The Impact of Financial Planning, Strategic Decision Support, and Technology Adoption on Sustainable Performance: Evidence from the Metallurgy Sector in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study examined the influence of financial planning and budgeting, strategic decision support, and technology adoption in financial management on sustainable performance in the metallurgy sector of Saudi Arabia. Primary data were collected through structured questionnaires distributed to finance professionals and managers within the metallurgy industry, specifically at TASNEE and affiliated business units in Yanbu, KSA. The data were analyzed using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to test the proposed relationships. The conceptual framework was grounded in prior literature on financial planning, decision-making, and digital transformation. The results demonstrated that financial planning and budgeting had a significant positive effect on sustainable performance by strengthening forecasting, budgetary control, and long-term financial stability. Strategic decision support was found to be a key driver of sustainability outcomes, ensuring effective alignment between financial insights and operational strategies. Furthermore, technology adoption in financial management—including digital reporting tools, financial analytics platforms, and automation—significantly enhanced decision accuracy, efficiency, and transparency. Collectively, these independent variables exerted a strong and positive impact on sustainable performance in the metallurgy sector.