Samudi Perera and Chandana Perera
The purpose of this paper is to propose a performance measurement system for a lean manufacturing environment, which assesses the multi-dimensional performance of lean…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose a performance measurement system for a lean manufacturing environment, which assesses the multi-dimensional performance of lean manufacturing.
Design/methodology/approach
Following a case study approach, structured interviews were conducted to identify the parameters to measure the performance of a lean manufacturing apparel company. A model was developed with the analytical hierarchical process to assess the performance.
Findings
The proposed model consists of three levels: first level (overall manufacturing performance), second level (criteria that represent the stakeholders’ view of manufacturing performance) and third level (sub-criteria for the criteria which represent the areas affected by lean manufacturing). The model connects indicators that measure manufacturing performance with the areas required improvements, according to their relative importance to stakeholders.
Research limitations/implications
The interviewers’ perspectives were used to determine the importance of each manufacturing area for stakeholders. Key performance measures can vary from company to company.
Practical implications
Managers can use this model to identify important areas for manufacturing performance and the performance improvements driven by different types of lean practices. The results revealed that identifying stakeholders’ requirements was an important aspect of evaluating manufacturing performance.
Social implications
The model embeds a stakeholder approach in performance measurement, thereby providing a comprehensive model to assess performance.
Originality/value
This study applies the stakeholder view to identify the multi-dimensional nature of performance in a lean manufacturing setting. It also defines the key performance measures using lean practices.
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Chamila Roshani Perera and Chandana Hewege
This paper aims to examine the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to corporate social performance (CSP) and how this sensitivity influences their everyday consumption.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to examine the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to corporate social performance (CSP) and how this sensitivity influences their everyday consumption.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors used a mixed method research approach, which was organised into two sequential stages: a survey (N = 199) and two focus group investigations (N = 16).
Findings
The study found that married, aged and high-income-earning consumers who have a higher media exposure to CSP information show high sensitivity towards CSP. The focus groups revealed that the elderly consumers have a myopic view of CSP which is subjected to context-specific factors relating to CSP of Japanese firms. Showing a high level of tolerance towards the firms with adverse CSP records, the elderly consumers tend to make their consumption decisions based on personal benefits, as opposed to CSP records of the firms. The focus groups’ findings are organised into four thematic categories.
Practical implications
The study highlights the predictability of consumer sensitivity to CSP using demographic factors. The practitioners targeting elderly consumers using CSP programmes should design them with a focus on social issues, including gender equality, employment opportunities for the disabled and new employment opportunities, as they constitute CSP sensitivities among elderly consumers.
Originality/value
Studies on consumers’ perceptions towards CSP in Japan are scarce. Specifically, studies aimed at the elderly consumer segment of the Japanese society are limited. Therefore, this study endeavours to bridge this gap by exploring the Japanese elderly consumer sensitivity to CSP and its role in everyday consumption practices.
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Chamila R. Perera and Chandana R. Hewege
Applying mainstream, Western-centric corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory to make sense of CSR practices of multinational firms of non-Western origin seems to be…
Abstract
Purpose
Applying mainstream, Western-centric corporate social responsibility (CSR) theory to make sense of CSR practices of multinational firms of non-Western origin seems to be problematic for CSR theory and practice. The purpose of this study is to critically analyse the CSR integration journey of a Japanese multinational firm with a view to understanding CSR integration in a global business context.
Design/methodology/approach
This study used a qualitative research method using a single case study approach to investigate a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context. A theoretical lens of seven patterns of CSR integration interwoven with Japanese and mainstream CSR discourses is used to make sense of internalisation and internationalisation process.
Findings
Main findings are presented under four themes: product harm crisis as a call for CSR, CSR governance and bottom up initiatives, recycling oriented CSR and product designing, co-existing Japanese CSR in the global marketplace. An external misfit of a firm’s practice in the domestic market can lead to internalising country-specific CSR through CSR integration resulting in successful internationalisation of country-specific CSR practices.
Research limitations/implications
Country-specific CSR integration follows context-specific routines and practices; this process can be shaped and reshaped by the prevailing international CSR discourse due to internationalisation of a firm’s operation.
Originality/value
Although CSR is viewed as a fundamental strategic priority driving firms to focus on shared value-creating products and services, how best a firm can integrate CSR into an existing business model is unclear. This gap is addressed in this current study.
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Udara Sachinthana Perera, Chandana Siriwardana and Ishani Shehara Pitigala Liyana Arachchi
Infrastructures become critical with the emerging threats triggering through disasters. Sri Lanka is a country with a higher risk of disaster impacts, in which the eye-opening has…
Abstract
Purpose
Infrastructures become critical with the emerging threats triggering through disasters. Sri Lanka is a country with a higher risk of disaster impacts, in which the eye-opening has widened towards mitigating the damages towards critical infrastructures. Based on this, the purpose of this paper is to develop an index that identifies the significance of critical infrastructure resilience.
