Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling Research Articles

Customer engagement in Saudi food delivery apps through social media marketing: Examining the antecedents and consequences using PLS-SEM and NCA

In this study, we (1) investigated the role of social media marketing (SMM) activities in predicting customer engagement in online food delivery applications (OFDAs); (2) predicted the influencing role of customer engagement in OFDAs on behavioral outcomes; (3) utilized the stimulus-organism-response (S–O-R) framework to assess subsequent customer behavior; and (4) empirically validated the theoretical model using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and necessary conditions analysis (NCA). We obtained valid data from 233 respondents using the survey-based approach, which was then utilized for PLS-SEM and NCA analyses. The study's PLS-SEM analysis revealed that perceived SMM activities, such as informativeness and word-of-mouth (WoM), positively influence customer engagement in OFDAs. This engagement, in turn, predicts important behavioral outcomes, including co-production value, customer referrals, purchase intention, and customer satisfaction. The NCA results further indicate that informativeness, trendiness, and WoM are essential for driving customer engagement in Saudi-based OFDAs. These findings provide valuable insights for enhancing customer engagement and behavioral outcomes in the field of OFDAs, utilizing both PLS-SEM and NCA methodologies.

Service Robots Acceptance among Customers of Insurance Companies: An Application of Service Robot Acceptance Model

Drawing from the Service Robot Acceptance Model (sRAM), this paper investigates the acceptance of service robots among customers of Nepalese insurance companies. Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were collected from 243 customers of insurance companies through purposive sampling. Hypotheses were tested using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM). This paper found that Perceived Ease of Use (PEOU), Perceived Usefulness (PU), Subjective Social Norms (SSN), and Perceived Social Interactivity (PSI) significantly influence Customer Acceptance of Service Robots (CASR). Additionally, PEOU significantly influences PU, and SSN significantly influences PU. However, Perceived Humanness (PH), Perceived Social Presence (PSN), Rapport (RAP), and Trust (TR) do not significantly influence CASR. This paper provides a significant evidencebased framework for developers and managers to prioritise the functional aspects, social presence, and social interactivity of service robots in the Nepalese insurance companies. This paper is one of the pioneering studies to explain service robot acceptance among customers of insurance companies by applying the sRAM in the Nepalese context.

Paws and Reflect: Assessing the Impact of User Reviews and Ratings on Pet Food E-commerce Purchase Decisions

The pet food industry in the Philippines is thriving as the leading country in Southeast Asia in pet ownership. This study explores this growing sector and its e-commerce landscape, anchored in Rotter’s Expectancy-Value Theory. It uses a quantitative design to examine how online user reviews and ratings influence Filipino pet owners' expectancy & value as the independent variables, motivation with purchase decisions as the dependent variable, and celebrity endorsement as a moderating factor. The study also assesses the credibility and reliability of online reviews and employs Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) for analysis. The study’s results indicate that respondents highly value a product's attributes when making a purchase decision. While product value significantly impacts purchase decisions, expectations about online reviews and ratings do not influence buying motivation. Celebrity endorsements, however, do affect motivation. This study suggests that marketers and pet food retailers should focus on enhancing the quality of user reviews and ratings, engaging with industry experts, and improving customer interactions to foster credibility, trust, and informed purchasing.

Pixels to palates: Social media foodscape influence on e-Trust, experience and gastronomic intentions

ABSTRACT This study examines the dynamics between the aesthetic appeal and social factors of destination social media foodscapes, e-Trust, destination food experiences, and future experiential intentions among gastronomy tourists. Data were collected for this quantitative research design using purposive sampling. Partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was then employed to test the research hypotheses on 336 responses. The results illustrate that e-Trust and destination food experiences sequentially mediate the relationship between aesthetic appeal, social factors, and future experiential intentions. These findings should be interpreted with caution, as the effectiveness of social media in influencing food tourists may evolve and be subject to rapid changes. The study highlights the need for tourism stakeholders to strategically curate and create destination social media foodscapes to support tourists’ travel planning and consumption. The originality of this paper lies in its framework, which combines the theory of planned behavior (TPB) and the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model to better understand the psychological processes of food tourists, from the social media realms of foodscapes to physical consumption experiences through a sequential mediation perspective.

