Abstracts of Undergraduates Dissertations-UWU

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Analysis of Competitiveness in Hotel Industry (With Special reference to the North Central Province)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Wattehewa, N.U.D.P.
In present context, Tourism industry is an emerging industry in Sri Lanka and with the arrival of large number of tourists the hotel industry is becoming more competitive, this intensifies the present deficiency of accommodation facilities to meet the increasing demand. Amidst this background, this research attempts to analyze the competitiveness in hotel industry. Further, it is aimed at analyzing the extent to which hoteliers have perceived the competitiveness. The method employed to reach the objectives was based on the Michel porter's diamond model. By using a questionnaire the primary data was gathered on site for the study. Descriptive analysis was helpful to the data collected. Based on the research model five competitive dimensions were identified. Research findings indicated that the hotel industry is more competitive industry and firm strategy; structure and rivalry is the most significant dimensions to cause the competitiveness. Finally recommendations were discussed for the competitiveness which is in a higher level. Based on it the relevant authorities are recommended to take steps to upgrade the hotels capacity, quality and standards to face competitiveness in this sector. This will help the tourism industry in Sri Lanka to create competitive position in the region while maintaining top industry standards.
Analysis of Output Fluctuations and Reasons, Caused by the Change of Labour Shift in the Sri Lankan Apparel Industry(With Reference to Board of Investment Registered Garments)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Kshemendra, M.M.P.; Siyabalapitiya, J.
The purpose of this research was to identify whether the output of the shift based apparel industries vary with the change of labour shifts and identify and analyze the reasons that affect on output of the each labour shifts. This research paper developed a model to examine the effect of factors that are related to the output variances of Board of Investment registered garment industries. The designed model was tested by selecting five shift based apparel-manufacturing firms from five export-processing zones. The data are collected primary and secondary sources, primary data gathered from sewing machine operators by using quaternaries. The output of the day shift having strong positive relationship with machine operator's efficiency other than the other factors but night shift output will be depend on few more factors than the sewing machine operators efficiency.
Analysis of Product Differentiation Intention and firm Innovative Performance (With Reference to Sri Lankan Banking Industry)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Madhushika, D.S.
The primary purpose of the research were the identified relationship between product differentiation intention and firm innovative performance and the identified current degree of product differentiation intention and the in banking industry in Sri Lanka. Third objective is the identified the whether there is a difference of product differentiation intention between private and public banks in operation in Sri Lanka. The result was tested on 13 operating banks in Sri Lanka which are licensed in central bank. It consist 09 private banks and 04 public banks. Data are collected through the primary data source and secondary data source in 2 year commencing from year 2011- 2012.Questionaire are used as data collecting tool. Collected data analyzed by using the descriptive techniques, correlation analysis and Mann Whitney U test in optimizing the above objectives of the research. Descriptive analysis used to find current degree of product differentiation intention and correlation used to find relationship between product ‘differentiation intention and firm innovative performance. Finally, Mann Whitney U test used to find difference between private and public banks. Empirical evidence showed that unique product feature intention is highly applied factor in banking industry and other factors also. Product differentiation intention is making significantly correlate on firm innovative performance.
Analysis of Risk and Return Relationship A Case on Listed Manufacturing Companies in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Shanthi, S.R.D.
The relationship between risk and return is an essential aspect in all human decision making. The aim of investors is getting investment opportunities with minimum risk and maximum returns. Risk and returns are important variables that investors are looking for, at the time of investment decision making (Hasanali S.at.al, 2010). Hence, the research investigates as main objective, to find out relationship between systematic risk and expected return. With that purpose, CAPM is applied to find risk and return relationship. Listed manufacturing companies are selected as research population. There are 37 listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. The final sample consists with 27 manufacturing companies and other 10 companies are eliminated since, lack of data in sample period of 2001 to 2011. Other than identification of risk and return relationship, there are two secondary objectives; to identify the relationship between systematic risk and market performance of listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka and to identify the degree of risk and proposed investors for listed manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Sharpe ratio, Jensen's alpha and Treynor ratio is used for measure company performances. Through secondary data research was conducted and to achieve primary objective of risk and return relationship and correlation analysis is used. Morkover, to analyze systematic risk and market performancg same method was applied correlation analysis). According to systematic risk value, the degree of risk and proposed investors are determined. Regressing All Share Price return and company return the systematic risk was calculated.
