International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies (20 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
   
  
• Design management in multi-stakeholder DBB projects: integrating RIBA work stages and FIDIC White Book to align process and contractual frameworks  
  by Maj Deepti Nangia, Virendra Kumar Paul 
  Abstract: This research puts in perspective the crucial role played by design management consultants (DMCs) in bridging the legally binding frameworks of FIDIC with the process-driven structure of RIBA. It proposes customised contractual clauses for DMCs adapted from FIDIC white book and a framework for adapting FIDIC clauses, originally formulated for individual consultants, to delineate the expanded responsibilities of DMCs. DMCs improve interdisciplinary collaboration, reduce delays, and ensure compliance with sustainability goals, providing long-term value to clients by aligning respective standards of care, management of risks through design-stage interventions. The proposed synergistic alignment of FIDIC White Book and RIBA Plan of Work frameworks will not only enhance the design management processes but will also give direction in strengthening DMCs role. It offers a framework for achieving seamless integration in the Indian construction context and aims to close the gaps in process coordination, contractual clarity, particularly in the Indian construction context.
  Keywords: design management; FIDIC; RIBA; standard of care; design bid build.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10070458
   
  
• Manufacturing firms inventory management practices: research, practices and gaps  
  by Rashmiranjan Panigrahi, Padma Charan Mishra, Avinash Kumar Shrivastava, Rajesh Matha 
  Abstract: This study aims to examine the disparity between research findings and practical implementation in inventory management practices (IMP), focusing specifically on the impact of knowledge of inventory automation (KIA) and cost efficiencies (CE) on operational performance (OP) within the context of Industry 4.0. The paper critically reviews the literature through lenses of bibliometric and content analysis techniques in the time period from 2014 up to 1 February 2024. The findings indicate significant potential for improvement in the use of automated and smart manufacturing technologies by SMEs regarding IMP, KIA, and OP. The study identifies opportunities for adopting Industry 4.0 technologies to enhance inventory management, improve the skill sets of professionals in automated inventory practices, and reduce adoption costs, leading to seamless operational performance. A novel contribution of this study is its proposed model, which illustrates a symbiotic relationship among IMP, KIA, and CE, and their collective impact on OP. Effective inventory management practices rely on the utilisation and sharing of both implicit and explicit knowledge within the emerging SMEs.
  Keywords: inventory management practice; automation knowledge; cost efficiencies; manufacturing industry; small and medium-sized enterprise; SMEs; content analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10070554
   
  
• Analysing the impediments in successful seismic retrofitting of vulnerable structures: a case of Delhi, India  
  by Sanika Upasani, Salman Khursheed, Virendra Kumar Paul, Abhijit Rastogi 
  Abstract: Delhi, with a population density of 11,320 persons/km2, faces significant seismic risks as it lies in Zone IV. Alarmingly, one-third of its population resides in substandard housing, necessitating effective seismic retrofitting. This study examines barriers to implementing retrofitting measures through a mixed-methods approach, including a literature review and a survey of 120 stakeholders. Key impediments identified include low awareness, financial constraints, weak regulatory enforcement, and technical challenges in retrofitting older buildings. Socio-economic and administrative hurdles further complicate adoption. To enhance effectiveness, this research recommends public awareness campaigns, stronger regulations, and financial incentives. Addressing these barriers will improve the seismic resilience of vulnerable structures. The study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, engineers, and researchers working on seismic risk reduction and urban planning globally.
  Keywords: policymakers; seismic retrofitting; socio-economic impediments; structural audit; vulnerable structures; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10070884
   
  
• Navigating AI integration in HRM: qualitative insights from TISM methodology  
  by Vijay Kumar Jain, Amit Deval, Anjali Dimri, Preeti Sharma, Bipin Kandpal 
  Abstract: Artificial intelligence has emerged as a critical component of human resource management in todays commercial environment. As businesses struggle to remain competitive and efficient, they are turning to AI-powered solutions to streamline operations and maximise resources, therefore, the objective of the paper is to identify the important drivers of AI adoption in HRM and explore interlinkages among them. Sixteen drivers were identified based on extensive literature review and experts opinions. Total interpretive structural modelling (TISM) is employed to classify the select divers in order to develop six levels hierarchical structure based on their driving power and dependence. The analysis reveals that HR readiness; technology advancement and lack of trust and transparency are the most important drivers for AI implementation in HR in organisations. The study facilitates decision makers to take required action to encourage the AI adoption in the organisations. This will further help firms to develop more efficient HR process by embracing new technologies such as machine learning and natural language processing, helping them remain ahead of the competition in todays quickly changing business climate.
  Keywords: automation; performance expectancy; employee well-being; robotic process automation; HT chatbot and virtual assistants; total interpretive structural modelling; TISM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10070895
   
