A.C.I.D. Karunarathne, J.P.R.C. Ranasinghe, U.G.O. Sammani and K.J.T. Perera
The tourism industry has been extensively affected by numerous disasters throughout its history including 30 decades of ethnic war, the tsunami disaster in 2004 and the Easter…
Abstract
Purpose
The tourism industry has been extensively affected by numerous disasters throughout its history including 30 decades of ethnic war, the tsunami disaster in 2004 and the Easter Sunday attack in 2019 substantially impacted the resources and capacities of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka. This study aims to explore the impact of COVID-19 on Sri Lanka as a tourism destination and the tourism industry as a resilient sector of the economy.
Design/methodology/approach
This qualitative study was conducted from July 2020 to September 2020 focusing on the perspectives of multi-level stakeholders in the tourism and hospitality industry in three distinct areas of Sri Lanka, namely, the coastal area, hill country and cultural triangle. The data were collected from 15 stakeholders via semistructured interviews. Convenience sampling method was used to choose the sample and thematic analysis was occupied to meet the study objectives.
Findings
This study will help to reframe the resources and capacities of the country as an emerging destination identifying the diverse credentials from the perspective of different stakeholders to embed the essential resilience after the pandemic.
Research limitations/implications
The prevailing lockdown situation and travel restrictions within the country was a huge challenge during the data collection process. Further to that, the respondents were reluctant to meet outsiders owing to the health threat, and hence some important stakeholders were missing from the study.
Originality/value
This study proposes effective measures to build up a robust destination, necessary strategic planning for policymakers and provisions for stakeholders in the industry to address the health and safety of travelers in the case of future potential health epidemics.
Details
Keywords
Nguyen Cong Chinh and Nguyen Nhat Tung
This study aims to introduce an effective optimization algorithm for finding the suitable penetration of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) in the power system. The target of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to introduce an effective optimization algorithm for finding the suitable penetration of renewable distributed generators (RDGs) in the power system. The target of this research is to minimize the total costs, including the cost of emissions, the cost of purchasing electricity from the primary grid and the cost of branch power losses.
Design/methodology/approach
Energy valley optimizer (EVO) is applied to solve the optimization problem for determining the integration of photovoltaic units and wind turbine units in the system. This study considers the time variation of load demand and output power of units to improve the quality of the found solution. Simulation results are collected for evaluating the performance of the used methods in the same conditions.
Findings
The results indicated the huge economic and technical benefits from adopting the optimal solution of placement and sizing of RDGs in the power system. Besides, the outstanding efficiency of EVO is also proven through comparison with sunflower optimizer, drawer algorithm, osprey optimization algorithm, genetic algorithm, particle swarm optimization and artificial bee colony algorithm.
Originality/value
The mathematical models for the objective function and the constraints are appropriately described for the optimization problem. A simulation program for applying the optimization algorithms to the above problem is developed in the MATLAB software. The simulation results demonstrated the excellent benefits not only economically but also technically for the hybrid distribution system.
Details
Keywords
Daniel D. Prior, Lakshi Karunarathne Hitihami Mudiyanselage and Omar Khadeer Hussain
This study aims to examine buying center members’ information control (IC) in complex organizational buying contexts to uncover the effect of IC on overall procurement performance…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to examine buying center members’ information control (IC) in complex organizational buying contexts to uncover the effect of IC on overall procurement performance (PP) and the effects of expert power (EP), legitimate power (LP) and referent power as antecedents to IC.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling in AMOS version 21 to assess the hypotheses using a cross-sectional survey of 294 Sri Lankan buying center members active in complex organizational buying.
Findings
Results show that IC has positive effects on overall PP and that both EP and LP are significant antecedents to IC.
Research limitations/implications
The findings challenge the conventional wisdom that sharing all information in complex organizational buying is a sure-fire way to gain success. Instead, a measured, deliberate approach is more productive and this is more likely necessary and fruitful if the buying center member has EP or LP.
Practical implications
Procurement managers, supply chain managers and other managers with responsibility for implementing complex organizational buying outcomes should seek to enhance IC in buying center members to promote positive procurement outcomes, but this may stifle suppliers’ attempts to influence the process. Buying center members with EP and LP are more likely to face pressure to exert IC.
Originality/value
This study is the first to examine IC, its antecedents and consequences in complex organizational buying scenarios. EP and LP appear to underpin IC which, itself, has significant effects on PP.
Details
Keywords
Daniel D. Prior, Lakshi Karunarathne Hitihami Mudiyanselage and Omar Khadeer Hussain
This study aims to assess the following question: “which information processing approach, formalization or centralization, responds to procurement complexity and how does this…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to assess the following question: “which information processing approach, formalization or centralization, responds to procurement complexity and how does this affect procurement performance in knowledge-intensive procurements?”
Design/methodology/approach
This study draws on a survey of 294 Project Managers with recent experience of knowledge-intensive procurement. It uses AMOS version 21 to perform confirmatory factor analysis and structural modeling to assess the hypotheses.
