Research

We are committed to advancing research excellence by fostering a dynamic, well-supported research environment. Through effective administration, research promotion, and clear communication of policies and processes, we empower our academic community and contribute to positioning the Department of Industrial Management as a leading center for impactful, globally recognized research. 

• In 2024, the University of Kelaniya recorded 418 Scopus publications, with our department contributing 58.

• In 2025, the university has produced 365 publications so far, of which our department has contributed 78.

• These figures highlight our growing share and influence in research output. Building on this momentum, we are targeting 100+ Scopus publications this year, reflecting our strong commitment to research excellence and impact. 

Institutional Guideline on Ethical Review Requirements for Educational Research

1. Purpose

This section outlines the institutional guidelines regarding ethical review requirements for research conducted within the university, particularly distinguishing between:

• Research conducted as part of normal curricular teaching and learning activities

• Research involving human participants, animals, medical interventions, or personally identifiable information (PII)

2. Research Activities That Do Not Require Formal Ethical Review

According to institutional policy, formal ethical review approval is not required for research activities that meet all of the following conditions:

• The study is conducted within the framework of regular teaching and learning activities aligned with the approved curriculum.

• The research involves standard pedagogical practices such as:

- Classroom-based teaching innovations

- Assessment methods (e.g., quizzes, peer marking, assignments)

- Learning analytics using anonymized academic performance data

• The data collected:

- Are generated through routine academic activities

- Are used for educational quality improvement or pedagogical evaluation

- Do not include sensitive personal data

• Participation does not expose students to:

      - Psychological, physical, or social risk beyond normal classroom experience

• Student identity is protected through:

- Anonymization or aggregation of data

- No disclosure of personally identifiable information

Such studies are categorized as educational practice research or scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) conducted under normal academic operations and therefore are exempt from formal ethical review.

3. Research Activities That Require Formal Ethical Review

Formal ethical approval must be obtained prior to commencement if the research involves any of the following:

3.1 Human Subjects Research

• Medical or clinical interventions

• Psychological experiments beyond normal classroom practice

• Collection of sensitive personal data

• Surveys involving personal, behavioral, health, or socio-economic information

3.2 Research Involving Animals

Any experimental or observational study involving animals

3.3 Use of Personally Identifiable Information (PII)

Collection, storage, or analysis of identifiable data such as:

• Names

• National ID numbers

• Contact information

• Health records

• Biometric data

3.4 High-Risk or Sensitive Topics

• Research involving vulnerable populations

• Studies addressing sensitive social, political, medical, or psychological issues

In such cases, approval must be obtained from the Institutional Ethics Review Committee prior to data collection.