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Systems
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Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management
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Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Practice in Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 October 2026 | Viewed by 7690

Editors

Dr. Nikolaos Trihas

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: e-tourism; digital marketing; tourism marketing; consumer behavior; special and alternative forms of tourism
Dr. Markos Kourgiantakis

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: e-business; marketing; digital marketing; IT and innovation management
Dr. Athina Bourdena

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Business Administration and Tourism, Hellenic Mediterranean University, 71410 Heraklion, Greece
Interests: intelligent technologies; business models; cognitive radio networks; data management; data analysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Consumer behavior and business management are rapidly evolving fields that are influenced by dynamic market conditions, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making. Systems modeling and analysis provide powerful tools to understand these complexities, enabling researchers and practitioners to develop predictive models, optimize strategies, and enhance decision-making processes.

This Special Issue invites high-quality research on systems modeling and analysis applied to consumer behavior and business management. We welcome contributions that leverage computational models, simulation techniques, agent-based modeling, system dynamics, and machine learning to analyze market trends, consumer decision-making, and business strategies. Papers may explore topics such as demand forecasting, customer segmentation, behavioral economics, supply chain dynamics, and the impact of emerging technologies on consumer interactions.

By integrating interdisciplinary approaches, this Special Issue aims to provide valuable insights into how businesses can adapt to changing consumer preferences, improve operational efficiency, and drive innovation through system-based methodologies. We encourage both theoretical and empirical studies that contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex interactions between consumers and businesses in modern economies.

Research areas may include (but not limited to) the following:

  • Systems modeling;
  • Consumer behavior analysis;
  • Business management;
  • Agent-based modeling;
  • System dynamics;
  • Machine learning in business;
  • Market simulation;
  • Behavioral economics;
  • Supply chain management;
  • Decision-making systems.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Nikolaos Trihas
Dr. Markos Kourgiantakis
Dr. Athina Bourdena
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-anonymized peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • systems modeling
  • consumer behavior analysis
  • business management
  • agent-based modeling
  • system dynamics
  • machine learning in business
  • market simulation
  • behavioral economics
  • supply chain management
  • decision-making systems

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  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

