Browsing by Author "Samarasinghe, K"

Now showing 1 - 20 of 30

item: Thesis-Full-text
An Assessment of level of informatization of rural areas of Sri Lanka
Abeysooriya, KHTS; Samarasinghe, K
The primary focus of this study was to assess the level of Informatization, simple definition of utilization of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs), in the Rural areas of Sri Lanka. In this study Rural Areas of Sri Lanka is defined as the areas outside the Municipal council and Urban council areas. This definition will lead to use Pradeshiya Saba (PS) divisions as Rural Areas. Presently there are 270 PS divisions in Sri Lanka. 205 PS divisions were used in this study excluding the North and East province PS divisions that were difficult to reach. The level of Informatization was measured as an index value, which is referred as the Informatization Index. In the Asia Pacific region different type of Informatization Indices are calculated in different countries. In this study author had defined a mechanism to calculate the Informatization Index for Sri Lanka, by considering number of indices related to Informatization. This Informatization Index was calculated using 48 measures categorized under 11 sub components of ICT. For the index calculation multistage cluster sampling was used and the index was measured for the whole sample and first stage clusters considered. According to the results obtained from this study, it was observed that in rural areas high utilization were there for utilization of Radio, Television, and Telephone. Mobile phone and Computer utilization is at a medium level. Level of utilization of ICT varies with the living location and working location also.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Analysis of critical success factors for Wi-Fi hotspot deployment in travel & tourism sector, Sri Lanka
Darshana, JGCD; Samarasinghe, K
Wi-Fi HotSpot or PWLAN has been so popular in the globe particularly among the travelers and the business community over the last couple of years. In fact Wi-Fi is becoming a necessity due to the convenience and the mobility it provides. In Sri Lankan context it has already become a feature of hotels and the airport. Almost all the five star hotels and most of the large hotels already provide Wi-Fi facility to their guests. This study is focused on CSFs for Wi-Fi HotSpot deployments in T &T sector Sri Lanka. This identifies the CSFs in the global market to compare and match with the Sri Lankan market. In addition, this research identifies the business models in the globe and investigates the viability of those models for Sri Lankan T&T sector. Furthermore, CSFs of the T&T sector and the service provider sector were investigated on perspectives of technological, strategic, legal/environmental and economical .Similarly the questionnaire responses from the sample Wi-Fi users were investigated on different perspectives of technological, social/environmental, and economical levels. The conceptual model was developed based on the findings of the literature survey, to identify the CSFs of Wi-Fi HotSpot deployments in T&T sector Sri Lanka. Finally the identified CSFs were analyzed and compiled for Wi-Fi HotSpot deployments in T&T sector Sri Lanka. With the limited time frame when compared with the scope of this research, case studies were limited to the largest Wi-Fi operator in the country. The valid data samples of the user questionnaires were limited to fifty four existing and potential Wi-Fi users. The questionnaire responses were analyzed along with the case study results and reconunendations are proposed for Wi-Fi HotSpot. deployments for T&T sector. It was identified that the security and the speed are the most concerned factors having strong correlation with the usage of Wi-Fi. Four main business models were identified in Wi-Fi deployments in Sri Lanka and two models were recommended one for public and one for private Wi-Fi HotSpots
item: Thesis-Abstract
Analyzing traffic behavior and treatment in NGN IP core networks
Karunaratne, MAIK; Samarasinghe, K
Today Internet Protocol has taken over the entire communication. With the advancements in the new technologies cost of the IP related equipments has come down which has helped this exponential growth. with the increase of the usage the telecommunication service providers are expanding their infrastructure to cater the growth. Entire world is expanding their infrastructure mainly on IP equipments. Integrating the legacy infrastructure to the IP Network has lot of challenges. The real challenges are the transporting delay sensitive traffic like voice over the IP Network, IP node failures, IP link failure detections, delay variations. There are proprietary systems being developed between the IP vendors and the others in order to over come these challenges which can sometime be not flexible to the telecom service provider. In this research an open standard based approach is used to integrate media gateways to an IP/MPLS Network. The challenges of the integration are discussed in this thesis. A lab setup and a live network test were performed in order to measure the quality of the integration work. The interconnection methods were analyzed after going through the theories related to the media gateways and IP/MPLS technologies. Also since there. can be different type of traffic in an IP/MPLS network a traffic treatment method should also be developed The major results of the research was that using open standards methods the Essential parameters for the Media gateway integration of the IP core networks can be achieved. Also the model that was developed for the traffic treatments was successful. Media gateways interconnections with IP. networks are successful on open standards IP protocols. Fast convergence requirements, QoS requirements and jitter and delay requirements can be addressed using open standards IP protocols
item: Thesis-Abstract
