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This study explores the factors influencing knowledge hiding (KH) in international construction projects (ICPs), focussing on the role of ethnic minorities (EMs) and interpersonal distrust (ID). It also aims to understand how these factors influence KH and explore the mediating effect of ID on the relationship between EMs and KH.

A survey questionnaire was developed and distributed to professionals participating in ICPs. We used structural equation modelling (SEM) to analyse 294 valid responses, examining the effect of EMs, ID and demographic variables on KH behaviours. Our approach integrates insights from social identity theory (SIT) and actor network theory (ANT) to provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the observed dynamics.

The findings reveal that EMs significantly influence KH behaviours, with ID partially mediating this relationship. Additionally, demographic variables such as gender and age also play significant roles in KH behaviours. However, the degree of education did not show a significant impact on KH. Our results emphasise the critical importance of addressing ID and fostering inclusive environments to reduce KH.

While our study sheds light on the complex dynamics of KH in ICPs, further research could explore additional contextual factors and organisational influences. While our study emphasises the importance of inclusive practices and trust-building to mitigate KH, it also recognises the need for a deeper understanding of power dynamics and organisational contexts.

Our findings underscore the importance of creating transparent and inclusive cultures of knowledge sharing (KS). Implementing inclusion initiatives and providing cultural awareness training can enhance project outcomes and organisational success. We also propose a practical framework to mitigate KH by promoting trust, inclusivity and effective KS practices.

This study contributes to the understanding of knowledge management in multicultural project teams by integrating SIT and ANT, offering a comprehensive perspective on the factors driving KH in ICPs. The findings pave the way for future investigations into power dynamics and organisational contexts within ICPs.

By addressing the dearth of literature on the subject of cybersecurity risks and artificial intelligence (AI), this study aims to close a research gap by concentrating on the ever-changing environment of online social networks (OSNs) and technology. The main goals are to classify cyberattacks into categories like malware, phishing/spam and network intrusion detection; to identify efficient algorithms for preventing cyber threats; to review relevant literature from 2019 to 2020; and to use machine learning algorithms to detect suspicious behavior related to malware. The study offers a novel framework that suggests particular machine learning algorithms for every kind of cyber threat, hence improving cybersecurity knowledge and reaction capacities. This makes the research useful for examining the impact of cybersecurity on smart cities.

Thirty papers have been examined on AI and machine learning algorithms, including K-nearest-neighbor (KNN), convolutional neural networks (CNN) and Random Forest (RF), that were published in 2019 and 2020. Using analytical software (NVivo), a qualitative approach is used to retrieve pertinent data from the chosen research. The researchers divide cyberattacks into three groups: network intrusion detection, phishing/spam and malware.

The study’s conclusions center on how AI and machine learning algorithms linked to cybersecurity are reviewed in the literature, how cyberattacks are classified and how an inventive framework for identifying and reducing risks is proposed. This makes the research useful for researching the implications of cybersecurity for smart cities.

The practical implications of this research are noteworthy, particularly in the realms of technology, AI, machine learning and innovation. The utilization of the NVivo technique enhances decision-making in uncertain situations, making the study’s results more reliable. The findings showcase the applicability of tools in analyzing malicious cyberattacks to address issues related to social media attacks, emphasizing their practical utility. The study’s relevance is further highlighted by a real-world example, where a Kuwaiti public sector fell victim to a malware attack, underlining the importance of cybersecurity measures aligned with the New Kuwait 2035 strategic development plan. The innovative framework presented in the research guides the selection of algorithms for detecting specific malicious attacks, offering practical insights for securing information technology (IT) infrastructure in Kuwait.

The rapid digitization in Kuwait, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores the pivotal role of technology in government services. Ma’murov et al. (2023) emphasize the significance of digitization, particularly in accessing and verifying COVID-19 information. The call for a dedicated digital library for preserving pandemic-related material aligns with the evolving digital landscape. Cybersecurity emerges as a critical concern in Kuwait and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), necessitating transnational cooperation (Nasser Alshabib and Tiago Martins, 2022). In the local context, the inefficiency of information security systems and low awareness among government employees pose cybersecurity challenges (Abdulkareem et al., 2014). Social media’s role during the pandemic highlights its significance, yet the need for cybersecurity in this domain remains underexplored (Ma’murov et al., 2023; Safi et al., 2023).

The unique aspect of the paper is its in-depth investigation of the relationship between cybersecurity and AI in OSNs. It uses a special application of machine learning methods, including CNN, RF and KNN, to identify suspicious behavior patterns linked to malware. The detailed analysis of 30 research papers released between 2019 and 2020, which informs the choice of suitable algorithms for diverse cyber threats, further emphasizes the study’s uniqueness. The novel framework that has been suggested categorizes assaults and suggests certain machine learning techniques for identification, offering a useful instrument to improve comprehension and reactions to a variety of cybersecurity issues.