Analysis of the Determinants of Financial Leverage (Selected Sector Wise Companies Listed in Colombo Stock Exchange)
(2012) Rajapaksha, R.D.C.
This study demonstrates the determinants of financial leverage decisions of firms, specifically for listed firms in Colombo Stock Exchange. This study examines the differences in the determinants of capital structure decisions of various sectors. Hence the present study was undertaken with the objective of finding out the relationship between financial leverage determinants of the listed companies in Sri Lanka. Using a multiple regression analysis, the leverage behavior of the listed manufacturing, plantation, food beverage and tobacco, land and property, diversified, hotel and travel sector companies in Colombo stock exchange market in Sri Lanka was examined for the period of 2006-2011. The final sample consists of 72 companies. The result reveal that tax rate, non debt tax shield, firm size, profitability and growth factors are significant. According to the capital structure theopy, the importance of firm level determinants of capital structure, non debt tax shield, profitability, tax rate and size are confirmed.
Analysis of value in delivery Process in Hotel Industry(Special Reference to Star Hotels from Colombo-Galle)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Paranavithana, K.M.
Primary purpose of this research was a comprehensive analysis to identify whether there is a relationship between Service Quality of Value Delivery Process & guest's Overall Satisfaction in hotel industry. Secondary purpose was to measure service & their interrelationship. Understanding guest's actual image on Value in Delivery Process & provide managerial implication on customer value approach were the other objectives. Service quality deliver to guests & it measure under several stages such as 1) Check -In/Reception, 2) Ordering, 3) Meal, 4) Outdoor Services, 5) Business centers, 6) Check-Out. Each of these stages deeply analyzed based on value dimensions. 22 Star hotels from Colombo up to Galle & 150 guests were considered as the sample. Primary data from the respondent through the prepared questionnaire, & Secondary data are collected from the internet, research articles, booklets magazines and the relevant institutions. Data was analyzed using a descriptive statistics, regression,univarian & bivarian analysis method. Using the mean (average) & standard deviation calculations of each variable according to the six dimensions. Relationship between service quality & guests' overall satisfaction was identified & it get vary in accordance with each stages of value delivery process. Further empirical research should be done by considering aspect of delivering value added service in tourism industry.
Analyze the Service quality Dimensions with satisfaction of Automobile Insurance Policy Holders in Matara District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2013) Tharaka, H.
With the intense competition and increasing globalization in the financial markets, financial managers must develop customer-oriented strategies in order to compete successfully in the competitive business environment. However, customers are also more prone to changing their automobile insurance behavior when they can purchase nearly identical financial products provided by the competitive companies. In order to stay competitive, insurance company managers need to understand the factors that influence and determine consumers' automobile insurance switching behavior. Therefore the one reason of switching behavior is the low service quality. Therefore Service quality is the vital factor. The objectives of the study are to find the relationship between service quality dimensions and customer satisfaction, identify the impact of each factor to the customer satisfaction and identify the most and least important factor which is influence to the customer satisfaction. The area covered under this study was Matara district in Sri Lanka due to availability of all the fifteen Automobile insurance branches. A structured questionnaire was designed and administered to collect date. The sample size was 120. Here use policyholder's demographic factors to increase the )research scope. Then used `SERVQUAL' Model to measure service quality, thq model includes Tangibility, Reliability, Responsiveness, Empathy and Assuirance. And use Automobile insurance policyholder's satisfaction as the dependent variable. The results from the study reveal that service quality plays the most important role in Automobile insurance Policyholder's Satisfaction.
Analyzing the Contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TEP) in Apparel Sector (With Special reference to Sri Lanka)
(2011) Vidanapathirana, M.P.; Deshappriya, N.P.R.
