Systems Perspective Research Articles

The impact of Blockchain adoption on supply chain performance: evidence from food industry

The food supply chain (FSC) constantly needs to address persistent challenges such as information asymmetry, low transparency, food quality and authenticity, and unnecessary waste. Blockchain is perceived as a promising solution to overcome these FSC challenges. Existing literature captures a conceptual understanding of various aspects of Blockchain for FSC, such as how the technology can enhance transparency, efficiency, and food authenticity. However, a quantitative assessment of the overall impact of Blockchain adoption on the FSC operational performance is still missing. This study combines empirical and analytical approaches to investigate the evident research gap. Under the lens of systems thinking and System Dynamics (SD) modelling perspective, the study collected questionnaire and interview data to develop different FSC models for evaluating the impact of Blockchain on key operational performance metrics. The findings indicated that Blockchain positively affects inventory level and lead time in the immediate term, and cost in the long term. The results also warn that forgoing inventory buffers can come with the cost-of-service level. This study provides quantitative evidence of the positive influence of Blockchain on the FSC. This research contributes by extending the understanding of Blockchain's implications on broader supply chain performance from a systems perspective.

The Well-Being of Doctoral Students in Education: An Ecological Systems Perspective.

This study aims to explore the factors that influence the well-being situation of doctoral students in education from a qualitative perspective and draws on the ecological systems theory as an overarching framework. A total of 18 doctoral students in education from 3 universities in Hong Kong were interviewed. In line with the ecological systems theory, individual influential factors may embed and interact with all layers of systems (i.e., the microsystem, the mesosystem, the exosystem, the macrosystem, and the chronosystem) surrounding the doctoral students that hinder or boost their well-being, respectively. These six main areas of concern were identified from a thematic analysis of participants' responses. The study highlighted several salient influential factors of doctoral students' well-being, such as coping strategies, social relations, and their living and cultural environment. An interactive effect among specific factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and social movements, was also identified. Findings provide theoretical insights and offer recommendations for improving doctoral students' well-being.

Social-Ecological Urbanism as a Research Perspective to Analyse Transportation Inequalities in the Region of Łódź, Poland

The systems perspective enables the understanding of complex transformations which take place in urban regions. Social-ecological urbanism is an analytical methodology that integrates the systems perspective and unpacks relationships between the social-ecological and socio-technical subsystems of urban regions. In this article, we look for the most suitable approach to analysing the transformations of a tramway system and its impacts on public transportation inequalities in the metropolitan region of Łódź, Poland. As a departure point, we use the classic methods of communicative planning theory. The presented method uses a detailed case study analysis that carefully follows all the activities, stakeholders, and processes. We complement this approach by looking at the ongoing transformations of transportation equity through the lens of socio-ecological urbanism and by analysing the stakeholders’ roles and attitudes within the process. Our analysis indicates the role of public participation in the process, which affected and strengthened the transformations. This approach is greatly enhanced by the application of the social-ecological urbanism framework, with its analysis of services performed by various system components. Understanding their specific roles helps in planning future redevelopment. Our key finding is the necessity of combining communicative planning methods with strategic planning of the systems transformation process.

On-device Training: A First Overview on Existing Systems

The recent breakthroughs in machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) have catalyzed the design and development of various intelligent systems over wide application domains. While most existing machine learning models require large memory and computing power, efforts have been made to deploy some models on resource-constrained devices as well. A majority of the early application systems focused on exploiting the inference capabilities of ML and DL models, where data captured from different mobile and embedded sensing components are processed through these models for application goals such as classification and segmentation. More recently, the concept of exploiting the mobile and embedded computing resources for ML/DL model training has gained attention, as such capabilities allow (i) the training of models via local data without the need to share data over wireless links, thus enabling privacy-preserving computation by design, (ii) model personalization and environment adaptation, and (iii) deployment of accurate models in remote and hardly accessible locations without stable internet connectivity. This work summarizes and analyzes state-of-the-art systems research that allows such on-device model training capabilities and provides a survey of on-device training from a systems perspective.

Environmental and economic dynamics of the Galician fishing sector and compared perceptions of the agents involved in the value chain

ABSTRACT This case study analyses and compares the perceptions of agents that participate in different productive and commercial processes of the fishing activity (such as small-scale fisheries, distant-water fisheries and processing and commercialisation companies). It focuses on the regional level (Galicia, NW Spain) and considers sustainability, governance and socioeconomic aspects from the perspective of socioecological systems. Results show similarities and differences in agents’ perceptions related with specific aspects and problems relevant to each group, intersectoral relations and sustainability issues. In this sense, agents share a positive perception of the sustainability objectives proposed by international organisations, as well as concerns about the uncertainty linked to globalisation processes. However, they differ in their evaluation of some specific regulatory measures. Regulatory policies could consider this information in order to achieve a greater degree of complicity and compliance by fishers and other agents of the value chain.

