2022

Jump to: 2021

25 pages, 3577 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Creating Actionable and Insightful Knowledge Applying Graph-Centrality Metrics to Measure Project Collaborative Performance

by Marco Nunes, Jelena Bagnjuk, António Abreu, Edgar Cardoso, Joana Smith and Célia Saraiva

Sustainability 2022, 14(8), 4592; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14084592 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1316

Abstract

Tools and techniques supported by math and statistics are often used by organizations to measure performance. These usually measure an employees’ traits and states performance. However, the third type of data usually neglected by organizations, known as relational data, can provide unique and [...] Read more.

Tools and techniques supported by math and statistics are often used by organizations to measure performance. These usually measure an employees’ traits and states performance. However, the third type of data usually neglected by organizations, known as relational data, can provide unique and actionable insights regarding the root causes of individual and collective performance. Relational data are best captured through the application of graph-based theory due to its ability to be easily understood and quantitatively measured, while mirroring how employees interact between them as they perform work-related tasks or activities. In this work, we propose a set of graph-based centrality metrics to measure relational data in projects by analyzing the five most voted relational dimensions ((1) communication, (2) internal and external collaboration, (3) know-how exchange and informal power, (4) team-set variability, and (5) teamwork performance), in a survey conducted to 700 international project stakeholders in eight business sectors. The aim of this research is to tackle two issues in projects: First, to understand in a quantitative way how the project’s relational data may correlate with project outputs and outcomes, and second, to create unique and actionable knowledge to help mitigate the increasing project failure rates. A case study illustrates the step-by-step application of the developed graph-based metrics as well as its benefits and limitations. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 3770 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Reputational-Risk-Based Match Selection Framework for Collaborative Networks in the Logistics Sector

by Vitor Anes, António Abreu, Ana Dias and João Calado

Sustainability 2022, 14(7), 4329; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14074329 - 06 Apr 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Collaborative networks in the logistics sector have proven to be a solution that both meets environmental footprint reduction goals and addresses the impact of rising fuel prices on logistics companies, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Despite these benefits, these collaborative networks have [...] Read more.

Collaborative networks in the logistics sector have proven to be a solution that both meets environmental footprint reduction goals and addresses the impact of rising fuel prices on logistics companies, especially for small- and medium-sized enterprises. Despite these benefits, these collaborative networks have not received the desired amount of participation due to reputational risk. This paper develops a framework for assessing and managing reputational risk to encourage logistics companies’ participation in collaborative networks. To this end, customer satisfaction factors were correlated with logistics operations, and this correlation was then modeled using the Bowtie method, fault trees, event trees, reliability theory, and the Monte Carlo model. The results show that it is possible to implement a structured model that can be easily put into practice. Using an illustrative case study, it is also possible to prioritize three companies according to their reputational risk as assessed by the proposed model. The developed model can promote the sustainability of collaborative networks in the logistics industry by assessing and consistently reducing reputational risk, thus supporting the strengthening of the relationship between suppliers, logistics service providers, and end customers. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

2021

Jump to: 2022

19 pages, 2018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Influencing Collaborative Innovation Project Performance: The Case of China

by Hong Liu, Zhihua Liu, Yongzeng Lai and Lin Li

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7380; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137380 - 01 Jul 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3445

Abstract

This study conducted a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the influencing factors for collaborative innovation project (CIP) performance. First, a theoretical framework model was constructed, and then a structural equation model (SEM) was used for an empirical analysis of 199 CIPs. Furthermore, we [...] Read more.

This study conducted a comprehensive and systematic investigation of the influencing factors for collaborative innovation project (CIP) performance. First, a theoretical framework model was constructed, and then a structural equation model (SEM) was used for an empirical analysis of 199 CIPs. Furthermore, we divided the factors into tangible and intangible categories and considered the impact mechanism of nine typical factors on project performance. The results are as follows: (1) All nine factors had a significant positive impact on the performance of collaborative innovation projects, among which benefit distribution and collaborative innovation capability were the most important. (2) Benefit distribution, resource dependence, organizational climate, and collaborative innovation affected project performance, both directly and indirectly. (3) Effective communication, leadership support, knowledge sharing, and collaborative innovation ability only had a direct influence, while the incentive mechanism played only an indirect role. Finally, three suggestions were put forward on the idea of high-quality, sustainable development. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 643 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Entrepreneurial Leadership on Product Innovation Performance: Intervening Effect of Absorptive Capacity, Intra-Firm Networks, and Design Thinking

by Khaliq Ur Rehman, Farhan Aslam, Mário Nuno Mata, José Moleiro Martins, António Abreu, António Morão Lourenço and Sabita Mariam

Sustainability 2021, 13(13), 7054; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13137054 - 23 Jun 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2965

Abstract

The main objective of this research is to investigate the nexus between entrepreneurial leadership and product innovation performance. In addition, the mediating mechanism of absorptive capacity, intra-firm networks, and design thinking through which entrepreneurial leaders influence product innovation performanceis also studied. The researcher [...] Read more.

