http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/124 Fri, 14 Aug 2026 20:23:14 GMT 2026-08-14T20:23:14Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12881 Title: Human-Centric Digital Transformation in Industry 5.0: A Phenomenological Study of Family-Owned SME in Sri Lanka Authors: Dilogini, S.; Shivany, S. Abstract: This phenomenological study explores human-centric digital transformation within Industry 5.0, specifically focusing on family-owned SMEs in Sri Lanka. Despite their crucial economic role, these businesses encounter distinct challenges, such as succession transformation and the preservation of traditional values amid technological advancements. This study addresses the significant gap in literature regarding Industry 5.0 digital transformation in family-owned SMEs, particularly in developing economies like Sri Lanka. By exploring the lived experiences of a third-generation family-owned business, the study provides novel insights into balancing technological progress with the preservation of traditional values, contributing to a deeper understanding of digital transformation in culturally embedded SMEs. Using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA), the research explores the lived experiences of ‘Aaseer Mixture’, a third-generation family-owned food and snacks manufacturing SME located in Northern Sri Lanka. Key themes identified through detailed interviews with family members include ownership insights on digital integration, empowering family-centric digital evolution and digital integration for business strategies. The study reveals how family dynamics and intergenerational differences impact decision-making processes related to digital transformation. Emphasizing the need for inclusive strategies that consider the intersecting circles of ownership, family, and business, the study develops a new human-centric digital transformation model tailored for family-owned SMEs. This model balances technological progress with the preservation of core family values and traditions, offering valuable insights for navigating digital integration. By highlighting the necessity of embracing digital technologies to maintain relevance and attractiveness to future generations, the study contributes to the literature on digital transformation in family-owned SMEs, especially within developing economies. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12881 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12880 Title: Integrating AI into Spreadsheet Analysis and Courses Authors: Ganesan, N.; Dilogini, S.; Jegashini, K. Abstract: Microsoft Excel remains one of the most widely used software applications in business and has long been a central component of business school curricula. Traditionally, Excel instruction has focused on spreadsheet development, formulas, functions, simulations, data analysis, and visualization through hands-on exercises. However, the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) IS transforming the way spreadsheets are created, analyzed, interpreted, and automated, creating a need to rethink how Excel is taught in business core courses. This paper presents a structured framework for incorporating AI into Excel-based business education. First, the paper reviews the Excel-related capabilities of prominent AI chatbots, including ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Claude, Gemini, and Perplexity. Second, it introduces selected AI tools designed specifically for spreadsheet applications and discusses their potential educational uses. Third, the paper proposes a structured framework that integrates AI into Excel instruction. The framework follows a scaffolded learning sequence: Excel Fundamentals Advanced Excel Analytics Pivot Tables  Data Visualization  AI-Assisted Formula Development AI-Assisted Reporting and Visualization AI-Assisted Advanced Analytics AI-Assisted Programming. The framework is designed to help students first develop spreadsheet competency before applying AI tools to enhance productivity, analysis, and decision support. It emphasizes the critical evaluation of AI-generated outputs. Rather than simply using AI tools, students are required to validate formulas, analyses, visualizations, and code generated by AI systems. This emphasis helps develop spreadsheet literacy, AI literacy, critical thinking, and professional judgment simultaneously. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12880 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12879 Title: Women Entrepreneurs' Success Factors in Mullaitivu Post-War Development Authors: Dilogini, S.; Shivany, S.; Jegashini, K.; Sutharjini, S.; Nimesha Kumarasinghe, K.H.A. Abstract: The research explores the impact of post-war development in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka, on the success determinants of female entrepreneurs, identifying key components. The study utilized qualitative research methodology, focusing on 55 successful women entrepreneurs, and employed Reflexive Content Analysis (RCA) to identify trends and patterns in the data. Mullaitivu District's women's entrepreneurship is influenced by individual, institutional, technology, and family factors, each with specific context-specific dimensions in post-war development contexts. The study, focusing on a specific region and sample of successful female entrepreneurs, offers valuable insights for practitioners, decision-makers, and groups supporting female entrepreneurs. They emphasize how crucial it is to address institutional, familial, technological, and individual aspects to support prosperous post-war entrepreneurial endeavors. This study emphasizes the importance of laws and initiatives supporting women's business ventures by providing access to capital, education, and social support, contributing to gender-inclusive economic growth in post-war communities, particularly in Mullaitivu District, Sri Lanka. Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12879 2025-01-01T00:00:00Z http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12865 Title: Assessing the Market Potential of Value-Added Palmyrah Food Products among Consumers in Northern Sri Lanka Authors: Dilogini, S.; Layassruthy, S. Abstract: Palmyrah Palm has more than 800 applications in food, drinks and fiber. Earlier studies have addressed the physiochemical, chemical, sensory acceptability and economic viability aspects of palmyrah-based products; however, market acceptability, consumer behavior and marketing problems have not been precisely covered, and there is a lack of literature dealing with the perceptions and experiences of Palmyrah Product Owners (PPOs) and Palmyrah Product Consumers (PPCs) on value-added palmyrah food products. This research aims to fulfill the research gap by assessing consumer acceptance, perceived value and purchase intention in the Northern Province of Sri Lanka regarding the market potential of four palmyrah-based food products. A qualitative study was adopted using purposive sampling to select 12 participants from Northern Province, based on two categories, PPO and PPC, collected from 7 and 5 participants respectively. The PPOs have an average of 20-35 years of working experience and PPCs have 5-15 years of consuming experience. In-depth interviews ranging from 25-30 minutes were conducted to analyze willingness to purchase, price sensitivity and substitution with existing alternatives, across four product categories: beverages, snacks, sweetener and flour, using the theory of planned behavior. Interviews were conducted in Tamil and analyzed thematically. The study used QDA Miner Lite only for organizing and coding the qualitative data. Five important themes emerged regarding consumer acceptance, perceived value and purchase intention. ‘Premium on convenience’ found that consumers had a high demand for Palmyrah beverages so long as the products were formulated as non-perishable and sugar-free varieties, indicating that modern consumers prioritize convenience and health attributes over traditional beverage forms. ‘Novelty-driven trial intent’ found that snack products having known flavors like spiciness and cheese showed high trial intention, acting as a “safe bet” entrance into the market. ‘Strategic positioning of product categories’ found that manufacturers should promote snack products as risk-free products, followed by ready-to-drink beverages, without entering any price war with conventional alternatives such as wheat flour and coconut sugar. ‘Price sensitivity in essentials’ indicated that consumer preference for palmyrah sweeteners was greatly influenced by price, being the traditional substitute for coconut sugar only when available at cheaper prices. ‘Culinary uncertainty and labeling confusion’ highlighted that palamyrah flour usage is limited by taste issues and labeling uncertainty, with consumers judging staple foods based on price and performance rather than assumed traditional quality, so improving labeling clarity and product information is needed to build consumer confidence. Value-added palmyrah products will be subject to obstacles in marketing due to consumer uncertainty and price sensitivity. This study is the first to simultaneously compare the consumer acceptance, perceived value and purchase intention of four categories of value-added products made from palmyrah. Further research could use conjoint analysis to find out the price and package mix for these products. Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 GMT http://repo.lib.jfn.ac.lk/ujrr/handle/123456789/12865 2026-01-01T00:00:00Z