Journal Description
Systems
Systems
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on systems theory in practice, including fields such as systems engineering management, systems based project planning in urban settings, health systems, environmental management and complex social systems, published monthly online by MDPI. The International Society for the Systems Sciences (ISSS) is affiliated with Systems and its members receive a discount on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SSCI (Web of Science), dblp, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Modeling and Simulation)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 16.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
1.9 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
2.5 (2022)
Latest Articles
How Do Developers Influence the Transaction Costs of China’s Prefabricated Housing Development Process? An Investigation through the Bayesian Belief Network Approach
Systems 2024, 12(5), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050147 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
The implementation of prefabricated housing (PH) has become prevalent in China recently due to its advantages in enhancing production and energy-saving efficiency within the construction system. However, stakeholders may not always fully realize the benefits of adopting PH due to the emergence of
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The implementation of prefabricated housing (PH) has become prevalent in China recently due to its advantages in enhancing production and energy-saving efficiency within the construction system. However, stakeholders may not always fully realize the benefits of adopting PH due to the emergence of transaction costs (TCs) in the development process of such projects. This study investigated the strategies for developers to make rational choices for minimizing the TCs of the PH project considering their own attributes and external constraints. A Bayesian Belief Network model was applied as the analytical method, based on surveys conducted in China. A single sensitivity analysis indicated that developers influence the TCs of PH through the following three most impactful factors: prefabrication rate, PH experience, and contract payment method. Integrated strategies are recommended for developers in various situations based on a multiple sensitivity analysis. Developers facing challenges due to high prefabrication rates are advised to reduce the risks by procuring highly qualified general contractors and adopting unit-price contracts. For developers with limited PH experience, adopting the Engineering–Procurement–Construction procurement method is the most efficient way to reduce their TCs in the context of China’s PH market. This study contributes to the current body of knowledge concerning the effect of traders’ attributes and choices on TCs, expanding the application of TC theory and fulfilling the study on the determinants of TCs in construction management.
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(This article belongs to the Section Project Management)
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Evaluating the UN Global Compact Communication on Progress as a CSR Benchmarking Tool
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Lucas Ribeiro, Manuel Castelo Branco and Cristina Chaves
Systems 2024, 12(5), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050146 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Corporate social responsibility (CSR) extends beyond mere profit-seeking to encompass the ethical behavior of a company toward society, mitigating negative and generating positive impacts on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and all stakeholders. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is the world’s largest voluntary
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Corporate social responsibility (CSR) extends beyond mere profit-seeking to encompass the ethical behavior of a company toward society, mitigating negative and generating positive impacts on the environment, consumers, employees, communities, and all stakeholders. The UN Global Compact (UNGC) is the world’s largest voluntary CSR initiative, and its Communication on Progress (CoP) requirement is a key reporting mechanism that allows participating companies to transparently showcase their progress and efforts regarding CSR. As more and more companies are reporting CSR practices, it is crucial to establish a global, standardized, trusted, accessible, and useful database that can be used by different stakeholders, including the companies themselves in the benchmarking process. This paper examines whether the UNGC CoP can be used as a sustainability benchmarking tool, based on well-established criteria, and compares it with other existing reporting frameworks. Results indicate that the UNGC CoP can be considered a benchmarking tool, being applicable to nearly all phases of the benchmarking process. The study also shows that the CoP stands out regarding other frameworks due to ample coverage of the sustainable development goals (SDGs), number of reporting companies, accessibility to all stakeholders, and consolidation of the information into one platform.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Business Innovation: From Management Systems to Corporate Social Responsibility)
