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This study examines the impact of Big Data technologies on operational efficiency in DP World’s supply chain and logistics operations. Employing a mixed-methods approach, we surveyed 405 stakeholders and performed 20 semi-structured interviews to investigate the incorporation of advanced analytics, machine learning, and real-time processing capabilities. The study employs Technology-Organization-Environment (TOE) and economic frameworks to examine the technological, organisational, environmental, and economic determinants affecting Big Data adoption. Results indicate substantial positive effects on the reduction of operational complexity, enhancement of customer responsiveness, improvement of supplier connections, and strengthening of technical partnerships. PLS-SEM analysis utilising ADANCO software validated all hypotheses, demonstrating robust connections between Big Data deployment and supply chain efficiency measures. Essential findings indicate that governmental assistance, organisational culture, and information technology infrastructure are crucial success determinants. The report offers practical advice for supply chain managers and policymakers, emphasising Big Data's revolutionary capacity for competitive advantage in global logistics operations.

This research investigates the contribution of women-owned businesses in driving economic development within the UAE, focusing on the primary elements influencing their success. A purposive sampling method was used to gather input from the Emirati businesswomen through a custom-designed questionnaire. Data were collected via various methods, including telephone interviews, email correspondence, and on-site visits where applicable. For analysis, the study employed partial least squares regression and structural equation modeling to assess both the measurement and structural frameworks. The evaluation centered on four key dimensions: individual attributes, organizational internal and external elements, support mechanisms, and the impact of national cultural norms. According to the results, business outcomes are positively influenced by individual traits, cultural context, external conditions, and support networks, whereas internal factors appear to lack significant influence. Notably, while the prevailing national culture enhances the overall performance of women-led ventures, it appears to impair the function of support systems. The research sheds light on the essential enablers and cultural limitations shaping the success of female entrepreneurs in the UAE.

Gauteng, South Africa's preeminent economic hub, confronts the imperative of achieving sustainable infrastructure development amidst rapid urbanization. The strategic integration of smart initiatives is crucial for fostering economic growth, environmental resilience, and societal well-being. This paper presents a critical review of Gauteng's infrastructure sustainability efforts through smart initiatives, employing a conceptual model that delineates Infrastructure Sustainability Development (ISD) as the dependent variable. Four independent variables—Smart Energy Systems, Smart Transportation, Smart Water Management, and Smart Urban Planning—are examined, each further defined by five sub-variables to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of their impact. This analysis evaluates the efficacy of provincial smart infrastructure initiatives, including the flagship Lanseria Smart City project, in promoting sustainability and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The study draws upon relevant theoretical frameworks, including Sustainable Development Theory, Systems Theory, Innovation Diffusion Theory, and the Smart Cities Framework, to provide a robust analytical foundation. The findings highlight achievements, challenges, and prospects, culminating in policy implications and recommendations for enhancing sustainable infrastructure development in Gauteng.