Impact of Landscape Patterns on Water Quality in Urbanized Rivers at Characteristic Scale: A Case of Pearl River Delta, China.

The impacts of landscape patterns on river water quality are commonly acknowledged, but understanding the complex processes by which landscape patterns affect water quality is still limited, especially in densely populated urban areas. Exploring the mechanisms through which landscape characteristics influence water quality changes in urbanized rivers will benefit regional water resource protection and landscape-scale resource development and utilization. Utilizing daily water quality monitoring data from rivers in the urbanized area of the Pearl River Delta in 2020, our research employed canonical analysis and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to explore the processes and mechanisms of the influence of urbanized river landscape patterns on surface water quality. The results indicated that total nitrogen (TN) was the critical indicator limiting the water quality of rivers in the Pearl River Delta. The landscape composition and configuration indexes exhibited non-linear variations with scale, and the landscape fragmentation was higher closer to the river. Landscape patterns had the most significant influence on water quality under the characteristic scale of a 5.50 km circular buffer zone, and landscape composition dominated the change of water quality of urbanized rivers, among which 30.64% of the percentage patch area of construction (C_PLAND) contributed 46.40% to the explanation rate of water quality change, which was the key landscape index affecting water quality. Moreover, landscape patterns had a higher interpretive rate of 39.29% on water quality in the wet season compared to 36.62% in the dry season. Landscape composition had an indirect negative impact on water quality, with a value of 0.47, by affecting the processes of runoff and nutrient migration driven by human activities, while landscape configuration had an indirect negative impact on water quality, with a value of 0.11. Our research quantified the impacts of landscape patterns driven by human activities on surface water quality and proposed management measures to optimize the allocation of landscape resources in riparian zones of urbanized rivers. The results provide a scientific basis for water quality management and protection in urbanized rivers.

Navigating the Thin Line: Can Acts of Good Lead to Defiance at Work? Exploring the Intricacies of OCB and CWB Dynamics

Prior studies concluded that organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and counterproductive work behavior (CWB) lie on the same continuum. However, engaging in OCB does not inherently prevent engagement in CWB. This study delves into the intricate relationship between OCB and CWB, aiming to uncover the mechanisms behind the moral licensing effect. Employing partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) from 468 employees to test the proposed hypothesis. This study revealed that OCB positive relationship with moral license. Moreover, moral license negative relationship counterproductive work behavior toward organizations (CWB-O) but a positive relationship counterproductive work behavior toward individuals (CWB-I). This study provides insights for organizational leaders and scholars to enhance their comprehension of employee behavior and inform strategies for fostering positive workplace environments while addressing the potential risks associated with moral licensing effects.

The mediation role of innovation in the relationship between total quality management and performance of small and medium scale enterprises

PurposeThis study examined the mediation-moderation role of innovation and market dynamism in the association between total quality management (TQM) practices and the performance of small and medium-scale enterprises' (SMEs') performance with empirical evidence from sub-Saharan Africa.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire, the research model developed was tested with responses from 203 owners and managers of SMEs in Ghana. The analyses were done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) and Smart Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe innovation initiatives partially and fully mediated the relationship between TQM practices and the performance of SMEs. Also, the indirect effect of TQM practices of SMEs on performance through innovation initiatives was negatively moderated by market dynamism.Practical implicationsThe study contributes to the TQM literature by validating the indirect and direct relationship between TQM practices and performance in the context of SMEs in a developing region.Originality/valueThis paper presents a novel understanding of the relationship between TQM and SMEs in developing regions of the world. The paper serves as a guide for SME owners and managers to improve the performance of their organizations through TQM practices.

