Technology Organization Environment Framework Research Articles

Cloud-Based E-Government (CBEG): A Systematic Literature Review

The field of cloud-based electronic government (CBEG) is still expanding. Some conflicting results have been published regarding the factors influencing the adoption of CBEG. The paper aims to review the literature and understand the status of CBEG and the factors behind its adoption. Specific keywords related to the topic were used to extract articles from reliable databases. An extensive review was done on a total of 41 articles published between 2016 and August 2022. The findings showed that there has been an increase in the number of articles related to CBEG, specifically in the public sector. The review also showed that the quantitative approach outperformed other approaches. The Technology Organization Environment (TOE) framework and Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) were used in the majority of the reviewed papers. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied intensively in the reviewed papers. The most important factors for CBEG adoption are top-level management support, security, compatibility, relative advantage, complexity, and privacy. Future studies are recommended to expand the scope of inclusion criteria, conduct more empirical studies on CBEG, and deploy mediators and moderators. Empirically, combining more theories can explain more about the adoption of CBEG. The findings help decision-makers better understand the predictors of the successful adoption of CBEG.

The impact and adoption of emerging technologies on accounting: perceptions of Canadian companies

Purpose This study aims to focus on the five most relevant and discursive emerging technologies in accounting (cloud computing, big data and data analytics, blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics process automation [RPA]). It investigates the adoption and use of these technologies based on data collected from accounting professionals in a technology-developed country – Canada, through a survey. Design/methodology/approach The study investigates the adoption and use of emerging technologies based on data collected from accounting professionals in a technology-developed country – Canada, through a survey. This study considers the said nature and characteristics of emerging technologies and proposes a model using the factors that have been found to be significant and most commonly investigated by existing prior technology-organization-environment (TOE)-related technology adoption studies. This survey applies the TOE framework and examines the influence of significant and most commonly known factors on Canadian firms’ intention to adopt the said emerging technologies. Findings Study results indicate that Canadian accounting professionals’ self-assessed knowledge (about these emerging technologies) is more theoretical than operational. Cloud computing is highly used by Canadian firms, while the use of other technologies, particularly blockchain and RPA, is reportedly low. However, firms’ intention about the future adoption of these technologies seems positive. Study results reveal that only the relative advantage and top management commitment are found to be significant considerations influencing the adoption intention. Research limitations/implications Study findings confirm some results presented in earlier studies but provide additional insights from a new perspective, that of accounting professionals in Canada. The first limitation relates to the respondents. Although accounting professionals provided valuable insights, their responses are personal views and do not necessarily represent the views of other professionals within the same firm or the official position of their accounting departments or firms. Therefore, the exclusion of diverse viewpoints from the same firm might have negatively impacted the results of this study. Second, this study sample is limited to Canada-based firms, which means that the study reflects only the situation in that country. Third, considering the research method and the limit on the number of questions the authors could ask, respondents were only asked to rate the impact of these five technologies on the accounting field and to clarify which technologies are used. Practical implications This study’s findings confirm that the organizational intention to adopt new technology is not primarily based on the characteristics of the technology. In the case of emerging technology adoption, the decision also depends upon other factors related to the internal organization. Furthermore, although this study found no support for the effect of environmental factors, it fills a gap in the literature by including the factor of vendor support, which has received little attention in prior information technology (IT)/ information system (IS) adoption research. Moreover, in contrast to most prior adoption studies, this study elaborates on accounting professionals’ experience and perceptions in investigating the organizational adoption and use of emerging technologies. Thus, the findings of this study are valuable, providing insights from a new perspective, that of professional accountants. Social implications The study findings may serve as a guide for researchers, practitioners, firms and other stakeholders, particularly technology providers, interested in learning about emerging technologies’ adoption and use in Canada and/or in a relevant context. Contrary to most prior adoption studies, this study elaborates on accounting professionals’ experience and perceptions in investigating the organizational adoption and use of emerging technologies. Thus, the findings of this study are valuable, providing insights from a new perspective, that of professional accountants. Originality/value The study provides insights into the said technologies’ actual adoption and improves the awareness of firms and stakeholders to the effect of some constructs that influence the adoption of these emerging technologies in accounting.

