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The Degree of Risk Management Implementation in Enterprises in the Slovak Republic
Using SWARA for the Evaluation Criteria of Connecting Airports with Railway Networks
Supply Chain Design Method for Introducing Floating Offshore Wind Turbines Using Network Optimization Model

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), Ei Compendex, dblp, and other databases.
Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Social Sciences, Interdisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Modeling and Simulation)
Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 18.8 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 2.8 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2025).
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: 3.1 (2024); 5-Year Impact Factor: 3.1 (2024)

Imprint Information Journal Flyer Open Access ISSN: 2079-8954

Latest Articles

21 pages, 1284 KB

Open AccessArticle

Peer Effects of Bank Digital Transformation Through Shareholder Networks

by Liang He, Shengming Zhu, Mengmeng Zhang and Xiaolin Dong

Systems 2025, 13(10), 918; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100918 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025

This study examines the peer effects of bank digital transformation facilitated by shareholder networks and explores the underlying mechanisms. A time-varying network is constructed based on common shareholder connections among banks, and a corresponding measure is developed to quantify peer effects in digital [...] Read more.

This study examines the peer effects of bank digital transformation facilitated by shareholder networks and explores the underlying mechanisms. A time-varying network is constructed based on common shareholder connections among banks, and a corresponding measure is developed to quantify peer effects in digital transformation. Using the Peking University digital transformation index together with ownership and financial data from CSMAR, an empirical analysis is performed on a panel of 114 Chinese commercial banks from 2010 to 2021 to evaluate these effects. Fixed-effects estimations indicate that bank digital transformation is significantly affected by peer effects transmitted through common shareholder connections, with a one-unit increase in peers’ digitalization index associated with a 0.151-unit rise in the focal bank’s index. These findings remain robust and economically meaningful across alternative specifications, including system GMM, IV/2SLS designs, and different ownership thresholds. Further analyses indicate that the peer effects operate through mechanisms such as intensified competition, enhanced information sharing, and pooled resources. However, such peer influence also exacerbates disparities in digital progress across the industry, reflecting a Matthew Effect in which leading banks consolidate their advantages. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the peer effects are more pronounced among banks with larger workforces, more diversified operations, and higher ownership concentration. The findings of this study provide insights into how financial institutions can leverage technological innovations through network-based channels, offering practical implications for promoting industry-wide transformation in the digital economy era. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

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27 pages, 6487 KB

Open AccessArticle

4D BIM-Based Enriched Voxel Map for UAV Path Planning in Dynamic Construction Environments

by Ashkan Golpour, Moslem Sheikhkhoshkar, Mostafa Khanzadi, Morteza Rahbar and Saeed Banihashemi

Systems 2025, 13(10), 917; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100917 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly integral to construction site management, supporting monitoring, inspection, and data collection tasks. Effective UAV path planning is essential for maximizing operational efficiency, particularly in complex and dynamic construction environments. While previous BIM-based approaches have explored representation models [...] Read more.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly integral to construction site management, supporting monitoring, inspection, and data collection tasks. Effective UAV path planning is essential for maximizing operational efficiency, particularly in complex and dynamic construction environments. While previous BIM-based approaches have explored representation models such as space graphs, grid patterns, and voxel models, each has limitations. Space graphs, though common, rely on predefined spatial spaces, making them less suitable for projects still under construction. Voxel-based methods, considered well-suited for 3D indoor navigation, suffer from three key challenges: (1) a disconnect between the BIM and voxel models, limiting data integration; (2) the computational cost and time required for voxelization, hindering real-time application; and (3) inadequate support for 4D BIM integration during active construction phases. This research introduces a novel framework that bridges the BIM–voxel gap via an enriched voxel map, eliminates the need for repeated voxelization, and incorporates 4D BIM and additional model data such as defined workspaces and safety buffers around fragile components. The framework’s effectiveness is demonstrated through path planning simulations on BIM models from two real-world construction projects under varying scenarios. Results indicate that the enriched voxel map successfully creates a connection between BIM model and voxel model, while covering every timestamp of the project and element attributes during path planning without requiring additional voxel map creation. Full article

37 pages, 1013 KB

Open AccessArticle

Artificial Intelligence Empowerment and Carbon Emission Performance: A Systems Perspective on Sustainable Cleaner Production

by Shun Li, Ruijie Song, Sanggyun Na and Tingxian Yan

Systems 2025, 13(10), 916; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100916 (registering DOI) - 18 Oct 2025

Amid China’s pursuit of its “dual carbon” goals, systematic theoretical and empirical research remains limited to the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing firms’ carbon emission performance (CEP). From a systems perspective, this study developed a dynamic learning game model that [...] Read more.

