Main Critical Success Factors Research Articles

Critical Success Factors for Deployment of Primary Health Care Networks and their Impact in Kenya

The Government of Kenya through the Bottom-up Economic Transformational Agenda (BETA) acknowledges Primary Health Care (PHC) as a cost-effective and efficient means to achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC). The aim is to enhance equitable access to high-quality and affordable healthcare for all Kenyan citizens. Primary Health Care Networks (PCNs) are gaining traction as the main mode of achieving PHC in Low- and Middle-Income Countries, and Kenya is no exception. In Kenya, PCNs approach seeks to empower local communities at subcounty level through mobilizing resources and strengthening their decision-making authority to address context specific healthcare needs. The investment in PCNs is geared towards advancing equitable access to quality healthcare at the community level, mitigating fragmentation of health care services, strengthening preventive and promotive healthcare hence creating a more resilient and efficient healthcare system. The Ministry of Health in Kenya, in collaboration with County Governments and Development partners, initiated a Rapid Results Initiative (RRI) to deploy PCNs across the country in August, 2023. The goal was to establish 315 Primary Health Care Networks (PCN) across the 47 counties in Kenya. This was preceded by a Pilot phase in 3 Counties (Kisumu, Garissa, and Kwale) which was conducted in 2021. The pilot phase informed cost-effective approaches for the deployment and critical success factors for scale-up of PCNs countrywide. The nationwide deployment of PCNs followed a 10-step process of establishing PCNs as stipulated in Kenya PHC Guidelines. Data on experiences, progress in implementation and lessons learnt was abstracted from grey literature including reports from PCN establishment at County level, Stakeholder meetings through Accelerator and Sustainability taskforce and data from PCN observatory. The average time taken to establish a PCN was 3 weeks and costed approximately USD 34,000 for its full establishment. As at 20th December, 2023 (within 4 months of initiating the RRI), of the target of 315 PCNs, 93(30%) PCNs were fully established, 27(9%) PCNs were in progress and 195(62%) yet to start. Out of the 47 counties, 37(79%) counties have at least a fully established PCN, 4 Counties are in the process of establishing the first PCN and 6 are awaiting partner readiness. The eight main critical success factors for successful establishment included: County ownership and commitment, availability of Key Policy guidelines and strategies for reference, funding from development partners and donors, leveraging on existing National and County governance structures, multisectoral collaborations and partnerships, tracking of PCN establishment through National PCN observatory and Community engagement. Key process enablers to successful role out included: Meaningful engagement of development and implementing partners, Execution through County trained TOTs, Community engagement through Community Health Workforce and support from National Government. Over time, the Established PCNs in 3 pilot counties have demonstrated significant reduction in facility based maternal mortality, increased access to NCD screening services, coordinated health care workers through MDTs and improved forward and backward referrals. Additionally, incorporated innovation models within PCNs have improved access to medical supplies and specialized healthcare services at level 2 and 3 facilities. To achieve successful scale up of PCNs and sustainability for impact it is critical to contextualize PCNs to the County needs, establish sustainable primary health care financing mechanism for PCN activities, Strengthen PCN governance structures and utilise PCN observatory to continuously track PCN performance measurements and decision making. Adoption of a unified focus on PCN performance improvement including one PCN strategy, one action plan on how to optimally implement PCNs and one monitoring framework is critical. If implemented successfully, PCNs will contribute to long term social return on investments and improved health indicators for the Country

Managing multi-sided platforms in an emerging country: challenges, critical success factors and contrasts with traditional companies

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the main challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) in managing multi-sided platforms (MSP) in Brazil, as well as to understand the differences between this management model and traditional companies.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with experienced professionals in the field, focusing on challenges, CSFs and difficulties in managing MSP businesses. The data were analyzed using a mixed-method approach, involving content analysis for qualitative data and grey relational analysis and sensitivity analysis for quantitative data.FindingsThe experts identified eight CSFs, seven key differences between traditional businesses and MSPs, and five technology-related challenges in managing MSPs. They assessed the main difficulties reported in the literature and ranked them, with the most critical challenges being competition with companies adopting MSP models in the same sector (product/service niche) and the necessity for ongoing process adjustments to accommodate scalability.Originality/valueThis study enhances understanding of CSF, disparities between traditional and MSPs and technology-related challenges in this management model. The results can assist managers in emerging nations in enhancing the performance of MSP operations and can be a resource for researchers studying various contexts and creating company guidelines.

