Research Publications

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Open Access
Sri Lankan SMEs’ Performance Through Cloud Computing Adoption: An SEM-ANN Analysis
(Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc., 2025-04-25) Nawaz, S.S; Thelijjagoda, S
This study identifies the determinants of cloud computing adoption and its effect on the performance of Sri Lankan small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), and individual context were used to derive the study variables. This quantitative cross-sectional study adopted items from previous validated studies. Google Form was employed to collect data, and 418 responses were received from Sri Lankan SMEs. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) via SmartPLS 4 and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) analysis via IBM SPSS 29 were used for data analysis. Based on the results, all hypotheses are confirmed except for one, and SME performance is significantly affected by cloud computing adoption. This study adds to the existing empirical evidence on cloud computing adoption by introducing an all-inclusive model that integrates the TOE, TAM, and individual factors. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the PLS-SEM/ANN hybrid methodology in analysing the determinants of cloud computing adoption. The significance of top management as a factor is highlighted by providing training and education to employees. Managers can benefit from this result by improving cloud computing adoption among SMEs in Sri Lanka. This is the first study of its kind in Sri Lanka, integrating the TOE, TAM, and individual variables and using a hybrid methodology combining PLS-SEM and ANN.
Open Access
Influencing Factors of Resilience of Construction Supply Chains: A Case of SMEs in Sri Lanka
(SLIIT Business School, 2023-12-14) Manchanayake, M; Bandara, M; Sandhakirani, C; Bandara, W; Madhavika, N; Jayasinghe, M; Ehalapitiya, S
This research paper aims to explore the factors influencing supply chain resilience in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) operating within Sri Lanka's construction industry during economic crises. The study employed a qualitative approach. Data were collected using purposive sampling with a sample size of eight SMEs in the construction sector registered under the National Enterprise Development Authority of Sri Lanka. Using structured interviews, data were collected, and the responses were analysed using the Manual Thematic analysis procedure. The study findings states that collaboration, entrepreneurial orientation, internal integration, and outsourcing have been the main factors that have contributed to making the Sri Lankan construction supply chains resilient during Economic crisis. Therefore, it is recommended for the construction firms to focus and improve the presence of these factors in their respective supply chains, to make the supply chains more resilient. This study's significance lies in its focus on construction SMEs in Sri Lanka, offering insights from the perspective of manufacturers, which has been relatively unexplored in existing resilience related research. Although some research articles do touch upon this area, mostly these studies have been conducted in developed nations. Thus, this study contributes to the scant Sri Lankan supply chain resilience literature. Sri Lanka is making strong efforts to support its economy to combat the economic downturn and stabilize. Therefore, the findings of this paper will undoubtedly be useful for the Sri Lankan construction sector while aiding the country to flourish again.
Embargo
Impact of Pandemic on Finances of SMEs in Sri Lankan Construction Industry
(SLIIT, Faculty of Engineering, 2024-10) Abeysiria, O; Allis, C; Lokuge, A
This study focuses on the impact of the pandemic on the financial aspects of Sri Lankan construction SMEs. The pandemic has significantly affected economies globally. Sri Lanka, a country whose economy mainly consists of SMEs, has faced adverse effects due to the preventive measures implemented to control the spread of the disease. Nearly 90% of registered construction firms in Sri Lanka belong to the SME category. Financial challenges or difficulties were encountered by construction SMEs even before the pandemic impacted Sri Lanka. Currently, most of the Sri Lankan construction SMEs are on the brink of bankruptcy, mainly due to the financial challenges brought about by the pandemic. This study comprises primary data produced from semi-structured interviews and secondary sources of data from the literature review. It has identified the financial challenges undergone by construction SMEs in usual manners, including limited access to bank credit facilities, lack of capital of the contractor, and lack of cash flow due to delayed payments, among others. Principally, there were several financial challenges created due to the pandemic, including barriers in obtaining credit facilities from suppliers, and the challenges that were usually present have intensified with the effects of the ongoing pandemic. In the latter part of this study, strategies that Sri Lankan construction SMEs have executed to survive in the industry are pointed out. Most SME contractors in Sri Lanka do not have positive perspectives on staying in the industry for the long term, given the financial challenges they have encountered with the current pandemic.