Amid China’s pursuit of its “dual carbon” goals, systematic theoretical and empirical research remains limited to the potential role of artificial intelligence (AI) in enhancing firms’ carbon emission performance (CEP). From a systems perspective, this study developed a dynamic learning game model that integrates a constant elasticity of substitution (CES) production function, an AI-enabled abatement function, and institutional constraints to analyze firms’ cleaner production and technology adoption under simultaneous budgetary and emission constraints. Empirically, we drew on panel data of 3404 Chinese A-share listed firms from 2013 to 2023 and employ a two-way fixed-effect model to examine the effect of AI empowerment on CEP. The results showed that AI significantly improves CEP overall, though its effect is potentially constrained by energy rebound effects. Robustness checks using alternative measures and specifications confirmed the reliability of the findings and further indicated that AI’s abatement effect became stronger after 2018, consistent with technological maturity and institutional improvement. Mechanism analysis suggests two plausible pathways: (1) improving ESG performance and strengthening environmental governance; and (2) stimulating green innovation to support low-carbon technology development and application. Heterogeneity analysis indicates that AI’s effects are more evident in regions with higher marketization, in private firms, and in non-pollution-intensive industries. By contrast, firms led by executives with overseas experience tend to exhibit weaker effects, a pattern consistent with institutional fit and localization considerations. This study contributes to cleaner production theory by highlighting firm-level mechanisms of AI-enabled carbon governance while offering practical insights for low-carbon transitions and digital decarbonization strategies in developing economies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

31 pages, 977 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Student Loyalty in the Age of Generative AI: A Structural Equation Analysis of ChatGPT’s Role in Higher Education

by Hyun Yong Ahn

Systems 2025, 13(10), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100915 - 17 Oct 2025

Lately, there has been a notable surge in the use of AI-driven dialogue systems like ChatGPT-3.5 within the realm of education. Understanding the factors that are associated with student engagement in these digital platforms is crucial for maximizing their potential and long-term efficacy. [...] Read more.

Lately, there has been a notable surge in the use of AI-driven dialogue systems like ChatGPT-3.5 within the realm of education. Understanding the factors that are associated with student engagement in these digital platforms is crucial for maximizing their potential and long-term efficacy. This study aims to systematically identify the key drivers behind university students’ loyalty to ChatGPT. Data gathered from university participants was analyzed using structural equation modeling. The findings indicate that novelty value is positively associated with both task attraction and hedonic value. Perceived intelligence shows significant associations with knowledge acquisition, task attraction, and hedonic value. Moreover, knowledge acquisition is positively related to task attraction and hedonic value, while creepiness is negatively related to them. Both task attraction and hedonic value demonstrate significant relationships with satisfaction and loyalty, with trust also positively associated with satisfaction. These insights provide a clearer understanding of what motivates university students to engage with AI conversational platforms like ChatGPT. This information is invaluable for stakeholders aiming to augment the adoption and effective use of such tools in educational contexts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Generative AI Transformation in Education: Current Issues and Challenges)

23 pages, 997 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Interactions Among Digital Transformation, Sustainable Orientation, and Economic Outcomes in EU Countries

by Anca Antoaneta Vărzaru and Claudiu George Bocean

Systems 2025, 13(10), 914; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100914 - 17 Oct 2025

Digital transformation and sustainable orientation have become key drivers of economic development within the European Union. This study investigates how progress in digitalization and sustainable orientation influences economic outcomes. To address this objective, we apply a combination of techniques, including factor analysis to [...] Read more.