Technical and legal critical success factors: Feasibility of drones & AGV in the last-mile-delivery

This paper aims to provide a current status of the legal situation necessary due to the regular changes of the law of the EU and Germany, by identify technical and legal critical success factors of the feasibility of drones and AGVs in last-mile-delivery. Furthermore, the paper provides importance rankings for legal and technical critical success factors from the point of view of logistics and supply chain experts. A conceptual model was developed capturing main legal and technical critical success factors from literature finding and then providing basis to a survey-based study that have been captured online. Results from the survey were evaluated and compared against each other using the Analytical Hierarchy Process. The results are based on business-to-business relationships between logistics service and mobility providers, as well as technical developers. The results of this research can help managers of large providers, transport companies in general and governments as well as political decision-makers in the innovation field to understand the legal situation of the EU and Germany as well as the technical problems that have to be overcome to profit from future technology in the last-mile-delivery.

Analyzing Critical Success Factors for Sustainable Cloud-Based Mobile Learning (CBML) in Crisp and Fuzzy Environment

Mobile Learning (M-Learning), driven by technological digital advancement, is one of the essential formats of online learning, providing flexibility to learners. Cloud-based mobile learning (CBML) provides value additions by providing an economic alternative to E-learning. Revolutionary changes in smartphone design and features have enhanced the user experience, thus encouraging mobile learning. During the COVID-19 pandemic, E-Learning and M-Learning allowed continuing education to occur. These methods continue to offer more opportunities to learners than constrained face-to-face classroom learning. There are many main critical success factors (CSFs) and subfactors that play an influential role in sustainable M-Learning success. The current study focuses on the assessment and ranking of various main factors and subfactors of CBML. Analytic hierarchy process-group decision-making (AHP-GDM)- and fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP)-based methodologies were used to evaluate and model the main factors and subfactors of CBML in crisp and fuzzy environments. Higher education institutes must strive to address these main factors and subfactors if they are to fulfill their vision and mission in the teaching–learning system while adopting sustainable M-Learning.

Exploring the Cyber Technology Critical Success Factors for Sustainable Building Projects: A Stationary Analysis Approach

We sought to identify and examine the critical success factors (CSFs) necessary for incorporating cyber technology into residential building projects to augment operational performance and sustainability. An iterative two-stage approach was adopted to explore the phenomena under investigation. General CSFs for cyber technology were first identified from the extant literature, and subsequently explored using primary questionnaire survey data accrued from professionals within the Nigerian building industry. The survey results illustrated that the availability of sensors, good communication networks, mobile devices, and device layers and the creation of workable virtual modes are the main critical success factors for adopting cyber technology. Moreover, Gini’s mean difference measure of dispersion showed that the success factor in stationary cyber technology adoption is government support. The study’s findings guide building industry stakeholders to embrace cyber technology to improve cost and sustainability performance in the Nigerian building industry. Due to the originality of the findings of this study, a strong basis is provided for critically evaluating and analyzing the many vital aspects of cyber technology success.

Roadmap for the implementation of total quality management (TQM) in ISO 9001-certified construction companies: Evidence from Turkey

This paper aims to develop a roadmap for ISO 9001-certified construction companiesn to move towards effective Total Quality Management (TQM) implementation. Although ISO 9001-certified companies are more ready for TQM implementation, there is no roadmap developed for these companies to move towards TQM. Therefore, in this study, 8 main critical success factors (CSFs) and 24 sub-CSFs of effective TQM implementation were determined through a literature review and expert review meetings. Then, to reveal the application-level differences of these CSFs, a questionnaire survey was prepared and distributed to participants working at 75 Turkish construction companies. The 16 of 75 construction companies were selected among members of the Turkish Quality Association (Kalder). Finally, a total of 40 completed questionnaires were received and t -test analysis was performed on the survey data. The results revealed that the most significant differences observed between these companies are giving quality awareness education to employees, training of employees on how to use quality management methods and tools, quality data related to products provided by suppliers, and measurement of internal customer satisfaction. Consequently, a roadmap was proposed based on the revealed differences. With this roadmap, first, ISO-certified companies should provide quality awareness education to employees, train employees on how to use quality management methods and tools, collect quality data related to products provided by suppliers, and measure internal customer satisfaction to move towards TQM.

