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Requirements elicitation is critical phase of software development that involve direct communication of clients and vendors. In global software development (GSD), importance of requirements elicitation becomes more critical due to geographical distance. The aim of this research is to design and implement requirement elicitation model (REM) where GSD organization can evaluate their organizations and can classify their level of implementation where organization lies. Systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted for the identification of critical success factors (CSFs) from a sample of 70 research articles. Furthermore, the identified CSFs are organized into five levels based on Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) and Software Outsourcing Vendors' Readiness Model (SOVRM). A second SLR was conducted for identifying all possible practices for the implementation of CSFs. To validate the findings of SLR and to find more practices in the view of industrial practitioners for the identified CSFs, a questionnaire survey was conducted in the GSD organizations in which 35 experts, from different countries, contributed. For REM evaluation, we have conducted two case studies. The outcome analysis after conducting case studies confirms that our assessment framework is easier to understand, apply, and successfully critic the strengths and weaknesses of organizations during requirements elicitation in GSD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ports experienced increasing complexity over the past decades, both in terms of legal issues and increasing usage of technology. The covid-19 pandemic rose the demand for distance education as traditional classrooms are declining due to cost- and hygiene aspects. Online education contains a valuable basis for the education of staff in applied industrial settings, where safety and security (SaS) education has proven necessary but challenging to conduct. Studies have already revealed that existing SaS regulations consist of vague and confusing suggestions that often lack applicable trainings, leading port operators to conduct best practice and minimum compliance approaches. This study sheds light on a crucial research gap among online education literature, being the absence of applied quantitative evaluations. A majority of studies took place among higher education students but not in the operational field of white- and blue-collar environments. Based upon mixed-methods of qualitative and quantitative triangulation, this paper reveals critical success factors for satisfaction with online training tools and their implementation in applied industrial settings. Among the most salient results, a three-factor model is found to be significant including the lack of appropriate content, learner's reluctance towards e-learning and learner's general PC skills. Moreover, gender, age, and period of employment impact learner's perception of e-learning in port operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although gamified sustainable consumption apps (SCAs) have been on the rise, only a few have survived longer than two years. While most existing research focuses on how gamification contributes to engagement and the formation of more sustainable consumption habits, there is little about how their survival is secured. Intervention's Purpose: Twenty-one SCA creators shared their considerations and experiences managing SCAs, providing valuable insights into the field of gamified sustainable consumption and practical insights for their stakeholders. Methods: Ideal-type and narrative analyses of the interviews unraveled some relevant survival strategies and lessons learned. Results: The creators' motivation and background play a role in the app's survival. Their experiences exposed several aspects affecting their gamification strategies and their relevance for the apps, highlighting traps to avoid and opportunities to improve their standing in an increasingly competitive market. Discussion: Most creators shared stories of "learn as you go," presenting how the flexibility to adjust the apps' business models rather than the creators' professional background is a critical success factor. Since their apps represent their understanding of sustainability, SCA creators should find practical and emotional ways to engage their users while considering the objectives of their apps. Conclusion: Awareness of the risks and pitfalls when creating an SCA may not be enough for successfully undertaking this enterprise. The creators should be capable of strategically plan for all the activities that creating and managing an SCA convey even before the app is conceptualized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study contributes to the understanding of Construction 4.0 (C4.0) adoption in developing countries, with a specific focus on the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam. Due to a lack of innovative methods in construction, developing nations struggle to promote sustainability. To cover this research gap, prior studies have addressed the critical success factors (CSFs) and motivations but neglected the complexity and interconnections of CSFs. This study proposes a Fuzzy Delphi – Analytic Hierarchy Process analysis to discern the most influential factors for successful C4.0 adoption. The results underscore that the motivation to reduce the use of natural resources and establish an effective logistics network supersedes cost-related considerations. Collaboration, information sharing, and strategic management emerge as pivotal CSFs. This study provides valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners aiming to promote sustainable construction practices through C4.0 technology in a developing context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Treatment adherence is a critical success factor in the disease-modifying therapy (DMT) of multiple sclerosis (MS). The REBISTART study prospectively evaluated adherence in patients using components of a patient support program (PSP). Methods: The 12-month non-interventional multicenter study examined the real-world adherence to subcutaneously (sc) injected interferon beta-1a (Rebif®). Patient-assessed adherence was measured by a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS). Objective adherence data were obtained by readouts from the RebiSmart® injection device. Results: Of 333 patients, 70.9% used the nursing service as the core component of the PSP. Self-assessed VAS-based adherence was stable over time at 94.0–96.3%. Similarly, MMAS score (maximum 4) was 3.8–3.9 at all visits, also reflecting high self-assessed adherence. In 269 patients using the RebiSmart® injection device, mean readout-based objective adherence was similarly high (93.0–98.4% throughout visits). At last available visit, VAS-based adherence was independent of participation in the PSP nursing service (93.1% with participation versus 91.7% without it). Adherence was also independent of injection method or disease-related measures, including fatigue, depression, cognition, and quality of life. The most frequent reason for the premature discontinuations (38.7% of patients) was "change of treatment" (10.0%). Discussion: We suggest that subgroups that may specifically benefit from PSP include patients who live alone, use multiple comedications, and are affected by cognitive impairment, depression, and/or fatigue. Further studies should investigate the potential usefulness of PSPs in these populations. Conclusions: Very high adherence rates independent of the PSP nursing service over 1 year of treatment indicate that IFN beta-1a sc is an easy-to-use and well-tolerated disease-modifying drug. Trial Registration Number: Vfa.de: No. 892. https://www.vfa.de/de/arzneimittel-forschung/datenbanken-zu-arzneimitteln/nisdb/nis-details/_892. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

Unpredictable natural and man-made disasters highlight importance of humanitarian supply chain (HSC) to serve people and affected areas. The main challenges of applying effective relief operations are creating "swift trust" and "coordination" between aid organizations. Implementation of Industry 4.0 facilitates coordination and swift trust within HSC performance. The study intends to assess the readiness status of swift trust and coordination between stakeholders as well as to recommend the most suitable Industry 4.0 tools for improving relief operations. Firstly, a comprehensive set of critical success factors for implementing Industry 4.0 tools are introduced. The factors are categorized into limited groups using Exploratory Factor Analysis. In the next step, hierarchy fuzzy expert system is designed for assessing the readiness status of swift trust and coordination as well as to suggest the most suitable Industry 4.0 tool for enhancing HSC performance within given case study. The framework was applied for three aid organizations to address the pandemic disease in Iran. The outcome denotes that the organization has the highest readiness in logistic and transparency while information quality received the lowest readiness value. In addition to that, the organization should invest on the development of Industry 4.0 enablers including "Internet of Things and Big Data Analytics". The study extends organizational information process theory within HSC for reaching competitive advantage by information processing. The study suggests theoretical and practical implications by introducing a comprehensive set of critical success factors for implementation of Industry 4.0 and providing practical advice for enhancing HSC performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Construction project management is typically adopted in modern civil landscapes. Owing to the significant global increase in infrastructure investments, it is crucial to analyze the success and timely completion of such public projects, among which the pavement construction project is a representative example. The aim of this study is to identify the critical success factors (CSFs) that enable the success of pavement construction. Additionally, a CSF framework is developed in this study that can be used by project management teams to monitor and control the progress of pavement construction projects effectively. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that acquires all pavement management-related factors to develop a framework. To ensure that all pavement management-related factors were identified and considered, the authors of this study conducted an exhaustive preliminary literature review until 2022. Based on an extensive literature review, 61 multidisciplinary factors are developed and validated in a Delphi study. A questionnaire is developed, and pilot tested through interviews. A total of 27 experts were recruited to participate in two rounds of the Delphi study, which included factors related to operations, contractor expertise, logistics, human resources, communication, finances, and bureaucracy. Reliability tests, correlations, and validations are performed, and weighted averages are obtained. The reliability and accuracy of the factors are successfully defined and tested. The findings of the study suggest focusing on the following functional areas to complete a pavement construction project successfully: (1) financial factors; (2) bureaucracy- and governance-related factors; and (3) communication-related factors. According to the experts interviewed in the Delphi study, these factors contribute the most significantly to the success of the project. This study focused on addressing the research gap in analyzing pavement construction projects from the angle of CSFs. These factors were first developed using literature, validated through a Delphi study of two rounds across panelists. The findings of the Delphi enabled the researchers to identify what factors are more relevant than others when compared to general construction and enabled the research to establish a preliminary framework on a pavement project's lifecycle and stages during the entire project tenure. The findings of this study can help project managers and engineers to uniquely approach a pavement construction project and give it its due importance. From an academic perspective, this study has opened the doors to further testing of the proposed framework and the CSF that it has developed with respect to pavement construction. The outcome of this paper would help pavement construction professionals and researchers in the areas of project planning, resource allocation, risk mitigation, project execution, quality assurance, stakeholder communication, and continuous improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Top executives play an important role in how firms keep pace with or fall behind in today's digital economy. In this study, we considered 246 top business executives and digital transformation projects for which they were responsible but had not yet approved. Based on surveys each executive completed, we found that commitment to digital transformation initiatives – a critical success factor for the initiative – was strongly associated with the executives' 'digital savviness' but that this was weakened when executives had longer tenures with their organisations or faced greater competitive pressures. Our findings illustrate that executive commitment to digital transformation does not just require an increase in technological understanding. It is a qualitative change in the way executives prepare for, respond to, and stay engaged with digital initiatives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Software industry is continuously exploring better ways to develop applications. A new phenomenon to achieve this is cloud‐based