Master of Business Administration in Project Management

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item: Thesis-Full-text
Stakeholder management issues in construction projects : a case study
Kulathunga, WVUR; Ekanayake, L
Construction industry, irrespective of its nature and magnitude, is affected by various problems which ultimately lead projects to failures. Surprisingly, most of these problems are nontechnical but related to different aspects of Project Management. Stakeholder Management is a critical component in Project Management which is largely responsible for either the successful delivery of a project or its failure. There are hundreds of examples from all over the world, for failures in construction projects due to ineffective management of Stakeholders. The purpose of this study is to investigate how far the theories and concepts of Stakeholder Management are being practiced in the Construction industry of Sri Lanka by using a case study project and thereby to identify the main issues in Stakeholder management in construction projects. In the study, among the few models developed for Stakeholder management in businesses, one model was selected as suitable and data collected was analyzed in comparison with the guidelines given in the selected model. The main issue in Stakeholder management of construction projects, as identified in this study is that more attention is usually paid on the key stakeholders with all three attributes of Power, Legitimacy & Urgency whereas latent stakeholders are given less significance. However, with the finding of the study it was noted that there is a tendency of latent stakeholders to behave dynamically to gain access to other stakeholders and become more powerful and influential towards the Project. In order to overcome similar issues in future Projects, it is recommended not only to study the individual impact of each latent stakeholders but to analyze their impact with every possible combinations of other stakeholders. It is recommended to expand the scope of the study in to different sectors of construction industry and to reach a more generalized conclusion on main issues of stakeholder management in construction projects in Sri Lanka.
item: Thesis-Full-text
ICT Influence on television newsrooms
Rajamanoharan, S; Perera, AADAJ
Newsroom Computer System (NRCS) plays a critical role in today’s cutting edge Media world. By bringing different functions of newsroom together into one large integrated system, an NRCS creates opportunities for growth in the sector and increased productivity. The study examines the ICT influence in TV newsroom, ICT has played a major role and newsroom has changed enormously. The study was supported by literatures related to ICT influence in newsroom operations. The research methodology process was on qualitative approach, study relied on combination of detailed interviews document analysis, experimental process and observation. The importance ofthe study is the findings and the data, which was obtained from newsrooms where a complete NRCS system is in operation. Analysis were performed in stages, Financial analysis was done on BBC, where annual reports and financial statements for several years were reviewed and identified BBC has invested £79M for digital initiative and due to poor management the project was withdrawn with a loss and partial amount being recovered. BBC reinvested £144M for new NRCS system. BBC displayed loss and investments in the period but was growing with revenue and pushing for new technology. Further analysis was performed on Newslst broadcast schedule (FPC) in years 2007 and 2015, which was the periods on traditional system and use ofNRCS. Newslst have shown 20% increase in programs after the use of NRCS and also TV channel ratings display higher percentage of audience share. Experimental analysis was conducted on traditional system vs NRCS in the aim ofidentifying the operational efficiency. Newsroom ten activities like scripting, ingesting, editing, etc. were taken and real time operations were performed and recorded on both methods. Activities on NRCS are efficient and low time consuming, no documentation and less resources. Interview analysis was performed with 10 candidates, overall opinions state NRCS is the futuristic and it's important for newsroom in current generation. Conclusion were drawn that efficiency and benefits were gained in use ofNRCS and journalist practices were changed. Recommend as per study, NRCS should be considered by newsroom in Sri Lanka to be in par with technology and leading news provider.
