International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies (7 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
   
  
• Identifying and analysing the motivational factors in the acquisition of English for the students attending regional medium schools in the urban locality of Jharkhand  
  by Shabnam Swati Minz, Akanksha Shukla, Doreswamy  
  Abstract: The urban locality witnesses wide spectrum of advantages and opportunities in terms of learning English as a second language. Urban locality is the most resourceful spaces where students get to acquire English skills explicitly or implicitly from its available socio-cultural, educational and geographical surroundings. The urban locality has positive influence on motivational drive of students which is considered as an important criterion in the process of acquiring English as second language. The target population, whom the article points to, is students attending regional medium schools in urban region. The study in a way attempts to answer why urban spaces are more favourable in terms of motivation. It identifies nine motivational factors for English language learning that has evolved from locative and spatial surroundings, which are further analysed using ISM to organise the influential factors categorically.
  Keywords: English language acquisition; motivation; urban locality; interpretive structural modelling; MICMAC.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2024.10067546
   
  
• Beyond extraction: navigating HRM challenges in mining organisations  
  by Sonali Khatua, Manoranjan Dash, Padma Charan Mishra, Alaka Samantaray 
  Abstract: This study aims to unveil human resource managerial practices within mining organisations and investigate the prevalent human resource factors that influence the industry. This study is a culmination of both desk research and expert guidance. Initially, we examined the mining industry from an HRM perspective by conducting on-site visits, engaging with industry experts, and personally immersing ourselves in the field. We meticulously collected and analysed relevant literature to identify prevalent HRM factors and their elements in mining organisations. After that, we further categorised these factors through consultations with four field experts, making a final arrangement. Six prominent categories of HRM factors are identified in this study. This study will pave the way for further research, uncovering the connections between these factors and their impacts on organisations. The study prominently highlights the social aspects, prompting the organisation to allocate adequate attention to these aspects to ensure the sustainability of mining operations.
  Keywords: HR management practice; mining organisation; ESG risks; labour dimensions; employee development; scoping review.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2024.10067803
   
  
• Comparative cost-benefit analysis of carbon wrapping and concrete jacketing for seismic retrofitting of RCC hospital buildings  
  by Salman Khursheed, Sanika Upasani, Virendra Kumar Paul 
  Abstract: This study evaluates the cost-benefit ratios of carbon wrapping and concrete jacketing as seismic retrofitting techniques for reinforced concrete (RCC) hospital buildings. By reviewing existing literature and case study data, it underscores the efficacy and economic viability of these approaches. Experimental and numerical studies on two RCC hospital structures demonstrate significant improvements in stiffness, strength, and ductility with both techniques. Carbon wrapping is shown to effectively reinforce structures, addressing vulnerabilities and enhancing seismic resilience, while concrete jacketing offers greater economic feasibility in normal and moderately stressed conditions, performing comparably or slightly better in critical limit states. The analysis provides crucial insights for stakeholders, supporting informed decisions that balance structural integrity and cost-effectiveness. This research aims to guide retrofitting efforts by presenting a comprehensive evaluation of the economic and structural benefits of these two techniques, helping decision makers optimise solutions that prioritise both financial and structural outcomes.
  Keywords: benefit/cost ratio; carbon wrapping technique; concrete jacketing; cost benefit analysis; seismic retrofitting.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2024.10067837
   
  
• A hybrid soft computing technique by using fuzzy Petri nets to optimise the critical path in management problem  
  by Ankit Kumar, Harendra Kumar 
  Abstract: The success or failure of any project significantly depends on the effectiveness of project scheduling and meticulous planning. Inadequate scheduling has the potential to adversely impact work quality and put the projects financial resources at risk. Additionally, more planning is needed to maintain the projects timeline, a crucial element for companies. This article introduces an innovative approach integrating soft computing techniques with an extended fuzzy Petri net to enhance project planning and scheduling within the conventional CPM/PERT framework. Our methodology employs two reasoning algorithms and establishes an FTCTS-Net (fuzzy time cost trade-off soft computing) program for identifying critical paths in the project. To address time-cost trade-off challenges, we incorporate a genetic search module that optimises the models solutions to achieve results closest to the ideal solution. This model offers valuable insights into time and cost-related management challenges across various risk levels. Effectively mitigating time-cost problems, the proposed model clarifies achieving the best combinative optimised result between total project cost and time under different risk scenarios.
  Keywords: soft computing; critical path; CPM; PERT; project management; job scheduling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2024.10067904
   
  
• Credit risk management: bibliometric analysis  
  by Punyata Butola, Preeti Sharma, Vijay Kumar Jain 
  Abstract: The study analyses the available literature on credit risk management using bibliometric approach over 23 years. The data is retrieved from Scopus database using the keywords (credit risk management AND profitability OR financial performance AND banks) OR (credit risk management AND profitability OR financial performance). The result shows a remarkable rise in the publications on credit risk management in the past five years covered in this study (i.e., 20172021). Malaysia published a significant number of publications and the research work from the USA received maximum citations. Professor Weber O. is considered as the most prolific author based on the highest number of publications produced. Journal Business Strategy and the Environment is found as the most productive journal. Moreover, the findings of the current study will serve as a reference point for those countries which contribute less besides encouraging them to conduct research on credit risk management.
  Keywords: credit risk; bibliometric; VOSviewer; Scopus; profitability.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2024.10067906
   
  
• Unveiling the nexus among internet banking services, banking offers, and online consumer buying attitude with moderation of financial risks  
  by Ming Zhang 
  Abstract: This study aims to explore the influence of internet banking services (IBS) and banking offers (BO) toward consumer online buying attitude (OBA) along with moderation of financial risk (FnR) among the nexus of IBS, BO, and OBA from the context of China. Using a sample of 969 responses, this study ascertained the relationships and found interesting facts as follows. First, the study affirmed a positive link between internet banking services and OBA. Second, the study confirmed a positive connection between banking offers and OBA. Finally, the study additionally ensured the moderation of financial risk among the connections of internet banking services, banking offers, and online buying attitudes. This study endows with numerous insights that banking services and banking offers profoundly impact consumer attitude by offering financial solutions aligned with the diverse needs of the consumers. The study also suggested that understanding risk management can improve the relationships between banks and consumers. Besides, this study provides several future directions along with fruitful implications for banking management.
  Keywords: consumer online attitude; internet banking; banking offers; financial risk; Chinese banking.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2024.10068016