Productivity is useful as a relative measure of actual output of production compared to the actual input of resources, measured across time or against common entities. The econometric terminology for the productivity can be identified as "Total Factor Productivity" (TFP). Total Factor Productivity is the output growth which is not explained by the input variables (capital (K) and labor (L)). Being the single largest employer in the manufacturing sector the apparel industry provides a momentous contribution for the economy of Sri Lanka. The study will endeavor to analyze the contribution of Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of the apparel sector in Sri Lanka. Descriptive tools have used to identify the sample characteristics while econometric tools have been employed to estimate the Cobb-Douglas production function. Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) method has been utilized in order to analyze the objectives of the study. According to the results of the econometric analysis, the contribution of TFP for the production is not much significant even though factor accumulation has played major role in considered time period. Further it has been observed that there educational attainments and age are negatively related with TFP while experience and incentive cost positively. Finally this study recommends adopting appropriate policy changes in order to improve the production of garment sector by enhancing the TFP.
Analyzing the Determinants of Business Performance in Micro Enterprises with Special Reference to the Mathugama Area
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2011) Chathurika, D.Y.; Ravindra, D.N.P.
The number of people engaged in micro and small enterprises increases as a result of new enterprises being started and through an expansion of existing activities. According to the traditional theoretical arguments, business performance of Micro Enterprises is mainly dependent on some defined determinants of the business performance. Mathugama is a developing area where most of the people tend to start their own businesses rather than working for a monthly salary. Therefore, it is relevant to analyze the determinants of the business performance of micro enterprises with reference to the Mathugama area. This paper is an effort to quantify the above problem econometrically. Especially, Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) method has been employed to identify the determinants of the business performance in micro enterprises. Mainly primary data were absorbed by using a structured questionnaire. The results show that there is a positive and significant effect of experience, education, loans and employees on the business performance while capital, age and gender were showed insignificant. The research recommends a strong emphasis on significant factors in policy planning in order to ensure sound business performance in micro enterprises.
Analyzing the Differences of Leadership Styles in Terms of Personality Traits (With Reference to Insurance Companies in Colombo District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2012) Darshika, M.P.
Personality traits and leadership styles are significant elements in determining the success or failure of an organization. There is no any individual who have only one personality trait. Although, cannot expect such type of individual in the working environment. Individuals are having mixtures of personality traits and those mixtures are affecting to their leadership style in different manner. It is better for Managers to have clear idea about their personality traits. Accordingly, the purpose of this research was to identify the differences of leadership styles in terms of personality traits with reference to Insurance companies in Colombo district. It also identifies the highly correlated personality trait on leadership styles. Primary data were collected by using structured questionnaire. Moreover, collect data on personality traits based on NEO PI-R and the leadership style was based on Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire. Total sample was one hundred fifty two senior and assistant managers in insurance companies. Nonparametric tests were used to analyze gathered data. It was the Kruskal Wallis Test and Spearman's Correlation Coefficient. Other than that descriptive statistics were also used. The results show that conscientiousness is the dominant trait and charismatic leadership style is the dominant leadership style on managers. Further, results show that there are differences of leadership styles in terms of personality traits.
Analyzing the Effectiveness of Training and development Practices on Labor Productivity with Special Reference to Tire Manufacturing Industry in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Wijeweera, W.K.T.K.
Tire manufacturing industry was more labor incentive in nature. Thus, Human resources are the most vital resource and the improving labors knowledge, skills and the attitudes are the most significant part of tire industry. In present, most training and development practices are implemented but most companies faced difficulty to get their expected outcome through implementing training and development practices. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to identify the impact of effectiveness of the, training and development practices to the labor productivity in tire manufacturing industry in Sri Lanka. Data were collected from 100 randomly selected factory level workers in 6 selected tire manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka. Tire manufacturing companies were Loadstar (pvt) Ltd, Samson rubber industries (pvt) Ltd, Elastomeric engineering co Ltd, MAM rubber industries (Pvt) Ltd and Global rubber industries (Pvt) Ltd. The research data collection is mainly based on the primary and secondary data. Main objective is this study is to identify the impact of effective training and development practices to Labor productivity. To achieved this objectives knowledge acquisition, trainee's satisfaction, training infrastructure, training schedule, training motivation, intensity of labor effort and Quality of labor effort has used as variable of this research.
