Browsing by Author "Samarasekara, KKGIC"

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item: Thesis-Abstract
The Application of design innovation for increasing gem set jewellery exports in Sri Lanka
Samarasekara, KKGIC; de Silva, N
Application of'Design innovation' to increase gem set jewellery exports in Sri Lanka is the focus of this research. The vast discrepancy between country's resource capacity and its level of fabrication has inspired to conduct this research work. It was revealed during the study that the capability for further expansion of the jewellery industry lays mainly on Small and Medium Enterprises. Concurrently, lack of design innovation has been identified as a key constraint hindering the industrial competency and expansion. Thus, the approach of design innovation has been explored to maximize the gem set jewellery exports in Sri Lanka. The research methodology used was "mixed methods'. Multiple methods of data collection and analysis entailed to explore the research questions. The current circumstance of the Sri Lankan jewellery industiy in relation to the design led innovation was explored employing semi-structured, face-to-face interviews with a purposive sample. Data triangulation employed to increase the reliability and the validity. The triangulated data confirmed that most of the companies of leading and the medium categories successfully apply design innovation while the small sector lacks this approach in practice. It was revealed that the best approach to be succeeded through exports is the application of design innovation based on user centered design. It was suggested that inhouse design skill development, make available necessary information on user requirements and current global trends, international exposure can improve design innovation among the small sector. To attain the industrial goals, two major components need to be modified; the policy and the attitudes within the industry. In conclusion, approach of design innovation has been identified as the prominent avenue to develop the gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka.
item: Conference-Full-text
Body-centric transformable adornments: a sustainable approach
(2018) Jayawardhana, JKM; Samarasekara, KKGIC; Samarawickrama, S.
Emerging trends, fast fashion and the current patterns of consumer behavior leads to overconsumption which traces a negative impact on sustainable practice. It is observed that the current patterns of unsustainable consumption results in a variety of wastage problems including materials. To overcome this issue, the industry has developed innovative techniques, yet fabric wastage has become the main concern. Considering jewellery, metals as a nonrenewable material should be thoroughly concerned under this matter due to its preciousness and expensive manufacturing processes. Thus, this paper aims to discuss a potential sustainable approach addressing the overconsumption of metals via body-adornment. It was revealed that the concept of ‘transformability’ and its application occupies the sustainable strategy. Thus, the main objective of this practice-lead research is to provide a sustainable solution for overconsumption in jewelry industry through transformable adornments while fulfilling the desires of the contemporary consumer. The research is based on a series of experiments on body-centric transformable adornments. A theoretical framework on ‘wear-ability’ was involved to provide a dynamic experience to the wearer. The outcome of the research is a collection of conceptual body-adornment. The feasible capacity of transformable jewellery was the main finding of the research along with the capability to develop this idea into commercially viable sustainable designs.
item: Conference-Full-text
The key factors affecting the competency in value addition to gem and jewellery in Sri Lanka
(2014-01-10) Samarasekara, KKGIC; De Silva, TKNP; Dharmaratne, PGR
Gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka plqys a vital role contributing immenselY toforeign exchange earning to the country's economy. The industrial value chain begins lvith gem mining and ends with retailing ofjewellery while, several stages are included amid. It is imperative to be discerned that every stage involves trading, resulting export of a larger amount if semi-finished products without adding the premium value which creates lack of competitiveness. S tatistical data illustrates a clear dispariry in terms of revenue generated through the gem exports as opposed to jewellery exports. Thus, the discrepanry between country's resource capaciry and its level of fabrication has inspired to conduct this research work.
item: Article-Full-text
The Key Factors Affecting The Competency In Value Addition To Gem And Jewellery In Sri Lanka
(Faculty of Architecture University of Moratuwa, 2013-03) Samarasekara, KKGIC; De Silva, TKNP; Dharmaratne, PGR
Gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka plays a vital role contributing immensely to foreign exchange earning to the country’s economy. The industrial value chain begins with gem mining and ends with retailing of jewellery while, several stages are included amid. It is imperative to be discerned that every stage involves trading, resulting export of a larger amount of semi-finished products without adding the premium value which creates lack of competitiveness. Statistical data illustrates a clear disparity in terms of revenue generated through the gem exports as opposed to jewellery exports. Thus, the discrepancy between country’s resource capacity and its level of fabrication has inspired to conduct this research work. The main objective of this study is to explore the key factors which cause the low competency in value addition of gem and jewellery industry in Sri Lanka. The required data was collected through an extensive literature survey and several face-to-face, in-depth interviews with experts in the gem and jewellery industry. The results of the data analysis concluded that there are six major constraints affecting the low production and exporting of gem set jewellery in Sri Lanka, namely; lack of innovation, lack of technology, lack of market, lack of competent man power, lack of financial resources and lack of integration and long term plans as the main findings of this study.