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Barriers on small scale contracors to enter and survive compettitive construction industry in Sri Lanka
Ramawickrama, G; Ekanayaka, LL; Gunawardena, K
Many challenges are facing by business managers when there are projects involved in their business in construction industry. Construction is industry is not an exception when project comes in to their businesses as a part of the business activity. Many barriers are directly resulting to operations related and some are indirect marginal activities of SME level for its survival. While managing a SMEs, most ofthe time, challenges are addressed by the SMEs to ensure the success and survival. Many considerations are included in communication, workforce, safety, time constraints, and nature ofthe project, quality and time management. From a literature review six predominant problems currently facing the construction industry were identified. With the analysis of data and above constrains in the field of construction SMEs survival, it reveals that the clear relationship between employee turnover, application of new technology, government regulations, financing, contractor awareness of environmental issues, project management, knowledge transfer and survival ofSME construction companies. The underlying aim ofranking these problems being towards developing a strategy for improving the performance of the construction sector and improving client satisfaction through the satisfaction of SME operations. Accordingly, research question is formulated to address the issue of “what are the existing situations of competitive construction industry in Sri Lanka and what are the barriers to enter and survive in competitive construction industry in Sri Lanka?” The opinions of Construction Company concerning the severity ofthese problems was obtained through a questionnaire survey. Finings revealsthat, there are direct relationship between employee turnover, application of new technology, government regulations, financing, contractor awareness of environmental issues, project management, knowledge transfer and survival of SME construction companies. This was proved by using the fishbone model. With the findings ofthis research, it is not only applicable to locally, but also to address to mitigate issues related to survival of construction SMEs at global level.
item: Thesis-Full-text
An analysis of environmental factors in open office layouts
Geekiyanage, VD; Ekanayaka, LL
‘Cellular office layouts’ and ‘open office layouts’ are the two main office designing techniques available for a Facility Manager. The latter is the widely used technique out of the two due to the reasons such as efficient space utilization, cost effectiveness, easiness in altering the layouts etc.. Although, both the techniques have its advantages and disadvantages, it is observed that lot of grievances exist among the users of “open office layouts”. The employee productivity and Job satisfaction level are found to be inter-related. Hence the factors affecting the job satisfaction level of an employee is vital for organizational management. Satisfaction level about the work place is identified as one of the factors affecting job satisfaction level of an employee. The literature available about working environment and productivity, discusses about the attributes which affect Overall Environmental Satisfaction level (Satisfaction level about ones work place) of an employee occupying a workplace. Out of them, the researcher identified 21 attributes as the base of his study and developed a questionnaire to gather information about the occupant’s Overall Environmental Satisfaction level in relation to the identified attributes. Survey done among the 46 executives in two offices, implies that the 21 attributes identified, have a direct impact upon the Overall Environmental Satisfaction level of an occupant. Hence inclusion of said 21 attributes, into layout designs is very vital in providing an efficient and productive working environment. Further, a detailed analysis about customer requirements and their interdependencies, prior to design a layout, is important, since success of the proposed layout will depend upon inclusion ofthem. User awareness about the functionality and design considerations (or assumptions) ofthe layout is also important in maintaining the office layout as intended. Finally the office layouts are to be checked routinely, for their intended performance levels after handing over.
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Impact of monetary and non monetary rewards towards employee motivation : case study of garment industry in Sri Lanka
Perera, KE; Ekanayake, LL
This research is carried out to investigate the impact of monetary and non-monetary rewards towards employee motivation. Therefore, research objectives are set out to understand to identify different financial and non-financial rewards used by the organization considered, to critically evaluate the importance of using financial and non-financial rewards for organization and to access the significant of motivating employees for the organization.Further, study is carried out to analyse the impact of financial and non-financial rewards on employee motivation of the organization. Further study is used to provide recommendations on ensuring employee motivation through financial and non-financial rewards.Primary and secondary data collection methods are used to investigate the study. Quantitative data analysis method is used to collect numerical data and analyse the numerical data from SPSS statistical software a well MS Excel. Frequency distribution analysis is used to address the second objective of the research. Thereby, it can be concluded that all independent variables are important for motivation as they are all above the mean value of 3. The most important reward is achievement followed by influence. Monetary rewards are also of high importance according to the above analysis.Correlation analysis and Regression analysis is carried out to explore the most significance motivating factors which affects the employee’s motivation. And it is found that Achievement Recognition and Financial Rewards are most significant factors that affects the employee motivation.It is recommended to provide support to employees to achieve job tasks, to motivate employees while appraising their exceptional performance, to motivate employees by considering their new ideas and suggestions, to get the employee participation in organisational decision making process, to allow employees to get benefits from opportunities, to allow employees to take organisational decisions freely, to keep the employee suggestion box to motivate employees in other way, to develop training and development programs to enhance employee skills and competencies of the organisation and to provide monetary rewards to employees of the organisation.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Prefabricated building method in Sri Lanka and user attitude