Determinants of corporate green innovation? A configuration analysis based on the TOE framework

ABSTRACT Green innovation (GI) is pivotal for enterprises aiming at green development. However, there is a lack of comprehensive research on the configurations that lead to high-level GI, especially considering the diversity among firms. Leveraging the Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) framework, this study employs fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) on data from 1,293 listed Chinese enterprises spanning 2010–2021 to uncover the intricate paths towards achieving substantial GI. Our findings reveal distinct pathways for high-tech and non-high-tech enterprises, elucidating the nuanced interplay between internal capabilities and external incentives. Specifically, we identify five configurations for high-level GI in high-tech enterprises, epitomised by a ‘dual-wheel drive’ of government support and digital transformation underpinned by signal theory. In contrast, two configurations are discernible for non-high-tech enterprises, characterised by a synergistic ‘government and senior executive cooperation’ model grounded in resource-based theory. These insights culminate in two propositions regarding GI configuration, advocating for an outcome equivalence perspective. This research represents a pioneering exploration that connects firm heterogeneity with the configuration of internal and external conditions through lenses of ‘structure’ and ‘collaboration,’ offering novel pathways for green innovation across diverse enterprise landscapes.

Exploring paths underpinning the implementation of municipal waste sorting: Evidence from China

Urban residents' waste sorting plays a pivotal role in addressing the pressing challenge of the “waste siege” in China and is also closely associated with the quality of urban governance. We draw on the Technology–Organization–Environment framework to identify six key variables affecting municipal waste sorting in China: digital technology innovation, attention allocation, publicity and education, enforcement intensity, economic development level, and volunteer resources. Using the fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) method to analyze the effect of conditions on municipal waste sorting, the results show the following: 1) A single condition is insufficient to ensure high levels of municipal waste sorting. We propose that the “multiple concurrency” of technological, organizational, and environmental conditions creates diverse paths for promoting municipal waste sorting. 2) We then identify three paths for waste-sorting promotion, which all require technological, organizational, and environmental conditions. In addition, the two paths obtained for low levels of municipal waste sorting are not the opposite of those obtained for high levels. By observing the above five paths of waste sorting, we deduced that digital technology innovation is indispensable in driving waste sorting, and 3) Our cross-case comparisons show that there are effective paths to waste-sorting governance that work for cities regardless of their location or piloting. In some cases, high levels of attention allocation and high levels of publicity and education are substitutes for each other. We recommend that local governments refer to their own unique characteristics and resource endowments when tailoring waste-sorting strategies.

Exploring critical success factors for digital transformation in construction industry–based on TOE framework

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the critical success factors of digital transformation in the construction industry and identify whether the respondents' profiles influence their perceptions of critical success factors for digital transformation.Design/methodology/approachTo achieve the objectives, a literature review was first conducted based on technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework. Then a questionnaire survey was carried out. A total of 86 people were surveyed in this study, mainly from the construction industry. At the level of data processing, SPSS was used for analysis. Among the main tests used were the Shapiro–Wilk test, reliability analysis, mean rank analysis, Kruskal–Wallis test and Mann–Whitney U test.FindingsThe study identified 15 critical success factors of digital transformation and found the three most important factors of digital transformation. Furthermore, respondents with different years of experience, enterprises with different sizes and different years made no difference in the perception of factors. Respondents' different occupations and types of enterprises created a bias in the perception of factors for digital transformation.Research limitations/implicationsFirstly, the small sample size of the questionnaire limits the reference value of data analysis for certain groups. In addition, this study focuses broadly on construction enterprises without specifically examining different types of enterprises, thus lacking depth in its findings.Practical implicationsThis study establishes a connection between TOE theory and the construction industry through an extensive literature review, identifying relevant factors and providing a reference for future research.Originality/valueThe study's results would enrich the research on digital transformation in the construction industry and provide a reference for the digital transformation of construction enterprises.

