Browsing by Author "Perera, HSC"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 27

item: Thesis-Abstract
Analysis of ERP implementation issues and evaluation of critical success factors in Sri Lankan apparel sector
(2014-07-11) Karunarathna, RMNSK; Perera, HSC; Naeem, ACM
An ERP system is a business support system that maintains in a single database for data needed to a variety of business functions such as Manufacturing, Supply Chain Management, Financials, Projects, Human Resources and Customer Relationship Management. Organizations adapt ERP systems in order to achieve competitive advantage through integration of information, with improved visibility throughout the system. ERP systems promise benefits such as facilitating improvement in quality, reduce WIP, reduce inventory cost, reducing time to market, to deliver right thing to the right place at right time commensurate in continuous improvement of the business. ERP implementation has not always been a success. If the implementation took place without a much consideration of the business process and other infrastructure, quite a lot of money invested on it would be in vain and successful integration of information would never be achieved. Referring to the literature several Critical Success Factors and crucial Implementation Issues were identified when implementing ERP systems. Critical success factors were categorized under four groups as Organizational, Project related, Technical and Economical where Implementation difficulties were categorized as Organizational, Social, Technical and Economical factors. Separate questionnaires were designed and distributed among ERP users and ERP Experts to examine their experience on the above factors across the life cycle of ERP implementation. Responses from both parties were compared in order to get a clear picture on how separate parties experience ERP implementation. According to the analyzed data from responsible parties it could be seen that there are differences in how both parties feel the importance of each factor displayed in the Questionnaire and the views of both patties become visible.
item: Conference-Abstract
Application of total productive maintenance: a comparative study
(2006) Perera, HSC; Musadik, MBM
It is understood that the manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka do not perform effectively in terms of resource utilization in order to compete with the international competition. There are several management shortcomings contributing to this ineffectiveness. The maintenance management is one of the negligence found in industries.
item: Article-Abstract
Cellular manufacturing model to reduce WIP fluctuation in garment manufacturing
(2016-10-05) Rathnayake, V; Lanarolle, G; Perera, HSC; Marsh, J
Purpose – High Work In Progress (WIP) and its fluctuation are found to be common in garment manufacturing lines in Sri Lanka. The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate a lean cellular manufacturing model as a solution. Design/Methodology/Approach – The application of group technology/ lean cellular manufacturing techniques and its benefits are examined. The significance of the WIP and its fluctuation is investigated through the data obtained from several garment manufacturing lines. Root cause analysis on the problem reveals the major factors contributing to the problem. The sewing line is identified in few (more commonly four) clusters and each cluster behaves as a separate manufacturing cell termed as a ‘sub cell’. Findings – The hypothesis testing demonstrates that WIP fluctuation is significant in garment manufacturing lines. Poor line balancing is one of the major reasons for WIP fluctuation. Practical Implication - The proposed sub cell concept leads to reduce the WIP level and its fluctuation significantly and delivers many advantages. The validation of the model is tested by implementing the concept into a garment manufacturing company with 20 production lines. The results are promising with a 12% increase in the production efficiency, equivalent to US$ Million 1.23 annually. Originality/ Value –The existing cellular systems are dedicated to work on parts of few products. In garment manufacturing the lines are temporarily dedicated to manufacture only one product. The existing cellular manufacturing systems do not suit for manufacturing garments. Presently each garment manufacturing line behaves as one entity, where empowerment, team work are difficult to be promoted. The new sub-cell concept changes the organizational culture and makes the production lines more flexible through motivated, cohesive team. The operators are motivated with higher earning through higher productivity and dignity. .
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Change management in lean implementation: a case study in a local apparel manufacturing group
(2009) Perera, HSC; Abeytunge, ND; Samarasinghe, GD
Apparel industry is the main exporter and the contributor to the Sri Lankan economy. In order to stay competitive in the global market place, one major local apparel manufacturing group adopted lean manufacturing tool for its companies. The study explored how these apparel manufacturing companies managed the change process of transforming to a lean manufacturing culture. The study selected three companies of this group and adopted the case study method for investigating this situation. Based on the findings it developed a theoretical framework to understand how change process should be managed in implementing lean in the local apparel industry.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
CO-alignment between technology management and total quality management practices
(2007) Kuruppuarachchi, D; Perera, HSC
The emergence of TQM has been one of the major developments in management practice in the last two decades. The recognition of TQM as a source of competitive advantage has been widely promoted around the world, especially in Western countries, and today very few (especially manufacturing) companies can afford to ignore the term (Prajogo, 2005). On the other hand, effective application of technology is a key source of competitive advantage for modem industry. However, the co-alignment between Technology Management systems into established business processes represents a continuing challenge to many firms. It will be valuable for manufacturing organizations to identify this co-alignment and integration between TQM and Technology Management to set successful competitive strategies. Recent research justifies that TQM affects directly as well as indirectly on inventory, quality and financial performance of the organizations (Kaynak, 2003). The integrative effect of marketing and TQM on organizational performance (motivation, marketing, productivity and societal) is also found to be significant. Another research done based on Australian organizations (Prajogo and Sohal, 2006) justifies that TQM and technologylR&D practices moderately co-aligned with each other and this leads to enhance organizational quality and innovative performance.