Digital transformation and sustainable orientation have become key drivers of economic development within the European Union. This study investigates how progress in digitalization and sustainable orientation influences economic outcomes. To address this objective, we apply a combination of techniques, including factor analysis to reduce dimensionality and identify underlying structures, generalized linear models to estimate causal connections and cluster analysis to group countries with similar profiles. The findings highlight strong complementarities between digital transformation and sustainable development in nurturing higher levels of economic outcome, with digital readiness amplifying the effects of sustainable development practices. Moreover, cluster analysis methods reveal significant asymmetries among EU countries, underlining persistent regional disparities in the pace of digital and sustainable transitions. The study concludes that a systems-based approach to managing the twin transition is essential for promoting convergence, competitiveness, and resilience in the EU economic system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Economic System Management, Sustainability, and Innovation in Digital Environments)

25 pages, 4152 KB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Mapping the AI Landscape in Project Management Context: A Systematic Literature Review

by Masoom Khalil, Alencar Bravo, Darli Vieira and Marly Monteiro de Carvalho

Systems 2025, 13(10), 913; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100913 - 17 Oct 2025

The purpose of this research is to systematically map and analyze the use of AI technologies in project management, identifying themes, research gaps, and practical implications. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) that combines bibliometric analysis with qualitative content evaluation to [...] Read more.

The purpose of this research is to systematically map and analyze the use of AI technologies in project management, identifying themes, research gaps, and practical implications. This study conducts a systematic literature review (SLR) that combines bibliometric analysis with qualitative content evaluation to explore the present landscape of AI in project management. The search covered literature published until November 2024, ensuring inclusion of the most recent developments. Studies were included if they examined AI methods applied to project management contexts and were published in peer-reviewed English journals as articles, review articles, or early access publications; studies unrelated to project management or lacking methodological clarity were excluded. It follows a structured coding protocol informed by inductive and deductive reasoning, using NVivo (version 12) and Biblioshiny (version 4.3.0) software. From the entire set of 1064 records retrieved from Scopus and Web of Science, 27 publications met the final inclusion criteria for qualitative synthesis. Bibliometric clusters were derived from the entire set of 885 screened records, while thematic coding was applied to the 27 included studies. This review highlights the use of Artificial Neural Networks (ANN), Case-Based Reasoning (CBR), Digital Twins (DTs), and Large Language Models (LLMs) as central to recent progress. Bibliometric mapping identified several major thematic clusters. For this study, we chose those that show a clear link between artificial intelligence (AI) and project management (PM), such as expert systems, intelligent systems, and optimization algorithms. These clusters highlight the increasing influence of AI in improving project planning, decision-making, and resource management. Further studies investigate generative AI and the convergence of AI with blockchain and Internet of Things (IoT) systems, suggesting changes in project delivery approaches. Although adoption is increasing, key implementation issues persist. These include limited empirical evidence, inadequate attention to later project stages, and concerns about data quality, transparency, and workforce adaptation. This review improves understanding of AI’s role in project contexts and outlines areas for further research. For practitioners, the findings emphasize AI’s ability in cost prediction, scheduling, and risk assessment, while also emphasizing the importance of strong data governance and workforce training. This review is limited to English-language, peer-reviewed research indexed in Scopus and Web of Science, potentially excluding relevant grey literature or non-English contributions. This review was not registered and received no external funding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Project Management of Complex Systems (Manufacturing and Services))

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25 pages, 2343 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Multi-Objective Simulation–Optimization Framework for Emergency Department Efficiency Using RSM and Goal Programming

by Felipe Baesler, Oscar Cornejo, Carlos Obreque, Eric Forcael and Rudy Carrasco

Systems 2025, 13(10), 912; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100912 - 17 Oct 2025

This study presents a novel approach that integrates Discrete Event Simulation (DES) with Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques, framed within a stochastic optimization context and guided by a multi-objective goal programming methodology. The focus is on enhancing the operational efficiency of an emergency [...] Read more.

This study presents a novel approach that integrates Discrete Event Simulation (DES) with Design of Experiments (DOE) techniques, framed within a stochastic optimization context and guided by a multi-objective goal programming methodology. The focus is on enhancing the operational efficiency of an emergency department (ED), illustrated through a real-world case study conducted in a Chilean hospital. The methodology employs Response Surface Methodology (RSM) to explore and optimize the impact of four critical resources: physicians, nurses, rooms, and radiologists. The response variable, formulated as a goal programming function, captures the aggregated patient flow time across four representative care tracks. The optimization process proceeded iteratively: early stages relied on linear approximations to identify promising improvement directions, while later phases applied a central composite design to model nonlinear interactions through a quadratic response surface. This progression revealed complex interdependencies among resources, ultimately leading to a local optimum. The proposed approach achieved a 50% reduction in the aggregated objective function and improved individual patient flow times by 7% to 26%. Compared to traditional metaheuristic methods, this simulation–optimization framework offers a computationally efficient alternative, particularly valuable when the simulation model is complex and resource-intensive. These findings underscore the value of combining simulation, RSM, and multi-objective optimization to support data-driven decision-making in complex healthcare settings. The methodology not only improves ED performance but also offers a flexible and scalable framework adaptable to other clinical environments seeking resource optimization and operational improvement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Engineering)

