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The critical importance of effective industrial symbiosis is emphasized in the rapidly evolving landscape of manufacturing, energy, and environmental sustainability. This study employs the Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) methodology to examine and outline the complex interrelationships among critical success factors (CSFs) pivotal for the successful implementation of industrial symbiosis. Key findings indicate that leadership and technology are the most significant causal CSFs, driving positive outcomes in waste reduction, environmental impact, and economic growth, identified as primary effect factors. Leadership emerges as the predominant influence, guiding strategic alignment, fostering a collaborative and sustainable organizational culture, and affecting all other CSFs. Technological integration acts both as a direct driver of operational efficiency and as a mediator of leadership's influence, enabling optimized resource flows and data-driven decision-making. Additional CSFs such as clear communication, enhanced training and education, and policy and regulatory support also serve as essential mediators connecting leadership to key outcomes. This research outlines an actionable pathway for stakeholders, including policymakers, engineers, and corporate executives, to strategically prioritize and utilize these CSFs to promote more resilient and sustainable industrial ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The core success of digital transformation among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) still needs to be clarified and comprehensively discussed. Meanwhile, SMEs cannot exploit digital advantages due to their limited strategic empirical and practical knowledge. This study aims to (1) describe the research pattern in the SME's digitalization area; (2) identify the core success factors of SMEs' digital transformation to gain business success; (3) search for relevant business aspects that are necessary for SME digital transformation; and (4) develop further research agenda in the field of SMEs' digital transformation. This study uses a systematic literature review and thematic analysis to determine core success factors suggested by primary studies. The literature review suggests that (1) SMEs should consider their baseline, limitation, and idiosyncratic to develop an aligned digitalization strategy; (2) SMEs should consider starting with incremental and gradually improving digitalization; and (3) SMEs should commit to investing in education and continuous learning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the previous studies on successful digital transformation initiatives in government organizations and deduces the tangible and intangible benefits to showcase some real-life examples and evidence. This article provides a thorough evaluation of the available literature on successful digital transformation initiatives. It analyzes 53 important success elements grouped across seven dimensions, giving a conceptual framework for executing digital transformation in government organizations. The research identifies key success elements that are crucial for digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of clear planning, flexibility, agility, and robust data security measures. This study provides practical insights for organizations aiming to undertake digital transformation initiatives, highlighting strategies to overcome hurdles and maximize benefits. This study contributes a proposed conceptual framework and empirical evidence to guide academics, professionals, and decision-makers in effectively navigating and leveraging digital transformation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Circular supply chains (CSCs) refer to the process of collecting used products from consumers and repurposing them through remanufacturing, recycling, renovation, and repair. Digital technologies have the potential to perform a crucial role in enhancing these processes and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). Therefore, exploring the factors that link digital technologies and CSCs is essential. This study identifies and analyzes the critical success factors (CSFs) associated with integrating digital technologies in CSCs. The study utilized a grey Decision‐Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) to identify and analyze CSFs. The initial set of CSFs was derived from existing literature and further refined based on expert opinions. The findings from the study reflect that the top five CSFs for linking digital technologies and CSCs were identified as the organizational commitment toward digitization, adoption of modern technologies, support from top administration toward digitization, adoption of contemporary business models, and data‐driven modernization toward CSCs. The study also revealed that out of the 24 identified CSFs, 11 were associated with the "causal group" while the remaining 13 were associated with the "effect group." The integration of digital technologies in CSCs has been found to significantly enhance organizational effectiveness. However, there is a paucity of studies analyzing CSFs for linking digital technologies and CSCs. This study fills this research gap and contributes to the frame of knowledge in the domain of CSCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retrofitting existing residential buildings presents a feasible approach to improving energy efficiency. Therefore, recognising the critical success factors (CSFs) for residential building energy retrofitting (BER) has remained a significant topic in this climate change era. However, given the fragmented nature of past findings, this study reviewed past studies on the CSFs for residential BER. Utilising Arksey and O'Malley's framework, 138 studies were initially examined, with 33 meeting the inclusion criteria and synthesised according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review started with a bibliometric analysis, including publication trends, types, geographical focus, etc., and found growing interest in this topic amongst authors in China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Europe. The scoping review results highlight seven overarching themes of CSFs: project-, contract-, stakeholder-, team-, financial-, regulation-, and material/technology-related. Notably, the most emphasised across the studies were stakeholder-, project-, regulation-, and financial-related CSFs. A further review of the included studies revealed that the dominant methods used in past studies were factor analysis, regression analysis, social network analysis (SNA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). This study provides valuable insights for regulatory bodies, construction professionals, project managers, and homeowners seeking to develop customised retrofitting solutions, advancing residential BER research and practice. Further research is suggested to understand how combinations of factors can drive retrofitting success across varied contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to investigate the buffering (moderating) effect of environmental uncertainty (EU) on the relationship between the critical success factors (CSFs) of public–private partnership projects (PPPPs) and sustainable performance. A survey approach was adopted to collect primary data from construction industries that have signed an agreement with the public sector. The public sector includes federal and provincial government departments such as the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for the construction of roads, and the private sector includes engineering companies registered with the Pakistan engineering council. The non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample, and the Krejcie and Morgan table was used to calculate the sample size. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed but 394 completed questionnaires were used in the analysis of the data, yielding a response rate of 78.8%. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to check the reliability and validity of the scales; the findings revealed that the scales met the threshold, and all the factor loadings, average variance extracted, composite reliability, Cronbach alpha, and discriminant validities met the cut-off level. Hence, the questionnaires were found to be reliable and valid. The results revealed that environmental uncertainty significantly moderates the CSFs (technical, procurement, and economic factors) of PPPs and the sustainable performance of PPPPs. Furthermore, the interaction terms of all moderating effects revealed negative beta values; this implies that a low level of uncertainty results in better economic performance, better technical and procurement factors, and highly sustainable performance. It is concluded from the findings that if EU is high, then the sustainability of PPPPs is low; moreover, fewer economic resources and no technical support and procurement also have a weak impact on enhancing sustainable performance. On the contrary, if EU is low, there is a high level of sustainability in PPPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In pursuit of a comprehensive understanding of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) adoption within Saudi Arabian maintenance companies, this research aimed to evaluate the prevalence of its utilization and gauge the level of comprehension among practitioners. Furthermore, this study sought to pinpoint the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) crucial for the effective implementation of LSS. Employing an electronically disseminated survey, this investigation delved into the realm of LSS, with a specific focus on identifying and assessing these pivotal CSFs. This study encompassed data from 77 participants employed across diverse maintenance organizations in Saudi Arabia, gathered through a digital questionnaire and analyzed utilizing SPSS 22.0. This study used a variety of statistical techniques, such