De Silva, CSR; Ekanayaka, LL
During the development of construction industry, people looked forward on building their houses by using less time and cost consuming methods. Prefabricated building methods were introduced as the outcome of this developmental process. In conventional building method, both total fabrication and erection were carried out in the site, which was a highly labour intensive work and also it was difficult to control the wastages and quality. In such rough working environment, labours refused working, where it became very difficult to arrange skill labours to these work sites. High scarcity of resources, daily rising cost of raw materials, controlling of wastage become much more important. Prefabricated building method grab considerable market share in developed countries like United States, Japan, china and United Kingdom. From early 1960s prefabricated housing projects were lunched in Sri Lanka. But this method could not grab significant market share in Housing industry of Sri Lanka. Prefabricated housing projects that previously carried out in various parts of Sri Lanka, selected as the case study and carried out user responsive survey and using personal observation prepare the conclusion and recommendations. Visiting the prefabricated model manufactures and analysis the pros and cons of their models and found out the reasons behind their models, why that those poorly attract the market. After analysis of all the information, found that major reasons for not grabbing considerable market share as that this prefabricated housing method did not considering the local customs and believes, local climatic conditions, lack of space and expandable ability within these housing units and poor marketing of model manufactures. Then considering these conclusion and prepare the recommendation as the guide line on launching of prefabricated housing projects, where these steps will give good opportunity to grab considerable market shear for prefabricated housing in housing industry.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Critical evaluation on achieving total implementation of ERP in Manufacturing firms
Wewalage, H; Perera, A
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system has been one of the most popular business management systems, providing benefits of real-time capabilities and seamless communication for business in large organizations. However, not all ERP implementations have been successful. Since ERP implementation affects entire organizations such as process, people, and culture, there are a number of challenges that companies may encounter in implementing ERP systems. This research is the quest to find out the feasibility of implementing an ERP system for the manufacturing sector in Sri Lanka, focusing on the cost benefit of production planning, purchasing, inventory management, and supply management optimization. Literature was reviewed in order to study ERP systems, usage of information technology in manufacturing sector, manufacturing information system and global case studies of ERP system implementations on manufacturing sector and return of investment of from above optimization. Application software systems must be architected in order to deal with the current and future needs of the business organization. Managing optimization of production planning, purchasing, inventory management, and supply management using architecture-centered methodologies must be an intentional step in the process of deploying information systems which not an accidental by product of the software acquisition and integration process.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Applicability of agile project management for construction projects
Kumara, PMWP; Perera, A
Project management is today a current and highly discussed area. Projects within the construction industry are managed has not changed significantly during the last decades. The construction industry, the number of different actors and the way that projects are procured today has however changed. This has led to a gap between the managerial view on how construction projects should be conducted today and how they actually are executed. This is reason enough to question this conservative industry and look into what possibilities there might be in the future. Using agile methodologies have numerous advantages over the classical methods used in project management in construction projects. However, their characteristics make them appropriate to be applied to projects in other areas.Project management in the information systems industry has had a poor record of delivering value and has consequently seized upon the recent evolutional of agile project management.The meaning of the agile project management, from whence it originated and whether it has further applicability, are not widely understood. The construction industry also might benefit from the adoption of agile project management. A literature review has established that agile project management does indeed offer significant improvements and that the construction industry might also potentially benefit. In order to resolve to an agile theory, the underlying rationales for agile have been explored, leading to the identification of further promising research. The agile methodologies are suited for projects with high complexity and uncertainty. It is also suitable to work in agile ways when a project has unclear specifications, changing situations, complex project goals and results needs to be achieved continually or early in the project process.In order to this study is focused on establishing the possibility of applying the scrum method in construction project management. The compatible scrum framework is identified for construction projects as a result of the literature review. A case study is conducted by following the model outputs, and then reviews the possibility of establishing the scrum roles,meetings and artifacts. An expertise review is referred to validate and generalize the case study output to construction project management. Even though the case study highlighted the positive possibilities to establish scrum methods in construction project management, the expertise review is not positively resulted.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Causes and effects of delay in completion of government funded building construction projects in Sri Lanka : with special reference to the projects based in Western Province
