Search results

The integration of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) and Industry 4.0 (I4.0) is in the nascent stage and promises to achieve new optimums in operational excellence. This study aims to empirically examine the enablers, barriers, benefits and application of I4.0 technologies in LSS and I4.0 integration.

A pilot survey was chosen as an appropriate methodology, as LSS and I4.0 integration is still budding. The survey targeted senior quality management professionals, quality managers, team leaders, LSS Black Belts and operations managers to collect the relevant research data. The questionnaire was sent to 200 respondents and received 53 valid responses.

This study reveals that “top management support” is an essential enabler for LSS and I4.0 integration. The most significant barrier was “poor understanding of data analysis” and “lack of top management support”. The findings further illustrated that LSS and I4.0 integration resulted in greater efficiency, lower operational costs, improved productivity, improved customer satisfaction and improved quality. Regarding I4.0 technology integration at different phases of LSS, the authors noticed that big data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are the most prominent technologies used in all phases of LSS implementation.

One of the limitations of this study is the sample size. LSS and I4.0 are emerging concepts; hence, obtaining a larger sample size is difficult. In addition, the study used non-parametric tests to analyse the data. Therefore, future studies should be conducted with large sample sizes across different continents and countries to understand differences in the key findings.

The outcomes of this study can be useful for organisational managers to understand the enablers and barriers before integrating LSS and I4.0 for adoption in their organisations. Secondly, it helps to convince top management and human resource personnel by providing a list of benefits of LSS and I4.0 integration. Finally, it can help decision-makers understand which I4.0 technologies can be used in different stages of LSS methodology.

LSS and I4.0 integration was studied at a conceptual level. This is the first empirical study targeted toward understanding the LSS and I4.0 integration. In addition, this study investigates the application of widely used I4.0 technologies in different phases of LSS.

The purpose of this research is to determine how supply chain management (SCM) might be less affected by COVID-19 by using innovative technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), eco-friendly corporate practices and other digital advancements. It strongly emphasizes the use of technology to improve supply networks’ and Omani firms’ performance.

Using a mixed-methods research strategy, this study integrates both qualitative and quantitative approaches. It involves a survey and interviews with supply chain and IT managers from various industries in Oman to gather data and evaluate the impact of technology on SCM.

This study finds that IoT capabilities, smart technologies (STs) and green practices significantly mitigate COVID-19 impacts on SCM. The performance of the supply chain and the business are both improved by these technologies’ positive effects on integrating various supply chain elements, such as suppliers, internal processes and customer relations.

The main constraint of this study is its concentration on businesses in Oman, potentially restricting the applicability of its findings to broader contexts. Future studies could investigate similar frameworks across various geographic and industry settings.

The findings suggest that incorporating STs into SCM is crucial for enhancing operational efficiency and resilience against disruptions such as COVID-19. This offers valuable insights for managers and policymakers in adopting technology-driven strategies for SCM.

This study highlights the significant role of technology in sustaining supply chains during pandemics, thereby supporting economic stability and societal well-being. It underscores the importance of technological advancements in maintaining supply chain continuity in challenging times.

By empirically examining the effect of emerging technologies on enhancing SCM in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically in the Oman market, this research makes a unique contribution to the body of knowledge.

This study aims to investigate the development of Mathematics teachers' attitudes towards technology integration through collaborative lesson design activities as part of professional development.

The pre-and post-test for non-equivalent comparison groups quasi-experiment was adopted as the study design where 125 participants were distributed into three groups in Dar es Salaam – Tanzania. Data analysis was done using gain in scores, t-test, split-plot analysis of variance, and eta-squared.

Comparison across groups and between pre-intervention and post-intervention showed that collaborative lesson design activities have more potential to develop Mathematics teachers' attitudes than the isolated implementation of such activities. Relevant recommendations are provided.

The study offers valuable insights for teacher education especially in-service training focussing on effective ways of developing teachers' competencies especially attitudes towards technology integration.

Although lesson design studies are prevalent, majority have investigated the development of teachers' knowledge rather than attitude for integrating technology. Additionally, the study sheds light on attitude as a multidimensional construct thereby providing more insight into the subject.

This exploratory research intends to comprehend the perspectives of high school teachers toward incorporating technology in instruction.

Drawing upon Davis’s technology acceptance model as a theoretical framework, this study examines several aspects, including teachers’ access to and ease of using technology, as well as the support provided by educational institutions for the integration of technology in teaching. The quantitative data analysis (reliability tests, descriptive statistics, Mann–Whitney test) was computed via Statistical Package for the Social Science software. Furthermore, the study uses structural equation modeling to validate and substantiate the relationships (path analytical model) between the examined variables.

The key finding points to the fact that female teachers have statistically significant positive beliefs toward technology usage/integration in instruction than their counterparts (i.e. male teachers) (p < 0.01). Even though there exists no significant difference in computer usage/integration of teachers across age, nationality, grade, educational level and years of teaching experience, findings demonstrated the impulse of assisting and acclimating high school teachers to use technology in their education. Conclusively, the study culminates with future scope, considering the derived findings.

