Michael Petterson, Lanka Nanayakkara, Norgay Konchok, Rebecca Norman, Sonam Wangchuk and Malin Linderoth
The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of “Interconnected Geoscience” to a disaster and risk reduction (DRR) case study at SECMOL College, near Leh, Ladakh, N. India…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to apply the concept of “Interconnected Geoscience” to a disaster and risk reduction (DRR) case study at SECMOL College, near Leh, Ladakh, N. India. Interconnected geoscience is a model that advocates holistic approaches to geoscience for development. This paper reports research/practical work with Ladakhi students/staff, undertaking community-oriented DRR exercises in hazard awareness, DRR themed village/college mapping, vulnerability assessments and DRR management scenario development. The geoscientific hazard analysis work is published within a separate sister paper, with results feeding into this work. This work addresses aspects of, and contributes to, the DRR research(science)-policy-interface conversation.
Design/methodology/approach
Interconnected geoscience methodologies for DRR here are: the application of geoscience for hazard causality, spatial distribution, frequency and impact assessment, for earthquakes, floods and landslides, within the SECMOL area; the generation of community-developed DRR products and services of use to a range of end-users; the development of a contextual geoscience approach, informed by social-developmental-issues; and the active participation of SECMOL students/teachers and consequent integration of local world-views and wisdom within DRR research. Initial DRR awareness levels of students were assessed with respect to earthquakes/floods/landslides/droughts. Following hazard teaching sessions, students engaged in a range of DRR exercises, and produced DRR themed maps, data, tables and documented conversations of relevance to DRR management.
Findings
Students levels of hazard awareness were variable, generally low for low-frequency hazards (e.g. earthquakes) and higher for hazards such as floods/landslides which either are within recent memory, or have higher frequencies. The 2010 Ladakhi flood disaster has elevated aspects of flood-hazard knowledge. Landslides and drought hazards were moderately well understood. Spatial awareness was identified as a strength. The application of an interconnected geoscience approach immersed within a student+staff college community, proved to be effective, and can rapidly assess/build upon awareness levels and develop analytical tools for the further understanding of DRR management. This approach can assist Ladakhi regional DRR management in increasing the use of regional capability/resources, and reducing the need for external inputs.
Practical implications
A series of recommendations for the DRR geoscience/research-policy-practice area include: adopting an “interconnected geoscience” approach to DRR research, involving scientific inputs to DRR; using and developing local capability and resources for Ladakhi DRR policy and practice; using/further-developing DRR exercises presented in this paper, to integrate science with communities, and further-empower communities; taking account of the findings that hazard awareness is variable, and weak, for potentially catastrophic hazards, such as earthquakes, when designing policy and practice for raising DRR community awareness; ensuring that local values/world views/wisdom inform all DRR research, and encouraging external “experts” to carefully consider these aspects within Ladakh-based DRR work; and further-developing DRR networks across Ladakh that include pockets of expertise such as SECMOL.
Originality/value
The term “interconnected geoscience” is highly novel, further developing thinking within the research/science-policy-practice interface. This is the first time an exercise such as this has been undertaken in the Ladakh Himalaya.
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Emmanuel Susitha and Madhurika Nanayakkara
This paper aims to assess the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on the triple bottom line’s economic, social and environmental performance of Sri Lankan…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to assess the impact of green supply chain management (GSCM) practices on the triple bottom line’s economic, social and environmental performance of Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers.
Design/methodology/approach
This quantitative study uses a deductive approach. The practice-based view is used to support the conceptual framework. The partial least square structural equation modelling technique empirically assessed the conceptual model using 164 responses from Sri Lankan apparel manufacturers through a structured survey questionnaire. Apart from examining the direct effects of GSCM practice on the triple bottom line, the study also investigated the moderating effects of firm size and duration.
Findings
The results show that GSCM practices positively affect the organisation’s triple bottom line while business size and duration moderate the said relationship.
Research limitations/implications
The fact that this study is based on Sri Lankan apparel producers may impact the generalizability of the findings across different industries and countries. Furthermore, the survey only looked at export manufacturers. This raises questions about the results’ relevance to other non-export groups of the current population with distinct characteristics.
Practical implications
The paper provides insights for both academia and practitioners on the importance of adopting GSCM practices for the business performance of apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka. The paper includes implications for devising strategic solutions for organisational performance and sustainability by using GSCM practices in apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka.
