László Buics

57219856917

Publications - 33

Comparison of sustainability and circularity indicators: downstream vs. upstream supply chain strategies

Edit Süle László Buics Marah Almelhem

Publication Name: Discover Sustainability

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 6

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

In the quest for sustainable and circular practices within supply chains, both downstream and upstream strategies play pivotal roles. This structured literature review aims to compare the indicators of sustainability and circularity between downstream and upstream supply chain strategies, evaluating their impact through practical cases and empirical studies. The downstream strategies, which focus on waste management, customer engagement, and reverse network planning, are explored alongside upstream strategies such as sourcing environmentally friendly raw materials and integrating design for circularity principles. This paper assesses the efficacy of these strategies through a comprehensive review of scholarly articles, reports, and case studies in achieving sustainability and circularity goals. The literature review reveals that downstream strategies often face challenges related to felxibility and operational efficiency while crucial for managing end-of-life products and optimizing resource utilization. Conversely, upstream strategies, emphasizing eco-friendly sourcing and circular design principles which demonstrate significant potential for long term sustainability and circularity. Practical cases illustrate how upstream interventions can lead to reduced environmental impact, enhanced resource efficiency, and increased product longevity across various industries. Furthermore, the review highlights the interconnectedness of downstream and upstream strategies within the broader supply chain ecosystem. Synergistic approaches that integrate both strategies demonstrate the highest potential for driving transformative change towards sustainable and circular supply chains. Ultimately, this review underscores the importance of integrated approaches that leverage both downstream and upstream strategies to achieve lasting environmental and economic benefits to provides insights for policymakers and researchers seeking to prioritize interventions that maximize sustainability and circularity across the supply chain.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s43621-025-01158-0

Municipal Household Waste Management Methodologies in the EU Countries: A Reverse Logistics Benchmarking Approach

Edit Süle László Buics Marah Almelhem

Publication Name: Lecture Notes on Multidisciplinary Industrial Engineering

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: Part F4026

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 100-109

Description:

Through the application of a reverse logistics benchmark approach, this paper aims to investigate prevailing waste management practices in the European Union (EU) countries. In detail, it will analyze existing waste management practices, identify successful efforts, and identify areas for improvement within the EU region, in order to answer how can different collection waste management practices promote sustainability and integrate with reverse supply network? In this article, a structured literature review is carried out to examine the existing literature background, and public reports are collected and analyzed published by EU nations on waste management. The aim of the article is to understand their current state and evaluate the applicability of reverse logistics techniques in enhancing waste collection, recycling, and disposal. By answering the research question, the examination can provide valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, as well as those involved in managing waste or stakeholders with an interest in enhancing the sustainability and efficiency of waste management practices in EU countries.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-80330-7_11

An assessment of traffic education and its examination system—an extended House of Quality approach

Peter Foldesi Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Zsolt Csaba Horváth

Publication Name: Humanities and Social Sciences Communications

Publication Date: 2024-12-01

Volume: 11

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The goal of this article is to examine traffic education and its examination system, using a new approach based on the House of Quality method. While every country has its own legal rules and requirements regarding how traffic education and examinations are conducted, there is a direct relationship between traffic education, its examination system and road safety. Therefore the quality of such a complicated process is of great interest for both stakeholders: the authorities and the citizens. These stakeholders both have their own objectives regarding the system, consequently increasing its complexity. This article investigates, as its case study, the system in Hungary. The House of Quality method has been expanded to provide a unique approach to examine the goals and objectives of both stakeholders, revealing similarities and differences and their interrelationships. Secondary data on the effectiveness of the traffic education and examination system are also analysed. Based on the HOQ model representations of the goals and objectives of the stakeholders regarding the traffic education and exam system, it can be established that the stakeholder points of view are closer to each other in the case of the test system than that of the education system. However, there are unsolved contradictions between the stakeholders that have to be handled, as opinions regarding the quality of the service and the criteria of the stakeholders’ satisfaction are very diverse.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1057/s41599-023-02553-6

Emerging Technologies in Pharmaceutical Supply Chains: a Comprehensive Analysis of Findings and Implications

Edit Süle László Buics Ibrahim F. Alsakhen

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 811-816

Description:

The pharmaceutical supply chain faces significant challenges in achieving resilience and adaptability amid complex global risks and disruptions. Emerging technologies, such as Pharma 4.0, artificial intelligence (AI), and blockchain, offer transformative potential to enhance supply chain performance. Yet, research lacks a holistic understanding of how these technologies synergise to address scalability, cost, and cybersecurity challenges. This study undertakes a systematic literature review, synthesising findings from key studies within the Scopus database, to explore the integration of these technologies in pharmaceutical supply chains. The review reveals that combining artificial intelligence, blockchain, and Pharma 4.0 enables improved traceability, risk management, and resilience through mechanisms like Intelligent Digital Twins (iDTs) for stress testing and real-time response. These results indicate that integrating these technologies has the potential to build robust, scalable, and secure supply chains capable of withstanding future disruptions. By highlighting the compounded benefits and cross-industry applicability of these advancements, this study provides a comprehensive framework that not only addresses current gaps but also guides pharmaceutical companies and related industries toward more resilient supply chain solutions.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114136

The Evolution of Digitalization Transformation and Industry 4.0 in Supply Chain Management: A Systematic Literature Review †

