DSpace Collection: THESE ARE RESEARCH ARTICLES OF ACADEMIC STAFF, PUBLISHED IN JOURNALS AND PROCEEDINGS ELSWHERETHESE ARE RESEARCH ARTICLES OF ACADEMIC STAFF, PUBLISHED IN JOURNALS AND PROCEEDINGS ELSWHEREhttp://ir.lib.seu.ac.lk/handle/123456789/16782024-03-23T14:53:23Z2024-03-23T14:53:23ZInvolvement of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in takaful in Sri Lanka: an extension of theory of planned behaviourRifas, Abi HurairaAb Rahman, AsmakBuang, Ahmad HidayatAbdul Talib, Muzalwanahttp://ir.lib.seu.ac.lk/handle/123456789/69482024-03-01T09:09:40Z2023-10-25T00:00:00ZTitle: Involvement of micro, small and medium entrepreneurs (MSMEs) in takaful in Sri Lanka: an extension of theory of planned behaviour
Authors: Rifas, Abi Huraira; Ab Rahman, Asmak; Buang, Ahmad Hidayat; Abdul Talib, Muzalwana
Abstract: Purpose
This study aims to investigate the factors affecting micro, small and medium entrepreneurs’ (MSMEs) behavioural intention to participate in takaful schemes in Sri Lanka.
Design/methodology/approach
This research adopted a quantitative approach using primary data from a questionnaire. Out of 470 questionnaires, 432 were collected (91.91%) from MSMEs in Kalmunai business region in Sri Lanka. The data obtained were analysed using partial least square-structural equation modelling.
Findings
This study revealed that the extension model of the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) can be effectively applied to behavioural intentions towards a takaful scheme by MSMEs. Out of eight hypotheses, seven were significant, including: attitude towards behavioural intention; subjective norm; perceived behavioural control; knowledge; religiosity; income; trust in takaful as a significant influence. However, awareness of intention was not found to be significant.
Practical implications
This study suggests advantages for takaful providers in Sri Lanka, especially marketing departments, for enhancing sale of products, refurbishing marketing strategies and understanding the purchasing motivation of business entrepreneurs. This study guides takaful companies as to where they should concentrate to enhance market penetration.
Originality/value
Previous studies have concentrated on only three factors which comprise TPB. This paper’s main contribution is on the uniqueness of the Muslim minority context in a pluralistic context, providing a marketing model for takaful operators based on the different relevant dimensions.2023-10-25T00:00:00ZImpact of board diversity on agency costs in the context of agency theory approach: evidence from listed companies in Sri LankaRiyad Rooly, M. S. A.http://ir.lib.seu.ac.lk/handle/123456789/69472024-03-01T09:12:31Z2021-12-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Impact of board diversity on agency costs in the context of agency theory approach: evidence from listed companies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Riyad Rooly, M. S. A.
Abstract: Effective corporate governance leads the way towards aligning the interest
between managers and shareholders. Effectiveness of practicing the corporate
governance of companies in Sri Lanka is debatable topic due to the variation
between standard and actual practices. This study aims to examine the influence
of board diversity on agency costs of companies listed in Sri Lanka as proposed
by agency theory. The sample of this research consists of all companies listed
in Sri Lanka, exclusive of bank and financial institutions which are practicing
unique governance practices issued by Central Bank of Sri Lanka. The final sample
consists of 180 companies during the period from 2013 to 2019. This study
deployed panel regression analysis to test the relationship formulated in the
hypotheses by using the EViews 9 software. The results showed that the board
diversity-related variables such as separate leadership structure and presence
of non-executive director on companies’ board are appeared to have significant
influence on agency costs. Meanwhile, board size does not have direct impact on
agency costs. The findings of this study regarding board diversity and agency costs
have important managerial implications, that these findings are unlikely to the
prediction of agency theory and best practices. Agency theory is not applicable
to these companies, since the exiting corporate governance practices increase
agency costs. The potential benefits of this study led to re-think the board of
directors of the companies, managers, shareholder and the policymakers to
re-organise the implementation of best practices.2021-12-01T00:00:00ZConcentration of Algal Toxins in Drinking Water in Irakkamam DS Division of Ampara, Sri Lanka where Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu)is PrevalentAsmath, A. M. M.Najim, M. M. M.Musthafa, M. M.Abdul Majeed, U. L.Zisath Shama, L. F.http://ir.lib.seu.ac.lk/handle/123456789/69462024-03-01T09:05:30Z2024-01-21T00:00:00ZTitle: Concentration of Algal Toxins in Drinking Water in Irakkamam DS Division of Ampara, Sri Lanka where Chronic Kidney Disease of Uncertain Etiology (CKDu)is Prevalent
Authors: Asmath, A. M. M.; Najim, M. M. M.; Musthafa, M. M.; Abdul Majeed, U. L.; Zisath Shama, L. F.