item: Article-Abstract
Developing a performance measurement system for apparel sector lean manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka
(2015-09-01) Perera, PST; Perera, HSC; uom.lk, HSCP
Performance measurements systems were rarely adapted to changing manufacturing environments. Lean is one such practice aiming at productivity improvements. Non-cost performance improvements resulting from lean makes the inadequacy of traditional measurements for evaluating performance. Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers adapt lean manufacturing to meet global business challenges. However a study has not been done to develop an appropriate performance measurement system for lean environment in Sri Lankan apparel sector lean practicing companies. This study develops such a model from literature review and interview. Finally it is validated with the existing models.
item: Article-Abstract
Employees' perception on teleworking in Sri Lankan software industry
(2016-10-05) Perera, HSC
Teleworking is an alternative way to organize work that integrates two sources of competitive advantage: a company's Human Resources and the new Information and Telecommunication Technologies. There is no agreement in literature about teleworking definition and its different meanings. Sometimes, terms such as telecommuting, remote working, and home working are used to explain its different eanings.Teleworking occurs when employees perform all or a substantial part of their work physically separated from the location of their employer, using IT for operation and communication (Baruch, 2001). Davenport and Pearlson (1998) introduce teleworking as an alternative mode of work, enabled by technological improvements and increase in use of information technology (IT) on the one hand, and on the other hand, by an unconventional managerial approach, which takes it that work is what you do, not a place where you go. Three main types of teleworking are usually found in operation: home-based telework, satellite offices, and mobile working. Home-based teleworking refers to employees who work at home on a regular basis, though not necessarily every day. A person can be considered as a teleworker if her telecommunications link to the office is as simple as a telephone; however, teleworkers often use other communications media such as electronic mail and personal computer links to office servers. Self- employed workers and workers who have no connection to a central workplace are not considered as teleworkers. In satellite offices, employees work both outside the home and away from the normal workplace in a location convenient to the employees and/or customers to reduce commuting time. Other category of teleworkers is the mobile workers. The mobile workers are frequently on the road, using ommunications technology to work from home, from a car, from a plane, or from a hotel - communicating with the office as necessary from each location. Salespersons and investment bankers are examples of mobile teleworkers. The development of teleworking started in the 1970s. Teleworking is commonly used in many industries such as IT, telecommunication, insurance, construction and manufacturing. In Sri Lanka, teleworking is still an emerging concept compared to most of the other countries. Software industry is an emerging industry in Sri Lanka and there are many multinational companies operating in Sri Lanka. These companies are experiencing different types of work patterns such as flexible working hours, fixed working hours, shift working hours and occasional teleworking. Sri Lankan IT industry has developed upto a considerable level to compete with many industry giants compared to other industries in Sri Lanka. It is in a good position to employ new practices in order to enhance the performance. In the Sri Lankan context, software industry may be one of the possible industries in which teleworking can be implemented due to its nature and information and communication technology capabilities of employees. But still, no major research has been conducted to investigate the adoption feasibility of teleworking in Sri Lankan software industry. The objective of this research is to examine the viability of teleworking in software industry in Sri Lanka. Many factors related to the software industry are well understood by the employees of the industry. Thus, this study attempts to investigate the perception of employees on teleworking.
item: Article-Abstract
Environmental performance evaluation in supply chain
(2015-09-01) Perera, PST; Perera, HSC; Wijesinghe, TM
Environmental performance evaluation is an area of growing concern among the worldwide community. Consequently, measurements to evaluate environmental performance are of great importance. However, lack of a quantifiable model to study the environmental performance is a problem in this area. This study therefore attempts to quantify the environmental performance of supply chain of a manufacturing company, which requires evaluation of many criteria. Therefore, selection of environmental performance measures leads to a multi-criteria decision making problem. As a result, analytical hierarchy process is selected to develop the model and is solved with Expert Choice software. Finally the proposed model is applied to a case study company to identify the key areas of environmental performance of the company’s supply chain and to assess various product categories manufactured under those key areas.
