Systems

14 pages, 277 KiB

Open AccessEssay

Systemic Creative Problem-Solving: On the Poverty of Ideas and the Generative Power of Prototyping

by Frédéric Vallée-Tourangeau

Systems 2025, 13(3), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030150 (registering DOI) - 22 Feb 2025

In this paper, I argue against the prevailing cognitivist view of creativity, proposing instead a systemic approach, and illustrate how from such a systemic perspective, creative problem-solving can be investigated under laboratory conditions. A cognitivist approach explains creativity from an ideation ground zero [...] Read more.

In this paper, I argue against the prevailing cognitivist view of creativity, proposing instead a systemic approach, and illustrate how from such a systemic perspective, creative problem-solving can be investigated under laboratory conditions. A cognitivist approach explains creativity from an ideation ground zero and assumes a diffusion model of ideas. In such a model, the explanandum is an initial idea, formed at a given moment in time, a position that implicitly promotes creative exceptionalism (to explain so-called Big-C creativity compared to little-c creativity) and the concomitant quest to discover the equally exceptional neural substate that ‘explains’ it. Borrowing from science and technology studies, I propose instead a translation model of ideas that proceeds on the basis of interactivity and prototyping. In this model, the explanandum is the resulting dialogue between people and prototypes (treated symmetrically as actants in a system of creation). I outline a methodology that emphasises the co-determination of ideation and the material enactment of ideas in generating creative solutions, illustrated by a study of insight problem-solving. This approach shifts the focus from exceptional cognitive abilities to the material and interactive processes that underpin creative problem-solving. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cognitive and Practical Perspectives on Resilience, Organization and Entangled Systems)

28 pages, 2187 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Review-Assisted Product Improvement Attribute Extraction and Prioritization Method for Small- and Medium-Sized Enterprises

by Keqin Wang, Angqi Lei, Zhihong Huang, Zhijiao Gao, Qingyu Ma, Chen Zheng, Jing Li, Benoît Eynard and Jinhua Xiao

Systems 2025, 13(3), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030149 (registering DOI) - 22 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the global economy, driving innovation and economic growth, despite constraints on their financial and operational resources. In the competitive landscape of modern markets, continuous product design improvement has become essential for SMEs to [...] Read more.

Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role in the global economy, driving innovation and economic growth, despite constraints on their financial and operational resources. In the competitive landscape of modern markets, continuous product design improvement has become essential for SMEs to meet dynamic user requirements, enhance satisfaction, and maintain competitiveness. Online reviews have emerged as valuable sources of user feedback, offering real-time, large-scale insights into user preferences. However, existing methods for leveraging online reviews in product design improvement have significant limitations, including insufficient attention paid to the hierarchical structure of different attributes when extracting product improvement attributes and a lack of quantitative attribute prioritization strategies. These shortcomings often result in suboptimal improvement and inefficient resource allocation, particularly for SMEs with limited resources. To address these challenges, this study proposed a novel online review-assisted method for product design improvement tailored to the needs of SMEs. The proposed method incorporates a hierarchical latent Dirichlet allocation model to extract and organize product attributes hierarchically, thereby enabling a comprehensive understanding of user requirements. Furthermore, a marginal utility-based approach is employed to prioritize product improvement attributes quantitatively, ensuring that the most impactful attributes are addressed efficiently. The effectiveness of the proposed method was demonstrated through a case study on the design improvement of a robotic vacuum cleaner developed using a typical SME in robotic cleaning solutions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Engineering)

37 pages, 8149 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Dynamic Evolution and Chaos Management in the Integration of Informatization and Industrialization

by Jianhua Zhu, Bo Sun and Fang Zhang

Systems 2025, 13(3), 148; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030148 - 21 Feb 2025

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Abstract

The accelerating digital transformation necessitates a paradigm shift in manufacturing, requiring a structured transition from traditional to smart manufacturing. To address the challenges of fragmented integration, this study proposes an evolutionary model known as the integration of informatization and industrialization (TIOII) that systematically [...] Read more.