Open AccessArticle
Navigating Gender Nuances: Assessing the Impact of AI on Employee Engagement in Slovenian Entrepreneurship
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Maja Rožman and Polona Tominc
Systems 2024, 12(5), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050145 - 24 Apr 2024
Abstract
Background: Our research delved into exploring various selected facets of AI-driven employee engagement, from the gender perspective, among Slovenian entrepreneurs. Methods: This research is based on a random sample of 326 large enterprises and SMEs in Slovenia, with an entrepreneur completing a questionnaire
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Background: Our research delved into exploring various selected facets of AI-driven employee engagement, from the gender perspective, among Slovenian entrepreneurs. Methods: This research is based on a random sample of 326 large enterprises and SMEs in Slovenia, with an entrepreneur completing a questionnaire in each enterprise. Results: Findings suggest that there are no significant differences between male and female entrepreneurs in Slovenia regarding various aspects of AI-supported entrepreneurial management practice including the following: AI-supported entrepreneurial culture, AI-enhanced leadership, adopting AI to reduce employee workload, and incorporating AI tools into work processes. The widespread integration of AI into entrepreneurship marks a transition to a business landscape that values inclusivity and equity, measuring success through creativity, strategic technology deployment, and leadership qualities, rather than relying on gender-based advantages or limitations. Our research also focused on the identification of gender differences in path coefficients regarding the impact of the four previously mentioned aspects of AI on employee engagement. While both genders see the value in using AI to alleviate employee workload, the path coefficients indicate that female entrepreneurs report higher effectiveness in this area, suggesting differences in the implementation of AI-integrated strategies or tool selection. Male entrepreneurs, on the other hand, appear to integrate AI tools into their work processes more extensively, particularly in areas requiring predictive analytics and project scheduling. This suggests a more technical application of AI in their enterprises. Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding gender-specific approaches to AI in enterprises and their subsequent effects on employee engagement.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends)
Open AccessArticle
Managerial Decision-Making Methodology to Support Innovation Activities: Evidence from Slovak Enterprises
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Martin Holubčík, Jakub Soviar, Viliam Lendel and Juraj Čerňanský
Systems 2024, 12(5), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050144 - 24 Apr 2024
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The creation of innovations in enterprises is a topic that has a firm place in the scientific literature, and the authors describe several procedures and theories of the functioning of the innovation process in enterprises. One part of the innovation process is decision-making.
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The creation of innovations in enterprises is a topic that has a firm place in the scientific literature, and the authors describe several procedures and theories of the functioning of the innovation process in enterprises. One part of the innovation process is decision-making. In the article, attention is paid to the results of research on the decision-making process as an important and integral part of the innovation process. The elements of the decision-making process and their impact on innovation represent an area of possible exploration and development of theories on decision-making in the innovation process. It is here that we have proposed a methodology for decision-making in the innovation process. The management of innovation processes, of which decision-making is an important part, provides multiple points of error for enterprises. Errors are experienced by enterprises due to a lack of information or its misuse, the influence of communication and time, and also the lack of experience of employees. The aim of this paper is to highlight the different decision-making criteria and approaches to innovation activities in Slovak enterprises within the framework of the developed methodology and survey results.