Perera, GHNN; Ekanayaka, LL
The main purpose of this study is to identify the causes of delay in completion of government funded building construction projects in Sri Lanka; with special reference to the projects based in the Western province as well as to highlight its impact on the construction industry and to round up by forwarding recommendations for minimization of such delays. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the engineers representing consultants and contractors engaged in building construction projects of government funded projects in western province of Sri Lanka to identify the delays and their effects. The delay in completion of government funded building construction projects could be due to various reasons and those reasons will change from region to region. For this research, a questionnaire was used with 25 delay causes and the responses were ranked according to relative importance index. At the completion of the research nineteen causes were identified which have more effect on the delay. Those 25 delay causes were grouped in to four called client related delays, consultant related delays, contractor related delays and other delays and were used in finding which party had higher impact on project delay. The ten effects were listed in the questionnaire that can occur as a result of delay in building construction projects and ranked them according to their importance level. Having identified the causes having a high effect for the delays, the areas that are to be improved/concentrated can be identified and that will help overcome the problem for delays. According to the analyzed data, shortage of skill labor is the cause with the most impact and delay in providing necessary drawings and delay in delivery of required material to the site has become the second and third position respectively. Also it was found that delays occurring from the contractor’s side have higher impact on project delay. Increasing in the final cost of the project is the main effect which results from the delay in completion of government funded building construction projects.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Feasibility of improving water quality using terminalia arjuna medicinal plant and its' economic benefits
Buhar, GNH; Jayasinghe, C
Feasibility of Improving Water Quality using Terminalia arjunaMedicinal Plant and its’ Economic Benefits One of the main issues faced by the isolated rural poor communities is the unavailability of safe drinking water1, resulting in the worsening of health conditions (eg. chronic kidney disease) and related social issues. With the pollution of natural water bodies, the government has to spend enormous amount of revenue for water treatment to produce safe drinking water to the nation. Approximate cost of chemical consumption for a conventional water treatment plant is US$4to5 per 1m3 per year2and presently, NWSDB produces 590million m3 of water annually3 in Sri Lanka. An opinion survey was carried-out regarding water purifying natural plants in Sri Lanka among traditional medical practitioners, through a questionnaire. The survery results show that Terminalia arjuna (Kumbuk[S]), Strychnos potatorum (Ingini[S]), Vetiveria zizanioides (Sevendara[S]), Nelumbo (Nelum[S]), Madhuca longifolia (Mee[S]), Aponogeton (Kekatiya[S]) plants are among the commonly used plants for water purification in Sri Lanka. Literature reviewed and data collected from traditional doctors and villages revealed that many traditional methods are used for water purifications with freely available natural resources. However, most of these methods lack scientific evidence and are not combined with new technological findings to improve the effectiveness of application for water purification and value addition for economic benefits. The following is a study attempting to scientifically reveal the possibility of water purification by Medicinal Plants/Terminalia arjuna plants. This study included a detailed investigation of the water purification ability of Terminalia arjuna plants. A sample reservoirs with a significant plant coverage in the North Central province of Sri Lanka, was selected. The selected reservoirs act as drinking water sources of the villagers in the area. Water samples collected from the reservoirs were tested for a chosen pollutant concentration (Cadmium4)in the laboratory. Test results were analysed to develop a relationship between water quality and coverage of Terminalia arjuna plant. A trend of reducing cadmium concentration with the increase in Terminalia arjuna plant coverage in the surroundings, was observed.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Effectiveness of passive building techniques in dry zone : a case study of an Eco - lodge
(2016) Wijeratne RVDND; Halwatura RU
Human beings utilize the natural environment to fulfill the basic needs for survival. The sole responsibility of protecting the natural environment for present and future generations is upon us. Built environment is a basic need of humans but most of these needs are catering to the ‘wants’ exceeding the actual ‘need’. The consequences we are facing due to over consumption of resources is an ‘eye-opener’, which conveys an alarming message that we should minimize the destruction to the natural environment. Understanding the environmental aspects and having the knowledge to practice them is the key for an environmental friendly and healthy development. Appreciation of such moves and approaches will influence other building sectors and stakeholders to become more environmental friendly in all aspects of the industry. The case that is looked at in this research is one of such attempts to understand the natural environment and creating an environment friendly building. This is a small step towards much larger goals, we need to achieve in terms of environment friendly building construction. The dry zone of Sri Lanka did not have much attraction due to its harsh climatic conditions throughout the year. But some Architects have been bold enough to face the challenge of creating innovative yet comfortable buildings with minimum environmental and social impacts. Selected building for the case study is designed by a reputed local architectural practitioner, Archt. Wijitha Basmnayake. The building known as Galkadawal Forest Lodge, is located 20km off Habarana, in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka, which falls into the dry zone. This is a fine example of manipulating built environment with minimum resources to suite the local climate with minimum environmental and financial costs.
