The Impact of Business Networking and Internet Adoption on SME performance in Sri Lanka

Many scholars have identified the importance of the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in order to achieve a sustainable economic growth in developing countries. Practitioners and the governments in such countries have also taken steps towards strengthening the sector with the vision of sustainable economic growth yielding from the SME sector. The objective of the journal article is to identify and verify the contribution by Business Networking and Internet based ICT adoption in strengthening the performance of the SME sector. Building up alliances and the usage of new technology is deemed be vital factors in supporting the growth of SMEs. This paper flows through an analysis of the most recent literatures on the topic to construct a conceptual framework that is proposed to be utilized in the future research work together with the findings of model being empirically tested in Sri Lanka to validate the relevance of the proposed model to developing countries such as Sri Lanka. The paper also verifies the findings using statistical analysis of the data collected from a sample of SMEs in Sri Lanka covering all nine provinces. Variables in the model includes constructs of Business Networking; Competition, Necessity, Reciprocity, Stability, Legitimacy, Efficiency and constructs for Internet Adoption are business orientation, benefits, new work practice adoptability, ICT costs and  complexity. Keywords: Business Networking, Internet adoption, ICT, SME Performanc

Dimensions of Service Quality at Private Higher Education Institutions in Sri Lanka

The purpose of this paper is to analyse five RATER (Reliability, Assurance, Tangibles, Empathy and Responsiveness) dimensions, lead to service quality in private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Sri Lanka. In total, 484 undergraduate students participated in a questionnaire survey in 46 private HEIs. Descriptive statistics, factor analysis, regression and correlation statistics were employed to analyse the effect of RATER dimensions towards service quality. Results indicate that the service seeker (students) – service provider (HEIs) relationship, quality of service on RATER dimensions and mindfulness of staff of HEIs have a positive impact on service quality. Findings of this research will help the senior management of HEIs to formulate effective strategies to build in service quality culture to ensure a better quality of service to students of HEIs, thereby, attracting, gaining and retaining more students in the programmes on offer. This paper will help the management of HEIs and service providers to analyse student perception towards private HEIs. Keywords: RATER dimensions, Service quality, Higher Educatio

Organization-Based Self-Esteem (OBSE) And Its Influence On Self-Perceived Employability (SPE) Of IT Export Sector Employees In Sri Lanka

The sense of value organizational members demonstrate in their workplace influences employee commitment, performance, productivity, and even absenteeism. The concept of Organization Based Self-Esteem (OBSE) reflects the self-efficacy of organization members and has become a popular research topic in Organization Behavior and Psychology. While there are many prior findings about how OBSE influence the ultimate employability of employees, the lack of clear definition and operationalization of the employability concept has negatively influenced knowledge development. The concept of Self-Perceived-Employability (SPE) has been introduced as an alternative concept to operationalize employability in a clear and measurable manner. There is evidence to show the relationship between OBSE and SPE but they are mainly theoretical and qualitative in nature, while there is little research evidence that quantifies the OBSE and SPE link. The current research paper brings quantitative research evidence to understand the association between two very important factors that influence organizational performance in IT export sector, fast growing service industry in Sri Lanka. The study explains the findings of self-administered questionnaires done on 372 employees in Sri Lankan IT export sector. Data analysis done using quantitative statistical analysis methods, while reliability analysis was performed to ensure the internal consistency of OBSE and SPE. The correlation analysis revealed a strong and positive correlation between OBSE and SPE, and confirms the earlier notion that OBSE influences SPE

Development of Electronic Commerce Adoption Model based on Structural Equation Modeling Techniques

Advance Communication Technologies are playing a vital role in business today. In the world currently, many developing nations identified Small and Medium Scale organizations significantly important in counties2019; economic development. But the contribution from the SME sector is considerably low. Therefore, addressing this issue is important in business development. Among many reasons identified as barriers for SMEs to perform, studies have identified that low usage or not using technologies like E-commerce effected to this low performance. Therefore, studies are conducted to identify barriers to use technology in SMEs and many frameworks are tested and verified in different domains. In this study mainly tested and varied a framework which is considering Information Technological factors effecting the adoption of E-commerce technology and how it is effected for SME development. In this study framework is developed using literature analysis and hypothesis are developed based on past studies in terms of Information Technology factors as a main consideration. Model testing part is done using Structural Equation Molding using IBM AMOS. At the end of the study proposed framework is modified with statistical results and finally presented a framework which can be considered as a framework to understand the Information Technology factors effecting the E-commerce adoption and SME development

Sustainable Practices and Business Performance: Evidence from Sri Lankan Manufacturing Firms

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of sustainable practices (SP) on business performance (BP) of ISO 14001 EMS certified manufacturing firms of Sri Lanka and also to examine the moderator effect from firm size on the link between sustainable practices and business performance. The study used the questionnaire survey technique to collect data from a sample selected using simple random sampling from known population and SPSS software is used for survey data analysis. The major finding indicates that sustainable practices have a positive influence on business performance and it can be measured using environmental practices, corporate governance, and human resource management practices. Moreover, the results indicate firm size has no moderating effect on the link between sustainability practices and business performance. The findings of this paper is a novelty for Sri Lankan manufacturing industry and for policymakers as it provides new insights to the manufacturing industry on sustainable practices(SP) and the business performance (BP). Moreover, the results of the study is useful for manufacturing firms in Sri Lanka looking forward to install ISO 14001 based environmental management system within the firms as results provide areas need to be focused. This research is confined to ISO 14001 EMS certified manufacturing firms of Sri Lanka and therefore the findings obtained may not be generalized to other countries. Keywords: Sustainable Practices, Business Performance, Environmental Practices, Human Resource Management Practices, Corporate Governance DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/12-5-09 Publication date: February 29th 202