The study illustrates a validated framework (through path analytical modeling) for teachers’ technology integration in instructions. It highlights that the extent to which teachers use technology in the classroom is impacted by factors such as their accessibility to technology, comfort with its usage and the level of institutional support they receive for integration.

This paper aims to investigate the role of organizational and technological enablers and their arrangement and alignment with the external environment to facilitate supply chain integration (SCI), which consequently improves operational performance.

The paper uses a structural equation modeling approach and the data from 307 manufacturing firms from the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey version VI for hypotheses testing.

The findings of the study reveal that (1) the alignment and particular arrangement of the sociotechnical organizational factors enable the SCI of a firm, (2) suitable organizational arrangements help in leveraging SCI under environmental pressures, and (3) SCI leverages the relationship between sociotechnical organizational factors and operational performance of the firm.

This paper informs managers that SCI leverages the operational performance of firms under heightened environmental pressures. Developing suitable manufacturing technologies infrastructure followed by organizational practices aligned with the manufacturing technologies make it easier to realize SCI.

This study explores the interaction of technological, organizational, and environmental factors as driving and enabling factors that help achieve SCI. Firms that develop an open and collaborative environment and use communication and integrative technologies to complement their work practices better cope with external pressures. These modern forms of working and the use of technologies facilitate SCI and leverage it effectively to positively impact firm performance.

This study explores the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within family businesses. It seeks to understand how family-owned enterprises navigate the adoption of AI technologies amidst balancing traditional business values and the imperatives of digital transformation. The research addresses the gap in the existing literature by providing insights into the strategic, operational and cultural dynamics influencing AI adoption in family businesses, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities they face in leveraging AI for competitive advantage while preserving their legacy.

Employing a qualitative research design, this study utilizes semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders in Turkish family businesses actively engaging in AI projects. Purposive sampling was adopted to ensure a diverse representation of industries and AI adoption stages. The interviews aimed to capture in-depth insights into the motivations, strategies and outcomes of AI integration within these enterprises. Thematic analysis was conducted on the interview transcripts to identify recurring themes and patterns, providing a nuanced understanding of the factors driving AI adoption decisions in the context of family business values and traditions.

The findings reveal that family businesses in Turkey perceive AI as a strategic tool to enhance operational efficiency and customer engagement. However, integrating AI technologies is often met with challenges, including resource constraints, digital literacy gaps and concerns over maintaining family legacy. Notably, businesses that successfully navigate AI adoption tend to employ tailored strategies that align with their core values, involving key family members in the decision-making process and fostering a culture of innovation. The study also highlights the importance of ethical considerations and governance in ensuring AI initiatives resonate with the family business ethos.

The study’s reliance on qualitative interviews within a single country context limits the generalizability of the findings. Future research could expand the geographical scope and incorporate quantitative methods to validate the identified themes across broader populations. Additionally, exploring the impact of generational differences within family businesses on AI adoption could offer more profound insights. The study underscores the need for a more nuanced understanding of the interplay between technology and tradition in family businesses, suggesting avenues for further investigation into how these enterprises can leverage AI to foster innovation while preserving their legacy.

This research offers practical guidance for family businesses contemplating AI integration. It emphasizes the importance of aligning AI strategies with family values and involving stakeholders across generations in the adoption process. The findings suggest that family businesses can benefit from investing in digital literacy and fostering a culture open to technological innovation. Additionally, the study highlights the need for robust governance structures to navigate ethical considerations in AI adoption. By adopting a strategic approach to AI integration, family businesses can enhance their competitiveness without compromising their core values, ensuring long-term sustainability and success in the digital era.

Integrating AI in family businesses has significant social implications, particularly regarding employment and preserving the family legacy. The study suggests that thoughtful AI adoption can contribute to job creation and skill development, counteracting concerns over job displacement. Moreover, by leveraging AI to align with their core values, family businesses can reinforce their role as stewards of social and economic stability within their communities. This research underscores the potential of AI to support the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and values, fostering innovation while preserving the unique cultural heritage of family enterprises.

This study contributes to the emerging literature on AI adoption in family businesses by exploring the Turkish context. It fills a gap in the literature by examining the unique challenges and opportunities family businesses face in integrating AI, highlighting the interplay between technological innovation and traditional values. The research offers valuable insights into tailored strategies for successful AI adoption that respect the legacy and ethos of family enterprises. By focusing on the socio-cultural dimensions of technology integration, this study enriches our understanding of how family businesses can navigate digital transformation while preserving their identity.

To better understand the nature and effective delivery of quality health-care globally, this paper aims to study the role of quality leadership on patient care quality (PCQ) delivered in hospitals, including the intervening role of technology integration and two country-level factors – national culture and infrastructure development – in North America (Canada, Mexico and the USA).

PCQ comprises four facets: interpersonal, technical, environmental and administrative quality. Using survey data and interdisciplinary theoretical support (e.g. quality management and the Global Leadership and Organizational Behavior Effectiveness Project [GLOBE] model of national culture), this paper tested for moderated mediation between hospital quality leadership and the four-facet PCQ model with technology integration as the mediator and national culture and infrastructure development as moderators.