Navigating illegal land use in the quest for a just energy transition

Illegal land use inhibits available land for renewable resource development and hinders a just energy transition, posing a significant challenge to sustainability. This article utilizes the TOE (Technology, Organization, Environment) framework to examine the impact of under-regulation on illegal land use in China. By employing a multidisciplinary approach, the study navigates the complexities of unscrupulous land practices and uncovers their socio-economic and environmental implications. Findings from panel data analysis covering the period of 1999 to 2009 reveal several key insights. Firstly, inadequate technology hampers regulators' ability to detect illegal activities, leading to an increase in the area of illegal land use. Secondly, a high turnover rate of regulatory officers is linked to lower levels of punishment for illegal land use, thereby contributing to an expansion of illegal land use. Thirdly, a permissive government-business environment hinders the effective enforcement of the land approval system, thereby restraining the prevention of illegal land use. Through case studies and policy analyses, the research aims to reveal the challenges and obstacles arising from illegal land use in transitioning to a cleaner energy future. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of the obstacles posed by illegal land use, offering insights to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and advocates in navigating towards a more equitable and sustainable energy landscape.

Leveraging the TOE Framework: Examining the Potential of Mobile Health (mHealth) to Mitigate Health Inequalities

(1) Aims and Objectives: Mobile health (mHealth) is increasingly becoming a favorite healthcare delivery solution in underserved areas around the globe. This study aims to identify the influence of technology–organization–environment (TOE) factors on mHealth adoption and to assess the influence of mHealth on the reduction in health disparities in the context of healthcare delivery in low-resource settings. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional survey of physicians and nurses was carried out at six hospitals in the public and private health sectors in Pakistan. The survey’s theoretical foundation is based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework. TOE constructs (relative advantage, compatibility, management support, organizational readiness, external support, and government regulations) were used to develop hypotheses. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). (3) Results: Findings from this study show that management support and external support are the two main predictors of mHealth adoption among healthcare professionals. The study proposes an mHealth adoption model that can significantly contribute towards improving medical outcomes, reducing inefficiencies, expanding access, lowering costs, raising quality, making medicine more personalized for patients, and gaining advantages from mHealth solutions in order to reduce health disparities. (4) Conclusion: The study suggests that there is no single approach that could support mHealth adoption. Instead, a holistic approach is required that considers cultural, economic, technological, organizational, and environmental factors for successful mHealth adoption in low-resource settings. Our proposed mHealth model offers guidance to policymakers, health organizations, governments, and political leaders to make informed decisions regarding mHealth implementation plans.

Data driven predictive maintenance for large-scale asset-heavy process industries in Singapore

PurposeThis paper aims at identifying the key factors influencing the adoption intention of data analytics for predictive maintenance (PdM) from the lens of the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework in the Singapore Process Industries context. The research model aids practitioners and researchers in developing a holistic maintenance strategy for large-scale asset-heavy process industries.Design/methodology/approachThe TOE framework has been used in this study to consider a wide set of TOE factors and develop a research model with the support of literature. A survey is undertaken and the structural equation modelling (SEM) technique is adopted to test the hypotheses of the proposed model.FindingsThis research highlights the significant roles of digital infrastructure readiness, security and privacy, top management support, organizational competence, partnership with external consultants and government support in influencing adoption intention of data analytics for PdM. Perceived challenges related to organizational restructuring and process automation are not found significant in influencing the adoption intention.Practical implicationsThis paper reports valuable insights on adoption intention of data analytics for PdM with relevant implications for the various stakeholders such as the leaders and senior managers of process manufacturing industry companies, government agencies, technology consultants and service providers.Originality/valueThis research uniquely validates the model for the adoption of data analytics for PdM in the process industries using the TOE framework. It reveals the significant technology, organizational and environmental factors influencing the adoption intention and highlights the relevant insights and implications for stakeholders.

Factors and moderators influencing artificial intelligence adoption by Jordanian MSMEs

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the factors influencing the adoption intention of artificial intelligence (AI) by micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Jordan.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts the technology–organization–environment (TOE) model. It examines the moderating effects of innovation culture, employee digital skill level and market competition on the relationships between the independent and dependent variables. A survey was utilized to collect data from 537 MSME owners or managers in Jordan and employed partial least squares structural equation modeling to test the hypotheses.FindingsThe results of the study support seven out of eight hypotheses. Business innovativeness, management support, perceived benefits and technological infrastructure have positive and significant effects on AI adoption intention, while perceived costs have no significant effect. However, the innovation culture, employee digital skill level and market competition were found to moderate the relationships between some of the independent variables and dependent variables.Practical implicationsThe study provides valuable insights and recommendations for MSME owners, managers, employees, policymakers, educators and researchers interested in promoting and facilitating AI adoption by MSMEs in Jordan.Originality/valueThe current attempt extends the TOE framework by adding significant constructs representing the three contexts. Moreover, it is one of the few studies that analyzed the factors influencing the adoption intention of AI by MSMEs in Jordan, which are significant to the Jordanian economy and represent 99.5% of enterprises.

