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Exploring the Moderating Effect of Ethical Project Management Practices in the Success of IT Project: Evidence From the Public Sector
Open accessAbstract
Successful digital transformations and project governance in public sector organizations now rely heavily on business ethics and responsible management. Despite years of research into project management, empirical evidence indicates that ethical project management (EPM) is associated with conventional Information Technology (IT) project management, correlating with greater success. Therefore, the aim of this study was to examine whether EPM practices moderate the relationship between conventional IT project management and IT project success. The study surveyed 287 stakeholders, including project managers, IT directors, and Project Management Office (PMO) staff, from six judicial sector institutions in Morocco using a structured questionnaire. Data were processed using SPSS Version 27.0 and PROCESS Macro Version 4.2, which included exploratory factor analysis, hierarchical regression analysis, and moderator analysis. The results confirm the strong validity of the measures (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88 to 0.94). Conventional IT project management explains project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001, R² = 0.572) and the introduction of EPM provides an additional effect (β = 0.24, p < 0.001, R² = 0.619). The interaction term confirms the moderating effect of EPM (β = 0.21, p < 0.001, ΔR² = 0.084, R² = 0.703). Simple slope analysis indicates that EPM increases the strength of this relationship more than two times when the level of EPM implementation is high (β = 0.53) versus low (β = 0.25). EPM is a measurable, organizational capability that is positively related to project management performance, which can be applied to ethics training and performance management within public sector project teams. The results of this research result in both practical and theoretical conclusions. Theoretically speaking, this research has an impact on the project management literature by supporting the idea that ethical project management has an influence on project management as an Organizational Capability Portfolio that enhances the ability of project managers to carry out the tasks of project management that are consistent with standard practices, especially in public sector organizations where there is a high focus on accountability and transparency. Practically speaking, in order to implement ethical project management successfully, Judicial sector organizations that are being transformed into digital organizations must focus on developing an ethics-oriented governance system in addition to the usual standards of governance, which is based on operationally-oriented governance, through the use of tools such as a code of conduct or ethics training, which will be administered through the PMO (Project Management Office) function.
Overview
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Written from the paper’s full text.
TL;DR
This cross-sectional survey of 287 stakeholders in six Moroccan judicial institutions finds that conventional IT project management predicts IT project success and that ethical project management (EPM) practices positively moderate that relationship. The moderation is strongest at high EPM levels, with the final model explaining 70.3% of variance in IT project success.
Key findings
- Conventional IT project management practices positively predicted IT project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001, R² = 0.572); adding EPM increased explained variance (β = 0.24, p < 0.001, R² = 0.619).
- EPM significantly moderated the IT project management–success relationship (interaction β = 0.21, p < 0.001, ΔR² = 0.084, final R² = 0.703); simple slopes were β = 0.25 at low EPM, β = 0.39 at medium EPM, and β = 0.53 at high EPM (all p < 0.001).
- Among six ethical dimensions, excellence had the strongest moderation (β = 0.21, ΔR² = 0.079), followed by trust and responsibility (β = 0.19, ΔR² = 0.068) and consultation (β = 0.18, ΔR² = 0.062); moral awakening was weakest (β = 0.11, ΔR² = 0.028).
- Measures showed Cronbach’s alpha = 0.88 to 0.94; EFA yielded 3 factors explaining 68.4% of variance; correlations included IT PM–success r = 0.63, EPM–success r = 0.58, and IT PM–EPM r = 0.52 (p < 0.01).
Methods
- Cross-sectional quantitative questionnaire; 287 usable respondents (63.8% response rate) from IT project managers, IT directors/managers, team members, and PMO staff across six Moroccan judicial institutions, using purposive sampling over September–November 2025.
- Measures adapted from prior scales and PMBOK: 22 IT project management items, 24 EPM items, 15 IT project success items, all on 5-point Likert scales; controls included project complexity, project size, experience, organizational size, and management support.
- Analysis used SPSS 27.0 and PROCESS Macro 4.2, including exploratory factor analysis, reliability and correlation checks, hierarchical regression (Models 1–4), moderation analysis, and simple slope tests.
Limitations
- Stated: cross-sectional design prevents causal inference and cannot rule out endogeneity or reverse causality; self-reported single-source data may be subject to common method and social desirability bias; the sample is limited to Moroccan judicial public-sector institutions, limiting generalizability; the EPM scale was validated only by EFA, not confirmatory factor analysis.
- Stated: jurisdiction-specific institutional and reform dynamics in the Moroccan judicial system may affect the observed relationships.
- Evident: the authors report no formal ethics committee approval because the survey was noninvasive and voluntary; the EPM construct also lacked a previously validated scale, so its dimensionality remains exploratory.
Model-written summary. Check it against the paper before relying on it.
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Claims the paper makes
1 of 33 cited sources checked · 0 supported · 0 flagged · accuracy not yet measured
- Interpretationown data
The moderate impact of moral awakening contrasts partially with Syahir et al. (2025), who highlighted normative motivation as the primary mediator in the development of employee commitment and ethical behavior.
“Regarding the function of normative motives: the rather moderate impact of moral awakening (β = 0.11, ΔR² = 0.028) contrasts partially with Syahir et al. (2025) in that they highlighted the role of normative motivation as the primary mediator in the development of employee commitment and ethical behavior.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim1 of 1 sources checked- cites Syahir et al. (2025) source
The Workplace Spirituality and Employee Engagement/Motivation section links workplace spirituality to motivation and dedication, while the Discussion and Conclusion links it to ethical practices. Neither identifies normative motivation as the primary mediator of employee commitment and ethical behavior; the paper instead describes employee well-being or workplace spirituality as mediating factors. The β and ΔR² figures are the citing authors’ own results, not findings attributed to Syahir et al. (LLM, conf=0.87)
Experimental — accuracy not yet measured
- Findingown data
EPM moderates the relationship between conventional IT project management and IT project success (interaction β = 0.21, p < 0.001, ΔR2 = 0.084, R2 = 0.703).
“The interaction term confirms the moderating effect of EPM (β = 0.21, p < 0.001, ΔR² = 0.084, R² = 0.703).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Introducing EPM provides an additional effect on project success beyond conventional IT project management (β = 0.24, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.619).