Assessing expectations in using credit cards from different categories of Sri Lankan managers using lifestyle based approach
Jayalath, JHPUK; Samarasinghe, K; Samarasinghe, K
Abstract Credit cards play a positive role in our lifestyles today. With rapidly changing lifestyles, upward mobility of the executive cadre, there is a rapid shift towards a cash less society and Credit card becomes now a basic financial market product. However, there is a great deal of skepticism whether Credit card creates values for individual business. In Sri Lanka there are many firms compete in this market. Even though competition is intense, the industry fails to offer consumers the traditional benefits and their expectations arising from competition. The Credit card issuer only concerns consumer's income level, assets in issuing a card, but there is no identification of expectations based on their lifestyle patterns and customization the card accordingly. The results will be consumer's switching, problems of customer retention and attraction of a new customer. In Sri Lanka this is a momentous problem to deal with, as it is unavailing to invest for a credit card if such investment is not getting a value to the consumer and also to the issuer. This study is an exercise, which has been carried out in order to identify most significant factors, which affect the expectation in using credit cards of managers in Sri Lankan organizations. The main argument in this study is that in a given lifestyle group one's expectations on Credit cards is different from that of another in the same group. And also to find out Credit card expectation of a given lifestyle group is different from that of another group. There search has been carried out in selecting eighty Sri Lankan managers from different industries including telecommunication, banking, insurance, IT, consumer product and government firms. Data has been collected using a comprehensive questionnaire. An individual's lifestyle has been firstly identified using SRI Consulting's Values and Lifestyles (VALS) topology, the most widely used classification technique in lifestyle based researches. Spearman's statistic technique has been used to identify the most significant factors which affect consumer expectations on credit cards based on the lifestyle groups, whereas simple statistics and comparison has been used to find out the relationship between the expectation level and lifestyle of an individual belong to each lifestyle segment. According to the findings, it is shown that the different lifestyle groups have different expectations (Prestige, Security, Convenience, Tryout new things, Online shopping, Transfer money between cards, Offline shopping, discounts, Fashion and Foreign visits) on Credit cards. And there is a high preference within a lifestyle group; each member has a similar kind of expectation level. This helps to provide recommendations to the banking and Card issuers inissuing, promoting and customizing the cards based on their lifestyles.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Churn management in Sri Lankan retail mobile market
Adikari, AARE; Samarasinghe, K; Rabel, S
Chum is a measure of the number of subscribers who leave or switch to another carrier’s service. Chum is two fold comprising voluntary chum and involuntary chum .The frequent migration of customers is in a way a threat to mobile operators as the expense on customer acquisition is greater than retention. On the other hind, for any operator it is difficult to maintain a steady growth in the market without maintaining the existing customer// Due to profound competition, controlling chum rate is becoming a challenge to Mobile Operators and identifying reasons for Chum is an even greater challenge as it is highly dependent on the values, culture, attitudes and perception of the different segment.// The main causes for retention or chum from one network in Sri Lankan conical (for different segments) arc identified by a questionnaire evaluated across various demographic factors (Age, Education level. Monthly income Gender). The questionnaire was distributed among 400 mobile subscribers and received 105responses which were used in the analysis set out in the chapters to follow. Strategies that can be used to minimize chum rate is identified based on the feed hack received in the questionnaire and by looking at best practices available in the region. Finally. Researcher developed a model lo prioritize the influencing factors (Tariff. Coverage, Brand, VAS, QOS) for overall customer satisfaction of Sri Lankan Mobile customers and checked whether there is any relationship with demographic factors and influencing factors for chum. In addition to that, researcher has suggested strategies that should be adopted by Sri 1-ankan mobile operators to minimize chum
item: Thesis-Abstract
Critical analysis of impact of information security policies on employees' job stress in Sri Lankan telecom secto
Fernando, TS; Samarasinghe, K
Job Stress is an extensively discussed topic worldwide and many researchers have done empirical studies to analyze the factors affecting job stress and have identified many stressors. Information Security Policy can be defined as a set of controls and procedures adapted by a particular organization to provide adequate protection to maintain confidentiality of data. It has become essential to enforce IS Policy to protect confidential information of the company in a competitive environment. However, some of the restrictions enforced by such policies may create unpleasant working environment. Moreover, there is a belief that some IS policies are affecting job stress of the employees. Therefore, the main objective of this research is to investigate the job stress resulting from IS Policies. Both quantitative and qualitative methods have been employed for this study. Even though the term job stress is a discussed topic, no study has been