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20 pages, 328 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coupling Digital Inclusive Finance and Rural E-Commerce: A Systems Perspective on China’s Urban–Rural Income Gap

by Chengzhi Qiao

Systems 2025, 13(10), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100911 - 17 Oct 2025

Using a balanced provincial panel of 31 Chinese regions (2014–2022), this study examines how Digital Inclusive Finance (DIF) and Rural E-Commerce (RE) jointly shape the urban–rural income gap. Two-way fixed effects and instrumental-variable estimators mitigate confounding. Both DIF and RE are associated with [...] Read more.

Using a balanced provincial panel of 31 Chinese regions (2014–2022), this study examines how Digital Inclusive Finance (DIF) and Rural E-Commerce (RE) jointly shape the urban–rural income gap. Two-way fixed effects and instrumental-variable estimators mitigate confounding. Both DIF and RE are associated with narrower gaps, and the interaction term is negative and robust across specifications. Mechanism evidence indicates that the coupling operates through higher Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity, expanded rural credit supply, and stronger entrepreneurship. Effects are larger in Central/Western provinces and are most pronounced when DIF’s usage-depth and digital-support components are salient. For policymakers and managers, the findings support bundled investments in digital rails, platform logistics, and e-commerce–linked credit, with priority to lagging regions and programs that deepen usage. Overall, the results provide a tractable systems approach to aligning finance and markets for inclusive rural transformation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

29 pages, 2085 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systemic Assessment of IoT Readiness and Economic Impact in Postal Services

by Kristína Kováčiková, Martin Baláž, Martina Kováčiková and Andrej Novák

Systems 2025, 13(10), 910; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100910 - 17 Oct 2025

This research develops and applies the IoTRIM model to assess the economic and operational implications of IoT integration in postal and courier enterprises in Slovakia. Combining a multi-criteria evaluation framework with an extended Cobb–Douglas production function, the analysis captures both readiness levels and [...] Read more.

This research develops and applies the IoTRIM model to assess the economic and operational implications of IoT integration in postal and courier enterprises in Slovakia. Combining a multi-criteria evaluation framework with an extended Cobb–Douglas production function, the analysis captures both readiness levels and their translation into output performance. The IoTRIM assessment reveals heterogeneous distributions of strengths across four strategic and technical pillars, with notable disparities between connectivity, data analytics, and interoperability capacities. Monte Carlo simulations under pessimistic, realistic, and optimistic scenarios highlight divergent digital trajectories among enterprises, with some demonstrating accelerated gains from IoT readiness while others face structural bottlenecks in infrastructure and process integration. Hypothesis testing indicates that while a positive and statistically significant relationship between IoT readiness and output is observed in selected cases, this effect is not universal across all enterprises and scenarios. However, the inclusion of IoT readiness consistently improves the explanatory power of the production function models. The findings underline that digital transformation outcomes depend not only on investment scale but also on systemic absorption capacity, including interoperability, data governance, and organizational alignment. The proposed approach offers both a methodological contribution for measuring digital readiness impacts and practical insights for strategic planning in the postal and courier sector. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

15 pages, 472 KB

Open AccessCommunication

Mathematical Methods for Inventory Management in Dynamic Supply Chains

by Yasser A. Davizón, Carlos Hernández-Santos, Nain de la Cruz, Roxana Garcia-Andrade, Arnoldo Fernández Ramirez, Amadeo Hernández, Francisco Fabián Tobías-Macías, Ernesto Rincón, Armando-Martínez Reyes and Eric D. Smith

Systems 2025, 13(10), 909; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100909 - 17 Oct 2025

This research communication aims to present three mathematical methods for analyzing inventory management in dynamic supply chains, starting from the basic definition in differential equations for inventory levels, which relates with production and demand rates. Initially, the study adopts a systemic perspective to [...] Read more.