“Conventional IT project management explains project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001, R² = 0.572) and the introduction of EPM provides an additional effect (β = 0.24, p < 0.001, R² = 0.619).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Conventional IT project management explains project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001, R2 = 0.572).
“Conventional IT project management explains project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001, R² = 0.572) and the introduction of EPM provides an additional effect (β = 0.24, p < 0.001, R² = 0.619).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Simple slope analysis indicates that EPM increases the strength of the relationship between conventional IT project management and IT project success more than two times when EPM implementation is high (β = 0.53) versus low (β = 0.25).
“Simple slope analysis indicates that EPM increases the strength of this relationship more than two times when the level of EPM implementation is high (β = 0.53) versus low (β = 0.25).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- Findingown data
Ethical project management practices can be viewed as operationally measurable competencies, rather than a normative ideal.
“The original study found that ethical project management practices can be viewed as operationally measurable competencies, rather than a normative ideal; this contradicts previous studies that have viewed ethics in project management at the normatively peripheral level.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
This research provides empirical evidence that ethics can affect the effectiveness of an organization's technical project management practices.
“This research provides empirical evidence that ethics can affect the effectiveness of an organization's technical project management practices and provides support for additional research into the integrated treatment of ethics and project management within the theoretical framework.”
- Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain
“This research provides empirical evidence that ethics can affect the effectiveness of an organization's technical project management practices and provides support for additional research into the integrated treatment of ethics and project management within the theoretical framework.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Also stated in: § CONCLUSIONS · plain
- Findingown data
The size of the moderating effects found was significant in the context of the judicial sector.
“Lastly, regarding both contingency and crosscultural considerations, the size of the moderating effects found were significant in the context of the judicial-sector, which is characterized by a particular type of institutional and socio-cultural environment.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Excellence had the strongest moderating effect (β = 0.21, ΔR2 = 0.079).
“The strongest moderating effect was observed for excellence, with a β = 0.21 and a ΔR² = 0.079; followed by trust, with a β = 0.19 and a ΔR² = 0.068; and consultation with a β = 0.18 and a ΔR² = 0.062; moral awakening being the principle with the least impact, with a β = 0.11 and an associated ΔR² of 0.028.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Management support was the most significant positive factor contributing to project success in Model 1 (β = 0.34, p < 0.001).
“Management support was identified as the most significant positive factor contributing to project success (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), as was experience (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), while project complexity was negatively associated with project success (β = -0.19,p < 0.001), indicating that greater project complexity had a negative impact on success.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Consultation had a moderating effect (β = 0.18, ΔR2 = 0.062).
“The strongest moderating effect was observed for excellence, with a β = 0.21 and a ΔR² = 0.079; followed by trust, with a β = 0.19 and a ΔR² = 0.068; and consultation with a β = 0.18 and a ΔR² = 0.062; moral awakening being the principle with the least impact, with a β = 0.11 and an associated ΔR² of 0.028.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Ethical methods and practices of managing projects are positively related to the likelihood of completing an IT project successfully.
“Ethical methods and practices of managing projects also are positively related to the likelihood of completing an IT project successfully, through the use of trust, fairness, consultation, excellence, transparency and moral awakening as variables that act as moderators of the relationship between project management effectiveness and the success of the project.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Trust had a moderating effect (β = 0.19, ΔR2 = 0.068).
“The strongest moderating effect was observed for excellence, with a β = 0.21 and a ΔR² = 0.079; followed by trust, with a β = 0.19 and a ΔR² = 0.068; and consultation with a β = 0.18 and a ΔR² = 0.062; moral awakening being the principle with the least impact, with a β = 0.11 and an associated ΔR² of 0.028.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Experience was positively associated with project success in Model 1 (β = 0.22, p < 0.001).
“Management support was identified as the most significant positive factor contributing to project success (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), as was experience (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), while project complexity was negatively associated with project success (β = -0.19,p < 0.001), indicating that greater project complexity had a negative impact on success.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
In Model 1, control variables explained 31.2% of variance in project success (R2 = 0.312, F = 25.68, p ≤ 0.001).
“As shown in Table 5, model 1 included only control variables, and the explained variance (R²) was 31.2% (F = 25.68,p ≤ 0.001).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Ethical project management practices were positively correlated with IT project success (r = 0.58, p < 0.01).
“ethical project management practices are also positively correlated with IT project success, with r = 0.58 (p < 0.01).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
After adding the interaction term, the overall model fit improved (ΔR2 = 0.084, ΔF = 63.71, p < 0.001; final R2 = 0.703).
“After adding an interaction term (IT project management * ethical project management) to Model 4, the overall fit of the models improved (ΔR² = 0.084, ΔF = 63.71,p < 0.001; final R² = 0.703).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Top management support was positively correlated with project success (r = 0.47, p < 0.01).
“Among the five independent variables, only senior management (r = 0.47; p < 0.01) and project complexity (r = -0.29;p < 0.01) showed statistically significant correlations with the dependent variable of IT project success.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Ethical practices in project management strengthen the positive effect of conventional IT project management on IT project outcomes.
“The results showed that ethical practices in project management strengthen the positive effect of conventional IT project management on IT project outcomes.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The implementation of ethical principles is associated with a stronger positive influence of technical project management practices on the success of project management at the normatively peripheral level.
“The implementation of ethical principles is associated with a stronger positive influence of technical project management practices on the success of project management at the normativelyperipheral level.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Project complexity was negatively associated with project success in Model 1 (β = -0.19, p < 0.001).
“Management support was identified as the most significant positive factor contributing to project success (β = 0.34, p < 0.001), as was experience (β = 0.22, p < 0.001), while project complexity was negatively associated with project success (β = -0.19,p < 0.001), indicating that greater project complexity had a negative impact on success.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Effective and ethical project management practices were moderately correlated (r = 0.52, p < 0.01).
“Furthermore, effective and ethical project management practices showed a moderate correlation (r = 0.52; p < 0.01).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
Trust, fairness, consultation, excellence, transparency, and moral awakening act as moderators of the relationship between project management effectiveness and project success.
“Ethical methods and practices of managing projects also are positively related to the likelihood of completing an IT project successfully, through the use of trust, fairness, consultation, excellence, transparency and moral awakening as variables that act as moderators of the relationship between project management effectiveness and the success of the project.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The six ethical principles play, to varying degrees, a moderating role in the relationship between conventional IT project management practices and project success.