Design/methodology/approach
From the initial literature survey, disaster resilience is defined as capacity of three stages, absorptive, adaptive and restorative along with ten indicators to measure capacities. Selected indicators were then checked for suitability for scope of the research based on opinions of seven experts. Subsequently, the critical infrastructure resilience index (CIRI) was introduced such that the numerical values for each indicator are aggregated using the Z score method. Statistical relations between the actual impact against disasters and CIRI calculated for administrative regions in Sri Lanka were used as the final step to validate the developed index.
Findings
Resilience index development is presented in this paper with a comprehensive methodology of developing and validation. Further, the case study results imply the weakness and strengths in each resilience capacities, which are important in decision-making.
Research limitations/implications
Unavailability of disaster impact data and centralized data repository were main constrains in the validation process of this research. Hence proxy data was used to validate resilience index in this research.
Originality/value
This research identified and validated a novel approach of defining disaster resilience index for regional decision-making.
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Abhishek Sharma, Chandana Hewege and Chamila Perera
This study explores the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers in the financial product market. More precisely, it examines how the integrative effects of…
Abstract
Purpose
This study explores the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers in the financial product market. More precisely, it examines how the integrative effects of rationality, emotions and personality traits influence the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers when making financial product purchase decisions.
Design/methodology/approach
The study employs a quantitative research approach, utilising a survey strategy. The proposed conceptual model was tested using structural equation modelling (AMOS) on a valid 357 responses from Australian female consumers.
Findings
The findings revealed that rationality, self-efficacy and impulsivity have a positive impact on the decision-making powers of Australian female consumers. Besides this, self-efficacy and anxiety had significant moderating effects on the decision-making power of Australian female consumers when buying financial products, whereas anger and impulsivity were found to have no moderating effects.
Research limitations/implications
The study offers understanding on the role of emotions and personality traits in financial decision-making, which can help financial institutions design sound products and services that can also ensure consumers' overall well-being.
Originality/value
Informed by the theoretical notions of the appraisal-tendency framework (ATF) and emotion-imbued choice model (EIC), the study makes a unique contribution by investigating the impact of rationality, emotions and personality traits on the decision-making powers of female consumers in the Australian financial product market.
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Chamila Perera and Chandana Hewege
This study aims to explore how young adults understand the climate change problem. It also explores whether environmental paradigms explain how young adults perceive climate…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to explore how young adults understand the climate change problem. It also explores whether environmental paradigms explain how young adults perceive climate change risks in their everyday green conscious behavior.
Design/methodology/approach
This interpretive research draws on in-depth interviews with 20 young Australians (aged between 19-25 years) who engage in green conscious behavior.
Findings
Three thematic categories (“non-local” climate change risk, oscillation between environmental paradigms and anthropocentric environmentalism) emerged from the data. The study finds that “non-local” climate change risk perceptions and environmental paradigms inform green conscious behavior. However, no association between environmental paradigms and climate change risk perceptions is found. The study postulates a skeletal theoretical framework for understanding the green conscious behavior of young adults.
Practical implications
Recommendations are provided on how to sustain young adults’ interest in environmental wellbeing and in promoting green commodities in young consumer markets. Suggestions include creating a clear awareness of climate change with a constructive or positive appeal resolving ‘non-local’ climate change risk perceptions and position green commodities as “pro-actions” or “solutions”, as opposed to “reactions”, when reaching young consumer markets.
Originality/value
A high level of green consciousness among young adults is recorded in recent global surveys. This green conscious young consumer segment, however, appears to be largely ignored by green commodity marketers. This study provides green commodity marketers with necessary insights to explore the opportunities that might arise in this unique market segment.
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Chamal Perera, Darshana Jayasooriya, Gimhan Jayasiri, Chameera Randil, Chaminda Bandara, Chandana Siriwardana, Ranjith Dissanayake, Sameera Hippola, Kamani Sylva, Thushara Kamalrathne and Asela Kulatunga
Even though Sri Lanka has established Early Warning (EW) mechanisms and Evacuation Procedures (EP) for the communities affected by the coastal disasters, there are several gaps…
Abstract
Purpose
Even though Sri Lanka has established Early Warning (EW) mechanisms and Evacuation Procedures (EP) for the communities affected by the coastal disasters, there are several gaps, which hinder effective mechanisms in operation of disaster management practices. These gaps affect both the vulnerable communities and relevant authorities involved in the Disaster Management sector. This paper aims to identify and evaluate those gaps while providing adequate solutions.
Design/methodology/approach
For that, questionnaire surveys were carried out with a sample size of 217 via an online survey (117) among the urban level and interviews and telephone interviews (100) with the village level coastal communities. Data analysis was carried out using statistical analysis of questionnaire surveys and grounded theory was used for in-depth qualitative study.
Findings
Primary and secondary data obtained from the surveys were categorized under five themes, namely, response to early warning systems, evacuation routes, shelters, drills and training, effect of having a family vehicle, relatives and domestic animals, evacuation of people with special needs and cooperation with local government units. This paper analyses these themes in detail.
Originality/value
While critically evaluating the gaps in existing early warning mechanisms and evacuation procedures, this paper identifies correlations between some of the gaps and recommendations as well. Input from the international academics were also obtained at different forums and have strengthen the findings to overcome the barriers, which hinder successful mechanisms.
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Ravindu Udayantha Jayasekara, Gaindu Saranga Jayathilaka, Chandana Siriwardana, Dilanthi Amaratunga, Richard Haigh, Chaminda Bandara and Ranjith Dissanayake
The current National Early Warning System for Sri Lanka (NEWS: SL) was established after the devastations of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. Although early warning (EW) systems…
Abstract
Purpose
The current National Early Warning System for Sri Lanka (NEWS: SL) was established after the devastations of the Indian Ocean Tsunami in 2004. Although early warning (EW) systems and evacuation procedures are in place, several areas which need improvements have been emphasized in recent studies carried out in the country. Therefore, this paper aims to outline the gaps in existing EW and EP related to tsunami and other coastal hazards with a special focus on the use of social media for disaster communication based on age groups.
Design/methodology/approach
This study has drawn on a review of past studies carried out by the same research team to identify the scope of the study. In addition to that, a conceptual framework was developed for the use of social media in the event of a disaster. Based on this conceptual framework, an online questionnaire was administered to identify the current status of the use of social media in Sri Lanka during a disaster situation. In total, 408 responses were collected and analyzed using the binary logistic regression method to evaluate the variation of different predictors associated with the use of social media for disaster communication.
Findings
Findings of the study revealed that the use of social media for disaster communication depends on the previous experience of users and their age. The gender of users does not affect the use of social media for disaster communication. Therefore, the accuracy and timeliness of disaster information distributed via social media should be improved further to enhance the use of social media for disaster communication. Moreover, the findings have highlighted unaddressed issues in areas such as governance; communication of technical agencies; evacuation and shelters; and response of the community.
Originality/value
This paper has identified key areas that need attention in the process of enhancing the use of social media for disaster communication. More use of technological platforms such as social media for receiving disaster-related information can address issues such as bottlenecks in communication, poor awareness and lack of last-mile dissemination. Furthermore, this paper has proposed recommendations for addressing the identified gaps in the overall EW mechanisms and EP pertaining to tsunamis and other coastal hazards to enhance the coastal disaster resilience in Sri Lanka.
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Richard Teare, Chandrarathne Bandara and Chandana (Chandi) Jayawardena
This paper aims to explains how rural communities in Sri Lanka are responding to the challenges of high unemployment and low household income in a post-conflict society and to…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explains how rural communities in Sri Lanka are responding to the challenges of high unemployment and low household income in a post-conflict society and to explore the possibilities for engaging rural communities in sustainable tourism development as part of their response.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper outlines how the South Asian Academy for Good Governance (SAAGG) is using action learning to enable participants to better utilize the resources available to them. It also draws on discussions with community leaders about harnessing this approach to industry training and the resource challenges arising from the Government's strategy for in-bound tourism.
Findings
The following are outlined: a framework for self-directed development in rural communities; why rural communities with a long tradition of subsistence farming are reluctant to participate in tourism development; and a community-driven approach to sustainable tourism that could yield benefits for the whole community and at the same time, preserve the traditional way of life.
Practical implications
The paper highlights: an approach to capacity building that assists in the creation sustainable micro enterprise; and the need for innovative thinking and action to mobilize rural communities in support of Sri Lanka's drive to become a leading Asian tourist destination.
Social implications
The study provides an example of sustainable development that could be replicated by rural communities in other locations. It also identifies the pivotal role of rural community members in providing an authentic tourism experience for international tourists and poses some questions about the best way(s) to engage with this group.
Originality/value
Indigenous culture and traditional ways of learning are drawn on to explain how subsistence communities can develop and implement a business approach that enables them to achieve greater self-reliance and financial independence. The paper also draws on the views of community leaders who are actively involved in facilitating community-based learning and development.