Digital Transformation in Engineering Management: Toward an Integrated Conceptual Framework and Digital Maturity Model (IDEAL-5) in the Libyan Context

Abstract

This paper addresses digital transformation within the context of engineering management, proposing
a comprehensive conceptual framework — the IDEAL-5 model — that defines the transformative impact of emerging technologies (artificial intelligence, industrial Internet of Things, cloud computing, and digital twins) on engineering decision-making, supply chains, and operational processes. The research adopted a mixed-methods approach, combining a systematic literature review (2015–2024) with a field study of 214 engineering managers and technical directors across six Libyan cities (Tripoli, Zawiya, Sabha, Misrata, Benghazi, and Al-Bayda). The findings indicate that organizations pursuing a systematic digital transformation achieved a 41% improvement in operational efficiency, a 27% reduction in maintenance costs, and a 34% increase in engineering decision quality. The study concludes with practical recommendations for adopting digital transformation in engineering management environments in Libya, and presents the IDEAL-5 model as a diagnostic tool for assessing digital maturity and guiding the transformation pathway.