Lean Six Sigma case studies literature overview: critical success factors and difficulties

PurposeRecently, several areas are successfully applying the Lean Six Sigma methodology, specifically in healthcare, public services, higher education institutions and manufacturing industries. This study aims to present an extensive literature review involving Lean Six Sigma practical applications in the last five years, described in a case studies format.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was conducted, and 39 articles were selected and analyzed.FindingsAn increase in Lean Six Sigma applications in healthcare and higher education institutions was identified. Furthermore, Lean Six Sigma is effectively applied in several areas and is continuously used in traditional industries. The main critical success factor identified was leadership and management involvement, project management and organizational infrastructure, as well as training and education. Also, the main difficulties found are related to the organization's culture and developing communication with leaders and managers.Research limitations/implicationsThe main difficulties found in this research are related to the lack of data presented in some articles analyzed, where only information about how the Lean Six Sigma application was conducted is shown, not mentioning difficulties or success factors identified.Originality/valueCase studies are fundamental to help popularize Lean Six Sigma applications, showing a real-life scenario of how the methodology is implemented, the main difficulties encountered and critical success factors found. Thus, the value of this study is promoting and developing research involving Lean Six Sigma case study applications to guide new researchers and practitioners on the subject.

Toll road sector in Brazil: Regulation by contract and recent innovations

The existing stock of road infrastructure in Brazil is still suboptimal and presents a bottleneck for economic growth. Concessions are being used to leverage the development and delivery of road infrastructure, although the first concessions have experienced some difficulties. Based on past lessons, Brazil has revised the regulatory framework and concessions models, by acting at three main critical success factors: creating a clear and transparent regulatory framework, improving procurement rules to ensure a more effective search for the “right” partner (and filtering opportunistic investors), and, finally, establishing a more effective risk-sharing strategy, providing the right incentives to mitigate delays and contractual breach, while increasing the bankability and overall project’s quality. This paper provides an overview of these changes and provides valuable lessons for academics and practitioners involved in concession design and management, particularly, in the road sector.

Multi-criteria analysis of big data and big data analytics on supply chain management

This article proposes a procedure evaluating the implementation of big data and big data analytics in supply chain management through critical success factors. With the current use of big data and big data analytics technologies, structured or non-structured data have become more important in decision-making, making the process more efficient. In addition to highlighting the main critical success factors encountered in the literature, the authors developed a classification of factors using the benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks model (BOCR). In this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), a multi-criteria analysis method, is applied by considering BOCR model as the main criteria in the evaluation, and big data and big data analytics as the two main alternatives. The main contributions of this work are an identification of the main critical success factors through research found in the available literature and the proposal of a procedure for evaluating the best alternative to implementing data technology in supply chain management. The proposed approach was used to evaluate the BOCR through the real implementation of data technology.

Visão geral dos fatores que influenciam a competitividade das startups: uma revisão sistematizada da literatura

Abstract: This research presents a systematized literature review to identify the main critical success factors (CSFs) that influence startups’ competitiveness. Considering that aspects related to competitiveness should be the target of organizations, especially early-stage companies, this paper identifies a broad of factors regarding startups’ competitiveness. A total of 36 articles were selected in Scopus and Web of Science databases and an in-depth bibliometric analysis of the corpus was performed using the VOSviewer software. 25 CSFs that influence startups’ competitiveness were identified and categorized into three fundamental points of view (FPVs), namely: organizational, human, and environmental. Organizational FPV covers factors that define the internal characteristics of startups. Human FPV, in turn, consists of characteristics of human capital, while the Environmental FPV refers to external factors and the startup context. This work could help practitioners and policymakers by enlightening them about startups’ competitiveness and the elements involved therein, along with providing them with a robust conceptual framework.

Total Quality Management in Private and Public Sectors in Bahrain: An Exploratory Study

This study has a central theme of reviewing and overcoming TQM barriers. Thus, the researcher aims to provide the government of Bahrain set of recommendations for employing useful tools in the human resources position to assist the TQM process. The objective of the novel research conducted here is to determine the extent of TQM and the factors impacting it. It will also provide a subjective comparison between the Private and Public sectors and determine which sector has adequate TQM. On the other hand, the researcher will evaluate the impact of TQM on employees’ satisfaction. The key critical success factors measured in this research include leadership and top management, quality planning and strategy, communication, employee’s involvement, quality of product and services, customer focus, quality culture, MIS, and continuous development. The methodology utilized in this research, described as cross-sectional, adopted a multi-method approach (quantitative and qualitative) conducted through questionnaires and interviews, to perform the research objectives. An SPSS program and other analysis tools were used to analyze the data collected appropriately. The result shows that many theories models and tools were used to facilitate Total Quality Management. In addition, critical success factors affecting the implementation of total quality management depend on their business and environment. On the other hand, there is less awareness among the employees in Bahrain from both sectors private and government, regarding the total quality management, plan, and effect. The researcher concluded that employee job satisfaction is one of the main critical success factors affecting TQM. Finally, a comparative summary of the best practice results between private and government organizations, concerning TQM, results in similar effectiveness and efficiency with a little more emphasis in the private sector.