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A Machine Learning Approach for Investigating the Determinants of Stock Price Crash Risk: Exploiting Firm and CEO Characteristics
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Yan Li, Huiyuan Xue, Shiyu Wei, Rongping Wang and Feng Liu
Systems 2024, 12(5), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050143 - 23 Apr 2024
Abstract
This study uses machine learning to investigate the effects of firm and CEO characteristics on stock price crash risk by collecting massive data on publicly listed firms in China. The results show that eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is the most effective model for
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This study uses machine learning to investigate the effects of firm and CEO characteristics on stock price crash risk by collecting massive data on publicly listed firms in China. The results show that eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) is the most effective model for predicting stock price crash risk, with relatively satisfactory performance. Meanwhile, the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method is used to interpret the importance of features. The results show that the average weekly return of a firm over a year (RET) contributes the most and is negatively associated with crash risk, followed by Sigma, IPO age, and firm size. We also found that, among CEO characteristics, CEO pay contributes substantially to crash risk at the firm level. Our findings have important implications for research into the impact of firm and CEO characteristics on stock price crash risk and provide a novel way for investors to plan their investment decisions and risk-taking behavior rationally.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances and Applications of Forecasting and Evaluation Techniques in Energy, Environment and Economy Management)
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Transitioning to Agile Organizational Structures: A Contingency Theory Approach in the Financial Sector
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Darley Biviana Pacheco-Cubillos, Josefa Boria-Reverter and Jaime Gil-Lafuente
Systems 2024, 12(4), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040142 - 22 Apr 2024
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The primary objective of this investigation is to explore the key factors within a large corporation that facilitate the transition from a conventional hierarchical organizational structure to a more agile one. Although there are studies in the literature on the different agile organizational
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The primary objective of this investigation is to explore the key factors within a large corporation that facilitate the transition from a conventional hierarchical organizational structure to a more agile one. Although there are studies in the literature on the different agile organizational structures, there are no clear guidelines for a large company to transform to an agile framework. This study employs contingency theory as its framework and specifically focuses on the financial sector to identify both opportunities and challenges encountered during this transformation process. Qualitative research methods were employed, involving an analysis of five case studies in which managers served as respondents. This research contributes to the identification of a model as a guideline for the transformation of the organizational structure towards agility that can provide valuable information for companies undergoing such a transformation. The managers surveyed provided their experience and the competencies of their profiles were validated, in addition to the application of the Delphi method to obtain more objective information. The findings underscore that large companies should refrain from adopting a completely flat hierarchical structure. Moreover, there exists a set of strategic-level elements that serve as a guiding framework for the transformation process. Furthermore, it is essential to acknowledge that the transformation process itself does not follow a one-size-fits-all approach; rather, it is contingent upon the unique context of each individual case, and it is also a cultural challenge.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Management in Digital Transformation Era)
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Enhancing Logistics Performance through Increased Trust and Collaboration in Supply Chain Risk Management: A Focus on the Distribution Network of Manufacturing Companies
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Soohyo Kim and Choyeon Kim
Systems 2024, 12(4), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040141 - 22 Apr 2024
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This study aims to explore the significance of trust among companies within the supply chain and investigate its effect on collaborative supply chain risk management. In the current uncertain business environment, it is crucial for companies to establish trust relationships with their trading
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This study aims to explore the significance of trust among companies within the supply chain and investigate its effect on collaborative supply chain risk management. In the current uncertain business environment, it is crucial for companies to establish trust relationships with their trading partners and collaboratively manage risks. This research seeks to understand how such trust relationships influence collaborative risk management and, subsequently, the effect of risk management collaboration on logistics performance. This study surveyed manufacturing companies in the Korean supply chain, and data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 and AMOS 23.0. The results of this study imply that cognitive trust, related to the partner’s expertise and capabilities, is more crucial than emotion-based affective trust in fostering collaborative supply chain risk management among companies within the supply chain, especially in the current unpredictable and complex business environments. Given the supply chain disruptions caused by uncertainties in the business environment, it is imperative to effectively manage risks and restructure the disrupted supply chain. Therefore, companies need to strive to demonstrate their expertise and capabilities to build cognitive trust and enhance logistics performance through supply chain risk management collaboration.
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Applying Integrative Systems Methodology: The Case of Health Care Organizations
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Markus Schwaninger and Johann Klocker
Systems 2024, 12(4), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040140 - 22 Apr 2024
Abstract
Systems thinking has a lot to offer to the field of strategizing. Calls for a greater use of the Systems Approaches to management are increasingly being advanced in the world of organizations, public and private. Yet, practical implementation of such postulates is lagging.