“The results revealed that the six ethical principles play, to varying degrees, a moderating role in the relationship between conventional IT project management practices and the success of these projects.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Moral awakening has a moderate impact (β = 0.11, ΔR2 = 0.028).
“Regarding the function of normative motives: the rather moderate impact of moral awakening (β = 0.11, ΔR² = 0.028) contrasts partially with Syahir et al. (2025) in that they highlighted the role of normative motivation as the primary mediator in the development of employee commitment and ethical behavior.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Ethical leadership has a statistically significant interaction effect, rather than purely a normative/symbolic effect, in this environment.
“As such, this study enhances the existing theoretical framework and provides a significant empirical study of ethical leadership principles, which were implemented at the project level within a public sector IT project, and demonstrates that ethical leadership has not only a significant effect on the result but also a statistically significant interaction effect, rather than purely a normative/s”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
IT project management practices contributed significantly to project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001), supporting Hypothesis 1.
“Consequently, IT project management practices contributed significantly to project success (β = 0.58, p < 0.001), supporting Hypothesis 1.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
For low levels of ethics (mean -1 SD = 3.16), the association between IT project management and project success was positive but weaker (β = 0.25, t = 3.84, p < 0.001).
“For low levels of ethics (mean -1 standard deviation, 3.16), the association between IT project management and project success was positive, though it was weaker. The slope coefficient β was 0.25, with a T-value of 3.84 (p < 0.001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Ethical leadership has a significant effect on the result in this public sector IT project.
“As such, this study enhances the existing theoretical framework and provides a significant empirical study of ethical leadership principles, which were implemented at the project level within a public sector IT project, and demonstrates that ethical leadership has not only a significant effect on the result but also a statistically significant interaction effect, rather than purely a normative/s”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
For average ethical levels (mean = 3.82), the relationship was significantly stronger (β = 0.39, t = 8.76, p < 0.001).
“In contrast, when examining average ethical levels (mean, 3.82), the relationship was significantly stronger, with a β coefficient of 0.39 and a T-value of 8.76 (p < 0.001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Moral awakening had the least moderating impact (β = 0.11, ΔR2 = 0.028).
“The strongest moderating effect was observed for excellence, with a β = 0.21 and a ΔR² = 0.079; followed by trust, with a β = 0.19 and a ΔR² = 0.068; and consultation with a β = 0.18 and a ΔR² = 0.062; moral awakening being the principle with the least impact, with a β = 0.11 and an associated ΔR² of 0.028.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Using data collected from 287 participants working on six different projects within six different judicial institutions, substantial support for each of this research hypotheses was found through hierarchical regression and moderation analysis.
“Using data collected from 287 participants working on six different projects within six different judicial institutions, substantial support for each of this research hypotheses was founded through hierarchical regression and moderation analysis.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingreasoning
Consultation acts as an important moderator for both traditional project management methodologies (PMMs) and project management practices (PMPs).
“This research indicates that when participating in consultations, they act as an important moderator for both traditional project management methodologies (PMMs) and PMPs.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
Conventional IT project management practices were positively correlated with IT project success (r = 0.63, p < 0.01).
“The results corroborate the hypothesis that effective IT project management practices are positively correlated with the overall success of IT projects, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.63 (p < 0.01), as well as the hypothesis that ethical project management practices are also positively correlated with IT project success, with r = 0.58 (p < 0.01).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingcitation
Trust and accountability moderate the relationship between traditional project management practices and project success (β = 0.19, ΔR2 = 0.068).
“Trust and accountability are both concepts identified as important dimensions that moderate the relationship of the two variables (β = 0.19, ΔR² = 0.068) which contributes to the reduction of transaction costs and stronger coordination between organizations relative to each other via interorganizational trust (Zaheer et al., 1998).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Zaheer et al., 1998 source
- Findingown data
Project complexity was negatively correlated with project success (r = -0.29, p < 0.01).
“Among the five independent variables, only senior management (r = 0.47; p < 0.01) and project complexity (r = -0.29;p < 0.01) showed statistically significant correlations with the dependent variable of IT project success.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Findingown data
For high-ethics groups (mean +1 SD = 4.48), the relationship was even stronger (β = 0.53, t = 9.21, p < 0.001).
“The greatest difference was observed when comparing the high-ethics groups (mean + 1 standard deviation, 4.48), which revealed an even stronger relationship with a β coefficient of 0.53 and a T-value of 9.21 (p < 0.001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The relationship between project management and successful completion of the project was almost twice as strong when using ethical practices than when using nonethical practice.
“A simple slope analysis demonstrated that the relationship between the PM and successful completion of the project was almost twice as strong when using ethical practices than when using nonethical practice.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Findingown data
The moderating effect explained 8.4% of the variance in project success.
“The moderating effect of ethical practices on this relationship explained a significant portion of the variance in project success (8.4%).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Participatory methods improve project outcomes through better-quality information and greater stakeholder involvement.
“Participatory methods improve project outcomes through better-quality information and greater stakeholder involvement (Ika & Lytvynov, 2011).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Ika & Lytvynov, 2011 source
- Premisereasoning
There has been very little empirical evidence concerning how ethical practices for managing a project help or hinder the relationship between legacy project management and project success.
“Although previous studies have examined the effect of legacy project management systems and either ethical leadership or traditional systems on project effectiveness, there has been very little empirical evidence concerning how ethical practices for managing a project help or hinder the relationship between legacy project management and project success.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisereasoning
The question of how ethical project management practices might moderate the relationship between conventional project management and project success in public sector IT projects in developing countries with emerging economies has not yet been the subject of an empirical study with qualitative or quantitative analysis.
“However, the question of how ethical project management practices might moderate the relationship between conventional, traditional project management and project success in the context of public sector IT projects in developing countries with emerging economies has not yet been the subject of an empirical study with qualitative or quantitative analysis.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
This research supports the idea that ethical project management has an influence on project management as an Organizational Capability Portfolio that enhances project managers' ability to carry out project management tasks consistent with standard practices.