Religiosity, ethical leadership and local wisdom in moderating the effect of fraud risk management on asset misappropriation: evidence from local government in Indonesia

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of religiosity, ethical leadership and local wisdom on the relationship between fraud risk management and asset misappropriation in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected using a set of questionnaire surveys administered to the head office, local government internal auditors (inspectorate) and local government employees in Indonesia. Sample selection used purposive techniques and obtained 151 respondents who became research data. The dependent variable was asset misappropriation. The independent variable was fraud risk management. The moderating variables for this study were religiosity, leader ethics and local wisdom. The analysis technique applied the structural equation model-partial least square (SEM-PLS). Findings Fraud risk management has a significant negative effect on asset misappropriation. In addition, this study finds evidence that religiosity, ethical leadership and local wisdom increase fraud risk management against asset misappropriation. Research limitations/implications This study proposes an integrative model that enables local governments to understand fraud risk management. By integrating religiosity, ethical leadership and local wisdom, managers can design strategies to prevent asset misappropriation. Originality/value This research has the advantage of proposing an integrative model for mitigating asset misappropriation. Research on asset misappropriation is limited. Therefore, this study provides insights into fraud risk management, particularly in Indonesia’s local governments. In addition, this study adds ethical aspects such as religiosity, leadership and local wisdom to complement the weaknesses of fraud risk management and reduce the potential for asset misappropriation.

Do artificial intelligence system adoptions foster production management supply chain performance in pharmaceutical manufacturing firms? An empirical exploring study from the MENA region

PurposeThe goal of this study is to better understand the driving force behind the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in pharmaceutical manufacturing firms (PMFs) that are recognized as developing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region that are listed by the Chambers of the Industries of Jordan, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Algeria. Furthermore, the effect of adopting and using AI in managing raw materials (RMs), products, parts, and components for PMFs through supply chains (SCs).Design/methodology/approachA self-administrated questionnaire survey was used to gather data from 95 out of 511 participating managers (e.g. manufacturing, supplying, IT, operational, and logistical managers) utilizing a quantitative technique with a random sample size. In fact, 18.8% of the 89 different manufacturing firms (MFs) in the MENA area responded, with five to six managers from each company. The raw data was analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe study’s findings show that the readiness to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) in the production management supply chain performance (PMSCP) of pharmaceutical manufacturing firms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) is positively and significantly influenced directly and indirectly by sustainable strategic supplier reliability (SSSR), shipping process dependability (SPD), technological factors (TFs), and infrastructure transformational development capability (ITDC).Originality/valueAs the studied countries are growing economies, such study findings might offer insightful consequences for stakeholders and policymakers regarding the significance of using artificial intelligence system adoptions in pharmaceutical manufacturing enterprises in the MENA region. The managers may also concentrate on the strong positive direct and indirect links between SSSR, SPD, TFs, and ITDC preparedness to accept AI adoption and its applications and systems in supply chain and production management departments and the consequences of informational and product delivery.

Driving Sustainable Tourism Villages: Evaluating Stakeholder Commitment, Attitude, and Performance: Evidence from West Sumatra, Indonesia

This research paper evaluates the commitment, attitude, and performance of various stakeholders, particularly the local government authorities, academic institutions, local businesses, media, and private sector, in the sustainable development of tourism villages. Quantitative data were collected through a survey questionnaire to gather perceptions and feedback from 384 tourism awareness group leaders in the province of West Sumatra, Indonesia. This study employs Partial Least Squares–Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses. The findings indicate that stakeholders’ commitment, attitude, and performance exert a strong influence on sustainable tourism villages. In addition, community culture moderates the relationship between the attitudes of stakeholders and sustainable tourism villages as opposed to the stakeholders’ commitment and performance. These findings provide valuable insights and far-reaching consequences for stakeholders, tourism village heads, and the community. There is a need to continuously enhance a comprehensive plan for sustainable tourism, one that goes beyond cultural implication and incorporates a broader range of influencing factors.

