Abstract: This study analyzes the world’s adoption of a circular carbon economy (CCE) and hydrogen frameworks for governance concerning Saudi Arabia’s energy transition and continued reliance on hydrocarbons and resource riches. The author takes a narrative approach by combining the technical, policy, legal, and governance analyses, as well as capturing recent trends in the policy and governance integration of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) and the CCE model, CCE coupled with green and blue hydrogen, and energy transition governance at the global, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Saudi Arabia (SA) levels. The review observes that CCE and hydrogen models in the last few years have begun to appear in net-zero policy frameworks, including policy goals, funds, and regulations internationally. In the case of Saudi Arabia, CCE is at the center of the climate narrative that connects Vision 2030, the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives, and the hydrogen mega-projects that are being developed. These green hydrogen initiatives provide great potential for Saudi Arabia to decouple its economy from the reckless ecological destruction and exploitation of external markets for hydrogen, especially for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), but it also poses the risks of carbon lock-in if CCUS is coupled with domestic decarbonization, targeted subsidy reform, and institutional governance reform. The author identifies the governance quality, the rule of law, and corporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, especially in state-owned enterprises and sovereign wealth fund (SWF) enterprises, as critical impediments. The study improves the understanding of CCE and hydrogen in resource-rich contexts by considering them as governance projects rather than technological projects and proposes a governance holistic framework combining law, policy, responsible institutional and corporate governance system CCE and hydrogen as a means of sustainable transforming resource to advance the net-zero emissions, Sustainable Development Goals, and Saudi Vision 2030’s long-term framework.

Abstract: In today's altering business climate, supply chain agility has emerged as a key component of organizational success and competitive advantage. The performance of a company can be significantly impacted by its supply chain's capacity to react swiftly to changes in consumer requests, market circumstances, and other variables. This study examines the empirical effect of supply chain agility on organizational performance through the lens of Lean Six Sigma, business process management (BPM), technology innovation capabilities, and strategic alignment. The research methodology employed is a quantitative analysis of survey data collected from 187 supply chain professionals across different retail companies located in Dubai, UAE. The study findings indicate that supply chain agility has a positive and significant effect on organizational performance. The implementation of Lean Six Sigma, BPM, technology innovation, and strategic alignment also strengthens the relationship between supply chain agility and organizational performance. Furthermore, to increase supply chain agility and improve organizational performance, firms should invest in these aspects, promote a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and work with supply chain partners.

Abstract: This study investigates the legal role of supply chain governance (SCG) in mitigating contractual risks within Jordanian Islamic banks. Specifically, it examines the impact of five key governance components: supply chain governance, legal compliance, contract governance practices, transparency, and supplier governance mechanisms. A quantitative, cross-sectional research design was employed, with data collected from 220 employees involved in supply chain management, compliance, and contract oversight. The study applied Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test five hypotheses, evaluating the relationships between governance practices and contractual risks. The results reveal that all five governance components have a statistically significant negative effect on contractual risks. Supply chain governance and contract governance practices exhibited the strongest impact, followed by legal compliance, transparency, and supplier governance mechanisms. These findings indicate that an integrated governance framework enhances operational efficiency, ensures regulatory and Shariah compliance, and reduces the likelihood of contractual disputes in Islamic banking. The study contributes to the literature by providing empirical evidence on the multidimensional role of governance in risk mitigation and offers practical guidance for managers seeking to strengthen governance mechanisms across the supply chain.

Abstract: Cybersecurity threats have become a structural risk to digital project management, challenging not only digital data integrity but also long-term organizational sustainability. While prior research has emphasized awareness and technical safeguards, limited attention has been given to the behavioral–cognitive mechanisms through which cybersecurity knowledge translates into sustainable organizational outcomes. Drawing on Protection Motivation Theory and the Theory of Planned Behavior, this study examines the moderated-moderation effect of Perceived Risk (PR) and Risk of Behavior (RB) on the relationship between Cybersecurity Knowledge of Threats (CKT) and Organizational Sustainability (OS). Using survey data collected from 235 project management staff across UK organizations, the results of structural equation modeling reveal a significant three-way interaction (CKT × PR × RB). The findings indicate that CKT enhances OS most strongly when both PR and RB are high, suggesting that knowledge translates into sustainability only when employees accurately perceive cyber threats and respond with appropriate protective actions. This joint amplification effect uncovers a previously underexplored mechanism linking individual-level cognition to macro-level organizational resilience.

