International Journal of Applied Systemic Studies (17 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• 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
   
  
• Exploring the impact of auditing practices and financial stability: insights into audit process and organisational financial performance  
  by Cirui Chai 
  Abstract: Auditing practices are beneficial to stabilise financial structures since they improve the reliability of financial performance, reduce fraud, and encourage disclosure. Similarly, the auditing process plays an essential role that supports in improving financial performance. This study specifically explores the connection between certain auditing practices (AP) and financial performance (FP) from the banking industry of China, drawing from agency theory. Second, financial stability was taken as a moderator between AP and FP to ensure the additional strength of the relationships. Through consideration of the SEM approach, this study confirmed a positive connection between AP and the financial performance of the banking industry. This study also confirmed a positive moderation of financial stability between AP and financial performance, respectively. Besides, this study enlists several interesting implications (e.g., managerial and theoretical) along with limitations for researchers to conduct more studies in the future.
  Keywords: auditing practices; AP; financial stability; financial performance; FP; agency theory; structural equation modelling; SEM; banking industry.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJASS.2025.10074966
   
  
• 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