Research Publications
Permanent URI for this communityhttps://rda.sliit.lk/handle/123456789/4194
This main community comprises five sub-communities, each representing the academic contribution made by SLIIT-affiliated personnel.
Browse
114 results
Search Results
Publication Embargo 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, KPurpose – 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.Publication Embargo Expanding STEM education in low- and middle-income countries: Evidence from policy reforms in Sri Lanka(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-03-01) Priyadarshana, IGovernments in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are increasingly investing in STEM education to enhance youth employability and economic growth. Yet, the success of such initiatives depends on students’ responses, which are shaped by their perceptions, motivations, and institutional context. This study examines the effectiveness of two parallel government interventions in Sri Lanka aimed at increasing high school enrollment in STEM subjects: (1) introducing a new Technology stream and (2) upgrading selected schools to offer the Science stream. Using nationwide school census data from 2008 to 2021 and a Difference-in-Differences approach, the study compares the impacts of these interventions on student enrollment patterns across STEM and non-STEM majors. The results show that the introduction of the Technology stream had a significantly larger impact on increasing STEM enrollment and reducing non-STEM enrollments—especially among male students and those in provincial schools—compared to the Science stream intervention. The study draws on education economics and psychological theories to explain these differences, highlighting the roles of perceived returns, self-efficacy, and student interest orientation. The findings underscore the need for STEM policies to align with both student characteristics and broader systemic structures. Insights from Sri Lanka may be relevant to other LMICs where educational reforms must navigate stratified school systems, constrained resources, and persistent gender disparities in STEM participation.Publication Open Access Integration of industry 4.0 technologies to overcome lean manufacturing barriers in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector(Emerald Publishing, 2026-02-09) Silva, N; Hettiarachchi, D. I; Perera, P; Perera, CPurpose – This study aims to examine how Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies can enable Lean Manufacturing (LM) practices in Sri Lanka’s apparel industry. Although LM has been widely adopted to improve efficiency and reduce waste, persistent barriers such as frequent product changes, limited real-time visibility and infrastructural constraints have restricted its full potential. The purpose of this research is to explore how advanced digital solutions, including Internet of Things (IoT), real-time analytics and augmented/virtual reality (AR/VR), can address these barriers and enhance the competitiveness and sustainability of apparel manufacturing in a dynamic global market. Design/methodology/approach – A qualitative single-case study design was used to provide an in-depth understanding of digital–lean integration. The research was conducted in collaboration with a leading Sri Lankan apparel manufacturer. Data were collected through on-site factory observations, semi-structured interviews with managers and employees and examination of company records. Using Yin’s (2018) case study methodology as a guiding framework, the study analyzed how selected I4.0 technologies were implemented alongside lean tools and how these interventions addressed identified operational inefficiencies. Findings – The study found that I4.0-enabled solutions significantly enhanced lean practices by improving production workflow transparency, defect detection and downtime reduction. Tools such as IoT-linked dashboards, electronic Kanban systems and automated performance monitoring minimized non-value-adding activities and reduced bottlenecks. AR/VR applications demonstrated potential for training and machine setup, while predictive maintenance improved equipment reliability. However, the research also identified persistent shortcomings, including data confidentiality issues, workforce adaptability challenges and high capital investment requirements. The findings highlight both the opportunities and practical limitations of integrating digital technologies into lean environments. Research limitations/implications – The research was limited to a single case study of a large apparel manufacturer in Sri Lanka, which constrains the generalizability of findings. Data confidentiality policies restricted access to detailed financial information, preventing quantitative analysis of productivity gains and return on investment. Future studies could extend this research by including multiple firms across varying scales and geographies, enabling comparative insights. Broader empirical studies that quantify the financial outcomes of digital–lean integration would provide further validation and support for industry-wide adoption. Practical implications – For practitioners, the study offers a roadmap for integrating I4.0 technologies with lean practices in apparel manufacturing. The evidence suggests that digital lean tools can enhance transparency, improve workflow efficiency and support more accurate decision-making. Managers should prioritize investments in IoT-enabled monitoring, predictive maintenance and digital visual management systems while addressing workforce readiness through training programs. Attention must also be given to cybersecurity and change management to ensure sustainable implementation. These findings are particularly relevant for resource-constrained