Search Results (144)

The widening digital divide within the Global Critical Mineral Resource Supply Chain (GCMRS) 4.0 creates significant barriers to cross-border governance and operational efficiency. To quantify and address this disparity, this study identifies 20 Critical Success Factors (CSFs) through expert interviews with 15 industry specialists in South Korea. A hybrid multi-criteria decision-making framework integrating Fuzzy DEMATEL, Analytic Network Process (ANP), and the Choquet integral is developed to map causal relationships and determine factor weights. The empirical results reveal a distinct ‘technology-first’ dependency. Specifically, Scalable Technical Solutions and Cloud Computing Access emerge as the primary driving forces with the highest global weights, while Digital Investment Subsidies serve as the central hub for resource allocation. Unlike generic governance models, this study provides a quantifiable decision-making basis for policymakers. It demonstrates that bridging the hard infrastructure gap is a prerequisite for the effectiveness of soft collaborative mechanisms in the critical mineral sector. Full article

Rapid urbanization in developing regions presents a critical challenge to the provision of affordable housing. This systematic review, conducted following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines, analyzed 91 studies (2013–2024) from Scopus and Google Scholar to identify cost-effective materials and innovative techniques suitable for the developing context. Findings reveal that achieving affordability in developing regions requires a holistic approach that integrates material innovation with human capacity building. The analysis of critical success factors (CSFs) in the Rumah Unggul Sistem Panel Instant (RUSPIN) system from Indonesia and the Recycled Plastic Formwork (RPF) system from South Africa exemplifies this integration. Both systems show high potential for scalability and technological transfer using local materials and labor training. The review also highlights that materials commonly used in developed countries (e.g., autoclaved aerated concrete, expanded polystyrene, and light steel gauge framing) face adoption barriers in developing regions due to challenges related to supply chains, industry capacity, and regulatory frameworks. Conversely, locally available materials (e.g., earth, bamboo, and recycled waste) require ongoing research to enhance their availability and structural performance. Ultimately, achieving affordable housing depends on an integrated approach that combines locally sourced materials, innovative construction techniques, and the strategic application of critical success factors. Full article

Artificial intelligence-enhanced digital twins are widely acknowledged as effective instruments for facilitating digital transformation in the building industry. Nonetheless, their implementation remains uneven, with little knowledge regarding the organizational conditions that convert these technologies into enhanced project outcomes. This study investigates the critical success factors (CSFs) that shape the effectiveness of AI-integrated digital twins in Saudi Arabia’s construction industry. A hierarchical structural equation model was developed to capture three dimensions of CSFs, including human-centric, technological, and governance-related, and to evaluate their impact on project deliverables, including time, cost, resource utilization, quality, and risk. Data from a survey of 120 industry professionals were assessed utilizing a PLS-SEM approach, incorporating rigorous measurement and structural assessments. Results indicate that technology and infrastructural factors have the most significant impact on critical success factors, followed by governance and human-related enablers. Consequently, CSFs substantially forecast project outcomes, mediating the influences of all three domains. These findings underscore the importance of investing in data quality, scalable infrastructure, and governance frameworks, complemented by workforce training and incentives, to realize the benefits of AI-enabled digital transformations fully. The study presents a validated paradigm that elucidates how enabling conditions enhance performance improvements, providing practical direction for industry players and policymakers. Full article

Current practices in the construction industry could negatively affect the long lifecycle of building management due to the lack of information and stakeholder management. The purpose of this paper is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) of integrating BIM models into facility management systems (FMS). This paper conducted a series of semi-structured interviews with industry experts in the FM sector. It used a structured questionnaire to identify the hierarchy arrangement of the identified CSFs using statistical analogies. The findings demonstrated a robust consistency with significant correlation, alongside a strong correlation established using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient and strong agreement using Kendall coefficient. Additionally, the Relative Importance Index (RII) was employed to prioritize factors according to the professionals’ assessments, yielding the subsequent impact ranking: (1) define the OIR, AIR, and FM information requirements; (2) acquire correct files, data, and formats; and (3) update of information requirements during the defect liability period (DLP). These findings would help in assisting the management of information during FM operations by establishing clear guidelines to be added into the EIR in the early project initiation stages for a successful integration of BIM-FMS for more efficient life cycle management, operation, and maintenance by the FM. Full article