Extending Classical Technology Acceptance Models, A Review of Potential Mobile Device and Consumer Individual Factors to Better Explain Mobile Commerce Acceptance

Purpose - Technology adoption theories are very general, however the factors influencing acceptance could vary on the specific technology and the segments of consumers with their individual traits. This study accomplishes a comprehensive review of literature and to find potential variables to extend classical technology acceptance models specifically in the contexts of mobile technology and mobile commerce with consumer individual traits in mind. Methodology - 1. Methodical Review of key journal articles on Technology Acceptance across multiple key publishers, 2. Review of popular extant models in the context of general technology, 3. Elicit Mobile and Consumer specific considerations 4. Identify theories relevant to mobile devices and consumers as individuals Result - The result showed that the three were multiple mobile device/ commerce and consumer related theories including convenience, perceived risk, trust and deal proneness Study Implications - The theories and the constructs identified in this review could be used by future researchers working to further the acceptance science in the context of mobile devices taking consumer individual factors into consideratio

FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ON FRAUD DETECTIONIN THE UAE BANKING SECTOR

Detecting the financial fraud is the foremost emphasis on forensic accounting. Financial frauds have been increasing rapidly across the international levels including UAE banking sector over the past years. Accordingly, the increasing activities of financial frauds require the high engagement of forensic accounting to run the effective investigation along with the performance of the individuals related to the criminal activities. The forensic accounting is estimated to facilitate for reducing or preventing susceptibility of conventional accounting and audit systems contributing to financial frauds. In this study, the main emphasis is on determining the influence of forensic accounting practices on detecting and preventing the suspected frauds from the banking sector operation in the UAE. The main results of this study demonstrate that there is a noteworthy influence of forensic accounting on the detection of fraud within Banking Industry in UAE.  Article visualizations

THE IMPACT OF FORENSIC ACCOUNTING ON FRAUD DETECTION IN THE UAE BANKING SECTOR: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY

Uncovering the financial fraud is the major attention on forensic accounting. Financial frauds have been growing strongly across the worldwide stage including UAE banking sector over the past decade. Consequently, the cumulative activities of financial frauds need the high engagement of forensic accounting to carry out the effective investigation as well as the performance of the individuals related with the criminal activities. The forensic accounting is anticipated to facilitate for reducing or preventing susceptibility of conventional accounting and audit systems contributing to financial frauds. In this research, the major focus is on determining the impact of forensic accounting practices in detecting and preventing the suspected frauds from the banking sector operation in the UAE. The major findings of this research show that there is a significant impact of forensic accounting on the detection of fraud within Banking Industry in UAE.  Article visualizations

STUDENTS’ SATISFACTION TOWARDS BIOSYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY; DOES PROGRAMME QUALITY MATTERS? (EVIDENCE FROM SRI LANKAN PERSPECTIVES)

In the competitive education setting, with declining students’ enrolment into the programme of study, the policy makers, curriculum developers and other relevant personnel should pay much attention to address the issue of attracting secondary students into job market demanded programmes. The purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between perceived programme quality and the students’ satisfaction in selected government schools in Sri Lanka. The present study applied quantitative design using 410 senior secondary students who studied Biosystems Technology. The conceptual framework has been formulated based on the comprehensive review of the past studies. Multiple regression analysis was used to test the relationships among the dimensions of programme quality and students’ satisfaction as hypothesized. The finding indicated that the dimensions of programme quality have been correlated significantly with secondary students’ satisfaction whilst there was a positive and significant relationship amongst the four dimensions of programme quality and students’ satisfaction towards Biosystems Technology programme. Thus, the finding of current study has provided significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge in terms of offering statistically established conceptual framework and a validated measuring scale in satisfaction to the general education system. Furthermore, the implications were provided for the policy makers and relevant personnel to make remedial measures in order to quality improvement of Biosystems Technology programme.  Article visualizations

IMPACT OF MEASUREMENT DRIVEN HR STATISTICS ON STRATEGIC HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONS ON ORGANIZATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN INSURANCE INDUSTRY

There is a gap between readiness and importance in HR statistics sphere. Even though importance is there for business firms, there is a capability gap for measuring tools of HR outcomes and firms’ performance due to poor data quality lack to skills and inability of change (Tohmatsu, D. T., 2015). Despite the significant interest in human capital analytics (HCA), firms have tried to shift from operational reporting to data driven statistical tools which is now commonly used as Human Capital Analytics. This is mainly the result of the inability of involved teams to establish credible internal mechanisms and demonstrate capability and adding its value to the firm. This research will study the importance of establishing the impact of data driven statistical approach on organizational performance and suggest a method for its operationalization within a firm which requires working with related dimensions such as data quality, analytical competencies, and strategic ability to act and respond whilst focusing on people, process, and structure.  Article visualizations