{"status":"ok","message-type":"work","message-version":"1.0.0","message":{"indexed":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,31]],"date-time":"2025-12-31T16:06:51Z","timestamp":1767197211860,"version":"3.48.0"},"reference-count":24,"publisher":"MDPI AG","issue":"1","license":[{"start":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,30]],"date-time":"2025-12-30T00:00:00Z","timestamp":1767052800000},"content-version":"vor","delay-in-days":0,"URL":"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by\/4.0\/"}],"content-domain":{"domain":[],"crossmark-restriction":false},"short-container-title":["Systems"],"abstract":"<jats:p>This paper proposes a hybrid collaborative framework to optimize technology selection in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) by integrating machine learning (ML) predictions with Planning Poker, consensus-based estimation technique used in agile software development. Addressing known challenges such as cognitive bias, resource constraints, and the need for inclusive decision-making, the proposed model combines data-driven suitability analysis with stakeholder-driven consensus. ML generates quantitative, criterion-wise suitability scores based on historical SME data, providing transparent baselines for evaluation. Stakeholders independently assess candidate technologies using Planning Poker, and their consensus is blended with ML predictions through a flexible weighting mechanism. An illustrative case study on CRM tool selection illustrates the framework\u2019s practical advantages: improved decision accuracy, transparency, and greater stakeholder engagement. The methodology is iterative, allowing for continuous learning and adaptation as new data emerges. This dual approach ensures that technology adoption decisions in SMEs are both empirically validated and contextually robust, offering a significant improvement over traditional, siloed methods.<\/jats:p>","DOI":"10.3390\/systems14010042","type":"journal-article","created":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,31]],"date-time":"2025-12-31T15:30:32Z","timestamp":1767195032000},"page":"42","update-policy":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/mdpi_crossmark_policy","source":"Crossref","is-referenced-by-count":0,"title":["Hybrid Human\u2013Machine Consensus Framework for SME Technology Selection: Integrating Machine Learning and Planning Poker"],"prefix":"10.3390","volume":"14","author":[{"given":"Chetna","family":"Gupta","sequence":"first","affiliation":[{"name":"School of Computer Science Engineering and Technology, Bennett University, Greater Noida 201301, India"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]},{"ORCID":"https:\/\/orcid.org\/0000-0003-2824-3402","authenticated-orcid":false,"given":"Varun","family":"Gupta","sequence":"additional","affiliation":[{"name":"Multidisciplinary Research Centre for Innovations in SMEs (MrciS), Gisma University of Applied Sciences, 14469 Potsdam, Germany"},{"name":"Department of Economics and Business Administration, University of Alcala, 28802 Alcal\u00e1 de Henares, Spain"}],"role":[{"role":"author","vocabulary":"crossref"}]}],"member":"1968","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,30]]},"reference":[{"key":"ref_1","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"130","DOI":"10.46336\/ijbesd.v5i2.655","article-title":"Enhancing small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in a globalized and innovative economy: Challenges and opportunities","volume":"5","author":"Enaifoghe","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Business Econ. Soc. Dev."},{"key":"ref_2","first-page":"141","article-title":"Digital transformation in MSMEs: Challenges and opportunities in technology management","volume":"6","author":"Hendrawan","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Inf. Teknol."},{"key":"ref_3","first-page":"303","article-title":"The performance of decision-making strategies in SME internationalization: The role of host market\u2019s institutional development","volume":"64","author":"Johanson","year":"2024","journal-title":"Manag. Int. Rev."},{"key":"ref_4","unstructured":"Cohn, M. (2006). Planning Poker, Mountain Goat Software. Chapter 6."},{"key":"ref_5","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Molokken-Ostvold, K., and Haugen, N.C. (2007, January 10\u201313). Combining estimates with planning poker\u2013An empirical study. Proceedings of the 2007 Australian Software Engineering Conference (ASWEC\u201907), Melbourne, Australia.","DOI":"10.1109\/ASWEC.2007.15"},{"key":"ref_6","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Blomfelt, E., and Melnik, A. (2025). Want to Improve Your Business Skills? Maybe Work on Your Poker Face First, Austin Peay State University.","DOI":"10.69847\/HvUsoB"},{"key":"ref_7","first-page":"7","article-title":"The impact of machine learning on prescriptive analytics for optimized business decision-making","volume":"1","author":"Bari","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Manag. Inf. Syst. Data Sci."},{"key":"ref_8","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"036","DOI":"10.53771\/ijstra.2024.7.1.0055","article-title":"Driving SME innovation with AI solutions: Overcoming adoption barriers and future growth opportunities","volume":"7","author":"Iyelolu","year":"2024","journal-title":"Int. J. Sci. Technol. Res. Arch."},{"key":"ref_9","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Sunda, N., and Sinha, R.R. (2024, January 6\u20139). Correlation of Traditional Technique and ML-Based Technique for Efficient Effort Estimation: In Agile Frameworks. Proceedings of the International Conference on Universal Threats in Expert Applications and Solutions, Jaipur, India.