Browsing by Author "Prasanna, R"

Now showing 1 - 12 of 12

item: Thesis-Abstract
Analyzing the impact of IT helpdesks on the factors affecting labor productivity of diversified holdings in Sril Lanka
(2015-01-18) Subasinghe, RS; Prasanna, R
Importance of adopting Information Technology into the business processes is a strategic decision taken by most of the modern day organizations. But there are many evidence that even though organizations spend a lot in IT, the expectations are not delivered. Mismanagement is identified as a main reason for this gap between the expectation and the reality. To minimize this gap, many organizations follow best practices such as IT Infrastructure Library (ITIL). Within ITIL, IT helpdesk is considered as a key element which combines the rest of the processes defined under ITIL. Keeping the role of IT helpdesks in IT service management, this research attempts to understand the impact of helpdesks on the factors affecting productivity. More precisely the research scope was defined to focus the diversified holdings in Sri Lanka. Diversified holdings, by nature operate in multiple business verticals. This makes them to use various information systems to support the business functions adding complexity to the IT environment. This is the main reason of focusing diversified holdings during this research. This research managed to identify the current methods used by the IT end users and IT support teams in a case where support is needed. It has also identified several limitations of these traditional methods used. Going forward this research has identified the positive impact made by the features & processes available with IT helpdesk towards improving the productivity. Towards the latter part of this research, several guidelines are suggested, which can be used during a successful deployment of IT helpdesk. This section also includes the feature expectations of both IT end users and IT support teams. In summary, this research has identified the limitations of the existing methods of requesting IT support and the features available with the IT helpdesk to eliminate these limitations. It also has identified the positive impact of the IT helpdesk on the labor productivity. With the intension of deploying better IT helpdesks, several practical guidelines also were proposed based on the analysis done using collected data.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Assessment of controls of information system function in auditing perspective in organizations of Sri Lanka
Keerthiwansa, GWP; Prasanna, R
The research topic "Assessment of controls of information system function in auditing perspective in organizations of Sri Lanka" has three key terms which give specific meaning to the topic; Information system function; Assessment of the controls; Auditing perspective. In this research, activities come under the information system function and their necessary controls are to be identified and then auditors could be utilized to collect the relevant information to assess the controls of the information system function. Today almost all the business organizations are driven on the base of the information systems and are highly dependent on the information system. They can use their information system as an essential technical tool to do their day-to-day business operations, and as a strategic tool to obtain a competitive advantage. But most of the organizations use their information system function only as an essential technical tool for transactions processing, and merely use as a strategic tool, and lees priority is given for enhancing the information system function, to obtain more competitive advantage. An essential activity of improving any system or function is to identify its strengths and weaknesses and consequently areas to be improved. The major problem that arises in improving an IS system is that most of the organizations do not have a good idea about the strengths and weaknesses of the information system function.
item: Conference-Extended-Abstract
Assessment of controls of information system function in organizations of Sri-Lanka
(2006) Keerthiwansa, P; Prasanna, R
IS function includes all the activities related to the information system function in the organization. In other words, it includes the planning, organizing, coordinating, controlling of information system activities and resources. Information resources include the software, hardware, data, and the users of the information system.
item: Conference-Full-text
Community-based evacuation routes for hydrometeorological hazards resilience: a case study of Ratnapura district in Sri Lanka
(Business Research Unit (BRU), 2023-12-04) Cooray, MSS; Bandara, AANS; Perera, AAH; Lankeshwarie, ABD; Dassanayake, SM; Gunawardana, A; Prasanna, R
Sri Lanka has endured many hydrometeorological hazards due to torrential rains and monsoonal rains. These events disrupt communication networks, obstruct roadways, and can result in resource misallocation. Thus, setting in place mechanisms that could enhance situational awareness is essential and beneficial in building resilience in disaster management. This study aims to minimize the loss of lives and improve living conditions for the displaced by strategically allocating resources. Our approach involves the development of a decision management system. This system serves the dual purpose of guiding civilians to the nearest evacuation shelter and aiding stakeholders, including local authorities and Red Cross volunteers, in coordinating rescue operations and resource distribution. The research employs a multi-phase methodology, the research conducts susceptibility analysis to identify flood-prone areas based on terrain, land use, and soil data. Leveraging Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) satellite imagery, the inundation mapping phase assesses the flooding extent in Rathnapura, the selected study region. These maps are instrumental in optimizing evacuation routes and ensuring the secure movement of affected populations during flood events. The resulting flood risk map integrates with the system to generate the nearest evacuation route. This enables users to circumvent flooded areas inaccessible by land vehicles, ultimately saving crucial time in emergency situations. The data pertaining to the relocation of civilians to these evacuation shelters can be used by authorities to appropriately allocate food, water, medical supplies, and dry rations, and the route suggestion engine can be used in rescuing civilians stranded in their homes during floods. The Decision Management System in question was developed as a web application, which is currently being deployed on a local server with improvements underway to best serve the public and authorities.