Abstract: The complexity of highway design in areas with extreme geotechnical conditions such as steep slopes, soft soil, and active fault zones poses a major challenge in achieving cost, time, and construction safety efficiency. Conventional design approaches are often unable to adapt dynamically to variations in geotechnical risk, resulting in budget deviations and delays in implementation. This study aims to develop an Adaptive VE-BIM GeoRisk Framework that integrates Value Engineering (VE) and Building Information Modeling (BIM 4D–5D) methods into a single data-driven decision support system. This model combines the VE Job Plan stages with geotechnical data input, 3D-5D digital simulation, and multi-criteria weighting using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS). The integrated workflow includes geotechnical risk assessment (GeoRisk Assessment), function analysis through FAST Diagram, evaluation of bridge and embankment design alternatives, and BIM-based cost and time estimation. This framework was tested on a highway project with active fault characteristics and high slope gradients. The results of the study show that integral bridges are the most balanced solution, with costs increasing by 80.6% compared to embankments, but implementation time reduced by 60%, as well as providing technical and long-term sustainability benefits and increased design accuracy for varying soil conditions. These findings prove that adaptive VE–BIM integration can transform conventional value analysis into a data-driven decision-making system responsive to geotechnical risks, while also contributing to the development of new methodologies for smart and sustainable infrastructure design.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of carbon risk (CR) on firm performance (FP) using panel data from 1,504 firm-year observations of Thai-listed companies spanning the period 2021 to 2023. The results indicate that carbon risk, measured both as direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and as total emissions (including direct and indirect emissions), significantly reduces firm performance. The study further examines how environmental management practices (EMPs) moderate this relationship. The analysis reveals that EMPs, such as ISO certification and the establishment of a corporate governance and sustainability committee (CGSC), can effectively mitigate the negative impact of carbon risk on firm performance. This research enhances the understanding of carbon risk management and provides strategic insights for executives, investors, and policymakers involved in advancing Thailand’s transition toward a sustainable low-carbon economy.

Abstract: The study’s purpose is to measure the impact of sustainability initiatives on the economic performance of logistics companies in Saudi Arabia. Quantitative research design was followed and data were collected with a structured questionnaire from employees working in Saudi logistics companies using a convenience sampling technique. Structural equation modeling was used to examine hypothetical relationships between constructs. The findings reveal that sustainable logistics transport, environmental sustainability, and social sustainability have a positive and significant influence on sustainable green practices, which in turn have a positive impact on economic performance. Sustainable green practices act as mediator between sustainability initiatives and the enhancement of the performance of logistics companies. The findings emphasize the significance of sustainability initiatives such as social, economic and logistics dimensions to attain economic outcomes and business sustainability. This provides insights for managers and policymakers to align logistics strategies with organizational and national sustainability goals.

Abstract: This study aims to examine the effects of various factors on the sustainable development of agricultural tourism value chains in the North Central region of Vietnam. The study employs a quantitative research approach using multiple regression analysis. The data were collected from a survey of 471 respondents who are stakeholders involved in the agricultural tourism value chain, including tourists (aged 18 and above), farmers, tourism enterprises, and organizations operating in the agricultural sector in the North Central region of Vietnam. The research findings indicate that five factors significantly affect the sustainable development of agricultural tourism value chains. Among these, two factors have positive effects, ranked in order of influence as the effectiveness of agricultural tourism value chain linkages and access to financial services. Meanwhile, three risk-related factors associated with agricultural tourism value chain linkages have negative effects, ranked in order of influence as customer-related risk, environmental risk, and supply-related risk. Based on the research results, the authors propose several recommendations to promote the sustainable development of agricultural tourism value chains in the North Central region of Vietnam in the coming period.

Abstract: Smart tourism technologies (STTs), as pivotal tools in the digital transformation of destinations, enhance tourist experiences by providing real-time information, personalized services, and automation. While their functional attributes are often examined, the psychological mechanisms and cultural contexts that shape their influence on tourist satisfaction remain underexplored. This study addresses this gap by investigating how STTs affect tourist satisfaction, with a focus on the mediating role of perceived usefulness and the moderating influence of cultural familiarity. Drawing on survey data from 273 tourists in the Hail region of Saudi Arabia, the findings reveal that STTs improve satisfaction both directly and indirectly through perceived usefulness. Furthermore, cultural familiarity positively moderates this relationship, strengthening the link between perceived usefulness and satisfaction. These results underscore that technology's effectiveness is not merely functional but is shaped by the tourist's cultural lens. This study contributes to a more human-centered understanding of technology adoption in tourism and offers insights for developing culturally resonant smart tourism strategies.

Abstract: Manufacturing firms face increasing pressure to strengthen data integration and coordinate activities as digital technologies become embedded in business processes. Although digital literacy, supply chain integration, transparency, and digital orientation are recognized as essential capabilities, limited research has examined their combined effects on firm performance in emerging-market contexts. This study investigates the interrelationships among these capabilities by surveying 220 manufacturing companies across Java and analyzing the data using SmartPLS 4. The results show that digital literacy significantly enhances supply chain integration and supply chain transparency, although it does not directly influence digital orientation. Supply chain integration positively affects supply chain transparency, digital orientation, and firm performance. Supply chain transparency improves digital orientation but has no direct effect on firm performance. Digital orientation is found to be a strong predictor of firm performance. These findings highlight a sequential capability pathway in which digital literacy and supply chain capabilities shape digital orientation, which in turn drives firm performance. The study offers practical guidance for manufacturing firms seeking strengthening digitalization strategies through targeted development of employee digital skills, integrated information systems, and transparent supply chain processes.

Abstract: Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are pivotal to financial inclusion in emerging economies, yet they face heightened credit risk due to borrower informality, data scarcity, and severe class imbalance. Motivated by the microfinance context, this study proposes a human-centered hybrid machine learning framework that integrates ensemble learning with Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) to enhance default detection while supporting transparent and responsible decision-making. Using a large-scale public credit application dataset as an empirical benchmark, we compare logistic regression, Random Forest, AdaBoost and Naïve Bayes models under imbalanced and rebalanced conditions. The results indicate that class rebalancing substantially improves minority-class detection, with the Random Forest + SMOTE configuration achieving the best performance (F1 = 0.73; AUC = 0.97). Beyond predictive accuracy, the findings highlight the importance of human oversight and explainability to mitigate exclusionary risks. The study offers practical guidance for MFIs seeking to leverage artificial intelligence while preserving financial sustainability and social inclusion objectives.

Abstract: This research explores the mediating role of data analytics in the relationship between business intelligence and the advancement of digital project management in Jordanian small and medium enterprises. A quantitative research approach was adopted to collect data using an online survey tool from employees and managers in Jordanian SMEs involved in various tasks of digital project management. After collecting 456 valid questionnaires, the data were analyzed using PLS-SEM. The results revealed that business intelligence has a direct impact on advancing digital project management and an indirect, significant impact through data analytics. This study also found that business intelligence influences positive data analytics abilities, which in turn have a significant impact on the advancement of digital project management. The mediation analysis indicates that data analytics plays an important role in transforming business intelligence resources into effective digital project management performance. This finding highlights the importance of enhancing the capability of data analytics toward fully realizing the potential benefits of BI systems in driving the effective advancement of digital project management techniques within Jordanian SMEs. This research offers important theoretical and practical perspectives for SME leaders and policymakers seeking to improve project outcomes and expedite digital transformation via data-informed decision-making.

Abstract: The impact of Industry 4.0 technologies and information integration between upstream and downstream logistics partners on logistics performance is examined in this paper, along with how the digital transformation functions as a moderating variable. The study emphasizes the need for more research on the role of digital transformation initiatives in enhancing the performance of the advanced Industry 4.0 applications in the contemporary logistics systems by addressing a major gap in the literature. A structured survey was used to gather information from 181 logistics and supply chain managers working for Jordanian manufacturing companies. The collected data was analyzed using the Smart-PLS, and the direct and moderating relationships in the suggested research model can be assessed. It is also seen in the results that Industry 4.0 technologies issue quite a significant positive influence on the logistics performance, and information integration also demonstrates that a powerful and substantial impact is present. The impact of the two constructs is even greater, however, when supported by greater efforts of the digital transformation that increases the value of the two constructs in regard to its practical use in the logistics operations.

Abstract: Cloud computing systems have been identified as an important technology that could increase the competitiveness and effectiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but there has been less research focusing on examining their use from the perspective of their antecedents. The proposed study aims to explain the antecedent factors that influence the continued use of cloud computing systems in Jordanian SMEs by employing an integrated approach that combines the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, the Fit-Viability Model (FVM), and the Expectation-Confirmation Theory (ECT). A structured questionnaire survey was conducted to examine opinions from 276 Jordanian SMEs, which showed that relative advantage, perceived benefit, simplicity, adaptability, and perceived security are major antecedent factors in defining perceived appropriateness. Characteristics related to organizations, involving the importance of reading and the role of senior management members in organizations, are major antecedent factors in defining viability. Mimetic forces exerted in organizations are major antecedent factors that have a positive association in defining viability in organizations. On the other hand, coercive forces are major antecedent factors that have negatively affected viability in organizations. The appropriateness and viability of technologies are major antecedent factors in defining an individual’s desire to adopt cloud computing systems for an extended period of time in organizations. The proposed study suggests that the fitness of technologies is the most effective predictor of cloud computing system adoption in organizations. The proposed research study uses an integrated research theory that reflects on increasing the awareness needed to detail cloud computing systems. Cloud computing studies have never encountered such increased awareness before.

