Browsing by Author "Dissanayake, DMPP"

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Challenges in maintaining the green certification in Sri Lankan hotel sector
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Bandara, NHMWWCPK; Dissanayake, DMPP; Karunasena, G; Madusanka, N; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
Green Certification towards the sustainable concept has become a remarkable area in the hotel industry. Sustainable concept is no more new for the hoteliers and sightseers seek greener of the accommodation prior to arrival. Green Certification is contributing towards creating an environment friendly hotel by integrating the sustainability concept. Most of the hoteliers perceive that the Green Certification is a marketing tool which increases the customer demand as well as profit. Also, it is kind of aggressive tools which can contribute to competitiveness in a successful manner. Some people are saying that the Green Certification is one of the energy saving mechanisms because it directly focuses towards energy saving aspects. Even though Green Certification is more important for the hotel sector, there may be some challenges when maintaining the Green certification. Therefore, investigating those challenges is an essential requirement for entire hotel sector towards the continuation of the Green certification. Hence, the aim of this study has been initiated to investigate the challenges in maintaining Green Certification in the hotel sector in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was followed to investigate the challenges in maintaining Green Certification in Sri Lankan hotel sector and twelve individuals were interviewed from three cases to obtain data for the research. Semi-structured interviews were carried out as data collection method and the collected data were subjected to cross case analysis to investigate challenges. Eventually, the outcomes of this study demonstrated that there are several challenges in maintaining Green Certification and it was explored under five categories, namely technical, managerial, political and legal, environmental and biological, social and cultural.
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Comparative study of water efficiency in green and non – green buildings in apparel industry in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2015-06) Silva, SN; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Dissanayake, DMPP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
At present, the amount of water demanded exceeds the water quantity that remains as a resource and it becomes scarcer each year. When it comes to water consumption in buildings, apparel buildings consume a considerable amount of water for both production processes and to fulfil the requirements of a large number of occupants. However, there are different perceptions towards water efficiency. As an example, one party is aimed at adhering the green building concept in order to retrieve water efficiency while another perception focus towards achieving water efficiency through various methods without giving consideration for adaptation of green status. Therefore, this study looks at how water efficiency is addressed and what benefits have being received for green buildings compared to nongreen buildings. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was carried out with the purpose of getting familiarized with research areas. Case study method was used to compare water efficiency status in green and non-green buildings in apparel industry. Two cases are selected from each building type for the data collection purpose. Semi structured interviews were carried out with respective industrial personnel and findings of case study was analyzed using the Nvivo. Research findings revealed that both green and non-green building are having similar purviews on the consideration towards the water efficiency and integrated with high quality water efficient practices to enhance the water efficient performances of the buildings. However, certain good practices could be observed in green buildings compared to non- green buildings. That is, individual commitment of the organisation together with third party commitment is making the building more towards water efficient. Finally, the study provides recommendations for good practices towards water efficient practices in the apparel industry.
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Comparative Study of Water Efficiency in Green and Non – Green Buildings in Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka
(2015-08-20) Silva, SN; Waidyasekara, KGAS; Dissanayake, DMPP
At present, the amount of water demanded exceeds the water quantity that remains as a resource and it becomes scarcer each year. When it comes to water consumption in buildings, apparel buildings consume a considerable amount of water for both production processes and to fulfil the requirements of a large number of occupants. However, there are different perceptions towards water efficiency. As an example, one party is aimed at adhering the green building concept in order to retrieve water efficiency while another perception focus towards achieving water efficiency through various methods without giving consideration for adaptation of green status. Therefore, this study looks at how water efficiency is addressed and what benefits have being received for green buildings compared to nongreen buildings. Initially, a comprehensive literature review was carried out with the purpose of getting familiarized with research areas. Case study method was used to compare water efficiency status in green and non-green buildings in apparel industry. Two cases are selected from each building type for the data collection purpose. Semi structured interviews were carried out with respective industrial personnel and findings of case study was analyzed using the Nvivo. Research findings revealed that both green and non-green building are having similar purviews on the consideration towards the water efficiency and integrated with high quality water efficient practices to enhance the water efficient performances of the buildings. However, certain good practices could be observed in green buildings compared to non- green buildings. That is, individual commitment of the organisation together with third party commitment is making the building more towards water efficient. Finally, the study provides recommendations for good practices towards water efficient practices in the apparel industry.