item: Article-Abstract
Evaluation model for selection of advanced manufacturing technologies
(2016-10-05) Perera, HSC
Implementation of Advanced Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has become a popular strategy among many industries to face the growing competition. Selection of AMT purely based on economic benefits has been challenged due to other factors such as strategic benefits. This paper presents decision making framework for selection of AMT. Factors influenced on Advanced Manufacturing Technology selection were identified under three categories, economic indicators, strategic benefits and risk. Sub-criteria of each category were further identified. Selection of the best AMT led to a multi-criteria decision making problem as alternative technologies should be evaluated based on many criteria. An Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) model was developed for ranking the alternative AMTs. An example of a case is presented to show the actual implementation of the AHP model.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Factors affecting effective lean implementation: a case study of a tyre manufacturing company in Sri Lanka
(2010) Perera, HSC; Perera, PST; Raveendra, LM
The lean manufacturing system is an integrated set of principles, practices, tools, and techniques which addresses the root causes of the operational problems. It ensures that the customer receives the product with required quality, price, and delivery performance while maximizing company's competitive advantage and shareholder value When lean system is successfully implemented production will he run smoothly without huge inventory. It was found that the companies had not reaped the expected benefits by implementing lean all the times. Studies reveal that the benefits are limited by the environmental context and the organizational contingencies. Therefore this study focuses on identifying the factors affecting the lean implementation using case study approach A conceptual model was developed from the facts drawn from the literature and it was tested with a manufacturing organization which had implemented the lean concept. Core team members who directly involved during the implementation process were interviewed. A questionnaire was designed based on the information gathered from the core team members and the literature It was distributed among 100 executives to collect data. They were randomly selected from those who participated in lean implementation process. Principal component analysis and descriptive statistics were used to analyze data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS'). Results disclosed the factors which drove the lean implementation process and those that prevent effective implementation. I he outcome of this study would help other
item: Conference-Abstract
Impact of business process reengineering and customization success enterprise resource planning implementation
(2016-10-05) Perera, HSC; Perera, PST; Gunawardhane, MKS
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems which are developed based on the industry best practices integrate all the business functions of an organization. Reduction of operating costs, efficiency improvements, and processes standardization are the benefits expected by ERP. However, some business managers question these benefits as they have bad experiences with ERP implementation. As a result, governing factors of ERP implementation have been investigated by many researchers. It was identified that ERP customization and resistance to change required by Business Process Reengineering (BPR) as major influencing factors. Thus this study investigated how BPR and customization involved during the implementation process affected the expected outcome of ERP system. The study adopted quantitative methodology with survey approach. Conceptual model was developed and variables were operationalized from the literature. Customers of ERP systems of SAP and IFS were taken as the target population and sample was drawn using stratified random sampling method. questionnaire was used for data collection. Face validity of the questionnaire was checked with experts’ opinion. It was e-mailed to a key person involved in the ERP implementation of each company. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for data analysis. It was found that interdepartmental integration, end- to- end information tracking, up- to- date information, speed up transactions, and cost reduction as the major expectations of the companies to implement ERP. However achievement to expectation ratio of perceived benefits was poor. Organizations experienced higher level of customization and lower level of BPR during ERP implementation process. BPR was positively and customization were negatively correlated to the perceived benefits. Therefore companies should implement BPR along with ERP project and adapt to ERP practices rather than customizing it.
item: Article-Abstract
Impact of TQM and technology management on operations performance
(2016-10-05) Kuruppuarachchi, D; Perera, HSC
This paper examines the impact of Total Quality Management (TQM) and technology management practices on operations performance of manufacturing organizations. This study contributes to the understanding of the co-alignment between TQM and technology management by bridging the gap between the two areas which are often addressed separately. The study also examines the impact of the two practices: TQM and technology management on operations performance which have been considered as the primary sources of competitive advantage. The required data was drawn from 44 Sri Lankan manufacturing organizations and analyzed using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) technique followed by a detailed path analysis. The study findings indicate that TQM shows a positive predictive power against operations performance, while technology management has no significant direct relationship on operations performance simultaneously with TQM. The findings also reveal a strong interrelationship between TQM and technology management practices, which shows that the organizations with high TQM, also follow technology management practices in a better way. Along with these relationships, both TQM and technology management have interrelationships among their own components as well.
