International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies (22 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Key barriers in the growth of engineering education in the context of Chhattisgarh state: a Fuzzy Kano and TISM integrated approach  
  by NAVEEN JAIN, Prateek Sharma, Bhagwaticharan Patel 
  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 20122013, 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 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.
  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.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2023.10047241
   
  
• Internal audit functions and financial performance: the mediating effect of audit independence and moderation of financial risk  
  by Xiaoling Pi 
  Abstract: The internal audit function plays a crucial role in optimising firms financial performance by ensuring compliance with financial regulations, mitigating risks, and identifying inefficiencies. This study explores the nexus among audit functions (AFs), financial performance (FP), audit independence (AI), and financial risk management (FRM) from the realm of the Chinese banking industry. First, this study confirmed a positive tie between AFs and financial performance. Second, a mediation of audit independence was found between AFs and FP. Third, the moderation of financial risk was confirmed between AFs and financial performance, respectively. The current study empowers the existing literature showing empirical results on how audit functions, audit independence, and risk management can optimise organisational financial performance.
  Keywords: internal audit functions; audit independence; financial risk management; FRM; financial performance; structural equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10073799
   
  
• An empirical study on CRM implementation and service recovery practices in Iraq banks  
  by M. Prabhu, Abebe Ejigu Alemu, Ahmed Talaat Jabbar, Faiza Kiran 
  Abstract: This study aims to identify and recommend critical success factors for implementing customer relationship management in the Iraqi banking sector. The main objective of the research is to study the impact of service recovery factors on customers perceptions of service excellence at Iraqi banks. The researchers used questionnaires to collect data from bank employees and customers in Iraq. The simple random sampling method is used to get the data from the bank employees and customers all over Iraq. The samples were collected from 225 bank employees and 342 bank customers. The researchers applied essential statistical tools like line mean, standard deviation, and multiple regression analysis to get their results. The researchers found that the tools used for service recovery, the service recovery process, and service recovery justice significantly impact service excellence. Service quality in service recovery does not significantly influence service excellence at Iraqi banks.
  Keywords: banking sector; customer relationship management; CRM; employee; service recovery; Iraq.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074069
   
  
• Feature analysis of food products and health benefits classification using sequence ranking with the gradient boosting method  
  by P. Jeyanthi, R. Durga 
  Abstract: Healthy foods must be marketed to kids to influence their nutrient choices. Check the food source for newborn nutrition and health advantages. Ensemble learning solves issues and improves predictions. Machine learning targets obesity and metabolic health nutrition prediction. Previous methods were inaccurate, showing inadequate product ingestion and long health benefit forecast timeframes in digital promotion. A model based on childrens nutrition information (protein, sugar, fat, iron, folic acid, calcium, and immunity) predicts the nutrient composition of prepared foods using SRCFA-NBGB. Starting with kid food nutrition, we used standard repository data. Data pre-processing begins with Min-Max Z-score normalisation to remove null values. Step two uses sequential ranking clustering analysis to choose features with maximum weights. Use a subset of attributes to determine dietary nutritional threshold margins and maximum feature values (protein, sugar, fat, iron, folic acid, calcium, and immunity). Phase three, feature weights validation, uses stratified K-fold validation to discover the maximum threshold values by dividing the data into k nearly equal-sized groupings. Final phase, NBGB classification, predicts nutritional quality and recommends healthy food for kids. NBGB forecasts use the recommended foods accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, error rate, and temporal complexity. The confusion matrix metrics above are superior.
  Keywords: ensemble learning; machine learning; subset features; clustering feature analysis; kids and nutrition; health benefits; nutrition promotion; food analysis; malnutrition and deficiencies; gradient boosting method; GBM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074070
   
  
• Enriching the consumer knowledge: an examination between in-store buying vs. online-store buying drawing on TAM model  
  by Jihua Sun, Lin Shi 
  Abstract: Consumer knowledge is crucial for both in-store and online shopping experiences, where in-store aids in making informed decisions about product quality, pricing, and suitability, while online shopping supports navigating vast options with a capability of reliable user experience. This study conducts a comparative analysis of how in-store (InS) and online shopping intention can influence consumers buying behaviour with the mediation of consumer knowledge (CK), along with the moderation of ease of use (EoU) and trust factor (TF). This study revealed that in-store buying and online shopping both trigger consumer behaviour, whereby online shopping is highly preferable by consumers due to ease of use. However, trust is a critical factor that is lacking in online shopping but is higher in in-store shopping. Finally, consumer knowledge also mediates the relationships among the nexus of buying intention and buying behaviour of the consumers.
  Keywords: in-store shopping; online shopping; consumer trust; ease of use; EoU; consumer knowledge; CK.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074965
   