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Cross-cultural dimensions and cross-cultural orientations in construction projects: case study of Sri Lanka
(2020-11-06) Rajenthiran, N; Madhuwanthi, HAS; Dissanayake, DMPP; Sirimewan, DC
Significant issues affecting the success of construction projects due to globalisation is the establishment of a multicultural project team. Presently, China has emerged as one of Sri Lanka's main sources of foreign and commercial loans in an environment, where the island is seeking to rebuild and modernise infrastructure. However, the involvement of multi-cultural project teams often present unique challenges due to cross-cultural interactions, thereby, creating conflicts through construction projects, makes the conflict unavoidable. Therefore, this study was attempting to identify the cross-cultural dimensions and cross-cultural orientations in cross-cultural teamwork of Chinese contractors in construction projects in Sri Lanka. A qualitative approach was followed in this study in which multiple case study was selected as the most appropriate method for the research. Accordingly, semi-structured interviews were conducted among the selected four (4) respondents from each case to collect the data. Captured data was analysed by the manual content analysis method. An empirical investigation has been validated communication, leadership, trust, collectivism, team selection, uncertainty, team development and management as the common cross-cultural dimensions for all the three cases. This study added new cross-cultural dimensions to the literature in the context of Sri Lankan construction industry namely, coordination, harmony and customs with specific cross-cultural orientations. The study can be further developed to investigate strategies to manage intragroup conflicts occurs in cross-cultural teamwork of Sri Lankans and Chinese professionals in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
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Effective fire safety planning for industrial buildings : a literature review
(2015-04-09) Athapaththu, AMSU; Fernando, NG; Dissanayake, DMPP; ; ; Industrial Buildings; Planning
The lives and health of human beings, the growth and prosperity of organisation, and the increasing need for fire safety are immediate concerns which provide the original momentum for the business continuity of the organisation. Fire safety consideration shouldform an important part of any new product or technology development to promote sustainable development, and acceptable solutions to acute fire safety concerns must not pose a threat to the long term development. Simply, the fire safety and sustainable development has common interest in making that fire safety is achieved in the most sustainable way. However, the direct property damage to the buildings due to ineffective fire safety planning is increasing with the development of industrialisation and urbanisation. This paper therefore aimed to develop a conceptual model for effective fire safety planning for industrial buildings. A comprehensive literature review was used as the research methodology for this paper. Keywords search for fire accidents causes for fire accidents, fire safety planning and industrial buildings were used to search the literature. The literature findings highlighted that many buildings such as factories do not arrange regular drill; therefore the workers discover themselves in an alien situation whenever an emergency situation arises, causing panic, stampede etc. which further escalate the degree of casualty. Further, accidents are caused mainly due to technical failures and human failures where human failures include lack of awareness of the safety precautions required, inadequate expert knowledge and qualifications in accident prevention. Failure to effective planning for fire safety in buildings can hinder the recovery process, whereas recognition of its importance leads to more efficient use of resources in the wake of emergencies
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Effective fire safety planning for industrial buildings: a literature review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2013-06) Athapaththu, AMSU; Fernando, NG; Dissanayake, DMPP; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG
The lives and health of human beings, the growth and prosperity of organisation, and the increasing need for fire safety are immediate concerns which provide the original momentum for the business continuity of the organisation. Fire safety consideration should form an important part of any new product or technology development to promote sustainable development, and acceptable solutions to acute fire safety concerns must not pose a threat to the long term development. Simply, the fire safety and sustainable development has common interest in making sure that fire safety is achieved in the most sustainable way. However, the direct property damage to the buildings due to ineffective fire safety planning is increasing with the development of industrialisation and urbanisation. This paper therefore aimed to develop a conceptual model for effective fire safety planning for industrial buildings. A comprehensive literature review was used as the research methodology for this paper. Keywords search for fire accidents causes for fire accidents, fire safety planning and industrial buildings were used to search the literature. The literature findings highlighted that many buildings such as factories do not arrange regular drill; therefore the workers discover themselves in an alien situation whenever an emergency situation arises, causing panic, stampede etc. which further escalate the degree of casualty. Further, accidents are caused mainly due to technical failures and human failures where human failures include lack of awareness of the safety precautions required, inadequate expert knowledge and qualifications in accident prevention. Failure to effective planning for fire safety in buildings can hinder the recovery process, whereas recognition of its importance leads to more efficient use of resources in the wake of emergencies
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Establishing a positive safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector : human factors
Dissanayake, DMPP; Fernando, NG