Abstract: Logistics capabilities are key to sustainable supply chain project management, but there is insufficient agreement regarding the most important logistics capabilities and how these are interrelated. To this end, we propose a holistic fuzzy MCDM framework for discovering, evaluating and categorizing sustainable logistics capabilities. Based on the Resource-Based View and Dynamic Capability Theory, a primary list of 20 logistics capabilities was discovered by conducting an exhaustive literature review. Expert consensus was used to reduce the list to the 11 critical capabilities by using the Fuzzy Delphi. Then the fuzzy DEMATEL was used to investigate causality and to categorize capabilities into the cause group and the effect group. The results indicate that digital integration, supply chain agility, information sharing and kaizen are the main causes of drivers’ capabilities and green warehousing, resilience recovery capability, trust-based relationships and green innovation are effective capabilities. This illustrates the interconnected nature of sustainable logistics capabilities and the need for dynamic and information-dependent enablers. Theoretically, this study makes a contribution by explaining the causal design of logistics capabilities, and managerially provides insights to those who are in charge of prioritizing logistics capability development for cleaner and more resilient logistics systems and sustainable project outcomes.

Abstract: Palm oil commodities have strategic value for the national economy, as they are a source of foreign exchange earnings from CPO and biofuel exports. It is important to highlight that the export value originates from approximately 40 percent of the FFB production at the level of independent palm oil farmers in Indonesia. However, on the other hand, FFB production at the farmer level is still very fluctuating and poses a serious threat to the sustainability of the FFB supply for CPO production. Therefore, this research is very important to conduct with the aim of mapping the roles of various stakeholders directly involved in the supply chain system and conducting a stakeholder engagement analysis. Through this research, it is hoped to provide policy recommendations for strengthening the institutions of independent palm oil farmers so that the supply chain can become a sustainable system. This research has been conducted in East Kalimantan. Primary data collection was carried out using observational methods and surveys with semi-structured interviews and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) with all stakeholders involved in the FFB supply chain system. The stakeholder engagement analysis in this research serves as an analytical tool to assess the roles and characteristics of stakeholders within the supply chain system. The research findings indicate that the existing conditions of the supply chain system, based on the tracing of involved stakeholders, exhibit similarities in the supply chain system, as well as the levels of roles and characteristics of the players within it. This study provides a comprehensive overview as initial data for further analysis to design a risk management model for uncertainty in the sustainability of the supply chain for CPO and biodiesel, which is based on the institutions of independent palm oil farmer groups.

Abstract: This study uses the PMI® framework as a reference to analyse the impact of Project Management (PM) competencies on organisational competitiveness and productivity in southwestern Colombia. The research evaluates three key dimensions: Organisational Practices in PM (PMP), Skills, Attitudes and Values (HABI) and their influence on Business Competitiveness (COMPE) and Productivity and Innovation Indicators (PROD). A survey was conducted with 221 CESMAG University Project Management Postgraduate Programme graduates (2016–2023). Data were collected using Likert-type scales and analysed using structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to ensure the reliability and validity of the constructs. The results confirm that both organisational practices and individual competencies significantly enhance competitiveness and productivity. PMP was found to have a positive effect on strategic performance indicators, while HABI was found to have an even stronger influence on innovation and value creation. These findings emphasise the strategic importance of postgraduate training in project management (PM) for regional development. Beyond academic contributions, the study provides actionable insights for businesses, universities and policymakers, demonstrating how strengthening PM competencies can foster innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable competitiveness in emerging economies.

Abstract: This study investigates whether annual report readability influences the project cost of equity capital (COE) in the emerging market of Egypt. To reassess this relationship within a project evaluation context, the research develops a novel, explainable heterogeneous ensemble model capable of capturing complex nonlinear interactions among financial and textual determinants affecting COE estimation. The proposed ensemble integrates Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), Random Forest (RF), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Elastic Net using an average-voting strategy. Across multiple evaluation metrics, the ensemble model outperforms linear regression benchmarks, homogeneous bagging and boosting ensembles, and its individual base learners. Specifically, the model achieves superior predictive performance, with an R² of 0.2538, Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 0.0078, Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 0.0656, and Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE) of 0.0885, significantly outperforming both linear regression and state-of-the-art machine learning alternatives. Feature importance analysis using RF shows that the market-to-book ratio (MTB) and return on equity (ROE) contribute most to predictive accuracy (18.1% and 18.7%, respectively), highlighting the dominant role of financial fundamentals in project COE estimation. Conversely, readability measures exhibit minimal influence. Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) further confirm that annual report readability does not exert a statistically meaningful impact on COE within the Egyptian context. By leveraging advanced machine learning and explainability techniques, this study enhances understanding of COE determinants and offers evidence-based insights to improve project appraisal, financial planning, and strategic decision-making.