Originality/value
The research contributes to the body of knowledge in the GSCM field in general. This research also contributes to the limited literature on GSCM practices in Sri Lanka. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first attempt to explain how apparel manufacturers in Sri Lanka are organised.
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Anil Chandrakumara and Paul Sparrow
This study extends the contention that national culture affects human resource management (HRM) policies and practices and explores meaning and values of work orientation (MVWO…
Abstract
This study extends the contention that national culture affects human resource management (HRM) policies and practices and explores meaning and values of work orientation (MVWO) as an element of national culture in predicting HRM policy‐practice design choices. The data were obtained in a sample of 487 employees in domestic and foreign‐invested firms (FIF) in Sri Lanka. Eight distinct MVWO patterns emerged from the sample. Twenty‐six HRM design choices were clustered into four components: planned and open career and empowering system, qualifications and performance based reward system, generic functional perspective of job‐person fit, and job‐related competence and rewards. All the four HRM preference practices are influenced by MVWO. The evidence suggests MVWO relativity of HRM design choices in Sri Lankan context. The question of transferability of empowering and performance management to developing countries becomes evident. Moreover, MVWO relativity of HRM design choices is relatively high in FIF, reflecting that the “type of ownership” can have an impact not only on actual HRM practices but also on preferred HRM practices in FIF. The existence of business in the long‐run and host government expectations also seem to be important factors in understanding HRM preferences in FIF. Theoretical and practical implications for international HR managers are discussed.
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The paper seeks to provide a theoretical foundation and empirical evidence on the impact of HRM fit on citizenship and task performance (CTP) of employees.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper seeks to provide a theoretical foundation and empirical evidence on the impact of HRM fit on citizenship and task performance (CTP) of employees.
Design/methodology/approach
A range of recently published articles were critically reviewed in order to argue that HRM fit is useful to address issues of substandard CTP. A hybrid type of research design was adopted to collect both quantitative and qualitative data through questionnaires and interviews. Analysis is based on 433 survey responses gathered from employees and managers of seven manufacturing companies in Sri Lanka.
Findings
The findings provide evidence not only to confirm the HRM fit hypothesis (which states that the higher the HRM fit, the greater the performance) but also to negate the said hypothesis in relation to some HRM practices. It is also revealed that HRM fit does not matter to the majority of HRM practices examined, and that HRM fit is more important for citizenship performance (CP) than for task performance (TP).
Research limitations/implications
The findings represent the Sri Lankan manufacturing sector sample only. The selection of HRM practices was limited to the HRM typology of Schuler and Jackson. The extent to which person‐organisation fit may change for individuals over the course of their employment was not considered.
Practical implications
The paper addresses the issue of transferability of HRM practices and aids practitioners to assess the impact of person‐organization fit on specific HRM practices. The relationship between the HR planning and control system and CTP sends signals for practitioners to consider the incorporation of HRM fit concept in selection, training and development, and the design of HRM systems.
Originality/value
The paper presents an exploration of the HRM fit concept and CTP and provides empirical evidence in a developing country context. An innovative analytical approach that addresses several person‐organisation fit methodological issues is presented, which could contribute to the current knowledge and future research.
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The purpose of this study is to explore a phenomenon in knowledge management that has been given scant attention: the influence of cultural distance on inter-organizational…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore a phenomenon in knowledge management that has been given scant attention: the influence of cultural distance on inter-organizational knowledge transfer in the context of multinational companies involving headquarters in the USA and a subsidiary in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
Designed as a qualitative exploratory study, data was collected through in-depth interviews of 15 participants and documents review.
Findings
The findings of this study implied that the theoretically introduced cultural dimensions shall be relevant to analyze the phenomenon of this study. Consequently, through the findings of this study, it is argued that inter-organizational knowledge transfer in multinational companies is influenced by cultural distance.
Research limitations/implications
This study theoretically and empirically contributes to the debates on knowledge transfer in knowledge management research in general and, inter-organizational knowledge transfer in multinational companies between headquarters and subsidiaries with respect to the influence of cultural distance in particular, through the light of Trompenaars’ (1993) cultural dimensions theory.