Sustainable food supply chains: overcoming key challenges through digital technologies

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to offer a consolidative approach in exploring the potential contribution of digital technologies in sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for the sustainable performance of food supply chain business, through the circular economy concepts.Design/methodology/approachAs a single case study, this qualitative, interpretivist research was based on one of the largest food producers in the United Kingdom. The research utilises semi-structured interviews and applies thematic analysis to offer rich insights into SSCM challenges and their relationship with the business performance, through ten in-depth interviews.FindingsFindings derived from thematic analysis of the interview transcripts suggest four main critical success factors underpinning SSCM practices and businesses performance – i.e. business continuity, waste reduction, performance measurement approach, and organisational learning, which could use the help of digital technologies to improve. This led to seven propositions to be addressed in the future research.Originality/valueThis research offers real, practical insights into SSCM challenges, within the context of food supply chain and explores the potential of digital technologies in overcoming them. Accordingly, the primary contribution of this work is grounded in the identification of critical success factors in SSCM for food supply chains (FSC). Hence, this work contributes further to the literature on SSCM, as well as circular economy, by providing a study of a business in the context of the highly pertinent and valuable food industry.

Digital marketing strategy: a comparison of international world-leading companies

The article analyzes the digital marketing strategy of important world-leading international companies and underlines the main critical success factors of their marketing strategies during the times. There is the comparison of important international firms based on the use of both primary and secondary data. There is the description of a new practical and theorical framework for international marketing digital strategy and the different choices and strategies of the companies are analyzed.

The Analysis of Total Quality Management Critical Success Factors

Purpose: The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the most important factors related to the successful implementation of TQM in the literature and to compare the identified factors with the existing research. Methodology/Approach: By conducting a systematic literature review in three main stages, this research analyzes 13 empirical papers published between 1995 and 2017. Three main stages included: formulation of the problem to be solved by the systematic literature review; definition of inclusion criteria and exclusion of articles; and article search and selection. Findings: Analysing previous research and conducting a literature review, we identify six main critical success factors (CSF): top management leadership and commitment, customer focus, training (employees), procurement management (suppliers), information and analysis, and process management. Research Limitation/Implication: In this paper, we focused solely on the influence of TQM practices on the financial performance of a company. As such, the non-financial performance indicators were not considered. Originality/Value of paper: This paper adds value to the existing literature as it focuses on critical factors of TQM implementation examined in relation to the financial performance of the company and provides a good basis for understanding and developing more complex models.

Investigating the role of social networking technology on the organizational agility: a structural equation modeling approach

PurposeThe current extensive business ecosystem, characterized by technological advances and development, impressive customers, and increasing social concerns, has exerted great pressure on business organizations. Among different business values for affording this pressure, organizational agility is a critical factor that should be carefully incorporated in business processes. The main purpose of the present study is to investigate the role of social networking technology, as a crucial collaborative tool, on organizational agility.Design/methodology/approachA model based on structural equations was designed in this regard. The constructs of this model are quality of service, varieties of services, costs and speed of service as independent variables and also agility management as a dependent variable. Based on the conceptual model, a questionnaire was prepared and distributed among the experts of social networking technology and agility management. Based on Cochran's formula the sample size was 384. The response rate was 100%. The main statistical measures such as Chi-square ratio to the degree of freedom, Non-soft Fitness Index (RMSEA), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI) and Modified fitness index (AGFI) were employed for analyzing the model.FindingsResults of obtained data indicated that a variety of services as the main factor of social networking technology has the most impact on the agility of a company. Then, the speed of service, service quality and costs were ranked respectively in second to fourth. Providing information technology (IT) service perceptions, promoting the service climate and thorough identification of IT requirements are the main critical success factors for maintaining a robust impact of social networking technology on organizational agility. Moreover, a well-designed enterprise structure alongside employing newly developed IT infrastructures such as cloud computing certainly improves the capabilities of organizations to improve their agility.Originality/valueAlthough the literature suggests a positive impact among IT or social networks on organizational agility, it is deficient in relation to considering the impact of social networking. Furthermore, a structural equation model (SEM) is used for assessing unobservable latent constructs and their related interrelationship.

How to create a sustainability strategy for tourism development? The case of the city of Pavia

ABSTRACT Based on the experience of Pavia’s city (near Milan, in Italy) this paper analyses the implementation of a sustainability strategy for tourism development. The research is based on primary and secondary data. this study intends to investigate this problem. The key questions of the paper are: 1) How to create a sustainability strategy for tourism development? 2) What are the main critical success factors (FCS) of a sustainability strategy for tourism development? The results show a suggests a strategic framework can be applied also to other organizations and cities.