“Theoretically speaking, this research has an impact on the project management literature by supporting the idea that ethical project management has an influence on project management as an Organizational Capability Portfolio that enhances the ability of project managers to carry out the tasks of project management that are consistent with standard practices”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisenone given
Most previous studies have assessed ethics as a predictor of success or failure of a project rather than assessing ethics as a moderating factor.
“Most previous studies have assessed ethics as a predictor of success or failure of a project rather than assessing them as moderating factors.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The study's measures had strong validity, with Cronbach's alpha ranging from 0.88 to 0.94.
“The results confirm the strong validity of the measures (Cronbach's alpha = 0.88 to 0.94).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Empirical research on the contribution or impact of EPM practices on project delivery remains limited.
“Despite the evolution of the EPM concept and practices and the relative availability of conceptual and qualitative studies (Saani, 2021), empirical research on the contribution or impact of EPM practices on project delivery remains limited.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Saani, 2021
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Study design and conductown data
VIF range was 1.31 to 2.14, indicating no multicollinearity issue.
“The results of the VIF (variance inflation factor) (VIF range = 1.31 to 2.14) indicated that there was no multi collinearity issue.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationreasoning
The specific jurisdictional nature of the study may mean that part of the observed relationships is impacted by characteristics of the Moroccan judicial system, such as moral governance structure and reform dynamics, which could differ from other jurisdictions.
“Fourth, the specific jurisdictional based nature of this study would indicate that part of the relationships observed may be impacted by the specific characteristics that exist within the Moroccan judicial system, such as the moral governance structure and reform dynamics, which could differ from other jurisdictions and thus not support a generalized effect.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The ethics-success relationship originally proposed by Saani (2021) is moderating rather than simply additive.
“This finding clarifies the conceptualization of the ethics-success relationship originally proposed by Saani (2021) as being moderating rather than simply additive.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Saani, 2021
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Study design and conductreasoning
The cross-sectional design does not allow establishing actual cause and effect from the observed relationships.
“First, the data collection for this study is only coming from a single point in time as this study is cross-sectional, meaning that it is not possible to establish an actual cause and effect from the relationships observed -it could be possible, for example, that ethical behaviour perceptions are positively influenced by successful projects rather than vice versa additionally, using a cross”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
The type of motivation provided by normativity reinforces the effectiveness of traditional methods of motivation and leadership.
“The type of motivation provided by this level of normativity also reinforces the effectiveness of traditional methods of motivation and leadership (Syahir et al., 2025).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Syahir et al., 2025 source
Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.
- Study design and conductcitation
All variables had Cronbach's alpha coefficients ranging from 0.88 to 0.94, exceeding the minimum standard of 0.70.
“Furthermore, all variables have a Cronbach's alpha coefficient ranging from 0.88 to 0.94, which exceeds the minimum standard of 0.70 required for sufficient reliability (Cook & Beckman, 2006).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Cook & Beckman, 2006 source
- Interpretationreasoning
The positive relationship between PMMs and project success is positively related to valuable direct input through consultation, which is used to develop better quality plans and/or carry out better quality activities for managing the project throughout its duration.
“In particular, the way PMMs influence the effective success of projects as measured by project success indicators is positively related to valuable direct input through consultation and uses this valuable input to develop better quality plans and/or carry out better quality activities for managing the project throughout its duration.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductcitation
The EFA results provided a psychometric foundation for the hypothesis testing completed in this study.
“Future researchers will find confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) to be a logical next step; however, the EFA results provided a psychometric foundation for the hypothesis testing completed in this study, which is consistent with other exploratory studies conducted in project management research (Müller et al., 2016;Saani, 2021).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Müller et al., 2016 source
- cites Saani, 2021
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Study design and conductown data
EFA with principal axis factor extraction and oblique rotation resulted in 3 factors explaining 68.4% of total variance.
“To evaluate the validity of the measures, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was performed using the principal axis factor extraction and an oblique rotation, with 3 factors resulting which together explained 68.4% of the total variance of the scale items.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The combined score for all 22 IT project management practice items had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.94.
“The combined score for all 22 items was calculated as the mean (α = 0.94).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Premisecitation
Moroccan judicial institutions are undergoing a digital transformation through the implementation of various IT projects, such as electronic case management systems, electronic registries, and e-justice initiatives.
“Moroccan judicial institutions are undergoing a digital transformation through the implementation of various IT projects, such as electronic case management systems, electronic registries, and ejustice initiatives (OECD, 2018).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites OECD, 2018
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Study design and conductreasoning
Because there is no confirmatory validation, the EPM model's psychometric strength remains tentative.
“However, because there is no confirmatory validation, the EPM model's psychometric strength will remain tentative with no confirmatory testing.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationcitation
Trust-based mechanisms identified by Zaheer et al. (1998) have the same impact on the effectiveness of traditional project management tools among project stakeholders within an organization as they do across organizations.
“The present study adds to this argument by applying it to a context where within-project relationships are defined and controlled at an individual level; trust-based mechanisms identified by Zaheer et al. (1998) have the same impact on the effectiveness of traditional project management tools in project stakeholders within an organization as they do on project stakeholders across organizations.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Zaheer et al., 1998 source
- Interpretationown data
Ethical project management is not an independent catalyst for project success in and by itself.
“The previous works were conceptual/qualitative, thus, it adds to the work of Saani (2021) by providing quantitative evidence to demonstrate that ethical project management not only provides a boundary condition that enhances the relationship of traditional project management but that ethical project management is not an independent catalyst for project success in and by itself.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Saani, 2021
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- Interpretationown data
Socio-cultural context acts as an active moderator of the effectiveness of universal practices, as opposed to a mere condition.
“First, they advance contingency theory in project management through the establishment of socio-cultural context as active moderators of the effectiveness of universal practices, as opposed to mere conditions.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationnone given
Ethical and normative approaches do not operate in a vacuum within project management but rather contribute to how efficiently technical methods function.
“Thus, this study demonstrated that ethical and normative approaches do not operate in a vacuum within project management but rather contribute to how efficiently technical methods function.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Premisecitation
Both Scott's institutional framework and Brown and Trevino's ethical leadership studies anticipate that normative/value-oriented institutional structures would have an impact on an organization's overall results along with the technical aspects of that organization's structure.