carried out so far to analyze the job stress resulting from the IS Policy in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, all the employees who are working with telecommunication operators in Sri Lanka were considered as the target population and proportionate stratified random sampling method was used to select the sample. Research findings reveled that job stress resulting from the IS Polices may go high when the availability and awareness about such policies are at a low level Further, if the policies are not properly enforced, that may also lead to the increase of the level of job stress. Research findings showed that employees' privacy violations by IS Policy and effects of IS Policy violations are having a strong positive relationship with the job stress. Therefore, it is suggested that restrictions enforced by the IS polices should also be added to list of job stressors. This study concludes with a discussion and necessary recommendations for reformulations of the information security polices in Sri Lankan telecommunication sector.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Developing a conceptual plan for road infrastructure usage management with use of ICT : a strategic approach
Wijesundara, KWRAK; Bandara, JMSJ; Samarasinghe, K
Traffic congestion in Colombo is a major problem facing Sri Lanka, which is being affecting the economic growth of the country. Increased active population, in sufficient road infrastructure and lack of user adherence to traffic laws and conducts have being the main reasons for this situation. Currently the government is actively involving in building new road infrastructure, by means of expressways, highways and upgrading the existing road net work in achieving its economic targets. Considering this situation, it is anticipated the problem will become more severe where a nun controllable traffic situation that can arise in the future. This research has looked into the successful measures adopted by other countries and how information and communication technology (lCT) has been used to solve the problem. In making a suitable plan to overcome the congested situation in Colombo, user views about the problem and their suggestions have taken in to account. Considering the current socio economic situation of Sri Lanka, suitable ICT based solutions and components have been chosen to address the situation in strategic manner, which switching road transportation demand to mass transportation demand. The plan is presented in three dimensions; as measure of solving problems, as systems and plan as changes. It has been described new mechanisms and the role of the ICT that is playing in this suggestion. Anticipated benefits are identified followed by a highlighting of cost components at the plan implementation. Future consideration of the plan has been discussed, which this research can aid for possible investors who can look for investment in transportation and traffic and travel information management arena.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Developing a strategy and an open module for N-SBC to eliminate DDOS attacks from sip based NGN IP interconnections
(2015-09-18) Weerasinghe, SN; Samarasinghe, K
The Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) is the communication protocol of the future. Used for Voice-over-IP (VoIP), Internet Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), SIP's concepts are based on mature and open standards and it is usage is increasing rapidly. However, with its acceptance as a mainstream communication platform, security concerns become ever more important for users and service providers. Usage of SIP for communication is currently spreading into the last mile of mobile and fixed line carriers making then very much vulnerable to the protocols ofthe internet domain. The posed threat can be understood by the increasing number of calls being initiated from the internet to mobile and fixed line devices. At the crust, in order to manage the threats coming in from the internet, operators usually go for tighter Security in the Session Boarder Gateway (SBC), the interface between internet and the operator's domain. Furthermore, rogue attempts to infiltrate the Operator's domain is now becoming a common occurrence and leading to losses beyond billions of dollars of revenue. Irony is that Operator's sometimes does not understand the scale of the exploitation until much later in the billing cycle. This thesis identifies the probable modes of attacks including DoS and DDoS, and provides a strategy and an implementation plan to identify these threats via pattern matching and heuristic logic which is built on leaning algorithms. Target is to introduce a solution capable of learning and identifying patterns which leads to DoS, DDoS attacks and eliminate the rogue communication threads from ever entering the realms of the operator. With this solution, general VOIP communications with Operators shall be more robust against DoS and Distributed DoS attacks and many other threats looming at the N-SBS level of an NGN network.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Developing broadband models for communities
Wijesinghe, TM; Samarasinghe, K