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Systems thinking has a lot to offer to the field of strategizing. Calls for a greater use of the Systems Approaches to management are increasingly being advanced in the world of organizations, public and private. Yet, practical implementation of such postulates is lagging. This article aims to demonstrate the potential of systems thinking in shaping strategy in management and organization. It builds on a framework known as Integrative Systems Methodology, a circular set of established components of strategic processes: all elements of the methodology are covered, from finding purpose and goals, modeling, and diagnosing to the design of strategies and change. Along this path, complementary methodologies are combined to cope with high environmental complexity. In the present case, these are the systems methodologies of Organizational Cybernetics (namely Viable System Model) and System Dynamics. The layout of the treatise is conceptual in nature. Nevertheless, long-term empirical evidence from a set of real-world organizations-one center and several peripheral healthcare entities-is presented to make the methodology tangible: theoretically grounded and experientially corroborated. The case study we are introducing is from health care, concretely: an oncological care system. Structural patterns are elicited, which are isomorphic, applicable to any health care system. From a conceptual-theoretical stance, crucial factors conducive to continuous organizational learning are elaborated. Professionals can benefit from acquiring new ways of coping with the ever-increasing complexity.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Systems Thinking Approach to Strategic Management)
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The Non-Linear Impact of Digitalization on the Performance of SMEs: A Hypothesis Test Based on the Digitalization Paradox
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Xinqiang Chen, Xiu-e Zhang, Zhiwen Cai and Jiangjie Chen
Systems 2024, 12(4), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040139 - 20 Apr 2024
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While digitalization offers new opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it also introduces the phenomenon of the “digitalization paradox”. This paper develops a theoretical model comprising digitalization, digital technology–business alignment, external social capital, and SMEs’ performance, rooted in strategic alignment theory (SAT)
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While digitalization offers new opportunities for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), it also introduces the phenomenon of the “digitalization paradox”. This paper develops a theoretical model comprising digitalization, digital technology–business alignment, external social capital, and SMEs’ performance, rooted in strategic alignment theory (SAT) and social capital theory (SCT). The necessary data for the study were obtained by distributing questionnaires to 352 small and medium-sized enterprises engaged in digital practices in China, and hierarchical regression analysis was employed to investigate the impact of digitalization on the performance of SMEs and its boundaries of influence. The results indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between digitalization and SME performance, with both digital technology–business alignment and external social capital serving as positive moderators. Specifically, digital technology–business alignment and external social capital both enhance the positive impact of digitalization on the performance of SMEs and mitigate its negative effects. The findings enhance comprehension of the “digitalization paradox” and offer new insights and solutions for SMEs to navigate the opportunities and challenges of digitalization.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Management in Digital Transformation Era)
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Research on Dynamic Scheduling and Route Optimization Strategy of Flex-Route Transit Considering Travel Choice Preference of Passenger
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Jin Zhang, Rongrong Guo and Wenquan Li
Systems 2024, 12(4), 138; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040138 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this paper, to improve the operational service capability and attractiveness of the flex-route transit system, the real dynamic interaction scenario between passenger travel choice preference and system operation scheme in the post-pandemic era is described and quantified. The key technologies, operation mode,
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In this paper, to improve the operational service capability and attractiveness of the flex-route transit system, the real dynamic interaction scenario between passenger travel choice preference and system operation scheme in the post-pandemic era is described and quantified. The key technologies, operation mode, system framework, and interactive events required for dynamic interactive scheduling and route planning of flex-route transit are summarized. According to different choice preferences, the corresponding dynamic interaction scheduling strategies and route mixed integer programming model are proposed. An optimization scheme to improve the service capability of the system is introduced and analyzed. The computational results based on real-world cases show that the proposed strategy can better handle the relationship between requirements of transit system operation and requests of passengers without increasing operating costs, significantly improving the service performance of flex-route transit and the choice rate of passengers. We also find that the introduction of optimization schemes and the adjustment of passenger fares constitute a win-win strategy that benefits both passengers and transit operators.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Performance Analysis and Optimization in Transportation Systems)
