bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring Self-Regulation and Self-Direction in Flipped Classroom Learning
Authors: Danushka S.A.N. , Weerasinghe T.A. 
Published: April 2024

The diverse necessities of instruction could be addressed effectively with the support of new dimensions of ICT integrated learning such as blended learning – which is a combination of face-to-face and online instruction which ensures greater flexibility in student learning and congruity of course delivery. As blended learning has been the ‘new normality’ in education, many experimental and quasi-experimental research studies provide ample evidence on its successful implementation in many fields of studies but it is hard to justify whether blended learning could work similarly in the delivery of Technology-Teacher Development Programmes (TTDPs). The present study is bound with the particular research uncertainty and having considered the existing research approaches, the study methodology was set to decide the efficient instructional strategies for flipped classroom learning in TTDPs. In a quasi-experimental pre-test and post-test design with a mix-method research approach, the major study objective was tested with two heterogeneous samples (N=135) identified in a virtual learning environment in a Sri Lankan university. Non-randomised informal ‘before-and-after without control group’ design was employed and two data collection methods, identical pre-test and post-test and Likert-scale questionnaires were used in the study. Two selected instructional strategies, Self-Directed Learning (SDL) and Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) were tested in an appropriate instructional framework with two heterogeneous samples (pre-service and in-service teachers). Data were statistically analysed and an efficient instructional strategy was decided via t-test, ANOVA, ANCOVA. The effectiveness of the two instructional strategy implementation models was decided via the Multiple Linear Regression analysis. ANOVA (p<0.05) shows that age, prior-educational qualifications, gender and work experiences do not impact on learning achievements of the two diverse groups of learners though the instructional strategy is changed. ANCOVA (p<0.05) analysis shows that SDL is efficient for two diverse groups of technology teachers than SRL. Multiple Linear Regression (p<0.05) analysis shows that the Staged Self-Directed Learning (SSDL) Model and the Four-Phased Model of Motivated Self-Regulated Learning (COPES Model) are efficient in the delivery of the course content in flipped classroom learning.
Keywords: COPES Model, Flipped Classroom Learning, Self-Directed Learning, Self-Regulated Learning, SSDL Model
Perceived Causes and Effects of Project Delays: A Study of Government Building Construction Projects in the Central Province of Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunawardena S. , Hemachandra D. , Kodithuwakkku K.A.S.S. 
Published: April 2024

The problem of delays in the construction industry is a global phenomenon, and Sri Lanka is no exception. The key objectives of this study are to identify and rank the factors that cause project delays in government construction projects and their effects as perceived by the three primary industry participants, namely the clients, consultants and contractors and assess the differences. A questionnaire survey was conducted to solicit the perceived causes and effects of project delays from clients, consultants and contractors responsible for government building construction projects in the Central province of Sri Lanka. Perceived delay factors of the said primary stakeholders were measured using a five-point Likert scale type statements. The causes and effects were ranked according to their Relative Importance Index (the product of Severity Index and Frequency Index). The Spearman Correlation method and Kruskal-Wallis tests were used to test the difference in the perception among the three primary stakeholders. Data were collected from 32 consultants, 49 contractors and 16 clients. This study identified improper project management by the contractor as the leading cause of project delay. The other main causes in the ranked order are shortage of labour, financial problems of the clients, improper day work planning by contractor, delay in payment process, scope changes, delays in drawings submission, delays in approvals, financial difficulties of the contractor and lack of communication. The highest level of agreement on causes of project delays was observed between clients and contractors whereas the lowest level of agreement was observed between clients and consultants. The main perceived effects of project delays are cost overrun, poor quality of the work, disputes, arbitration, litigation and total abandonment. In relation to the effects of project delays, a high level of agreement was observed among clients, consultants and contractors. Each party had a positive correlation for both causes and effects of project delays with the other two parties, while contractors and clients showed the highest agreement on delays causes. There was a very high correlation for ranked effects between any two parties.
Keywords: Construction Projects, Delay Causes, Delay Effects, Clients, Contractors, Consultants, Correlational Analysis
Occupational Health and Safety and Employee Engagement: A Case of Solid Waste Employees in Urban Council in Ampara
Authors: Hasithani L.P.S. , Ali M.A.M. Hussain 
Published: April 2024