Affordable public housing has been identified as a key programme initiative towards social infrastructural development. Scholarship has shown that sustainable affordable public housing (SAPH) aids in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities). There exists a dire need for sustainable and affordable housing initiatives in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The purpose of this research paper is to investigate the relationship between sustainability and affordable public housing development by extracting and ranking critical success factors (CSFs) associated with SAPH in Caribbean SIDS. By adopting a quantitative methodology, a closed-ended questionnaire was administered to relevant personnel associated with the construction industry to rank the risk impact of various success factors relating to SAPH and produce a Structural Equation Model (SEM). The findings revealed that CSFs for SAPH in SIDS are context specific and deviated from the general literature. CSFs were broadly grouped into economic, energy efficiency and transparency, and construction execution categories. The most pertinent CSF was the implementation of risk reduction inputs into the planning stages of construction projects. These risk reduction inputs are important preventive measures for disasters and contribute to achieving social, economic and environmental sustainability within Caribbean SIDS. This research aims to bridge the gap between academic research and praxis to advance a sustainable construction industry within SIDS while contributing to the critically limited body of knowledge on SAPH within developing nations. It also aims to form the foundation of sustainable housing within SIDS based on the Triple Bottom Line (TBL) theory. Full article

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) has become a concern for companies, investors, and regulators. Its significance cannot be underestimated, as stakeholders increasingly demand accountability and transparency regarding corporate practices in these areas. Government agencies enforce laws mandating companies adhere to established ESG standards in response. However, despite these regulatory pressures, several obstacles have hindered organizations from effectively implementing sustainability initiatives, often resulting in lackluster outcomes. In this study, we developed a framework to implement ESG principles across various companies, utilizing the critical success factor (CSF) theory. By incorporating the perspectives of stakeholders, we identified the essential elements to achieve ESG. The developed framework in ESG studies employed the hybrid Delphi technique and the analytical hierarchy process (AHP), a structured method for organizing and analyzing complex decisions. Based on the results obtained from targeted questions, variables that influence ESG performance were identified. The effectiveness of different sustainability initiatives was also assessed to understand stakeholder engagement strategies and evaluate the impact of organizational culture on ESG adoption. Full article

Digital transformation (DT) requires organizations to navigate complex technological and organizational changes, often under conditions of uncertainty. While agile methodologies are widely adopted to address the iterative and cross-functional nature of DT, limited attention has been paid to identifying critical success factors (CSFs) from a socio-technical systems (STS) perspective. This study addresses that gap by integrating and prioritizing CSFs as interdependent elements within a layered socio-technical framework. Drawing on a systematic review of 17 empirical and conceptual studies, we adapt Chow and Cao’s agile success model and validate a set of 14 CSFs across five domains—organizational, people, process, technical, and project—through a Delphi-informed Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP). The findings reveal that organizational and people-related enablers, particularly management commitment, team capability, and organizational environment, carry the greatest weight in agile-based DT contexts. These results inform a three-layered framework—comprising organizational readiness, agile delivery, and project artefacts—which reflects how social, technical, and procedural factors interact systemically. The study contributes both theoretically, by operationalizing STS theory in the agile DT domain, and practically, by providing a prioritized CSF model to guide strategic planning and resource allocation in transformation initiatives. Full article

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, and blockchain technologies within the digital economy presents transformative opportunities for promoting low-carbon urban development. However, a systematic understanding of how these digital innovations influence urban carbon mitigation remains limited. This study addresses this gap by proposing two research questions (RQs): (1) What are the key success factors for artificial intelligence, big data, and blockchain in urban carbon emission reduction? (2) How do these technologies interact and support the transition to low-carbon cities? To answer these questions, the study employs a hybrid methodological framework combining the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and interpretive structural modeling (ISM) techniques. The data were collected through structured expert questionnaires, enabling the identification and hierarchical analysis of twelve critical success factors (CSFs). Grounded in sustainability transitions theory and institutional theory, the CSFs are categorized into three dimensions: (1) digital infrastructure and technological applications; (2) digital transformation of industry and economy; (3) sustainable urban governance. The results reveal that e-commerce and sustainable logistics, the adoption of the circular economy, and cross-sector collaboration are the most influential drivers of digital-enabled decarbonization, while foundational elements such as smart energy systems and digital infrastructure act as key enablers. The DEMATEL-ISM approach facilitates a system-level understanding of the causal relationships and strategic priorities among the CSFs, offering actionable insights for urban planners, policymakers, and stakeholders committed to sustainable digital transformation and carbon neutrality. Full article