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Systems Thinking for Supply Chains: Identifying Bottlenecks Using Process Mapping of a Child Health Intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)
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Aliya Karim, Christian Burri, Jean Serge Ngaima Kila, Nelson Bambwelo, Jean Tony Bakukulu and Don de Savigny
Systems 2024, 12(4), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040137 - 18 Apr 2024
Abstract
The quality of supply chains in public health interventions in low- and middle-income countries can determine how effectively a program is able to treat its intended population group and subsequently achieve its health targets. We aimed to disentangle where challenges exist hierarchically and
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The quality of supply chains in public health interventions in low- and middle-income countries can determine how effectively a program is able to treat its intended population group and subsequently achieve its health targets. We aimed to disentangle where challenges exist hierarchically and administratively through the application of process mapping to the supply chain of an integrated community case management (iCCM) intervention in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). We conducted a document review, semi-structured key informant interviews, and focus group discussions with program agents involved in supply chain processes of the child health intervention. Enterprise architecture was used to map the intervention’s supply chain and its participatory actors, and detailed bottlenecks of the chain through the application of a health systems framework. The results of this study will be used to inform a system dynamics model of the supply chain of iCCM in DRC. The greatest bottlenecks leading to stockouts at the community level occurred upstream (from national to province and from zone to health facility). While the use of local procurement processes was partially attempted to strengthen systems, parallel supply chain activities compromised sustainable system integration and development. Initial delays in stock dispensation were due to international procurement at the supplier, inducing a trickle-down effect. Inadequate quantification of supply needs and subsequent insufficient product procuration were the single most important steps that led to stockouts. This study demonstrated that the community health supply chain would be most impacted by improvements made in processes at the highest administrative strata, while exposing its delicate dependence on activities at the lowest levels. Visibility of inventory at all levels and improved data quality and use through a transparent tracking system have the potential to significantly reduce stockouts. Future interventions should take care to not develop parallel processes or exclude local health system agents to avoid disruption and ensure sustainable health outcome gains. Causal loop studies and system dynamics can further identify the systems interactions and relationships and their underlying causal mechanisms in need of intervention.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Thinking for District Health Systems: Applications, Issues and Challenges)
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Bootstrap Method of Eco-Efficiency in the Brazilian Agricultural Industry
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André Luiz Marques Serrano, Gabriela Mayumi Saiki, Carlos Rosano-Penã, Gabriel Arquelau Pimenta Rodrigues, Robson de Oliveira Albuquerque and Luis Javier García Villalba
Systems 2024, 12(4), 136; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040136 - 17 Apr 2024
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With the economic growth of the Brazilian agroindustry, it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of this activity in relation to environmental demands for the country’s economic, social, and sustainable development. Within this perspective, the present research aims to examine the eco-efficiency of
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With the economic growth of the Brazilian agroindustry, it is necessary to evaluate the efficiency of this activity in relation to environmental demands for the country’s economic, social, and sustainable development. Within this perspective, the present research aims to examine the eco-efficiency of agricultural production in Brazilian regions, covering 5563 municipalities in the north, northeast, center-west, southeast, and south regions, using data from 2016–2017. In this sense, this study uses the DEA methods (classical and stochastic) and the computational bootstrap method to remove outliers and measure eco-efficiency. The findings lead to two fundamental conclusions: first, by emulating the benchmarks, it is feasible to increase annual revenue and preserved areas to an aggregated regional level by 20.84% while maintaining the same inputs. Given that no municipality has reached an eco-efficiency value equal to 1, there is room for optimization and improvement of production and greater sustainable development of the municipalities. Secondly, climatic factors notably influence eco-efficiency scores, suggesting that increasing temperatures and decreasing precipitation can positively impact eco-efficiency in the region. These conclusions, dependent on regional characteristics, offer valuable information for policymakers to design strategies that balance economic growth and environmental preservation. Furthermore, adaptive policies and measures can be implemented to increase the resilience of local producers and reduce vulnerability to changing climate conditions.