item: Conference-Full-text
Implementation and adaptation framework for ERP systems in Sri Lankan organizations
(2005) Dharmarathne, KNN; Perera, HSC
There is an increasing need to implement a total business solution, which supports major functionalities of a business. ERP software is designed to meet this need, and has been adopted by many of the largescale organizations in Sri Lanka. Currently, ERP system implementation remains in its infancy in Sri Lankan manufacturing, services and financial sector.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Improving performance of apparel manufacturing through knowledge management
(2007) Perera, HSC; Perera, WVR
Land, capital and machinery are no longer decisive in a world-wide market of products and ideas. Individuals, companies and even nations have become more and more dependent on the way they leverage their competencies and apply their knowledge in order to realize their goals. Knowledge capital is the wayan organization derives wealth from its information resource on a regular basis. Knowledge, like any other asset, needs to be managed pro-actively. Today Knowledge Management (KM) is a newly emerging, interdisciplinary business model that has knowledge within the framework of an organization as its focus. KM is the process of capturing and making use of an organization's knowledge assets any-where in the organization - on paper, in documents, in databases (called explicit knowledge) or in people's heads (called tacit knowledge). KM practices include knowledge creation, collection, storing, sharing, and application towards organizational survival through which organizations generate value from their knowledge based assets (Wig, 1996).
item: Conference-Abstract
Key success factors leading to business growth of micro level apparel manufactures in Gampaha district
(2016-10-05) Jinadasa, DK; Perera, HSC; Samarasinghe, GD
Micro level apparel industry came into operations in Gampaha district of Sri Lanka after the open economy. It began with parallel to establishing free trade zones in Sri Lanka. Some of them are growing and climbing in industry scale ladder and others have to shut down their businesses even though there are several favorable factors for the growth. The growth and survivability of them has become questionable. Even though there is some research carried out to identify challenges and success factors faced by micro businesses in Sri Lanka there is no research that has been conducted to investigate key success factors of micro level apparel manufacturers particularly to Gampaha district. Hence there is a clear knowledge gap existing and filling this knowledge gap to a significant extent has become the problem of this study. The objectives of the study were to identify the key success factors leading to business growth of the micro level entrepreneurs in the apparel industry of Gampaha District, determine the relationship between the key success factors and their business growth, and provide recommendations to ensure the growth of them. In the conceptual model three factors were identified as key to success. They were management of financial issues, market orientation and entrepreneurial skills. Using a list of micro level apparel industry entrepreneurs, a sample of 100 were randomly selected to cover all 13 district secretariat divisions of the district. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The reliability and validity of the measurements were verified using Cronbach’s alpha and exploratory factor analysis respectively. Descriptive statistics, regression and one-way ANOVA were used to analyze data.It was found that the micro level apparel entrepreneurs in the Gampaha District encountered problems in management of financial issues and market orientation. It was also found that management of financial issues significantly affected their business growth. To conclude it has been recommended to provide increased access to capital and financial management skills to the micro level entrepreneurs in order to improve their business growth. Further it suggested that programmes to be carried out to improve their market orientation which leads to their business growth.
item: Conference-Abstract
Knowledge management framework for achieving quality of healthcare in the developing countries
(2014-06-25) Amararachchi, JL; Perera, HSC; Pulasinghe, K
A severe dearth of medical experts in health institutions in the rural and remote areas in developing countries has directly affected the quality of healthcare. This problem can be alleviated by providing facilities to access up to date medical Information and knowledge for doctors who are stationed in these areas to update their knowledge. Since Knowledge Management System (KMS) consists of most related Information and knowledge, medical KMSs could be utilized to enhance the quality of clinical activities. This study was aimed to identify the factors that affect the knowledge management initiatives. Findings of the research have shown that there is a strong association between accessing and using Information/ knowledge in clinical activities and the quality of healthcare. Moreover, attitudes of Medical Practitioners (MP), Infrastructure facilities, patient Information systems, patient treatment, staff benefits etc., have contribute positively towards the success of knowledge management in Health organizations. The research has used the case study methodology for accomplishing the research objectives. Remote and rural areas in Sri Lanka have considered for the case study which is one of the developing countries in the Asian region.