Dampak Diversity Management pada Employees Engagement: Peran Organizational Trust dan Job Insecurity

Workforce diversity such as differences in ethnicity, gender, education, language and so on in an organization needs to be managed properly in order to be able to achieve the vision, mission and goals of the organization. Due to good Diversity Management, Organizational Trust will emerge thereby creating Employees Engagement, which can prevent Job Insecurity from occurring. The purpose of this study is to explore Diversity Management and Organizational Trust to achieve Employees Engagement in service companies in Jakarta that specialize in the banking, telecommunications, and building construction sectors. This research was conducted on 125 respondents and was obtained through a questionnaire distributed online in July 2023. In this quantitative study, researchers used primary data and the Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) research method with data processing and analysis using SmartPLS. The results of this study confirm that Diversity Management has no effect on Employees Engagement, Organizational Trust has a positive effect on Employees Engagement, Diversity Management has a negative effect on Job Insecurity, while the moderating effect of Leadership Style has no significant effect on Employees Engagement. This research is limited to service companies in Jakarta, further researchers can explore manufacturing or trading companies. Suggestions that can be submitted for future researchers are to be able to replace the Leadership Style variable with transactional and transformational Leadership Styles.

Analysis of the acceptance of E-learning platform (SIDEK-Edu) among high school students with UTAUT2-TOE approach: implications for digital learning

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the acceptance factors of e-learning among students in high schools. In this study, researchers used a combination of system acceptance models, namely UTAUT2 and TOE. The UTAUT2 framework is used to explore technology acceptance from the context of individual behavior, while TOE is used to understand technology acceptance from the organizational context based on the perspective of students, as it results in a better choice to anticipate the relationship between the acceptance of technological innovation in high schools.Design/methodology/approachThis study used quantitative methods. The sample in this study amounted to 212 people who were high school students who had just tried using SIDEK-Edu. This study uses Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) to analyze the measurement model and structural model with WarpPLS version 6 software.FindingsBased on the results of the tests carried out, out of a total of 16 hypotheses, 6 hypotheses were accepted and 10 hypotheses were rejected. Research findings from the individual context show that performance expectancy, social influence, and learning value have a positive and significant effect on behavioral intention to use SIDEK-Edu innovation technology. Furthermore, judging from students' perceptions in the organizational context, only relative advantage has a positive and significant effect on behavioral intention, while compatibility, ICT resources, and competitive pressure do not.Research limitations/implicationsThe limitations of this research are that this research uses a homogeneous sample of high school students, this research only focuses on the high school level, this research is limited to the dominant variables in measuring the acceptance of SIDEK-Edu innovation technology.Practical implicationsInput to the high school, both the organization, teachers, and also decision makers in the organization. This makes it easier for all parties to design and implement the system they have so that it is as expected, In addition, the existence of SIDEK-Edu also provides a new learning method experience in learning accounting which is very beneficial for high school students, especially vocational high school.Originality/valueSIDEK-Edu is a new innovative technology to research and is an LMS that focuses on accounting learning (theory room and practice room in one learning media). In addition, the model used in the study is a combination of models (UTAUT2-TOE) to indentify e-learning acceptance.

Omnichannel word-of-mouth genesis: the confluence of online-offline experiences, social influence and skepticism

PurposeThis research aims to examine the integral elements of omnichannel retailing, an evolving approach that blends online and offline shopping experiences. It focuses on how various factors – merchandise variety, monetary saving, personal interaction, complaint handling, social influence, perceived crowd and skepticism – affect relative advantage, consumer satisfaction and word-of-mouth (WOM) advocacy in an omnichannel context.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive survey was conducted with 258 participants, and the data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This methodology provided insights into the complex relationships between different omnichannel retailing factors and their impact on customer satisfaction and WOM.FindingsThe study found that monetary saving influences both relative advantage and satisfaction. Personal interaction was observed to affect complaint handling and relative advantage. Importantly, relative advantage was found to impact both satisfaction and WOM. Additionally, the study highlighted the roles of social influence and satisfaction in enhancing WOM.Originality/valueThis research adds to the existing literature by providing a nuanced understanding of the dynamics of consumer engagement in omnichannel retailing. It bridges a gap in existing research by concurrently examining the impact of online and offline retail factors on consumer satisfaction and WOM in an omnichannel setting.

