Browsing by Author "Yapa, U.A.S."

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    The Effect of Ethnocentrism and Patriotism on Consumer Preference (Special Reference to Handloom Products in Sri Lanka)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2018) Costa, Y.K.H.D.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    Practitioners in marketing impulse of understanding consumer behaviors and attitudes than before. Consumer ethnocentrism is a belief held by consumers that products manufactured in their home country are better than the foreign-country made products. Ethnocentric consumers believe that purchasing a local made product is one way to show their ethnocentrism to the home country. Consumer patriotism is the strong feelings of love and devotion towards one's own country, without a corresponding hostility towards other nations. Recent studies showed that consumer's enthusiasm towards foreign brands was declining. One explanation for such changes may be patriotic, nationalistic or ethnocentric behaviors of consumers. Therefore, the objective of this study to identify the effect of ethnocentrism and patriotism on consumer preference for handloom products. A sample of 150 consumers was randomly selected from handloom outlets in Western Province. Cluster sampling technique was applied for the study. Primary data was collected through a questionnaire. Regression and correlation techniques were used to analyze the collected data. The study concluded that consumers in Western Province was ethnocentric to domestic handloom products according to the Consumer Ethnocentric Tendency Scale. Further, findings concluded that ethnocentrism and patriotism have positive effect on consumer preference for handloom products. However, ethnocentrism was the mostly effect on consumer preference. Finally, the findings of this study will help to marketers to develop their marketing strategies.
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    Effectiveness of Pictorial Warnings in Cigarette Packs on Quit Intention
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Rathnayaka, A.P.H.U.; Herath, H.M.W.N.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    Smoking and tobacco usage have become a widely spread problem in Sri Lanka. Further, the linkage between smoking and lung cancer has become very obvious. In contrast, 45.7% of men, 5.3 % of women, and 25.8 % overall are the current users of tobacco in any form. Meanwhile, as to resolve the issues of tobacco usage, many health researchers and professionals consider that the implementation of graphic warning labels on cigarette packages as a breakthrough in anti-smoking communication efforts. It can be predicted that smokers' intentions to quit smoking will increase as the depiction of the pictorial warning becomes more graphic. Accordingly, this study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of pictorial warning on the quitting decision of tobacco smokers. Primary data for the study were collected through a structured formal questionnaire. The sample consisted of 261 respondents who are currently smoking and living within the Western Province, Southern Province, and Central Province and the Snowball sampling technique was used. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis, correlation coefficient, simple regression analysis, and multiple regression analysis. Test results indicated that the pictorial warnings in cigarette packs are effective and have an impact on quit intention. The findings of the study can be useful to public health officials to identify the effectiveness of their warning labels and to educate the general public about the negative effects of smoking. Kyewords: Pictorial warnings, Anti-smoking promotional tools, Quit intension
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    An Empirical Study on Investigating the Factors That Influence on Customer Adoption of Virtual Banking (With Special Reference to Western Province)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Ashfa, A.L.F.; Fernando, P.I.N.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    In the current era, banking sector plays a vital role when providing financial services and managing financial assets. Due to the development of technological advancements, the invention of internet banking helps deliver traditional banking products in a more advanced way. The banking sector in Sri Lanka has undergone a rapid transformation with the adoption of Information Communication Technology (ICT) based banking solutions. However, no many studies investigated the factors that may help the bankers to design virtual banking services which are suitable for and adoptable by virtual banking customers. This study fills this gap and examines several factors affecting virtual banking adoption by customers. It is very clear that the potential value of web-based service adoption by customers depends not only on the benefits but also on overcoming several barriers. The present study is focused to find the determinants that influence the customer adoption of virtual banking in the western province. 400 questionnaires were administrated to collect primary data. Stratified random sampling method was used to select the sample size. Both descriptive and inferential techniques were used. With respect to inferential, Exploratory factor fnalysis was used to find the most significant determinant that influence on virtual banking adoption. SPSS was used to analyze the data. Results indicated the demographic profile of virtual banking users and the most significant factors that influence virtual banking adoption. According to the results of the study some valuable suggestions and management implications provided to the virtual banking service providers for gaining competitive advantage by enhancing the service quality and eradicating the service barriers that can promote or motivate banking users to adopt technology-based virtual banking facilities. Keywords: Virtual banking, Adoption, Technology, Financial, Customer
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    Exploring the Influential Factors on E-marketing Adoption of Small and Medium Restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka; Using TOE Technology Acceptance Model
