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The purpose of this paper is to identify various factors influencing additive manufacturing (AM) implementation from operational performance in the Indian manufacturing sector and to establish the hierarchical relationship among them.

The methodology includes three phases, namely, identification of factors through systematic literature review (SLR), interviews with experts to capture industry perspective of AM implementation factors and to develop the hierarchical model and classify it by deriving the interrelationship between the factors using interpretive structural modeling (ISM), followed with the fuzzy Matrice d’Impacts Croisés Multiplication Appliqués à un Classement (MICMAC) analysis.

This research has identified 14 key factors that influence the successful AM implementation in the Indian manufacturing sector. Based on the analysis, top management commitment is an essential factor with high driving power, which exaggerates other factors. Factors, namely, manufacturing flexibility, operational excellence and firm competitiveness are placed at the top level of the model, which indicates that they have less driving power and organizations need to focus on those factors after implementing the bottom-level factors.

Additional factors may be considered, which are important for AM implementation from different industry contexts. The variations from different industry contexts and geographical locations can foster the theoretical robustness of the model.

The proposed ISM model sets the directions for business managers in planning the operational strategies for addressing AM implementation issues in the Indian manufacturing sector. Also, competitive strategies may be framed by organizations based on the driving and dependence power of AM implementation factors.

This paper contributes by identification of AM implementation factors based on in-depth literature review as per SLR methodology and validation of these factors from a variety of industries and developing hierarchical model by integrative ISM-MICMAC approach.

The agri-food industry is experiencing a revolutionary shift due to the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies to improve efficiency, transparency and sustainability. The importance of agri-food supply chains (AFSC) in promoting sustainability is expanding as the globe struggles with issues including resource scarcity, climate change and population growth. In order to better understand how Industry 4.0 might improve sustainability in a world that is changing quickly, this work aims to focus on identifying various sustainability assessment factors influencing AFSC to increase overall sustainability, minimize resource consumption, cut waste and streamline operations.

Important sustainability assessment factors are identified from the past academic literature and are then validated using the fuzzy-Delphi method. A method called decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) is used to examine and analyze structural models with complex causal linkages. The results are then validated using sensitivity analysis.

The factors that emerged as the highest ranked for evaluating the sustainability of Industry 4.0 in AFSC are market competitiveness, and knowledge and skill development, followed by resource efficiency. Industry 4.0 technologies are essential for increasing the marketability of agricultural products because of the major implications of market competitiveness. The significance of knowledge and skill development draws attention to Industry 4.0’s contribution to the promotion of chances for farmers and agricultural employees to increase their capability.

By outlining the nexus between Industry 4.0 technologies and sustainability, the study presents a comprehensive framework that would be relevant for researchers, policymakers and industry stakeholders who want to leverage Industry 4.0 technology to build more sustainable AFSC in the future. The study findings can help the farmers or producers make sensible choices that adhere to sustainability standards and guarantee long-term financial viability.

The originality of this work lies in the identification of sustainability assessment factors especially for AFSC in the era of digitalization which has not been discussed previously.

The historic Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an economic reform policy proposed by the Chinese Government that focuses on connectivity, improved collaboration and more robust economic relations. This paper aims to identify risks involved in BRI infrastructure project and establish a hierarchical relationship among them.

The methodology includes two phases, namely, identification of significant risks involved in the BRI project using systematic literature review and to develop a hierarchical relationship between the risks using interpretive structural modeling followed by the MICMAC analysis.

This work has identified the 11 risks of BRI infrastructure projects through academic literature. Based on the analysis, economic risk (R3), environmental risk (R1) and political risk (R2) are placed at level six in the ISM model and can significantly influence BRI infrastructure projects. These risks have high driving power, which exaggerates other risks.

This study would help Engineering Procurements and Construction contractors in strategic decision-making select risk mitigation strategies and make robust and efficient infrastructure projects. However, additional factors may be considered, which are essential for the BRI infrastructure project.

This research’s novelty lies in the advancement of expertise in project risk assessment. This study contributes by identifying the most significant risks involved in the BRI project. The integrated ISM-MICMAC approach provides a macro picture of BRI project risks to formulate better strategies for its success.