Exploring Indicators for Sustainable Shovel-Ready Projects: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

This paper presents a rapid systematic review of the indicators and taxonomies of the best practices and governance for construction professionals within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) concerning the management of the sustainability goals of shovel-ready projects and infrastructure stimulus packages. The literature in this field is voluminous and reasonable evidence supports its importance. However, many unknowns exist concerning the association between the sustainability agenda and indicators that are linked to stimulus objectives during the current economic slowdown. This research employed a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles. It analysed 660 articles and found that 186 met the study criteria. The research focused on two thematic indicators of sustainability goals in shovel-ready projects, i.e., job creation and environmental aspects. The study primarily examined practices and indicators related to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) addressing sustainability and shovel-ready project objectives. The results suggest that SMEs are more vulnerable during economic downturns and financial crises than larger enterprises. The study also argues that engaging in sustainability objectives or aspects is a competitive strategy for SMEs. Due to time constraints, the article search was limited to peer-reviewed journals published in two academic databases from 2000 to 2021, i.e., Scopus and EBSCO, and considered aspects of job creation and environmental sustainability. Important areas for further research are highlighted as part of the study outcomes. The developed indicators can be tested and verified for construction SMEs to improve sustainability practices concerning shovel-ready project goals and their implementation.