Safety and health in the rubber products manufacturing sector has been a neglected subject, though this sector is still a major fore ign exchange contributor to the national economy in Sri Lanka, with significant contribution of Rs 72.3 billion in 2008. The rubber industry in the Sri Lanka employs many thousands ofpeople and as it is a heavy industry, it poses a number of safety and health risks to workers employed in that sector. Occupational safety and health concerns in rubber manufacturing facilities have always been and continue to be of the utmost importance. Often the impact of serious workplace injuries overshadows the damage associated with illnesses which may be linked to workplace exposures. Thus, establishing of a positive safety culture is most critical in rubber manufacturing environments with a high risk of health and safety concerns. The cause analysis for failings related to safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector are varied and far reaching', with each issue coming into play at one critical point in time. However, these weaknesses include human and other factors such organisational, systems and processes etc. where majority of failures come under the category of human factors. Thus, understanding of these human aspects is crucial to establish and nurturing a safety culture that suits the organisation and the individuals within it. This paper therefore aims to investigate human factors which contribute towards establishing a positive safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector. A comprehensive literature review and preliminary study were used as the research methodology for this paper. Key words; safety culture, definitions of safety culture, components of safety culture and way to establishing a good safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector were used to search the literature. Further, semi structured interviews were carried out with the industrial experts who are in charge of the concerned areas and with few shop floor level workers who are directly involved in production process. Research findings illustrated that yet, like in any other employment sector, workers in the rubber industry run an equal if not higher risk of being injured as a result of the type of work they do. Due to management and worker ignorance and rubber products manufacturing chemicals and bad work practices in some factories, serious hazards have been created and many accidents have occurred. Research findings illustrated that establishing a positive safety culture is about more than removing hazards and institutionalising safety procedures. It is about working with people of the organisation to change their attitudes, behaviours and thoughts, and improve their situational awareness. Research findings further illustrated that two key aspects under human factors to be considered when developing a safety culture in this sector namely; Psychological aspects and Behavioural aspects. These two aspects are inter-related where if something happens in one aspect it will influence the other aspect. Thus, each organisation needs to consider these aspects in establishing a positive safety culture that suits the organisation and the individuals within it. The finding of this research will be a guideline to propose a better working condition so that the safety culture can be created.
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Establishing a positive safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector: human factors
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2014-06) Dissanayake, DMPP; Fernando, NG; Sandanayake, YG; Fernando, NG; Karunasena, GI
Safety and health in the rubber products manufacturing sector has been a neglected subject, though this sector is still a major foreign exchange contributor to the national economy in Sri Lanka, with significant contribution of Rs 72.3 billion in 2008. The rubber industry in the Sri Lanka employs many thousands of people and as it is a heavy industry, it poses a number of safety and health risks to workers employed in that sector. Occupational safety and health concerns in rubber manufacturing facilities have always been and continue to be of the utmost importance. Often the impact of serious workplace injuries overshadows the damage associated with illnesses which may be linked to workplace exposures. Thus, establishing of a positive safety culture is most critical in rubber manufacturing environments with a high risk of health and safety concerns. The cause analysis for failings related to safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector are varied and far reaching; with each issue coming into play at one critical point in time. However, these weaknesses include human and other factors such organisational, systems and processes etc. where majority of failures come under the category of human factors. Thus, understanding of these human aspects is crucial to establish and nurturing a safety culture that suits the organisation and the individuals within it. This paper therefore aims to investigate human factors which contribute towards establishing a positive safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector. A comprehensive literature review and preliminary study were used as the research methodology for this paper. Key words; safety culture, definitions of safety culture, components of safety culture and way to establishing a good safety culture in rubber manufacturing sector were used to search the literature. Further, semi structured interviews were carried out with the industrial experts who are in charge of the concerned areas and with few shop floor level workers who are directly involved in production process. Research findings illustrated that yet, like in any other employment sector, workers in the rubber industry run an equal if not higher risk of being injured as a result of the type of work they do. Due to management and worker ignorance and rubber products manufacturing chemicals and bad work practices in some factories, serious hazards have been created and many accidents have occurred. Research findings illustrated that establishing a positive safety culture is about more than removing hazards and institutionalising safety procedures. It is about working with people of the organisation to change their attitudes, behaviours and thoughts, and improve their situational awareness. Research findings further illustrated that two key aspects under human factors to be considered when developing a safety culture in this sector namely; Psychological aspects and Behavioural aspects. These two aspects are inter-related where if something happens in one aspect it will influence the other aspect. Thus, each organisation needs to consider these aspects in establishing a positive safety culture that suits the organisation and the individuals within it. The finding of this research will be a guideline to propose a better working condition so that the safety culture can be created.
