Search

This study aims to identify and analyse critical success factors (CSFs) for an organisation aiming for a resilient supply chain. The methodology followed is the systematic analysis of big databases, such as Emerald, Science Direct, and Taylor & Francis, by using a specific set of keywords for filtering. The systematic literature review leads the author to the exploration of several CSFs, followed by their prioritisation by using principal component analysis. The paper highlighted eleven vital CSFs: top management commitment, development of an effective SCM strategy, logistics synchronisation, use of modern technologies, robust information and communication technology, information sharing with SC members, collaborative partnership, improved forecasting, trust development in SC partners, collaborative partnership, strategic partnership, development of reliable suppliers, continuous improvement in the preparedness and response practices, capacity building and training and staff development. The CSFs highlighted in the paper relate to all small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper identifies the CSFs for developing a resilient supply chain that is comprehensive and has the potential to address uncertain circumstances. This work is the first of its kind on CSF assessment and categorisation in resilient supply chains.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the outcome of construction projects and explore the moderating effects of emerging technologies on the relationship between COVID-19 and construction project outcomes. Design/methodology/approach Data for the study was collected through a Web-based, semistructured questionnaire. The responses of 62 construction practitioners were analyzed using a hierarchical linear regression model. The model consists of 16 independent variables, three control variables (organization size, organization type and project size), one moderator (adoption level of emerging technologies) and three dependent variables (project time, project cost and project quality). Findings The study confirms the negative significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the performance of construction projects. It also identifies the significant moderating effects of emerging technologies in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on construction projects. Further, it shows a significant increase in the application of emerging technologies in construction projects during the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on the findings related to the moderating impact of the technology, this study provides a clear set of recommendations for construction firms, public sector and research community in combating the unavoidable situation similar to the COVID-19 pandemic in the future. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to identify the moderating role of technology on the impact of COVID-19 on the performance of the construction sector in Pakistan. The findings can also be used for the construction sectors of other developing countries.

Previous research on the subject has reported that competency-based management has a constructive impact on organizational and employees’ performance. One way of presenting human resource competencies is through a formal framework. This study is part of a project to validate a scientifically developed competency framework and assesses the prospects of its application in specific industrial sectors of Pakistan. This methodological work was carried out with background learning in the first phase and a survey was conducted in second phase involving practitioners and experts from the textile industry. Their responses were used to validate the face and content of the framework. Participants were given a presentation on the methodology followed in developing the competency framework and provided a questionnaire for feedback. Out of 75 participants from the textile industry, the majority were from human resource, sales, marketing, information technology, finance, operations, engineering, quality and logistics at managerial level. Participants validated the framework design and contents without suggesting any changes. This study gave confidence about the framework, its development methodology, its format and presentation before bringing in practice.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to propose an improved framework for managing Private Participation in Infrastructure ICT (PPI-ICT) projects in the context of developing countries as the requirements to manage them are different in several aspects. Design/methodology/approach The framework has been proposed based on an exhaustive literature review and statistical analysis of the PPI-ICT projects’ data set using logistic regression, F-test and student’s t-test. The proposed framework was also applied to the PPI-ICT projects. Findings The framework is an extension to NTCP (novelty, technology, complexity and pace) approach by including extrinsic factors such as income of the country, climate risk, religious diversity, political stability, regularity quality and control of corruption. The proposed framework was used to analyze project characteristics and their external conditions in the context of developing countries. Based on the analyses, the authors have presented a detailed set of recommendations for project managers, practitioners and governments to improve the success rate of these projects. Originality/value The major contribution of this study is the framework, which encompasses the NTCP model as well as extrinsic characteristics of PPI-ICT projects. The proposed framework is meant to assist the project managers to comprehend the project characteristics and its external environment to identify an adequate approach for managing projects successfully.

In developed countries, the application of the quality management system (QMS) is widely proven. However, in developing countries, like Pakistan, industries are not mature enough to understand and implement the system. The aim of this study is to examine the perception of quality, implementation of QMS and cost of quality (COQ) program in value-added garment sector, which is one of the major subsectors of textile industry in Pakistan. The methodology of the study is a questionnaire survey. The findings suggest that the majority of the respondent firms have well implemented quality management (QM) practices. Trend of results also depicts that most of the organizations wish to acquire ISO certification, which shows that the industrial processes are customer-centered thus striving to fulfil customer requirements. It can also be concluded that most of the organizations lack the COQ concept, its understanding and appropriate implementation.

The advancements in the field of project management have driven researchers to take heed of numerous issues related with evaluating and managing complexity in projects, which demonstrates the evident significance of the subject. Among several key factors, organizational factors make up a large portion of project complexity as previous research confirms. While several project complexity measures do exist, every measure has its limit and evaluates project complexity from its own criteria. Furthermore, existing literature lacks modelling of these organizational factors to explore the interrelationships among them. This study aims to identify and model these factors to assist project managers in handling organizational factors of project complexity in a more regulated fashion. The model is developed using structural equation modelling technique. Findings include the noticeable effect of project size on project complexity as well as other factors. Positive effects of project variety and the interdependencies on project complexity are also observed.

Quality management (QM) techniques have emerged as effective tools for organisations to satisfy their customers and achieve competitiveness. Cost of quality (COQ) is regarded as an important QM technique which measures the cost incurred in achieving better and improved product or service quality. This paper intends to contribute in the area of empirical study on quality costing by providing analysis of understanding and performance of the Pakistani industry (manufacturing and service sectors) in the context of practicing the basic principles of quality, QM and especially the effective implementation of COQ programme awareness. Findings of the study manifest that majority of the respondent firms have well implemented QM practices. Evidence also suggests that implementation of COQ programme helps enhance overall competitive position of the firm. However, due to lack of necessary understanding and relevant training on COQ, majority of the firms do not formally report COQ.