Project Quality Research Articles

Exploration of New Technologies and Materials Application in Housing Construction

The application of new technologies and materials in housing construction is a key factor in promoting the development of the construction industry. With the advancement of technology and socio-economic development, the construction industry is facing multiple challenges such as improving construction efficiency, ensuring project quality, reducing energy consumption, and protecting the environment. Therefore, exploring and applying new technologies and materials has become an effective way to solve these problems.

377 The Green Side Effect of a Quality Project: How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint in Radiotherapy

377 The Green Side Effect of a Quality Project: How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint in Radiotherapy

Research on the evaluation method of whole process engineering consulting service modes based on uncertain multiple-attribute group decision-making

With the continuous development of the economy and society, the engineering construction industry has experienced rapid growth, and higher requirements have been put forward for engineering consulting services. Currently, most engineering consulting service enterprises in China only provide relevant consulting services for engineering construction at a certain stage, lacking overall planning and overall control over the entire lifecycle of engineering construction. In order to improve the scientific level of fixed assets investment decision-making and construction management, it is of great value to explore professional engineering consulting services covering the whole process of project construction in the project decision-making stage and implementation stage to achieve the optimization of project quality and economic benefits. The whole process engineering consulting service modes (ECSM) evaluation is a multiple-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM). Recently, the TODIM technique and MACONT technique was created to put forward MAGDM. The interval neutrosophic sets (INSs) are created as a tool for managing fuzzy information during the whole process ECSM evaluation. In this work, the interval neutrosophic number TODIM-MACONT (INN-TODIM-MACONT) technique is created to put forward the MAGDM under INSs. Finally, a numerical analysis for whole process ECSM evaluation is given to validate the proposed technique. The main contributions are outlined: (1) the TODIM and MACONT technique was enhanced under INSs; (2) Information Entropy is created to conduct the weight information under INSs. (3) the INN-TODIM-MACONT technique is created to implement the MAGDM under INSs; (4) a numerical example for whole process ECSM evaluation and some comparative analysis is created to verify the INN-TODIM-MACONT technique.

Implementation Of Value Engineering Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp) (Case Study: Flyover Construction Project Of Jpl 64 Km 38+897 Across Surabaya – Solo)

The development of infrastructure development in Indonesia is being intensively carried out by the government to meet the needs of the community. Infrastructure development is often faced with various obstacles that can disrupt the project. To ensure the sustainability of the project, it is necessary to apply Value Engineering to identify opportunities for cost savings and solve problems so as to get maximum value without reducing project quality. The purpose of the research is to analyze the structure, determine the alternative, types and construction methods chosen to make the project cost efficient. Value Engineering is applied to the foundation and deck slab work of the Fly Over Replacement Construction Project JPL 64 Km 38-897 Lintas Surabaya-Solo using the AHP method with the help of expert choice. Based on the results of the Value Engineering analysis, an alternative bore pile d-120 foundation was obtained in the foundation work and a change in the cantilever elbow support method in the deck slab work. The cost efficiency results obtained after Value Engineering amounted to Rp15,108,214,225 or 10%.

Data analysis method for power big data

This paper discusses a data quality analysis and evaluation mode based on power big data. Its basic content is to use the analysis platform template to conduct acquisition control and process rule analysis, and then use the data quality management module to call out the platform database system that realizes the inspection and analysis function, and retrieve and generate inspection data from the entity base. The analysis program will classify, count, sort, and sort the data, The final generated quantitative indicator data reflecting the project implementation status and data quality will be saved in the analysis result table. The analysis result report called from the middle platform can obtain a more detailed data quality analysis and evaluation report reflecting the data quality of various quantitative projects. This paper has improved the intelligent degree of information quality management and evaluation, realized the intelligent control of information service quality, adapted to the needs of large-scale information service management, and completed the quantitative research and evaluation of information completeness, timeliness, accuracy, accuracy and other important parameters.