item: Conference-Abstract
Critical success factors for mobile applications in finance sector, Sri Lanka
(2006) Basnayake, BAC; Prasanna, R
Mobile telecommunications industry worldwide has expanded and surpassed the fixed line operators. This technology evolved in the developed countries in the last decade and has been growing at a rapid pace. Due to number of reasons this technology has become an integral part of the business world and there is no choice for business organizations. In order to be competitive in the business world, organizations have to seriously consider them and adopt such technology whenever appropriate and applicable. Although Developed countries in Europe and United States have adopted mobile commerce technology, Asian countries such as Philippines and Korea are ahead.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Earning expected benefits of ERP for insurance organizations in Sri Lanka : implementation perspective
Atulugama, SR; Prasanna, R; Nanayakkara, V
During the study of the research gap it was found that there are many complain in sustainability of benefits in insurance ERP implementation projects. These complain are due to not meeting expected benefits from the implementations or declining the initially acquired benefits. There is very little study done in this area and in fact, any study in Sri Lankan context could not be found. Consequently this research has three main aims. First is to identify important factors that influence gaining sustainable value from ERP implementations in insurance organizations. The second is to identify the degree of criticality ofsuch factors for post implementation success and value addition. The third and the final is to formulate a framework or guidance with such factors to facilitate ERP implementations for insurance organizations in Sri Lanka The study was based on the data collected from insurance professionals in Sri Lankan insurance industry representing various capacities. There were 24 semi-structured interviews conducted. The analysis of findings was formed into 32 arguments and a questionnaire was submitted to same respondents and few additional professionals to identify the criticality of derived factors. In addition the information from two real life projects concluded recently was included. The final results were further analyzed with previous literature and developed a guidance using 20 important factors to consider in depth in order to get sustainable benefits from the insurance ERP implementation projects. The outcome of this thesis has achieved a guidance to acquire sustainable benefits from insurance ERP implementations, which in also reflect to facilitate as a mitigation plan for insurance ERP project implementation risks. This would be an interesting information for prospective project managers those who expect to implement other insurance information systems too.
item: Conference-Full-text
Flood risk assessment in the vulnerable economic zones: a case study in the Kelani river basin
(Business Research Unit (BRU), 2023-12-04) Jayasinghe, SN; Madurasinghe, MAVN; Weerahannedige, DC; Weerakoon, DRYYB; Dassanayake, SM; Gunawardana, A; Dissanayake, DMPV; Prasanna, R
This research presents a comprehensive framework for managing flood risk in the Kelani River basin, employing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) and spatial analysis to enhance flood risk comprehension, support informed decision-making, and facilitate effective flood management. Initially, the framework identifies key parameters influencing flood risk, which are then used to create flood hazard and vulnerability indexes through AHP. The hazard index indicates the likelihood of a flood event, while the vulnerability index assesses potential impacts. These two indexes are combined to form an overall flood risk index. Subsequently, this index is utilized to develop a web-based spatial decision support system (SDSS), enabling businesses and stakeholders to visualize and analyze flood risk information, aiding them in making well-informed decisions regarding flood mitigation and adaptation measures. This research offers valuable insights for policymakers and authorities in the Kelani River basin, fostering resilience and sustainable development in the region. Though the study acknowledges limitations related to data availability and generalization to other regions, it serves as a valuable foundation for the development of more comprehensive and effective flood risk management frameworks in the Kelani River basin and beyond.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Gender eauivalency in resource allocation for ERP implementations in Sri Lanka
(2015-01-27) Goonetilleke, MDLR; Prasanna, R
