multifaceted. Poverty is not just an inadequacy of income to meet basic needs or the inability to spend. It is largely associated with numerous demographic, socio-economic, cultural, environmental, health and psychological factors. The aim of this study is therefore to compute a composite indicator of multidimensional poverty and regional poverty lines to identify the severity of poverty and regional disparities of poverty. The study was based on the two data sets and the main objectives of the study are: Identification of the poor by using a broader definition of poverty; Measurement of regional differences on poverty using the poverty indices and constructed poverty lines; and Development of a Composite Indicator of Multidimensional Poverty to identify poverty by severity and also to examine regional disparities of poverty.
Embargo
Industry return predictability, timing and profitability
(North-Holland, 2006-04-01) Yao, J; Alles, L. A
This paper aims to investigate the predictability of Australian industrial stock returns. Several identified economic variables are found to contain significant predictive power over industry portfolio returns in a Bayesian dynamic forecasting model. The Bayesian updating process was also applied in an investigation of out-of-sample prediction, timing ability and the profitability of an investment strategy of industry-rotation. When the predictor variables are employed in out-of-sample analysis, the predictive power is superior to the naïve prediction. The timing ability and profitability associated with predictability are also economically significant. When the industry momentum is examined, the results show that a group-rotation strategy can enhance the portfolio performance.
Embargo
The Effect of Investment Horizons on Risk, Return and End‐of‐Period Wealth for Major Asset Classes in Canada
(Blackwell Publishing Ltd, 2006-06) Alles, L. A; Athanassakos, G
The objective of this paper is to investigate whether the current pructice among financiul planners of recom- mending stocks at an eurly age and progressively mov- ing into cash or bonds as retirement upproaches would be uppropriate. We computed returns, risks and end-of- period wealth distributions of vurious Canadian asset classes at increasing horizons between I957 and 2003, bused on the bootstrapping technique. Results show that investment outcomes at short horizons can be quite d$- ferent from outcomes at longer horizons. Evidence is provided in jiavour of time diversificution, while the cur- renl market practice oj' life cycle investing is not fully supported as stocks continue to exhibit more favourable risk-return payoffs than other asset classes, even at shorter time intervuls
Open Access
Impact of urbanization on the water resources and public health in Pathumthani Province, Thailand
(2006-11-22) Perera, R; Pradhan, P
This study attempts to analyze and describe the trend and pattern of urbanization, its impact on water resources as well as public health in Pathumthani province, which is an adjacent province of Bangkok Metropolitan. This province has good canal (khlong) network system. These khlongs have their own cultural and historical values. But the province has been promoted as a location for industrial development policy reforms introduced in Thailand in 1977. The study was carried out, using GIS as a tool, to identify the land use change. Major chemical parameters were selected to analysis water quality and cases registered data on water born diseases were analyzed to identify the impact on public health. The study reveals that growths have mainly occurred along the highways, river and khlongs sections. The findings highlight the situation of water quality in river and khlongs arising out of the process of urbanization in the province and its affect on public health.
Embargo
Managing the implementation of IT projects in SMEs: An exploratory investigation
(IEEE, 2006-12-06) Suraweera, T; Pulakanam, V; Guler, O
The implementation of IT projects such as acquiring and implementing accounting software systems has become widespread among small and medium sized enterprises (SME). Invariably the SMEs face numerous difficulties, especially at the initial stages of IT project implementation. Using case study approach, this paper explores the nature of and the processes related to managerial aspects of accounting software systems implementation projects in SMEs. The results provide valuable insights to the project management processes with respect to the implementation of software applications in the SMEs.
Embargo
IT driven banking services in Sri Lanka: customer acceptance and service quality
(IEEE, 2006-12-06) Suraweera, T; Pulakanam, V; Guler, O
The implementation of IT projects such as acquiring and implementing accounting software systems has become widespread among small and medium sized enterprises (SME). Invariably the SMEs face numerous difficulties, especially at the initial stages of IT project implementation. Using case study approach, this paper explores the nature of and the processes related to managerial aspects of accounting software systems implementation projects in SMEs. The results provide valuable insights to the project management processes with respect to the implementation of software applications in the SMEs.
Open Access
Economic Demographic Characteristics of Poor Female Headed Households in Sri Lanka
(Population Association of Sri Lanka, 2007) Jayathilaka, R
Economic demographic characteristics of poor female headed households in Sri Lanka are an important area to study to formulate better policies to alleviate poverty in Sri Lanka. The study uses the Household Income and Expenditure Survey of 2001/02 that covered 16,924 households (71,293 population) in the seven provinces in Sri Lanka. This study uses the method of Cost of Basic Needs approach to derive poverty line and it use to identify the poor households. The study used the cross sectional approaches with special techniques of radar diagrams to highlight the economic demographic characteristics of poor female headed households. The characteristics compared are age, sex, dependents, marital status, level of education, usual activities, occupations and the level of income and expenditures. The findings reflect some facts which merit careful attention in the task of Sri Lankan poverty alleviation policies
Open Access
Dynamics of Knowledge Leverage in ERP Implementation
(AIS Electronic Library (AISeL), 2007) Suraweera, T; Remus, U; Wakerley, S
This paper reports the results of an in-depth investigation of the knowledge management (KM) activities of an ERP implementation project within a dynamic business setting. Using a case study approach, this research examines the challenges faced by the ERP project team with respect to KM and the effectiveness of KM strategies. In addition to gaining insights into typical KM activities within the ERP project lifecycle, the research reveals that major barriers for effective KM are created by external business changes and the business process life cycle. These changes trigger a chain reaction resulting in the weak performance of key KM activities such as knowledge capture, sharing and retention. The need for a comprehensive array of KM initiatives that are capable of managing such changes by recognizing the dynamics of all three life cycles is highlighted.
Open Access
Alcohol and Poverty: Are they Related? Empirical Study from Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Economic Association (SLEA), 2007-06) Jayathilaka, R
The relationship between alcohol and poverty in Sri Lanka is an important area to study to formulate better policies to eliminate poverty in Sri Lanka. The study used the Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HIES) of 2001/02 that covered 16,924 households (71,293 individuals) in seven provinces in Sri Lanka. This study identified the poor by the Sri Lankan official poverty line base which is calculated by the Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka. The probit model was applied to measure the impact on alcohol and poverty. The findings reflect some facts which merit careful attention in the task of Sri Lankan poverty alleviation policies. Illegal alcohol consumption is prevalent in the rural and estate sector poor households. Developing the Sri Lankan alcohol policy would have positive impact towards the society, particularly in addressing poverty reduction issues