All-cause 30-day mortality associated with hysterectomy in Sweden from 2015 to 2021 using data from the Swedish perioperative register

ObjectiveHysterectomy is one of the most common gynaecological procedures. All-cause mortality within 30 days is an important indicator of care quality.The primary objectives of this quality project were to study all-cause 30-day mortality following hysterectomy in Sweden and the impact of age, ASA class, and malignant indication on outcomes. Population and methodsAll hysterectomy procedures documented in the Swedish Perioperative Register (SPOR) were included from 2015 to 01-01 until 2021-12-31. Patient demographics and perioperative observations were collected and analysed. Main outcome measureAll-cause 30-day mortality. ResultsThe study cohort consisted of 25,391 patients with a mean age of 55.0 ± 13.8, and 54 % of patients were ASA I-II. All-cause 30-day mortality was low: only 1 patient died within the first 24 h, and 23 deaths were noted within 30 days among 25,391 procedures studied; equal to a perioperative mortality rate (POMR) 0.09 %. Higher age, higher ASA class, malignant indication, and combined general and neuraxial anaesthesia increased numerical POMR. Elderly (>65-years) and ASA III-IV were associated with significant increased un- and adjusted Odds Ratio for death within 30-days at 4.3 (95%CI 1.3–14.3, p = 0.02) and 15.3 (95%CI 4.8–84.4, p = 0.001) respectively. ConclusionsAll-cause 30-day mortality associated with hysterectomy in Sweden during recent years is low with a POMR of 0.09 %. Higher age and more pronounced higher ASA class increased the odds ratio for all-cause 30-day mortality. Further efforts to optimise the perioperative care of elderly and frail patients are important.

Recall Laterality and Bilaterality: Possible New Screening Mammography Quality Metrics

Purpose: Current screening mammography quality metrics are important and helpful, but do not address all quality concerns. An individual screening mammography reader may be systematically insensitive to findings present in the breast of one side, laterality bias, evidenced by left versus right difference in advised immediate recalls. Current metrics are not designed to detect laterality bias. Whether a reader exhibits laterality bias, or what an appropriate ratio/range of bilateral versus unilateral recalls should be, have never been discussed in medical literature. Methods: As a trainee quality project, five attending (‘consultant’ in Europe) radiologists’ screening mammography reports over 2 years at an academically affiliated, public hospital were tallied with regard to laterality of recommended recall, and with respect to unilateral versus bilateral recalls advised. The chi-square (χ²) statistic was applied to reports advising unilateral recall. Findings: No group laterality bias was discovered. One radiologist (the most experienced) evidenced a consistent laterality bias over 2 years (p=0.07) against left-breast findings. Of reports recommending recall, the radiologists’ single-year range for recall regarding both breasts was 10.2–23.3%; for both years combined, the individual radiologists ranged from 13.6–17.9%. The group, 2-year mean recommending bilateral recall was 16.5%. Conclusion: A radiologist may exhibit laterality bias, favoring detection of findings in one breast over the other, a concern never before considered. Audit to discern such bias leads simultaneously to assessment of bilateral recall bias. Possible causes of these biases are discussed, and research regarding them as possible quality metrics is encouraged.

Analisis Faktor Keterlambatan Pekerjaan Konstruksi Drainase dengan Menggunakan Metode Kaiser Mayer Oklin (KMO)

This research aims to identify factors that cause delays in implementing the Urban Drainage project in Kepatihan Village, Bojonegoro Regency, using Regional Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBD) funds. The research method used a population involved in drainage construction, using a saturated sampling technique with 39 respondents. Data collection used questionnaires for primary data and secondary data obtained from project schedules, cost budget plans and workforce data. Data analysis uses factor analysis, descriptive analysis, and cross tabulation analysis. Factor analysis uses the Kaiser Mayer Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy (KMO-MSA) method. The KMO test was carried out with a significance value from the Bartlett Sphericity Test of less than 0.05 to determine the suitability of the variables. The KMO-MSA process is carried out by calculating the Kaiser Mayer Olkin (KMO) value. The KMO value ranges between 0 and 1, where a higher value indicates a better match. Apart from that, Bartlett's Test of Sphericity was also carried out to test the significance of the relationship between variables. If the test results are significant (p < 0.05), then these variables are suitable for proceeding to further factor analysis. The results of the cross-tabulation analysis show that the labor variable (X2) is the main factor influencing delays in drainage construction projects, with a significance value (sig) < 0.05. Based on the results of the descriptive analysis, the labor factor indicator (X2) which is the factor that has the most significant influence on construction project delays, is the variable X2.1 in the form of labor availability with a mean of 5.67 and a percentage value of 5.12%. This suggests that a lack of labor can cause delays in project implementation, potentially affecting overall project progress and quality.