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The Degree of Big Data Technology Transformation and Green Operations in the Banking Sector
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Jiawen Yun and Shanyue Jin
Systems 2024, 12(4), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040135 - 17 Apr 2024
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Green finance, an essential tool for high-quality economic development, is valued by policymakers and researchers in line with the growing global concern for environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable development. The banking sector, as a major part of China’s green financial system, undertakes
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Green finance, an essential tool for high-quality economic development, is valued by policymakers and researchers in line with the growing global concern for environmental protection, climate change, and sustainable development. The banking sector, as a major part of China’s green financial system, undertakes significant responsibility for green finance while also confronting the opportunities and requirements of digital transformation. Big data technology is a major driver of digital transformation in the banking sector and can improve the green operational capability of the banking sector. The purpose of this study is to explore the ways in which the extent of big data technology transformation in the banking sector in China affects its ability to operate in a green manner and to analyze the moderating role of green credits, funds, and bonds. For this reason, this study selected A-share listed banks in China from 2015 to 2022 as research subjects and adopted a panel data regression method to study the impact of the degree of big data technology transformation on green operations. The results demonstrate that the degree of big data technology transformation in the banking sector positively influenced green operations. Green credit, funds, and bonds played a moderating role, meaning that financial products strengthened the role of the degree of big data technology transformation in green operations. This study examined the effect of big data technology transformation in the banking sector and enriches research on green finance. This study also provides practical insights for investors and regulators concerned with green development in the banking sector.
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(This article belongs to the Topic AI and IoT for Promoting Green Operation and Sustainable Environment)
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An Analysis of the Impact of Government Subsidies on Emission Reduction Technology Investment Strategies in Low-Carbon Port Operations
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Minjie Li, Jianlin Luan, Xiaodong Li and Peng Jia
Systems 2024, 12(4), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040134 - 16 Apr 2024
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The sustainable development of the maritime supply chain is an undeniable trend. Low-carbon port operations are a vital component of creating an eco-friendly maritime supply chain, requiring substantial investments in technologies that reduce carbon emissions. However, the key factors influencing investment decisions by
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The sustainable development of the maritime supply chain is an undeniable trend. Low-carbon port operations are a vital component of creating an eco-friendly maritime supply chain, requiring substantial investments in technologies that reduce carbon emissions. However, the key factors influencing investment decisions by ports and shipping companies in these green technologies, particularly government subsidies, remain poorly understood. Hence, this paper proposes a game-based framework to explore the impact of government subsidies. Through numerical analysis, this study first demonstrates that the pricing decisions, investment level, and profits of ports and shipping companies are sensitive to government subsidies and low-carbon preferences of the market; however, the influence of government subsidies and low-carbon preferences varies with different adopted investment strategies. Furthermore, investment decisions are mainly influenced by investment costs, low-carbon preferences, government subsidies, and cost-sharing ratios. Ports are more sensitive to government subsidies and low-carbon preferences while shipping companies are more sensitive to government subsidies and cost-sharing ratios. In addition, government subsidies and low-carbon preferences are substitutes for each other and can balance cost-sharing ratios between ports and shipping companies. Finally, recommendations are provided to the government, ports, and shipping companies for promoting low-carbon port operations based on the findings of this study.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Supply Chain Management in a Global Context)
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Resource Scheduling Optimisation Study Considering Both Supply and Demand Sides of Services under Cloud Manufacturing
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Qinglei Zhang, Ning Li, Jianguo Duan, Jiyun Qin and Ying Zhou
Systems 2024, 12(4), 133; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040133 - 15 Apr 2024
Abstract
In cloud manufacturing environments, the scheduling of multi-user manufacturing tasks often fails to consider the impact of service supply on resource allocation. This study addresses this gap by proposing a bi-objective multi-user multi-task scheduling model aimed at simultaneously minimising workload and maximising customer