  
• The role of ethics in adoption of artificial intelligence and impact on organisational sustainable performance  
  by Fengshou Qian 
  Abstract: AI improves operational efficiency, innovation, and decision-making processes in firms. However, ethical considerations are crucial to prevent biases, discrimination, and misuse of data. Integrating ethical AI practices not only sustains societal values but also advances trust among distinct stakeholders that eventually may optimise firm performance in a promptly evolving digital world. The present study reveals the nexus among artificial intelligence (AI), ethics, and firm sustainable competitive performance (SCP) in the developing market, China. First, it is investigated that incorporating AI into business operations (i.e., machine learning, natural language processing, reinforcement learning, predictive analytics, generative adversarial networks, AI-powered automation, personalisation algorithms, and robotic process automation) positively impacts organisational SCP. This study has also proven the moderating role of ethics between the correlation of AI and SCP.
  Keywords: artificial intelligence; AI; ethical compliance; sustainable competitive performance; SCP; structural equation modelling; technology acceptance theory.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10071567
   
  
• Embedding selling technologies into sales performance to optimise online shopping, consumption rate and sales outcomes  
  by Qingxiang Huang 
  Abstract: Online shopping significantly improves organisational sales performance by expanding market reach, enabling access to global audiences, and providing convenience to consumers or customers. The consumption rate and evolving selling technologies play a crucial role in determining the sales performance of organisations. This article examines the relationship between online shopping (OS) and organisational sales performance (OSP) along with moderation of consumption rate and selling technologies (STs) from the perspective of the Chinese market. First, a positive connection between OS and OSP was observed. Second, the study assured a positive moderation of CR and STs as moderators between OS and OSP, respectively. Besides, this study provides multiple fascinating insights into the adoption of STs (e.g., augmented reality, IoT, voice commerce, e-commerce, blockchain, data analytics, and contactless payments) in terms of OS and OSP.
  Keywords: online shopping; sales performance; consumption rate; selling technologies; structural equation modelling.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10071647
   
  
• Impact of social media and digital workplace environment on organisational performance with moderation of artificial intelligence  
  by Jun Zhou 
  Abstract: Social media and digital workplace are both vital for optimising organisational performance which eventually supports enhancing communication, collaboration, and engagement. Nevertheless, artificial intelligence (AI) plays an essential role in the digital workplace and social media by providing data-driven insights and enhancing the decision-making process. This study explores the connections between social media (SM) and organisational performance (OP) within Chinese companies. Second, the study investigates the connection between the digital workplace environment (DWE) and OP with the moderation of AI drawing on UTAUT model. The findings confirmed a positive association between Chinese social media. Likewise, the study confirmed a direct positive nexus between the digital workplace environment toward OP with the moderation of AI. This study enriches the scholars knowledge by providing empirical insights into SM, DWE, OP, and AI showing certain drawbacks that could be part of future research.
  Keywords: social media; digital workplace environment; DWE; organisational performance; artificial intelligence; UTAUT model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10071648
   
  
• How tax management optimises revenue generation: moderating role of financial risks and mediation of technological incorporation  
  by Yuzhu Han, Pengcheng Yang 
  Abstract: Tax management plays a crucial role in maximising revenue for organisations by optimising tax liabilities within legal boundaries. However, understanding the role of financial risk and emerging technologies particularly in terms of tax implications often plays a vital for organisations to safeguard firms revenue. This study attempts to uncover the relationship between tax management (TM) and revenue generation (RG) of the organisations. This study also unfolds the mediating influence of financial risk management (FrM) along with moderation role emerging technologies (EmT) in the domain of tax management systems. This study affirmed a positive connection between tax management and revenue generation. The study also assured a positive moderation of financial risk and mediation of emerging technologies between the correlation of TM and revenue generation. This study endows with multiple insights into tax management systems, financial risk management, and the adoption of evolving technologies that can optimise the revenue of organisations. Besides, this study enlists several implications for management and future directions for researchers.
  Keywords: tax management; TM; revenue generation; RG; financial risk management; FrM; emerging technologies; EmT; structural equation modelling; technology acceptance model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10071649
   