Mitigating work alienation in public sector service-delivery projects caused by perceived overqualification: the roles of empowering leadership and the psychological contracts

PurposeThe study investigates the nature of an understudied yet salient relationship between perceived overqualification (POQ) and work alienation in project management. It employs relative deprivation theory to propose two dimensions of the psychological contract, i.e. relational and transactional, as underlying mediating mechanisms and how empowering leadership mitigates the adverse effects of POQ.Design/methodology/approachTo this end, in two waves, we surveyed 232 project members of three public-sector information and communication technologies (ICT) projects in Punjab, Pakistan. The data was analyzed using Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).FindingsThe key findings are: (1) POQ leads to work alienation, (2) relational and transactional contracts mediate this relationship, and (3) empowering leadership can mitigate the adverse effects of POQ in project management settings.Originality/valueThis research adds valuable insights to the scant POQ literature in public-sector project management settings. It also contributes by identifying the mediating role of relational and transactional psychological contracts and the moderating role of empowering leadership to mitigate the adverse effects of POQ in these settings.

The Influence of Growth Mindset, Product Innovation, and Social Media Utilization on Business Development with Social Support as a Mediating Variable in MSMEs in Lalabata Village, Soppeng Regency

This study examines the impact of growth mindset, product innovation, and social media utilization on business development and the role of social support as a mediating variable in MSMEs in Lalabata District, Soppeng Regency. This study used a quantitative approach with purposive sampling technique and involved 100 respondents. The data analysis technique applied was Partial Least-Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that growth mindset, product innovation, and social media utilization all have a positive influence on business development. Social support also has a positive impact on business development. In addition, social support mediates the relationship between growth mindset, product innovation, and social media utilization with business development in MSMEs in Lalabata District, Soppeng Regency

Sustainable entrepreneurship through customer satisfaction and reuse intention of online food delivery applications: insights from China

Advancements in the online food delivery market in China have resulted from the rapid development and popularity of mobile communications and smartphones, which are currently applied by mobile and online application developers to restaurants and food delivery services for high sales revenue and fulfilment of Chinese consumers at home. The current work aims to thoroughly examine the four information quality dimensions (i.e. intrinsic quality, contextual quality, representational quality and accessibility quality), perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, and perceived convenience and their subsequent implications on user satisfaction and reuse intention of online food delivery applications. By analysing the roles of these factors, we underscore how innovative technology and entrepreneurial strategies can drive customer engagement and satisfaction in the rapidly evolving online food delivery market. The theoretical model proposed in this study was tested through partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). Resultantly, intrinsic quality, contextual quality, representational quality, accessibility quality, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use showed a positive and statistically significant effect on user satisfaction, whereas contextual, representational, and accessibility quality, perceived usefulness, perceived convenience, and customer satisfaction positively and significantly affected users’ intention to reuse the online food delivery applications. The key determinant of reuse intention was customers’ personal satisfaction. In order to improve the continuous usage intention of online food delivery applications, application developers and the food industry should therefore focus on providing accurate and up-to-date information, which is expected to boost user satisfaction and reuse intentions.

Effect of Financial Literacy on Impulsive Buying Behavior Towards Online Food Delivery of Generation Z and Millennials in Indonesia with Media as A Moderating Variable

The rapid growth of online food delivery applications (OFDA), coupled with the increasing digital media exposure of younger generations, has raised concerns about impulsive buying behavior and its financial implications. This study investigates the effect of financial literacy on impulsive buying behavior towards OFDA among Generation Z and Millennials in Indonesia, with media as a moderating variable. This study employed a quantitative approach. The object of this study is Generation Z, aged 17-27 years old, and Millennials, aged 28-43 years old, living in Indonesia. The number of participants includes 434 for Generation Z and 407 for Millennials. The research uses Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Multi-Group Analysis (MGA) to examine the relationships between variables and compare effects across generational groups. The findings reveal that financial literacy positively and significantly affects impulsive buying behavior towards OFDA in the entire group, Generation Z and Millennials. The effect is stronger in Generation Z than in the complete and Millennial groups. The study also found a significant moderating effect of media usage, highlighting the importance of considering digital influences in financial behavior research. Based on these findings, the study recommends further research to explore the underlying factors causing this positive relationship. For practical applications for individuals, the study suggests that Generation Z and Millennials should implement their financial knowledge more effectively to manage their finances and distinguish between essential and non-essential spending. The study suggests incorporating financial literacy into curricula through courses and practical programs for educational institutions. The study suggests leveraging digital platforms for government bodies to provide interactive financial literacy content. This research significantly advances the understanding of financial literacy's impact on consumer behavior in the digital age, particularly in the context of OFDA among younger generations in Indonesia; by including media usage as a moderating variable, the research explores how digital media exposure influences the relationship between financial literacy and impulsive buying behavior. This aspect of the study underscores the media's significant role in shaping financial behaviors in the digital age.