As the global focus on supply chain management has shifted toward the importance of digitalization, resilience and sustainability to ensure viability, this paradigm merits special consideration in the industrial supplier selection process in a VUCA (Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous) world. Additionally, the increasing geopolitical challenges further complicate the industrial supplier selection process, necessitating robust decision-making frameworks. Thus, this paper aims to present a decision-making system using a fuzzy inference system (FIS) for industrial supplier evaluation and selection, considering a new criterion: viability.

Fuzzy set theory, particularly a FIS, is used to address the subjectivity of decision-makers’ preferences. The suggested method’s validity is evaluated using a real automotive case study for industrial supplier selection situations.

Seventeen key criteria for viable industrial supplier selection were identified and used to evaluate and select the case study firm’s industrial supplier. The chosen supplier (B) demonstrated superior resilience, sustainability and digitalization capabilities, making it preferable to others. Specifically, supplier (B) exhibited exceptional adaptability to disruptions, a strong commitment to sustainable practices and advanced digital integration that enhances operational efficiency.

This study provides valuable insights for researchers and professionals by proposing a comprehensive industrial supplier selection system. Integrating diverse criteria is essential for viable performance in supply chains that enhances robustness and adaptability, supporting more strategic decision-making in supplier evaluation amid global and network-related challenges.

This novel paper introduces a new criterion, i.e. viability, in the industrial supplier selection process in the VUCA environment. In addition, it proposes a decision-making system for viable supplier performance evaluation. Furthermore, it validates the proposed FIS in an automotive case study.

The purpose of this article is to investigate the influence that firm-specific characteristics, such as organisational capabilities, risk management methods and stakeholder relationships, have on political risks (PRs) that are associated with multinational construction projects in Pakistan.

The methodology employed in this investigation involved the acquisition of data through the use of questionnaires administered to experts in the construction industry. The research applied a quantitative method, and the sources of the data are from the Pakistani stakeholders. One hundred questionnaires were used for the data collection during field visits. Based on the data, it has been ensured that the valid questionnaires were utilised, and the data were tested for validity and reliability. The analysis tool utilised was SPSS software. For the questionnaire, a total of 15 firm-specific factors were considered in order to design the survey, which specifically targeted the identified features. The factors identified as risks were investigated using quantitative method to determine firm-specific risks.

It was found that when stakeholders have a better grasp of these dynamics, they are better able to strengthen their resilience and efficacy in managing PRs, which ultimately increases the likelihood that the project will be successful.

International construction projects (ICPs) in emerging countries are substantially impacted by PRs, which can have a considerable impact on their success and sustainability. The study is localised and not generic as it is limited to Pakistan, and the risk factors considered are firm-specific but related to PRs.

By identifying key risk factors, these firms can develop targeted risk management strategies, leading to enhanced decision-making and more efficient resource allocation. Effective strategies include diversification, local partnerships and comprehensive risk assessments tailored to the unique challenges faced by international contracting firms in Pakistan.

ICPs in emerging countries like Pakistan face critical problems, which include the presence of PRs. Although the larger political environment plays a significant part, the manner in which businesses navigate and mitigate PRs is also influenced by firm-specific elements.

The study is novel in terms of the factors looked at, the data, the conceptual framework and the findings of the study. The dynamic political scene, which is characterised by instability, policy changes, corruption and geopolitical conflicts, poses significant dangers to the timeliness of projects, the expenses of such projects and the investments that are made in those projects.

Although the importance of entrepreneurial culture (EC) has been recognized, it remains unclear how EC affects sustainable competitive performance (SCP). This study aims to explore how EC affects SCP via the mediating role of innovation capability (IC) and the moderating role of digital marketing capability (DMC).

Based on data gathered from manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Malaysia, the proposed model was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling via SmartPLS software.

The analysis results indicate that EC affects IC, which in turn has a positive effect on SCP. In addition, IC mediates the EC-SCP relationship. Importantly, DMC positively moderates the EC–SCP relationship.

This study combines IC, DMC and SCP under resource-based view and dynamic capabilities theory into a single framework. Results confirm EC's impact on SMEs' manufacturing sector SCP, with IC mediating this link. However, the cross-sectional design restricts deeper respondent analysis.

This study offers SME managers/owners and decision-makers insights on enhancing EC for better performance and competitive edge. It highlights IC's crucial role in translating EC into innovation and value creation. Policymakers can also use these findings to design programs for SMEs in emerging markets.

This study underscores the significance of EC adoption not only to generate a sustainable competitive advantage for the firm but also to increase the social as well as economic well-being of the firm, especially in the context of emerging economies, such as Malaysia; which are characterized by diverse ethnic groups contributing to their unique social fabric.