as descriptive statistics, frequency analysis, t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, to investigate the adoption of LSS and identify key success factors. According to the report, 77.9% of Saudi maintenance businesses have yet to implement LSS, with quality improvement serving as the primary reason for those who have. Comprehensive LSS training, effective people selection, increased awareness, and a strong, data-driven approach are all critical aspects in successful LSS deployment. Furthermore, this study emphasized the importance of training, staff selection, and knowledge of the benefits of LSS in influencing the effectiveness of implementation. Finally, this study provided significant insights into the barriers and enablers of LSS adoption, making both theoretical contributions to the academic area and practical recommendations for firms looking to use LSS for continuous improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design thinking is an innovative methodology that may be applied by small and medium enterprises which emphasizes a human-centered approach to problem-solving, facilitating the creation of novel solutions for complex and open-ended challenges like the development of new products. Despite its recognized importance in business and academia, many industrial SMEs struggle with applying design thinking in their product development processes. This research aims to identify the central characteristics of design thinking and its critical success factors to enable effective application by industrial SMEs. Based on a systematic search in the Scopus database (last searched 14 May 2024) for the relevant literature, which resulted in a selection of 30 published papers, with titles and/or abstract fields containing words of design thinking and small- and medium-sized enterprises in industrial sectors, and a bibliometric analysis of co-word occurrence using VOS Viewer (1.6.20 version), we construct a framework that identifies central characteristics, design thinking principles, criteria, phases, and tools, as well as four dimensions of critical success factors: strategy, culture, competences, and implementation. This finding is new as it applies to industrial SMEs, as compared to extant research's more general orientation. The framework is presented in visual form to facilitate use in developmental workshops with SMEs and supporting actors. This paper ends with notes on limitations and proposals for further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, manufacturers are increasingly pressured to undertake digital transformation, with smart manufacturing serving as a crucial milestone in this process. This study investigates the key factors influencing the implementation of smart manufacturing from a supply chain perspective, employing the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) to analyze collected data from senior managers of manufacturing firms. The findings highlight several critical factors, including the commitment of senior executives, the recruitment of skilled professionals, interdepartmental collaboration, and financial support. Moreover, this study reveals differing priorities between large and small manufacturers: large firms emphasize the importance of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), while smaller firms prioritize understanding end-consumer needs and product trends. This study emphasizes that smart manufacturing is not only for optimizing the operational efficiency of manufacturing firms but also for supporting sustainability efforts through more effective use of resources and reduced environmental impact of work processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implementation of a circular supply chain (CSC) has potential to help the Irish dairy industry mitigate their negative environmental impacts. However, the industry does not have a clear understanding on their level of readiness to implement CSC in factors that ensure success. While there have been few studies that have identified barriers and critical success factors of CSC implementation, limited attention has been given to developing a comprehensive framework capable of measuring an industry's readiness for CSC implementation, especially in the dairy industry. This study provides novelty in the development and application of a novel hybrid approach based on best–worst method and fuzzy inference system (BWM–FIS) to evaluate readiness for CSC implementation in the Irish dairy industry. By identifying a comprehensive set of readiness measures and sub-measures and integrating them into the assessment framework, we provide a valuable tool for industry stakeholders to gauge their readiness level and make informed decisions regarding CSC implementation. The applicability of the proposed approach is then demonstrated with an empirical study of the Irish dairy industry. The data was collected from 34 supply chain and senior professionals from all 13 main processing and manufacturing companies in the Irish dairy industry. The empirical results for the Irish dairy industry suggests it has a moderate level of readiness on the CSC readiness scale. This indicates that dairy manufacturers in Ireland are not yet in an ideal state of readiness for CSC implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sustainability is one of the emerging areas in building construction, and it is widely investigated in terms of bringing sustainable technology into construction. However, one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is implementing sustainability. Building contractors and construction practitioners mostly struggle with the implementation of sustainability due to the lack of certain parameters that define sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates the factors for effective sustainability implementation to provide industry practitioners with the benefit of the extensive list of parameters when designing their sustainability program. To research the parameters, a questionnaire was designed and administered to construction professionals with wide experience in sustainability implementation. The respondents were asked to evaluate a set of sustainability factors in the economic, social, and environmental domains. This way, the study provides reflections from construction practitioners working on large projects. The findings indicated that Ethical and Relational Factors in economic sustainability, Historical and Social Relations Factors in social sustainability, and Material Usage Factors in environmental sustainability are the most important for effective sustainability implementation. The findings are expected to help construction practitioners understand metrics of sustainability, effectively manage their projects, and successfully implement sustainability with the consideration of proper metrics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As businesses increasingly adopt digital processes and solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity, they face heightened cybersecurity threats. Through a systematic literature review and concept development, this article examines the intersection of digitalisation and cybersecurity. It identifies the methodologies and tools used for cybersecurity assessments, factors influencing the adoption of cybersecurity measures, and the critical success factors for implementing these measures. The article also puts forward the concept of cybersecurity governance process categories, which are used to classify the factors uncovered in the research. Findings suggest that current information security standards tend to be too broad and not adequately tailored to the specific needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) when implementing emerging technologies, like Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, these standards often employ a top-down approach, which makes it challenging for SMEs to effectively implement them, as they require more scalable solutions tailored to their specific risks and limited resources. The study thus proposes a new framework based on the Plan-Do-Check model, built around the cybersecurity governance process categories and the three core pillars of governance, culture and standards. This is essentially a bottom-up approach that complements current top-down methods, and will be of value to both information technology (IT) professionals as an operational guide, and to researchers as a basis for future research in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Design thinking is an innovative methodology that may be applied by small and medium enterprises which emphasizes a human-centered approach to problem-solving, facilitating the creation of novel solutions for complex and open-ended challenges like the development of new products. Despite its recognized importance in business and academia, many industrial SMEs struggle with applying design thinking in their product development processes. This research aims to identify the central characteristics of design thinking and its critical success factors to enable effective application by industrial SMEs. Based on a systematic search in the Scopus database (last searched 14 May 2024) for the relevant literature, which resulted in a selection of 30 published papers, with titles and/or abstract fields containing words of design thinking and small- and medium-sized enterprises in industrial sectors, and a bibliometric analysis of co-word occurrence using VOS Viewer (1.6.20 version), we construct a framework that identifies central characteristics, design thinking principles, criteria, phases, and tools, as well as four dimensions of critical success factors: strategy, culture, competences, and implementation. This finding is new as it applies to industrial SMEs, as compared to extant research’s more general orientation. The framework is presented in visual form to facilitate use in developmental workshops with SMEs and supporting actors. This paper ends with notes on limitations and proposals for further research.