24 pages, 1012 KB  
Article
A Diagnostic System Dynamics Framework for the Analysis of Stakeholder Perception Asymmetries in Multi-Actor Governance Systems: Evidence from Tourism Business Management
by Ioannis Valachis and Sofoklis Skoultsos
Systems 2026, 14(7), 754; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14070754 - 1 Jul 2026
Abstract
Tourism destinations operate as multi-actor governance environments in which stakeholders interpret sustainability initiatives differently, reflecting their distinct institutional roles. This study applies a diagnostic system dynamics perspective to examine perception asymmetries among governance actors, tourism and hospitality professionals, and local community members across [...] Read more.
Tourism destinations operate as multi-actor governance environments in which stakeholders interpret sustainability initiatives differently, reflecting their distinct institutional roles. This study applies a diagnostic system dynamics perspective to examine perception asymmetries among governance actors, tourism and hospitality professionals, and local community members across Greek tourism destinations. Drawing on survey data from 466 respondents, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) comparisons across four perception domains reveal a consistent pattern: stakeholder evaluations differ significantly for HR sustainability practices (F = 114.60, p < 0.001) and organisational support conditions (F = 21.29, p < 0.001), while remaining broadly aligned in assessments of overall sustainability outcomes (F = 0.15, p = 0.861). Interpreted through causal loop reasoning, this is consistent with divergence at the implementation level alongside shared strategic orientations. This combination may be interpreted as indicative of feedback asymmetry together with alignment in outcomes, and carries implications for coordination and institutional trust. The study positions stakeholder perception analysis within the problem-structuring stage of the system dynamics modelling cycle, showing how observed perception patterns may be used to identify areas warranting subsequent system dynamics modelling. In this way, it advances a diagnostic framework applicable to multi-actor governance contexts beyond tourism. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management)
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29 pages, 1752 KB  
Article
Incentive Mechanism Design in a Low-Carbon Service Supply Chain Under Dual Information Asymmetry: Consumer Heterogeneity, Information Perception, and Dynamic Trust
by Yanping Chen and Yunfei Shao
Systems 2026, 14(5), 550; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems14050550 - 12 May 2026
Viewed by 214
Abstract
Low-carbon service outsourcing creates a governance problem in which manufacturers must address hidden emission-reduction capability before contracting and hidden effort after contracting. Consumer low-carbon preference does not automatically translate into market returns, because consumers rely on information disclosure, certification, carbon labeling, and traceability [...] Read more.
Low-carbon service outsourcing creates a governance problem in which manufacturers must address hidden emission-reduction capability before contracting and hidden effort after contracting. Consumer low-carbon preference does not automatically translate into market returns, because consumers rely on information disclosure, certification, carbon labeling, and traceability to perceive actual emission-reduction performance. This study develops a principal–agent model for a low-carbon service supply chain composed of a manufacturer and a low-carbon service provider. The baseline model examines screening and effort incentives under dual information asymmetry, the extended static model introduces heterogeneous consumer preferences and information perception, and the dynamic model incorporates consumer trust evolution. The results show that menu contracts enable manufacturers to distinguish service-provider types and induce emission-reduction effort, but truthful self-selection requires information rent. Consumer low-carbon preference strengthens incentive intensity only when disclosure converts actual emission-reduction performance into perceived low-carbon value. Disclosure investment improves the market return of emission-reduction effort, but its effectiveness is constrained by disclosure cost, provider risk aversion, and output uncertainty. Consumer low-carbon trust converges to a steady state supported by sustained emission-reduction effort and credible disclosure. The conclusions apply primarily to low-carbon service outsourcing settings in which provider capability and effort are difficult to observe and market response depends on consumers’ perception of low-carbon information. This study extends principal–agent analysis to low-carbon service supply chains and shows that effective low-carbon governance depends on the coordination of contract incentives, information disclosure, and trust accumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management)
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19 pages, 741 KB  
Article
Age and the Green Intention: A Serial Mediation Model of Sustainability Knowledge, Attitude, and Behavior
by Vesna Sesar and Ivana Martinčević
Systems 2025, 13(12), 1087; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13121087 - 2 Dec 2025
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1059
Abstract
As the global context for sustainable actions increases continuously, understanding the psychological and demographic factors that influence green purchase intention (GPI) is vital for promoting sustainable consumer behavior. This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding how age affects sustainability consciousness (SC) [...] Read more.
As the global context for sustainable actions increases continuously, understanding the psychological and demographic factors that influence green purchase intention (GPI) is vital for promoting sustainable consumer behavior. This study addresses the gap in the literature regarding how age affects sustainability consciousness (SC) and then influences GPI. The study employs a multidimensional construct measuring perception of people’s attitudes, knowledge, and behavior with respect to the economic, social, and environmental domain. The purpose of the study was to examine the direct and indirect effects of age on GPI through the mediators of sustainability knowledge (SKNOW), sustainability attitude (SATT), and sustainable behavior (SBEH). A serial mediation model (Model 6) developed by Hayes was applied using the PROCESS macro in SPSS version 26. Data were collected from a general adult population with purchasing power who independently make purchasing decisions in their household from Varazdin County, located in the northern part of the Republic of Croatia, representing different age groups and analyzed to test the hypothesis. In total 323 respondents participated. Results revealed that age had no direct effect on GPI, but significant indirect effects were found through the serial mediation. Specifically, the older groups showed stronger sustainability behavior, which significantly predicted GPI. The findings support the multidimensional structure of SC and highlight the importance of educational and behavioral strategies in promoting sustainable consumption, particularly tailored to specific age groups. This research contributes to sustainability and consumer behavior literature by demonstrating how age influences green purchase intention through serial mediation pathways. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management)
