Figure 3
The left-to-right flow diagram is shown with rectangular boxes connected by red arrows. On the far left, a box titled “Case studies selection” contains three bullet points: “Balanced Sample with Heterogeneity: Enables comparative analysis of diverse transformation pathways across firm sizes”, “Theoretical Sampling: Cases selected for strategic commitment to S-I 4.0 and exposure to digital transformation”, and “Adaptation and Practices Focus: Capture dynamic routines and capability-building for resilience”. A red arrow points rightward from this box. The arrow leads to a top-center box titled “Data collection”, which includes three bullet points: “Qualitative face-to-face interviews slash key informant technique”, “Direct on-site observation and shadowing”, and “Internal corporate documents analyses”. A red downward arrow connects this box to another box below. The lower center box is titled “Reliability and Validity” and contains three bullet points: “Structured fieldwork protocols following established qualitative research guidelines”, “Multi-case approach to mitigate the limitations of single-case studies and enhance external validity”, and “Triangulation to strengthen the validity and trustworthiness of findings”. From this box, a red arrow extends to the right. On the right side, a large box titled “Data analysis” contains three bullet points: “Within-Case Analysis to capture contextual nuances and practical strategies of individual cases”, “Cross-Case Analysis to identification of patterns, coding, and theoretical insights through structured comparison across cases”, and “Integrated Theoretical Framework (D C T plus P B V) to interpret how M S M E s deploy adaptive practices and capabilities under digital transformation and sustainability pressures”. A red downward arrow extends from this box. At the bottom right, a final box reads “Practical Guide to support the integration of S-I 4.0 within the supply chains of M S M E s”. The arrows connect the boxes sequentially from left to right and top to bottom.Overview of the methodological steps. Source: Authors