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Factors contributing towards establishing a positive safety culture in manufacturing sector
(2014-04-09) Dissanayake, DMPP; Fernando, NG
A combination of large scale disasters and hazards has encouraged high risk industries to reduce the potential workplace incidents and accidents with routine tasks and to improve llJorkplace safery. This idea encourages the promotion of a strong safery culture which has attracted much attention across a broad spectrum of industries such as manufacturing, shipping, nuclear, airports, mining and construction where manufactun·ng sector has one of the highest and continued incidence of fatal incidents, major irijury, and reportable 'over 3-dqy' irijun·es and high overall numbers. In addition, the manufacturing sector accounts for the second largest number of major irijuries when compare to the services. Therefore, promoting a positive safery culture in manufacturing sector creates an atmosphere in which employees are aware of the risk in their Jvorkplace, continuallY on guard against them, and avoid taking af!JIunsafe actions. Establishing a positive safery culture is affected by maf!JIfactors such as safery management systems occupied including reporting procedures, communication and feedback systems, auditing processes, attitudes and behaviours, work environment, management commitment, emplqyee involvement and employeepeifOrmance including training and development, incentives, reward systems etc. Thus, understanding such aspects is crucial to create and nurtun·ng a safery culture that suits the organization and the individuals within it. This paper, therefore, aims to investigatefactors which contribute towards establishing a positive safery culture in manufactun·ng sector.
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Factors Contributing Towards Establishing a Positive Safety Culture In Manufacturing Sector
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-12) Dissanayake, DMPP; Fernando, NG
A combination of large scale disasters and hazards has encouraged high risk industries to reduce the potential workplace incidents and accidents with routine tasks and to improve workplace safety. This idea encourages the promotion of a strong safety culture which has attracted much attention across a broad spectrum of industries such as manufacturing shipping nuclear, airports, mining and construction where manufacturing sector has one of the highest and continued incidence of fatal incidents, major injury, and reportable 'over a-day' injuries and high overall numbers. In addition, the manufacturing sector accounts for the second largest number of major i/juries when compare to the services. Therefore, promoting a positive safety culture in manufacturing sector creates an atmosphere in which employees are aware of the risk in their workplace, continually on guard against them, and avoid taking any unsafe actions. Establishing a positive safety culture is affected by many factors such as safety management systems occupied including reporting procedures, communication and feedback systems, auditing processes, attitudes and behaviours, work environment, management commitment, employee involvement and employee performance including training and development, incentives, reward systems etc. Thus, understanding such aspects is crucial to create and nurturing a safety culture that suits the organization and the individuals within it. This paper, therefore., aims to investigate factors which contribute towards establishing a positive safety culture in manufacturing sector. A comprehensive literature review and preliminary study were conducted. Key words such as safety culture, definitions of safety culture, components of safety culture and way to establishing a positive safety culture were used to gather relevant literature. Further, semi structured interviews were carried out with the industrial experts who are in charge of the concerned areas to validate the factors identified from literature renew. Research findings illustrated three key areas to be considered when developing a safety culture namely; organisational environment, individual and behaviour (human), and systems and processes. Each manufacturing organisation needs to consider all of these aspects in developing and strengthening the safety culture that suits the organization and the individuals within it. Also, it was further disclosed that everybody needs to feel that safety is everyone’s responsibility in order to create the safety culture in the organisation. The finding of this research will be a guideline to propose a better working condition so that the safety culture can be created.