Practical implications
The findings of this study could motivate the practitioners to take into account: the influence of cultural distance on inter-organizational knowledge transfer, if inter-organizational knowledge transfer happens in similar contexts: multinational companies with a headquarters in the USA (a western context) and a subsidiary in Sri Lanka (a non-western context) in the practical business world.
Originality/value
This study provides theoretical and empirical insights into the influence of cultural distance on inter-organizational knowledge transfer in multinational companies between headquarters and subsidiaries in the selected context while suggesting various avenues for further research toward the influence of cultural distance on such phenomenon in similar/dissimilar contexts.
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Sachindra Hewavitharana, Asoka Perera, Srinath Perera, Prasad Perera and Samudaya Nanayakkara
Despite the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, construction organisations in Sri Lanka fail to adopt ERP systems successfully due to functional issues…
Abstract
Purpose
Despite the benefits of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, construction organisations in Sri Lanka fail to adopt ERP systems successfully due to functional issues. Functional issues arise because of the gap between ERP protocols and construction practices. The purpose of this study is to identify the functional issues in ERP implementation and to propose a framework for the systematic adoption of ERP in the construction industry in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
A comprehensive literature review was carried out to identify the issues when adopting ERP protocols into construction practices. These were classified into ten knowledge modules using PMBOK-Version 6 (Project Management Body of Knowledge). Then a questionnaire was developed and validated through an expert forum with five experts. The validated questionnaire was distributed among ERP users in C1-C5 grade construction enterprises in Sri Lanka. Those enterprises were simultaneously operating in multiple construction sites and already experienced ERP implementation. The estimated population was 210 from which 174 responses were received indicating an 82% response rate. Data was analysed using the Chi-Square test.
Findings
The analysis established that there is a significant gap level between ERP protocols and construction practices. The highest significant gap with a Chi-square value of 158.766 exists in the area of inventory management. Other areas such as human resource management (HRM) (142.366), asset management (130.264), finance (126.267), site operations (103.793), project management (53.88), purchasing (34.324), petty cash (28.337), estimating and tendering (22.148) and subcontract management (20.492) show a significant gap level respectively.
Originality/value
The paper establishes comprehensive strategies and a framework developed using the protocols prescribed in webERP (TM) and adopting it to onsite construction practices. webERP (TM) system was developed based on best practices defined in PMBOK (Version 6) and CIDA (Construction Industry Development Authority) specifications for efficient construction practices in Sri Lanka.
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Namal Gamage, A.P. Krishni Kavindya Ambagala, Samudaya Nanayakkara and Srinath Perera
The construction industry is often criticised due to inherited challenges: poor payment practices, inadequate collaboration, etc. Blockchain has the potential to address these…
Abstract
Purpose
The construction industry is often criticised due to inherited challenges: poor payment practices, inadequate collaboration, etc. Blockchain has the potential to address these issues with its salient features. Nonetheless, adopting blockchain and smart contracts (B&SC) within the construction industry is a comprehensive endeavour due to its intricate nature. The situation is bleak in Sri Lanka due to numerous barriers such as limited technical expertise, cost implications and many others. Hence, this paper aims to examine these barriers, appropriate strategies to overcome them, explore potential blockchain-applicable areas and formulate a framework to adopt B&SC in the construction industry of Sri Lanka (CISL).
Design/methodology/approach
This study employed a mixed research approach. The barriers for the adoption of B&SC to the CISL and their applicable areas were distinguished through a questionnaire survey and analysed using the Relative Importance Index. Strategies to overcome them were identified through expert interviews and analysed utilising manual-content analysis.
Findings
The study identified 15 barriers, 12 strategies and 9 areas for integrating B&SC for the CISL. The analysis indicated that having fewer blockchain-powered applications, the reluctance of the enterprises to bear costs to integrate blockchain and sluggish adaptation to new digital technologies are significant barriers. Further, conducting an industry-wide digitalisation analysis, developing an industry-wide digitalisation strategy and recruiting skilful IT staff were pointed out as the pivotal strategies. Moreover, payment and supply chain management were identified as areas with high potential.
Originality/value
This study unveils an analysis of barriers, strategies and areas in adopting B&SC for CISL and formulates a framework. It can be deployed as a guideline for implementing B&SC in the CISL.