The accelerating digital transformation necessitates a paradigm shift in manufacturing, requiring a structured transition from traditional to smart manufacturing. To address the challenges of fragmented integration, this study proposes an evolutionary model known as the integration of informatization and industrialization (TIOII) that systematically analyzes the dynamic interactions among product, technique, and business integration using a back-propagation neural network approach. A significant research gap exists in understanding how the chaotic and nonlinear interactions between these dimensions influence enterprise stability and adaptability. Prior studies have primarily focused on static models, failing to capture the evolutionary and dynamic nature of TIOII. To address this gap, this study employs stability theory and chaos theory to uncover the mechanisms through which TIOII disrupts pre-existing equilibrium states, leading to chaotic fluctuations before stabilizing into new structural configurations. This research also incorporates robust control theory to formulate strategies for enterprises to effectively manage instability and uncertainty throughout this transformation process. The findings reveal that TIOII is not a linear progression but an iterative process marked by instability and self-organized restructuring. The proposed model successfully explains the intricate, nonlinear interactions and evolutionary trajectories of TIOII dimensions, demonstrating that enterprise transformation follows a chaotic yet structured pattern. Moreover, the robust control methodology proves effective in mitigating uncontrolled instability, offering enterprises practical guidelines for refining investment strategies and adapting business operations amidst disruptive changes. This study enhances the theoretical understanding of industrial transformation by revealing the pivotal role of chaos in transitioning from stability to new stability, contributing to research on complex adaptive systems in enterprise management. The findings highlight the necessity of proactive strategic reconfiguration in technology, management, and product development, enabling enterprises to restructure investment strategies, refine business models, and achieve resilient, innovation-driven growth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Digital Transformation in the Era of Technological Disruption: The Reshaping and Application of Emerging Technologies on Management Models)

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20 pages, 5296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vit-Traj: A Spatial–Temporal Coupling Vehicle Trajectory Prediction Model Based on Vision Transformer

by Rongjun Cheng, Xudong An and Yuanzi Xu

Systems 2025, 13(3), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030147 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 109

Abstract

Accurately predicting the future trajectory of road users around autonomous vehicles is crucial for path planning and collision avoidance. In recent years, data-driven vehicle trajectory prediction models have become a significant research focus, and various spatial–temporal neural network models, based on spatial–temporal data, [...] Read more.

Accurately predicting the future trajectory of road users around autonomous vehicles is crucial for path planning and collision avoidance. In recent years, data-driven vehicle trajectory prediction models have become a significant research focus, and various spatial–temporal neural network models, based on spatial–temporal data, have been proposed. However, some existing spatial–temporal models segregate time and space, neglecting the inherent coupling of time and space. To address this issue, an end-to-end spatial–temporal feature fusion model, based on the Vision Transformer (Vit), is proposed in this paper, which can couple stereoscopic features of diverse spatial regions and time periods. Specifically, we propose an end-to-end spatiotemporal feature coupling model based on visual Transformer, Vit-Traj, which extracts spatiotemporal features through 2D convolution and uses Vit and SENet to complete feature fusion. Experimental results on the NGSIM and HighD datasets indicate that, compared to State-of-the-Art models, the proposed model exhibits better performance. The root mean squared error (RMSE) is 2.72 m on the NGSIM dataset and 0.86 m on the HighD dataset when the prediction horizon is 5 s. Furthermore, ablation experiments are conducted to evaluate the performance of each module, affirming the efficacy of ViT in modeling spatial–temporal data. Full article

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

24 pages, 1235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patent Openness Decisions and Investment Propensities of Frontier Enterprises in Asymmetric Competition

by Chen Liu, Daiqing Yan, Zihao Song, Gandang Shi, Wentao Zhan and Minghui Jiang

Systems 2025, 13(3), 146; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030146 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 118

Abstract

The patent openness decisions of frontier enterprises and the consequent investment tendencies of laggard enterprises play a significant role in their profitability. Despite the benefits resulting from directly using open patents, in order to capture market share and surpass frontier enterprises, laggard enterprises [...] Read more.