Success in project management remains a relevant and evolving topic, with numerous academic publications offering insights from various perspectives. A comprehensive understanding of these perspectives is crucial for grasping both the development of the literature and potential future trends. This study aims to bridge a significant gap by analyzing forty years of articles on project management success indexed in major databases. Through a bibliometric analysis, we highlight key trends and patterns that shape the field, providing valuable insights for both scholars and practitioners. The analysis sheds light on critical success factors, including time, cost, scope, stakeholder satisfaction, and long-term impacts, illustrating the multifaceted nature of project success. Additionally, the findings underscore the importance of efficient risk management, communication, and the evolving criteria for measuring project outcomes. Based on the results, this study offers recommendations for future research, particularly the need for interdisciplinary approaches and in-depth examinations of project management across various sectors. Ultimately, this research contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of how project management practices can be enhanced to meet the growing demands of complex, modern projects.

Rapid developments in information technology and software have led organizations to adopt a new structure model known as shared services. A Shared Services Center (SSC) is an organizational concept companies use to allocate distributed resources efficiently. However, research has shown that some SSCs fail to achieve the expected efficiency improvements. Therefore, focusing on critical success factors for implementing a Human Resources Shared Services Center (HRSSC) can help organizations identify the factors necessary for success and avoid costly failures. The primary objective of this study is to identify and prioritize Critical Success Factors (CSFs) for implementing HRSSC in multi-business firms. The CSFs for implementing HRSSC have been identified. Furthermore, the interrelationships and influences among these factors have been examined using the DEMATEL paired comparison questionnaire. Among the identified factors, Leadership and Staff management, Organizational culture, Commitment of management, and a Clear and appropriate strategy have been ranked as the most important CSFs for implementing HRSSC in multi-business firms. Thus, managers and decision-makers should consider to these CSFs which are crucial to successful implementation of the Human Resources Shared Services Center in multi-business firms.