global software development (CGSD), which refers to the adoption of cloud computing services by organizations to support global software development projects. The CGSD approach affects the strategic and operational aspects of the way projects are managed. The objective of the study is to identify the success factors which contribute to management of CGSD projects. We carried out a multivocal literature review (MLR) to identify the success factors from the state‐of‐the‐art and the state‐of‐the‐practice in project management of CGSD projects. We identified 32 success factors that contribute to the management of CGSD projects. The findings of MLR indicate that time to market, continuous development, financial restructuring, and scalability are the most critical success factors for CGSD. Moreover, the findings of the study show that there is a positive correlation between the success factors reported in both formal literature and industry based gray literature. The findings of this study can assist the practitioners to develop the strategies needed for effective project management of CGSD projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The trend toward global software development (GSD) has grown tremendously in recent years because of the rapid acceleration in information and communication technologies (ICTs). The reason for the changing trend toward GSD is to develop high‐quality software with minimum cost and time with round the clock. Despite the benefits gained from GSD, there are certain challenges associated with it. Literature reveals that software integration is an integral challenge in the GSD domain and vendors face numerous difficulties in integrating the software components to build the final product. The main aim of this research study is to develop a software integration model (SIM) that will assist GSD vendors to address the factors linked with various stages of software integration. This model is basically designed for GSD vendor organizations to assess and improve their software integration‐related activities. However, it is also beneficial for GSD client organizations in getting knowledge about the status of the GSD vendor organization's software integration capabilities. The research design is composed of well‐known research strategies including systematic literature review (SLR), questionnaire survey, and case study approach. This research study yielded the SIM. We identified nine critical success factors (CSFs) and 10 critical barriers (CBs) in software integration through SLR‐1 by extracting the data from a sample of 105 papers. Similarly, we also identified a total of 132 practices/solutions, for the identified CSFs and CBs in software integration, through SLR‐2 from a sample of 40 papers. These identified factors and practices were validated from 96 global software industry experts/practitioners through online survey. The identified CSFs, CBs, and their associated practices have been arranged adequately across the six software integration levels of SIM. We have adapted SIM structure from capability maturity model integration (CMMI), implementation maturity model (IMM), and software outsourcing vendors readiness model (SOVRM). We also conducted six case studies in the software industry for SIM applicability and validity. The participants' feedback from the six case studies in GSD vendor's organizations portray that the SIM is beneficial for GSD vendors to assess their software integration capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study determines the critical success factors for students and academic staff when applying and evaluating online delivery methods in colleges and universities in Kuwait. The recently implemented eLearning systems and methods in the country, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, are evaluated and the perception of the eLearning system is gauged. Targeted surveys are distributed to a representative sample of undergraduate engineering students and academic staff. The following critical success factors are considered: benefits of the eLearning system, educational system quality, information quality, instructor quality, learner quality, service quality and technical system quality. Results show that there is a correlation between the perceptions of students and academic staff, particularly regarding instructor quality, information quality and benefits of the eLearning system. Both groups of respondents agreed on the high importance of instructor quality and the low importance of benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent past has witnessed a growing interest in technologies for creating chatbots. Advances in Large Language Models for natural language processing are underpinning rapid progress in chatbot development, and experts predict revolutionary changes in the labour market as many manual tasks are replaced by virtual assistants in a range of business functions. As the new technology becomes more accessible and advanced, more companies are exploring the possibilities of implementing virtual assistants to automate routine tasks and improve service. This article reports on qualitative inductive research undertaken within a chatbot development team operating in a major international enterprise. The findings identify critical success factors for chatbot projects, and a model is developed and validated to support the planning and implementation of chatbot projects. The presented model can serve as an exemplary guide for researchers and practitioners working in this field. It is flexible and applicable in a wide range of business contexts, linking strategic business goals with execution steps. It is particularly applicable for teams with no experience in chatbot implementation, reducing uncertainty and managing decisions and risks throughout the project lifecycle, thereby increasing the likelihood of project success. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is critical to identify ways to successfully implement blockchain which can transform the operations of shipping companies in the coming years. In this light, this study aims to explore the critical success factors (CSFs) of blockchain implementation using a comprehensive theory-driven approach, which is largely ignored by previous studies. The theoretical model is grounded on the synthesis of diffusion of innovation, resource-based view, institutional theory, stakeholder theory and technology-organization-environment framework. Correspondingly, five main-criteria and seventeen sub-criteria are identified. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process is applied to rank the CSFs based on the feedback from experienced managers and directors working in maritime shipping companies. The findings show that in descending order of importance, the top five sub-criteria of blockchain implementation are relative advantage, internal leadership, human resources capability, scalability and ease of use. This study has provided a novel theoretical framework for blockchain CSFs research, offered strategy formulation in relation to marketing, technological skills upgrade, investments and subsidization, and knowledge cluster sharing to support blockchain implementation in the maritime industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the critical success factors (CSFs): organizational e-procurement competency, change management program, top management support, end-user training, supplier involvement, and e-procurement implementation strategy, that best support the management implementation of e-procurement initiatives in the Nigerian upstream sector of the oil and gas firms were examined. The study adopted a survey research design. The population of the study consists of all staff of the procurement entities of the respective Nigerian upstream sector of the oil and gas firms. A total of 232 copies of structured questionnaire were administered through convenience sampling technique while 229 copies were successfully retrieved. The model framework was estimated using the Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) technique through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 22. It was revealed that all the CSFs examined have positive significant relationship with management implementation of e-procurement initiatives in the Nigerian upstream sector of the oil and gas firms. It was also revealed that organizational e-procurement competency confirmed the main factor that best support the management implementation of eprocurement initiative as displayed by the staff of the selected Nigerian upstream sector of the oil and gas firms. The study recommends that management should make end-users of new technology see change as a necessary ingredient for the growth of the organization because things cannot continuously be done the same way over time. Thus, top management support is needed in ensuring that end-users are trained with the requisite skills in the use of eprocurement practices. Also, management should build good business synergy, sensitization, confidence, and create opportunities for suppliers to offer their contributions/feedbacks in terms of necessary changes, issues, and concerns in developing and maintaining supplier catalogues/workability of the proposed e-procurement initiative. This will allow management to monitor areas for improvement and adjustment of e-procurement practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historically aviation has gone through periods of immense innovative growth. Today the air transport industry is in the midst of yet another revolutionary period. Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) includes technological advancements in electric and hydrogen propulsion, battery capacity and autonomy, resulting in the development of a new generation of electric and hybrid-electric aircraft. These emerging technologies and new aircraft show promise in addressing historical concerns such as noise, safety, and negative environmental impacts. AAM has the potential to revolutionise the way we live by serving as the catalyst to robust, sustainable transport systems for people and goods. AAM can assist with emergency response, medical transport, reduced travel times, improve accessibility and reduce harmful emissions. Airports are an essential part of the transport infrastructure, serving as hubs for air travel, cargo shipments and emergency response centres in the wake of natural disasters. With the rise of AAM technologies, airports will need to adapt and prepare to accommodate these new types of aircraft. Each airport is unique and airport management will need to understand not only the potential of AAM but the capabilities of the airport itself. This paper aims to capture what the aviation industry has been, what it could be through AAM, lessons learned while planning for AAM, and how airports can use critical success factors to evaluate their readiness and plan for this innovative era. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of vaccines for COVID-19 occurred at an unprecedented pace, and 32 vaccines using a broad range of technologies had received authorization for use on an emergency basis by the end of 2021, from either a national regulatory authority or the World Health Organization. However, 27 of those 32 vaccines had little impact on the global course of the pandemic. Only five vaccines, from AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinovac, Moderna, and Sinopharm, were manufactured, authorized, and distributed in time to significantly impact the number of deaths worldwide. Together, these five vaccines averted an estimated 17 million deaths in the first year of the vaccination campaign. The shared characteristic of these five manufacturers was their ability to rapidly develop and scale up vaccine production to deliver the large manufacturing volumes required to immunize large segments of the global population. Because the development and manufacturing of these vaccines was generally on the critical path to authorization and supply, the technical activities involved with development, scale-up, testing, technology transfer, and full-scale manufacturing, as well as aspects of the Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) regulatory interactions, are examined for each vaccine and technology for which information is available in the public domain to provide lessons learned and recommendations on proactive actions to better prepare us for a future pandemic response. The critical success factors include prior experience with commercialization and approval, robust quality systems, rigorous process development strategies, flexible manufacturing facilities with a skilled workforce, collaboration, access to consumables, reagents, and adjuvants (if relevant), and an equitable distribution of the global vaccine manufacturing network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Social media stars gain star‐status with uploads on social media pages like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. One of the most popular platforms is "Instagram" owned by Meta/Facebook. The growing social, cultural, and economic power of so‐called influencers raises questions about key drivers of success and, moreover, distribution of income on social media platforms. Instagram has been accused of strategically favoring images with nude content. In order to shed light on this socio‐critical aspect, this paper examines the following research questions: Does body exposure drive income success on Instagram? Is there a difference between male and female content in this regard? This paper empirically analyzes 500 top Instagram stars within the categories (1) fashion and beauty, (2) fitness and sports, (3) music, (4) photo and arts, and (5) food and vegan. The data provide