“With respect to the institutional/leadership underpinnings of the model, the overall pattern of results is in accordance with theoretical predictions derived from Scott's (2013) institutional framework and from Brown and Trevino's (2006) studies of ethical leadership; that is, both frameworks anticipate that normative/value-oriented institutional structures would have an impact on an organization”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Scott's (2013)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Brown and Trevino's (2006) source
- Study design and conductreasoning
The cross-sectional design does not provide a means to determine whether endogeneity (omitted variable bias or selection effects) may have impacted the observed relationships.
“First, the data collection for this study is only coming from a single point in time as this study is cross-sectional, meaning that it is not possible to establish an actual cause and effect from the relationships observed -it could be possible, for example, that ethical behaviour perceptions are positively influenced by successful projects rather than vice versa additionally, using a cross”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The magnitude of the effects found supports contingency-based arguments that management practices are context dependent rather than universally applicable.
“The magnitude of the effects found in this study support the contingency-based arguments that management practices are context dependent rather than universally applicable, as suggested by other researchers in the field of management.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductnone given
The Ethical Project Management Scale showed 100% reliability.
“Lastly, even though this study's Ethical Project Management Scale showed to be 100% reliable, it is a very new measure with only been validated by the exploratory factor analysis as opposed to having the confirmatory factor analysis performed which calls into question the measure's overall psychometric properties.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data
The sample consists exclusively of the Moroccan public sector's judicial institutions, limiting the overall generalizability of the findings to other sectors, organizational types, and/or national contexts.
“Third, even though the sample size of this study is appropriate, it consists exclusively of the Moroccan public sector's judicial institutions and does therefore limit the overall generalizability of the findings in the other sectors, organizational types, and/or national contexts.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Study design and conductown data
The average ethical project management score for all 24 items had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.92.
“On this basis, the average ethical project management score (α = 0.92) for all 24 items was determined by the mean of the respective scores of the 24 items.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim - Interpretationown data
This finding contradicts previous studies that have viewed ethics in project management at the normatively peripheral level.
“The original study found that ethical project management practices can be viewed as operationally measurable competencies, rather than a normative ideal; this contradicts previous studies that have viewed ethics in project management at the normatively peripheral level.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationcitation
The overall pattern of results is in accordance with theoretical predictions derived from Scott's (2013) institutional framework and Brown and Trevino's (2006) studies of ethical leadership.
“With respect to the institutional/leadership underpinnings of the model, the overall pattern of results is in accordance with theoretical predictions derived from Scott's (2013) institutional framework and from Brown and Trevino's (2006) studies of ethical leadership; that is, both frameworks anticipate that normative/value-oriented institutional structures would have an impact on an organization”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Scott's (2013)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Brown and Trevino's (2006) source
- Interpretationown data
Ethical frameworks promote operational effectiveness, rather than simply placing limits on them.
“Second, they incorporate ethical considerations into the core theories of project management by providing evidence that ethical frameworks promote operational effectiveness, rather than simply placing limits on them.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
This research provided evidence of the relationship between project management methodology and project success in the judicial sector public institutions of a developing nation, which had never before been examined empirically.
“Additionally, this research provided evidence of the continued relationship between project management methodology and project success in the judicial sector public institutions of a developing nation environment which has never before been examined empirically as part of any of the reviews of factors of success for IT projects.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim - Interpretationown data
The operationalizable ethical values (commitment to excellence, reliability, consultation) tend to exert a greater moderating influence than the normative/theological dimensions.
“These results indicate that, although the normative/theological dimensions of the ethical values examined are indeed important, the other operationalizable ethical values (commitment to excellence, reliability, consultation) tend to exert a greater moderating influence on the fruitful relationship between conventional project management and practices related to ethical values.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim
- It may state two separate claims as one. 24
- Probably not a substantial claim. 22
It may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataAdding IT project management practices to the model significantly improved model fit (ΔR2 = 0.26, ΔF = 116.54, p < 0.001), resulting in total R2 = 0.572.
“The addition of this variable significantly improved the model fit (ΔR² = 0.26; ΔF = 116.54;p < 0.001), resulting in a total model R² of 0.572.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataThe interaction term between IT project management and ethical project management was statistically significant and positive (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), confirming Hypothesis 2 that ethical practices moderate the relationship.
“The interaction term was statistically significant and provided evidence of a positive interaction effect (β = 0.21, p < 0.001), confirming Hypothesis 2 stipulating that ethical practices moderate the relationship between IT project management and project success.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataThe difference between slopes for high and low ethical behavior was substantial (Δβ = 0.28, p < 0.001), confirming a significant moderating effect.
“A substantial difference was observed between the slopes associated with project managers exhibiting high levels of ethical behavior and those exhibiting lower levels of ethical behavior (Δβ = 0.28, p < 0.001), confirming a significant moderating effect.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataAdding ethical project management practices to the model yielded significant results (ΔR2 = 0.047, ΔF = 28.92, p ≤ 0.001), with an independent positive contribution to project success (β = 0.24, p ≤ 0.001).
“The addition of ethical project management practices also yielded significant results (ΔR² = 0.047; ΔF = 28.92;p ≤ 0.001), with an independent positive contribution to project success (β = 0.24, p ≤ 0.001) in addition to the prediction provided by IT project management practices.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataIn Model 4, IT project management practices (β = 0.39, p < 0.001), ethical practices (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), and the interaction effect (β = 0.21, p < 0.001) all had significant positive effects on project success.
“In Model 4, all the main predictors continued to have a significant positive effect on the dependent variable, including IT project management practices (β = 0.39, p < 0.001), ethical practices (β = 0.19, p < 0.01), and the interaction effect (β = 0.21, p < 0.001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Findingown dataIn Model 4, management support (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), experience (β = 0.13, p < 0.05), and project complexity (β = -0.11, p < 0.05) were statistically significant predictors of project success.
“Only three control variables: management support (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), experience (β = 0.13, p < 0.05), and project complexity (β = -0.11,p < 0.05) were statistically significant predictors of the dependant variable.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
PremisecitationBased on fundamental values such as justice, transparency, mutual consultation, and responsibility, ethical principles and values provide a compass for managing projects, particularly IT projects, in an effective and ethical manner.