  
• Random sum of discounted contractions for investment evaluation and decision making in financial system  
  by Constantinos T. Artikis, Panagiotis T. Artikis 
  Abstract: Stochastic models provide a framework for systematic assessment. By including randomness and uncertainty, they offer more precise and flexible instruments for analysing and understanding complex systems. This analysis aids in decision-making that aligns with an organisations strategic objectives. Stochastic models that incorporate random contractions and discounting constitute significant factors for decision making in the field of systemics. The paper introduces the development of a stochastic model that is represented as a random sum of discounted random contractions. The theoretical foundation of the stochastic model is established on the calculation of the corresponding characteristic function. Practical interpretation and application of the stochastic model in investment decision making are also provided.
  Keywords: model; system; random contraction; discounting; decision making.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074967
   
  
• An examination of consumer behaviour toward Chinese banking offers: empirical study with moderation of financial risks  
  by Yuan Wang, Lin Sun 
  Abstract: The banking offers and the internet banking services have a direct impact on customers behaviour due to convenience in various ways. Likewise, risk management in internet banking is important to safeguard consumer data and funds from fraud that can eventually contribute to the enhancement of trust and stability. This study examines the correlation between internet banking (InB) and consumer online buying tendencies (OBTs) within two major streams, i.e., cognitive tendencies (CTs) and effective tendencies from the banking sector of China. Similarly, the study investigates the correlation of distinct banking offers (BnOs) to OBTs, both CTs and ETs. This study revealed a positive association of InB and BnOs towards OCTs. Moreover, risks such as financial risk (FnR) were found to be a major force that influenced relationships as a moderator. This study provides interesting applications and insights into InBs and BnOs how both can help in optimising consumer OCTs. Nonetheless, some limitations and future opportunities are reported for academic researchers.
  Keywords: consumer online buying tendencies; cognitive tendencies; CTs; effective tendencies; internet banking; banking offers; financial risk management; China.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10076554
   
  
• Tourism and economic growth: a sustainable development perspective  
  by Gajanand Pareek, Priyanka Bhaskar 
  Abstract: This paper explores the relationship between tourism and economic growth through the lens of sustainable development, emphasising the significance of achieving a balance between social and environmental obligations and economic gains. It emphasises how tourism can stimulate local culture, create jobs, and generate income while advancing sustainability. The study reviews existing literature to identify key strategies for sustainable tourism, including investment in local communities, preservation of cultural heritage, and enhancement of natural resources. By proposing a conceptual framework that connects tourism development with sustainable practices, the paper aims to demonstrate how responsible tourism can lead to long-term economic resilience and community well-being. The findings underscore the need for policymakers to adopt integrated approaches that align tourism initiatives with sustainable development goals, ensuring that the sector contributes positively to economic prosperity and environmental stewardship. This exploration provides valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to harness the potential of tourism as a driver of sustainable economic growth while safeguarding the interests of future generations.
  Keywords: tourism; economic growth; sustainable development; responsible tourism.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10076698
   
  
• Exploring the impact of circular economy on firm performance and sustainable development: moderating role of innovation management  
  by Muhammad Akib Warraich, Muhammad Asghar Ali, Shiza Kazmi, Mohammad Ali Haider Chauhan, Xin Yang 
  Abstract: Literature has shown that a circular economy is an essential factor in bringing sustainable development to an economy. This study explores the impact of the circular economy (CE) on firm competitive performance (FCP) and sustainable performance (SP) in the context of China. Second, the study examines the influence of innovation management (IM) as a moderator in the nexus between CE, FCP, and sustainable performance. This study provides interesting outcomes by applying SEM techniques and reveals a positive association between CE, FCP, and sustainable performance. It also confirmed a moderating force of IM that positively influences the connection among proposed relationships. Moreover, the study provides multiple insights into the circular economy, firm performance, innovation management, and sustainable development, using empirical evidence from China.
  Keywords: circular economy; firm performance; sustainable development; innovation management; structural equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10076790
   