Sustainability principles should be incorporated into all decision-making stages for residential construction projects to ensure maximum revenue while maintaining essential residential building services. This study identifies and analyzes the critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for implementing agile project management (APM) in residential construction projects. Data were collected from 120 professionals in the Nigerian construction industry through questionnaire surveys to understand the implementation of APM. The CSFs were obtained from previous research and analyzed within the specific context of the Nigerian construction industry through questionnaire surveys. The CSFs were grouped into two main categories using exploratory factor analysis: dynamic project optimization and agile project foundations. The model for the CSFs was developed using partial least squares structural equation modeling. The study found that the dynamic project optimization element had the most significant impact on the model, highlighting its importance as a key CSF in APM implementation. These results support the adoption of APM within Nigeria's construction industry as stakeholders and professionals seek effective strategies to reduce costs and improve sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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This paper describes the critical success factors for digitalization in manufacturing within the framework of Industry 4.0 and Industry 5.0 while sustaining Lean and Lean-reinforcement links during this transformation within the actual transformation journey of an enterprise (Toyota Motor Europe). In this regard, 11 critical success factors for "digital transformation", 9 critical success factors for "Lean sustainability", and 12 reinforcement links (between Lean and digitalization) were identified from the published literature and 56 one-on-one discussions with Toyota Production System experts. Both Lean and digitalization frameworks were developed using the ontology method. Then, a survey with these experts was conducted, in which the Delphi method was used as a survey tool for an analysis, which was performed in three steps: an analysis of psychometric properties was conducted, a stability analysis of the Delphi method was performed, and the significance of non-consensus hypotheses of the results were examined. The results show that "top management commitment" is the most critical factor for digital transformations, whereas for Lean sustainability, it is "keep Genchi Genbutsu (go and see)". It was found that digitalization impacts Lean very positively (high/strong or high) for a majority of the links and lean on the positive side for the remaining links. These findings can help manufacturing firms make informed decisions regarding minimal waste, lead times, and the right strategy for digitalization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Decision-making in consulting firms is a crucial process that has impacted their competitiveness in a dynamic environment. These organizations must adapt to the growing demand for specialized services and confront various operational challenges. Therefore, this study has focused on analyzing the key factors that affect decision-making in achieving business success by maximizing resources and competitiveness at CONAS, a Cuban consulting firm. Using the neutrosophic VIKOR method as a multicriteria tool, 11 key factors were evaluated to establish causal relationships among the variables. The results revealed that competent personnel, international recognition, and effective management are determinants for enhancing the adaptation and prosperity of consulting firms. In conclusion, understanding and applying these factors facilitate organizational success by optimizing resources and improving competitiveness. Furthermore, it is suggested to investigate how digital transformation and sustainability influence decision-making, as well as to conduct comparative studies with other consulting firms in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: With the culinary sector undergoing transformative shifts propelled by technological advancements and the ubiquity of social media, understanding the critical success factors for social media marketing becomes imperative for micro and small businesses. Purpose: This study aims to identify and explore critical success factors for social media marketing adoption in micro and small culinary businesses. Design/methodology/approach: Employing a qualitative approach, the research selected a purposive sample of six Indonesian owners of micro and small culinary businesses, playing pivotal roles in shaping business decisions. Semi-structured interviews conducted via telephone and Zoom Meetings formed the basis for data collection with owners and co-owners of micro and small businesses in the culinary Industry in West Java and East Borneo, Indonesia. The data collection focuses on the critical success factors of social media marketing. Interviews were transcribed and thematically analyzed using a narrative approach. Findings/Result: Five thematic outcomes were noted regarding the critical success factors of social media marketing: interaction, trendiness, persistency, curiosity, and entrepreneurial mindset. The study identifies the "entrepreneurial mindset" as a critical success factor, echoed by five out of six informants. Conclusion: Critical factors that contribute to the success of adopting social media marketing for micro and small businesses integrate the entrepreneurial traits of the owners and managers and the effective utilization of social media marketing strategies. Originality/value (State of the art): This study explores in depth the significance of the combination of entrepreneurial traits and effective utilization of social media marketing strategies which remain underexplored in the social media marketing study, particularly in micro and small businesses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Referring to PPP Books 2017-2023 issued by The Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia, there is only 1 out of 16 AP PPP projects at the municipal/regency level that have successfully reached the operational stage (6% success rate), i.e. Madiun Regency Public Street Lighting. Several municipal/regency AP PPP projects have failed, for example, Bandung Municipal Public Street Lighting. The widespread failures indicate that the application of AP in regional infrastructure has so far not been successful in Indonesia. This paper aims to identify the basic requirements, critical success factors, and lessons learned from AP PPP implementation in Municipal/Regency Governments. Thus, it is hoped that the future provision of regional infrastructure with the AP scheme can proceed seamlessly. This study used a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data from literature reviews, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed that the basic requirements for AP PPP include the existence of regulations and institutions. The five main success factors of AP PPP in the Municipal/Regency Government are (1) a well-organized and committed public agency; (2) political support; (3) favorable and efficient legal framework; (4) stable political and economic situation; and (5) public and private sector commitments and responsibilities. The lesson learned from the case study is that fiscal capacity is not the main factor in the success of PPP in Madiun Regency, but rather the willingness of the local government to implement PPP by regularly holding capacity building and maintaining good relationships and communication with each stakeholder involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital transformation (DT) is revolutionizing building facility management (FM) by streamlining operations, maximizing resources, and increasing performance. FM firms prioritize DT to stay competitive as speed and efficiency become more crucial in the corporate context. Traditional FM methods like manual record-keeping and reactive maintenance cannot meet recent corporate needs. Modern technologies such as IoT, AI, digital twins, and data analytics enable real-time building asset monitoring and optimization. This paper evaluates the digital transformation readiness level index of building facility management (DTRLIBFM), which includes critical success factors for DT development, using structural equation modeling (SEM). DTRLIBFM model determines the importance of key factors that contribute to the success of digital transformation initiatives, specifically focusing on the DT readiness level index of building facility management. Expert interviews and an intensive literature review were employed to identify the critical success factors for the DTRLIFMB. The Delphi technique was employed to validate these factors with 13 highly experienced professionals, and they were subsequently appraised for significance through an online questionnaire that was circulated to industry experts. To quantitatively evaluate the interconnectedness of different elements of DTRLIFMB and establish the impact of each construct on the overall digital transformation, data from 220 participants from around the world were analyzed using (SEM). The evaluation included reliability, validity, hypothesis testing, multivariate normality, and goodness-of-fit indexes. The DTRLIBFM model, with 20 indicators in three constructs, explains how DT readiness affects a building's digitalization importance level. The research provides governments, organizations, contractors, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, and facility managers with a current DT index and DT roadmap for building facility management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the development of a comprehensive model for evaluating the level of readiness of buildings for digital transformation during the pre-construction phase. The proposed model utilizes structural equation modeling (SEM) and includes a full list of key factors for achieving success. This tool is designed to support industry stakeholders in assessing operational efficiency in terms of digital transformation readiness in the pre-construction phase (DTRPC) and analyze the effectiveness and limitations of DTRPC across various management levels. Key success factors were identified through interviews with experts and a review of the relevant literature. These variables were then validated through two rounds of the 8 Delphi technique, which included the input of 13 highly qualified experts. Finally, an online questionnaire was disseminated to industry professionals, who assessed the factors' relative levels of significance. Questionnaire responses were collected from a sample of 300 individuals from different professional fields. SEM was then used to quantitatively analyze the relationships between the various components of the DTRPC success factors. The goal was to determine the impact of each construct on the overall level of readiness. The model underwent a thorough evaluation to determine its strength and stability across several parameters, including accuracy, conformity to multivariate normalcy, and reliability and validity. A hypothesis analysis was also conducted. The collected data were used to develop the proposed DTRPC model, consisting of 30 essential performance indicators grouped into four categories. The use of SEM uncovered a significant correlation between the operational indicators of these critical factors and the construct groups, as well as the influence of effective DTRPC constructs on overall project performance. This research expands the current knowledge by identifying important indications for evaluating the success of the DTRPC model and using them to create a comprehensive global SEM that can be used as a tool for measuring readiness at the pre-construction stage. This has the potential to provide essential assistance to organizations, project managers, and policymakers in making informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The construction industry continues to play a significant role in the economic development of most nations in the world. However, the construction sector still follows the 'linear' 'take–make–dispose' industrial model that, having benefited development, plays a major factor in the depletion of resources, environmental deterioration, and the generation of waste and pollution. In this regard, the adoption of a circular economy (CE) presents a compelling opportunity to address the challenges derived from the traditional linear economic model. This study attempts to scrutinise the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing a CE via a mixed-method approach that combines both focus groups and an online survey. The adopted approach ensures a comprehensive identification and prioritisation of CSFs for implementing CE principles in building construction projects. The focus groups consisted of 20 key stakeholders drawn from prominent construction firms which included clients, consultants, contractors and designers. The outcomes from these focused groups led to the dentification of 43 CSFs, later categorised across different dimensions. Subsequently, an online survey was conducted to establish a priority list of the identified CSFs, using responses from 82 stakeholders to rate their level of importance. The top five significant CSFs include ensuring the use of standardised and warranted secondary materials, maintaining cost equivalence between a CE and linear approach, maintenance and operation cost minimisation, assessment of life cycle cost (LCC), and the enforcement of robust government regulations and policies that prioritise a CE. The Relative Importance Index (RII) was used to rank the identified CSFs following results obtained using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 27) and Excel for Microsoft 365. The findings of this study can inform the creation of decision support systems that could progress a CE across the construction project life cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aims to identify and discuss the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that impact the implementation of Cloud ERP in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs). Method: A multiple case study was conducted in Brazilian SMEs to identify how Critical Success Factors (CSFs) impacted the Cloud ERP implementation process. Qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews. The NVivo software was used for interview coding, and content analysis was performed based on the coded data. Originality/Relevance: This study identifies and compiles CSFs that impact the implementation of Cloud ERP in SMEs. Additionally, it analyzes the impact of each CSF through real cases of SMEs. Results: Sixteen CSFs impacting Cloud ERP implementation in SMEs were identified. The CSFs were classified according to the TOE framework (organizational, environmental, and technological factors). Among the highlighted CSFs are competitiveness, knowledge in information systems, accessibility flexibility, relative advantage, and security. Additionally, two new CSFs were identified: best practices and process definition. Theoretical/Methodological Contributions: This study contributes to the literature by identifying two new CSFs impacting Cloud ERP implementation in SMEs. Social/Management Contributions: The results aim to assist SMEs in identifying CSFs in Cloud ERP implementation. They also provide assistance to Cloud ERP providers facing various challenges in delivering a system efficiently and effectively to their clients.