The patent openness decisions of frontier enterprises and the consequent investment tendencies of laggard enterprises play a significant role in their profitability. Despite the benefits resulting from directly using open patents, in order to capture market share and surpass frontier enterprises, laggard enterprises must decide whether they are going to invest in R&D or expansion. In this context, based on evolutionary game theory and the operational behaviors of both frontier and laggard enterprises, this study constructed a model of enterprise revenue under asymmetric competition, exploring the impact of patent openness with and without government subsidies on enterprise revenue. This study discovered that: (1) when the industry scale is small, frontier enterprises gain significant social effects through patent openness, while laggard enterprises invest in expansion; (2) as the industry scale gradually expands, frontier enterprises tend to prefer not to open their patents, and laggard enterprises gradually shift from imitation to independent innovation when the return on R&D investment increases more than that on expansion investment; and (3) when the R&D costs of laggard enterprises are high, frontier enterprises usually choose not to open their patents, forcing laggard enterprises to turn to investment in expansion. This allows frontier enterprises to reduce the losses from patent openness while enjoying the benefits of reduced industry production costs. This study provides new perspectives on patent openness and investment tendencies with the help of an evolutionary game mechanism and offers managerial policy recommendations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Decision Making in Uncertain Environments via Advanced Analytical Methods)

26 pages, 2428 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Digital Finance, Digital Usage Divide, and Urban–Rural Income Gap: Evidence from China

by Yanfei Xiao, Mengli Yin, Huilin Wang and Yunbo Xiang

Systems 2025, 13(3), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030145 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 135

Abstract

Digital finance can reduce the urban–rural income gap, but the digital divide may limit this effect. This study develops a theoretical framework to explore the interactions between digital finance, the digital usage gap, and income disparity. Using data from 274 Chinese cities, the [...] Read more.

Digital finance can reduce the urban–rural income gap, but the digital divide may limit this effect. This study develops a theoretical framework to explore the interactions between digital finance, the digital usage gap, and income disparity. Using data from 274 Chinese cities, the research applies a two-way fixed-effects and threshold effect model. The results indicate that disparities in digital usage not only diminish but may also distort the convergence benefits of digital finance, producing a U-shaped relationship that exhibits variability across dimensions and regions. Additionally, traditional financial systems appear to moderate this U-shaped pattern by delaying the point at which digital finance begins to widen the urban–rural income gap. However, the extent of this alleviation is influenced by the digital usage is divisive. Once digital technology adoption exceeds a threshold, the negative effect becomes positive, narrowing the urban–rural income gap. Consequently, policy initiatives should prioritize improving financial conditions in rural areas, accelerating the digital transformation of conventional finance, bolstering digital education in rural regions, and addressing the disparities in digital usage. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Systems Thinking: Insights and Solutions to Complex Societal Challenges)

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35 pages, 1054 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AI Product Factors and Pro-Environmental Behavior: An Integrated Model with Hybrid Analytical Approaches

by Chi-Horng Liao

Systems 2025, 13(3), 144; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030144 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 119

Abstract

Based on three theories—the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Responsible Environmental Behavior (REB)—the present study proposes a model of AI product factors and pro-environmental behavior. This study aims to investigate AI product factors [...] Read more.