firms seeking to maximize operational efficiency while navigating global competitive pressures. Social implications – The integration of I4.0 and LM in Sri Lanka’s apparel sector holds broader social benefits by safeguarding employment in a critical export industry that provides livelihoods for over 300, 000 workers. Enhanced productivity and competitiveness contribute to economic stability and foreign exchange earnings. Moreover, digital lean practices can reduce waste, contributing to environmental sustainability and aligning with global sustainable development goals. By strengthening the resilience of the apparel sector, these advancements can help sustain jobs and improve working conditions, particularly in developing country contexts where apparel remains a cornerstone of industrial growth. Originality/value – This study provides one of the first in-depth examinations of how I4.0 technologies can act as enablers of LM in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Unlike prior studies that treat lean and digital transformation as separate trajectories, this research highlights their synergies and tradeoffs in practice. By capturing both the benefits and shortcomings of digital lean tools, the paper contributes to theory by extending understanding of lean–I4.0 integration in emerging economy contexts. It also offers practical value by providing industry-specific insights that can inform managers’ strategic decisions on digital transformation.Publication Open Access Public Sector Role as a Key Stakeholder Towards the Circular Economy in the Built Environment in Sri Lanka(Faculty of Engineering, 2025-09-09) Gunasekara G. S. A.; Gunarathna K. A. N.; Karunaratne B. C. T. M.The circular economy (CE) concept is a more appropriate approach to meet the sustainability challenges of today's construction industry, allowing construction activities to operate in a closed loop, away from the traditional linear economy model (LE). Although some CE principles are applied in Sri Lanka, they are not fully implemented. As a policy maker, the public sector should play a significant role in implementing CE in the built environment. However, limited attention has been paid to this, and no research has identified the public sector’s role in this regard. The primary aim of this research is to explore the role and potential contribution of the public sector as a key stakeholder in implementing CE in Sri Lanka’s built environment. To achieve this, global and local practices were examined to understand how CE principles are applied and to provide recommendations for improving CE adoption. The benefits and challenges to the public sector and private sector views on its role in CE implementation were also explored. A mixed approach was used for data collection. Expert interviews and questionnaires were developed after gaining a thorough understanding of CE principles through a comprehensive literature review. Ten expert interviews and thirty-eight questionnaire responses were analyzed. Although the public sector has initiated efforts such as green building standards and waste management, the study found a need for a stronger regulatory framework, institutional support, and collaboration with the private sector. Challenges such as limited awareness, high start-up costs, and regulatory gaps were identified. The research emphasized the importance of CE policies, financial incentives, and public-private partnerships. It also stressed the need for training and awareness programs to equip stakeholders with the knowledge required to implement CE.Publication Open Access Impact of Psychosocial Factors on Sustainability of Stock Investors’ Inclination: A Case of the South Pacific Stock Market(SLIIT,Business School, 2022-12) Saliya, C. APrevious research has documented that psycho-cognitive resources and socioeconomic status have significant influences on investment behavior in financial assets. Drawing from the positive psychosocial perspective, I hypothesized that positive enterprising personality mediates the influence of individual characteristics on investment behavior. I tested this hypothesis in the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) framework using a purposive sample of potential stock investors in Fiji. The theoretical framework and analytical procedures, I introduce here, can also be used to discover additional factors influencing investment inclination and then estimate the predictors of stock market investments in other developing countries with similar socioeconomic contexts, for example, Sri Lanka. The results revealed that four latent factors (Intuition, Education and knowledge, Sociocultural norms, and Enterprising personality) are distinct dimensions of investment inclination together with the maturity factor (Age) towards stock investments. The findings could broaden our understanding about the direct and indirect impact of psychosocial characteristics on stock market participation through positive, personal resources such as an enterprising personality. The findings will be useful for financial service providers and regulators in designing educational programs for different levels of maturity, knowledge, and education, to enhance enterprising personality qualities amongst people generally, and inculcate positive attitudes towards stock investments in the young through high school curricula and mass-awareness programs.Item Open Access BARRIERS AND SOLUTIONS TO ADOPTING DIGITAL TWIN IN SRI LANKAN CONSTRUCTION(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2025) Indunil H.T.T.A; Bandara R.P.H.S; Buddhini P.H.Y.In the Industry 4.0 era, Digital Twin (DT) technology has emerged as a key innovation, integrating physical assets with their digital counterparts to enhance coordination, safety, and cost management