Determinants of poor planning in public sector construction projects in Nigeria

The study assessed the determinants of poor planning in public-sector construction projects in Nige­ria. The paper adopted a questionnaire survey. A struc­tured questionnaire was administered to 217 construc­tion professionals, out of which 156, representing 71.9%, correctly filled questionnaires were analysed. The study deployed descriptive statistics such as mean and stand­ard deviation for data analysis. Results indicated that the primary determinants of poor project planning are the need for qualified personnel, with a mean of 4.70; experience, with a mean of 4.63; and poor communica­tion among the project teams, with a mean of 4.63. The significant factors influencing the implementation of project planning in public sector construction projects include natural occurrences, the use of computers and ICT, differing approaches of those who produce the plans and those who deliver the project, the leadership of the project team, application of planning techniques, only trained project managers should plan the project, non-availability of labour, lack of experience. The criti­cal barriers to project planning implementation in pub­lic construction projects include lack of communication, performance problems, political influence, dissatisfied project teams, abandonment of the project, time over­run, absence of new technology and software for plan­ning, compromised project quality, and wrong estima­tion. The research suggests that contractors involved in public sector construction projects in Nigeria should enhance their planning and performance through various measures. These measures include conducting financial and ethical client checks, employing dedicated project managers, utilising com­puterised planning systems, and improving team communication through reliable channels.

A strategy for reducing construction waste generated during the design process in architectural design firms in Egypt

Purpose This paper aims to develop and validate a strategy for reducing construction waste (CW) generated during the design process (DP) in architectural design firms (ADFs) in Egypt. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative and quantitative research methodology was designed to accomplish four objectives. The literature review investigated DP, CW, waste management (WM) and WM strategies (WMS). Three case studies were analysed to investigate the role of WMS towards reducing CW during DP. A survey questionnaire was conducted with a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to assess their perception and application of WMS during DP. Lastly, a strategy was developed and validated to reduce CW generated during DP. Findings Through literature review, the research identified the highest 40 causes of CW during the DP and classified them into 13 categories. Despite early promotion of WMS to reduce CW at its source, Egypt and other countries with similar construction market characteristics lack laws and regulations to address CW during the DP, with current codes primarily focusing on post-occurrence issues. In addition, analysis of three case studies showed that CW was reduced by adopting WMS during the DP. Findings of data analysis revealed that ADFs have an average knowledge of WMS and a low awareness of Egyptian laws and WMS during DP. “Prefabrication” was the highest-ranked strategy for CW reduction during DP. Several challenges hamper the implementation of WMS. The “preparation and briefing” was ranked the most common design stage where CW causes occur, while “waiting” was ranked the most common form of CW. These findings informed the research outcome and helped in the development of the proposed strategy. Research limitations/implications The proposed strategy was developed taking into account the results of the survey questionnaire which was conducted in ADFs in Egypt where the authors reside, and such a strategy is needed. However, it could be applied in other countries that share the same characteristics of the architectural DP as well as the causes of CW and WMS implementation challenges. Practical implications This research presents a practical strategy to reduce CW generated during the DP. It was based on the findings of literature review, case studies and survey questionnaire. The strategy was explained in a workable way to include the required activities; tools and techniques; involved personnel and needed resources. The strategy was validated by a representative sample of ADFs in Egypt to ensure its practicability and viability for implementation towards developing a sustainable built environment. The practical application of the strategy will have long-term and short-term benefits. The long-term benefits include improving the social, economic and environmental aspects of sustainability during the design and construction phases in Egypt. In the short term, application of the strategy will improve the cooperation between design and construction teams, reduce the negative impact of CW production and enhance the quality of construction projects in Egypt. Originality/value Despite the need to reduce CW during DP, a practical strategy is lacking in Egypt, where laws are focused on dealing with CW after its existence. This research studied a topic that received scant attention in construction literature. It developed and validated a strategy to reduce CW during DP, which represents a synthesis that is novel and creative in thought and adds value in a manner that has not been previously explored.