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Human resource capacity development for fire safety in industrial buildings
(2015-04-11) Dissanayake, DMPP; Fernando, NG;
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ICSECM 2015 - Facilities Management Approaches for Sustainability
(2016-01-05) Manjula, NHC; Dissanayake, DMPP; Rajini, PAD
In its most general sense sustainability is the capacity to endure. Sustainability has emerged as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental, and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of natural resources. Sustainability depends on three basic pillars; environmental, social and economical sustainability. In order to be sustainable, these three areas of sustainability must be achieved throughout the life cycle of a facility. The facility manager is in a unique position to view the entire process and is often the leader of the only group that has influence over the entire life cycle of a facility. Therefore, the facility manager often becomes the proponent of sustainable and green practices. Armed with the proper approaches, the Facility Manager can create long‐lasting value to the organisation by developing, implementing and maintaining sustainable facility practices. Therefore, this study attempts to pinpoint the Facilities Management approaches to achieve and maintain environmental, social and economical sustainability. A comprehensive literature review was carried out on a broader perspective with the purpose of getting familiarize with the research phenomena. Interview guidelines were developed based on the findings of the literature review. In order to validate and further the literature findings five expert interviews were carried out with experienced industry practitioners. Research findings revealed that in Sri Lankan context, a Facility Manager’s involvement for maintaining sustainability is most crucial in the operational phase of a facility. FM should have a clear view of environmental, social and economical aspects of sustainability. He / She should equally value the three pillars and a balanced approach needs to be taken in order to maintain a facility that is sustainable.
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ICSECM 2015 - Facilities Management Approaches for Sustainability
(2016-05-04) Manjula, NHC; Dissanayake, DMPP; Rajini, PAD
In its most general sense sustainability is the capacity to endure. Sustainability has emerged as a result of significant concerns about the unintended social, environmental, and economic consequences of rapid population growth, economic growth and consumption of natural resources. Sustainability depends on three basic pillars; environmental, social and economical sustainability. In order to be sustainable, these three areas of sustainability must be achieved throughout the life cycle of a facility. The facility manager is in a unique position to view the entire process and is often the leader of the only group that has influence over the entire life cycle of a facility. Therefore, the facility manager often becomes the proponent of sustainable and green practices. Armed with the proper approaches, the Facility Manager can create long-lasting value to the organisation by developing, implementing and maintaining sustainable facility practices. Therefore, this study attempts to pinpoint the Facilities Management approaches to achieve and maintain environmental, social and economical sustainability. A comprehensive literature review was carried out on a broader perspective with the purpose of getting familiarize with the research phenomena. Interview guidelines were developed based on the findings of the literature review. In order to validate and further the literature findings five expert interviews were carried out with experienced industry practitioners. Research findings revealed that in Sri Lankan context, a Facility Manager's involvement for maintaining sustainability is most crucial in the operational phase of a facility. FM should have a clear view of environmental, social and economical aspects of sustainability. He / She should equally value the three pillars and a balanced approach needs to be taken in order to maintain a facility that is sustainable.
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Key performance indicators for measuring the performance of facilities management services in hotel buildings: a literature review
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Fernando, WDIJ; Dissanayake, DMPP; Manjula, NHC; Weerasinghe, AS; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
People travel across the world for leisure, business, and relaxation purposes and seek short term or longterm accommodation facilities. With the increase in globalisation and rapid development in technology, the hospitality industry is changing quite momentously in order to respond to the changing needs and expectations of the travellers. Similarly, hotels as one of the main pillars of the hospitality industry, have an important role in a country’s economic development. Subsequently, Facilities Management (FM) has become a demanding profession in developing and developed economies, which maximise profits while reducing operation and maintenance costs. In this context, Facilities Managers support the functionality of non-core activities of the hotel sector in line with the core objectives. However, there is an inadequate performance in building services and maintenance of hotel buildings, which lead to loss of productivity, a reduction in profitability, a loss of clients and a general negative company image. To this end, the Performance Measurement (PM) is an essential requirement in hotel sector to increase the performance of FM services. Therefore, this paper synthesises the FM performance based on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) that indicates how well the organisation is performing in accordance with their strategic objectives and goals. Further, the paper discusses the requirement of PM for FM services in hotel sector. Ultimately, a set of KPIs have been identified based on the available literature in order to measure the performance of FM services in hotel buildings.