Organizational Readiness to Adopt Artificial Intelligence in the Library and Information Sector of Pakistan

Objective – This study investigates the readiness for artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in library and information centres of Pakistani universities. The projected outcomes of this study are expected to contribute to the development of best practices for effectively motivating university administrators and preparing librarians for adopting AI in library and information centres. Methods – A theoretical framework combining the technology-organization-environment (TOE) framework and the Technology Readiness Index (TRI) guided this qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with 27 senior representatives, including library managers and registrars, from 27 universities across four provinces and the capital city, Islamabad. A systematic approach was employed to analyze the data. Results – The findings indicate that the concept of AI adoption in Pakistani university libraries is new. The library and information sector of Pakistan is slow in adopting AI, which could have implications for its future competitiveness, despite the push for AI adoption by university librarians and administrators. The readiness for AI adoption in this sector is influenced by factors such as organizational technological practices, financial resources, university size, and data management and protection concerns. Conclusion – Library managers and researchers can implement the TOE framework and TRI scale to facilitate AI adoption in a manner that is relevant to library and information settings in Pakistan as well as other parts of the world. Our research indicates that most adoptions are still in their nascent phases, and numerous library managers feel uneasy due to either uncertainties about the precise benefits AI can bring to their libraries or a lack of knowledge and skills for its effective implementation. To manage the networks of internal and external stakeholders essential for successful AI adoption, universities should consider appointing individuals with a specialized knowledge of AI within their libraries.

How top leaders’ support affects open government data (OGD)-driven innovation capacity of firms: Based on the TOE framework perspective

Abstract The innovation value of open government data (OGD) drives firms to the participation in OGD-driven innovation. However, to fully excavate the innovation value of OGD for firms, it is essential to explore the factors and mechanisms that affect OGD-driven innovation capacity. On the basis of the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework, a theoretical model affecting OGD-driven innovation capacity is proposed for analysis by partial least squares structural equation modeling with 236 sample data from China. The results indicate that top leaders’ support positively impacts on OGD-driven innovation capacity in firms. And we also prove that technical competence, organizational arrangement, and innovation support partially mediate the relationship between top leaders’ support and OGD-driven innovation capacity on the basis of the TOE framework. Consequently, the findings provide new research perspectives and practical guidance for promoting OGD-driven innovation capacity in firms.

Multiple paths of green and low-carbon development in industrial parks: group analysis based on the TOE framework

The green and low-carbon development of industrial parks plays an important role in promoting industrial and technological agglomeration, How to optimise their green and low-carbon development pathways is an important management question to be answered, requiring the examination of multiple path based on a histological perspective. Based on the technology–organisation–environment framework, this study selected 29 state-level economic and technological development zones (ETDZs) in China as research objects, and explored multiple sets of paths using fuzzy set qualitative comparison and necessity-contribution analysis. The study found that: 1) four promotion paths can be adopted for green low-carbon development of the zones: endogenous drive, balanced promotion, core support drive and comprehensive drive; 2) single environmental factor does not constitute a bottleneck hindering the green low-carbon development of the zones, which should be combined with the actual situation of the zones, and the balanced enhancement of the effectiveness of green and low-carbon should be realised through measures such as industrial policy, environmental risk prevention, and performance assessment of green policies. Finally, the study proposes the following policy recommendations: industrial parks should focus on the key role of environmental risk prevention, apply a combination of measures in accordance with their own realities, and appropriate external pressure can help promote green and low-carbon development.