Open Access
Development of Analytical Framework for SME’s Competitiveness Based on Competency Approach
(PROCEEDINGS OF THE 13 th INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON INNOVATION & MANAGEMENT, 2016-11-28) Wisenthige, K; Guoping, C
The purpose of this paper is to provide a theoretical rationale for investigating the relationship between entrepreneurial characteristics and the SME’s performance at the firm level through adopting the concept of competitiveness incorporated with entrepreneurial competencies. The model distinguishes between two dimensions of competitiveness, assets and process and six areas of competencies of an entrepreneur with the in creating competitiveness scope and capabilities of the firm. A major contribution of the theoretical framework is the organization of the existing theories and findings in entrepreneurial characteristics, and future theoretical development and empirical studies of SME competitiveness can be made based on this framework.
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
An exploratory study of SME barriers for adoption of ICT and e-commerce in the Developing Countries -An empirical pilot study of Sri Lanka
(Proceedings of the International Conference on Information Management and Business, 2006) Kapurubandara, M
Embracing ICT and e-commerce for stability in international markets and competitive advantage are becoming imperative for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs,) to survive in a global economy. Yet, SMEs in developing countries, forming the backbone of the economy, are relatively slow in adopting ICT and ecommerce. Literature reveals many significant reasons contributing towards this reluctance.This paper looks into more in-depth information about the reasons why SMEs in Sri Lanka – a developing country in Asia, are reluctant to adopt ICT and e-commerce technologies. . The barriers were identified through a pilot studyof 17 SMEs carried out in Sri Lanka. It identifies the similarities and differences between the SMEs in developing countries and the developed. The author hopes to develop a methodology to effectively help e-transform SMEs in developing countries.
Embargo
SMEs in developed and developing countries treading similar paths towards eTransformation
(IEEE, 2010-07-26) Kapurubandara, M; Hol, A; Ginige, A
The global economy has become increasingly reliant on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) toolsand systems to process and exchange information. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are yet to reap these benefits as obtaining such opportunities rests on their ability to integrate ICT into business tasks and processes. They need to transform their companies by implementing appropriate ICT in order to compete within a busy digital economy. The aim of this study was to see how SMEs from developed and developing countries follow their eTransformation journey and also to identify the differences and similarities businesses encounter in that process. Our research confirms that the eTransformation takes place as an incremental process for both groups and that the eTransformation pattern is similar in both worlds. However, we notice that in Australia, a developed country, SMEs are more aware of eTransformation and are demanded by customers and digital economy to change, where as in Sri Lanka eTransformation is still in its early stages of development.
Embargo
E-Commerce Adoption and Appropriation by SMEs in Sri Lanka
(IGI Global, 2009) Kapurubandara, M; Lawson, R
Acceptance of the Internet has paved the way towards the development of virtual communities that keep increasing in the current information society making it imperative for business, especially the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) which form the backbone of any economy, to keep abreast with e-commerce and remain competitive. To stimulate and facilitate SME participation in business activities through the Internet, it is necessary, therefore, to provide clear guidance and direction with suitable models and frameworks specifically tailored for the purpose. This chapter highlights an attempt to develop a suitable framework for the e-transformation of SMEs in Sri Lanka. In the belief that new models and frameworks can help SMEs to equip themselves to better understand their current stage and identify the main barriers at each stage of the adoption process, this attempt starts with an initial exploratory study of 17 SMEs, followed by a regional survey involving 625 SMEs from various industry sectors, along with interviews with the SME intermediary organizations. The proposed model facilitates establishing the current stage of an SME with regard ICT and e-commerce sophistication using five stage variables. It also assists to determine current position with regard to barriers towards the adoption of e-commerce and helps determine the support necessary to overcome such identified barriers. The research detailed in this chapter establishes that barriers show variance when SMEs proceed to more advanced stages in the adoption process. Likewise, the necessary support required indicates a similar trend. Going further, the chapter proposes a model for adoption of e-commerce for SMEs in Sri Lanka and identifies the essential need for support while acknowledging available support. Finally, it proposes an initial framework to e-transform SMEs in developing countries
Embargo
SMEs in developing countries face challenges in adopting e-commerce technologies
(IEEE, 2007-02-21) Kapurubandara, M; Lawson, R
Although research indicates e-commerce offers viable and practical solutions for organizations to meet challenges of a predominantly changing environment, the few available studies related to SMEs in developing countries reveal a delay or failure of SMEs in adopting e-transformation technologies. The various factors identified as causes for the reticence can be broadly classified as Internal Barriers and External Barriers. This paper presents a model for barriers to adoption of ICT and e-commerce and the results of an exploratory pilot study and survey. This research also identifies support required by SMEs in a developing country, Sri Lanka.

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