Current status, evolution, and future perspectives in robotic platform systems for prostate cancer treatment: a narrative review.

Robotic surgery has contributed greatly to the shift from traditional surgery to minimally invasive surgery. Urology is the major field of application of robotic surgery. Several urological procedures, especially radical prostatectomy, benefit from the use of robotic surgery. Non-systematic research of the literature was performed using "Robot-assisted radical prostatectomy" and "Robotic platforms" as keywords to understand the actual situation and the future perspectives of this technology in prostate cancer treatment. The robotic platform landscape is constantly evolving. DaVinci has always been the mainstay in this field, particularly after the advent of the new single port platforms. New platforms are emerging, providing an alternative option to the well-known DaVinci system. Since in literature, few studies compare the use of different robotic platforms, their application in urological procedures is not yet widely used, for both oncological and non-oncological procedures. Furthermore, artificial intelligence begins to play a role in this landscape and could be useful for future developments. So further studies are warranted to give a full comprehension of the whole scenario. This review aims to analyze the current state of the use of robotic platforms in urology, particularly in radical prostatectomy, and to understand the evolution.

Dimensions of Metaphor Meaning

For many years, scholars have been proposing generic or universal theories of metaphor, but metaphors turn out to be more complex than that. In this paper, we discuss cases that show that metaphor meanings and mappings are contextual. By contextual, we mean the interactions between multiple factors in different timescales. The cases we analyze to make our point come from our study of resistance to metaphors. When people resist metaphors, they tend to explain what meaning the metaphor has to them, thus we see naturally occurring evidence for metaphor’s dynamic and multidimensional meanings. Contrary to Lakoff’s claims, there can be no single source of meaning to metaphors. In a complex systems perspective, metaphor meaning is construed in the interactions between different factors, such as the background of the speakers and listeners, the grammatical form of the metaphor, the co-text, personality, other characteristics of the metaphor (aptness, familiarity, conventionality), the history of previous uses of the metaphor, etc. All these factors operate in a non-deterministic way. In this perspective, conceptual metaphors, acquired through experiences, are one source of constraint to meaning. People share similar meanings to the degree that they share similar experiences, knowledge, and biases.

Boundary Conditions for Organizations in the Anthropocene: A Review of the Planetary Boundaries Framework 10 Years On

AbstractWe systematically review business research concerning the planetary boundaries framework: A natural science framework that identifies nine Earth system boundaries that govern the safe operating space for humanity. Ten years after the introduction of the planetary boundaries in business studies, we pose two critical questions: How has the planetary boundaries concept been integrated into business studies and how has research on each of the nine boundaries advanced? Our review demonstrates growing scholarly interest in both questions. However, the topic remains niche with critical gaps, with most studies published in sustainability‐focused journals and only occasionally in mainstream journals. Theoretical development remains fragmented and of greater concern, a systems perspective is lacking in empirical studies: Most articles focus solely on one issue – climate change – and there is almost no cross‐analysis between boundaries. We contrast this with evidence that the planetary pressures of the Anthropocene are approaching dangerous thresholds and make the provocative assertion that planetary boundaries are not simply the foundation for specialized research on corporate sustainability but rather are the necessary boundary conditions for all business studies in the Anthropocene. We call for a transformation in how business scholars theorize, measure and engage.

Employee power needs, leadership, and employee organizational commitment: A case study of high‐tech enterprises

AbstractIndustry 4.0 brings opportunities and challenges to organizations. Studies have shown that employees with higher power needs have a higher level of organizational commitment, which is also affected by transactional leadership. However, existing studies lack effective conversion pathways and do not adapt to the new environment of Industry 4.0. From a systematic perspective, this paper covers eight high‐tech fields, such as electronic information, biotechnology, and medicine, and establishes a comprehensive model. We use multi‐level regression analysis and the bootstrap method to explore the transformation path of employee power needs to organizational commitment. The results show that in high‐tech enterprises, employee power needs positively affect out‐of‐role behaviours, and there is also a positive correlation between out‐of‐role behaviour and organizational commitment. In addition, employee out‐of‐role behaviours play mediating roles. Transactional leadership moderates the relationship between out‐of‐role behaviours and organizational commitment. This study explains (1) the driving force of employee power needs on out‐of‐role behaviours and (2) the complexity of changing organizational commitments, and expands the adjustment path of leadership. This study considers the enterprise as a system that helps various departments carry out collaborative actions and produce a synergistic effect, thereby improving the organizational commitment of employees and the overall effectiveness of the enterprise. It is of great significance to the management optimization and leader motivation of high‐tech enterprises, especially Industry 4.0 strategic emerging enterprises. In the future, we can also develop a system for leadership and employee power needs to help organizations analyse organizational commitment to improve organizational efficiency.