This work fills the knowledge gap by providing empirical evidence for the mediating and moderating role of IC and DMC, respectively, in the link between EC and SCP, thus significantly contributing to emerging markets, where managers seek to enhance their understanding of using EC for fostering SCP.

The aim of this study is to conduct an in-depth exploration of the research landscape concerning the impact of social determinants of health (SDH) on the health outcomes of international migrants.

Leveraging the extensive Scopus database, this study retrieved a total of 2,255 articles spanning the years 1993–2023. The framework for analysis used the SDH categories outlined by the World Health Organization.

The research landscape exhibited an apparent increase in the number of publications, but not a net increase in the research productivity. The USA emerged as the leading contributor to research output, with the Journal of Immigrant and Minority Health emerging as the most prolific publication venue, and the University of Toronto ranking as the most prolific institution. The SDH category that received the highest number of publications was the “community and social context”. Migrants from different regions in Asia (East, Central and South Asia) and those from Latin America and the Caribbean region appeared to be the most commonly researched. Highly cited articles predominantly delved into mental health outcomes arising from discrimination and migration policies.

The findings proffer valuable insights for shaping future research endeavors, accentuating the imperative for diversified studies encompassing underrepresented domains, broader health outcomes and the inclusion of migrant populations from different world regions in investigative pursuits.

This study delivers a comprehensive analysis of the research landscape, unveiling critical trends in the realm of SDH and migrant health outcomes.

This paper aims to evaluate Morocco’s Whole-of-Government (WoG) framework during the 2023 Al Haouz earthquake, applying complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory to assess its effectiveness with minimal international aid. Through extensive stakeholder engagement and real-time analysis, it examines interagency coordination among civilian and military actors and their interactions with external nongovernmental responders. This study identifies strengths and weaknesses within the WoG framework and presents a strategic roadmap with practical recommendations to enhance disaster resilience, offering valuable insights for Morocco and other middle-income countries facing similar challenges.

Framed by CAS theory, this research uses a rigorous mixed-methods approach through a collaborative case study methodology. Qualitative insights were derived from on-site observations and interviews with 126 stakeholders, including survivors. At the same time, quantitative data were collected through content analysis from multiple sources and rigorously triangulated to capture the full spectrum of WoG mobilization. The data were processed using TAMS Analyzer, and systemic evaluation was conducted through the M-MACBETH methodology, supported by a 21-member expert group. Informed by the assessment results and international best practices, this paper presents an actionable roadmap aimed at building a stronger and more flexible disaster management (DM) system.

The case study reveals that Morocco’s experience offers both a warning and a blueprint for future disaster response efforts. Although the WoG framework successfully coordinated military, civilian and political leadership, weaknesses in local preparedness, civil society integration and misinformation management reduced the overall effectiveness of the response. Aligned with CAS principles and informed by global best practices, the research advocates creating a National Emergency Management Agency with a comprehensive nationwide organigram to balance community-led initiatives with centralized authority, fostering a more resilient, adaptive and coordinated DM system.

This paper addresses a key research gap by applying CAS theory to a real-world disaster in the underexplored North African context. It offers a detailed, first-hand evaluation of Morocco’s WoG framework, assessing its ability to manage a large-scale disaster with minimal yet selective international aid. This study paves the way for comparative research across regions, disaster types and governance models while providing a practical roadmap for Morocco and similar nations to transition toward a Whole-of-Society strategy for DM, enhancing long-term resilience.

Over the past few decades, BRICS nations have implemented several environmental legislations to combat environmental issues, along with the development of the financial sector. However, they still face the dual challenge of balancing financial development (FD) and reducing carbon emissions to achieve sustainable development. Hence, this study aims to explore how environmental policy stringency (EPS) influences FD in BRICS nations from 1993 to 2020.

The authors performed a panel data analysis to examine the effect of the EPS on FD. Firstly, they conducted a panel unit root test using the Levin–Lin–Chu and the Im–Pesaran–Shin unit root tests to check the stationarity of the data. Then, they used the fixed effect model for analysis. A feasible generalised least squares test is used to ensure the robustness of the results.

The EPS positively affects FD through financial markets and intuitions in BRICS nations, indicating that more stringent environmental policies of BRICS countries promote FD in these nations.

This study suggests that policymakers in BRICS nations should consider strengthening EPS, implying the dual benefit of aligning environmental sustainability goals with economic growth.

This study provides a deeper understanding by disassembling FD into financial markets and institutions, thereby establishing a nuanced relationship with EPS, which is highly relevant for addressing the distinctive financial systems and environmental challenges of BRICS nations. Therefore, this study fills this gap and offers new insights into the relationship between EPS and FD in these nations.