This paper focuses on regeneration projects in ‘first-generation’ seaside resorts in England from the perspective of those leading and managing such projects. There have been numerous recent initiatives intended to revive seaside resorts and enable them to regain competitiveness, but limited analysis of what is necessary for such regeneration projects to be successful. This paper contributes to debates about the role of critical success factors (CSFs) in regeneration by identifying issues that apply to the specific context of seaside resorts. In-depth interviews were undertaken with ten managers responsible for individual projects focusing on the CSFs necessary for regeneration projects to succeed. Four such factors were identified: (1) the need to secure appropriate funding (and associated difficulties); (2) the importance of involving stakeholders (particularly the local authority and local community); (3) the need for a strong business plan (which must evolve as the project progresses); and (4) the importance of considering best practices elsewhere. The importance of each success factor varied by the sector (public/commercial/third) leading the regeneration initiative and varied at different stages of a regeneration project. These findings have practical implications for local authorities, commercial enterprises, and third-sector bodies in seaside destinations. Full article

Heightened environmental policies along with the necessity for a resilient supply chain (SC) network have driven companies to adopt circular economy (CE) strategies. Although CE initiatives have shown significant effects on SC operations, the advent of digital technologies is encouraging businesses to digitize their SCs. However, the relationship connecting SC digitalization with CE practices remains underexplored. This study presents a novel framework that bridges the gap between CE principles and SC digitalization by identifying and prioritizing critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing SC4.0 in a circular economy context. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to determine CSFs and approaches relevant to Supply Chain 4.0 (SC4.0), and expert insights were gathered using the Delphi method for final validation. To capture the complex interrelationships among these factors, the study employed a combined approach using Intuitionistic Fuzzy Set (IFS), Analytic Network Process (ANP), decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory, and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) techniques to assess the CSFs and strategies. The findings highlight that an intelligent work environment, performance tracking, and data accuracy and pertinence are the top three critical CSFs for SC digitalization. Furthermore, enhancing analytical capabilities, optimizing processes through data-driven methods, and developing a unified digital platform were identified as key strategies for transitioning to SC4.0. By embedding CE principles into the evaluation of digital SC transformation, this research contributes a novel interdisciplinary perspective and offers practical guidance for industries aiming to achieve both digital resilience and environmental sustainability. The study delivers a comprehensive evaluation of CSFs for SC4.0, applicable to a variety of sectors aiming for digital and sustainable transformation. Full article

Businesses are facing increasing pressure to transition to a sustainable economy, requiring the integration of environmental, social, and economic aspects into their corporate strategies. Despite the proliferation of sustainability frameworks, many companies struggle to implement them effectively due to a lack of strategic focus. This study develops a taxonomy of critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing corporate sustainability strategies in production companies, addressing a gap in current research that often focuses on strategy design rather than practical execution. A systematic literature review was conducted to identify critical success factors influencing successful implementation and categorise them, providing a comprehensive understanding of their roles. The proposed taxonomy includes five dimensions: organisational culture, organisational structure, performance management, resources (including digitalisation and technology), and stakeholder integration (including sustainable supply chain management). An explanation is provided of the role of identified CSFs in the successful implementation of corporate sustainability strategies and their interrelationships. The taxonomy serves as a tool for production companies to manage critical success factors influencing the successful implementation of sustainability. This research contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainability by providing practical insights for effective strategy implementation and calls for more empirical studies to explore this area further. Full article

