Background

The National  Institute  of  Business  Management  (NIBM) is  a  premier  higher  education institution in Sri Lanka, with a proven track record of nurturing business leaders and professionals. Recognizing the growing importance of research and innovation in the business landscape, NIBM has established a Business Research Center to foster research, promote academic growth, and support the professional development of both faculty and students.

Objectives of the Research Policy

1.  To promote a culture of research within NIBM, encouraging faculty and students to engage in scholarly inquiry.

2.  To facilitate the conduct of high-quality research that contributes to the advancement of knowledge and addresses relevant business challenges.

3.  To  establish  NIBM  as  a  leading  center  for  business  research  in  Sri  Lanka  and internationally.

4.  To foster collaborations between NIBM faculty, students, and industry partners.

5.  To attract external funding to support research activities and ensure the sustainability of the Business Research Center.

Scope of the Research Policy

This policy applies to all research activities undertaken by NIBM faculty, students, and staff, 
including:

• Original research conducted by individual faculty members or research teams.
• Collaborative  research  with  external  partners,  such  as  universities,  industries,  or government agencies.
• Student research projects supervised by faculty members.

Governance and Management

The governance of the Business Research Center will be overseen by the Research Supervision Committee (RSC) and the Research Management Committee (RMC). These committees will work together to ensure the effective management of research activities, from proposal evaluation to project completion.

 1. Research Supervision Committee (RSC)

The Research Supervision Committee (RSC) is responsible for providing strategic direction to the Research Management Committee and approving research proposals deemed feasible. The RSC's decisions on research proposals are final, and it will meet periodically to review the annual research plan. The committee is chaired by the Chairman of NIBM, with the following members:

I.  Director General of NIBM
II. Director –  Postgraduate of Institute of Management
III. Council member –  Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industries
IV. Council member –  National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka
V.  Council member –  Institute of Information and Communication Technology Agency

  2. Research Management Committee (RMC)

The  Research  Management  Committee  (RMC)  evaluates  research  proposals,  sets  terms  of reference, and makes recommendations to the RSC. The RMC is also tasked with determining research duration and setting research allowances for principal researchers, in accordance with the Management Services Circular No. 02/2014. Furthermore, the RMC oversees payments for research assistants and other required services. The committee is chaired by the Director General of NIBM  and the  Head of Consultancy and Research, along with  six additional members, 
including:

I.    Related Academic Director of NIBM
II.   Prof. Sanath Amaratunga, University of Peradeniya
III.  Dr. Lalith Weragoda, Chief Human Resource Champion, Sampath bank
IV.  Dr. G.S Kelum, University of Sri Jayewardenepura
V.   Dr. R A. Anil Perera, Central Bank, Sri Lanka
VI.  Director Finance/Director HR, Admin

Members of the Research Center of NIBM

Dr. D M A Kulasooriya
Director General NIBM
dg@nibm.lk

Dr. Himendra Balalle
Head of Consultancy and Research
himendra@nibm.lk

Ms. Githmi Gunadasa
Secretary of Research Management and Research Supervision Committee
githmi@nibm.lk

Dr. Kelum Gamage
Research Consultant
kelumg@sjp.ac.lk

The NIBM Journal of Knowledge Innovation is a peer-reviewed academic journal dedicated to advancing research, theories, and practices in the field of knowledge innovation and management.

The journal serves as a platform for scholars, researchers, and professionals to share insights and developments that foster a deeper understanding of how knowledge can be effectively generated, shared, utilized, and transformed within various domains.

This journal will be issued twice a year in both printed and digital formats.

Scope and Focus

The journal focuses on interdisciplinary research that explores the intersection of knowledge creation, technology, and innovation. It covers a broad spectrum of topics, including but not limited to:

I. Knowledge Management Systems: Techniques and technologies for capturing, organizing, and disseminating knowledge within organizations.
II. Innovation Processes: Studies on how innovation is initiated, managed, and implemented in both traditional and digital environments.
III. Organizational Learning and Intelligence: Insights into how organizations learn, adapt, and leverage knowledge to gain competitive advantages.
IV. Data Analytics and Artificial Intelligence in Knowledge Innovation: The role of AI and data-driven approaches in shaping knowledge processes and decision-making.
V. Knowledge Transfer and Knowledge Sharing Practices: Strategies and models that promote the exchange of knowledge within and across organizations.
VI. Intellectual Capital and Knowledge Economy: Analysis of the economic impact of knowledge assets on organizations and the larger economy.
VII. Sociocultural and Ethical Aspects: Exploration of the social and ethical implications of knowledge management practices and innovation strategies.

Operating Process

A research proposal, including the nature of the research, objectives, methodology, action plan, and timeline, should be submitted to the RMC by the consultants or researchers. Subsequently, the RMC will review the proposal, and in line with the TOR (Terms of reference) for evaluation, an appropriate decision will be made. Accordingly, the research allowance will be paid from a date determined by the committee, upon the approval of the research proposal by the Research Supervision Committee.

Quarterly progress reports, detailing the research progress against the action plan outlined in the proposal, must be submitted to the RMC. The continuation of the research allowance is subject to the RMC's satisfaction with the progress of the research.

If the committee is not satisfied with the progress, an extension of a minimum of six (6) months may be granted to allow the researchers to demonstrate sufficient progress. The committee will determine the commencement date for the payment of the allowance based on the research progress. Depending on the nature and scope of the research, the research allowance can be paid for up to three (3) years during the research period.

The final research report must be submitted to the RMC within the agreed timeline as per the proposal. Payment of the research allowance for an additional one (1) year can be made if the RMC is satisfied with the publication of the final research report in an internationally or nationally recognized journal and/or its submission for a relevant patent license.

The research allowance can be extended for another one (1) year if the RMC is satisfied with the publication of the final research report in an accredited journal.

Names of the Consultants who are currently conducting research 

1.  Ms. Sumudu Chathurika
2. Ms. Dushyanthi Abeywardhana
3. Ms. Shamalka Uduwella
4. Ms. S R P Withanachchi
5. Ms. K V N M Singhaghosha
6. Ms. Ajani Samasinghe
7. Ms. Amaya Panamgama
8. Ms. Nadeera Munasinghe
9. Ms. Hansandhi Munasinghe
10. Ms. Erandi Harishchandra
11. Ms. Kalaipriya Kalaieesan
12. Mr. Viran Perera
13. Dr. Thisara Weerasinghe
14. Mr. Cyril Gunarathne
15. Ms. Nimasha Kumarasinghe