Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: George Sainis Author-X-Name-First: George Author-X-Name-Last: Sainis Author-Name: Athanasios Kriemadis Author-X-Name-First: Athanasios Author-X-Name-Last: Kriemadis Author-Name: Ioanna Thomopoulou Author-X-Name-First: Ioanna Author-X-Name-Last: Thomopoulou Title: Exploring quality models applied to small and medium enterprises Abstract: Quality can be defined as the "never-ending improvement of a firm's extended process" (Goh, 2000). The decision to adopt a quality model (MBNQA, EFQM) may be a way to increase a company's value but there are also shortcomings with these models. They are expensive, and do not consider the real needs an SME, because they were design for large companies. According to Dandekar et al. (2012) a quality model for an SME should be simple, systematic, easy to understand, outlined and definitely providing a planning tool for its implementation. The use of a quality model will give the structure that an ISO certified SME should accomplish. It will identify the spread of TQM applicability on how wide TQM could apply it to different fractions and environmental factors that it needs to change. These changes will make SMEs successfully implement quality and TQM in particular. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 311-329 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: TQM; small and medium enterprises; SMEs; critical success factor; CSF; ISO; quality; performance. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126761 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:311-329 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Anastasia Sioutou Author-X-Name-First: Anastasia Author-X-Name-Last: Sioutou Author-Name: Thanos Kriemadis Author-X-Name-First: Thanos Author-X-Name-Last: Kriemadis Author-Name: Antonios K. Travlos Author-X-Name-First: Antonios K. Author-X-Name-Last: Travlos Author-Name: Athanasios Verdis Author-X-Name-First: Athanasios Author-X-Name-Last: Verdis Title: Implementing the Deming management method in public administration: a systemic approach Abstract: William Edwards Deming, as a managerial theorist of quality management, captured the essence of his philosophy in 14 points for management, establishing a structured management system for continuous improvement of procedures, products and services, leadership for change, satisfaction of internal and external customers, cooperation with suppliers, empowering human resources, continuous training, encouraging self-improvement and setting the framework of total quality management and other quality management systems. The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate to what extent Deming management method is being implemented in Greek Public Administration. The findings of this study showed that Deming management method is applied to a mediocre extent in Greek Public Administration, and thus, recommendations for further improvement were introduced. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 344-365 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: quality management; Deming management method; public administration. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126762 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:344-365 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Alexander Raikov Author-X-Name-First: Alexander Author-X-Name-Last: Raikov Title: The architecture of non-local semantics for artificial general intelligence Abstract: This paper addresses the issue of providing artificial intelligence (AI) models by the non-local semantics that reflects non-formalisable and weak formalisable aspects of human consciousness and unconsciousness. Emotions, feelings, thoughts, insights, and transcendental state of mind cannot be formalised. But these aspects have to be taken into account during decision-making and analytical conversations with AI support. Trying to represent the aspects using traditional cognitive architectures, logical ontology, knowledge base, and so on are finishing in a formalised way. The decision of the problem, in our opinion, can be carried out in an indirect way or taking into consideration the peculiarities of the structures of non-local effects in outside spaces such as cosmic spaces and quantum fields. For this, it requires to introduce the concepts of non-local cognitive semantics. The paper suggests the approach by which this idea can be implemented during modelling in advanced AI, or artificial general intelligence (AGI). Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 425-441 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: artificial intelligence; entanglement; cognitive architectures; cognitive semantics; quantum interactions; non-local semantics. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126763 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:425-441 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Panagiotis Papaioannou Author-X-Name-First: Panagiotis Author-X-Name-Last: Papaioannou Author-Name: Rallis Antoniadis Author-X-Name-First: Rallis Author-X-Name-Last: Antoniadis Author-Name: Nikitas Assimakopoulos Author-X-Name-First: Nikitas Author-X-Name-Last: Assimakopoulos Title: Organisational resilience through the adaptation of process-aware information systems - a System Dynamics approach Abstract: Organisations, seen as socio-technical systems, are in close interaction with process-aware information systems, not only in an operational sense but also in terms of resilience. The ability of the latter to adapt to external or internal challenges affects the resilience of the whole organisation. This exploratory study aims at finding the resilience dynamics in such complex systems. To this end, the systemic perspective provides useful insights. Employing the concept of requisite variety, we treat disaster events and business challenges as 'variety deficiencies' that need to be addressed through an adaptation process. System Dynamics provides the means to create models that describe and simulate the resilience dynamics of the whole system. The study concludes that resilience and adaptation are a matter of knowledge leverage, while the simulation model highlights the effect of knowledge leverage in the adaptation process. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 401-424 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: resilience; process-aware information system; PAIS; socio-technical systems; System Dynamics. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126765 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:401-424 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Georgios Mandellos Author-X-Name-First: Georgios Author-X-Name-Last: Mandellos Author-Name: Dimitris Tsipianitis Author-X-Name-First: Dimitris Author-X-Name-Last: Tsipianitis Title: Business intelligent connection between quality and evaluation methods: a case study Abstract: Nowadays, information and knowledge represent the fundamental wealth of an organisation. Enterprises try to utilise this wealth to gain advantage when making decisions such as a project's acceptance. After a project finishes, a quality management plan defines its quality level. The business intelligence theories help the individual to evaluate the proposed plan in order to target the project's results. But, do all the evaluation methods have the same reliability? We check the project's quality by using paper and online questionnaire administration. Although the scope is the same, there are differences, giving different results. So, we intelligently investigated the quality of the university educational process. The results show that the administration method has a significant effect on overall results. Thus, the quality check of a project using questionnaires needs to have an attentive design, avoid points that introduce uncertainties and able to show the real opinion of the respondents. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 330-343 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: business intelligence; information technology; people's opinion; surveys; people's behaviour. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126768 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:330-343 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Dimitris Tsipianitis Author-X-Name-First: Dimitris Author-X-Name-Last: Tsipianitis Author-Name: Georgios Mandellos Author-X-Name-First: Georgios Author-X-Name-Last: Mandellos Title: The value of formative evaluation in an education program Abstract: Evaluation is a process that compares the results with the target, an initial situation with the final one. 'Evaluate' means making an assessment based on some measure or information and referring to some criteria. The Formative evaluation is a process which is used by trainers and trainees and provides feedback on updating current teaching and learning methods in order to improve trainer's achievement in relation of teaching goals. In this case study a research was carried out using the technique of formative evaluation in order to evaluate two thematic areas with the cooperation of the program's leaders. The aim of the study was to extract conclusions and opinions about the program's value, the achievement goals and the organisation implementation requirements and how all this results will been feed backed to program managers and policymakers with the appropriate information which are necessary to adopt appropriate corrective interventions for programs quality improvement. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 381-388 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: formative evaluation; education; feedback; communication; quality. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126770 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:381-388 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Eleftherios Kakavoulis Author-X-Name-First: Eleftherios Author-X-Name-Last: Kakavoulis Title: Systems structuring with DCSYM: case study of an SME active in media business Abstract: In line with the HSSS conference theme, the subject of this article is the application of the design and control systemic methodology (DCSYM) in a small and medium-sized enterprise (SME). Using a bottom-up approach, DCSYM can subsume the structural components of a system in a hierarchical list while providing a visualisation of the system structure. It can also provide a detailed description of the systems and their subsystems and interactions among individuals, including the channels, the directions, and the types of communication. In conclusion, DCSYM can help improve business performance by simulating the processes, thus enabling the prediction of the company's response to different circumstances. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 389-400 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: systemic; dynamics; methodology; DCSYM; SME. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126780 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:389-400 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Vasiliki Messini Author-X-Name-First: Vasiliki Author-X-Name-Last: Messini Title: Employer branding in the retail industry: a systems approach Abstract: In view of the emerging digital transformation requirements, modern organisations need to be constantly adapting for their development and sustainability. Human resource departments are among the basic pillars contributing to that transformation, with their strategic engagement on the organisation's decisions regarding the most efficient short- and long-term talent management and acquisition. The adoption of new concepts in the pursuit of business excellence and continuity always contains an inherent complexity proportional to the separate stakeholders taking part in major decisions referring to strategic, tactical, and operational targets. In this paper, we examine, by a systemic point of view, the performance and potential impact of the adoption and implementation of employer branding trends, which seems to be an important way for the whole business transformation and superiority. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 366-380 Issue: 4 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: employer branding; human resource management; system dynamics; DCSYM. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=126781 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:4:p:366-380 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi Author-X-Name-First: Rashmi Ranjan Author-X-Name-Last: Panigrahi Author-Name: Duryodhan Jena Author-X-Name-First: Duryodhan Author-X-Name-Last: Jena Author-Name: Padma Charan Mishra Author-X-Name-First: Padma Charan Author-X-Name-Last: Mishra Title: Inventory automation practices and productivity: a study on steel manufacturing firms Abstract: The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between inventory automation practices (IAP) and the productivity of steel manufacturing firms. The study also explores the mediation effect of knowledge of IAPs on the relationship between IAP and firms' productivity (FP). Study based on data, collected from 287-key officials of three manufacturing firms of Odisha, India using a structured questionnaire. SPSS and Amos software were used for data analysis. Data were processed through the test of validity and reliability and subsequently, structural equation modelling (SEM) was applied to test the hypotheses. The research findings revealed that IAP has a significant positive impact on the productivity of manufacturing firms. It is also found that knowledge of IAP is partially mediating the above relationship. It will add to the existing body of knowledge and further help practitioners to understand the importance and relationships of inventory automation practices in steel manufacturing firms. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 195-213 Issue: 3 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: inventory management; steel manufacturing firms; inventory automation practices; firm productivity; structural equation modelling; India. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=124071 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:3:p:195-213 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Rui Gonçalves Author-X-Name-First: Rui Author-X-Name-Last: Gonçalves Author-Name: Leandro Pereira Author-X-Name-First: Leandro Author-X-Name-Last: Pereira Author-Name: Renato Lopes Da Costa Author-X-Name-First: Renato Lopes Da Author-X-Name-Last: Costa Author-Name: Álvaro Dias Author-X-Name-First: Álvaro Author-X-Name-Last: Dias Author-Name: Natália Teixeira Author-X-Name-First: Natália Author-X-Name-Last: Teixeira Title: Cryptocurrencies: from characteristics to behaviours Abstract: Over the past few years, cryptocurrencies have been increasingly spoken and have become a global phenomenon known. Their high volatility and lack of regulation makes these investments very risky, and even though these coins are often associated with criminal activities, an increase on the number of investors is visible every day. Most of the published studies explain the technology behind cryptocurrencies, however, there was no published study that aims to understand what kind of profile these investors have and what are their motivations or expectations. Based on a questionnaires and interviews presented to the investors, this study concluded that there are two separate investor profiles and also understood what are their motivations and expectations for the future. It was also possible to see what vision regulators, private equities and corporate banking have for this new type of currency and if they consider them as a valid mean of payment. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 214-239 Issue: 3 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: cryptocurrencies; investors; financial companies; Bitcoin. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=124082 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:3:p:214-239 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Chiluveru Gnaneshwar Author-X-Name-First: Chiluveru Author-X-Name-Last: Gnaneshwar Author-Name: Manish Kumar Singh Author-X-Name-First: Manish Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Singh Author-Name: Satyendra Singh Yadav Author-X-Name-First: Satyendra Singh Author-X-Name-Last: Yadav Author-Name: Bunil Kumar Balabantaray Author-X-Name-First: Bunil Kumar Author-X-Name-Last: Balabantaray Title: Analysis of image forgery detection using convolutional neural network Abstract: Prior to the age of cameras, if someone wanted to see/verify any incident or document, then one must go to that place and verify. The fact is that no one ever questions once someone has verified something with their own eyes. Nowadays, with the rapid development of new technologies, one cannot be sure of an image, which one is a copy of the sight or not a sight itself. Such types of verifications are not possible in the current time due to the development of varieties of advanced image editing tools like Corel draw, Photoshop, GIMP, etc. These are low cost and open-source tools for the users and frequently used to make memes on social media websites. This paper presents an image forgery detection using convolutional neural networks (CNNs/ConvNet). The error level analysis (ELA) method is discussed in detail for image forgery detection. The binary decision of CNN-based model helps in declaration of an image aptness for official uses. The CNN model has been trained for the Kaggle dataset and detailed simulations have been carried out to validate the accuracy and precision of the proposed model. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 240-260 Issue: 3 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: image forgery detection; convolutional neural network; CNN; error level analysis; ELA; machine learning; ML; deep learning; DL. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=124085 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:3:p:240-260 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Zoannos M. Nikolaos Author-X-Name-First: Zoannos M. Author-X-Name-Last: Nikolaos Author-Name: Assimakopoulos Nikitas Author-X-Name-First: Assimakopoulos Author-X-Name-Last: Nikitas Title: Analysing data from a bunch of transactions (block of a blockchain) can lead to optimisation of business decisions Abstract: Business intelligence (BI) is a technology-driven process for analysing data and presenting reports, which helps managers and executives to make better business decisions. In order to achieve a proper data analysis and an optimised visualisation, a variety of tools, applications and methodologies can be used. Those analytical results consist of the driving force of business decision-making process that is why the methodologies that are going to be used in each case must be chosen carefully. Systems science provides methodologies suitable for data analysis. So, the main purpose of our study is to present to you how the systems thinking and systemic methodologies like DCSYM, systems dynamics, etc., can be applied on blockchain technologies (BT). Also, through the different sections of this study we will present a stage of a multi-methodology that we are developing for the systemic management of blockchain technologies. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 293-304 Issue: 3 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: business intelligence; blockchain technologies; ecosystems; sociotechnical systems; systemic methodologies; systems thinking; decision-making process. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=124086 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:3:p:293-304 Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Naveen Jain Author-X-Name-First: Naveen Author-X-Name-Last: Jain Author-Name: Prateek Sharma Author-X-Name-First: Prateek Author-X-Name-Last: Sharma Author-Name: Bhagwati Charan Patel Author-X-Name-First: Bhagwati Charan Author-X-Name-Last: Patel Title: Key barriers in the growth of engineering education in the context of Chhattisgarh state: a fuzzy Kano and TISM integrated approach Abstract: Today, countries depend on knowledge-driven innovation for economic growth which depends on the quality of the engineering education system and management. In India, the All India Council for Technical Education is the flag bearer of planning, formulation, and dissemination of technical education in the country. Since 2012-2013, there is a drastic decline in admissions in engineering courses across the country. Hence, there is a need to identify the barriers that dominate engineering education and that hinder the students from opting for engineering as a career option. The proposed work focuses on determining the key barriers to the growth of technical education in the state of Chhattisgarh by an integrated fuzzy Kano model and total interpretive structural modelling approach. The result of the study will provide deeper insight and a better understanding of the higher engineering scenario in the state and will help decision-makers to take constructive and progressive steps to improve the engineering education scenario. Journal: Int. J. of Applied Systemic Studies Pages: 261-292 Issue: 3 Volume: 9 Year: 2022 Keywords: Kano model; total interpretive structural modelling; TISM; fuzzy Kano; engineering education management; key barriers; interpretive structural modelling; ISM; technical education; critical failure factors; CFFs; reachability matrix; HEI; digraph. File-URL: http://www.inderscience.com/link.php?id=124100 File-Format: text/html File-Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers. Handle: RePEc:ids:ijass:v:9:y:2022:i:3:p:261-292