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Exploring Indicators for Sustainable Shovel-Ready Projects: A Systematic Literature Review

Author

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  • Harsha Nayanatharangee Dharmarathna Kuruppu Arachchige

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Salwa Mohd Ishak

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

  • Ki Pyung Kim

    (UniSA STEM, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5000, Australia)

Abstract

This paper presents a rapid systematic review of the indicators and taxonomies of the best practices and governance for construction professionals within small and medium enterprises (SMEs) concerning the management of the sustainability goals of shovel-ready projects and infrastructure stimulus packages. The literature in this field is voluminous and reasonable evidence supports its importance. However, many unknowns exist concerning the association between the sustainability agenda and indicators that are linked to stimulus objectives during the current economic slowdown. This research employed a systematic literature review of peer-reviewed articles. It analysed 660 articles and found that 186 met the study criteria. The research focused on two thematic indicators of sustainability goals in shovel-ready projects, i.e., job creation and environmental aspects. The study primarily examined practices and indicators related to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) addressing sustainability and shovel-ready project objectives. The results suggest that SMEs are more vulnerable during economic downturns and financial crises than larger enterprises. The study also argues that engaging in sustainability objectives or aspects is a competitive strategy for SMEs. Due to time constraints, the article search was limited to peer-reviewed journals published in two academic databases from 2000 to 2021, i.e., Scopus and EBSCO, and considered aspects of job creation and environmental sustainability. Important areas for further research are highlighted as part of the study outcomes. The developed indicators can be tested and verified for construction SMEs to improve sustainability practices concerning shovel-ready project goals and their implementation.

Suggested Citation

  • Harsha Nayanatharangee Dharmarathna Kuruppu Arachchige & Salwa Mohd Ishak & Ki Pyung Kim, 2023. "Exploring Indicators for Sustainable Shovel-Ready Projects: A Systematic Literature Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(21), pages 1-18, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:21:p:15529-:d:1272453
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Paul Tansey & John P. Spillane & Xianhai Meng, 2014. "Linking response strategies adopted by construction firms during the 2007 economic recession to Porter's generic strategies," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 32(7-8), pages 705-724, August.
    2. David Gadenne & Jessica Kennedy & Catherine McKeiver, 2009. "An Empirical Study of Environmental Awareness and Practices in SMEs," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 84(1), pages 45-63, January.
    3. Natalie Galea & Abigail Powell & Martin Loosemore & Louise Chappell, 2020. "The gendered dimensions of informal institutions in the Australian construction industry," Gender, Work and Organization, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 27(6), pages 1214-1231, November.
    4. Shahid Hussain & Wang Xuetong & Talib Hussain, 2020. "Impact of Skilled and Unskilled Labor on Project Performance Using Structural Equation Modeling Approach," SAGE Open, , vol. 10(1), pages 21582440209, March.
    5. Michael Plumb & Mark Baker & Gareth Spence, 2010. "The Labour Market during the 2008-2009 Downturn," RBA Bulletin (Print copy discontinued), Reserve Bank of Australia, pages 1-6, March.
    6. J. Barraket & M. Loosemore, 2018. "Co-creating social value through cross-sector collaboration between social enterprises and the construction industry," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 36(7), pages 394-408, July.
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