“Based on fundamental values such as justice, transparency, mutual consultation, and responsibility, they provide a compass for managing projects, particularly those related to information technology, in an effective and ethical manner (Jie et al., 2023).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Jie et al., 2023
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe existence of a relationship of trust between parties reduces transaction costs, strengthens coordination among them, and lays the groundwork for conflict resolution.
“The existence of a relationship of trust between the parties reduces transaction costs, strengthens coordination among them, and lays the groundwork for conflict resolution (Zaheer et al., 1998).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Zaheer et al., 1998 source
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
InterpretationreasoningEthical project management arises from the relationship between a dispositional (internal) aspect and a structural (external) component.
“The argument is that ethical project management is not just an individual's virtue or the existence of a formal governance system.Rather, ethical project management arises from the relationship between the two.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationThe success of an IT project depends on factors related to the project itself, project managers and team members, the organization, and the external environment.
“Indeed, the success of an IT project depends on a number of factors: factors related to the project itself, project managers and team members, the organization, and the external environment (Thi & Swierczek, 2010).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Thi & Swierczek, 2010
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
Premisenone givenMost empirical research relating to project management and ethics focuses on private or general public administration, with a relative lack of research in judicial institutions undergoing digital transformation.
“Most empirical research conducted to date that relates to project management and ethics typically focuses on private or general public administration.There is a relative lack of research in the area of judicial institutions that are currently undergoing digital transformation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim- Rests on an assumption: Judicial organizations face tremendous pressure to modernize their IT infrastructure and case management systems.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationIn many sectors, the extended lifecycle of projects means that the repercussions of certain actions may not become apparent for years, decades, or perhaps never.
“Furthermore, in many sectors, the extended lifecycle of projects means that the repercussions of certain actions may not become apparent for years, decades, or perhaps never (Flyvbjerg, 2014).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Flyvbjerg, 2014
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationcitationProject management has evolved from an entirely craft-oriented and relationally based approach to an increasingly technological one.
“This historical chronology suggests that project management has evolved from an entirely craftoriented and relationally based approach to an increasingly technological one.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
InterpretationreasoningEthical project management can be viewed as the latest stage in the historical continuum of project management rather than as a previously existing philosophical concept.
“Ethical project management can therefore be viewed as the latest stage in this historical continuum rather than as a previously existing philosophical concept.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds.
PremisereasoningExisting discussions of ethical project management tend to be fragmented and limited to normative aspects, without leading to a systemic model or an operational conceptualization of project management from an ethical perspective.
“Despite these contributions, the existing discussions tend to be fragmented and limited to normative aspects, without leading to a systemic model or an operational conceptualization of project management from an ethical perspective.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationA sense of justice and fairness among subordinates strengthens their commitment and level of cooperation in the workplace and improves their job performance.
“A sense of justice and fairness among subordinates strengthens their commitment and level of cooperation in the workplace and improves their job performance (Colquitt, 2001).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Colquitt, 2001
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationSeveral factors can positively influence project management to ensure its success, including ethical values.
“Consequently, several factors can positively influence project management to ensure its success, including ethical values.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationIT project management takes into account time, budget, and numerous other factors in the success of IT projects.
“According to the study conducted by Iriarte and Bayona (2020), IT project management takes into account time, budget, and numerous other factors in the success of IT projects.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Iriarte and Bayona (2020)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationProjects often involve significant risks, offer considerable potential rewards, and attract a great deal of public attention.
“First, projects often involve significant risks, offer considerable potential rewards, and attract a great deal of public attention (Helgadóttir, 2008).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Helgadóttir, 2008
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
PremisecitationEthical principles and values, whose primary source is socio-cultural context and environment, are characterized by a holistic approach, harmoniously integrating ethical, social, and internal dimensions.
“In this context, ethical principles and values, whose primary source is socio-cultural context and environment, are characterized by a holistic approach, harmoniously integrating ethical, social, and internal dimensions (Al-Jarhi, 2021).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Al-Jarhi, 2021
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
PremisecitationThe Moroccan public sector has undergone significant digitization over the past two decades, implementing numerous IT projects ranging from e-government platforms to integrated judicial information systems.
“Indeed, the Moroccan public sector has undergone significant digitization over the past two decades, implementing numerous IT projects ranging from e-government platforms to integrated judicial information systems (Akhlaffou & Bindguigne, 2024;OECD, 2018).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Akhlaffou & Bindguigne, 2024;OECD, 2018
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Interpretationown dataEPM is a measurable, organizational capability that is positively related to project management performance.
“EPM is a measurable, organizational capability that is positively related to project management performance, which can be applied to ethics training and performance management within public sector project teams.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductreasoningThe researcher did not submit this study for formal approval to an institutional ethics committee because it was a noninvasive, voluntary survey that posed minimal risk and followed standard ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity.
“The researcher did not submit this study for formal approval to an institutional ethics committee as it was a noninvasive, voluntary survey that posed minimal risk to the subjects and that followed standard ethical principles of informed consent, confidentiality, and anonymity.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataAll scale items had strong loadings on their target factor (>0.60) and negligible cross-loadings (<0.30), confirming convergent validity.
“All the scale items had strong loadings on their target factor (> 0.60) and negligible crossloadings (< 0.30), confirming and supporting convergent validity.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
PremisereasoningEmployees who view their work as a vocation and a normative duty will demonstrate stronger commitment, greater resilience in the face of obstacles, and higher ethical behavior.
“Employees who view their work as a vocation and a normative duty will demonstrate stronger commitment, greater resilience in the face of obstacles, and higher ethical behavior.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataThe composite IT project success score had a mean of 3.54 and a Cronbach's alpha of 0.93.
“The average of the 15 items was calculated to obtain a composite success score (x = 3.54; α = 0.93).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductreasoningThe self-reported data were collected from one source and may be subject to common method bias and social desirability bias.
“Second, the self-reported data for this study was collected from one source; self-reported data when collected from the same person on other occasions is subject to common method bias and social desirability bias, which would apply more to this study because of the sensitive nature of ethics -it therefore may have been subject to common method and social desirability bias.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataThe Ethical Project Management Scale is a very new measure that has only been validated by exploratory factor analysis, not confirmatory factor analysis, which calls into question its overall psychometric properties.