  
• Observation on mental to holistic health benefits on prisoners through meditation and mantra chanting: a systematic study among punished people in Ujjain through welfare workshop  
  by Rohit Rastogi, Neeti Tandon, Manasvi Kansal, Manya Khare, K. Devansh 
  Abstract: This study examines the possible benefits of mantra chanting and meditation on the overall health of prisoners in Ujjain, India. Ujjain being in the middle of the country, reflects a lot about the country itself. In order to support the therapy of the prisoners and ease their return into society, it is important to understand the physiological, mental, social and spiritual effects of these methods. The study includes examining a number of particulars of the prisoners experiences, such as their conduct, mental and physical well-being, and spiritual development. Furthermore, finding out through interviews and evaluations whether chanting and meditation helps people become calmer and emotionally stable while also lowering their stress and anxiety levels. Another area of focus is behavioural adjustments. The research finds out if chanting mantra and performing meditation help prisoners in developing social skills and decrease aggressive behaviour, as these behaviours are critical for engaging with others while imprisoned and after discharge. The study also keeps an eye on the physical well-being of prisoners to determine if chanting and meditation improve their general state of health. An additional area of interest is spiritual development.
  Keywords: mental health; meditation; Gayatri Mantra; chanting; spirituality; Yajna; healthcare; stress reduction; prisoners; holistic health; inmates; incarceration.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10076791
   
  
• Utilisation of computing for group emotion identification in sports event crisis situations  
  by Liu Zhongwei, Guojian Feng 
  Abstract: In sporting events, the involvement of numerous spectators, media personnel, and participants generates substantial data, reflecting collective emotional inclinations. These emotions can significantly impact the events trajectories and outcomes. This study uses cloud computing to present a novel approach to discerning group emotions during sports event crises. Data related to sports events is collected and integrated into a unified cloud computing platform. The data is cleaned, denoised, and standardised using optimal segmentation functions, and then characteristics related to emotional identification during sports event crises are extracted. Based on the dynamic evolution of public opinion during sports event crises, a group emotion identification index is constructed, and index weights are calculated to achieve group emotion identification under cloud computing. Experimental findings show a strong correlation between this techniques identification trend and the events development trend. This correlation demonstrates remarkable stability and convergence, with a small mean square error. Consequently, the technique can accurately identify the characteristics of the target object, aligning the identification results with the actual situation.
  Keywords: cloud computing; sports event crisis; group emotion; emotional recognition; optimal piecewise function; performance of the proposed approach.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10076792
   
  
• Embedding-AI into project management: mediation of AI-driven risk and moderation of workforce diversity  
  by Xuhui Han, Anbalagan Marimuthu 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence improves project management capacity (PMC) by optimising resource allocation, predicting risks, and enhancing decision-making. However, workforce diversity management (WFD) is crucial in fostering innovation that eventually supports enhancing problem-solving decision-making about project management. In this study, the first aim is to examine the correlation between AI (i.e., machine learning, natural language processing, speech recognition, predictive analytics, and deep learning) and project management. Second, the aim is to explore the moderating influence of AI-driven risk (AID-R) and the mediating influence of WFD from the domain of the Chinese market based on contingency theory. The current findings are calculated using the SEM method. The findings confirmed a positive nexus of AI tools in optimising PMC. Similarly, the findings affirmed a moderation of AID-R and mediation of WFD between AI and project management. This study also highlights the importance of AI, AID-R, and WFD with respect to project management.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; AI; project management; AI-driven risk; AID-R; workforce diversity; WFD; contingency theory; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10077144
   
  
• Comparative analysis: ant lion and whale optimisation algorithms for enhanced android malware detection  
  by K. S. Ranadheer Kumar, Jagadish Gurrala 
  Abstract: The rise of Android malware has paralleled the platform's growing ubiquity, necessitating advanced detection strategies to counter the evolving threat landscape. This research investigates the pivotal role of Android permission patterns in malware detection, focusing on the inherent challenges posed by high-dimensional permission data. By leveraging nature-inspired, wrapper-based metaheuristic algorithms specifically the whale optimisation algorithm (WOA) and ant lion optimisation (ALO) this study explores their effectiveness in optimising Android permission features for malware detection. The evaluation is conducted using a range of machine learning classifiers, including gradient boosting (GB), random forest (RF), decision tree (DT), k-nearest neighbours (KNN), support vector machine (SVM) and logistic regression (LR). Notably, the wrapper-based feature selection using the whale optimisation algorithm (WFSWOA) yields the most promising results, achieving substantial dimensionality reduction and a superior classification accuracy of 94.04% on the CICInvesAndMal2019 dataset, which comprises 4,115 features. The findings make significant contributions to Android malware detection, highlighting the effectiveness of metaheuristic-driven feature selection techniques in improving detection accuracy.
  Keywords: whale optimisation algorithm; WOA; ant lion optimisation; ALO; malware classification; feature selection; malware detection; static analysis; android security.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2026.10077660
   