Analyzing the Macroeconomic Determinants of stock market Development in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Senavirathna, T.G.D.C.
According to the traditional theoretical arguments stock market development depends on macroeconomic determinants in both developed and emerging stock markets.Especially after civil war in Sri Lanka, stock market has played a major role in the Sri Lanka economy.Therefore it is timely important to examine the stock market development causes by the macroeconomic determinants or any other reasons.This paper is an effort to quantify the above problem descriptively and econometrically.Especially Ordinary Least Squared (OLS) method has been employed to analyze the macroeconomic determinants of stock market development, further dummy variables were included to assess the effect of exchange rate policy on market capitalization and assess the effect of war on market capitalization during the period of 1990 -2009.Mainly I used secondary data absorbed from the annual reports of central bank of Sri Lanka and reports of Colombo Stock Exchange.The results show that there is a significant effect of unemployment rate, growth rate of gross domestic product, inflation rate, nominal interest rate and real interest rate on stock market development while national savings does not prove significant.Further the results show that there is a significant effect on exchange rate policy and war effect on stock market development in Sri Lanka. This study strongly recommends that a sound macroeconomic background in order to achieve a stock market objectives.
Analyzing the personalized Determinants of Paying Back Loans by Poor(With Special Reference to Tea Estate Sector in Kotmale DS Division, Nuwara Eliya District)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2010) Sharangka, R.
According to the statistical report, it mentioned that the estate sector and the rural agriculture sector have the more poverty rate in Sri Lanka. Recent literature indicates that government supports in many ways to eradicate of poverty in the rural agriculture sector and estate sector, and it mentioned that concern parties provide and support them with low rate loans, markets accesses opportunities, insurance protection crops etc. However the people who are below the poverty line are facing problems in paying back loans. But there are several arguments say that the estate sector employees do not have enough salary and facing difficulties to fulfill their basic needs. Whether the estate sector people are facing difficulties or not when they are paying back loan is an open question. Therefore it is relevant to examine what are the personalized determinants are influencing in paying back loans by poor, and also to identify the difficulties faced by the poor when they pay back their loans. This paper is an effort to quantify the above problem econometrically and descriptively. Especially Binary logistic method has been employed to test the relationship between personalized determinants and paying back loans. As well as I used descriptive analysis to identify the difficulties faced by the poor when they pay back their loans. The results show that there is a significant effect of the variables income level, number of dependents and expenditure level on paying back loans by poor.
Application of Herzberg’ s two Factor Theory of Motivation to Identify Turnover Intention of the Non-Executive Level Employees in Super Markets (With Special Reference to the Colombo District in Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Chandrasekara, P.W.C.
Human resource is the most import asset to any organization and can be called as the back bone of an institute. It is a very critical task for any organization to ensure that human resource is well managed in a manner that would give out a sustainable competitive advantage. This study attempts to identify the relationship between motivation and turnover intentions of the employees to find out the reasons for the huge labor turnover prevailing in supermarkets in Sri Lanka. In order to fulfill this Herzberg's two factor theory of motivation is applied to identify the relationship between motivation level and turnover intentions of the employees. Although there are number of research done in terms of the concept of motivation, very few studies have been done by linking the two concepts of motivation and turnover intentions. Hence, this study was done to identify how the motivation affects turnover intentions of the non-executive level employees in selected supermarkets in Colombo. Data were collected from a convenient sample of 100 non-executives in selected leading supermarkets in Colombo with a structured questionnaire. The data were then analyzed using statistical methods to investigate any relationship between motivation and turnover intentions of the employees. This study found that there is a relationship between the motivation and turnover intentions. The two main dimensions gave a proper idea about why people leave. The research findings provide the reasons behind the huge labour turnover prevailing in lower level employees in the corporate world and provide ways and means on how employees can be motivated to perform well and retain in the company in order to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
Application of Marketing Practices of Fish Whole Sellers in Mannar District
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Croos, M.R.
