Research Publications

Now showing 1 - 3 of 3

Embargo
Threading the digital needle: the influence of process and technical digitalisation on competitive performance in the apparel supply chain
(Emerald Publishing, 2025) Susitha, E; Jayarathne, P.G.S. A; Herath, R
Purpose – This study aims to examine the role of process and technical digitalisation in enhancing the apparel supply chain’s competitive performance. This study further explores how firm size moderates these relationships, offering operational-level insights into the strategic deployment of digital capabilities. Design/methodology/approach – A cross-sectional quantitative design was adopted, drawing on responses from 239 apparel industry practitioners. This study used structural equation modelling and multi-group analysis to validate the measurement model and test structural relationships, including moderation effects based on organisational size. Findings – Both process and technical digitalisation significantly enhance competitive performance, with technical digitalisation exhibiting a more potent effect. The findings indicate that process digitalisation benefits larger firms, while technical digitalisation influence remains consistent across different firm sizes. According to the findings, a differential effect of digitalisation types depends on the firm’s operational capacity and scale. Research limitations/implications – This study clarifies how digital technologies create value in supply chain performance. Technical digitalisation benefits all firms, but process digitalisation yields greater gains in larger, more resource-rich firms. Originality/value – This study integrates three perspectives to provide a refined lens for understanding the deployment of digital capabilities in supply chains. This study also contributes to the domain by investigating the effects of technical and process digitalisation on competitive performance in the apparel supply chain. The study offers a validated measurement framework and empirical evidence of how digital transformation drivers vary across organisations.
Open Access
Employee Happiness Heals the Turnover Intention: A Study of the Machine Operators of a Leading Apparel Company in Sri Lanka
(researchgate.net, 2022-03-08) Weerarathna, R. S; Somawardana, W. S. D; Weerasinghe, W. A. P. D
Happiness is a highly valued goal for most inhabitants as identified in most cultures. Feeling fulfilled is essential to social existence, and most people appear to be fairly content most of the time. A high rate of turnover among employees signals a major weakness in achieving organization's goals. This is because employees are the key players in determining organizational performance and survival. In ABC Apparel Company, it was identified that the employees who were machine operators' position have resigned frequently due to several reasons related to work. As a result of preliminary research, researchers identified several factors that make employees unhappy resulting in intention to leave their job. The main objective of the study was to find the impact of employee happiness on turnover intention. The research study was conducted in ninety (90) samples using simple random sampling among five hundred sixty (560) employees in the machine operator position. A selfadministered questionnaire was distributed randomly to a sample of ninety (90) employees who were in the machine operator position used in this study, and data was collected accordingly. Findings proved that employee happiness impact on turnover intention and a relationship exists between employee happiness and turnover intention. The importance of having employees happy within an organization was highlighted from this study
Open Access
Factors affecting successful implementation of lean manufacturing tools and techniques in the apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(SSRN, 2011-04-27) Silva, N; Perera, H. S. C; Samarasinghe, D
Lean Manufacturing is a business strategy which was originated and developed in Toyota Motor Company, Japan. It is useful in identifying waste associated with processes. As a result companies can improve their productivity and quality and can achieve a competitive advantage over others. Lean Manufacturing was originated in automotive industry and then later on spread to many other industries in both developed and developing countries. In implementing this concept Toyota has introduced and developed many tools and techniques which can be used effectively. In Sri Lanka, apparel sector is the leader in implementing Lean Manufacturing. However a little research work is carried out in regarding its suitability. Therefore in order to fill this empirical gap, this research is an attempt to identify factors such as suitable methods of implementation, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits of implementing Lean Manufacturing concepts in the apparel sector of Sri Lanka. The study first undertook literature review in the field of Lean Manufacturing. Then it developed broader research questions and administered them to fifteen apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka using personal interviews and observations methods. The sample firms were selected judgmentally. In analyzing the data descriptive statistics and qualitative techniques were used. The result of the study revealed factors such as implementation strategies, order of implementation, challenges, how to overcome those challenges and benefits have influenced the successful implementation of Lean Manufacturing in mass production apparel industry. Since Lean is new to most of the Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers, the full benefit is not yet achieved. But current situation suggests that the industry can go forward with Lean.

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