Volume 4 Issue 1

Abstract This study applies the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis (KW) test to determine the presence of seasonality in time series data of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. It illustrates the mechanism of the KW test for detecting seasonality in auto correlated data. The KW was originally developed for cross-sectional data with relevant assumptions to investigate the median differences between groups. Therefore, the KW test needs modifications and new assumptions to employ with time series data. Thus, the current research empirically evaluates the use of the test for detecting the seasonality of a time series using quarterly tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from 1990 to 2019. As suggested in the study, formal unit root tests were conducted to trace stationarity and results of the ADF tests have shown that the original data are non-stationary while the first differences are stationary at the 5 per cent level of significance. The findings divulge that the Kruskal-Wallis test is versatile and can precisely detect the seasonality of a time series after making necessary treatments to the data to fulfil the assumptions. This study provides added graphical presentations of seasonal dynamics to strengthen the use of the test. In addition, the post hoc test provided more information on the statistical significance of the dynamics of seasonality. The Kruskal-Wallis test does not supply seasonal indices, which is a primary disadvantage of the test. Therefore, the current research proposed to use an amalgamation of other time series approaches with the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Keywords: Kruskal-Wallis test, seasonality, time series, tourist arrivals, unit roots.

Abstract The study aims to investigate the relationship between the disclosure of carbon emissions and
the market performance of publicly listed companies in Sri Lanka. This is done by analyzing
companies that reported their emission data on the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) from
2018 to 2022. The analysis utilizes dynamic panel data estimation with a two-step GMM
regression to address potential endogeneity. The study indicates that higher levels of Carbon
Emission Disclosure (CED) result in increased Tobin’s Q, supporting previous research and
promoting wider acceptance and understanding of CED and its impact on market performance.
This study is a pioneering effort to examine the influence of CED on market performance,
using the GMM system. The researcher has not found any prior studies conducted in Sri Lanka
that evaluate all publicly listed companies disclosing emissions-related data as identified by
CDP.
Keywords: Dynamic Panel, Endogeneity, Market Performance

Abstract The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of store atmospherics on the patronage
intentions of supermarket patrons in Sri Lanka, due to the lack of application of the new
typology of Berman and Evans. The data were collected over mall intercept by randomly
administering structured questionnaires from 200 respondents who visited eight supermarkets
in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Multiple regression and factor analysis were performed to
explore the impact of five atmospheric variables on patronage intentions and to explore the
significance of atmospheric dimensions. The results of the regression analysis indicated that
all store atmospheric variables have a positive impact on the patronage intentions of
supermarket patrons in Sri Lanka. Moreover, it suggested that the human atmospheric variable
(i.e., Supermarket employees) was the most significant atmospheric variable, while the point of
purchase and the exterior atmospheric variable were the less significant variables towards
patronage intentions. The study has outlined to examine the five atmospheric variables
introduced by Berman and Evans (1995) and Turley and Milliman (2000), but this study
utilized a couple of atmospheric dimensions presented in such classifications. The study
unveiled that supermarket employees are the most influential variable for generating
patronized supermarket customers. The findings based on the regression analysis provided that
the impact of the point of purchase variable was lowest on retail patronage and retail shoppers
are not paying much attention to such type of an atmospheric variable at present due to all the
supermarket retailers practising the most common pricing strategies. Findings indicated that
when shoppers are getting old, they are willing to visit the supermarket which displays low
prices, prices clearly and noticeably and also have a friendly, polite, and helpful sales force.
Keywords: Patronage Intentions, Store Atmospherics, Supermarkets

Abstract The Sri Lankan supermarket industry has experienced significant growth and transformation in
recent decades, driven by urbanization, changing lifestyles, and an expanding middle class.
Additionally, understanding the factors that contribute to impulsive purchases in a supermarket
setting is crucial due to the scarcity of existing findings relevant to the field. This study aimed
to test the factors influencing impulse buying behaviour in the Sri Lankan retail sector, with a
particular focus on personal factors, in-store factors, and the moderating role of generation.
Primary data were collected from 384 customers of Keels supermarket in Sri Lanka based on a
convenience sampling method through a self-administered questionnaire. The results showed
that individual characteristics including time availability, family influence, and financial
availability have a significant impact on impulsive buying behaviour. In a similar vein, it was
discovered that in-store elements like music, friendly staff, lighting, and sales promotions
significantly influenced customers' impulsive purchasing decisions. Paint colour and retail
atmosphere, however, had little effect on impulsive purchasing. Moreover, generation emerged
as a significant moderator in these relationships, with different generations exhibiting varying
responses to personal and in-store factors. Generation Z (12-29 years), Generation Y (30-43
years), and Generation X (44-58 years) displayed distinct patterns in their propensity for
impulse buying, highlighting the importance of considering generational differences in
marketing strategies. The practical implications of these findings are substantial for marketers
and retailers operating in the Sri Lankan retail market. By understanding the factors driving
impulse buying behaviour and how Generation moderates these relationships, retailers can
tailor their marketing efforts and optimize their store environments to better cater to the
preferences of different demographic segments.

Keywords: Generation, Impulse Buying, In-Store Factors, Personal Factors

Abstract Managing organizational knowledge and the effective utilization of knowledge resources are crucial for fostering continuous learning and innovation, enabling employees to adopt best practices within the organization. By leveraging knowledge resources, businesses can enhance decision-making, streamline processes, and respond to market volatility, ultimately driving competitive advantage and overall success. To achieve superior organizational performance amidst dynamic environments, it is vital to understand the role of competitive intensity and its impact on knowledge management and overall success. In the literature on Knowledge Management (KM), there are numerous contradictory findings regarding the relationship between Knowledge Management Orientation (KMO) and Organizational Performance (OP). Empirical studies are essential to address this gap and explore the evolving relationships between KMO and OP. This study aims to identify the effect of KMO on OP, focusing on the mediating role of competitive intensity. The population for this study consists of listed companies in Sri Lanka, that employ a census sampling technique. The study received 254 responses from a total of 295 listed companies, utilizing a structured questionnaire for data collection. The findings indicate a positive and significant effect of KMO on OP. However, the study also reveals that competitive intensity does not mediate the relationship between KMO and OP. This research provides valuable insights for academics, policymakers, and industry practitioners. It concludes that organizations can achieve growth and success despite intense competition in the marketplace by effectively implementing knowledge management practices. This study offers robust insights into strategic decision making, suggesting that external environmental volatility should not constrain organizational policy decisions. Instead, when knowledge-based resources are effectively applied, organizations can achieve their ultimate goals. Future researchers are encouraged to further investigate this phenomenon to uncover new insights within the field of strategic management.

Keywords: Competitive Intensity, Knowledge Management Orientation, Organizational Performance