Based on three theories—the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), and Responsible Environmental Behavior (REB)—the present study proposes a model of AI product factors and pro-environmental behavior. This study aims to investigate AI product factors that promote pro-environmental behavior by examining behavioral intentions to use AI technology. Unlike previous research, which predominantly focused on external variables such as social norms, cost, and inconvenience, or individual variables like demographic and psychological factors, this study emphasizes the underexplored role of technological factors. It integrates the Fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (F-DEMATEL), Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approaches to assess the relationships among constructs. For the F-DEMATEL, opinions were collected from 20 experts in the environmental field, while SEM and ANN data were gathered from 1726 participants in Taiwan. F-DEMATEL results demonstrated causal relationships between external factors (perceived trust, self-efficacy, and perceived awareness) and the main variables of the TAM. Likewise, SEM results revealed that perceived trust (PT), self-efficacy (SE), and perceived awareness (PA) influence the main variables of TAM. However, the direct relationships between PT and behavioral intention (BI) and PA and BI were not significant. PT and PA indirectly influence BI through perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU). The results also established that BI positively influences pro-environmental behavior. The author has also outlined how stakeholders aiming to encourage sustainable environmental behaviors can utilize the study’s findings to protect the environment. Full article

27 pages, 4426 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptual Modeling for Understanding and Communicating Complexity During Human Systems Integration in Manned–Unmanned Systems: A Case Study

by Tommy Langen, Kristin Falk and Gerrit Muller

Systems 2025, 13(3), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030143 - 21 Feb 2025

Viewed by 163

Abstract

Informal soft system methodologies hold a significant role in developing complex systems. They bridge system knowledge and sensemaking among heterogeneous stakeholders. This article investigates the application of conceptual models to support such communication and understanding among transdisciplinary stakeholders, ensuring the translation of customer [...] Read more.

Informal soft system methodologies hold a significant role in developing complex systems. They bridge system knowledge and sensemaking among heterogeneous stakeholders. This article investigates the application of conceptual models to support such communication and understanding among transdisciplinary stakeholders, ensuring the translation of customer requirements and needs into suitable engineered systems. This article presents a case study incorporating observations, interviews, and a review of conceptual models utilized by an aerospace and defense case company for the development of future Manned–Unmanned Systems. It explores how practitioners employ conceptual modeling to support the Human Systems Integration (HSI) aspects of technological, organizational, and human elements of Manned–Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) systems. The results indicate that practitioners utilize a mix of informal and formal types of conceptual models when developing Human Systems Integration aspects of the system. Formal models, such as sequence diagrams, requirement overviews, and functional flow models, are applied when addressing technology-focused aspects. Organization-centered modeling leverages representations like stakeholder maps and swimlane diagrams, while people-centered aspects rely more on informal techniques such as storytelling and user personas. The findings suggest a potential underestimation by practitioners of the value of quantification in conceptual modeling for Manned–Unmanned Systems development. This study highlights the important role that conceptual modeling methods play, particularly focusing on the informal aspects. These methods are instrumental in enhancing effective communication and understanding among transdisciplinary stakeholders. Furthermore, they facilitate mutual understanding, which is essential for fostering collaboration and shared vision in the development of complex systems. This facilitates deeper insights and reasoning into HSI for MUM-T applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Architectural Complexity of Systems Engineering)

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Conceptual modeling framework: An Illustration of five key aspects. These aspects, labeled from (a) to (e), include conceptual models, the purpose, key drivers and qualities, multi-level abstraction, and the knowledge pyramid. Full article ">Figure 2
Review of models represented in aerospace and defense case studies investigating HSI in MUM-T applications. Full article ">Figure 3
Abstract–formality diagram [<a href="#B26-systems-13-00143" class="html-bibr">26</a>]: Showing the classification of conceptual model types, divided into eight sections (A–H) according to their degree of formality (horizontal axis) and level of abstraction (vertical axis). Full article ">Figure 4
Raw data of the survey mapping of the TOP from one participant. The colors blue, yellow, and pink represent T, O, and P, respectively. (The red circle indicates the participant’s preferred degree of abstraction and formality in their modeling practice). Full article ">Figure 5
Results from the survey indicate the number of individuals who used the various conceptual models for the CAFCR and TOP views, respectively. (For CAFCR max = 3 individuals, while for TOP max = 5 individuals). Full article ">Figure 6
Illustration of Storytelling and Visual ConOps from the case study observation and exploration. Full article ">Figure 7
Percentage of respondents and articles mentioning the various models (x-axis), as derived from the case company and literature review, respectively. Full article ">