"Application of marketing practices of fish whole sellers in Mannar district which was studied with the purpose of identifying marketing knowledge and practices of fish wholesalers to develop marketing strategic practices to improve fishing industry by recommending possible solution similar to an established organization with special reference to Mannar district. The research was designed to analyzed marketing mix strategy through thematic analysis. This research gathered information regarding each marketing mix element strategic practice in making market effectiveness. Fish wholesalers are practicing quality and technology but branding strategy, pricing decisions are not in stable position in fishing industry of Mannar district. The placing strategy implementation is being complex to make effective market. There is a poor level of promotion strategy used in communicate product to market. Further this research was studied the problems faced by fish wholesalers apart from the above reasons. There were several influences make manufacturers into critical situation to apply marketing strategies to create an effective market in this industry. Furthermore this research concluded why this industry should be protected, how can be strategically improved were also discussed.
Application of Marketing strategies of Small and Medium Scale Curd Producers (With the Special reference to Trincomalee District curd producers)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Bavanuja, Q.E.
Application of marketing strategies of small and medium scale curd producers of which was studied with the purpose of identifying marketing knowledge and practices of curd producers to develop marketing strategic practices to improve curd production by recommending possible solution similar to an established organization with special reference to Trincomalee District. The research was designed to analyze marketing mix strategy through univariate analysis. The data were measured by using descriptive analysis and evaluated by five point likert scale method. This research gathered information regarding each marketing mix element strategic practice in making market effectiveness. It was interpreted by tables and graphs with descriptive measures. Manufacturers are mainly practicing quality and designing strategy but not branding strategy. Pricing decisions are not stable position in curd industry. The placing strategy implementation is being complex to make effective market. Low level of promotion strategy used to communicate product to market. Further this research was studied the operation regarding Department animal production of Trincomalee District. There were several influences make manufacturers into critical solution to apply marketing strategies to create an effective market in this industry. Furthermore this research concluded why this industry should be protected, how can be strategically improved were also discussed.
Applications of Green Human Resource Practices on Apparel Industry in Sri Lanka
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Rasan, M.A.M.
Green Human Resource management is a new emerging concept in today's scenario. Growing concern for global environment and the development of international standards for environmental Management has created a need for business to adopt environmental strategies and programmes. Organizations today have become more conscious about the growing importance of Integration of environmental Management and Human Resource Management in apparel industry. We are entering a green economy and so the impact of our daily activities on environment and our desire to go green has expanded from just individuals to organizations. Organizations today believe that employees must be inspired, empowered and environmentally aware of greening in order to carry out green management initiatives All organizations have impact on the environment through their operations product and services and through frequent interaction with shareholders, employees, customers and suppliers. Organizations today are becoming more aware about the environmental sustainability. Organizations have started integrating Environmental Management and Human Resource Management practices. Green HR is the use of HRM policies to promote the sustainable use of resources within business organizations and, more generally, promotes the cause of Environmental sustainability. This paper is an effort to helps researcher to identify whether the apparel industry in Sri Lanka is be aware about this concept of green human resource management and if the organizations are aware what different initiatives and efforts they take to make their HR practices and environment green. The researcher undertook a study of sample of the Applications of perceived green human resource practices from apparel industry in Sri Lanka to gather necessary data. As well as this research designed to achieve the Objective set out by the researcher. It is a quantitative research method with descriptive one.
Assess the Antecedents and Consequences of Work Life Imbalance (With Special Reference to Female Nurses in Government Hospitals)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2017) Biyagamage, K.H.