This study identifies key drivers for ERP implementation in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Austro–Ecuador and examines their impact on operational efficiency, strategic adaptability, and digital transformation. Motivated by the limited empirical evidence on ERP adoption in Latin American SMEs, this research aims to provide Austro–Ecuadorian insights that contribute to innovation management practices in emerging economies. To identify the critical success factors (CSFs) influencing ERP implementation, a four-phase methodology was employed, encompassing a CSF literature review, data collection and case analysis from 55 SMEs, multiple correspondence analysis (MCA), and descriptive ERP analysis. Statistical analysis of the surveyed SMEs, primarily from manufacturing sectors, revealed that while a significant portion (37%) lacked ERP experience, 22.9% were in the process of implementing or actively using systems such as Oracle’s J.D. Edwards Enterprise One and SAP. The MCA highlighted ERP system configuration, vendor relationships, and user training as significant factors for successful ERP implementation, reported by 54.5% of the companies. Quadrant analysis further emphasized the influence of IT structure and legacy systems on implementation characteristics, with cluster analysis identifying three distinct groups of companies based on their ERP strategies. The findings underscore the importance of top management support, business process re-engineering, and external consultants for successful ERP adoption in SMEs, providing practical insights for optimizing innovation management in the digital era. Future research should investigate the long-term impacts of ERP systems on organizational performance and innovation sustainability. Full article

There are conflicting findings in the literature regarding the factors that influence school success. This uncertainty complicates the effective allocation of resources. The present study aims to identify critical success factors (CSFs) for schools by incorporating the perspectives of various stakeholders and addressing this gap in the literature. Additionally, a comprehensive performance measurement model is developed to ensure the sustainability of success. A three-phase complementary methodology was employed with 330 participants, including school administrators, students, and parents, from 23 high schools in Istanbul. Fuzzy cognitive mapping (FCM) was utilized to identify critical success factors (CSFs) by calculating centrality index values. Additionally, a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats) analysis was conducted to assess the institutional context, and a balanced scorecard (BSC) was developed for performance measurement. According to the results from FCM and SWOT analysis, the factors related to teachers, students, and school physical conditions were identified as the most critical success factors. The BSC model was employed in four high schools, yielding performance scores of 81.12 and 92.52, 67.89, 77.58, respectively. With its unique methodological approach integrating three analytical techniques, this study highlights the critical role of teacher experience, student quality, and appealing physical conditions in school success. It offers school administrators a scientifically grounded, practical performance evaluation tool. This study is significant as it establishes a foundation for monitoring large-scale investment performance in schools, encompassing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) dimensions, and providing a basis for sustainability initiatives within educational institutions. Full article

Urban regeneration projects have been part of urban planning in different cities to recover strategic areas and combat new land consumption. Often, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) agreements are signed to meet the demands of these projects. In the Brazilian context, the general PPP law classifies concessions into two types: sponsored concessions or administrative concessions. Urban regeneration projects in the Brazilian context can be carried out through different policies and instruments, such as those in the City Statute. Despite this, there are several obstacles in how these practices are developed, which require greater attention to the enabling environment and the Critical Success Factors (CSFs) that can improve the performance of these public procurement practices. Based on this, this study aims to analyze the Brazilian context of PPP arrangements in urban regeneration projects and the specific case of the “Porto Maravilha” in Rio de Janeiro. To this scope, the study adopts a previously established CSF framework. The data analyzed are derived from secondary sources obtained through documentation collection and primary sources obtained through interviews. Regarding the PPP process, the results indicate financial and execution problems. Concerning the project, which remains unfinished, the results point to a transformation of the port area, but with significant social impacts. Full article

This study investigates the role of subcontracting partnerships in enhancing collaboration and sustainability in urban rail transit system design, addressing the challenges posed by fragmented practices and environmental goals under China’s “Dual Carbon” policy. Using a mixed-methods approach, we integrate structural equation modeling (SEM) and factor analysis to identify critical success factors (CSFs) and their impacts on design performance. SEM, a statistical technique capable of analyzing complex relationships between unobservable “latent variables” (e.g., trust, innovation) and measurable outcomes, was employed to validate the hypothesized relationships among five key factors: Excellence in Quality, Interactive Collaboration, Collaborative Vision, Risk Strategy, and Strategic Innovation. Factor analysis consolidated 19 CSFs from the literature into these five constructs, explaining 69.09% of the variance. The SEM results revealed that Excellence in Quality, Interactive Collaboration, Risk Strategy, and Strategic Innovation directly improve design performance, while Collaborative Vision indirectly influences outcomes through mediating effects on risk management and innovation. These findings provide actionable strategies for leveraging BIM/blockchain tools and institutional frameworks to enhance sustainability in urban transportation projects. By contextualizing partnership dynamics within China’s state-led infrastructure ecosystem, this research enriches the theoretical understanding of partnership mechanisms. Full article