An assessment of critical success factors in information security implementation in organizations in Ghana

Purpose This paper aims to identify the critical success factors in improving information security in Ghanaian firms. Design/methodology/approach Through an exploratory study of both public and private Ghanaian organizations. The study relied on a research model based on the technology–organization–environment (TOE) framework and a survey instrument to collect data from 525 employees. The data was analyzed using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). Findings The findings confirm the role of the technological, organizational and environmental contexts as significant determinants in the implementation of information security in Ghanaian organizations. Results from PLS-SEM analysis demonstrated a positive correlation between the technology component of information security initiative, organization’s internal efforts toward its acceptance and a successful implementation of information security in Ghanaian firms. Top management support and fund allocation among others will result in positive information security initiatives and positive attitudes toward securing the organization’s information assets. Research limitations/implications The authors discussed the implications of the authors’ findings for research, practice and policy. Social implications The results of this study will be useful for both governmental and non-governmental organizations in terms of best practices for increasing information security. Results from this study will aid organizations in developing countries to better understand their information security needs and identify the necessary procedures to address them. Originality/value This study contributes to filling the knowledge gap in organizational information security research and the TOE framework. Despite the TOE framework being one of the most influential theories in contemporary research of information system domains in an organizational context, there is not enough research linking the domains of information security and the TOE model.

Assessing the critical determinants of cross-border E-commerce adoption intention in Vietnamese small and medium-sized enterprises: PLS-SEM algorithm approach

Cross-border e-commerce(CBEC) has created enormous economic benefits for consumers and vendors worldwide. Vietnamese Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SMEs) can enhance their competitiveness and facilitate their integration into the global market via cross-border e-commerce adoption. This study assesses the critical determinants of cross-border e-commerce adoption intention in Vietnamese SMEs. This study integrates the factors of the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to construct a holistic framework to assess the critical determinants of cross-border e-commerce adoption intentions among SMEs in Vietnam. The research method utilised Structural Equation Modelling Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) with SmartPLS (version 4.0) to evaluate the relationship between variables. The sample size consists of 400 respondents from Vietnamese SMEs. The results indicate that perceived behavioural control, subjective norms, and attitudes toward CBEC adoption are the critical determinants of cross-border e-commerce adoption intention among Vietnamese SMEs. For the technological dimensions of the TOE framework, perceived benefits, perceived compatibility and perceived security positively relate to attitude toward CBEC adoption; perceived complexity and perceived cost negatively relate to attitude toward CBEC adoption and perceived behavioural control. For the organisational dimensions of the TOE framework, government support, customer pressure, and competitive pressure positively relate to subjective norms. For the environmental dimensions of the TOE framework, organisational readiness, organisational innovativeness, and e-commerce knowledge positively relate to perceived behavioural control. By integrating the constructs of TPB and TOE into a single framework, this study adds to current knowledge by addressing the literature gap on the significant role of organisational and environmental factors in the adoption of SMEs' CBEC in developing countries like Vietnam. The managerial implications provided a holistic view of SMEs' perspectives and practices on promoting the CBEC adoption intention.

Factors affecting Big Data adoption in a government organisation in the Western Cape

Background: Government organisations have realised the potential to derive value from Big Data (BD) and need to adopt BD. Currently, South African governmental organisations have not fully committed to adopting BD because they are unsure if they are adequately equipped, and additional empirical research is required to understand the salient factors that influence BD adoption.Objectives: This research investigates the factors influencing the adoption of BD at a government organisation in the Western Cape, South Africa.Method: This study adopted a qualitative research approach, using semi-structured interviews and snowball sampling to collect data from 11 participants at a government organisation in the Western Cape. Participants provided informed consent and it uses a thematic analysis approach to analyse the data.Results: The technology-organisation-environment (TOE) framework was used to study the factors influencing BD adoption at government organisations. Seventeen factors were identified, the majority in the organisational context of TOE framework. The salient factors were identified as top management support, finance, and budget, skills and talent and organisational strategy.Conclusion: The study found 17 factors that influence the adoption of BD at this government organisation and provides recommendations on how to address those factors to ensure that BD is adopted successfully.Contribution: This study presents empirical evidence of the factors that influence BD adoption in government organisations. By considering these factors, government organisations can integrate and synergise IT and business to ensure that the core business of government, which is service delivery to the citizens, is achieved competently by harnessing the potential of BD.