Undoubtedly, Lean Supply Chain Management (LSCM) has been widely identified as a powerful approach to improving supply chain performance and gaining competitive advantage (CA). Despite the challenges faced by numerous organizations in effectively implementing and sustaining lean practices. This research endeavor seizes the opportunity to conduct a comprehensive and methodical review of the existing literature to offer an in-depth examination of the relationship between LSCM and CA, focusing on the critical success factors (CSFs) for the lean supply chain that affect competitive advantage. The current study employed a systematic literature review (SLR) approach to identify studies on the relationship between LSCM and CA. A total of 529 published papers were selected from Web of Science (WoS), ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases. A comprehensive literature review was conducted, in which 55 relevant articles were analyzed from 2003 to 2023. The results revealed that the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing LSCM can be broadly categorized into internal factors, external factors, and factors related to the implementation of LSCM. The most significant internal factors include customer focus, flexibility, cost reduction, time-to-market, and quality. External factors, such as collaboration with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders, innovation, and technology, were also deemed critical. Effective LSCM practices such as lean principles, supply chain integration, information management, and logistics management are identified as significant contributors to success. The key results of this paper reveal that LSCM can be a practical approach for improving CA, as it addresses many of these critical success factors (CFSs). By adopting lean principles and integrating all aspects of the supply chain, firms can reduce waste, enhance efficiency, and improve responsiveness to customer demands. The study further discusses the current trends in LSCM and CA and provides implications for future research. However, the research has limitations, which include the restricted scope of the literature review and the lack of empirical research. In conclusion, this study provides valuable insights into the critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing LSCM and their effect on CA, which can benefit practitioners and researchers.

This scoping review examines the critical factors influencing e-learning implementation in emerging economies. Using a comprehensive literature search across major databases, 191 records were screened, of which 127 were assessed for eligibility and 84 studies met the inclusion criteria. Our systematic approach revealed four key themes: critical success factors, critical failure factors, implementation recommendations, and future research directions in e-learning. The findings illuminate the nascent stage of e-learning adoption in emerging economies, highlighting both the potential for enhanced educational access and multifaceted challenges faced by these nations. Our analysis offers nuanced insights into the complex interplay of infrastructural, technological, and contextual factors that shape e-learning outcomes in diverse environments. This study provides a valuable resource for policymakers, technology providers, educators, and students, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that address the unique characteristics of each learning ecosystem. This critical conclusion underscores the necessity of recognizing and accommodating diverse learning landscapes in emerging economies to ensure effective e-learning implementation. By synthesizing the current knowledge and identifying research gaps, this review not only enriches the existing literature but also charts a course for future investigations. It provides a foundation for developing adaptive, context-sensitive approaches to e-learning, potentially catalyzing educational transformation in emerging economies.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial to South Africa’s economy as they provide employment, contribute to development, reduce poverty, and promote entrepreneurship. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted SMEs in the country, posing a threat to their survival. The purpose of the study was to identify the financial planning critical success factors that are essential for SME performance in a post-COVID-19 pandemic environment. The study followed a positivist paradigm, and a quantitative survey approach was employed. South African SMEs across the various sectors of business were targeted to provide a holistic view of the financial planning strategies contributing to performance. A total of 282 questionnaires were completed electronically by the SME owners using Google Forms, which were then analyzed using SPSS and Smart PLS software. The regression model for structural equation modeling revealed a strong and significant link between financial planning and SME performance. Financial planning has a strong, significant positive effect on SME performance, as indicated by the path coefficient (β = 0.227, p = 0.002). The importance of this study lies in its ability to provide valuable insights to businesses regarding financial planning strategies to enhance SME success in a post-COVID-19 environment.

This study aims to discover the perceptions of the critical success factors (CSFs) of the public and private sectors’ players that influence the implementation of public-private partnership (PPP) infrastructure projects in Bangladesh. Methods: A questionnaire survey was adopted to discover public and private sector players’ perceptions of the CSFs and success subfactors (SSF) of PPP projects. Based on the literature review, CSFs and SSFs were identified, and the agreement between respondents from the public and private sectors was tested. A total of 59 responses were collected and examined to reveal the perceived gaps between sectors and rank CSFs and SSFs. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software was used. The results show that the top-ranking factor was “economic viability”, followed by “appropriate risk allocation”, “sound financial packages”, “favorable investment environment”, and “reliable concessionaire”. It was also found that the perceptions of the public and private sectors were mixed. The key conclusion of this study is that the identified factors must be effectively addressed in order to develop consensus and engage relevant stakeholders in Bangladesh.

This study quantifies what makes Artificial Intelligence (AI) work for government, the critical success factors (CSFs) for successful AI implementation within the Directorate General of Taxes (DGT). Analyzing factors such as technology, organization, process, and environment, the research highlights the importance of organizational readiness, strategic vision, and leadership support to drive successful AI integration within DGT. The dimension of the organization became the most critical factor, followed by technology, process, and environment. The findings offer actionable insights for DGT's decision-making processes, aiding in strategic resource allocation and tailored AI strategy refinement. Furthermore, this research is a valuable reference for other public sector organizations that aim to enhance operational efficiency through the adoption of AI. This study empowers decision makers within the DGT and the wider public sector by providing nuanced information on the critical factors that influence the successful implementation of AI, fostering improved operational efficiency and governance practices.

The sustainability of small and medium-sized contractors (SMCs) is vital, considering the critical role they play in socio-economic development globally. SMCs in Namibia have been consistently grappling with high failure rates over the years, largely due to a dearth of robust policy frameworks to guide SMC development and sustainability in the country. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) for SMCs’ sustainability in Namibia. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected from 60 purposively selected construction industry participants, comprising owner-managers of contracting firms, policymakers, and construction professional consultants. Interviews were conducted with the participants, using a semi-structured interview tool. Data were then analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings revealed six CSFs, including public and private institutions’ collaborative support, skills training, an enabling construction business environment, access to adequate and affordable finance, consistent work opportunities, and firm owner’s entrepreneurial skills. The identified CSFs culminated in the development of a framework for guiding the development of SMCs in Namibia. By incorporating the six CSFs in the framework, SMCs could be effectively developed and sustained. The framework may assist policymakers in making fundamental policy reforms and developing appropriate and context-specific interventions to sustain SMCs in Namibia and similar contexts.