  
• 3D finite element explicit analysis of simply supported slabs of varying thickness and steel bar diameter under different scaled distances of blast loadings  
  by Md. Ajmal Hussain, Asif Husain 
  Abstract: This study investigates the blast response of reinforced concrete (RC) slabs using three-dimensional finite element simulations in ABAQUS. A total of 48 numerical models of simply supported RC slabs reinforced with steel re-bars were analysed under blast loading at scaled distances ranging from 0.75 to 3.0 m/kg1/3. The developed model was first validated against available experimental results, showing good agreement in terms of mid-span deflection and damage patterns. A parametric study was then conducted by varying slab thickness from 75 to 150 mm and reinforcement bar diameter from 8 to 12 mm. Structural response was evaluated through displacement-time histories, crack development, and plastic damage energy. Results indicates that increasing slab thickness and bar diameter significantly reduces deformation, cracking, and damage energy, thereby improving blast resistance and overall structural performance of RC slabs.
  Keywords: blast load; slabs; thickness; steel diameter; displacement; damages.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2026.10078480
   
  
• Green bonds unveiled: exploring the impact of financial literacy on the interplay of financial returns and advice in investment intentions  
  by Sagarika Mohanty, Lingam Naveen, Manoranjan Dash, Sudhansu Sekhar Nanda, Biplab Kumar Biswal, Padma Charan Mishra 
  Abstract: This study aims to understand the motivations behind individual investors participation in the green bond market, with a specific focus on the Indian green bond market. Data were collected from individual investors and employed partial least squares structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) to analyse the data. Financial return and financial advice significantly and favourably affect green bond investors investing decisions with financial literacy significantly moderates the impact of financial return and financial advice on investment intention. This study offers novel insights into how financial literacy influences investment intentions in the green bond market, providing a deeper understanding of investment behaviour in an emerging market with a broader discourse on sustainable finance in shaping investment decisions.
  Keywords: green bond; financial literacy; financial return; financial advice; investment intention; sustainable investment.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2026.10079590
   
  
• Operational excellence evolution: a comprehensive critical review  
  by Padma Charan Mishra 
  Abstract: This article explores the origin, evolution, and conceptual framework of operational excellence (OpEx), a term formalised post-1970. Through an extensive literature review using databases such as Ebsco, ProQuest, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Google, the study identifies and analyses management principles driving OpEx across various industries. By examining primary and prominent secondary sources, the research delineates key concepts and traces their developmental trajectory. The evolutionary stages of OpEx are systematically mapped in a schematic diagram created using MS Excel, visually representing the progression of ideas leading to OpEx. This study introduces the first comprehensive framework for OpExs evolution, highlighting its historical context and connections to evolving management principles. The framework chronologically organises the conceptual flow, reflecting the implementation of continuous improvement of OpEx ideas over time. Additionally, the article investigates generalised methods for applying OpEx, noting its varied manifestations across manufacturing, production, services, and other sectors.
  Keywords: management principles; operational excellence; OpEx; production and manufacturing systems; management education.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2026.10079995
   
  
• The application of multi-criteria evaluation to optimise action plans produced through structured dialogic design processes: method integrating multi-criteria assessment following the production of a structural influence map  
  by Yiannis Laouris 
  Abstract: The paper reports an extension to the structured democratic dialogue (SDD) process that enhances the effectiveness of action plans by considering cross-evaluations of feasibility, impact, probability of happening without intervention, etc. The application of the SDD process typically culminates with the production of an Influence Map where the factors with the greatest influence end up at the roots. Roadmaps can be further optimised by considering the feasibility, impact, and probability of happening without intervention of those root factors.
  Keywords: SDD; structured democratic dialogue; interpretive structural modelling; collective wisdom; asynchronous multi-criteria decision analysis; optimisation.
  