Despite the phenomenal growth in Information Systems and focus towards the wellbeing of human resources within organizations, gender studies in the context of ERP implementation projects have been widely lacking interest among researchers in the past. Exploring the effects of gender on the success of ERP implementation teams has been ignored by most researchers and the records from the industry confirm that at present gender is rarely used as a criteria by most managers during decision making for allocation to ERP teams. With the aim of filling this gap and adding new knowledge to the industry, this study aims to realize three main objectives. The first is to identify the optimum roles that should exist in an ERP implementation team. The second is to explore the industry for gender related characteristics that could lead to completing an ERP implementation more successfully. Finally this study would be commissioned to explore the suitability of a gender to take up a role in an ERP project and consequently to explore the preference of a gender to an ERP implementation project team. The study was based on extensive data gathering from individuals employed in the ERP industry. Experienced individuals from two groups namely, “Resource Allocators” and “Team Members” holding different roles were interviewed during the data gathering process. A set of twenty five different semi structured interviews were carried out in the first phase where important themes were identified based on objectives. In addition five semi structured interviews were conducted to further clarify themes identified during the first phase of interviews. The constant comparison technique together with cross case analysis in grounded theory was used to analyze each theme individually and interpret the results. The above mentioned analysis techniques applied on the data gathered resulted in the identification of following outcomes. 1) The optimum roles that an ERP implementation team should possess in order for it to be successful was identified; 2) The gender characteristics that enhance the success rate in ERP implementations were recognized. 3) It was identified that the selection of a male was predominantly higher than a female and finally 4) It was elicited that the industry showed a slightly higher preference towards males over females during recruitment and allocation to projects. Even though the traditional criteria considered currently by most managers are obviously important this research clearly shows that the consideration of gender during the selection process could make a significant difference in terms of better satisfaction, higher performance and the overall success of the project. This thesis contributes to our understanding of how gender could affect a complex and large scale project such as an ERP implementation in achieving its final goals. The results of this study would be of particular interest to practicing ERP implementation team members as well as senior management personal in the IT/ERP industry and the wider academic community in Sri Lanka to be knowledgeable about the facts of such effects and act upon them, in the march towards success.
item: Conference-Abstract
Knowledge improvisation during floods
(2017) Ahangama, N; Prasanna, R
This study examines how Disaster Management Stakeholders disseminate knowledge during a flood based on two knowledge networks for disaster management in Ratnapura district of Sri Lanka. Interpretive case study research design and grounded theory data analysis methods were used to guide data collection and analysis. Examined through direct participant observations, study revealed five themes that explain knowledge dissemination practices among Disaster Management Stakeholders. The Micro Theory of Knowledge Improvisation (MiTKI) suggests a cycle of knowledge transfer that comprises of Knowledge Transfer Strategies and Conditions for Knowledge Transfer. The MiTKI proposes that, Improvisation in Knowledge Networks is the key enabler of knowledge transfer in the study context, which has driven disaster management activities to survive most of Knowledge Gaps and Dependencies.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Impact of ERP on an apparel manufacturing organization
Jayawardene, WVK; Prasanna, R
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems have becomc a strategic business tool in modern dynamic environments. ERP systems play a vital role within the organizations by assisting in planning and managing the resources in the organization./ Actually the success of any organization depends on how efficiently the resources are managed in the organization. So far not many attempts have been taken to quantify the exact impact that an ERP causes on the performance of a company. In fact this is a very sensitive area to study since the value addition that an ERP causes differs from industry to industry./ This research attempts to quantify the benefits of ERP in an apparel manufacturing organization based on the literature which consists of information about previous attempts taken by many researchers in quantifying the benefit of IT investments in general and ERP systems in specific./ The research produces a detail framework to evaluate potential value addition to the company's operations due to both tangible and intangible benefits offered by the ERP forvarious aspects of the business, (e.g. Manufacturing. Procurement. IIRM. Merchandising & Commercial operations etc). In order to quantify the value addition the researcher develops an ordinal scale. Using this scale the analysts can measure the improvements in each aspect of the business specifically. The researcher suggests that these potential value additions (given by the scale) can improve the performance of the company in return. Hence he calls this potential value addition as the impact of ERP on the organizational performance. Finally in this research the proposed framework is applied on a Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing organization and the results given by the framework are analyzed against the actual performance of the company over the years in order to test the accuracy of the framework.
