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Digitalization has significantly impacted the job roles of construction professionals globally. This study aims to investigate how to manage the adverse effects of digitalization on roles of quantity surveyor (QS) by assessing the level of digitalization of quantity surveying key roles identifying the adverse effects of digitalization on key roles and proposing mitigation strategies to manage adverse effects. It addresses a critical gap by providing a nuanced understanding of adverse effects faced by QSs due to digital advancement.

Adopting an interpretive stance, the research involved three rounds of 16 semistructured interviews with experts selected through heterogeneous purposive sampling. The data were analyzed using code-based content analysis with NVivo12.

The study identified ten quantity surveying key roles adopting digital technologies. While digitalization has enhanced efficiency and accuracy, it has also introduced adverse effects such as increased workload, potential burnout due to skills shortages, resistance to digital tools and data security concerns. Effective mitigation strategies include task prioritization, balancing traditional and digital skills and investing in continuous training. The study underscores the need for ongoing professional development for QSs and organizational restructuring to support digital integration, enhance workflow efficiency and reduce resistance to technological changes.

This study’s novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization’s usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects.

This study’s novel contribution lies in its exploration of the adverse effects of digitalization on the QSs, usage and the level of adaptation of digital tools by QSs and strategies to manage them. Therefore, the findings of this study serve as precious steerage for QSs to have an in-depth understanding of digitalization’s usage and level of adaptation, its adverse effects and mitigation of the adverse effects.

The paper aims to study the influence of Industry 4.0 technologies on the business sustainability of private hospitals by focusing on the mediating role of total quality management practices in private hospitals in the West Bank.

Data from the top and middle managers of private hospitals in the West Bank regions of Palestine were collected through a questionnaire assessed for validity and reliability. Furthermore, we used the structural equation modelling technique of partial least squares for the data analysis.

The findings confirm that Industry 4.0 technologies do not affect business sustainability. The findings also emphasise the association between Industry 4.0 technologies and total quality management philosophy, and total quality management completely mediates the relationship between Industry 4.0 and business sustainability.

This study provides practical implications for achieving the hospital sector's sustainability by merging Industry 4.0 technologies with total quality management practices, which provides valuable insights into the hospital's policies and practices and individuals vital to data exchange and policy enforcement within the sustainability of organisations.

This study is one of the first to investigate the combined effects of Industry 4.0 technologies, total quality management and business sustainability in the healthcare industry following the COVID-19 outbreak. This research is one of few empirical works exploring the interface between Industry 4.0 technologies and total quality management in developing countries, specifically Palestine.

Administrative processes play a crucial role in various sectors, often contributing to cost overruns and delays. While lean concept has been extensively applied in many industries, there is a recognized need for further research on the integration of lean in administrative processes. To address this research gap, this study aims to systematically analyse the implementation of lean in administrative processes, providing a sector-wise comparison to explore its prospects for the construction industry.

A systematic literature review was conducted by adapting the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses method. Eighty-six research papers are subjected to descriptive and content analysis on different tools applied in lean integrated administrative processes in health care, education, public administration and other sectors.

The research study reveals common lean tools irrespective of sector. Moreover, specific tools used for a particular sector are analysed. Out of the various lean tools and techniques, value stream mapping, 5S and Kaizen are highly acknowledged tools in every sector of lean intervention. Furthermore, ECRS is applied explicitly in the education sector. Furthermore, it is noted that Suppliers, Inputs, Process, Outputs and Customers (SIPOC), 5whys, load levelling and control charts are identical to administrative processes in lean health care. Furthermore, Spaghetti charts and Kaikaku are only adapted to administrative processes in the public administration sector, and causal loop diagrams are used explicitly in administrative processes in the construction sector.

This study contributes to research by developing a guideline to design lean intervention for a lean-integrated administrative process in any sector which still needs to be transformed into lean. Hence, this study will be a cornerstone for incorporating lean principles for administrative processes in construction sector.

Lean Six Sigma (LSS) is often perceived as a foundation for implementing Industry 4.0 (I4.0) within an organization, with the two strengthening each other in different ways. The purpose of this article is to examine the evolution, trends and motivation for merging LSS and I4.0 and to gain insights into LSS 4.0 in both manufacturing and service sectors. This article also explores the effective methods for integrating and implementing LSS 4.0 in both manufacturing and service sectors, along with conducting a Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) analysis of LSS 4.0.

By conducting a systematic literature review in compliance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, relevant literature from 2010 to 2023 was reviewed using appropriate keywords and research criteria. The objective was to identify, select and evaluate research articles related to LSS 4.0. Consequently, 159 relevant papers were located in databases, including Elsevier, Taylor and Francis Group, IEEE, Springer, Emerald Insights, Scopus and non-Scopus databases. Additionally, this review aimed to understand the progress of LSS 4.0 from the manufacturing and service sector context and to perform a SWOT analysis of LSS 4.0.

This review reveals a significant surge in the literature on LSS and I4.0 over the past three years. The research articles were categorized based on various themes, including the publisher, journals, types of articles and geographical factors such as country and continent. Additionally, the review examined the progress of LSS 4.0 in both manufacturing and service sectors. A SWOT analysis was also performed to identify the SWOT of LSS 4.0.

This is the first exclusive research work to conduct a SWOT analysis of LSS 4.0. This research article is highly valuable for academicians, researchers, policymakers and practitioners as it helps to identify the SWOT of LSS 4.0. Furthermore, it provides an overview of the progress of LSS 4.0 from both manufacturing and service sector perspectives, and significant case studies are discussed.