A critical review of global best practices elements in digital technologies: Advancing a theoretical architecture for quality engineering

Technological advancements and changes in local, regional, and global markets have prompted organizations operating in the quality assurance environments to develop competitive strategies that enhance operational excellence and business sustainability. The current global norm is digital technologies as a key enabler of competitive strategies. The ability to develop and integrate digital into quality assurance environments is a challenge with considerable focus on the development of a theoretical architecture. This study aims at identifying elements influencing the adoption of digital technologies, through a review of global best practices applicable to the integration of digital technologies in quality assurance environments. This study further aims at the consolidation of all elements into the development of an contemporary theoretical architecture specific to the quality assurance environment. This qualitative study utilised a systematic literature review (SLR) of papers published from 2012 to 2022 to assess the elements influencing the adoption of digital technologies and global best practices in quality assurance environments. In addition, to ensure that the most relevant theoretical architecture was developed in this study, a Resource-Based View, together with Dynamic Capabilities theory, and Technology Acceptance Modelling are adopted to ground the study. Key elements influencing the adoption of integrated digital technologies are identified from the results obtained from the SLR. Furthermore, the SLR identifies several theoretical frameworks that combine business sustainability and quality assurance environments principles, with Digital Technologies. Based on the review outcome, a theoretical architecture is developed for adoption in a quality assurance environment for organizations operating in the service sector. This study provides a new perspective on the elements influencing the adoption of integrated digital technologies in a quality assurance environment advancing business sustainability. Further this study also exhumes the Implications with regards to a theoretical architecture for quality assurance organizations that seek to adopt integrated digital technologies and operate within a service.