item: Conference-Abstract
Use of the concept of capillary barriers to optimize the support of deep vertical excavations in unsaturated soils
(Department of Civil Engineering, University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka, 2021-11) Prasanna, R; Kulathilaka, SAS; Hettiarachchi, P
Deep excavation in the construction industry became vital because of the lack of availability of land in the populated urban areas to provide facilities such as parking. In a deep excavation it is necessary to ensure stability and that the deformations in the surroundings are within acceptable limits. As such, deep excavations need to be supported by properly designed earth retaining structures with adequate lateral supports. In excavations below ground water level expensive systems such as secant pile walls or diaphragm walls are needed. In unsaturated soils, simpler systems such as soldier pile walls can be used. The forces on the system are low during dry periods due to the prevailing high matric suction. But during the rainy seasons, due to the infiltration of water into the unsaturated soil matric suction will reduce leading to a reduction in shear strength. If the retaining system is designed with saturated strength parameters as a conservative measure the cost would be high. Infiltration of rainwater can be reduced with the use of the concept of capillary barriers and the design of the earth retaining system can be optimized. A capillary barrier is an unsaturated cover system with two layers with varying hydraulic properties that functions in response to change in negative pore water pressure. It consists of a fine layer on top of a coarse layer. A capillary barrier is effective if the combined effect of evaporation, transpiration and lateral diversion exceeds the infiltration from the precipitation. In this research study attempts were made to establish the critical parameters for the capillary barrier system like inclination and thicknesses of layers. Analyses for the applicability of the capillary barrier system on the deep vertical excavations on local Sri Lankan soils was done with rainfall experiments on a laboratory physical model. Results of the physical laboratory experiment were verified with the numerical analysis of the model using SEEPW Geoslope 2012 software. Another analysis was done studying the effect of rainfall on the prop forces on a soldier pile wall supporting a 6m deep excavation done in an unsaturated soil with a deep groundwater table. Infiltration was studied under the natural conditions and with the capillary barrier. This study was done with MIDAS GTS NX software under 3 Dimensional conditions. From the analysis, length of 600 mm was selected for both capillary barrier and site extent of the physical laboratory model with infiltration rate of 10mm/hr. Results of numerical analysis show that the capillary barrier of this model cut the infiltration of rainwater for a 20-hour continuous rainfall. Results of the numerical analysis on actual deep excavation shows that the prop forces reduce by a significant amount in the presence of the capillary barrier. Percentage of increase in the prop forces decrease by 45% to 27% at different prop levels. These two studies show the effectiveness of the capillary barrier in economizing design of earth retaining systems in unsaturated soils.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Virtual collaboration and application support teams : a study of productivity and job satisfaction
Wickremasinghe, MSN; Prasanna, R
In the competitive and dynamic business world the business continuity is a key factor. No employee can works for 24 hours continuously. If an employee or a single team can perform 8 hours work and transfer the work to another team to continue from what they stop the business continuity will be followed. In scientific terms this phenomenon is known as the “virtual collaboration” The technology drives the virtual collaboration but behind that there are technical experts who work hand to hand with the latest technology. This research is focusing on these technical experts in software development domain. This is an empirical study of how the job satisfaction of these virtual teams can be achieved and enhanced and how the productivity of the virtual teams can be achieved and enhanced. This study aims at finding out the impact of Virtual collaboration on productivity and job satisfaction of virtual teams (application support engineers) of ten leading software development companies in Sri Lanka. To investigate this, a quantitative empirical study was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire backed by strong literature on the selected convenient sample (n = 88). Then reliability (Cronbach’s Alpha) of the questionnaire was determined and the questionnaire was found to be reliable. Descriptive and inferential statistics were calculated. The study reveals that technology and effective communication are significant predictors of productivity and job satisfaction. Further it reveals that the inclusion of moderating factors such as trust, cohesiveness, commitment, health issues, cultural diversity, geographic dispersion, co-ordination of personnel life increase the variance and significantly explained the productivity and job satisfaction. It is, therefore, recommended that the software development companies should focus on independent and moderating factors very seriously when crafting and executing new strategies towards the organizational productivity and job satisfaction of their employees. This will ensure that the virtual teams remain sustainable and continue to make a positive contribution to Sri Lankan economy.