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In cloud manufacturing environments, the scheduling of multi-user manufacturing tasks often fails to consider the impact of service supply on resource allocation. This study addresses this gap by proposing a bi-objective multi-user multi-task scheduling model aimed at simultaneously minimising workload and maximising customer satisfaction. To accurately capture customer satisfaction, a novel comprehensive rating index is introduced, integrating the actual completion cost, time, and processing quality against customer expectations. Furthermore, vehicle constraints are incorporated into the model to accommodate potential delays in transport vehicle availability, thereby enhancing its alignment with real-world manufacturing settings. The proposed mathematical model is solved using an improved three-stage genetic algorithm, which integrates the k-means algorithm and a real-time sequence scheduling strategy to optimise solution quality. Validation against alternative algorithms across various case scales demonstrates the efficacy of the approach in providing practical scheduling solutions for real-case scenarios.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Production Scheduling and Planning in Manufacturing Systems)
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Slovenian Higher Education in a Post-Pandemic World: Trends and Transformations
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Fayyaz Qureshi, Sarwar Khawaja, Mirjana Pejić Bach and Maja Meško
Systems 2024, 12(4), 132; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040132 - 15 Apr 2024
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of work and daily life, with higher education being greatly affected, especially in remote teaching, work, and digital collaboration. Most of these changes are retained in the post-COVID-19 era, e.g., remote work has enabled greater access
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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many aspects of work and daily life, with higher education being greatly affected, especially in remote teaching, work, and digital collaboration. Most of these changes are retained in the post-COVID-19 era, e.g., remote work has enabled greater access to educational opportunities and contributed to a more inclusive and diverse workforce. To investigate to what extent these changes impact higher education in the post-pandemic era, we have conducted qualitative research on a sample of 12 professors from Slovenia working in higher education, selected based on their extensive research, professional experience, and significant contributions to the field. The Delphi method was used for this study since its iterative process refines ideas in each round based on feedback from the previous one. Participants were given a five-day window to express their views and share their expertise. The responses to the open-ended questions were examined using qualitative content analysis. Research indicates that pedagogical and organisational characteristics such as the ability to adapt to changes, the capacity for resilience, and the willingness to embrace digital transformation are crucial for preserving long-term changes induced by pandemics.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Innovations after COVID-19: Emerging and Systemic Models or Complexities)
Open AccessArticle
Emergence in Complex Physiological Processes: The Case of Vitamin B12 Functions in Erythropoiesis
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Francesca Bellazzi and Marta Bertolaso
Systems 2024, 12(4), 131; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040131 - 11 Apr 2024
Abstract
In this paper, we will explore the relation between molecular structure and functions displayed by biochemical molecules in complex physiological processes by using tools from the philosophy of science and the philosophy of scientific practice. We will argue that biochemical functions are weakly
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In this paper, we will explore the relation between molecular structure and functions displayed by biochemical molecules in complex physiological processes by using tools from the philosophy of science and the philosophy of scientific practice. We will argue that biochemical functions are weakly emergent from molecular structure by using an account of weak. In order to explore this thesis, we will consider the role of vitamin B12 in contributing to the process of erythropoiesis. The structure of the paper is the following: First, we will consider biochemical functions and why they cannot be easily reduced to their chemical realisers. We will suggest weak emergence as an alternative while also accounting for the relevance of the context, in our case, systemic and organisational. The paper will conclude by considering (1) how the usage of tools from the philosophy of science, such as weak emergence, can aid our understanding of the relations between the components of complex phenomena, such as erythropoiesis, and (2) how the philosophy of scientific practice sheds light on the explanatory role of processes that are dynamically stabilised and the different levels of organisation implied.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical Issues on Systems Science)
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A Meta-Analysis of Innovation Management in Scientific Research: Unveiling the Frontier
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Denis Juracka, Marek Nagy, Katarina Valaskova and Elvira Nica
Systems 2024, 12(4), 130; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040130 - 09 Apr 2024
Abstract
Innovation is a critical element in numerous domains, especially when it comes to determining the course of business success via efficient innovation management systems. The objective of this study is to determine which innovation category has the greatest impact on the effectiveness of