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Managing challenges of high-rise residential buildings in Sri Lanka: a fm framework
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Rifas, MMM; Manjula, NHC; Dissanayake, DMPP; Soorige, SDA; Sandanayake, YG; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
High Rise Residential Building (HRRB) is a fast-growing trend in Sri Lanka. These are regulated and managed by the Management Corporation (MC). However, In Sri Lankan context MC is poor performance has led to various issues and challenges in HRRB. Hence, to better manage as well as overcome such issues and challenges by suitable professional concept in HRRB. Thus, the study was aimed to develop Facilities Management (FM) solutions to manage issues and challenges of the HRRB in Sri Lanka. To achieve the aim four objectives were formulated. As, to investigate the issues and challenges of managing the HRRB, current management practices, possible FM solutions to mitigate the identified issues and challenges and develop a framework to manage the HRRB in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was followed to achieve the aim of the research wherein case study method was selected as the most appropriate research method. The required data were collected via semi structured interviews and analysed using cross case analysis. The findings of the study revealed issues and challenges in HRRB falls into three main categories, namely building management, finance and resident related issues. Subsequently, the issues and challenges faced by the MC of HRRB in Sri Lankan context, and FM solutions adapted to overcome such as issues and challenges were identified. Hence, a framework has been proposed in this study to successfully manage issues and challenges in HRRB in Sri Lanka. This research increases the present level of awareness and importance associated with effective management practices for HRRB management within the scope of FM. Further, it introduces a framework for well managed the HRRB.
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Mitigation of challenges in sustaining green certification in the Sri Lankan hotel sector
(Emerald Publishing Limited, 2018) Bandara, C; Dissanayake, DMPP; Karunasena, G; Madhusanka, N
The successful continuation of green certification in the Sri Lankan hotel sector is vital for tourism industry as well as the economy of the country as it balances the economic interests with social and environmental responsibilities. However, it has become an issue in the Sri Lankan hospitality and tourism industry to sustain green certification due to many challenges. The prevailing situation highlights the need of exploring long-term strategies to mitigate challenges in sustaining green certification which has not been researched to date. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to propose strategies to mitigate challenges in sustaining green certification in the hotel sector in Sri Lanka.
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Model for analysing the drivers and barriers of e-procurement adoption to enhance the performance of procurement system in Sri Lanka
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2018-06) Fayasa, AF; De Silva, L; Dissanayake, DMPP; Gunatilake, S; Waidyasekara, KGAS
The growing need and competitive nature of firms in the modern world have been directed the organisations in discovering new solution to improve their business value and performance. E-procurement (EP) system is realised as an innovative technique by most of the practitioners and rate of adaptation is intensely increasing around the world. However, key literature findings revealed that organisations are struggling with EP system due to the lack of knowledge on factors influencing the successful implementation. This situation is similar to the Sri Lankan context as well. In this context, it has become a timely requirement to develop a mechanism for analysing such factors to facilitate a successful implementation. Therefore, this study attempts to develop a model for analysing the drivers and barriers of EP adoption to enhance the performance of procurement system in Sri Lanka. A qualitative approach was followed in which multiple case study was selected as an appropriate method for the research which allows to analyse within each setting and the evidence created from this type of study is considered robust and reliable. Accordingly, semi-structured interviews were conducted among the selected three respondents from each case to collect the data. Captured data was structured and analysed by using manual content analysis method with the support of NVivo software. Empirical investigation validated twenty-four drivers and seventeen barriers which are influencing the successful EP adoption. The research findings further disclosed six strategies to strengthen the drivers and weaken the barriers of EP adoption. Finally, a model was developed based on the research findings in order to facilitate the adoption of EP system in Sri Lankan context.