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Karunarathna, S.T.I.; Wijesundara, W.G.S.R.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    E-marketing is turning into a more crucial inside gift of generation, that is characterized via global markets, excessive opposition, and open borders and small and medium enterprises are the backbone of every economy. SMEs play a major role in the Sri Lankan economy and Small and Medium Restaurants (SMRs) comes under the SMEs. However, E-marketing is still in the infancy stage in Sri Lanka due to. Different kinds of factors affecting E-marketing adoption by SMRs. Previously technology adoption models and theories like TOE Framework, TAM model, and IDT theory have been introduced by scholars. But limited research is on factors affecting on E-marketing adoption. Therefore, this study aims to explore the influential factors on E-marketing adoption of small and medium restaurants in Ella, Sri Lanka, using the TOE framework. Amidst that, the TOE model was developed by combining dimensions of technology, organization, environment with E-marketing adoption. Primary data were collected from 35 small and medium restaurants in the Ella area, applying a convenient sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, simple regression analysis, and qualitative analysis. Descriptive analysis revealed a high level of Emarketing adoption by SMRs and the results of multiple regression analyses show technology as the most influential factor for E-marketing adoption. Further, high training costs. Time for training, lack of knowledge, and lack of technical support were identified as the challenges faced by SMRs. Based on finding managers and owners of small and medium restaurants should be attention to further development areas and the government pays attention to develop the E-marketing and provide particular facilities for Emarketing adoption. For the future, it would be more attractive to evaluate the feedback from other sectors also, by extending sampling groups into different small and medium enterprises groups (Manufacturing, services) to get a more diversified sample. Keywords: E-marketing, Small and medium restaurants, E-marketing adoption
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    Impact of Brand Personality on Word of Mouth Communication (Empirical Evidence from Sri Lankan Beer Industry)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Geekiyange, K.R.; Kulathilake, C.J.P.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    With the development of the society, people have tended to the consumption of the Tobacco and Alcohol products more than past. This could be as their entertainment activity or as a habit. However, due to reasons like these the beer consumption in the Sri Lanka has been increased in previous years. As a country with full of ethical values it is not allowed by the government to promote these alcohol and tobacco products in public in Sri Lanka. Hence in such cases, alcohol and tobacco produce organization may have no any other remedy to advertise their products, but WOM Communication. Hence, in this study researcher has investigated to accomplish objectives such as find out the relationship between the brand personality and WOM communication As well as to find out the impact of brand personality on WOM communication and to find out the most influential dimension which affect WOM communication in the context of Sri Lankan beer industry where dark marketing conditions are prevailing. The researcher gathered data from 150 respondents from 15 Divisional Secretariats in Badulla district using the convenience sampling technique. Through survey method has analyzed using statistical tools (SPSS). The results of the study indicated that there is positive relationship between brand personality dimensions and WOM communication. The study concluded that Excitement, Sincerity, Ruggedness, Competence, Sophisticate dimensions are significantly impact on WOM communication in the context of Sri Lankan beer industry rather than Competence dimension. Finally, the present study indicated that the positive relationship obtained between the brand personality and WOM communication in the context of Sri Lankan beer industry.
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    Impact of Cash Conversion Cycle on Firms’ Profitability (Special Reference to Listed Beverage Food and Tobacco Companies in Colombo Stock Exchange)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Keerthiratne, K.G.C.B.P.; Gunaratne, Y.M.C.; Deyshappriya, N.P.R.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    The Cash conversion cycle, where the decisions about investments in accounts receivable and inventories and about acceptance of credit from suppliers. It is one of the most generally utilized estimations to evaluate the risks and returns associated with liquidity management. Every corporate organization is extremely concerned about how to sustain and improve profitability, hence they have to keep an eye on the factors affecting profitability such as inventory management, accounts receivables and also accounts payables. Consequently, the main purpose of the study is to identify the impact of CCC on firm’s profitability with reference to the Beverage Food and Tobacco industry. The study is concerned about evaluating how CCC impact on the profitability of Beverage Food and Tobacco sector companies listed in CSE in Sri Lanka. The profitability was measured in terms of Return on Equity (ROE) and Return on Assets (ROA). The CCC was determined by Inventory Conversion Period (ICP), Receivable Conversion Period (RCP), and Payable Conversion Period (PCP). The study covering a sample of 14 Beverage Food and Tobacco companies and data were collected by concerning the time period from 2009 to 2017. Correlation statistical techniques and Panel data regression were used to analyze the relationship and impact the between CCC and the firm’s profitability. Results revealed that ICP has a negative relationship and significant impact on the firm’s profitability. Further RCP and PCP are positively impacted on ROE and ROA. Finally, overall CCC negatively correlated with the firm’s profitability and has a significant impact on firm’s profitability. Therefore, the study suggested that managers can create value for their shareholders by reducing the number of days of overall cash conversion cycle to a reasonable minimum.