This research communication aims to present three mathematical methods for analyzing inventory management in dynamic supply chains, starting from the basic definition in differential equations for inventory levels, which relates with production and demand rates. Initially, the study adopts a systemic perspective to examine the role of energy within a production–inventory system. Subsequently, the analysis focuses on inventory dynamics under parameters expressed in complex variables, with the aim of quantifying fluctuations in a generic production system and demonstrating the influence of inventory variation rates on system behavior. Finally, the investigation addresses the impact of variable capacity on production system inventories, drawing on analogies with corresponding physical systems to support the analysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Approaches in Sustainable Logistics and Supply Chain Management)

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16 pages, 502 KB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Organisational Readiness on Knowledge Translation and Implementation of Innovation in a Social Hospital: A Case Study

by Hugo Barreto, Filomena Maia, Ana Catarina Ferreira and Rui Pereira

Systems 2025, 13(10), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100908 - 16 Oct 2025

Healthcare organisations recognise the need to deliver higher-quality, evidence-based care. Thus, managers need to improve their practice regarding managing and translating knowledge. Knowledge Translation faces diverse barriers that must be identified and addressed. Therefore, perceptions from 138 nurses at a social hospital were [...] Read more.

Healthcare organisations recognise the need to deliver higher-quality, evidence-based care. Thus, managers need to improve their practice regarding managing and translating knowledge. Knowledge Translation faces diverse barriers that must be identified and addressed. Therefore, perceptions from 138 nurses at a social hospital were gathered using a pilot European Portuguese version of the Organisational Readiness for Knowledge Translation (OR4KT) instrument, to assess the organisation’s readiness to translate knowledge and implement change. Dimensions scores revealed the institution’s strengths in dimensions such as Organisational Climate for Change (36.25) and Organisational Support (35.85), but also exposed the need to improve Motivation (32.95) and Change Content (33.13). The overall score settled at 62.72, normalised on a 0 to 100 scale. The variable, “Professional Recognition,” was created to account for the high proportion of Specialist Nurses who were not integrated into the professional career structure, revealing that formally recognised specialists reported significantly different perceptions across the organisational culture dimensions. The results indicate that the organisation has a solid foundation for knowledge translation, though its readiness remains below the optimal level. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Thinking and Healthcare Communities: A Community Approach to Transforming Healthcare)

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26 pages, 1371 KB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Connection Between Individual Resilience and Organisational Resilience

by M. Mitansha and Regan Potangaroa

Systems 2025, 13(10), 907; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100907 - 15 Oct 2025

Resilience has become a central theme in organisational research, particularly in sectors such as construction that face frequent disruption, complexity, and uncertainty. Although individual resilience (IR) and organisational resilience (OR) have been widely explored, their relationship remains conceptually fragmented and often assumed to [...] Read more.

Resilience has become a central theme in organisational research, particularly in sectors such as construction that face frequent disruption, complexity, and uncertainty. Although individual resilience (IR) and organisational resilience (OR) have been widely explored, their relationship remains conceptually fragmented and often assumed to be either linear or inherently aligned. This study, thus, examines how the IR–OR relationship has been conceptualised in the literature, explores the nature of their interdependence, and identifies future research opportunities. A reflexive thematic analysis of peer-reviewed literature was conducted using Braun and Clarke’s framework, supported by NVivo 14 for data organisation and pattern identification. The analysis revealed gaps in how resilience is theorised and highlighted the absence of cohesive frameworks linking individual and organisational domains. In response, the study introduces three conceptual models: the stacked model, which treats IR and OR as hierarchical; the nested model, which reflects partial overlap; and the modified integrated model, indicating combined action of various factors. While this study draws on literature across all industries, the New Zealand construction sector is referenced as an illustrative example of a highly vulnerable sector where future empirical testing of the proposed models would be valuable. This research contributes to theory by reframing resilience as a relational construct shaped by numerous conditions. It also provides a foundation for future empirical studies and practical frameworks that embed resilience more holistically into organisational design, leadership development, and workforce strategy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strategic Management Towards Organisational Resilience)

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17 pages, 1167 KB

Open AccessArticle

Resilience of Specialized Transportation Systems for People with Disabilities Under Extreme Weather Conditions

by Jinuk Hwang

Systems 2025, 13(10), 906; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100906 - 15 Oct 2025

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, posing critical challenges for the resilience of specialized transportation services (STSs) that provide essential mobility for people with disabilities. In the South Korean context, heatwaves, cold spells, and heavy rainfall are particularly relevant [...] Read more.

Climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events, posing critical challenges for the resilience of specialized transportation services (STSs) that provide essential mobility for people with disabilities. In the South Korean context, heatwaves, cold spells, and heavy rainfall are particularly relevant because they directly affect health risks, trip demand, and operational reliability, making them central stressors for evaluating STS resilience in Busan. This study examines STS resilience in Busan, South Korea, focusing on three weather stressors: heatwaves, cold spells, and heavy rainfall. Large-scale operational data from the STSs of Busan were analyzed using the 4R (robustness, rapidity, redundancy, and resourcefulness) framework to classify daily service performance into distinct profiles. The analysis revealed that heatwaves coincided with reduced trip demand and shorter waiting times, yet this apparent stability reflected demand suppression rather than genuine robustness. Heavy rainfall produced the most severe disruptions, with longer and more variable waiting times that exacerbated inequities across users. Cold spells were associated with rapid recovery and the preservation of critical trips, although the small number of cases limits broader interpretation. These findings indicate that resilience in STSs is not uniform but event-specific, offering policy insights for strengthening operational stability and promoting equity in accessible transport. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

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21 pages, 1066 KB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Effects of CSR and Compliance Programs on Organizational Reputation

by Víctor Hugo Arredondo-Méndez, Yaromir Muñoz-Molina, Lorena Para-González and Carlos Mascaraque-Ramírez

Systems 2025, 13(10), 905; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100905 - 14 Oct 2025

The present study undertakes an analytical investigation into the relationships between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Compliance Programs, Reputational Risk Management, and Corporate Image. A survey was conducted among 154 senior professionals in companies across diverse sectors and sizes, using the Partial Least Squares [...] Read more.

The present study undertakes an analytical investigation into the relationships between Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Compliance Programs, Reputational Risk Management, and Corporate Image. A survey was conducted among 154 senior professionals in companies across diverse sectors and sizes, using the Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) methodology with the aid of SmartPLS 4.0 software. The findings indicate that CSR exerts a substantial and immediate influence on both the management of reputational risk and the establishment of a robust corporate image. Furthermore, it has been observed that the adoption of Compliance Programs is driven by CSR, which also contributes, albeit to a lesser extent, to the strengthening of the external perception of the company. Conversely, proactive management of reputational risk has been demonstrated to enhance regulatory compliance and positively impact corporate image. The alignment of corporate social responsibility (CSR) with compliance initiatives has been demonstrated to engender sustainable competitive advantages within challenging regulatory contexts. In conclusion, the present paper puts forward the suggestion of conducting longitudinal studies in order to observe the evolution of the relationships under discussion over time. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Strategies and Organizational Transitions for Green Economy)

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22 pages, 3372 KB

Open AccessArticle

Does Regional Integration Enhance Green Development Efficiency? Evidence from the Yangtze River Delta Region in China

by Guancen Wu, Zhicheng Zeng, Dongqin Yang, Hongqiang Wang and Xing Niu

Systems 2025, 13(10), 904; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100904 - 14 Oct 2025

As regional integration accelerates globally, green development has emerged as a pivotal imperative for reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability. This study employs a Difference-in-Differences framework incorporating city and year fixed effects to examine the impact of regional integration on green development efficiency [...] Read more.

As regional integration accelerates globally, green development has emerged as a pivotal imperative for reconciling economic growth with environmental sustainability. This study employs a Difference-in-Differences framework incorporating city and year fixed effects to examine the impact of regional integration on green development efficiency in China’s Yangtze River Delta. The empirical findings reveal that regional integration significantly undermines green development efficiency, a conclusion corroborated by rigorous robustness checks including parallel trends and placebo tests. Mechanism analysis demonstrates that trade openness and digital economy development function as partial mediating channels that modestly attenuate the direct adverse effect of regional integration, whereas the decline in secondary industry agglomeration amplifies the negative impact. Notably, innovation capability has yet to fully unlock its potential for green transformation, it intensifies the negative effects of regional integration across all three mediating mechanisms. Building on these findings, this study proposes policy recommendations including strengthening multi-level green governance frameworks, integrating ecological compensation and carbon trading systems, advancing low-carbon trade structures, promoting the synergistic development of digitalization and green transformation, facilitating the green transition of secondary industries, and reinforcing green technology innovation. These insights provide empirical evidence and policy references for achieving coherence between regional integration and sustainable development objectives. Full article

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23 pages, 3061 KB

Open AccessReview

Global Research Trends in Data Envelopment Analysis for Evaluating Sustainability of Complex Socioeconomic Systems: A Systematic Bibliometric Perspective

by Katerina Fotova Čiković, Antonija Mandić and Veljko Dmitrović

Systems 2025, 13(10), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100903 - 14 Oct 2025

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) to the evaluation of sustainability and performance in complex socioeconomic systems between 2010 and mid-2025. DEA has become an increasingly valuable tool for measuring efficiency, benchmarking practices, and supporting [...] Read more.