in construction. Despite its potential, DT adoption in construction remains limited, particularly in developing countries like Sri Lanka, due to high costs, technological barriers, and a lack of standardized integration methods. While DT has significantly improved efficiency in other sectors, the construction industry still lacks practical large-scale applications and a unified framework for implementation. This research aims to explore the applicability of DT in Sri Lankan construction projects. Moreover, semi-structured expert interviews were conducted with 7 experts to gather data. Accordingly, the literature review and insights gathered from interviews highlighted its current usage, benefits, and barriers, and proposed 8 practical solutions to facilitate broader adoption of DT in the Sri Lankan construction industry. The findings of this research are anticipated to contribute significantly to the effective integration of DT technology within the Sri Lankan construction sector. The results underscore the promising role that DT can fulfil in addressing a variety of barriers confronting the construction industry. This study not only emphasizes the critical importance of adopting Digital Twin technology but also seeks to raise awareness of its potential, thereby encouraging its utilization and ushering in a new era of innovation in the Sri Lankan construction industry.Item Embargo Sustainability Insights: Unveiling the Impact of Business Analytics in Shaping Sustainability Practices in the Apparel Industry(2025) Gajanayake, L; Rajapaksha, D; Rukshan, T; Pathirana, S; Thelijjagoda, S; Pathirana, GThe Sri Lankan apparels industry has a strategic importance for the national economy as the country has been one of the main exports and employers. But it has sustainability issues such as high resource consumption, increased pollution, and poor labor standards. As the consumption of sustainable and environmentally responsible clothes continues to rise around the world, such concepts as business analytics (BA) present an opportunity to tackle these issues. This study investigates the effects of BA tools and techniques in enhancing sustainability in Sri Lanka apparel industry with regards to waste reduction, efficient resource management and compliance to ethical standards for sustainable driven global business. A qualitative research design was followed and conventional interviews conducted on key informants from GOTS certified apparel factories. Data were coded and analyzed thematically using MAXQDA software, with reference to the subthemes that emerged in the study, such as waste reduction and increasing efficiency and effective decision-making. It was revealed that BA solutions such as RFID, predictive modelling and dynamic dashboards offered promising improvements to sustainability performance. Techniques like 3D sampling reduced fabric consumption during the generation of prototypes, and dashboard analytics allowed constant tracking of other forms of sustainability KPIs like power use and carbon footprint. They also increased efficiency of cross-functional coordination, integrating sustainability into functions and departments. This study demonstrates how BA enables the sustenance of development within the apparel industry, based on a strategic management of economical, ecological, and social goals. The outcomes would help industry leaders and policymakers in developing improved strategies for sustainability practice to overcome existing gaps between theory and practice and for sustainable and competitive business growth in the context of a world economy moving toward sustainability.Publication Embargo 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.TThis 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.Publication Embargo Long-term recovery from the 2004 Indian ocean tsunami in two Sri Lankan east coast municipalities(Elsevier Ltd, 2026-01) Thamboo, J; Josiah, R; Saja, A; Salah, P; Rossetto, T; Dias, PSri Lanka was the second most affected country after Indonesia, in the 2004 Boxing Day Indian Ocean tsunami (IOT). A study mission was therefore carried out twenty years after the 2004 IOT to assess the recovery of the affected regions, especially in the Eastern region of Sri Lanka, focusing on two of the most affected municipalities, i.e. Kalmunai and Batticaloa. The social and infrastructure characteristics of resettlements/relocations/new settlements in the affected regions, presence of critical infrastructure, preparedness and early warning systems installed have been assessed. It was observed that similar approaches have been adopted to plan the community relocation in both of these municipalities, while the significant reemergence of residential and commercial developments in the coastal stretches of Kalmunai municipality have been noted. Exposure analyses have revealed that there are still some critical infrastructure situated in the tsunami hazard zones. It can be construed that these municipalities have recovered from the physical losses incurred, and spatial planning is in place for future developments considering the tsunami risk. Challenges and opportunities from their differing geographical contexts appear to have been judiciously handled. However, shortcomings are noted in actual implementation due to various reasons, such as limited resources, availability of funding and preference of communities to live close to their original lands. Improving the resilience of infrastructure by designing against the expected tsunami hazard and multi-hazards, regular verification of the early warning systems and evacuation procedures are emphasized to mitigate the impacts from future tsunami.Publication Open 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, WThis 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.