  
• The role of social media in enhancing organisational communications and collaboration: moderation of gender  
  by Kun Nie 
  Abstract: This study aims to reveal the nexus among distinct social media (SM), organisational communication (OC), organisational collaboration (O-CL), and gender as a moderator based on the technology acceptance model. Therefore, a total of 853 documents were evaluated using SEM tools in order to assess the outcomes. First, the outcomes confirmed a positive and significant connection between SM and organisational communication. Second, the findings ensured a positive tie between SM and organisational collaboration. Third, a positive moderation of gender was observed among the nexus of SM, OC, and O-CL, respectively. Besides, the study provided multiple interesting and fruitful recommendations for the adoption of social media to enhance organisational communication and collaboration in the present era of digitalisation where gender plays a significant role. Moreover, this study discusses some limitations along with future possibilities of similar research.
  Keywords: social media; organisational communications; organisational collaboration; gender; technology acceptance model; TAM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10072583
   
  
• Sustainable innovation management: balancing technological advancement with environmental and social development  
  by Yanli Yang, Li Yan 
  Abstract: Innovation management is becoming more important for organisational entities to remain competitive in a dynamically changing market. Technology is an important aspect of social development as it improves efficiency, encourages innovation, and leads to the emergence of new business opportunities. This study aims to uncover the connections between technological advancements (TA) and environmental development in the domain of China. Likewise, the study explores the correlation between TA and social development (SD). Finally, the study examines the moderation of innovation management (IM) among the nexus of TA, EnD, and SD. This study provided insights into technological advancements by revealing the positive nexus among TA, social, and environmental development. The study also confirmed a positive connection between IM among TA, social, and ecological development. Besides, this study ensures several implications for management and research opportunities for scholars.
  Keywords: innovation management; technological advancement; environmental development; social development; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10073220
   
  
• Examining hotel sustainable performance through triple bottom line lens  
  by Padma Charan Mishra, Rashmi Ranjan Panigrahi, Palash Bairagi, Sitanath Raiguru 
  Abstract: This study explores the relationship between triple bottom line (TBL) variables and sustainable performance in hotel industry. By analysing economic, social, and environmental factors, we examine their impact on the industrys long-term viability. Using Smart-PLS 4.0 software, data from 201 hotel executives and customers were analysed. The findings show a complex relationship between short-term economic goals and broader sustainability objectives. Although short-term financial benefits may seem small, the strategic application of TBL principles leads to significant long-term gains. The study proposes a framework linking theoretical concepts with practical solutions, while acknowledging limitations such as digital services, cultural, and political factors. Stakeholder engagement and organisational reputation were found to significantly affect sustainable outcomes. This research contributes to both academic literature and industry practice, offering an integrative approach to sustainability in hospitality, emphasising the balance between economic, social, and environmental goals for successful TBL implementation.
  Keywords: triple bottom line; TBL; hotel sustainability; stakeholder management; environmental stewardship; corporate social responsibility; CSR.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10073486
   
  
• The social media strategist: build a successful programs from the inside-out for public awareness with moderation of journalism  
  by Tongtong Duan 
  Abstract: Social media platforms are crucial to create public awareness through enabling swift sharing of information, amplifying voices, and fostering engagement on various important issues. Similarly, journalism plays a vital role in leveraging social media for public awareness by disseminating accurate and timely information along with offering critical analysis. This study explores the association between social media (SM) evolving platforms (e.g., WeChat, Weibo, Douyin, Tencent QQ, Youku, and Xiaohongshu) and public awareness (PA) with moderation of journalism practices (JPs), e.g., fact-checking, source integrity, ethical reporting, investigative reporting, accountability, interviewing skills, clear writing, and cultural sensitivity drawing on framing theory. It is found through search engine marketing that social media platforms (SMs) are positively correlated creating public awareness. Moreover, this study confirmed a positive moderation of journalism practices that strengthens the connection between SM and public awareness.
  Keywords: social media; public awareness; journalism practices; framing theory; structural equation modelling; SEM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10073487
   