This study conducts a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research applying data envelopment analysis (DEA) to the evaluation of sustainability and performance in complex socioeconomic systems between 2010 and mid-2025. DEA has become an increasingly valuable tool for measuring efficiency, benchmarking practices, and supporting decision-making in contexts where sustainability challenges intersect with economic, environmental, and governance dimensions. To capture global research dynamics, we extracted and merged bibliographic data from Web of Science and Scopus, analyzing publication trends, thematic clusters, co-authorship networks, citation structures, and keyword co-occurrences using bibliometric tools such as VOSviewer and Bibliometrix. Our findings reveal a consistent growth trajectory of the field, with research outputs peaking in 2020 and subsequently diversifying across multiple thematic areas. Conceptual mapping highlights two dominant domains: (i) policy, governance, and planning and (ii) environmental, ecological, and management applications, both linked through the overarching theme of sustainable development. The analysis further underscores the geographic diversity of contributions, the concentration of knowledge in key publication outlets, and the increasing connectivity of international collaboration networks. By identifying thematic gaps and underexplored intersections, this study emphasizes the need for more interdisciplinary approaches that integrate bibliometric insights with practical sustainability outcomes. The results provide a structured overview of the field’s evolution, offering researchers and policymakers a valuable reference point for advancing DEA applications in sustainability research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Operation Optimization and Performance Assessment of Complex Social-Economic Systems)

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28 pages, 1206 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Subject–Action–Object and Bayesian Models of Intelligent Word Semantic Similarity Measures

by Siping Zeng, Xiaodong Liu, Wenguang Lin, Vasantha Gokula and Renbin Xiao

Systems 2025, 13(10), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100902 - 13 Oct 2025

Synonym similarity judgments based on semantic distance calculation play a vital role in supporting applications in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP). However, existing semantic computing methods excessively rely on low-efficiency human supervision or high-quality datasets, which limits their further application. For [...] Read more.

Synonym similarity judgments based on semantic distance calculation play a vital role in supporting applications in the field of Natural Language Processing (NLP). However, existing semantic computing methods excessively rely on low-efficiency human supervision or high-quality datasets, which limits their further application. For these reasons, this paper proposes an automatic and intelligent method for calculating semantic similarity that integrates Subject–Action–Object (SAO) and WordNet to combine knowledge-based semantic similarity and corpus-based semantic similarity. First, the SAO structure is extracted from the Wikipedia dataset, and the statistics of SAO similarity are obtained by calculating co-occurrences of words in SAO. Second, the semantic similarity parameters of words are obtained based on WordNet, and the semantic similarity parameters are adjusted by Laplace Smoothing (LS). Finally, the semantic similarity can be obtained by the Bayesian Model (BM), which combines the semantic similarity parameter and the SAO similarity statistics. The experimental results from well-known word similarity datasets show that the proposed method outperforms traditional methods and even Large Language Models (LLM) in terms of accuracy. The Pearson, Spearman, and Kendall indices were introduced to prove the superiority of the proposed algorithm between model scores and human judgements. Full article

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18 pages, 2230 KB

Open AccessArticle

Capacity Matching Study of Different Functional Lanes at Signalized Intersections

by Jiao Yao, Chenke Zhu, Yin Wang, Yihang Liao and Yan Peng

Systems 2025, 13(10), 901; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100901 - 13 Oct 2025

The widening of entrance lanes at urban intersections improves the capacity. However, limited by length, vehicles queuing in different functional lanes often interfere with each other, causing wasted green time. This study analyses turning demand, lane division, and signal timing at short-lane intersections, [...] Read more.