  
• Logosofia: a platform for navigating the Labyrinth of situational complexity in the quest for organisational excellence  
  by Maria Z. Kakoulaki, Alexander N. Christakis 
  Abstract: Situational Complexity is a phenomenon that emerges when interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary (i.e., intersubjective) teams in organisations engage in boundary-spanning deliberative dialogue. It emerges as the composite of the superposition of three distinct observational complexities, namely: (a) objective, which is observer-independent, and excludes any actions for improving the situation; (b) subjective, which is observer-dependent, and partially includes actions; and (c) intersubjective, which is observer-interdependent, and fully includes actions for improving the situation. On account of the turbulence experienced by most contemporary knowledge-based organisations, any assault on Situational Complexity ought to be founded on a methodology that is systemic, efficient, effective and ephemeral, instead of the conventional system analysis of parts combined with the standardisation of products and services. The Logosofia software platform supporting the application of the methodology of structured dialogic design (SDD), has been developed specifically for enabling intersubjective teams to systemically and collectively conceptualise the balancing of standardisation and flexibility. Additionally, the chapter focuses on the capability of SDD to enable intersubjective teams to navigate the Labyrinth of organisational Situational Complexity through successive approximations and iterations.
  Keywords: action planning; situational complexity; intersubjective teams. ephemeralisation; Logosofia; SDD; structured dialogic design; navigating complexity; organisational excellence.
  
  
• Use of the taxonomy of organisational pathologies and the viable system model to design and diagnose complex organisations
  by José Pérez-Ríos 
  Abstract: The aim of this paper is to show the basic elements of a methodological framework to facilitate the application of S. Beer's organisational cybernetics (OC) and viable systems model (VSM). This conceptual framework is complemented with the description of Taxonomy of most frequent Organisational Pathologies. In the last part of the paper, I show an example of application to the case of the design (or diagnosis) of a highly complex system such as the Spanish state and its link with the European Union.
  Keywords: designing complex organisations; VSM; viable system model; taxonomy of organisational pathologies; organisational cybernetics.
  
  
• The challenges of artificial intelligence to contemporary business ecosystems
  by Peter P. Groumpos 
  Abstract: The concept of a business ecosystem (BE) is thought to help companies understand how to thrive in this rapidly changing environment. From a systemic point a business ecosystem is a dynamic group, which can change in composition of independent players, who work together to create something bigger than the sum of the parts. There are different types of BE models and the concept of contemporary business ecosystems (CBE) are discussed. CBEs are just one way of organising a business - they compete with other ways of organising. The well-known and popular artificial intelligence (AI) field, has been considered as a possible saver of the failing CBEs. The issues of Artificial Intelligence and CBE are analysed extensively. There are still many problems in understanding clearly the 'scientific meaning of AI'. How AI can be beneficial to Contemporary of Business Ecosystems is analysed. It is essential to formulate a generic list of ethical values. A possible list is provided and further discussed. It is important to address the critical and important question of how ethics in AI can guide future CBE.
  Keywords: ecosystem; business ecosystems; artificial intelligence; ethical artificial intelligence; cybernetics; data processing.
  
  
• A systemic approach for resilience and time management in healthcare academia: a system dynamics approach  
  by Maria Antoniadou, Rallis Antoniadis, Nikitas Assimakopoulos 
  Abstract: Time management remains a critical challenge for healthcare academics, who must balance teaching, research, and administrative responsibilities, often at the expense of well-being and productivity. This study develops a sustainable, predictive systemic model to address these issues using systemic analysis software and a systemic management approach. Findings indicate that disproportionate administrative workloads drain time and focus from core academic functions. The proposed Timebooster Academic Systemic Model (TASM) integrates soft skills development, prioritisation, delegation, and strategies against perfectionism and procrastination. It promotes automation and redistribution of administrative duties while enhancing collaboration through resilient academic manager-leaders. By identifying and mitigating low-value, time-consuming activities, TASM aims to optimise academic performance and resilience. Overall, systemic models such as TASM offer structured, sustainable frameworks for improving time management, reducing stress, and fostering balanced productivity in healthcare academia.
  Keywords: systemic approach; systems management; time management; academia; procrastination; perfectionism; timewasters; systemic tools; systemic model; sustainability.
  
  
• Studying the power outages problem: system dynamics vs. discrete simulation  
  by Tetiana Bitkova, Yevgen Zanimonskiy 
  Abstract: Power outages and blackouts can create serious problems for business, economy and human health. In Ukraine the problem of energy outages and blackouts became extremely relevant in late 2022 - early 2023 due to targeted attacks by Russian missiles on Ukrainian energy infrastructure facilities. The paper considers a case study of work provision of the personnel of Ukrainian IT company during power outages. The key methodological approaches are two different simulation methodologies, which may be used for decision support - these are System Dynamics and discrete simulation. Two models are proposed for one and the same problem statement in order to compare benefits and disadvantages of the two methodologies in terms of the convenience of displaying model assumptions, the possibilities of model modification and of computer experiments. Although the baseline results of both models almost perfectly match each other, there's a significant difference in the effectiveness of both concepts in relation to the case study in question.
  Keywords: power outages; IT personnel; system dynamics; discrete simulation; modelling.