Institutional-Repository, University of Moratuwa
Welcome to the University of Moratuwa Digital Repository, which houses postgraduate theses and dissertations, research articles presented at conferences by faculties and departments, university-published journal articles and research publications authored by academic staff. This online repository stores, preserves and distributes the University's scholarly work. This service allows University members to share their research with a larger audience.
 Research Publications |  Thesis & Dissertation |  E- Books |
 UoM Journal Publications |  UoM Conference Proceedings |  Articles published in Scimago's Q1 journals |  UoM Research Reports |  Other Articles authored by UoM staff |
Recent Submissions
item: Thesis-Full-text
Empirical study on improving the performance standard of the offshore ERP consultants in Sri Lankan ERP consulting firm context
(2025) Weerasinghe, S; Perera, AADAJ
This research looks into approaches to improve the performance of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) consultants in the offshore context, with an emphasis on SAP implementation (before and after go live) of a well-known SAP consulting firm in Sri Lanka. The SAP system is considered as the ERP. In addition, physical and cultural distinctions in offshore areas present additional obstacles. The report outlines existing procedures and highlights major factors influencing consultant performance. A mixed-methods approach is used, with qualitative interviews to collect data from SAP consulting firms and offshore consultants themselves.
The findings indicate that communication hurdles, cultural variations, knowledge transfer issues, time zone disparities, and client expectations all have an impact on a consultant’s performance.
An analysis of Quantitative survey data sheds light on the effectiveness of these initiatives, demonstrating links between implementation success and enhanced consultant performance measures. Furthermore, the study provides best practices and recommendations for offshore SAP consulting firms looking to improve consultant performance standards, emphasizing the value of proactive culture integration, continuous learning programs, and clear performance evaluation criteria.
This research has consequences for both academics and industry, providing unique insights into the dynamics of offshore SAP consulting as well as practical suggestions for firms looking to improve the effectiveness of their offshore consultants. By addressing the problems unique to offshore contexts, this study advances SAP consulting techniques and emphasizes the importance of specialized approaches in achieving optimal performance standards in offshore environments
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Role of port community systems in streamlining export processes for Sri Lankan SMEs
(2025) Rohana, WW; Sigera, LCI
Strategically located in the hub of international trade, Sri Lanka is one of the biggest players on the international arena. Despite this, the inefficiencies of the country’s export processes, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), remain insurmountable obstacles to the country’s competitiveness in the world market. By streamlining export processes in a simple and easy manner, Sri Lankan SMEs can be empowered through Port Community Systems (PCS) to overcome these problems. Data were collected from 47 export-oriented SMEs employing a structured Likert scale questionnaire based on a positivist philosophy and deducting from a quantitative and positivist philosophy of data analysis using SPSS. Three critical dimensions have been focused on, namely, system usability, information transparency and collaboration with port authorities. The findings show that the adoption of PCS effectively increases export efficiency by reducing the procedural delays, enhancing data transparency and better coordinating the stakeholders. In the case of resource constrained SMEs usability becomes a key factor, and the user-friendly interface of PCS draws a higher adoption rate. Through PCS, information transparency is made possible for real time data sharing, this will reduce errors and would lead to faster decision making. Further, port authorities are better integrated into the export environment within PCS to minimize bureaucracy and promote collaboration. The potential adoption of PCS in Sri Lanka is low as to infrastructural deficits, low awareness, and resistance to change. The study then makes a recommendation for adoption of PCS by recommending strategic measures such as government incentives, awareness campaign, capacity building programmes and public private partnership. PCs utilization can be further strengthened for efficiency and additional global competitiveness of Sri Lankan SMEs, leading to a path forger to a sustainable export growth. In particular, this research provides useful insights into the modernization of Sri Lanka’s export sector through digital innovation for the benefit of policymakers, port authorities, and SME stakeholders.
item: Thesis-Abstract
The Impact of digitalization on logistics : a case in apparel industry
(2025) Liyanapathirana, IE; Hettiarachchi, BD
Digitalization has become a vital tool across different industries, including the clothing manufacturing sector, where logistics operations play a pivotal role. While various studies have stressed the significance and impact of digitalization on logistics, further study is needed to understand its specific influence on the logistical activities within the garment industry. The purpose of this study is to investigate how digitalization has affected the logistical processes in this industry. The study examines seven important criteria to determine how they affect logistics operations, building on previous results about digitalization. By using the survey method, the study looks at seven important aspects: process control, departmental performance and efficiency, tracking and visibility, cost and budgeting accuracy, analytical accuracy, data availability and accuracy, and value addition to the end product. Based on the responses of the professionals in the field, the study employed hypothesis testing, descriptive analysis, and cross-tabulation analysis to gain insights from the collected data. The results highlighted that all seven factors were affected by digitalization where “value to final product” had mixed responses than the others. Additionally, the managerial insights gleaned from this study highlight areas that need attention when implementing digitalization in logistics operations, supporting better decision-making and optimization strategies.