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-981-97-3810-6_21"},{"key":"ref_10","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"129","DOI":"10.53703\/001c.126636","article-title":"Technology-driven sustainability in small and medium-sized enterprises: A systematic literature review","volume":"35","author":"Kannan","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Small Bus. Strategy"},{"key":"ref_11","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"735","DOI":"10.1108\/EJIM-07-2021-0360","article-title":"Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) facing an evolving technological era: A systematic literature review on the adoption of technologies in SMEs","volume":"25","author":"Zamani","year":"2022","journal-title":"Eur. J. Innov. Manag."},{"key":"ref_12","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1057","DOI":"10.1007\/s11301-023-00327-7","article-title":"Systematic literature review on technological transformation in SMEs: A transformation encompassing technology assimilation and business model innovation","volume":"74","author":"Pellegrini","year":"2024","journal-title":"Manag. Rev. Q."},{"key":"ref_13","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"327","DOI":"10.1108\/JEIM-03-2014-0033","article-title":"Factors affecting e-business adoption in SMEs: An empirical research","volume":"29","author":"Chatzoglou","year":"2016","journal-title":"J. Enterp. Inf. Manag."},{"key":"ref_14","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"36","DOI":"10.3390\/info3010036","article-title":"Strategies for successful information technology adoption in small and medium-sized enterprises","volume":"3","author":"Ghobakhloo","year":"2012","journal-title":"Information"},{"key":"ref_15","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Chabalala, K., Boyana, S., Kolisi, L., Thango, B., and Lerato, M. (2024). Digital technologies and channels for competitive advantage in SMEs: A systematic review. SSRN, preprint.","DOI":"10.2139\/ssrn.4977280"},{"key":"ref_16","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"100610","DOI":"10.1016\/j.jik.2024.100610","article-title":"Determinants of digital technology adoption in innovative SMEs","volume":"9","author":"Faiz","year":"2024","journal-title":"J. Innov. Knowl."},{"key":"ref_17","first-page":"1","article-title":"Digital technology adoption in SMEs: What technological, environmental and organizational factors influence in emerging countries?","volume":"34","author":"Shahadat","year":"2023","journal-title":"Glob. Bus. Rev."},{"key":"ref_18","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"97","DOI":"10.53703\/001c.124907","article-title":"Enhancing digital technology adoption in SMEs through sustainable resilience strategy: Examining the role of entrepreneurial orientation and competencies","volume":"35","author":"Sudirman","year":"2025","journal-title":"J. Small Bus. Strategy"},{"key":"ref_19","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"1023","DOI":"10.1080\/20421338.2024.2414949","article-title":"Technology adoption, competitiveness and new market access among SMEs in Ghana: What are the limiting factors?","volume":"16","author":"Quaye","year":"2024","journal-title":"Afr. J. Sci. Technol. Innov. Dev."},{"key":"ref_20","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"139","DOI":"10.53022\/oarjms.2024.8.1.0055","article-title":"Forecasting financial stability in SMEs: A comprehensive analysis of strategic budgeting and revenue management","volume":"8","author":"Okeke","year":"2024","journal-title":"Open Access Res. J. Multidiscip. Stud."},{"key":"ref_21","first-page":"147","article-title":"Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and deep learning for advanced business strategies: A review","volume":"2","author":"Rane","year":"2024","journal-title":"Partn. Univers. Int. Innov. J."},{"key":"ref_22","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","unstructured":"Rialti, R., and Zollo, L. (2023). Digital Transformation of SME Marketing Strategies. Digital Transformation of SME Marketing Strategies, Springer Nature.","DOI":"10.1007\/978-3-031-33646-1"},{"key":"ref_23","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e1184","DOI":"10.7717\/peerj-cs.1184","article-title":"A novel value-based multi-criteria decision-making approach to evaluate new technology adoption in SMEs","volume":"8","author":"Gupta","year":"2022","journal-title":"PeerJ Comput. Sci."},{"key":"ref_24","doi-asserted-by":"crossref","first-page":"e12674","DOI":"10.1002\/eng2.12674","article-title":"A blockchain-enabled solution to improve intra-inter organizational innovation processes in software small medium enterprises","volume":"5","author":"Gupta","year":"2023","journal-title":"Eng. Rep."}],"container-title":["Systems"],"original-title":[],"language":"en","link":[{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2079-8954\/14\/1\/42\/pdf","content-type":"unspecified","content-version":"vor","intended-application":"similarity-checking"}],"deposited":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,31]],"date-time":"2025-12-31T16:02:56Z","timestamp":1767196976000},"score":1,"resource":{"primary":{"URL":"https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2079-8954\/14\/1\/42"}},"subtitle":[],"short-title":[],"issued":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,30]]},"references-count":24,"journal-issue":{"issue":"1","published-online":{"date-parts":[[2026,1]]}},"alternative-id":["systems14010042"],"URL":"https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3390\/systems14010042","relation":{},"ISSN":["2079-8954"],"issn-type":[{"value":"2079-8954","type":"electronic"}],"subject":[],"published":{"date-parts":[[2025,12,30]]}}}