Research Publications

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Open Access
Entrepreneurial Orientation on Talent Acquisition and Retention in Construction SMEs
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) De Silva, M; De Silva, P
This study investigates how Entrepreneurial Orientation (EO) influences talent acquisition and retention strategies in Small and Medium Enterprises (SME). Construction SMEs often face limitations in attracting and retaining skilled employees. Therefore, this study examines the role of EO dimensions (innovativeness, autonomy, and proactiveness) in offering a strategic approach to address these challenges and enhance HR practices. The author adopted a mixed-method research approach for this study, collecting data through semi-structured interviews with SME managerial-level professionals and administering a questionnaire survey among professionals in the construction sector. The data were analysed using correlation techniques and thematic analysis to identify the strategic alignment between EO practices and talent management efforts. The findings revealed that internships and employee referrals are the most used and effective talent acquisition strategies. In terms of talent retention approaches, performance-based incentives and career development programs were identified as dominant approaches. Moreover, the study found that the EO dimensions of autonomy and proactiveness significantly impact the adoption and success of these talent retention and acquisition strategies. The results offer a framework for construction SMEs to improve talent-related outcomes by integrating EO into their HR planning.
Open Access
The Influence Of Project Managers' Decision-Making Styles On Schedule Variance In Building Construction Projects
(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Pulasinghe, K; De Silva, P
This research focus to assess the relationship between project managers decision making styles and schedule variance in building construction projects in Sri Lanka. Timely completion of construction projects is one of the major performance indicators, yet delays are a long-standing issue in Sri Lankan construction projects. Though there are many causal factors, decision-making styles of project managers have not been studied yet, creating a significant knowledge gap with regard to their influence on project schedule variance. This study attempts to analyze the relationship between project managers' decision-making styles: directive, analytical, conceptual, and behavioural and schedule variance in Sri Lankan building construction projects. A mixed-methods research approach was adopted. Primary data were gathered by holding semi-structured interviews with nine industry practitioners and a questionnaire survey of 50 respondents covering key project roles. To analyze the data code based content analysis and descriptive statistical tools (percentage count, mean, weighted average etc.) were used and to examine the relationship between decision-making styles and schedule variance Pearson correlation was conducted. Results revealed that decision making styles play a significant role in influencing project schedules. However, it was found that directive and behavioural styles are most prevalent and successful styles in the Sri Lankan context. The data revealed both positive and negative influences of managerial decisionmaking styles on schedule performance. These results contribute to the link between leadership and project performance and make a theoretical and practical contribution by revealing decision-making as a key influence to minimize schedule variance.
Open Access
Critical Supply Chain Problems In Contractor - Subcontractor Interface Of Sri Lankan Building Construction Projects
(SLIIT, 2022-02-11) De Silva, P; Panagodage, T. L
As a developing country, construction industry provides considerable contribution to the Socioeconomic growth of Sri Lanka. However, successful completion of a construction project is yet a challenging task. It requires coordination, collaboration and management of different stakeholders with different objectives. While achieving the objectives of a construction project, a proper management of supply chain is vital as improper management of the supply chain impacts negatively on the construction project delivery process. Prior studies have identified several interfaces which impact on the successful project delivery. The mechanism related to contractor-subcontractor interface highly impacts the ultimate project outcome as it is directly linked with the delivery of the project. This study set out to identify the critical supply chain problems in contractor-subcontractor interface in Sri Lankan building construction projects. The study was derived through a mix method approach. Semi structured interviews were carried out among the industry expertise to identify the supply chain related problems. Thereafter, to identify the critical problems of supply chain, a questionnaire survey was carried out among the industry practitioners in the building construction projects. The data was analyzed using Relative Important Index in order to rank and identify the severity of each identified problem in the contractor – subcontractor interface. The study indicates that, using verbal information, lack of reference to the main contract and nonresponsible responses as the critical problems in the Information flow. In terms of the Material flow: deliveries are not according to the plan, poor labour management and noncompliance with material and components are ranked as the critical problems. Delay in payments, back-to-back payments and payment interest charging as the critical problems under the Capital flow. These findings may assist the industry practitioners to identify the criticality and monitor supply chain problems in contractor- subcontractor interface and to minimize them in building construction projects.

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