item: Thesis-Abstract
Comparative analysis of single vs multi sourcing strategies in LPG industry in Sri Lanka
(2024) Nishantha, DLD; Fernando, A
Purchasing and supply function is the critical process in the organization’s supply chain. The main objective of the function is to acquire the right quality material, at the right time, in the right quantity, from the right sources at the right price. Select best suppliers from the market and promote diversity in the supply chain is one of the key aims of the sustainable procurement. When formulating a strategy to the procurement department the quantitative and qualitative dimensions of supply strategy is highly considered by the literatures. Accordingly, quantitative dimensions such as price, delivery, and quality must be analyzed simultaneously with qualitative dimensions such as risk and sustainability.
This study focuses comparative analysis of single vs multiple sourcing strategies in Liquefied Petroleum Industry in Sri Lanka. The report discuss the different sourcing strategies implemented in the procurement field and highlights the major factors affecting to decide the procurement strategy with their sub factors. Main factors such as Cost, Risk and Quality in the LPG industry is focused based on the literature findings and authors experience of working in the industry.
The quantitative research approach is used and primary data was collected from the employees in the selected organization (ABC company) in LPG industry in Sri Lanka and data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics and hypothesis testing. And secondly analysis was carried out by using Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to develop a decision making model for the decision makers in the industry.
The conclusion of both analyses were presented the behavior of cost, quality and risk factors in the industry when selecting single supplier or multiple suppliers to supply of the selected product or service and weightage of each factors to be considered when selecting supply sources for non-critical items, leverage items, bottleneck items and strategic items in the LPG industry
item: Thesis-Abstract
Solar PV powered micro irrigation systems for Sri Lanka : a case study
(2025) Thamari, KG; Attalage, RA; Nissanka, NAID
The escalating global population and diminishing natural resources have underscored the critical need for efficient water and energy management. Advancing technological solutions have become imperative to curb resource overuse and optimize utility, especially within the agricultural sector, where water and energy play pivotal roles. Contemporary agricultural practices increasingly rely on innovative technologies aimed at fostering sustainable resource management. In rural agricultural regions, where access to conventional energy infrastructure is often limited solar powered micro irrigation systems have emerged as a viable and efficient alternative for addressing these challenges, enabling judicious water and energy usage. This research focuses on evaluating the feasibility of implementing solar photovoltaic (PV)- powered micro irrigation systems in Sri Lanka’s agricultural landscape. The study primarily explores existing technological approaches documented in the literature related to solar-assisted micro irrigation. To identify the most appropriate system, qualitative data were collected through field visits and stakeholder interviews, assessing operational requirements and challenges. The investigation identified drip and sprinkler irrigation systems integrated with solar PV-powered direct current (DC) submersible pumps as the most technically suitable configurations. A case study was conducted on a farm in Matale, located in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, to assess the techno-economic viability of the selected systems. Spanning a period from 2021 to 2022, the research entailed comprehensive data collection, including solar irradiance levels, pump performance metrics, crop yield data, and economic returns. Results showed that the drip irrigation system delivered a 52.82% increase in onion yields compared to the sprinkler system (11,920 kg vs. 7,800 kg per 0.5 acre). The economic analysis affirmed the strong financial feasibility of these systems. When subsidized, the combined irrigation setup achieved a Net Present Value (NPV) of $15,391.71, with a payback period of 3.5 years. Notably, the drip irrigation system alone yielded an NPV of $9,969.21 and a shorter payback period of 3.08 years. Operationally, the solar pumping system demonstrated 85% reliability during cultivation periods, adequately meeting irrigation demands on the majority of days. Furthermore, the Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) for solar pumping was calculated at $0.21/kWh, significantly lower than the $0.47/kWh cost associated with kerosene-based pumps. The findings of this research highlight the considerable promise of solar PV-powered micro irrigation systems for Sri Lanka’s small- and medium-scale agricultural enterprises, presenting a sustainable solution for resource conservation and income enhancement. The study advocates for the prioritization of government subsidies toward drip irrigation technologies to amplify agricultural output and promote energy sustainability.