This paper aimed to examine the relationship between occupational health and safety (OHS) and employee engagement (EE), identify the level of occupational health and safety, identify the level of employee engagement of SW employees, and determine whether the OHS impacts on employee engagement of SW employees. In this study, the authors gathered primary data from the Urban Council in Ampara, and the questionnaire method has been used as a data collection method. To carry out this research, a sample size of 85 employees was selected. The findings revealed a strong positive relationship between the OHS and EE (r = 0.736) which was significant at a 0.01 level. Organisations need to formulate strategies to promote occupational health and safety through continuous education and training for solid waste employees, which will increase their occupational health and safety competencies and ultimately help them improve their efficiency. A periodic medical examination should be performed on all solid waste employees continuously. The management of the Urban Council in Ampara should cooperate with their employees for better performance and place safety above work. Recently, most of the studies on occupational health and safety are focused on employees who work on construction sites, but a little attempt to study the health and safety of local government employees in Sri Lanka, especially those in urban councils or municipal councils. This paper examined the relationship between occupational health and safety and employee engagement in a different setting. To better understand the OHS, the study recognised OHS dimensions such as management commitment, OHS training, safety committees and representatives, and safety learning and compliance to identify the relationship between OHS and EE.
Keywords: Employee Engagement, Occupational Health and Safety, OHS Programmes, Urban Council
Factors which Influence Online Purchasing Decision of Consumers at ABC Company, in Online Food Delivery Industry, Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake E.M.S.H , Pushpakumari M.D. 
Published: April 2024

With the emergence of digital mobile apps and websites, new market opportunities have been generated in the market at present. Smart mobile devices and the internet are very popular among consumers today because of their convenience and speed. At present, most businesses use the internet and mobile applications as their marketing strategies. They do advertising and promotional campaigns through the internet. Therefore, organisations have changed their traditional modes of business into online marketing to meet customer requirements. This research study aims to investigate the factors that influence the online purchasing decisions of consumers with regard to a specific mobile application of the online food delivery industry. The survey was conducted among 100 respondents to collect data from users already using the selected online food delivery application. To achieve the objectives, the factors that influence consumers' online purchasing decisions have been classified into three subcategories: demographical, social and psychological factors. Research data was collected through a standardised questionnaire, which was adopted for this study. The questionnaire was distributed online to the selected sample. Data analysis was done fusing the latest version of SPSS statistical software by using statistical tools such as simple linear regression analysis, Anova and coefficient. This study proposes a complete conceptualisation for the online food delivery industry since this study is focused on the demographical, social and psychological factors that influence consumers' online purchasing decisions. From the study results, restaurant managers can identify which factors can lead to higher profits under certain conditions. As the key findings of the research, it was found that consumer perception, website trust, website aesthetics, number of family members and income level are key factors that influence the online purchasing decisions of consumers. This study will provide the food delivery companies and restaurant businesses with a thorough understanding of consumers’ attitudes, patterns of thinking and their perception regarding the online food delivery industry. After investigating the factors that influence the online purchasing decision, these key factors can be used to develop appropriate marketing strategies.
Keywords: Online Purchasing Decision, Online Business, Food Delivery, Online Food Delivery Industry, Online Food Apps
Impact of Experiential Marketing on Customer Loyalty: The Mediating Role of Customer Satisfaction in the Modern Trade Supermarkets in the Western Province, Sri Lanka
Authors: Sehani W.D. , Hettiarachchy B.S. 
Published: April 2024

Traditional marketing alone will not be enough for marketers to sustainably retain their position in the marketplace today. As the market situation and consumer behaviour are changing fast, marketers should adapt to the changes in the environment to attract customers by differentiating themselves from the competition. This hyper-competitive situation leads companies to focus more on customer acquisition and retention with more innovative marketing practices, including Experiential Marketing (EM). Experiential marketing is a way to create a unique place in consumers’ minds by providing a memorable and unique experience through stimulating their five senses, which will ultimately attach the consumers emotionally to the brand. Hence, it has created a need for innovative retailers by redefining themselves as experience creators rather than just becoming service providers. The study addresses an empirical gap that exists in the literature in a culturally diverse environmental context like the Sri Lankan retail industry. Accordingly, the aim of this study is to investigate the impact of EM on Customer Loyalty (CL) through the mediating effect of Customer Satisfaction (CS) with special reference to the modern trade supermarkets in the Western province of Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire was used to get the primary data from a sample of 375 respondents. The sample was selected from the customers in the Western Province, Sri Lanka through convenience and judgmental sampling methods and the collected data was quantitatively measured and analysed with SPSS software. The results demonstrate that there is a significant direct impact of EM on CL. Further, it shows that the indirect effect created through the mediation effect of CS is greater than the direct effect; hence, it mediates the relationship between Experiential Marketing and Customer Loyalty. The inference of this research can be used in developing strategies to enhance the level of CL of modern trade retail customers through elevated CS and this will ultimately lead to enhancing the competitiveness of the modern trade retail stores.
Keywords: Experiential Marketing, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty, Modern Trade Super Markets
Assessing Customers', Employees' and Managers' Perceptions of Service Quality in Sri Lankan Financial Industry
Authors: Weerathunga W.M. Arosha D. 
Published: April 2024