Social network analysis for identifying the significant drivers of off-site construction adoption in Egypt

PurposeRapid urbanization and the shortcomings of traditional construction methods motivate construction professionals to explore faster and more sustainable approaches such as off-site construction (OSC). Thus, the purpose of this paper is to identify the drivers influencing OSC adoption and to explore the key drivers of its widespread adoption in Egypt.Design/methodology/approachA comprehensive global literature review was performed initially to develop an up-to-date list of OSC adoption drivers, which was confirmed in the Egyptian context through a pilot study. Then, social network analysis (SNA) was utilized to determine the most influential drivers as well as shortlist them to construct the final questionnaire survey. A total of 57 stakeholders in the Egyptian construction industry responded. Lastly, the relative importance index (RII) was calculated to rank the drivers, revealing the key drivers.FindingsThe results revealed that higher productivity, improving project quality control, shortening construction time, improving product quality and improving supervision and inspection are the top five drivers. On the contrary, government policies and regulations is the least significant driver.Originality/valueThis research contributes to the body of knowledge by introducing a comprehensive, up-to-date list of drivers, which helps the stakeholders gain a better understanding of the driving enablers of adopting OSC generally and helps Egyptian stakeholders make more informed decisions about its implementation specifically.

Technosol made with urban and industrial waste: Potential for improving soil quality and growing tree seedlings

This study evaluated the use of waste materials to produce Technosol, a "tailor-made" soil consisting of construction and demolition waste (CDW), solid waste from stone mining (WSM), natural soil (NS), and compost from plant pruning (CPP), for improving soil quality in forest recovery projects. Samples of CDW were characterized using X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction. The potential of the Technosol as a substrate was assessed using a mixture of "Class A" CDW, WSM, NS, and CPP in the following proportions: (a) 10 % CDW + 42.5 % WSM + 42.5 % NS + 5 % CPP, (b) 20 % CDW + 37.5 % WSM + 37.5 % NS + 5 % CPP, and (c) natural soil as a control. A randomized block design was used with nine treatments and three replications using 5.5 L pots. The experimental treatments consisted of two proportions of mixtures, natural soil, and three tree species: pioneer, Cecropia pachystachya, secondary, Handroanthus impetiginosus and climax, Copaifera langsdorffii. The activity of the enzymes β-glucosidase and arylsulfatase was determined in the Technosol and natural soil at the end of the experiment. During 180 days, the height of the plants and the diameter of the stem were determined at intervals of 30 days and, at the end of the experiment, the aerial part dry mass (leaves and trunk) and roots were evaluated. The Technosol constructed from the mixture (a) proved to be viable for improving soil quality, as indicated by a greater enzymatic activity compared to other soils, and for the growth of H. impetiginosus seedlings, showing the capacity to gain plant height over 180 days after planting.

The Relationship of Total Quality Management Practices and Project Performance with Risk Management as Mediator: A Study of East Coast Rail Link Project in Malaysia

The study’s main aim is to investigate the relationship between the influence of effective risk management as a mediator among the relationship of Total Quality Management (TQM) practices and project performance in the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) project in Malaysia. The problem statement on the implementation and barriers of TQM practices with risk management as a mediator would affect the project performance in terms of cost, delay, safety issues, QAQC, and project sustainability. The Multivariate Analysis was performed using SPSS ver27 software. Results of hypotheses indicated that relationships between human resource management and service quality were insignificant while relationships between process management, technology, leadership, and strategic planning were significant to project performance. Furthermore, risk management as a mediator was found to influence the relationships. The results indicated that adopting relevant dimensions of the TQM practices can enhance the project performance in construction projects.

Human Frailties: Springboard to Increased Systems Engineering Influence

AbstractOne responsibility of systems engineers is to improve the quality of project decision‐making. Systems engineers often struggle to deal effectively with key decision‐makers who ignore critically important information. It is easy to bemoan human limitations, but in this paper, we advocate something different: using human frailties for constructive purposes. We believe that it is possible to leverage human frailties to ethically increase the influence that systems engineers have on key decision‐makers. Advertisers have been using human frailties for their own purposes for centuries, and we think it is time for systems engineers to capitalize on strategies advertisers and other influencers use successfully. In this paper, we identify the human frailties which have the greatest potential leverage to increase the influence systems engineers can have on key decision‐makers and suggest specific strategies and tactics systems engineers can use to increase their positive impact.