35 pages, 9453 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Two-Layer Causal Knowledge Network Construction Method Based on Quality Problem-Solving Data

by Yubin Wang, Shirong Qiang, Xin Yue, Tao Li and Keyong Zhang

Systems 2025, 13(3), 142; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030142 - 20 Feb 2025

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Abstract

“Cause analysis” constitutes an indispensable component in quality management systems, serving to systematically identify the causes of quality defects, thereby enabling the development of targeted improvement strategies that concurrently address surface-level manifestations and fundamental drivers. However, relying solely on personal experience makes it [...] Read more.

“Cause analysis” constitutes an indispensable component in quality management systems, serving to systematically identify the causes of quality defects, thereby enabling the development of targeted improvement strategies that concurrently address surface-level manifestations and fundamental drivers. However, relying solely on personal experience makes it challenging to conduct a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of quality problems. The reason is that, when analyzing the causes of quality problems, it is essential not only to consider the specific context in which the problems occur. This enables “specific problems” to be “specifically analyzed” for the formulation of temporary containment measures. Additionally, the context of the problem needs to be stripped. This allows for a general and in-depth analysis of the “class problem” or the causal linkages underlying the problem, thereby determining the root cause of the problem and formulating a corresponding long-term program. The analysis of the causes of quality problems exhibits “duality” characteristics. Based on this, this study proposes and constructs a two-layer causal knowledge network by leveraging the causal knowledge generated and applied in the process of quality problem solving to address the “duality” characteristic of the cause analysis of quality problems. The proposed network can assist front-line employees in analyzing the quality problems of products from diverse perspectives and overcome the challenge of relying solely on personal experience to comprehensively and profoundly analyze the causal relationships of quality problems. Our method not only contributes to enhancing the efficiency of quality problem solving but also makes a valuable contribution to the advancement of theories and methods related to quality management and knowledge management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Data-Driven Methods in Business Process Management)

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21 pages, 4715 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Development of a Functional and Logical Reference System Architecture in Automotive Engineering

by Jonas Krog, Caner Akbas, Bastian Nolte and Thomas Vietor

Systems 2025, 13(3), 141; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030141 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 214

Abstract

The automobile is evolving from a mechanically dominated to a cyber-physical, software-defined system. Future complex functionalities, such as autonomous driving, require multidisciplinary, interconnected systems. Hence, interdisciplinary architecture development based on Systems Engineering principles becomes essential, leading to a methodology for vehicle system architecture [...] Read more.

The automobile is evolving from a mechanically dominated to a cyber-physical, software-defined system. Future complex functionalities, such as autonomous driving, require multidisciplinary, interconnected systems. Hence, interdisciplinary architecture development based on Systems Engineering principles becomes essential, leading to a methodology for vehicle system architecture with the RFLP-Framework. For its application in the automotive industry, building upon the established mechanical and electronical platform approaches, the methodology incorporates the concept of a Reference System Architecture. This is defined as a basic architecture that sets out the common architectural specifications to support the efficient and systemic interdisciplinary architecture development across multiple projects. Its corresponding characteristics and quality criteria are defined and the understanding of the functional and logical reference architecture view, based on the RFLP-Framework, is described. Based on this understanding, an exemplary functional and logical Reference System Architecture for passenger vehicles is proposed. Its methodical user-oriented and knowledge-based development within the scientific circumstances is discussed and concluded. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Systems Engineering)

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14 pages, 698 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Barriers to Leveraging Valuable Health Data for Collaborative Patient Care: How Will We Integrate Family Health Histories?

by Laura Hays, Jordan Weaver, Matthew Gauger, Nickie Buckner, Brett Bailey, Ashley Stone and Lori A. Orlando

Systems 2025, 13(3), 140; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030140 - 20 Feb 2025

Viewed by 188

Abstract

We sought to incorporate a community-based solution with a family health history (FHH) clinical support program (MeTree) integrated into well-patient appointments with the novel partnership of a public health state-level health information exchange (HIE). The Arkansas—Making History pilot project tested informatics compatibility among [...] Read more.