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Trends in integrating disaster risk reduction initiatives in newly disigned buildings in differnt hazard prone area in northern province
(2015-09-18) Rajkumar, K; Ekanayake, L
This research is done for MBA programme in project Management year (2010/2011)in the University of Moratuwa. The main objective of the research is to study the trend towards Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) initiatives in the northern province of Sri Lanka. The School buildings, hospitals, housing construction and common building construction were considered during the study. One divisional secretariat division (Vadamarachi East) was selected for the field study since this division was affected by both Tsunami and war and there are lots of development activities in progress by various organizations in the Province. The data were collected in stages (a) to analyze the managerial initiatives,(b) the field level initiatives and achievements. The managerial and coordination mechanism information were collected through interviews with the relevant authorities and theinformation from government policies and new Act enactment. The application and implementation status were analyzed through field visit to the project locations which have been implemented by various organizations in the selected divisional secretariat. There were lots of national level initiatives took place after Tsunami. A solid development management and monitoring strategies were developed, but in the field level achievement was far away from the target. This was confirmed from the field level physical work done, the type plans developed by various organizations, the existing local authority’s standard for building approval. The DRR initiatives not properly implemented in the field level.The reasons were identified during the analysis as follows: (i) Disaster risk reduction is not adequately considered as a priority in development planning processes, (ii) Inadequate enforcement and authoritative powers to implement and monitor disaster preparedness and mitigation measures,(iii) Lack of technical and legal framework to integrate DRR into national and sectarian planning, (iv) The responsible body not realized the importance of disaster risk reduction application, (v) The political situation in the province and the lack of understanding between central and provincial governments is negative for DRR achievement, (vi) the provincial council give priority for other subject. (e.g.: political solution and administrative power sharing) and (vii) Lack of public awareness, people mentality and cultural believes (Vasthu). The following recommendations are proposed for future development to change the situation in positive direction. The local authority capacity and awareness among the responsible people need to be improved ( refer chapter 4.4 & 5.6). The existing coordination mechanism between national level and local level need to be improved (refer chapter 5.6). The authority for implementation of DRR initiatives should be more decentralized. It is important to create appropriate focal point in the field level to ensure and monitor the DRR activities implementation (refer chapter 4.1). The authorities should consider DRR initiatives during land allocation for construction purpose (refer chapter 5.6). The NGOs and INGOs need to maintain proper coordination mechanism with the responsible authority to implement the DRR initiatives successfully. The annexure 9 attached as guidance for future application. The National level: The central government should appoint a permanent coordination body involving ministers, government department, NGOs, UN agencies and private sectors. The government should accommodate periodic evaluation mechanism to ensure the sustainability of the initiatives The donors should insist the authorities to accommodate DRR activities during the financial assistant.