Today, broadband access is regarded as an essential factor for economic and competitive survival in the 21st century. The development of the importance of broadband technology can be likened to the ever-increasing importance ofroad or rail when they were developed. Most advanced economies went through a transition in the second half ofthe 20th century, of being production-driven to service-driven. Now, in the 21st century, these economies are rapidly transforming into more towards being infonnation oriented and knowledge-driven economies. In such an environment, the skill, speed, and innovation needed to transform raw data into valuable knowledge and in turn, to use that knowledge with a profit motive is pivotal to international competitiveness [1]. By bringing the digital world literally to our doorstep, broadband would offer a tantalizing spectrum of benefits, such as, increased business productivity, improved healthcare, better education, interactive entertainment, and most importantly greater governmental efficiency. It is a known fact that Sri Lanka has the most de-regulated telecom sector in the South Asian region [2]. However, the expected economic growth has not been achieved. Possible reasons for this could be the lack of an adequate backbone infrastructure, lack of willingness to share resources, wire line connectivity to the international Internet has not been de-monopolized and the other incumbent operators do not have sufficient resources to invest in under-served areas. As a result of these problems there exists a high digital divide in various parts ofthe country. Therefore, it was considered worthwhile to investigate the potential causes and the long-term solutions for the above issues. The need of a research study was felt as highly necessary by the researcher. The study identifies the most potential candidates for the adoption of broadband. The provinces are considered as communities when identifying the most potential broadband candidates. The research study finally reveals that the Western Province as the chief broadband candidate. Next in line are the Southern Province and Central Province appearing consecutively. The least potential broadband candidate appears to be the Northern Province. u The researcher identifies some models which have been used in other countries and these models were analyzed in terms of local context to check the applicability of those models to our communities. Conclusively, the study suggests appropriate broadband models that should be adopted by the communities. A new model is introduced by the researcher to the Western Province named "Service Provider Model (SPM)”. For the Southern and Central Provinces, “Passive Infrastructure Model (PIM)” was determined as the best model. For the North Western and Sabaragamuwa Provinces research study suggests implementation of the “Carriers Carrier Model (CCM)”. These models will be useful for the introduction and use of broadband services in the identified communities. The researcher further analyses the implementation of the PIM and suggests fiber as the most suitable backbone technology. The researcher recommends implementing fiber through the Railway line or Power Line. Also, in order to facilitate service providers to distribute broadband services to more under-served parts of the communities, the researcher suggests the usage of state lands through provincial councils. The report concludes by presenting several suggestions for the successful implementation of one ofthe recommended models.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Development of a quality of service (QOS) policy framework for mobile broadband services in Sri Lanka
(2016-09-17) Konara, DG; Samarasinghe, K
Development of a QoS Policy Framework for Mobile Broadband Services in Sri Lanka Quality of Service (QoS) has become an important aspect of regulation as part of industry monitoring and consumer protection objectives. The statutory framework that exists currently in Sri Lanka for mobile broadband QoS regulation is elementary, outdated and no proper monitoring mechanism in relation to the telecommunications environment today. Therefore, the current regulations falls short of driving improvements in quality of service in the telecommunications industry, promoting investment and innovation in the provision of services, and empowering consumers to make informed decisions about the choice of services and service providers. This research is mainly focused to identify the most suitable parameters required to measure the broadband QoS in mobile telecommunication; define target values for those parameters; define the procedures to get the measurements and define the auditing procedures for the regulator. There are few steps used to gather information for the policy framework. A survey was conducted among the professional in mobile telecommunication industry in Sri Lanka as the premier step. Then a study was done about the already implemented broadband policy frameworks in other countries. And also, it was thoroughly followed the definitions and standard introduced by ITU and ETSI. Finally seven QoS parameters were identified which are suitable for the proposed QoS policy framework and defined their target values. The measurements for three parameters have to get from live tests and remaining four can be calculated from the network tools already used by the operators. Therefore first three measurements should be taken by the regulator and remainings should be taken by the operator and required to send them to the regulator. It is proposed to do these testings once a month and the regulator should do an audit once a quarter for each and every operator.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Effect of acceptable use policy on employee computer use : case of Sri Lankan software development organizations
Liyanagunawardena, TR; Samarasinghe, K