Artificial Intelligence Adoption by SMEs to Achieve Sustainable Business Performance: Application of Technology–Organization–Environment Framework

The primary purpose of this study was to investigate and present a theoretical model that identifies the most influential factors affecting the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) by SMEs to achieve sustainable business performance in Saudi Arabia by integrating the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework. The authors utilized a quantitative method, using a survey instrument for this research. Data for this research were collected from managers working in six different sectors. Subsequently, based on company size, firms were divided into two groups, allowing multi-group analysis of small and medium-sized businesses to explore group differences. Hence, firm size played a moderating role in the conceptualized model. Data analysis was performed on SmartPLS 3, and the results suggest that dimensions of the TOE framework, such as relative advantage, compatibility, sustainable human capital, market and customer demand, and government support, play a significant role in the adoption of AI. Moreover, this study found a significant influence of AI on SMEs’ operational and economic performance. The multi-group analysis (MGA) results reveal significant group differences, with a medium-sized firm strengthening the relationship between relative advantage and AI adoption compared to small-size firms. The findings lead to practical implications for companies on how to increase the adoption of AI to help SMEs embrace their technological challenges in KSA and obtain sustainable business performance to contribute to the economy.

Investigating the barriers to Quality 4.0 adoption in the Indian manufacturing sector: insights and implications for industry and policy-making

Purpose The research explores the shift to Quality 4.0, examining the move towards a data-focussed transformation within organizational frameworks. This transition is characterized by incorporating Industry 4.0 technological innovations into existing quality management frameworks, signifying a significant evolution in quality control systems. Despite the evident advantages, the practical deployment in the Indian manufacturing sector encounters various obstacles. This research is dedicated to a thorough examination of these impediments. It is structured around a set of pivotal research questions: First, it seeks to identify the key barriers that impede the adoption of Quality 4.0. Second, it aims to elucidate these barriers' interrelations and mutual dependencies. Thirdly, the research prioritizes these barriers in terms of their significance to the adoption process. Finally, it contemplates the ramifications of these priorities for the strategic advancement of manufacturing practices and the development of informed policies. By answering these questions, the research provides a detailed understanding of the challenges faced. It offers actionable insights for practitioners and policymakers implementing Quality 4.0 in the Indian manufacturing sector.Design/methodology/approach Employing Interpretive Structural Modelling and Matrix Impact of Cross Multiplication Applied to Classification, the authors probe the interdependencies amongst fourteen identified barriers inhibiting Quality 4.0 adoption. These barriers were categorized according to their driving power and dependence, providing a richer understanding of the dynamic obstacles within the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework.Findings The study results highlight the lack of Quality 4.0 standards and Big Data Analytics (BDA) tools as fundamental obstacles to integrating Quality 4.0 within the Indian manufacturing sector. Additionally, the study results contravene dominant academic narratives, suggesting that the cumulative impact of organizational barriers is marginal, contrary to theoretical postulations emphasizing their central significance in Quality 4.0 assimilation.Practical implications This research provides concrete strategies, such as developing a collaborative platform for sharing best practices in Quality 4.0 standards, which fosters a synergistic relationship between organizations and policymakers, for instance, by creating a joint task force, comprised of industry leaders and regulatory bodies, dedicated to formulating and disseminating comprehensive guidelines for Quality 4.0 adoption. This initiative could lead to establishing industry-wide standards, benefiting from the pooled expertise of diverse stakeholders. Additionally, the study underscores the necessity for robust, standardized Big Data Analytics tools specifically designed to meet the Quality 4.0 criteria, which can be developed through public-private partnerships. These tools would facilitate the seamless integration of Quality 4.0 processes, demonstrating a direct route for overcoming the barriers of inadequate standards.Originality/value This research delineates specific obstacles to Quality 4.0 adoption by applying the TOE framework, detailing how these barriers interact with and influence each other, particularly highlighting the previously overlooked environmental factors. The analysis reveals a critical interdependence between “lack of standards for Quality 4.0” and “lack of standardized BDA tools and solutions,” providing nuanced insights into their conjoined effect on stalling progress in this field. Moreover, the study contributes to the theoretical body of knowledge by mapping out these novel impediments, offering a more comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in adopting Quality 4.0.