The paper discusses the need to evaluate perception-based service quality in financial services. The aim of the research is to diagnose the potential matches and mismatches in how customers, frontline employees, and managers perceive service quality in the Sri Lankan financial industry, as well as provide some recommendations to improve service quality in financial services based on the findings of the research. This study utilises the One-Way ANOVA statistical test to understand whether there is a significant difference among three groups in terms of their perception of the service quality in Sri Lankan financial industry. A cross-sectional data collection was done by covering 96 financial institutions and 3420 respondents (1650 customers, 1085 frontline employees and 685 managers) while using similar types of questionnaires for all three groups. Results of the study reveal that there are potential mismatches among customers, frontline employees, and managers towards the perceived service quality. This difference can be identified in terms of service quality dimensions. By considering those findings, managers of the financial institutions need to take initiatives to reduce those perceptual gaps to align with customers' expectations while improving service quality in their institutions. So far, few studies have been done to simultaneously examine the front-line employees and customers’' customers' perceived service quality, but no study found which has identified perceptual differences of service quality in the financial Industry that could exist among customers, front-line employees, and managers.
Keywords: Service Quality, Perception Gap, Financial Industry
Factors Affecting the Sustainability Reporting with Special Reference to Consumer Services Sector Listed Companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Priyadarshanie Nadeesha , Jayawardane P.G.H.R.P. 
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this paper is to identify the factors affecting the sustainability reporting practices of the consumer services sector companies listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE). Annual reports of 15 companies listed under the consumer service sector on the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) were examined for the period from 2015 to 2019 using content analysis. A disclosure index comprising 77 items was constructed based on the Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI) standards. The sustainability disclosure index was the dependent variable and profitability, leverage, firm size, firm age, board composition, and board size were the explanatory variables. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and panel regression analysis were utilised for the data analysis. Descriptive statistics reveal that the level of sustainability reporting by consumer services companies is at a moderate level. This study found that there is a positive significant relationship between firm age and sustainability reporting practices in consumer services sector entities. It implies that younger firms are more likely to report sustainability performance information. Furthermore, it was revealed that there is a positive, significant impact of firm size on sustainability reporting practices. Findings support the legitimacy theory, which states that large companies provide more information since they are more visible and subjected to scrutiny by the general public. However, there is no significant impact of other variables on sustainability reporting practices. There are many practical implications of the findings. Regulators and policymakers should take necessary actions to be aware of the GRI guidelines and encourage listed companies to incorporate those standards in their business reporting. As a limitation, this paper is based on the consumer services sector of the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) and has focused mainly on secondary data. Future studies can be conducted considering a primary investigation.
Keywords: Sustainability Reporting, Consumer Service sector, Global Reporting Initiatives (GRI)
Impact of CEO Characteristics on Capital Structure: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: De Silva L.G.R.V. , Weerakoon Y.K. 
Published: April 2024

The objective of this study is to systematically analyse the existing literature on the subject of the impact made by Chief Executive Officer (CEO) characteristics on capital structure and thereby identify the gaps in the literature and emerging trends on this topic in order to provide a basic conclusion. This study provides an overview of previous studies, which have been conducted in the domain of CEO characteristics on the capital structure by analysing prior articles based on this topic. A Systematic Literature Review (SLR) methodology is used to review eight articles selected from referred journals during the period of 25 years from 1995 to 2020. This comprehensive review reveals that different researchers across various jurisdictions have proved that as an unobservable component the CEO characteristics make an impact on the firm’s capital structure. As existing literature is only based on investigating the empirical relationship between CEO characteristics and capital structure, none of the existing studies have adopted survey, qualitative and triangulation methods for research studies with enough systematic theory development and it opens new areas for future research. Major findings show an increase of research interest in this topic in the recent past, but it is observed that most of the regions and countries are still not examined which provides scope for cross country studies. This study is a systematic literature review in nature. Therefore, it does not provide any empirical results for conclusion where only a summary of the outcomes of various researches has been synthesised. So far there is no literature review study which has been conducted on CEO characteristics and capital structure perspective, and this is the first literature review study under this topic. The paper will be useful for researchers and academics to understand the impact of CEO characteristics on capital structure in a theoretical dimension as well as to conduct further future research on new avenues.
Keywords: Capital Structure, CEO Characteristics, Debt Capital, Literature Review, Upper Echelon Theory
Підготовка майбутніх керівників закладів загальної середньої освіти в умовах освітніх трансформацій
Authors: Darmanska Iryna 
Published: April 2024