We sought to incorporate a community-based solution with a family health history (FHH) clinical support program (MeTree) integrated into well-patient appointments with the novel partnership of a public health state-level health information exchange (HIE). The Arkansas—Making History pilot project tested informatics compatibility among these systems and the patients’ electronic medical record (EPIC) in a rural clinic in the north central region of the state, having the state HIE as a means for patients to store and share their FHHs across multiple healthcare providers with updates in real time. We monitored for unexpected issues during the pilot and asked for the perspectives of patients and healthcare providers throughout the project to have a clear understanding of how to implement this project on a larger scale. The greatest barrier to project implementation was the inability of the state HIE to host or share the FHH data. We compensated for the lack of systems compatibility and documented valuable information about patient acceptability and usability of the MeTree platform, as well as gleaning important clinical outcome data from those who completed MeTree FHH accounts in an underserved area. Rural patients need additional technological support in the larger scaling of this project, both in available linkages to community clinics with patient-controlled options for how their data is stored and shared and in Internet connectivity and software options available for ease of use. Full article

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

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25 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategic Alignment of Technological Innovation for Sustainable Development: Efficiency Evaluation and Spatial Analysis in China’s Advanced Manufacturing Industry

by Zhenghan Chen, Quan Zhang, Tianzhen Tang and Mingran Deng

Systems 2025, 13(3), 139; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030139 - 20 Feb 2025

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Abstract

Technological innovation is essential to promoting sustainable development in emerging economies as it drives regional coordination and industry upgrading. In order to address the understudied connection between regional coordination and industrial structural transformation, this study examines the spatial dynamics of technological innovation efficiency [...] Read more.

Technological innovation is essential to promoting sustainable development in emerging economies as it drives regional coordination and industry upgrading. In order to address the understudied connection between regional coordination and industrial structural transformation, this study examines the spatial dynamics of technological innovation efficiency (TIE) in China’s advanced manufacturing industry (AMI) along the Yangtze River Economic Belt (YREB) from 2007 to 2022. Through a Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Spatial Durbin Model (SDM), we systematically evaluated TIE patterns using panel data from 11 provinces. Our empirical analysis reveals three key findings. (1) The temporal distribution of TIE in AMI in the YREB showed an annual increasing trend. The spatial distribution characteristics showed a gradient distribution disparity between the eastern, central, and western regions, but the regional gap of TIE in AMI is gradually closing. (2) Through the examination of Moran’s I, the spatial spillover effect of TIE in AMI was observed, that is, the TIE is spreading from high-performance provinces to other regions, suggesting that interregional collaboration and knowledge exchange may be beneficial. (3) According to the factor identification study, the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of TIE in AMI are industrialization, human capital, and innovation capability. Interestingly, the effects of information technology and economic progress are not statistically significant, suggesting that cautious government actions are required. By optimizing technological innovation processes and spatial arrangements, this study adds to the expanding body of knowledge on the spatial aspects of technological innovation and provides valuable insights for policymakers looking to enhance global competitiveness and foster sustainable economic growth in the AMI. The findings advance our knowledge of how to support sustainable economic development in emerging nations by highlighting the critical role that innovation and technology management play in removing regional development obstacles and encouraging the modernization of industrial structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research and Practices in Technological Innovation Management Systems)

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Systems, Volume 13, Issue 3 (March 2025) – 12 articles

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