Abstract: Firms operating in emerging markets deal with volatile and uncertain conditions that force them to continuously adapt and reconfigure their resources. We use the Dynamic Capabilities View as our theoretical lens to investigate how dynamic capabilities work together with digital readiness to affect performance in SMEs that face these turbulent environments. Dynamic capabilities give managers the means to sense changes in their environment, seize new opportunities when they arise, and realign organizational resources as needed. Digital readiness provides the technological infrastructure required to make these strategic and project-level adjustments work in practice. We gathered survey data from 305 food-processing SMEs in Jordan and analyzed the data using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling. Our results show that dynamic capabilities have a strong positive effect on firm performance. We also found that digital readiness amplifies this effect in important ways. The study contributes to strategic management, operations management, and project management research. It demonstrates that building capabilities while aligning digital tools helps firms navigate environmental uncertainty more effectively. For managers, the findings highlight something important: developing both organizational agility and digital infrastructure can turn turbulent market conditions into competitive advantages. The results offer practical guidance for operations and project managers in SMEs who are working to execute sustainability-oriented operational projects. They show that capability development paired with digital preparedness supports smoother execution and leads to stronger project outcomes.

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to analyze the relationships between Project management leadership pattern and performance, innovation work behavior and performance, and receptiveness to innovation and performance. A quantitative research method was employed, and the analysis was conducted using Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) via Smart PLS software version 4.0.9.9. PLS-SEM was chosen for its suitability in analyzing complex models with multiple constructs and pathways, particularly in exploratory research contexts. The study surveyed 289 Gulf project-based companies, selected through snowball sampling based on the accessibility of reliable participants who had already completed the questionnaire. PLS-SEM is especially effective for handling different sample sizes, non-normal data distributions, and both reflective and formative constructs. It also prioritizes maximizing the explained variance of dependent variables and is well-suited for testing relationships between latent constructs. A five-point Likert scale was used to measure respondents’ agreement with statements related to the variable indicators, ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). The data analysis included validity testing, reliability testing, significance testing, and hypothesis testing. The results indicate that Project management leadership pattern has a positive and significant relationship with performance. Similarly, innovation work behavior and receptiveness to innovation both show positive and significant associations with performance.

Abstract: This study examines the impact of legal compliance (LC) as a mediating variable between project management practices (PMP) and supply chain performance (SCP) within the context of Jordanian firms operating in the banking, telecom, and manufacturing sectors. While the individual importance of project management and compliance has surfaced in prior studies, the consideration of legal compliance within the context of emerging markets has been overlooked. Through the use of a quantitative methodology, data were gathered by means of structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlation statistics, simple and multiple regression, as well as structural equation modelling (SEM). The result showed that LC is a partial mediator in the relationship between PMP and SCP, in that PMP improves SCP directly as well as indirectly through LC. The results of the multi-group analysis attest that the PMP-SCP and PMP-LC-SCP relationships are valid in all sectors, though the relationships were stronger in the banking sector, a more regulated industry. The results attest that there is a need for managers and policymakers in Jordan to acknowledge the importance of the interrelation between the two aspects of project management and legal compliance in improving the efficiency and competitiveness of the supply chain in Jordanian firms. It is then advisable that firms implement legal compliance in the project management process to better operational performance and lessen the chances of regulatory risks.

Abstract: The relevance of this study is due to the urgent need to form a knowledge economy through the rational and holistic use of human capital and the consistent implementation of innovative approaches. The paper analyzes the key structural elements of the innovation environment, which contribute not only to professional development and the realization of intellectual potential, but also to increasing labor productivity and the efficiency of production processes. A qualimetric toolkit is proposed that provides a deep analysis of the state of human capital in the context of an innovative economy, allowing to assess its quality and effectiveness of application in various areas of management and production. The developed strategic model of human resources development for the knowledge economy provides not only for the modernization of the education system, but also for the intensification of innovative activity and the adaptation of professional competencies to the challenges of the globalized world. Particular attention is paid to the importance of balanced development of human capital, which is justified by the principle of the golden ratio, and practical mechanisms for synchronizing management decisions in the field of human resources with the strategic goals of innovative progress are also proposed. This approach ensures comprehensive and adaptive development of human potential, which is the foundation of sustainable development of a modern innovative economy.