Why do MNE foreign subsidiaries differ in supply chain management capability, and how does it matter?

Purpose Despite the growing and widespread importance of exploring the primary factors facilitating global value chain (GVC) and supply chain management, this topic has received surprisingly little attention to date. Drawing upon the technology–organization–environment framework and the resource-based view, this study aims to fill these important gaps in the literature by theorizing and developing a comprehensive model to explain how a foreign subsidiary of multinational enterprises can improve the upgrading of the GVC and supply chain performance in a host market. Design/methodology/approach Using survey data collected from 266 foreign subsidiaries of multinational enterprises operating in the Chinese manufacturing sector, this study empirically examines the theoretical framework using a structural equation modeling approach. Findings The results demonstrated that the relative advantages of digital technology, supplier diversification and environmental uncertainty all contribute positively to the development of foreign subsidiaries’ supply chain management capabilities. Meanwhile, supply chain management capability plays a positive role in foreign subsidiaries facilitating GVC upgrading and enhancing supply chain performance. Research limitations/implications The findings of this study provide many important implications and useful insights to foreign subsidiaries operating in an emerging host market by concentrating on how to develop and maintain their competitive advantages in the process of GVC reshaping and supply chain restructuring. Originality/value This study provides a useful guide to help firms better understand how they may develop and enhance their competitive advantages in upgrading their GVCs and implementing supply chain restructuring. In addition, this research generates important policy implications considering the recent trend toward creating more effective and sustainable global supply value chains.

Non-fungible tokens: The missing ingredient for sustainable supply chains in the metaverse age?

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs), unique digital assets on a blockchain that can represent ownership of digital or physical items, are potentially ground-breaking in their capacity for transforming the sustainability of supply chains. This paper explores and discusses how NFTs, analysed through the lens of the Technology Organisation Environment (TOE) framework, can drive supply chain sustainability and overcome the barriers to Blockchain Technology (BCT) adoption. We elucidate the unique value proposition of NFTs and explore the potential of ‘phygital products’ for linking digital NFTs to physical goods. Based on the existing literature and a review of real-world case studies, we propose that NFTs can (1) incentivise supply chain stakeholders to engage in more sustainable practices; (2) enhance customer willingness to pay for sustainable products; (3) provide anti-counterfeit measures; (4) support circular business model growth. A sustainable 'Mint-to-Order' production strategy starting with the creation (minting) of an NFT is proposed based on a synthesis of the findings. The use of NFTs has significant implications for both digital and physical product offerings and sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practice making a compelling case for adoption. This paper is one of the first to explore the potential of using NFTs to drive sustainability in supply chains forming an essential component of a metaverse nexus and delineating a future research agenda.

Strategic contexts, strategic orientations and organisational technology adoption: A configurational approach

AbstractDespite the broad application of the technology–organisation–environment (TOE) framework to explain firms' adoption of technology, prior research tends to over‐emphasise the independent effects of TOE elements while neglecting decision makers' strategic orientations when making organisational technology adoption decisions. This over‐simplistic interpretation of the TOE framework has culminated in inconsistent findings within extant literature. Considering the interdependencies among the three TOE elements in shaping organisational technology adoption and also decision‐makers' inclination to weigh the three TOE elements differently based on their strategic orientations, this study views organisational technology adoption from a systems standpoint based on a configurational approach. Particularly, we differentiate between two types of strategic orientations, namely functional orientation, which accentuates the technology‐induced efficiency gains and symbolic orientation, which stresses the image or reputation afforded through technology adoption. We advance a configurational model for organisational technology adoption that: (1) conceptualises organisational technology adoption as an outcome arising from distinct configurations of TOE elements, and; (2) extends the TOE framework by incorporating strategic orientation as an inevitable aspect of decision‐making for organisational technology adoption. To validate our proposed model, we conducted a field survey of 183 firms to collect data on their considerations underpinning organisational technology adoption before employing fuzzy‐set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to derive configurations of TOE elements responsible for driving such adoption. Analytical results reveal that the TOE configurations vary across three types of organisations (namely performance enhancer, image builder and strategic transformer). The theoretical and practical implications of our study are also discussed.