“Lastly, even though this study's Ethical Project Management Scale showed to be 100% reliable, it is a very new measure with only been validated by the exploratory factor analysis as opposed to having the confirmatory factor analysis performed which calls into question the measure's overall psychometric properties.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
InterpretationreasoningThere are synergies between ethical principles and traditional practices.
“Third, they link intrinsic motivation to western (secular) approaches to management by establishing synergies between ethical principles and traditional practices.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductcitationAll composite reliability values were ≥0.70 (IT PM: 0.93; ethical PM: 0.90; IT project success: 0.93), providing internal consistency.
“All composite reliability (CR) values for constructs were greater than or equal to 0.70 (i.e., IT PM: CR = 0.93; ethical PM: CR = 0.90; IT project success: CR = 0.93) provided internal consistency (Hair et al., 2019).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Hair et al., 2019
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Study design and conductreasoningThe questionnaire was developed in English and translated into Arabic and French using back-translation to ensure equivalence across languages.
“The questionnaire used to collect the data was developed in English and then translated into Arabic and French by means of the back-translation technique to ensure equivalence across languages.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim.
PremisereasoningEFA allows the factor structure to emerge from the data rather than imposing a predefined model.
“EFA allows the factor structure to emerge from the data rather than imposing a predefined model, which would be premature at this stage of theory development.”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataNon-response bias was tested by comparing early and late respondents, and no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) were found, indicating no significant non-response bias.
“The test results showed that there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between early and late respondents, indicating that there is no significant non-response bias.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataAll variables exhibited acceptable skewness (-0.68 to +0.54) and kurtosis (-0.85 to +1.12), indicating approximately normal distribution.
“All variables exhibit acceptable skewness ranging from -0.68 to +0.54 and kurtosis ranging from -0.85 to +1.12, indicating that they are approximately normally distributed (Table 4).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductreasoningThe survey's introductory section explained the purpose of the research, informed participants they could withdraw without consequence, and stated that answers were anonymous and confidential.
“The introductory section of the survey was used to explain the purpose of the research and inform participants that they could withdraw from the survey without consequence and that their answers were anonymous and confidential and also provided the protection of data collected.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.
InterpretationreasoningEthical project management within the socio-cultural environment of the Moroccan public sector provides an alternative method of project management that is consistent with local culture.
“Furthermore, ethical project management within the socio-cultural environment of the Moroccan public sector not only provides an alternative method of project management that is consistent with local culture, but it is also a superior model which integrates international best practices with local cultural resources.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimProbably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationAccording to Colquitt (2001), the moderating impact of justice and/or fairness on employee commitment and performance correlates with perceptions of justice in an organization (beta = 0.16, R2 = 0.053).
“In terms of the impact of fairness and justice, according to Colquitt (2001), the moderating impact of justice and/or fairness on employee commitment and performance correlates with perceptions of justice in an organization (beta = 0.16, R 2 = 0.053).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Colquitt (2001)
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataHarman's one-factor test revealed that the first factor accounted for 34.6% of the total variance, less than the 50% threshold, suggesting common method bias is not a significant issue.
“To test for common method bias, Harman's onefactor test was used, which revealed that the first factor accounted for 34.6% of the total variance, less than the 50% threshold used to determine whether common method bias exists, suggesting that this does not appear to be a significant issue (Podsakoff et al., 2003).”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Podsakoff et al., 2003 source
Probably not a substantial claim.
PremisecitationEFA is widely recommended for emerging areas of research.
“Given the exploratory nature of EPM, EFA represents an appropriate approach for assessing construct validity and is widely recommended for emerging areas of research (Fabrigar et al., 1999;Hair et al., 2019).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites Fabrigar et al., 1999 source
- cites Hair et al., 2019
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.
Study design and conductnone givenThe study obtained informed consent from all subjects before their participation.
“The study obtained informed consent from all subjects before their participation.”
Quote in the paperNot a substantial claimIt may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductcitationThe absence of significant cross-loadings and moderate correlations among constructs provided evidence of discriminant validity; no correlation exceeded 0.65.
“The absence of significant cross-loadings and moderate correlations among constructs provided evidence of discriminant validity; for the correlations, none exceeded 0.65 (Kline, 2016).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 1 sources checked- cites Kline, 2016
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
It may state two separate claims as one.
Study design and conductown dataThe usable sample was 287 respondents, representing a response rate of 63.8%.
“After removing responses that were less than 80% complete and eliminating outliers with a high Mahalanobis distance (McLachlan, 1999) (p < 0.001), a usable sample of 287 respondents was left, representing a response rate of 63.8%, which is acceptable for this type of organizational research (Baruch & Holtom, 2008).”
Quote in the paperSubstantial claim0 of 2 sources checked- cites McLachlan, 1999
Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.
- cites Baruch & Holtom, 2008 source
The paper relies on this without support.
Judicial systems place increased emphasis on transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness in obtaining greater public trust.
“Judicial systems are a unique context for empirical research on the ethics of project management since there is an increased emphasis on transparency, accountability, and procedural fairness in obtaining greater public trust.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Judicial organizations face tremendous pressure to modernize their IT infrastructure and case management systems.
“Furthermore, these organizations face tremendous pressure to modernize their IT infrastructure and case management systems.”
The authors state this as an assumption.
Ethical frameworks create environments of trust, accountability, consultation, excellence-oriented behaviours, fairness, and normative motivation that enhance the effectiveness of conventional project management methods.
“The moderating effect proposed in this hypothesis is based on the assumption that ethical frameworks create environments of trust, accountability, consultation, excellence-oriented behaviours, fairness, and normative motivation that enhance the effectiveness of conventional project management methods.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Moroccan judicial institutions regularly address issues related to ethics, fairness, and justice.
“These institutions regularly address issues related to ethics, fairness, and justice, thereby providing an excellent opportunity to examine the relationship between ethical practices and organizational performance.”
The paper relies on this without support.
Moroccan judicial institutions face many challenges typically associated with the public sector, including bureaucracy, resource constraints, and governance issues.
“In addition, they face many challenges typically associated with the public sector, including bureaucracy, resource constraints, and governance issues, which further enhance their practical relevance as a research context.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The relative insulation of the judicial sector from commercial interests allows for the examination of ethical and normative issues without the direct pressures of market competition.