Resilient and Sustainable Modular System for Temporary Sheltering in Emergency Condition

<p>During the hazard impact, it is very important to manage the emergency condition. Temporary sheltering is one of the preliminary and main requirements of disaster management. COVID 19 poses the necessity of using fast and modular temporary sheltering in the crowded cities to improve treating and curing services for the hospitals. However, successful emergency management for current societies is achievable if the resilience approach has been implemented in all procedures of emergency management. The concept of resilience could make a new sense of motivation in disaster management while recent research shows that resilience makes a significant improvement in the traditional approach of safety and security during disasters. Temporary shelters play an important role in the temporary settlement and also commanding the emergency condition during a disaster period. This study aims to develop a resilient modular design of shelters based on a sustainable industrialized Building system (IBS) under the main critical success factors with the approach of resilience and sustainability. Critical success factors (CSFs), resilience and sustainability criteria are extracted from literature and the CSFs are evaluated based on the questionnaire survey and using VIKOR as a multi-criteria decision-making method. The reduction of mortar usage, IBS, and Interconnected structure are the most impressive factors. Based on these factors, the symmetric orthogonal modular system was selected. The robustness of the selected system was calculated under the explosive load test. Interconnectivity, modularity, mortar-less erecting, disassembling and reassembling abilities are some of the advantages. They improve rapidity, transformability of this structure following capacities of resilience.</p>

Driving the Transition to a Circular Economic Model: A Systematic Review on Drivers and Critical Success Factors in Circular Economy

The circular economy (CE) is arising as a novel economic system that is restorative by design. In light of its capability to boost sustainable economic development and to cope with environmental challenges, it has recently attracted increasing attention from academics, practitioners, policymakers, and intergovernmental organizations. Despite the wide speculation on this issue, the scientific literature lacks a wide-ranging, systematic, and updated identification and classification of the main drivers and Critical Success Factors of CE initiatives, which appears increasingly necessary to facilitate future scientific work, practical implementations, and policy guidelines. With this aim, this paper develops a systematic literature review by starting with over 400 manuscripts. A final set of 55 selected papers was selected for singling out and classifying drivers and Critical Success Factors in the CE context. The results may provide clear indications for further research, may help business organizations in evaluating CE initiatives, and may guide policy makers in developing and refining CE normative frameworks.

Factores críticos de éxito en las etapas de entrega y utilización de proyectos: el caso de la industria de juegos de suerte y azar en Antioquia (Colombia)

Esta investigación explora los Factores Críticos de Éxito (FCE) para las etapas de entrega y utilización de proyectos en el caso de una de las más importantes empresas del sector de juegos de suerte y azar en Antioquia (Colombia). Desarrolla un modelo con siete categorías y un instrumento que mide la percepción acerca de los factores de éxito. Los resultados muestran diferencia entre los proyectos exitosos y no exitosos para todas las categorías analizadas. Sin embargo, las categorías “Eficiencia del Proyecto” y “Realización de beneficios” son los principales factores críticos de éxito. También, confirma que los factores de éxito difieren de acuerdo con la perspectiva de cada tipo de parte interesada: patrocinadores, gerentes, equipo del proyecto, clientes y usuarios finales. Este estudio contribuye con evidencia empírica para los factores críticos de éxito en la gerencia de proyectos desde cuatro perspectivas: 1) en las etapas de entrega y utilización; 2) desde la perspectiva de los diferentes interesados; 3) en la industria de los juegos de suerte y azar; y 4) en un país en desarrollo, como es Colombia. Finalmente se puede concluir que el valor que se le da a los nuevos conocimientos y experiencias en proyectos exitosos y proyectos sin éxito, es una oportunidad para crear un sistema de gestión del conocimiento, que permite generar una cultura favorable para el desarrollo de los diferentes tipos de proyectos en la empresa.

A framework to assess sustaining continuous improvement in lean healthcare

Many hospitals have achieved high levels of lean performance only to lose it later on. This research develops a theoretical understanding of how organisations can sustain lean in healthcare, through a practical and innovative framework to assess the maturity level of lean in healthcare that can be used by both practitioners and academics. Through the analysis of the literature, it was possible to compile 22 main critical success factors of lean sustainability in hospitals. A comparative case study provides evidence to confirm these 22 theoretical propositions, and also to add other 3 new success factors to the framework. The proposed framework allows hospitals to conduct a structured process of change, with all the foundation needed to succeed and sustain the lean journey in the long-term. New insights are revealed by studying hospitals after minimum 18 months of lean implementation and comparing the ones that have achieved a high level of lean sustainability with those that did not. To the best of our knowledge, this article is the first to attempt to bring together the key factors that influence hospitals to sustain lean improvements in the long term.