The main objective of this research is to investigate the nexus between entrepreneurial leadership and product innovation performance. In addition, the mediating mechanism of absorptive capacity, intra-firm networks, and design thinking through which entrepreneurial leaders influence product innovation performanceis also studied. The researcher contacted three hundred (300) plus firms; 157 firms showed a willingness to participate, and 96 firms provided the data with a response rate of 61.15%. Out of those 96 firms, the data from 71 firms were used for the final analysis, yielding an effective response rate of 45.22%. Only middle and top-level employees from the marketing and research & development departments from Pakistani firms were selected as respondents because these two departments are directly related to product innovation performance. To test the hypothesis, the Smart PLS-SEM technique wasused. The empirical analysis revealed that entrepreneurial leadership impacted product innovation performance through the mediating mechanism of design thinking, intra-firm networks, and absorptive capacity. The current research contributes to entrepreneurial leadership theory by proposing and empirically testing how entrepreneurial leaders affect product innovation performance. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

27 pages, 1904 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Identifying Project Corporate Behavioral Risks to Support Long-Term Sustainable Cooperative Partnerships

by Marco Nunes, António Abreu and Célia Saraiva

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 6347; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13116347 - 03 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2398

Abstract

Projects are considered crucial building blocks whereby organizations execute and implement their short-, mid-, and long-term strategic visions. Projects are thought, developed, and implemented to solve problems, drive change, satisfy unique needs, add value, and exploit opportunities, just to name a few objectives. [...] Read more.

Projects are considered crucial building blocks whereby organizations execute and implement their short-, mid-, and long-term strategic visions. Projects are thought, developed, and implemented to solve problems, drive change, satisfy unique needs, add value, and exploit opportunities, just to name a few objectives. Although existing project management tools and techniques aim to deliver projects with success, according to the latest reviewed literature, projects still keep failing at an impressive pace. Among the extensive list of factors that may threaten project success, several articles from the research literature place particular importance on a still underexplored factor that may strongly lead to unsuccessful project delivery. This factor—usually known as corporate behavioral risks—usually emerges and evolves as organizations work together to deliver projects across a bounded period of time, and is characterized by the mix of formal and informal dynamic interactions between the different stakeholders that constitute the different organizations. Furthermore, several articles from the research literature also point out the lack of proper models to efficiently manage corporate behavioral risks as one of the major factors that may lead to projects failing. To efficiently identify and measure how such corporate behaviors may contribute to a project’s outcomes (success or failure), a heuristic model is proposed in this work, developed based on four fundamental fields ((1) project management, (2) risk management, (3) corporate behavior, and (4) social network analysis), to quantitatively analyze four critical project social networks ((1) communication, (2) problem-solving, (3) advice, and (4) trust), by applying the theory of social network analysis (SNA). The proposed model in this work is supported with a case study to illustrate its implementation and application across a project lifecycle, and how organizations can benefit from its application. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

28 pages, 5250 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Model to Manage Cooperative Project Risks to Create Knowledge and Drive Sustainable Business

by Marco Nunes, António Abreu and Célia Saraiva

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5798; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115798 - 21 May 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2254

Abstract

Efficient cooperation between organizations across all the phases of a project lifecycle is a critical factor to increase the chances of project success and drive sustainable business. However, and according to research, despite the large benefits that efficient organizational cooperation provides to organizations, [...] Read more.

Efficient cooperation between organizations across all the phases of a project lifecycle is a critical factor to increase the chances of project success and drive sustainable business. However, and according to research, despite the large benefits that efficient organizational cooperation provides to organizations, they are still often reluctant to engage in cooperative partnerships. The reviewed literature argues that the major reason for such a trend is due to the lack of efficient and actionable supportive models to manage organizational cooperative risks. In this work we propose a model to efficiently support the management of organizational cooperative risks in project environments. The model, MCPx (management of cooperative projects), was developed based on four critical scientific pillars, (1) project risk management, (2) cooperative networks, (3) social network analysis, and (4) business intelligence architecture, and will analyze in a quantitative way how project cooperative behaviors evolve across a bounded time period, and to which extent they can turn into a cooperative project risk (essentially potential threats). For this matter, the MCPx model will quantitatively analyze five key project cooperative behavioral dimensions, (1) communication, (2) information sharing, (3) trust, (4) problem solving and (5) decision making, which show how dynamic interactions between project stakeholders evolve across time. The implementation and functioning principles of the MCPx model are illustrated with a case study. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Relationship between Communication and Success of Construction Projects: The Mediating Role of Conflict

by Summaira Malik, Muhammad Taqi, José Moleiro Martins, Mário Nuno Mata, João Manuel Pereira and António Abreu

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4513; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084513 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5575

Abstract

The success of a construction project is a widely discussed topic, even today, and there exists a difference of opinion. The impact of communication and conflict on project success is an important, but least addressed, issue in literature, especially in the case of [...] Read more.