It is a known fact that some employees misuse the organizational computers to do their personal work such as sending emails, surfing the Internet, chatting, playing games. These activities not only waste productive time of employees but also bring a risk factor to the organization. This affects organizations in the software industry very much as almost all of their employees are connected to the Internet throughout them day./ By introducing an Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for an organization, it is believed that the computer misuse by its employees could be reduced. In many countries Acceptable Use Policies are used and they have been studied with various perspectives. In Sri Lankan context research on these areas are scarce. This research explored the situation in Sri Lanka with respect to AUPs and their effectiveness./ A descriptive study was carried out to identify the large and medium scale software development organizations that had implemented computer usage guidelines for employees. A questionnaire was used to gather information regarding employee’s usual computer usage behavior. Stratified random sampling was employed to draw a representative sample from the population./ Majority of the organizations have not employed a written guideline on acceptable use of work computers. The study results did not provide evidence to conclude that the presence or non presence of an AUP has a significant difference in computer use behaviors of employees. A significant negative correlation was observed between level of awareness about AUP and misuse. Access to the Internet and organizational settings were identified as significant factors that influence employee computer misuse behavior.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Ethical e-marketing for competitive advantage
Attanayake, AKGRD; Samarasinghe, K
Marketing practice is now busy integrating the potential of information and communication technologies through the utilization of databases and Internet marketing tools. Billions of potential consumers can now be reached this way. Therefore rivalry firms are in a big competition to increase their market share by attracting maximum portion of potential e-Purchaser. A brief observation in the Internet shows that these firms go beyond the ethical limits and adapt unethical and aggressive E-marketing practices to win from the competition./ The observation of marketing practice on the Internet can give an idea of the types of unethical practices that are either already in place or recommended by certain marketing consultancy sites A simple analysis of many sites highlights two important issues The first one is concerned with the gathering and selling of consumer information and the second one is concerned with the utilization of various marketing techniques such as pop- up banners, deceiving banners and hyperlinks and other forms of intrusive mechanisms, by which make e-Purchasers discomfort and impinge on their personal privacy. Meanwhile advent of new powerful Internet Technologies and Tools would make the unethical practices to be carried out seamlessly in the Internet Whereas the potentialities of ICT are endless, the very interactiveness of the Internet creates new and serious ethical problems reflected by the use of short-term aggressive actions. Given the fact that such powerful tools and techniques will becomc the norm within two to five years, experts advocate that firms that wish to differentiate themselves from their competitors will have to turn to E-marketing ethics in order to gain and keep consumers. Firms that follow ethical marketing stances are likely to be more Competitively Advantaged in the future. Adhering to these facts the possibility of creating Competitive Advantage through Ethical Interactivity in E-Marketing was investigated in this research. The Ethical Interactivity in E-Marketing was evaluated through three visible forms of e-Marketing namely Web Advertising, E-Mail marketing and Customer Profiling. Ethical Interactivity in Web Advertising and E-Mail marketing is judged against three criteria (Nwachukwu model): Consumer sovereignty, Individual Autonomy and Harmfulness of product To measure the Ethical Interactivity in Customer Profiling process (through information galhciing), Gauzenle and Ranchhod's seven-factor model (notice, choice, access, contact, security, horizon, and intrusiveness) has been used. The importance paid to factors in each criterion can reflect the degree of ethical interactivity that the firm is willing to exhibit. In fact correct interpretation of these practices leads to empowered e-Purchasers creating Competitive Advantage for the firm and greater benefits for the e-Purchasers themselves The room for creating Competitive Advantage is determined through the intensity of Positive Response Behavior of the e-Purchasers towards the high Ethical Interactivity To find out relationship between Ethical Interactivity and the Positive Response Behavior, the research has been carried out separately for Local, South Asian, European and North American e-Purchasers. Positive results found for European and North American regions. Hence there's a possibility in creating Competitive Advantage through Ethical Inactivity in these regions./ Meantime the Effectiveness of the Customer Profiling process was examined too. This process is found to be highly effective among European e-Purchasers. Then the impact by the Internet laws towards the Ethical E-marketing practices was investigated. It was observed that the impact is low on unethical marketing practices due to difficulties in executing such laws (cross country issues) and lack of Internet governing body. In that perspective, this makes the Competitive Advantage through Ethical Interactivity a sustainable one. Finally some of the important factors were determined for designing an ethically interactive site, based on all the research findings.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Factors affecting the demand and implementation of e-learning in Sri Lankan tertiary education system
Liyanage, MS; Samarasinghe, K
The study was carried out to determine the factors affecting the demand and supply(provision) of e- Learning in Sri Lankan tertiary education system. This is a cross sectional study conducted in Colombo district, Western province in Sri Lanka. Ninety one e-Learning users and ten organizations, who are in e- Learning environment participated in the field study. The conceptual model was developed after considering the global models and the factors in the initial literature review. The hypotheses were developed for statistical verifications of the concepts. The concepts for e-Learning demand were measured with variables in the questionnaires. Two separate questionnaires were designed fore-Learners and the providers. The study findings were statistically analyzed to identify the significant differences 111the concepts. The responses of the e-Learners were analyzed separately with using parametric and non parametric statistical tools. Current occupational status, highest school education, present income level, field of higher education, level of education ,Internet usage and availability of E-mail are some of the considered SOCIO demographic factors for the study. The study revealed that the demand for e-Learning affects from the SOCIO demographic factors of the learners, technology, cost, recognition, contents, delivery methods and culture of the program. Provision of e-Learning programs in Sri Lanka is in primitive stage and hence statistical analysis was not possible with the collected data .. Most of the users follow programs offered from foreign organizations through the Internet. Some organizations considered e-Learning and have been given up due to low return on investment and other technical factors. It was recommended to consider the socio-demographic factors of the learners, when designing and delivering e-Learning programs .The provider should consider technology, cost, recognition, contents, delivery methods and culture of the e-Learning program, because the demand varies with the above factors in Sri Lankan tertiary education e-Learning environment. Further longitudinal studies with a larger sample size on the same objectives, as well as studies on social and health implications due to e-Learning concept, are recommended.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Framework for post evaluation of implementation of enterprise systems
Jayasinghe, C; Dassanyaka, S; Samarasinghe, K
A range of influences, both technical and organizational, has encouraged the wide spread adoption of Enterprise Systems (ES). The decision to implement an Enterprise System is a strategic one. E..\;) will have major impact in every area of the organization ranging from front office customer care functions to back office strategic planning and decision making. Nevertheless, there is a growing consensus that Enterprise Systems have in many cases failed to provide expected benefits. The increasing role of, and dependency on ES (and l'I' in general), and the 'uncertainty' of these large investments, have created a strong need to monitor and measure ES performance. This paper reports on a research project aimed at deriving a 'Framework for post evaluation of implementation of Enterprise Systems'. The research seeks to identify a holistic approach to Enterprise Systems evaluation by identifying different perspectives and factors. The conceptual framework identifies five perspectives where post evaluation of implementation should be focused, namely, Business vision, product perspective, financial performance, user perspective and match of business process of the company. Each perspective has several attributes that help to measure the performance of the system. The conceptual framework takes into consideration 22 attributes in evaluating the performance of an Enterprise system. Each attributes performance was captured in 3dimensions. They are the level of performance expected by the users, performance of the previous system and the current system. The framework proposed by this paper makes managers to bear in mind that ES post evaluation does not only refer to traditional quantitative ROI measures but should include new dimensions such as strategic, user expectations, product attributes, business process and productivity. The paper unfolds that the performance of a system is a subjective judgment depends on the users expectation level on each attribute. The level of expectation one user (group) to another differs and the perception of the ES performance highly depends on the ability of the system to satisfy this expectation level of each user. Identifying the expectation level of each user on each attribute helps to identify what they value most and hence helps to identify the areas of the system that have not met the expectation level of the users and areas where the system is failing
item: Thesis-Abstract
Human resource accounting framework for Sri Lankan software industry
Wickramasinghe, RDMP; Samarasinghe, K; Nanayakkara, V
The success or failure of any enterprise is largely based on effective utilization of its resource base, and all business managers attempt to optimize the acquisition, allocation, and development of the asset potential of the firm. Whilst there is much focus on accounting and managing of physical and financial assets, most managers and accountants tend to ignore or half-heartedly pursue similar accountability for what are often key elements for success of a modern day enterprise, which is the organization's employees, "the human asset". Accounting & effective utilization of "human asset" befalls more important & relevant in "Software Development" industry than most other current industries due to its significantly high employment of human assets. Currently, there aren't many Sri- l.ankan software development houses, including significantly large scale organizations who employee scientific methods for human asset accounting. Even though the importance of human asset accounting has been felt by many such organizations, adaptation & implementation of any models are of rare nature. This research paper tries to provide recommendations/ framework for successfully adopting Human Resource Accounting (measuring & reporting Human Resources) by the Sri-Lankan Software Industry through evaluating its importance, relevance & benefits to the industry. In this exercise the researcher tries to address the need for, reasons of, to whom it is important, current practices, barriers and implementation of measuring & reporting Human Resources. Researcher tries to look at how different industry sectors & different job functions perceive Measuring & Reporting Human Resources in order to increase the level of practicality & applicability of recommendations.