Examining the involvement of guardians of children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Tanzania as public contributors to inform the design and conduct of the GuardiansCan project: A mixed-methods study protocol.

Public contribution in research can lead to the design and conduct of more feasible and relevant research. However, our understanding of the acceptability and feasibility of public contribution and the evidence base regarding its impact in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) is limited. In this study protocol, we describe a mixed-method examination of public contribution activities in the GuardiansCan project. The GuardiansCan project aims to respond to Tanzanian guardians' poor adherence to children's follow-up care after treatment for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) with the help of Mobile Health technology. We aim to: (1) involve guardians of children treated for ALL as Guardians Advisory Board (GAB) members in the managing and undertaking, analysis and interpretation, and dissemination phases of the GuardiansCan project; and (2) examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of GAB members' contribution to the GuardiansCan project from the perspective of the GAB members and public contribution coordinators. We will recruit six to eight guardians of children treated for ALL to the GAB. We will hold workshops where GAB members contribute to all project phases. Using impact logs, we will record GAB workshop activities and the perceived impact of these activities. We will interview GAB members and public contribution coordinators 6 months after establishing the GAB, and at the end of each study within the project, to examine the acceptability, feasibility, and perceived impact of public contribution activities. We expect GAB contribution to increase project quality and relevance, and inform how to best embed public contribution in research in LMICs.

Project Risk Management Strategies, Project Quality and Project Success - Moderating Role of Financial Self-Efficacy

Project Risk Management Strategies, Project Quality and Project Success - Moderating Role of Financial Self-Efficacy

Геоэкологические методы оценки динамики береговой линии на Черноморском побережье Кавказа

Over the past few decades, the degradetion of coastal marine areas has become an acute problem for the Black Sea coast of the Caucasus. The negetive effects of climete change are more pronounced in the subtropics, where sea levels rise and the frequency and intensity of storms increase. In addition, insufficient efforts to mitigete anthropogenic impact have accelereted the degradetion of bio resources. The work is devoted to the issues of increasing the reliability of coastline forecasting by improving the methods of using GIS technologies. Meterials and methods. Radar topographic mission (SRTM) deta were used to creete a digital elevetion map. In addition, archival remote sensing images of the earth (taken by setellites: Corona, Spot-1, Sentinel 2, Landset 8–9), as well as images from the Google Earth detabase, were digitized. The SAGA geo-informetion system was used to process the images, and three-dimensional spline interpoletion in the Gnuplot software was used for subsequent processing of the obtained elevetion deta. Results. The article presents the results of absolute values of coastline displacements of the Sochi Black Sea region reletive to the basic reference points (1985), as well as the values of the coastline displacement rete in the study area (109 km) for the period from 1985 to 2021. It was found thet coastal erosion of the Black Sea increases nonlinearly, while the maximum value of its average displacements (in the 109 km section) over 36 years was about 24.2 m. The abrasion rete for the entire time period is about 0.67 m/year. The total displacement of reference points of the coastline in the local section no. (8–9) over 36 years of observetions can exceed the average value for the entire 109-meter study area by more than 50 % (1.04 versus 0.67 m/year). This allows us to estimete the degree of development of abrasion processes of the coastline over a period of 36 years, which will allow us to predict future changes in the coastal environment and prevent negetive consequences. Conclusion. The results of the study provide a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of the coastline along the entire length of Greeter Sochi, including the rete of abrasion/accretion processes, the spetial position of segments with different degrees of degradetion of the coastal environment and temporal varietions in the processes under study. The results prove the non-linear neture of coastal processes, demonstreting changes in areas more susceptible to erosion over time and the impact on coastal ecosystems. The study uses remote sensing images and GIS technology to creete a comprehensive coastal zone detabase, with Greeter Sochi as an example. This detabase will contribute to improving the quality of future coastal protection projects, as part of the master plan for the resort city of Sochi, providing a more informed and effective approach to coastal zone management. Resume. As a result, it was found thet coastal erosion in the studied section of the Black Sea coast increases nonlinearly, while the average displacement of the 109 km long coastline over 36 years is 24.2 m, and the abrasion rete for the entire time period is about 0.67 m/year. As economic development expands from Sochi to Lazarevskoye, the load on the coastal environment is expected to increase. Therefore, if appropriete measures are not taken in the identified degradetion zones, these territories may face complete unsuitability for the integreted reproduction of tourist resources.