item: Thesis-Full-text
Public -private partnerships for infrastructure development in Sri Lanka
(2014-08-21) Perera, WSL; Ekanayake, LL
Public- Private Partnerships (PPPs) is becoming a popular investment model since late 1980s and 1990s in the world. PPPs in the delivery of public services have become a phenomenon which is spreading around the globe and generating great interest among governments, investors and other key project stakeholders. PPPs avoid the often negative effects of either exclusive public ownership or outright privatization. This is seen as a win-win situation for both public and private entities where they undertake large budget projects. This balanced approach is especially welcomed in public services which touch on every human being's basic needs & economical development of a country. Basically in this research, it is attempted to address three main objectives, which are to identify the current PPP coverage on infrastructure projects in Sri Lanka, to identify current deficiencies in PPP practices and areas which resist PPP being an attractive investment model in infrastructure developments in Sri Lankan context and to propose an improved PPP framework/model that can be use effectively and address the identified problems in infrastructure developments in Sri Lanka. (Based on Indian PPP framework) Based on theoretical framework in this research, a structured questionnaire was introduced for collecting data. Then, the data set has been evaluated using Likert Scale and giving weights for that and the total percentage of score. To get the maximum benefit from PPPs to a country, there are three main needs that motivate the governments to encourage into PPPs for develop infrastructures, Those are, first attract private capital investment, secondly increase efficiency and use available resources more effectively, thirdly reform sectors through a reallocation of roles, incentives, and accountability, better customers service, employee morale, transfer of technology and training for the people. In contrast, the Indian context/ framework of PPP practice has been compared against the deficiencies in the local PPP set up that is to suggest improvements to the Sri Lankan PPP framework
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Solution for national water supply & drainage board customers' problems in Colombo city
(2014-08-20) Letchumanamohan, S; Ekanayake, LL
Clean and adequate water is a basic and fundamental requirement of human beings. Focusing on customer requirement is particularly important, where several alternative sources and service providers are available. Customer satisfaction and good customer relationships are important in any business, which is also applicable to the N WS&DB in spite of state monopoly. A satisfied customer would assist by informing any pipe leaks in the distribution system and house connection promptly. This research aims to access the customer satisfaction levels of the NWS&DB customers, identify problems faced by the customers and suggest solutions in order to improve the intuitional and operational system. A questionnaire survey was conducted in 36 householders in Colombo South area who had complained to the NWS&DB. The important problems identified in the customer's survey are insufficient pressure in the distribution system, inaccurate meter reading, delay to attend repair work and poor quality of repairs. The relevant NWS&DB Engineers were interviewed to collect reasons for the above mentioned problems and the following important human resources management problems were identified. • Lack of self interest in the repair gangs • Lack of authority/ funds, to procure sufficient number of equipment. The important reasons for the customers' problems include • Minimum accountability of repairs as large number of the site gangs carry out the repair works in the whole city rather than a small number attending a specified area. • Minimum proactive maintenance and repairs are carried out by the existing O&M section, due to lack of motivation • At present the numbers of repair gangs are insufficient. The problem is worsened due to police requirement to carry out night work. The important reasons for all customers' problems were analyzed in order to propose a feasible management option on par with the available industry practices. The solution for the problems is recommended as both long term and short term. As a long term solution, decentralization of repairs and O&M of distribution system, and an incentive scheme in order to motivate the workers have been recommended. In order to solve the immediate problem the recommended short term solution is outsourcing of development works and excess activities for which available staff are inadequate. Further
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Managing the socio-economic impacts due to compaction operations during construction of Southern Expressway
(2014-08-19) Amarasinghe, SHTL; Manathunga, J
Southern expressway is the first expressway project started in Sri Lanka. It is expected to help reduce poverty in Southern region, integrate Southern region in to the Country's economic mainstreams, and promote regional development as well as reduce the travel time between the capital city and southern region. The main purpose of this study is to identify the socio-economic impacts during compaction activities while construction of the southern expressway in Sri Lanka, highlight its impact on the people's lives who live near the highway trace and to forward recommendations for minimization of such disturbances. A questionnaire survey was carried out among the professionals engaged in the project and also nearby households along the trace to identify the influence and the effects of compaction. Altogether 1,547 houses were inspected. In addition, persons who are holding the key positions of the project were interviewed. A crack survey was carried out before the compaction activities on the expressway trace as well as after the compaction activities. After that