Successful planning and implementation of solar home systems (SHS) remains a significant challenge for government agencies, particularly from economic and sustainability perspectives. This study aims to develop a stakeholder-based framework for evaluating SHS programs in the public housing sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A mixed-method approach was employed, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative data collection. A comprehensive review of SHS was conducted to identify the main global success factors for implementing the system in public housing projects. Subsequently, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 56 specialized participants comprising institutional stakeholders involved in SHS implementation in the UAE, leading to the identification of the critical success factors (CSF). Furthermore, 24 domain experts validated the data through focused group interviews. The findings indicate that the success of SHS programs is significantly influenced by regional factors, with stakeholders playing a pivotal role in defining the success factors. The research identified 44 potential CSFs, categorized into six fundamental groups: political, economic, technical, social, environmental, and marketing. Among these, economic factors were the most significant in the UAE, followed by technical, political, environmental, marketing, and social aspects. Government support was identified as the most CSF, followed by annual savings, maintenance and monitoring, installation quality, and payback period. The proposed framework emphasizes the government's role as the primary stakeholder, guiding the evaluation of success based on specific goals and performance metrics. Each stakeholder's unique success factors are weighted to reflect their importance, and the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method is employed to derive key performance indicators (KPI) for consistent success measurement. This study provides a robust tool for stakeholders to assess and compare the success of different SHS programs by considering region-specific factors. It is intended to help UAE policymakers and government authorities make decisions, ensuring more effective SHS implementation, with the potential to be applied in the other Gulf Cooperation Council Countries that share similar environmental, economic, and political conditions.

Within the context of students’ academic achievements, the aspect of “peak-performance” among students in HEIs, still remain underexplored. Graduating with/at maximum achievement is a desired goal for any student into HEI, and can never be less important. Admittedly, what students do during school periods truly can help create the high grades border difference in respect to maintaining and achieving their initial educational goal. This study seeks to identify and distill from an academic perspective, key independent variables/factors called CSFs that are decisive and significantly impact on the ability of students in HEIs to graduate with/at maximum achievement. We gleaned a set of CSFs from the literature, then refined the list to 32 so that the final list reflects broadly 6 main CSFs that relate to HEI studentship: - Behaviour towards academics, Hard work, Organization, Peers and Socials, Skills, and Studying Style or Pattern. We then applied a Multi Attributes Decision making tool, AHP on the set of CSFs. The AHP prioritizes a subset of these CSFs as being most likely contributive variables to finishing top in university. The approach in this study is unique and provides a strategic framework for decision-making. Prospective and current students, parents, educators, academic institutions and the society at large who depend on these graduates will find the study results cardinal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The success of the Ghanaian public road construction phase and other preconstruction phases has been studied. However, the success of the Ghanaian public road project consultant selection phase has not received any attention, even though it is prone to corruption. The goal of this study is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) that, from the standpoint of a developing country, affect the success of the Ghanaian public road consultant selection phase. Data on the degree to which key success criteria identified in literature have an impact on the success of the Ghanaian public road consultant selection phase from the viewpoints of 156 sector practitioners in Ghana were acquired using a selfadministered questionnaire. After that, the relative importance index was used to analyse the data. According to the study, external environmental, project management, and procurement-related factors influence the success of the Ghanaian public road consultant selection phase. The government and organizations that administer public construction projects will now have a better grasp of the CSFs that affect the performance of the Ghanaian public road construction project consultant selection phase and be able to use them as a guide to improve the effective and efficient delivery of public road construction projects. In managing public road projects, the study’s findings will be useful to both industry professionals and the Ghanaian government. The study is limited to the consultant selection phase of Ghanaian public road construction projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active learning is essential for students in the construction and surveying disciplines due to the practical work nature and technical demands of these professions. This research study aims to identify and evaluate effective pedagogical strategies and critical success factors (CSFs) that can enhance active learning among undergraduate construction and surveying students. Customized e-learning materials based on the Technology, Pedagogy, Content, and Knowledge (TPACK) framework were adopted to improve the learning outcomes and effectiveness for semester-long construction-related research course students. Subsequently, an institutional student-based questionnaire survey was conducted and analyzed using mean score, exploratory factor analysis, and fuzzy synthetic evaluation (FSE). Accordingly, the top five active instructional learning strategies are using examples to reinforce understanding, case studies to encourage critical thinking, videos to improve understanding, connecting course contents to current community events, and creating classroom versions of interactive games. Exploratory factor analysis classified the CSFs into five major factor categories. The FSE results indicated that the top three CSF categories enhancing students' active learning include electronic tools as learning aids, complementary learning and feedback, and model learning system development. This study provides essential learning environments and components needed to foster active learning among undergraduate construction and surveying students in Hong Kong and worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industry 4.0 technologies have been gaining significant momentum in recent years. Despite widespread adoption, many companies struggle with the successful implementation of these technologies. This study aims to identify the critical success factors for implementing Industry 4.0 technologies and to examine the effects of various factor combinations. Using the technology–organization–environment framework and the practice-based view, this paper proposes a comprehensive research model. This study employs a hybrid approach combining structural equation modeling (SEM) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to analyze survey data collected from 202 Chinese manufacturing firms. The SEM results indicate that top management support, technology competence, supplier support, and pilot projects are significantly associated with successful implementation. However, the fsQCA results reveal that individual factors alone are insufficient for success; rather, it is the combinations of these factors that drive successful implementation. Specifically, three key combinations lead to success: (1) top management support and technology competence; (2) top management support and supplier support; and (3) technology competence, supplier support, and pilot projects. By recognizing these combinations, manufacturing firms can develop more effective implementation strategies for Industry 4.0 technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since companies are inclined to implement lean production, researchers have proposed a number of fundamental success factors to facilitate the implementation of this production approach. This study analyzes the critical success factors (CSFs) in lean production extracted from 14 review studies. The interpretive structural modeling approach is utilized to analyze the impact of these critical success factors on one another. The aim is to enhance insights into lean production and facilitate informed decision-making. In this article, a seven-tiered model is presented. According to the conceptual model of success factors in lean production, leadership is positioned at the base of the model and serves as the origin for other factors. It should be regarded as the foremost critical success factor in lean production. When establishing lean production systems, organizations and senior managers should focus on higher levels and critical success factors that underlie the model. Subsequently, nonfuzzy and fuzzy driving and dependence power analyses were conducted that the fuzzy matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification (MICMAC) analysis provides deeper insights into the analysis of driving and dependence power. The fuzzy matrix cross-reference multiplication applied to a classification analysis helped identify some key factors that are highly effective for successfully implementing lean manufacturing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study employs an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to identify critical success factors (CSFs) crucial for the success of pavement construction projects. Challenges such as construction cost delays, budget overruns, disputes, claims, and productivity losses underscore the need for effective project management in pavement projects. In contemporary construction management, additional performance criteria play a vital role in influencing the performance and success of pavement projects during construction operations. This research contributes to the existing body of knowledge by comprehensively identifying a multidimensional set of critical success performance factors that impact pavement and utility project management. A rigorous literature review and consultations with pavement experts identified sixty CSFs, categorized into seven groups. The relative importance of each element and group is determined through the input of 287 pavement construction specialists who participated in an online questionnaire. Subsequently, the collected data undergo thorough checks for normality, dependability, and independence before undergoing analysis using the relative importance index (RII). An ANFIS is developed to quantitatively model critical success factors and assess the implementation performance of construction operations management (COM) in the construction industry, considering aspects such as clustering input/output datasets, fuzziness degree, and optimizing five Gaussian membership functions. The study confirms the significance of three primary CSFs (financial, bureaucratic, and governmental) and communication-related variables through a qualitative structural and behavioral validation process, specifically k-fold cross-validation. The outcomes of this research hold practical implications for the management and assessment of overall performance indices in pavement construction projects. The ANFIS model, validated through robust testing methodologies, provides a valuable tool for industry professionals seeking to enhance the success and efficiency of pavement construction endeavors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Referring to PPP Books 2017-2023 issued by The Ministry of National Development Planning of Indonesia, there is only 1 out of 16 AP PPP projects at the municipal/regency level that have successfully reached the operational stage (6% success rate), i.e. Madiun Regency Public Street Lighting. Several municipal/regency AP PPP projects have failed, for example, Bandung Municipal Public Street Lighting. The widespread failures indicate that the application of AP in regional infrastructure has so far not been successful in Indonesia. This paper aims to identify the basic requirements, critical success factors, and lessons learned from AP PPP implementation in Municipal/Regency Governments. Thus, it is hoped that the future provision of regional infrastructure with the AP scheme can proceed seamlessly. This study used a mixed-method approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data from literature reviews, questionnaires, and interviews. The results showed that the basic requirements for AP PPP include the existence of regulations and institutions. The five main success factors of AP PPP in the Municipal/Regency Government are (1) a well-organized and committed public agency; (2) political support; (3) favorable and efficient legal framework; (4) stable political and economic situation; and (5) public and private sector commitments and responsibilities. The lesson learned from the case study is that fiscal capacity is not the main factor in the success of PPP in Madiun Regency, but rather the willingness of the local government to implement PPP by regularly holding capacity building and maintaining good relationships and communication with each stakeholder involved.