The National Risk Register 2023: some reasoned reflections

ABSTRACT We provide a constructive response to the recent National Risk Register 2023, highlighting a number of generic issues. These primarily include reflections on the deployed methodology, and its possible biases. We suggest that the National Risk Register should be extended to adopt a whole systems perspective, reasoning that it is unlikely that the acute risks will each occur in an isolated way, and additionally there may be (non-risk) precursor contexts and events which might amplify many acute risks and/or nullify planned responses. We discuss some potential causes of a lack of national resilience; and some possible generic failures in acute risk response. We make a number of recommendations for consideration by HM Government.

Statistical physics and dynamical systems perspectives on geophysical extreme events

Statistical physics and dynamical systems perspectives on geophysical extreme events

Parenting stress and child behavior problems: Developmental psychopathology perspectives.

The growing base of research on parenting stress and its relation to child behavior problems has largely paralleled the emergence of developmental psychopathology as a field of inquiry. Specifically, the focus on mechanism rather than main effects has begun to elevate explanatory models in the connection between parenting stress and a variety of adverse child and parent conditions. Still, work on parenting stress is limited by conceptual confusion, the absence of attention to developmental differentiation, a focus on child-specific rather than system influences. Recent research on these parenting stress issues is briefly reviewed, highlighting studies that have illustrated developmental psychopathology perspectives. A conceptual model is offered to illustrate the complex recursive nature of connections between parenting stress, parenting behavior, parent well-being, and children's adjustment, and I make a case for the adoption of a more systemic perspective to influence the next generation of developmental psychopathology research on parenting stress.

Managing Stress From a Systemic Perspective: Occupational Stress Models

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines stress as a “state of worry or mental tension caused by a difficult situation.” Burnout results from chronic occupational stress that has not been well managed, and is the result of both systemic and personal factors. Systemic structures and planning to optimize work environments are the focus of occupational stress models. To effectively manage stress and avoid the detrimental effects of neglecting both its acute and chronic consequences (such as decreased productivity, low morale, interpersonal conflicts, absenteeism, and other negative outcomes), it is essential to examine various occupational stress models to determine root causes and identify issues at the work unit level. [ Psychiatr Ann . 2024;54(10):e287–e291.]

Systemic Perspective on Companies and the Digital Transformation: A Prototypical Methodological Approach as a Solution to Complex Business Problems

Due to changing market conditions, customer needs and environmental influences, organisations are facing increased pressure to transform in today’s world. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic have made many organisations aware of the importance of digital transformation in order to remain successful even in times of disruptive change. However, the pandemic has also shown how connected and complex the world is. The aim of this work is to answer the question of what a possible systematic method for dealing with complex business problems might look like. Dealing with complexity is a critical factor for any organisation and determines how resilient it can position itself in the face of dynamic environmental influences. To answer the research question, a prototype was first developed based on Niklas Luhmann’s systems theory, from which a systematic method was derived. The prototypes were then further developed and validated in qualitative expert interviews. A systems theory approach was chosen because it claims to construct a holistic picture of the company as a social system and thus to capture the interactions of all system components. Qualitative interviews based on a semi-standardised approach were used to test the prototypes for comprehensibility, applicability, and validity. German experts in the fields of system technology, change management and digital transformation were interviewed.

Shuttle Time for Seniors: The Impact of 8-Week Structured Badminton Training on Markers of Healthy Aging and Evaluation of Lived Experiences-A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Engagement in sport offers the potential for improved physical and psychological well-being and has been shown to be beneficial for promoting healthy aging. Opportunities for older adults to (re)engage with sport are limited by a paucity of age-appropriate introductory sports intervention programs. As such, the study evaluated the efficacy of a newly designed 8-week badminton training program (Shuttle Time for Seniors) on markers of healthy aging and the lived experiences of participation. Forty-three older adults assigned to a control (N = 20) or intervention group (N = 23) completed pre-post assessment of physical and cognitive function, self-efficacy for exercise, and well-being. Focus groups were conducted for program evaluation and to understand barriers and enablers to sustained participation. Those in the intervention group increased upper body strength, aerobic fitness, coincidence anticipation time, and self-efficacy for exercise. Objectively improved physical and cognitive functions were corroborated by perceived benefits indicated in thematic analysis. Shuttle Time for Seniors was perceived as appropriate for the population, where the age-appropriate opportunity to participate with likeminded people of similar ability was a primary motivator to engagement. Despite willingness to continue playing, lack of badminton infrastructure was a primary barrier to continued engagement. Shuttle Time for Seniors offered an important opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with badminton, where the physical and psychosocial benefits of group-based badminton improved facets important to healthy aging. Significance/Implications: Age-appropriate introductory intervention programs provide opportunity for older adults to (re)engage with sport. However, important barriers to long-term engagement need to be addressed from a whole systems perspective.