comparison of a pre- and post-crack survey was done to determine the actual damage to the houses located near the trace due to compaction activities. After analyzing all the data it is clear that houses which are located close to the expressway trace are considerably damaged due to the construction activities. Vibration levels were monitored by the government institutes regularly at nearby houses. Contractor is responsible for the damage due to higher vibration. Some houses have not been built to the proper standards and some are much old to withstand higher vibration levels. Prior to construction activities of the southern expressway an Environmental impact assessment (EIA) was done by University of Moratuwa in 1999. Mitigation proposed in the EIA has not satisfactorily been implemented as regards to the impact of vibration due to compaction operations and any sufficient attention had not been paid regarding the ground vibrations. Those are the major shortcomings which were identified in this research. Some of the unrealistic designs of the projects were proposedthat led to most of the project delays and more of the cost over-runs
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Longline fishing in Sri Lanka
(2014-08-19) Krishan, KWR; Ekanayake, LL
Coastal and deep sea fishing are the main sub sectors of Sri Lankan fishery industry. The deep sea fisheries in Sri Lanka have been in existence since the early 1980. Sri Lanka coastal fishing sector mainly uses conventional methods with less capital investments. Dispute of this, coastal fish production of Sri Lanka is higher than the deep sea fish production. Longline and gillnet are the two widely use fishing methods in deep sea fishing sector. In this paper economic efficiency, Post Harvest Fish Lost (PHFL) of longline fishing are evaluated and identified. Similar evaluation is conducted for gillnet fishing to compare the position of longline fishing in the deep sea fishing sector. Research methodology for economic efficiency and PHFL was developed using the findings of literature survey. Primary data were collected from 150 deep sea vessels operated in Negombo fishery harbour. 3,346 deep sea fishing vessels are operated in Sri Lanka in the year 2010 according to the fishery statistic 2010, issued by Ministry of fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development (MFARD). Data collection was done during February through October of 2011 in Negombo fishery harbour. Accounting Rate of Return (ARR) measures the net gain from a capital investment. ARR is use to evaluate and identify the economic efficiencies of longline fishing and gillnet fishing. To calculate ARR, capital investments, fix costs, variable costs, revenues, number of fishing trips per years are used.Further this paper investigates the trend of longline fishing in the Sri Lanka. Secondary data from MFARD and FAO were used to evaluate and identify the trend. Findings indicate that the ARR for longline fishing are attractive and comparatively higher than gillnet fishing. It is found that PHFL of longline Fishing is very less. PHFL of longline fishing is found as around 12.5% of gillnet fishing. Further deep sea fishing sector demonstrates impressive improvement during last few years. Hence the results conclude that high return and high quality standard of longline fishing. This will make longline fishing more popular and attractive in deep sea fishery sector. Further Deep sea fishing will dominate Sri Lanka fishery sector as implied in trend analysis. Hence longline fishing will be very significant in Sri Lanka fishery sector. It is suggested that in order to improve the fisher sector in Sri Lanka, longline fishing should be promoted by placing right credit mechanism to the fishermen, easy and affordable access to modern technology and right infrastructures for longline vessels in fishery harbours.
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Success of information systems implementations in Sri Lankan business organizations
(2014-08-18) Vidanapathirana, U; Perera, A
Success of information systems project implementation is an important goal for many organizations. The enormous dependence on information systems had engendered proper management of IT projects a critical requirement of organizational success. But shortfalls occur far more often than they should have occurred. Further the failures happen in every country; to large companies and small; in commercial, nonprofit, and governmental organizations; and without regard to status or reputation. Several commonly identified reasons have paved way to the information systems project successes/failures. Studies which carried out in this area have not covered software projects in Sri Lanka except one which mainly focused on business process re-engineering in ERP implementations. The main goal of this research is to ascertain the overall success and effectiveness of software implementation projects in Sri Lanka and to identify factors that contribute it with the help of evidence elicited from case studies. The sample of this research was formed with IT project managers and the IT teams (Software engineers, architects etc.) , system end users and customers. Three government and private organizations were selected to collect data using interviews. Questionnaires were used as a secondary source of data gathering to confirm whatever the data gathered using interviews. Questionnaires were administered among a sample of people respondents via web as well as hard copies were distributed. It was found that all three projects were considered successful by the users irrespective of time, cost and the scope. There were many factors that contributed to project success while many other factors contributed to their failure. Amongst them, user involvement and executive support played key roles in project successes. There were cases of user resistance in all the businesses that the new systems were installed. One of the most common challenges faced by all three projects was requirement gathering.