information on popularity, posting behavior, and price estimates per post. Using hybrid regression models, the results show indeed positive impact of body exposure on monetary success. Accounts with high level of body exposure achieve higher prices and advertising revenues than accounts with less nudity, regardless of the gender. Regarding gender differences, male content achieves on average higher advertising prices, whereas female accounts provide more branded content and eventually achieve higher advertising revenues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge about critical success factors underpinning beneficial treatment outcomes in psychosomatic inpatient rehabilitation is scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of patients' epistemic stance in relation to the improvement of psychological distress during rehabilitation. In this naturalistic longitudinal observational study, n = 771 patients completed routine assessments for psychological distress (BSI-18), health-related quality of life (HRQOL; WHODAS), and epistemic trust (ETMCQ) before (T1) and after (T2) psychosomatic rehabilitation. Patients were grouped as best, average, and worst responders based on their mean BSI-18 changes during treatment, and their mean change in epistemic trust, mistrust, and credulity was compared using repeated measures analyses of variance (rANOVAs). No associations of performance with sex (p = 0.09), age (p = 0.11), or relationship status (p = 0.58) were found. Best responders reported significantly improved epistemic trust (p = 0.001) and reduced epistemic mistrust (p < 0.001), whereas worst responders reported a significant increase in epistemic mistrust (p < 0.001) and credulity (p < 0.001). Average responders did not change for either epistemic trust (p = 0.11), mistrust (p > 0.99), or credulity (p = 0.96). Our results underscore the role of the epistemic stance in psychosomatic and psychotherapeutic treatments. These results help to better understand what might determine psychosomatic rehabilitation outcomes and indicate the role of epistemic trust as a critical success factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the development of a comprehensive campus facility management performance assessment model (CFMPM). The model employs structural equation modeling (SEM) and incorporates a thorough list of crucial success factors. The CFMPM tool is intended for use by industry shareholders to evaluate the operational effectiveness of campus facility management (CFM) and analyze the proficiency and constraints of CFM organization across diverse managerial tiers. Key CFM success factors were collected using interviews with experts and relevant literature, validated using two rounds of the Delphi technique with 14 highly qualified experts, and disseminated via an online questionnaire to industry experts who rated them according to their significance. Data were obtained from 402 participants hailing from diverse regions. Then, SEM was used to perform a quantitative analysis of the interconnectedness between the various aspects of CFM performance, with the aim of ascertaining the influence of each construct on overall performance. The model was rigorously assessed for its robustness across several parameters, including goodness-of-fit measurements, multivariate normality tests, and reliability and validity tests, in addition to hypothesis analysis. The gathered data were used to construct a CFMPM comprising 45 key performance indicators of successful CFM grouped into seven different constructs. The application of SEM revealed a noteworthy correlation between the operational indicators of proficient CFM and the construct groups, in addition to the impact of efficacious CFM constructs on CFM performance overall. This research enhances the existing knowledge base by identifying vital indicators for the evaluation of CFM effectiveness and utilizing them to formulate an inclusive global SEM capable of serving as a tool for gauging the efficiency of CFM. This could lend valuable support for organizations, facility managers, and policy makers when making well-informed decisions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study aims to determine factors important in restructuring the education system to meet the skills demand required during the era of the fourth industrial revolution (industry 4.0). The study used a qualitative research method based on a narrative design involving multiple stakeholders (n = 35). Data from the participants were collected and analysed to reveal 12 critical success factors required for restructuring the education system from basic to higher education level. The success factors are based on enabling the basic structure of an effective education system, to develop and strengthen effective work-integrated learning, to overhaul the basic education structure and learning content and to enhance elements of interconnected systems. The study concludes that there is an urgent need for preparedness of the basic and higher education systems to effectively meet the required employment skills at a time of industry 4.0. This will assist the necessary development and competitiveness within developing countries, including South Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Public private partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a dynamic means for nations to enhance infrastructure development, spur economic growth, foster innovation, engage the private sector and optimise financial resources. These collaborations hold the potential to transform governments' capacity to achieve comprehensive development objectives and attract crucial investments. However, implementing PPPs effectively is a multifaceted endeavour, requiring a thorough examination of Critical Success Factors (CSFs) to ensure enduring benefits. CSFs lie at the heart of successful PPP execution, shaping a culture of excellence within organisations and ensuring success throughout the planning, identification and assessment phases. Kenya stands as a prominent example, having established a transparent legal framework for PPPs within its borders. Kenya's persistent efforts to catalyse private investment in infrastructure development provides a valuable case study. This research primarily employs a doctrinal approach, examining existing legal documents and materials to understand the strengths and challenges of implementing PPPs. The paper's main objective is to critically evaluate the CSFs to ascertain the implementation practicality of PPPs. By closely analysing these legal foundations, the article aims to uncover the intricacies of Kenya's approach to PPPs. Through a thorough assessment of CSFs, this research aims to provide valuable insights to guide policymakers and enhance the effectiveness of PPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper explores the experiences of practicing bilingual (English/Spanish, English/Portuguese, and English/Haitian Creole) and English as a Second Language teachers after completing a Bilingual Bicultural Education Certification program. It highlights how teachers defined success when working with their emergent bilingual students and names the barriers that teachers identified as preventing them from success. Using a Systems Theory for Career Development framework, analysis indicated that, from teachers' perspectives, elements that contributed to success were often framed as the result of interpersonal and social factors while major barriers to success were often described as resulting from environmental and, to a lesser degree, social factors. Implications for teacher education and professional development are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eyeing superior operational performance, transportation, and warehousing management, researchers have turned their much‐needed attention to autonomous and IoT‐driven intralogistics systems. Despite its potential, a systematic evaluation of its overall business needs and the criteria for its success at each stage of adoption is missing in the literature. Using the business analysis framework, augmented by the technology adoption model, this study seeks to provide the business context for adopting autonomous and IoT‐driven intralogistics by identifying business requirements and critical success factors for such systems. We thematically analyze 85 recent research articles on autonomous and IoT‐driven intralogistics systems to identify business requirements that are linked to the mission of maximizing operational profit for the warehousing and storage industry. Then, using the identified business requirements as a base, we thematically analyze those 85 research articles again to identify critical success factors at different stages of technology adoption, namely information, analysis, acquisition, and utilization. We use the findings to develop propositions for future researchers. These findings provide a foundation for developing empirical, descriptive, and normative research on adopting and managing these systems for the warehousing and storage industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research is to study which the critical success factors are determining the success in a Customer Relationship Management implementation in Small and Medium sized Enterprises. Required data are collected with a quantitative approach and a questionnaire. The questionnaire was distributed among managers in Spanish SMEs and gathered data were examined using the structural equation modelling method. The results of this study reveal that sociodemographic, organizational and customer orientation variables have positive and significant impacts on the satisfaction of the implementation of CRM. A set of theoretical contributions and practical implications was also discussed. Current study helps managers to understand the role and importance of successful implementation of CRM in SMEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results from a review of methods of agricultural extension, including the evidence for the effectiveness of methods in supporting farm practice change, how they affect the change process, and the critical success factors involved. Agricultural scientists face challenges in aligning their research outputs to the change process on farm. These challenges are exacerbated by the funding environment for research, development, and extension (RD&E), the complexity of the adoption process and the privatisation and commercialisation of advisory and extension services. To assist scientists in navigating these challenges, a structured literature review of extension methods was conducted, examining the following: group-learning/peer-topeer; technology development; training; information provision; one-on-one advice/coaching; e-extension; co-innovation; best management practice; and social marketing. In addition, two case studies outlining the application of combinations of extension methods in the context of feeding system challenges in the Australian dairy industry, and their effects, are described. While the evidence across the studies reviewed was strongest for the effect on adoption of small group-learning and one to one consulting, it was combinations of methods that resulted in larger effects (for example, in practice change or profitability), which was credited to how they addressed the human and social dimensions of the adoption process. Case studies of adoption in the dairy sector found that scientists influenced adoption by collaborating with the private sector, being directly involved with on-farm trials and demonstrations, and supporting grouplearning approaches to help the adoption of past research. This role for scientists in adoption was enabled by investment in programs of RD&E rather than discreet research experiments, and research designs and methods that incorporated the social dimensions of adoption. This synthesis demonstrates the need for scientists to be proactive in providing guidance for farmers on where to access and source information related to their work, engage with a broad range of advisor types associated with their research field, champion in-field trials and/or demonstrations and be active participants in collaborative approaches to RD&E. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endodontic treatment of primary teeth is to maintain the function of the tooth free of symptoms until its physiological exfoliation. A critical factor for success is how quickly and effectively the root canal preparation can be performed. Therefore, the aim of this comparative in vitro study was to analyze the efficiency of two mechanical root canal preparation systems FM (FlexMaster) and HF (HyFlex EDM) to manual KF (K-file) on extracted primary molars. A total of 45 teeth were divided into three groups (n = 15): KF (#15–35), FM (04#30) and HF (25/~ OneFile). Root canal preparation was performed, and the preparation time was measured. All root canals were non-destructively analyzed by micro-computed tomography in the cervical, middle and apical thirds before and after preparation with regard to the parameters of canal transport (in μm) and centering ratio (0–1). Statistical analysis was performed at a 5% significance level using non-parametric tests. HF caused the lowest canal transport in the apical third (p = 0.008). The centering ratio value of HF was significantly higher in the middle third of the root canals than in the other two groups (p < 0.01). The mean instrumentation time was significantly higher for KF (6.67 min) than for FM (4.69 min) and HF (4.03 min, p < 0.01). HF can be recommended for primary molar root canal treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Technological innovation and preoccupation with new markets through technological innovation have become critical factors in achieving success in the global market. Currently, companies cannot develop and commercialize all technologies. Therefore, the importance of technology transfers is rapidly increasing. Technology transfer is a crucial strategy adopted by organizations to remain innovative and competitive. However, Korea's technology transfer rate is only 37.9%. In particular, the technology transfer rate from universities to companies is lower than that from government-funded research institutes in Korea. Although the fundamental approach for resolving barriers to technology transfer have been studied, previous research has been conducted from a narrow definition of technology transfer. Furthermore, previous research has focused on analyzing the success factors of technology transfer, presenting technology transfer processes, or conducting case studies. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a technology donor diagnosis framework based on CSFs (Critical Success Factors) to eliminate obstacles to technology transfers. To lower the barriers to technology transfers, it is necessary to develop a strategy for a successful technology transfer based on the diagnosis of technology donors. This study develops a diagnosis framework for universities from the perspective of technology donors, implements and tests the framework using case studies, and proposes strategies for each stage of technology transfer growth. The framework is able to assess multidimensional perspectives, because CSFs and PMs were extracted based on BSC. Furthermore, by comparing the perspectives score of technology donors in different universities, technology donors can identify the areas in which each university is lacking in its current situation. Multidimensional diagnosis and aggregation score of technology donors offer to extract optimal CSFs for technology transfer activation for each growth stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ladson-Billings (2014) asserts educators often fail to carry out a critical form of culturally relevant pedagogy (CRP) by neglecting the development of sociopolitical consciousness and attending to limited understandings of "culture." Using narrative inquiry, this study explored preschool teachers' narratives on various factors which influenced their implementation of CRP with an emphasis on sociopolitical consciousness development by engaging young children in lessons on racism and racial justice. Our findings indicate that teachers' beliefs and commitments, social justice driven school culture, and a flexible Montessori curriculum contributed to their implementation of CRP in order to teach for social justice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Parental involvement in the rehabilitation process is one of the critical factors for the success of cochlear implants in their wards. Skills to use a cochlear implant (CI) device appropriately and manipulate the different settings are essential to gain maximum benefits. There was a need to have a tool in Hindi to assess the skills of parents to manage the CI device. The study was conducted with the following aims: To translate and adapt Self-administered Cochlear Implant Management Skills (CIMSSelf) into the Hindi language. To find an association between the CI management skills of parents and outcomes in their implanted wards. To compare pre–post retraining scores on CIMS-self in Hindi (HN) and to find out factors affecting the scores. CIMS-self (English) was translated into Hindi using the forward and backward translation method. CIMS-self (HN) was administered to 22 parents of cochlear implanted children to evaluate their CI device management skills in the pretraining phase. The questionnaire was re-administered between 2 and 4 weeks to check the reliability. The outcome of CI in the children was assessed using the test tools viz. Categories of Auditory Perception, Integrated Scales of Development, Speech Intelligibility Rating, and Meaningful Auditory Integration Scale (MAIS). Subjects with less than 100% score received retraining on CI device management skills. CIMS-self (HN) was readministered two weeks after completing training, and results were compared between pre–post training sessions. There was no significant correlation between CIMS-self (HN) scores and demographic of the parents and their implanted wards, CI device factors, and clinical outcomes. A significant correlation was found between the CIMS-self (HN) and MAIS scores (p <.05). The Cronbach's alpha for test–retest reliability of the CIMS-self (HN) survey was 0.998. Participants showed a significant improvement in CIMS-self (HN) scores following the intervention, demonstrating that the CIMS-self (HN) is sensitive enough to detect changes in CI device management following retraining. A client who self-reports difficulty may benefit from consultation if it helps to improve their confidence in CI device management. The CIMS-self (HN) survey can be used to evaluate and re-evaluate CI device management skills at regular intervals and may save clinical time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The exploration and production (E&P) projects of the oil and gas (O&G) industry are typically considered hazardous and complex due to tight timeframes, environmental issues, and geological uncertainty. No substantial research has been carried out to deal with these issues previously. The current study emphasized the empirical investigation of numerous success factors that affect both the project success and financial performance of E&P projects. Critical success factors for the project performance have been identified from the literature and pilot survey conducted in the O&G sector of Pakistan. A framework has been developed using identified factors including project team, production planning and control, performance success and financial overview. For the validation of the developed model, confirmatory factor analysis has been used with a sample of 247 industry experts. The results of this study offer substantial empirical evidence that the project team, production planning and control, quality and reliability, and project success have a significant impact on the financial performance of E&P projects in the oil and gas industry. Project team has been observed as the most significant factor influencing project success among other factors. The research findings of this study can be advantageous for project managers to address aspects intended to cope with uncertainty at the early stages of E&P projects using an empirically validated framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lean six sigma (LSS) is an important business strategy for organisations, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Over the years, SMEs have had a potentially significant impact on various countries’ gross domestic product (GDP). The main purpose of this research is to investigate the critical success factors (CSFs) for lean six sigma (LSS) implementation in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s SMEs, and to contribute to discovering the factors that lead to business success, increase revenue, and enhanced competitive advantages. The study identified 29 factors from previous research in order to guide the successful implementation of LSS in the SME sector in Saudi Arabia in particular. The CSFs were refined, producing a consolidated list of 14 factors. A principal components analysis (PCA) identified four main factors: leadership support and management structure, technological capabilities, knowledge acquisition, and creativity and innovation. These factors could influence the success of SMEs in Saudi Arabia by adopting LSS in their business processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In Malaysia, lean was initiated in 2012 as part of an effort to reduce waiting time at the Ministry of Health (MOH) hospitals. As of now, there are 52 public hospitals that have officially implemented lean. However, little is known whether lean is sustained within the hospitals and the critical success factors (CSFs) affecting sustainability. Therefore, this study protocol aims to fill the gap by (i) identifying the critical success factors [CSFs] for lean sustainability in the MOH, (ii) developing a validated framework to support hospitals in sustaining lean, (iii) the framework will be adapted into a checklist to measure the level of lean sustainability (iv) interviewing hospitals with the lowest and highest level of lean sustainability to further explore the barriers and boosters in sustaining lean. Methods and analysis: This study will employ a mixed-method approach and will be conducted in three phases. The first phase involves a combination of scoping review and interviews with key informants to identify the CSFs known to affect lean sustainability at the MOH hospitals and present them in a validated framework. In the second phase, the framework will be adapted into a checklist to measure the level of lean sustainability in the MOH hospitals. The findings will be used to select the hospital with the lowest and highest level of lean sustainability for an interview in the third phase. Discussion: The lean sustainability framework will be able to provide more relevant guidance on how to increase the likelihood of lean sustainability and serve as a validated measurement tool for MOH hospitals. In addition, this study will be able to outline the differences in the contributing factors between health organizations that showed a high level of lean sustainability compared to those struggling to sustain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clinical trial evidence underpins evidence-based medicine and the improvement of healthcare worldwide. In Australasia, a significant proportion of clinical trials are conducted by geographically dispersed and multidisciplinary clinical researchers under the auspices of Clinical Trials Networks (CTNs). These groups play an important role in contributing to evidence-based medicine, primarily by conducting investigator-initiated clinical trials. Despite their clear benefits in terms of return on investment, CTNs suffer significant challenges. Methods: We conducted surveys and focus groups with Australian and New Zealand CTNs to identifying the activities and attributes that enable CTNs to operate successfully. Based on our findings, we then conducted further surveys of Australian and New Zealand CTNs to identify the prevalence of these success factors in existing CTNs. Results: Our focus groups identified three key themes associated with success and growth of a CTN: engaged membership, established infrastructure, and sustainability; and thirteen critical success factors: shared vision and motivation; strong leaders, governance and succession planning; an executive officer; sustainable funding for operations; effective communication; diverse representation and consumer input; transparent processes; a strong pipeline of trials; a reputable and recognised CTN brand; innovation and adaption; an effective group of network sites with a skilled workforce; embedded trials and prioritisation of research. These key themes and the relevant key areas were presented to 30 CTNs. Two factors were almost universally present in CTNs, reflecting the importance of these attributes: the presence of an executive officer, and a strong pipeline of trials. Three factors had a particularly low prevalence: sustainable funding for operations, effective communication, and embedded trials. Conclusions: By supporting both emerging and established CTNs to achieve critical success factors, we can improve the efficiency of CTNs to continue to contribute and expand their clinical trial activities. Particular focus needs to be on finding sustainable funding for CTNs, and raising awareness of the critical role undertaken by CTNs to improve healthcare and health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational Safety and Health Management Systems (OSHMS) play a crucial role in systematically managing risks and preventing injuries and illnesses in organisations. To ensure effective implementation of OSHMS, it is essential to focus on key critical success factors (CSFs) which leads to successful OSH performance. This is a review which aims to identify CSFs related to OSHMS implementation in organisations. Literature searches were conducted via Scopus and ScienceDirect online databases to identify articles published between the year 2008 to 2019. Search terms such as "critical success factor", "success factors", "occupational safety and health management system", "occupational health", and "management system" were used as keywords and a traditional review concept was selected. Inclusion criteria involved English articles available in open-access journals or subscribed search engines, focusing on CSFs and/or OSHMS. The main themes of CSFs were summarised into categories fitting the Socio-Technical approach. Five studies were selected and reviewed, representing the aviation, construction and chemical industry sectors. These studies employed various tools involving questionnaires, qualitative techniques and structured interviews to determine CSFs. The identified CSFs primarily revolved around internal factors such as management commitment and leadership, cost and resource allocation and employee participation. These CSFs can serve as key areas to support the effective implementation of OSHMS and organisations can focus to improve their own internal factors to enhance their OSHMS implementation and ensure the safety, health, and well-being of their workers. This review provides valuable insights for organisations seeking a scalable framework for guiding OSHMS implementation basedon the identified CSFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]