The widening of entrance lanes at urban intersections improves the capacity. However, limited by length, vehicles queuing in different functional lanes often interfere with each other, causing wasted green time. This study analyses turning demand, lane division, and signal timing at short-lane intersections, identifying four types of blockages: left-turn queues overflow blocking straight-ahead, straight-ahead blocking left-turn, right-turn queues overflow blocking straight-ahead, and straight-ahead blocking right-turn. Then, various strategies, including signal timing adjustment, phase sequence, and variable lane functions, are considered. The lane capacity matching rate is calculated, and a model for matching the capacity of different functional lanes at signal-controlled intersections is established. The results show that the matching effect of left-turn is significant, with an improvement of 8.0%, followed by a 7.0% increase in right-turn. The corresponding lane delays are also improved, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the model. Full article

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26 pages, 1026 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ethical Dilemmas in Performance-Oriented Management: A Dual-Path Systems Model

by Jigan Wang, Qing Jia, Tianfeng Dong, Xiaochan Yang and Haodong Jiang

Systems 2025, 13(10), 900; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100900 - 12 Oct 2025

Background: High-performance work systems (HPWSs), while designed to boost corporate performance, can inadvertently create a core organizational paradox, triggering a negative feedback loop. Specifically, their intense focus on performance outcomes can create a climate conducive to unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), as employees navigate [...] Read more.

Background: High-performance work systems (HPWSs), while designed to boost corporate performance, can inadvertently create a core organizational paradox, triggering a negative feedback loop. Specifically, their intense focus on performance outcomes can create a climate conducive to unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), as employees navigate the pressures and perceived obligations, ultimately undermining the organization’s long-term sustainability and viability. While prior research has identified important singular pathways, the mechanisms through which HPWSs simultaneously generate both perceived obligations and performance pressures remain ambiguous. Methods: Drawing on the Job Demands–Resources (JD-R) model, we propose and test a moderated dual-mediation framework. Using survey data from 473 employees, we examine psychological contract fulfillment and bottom-line mentality as parallel mediators, with moral identity as a moderator, in the HPWS-UPB relationship. Results: The analysis demonstrated that HPWSs influence UPB through two distinct and paradoxical pathways: a pressure-driven path via an increased bottom-line mentality, and a reciprocity-driven path via enhanced psychological contract fulfillment. Moral identity emerged as a crucial, albeit asymmetrical, buffer, with its buffering role being particularly consequential for the pressure-driven pathway, as moral identity also significantly weakened the indirect effect of HPWSs on UPB channeled through bottom-line mentality. Conclusions: These findings offer a holistic, systems-based understanding of the performance-ethics paradox. The validation of a dual-pathway model provides a new blueprint for how a single management system produces contradictory outcomes through competing mechanisms. The identification of key intervention points (e.g., fostering moral identity) offers practical strategies for managers to foster systems that support both high productivity and a sustainable ethical climate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Practice in Social Science)

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28 pages, 3458 KB

Open AccessArticle

The AI Annotator: Large Language Models’ Potential in Scoring Sustainability Reports

by Yue Wu, Peng Hu and Derek D. Wang

Systems 2025, 13(10), 899; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100899 - 11 Oct 2025

To explore the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) as AI Annotators in the domain of sustainability reporting, this study establishes a systematic evaluation methodology. We use the specific case of European football clubs, quantifying their sustainability reports based on the sport Positive [...] Read more.

To explore the potential of Large Language Models (LLMs) as AI Annotators in the domain of sustainability reporting, this study establishes a systematic evaluation methodology. We use the specific case of European football clubs, quantifying their sustainability reports based on the sport Positive matrix as a benchmark to compare the performance of three state-of-the-art models (i.e., GPT-4o, Qwen-2-72b-instruct, and Llama-3-70b-instruct) against human expert scores. The evaluation is benchmarked on dimensions including accuracy, mean absolute error (MAE), and hallucination rates. The results indicate that GPT-4o is the top performer, yet its average accuracy of approximately 56% shows it cannot fully replace human experts at present. The study also reveals significant issues with overconfidence and factual hallucinations in models like Qwen-2-72b-instructon. Critically, we find that by implementing further data processing, specifically a Chain-of-Verification (CoVe) self-correction method, GPT-4o’s initial hallucination rate is successfully reduced from 16% to 10%, while accuracy improved to 58%. In conclusion, while LLMs demonstrate immense potential to streamline and democratize sustainability ratings, inherent risks like hallucinations remain a primary obstacle. Adopting verification strategies such as CoVe is a crucial pathway to enhancing model reliability and advancing their effective application in this field. Full article

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