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Ground improvement methods : a case study of heavy tamping and compact vacuum consolidation
(2014-08-06) Katugampala, KDHN; Kulathilaka, SAS
The qualitative ground improvement against the cost efficiency is widely discussed topic in the construction industry. Since the inception of Southern Transport Development project (STDP) in Sri Lanka in 2003 many ground improvement applications have implemented along the highway trace form Colombo to Mathara. The core aspects of ground improvement are cost, quality and process duration of the application, which determined the success of the construction. Consequently, the ground improvement techniques need to be defined that the most appropriated application for a particular site conditions. The first objective of this research was to evaluate complete cost analysis for Heavy Tamping (HT) method application in STDP. Then the second objective was carried out complete cost analysis for Compact Vacuum Consolidation (CVC) method as an alternative ground improvement technique to the HT. Finally compare the both methods financial aspects, process duration and quality as well as established recommendation for selecting alternative technique by analyzing the key performance indexes. Research does consider specific site conditions which both methods are applicable to improve the existing ground and the comparison limit where the sites have similar range of ground properties. Research was carried out through data collection and normalization of a trial application in STDP and the cost estimation done according to the Bottoms-up technique. The methods comparison was done by considering five main out lines: time consumption, technology requirements, labor intensity, machine intensity and total cost. These factors are determined which method is most appropriate to the ground improvement. Overall research findings evidenced that the CVC method has similar cost with respect to the HT method. When compare the other key factors, the HT method has less time, labor and technology requirement than the CVC but it is higher machinery intensive. It can be stated two major recommendations for selecting ground improvement technique; first is carried out feasibility study for listing out suitable techniques and the second is compare the key performance indexes of that.
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Factors influencing employee motivation : a case study in ceramic tile manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka
(2014-05-28) Kumarasinghe, WH; Perera, C
This research aims at providing employees and management members with the information that can be beneficial both personally and professionally. Every business enterprise has multiple objectives including of adequate profit for payment of a reasonable rate of return to the owners and for investment in business through satisfaction of customers, maintenance of a contended work force and creation of a public image. The basic job of management of any business is the effective utilization of available human resource, technological, financial and physical resource for their achievement of the business objectives. This research entitled as “Employee motivation” was done to find out the factors which will motivate the employees in tile manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. The study undertakes various efforts to analyse all of them in great detail. The researcher in this research at the outset gives the clear idea of the entire department existing in the industry. From, the research the researcher was able to find out some of the important factors which motivate the employees. Factors like pay & benefits, interpersonal relationship, job security are very much affect the level of employee motivation. It is also clear from the study that the company is so eager in motivating their employees and their present effort fir it so far effective. The human resource can play an important role in the realization of the objectives. Employees work in the organization for the satisfaction of their needs. If the human resources are not properly motivated, the management will not be able to accomplish the desire results. Therefore, the human resources should be managed with utmost care to inspire, encourage and impel them to contribute their maximum for the achievement of the business objectives.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Fresh foods export business in Sri Lanka and competitive markets
(2014-05-28) Dissanayake, DMMP; Perera, AADAJ
The main objective of this research was to review the fresh fruit and vegetable export business in Sri Lanka and to identify parameters to face international competitiveness. The sub objectives were to review recent developments in fruit and vegetable export market in Sri Lanka, identify issues and constraints in improving fruit and vegetable export marketing system with enhancing their international competitiveness and finally establish a strategy to small producers to cope with increasing market competition. Research was carried out by using literature survey, secondary and primary data collection. The first and second objectives could fulfill by the literature survey, secondary data collection and third objective was fulfilling by the primary data collection. Evaluate the primary and secondary data by using tabular method and used the Structured Interviews method to collect the primary data. For the Primary data collection, was restricted to 15 senior executives from different agriculture- related departments and 10 respondents from each several area in the country which leads to 15 executives and 120 farmers for the entire research. Overall research findings evidenced that the world largest fresh food consumer’s (EU) consumption lowered for the rate of 3.3% and 5.5% for fruit and vegetable while the EU production lowered the rate of 10% and 7% for fruits and vegetables. Therefore the value of import leads to 4.9% annual growth. The Sri Lankan contribution was 0.04% of the world total exports. Sri Lanka fresh food export business had showed a positive boom in past years. The major constraints were low financial stability of farmers, seasonality of crops, high cost of production, low yield and high cost of air freight. Finally, discussed about the solutions for small producers to improve their export market competitiveness. Also recommendations for small producers, Government, private sector to cope with international competitiveness and finally stated the further research area