http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1550 Undergraduate Research Session on Project Management Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:40:14 GMT 2026-04-05T20:40:14Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1142 Environment Analysis of Colombo International Financial City Development Project Amarasighe, L.A.H.V.; Nanthagopan, Y. The Colombo Port City Development Project in Sri Lanka, a significant urban expansion initiative, faces environmental concerns such as coastal erosion, marine pollution, and habitat destruction. This study takes a unique approach to addressing these concerns by conducting a comprehensive environmental analysis of the project, focusing on identifying ecological problems and their impacts. The main objective is to identify the environmental issues associated with the Colombo Port City Project and propose mitigation recommendations. The research explores specific ecological aspects to establish sustainability goals, such as carbon footprint, waste generation, and impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. Through this analysis, the study aims to gain a deeper understanding of the project's environmental implications and provide valuable insights for sustainable development initiatives. The study employs an exploratory research design using qualitative methods to investigate the ecological impacts of the Colombo International Financial City development project. By conducting interviews with ten experts and analysing primary and secondary data, the study aims to gain in-depth insights into the complex environmental context of the project. Purposive sampling was utilised to select participants, and thematic analysis will be employed to analyse the qualitative data collected. The research methodology ensures a rigorous and systematic approach, facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the environmental implications of the Colombo International Financial City project Sun, 01 Jan 0008 00:00:00 GMT http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1142 0008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1141 A study on MEAL practices on community development projects in Mullaitivu district – special reference in public sectors Palachchandren, K.; Nanthagopan, Y. Many development efforts are implemented as Community Development Projects. Their unique nature and qualitative objectives raise a variety of tools and techniques used in CDPs. The study focuses on MEAL practices in CDPs in government sectors of Mullaitivu district. The researcher used a qualitative method for this study and collected data from twelve respondents in five selected organizations through interviews with open-ended questionnaires among project leaders, coordinators, managers, and development officers. The researcher found various MEAL practices in their assigned project, and when the researcher compared them with literature MEAL practices, they did not use participatory monitoring, risk assessment, logical framework, auditing, and lessons learned registers. Finally, the researcher suggests a strategic approach and includes integrating MEAL practices into project planning, focusing on capacity building, developing clear guidelines, utilizing technology for data collection and analysis, establishing a systematic review mechanism, involving local communities, fostering collaboration among stakeholders, allocating adequate financial resources, cultivating a continuous learning culture, improving their knowledge, and advocating for their integration into government policies. Finally, the researcher found those practices, mainly using tools such as meetings, communications, progress reports, daily diaries, webinars, and field visits. According to these, different CDPs used a variety of tools and techniques. Mostly, they used monitoring and evaluation practices but rarely used accountability and learning practices. So, these practices are essential to every community development project; they cannot identify their regular activities in field sessions Sun, 01 Jan 0008 00:00:00 GMT http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1141 0008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1140 Exploring the project management practices of micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs in Kandy, Sri Lanka Wickramasinghe, W.T.E.; Nanthagopan, Y. This qualitative research explores the landscape of project management practices within the context of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka, focusing on the Kandy district. The study involves one-on-one interviews with ten entrepreneurs from various industries, intending to unravel insights into awareness, implementation, barriers, and perceptions of practising project management in their enterprises. Findings indicate diverse awareness levels, with technology-driven industries exhibiting higher proficiency. Practical implementation of project management practices varies, revealing positive trends in technology sectors and a reliance on traditional methods among older entrepreneurs. Common barriers include limited knowledge and experience, challenges related to the availability and affordability of tools, and dissatisfaction with knowledge distribution. Entrepreneurs express diverse perceptions, with technology-based industries generally holding positive outlooks. Recommendations encompass tailored educational initiatives, industry specific training programs, and improved resource accessibility. The study's limitations are acknowledged, including the small sample size and geographic focus. The implications suggest avenues for policy, education, and support structures within the MSME ecosystem, while future research areas envision expanded investigations and deeper insights into project management dynamics in Sri Lanka. This research, a valuable contribution, enhances our understanding of project management practices in the Sri Lankan MSME landscape and provides a roadmap for their improvement Sun, 01 Jan 0008 00:00:00 GMT http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1140 0008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1139 How do project schedule management practices support reducing delays in construction projects in the Kurunegal district Wijesena, P.U.L.H.; Thirugnanasampanthar, S. Stakeholders and project teams must priorities the timely completion of construction projects. Delays in the schedule can lead to a decline in the quality of work and negatively impact the organization’s reputation, resulting in lost revenue. The building construction industry in Sri Lanka has a growth rate of 4.4% as of June 2023, but the threshold is 50%, indicating a decline in growth rate. Project teams use project schedule management practices to improve the timely completion of projects. This study highlights how project schedule management practices can reduce delays in building construction projects in Kurunegala, Sri Lanka. Specifically, the study will focus on project schedule practices, identifying the best practices, challenges, and the proven detailed background of building construction delays in the region. The study explores various project schedule management, construction delay effects, and building construction types through literature and qualitative thematic analysis. Data codes were identified to cover the study objectives based on interviewee transcripts. The main themes are based on objectives and data analysed in the study under the sub-themes. They are the initiation, planning, execution, controlling and monitoring, and closing phases of project schedule management practices and existing project schedule management practices and their effectiveness, stakeholder satisfaction, and project schedule management challenges. The research covers construction organisations operating in Kurunegala, which is one of the most active construction areas in Sri Lanka. The study includes the participation of ten construction organisations, and the findings are discussed and compared briefly with the literature findings Sun, 01 Jan 0008 00:00:00 GMT http://drr.vau.ac.lk/handle/123456789/1139 0008-01-01T00:00:00Z