The success of a construction project is a widely discussed topic, even today, and there exists a difference of opinion. The impact of communication and conflict on project success is an important, but least addressed, issue in literature, especially in the case of underdeveloped countries. Miscommunication and conflict not only hinder the success of a project but also may lead to conflicts. The focus of this paper was to examine the impact of communication on project success with the mediating role of conflict. By using SPSS, demographics, descriptive statistics and correlation were determined. Smart PLS version 3.0 was used for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), internal accuracy and validity estimates, hypothesis checking and mediation testing. The results showed that formal communication has a negative impact on the success of a construction project, resulting in conflicts among project team members, whereas informal communication and communication willingness have a positive impact on project success because people tend to know each other, and trust is developed. Task, process and relationship conflicts were used as mediating variables. It was found that task conflict effects the relations positively because project team members suggest different ways to do a certain task, and, hence, project success is achieved. On the contrary, process conflict and relationship conflict have a negative impact on communication and project success. Both of these conflicts lead to miscommunication, and project success is compromised. Hence, it is the responsibility of the project manager to enhance communication among project team members and to reduce the detrimental effects of process and relationship conflict on project success. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 1373 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Linking Entrepreneurial Orientation with Innovation Performance in SMEs; the Role of Organizational Commitment and Transformational Leadership Using Smart PLS-SEM

by Shuja Iqbal, José Moleiro Martins, Mário Nuno Mata, Shumaila Naz, Shamim Akhtar and António Abreu

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4361; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084361 - 14 Apr 2021

Cited by 55 | Viewed by 9313

Abstract

Entrepreneurial orientation has become an enormously significant construct in the innovation studies literature. Predominantly for SMEs, its role has been widely recognized in almost all regional contexts across the globe. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of entrepreneurial orientation, transformational [...] Read more.

Entrepreneurial orientation has become an enormously significant construct in the innovation studies literature. Predominantly for SMEs, its role has been widely recognized in almost all regional contexts across the globe. The present study is aimed at investigating the effects of entrepreneurial orientation, transformational leadership and organizational commitment on innovation performance. The data for the present study were collected from 1095 employees working at various levels in SMEs. The present study used partial least square structural equation modeling to examine the constructed hypotheses. The findings suggested the significantly positive direct relationships among entrepreneurial orientations, organizational commitment and innovation performance. Besides, organizational commitment positively mediated the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation and innovation performance. Additionally, this study also found the significant moderation of transformational leadership among entrepreneurship orientation and organizational commitment. Leaders of small and medium-sized enterprises should practice entrepreneurial orientation (innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking) and transformation leadership (articulating a compelling vision, focus on goal achievement, and creative problem solving) to enhance the innovation performance of their firms. Moreover, this study provides a robust mechanism for leaders at SMEs to develop strategies for enhancing the willingness of the firms to bring innovation and offer new products and services. The policymakers should enhance the emotional attachment of employees with their firms, sense of moral obligation to remain with the firm which will, in turn, increase the organizational commitment of employees for innovation performance. The study provides empirical evidence to the resource-based view in the context of SMEs. The study delivers solid theoretical and practical implications to experts, leaders and policymakers. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 5918 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Study on Emerging Management Practices of Renewable Energy Companies after the Outbreak of Covid-19: Using an Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) Approach

by Muhammad Rafiq, Shumaila Naz, José Moleiro Martins, Mário Nuno Mata, Pedro Neves Mata and Saif Maqbool

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3420; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063420 - 19 Mar 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3090

Abstract

The role of management practices in the success of renewable energy organizations is not negligible because management practices are the backbone of any organization. Energy organizations are facing drastic environmental issues; therefore, the sector inevitably requires environment- friendly production, which is only possible [...] Read more.