The purpose of this research study was to assess the Antecedents and Consequences of Work life imbalance of the female nurses at Sri Lankan Government Hospitals. Work life imbalance has been identified as one of the serious problems among nurses in health care industry of Sri Lanka. Minimizing this critical problem is vital since, the health care industry is directly affecting to the wellbeing of the country's total population and ultimately for the economic development. The overall research study has been structured based on the conceptual indicator built up with referring to the two research objectives, which was identifying the antecedents and consequences of work life imbalance. The thematic analysis revealed parental demand, lack of family support, task difficulty, nature of working schedules and lack of staff as the antecedents creating the work life imbalance and intention to leave the job, conflicts in work and home, health problems, feeling overload and stress and demanding leaves as consequences of work life imbalance. The qualitative research was conducted through structured interviews using 20 female nurses who are employed at Colombo District Government Hospitals. Consequently the study concluded that among the majority (80%) of selected participants, the work life imbalance is existing. Based on the in-depth data collected by participants, it identified that they are having struggles while balancing their work lives while balancing their personal lives. Finally study suggesting management of hospitals to pay more attention on reducing nurses' work life imbalance by taking necessary steps and actions. Likewise this study will be beneficial in employees' perspective to enhance their work life and personal life by getting a proper understanding of work life imbalance throughout this study findings.
Assessing the Impact of Brand Equity on Purchase Intention: (With Special Reference to the Franchised Fast Food Industry in Sri Lanka)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Devindi, G.A.D.T.B.
In present context with modern lifestyle, franchised fast food has been highly popularized despite the fact that relatively small number of sellers in a local context. Fast food could be considered as most consumed foods in the Quick Service restaurant format due to its unique attributes such as convenience, taste and less price. The franchised fast food industry in Sri Lanka is yet to be defined, as there is no clear demarcated line to separate from the other fast food outlets, which is available in Sri Lanka. Apart from the purchasing power one may possess, this paper attempts to identify other factors that influence for individual choice of franchised fast food brands. The objective of the paper is to identify the prominent dimensions of brand equity and areas that should be considered to develop purchase intention in the franchised fast food market. The convenient random sampling method has been adopted and 150 respondents in Colombo and Gampaha districts were investigated with the aim of identifying the impact of brand equity on purchase intention. A structured questionnaire administered to collect primary data. Descriptive statistics and Regression had been used as analytical methods. According to the findings, Brand awareness represents the highest mean value of the distribution and demonstrates the brand awareness as most influence on consumer purchase intention of the franchised fast food product. The regression model reflects 78.9% of the R square value and confirmed brand equity is a strong predictor of purchase intention. As managerial implications, the study helps to identify the level at which each of selected brand equities is apparent to the customer at the customer's point of view, thus enabling them to make evaluations with regard to the level to which the organizational communication is reflecting the brand equity and its effectiveness. UltiMately the management must cater more on strong brand building Strategies and communicating the ppsitioning of the food products on the consumer's mind.
Assessing the Impact of Using Popular Melodies & Jingles in Advertising on Brand Image (With Special reference to Food & Beverages)
(Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka, 2016) Jayakody, K.R.D.N.
Organizations use advertising as an effective way of promoting products and services in mass media. Present competitive market place let the organizations to concern more on advertising strategy to memorize the product often in consumers' minds as desperate ways of advertising are used with the collaboration of numerous elements. Music is considered as a highly preferred element which is used in majority of advertisements and used mainly in getting the viewers' attention. The objective of the study is to assess the impact of popular melodies & jingles in advertising strategy in Food and Beverage sector (F&B). Sample of 192 respondents was investigated with the main aim of identifying the impact of popular melodies and jingles in advertisements on brand image and to find the relationship of the two variables. An online and offline questionnaire survey has been conducted to collect primary data from consumers in Western province. Popular melodies and jingles in advertisements and brand image were considered as independent and dependent variables respectively. Data were analyzed by Regression and correlation coefficient analysis techniques. The findings indicate the positive relationship between the popular melodies and jingles in advertisements and brand image and out of the three brand image dimensions, perceive benefits identified as the most influencing dimension which effects on popular melodies and jingles. Study revealed the advertisers should concern on specifying the brand name and the product name in order to avoid confusions and misidentification of brands among consumers as the brand name of the product play a significant role. As managerial implications, the advertising strategy should align with the popular melodies and jingles with the target group of consumers for the effectiveness of the message of the advertisement to maintain customer loyalty.