Results show that technology integration partially mediates the relationship between hospital quality leadership and PCQ and that national culture and infrastructure development shape the role of hospital quality leadership on PCQ. Hence, these national factors must be considered holistically to understand the impact of hospital quality leadership on patient care.

To improve PCQ, hospital leaders should broaden their understanding of quality health-care to include technology integration and an awareness of cultural and institutional differences across nations.

This paper used primary data from hospital quality leaders and the four-facet PCQ conceptualization across three large North American nations, offering a more global understanding of service quality in health-care.

This paper examines factors influencing successful information technology (IT) integration in developing countries’ e-government sectors, analyzing benefits and challenges to understand interconnections among factors. This study aims to overcome barriers and maximize benefits, contributing to advancing knowledge and effective IT integration implementation practices, to enhance service delivery.

This paper uses interpretive philosophy and qualitative methods to explore factors affecting IT integration implementation. Using systematic literature review, it identifies key knowledge, insights and future research directions, contributing to theory enrichment through model development elucidating IT integration factors influencing IT integration implementation in the e-government public sector and its broader ecosystem.

The findings indicate that while IT integration implementation enhanced efficiency, data security and service delivery, implementation challenges such as resource constraints, resistance to change and interoperability issues, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on remote and hybrid work, are evident. Unique to Nigeria are public trust and unreliable power supply issues, significantly impacting service delivery. Notably, the study emphasizes the interconnection between these challenges and benefits, illustrating the complexity of IT integration in the e-government public sector, aligning with similar findings in the literature on other countries.

Limitations include regional variations and a narrow temporal scope, impacting generalizability. Methodological choices may affect inclusivity, and contextual factors might not be fully captured. Policymakers can use findings for targeted strategies, while collaboration fosters understanding and monitoring ensures sustained success.

The study’s originality lies in its comprehensive examination of IT integration in the e-government sector, especially in developing countries like Nigeria. Through a systematic review from 2004 to 2024, it identifies unique challenges and benefits, emphasizing management’s role and proposing innovative frameworks for future research.

This systematic literature review aims to investigate the application and integration of Industry 4.0 (I4.0) technologies in transportation infrastructure construction projects focusing on sustainability pillars.

The study employs a systematic literature review approach, combining qualitative review and quantitative analysis of 142 academic articles published between 2011 and March 2023.

The findings reveal the dominance of Building Information Modelling (BIM) as a central tool for sustainability assessment, while other technologies such as blockchain and autonomous robotics have received limited attention. The adoption of I4.0 technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, Augmented Reality (AR), and Big Data, has been prevalent for data-driven analyses, while Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs) and 3D printing are mainly being integrated either with BIM or in synergy with Artificial Intelligence (AI). We pinpoint critical challenges including high adoption costs, technical barriers, lack of interoperability, and the absence of standardized sustainability benchmarks.

This research distinguishes itself by not only mapping the current integration of I4.0 technologies but also by advocating for standardization and a synergistic human-technology collaborative approach. It offers tailored strategic pathways for diverse types of transportation infrastructure and different project phases, aiming to significantly enhance operational efficiency and sustainability. The study sets a new agenda for leveraging cutting-edge technologies to meet ambitious future sustainability and efficiency goals, making a compelling case for rethinking how these technologies are applied in the construction sector.

This paper analyzes the value creation process in terms of the relationships between institutions, technology, integration of resources and contextual value. The study was conducted within an online learning setting in higher education, and utilized service-dominant logic as a basis for analysis.

A total of 349 responses were collected through an online survey. After removing data from respondents who did not meet the criteria and outliers, 280 responses were analyzed. Furthermore, six hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM) techniques.

The results confirm that institutions are proven to influence technology and resource integration. The technology significantly affects resource integration and value-in-context. Likewise, resource integration determines value-in-context remarkably. On the other hand, this study found no evidence of the impact of institutions on value-in-context.

The study has been conducted in the Jabodetabek area, with a sample size of only 280. An extensive survey, including a larger sample size, may reveal a broader glimpse of the value co-creation process of students in higher education institutions. Only three antecedents of contextual value have been explored, namely institutions, technology and resource integration. More strengthening and detailed findings could be derived if the antecedents of the contextual value addressed could be added. In the sampling, the researchers have used non-probability sampling for collecting data due to various constraints. The use of the probabilistic sampling method might have given some new insights to the study and made the sample more representative. The convenient sampling method employed in this study may limit the generalization of this study's findings. Therefore, the findings of the hypothesis test only apply to the selected sample data. Another limitation of the study is that the survey respondents represented an urban Indonesian perspective. So, replication of this study in different areas (e.g. west, east and central Indonesia) would help to generalize the findings. In this study, there is no evidence that institutions have a direct impact on contextual value. The authors suggest reexamining the relationship between institutions and contextual value in future studies.

In particular, the authors have succeeded in designing a new empirical model in higher education based on the perspective of service-dominant logic (S-D logic). This finding further strengthens the existence of the perspective of S-D logic as a new general theory of the market.