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15 pages, 929 KB  
Article
A Chaos-Driven Fuzzy Neural Approach for Modeling Customer Preferences with Self-Explanatory Nonlinearity
by Huimin Jiang and Farzad Sabetzadeh
Systems 2025, 13(10), 888; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13100888 - 9 Oct 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 665
Abstract
Online customer reviews contain rich sentimental expressions of customer preferences on products, which is valuable information for analyzing customer preferences in product design. The adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was applied to the establishment of customer preference models based on online reviews, [...] Read more.
Online customer reviews contain rich sentimental expressions of customer preferences on products, which is valuable information for analyzing customer preferences in product design. The adaptive neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was applied to the establishment of customer preference models based on online reviews, which can address the fuzziness of customers’ emotional responses in comments and the nonlinearity of modeling. However, due to the black box problem in ANFIS, the nonlinearity of the modeling cannot be shown explicitly. To solve the above problems, a chaos-driven ANFIS approach is proposed to develop customer preference models using online comments. The model’s nonlinear relationships are represented transparently through the fuzzy rules obtained, which provide human-readable equations. In the proposed approach, online reviews are analyzed using sentiment analysis to extract the information that will be used as the data sets for modeling. After that, the chaos optimization algorithm (COA) is applied to determine the polynomial structure of the fuzzy rules in ANFIS to model the customer preferences. Using laptop products as a case study, several approaches are evaluated for validation, including fuzzy regression, fuzzy least-squares regression, ANFIS, ANFIS with subtractive cluster, and ANFIS with K-means. Compared to the other five approaches, the values of mean relative error, variance of error, and confidence interval of validation error are improved based on the proposed approach. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management)
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18 pages, 627 KB  
Article
Attributes Influencing Visitors’ Experiences in Conservation Centers with Different Social Identities: A Topic Modeling Approach
by Zhongkai Li, Ping Chen and Jian Ming Luo
Systems 2025, 13(6), 442; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13060442 - 6 Jun 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1935
Abstract
The importance of charismatic flagship species (CFSs) in efforts to raise public awareness of conservation has been widely recognized. However, the effect of differences in social identities on shaping visitors’ experiences remains underexplored, although these differences can inform the development of inclusive and [...] Read more.
The importance of charismatic flagship species (CFSs) in efforts to raise public awareness of conservation has been widely recognized. However, the effect of differences in social identities on shaping visitors’ experiences remains underexplored, although these differences can inform the development of inclusive and culturally sensitive conservation strategies to increase visitors’ satisfaction in conservation centers. This study explores how cultural social identities influence visitors’ conservation experiences, particularly how the out-group homogeneity effect shapes individuals’ perceptions of CFSs. This effect can help to explain why visitors from different cultural backgrounds often perceive CFSs in a homogenized manner. Based on data collected from 6804 online reviews of a giant panda conservation center, this study employs anchored CorEx topic modeling and regression analysis. This research develops a novel framework for understanding how CFSs contribute to visitors’ experiences in conservation centers. It reveals that social identities affect interactions not only among people, but also between people and culturally significant animals. These findings offer practical implications for conservation center management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management)
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28 pages, 1926 KB  
Article
Yummy Inland Saline–Alkali Crabs? Aquatic Products with Quality and Flavor Preferences in Market Encroachment
by Shengping Zhang, Wenwen Shu and Bisheng Du
Systems 2025, 13(4), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13040273 - 9 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1494
Abstract
As China’s marine economy and green high-quality development strategy both progress, traditional marine crab farming is reaching its capacity limits. In response, the land-based aquaculture farming model for saline–alkali crabs has emerged, offering new opportunities for the industry. Simultaneously, consumer demand for specialty [...] Read more.
As China’s marine economy and green high-quality development strategy both progress, traditional marine crab farming is reaching its capacity limits. In response, the land-based aquaculture farming model for saline–alkali crabs has emerged, offering new opportunities for the industry. Simultaneously, consumer demand for specialty aquatic products is rising, with growing preferences for products of varying quality and distinctive flavors. To remain competitive, developing quality and flavor differentiation strategies that align with market structures is essential. In this paper, a sequential game-theoretic model is constructed to capture supplier behavior under different market conditions while incorporating consumer heterogeneity and cost structures. The paper examines how flavor preference, quality preference, and market segmentation shape supplier strategies, focusing particularly on the interaction between market entry and segmentation under geographic and cultural influences. The model incorporates consumer utility functions, search costs, and quality investment costs, allowing equilibrium strategies to be derived and compared across scenarios. By incorporating information search costs and technology investment, this paper analyzes optimal pricing and quality decisions in order to inform effective market entry strategies. In addition, the paper explores how the timing of entry affects product quality improvements and price competition, highlighting the evolving acceptance of new products by consumers. In coastal markets, suppliers must prioritize consolidating their presence and leveraging brand equity in order to enhance pricing power. In contrast, emerging markets require accelerated penetration through product differentiation and improved information transparency. This paper proposes an integrated approach to optimizing pricing and product strategies, providing firms with precise market encroachment and competitive strategies that can enhance their market share and longterm competitiveness. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Modeling and Analysis of Consumer Behavior and Business Management)
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