item: Thesis-Full-text
The Impact of IT infrastructure on business performance in trade and services enterprises
(12/3/2011) Uditha, HG; Samarasinghe, K
This study attempts to present current utilization of IT infrastructure in the Trade and Services sector enterprises to achieve business objectives and to observe the relationship between IT infrastructure and business performance with the same services sector. After a comprehensive review of relevant literature to find definitions and the characteristics of IT infrastructure available, a sample comprising fifty one-companies was selected in a way to cover four major service sector categories representing Wholesale, retail trade and hotels, Transport and communication, Financial and business services and Education, health, cultural and recreational services. Data from these organizations was collected on the basis of a questionnaire developed for the purpose. Data collected for each of the research constructs was then statistically analyzed through linear regression and Pearson correlation techniques. The findings strongly indicate a significant impact of IT infrastructure practices in the business performances of these organizations. This outcome confirms the results of earlier findings related to work on IT infrastructure. In instances where the service sector organizations heavily utilize IT infrastructure related practices, such as IT component related practices, Shared IT services related practices, and IT personnel related practices and Shared IT application related practices, it was found that these organizations are able to achieve higher business performance. It was also observed that above listed sector categories have shown different levels of IT infrastructure practices. The financial services sector and communicational services sector organizations are currently adopting their IT infrastructure practices significantly whereas the Wholesale, retail and hotels sector and Educational, health and recreational services sector are currently utilizing practices at a level below. Hence, a utilization model could be developed to represent the level of IT deployment services sectorially. Keywords—IT Infrastructure, Business Performance, Practices, IT Utilization
item: Thesis-Abstract
Key success factors & portfolio management of 3G services
Perumbuli, SK; Samarasinghe, K
With the worldwide development of mobile technologies, mobile services have already become an essential part of people lives and society. After experiencing a series of innovations and developments, the mobile technology began to enter 3G period starting from year 2000. The 3G refers to the third generation of mobile telephony technology. The third generation, as the name suggests, follows two earlier generations. This dissertation is aimed to investigate key success factors in 3G mobile services and identification of portfolio of 3G services. In order to achieve these aims, the researcher proposed an extended Technology Acceptance Model as the research framework for testing consumer attitudes towards 3G services. Moreover, a survey approach was adopted for data collection and a questionnaire was designed based on the literature review and the research model. At the end of the survey, the researcher collected 82 valid samples for this research and the samples are from actual 3G users. After the data analysis and discussion, the results indicate that the Perceived Usefulness (PUI Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Price Level (PPL) and Perceived Playfulness (PP) are the direct factors influencing consumer attitudes and the success of 3G services. Moreover some indirect factors like 3G branding as well as customer support are other factors influencing consumers. Further studies on these aspects were suggested for future research.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Knowledge management framework for mobile telecommunication sector in Sri Lanka
Nadeera, J; Samarasinghe, K
Sri Lankan mobile telecommunication industry is a fiercely competitive market space where five key mobile service companies operate. Most operators provide their services island wide; therefore the coverage footprint is no longer a differentiating factor. On the other hand, knowledge is a tool, which companies can use to provide a better service quality, which is now in demand with customers. Due to globalization and increasing opportunities for individuals, companies face a challenge to retain best employees within the organization. Now the focus has shifted to keep the knowledge within the organization even with the movement of skilled labor. Therefore, knowledge management systems are necessary than ever before, but a most suitable knowledge management framework is yet to be identified. The objective of this study was to determine a most appropriate Knowledge Management Framework for Mobile telecommunication sector in Sri Lanka. To realize this goal, initially, a literature survey was performed. The Author analyzed various knowledge management models available and best global practices of knowledge management aspects. It revealed six key concept variables, i.e. socialization, externalization, combination, internalization, knowledge sharing culture, and leadership. Next, an online survey tested these concepts to find the importance and current practices in the mobile telecommunication industry in Sri Lanka. This study identified that all the six concept variables were relevant to Sri Lankan context, while externalization, combination, and internalization practices were at a lower level. Finally, a knowledge management framework suitable for mobile telecommunication industry in Sri Lanka was developed.