Business intelligence (BI) is a crucial tool for organizations to gain a competitive advantage on the market. BI encompasses collection, analysis and utilization of data to enhance decision-making and drive organizational innovation. The system quality or management support most often influences the success of BI projects. The present article aims to verify the importance of management support in implementing BI solutions. The research was conducted in a global shipping company. The research is based on an illustrative case study in which four managerial tactics were tested. A different form of managerial support was applied to the four newly introduced reports provided by BI tools. The results confirm the importance of management support but also show the impact of other factors influencing user behaviour. Keeping the possibility of using the original data sources played a significant role. Thus, the habit effect manifested itself, as it strongly accompanies all efforts for process changes. So far, business intelligence tools are becoming a part of decision-making processes on an operational basis, but management support is still essential at all job levels.

The role and nature of business-to-business (B2B) sales performance has evolved since the end of the 20th century, largely due to technological, organizational, and societal changes. Nevertheless, literature has not yet been able to evolve along with it. The literature lacks research that exclusively shows a framework for determining the critical factors affecting the success of sales performance at the business-to-business (B2B) level. Therefore, this research has been conducted using a mixed method (qualitative and quantitative) to determine the impact of critical factors on the success of business-to-business (B2B) sales performance. At first, the qualitative method of systematic review was used. According to this method, out of 269 articles related to the topic, the results of 40 articles published in reliable databases from 1980 to 2022 have been reviewed and analyzed. Further, interviews were conducted with industry experts in this field, and data analysis was done with the help of SPSS software. The results of the research indicate that success in B2B sales performance may be influenced by 31 effective factors related to four dimensions: individual, organizational, environmental, and customer level. Finally, the limitations of the research and recommendations regarding success in B2B sales performance are provided.

Public private partnerships (PPPs) have become increasingly common as a result of states' shifting roles in infrastructure services from service providers and operators to policymakers and regulators. PPPs have been established as a prominent technique of public service procurement in both developed and developing countries. PPPs give the parties the opportunity to split the costs and risks of providing a public service or building a public infrastructure. Successful project management is crucial, especially in light of PPP projects' size and complexity. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) of PPP investments in developing countries. In this regard, 23 CSFs were selected based on a thorough literature review, and a questionnaire survey was run to examine the impact of those factors on PPP performance. The information is gathered from 82 different companies in Türkiye that represent both the public and private sectors. The statistical analysis results show that favorable legal framework, detailed and clear project identification, and extensive cost-benefit assessment are the most significant drivers of success. Additionally, factor analysis is used on the data to investigate and identify underlying correlations between the factors, as well as to categorize them into fewer, more focused, and more thorough factors. The results of factor analysis suggest five dimensions; namely project finance, project management, operational factors, procurement, and organizational factors. The study's findings are anticipated to benefit both the public sector in its focus on legal concerns to permit better operation and the contractors in its examination of their capacity to manage big projects more effectively.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the buffering (moderating) effect of environmental uncertainty (EU) on the relationship between the critical success factors (CSFs) of public–private partnership projects (PPPPs) and sustainable performance. A survey approach was adopted to collect primary data from construction industries that have signed an agreement with the public sector. The public sector includes federal and provincial government departments such as the National Highway Authority (NHA) and the Frontier Works Organization (FWO) for the construction of roads, and the private sector includes engineering companies registered with the Pakistan engineering council. The non-probability convenience sampling technique was used to select the sample, and the Krejcie and Morgan table was used to calculate the sample size. A total of 500 questionnaires were distributed but 394 completed questionnaires were used in the analysis of the data, yielding a response rate of 78.8%. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to check the reliability and validity of the scales; the findings revealed that the scales met the threshold, and all the factor loadings, average variance extracted, composite reliability, Cronbach alpha, and discriminant validities met the cut-off level. Hence, the questionnaires were found to be reliable and valid. The results revealed that environmental uncertainty significantly moderates the CSFs (technical, procurement, and economic factors) of PPPs and the sustainable performance of PPPPs. Furthermore, the interaction terms of all moderating effects revealed negative beta values; this implies that a low level of uncertainty results in better economic performance, better technical and procurement factors, and highly sustainable performance. It is concluded from the findings that if EU is high, then the sustainability of PPPPs is low; moreover, fewer economic resources and no technical support and procurement also have a weak impact on enhancing sustainable performance. On the contrary, if EU is low, there is a high level of sustainability in PPPPs.