У результаті здійсненого теоретико-методологічного аналізу, спираючись на дослідження в галузі філософії, управління, професійної педагогічної освіти та власний професійний досвід доведено, що сформована управлінська компетентність керівників закладів загальної середньої освіти є результатом їх готовності до практичної управлінської діяльності. Доповнено зміст феномена «управлінська компетентність», який тлумачимо як сукупність знань, умінь і навичок із теорії організації закладу освіти, побудови ефективної реалізації його структурних підрозділів, менеджменту, правових аспектів управління закладом освіти, стратегічного та інноваційного управління, управління освітньою та виховною діяльністю, статутною діяльністю, трудовими ресурсами, змістом внутрішньошкільного документування, інформаційними зв’язками, техніки управління, аудиту та оцінювання управлінської діяльності, психологічних аспектів управління, соціальної та екологічної безпеки діяльності, застосування освітніх технологій, а також наявність особистісно-професійних якостей для власної самореалізації, спрямованих на бажання до самоудосконалення, професійного розвитку та самоактуалізації, якими директор школи має ґрунтовно володіти для організації суб’єкт-суб’єктних відносин й створення ефективного внутрішнього та зовнішнього середовища, застосування технологій управління, прийняття адекватних управлінських рішень.
Розроблено педагогічну систему формування управлінської компетентності керівників закладів загальної середньої освіти у процесі неперервної професійної підготовки, яка сприяє якісній реалізації освітнього процесу та впливає на результативність сформованості управлінської компетентності у магістрантів і представляє собою сукупність елементів макро- та мікросередовища закладу вищої освіти, об’єднаних єдиною метою, взаємозв’язком, що спрямовані на досягнення бажаного результату.
Statistical and Wavelet Transform-Based Study of the Latitudinal Ionospheric Response to an Annular Solar Eclipse on June 21, 2020
Authors: Pundhir Devbrat , Singh Birbal , Singh Rajpal 
Published: April 2024

The ionosphere is a very complex and variable part of the atmosphere and it is controlled by solar activity. A solar eclipse is one of the phenomena which depicts a major impact on the ionosphere. In this study, we have analyzed the TEC data of 11 IGS-TEC stations (including one GPS station namely Agra) corresponding to a solar eclipse of June 21, 2020 for the duration of June 07–21, 2020. The TEC variations show lower values on the eclipse’s day in comparison to the other days from the mean of each station except some of the stations like Agra (≈2 TECU), BHR4 (≈1TECU), IISC (≈0.5TECU) have shown the enhanced TEC variations. These results are examined by applying wavelet transform techniques such as continuous wavelet transforms (CWTs), and wavelet decomposition over the average, addition, and multiplication of TEC data of 11 stations for the duration of 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM on the eclipse’s day. These results match very well with our statistical results and depict a better representation of the TEC variations during the solar eclipse. The wavelet decomposition of TEC variation has provided that TEC is affected by solar eclipse globally. These TEC variations are interpreted in terms of the mechanisms available in the literature.
Variability of Jet Streams in the Atmosphere of the Northern Hemisphere in Recent Decades (1980–2021)
Authors: Bezotecheskaya Е. А. , Chkhetiani О. G. , Mokhov I. I. 
Published: April 2024

Based on the reanalysis data quantitative estimates of the kinetic energy of the high-altitude jet streams of the Northern Hemisphere (EK JS NH) and its changes in the annual cycle and interannual variability for the period 1980–2021 were obtained under different conditions for the minimum wind speed Vm in the JS area. Adequate estimates are made for the share of the total kinetic energy of the atmosphere of the Northern Hemisphere associated with JS (PEк JS). The share of the volume of atmospheric layers in the JS area in the NH in the total analyzed atmospheric layer of 500–100 hPa (PV JS) was also estimated. Significant changes were noted in summer including significant weakening trends of EК, PEк and PV in July and August at Vm ≥ 20 and Vm ≥ 30 m/s. In winter significant changes were noted only for PV – a decreasing trend at Vm ≥ 20 and Vm ≥ 30 m/s. Seasonal features of JS connection with El Niño phenomena are noted which are most significantly manifested from January to April.