How Does the Religiosity and Halal Certification Influence Consumer Purchase Decision on Halal Food in Java, Indonesia

Rapid economic growth in several Muslim-majority countries that uphold Islamic values can encourage the growth of Islamic businesses and lifestyles, including Indonesia, which has the largest Muslim population in the world. Rapid economic growth spread to the non-Muslim consumer segment. Java Island is one of the islands in Indonesia with the largest adherents of Islam. This research aims to find out how religiosity and halal certification can influence halal awareness and purchase intention which can increase consumer purchase decision for halal food products. It's using 100 respondents spread across Java Island. The analytical method used is Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The research results show that religiosity and halal certification have a positive and significant effect on halal awareness and purchase intention. Then halal awareness and consumer purchasing intentions have a positive and significant influence on halal food purchasing decisions on the island of Java, Indonesia.

Unlocking the potential of digital technologies for sustainable supply chain management strategies

ABSTRACT The advent of digital technologies (DTs) has transformed traditional supply chains into agile, efficient, and sustainable networks, known as Supply Chain 4.0. Digital supply chain management (DSCM) is crucial in enhancing supply chain (SC) sustainability by integrating digital tools to improve efficiency, transparency, and environmental stewardship. This study aims to examine the impact of DSCM on SC sustainability, assess the role of a firm’s intellectual capital (IC) in adopting DSCM, and explore the mediating role of supply chain mapping between DSCM and SC sustainability. Focusing on Pakistan’s textile sector, we employed a mixed-method approach, starting with a quantitative analysis using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM), followed by a qualitative case study of two textile companies. Our findings reveal a significant positive relationship between IC and DSCM adoption, underscoring the importance of knowledge resources in leveraging DTs for SC improvement. However, the direct impact of DSCM on SC sustainability was not supported, indicating the need for intermediary processes or factors to enhance the sustainability outcomes of DSCM.

Digitalization Adoption Barriers in the Context of Sustainability and Operational Excellence: Implications for SMEs

In the global landscape, small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are increasingly enhancing their adaptability to capitalize on evolving market prospects. Industry 4.0 technologies, with their primary focus on improving operational excellence, hold immense potential for contributing to the sustainability of SMEs. These technologies optimize resources, repurpose materials, enable remote working, and minimize waste, thereby fostering a resilient business environment. In the current study, the authors have utilized the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework to conduct a comprehensive literature review and identified the key barriers. Research questions and hypothesis were formulated. A questionnaire-based survey was conducted, involving 205 discrete manufacturing SMEs. The authors evaluated the proposed hypotheses using the Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) technique to gain insights into their causal relationships. Identified barriers are categorized as adoption barriers, lack of in-house technology skills, readiness barriers, and adverse operational realities. The authors observed that lack of strategic planning, inadequate focus on processes and performance monitoring results in barriers that hinder the digitalization of SMEs. Further results anticipate that operational realities have a direct relationship with readiness barriers of SMEs. This implies that challenges such as workforce turnover, pricing pressures, last-minute design changes, overdue payments, and outdated infrastructure can lead to operational difficulties, resulting in suboptimal strategies, business plans, and ineffective processes. The findings of the current study also imply that implementing shopfloor industrial Internet of things (IIoT) to track performance and interventions through digital definitions of products and manufacturing can further strengthen processes. By incorporating the findings from this study, SME stakeholders can develop strategies to achieve operational excellence while fulfilling their sustainability goals.