The role of management practices in the success of renewable energy organizations is not negligible because management practices are the backbone of any organization. Energy organizations are facing drastic environmental issues; therefore, the sector inevitably requires environment- friendly production, which is only possible through the deployment of concurrent management practices because sluggish management practices lead to dormancy and inadequate performance. This study investigates the emerging management practices that will enable the renewable energy sector to fulfill the current demands of the market, especially after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. This research deployed a qualitative research methodology that is grounded in the interpretivism research paradigm. Interpretive structural modeling (ISM) was applied due to the extent of its logical thinking, and its ability to address complex issues and disseminate results precisely. Data were collected through primary (structured and unstructured interviews) and secondary sources (literature reviews published in the last 10 years). Interviews of top- and middle-level managers working in the renewable energy sector of developing countries were conducted. The findings of the study postulate that the implementation of knowledge management practices and policy changes are the key influencing factors to achieve sustainable organizational performance. Decentralization also has the potential to influence and navigate the organizational performance of energy companies. The findings of the research advocate innovative practices for the energy sector that influence organizational performance. The qualitative findings of the study suggest that emerging practices, including knowledge management practices and decentralization, may proliferate organizational growth and development. The novel framework of the study implies that organizations should work progressively in deploying emerging management practices such as establishing a central response hub to avoid delays under the umbrella of resilience leadership. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 516 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perceived Green Human Resource Management Practices and Corporate Sustainability: Multigroup Analysis and Major Industries Perspectives

by Tauseef Jamal, Muhammad Zahid, José Moleiro Martins, Mário Nuno Mata, Haseeb Ur Rahman and Pedro Neves Mata

Sustainability 2021, 13(6), 3045; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13063045 - 10 Mar 2021

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 8869

Abstract

The substantial focus on achieving corporate sustainability has necessitated the implementation of green human resource management (GHRM) practices. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the industries’ perspective of the impact of GHRM practices (i.e., green recruitment and selection, green pay and [...] Read more.

The substantial focus on achieving corporate sustainability has necessitated the implementation of green human resource management (GHRM) practices. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the industries’ perspective of the impact of GHRM practices (i.e., green recruitment and selection, green pay and rewards, and green employee involvement and green training) on corporate sustainability practices. Data were collected from 200 human resource professionals in major industrial sectors of a developing country. Partial least squares structural equation modelling was used to test the study hypotheses and multigroup analysis (MGA) between industrial sectors. The findings show a positive impact of three GHRM practices, i.e., green recruitment and selection, green pay and rewards, and green employee involvement on corporate sustainability. However, green training has no significant association with corporate sustainability, which is interesting. Furthermore, the multigroup analysis (MGA) revealed partial and significant differences among different sectors. The results provide more contextualized social, environmental, and economic implications to academics and practitioners interested in green initiatives. To date, limited research has been conducted to investigate whether GHRM practices can be an effective strategy in increasing corporate sustainability in a developing country context. Particularly, the industry’s perspective on the subject matter was rather absent in the existing literature. The present study fills this gap and contributes to the existing literature by providing the industry’s perspective on GHRM and corporate sustainability. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

38 pages, 2409 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alignment of Islamic Banking Sustainability Indicators with Sustainable Development Goals: Policy Recommendations for Addressing the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Amin Jan, Mário Nuno Mata, Pia A. Albinsson, José Moleiro Martins, Rusni Bt Hassan and Pedro Neves Mata

Sustainability 2021, 13(5), 2607; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13052607 - 01 Mar 2021

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 6241

Abstract

This study aims to establish the link of key Islamic banking sustainability indicators with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a policy recommendation for sustainable development and to mitigate the distressing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the triple bottom [...] Read more.

This study aims to establish the link of key Islamic banking sustainability indicators with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) as a policy recommendation for sustainable development and to mitigate the distressing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit). To identify the key Islamic banking sustainability indicators, the authors selected the most cited sustainability measurement indexes in Islamic banking. Initially, the indexes were divided into 10 broader themes, and then the key Islamic banking sustainability indicators were shortlisted from each theme based on their high-frequency distribution. The shortlisted sustainability indicators were then ratified to be in line with Islamic philosophy based on “Maqasid al-Shariah” (objectives of Shariah) and were subsequently grouped into the three dimensions of economic, environmental, and social sustainability based on the axial coding method. Finally, the categorized sustainability indicators were aligned with the relevant UN SDGs through the axial coding method for policy formulation, and respectively 12 propositions were developed for policy formulation. This study labeled the methodological process of this study as the ECA method (exploration, categorization, alignment). The new ECA method offers a reverse extension in the “SDG compass” developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) for aligning business policies with the UN SDGs. The process of aligning Islamic banking sustainability indicators with the UN SDGs will provide a roadmap to recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic in terms of economic, environmental, and social issues. Due to the diversity of the UN SDG framework, it covers multiples aspects for sustainable development. Therefore, considering the UN SDGs in terms of various banking instruments will mitigate the multiple distressing impacts of COVID-19 on the triple bottom line (people, planet, and profit), it will also promote a sustainable development agenda. Full article

► Show Figures

Figure 1

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Project Risk Assessment and Corporate Behavior: Creating Knowledge for Sustainable Business (Closed)

Share This Topical Collection

Editor

Topical Collection Information

Keywords

Published Papers (11 papers)

2022

Jump to: 2021

2021

Jump to: 2022

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI