University of Sri Jayewardenepura: Journals & Proceedings
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Vol. 6 No. 2 (2024): International Journal of Governance and Public Policy Analysis
International Journal of Governance and Public Policy Analysis (IJGPPA
Goal-Setting Theory in Employee Performance Management: A Contemporary Analysis and Application
This paper examines the enduring relevance and application of Goal-Setting Theory in contemporary employee performance management systems, with particular emphasis on the Sri Lankan organizational context. Through a comprehensive analysis of the theory's evolution from Locke's seminal work in 1968 to modern implementations such as Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), this study explores the mechanisms through which goal-setting drives performance, the critical attributes that determine goal effectiveness, and practical applications in organizational contexts. Building upon Opatha's assertion that "every Performance Management system begins with goal setting" (Opatha, 2024, p. 351), this paper synthesizes theoretical foundations with practical applications. The analysis particularly considers the Sri Lankan organizational context, addressing cultural considerations in goal-setting practices within a developing economy framework. Findings suggest that while Goal-Setting Theory remains fundamentally sound, its application requires careful consideration of moderating factors including task complexity, employee commitment, cultural dimensions, and the evolving nature of work in the digital age. The paper contributes to performance management literature by providing an integrated framework for implementing goal-setting practices that balance theoretical rigor with practical applicability, offering specific insights for organizations operating in South Asian contexts.
Key Words: Employee Performance, Goal-Setting Theory, Performance Management, Human Resource Managemen
Deepfake Image Detection: Comparison of Different Convolutional Neural Networks for Image Detection
Deepfake technology relies on advanced theoretical concepts of machine learning and deep learning. Machine-generated fake images can present fictional content as real, often by reenacting or swapping faces using artificial neural networks. The human eye cannot easily distinguish between real and fake faces created by deepfake technology. Therefore, people face numerous difficulties due to the lack of an accurate deepfake detection method. The challenge here is to implement a reliable method for detection of deepfakes due to their rapid spread and the ease of generating deepfakes. In this paper, our objective was to analyze the Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) based- existing deepfake detection methods to classify input images as fake (0) or real (1). For our experiment, we employed three different convolutional neural network architectures: 1) 2D CNN, 2) DenseNet-121, and 3) VGGFace-16. We compared their performance and further explored the use of grayscale images and data augmentation techniques with the DenseNet-121 architecture. We used Accuracy, F1-score, Recall, and Average Precision metrics to assess our models and ensure the effectiveness of their performance. We used the two most known publicly available datasets (“140K Real and Fake Faces” dataset and “Real and Fake Face detection” dataset), containing both real and synthetic face images. Our study concluded that the implemented DenseNet-121 architecture showed the best performance with an accuracy of 0.96 and F1-score of 0.96. Although the VGGFace-16 model demonstrated comparable accuracy (0.89), it is computationally very expensive and requires a sophisticated processor in training augmented data. The performance of the custom CNN model (accuracy - 0.90) was comparable to that achieved by the VGGFace-16 model. Our study indicates that existing CNN- based deepfake detection methods may no longer be fully effective due to advancements in current deepfake datasets.Keywords: Machine learning, Deepfakes, Convolutional neural networks, Deep learning, Deepfake image detectio
Exploring the Development of Superstitions and Rituals Among Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) Reviewees
The Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) in the Philippines is a high-stakes assessment that affects education graduates' employment opportunities and professional development. To cope with the pressure, LET reviewees often turn to superstitions and rituals rooted in cultural beliefs and peer interactions. This study aimed to investigate the development of these practices among LET reviewees, focusing on cultural, social, and psychological factors. A qualitative phenomenological study involving in-depth interviews with 12 reviewees from a northern Philippines review centre identified five themes: (a) from cultural inheritance to personalised rituals, (b) from social exposure to ritual ownership, (c) from experimentation to ritual consolidation, (d) from anxiety management to self-belief reinforcement and (e) from emotional triggers to regulatory rituals driving the adoption of these practices. The findings highlight the significant role of cultural and emotional factors in shaping these coping mechanisms, which provide psychological comfort and control, aiding in stress management and enhancing exam performance. Educational institutions should integrate traditional practices with modern stress management techniques to support LET reviewees effectively. This research contributes to educational psychology by offering insights into LET reviewees' cultural and psychological coping mechanisms, informing policies and practices to better support candidates in high-stakes exams.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i02.0
An Investigative Study of The Rituals and Offerings of the Ilmaha Maṁgalyaya at the Ruhuṇu Mahā Kataragama Dēvālaya
Ruhuṇu Mahā Kataragama Dēvālaya is one of the renowned religious places, where the lord Skanda is worshiped in Sri Lanka. Ceremonies and rituals at this location follow long-established traditional customs, among which the annual Ilmaha Maṁgalyaya stands out as a significant ceremonial event. The research problem focused on identifying whether the Ilmaha Maṁgalyaya encompasses any distinctive ritualistic traditions. The primary objective of this research was to examine the significance of the rituals and offerings of the Ilmahā Maṁgalyaya and to explore the priestly lineages associated with them. The study also aimed to identify the distinctive characteristics of the Ilmaha Maṁgalyaya in comparison with similar practices. The conclusion was made by thematic analysis of qualitative data gathered through interviews and direct observations under field studying. Ancestral priests, women involved in the rituals (Ālatti ammāvaru), and relevant officials contributed valuable insights through interviews. The Kataragama Ilmaha Maṁgalyaya is conducted with particular emphasis on the Perahera (procession) ceremony. In keeping with tradition, all rituals are performed by eighteen appointed members of a committee, each entrusted with specific duties in accordance with the indigenous customs. At the commencement of the procession, lamps are lit at the Valli Ammā Dēvalaya to signify its role within the ritual proceedings. In addition, distinctive traditions and customs are observed, such as adherence to the auspicious rituals(kæti nækata), floating the discarded materials of Dēvalaya at Diya Mudun Thota, playing rhythmic beats as the procession returns, and lighting lamps. These practices are unique to this Ilmaha Maṁgalyaya and distinguish it from similar ceremonies. The study revealed that these traditions, which embody both Sinhala and Tamil cultural elements, are uniquely endemic to the Ruhunu Mahā Kataragama Dēvalaya.
DOI: http://doi.org/10.31357/fhss/vjhss.v10i02.1
Knowledge, Attitude, and Associated Factors towards Organ Donation Among Teachers of Selected Schools in Divisional Secretariat Badalkumbura in Monaragala District
Introduction: Organ transplantation involves moving a functioning organ from one body to another or from a donor site to replace a damaged or failing organ. One of the best ways to educate the community about organ donation is through school teachers. This study was carried out to assess the knowledge, attitude, and associated factors towards Organ Donation among teachers of selected schools in Divisional Secretariat Badalkumbura in the Monaragala District. Methods: A descriptive cross- sectional design was applied. A pre-tested and validated self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data from teachers (n=300) in 13 schools from Divisional Secretariat, Badalkumbura selected using systematic random sampling. Descriptive statistical tests were performed to analyze data. Level of knowledge regarding organ donation was categorized as poor (<20), moderate (<30), and good (≥30) while attitude was categorized as poor (≤25), moderate (≤50), and good (>50). Chi-square tests were conducted to determine associated factors with the level of knowledge. P<0.05 was considered significant. Results: The response rate was 70.9%. Mean age of participants was between 31-40 years (SD=11.5). From the participants, 48.0% had a poor level of knowledge and, moderate level of attitude (94.7%) on organ donation. The level of knowledge was significantly associated with age (p=0.04), religion (p=0.001), and work experience (p=0.039). Conclusion: Participants had a poor level of knowledge while more than 94% had moderate level of attitude towards organ donation. Age, religion and work experience had a significant association with the level of knowledge regarding organ donation among teachers.Keywords: Organ donation, knowledge, attitudes, associated factors, teacher
VIDUDAYA Journal of Language, Literary, Cultural and Communication Studiesවිදුදය භාෂා, සාහිත්ය, සංස්කෘතික හා සන්නිවේදන ශාස්ත්රීය සංග්රහය
ව්දුදය භාෂා, සාහිත්ය, සංස්කෘතික හා සන්නිවේදන ශාස්ත්රීය සංග්රහය
VIDUDAYA Journal of Language, Literary, Cultural and Communication Studie
The Psychological Effects of Gender Stereotypes on Career Aspirations among University Students: A Review of Selected Literature
The stigmatization and stereotyping of people on the basis of their gender continue to be a pervasive issue affecting various aspects of people’s lives: a career path and aspirations. Gender norms in universities and workplaces render conceptions of what is suitable or acceptable for men versus those for women, resulting in totally different developmental paths based on societal expectations. These stereotypes may affect university students’ views on their capabilities, interests, and career prospects, forming psychological obstacles that restrict their ambitions. The primary aim of this research is to investigate how gender stereotypes psychologically influence the career aspirations of university students, concentrating on the fundamental mechanisms that affect their decisions and self-image. This review examines an extensive array of literature, encompassing both qualitative and quantitative studies, to explore the impact of social expectations, family pressures, and institutional biases on students’ career choices. This study employed a qualitative research method, gathering data from secondary sources like academic journals, books, and reports. Through thematic analysis, significant themes like gender-based career decisions, self-belief, societal factors, and the impact of educational institutions in reinforcing stereotypes were recognized. The results indicated that gender stereotypes continue to significantly impact students’ career choices, with male students more often pursuing fields traditionally associated with masculinity, and female students leaning towards careers perceived as nurturing or service-oriented. Societal and family pressures, along with a shortage of gender-inclusive role models, were discovered to impede students’ ambitions for non-traditional careers. The research determines that tackling gender stereotypes via focused educational changes, mentorship programs, and awareness initiatives can motivate students to follow career paths that reflect their genuine interests, promoting enhanced gender equality in professional goals
EXAMINING THE DETERMINANTS OF ADOPTION PREFERENCES TOWARDS INTERCROPPING AMONG RUBBER FARMERS IN KALUTARA DISTRICT
Intercropping is an agricultural technique where many crops are grown together on the same field, and it is becoming more widely acknowledged for its ability to improve the productivity and rural livelihoods through raising household income and capital assets. in this context, this study aims to assess the significant mean differences in demographic, economic and farming characteristics across adopting and non - adopting rubber smallholders towards intercropping and examine the impact of above characteristics on the adoption preferences towards intercropping among rubber smallholders in the study area. This research approach based on quantitative and using stratified random sampling method, 150 farmers who cultivate rubber as their major agricultural crop were selected during the period from October 2022 to March 2023. The collected data was analyzed using frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, independent samples t–test, chi- square test and probit model. Results of frequency showed that 79% of the farmers engaged in intercropping system and 21% of them were not adopted in their rubber cultivation. Independent samples t-test proved that on average age, family size, farming experience, farm income, immature rubber land size and distance to market were significantly differ across adaptors and non-adaptors. Estimated results of probit model revealed that among the demographic characteristics, age, education level, family size and membership of farm organizations were significantly impact on adoption of intercropping. Among the farming characteristics, farm experience, ownership of land, time allocation and nature of land were significant in the study. Farm income and size of immature rubber land are the major determinants among the economic related factors in determining the adoption of intercropping. Findings of the study may help the policy makers to formulate the appropriate strategies to increase the income and ensure the economic stability of rubber stallholders in the study area
මුරගල: සංඥා නිරූපණය පිළිබඳ විමර්ශනාත්මක අධ්යයනයක්
Arhat Mihidu and Sanghamitta Maharhat Theraniya came to Sri Lanka and created artworks.Sadakadapahana, Koravakgala, Muragala, architecture etc. are created. Just like patterns and animal figures were used to decorate Sadakadapahana, the Muragala is also decorated with animal figures. Decorative patterns and animals are used in these designs to convey an idea in symbolic form. The watchtower has several symbols and decorations. Among them, one can see Punkalasa, Dishapalaka figures, dwarf figures, lotus flowers, branches and leaves of trees, lion, cow, horse, elephant, dragon pantheon etc. The aim of the research is to find out what idea the creator has symbolized with these symbols. Research has taken it as a basis that the watchtower's decorations and symbolic images give instructions for success in worldly and transcendental life. The observational study method was specially used to collect the information. Also, primary source study and secondary source study were used. The descriptive analysis method, qualitative and meaningful analysis method were used to investigate the information. The research problem became whether the decoration and symbols of the watchtower conveyed an important idea. To inquire. The designer has presented Buddhist concepts with the decorations used on the watchtower. In addition to this, it was revealed that the watchtower was created for the purpose of protection, luck, blessing and welcoming guests