item: Thesis-Full-text
National broadband strategies for Sri Lanka
Jayalath, MB; Samarasinghe, K
Objective of this study was to propose a set of national broadband strategies that suits to Sri Lankan context. Strategic planning process is used as the model to build up national broadband strategies. Initial step of the model is to set some strategic objectives. Therefore, set of strategic objectives, goals, targets for broadband were proposed. It is required to conduct an environmental scanning process which can be used to identify internal and external factors of the broadband environment. Environmental scanning process was done by a questionnaire which was administered among industry personnel and also the face to face interviews were carried out with government body personnel which represented from TRCSL and ICTA. Interviews which were carried out, revealed about existing broadband strategies and also the national broadband policy which has been drafted by a committee of broadband experts. Then the set of broadband plans were formulated and proposed and output of literature was used a platform to build up broadband plans. Literature survey was carried as an analysis of approaches that leading countries have taken in expanding their broadband markets, with a focus on the Republic of Korea. In addition, case studies covered Finland, France, Japan and the United States. Another case study of broadband implementation of Nigeria was also discussed in literature survey. Then this study revealed some set of broadband initiatives and policies that can be aligned with broadband plans. Those initiatives and policies are validated by the outcome of the literature survey and the discussion which had with government body personnel.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Policy and regulatory framework for NGN interconnection in Sri Lanka
(2016-09-17) Siwantha, N.G.S.; Samarasinghe, K
Policy and regulatory framework for NGN interconnection in Sri Lanka The NGN represents a synthesis of existing world of the traditional Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) with the world of the Internet. The economic and regulatory arrangements for the two have historically been very different. Many of the networks created over the past ten years contain most of the key elements of an NGN. Most, if not all, of the technology necessary for IP-based NGN interconnection has been available for five to ten years. Advanced approaches to interconnection have been slow to deploy, even where the technology has been mature or within hailing distance of maturity. In order to propose a regulatory and policy framework to interconnect NGN in Sri Lanka, it is analyzed existing technologies, standards, and practices of other countries and regions. It is analyzed the future telecommunication trends and impact to the new NGN interconnection model from those future trends. The current interconnection model and future predicted network structure in Sri Lanka is analyzed in order to make sure the proposing interconnection structure is a future proof one. It is selected one major mobile telecommunication operator in Sri Lanka and analyzed the characteristics of traffic distribution. It can be identified that traffic distribution of selected operator is correlated with population distribution in Sri Lanka. Therefore it is proposed a new interconnection topology to Sri Lanka based on that traffic analysis. It can be identified that more than 50% of traffic is originated and terminated in same region. Therefore it is proposed five regional interconnection hubs with ENUM registries for Sri Lanka. Interconnection hubs are positioned at population centers not in geographical centers. It is proposed to mandate every operator to connect in to interconnection hub. Interconnection hub will be managed by TRCSL as independent non for profit entity. The view of TRCSL on proposed model and regulatory framework is taken and analyzed at the end.