“Finally, the relative insulation of the judicial sector from commercial interests allows for the examination of ethical and normative issues without the direct pressures of market competition.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The characterization of EPM remains open to exploration and has not been subjected to formal construct evaluation in previous research.
“Here, EFA was chosen as the methodology to validate the measure because the characterization of EPM remains open to exploration and has not been subjected to formal construct evaluation in previous research.”
The paper relies on this without support.
No established and validated measurement scale currently exists for EPM.
“As a result, no established and validated measurement scale currently exists.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The ethical project management construct is made up of values that have been taken from one socio-cultural context and applied to another organizational setting.
“Because the ethical project management construct is made up of values that have been taken from one socio-cultural context and applied to another organizational setting, the process utilized to collect data was one of exploratory first, meaning that confirmatory constraints were not imposed a priori on the construct (Costello & Osborne, 2005;Fabrigar et al., 1999).”
The paper relies on this without support.
Typical project management methods and practices improve the likelihood of successful completion of an IT project.
“Research has shown that the typical project management methods and practices improve the likelihood of successful completion of an IT project.”
The paper relies on this without support.
The integration of ethics within project management theory remains in need of additional research.
“The integration of ethics within project management theory has been a topic of increasing interest but remains in need of additional research.”
Self-check
Percentages, sums and reported differences re-computed from the paper’s own numbers.
Each contradiction between two passages listed here was confirmed by an independent check.
Model 4 control-variable results disagree with Table 5
MajorThe prose gives different coefficients for management support and experience, and calls project complexity significant, although Table 5 marks it nonsignificant in Model 4.
“Only three control variables: management support (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), experience (β = 0.13, p < 0.05), and project complexity (β = -0.11,p < 0.05) were statistically significant predictors of the dependant variable.”
“Project Complexity -0.19** -0.12* -0.09 † -0.07 Project Size (log budget) 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.04 Experience (years) 0.22*** 0.14** 0.11* 0.09* Organizational Size (log) 0.09 † 0.06 0.05 0.04 Top Management Support 0.34*** 0.19*** 0.14** 0.11**”
Discussion denies the reported independent effect of ethics
MajorThe discussion says ethical project management is not an independent contributor to success, whereas the results explicitly report a significant independent positive contribution in Model 3.
“ethical project management is not an independent catalyst for project success in and by itself.”
“The addition of ethical project management practices also yielded significant results (ΔR² = 0.047; ΔF = 28.92;p ≤ 0.001), with an independent positive contribution to project success (β = 0.24, p ≤ 0.001) in addition to the prediction provided by IT project management practices.”
Moral awakening is described as a mediator rather than a moderator
MinorThe discussion calls the measured effect of moral awakening a mediator effect, but the reported dimensional analysis tests it as a moderator.
“the results from the present study do provide evidence of a significant, positive, if relatively weak (compared to other forms of normative motives) effect of normative motivations as a mediator”
“Note: Each row represents a separate moderation model in which the interaction between IT project management practices and the corresponding ethical dimension was tested; β = standardized interaction coefficient; SE = standard error; ΔR² = increase in explained variance attributable to the interaction term.”
EPM scale is called 100% reliable despite its reported alpha
MinorThe conclusion describes the scale as 100% reliable, while the paper reports Cronbach's alpha of 0.92 for it.
“this study's Ethical Project Management Scale showed to be 100% reliable”
“the average ethical project management score (α = 0.92) for all 24 items was determined by the mean of the respective scores of the 24 items.”
Citations
Cites
The publisher hasn’t deposited this paper’s reference list.
Research works printed but not linked: 15
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- Hayes, A. F. (2022). Introduction to mediation, moderation, and conditional process analysis: A regression-based approach (3rd ed.). Guilford Publications. [Link]
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- McLachlan, G. J. (1999, June). Mahalanobis distance. Indian Academy of Sciences, 4, 20-26. [CrossRef] · DOI
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- Scott, W. R. (2013). Institutions and organizations: Ideas, interests, and identities (4th ed.). SAGE Publications. [Link]
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Ubaid, A. M., Al-Mhdawi, M. K. S., & Ojiako, U. (2026) · Project Leadership and Society · doi:10.1016/j.plas.2026.100251
Metadata
- Authors
- BINDGUIGNE, M., AKHLAFFOU, M., & EZ-ZAIDI, A.
- Affiliations
- Chouaib Doukkali University (MA)
- Cadi Ayyad University (MA)
- Venue
- Business Ethics and Leadership
- Published
- 2026-06-30
- Volume
- 10
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 393-416
- ISSN
- 2520-6311 (ISSN-L)
- OpenAlex
- W7167788907
- Semantic Scholar
- fb2f2429ffe97b6f7d74f97c058d9a554ea5cb29
- Cited by
- 1
- References
- 0
- Citations by year
- 2026: 1
- FWCI
- 3.31
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- diamond
- doi.org
- Licence
- cc-by
- Locations
- Business Ethics and Leadership (publishedVersion, cc-by)
- DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Social Sciences › Decision Sciences › Management Science and Operations Research › Construction Project Management and Performance
- Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › Software Engineering Techniques and Practices
- Social Sciences › Business, Management and Accounting › Management Information Systems › Information Technology Governance and Strategy
- Keywords
- IT project success, moderating effect, public sector organizations, digital transformation, project governance, organizational capabilities, ethics training, transparency and accountability
About these checks
Registry, retraction, Cites and statistics results are computed, not judged, with one exception: a printed reference that no index lists is read once by a model before it counts as a citation error. Claims are extracted by a model and kept only when their quote appears verbatim in the text; each cited source is then checked, with a model’s help, for whether it says what the claim relies on. Those verdicts can be wrong — read the claim’s quote and the cited source before relying on one.
A language model drew the claims from the paper on 2026-11-07, under version 3 of the claim definition (model deepseek-v4.1-flash, prompt extract-v3).
A second model labelled each claim on 2026-11-07 (model jev-1.13-20260917, definition revision gold-guideline-v0.2).
Cited sources are checked with a language model’s help (gpt-6-sol).
Statistics and arithmetic are recomputed, not judged.
Confidence bands are shown only for fields calibrated on our annotated test set. None is calibrated yet, so no band is shown.
What counts as a claim ›How we measure confidence ›How we check this ›
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