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Negligent use of personal protective equipment by construction workers in Sri Lanka: Analysis of individual manifestations
(2020-10-06) Dasandara, SPM; Dissanayake, DMPP
The construction industry can be identified as one of the main sectors in Sri Lanka where the majority of occupational accidents happen. When considering the Small and Medium Enterprises (SME), occupational accidents have been significantly happened due to many reasons. Among those reasons, negligence of the use of PPE by construction workers has become prominent. Different factors can affect this situation. Among them, individual manifestations such as perceptions, beliefs, experiences and attitudes of the workers can make a significant impact. Hence, there is an emerging need to explore the reasons under these individual manifestations, which encourages the negligence use of PPE. This paper therefore aimed to analyse the individual manifestations to unveil the reasons behind the negligence of use of PPE by construction workers in Sri Lanka. A qualitative research approach was followed to achieve the aim of the study. Case studies were conducted using two SME construction projects. Fourteen semi structured interviews were conducted in both cases with managerial and worker level respondents. Collected data were analysed using code based content analysis. ‘Considering PPE as a disturbance’, ‘lack of experiences of the workers’, ‘poor education level of the workers’, ‘inadequate knowledge and skills of the workers’, ‘poor income level’, ‘age of the workers’, ‘number of dependencies’, ‘poor health condition’ and ‘different lifestyles of the workers’ were revealed through the empirical research findings as the key reasons under individual manifestations, which affect for the neglect usage of PPE by the workers. The knowledge generated through this study can be used in many ways by the industry practitioners to make safe working environment within the construction sites.
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Occupational health and safety of municipal solid waste handlers in Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture Research Unit, University of Moratuwa, 2022-12-02) Thisakya, PG; Dissanayake, DMPP
Due to improper Municipal Solid Waste Management (MSWM), waste has become one of the pollution sources and caused diverse environmental impacts as well as negative impacts on human health and safety. Despite adverse health impacts on many living organisms, MSW handlers are also subjected to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) issues in Sri Lanka. Although, they play a significant role in MSWM, the OHS of MSW handlers has been neglected in Sri Lanka. So far, no studies have been carried out on the same. Thus, it has become a timely requirement for exploring the OHS issues faced by MSW handlers. This paper therefore aimed to explore the occupational injuries and illnesses that MSW handlers are associated with, and the basic causes which leads to such OHS issues. Accordingly, a qualitative research approach with two case studies was utilised to achieve the aim of the research. Fourteen semi-structured interviews were conducted with both authority level and worker level employees. Collected data were analysed using content analysis with the support of NVivo 12 plus software. The findings reflected that MSW handlers mostly suffer from back pain, slipping and falling, knee/calf pain, and headaches/migraine due to the nature of the job. Manual handling, negligence of use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), poor working environment, inadequate training and instructions, careless behaviour, health condition and age level of MSW handlers are identified as fundamental causes that greatly impact of OHS issues. Both OHS issues and respective causes are bound with organisational, cultural, economic, financial, and individual aspects that are unique to the Sri Lankan context. Finally, the findings generated through this study can be employed in many ways by respective industry practitioners to take informative decision to enhance the OHS of MSW handlers.
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Promoting flexible workplace to enhance productivity of office worker
(Ceylon Institute of Builders, 2017-06) Jayathilaka, BS; Manjula, NHC; Rathnayake, RMNU; Dissanayake, DMPP; Sandanayake, YG; Ramachandra, T; Gunatilake, S
To improve workforce productivity and to make major cost savings, various innovative workplace concepts are being utilised. A carefully planned workplace can have a significant impact on the performance of an organization. Even though the importance of flexible workplace towards increased productivity has been identified as a vital point in workplace planning and designing in Sri Lankan office context, there is a lack of research done on the enhanced productivity of office workers of public sector offices in Sri Lanka through the flexible workplace approach. Thus, this research was undertaken to study the relationship between productivity level of the employees and the flexible workspace design arrangements of workplace environment. Accordingly, the study was structured with a mix approach to accomplish the aim of this research. Literature revealed that flexible workplace approach relates to the concept of the physical layout and functional opportunities of the workspace which affect the office worker productivity and thereby conceptual framework was developed based on the literature findings. Through the case study approach, study identified the existing workplace practices. Expert survey was carried out to discover barriers, strategies which can be used in Sri Lankan office context when implementing flexible workplace approach. The gathered data were thereafter analysed using N-Vivo (2011) software. Finally, a framework was developed to promote flexible workplace concept in order to enhance productivity of the workers of Sri Lankan public offices. The framework could be useful for designers, planners and real estate developers to incorporate flexible workplace planning in Sri Lankan public office sector.