Findings
The findings suggest that procurement complexity directly encourages formalization and that formalization has significant, positive effects on procurement performance. Centralization, on the other hand, appears not to respond to procurement complexity and has negligible effects on procurement performance.
Research limitations/implications
Drawing on information processing theory, this study highlights the importance of two information management approaches in knowledge-intensive procurement, and that such procurement situations share similarities with new product development and other innovation-rich, team-based activities. Knowledge-intensive procurement situations, therefore, require different information management practices than other types of procurement.
Practical implications
The findings suggest that procurement complexity directly encourages formalization and that formalization has significant, positive effects on procurement performance. Centralization, on the other hand, appears not to respond to procurement complexity and has negligible effects on procurement performance.
Originality/value
The study is the first to examine information management approaches (formalization and centralization) in knowledge-intensive procurement as responses to project complexity, and as contributors to procurement performance.
Details
Keywords
P. G. S. A. Jayarathne, Narayanage Jayantha Dewasiri and K. S. S. N. Karunarathne
Owing to the significance of a healthy lifestyle, we investigate the antecedents of the healthy lifestyle of young consumers in Sri Lanka. 658 structured questionnaires were…
Abstract
Owing to the significance of a healthy lifestyle, we investigate the antecedents of the healthy lifestyle of young consumers in Sri Lanka. 658 structured questionnaires were collected from young consumers in Sri Lanka as part of the survey procedure. The judgmental sampling method is used to choose the respondents. The analysis makes use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The findings disclose a high degree of healthy lifestyle among young consumers in Sri Lanka. Further findings revealed that health consciousness, collective esteem, and neighborhood environment are the antecedents for a healthy lifestyle. As young consumers are more concerned about a healthy lifestyle, managers in certain industries such as food and beverages, hotels, and restaurants should adopt their products and services in line with a healthy lifestyle.
Details
Keywords
E.A.C.P. Karunarathne, W.M.T.H. Wijesundara, A.S.T. Athukorala and K.P.S.P. Chithrananda
Despite the growing use of social media platforms, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the potential negative aspects associated with its usage. This paper aims to…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the growing use of social media platforms, it’s important to acknowledge and understand the potential negative aspects associated with its usage. This paper aims to explore the impacts of social media stress development and understand the roles of self-esteem, social media dependency and online reputation.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey-based quantitative approach was followed for this study, targeting social media users over 18 years of age, and the data were gathered through an online questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) were employed to evaluate the study model.
Findings
Study findings indicate that higher self-esteem reduces reliance on social media. Also, social media users’ concern about the digital image is caused by increasing social media dependency, which may lead to stress as individuals struggle to maintain a positive digital image on these platforms.
Originality/value
This study provides valuable insights into the negative aspects of social media use, emphasizing the need for strategies to mitigate the risks associated with excessive social media use and encourage the use of healthier digital habits to ensure user’s psychological well-being.
Details
Keywords
Jie Sun, Sangahn Kim and Fang Zhao
As the pandemic begins to ease, many companies are figuring out that working remotely is the future of work and “a new normal”. This research focuses on strategic planning and…
Abstract
Purpose
As the pandemic begins to ease, many companies are figuring out that working remotely is the future of work and “a new normal”. This research focuses on strategic planning and practices inherent in remote work, and aims to identify the optimal balance between virtual and on-site working. Specifically, the authors investigate the moderating effects of managerial ability and Hofstede's cultural factors.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors build a mathematical model to locate the optimal balance between virtual and on-site working. A numerical study is presented, and additional sensitivity analysis is conducted to validate the proposed model.
Findings
This model provides organizations with a general guideline with recommended optimal percentages of remote workforce based on specific Hofstede's national scores. The authors also find that organizations with varying levels of managerial ability exhibit different adoption rates of remote working.
Research limitations/implications
Because of the chosen research approach, the proposed model may lack empirical verification and require further adjustment of parameters. Therefore, researchers are encouraged to empirically and statistically test the proposed model further.
Practical implications
This model equips organizations and practitioners with a general guideline to identify their desired portion of remote workforce. The incorporation of managerial ability and cultural factors makes our model applicable to various business structures across different sectors.
Originality/value
This proposed model addresses this optimization problem from a mathematical perspective with an interdisciplinary approach. The model also considers the moderating effects of managerial ability and Hofstede's cultural factors.
Highlights
The main contribution of this study is the theoretical development of our mathematical model that identifies the optimal balance between remote and on-site workforce in the context of managerial ability and Hofstede's cultural factors.
A numerical study is presented, and additional sensitivity analysis is conducted to validate the proposed model and highlight the moderating effect of managerial ability and cultural influence on the adopted percentages of remote working.
Our study suggests that organizational capabilities, managerial skills, and culturally suitable work arrangement are vital in successful development and implementation of remote working policy.
Practical managerial implications and general guidelines are offered to organizations and practitioners.
The main contribution of this study is the theoretical development of our mathematical model that identifies the optimal balance between remote and on-site workforce in the context of managerial ability and Hofstede's cultural factors.
A numerical study is presented, and additional sensitivity analysis is conducted to validate the proposed model and highlight the moderating effect of managerial ability and cultural influence on the adopted percentages of remote working.