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Innovation is a critical element in numerous domains, especially when it comes to determining the course of business success via efficient innovation management systems. The objective of this study is to determine which innovation category has the greatest impact on the effectiveness of innovation management by analyzing the correlation of innovation and its associated activities on the innovation performance of companies. This study synthesizes empirical research findings regarding the relationship between management and innovation performance through the utilization of meta-analysis. In recent decades, meta-analysis has gained significant prominence as a method to improve the precision of results by integrating multiple studies into a comprehensive analysis. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses enhance the credibility of research outcomes due to their status as the most dependable forms of evidence. A noteworthy correlation is observed between innovation performance and innovation categories, with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) exhibiting the strongest correlation. Significantly, organizational innovations demonstrate the strongest correlation coefficient, indicating that they have the greatest impact on innovation performance. This research highlights the significance of innovation management in effectively addressing enterprise challenges and promoting business success. It specifically emphasizes the critical role that organizational innovations play in facilitating innovation performance.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Practices in Technological Innovation Management Systems)
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Open AccessArticle
Diagnosing the Causes of Failing Waste Collection in Belize, Bolivia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, and Paraguay Using Dynamic Modeling
by
Hans Breukelman, Harold Krikke and Ansje Löhr
Systems 2024, 12(4), 129; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040129 - 08 Apr 2024
Abstract
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Most developing countries fail to provide waste collection services to all their citizens, which leads to many adverse effects. Nevertheless, research has not yet succeeded in explaining the underlying causes. We drew up a quantitative system dynamics model that can be used to
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Most developing countries fail to provide waste collection services to all their citizens, which leads to many adverse effects. Nevertheless, research has not yet succeeded in explaining the underlying causes. We drew up a quantitative system dynamics model that can be used to diagnose the complex societal system that is leading to poor waste collection. The model describes demographic, social, economic, financial, participatory, and governance processes that may play a role. It is calibrated against real-life datasets for six Latin American countries. The calibration shows adequate performance of the model. Strong population growth appears to have a dual effect. It leads to an increase in available budgets for collection but also tends to dilute the available budget per inhabitant. Processes on the growth of GDP, government revenues, and quality of governance strongly improve access of citizens to waste collection. They do so separately but also because they reinforce each other. But, there are differences per country. Progress in Belize seems to be hampered mostly by low governance quality. For Bolivia, the hurdle seems to consist of an inability to increase public revenues and absorb new urban citizens. Ecuador and Paraguay would also benefit from increased revenues along with an ability to increase public participation. The Dominican Republic and Panama reveal an overall passivity to improve their services. This model may be useful for decision makers globally to develop effective interventions.
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Open AccessArticle
Risk Assessment and Countermeasures of Logistics Terminal Distribution under Public Health Emergencies
by
Hualing Bi, Ran Zheng and Fuqiang Lu
Systems 2024, 12(4), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12040128 - 07 Apr 2024
Abstract
In recent years, the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies has affected people’s daily lives. In response, this paper evaluates the risk of logistics terminal distribution and puts forward the corresponding countermeasures. Firstly, this paper summarizes relevant literature and analyzes the characteristics of
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In recent years, the frequent occurrence of public health emergencies has affected people’s daily lives. In response, this paper evaluates the risk of logistics terminal distribution and puts forward the corresponding countermeasures. Firstly, this paper summarizes relevant literature and analyzes the characteristics of public health emergencies and logistics terminal distribution. This paper constructs the risk index system of logistics terminal distribution under public health emergencies for the first time. Secondly, this paper conducts a questionnaire survey on a domestic e-commerce enterprise. In this paper, the intuitionistic fuzzy entropy weight method is applied to the obtained data to determine the weight of risk index. Finally, this paper adopts the grey fuzzy comprehensive evaluation method to evaluate the risk index of logistics terminal distribution under public health emergencies. This paper takes the impact of public health emergencies into account for the risk of logistics terminal distribution for the first time. Some suggestions are provided for preventing the logistics terminal distribution from stagnation and paralysis when public health emergencies occur. This paper supplements the existing research in this field.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Risk Management in Public Sector)
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