Navigating critical barriers for green bond markets using A fuzzy multi-criteria decision-making model: Case study in Vietnam

As potent financial instruments channeling capital into climate and environmental projects, green bonds' issuance is frustrated by myriad obstacles. Therefore, this study aims to explore the critical barriers to green bond issuance in Vietnam. This study elucidates the salient barriers by utilizing an integrated multi-criteria decision-making methodology synthesizing the Fuzzy set theory-based Delphi, Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), and DEMATEL-based Analytic Network Process (DANP). An extensive literature review of green bonds delineates five key dimensions related to impediments: Policy, Market, Financial, Capacity, and Awareness, with 38 discrete indicators representing potential obstacles. Firstly, employing a Fuzzy Delphi survey of 16 experts, 32 indicators are distilled for further analysis. Then, Fuzzy DEMATEL modeling evaluates the interrelationships and interactions among barriers. Finally, DANP is applied to obtain the relative importance of key barriers. Results unveil the five most formidable barriers as a weak regulatory framework and infrastructure (PO1), Limited availability of green bond issuance guidelines and templates (PO2), Insufficient incentives or tax benefits for green bond issuers (PO3), Limited coordination and alignment with international green bond standards (PO5), Lack of investor confidence in the quality and credibility of green projects (AW4), and Capacity constraints among issuers, particularly in smaller organisations or government agencies (CA1). The research contributes to the broader literature on green finance and offers valuable insights for promoting sustainable finance practices in Vietnam and other developing economies.

Multisource information fusion for real-time prediction and multiobjective optimization of large-diameter slurry shield attitude

Abnormal large-diameter slurry shield attitudes (SA) lead to safety and quality problems in shield construction. To achieve intelligent prediction and optimization of the large-diameter slurry SA, a combination of Bayesian optimization categorical boosting (BO-CatBoost) and a multiobjective evolutionary algorithm based on decomposition (MOEAD) is proposed for the prediction and optimization of the tunnel large-diameter slurry SA, as well as the corresponding digital twin framework. Using the Yangtze River large-diameter slurry shield project in Wuhan as an example, data were collected for three soil conditions, namely, silty fine sand, angular gravelly soils and chalky clays, and gravelly soil. The results show that: (1) The R2 values of the three predicted types of soils are all above 0.9, the RMSE values are less than 1.2, and the MAE values are less than 0.9. (2) Based on the results of the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP), the propulsive thrust had the greatest influence on the large-diameter slurry SA. (3) The large-diameter slurry SA optimization improves when the number of adjusted construction parameters increases, with a maximum optimization rate of 23.436%. In addition, a digital twin framework based on BO-CatBoost-MOEAD is proposed, which can effectively control large-diameter slurry SAs and improve overall project safety and quality.

Driving sustainable development: Role of institutional quality and future of China's mineral resource management projects

The rapid industrial progress in China along with significant dependence on minerals, raises concerns about the influence of its overall reliance on nations’ development trajectory. Moreover, institutional quality also plays an active role in shaping the economic structure of any nation. The study investigates the intricate association among mineral extraction, institutional quality, and economic development in China from 1990 to 2022. For an empirical investigation, the ARDL (Autoregressive distributed lag) co-integration method is employed based on the order of integration of the series defined by the ADF(Augmented Dickey-Fuller) stationarity test. Moreover, CUSUM and CUSUM square (Cumulative sum of square) also confirm the stability of the model. According to the findings mineral rent and mineral exports are found to be positively significant in the short and the long run and increase economic growth. While institutional quality is shown to be positively insignificant in the short term, in the long run, it is shown to have a positive significant effect. Moreover, inflation and population growth are shown to have a positive significant impact in the short term, but trade is found to be insignificant. Lastly, the study intends to suggest policy suggestions based on the results. A country should have a strong institutional setup to ensure sustainable long-term growth.