Our study suggests that organizational capabilities, managerial skills, and culturally suitable work arrangement are vital in successful development and implementation of remote working policy.
Practical managerial implications and general guidelines are offered to organizations and practitioners.
Details
Keywords
Nilani Priyanka Gunasekara, Warnakulasuriya Mahesh Niroshan Fernando and E.A.C.P. Karunarathne
Over the past few years, the internet has expanded rapidly, and it has been considered a systematic way that consumers use to retrieve health-related information. However, the…
Abstract
Purpose
Over the past few years, the internet has expanded rapidly, and it has been considered a systematic way that consumers use to retrieve health-related information. However, the existing literature does not provide an articulated view of online health information-seeking behaviour through an in-depth understanding of users’ searching-related behaviour. The objectives of this study are to identify the factors affecting consumers’ health-related internet use and recognise the relationships between those specified and health-related internet use. Finally, the recommendations are made based on the findings.
Design/methodology/approach
An amalgamated model of technology acceptance model and health belief model was used to hypothesise health-related internet use behaviour, which is then tested using a cross-sectional survey of 287 Sri Lankan managerial-level employees. The covariance-based structural equation modelling with AMOS was used to check the study hypotheses.
Findings
Findings of this study depict five factors contributing to consumers’ health-related internet use as follows: perceived health risk towards chronic diseases consisting of perceived susceptibility and perceived severity; health consciousness; perceived usefulness of the internet; perceived ease of internet use; and attitude towards health-related internet use. As theorised, the internet’s perceived usefulness was positively and significantly related to consumers’ use of health-related internet and attitude towards health-related internet use. But as hypothesised, perceived ease of internet use did not directly affect consumers’ use of health-related internet. Further, findings reveal that health-related internet use is estimated by perceived health risk than health consciousness.
Originality/value
Findings reveal that Sri Lankan managerial-level employees have a reactive health behaviour driven by the perceived health risk and the desire to seek online health information.
Details
Keywords
This study aims to explore the relationship between sustainability reporting and the financial performance of companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange as one of the emerging…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore the relationship between sustainability reporting and the financial performance of companies listed on the Saudi Stock Exchange as one of the emerging markets.
Design/methodology/approach
The study collects data from the corporate annual reports of a sample of 67 companies listed on the Saudi stock exchanges during the period 2016–2019. Financial performance has been measured using four accounting-based measures: return on assets, return on equity, return on capital employed and earnings per share. The relationship between financial performance and sustainability reporting has been estimated using a sustainability index that includes three dimensions (environment, health and safety, and social responsibility).
Findings
The results reveal that the sustainability reporting of Saudi companies, in general, is low. The results also indicate that there is a positive relationship between corporate financial performance and sustainability reporting, whether for the composite index or the three sub-indexes. However, this positive relationship is not statistically significant.
Research limitations/implications
Results of this study are limited to the context in which the study was conducted, which is the Saudi stock exchange from 2016 to 2019, and then the generalization of the results may be limited to listed companies operating in a similar social and economic context. The study also depends on accounting-based measures for financial performance without using market-based measures.
Originality/value
This study comes at the appropriate time with Saudi Arabia's adoption of a comprehensive economic plan called “Saudi Vision 2030”, of which sustainability is at the heart. Despite the efforts of the Saudi government to support sustainability, studies on this issue are still very few.
Details
Keywords
Heba Atef El-Akhras, Marwa Ali Abd El-Wahab, Elham Gharib Saghier and Kareem M. Selem
Despite ChatGPT usage advantages to complete assignments as quickly as possible with detailed information, its adoption risks are crucial factors that may significantly influence…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite ChatGPT usage advantages to complete assignments as quickly as possible with detailed information, its adoption risks are crucial factors that may significantly influence student outcomes, like creative skills and achievement levels. Hence, this paper examines the potential effects of ChatGPT adoption risks on students’ cognitive achievement, underpinned by perceived risk theory (PRT). Further, this paper examines the mediating role of creative thinking levels among hospitality college students.
Design/methodology/approach
This paper employed a quantitative approach to collect data. Using an online survey, simple random sampling was employed to ensure bias. Hence, 267 faculty members at tourism and hospitality colleges affiliated with Egyptian public universities responded, and their responses were tested using SmartPLS v.4.
Findings
Creative thinking partially mediated five potential risks of students’ ChatGPT adoption effects on their cognitive achievement. More specifically, psychological risks of ChatGPT adoption among students are considered one of the most likely to reduce their levels of creative thinking and their ability to achieve achievement.
Practical implications
This paper provides insights for policymakers aimed at enhancing higher education quality in tourism and hospitality colleges. Accordingly, this paper concludes by highlighting the importance of addressing ChatGPT adoption’s psychological risks, integrating strategies to promote creative thinking among students and fostering responsible artificial intelligence usage in higher education.
Originality/value
This paper underscores the critical role of faculty members in navigating and mitigating these risks, fostering a more conducive learning environment for responsible ChatGPT usage.