Beyond the Hype: A Systems Approach to Productivity

This article provides a practitioner-oriented examination of productivity from a systems perspective, challenging predominant views that blame low outputs solely on individual workers. It argues sustainable gains stem from optimizing processes, workflows and contextual supports—not micromanaging people. Five guiding principles are outlined for cultivating enabling systems through value stream mapping, cross-functional collaboration, participatory problem-solving, modular flexible designs and selective technology use. Four case studies from healthcare, manufacturing, retail and professional services then illustrate real-world applications of these principles resulting in meaningful productivity improvements across key performance indicators. The article concludes by positioning this evidence-based, systems-centric approach as a paradigm shift beyond traditional conceptualizations of productivity. It maintains this enlightened perspective can uplift organizations globally by empowering environments calibrated to both business needs and human potential. Overall, the brief aims to further a more nuanced, solutions-focused discussion of cultivating environments where work truly elevates individuals, organizations and societies.

Study on the operation strategy of the water cooling system in the single-phase immersion cooling data center considering cooling tower performance

Energy analysis from an entire systems perspective can further improve the energy efficiency of single-phase immersion cooling technology. In this study, a water cooling system for the single-phase immersion data center was developed using a combination of FLOWNEX SE and FLUENT software. Firstly, the energy consumption analysis was carried out from the perspective of cooling system, and an optimal operation strategy was identified to minimize energy consumption. Furthermore, the influence of ambient temperature and chip power on the operation strategy and energy consumption were analyzed, and the optimal operation strategy under different conditions was given. Finally, a comparison was made between the two operating modes of the water cooling system. The analysis results showed that there was an optimal operation strategy which should be adapted based on ambient temperature and chip power to reduce the power consumption. Moreover, it was noted that when the environmental temperature rises above 22 °C, the PUE of the water cooling system surpasses 1.2, indicating that the water cooling system becomes unsuitable for single-phase immersion data centers in such conditions. In addition, the excessive cooling of the chip can be avoided through the optimal operation strategy. And when the chip power was 600 W, the optimal operation strategy can reduce the PUE by 16 % and save 5.71 kW energy.

Enhancing societal resilience through the whole-of-society approach to crisis preparedness: Complex adaptive systems perspective – the case of Finland

Enhancing societal resilience through the whole-of-society approach to crisis preparedness: Complex adaptive systems perspective – the case of Finland

PHYSICAL CULTURE AND A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE IN THE LANDSCAPE OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The article emphasized that sport and physical activity are seen as important drivers for social transformation and enablers of sustainable development, i.e., as important means of achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The research is carried out within systemic perspective, with consideration of social and human capital dimension of physical culture and healthy lifestyles. Based on global trends, as well as the experience of the USA, China, and Australia, global and local levels of promoting healthy lifestyle are considered, in particular within the plane of physical education.

생태체계적 관점에서 살펴본 다문화아동·청소년의 학교생활 적응 결정요인

This study was conducted to examine the factors influencing the school adaptation of multicultural children and adolescents from an ecological systems perspective. The aim was to propose intervention strategies to enhance the school life adaptation of multicultural children and adolescents. For this purpose, data from a study on the adaptation status and support measures for children of multicultural families in the Busan area conducted by Choi Jeong-Rak et al.(2021) was utilized for analysis. The research analysis data consisted of a total of 402 participants, including 190 elementary school students, 126 middle school students, and 86 high school students. The results of the study are as follows: First, among the individual system factors, current academic performance and Korean language proficiency self-esteem positively impacted the school life adaptation of multicultural children and adolescents. Second, among the microsystem factors, relationships with friends, relationships with teachers, and the Korean language proficiency of foreign parents were found to have a positive impact on the school life adaptation of multicultural children and adolescents. Based on these findings, intervention strategies were suggested for direct interventions targeting multicultural children and adolescents and for indirect interventions through parental or social support to improve their school life adaptation.