Abstract: Chronic kidney disease of uncertain etiology (CKDu) and CKDu related deaths have risen
exponentially in Dehiattakandiya, Padiyathalawa and Mahaoya District Secretariat Divisions
(DSD) in Ampara District in the Eastern province. An increasing number of CKDu cases were
recently reported from Irakkamam DSD in Ampara District. Even though Irakkamam DSD is not
identified as a high-risk DSD for CKDu, there has been an increasing trend of CKDu recently as
per the preliminary surveys conducted. No studies have been reported from Irakkamam DSD
to find out the influencing factor associated with CKDu. Algal toxins play an important role
among the suspected contributing factors to CKDu. Therefore, the present study aimed to
analyse the concentration of algal toxins in drinking water to find out the association with the
occurrence of CKDu. Ten different geographical locations were selected to collect water
samples from various water sources including dug wells, tube wells, canals, reservoirs, and
water supply from the national water board in Irakkamam DSD in April 2022 during the dry
season to determine the concentrations of algal toxin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) method was used todetermine the algal toxins of Cylindrospermopsin and Microcystin.
The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Algal toxin was only found in one
certain point of the reservoirarea out of the ten locations sampled. Further, the concentration
of Microcystin was detected as 1.576±0.06 µg/L in that location, which did not exceed the
standard level of 2.0 µg/L (SLS 614:2013). Moreover, Cylindrospermopsin was not detected in
drinking water samples analysed. Further, serum creatinine levels of the CKDu patients were
non-significantly (p >0.05) correlatedwith the concentration of algal toxins. So, algal toxin is not
a significant key determinant related to CKDu in Irakkamam DSD. Therefore, to identify a
potential etiological causing factor for theCKDu in Irakkamam DSD, other hypotheses should be
developed.2024-01-21T00:00:00ZDemographic characteristics and iron deficiency anemia at KalmunaiBase HospitalAfreen, S. M. MMuneeb, M. MRajavarthaniRoshanth, S. N.http://ir.lib.seu.ac.lk/handle/123456789/69452024-03-01T09:04:03Z2024-01-21T00:00:00ZTitle: Demographic characteristics and iron deficiency anemia at KalmunaiBase Hospital
Authors: Afreen, S. M. M; Muneeb, M. M; Rajavarthani; Roshanth, S. N.
Abstract: Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) is still a global public health concern that affects people of all
ages. However, its frequency in pediatric groups is particularly a concern, given the potential
forlong-term developmental and health effects. This study aimed to examine the associations
between various demographic characteristics and IDA in children in Kalmunai, Sri Lanka. A
cross-sectional study was conducted with 101 (according to the sample size calculator) children
hospitalized at the Base Hospital Kalmunai North, Sri Lanka. The ethical approval for this study
was obtained from the Ethical Review Committee of the Faculty of Health-Care Sciences, Eastern
University of Sri Lanka. A 5 ml blood sample was collected from each child to measure the CRP, Hemoglobin and serum ferritin. Hemoglobin level was used to measure the presence of IDA,
and demographic factors such as age, gender, dwelling sector, mother's educational
attainment, number of children in the household, birth interval, and monthly income were
examined in connection with the presence of IDA. The associations between IDA and
demographic characters were evaluated for significance using the Chi-square test. The total
prevalence of IDA among thestudy sample was close to 8%. According to the data, there were
no occurrences of IDA in the 10-14 age group of children and they had the highest mean
hemoglobin levels (12.79 ± 0.9 g/dl).There was no significant difference in the frequency of IDA
between male and female children. Compared to children in rural areas (11.8%), the
prevalence of IDA among urban children was marginally lower (4.0%). The lowest prevalence of
IDA (4.5%) was seen among children whose mothers have greater levels of education. The
lowest prevalence of IDA was found in families with one kid (2.3%). The prevalence of IDA was
significantly higher (at 50%) among children in families where childbirth interval was 1 year
compared to those with longer intervals. Children from families with an income of less than
20,000 rupees per month were more likely to have IDA (15.6%) than those are from families
with higher income levels. In summary, this research indicates that multiple demographic
variables could impact the frequency of IDA among children. The results highlighted the
significance of identifying susceptible individuals. It can be recommended to implement
measures to treat iron deficiency anemia, particularly among children from low- income
families with more children and shorter birth intervals.2024-01-21T00:00:00Z