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    Impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices on Employees’ Job Commitment: With Reference to Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Prabhashini, M.D.M.; Siyambalapitiya, J.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    The need for a proactive approach has been emerged due to the increased environmental effect caused by businesses in various means. Therefore, most of the businesses tend to transform their business processes into the green. In that process transforming human resources of the business organizations into the green is crucial. Yet few pieces of research related to the Green Human Resource Management have been carried out in Sri Lankan context. As this field of study is still young, to bridge the gaps in the existing literature this study was carried out to investigate the awareness, level of adaptation of Green Human Resource Management practices in the Sri Lankan Apparel Industry and the impact of Green Human Resource Management Practices on employees’ job commitment. A quantitative research design was adopted in the research. Selfadministered questionnaires were distributed to collect data. A convenient sampling technique was used to select 150 managerial level employees as the sample, getting 50 employees from each top three key players in the industry. Findings revealed that green employee empowerment and participation and green training and development have a very high level of adaptation in the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Moreover, a significant impact of both green recruitment and selection and green training and development on the employees’ job commitment was identified. To create sustainable development in the environment further adaptation of Green Human Resource Management Practices is essential. Keywords: Green human resource management, Green human resource management practices, Job commitment, Sustainable development
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    Impact of Individual Perception on Online Purchasing Intention (With Special Reference to Executive Level Employees in Badulla District)
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2019) Karunanayake, K.M.S.R.; Kulathilake, C.J.P.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    Technology evolves at a very fast pace, sometimes faster than the users can accept and adopt it. With the huge development of the technology people have more incline with online, physical retail shops, retailing has found its way onto the online platform as organizations seek to reach as many clients as possible. Online platform poses as a viable substitute for the traditional brick and mortar set up. The purpose of this study was to determine the Impact of individual perception on online purchase intention of executive level employees in Badulla district. A quantitative study was carried out with 200 respondents that included executive level employees from the Badulla district. The individual perception on online purchase were determined by the Perceived Transaction Security (PTS), Perceived Ease of Use (PEoU), Perceived Usefulness (PU) and Perceived Knowledge and Ability (PKaA). Descriptive statistics and regression analysis were used for the analysis. The study found that there is a strong positive relationship between individual perception and online purchasing intention of executive level employees in Badulla district and Perceived Knowledge and ability was the most significant variable which effect to online purchase intention, value is 0.358. The study was made following recommendations: more online shops should be set up to increase competition. Existing online shopping platforms in the Sri Lankan market should always be on the creative edge to continue being useful to the consumer; online shops should be user friendly and very easy to use, most of the users are dominated by the younger generation, so with the changing age will generate and opportunity for the adjustment in consumer good which target the elder generation.
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    The Impact of Social Media Marketing on Purchase Intention; With Special Reference to Facebook Use in Beauty Care Brands in Sri Lanka
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Yapa, U.A.S.; Fernando, P.I.N.
    Companies widely use social media platforms, such as Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube, to enhance their brand communication and to promote and propagate their product information among consumers. The trend of exerting social media platforms by beauty care brand carries a significant control over customer-based brand equity and purchase intention. In the present world the traditional modes of advertising and marketing such as television, print media and outdoor media contribute to a major portion of the advertising budget, still they are unable to grab the target audience exclusively. Hence, the objective of this study is to fill the gap in the literature, by examining the relationship between user-generated communication, examine the relationship between firm generated communication, examine the relationship between brand equity with purchase intention and consequently find out impact of firm generated and user generated communication on purchase intention through Facebook related to beauty care brands The study conducted through 200 female and male users in Colombo district who are engaged in Facebook and already liked at least one beauty care brand. A standardized online-survey has conducted to collect the data. The each objective has fulfilled by constructing the relationship between independent and dependent variables by occupying the regression analysis and has drown the final conclusion, considering the each results that has been achieved. The results show that User Generate Communication has a positive relationship with brand equity, Firm-Generated Communication has a positive relationship with brand equity and Brand equity has positive relationship with purchase intention. Hence, it conclude as Social media marketing has a positive impact on purchase intention in beauty care brands in Sri Lanka. The study suggests that beauty care brands marketers need to create platforms to generate more user content as user generated communication displays more impact on creating brand equity compare to firm generated communication and generally, creating brand related unrelated communication, combining traditional media with social media, achieving company target audience though Content/Adds/Apps can further improve brand equity and purchase intention. Keywords: Social media marketing, Brand equity, Purchase intention, Facebook
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    Impact of Stock Market Performance on Economic Growth of Sri Lanka: An Econometric Analysis
    (Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2020) Farvin, M.N.N.; Gunarathne, Y.M.C.; Yapa, U.A.S.
    Capital markets long played an important role in economic development. Recently, attention was grabbed by the stock market performance and economic growth. The objective of this study was to explore the causal relationship between stock market performance and economic growth. The study used time-series data throughout 1990 - 2018. Data were collected from the Colombo Stock Exchange, World Bank data, and Central Bank annual reports. Market capitalization was used as the proxy for stock market performance and Gross Domestic Production (GDP) was used as the proxy for economic growth. The macroeconomic variables such as export, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), inflation, and capital formation were used as the control variables in this study. According to the Augmented Dickey Fullar (ADF) test, the data set was stationary at the first difference form. Johanson co-integration test, Vector Error Correction Model, and Impulse Response Functions were used to check the short-run dynamics and long-run relationship between the stock market performance and economic growth. The cointegration test results confirmed that there is a long-run relationship between stock market performance and economic growth. The Impulse Response Function suggested that shocks from the stock market did not make an immediate effect on economic growth but in the long run there existed a positive relationship. Other macroeconomic variables showed fluctuated negative impacts on economic growth while Foreign Direct Investment managed to create a positive relationship in the long run. Therefore, the study recommends the policymakers to increase the concern towards the stock market performance to boost economic growth. Keywords: Economic growth, long-run relationship, Macroeconomic variables, Market capitalization, Stock market performance