  
• Impact of electric vehicles integration on environmental and social development with moderation of financial risk  
  by Xinyi Wang, Xiaoling Liao 
  Abstract: Nowadays, electric vehicles (EVs) are crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving air quality, and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. EVs dynamically contribute toward sustainable development, where multiple risks have been involved in the success of EVs. This study attempts to investigate the correlation of EVs (e.g., smart grid integration, renewable energy utilisation, vehicle-to-grid technology, connected infrastructure, autonomous driving integration, energy storage, smart charging solutions, and sustainability metrics) toward environmental development (EnVD). Second, using a similar approach, this study explored the connection between EVs and social development (SOD), drawing on the resource-based view (RBV). Third, how appropriate management of financial risk (FR) can moderate the relationships among EVs, EnVD, and SOD is another interesting objective of the research. After applying SEM statistical tool, this study confirmed a positive nexus between EVs, SOD, and EnVD. Likewise, a positive impact of financial risk was observed among the connections of EVs, SOD, and EnVD, respectively. The study enlists several interesting and fruitful applications behind the usage of EVs, which could improve environmental and social development. However, managing financial risk could play a significant role in this stream.
  Keywords: electronic vehicles; environmental development; social development; financial risk management; resource-based view; RBV.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10073698
   
  
• How consumer knowledge intervene in the buying intention: a comparative analysis between in-store and online-store  
  by Baoying Chen 
  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. In contrast, online shopping supports navigating vast options having capability of a reliable user experience. This study conducts a comparative analysis of how in-store (InS) and online shopping intention can influence consumers buying behaviour with mediation of consumer knowledge (CK) along with moderation of ease of use (EoU) and trust factor (TF). To this end, a total of 853 (n = 853) questionnaires were eventually evaluated to assess the consumers intention by implementation of SEM approach using SmartPLS. This study revealed that in-store buying and online store both trigger CB 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. This study furnishes insights into both media of shopping with empirical evidence from Chinese market.
  Keywords: in-store shopping; online shopping; consumer trust; ease of use; consumer knowledge.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10073670
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Identifying the impact of discounts and promotions on impulse buying behaviour with moderation of ease of use  
  by Yadi Shi 
  Abstract: This study explores the connections among four major constructs, such as online impulse shopping, discounts, promotions, and ease of use, based on the technology acceptance model (TAM). First, the aim is to investigate the connection between offering online discounts and the impulsive buying of consumers. Second, the objective is to examine the connection between promotional tools and impulsive buying. Third, the study explores the moderating connection of ease of use among online discounts, promotions, impulsive buying, and ease of use, respectively. After applying structural Statistical modelling to the selected sample size, this study revealed a positive tie between online discounts and impulsive buying, together with promotional campaigns and impulse buying. The study also confirmed a significant moderation of ease of use among proposed direction relationships. Finally, this study reports interesting implications along with future research opportunities.
  Keywords: online discounts; consumer impulsive buying; promotional tools; ease of use; EOU; technology acceptance model; TAM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074003
   
  
• Social media as a tool for employee engagement and retention: moderation of perceived ease of use and usefulness  
  by Jiajia Liu 
  Abstract: Social media tools enhance employee engagement and retention by fostering open communication, collaboration, and a sense of community. This study attempts to meet certain objectives from the mainstream of China based on empirical evaluation. First, the aim is to explore the connection between social media (SM) and employee engagement (EE). Second, the objective is to explore the tie between SM and employee retention (ER). Third, the aim is to investigate the moderation of perceived ease of use (PEO) and usefulness (UF) among the nexus of SM, EE, and ER, respectively. The study observed interesting outcomes by implementing SEM methodologies, where SM is found to have a direct positive impact on EE and ER. Moreover, moderation of PEO and UF was also observed between SM, EE, and ER. This study shows insights into SM, how it may help the organisations to achieve EE and ED by PEO and UF contribute a significant role. Like others, this study also reports certain lines for management along with future opportunities for researchers around the world.
  Keywords: social media; employee engagement; employee retention; perceived ease of use; PEO; perceived usefulness.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074004
   
  
• 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