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Niromi Seram, Julian Nanayakkara and Gamini Lanarolle
The suppliers are recognized as important external sources who can significantly contribute by working together with the buyer during the innovation process. Operational…
Abstract
Purpose
The suppliers are recognized as important external sources who can significantly contribute by working together with the buyer during the innovation process. Operational capabilities of suppliers can be one of the considerable factors when selecting them to participate in the activities at the front-end of innovation. However, proper understanding of the influence of operational capabilities of suppliers on front-end decision-making in apparel product innovation is still very limited particularly in the context of the Sri Lankan apparel industry. Therefore, this study aims to explore the influence of operational capabilities of suppliers on the front-end decision making in apparel product innovation in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
Both semi-structured interviews and a questionnaire survey were used as data collection techniques. Six senior managers for the interviews and 60 participants for the questionnaire were randomly selected. All those who participated in interviews and the questionnaire respondents have been involved in the front-end of innovation in different apparel manufacturing organizations in Sri Lanka.
Findings
The results indicated that the operational capabilities of suppliers had a direct positive influence on front-end decision-making, and the suppliers’ production flexibility was found to be the most influential. Further, the results highlighted that 27.3% of the front-end decisions associated with apparel product innovation in Sri Lanka were influenced by the factors governing operational capabilities of suppliers.
Originality/value
The findings of the research will be beneficial for both academia and industry. The findings will be useful to extend the current understanding and make a noteworthy contribution to this topic and to provide useful and practical guidance to material suppliers and supporting industries who work with Sri Lankan apparel manufacturing.
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J.A.S.K. Jayakody and W.M.A. Sanjeewani
The present study was undertaken to identify what practices are considered best business practices by business firms in Sri Lanka and to explore whether there exist different…
Abstract
Purpose
The present study was undertaken to identify what practices are considered best business practices by business firms in Sri Lanka and to explore whether there exist different practices in different sectors.
Design/methodology/approach
Data were collected from managers attending postgraduate and mid‐career development programs in a large Sri Lankan university. A total of 71 managers responded to the questionnaire representing 71 firms. The data were analyzed with principal component factor (Varimax rotation) technique to identify the best practices and Tukey's post hoc test was employed to compare them across different sectors.
Findings
The findings indicate that the following are considered to be best business practices in Sri Lanka: a bias for action, quality focus, customer orientation, relationships with customers, relationships with employees and outsourcing. These best practices belong to four key performance areas, namely external market orientation, internal organizational process, current business performance, and internal customer orientation. It was also found that medium‐sized firms are different from large, and service firms are different from firms in the trade sector in terms of a bias for action. Further, firms operating in the overseas markets and manufacturing firms are significantly higher in “quality focus” than their counterparts.
Research limitations/implications
The researchers suggest that future research be undertaken using large samples, taking the four‐dimensional framework as the conceptual framework.
Originality/value
Though the history of best business practices runs into the early 1980s, empirical studies on the topic are limited both in the West and the East. During the last two decades a number of lists of best practices appeared with little empirical support, thus causing a research gap.
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Ganguli Eranga Harshamali Wijewardhana, Samanthi Kumari Weerabahu, Julian Liyanage Don Nanayakkara and Premaratne Samaranayake
The main purpose of this paper is to assess the technological view of apparel new product development (NPD) process through a framework for improving the efficiency of NPD process…
Abstract
Purpose
The main purpose of this paper is to assess the technological view of apparel new product development (NPD) process through a framework for improving the efficiency of NPD process in Sri Lankan apparel industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study uses literature review, a survey and in-depth interviews of industry experts for data collection. Descriptive analysis and correlation analysis are used to identify the relationship between NPD process performance and Industry 4.0 (I4) technology components.
Findings
All technology components are enablers of NPD process, yet the relative importance of technology components varies within the NPD life cycle. Technoware is identified as the most significant, while Humanware component is the least significant for the advancement of I4 technologies in the NPD process.
Research limitations/implications
Despite the novelty of research investigation into NPD process using I4 technologies in apparel industry, it is limited to one geographical location and a small segment of the industry.
Practical implications
This paper assists apparel industry practitioners to better understand and prioritize I4 technology components in the NPD life cycle for their successful adoption and for reaping the benefits.
Originality/value
This research generates new knowledge on the adoption of I4 technologies using industry insights into technology components mapped/aligned with key stages of NPD life cycle.