item: Conference-Abstract
Knowledge management in low tech labor intensive manufacturing : a study on apparel manufacturing
(2016-10-05) Perera, HSC
Knowledge Management (KM) has become a widely addressed topic in the high tech industries even though it has not got much interest in low tech labor intensive industries. This paper studies how knowledge management is used in low tech labor intensive industries. Knowledge management practices of two reputed apparel companies were examined to understand how KM can be implemented in apparel manufacturing. The study examines how following aspects of knowledge management are used in the case companies: knowledge infrastructure, knowledge creation, knowledge storing, and knowledge sharing. The information obtained through the in-depth interviews and secondary data analysis shows that knowledge management (KM) practices are employed in many areas of manufacturing even though there are no dedicated knowledge management programs. The study reveals that these KM practices help to enhance the performance of the organizations. Even though the companies use many KM practices in apparel manufacturing there are many opportunities for further expansion of the KM practices.
item: Article-Abstract
Lean Manufacturing: A Case Study of a Sri Lankan Manufacturing Organization
(2016-10-05) Perera, HSC; Kulasooriya, DMA
Toyota Production System (TPS) is a buzzword today in manufacturing circles. It is known as a flexi and cost-effective production model all over the world. TPS was conceptualized by Taiichi Ohno at Toyota Motor Company in 1950s (Motwani, 2003). In fact, TPS is the result of a series of best practices, which have been tested at Toyota Motor Corporation over the several decades. The goal of implementing TPS in an organization « •. .is to increase productivity, reduce lead-times and costs, improve quality, etc." (Sriparavastu and Gupta, 1997; Sanchez and Perez, 2001). Kasul and Motwani (1997) in their study find that companies that employ TPS have benefits such as "reduced lead times, just-in-time management, decreased costs, levelled production, continuous flow production, increased job satisfaction for employees, higher productivity, lower inventories, and higher quality levels." Japanese companies have been able to successfully implement this system and hence been able to reduce the time for turnaround from when the customer orders to delivery and cash received. This reduction in time has helped companies through tough times and helped in maintaining their profitability.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Link between ISO 9000 certification and business performance in Sri Lankan companies
(2014-07-14) Senaratne, S; Perera, HSC
The purpose of this study was to assess the link between ISO 9000 Quality Management System Certification and business performance of Sri Lankan companies. Organizations of different sizes, industries, with different ownership, public as well as private and profit making as well as non-profit making, are pursuing ISO 9000 series of Quality management system Certification. A total of ISO 9001:2000 certificates have been issued worldwide in over 175 countries and economies and in Sri Lanka almost above 500 companies have been certified by year 2008. Until the end of year 2005 there was a reasonable increase in the certification but after 2005 the annual growth rate of certification has declined. Therefore it is of importance to analyze the relation to understand the benefits or costs associated with implementation of the standard. From worldwide research conducted it is evident, that enhanced quality of product is the most widely gained advantage through adoption of ISO 9001:2000 certifications. However analysis of standard indicates many other benefits like improved market share, optimized resource utilization, improved and efficient process management, high employee productivity, adherence to applicable regulations, and providing a basis for benchmarking. According to the research finding, benefits like improved sales, improved management of processes, improved quality of product and many other benefits listed above were identified. However any increase in profitability or returns to the shareholders was not found for Sri Lankan Public listed companies, after certification. It was viewed that companies with higher profitability seek certification rather than companies with low returns. Also, documentation required for implementation was viewed by many companies as a difficult process to implement. In this analysis we used the method oft-test for testing significant differences in means of certified and not certified firms. Time series analysis was conducted taking year of certification as the year zero. Also benefits other than financial benefits were analyzed using descriptive statistics
item: Article-Abstract
Manufacturing strategy and improvement activities of Sri Lankan furniture manufacturers
(2016-10-05) Perera, HSC
Furniture industry is a significant industry in the manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka based on the number of employees. This paper studies the manufacturing strategy of Sri Lankan furniture industry. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the key players of the industry to investigate the manufacturing strategy and improvement activities. Cluster analysis is used to identify the strategic manufacturing groups based on their competitive priorities and three strategic groups were formed. Top competitive priorities of the Sri Lankan furniture manufacturers were identified as low price, conformance quality and product performance. Performance improvement activities under three major categories namely advanced manufacturing technologies, integrated information systems and advanced management systems were investigated. Manufacturing strategy stages of the furniture manufacturers were studied based on the Hayes and Wheelwright model and it is found out that majority of the companies have the characteristics of stage II of the model.