Retrofitting existing residential buildings presents a feasible approach to improving energy efficiency. Therefore, recognising the critical success factors (CSFs) for residential building energy retrofitting (BER) has remained a significant topic in this climate change era. However, given the fragmented nature of past findings, this study reviewed past studies on the CSFs for residential BER. Utilising Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, 138 studies were initially examined, with 33 meeting the inclusion criteria and synthesised according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. The review started with a bibliometric analysis, including publication trends, types, geographical focus, etc., and found growing interest in this topic amongst authors in China, Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Europe. The scoping review results highlight seven overarching themes of CSFs: project-, contract-, stakeholder-, team-, financial-, regulation-, and material/technology-related. Notably, the most emphasised across the studies were stakeholder-, project-, regulation-, and financial-related CSFs. A further review of the included studies revealed that the dominant methods used in past studies were factor analysis, regression analysis, social network analysis (SNA), and structural equation modelling (SEM). This study provides valuable insights for regulatory bodies, construction professionals, project managers, and homeowners seeking to develop customised retrofitting solutions, advancing residential BER research and practice. Further research is suggested to understand how combinations of factors can drive retrofitting success across varied contexts.

Social infrastructure projects (SIPs) play a critical role in fostering social and economic development in the public sector. However, SIPs often face significant challenges, partly due to a lack of research on critical success factors (CSFs) specific to these projects. Despite the importance of SIPs, scant research focuses upon enhancing SIPs’ performance. Consequently, a CSF framework is developed for improving the delivery of SIPs in South Africa. Through a quantitative survey of 124 construction professionals, the study identified key factors essential for successful SIPs delivery. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics, revealing a significant consensus among infrastructure stakeholders on CSFs needed for successful SIP delivery. Constituent elements of the framework integrate CSFs related to clients, contractors, projects and project management factors; external factors were excluded from the framework due to a lack of supporting evidence. The study offers a practical understanding for infrastructure stakeholders in South Africa to: overcome the challenges that hinder SIPs’ performance; and enhance the SIP delivery processes. Cumulatively, these palpable deliverables contribute to the nation’s social and economic development objectives. While the research is focused on South Africa, the CSFs framework could inform SIP delivery strategies in similar socio-economic and institutional contexts globally. The study reveals that SIP success depends on the identified factors and offers a structured framework for improving project outcomes. The framework highlights CSFs, including effective monitoring and timely decision-making for clients; subcontractor coordination and quality assurance for contractors; economic stability and advanced technology for projects; and team collaboration and expertise utilisation for project management. This systematic approach could enhance effective planning, execution and evaluation of SIPs, leading to more efficient delivery. However, the study’s focus on the Mpumalanga and Limpopo provinces limits the generalisability of the findings to other regions with different socio-economic and environmental conditions. Therefore, future research could explore the applicability of this framework in diverse social, political, and geographical contexts.

This study investigates the previous studies on successful digital transformation initiatives in government organizations and deduces the tangible and intangible benefits to showcase some real-life examples and evidence. This article provides a thorough evaluation of the available literature on successful digital transformation initiatives. It analyzes 53 important success elements grouped across seven dimensions, giving a conceptual framework for executing digital transformation in government organizations. The research identifies key success elements that are crucial for digital transformation, emphasizing the importance of clear planning, flexibility, agility, and robust data security measures. This study provides practical insights for organizations aiming to undertake digital transformation initiatives, highlighting strategies to overcome hurdles and maximize benefits. This study contributes a proposed conceptual framework and empirical evidence to guide academics, professionals, and decision-makers in effectively navigating and leveraging digital transformation in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Sustainability is one of the emerging areas in building construction, and it is widely investigated in terms of bringing sustainable technology into construction. However, one of the biggest challenges in the construction industry is implementing sustainability. Building contractors and construction practitioners mostly struggle with the implementation of sustainability due to the lack of certain parameters that define sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates the factors for effective sustainability implementation to provide industry practitioners with the benefit of the extensive list of parameters when designing their sustainability program. To research the parameters, a questionnaire was designed and administered to construction professionals with wide experience in sustainability implementation. The respondents were asked to evaluate a set of sustainability factors in the economic, social, and environmental domains. This way, the study provides reflections from construction practitioners working on large projects. The findings indicated that Ethical and Relational Factors in economic sustainability, Historical and Social Relations Factors in social sustainability, and Material Usage Factors in environmental sustainability are the most important for effective sustainability implementation. The findings are expected to help construction practitioners understand metrics of sustainability, effectively manage their projects, and successfully implement sustainability with the consideration of proper metrics.

The world is witnessing a difficult time trying to circumscribe the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. The situation has become even more challenging as several natural disasters and emergencies coincided with this pandemic and created a situation of concurrent emergency. Effectively managing concurrent emergencies are extremely challenging. Only by utilizing and applying the knowledge gathered while combating a real-life concurrent emergency, one can further be prepared to face such emergencies. Hence, this study intends to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) having a major role in effective management of concurrent emergencies and evaluate the indispensable links among the factors. Twelve CSFs are identified from Pareto analysis, for which feedback from 46 experts involved in the management of emergencies is utilized. In addition, the revised rough-decision making trial and evaluation laboratory (rough-DEMATEL) approach is suggested to analyze the indispensable links among the CSFs and further, these factors are ranked based on the average vector length. The recent case of concurrent emergency in Bangladesh- floods amid a pandemic is considered to establish the applicability of this method. The findings of this research reveal that to handle concurrent emergencies 'Incremental improvement of proactive measures', 'Resilient supply chain and logistics network', and 'Government leadership and military cooperation' are the most critical factors to concurrent emergency management (CEM). These CSFs play a major role in ensuring the effectiveness of CEM. Thus, this study can be a building block in developing an effective CEM plan for the policymakers, managers, and practitioners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]