László Buics Tran Nguyen Ngoc Quynh

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 79

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The digital revolution is rapidly reshaping supply chains, driven by the confluence of Industry 4.0 and digitalization transformations. This research aims to investigate the evolution of the digitalization transformation era by integrating machine learning and big data management into supply chain management (SCM). A systematic literature review and mapping study were conducted, analyzing 223 articles from the Scopus database and 60 from Web of Science, selected through a Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) screening process and the Population, Exposure, and Outcome (PEO) framework. This study provides a narrative summary of the evolution of decision-making and consultation processes, recommendation approaches, and guidelines for enterprises to achieve sustainability in their supply chain management. It also identifies potential areas for future research in navigating the world of digitized supply chains.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024079065

Transforming Public Services Management: a P-Graph Methodology Case Study and Scenario Analysis

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 475-480

Description:

This study advances university enrolment optimization in Public Services Management towards sustainability, utilizing case studies, scenario analyses, and P-Graph methodology. The study evaluates administrative workloads across three intensity levels—low, average, and highly overloaded—and enhance our methodology by incorporating data that influences the process's inception and conclusion in all scenarios. Our research is further expanded with qualitative alongside quantitative methods for a thorough perspective. Our findings indicate substantial overtime and high turnover rates among administrators due to enrolment demands. The P-Graph methodology exposes significant inefficiencies and difficulties in meeting standard hour targets. It also reveals the optimal process flow and resource allocation, promoting its wider application in public service sectors for sustainable management practices. In collaboration with administrators to meticulously record task times and case revisits, the research offers an in-depth evaluation of administrative efficiency and resource utilization. The study concludes that managing an average enrolment of 4,200 students is inefficient for administrative employees, leading to high overtime rates that harm staff well-being. Our holistic approach, augmented with initial and final process impact data plus qualitative insights, highlights the P-Graph methodology's potential in transforming Public Services Management. This method not only enhances process efficiency and resource allocation but also aligns with sustainability objectives, marking a significant stride in sustainable public service practices.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114080

Digital Twins in Sustainable Supply Chains: A Comprehensive Review of Current Applications and Enablers for Successful Adoption †

László Buics Lahiru Vimukthi Bandara

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 79

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Digital Twins (DT) are an emerging trend in diversified industrial sectors and their value chains. This study aims to explore current DT applications within SCs, focusing on sustainable inbound and outbound logistics and identifying key enablers that will facilitate the successful adoption of DTs in SCs. Using the PEO model and employing the PRISMA framework, this study screened articles from the Scopus database to explore the existing knowledge related to this topic. A steep increase in articles related to DTs over the past 10 years indicates that there is growing attention in exploring and leveraging this technology for various applications. The successful adoption of DTs is driven by several key factors, including advanced technological infrastructure; standardized processes; continuous improvement; knowledge workers; technologies like IoT, IIoT, AR/VR; and managerial support.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024079064

Sustainability Aspects of Administrative Process Management: a Case Study Analysis

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 114

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 481-486

Description:

This article offers a detailed analysis of the university enrollment process from a process management perspective, focusing on sustainability aspects like the social cost of carbon. The study utilizes process visualization techniques, such as P-Graphs, to explore how administrative processes can be optimized to reduce environmental impact while maintaining efficiency. Enrollment is a vital yet complex component of university operations, often neglecting sustainability in traditional management approaches. Through a case study, this research demonstrates how process visualization can identify inefficiencies in the enrollment process and suggest improvements. By incorporating P-Graphs, the study evaluates sustainability metrics like carbon costs, guiding decision-makers in reducing environmental harm. The findings reveal that the current enrollment system is unsustainable in terms of operating costs, human factors, and CO2 emissions. This research underscores the importance of integrating environmental considerations into administrative processes, showing that universities can enhance environmental performance while continuing to provide quality education by combining process management with sustainability principles.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET24114081

The potential of the P-graph for optimizing public service processes

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics

Publication Name: Clean Technologies and Environmental Policy

Publication Date: 2025-12-01

Volume: 27

Issue: 12

Page Range: 8461-8473

Description:

The European Union set out several directives and standards for governments and local authorities on environmental policy issues in the planning and management of public services. Public service provisioning is subject to both traditional expectations (such as customer-friendliness and efficiency) and new environmental stewardship and sustainability expectations. This paper analyzes public service processes, particularly the university enrolment process. Our analysis used public service models (Service Blueprinting, Business Process Modeling, Process Chain Network) and a mathematical model (P-graph). Our research aims to analyze the university enrolment process and its efficiency, considering sustainability aspects and expectations and identifying the points that can be modified and improved to make it more efficient, sustainable, qualitatively positive, and economical. According to our research, school administrators are overburdened during the enrolment process, often resulting in overtime work and a high turnover ratio. Our results clearly show the high inefficiency of this administrative process, as administrators can only partially meet their expected labor targets during their regular working hours. We found that the university enrolment process can be improved and made more efficient and sustainable. Using the P-graph, we have found the process’s optimal path and resource requirements in a way that was not feasible with previous models. Heartened by these results, we propose introducing and applying the P-graph as a new model to study other public service processes.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.1007/s10098-024-02853-8

The Role of Demand-Responsive Transport Systems in Sustainable Urban Mobility: A Systematic Literature Review and Stakeholder Analysis †

Adhie Prayogo Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 79

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

On-demand transportation, such as demand-responsive public transit (DRT), is gaining prominence as a mobility service tailored to passengers’ needs, offering flexibility in routes, pick-up/drop-off locations, and timing. This study aims to delve into the challenges and technological advancements within the DRT system, focusing on its application and effectiveness in various European Union states. The research first applied a systematic literature review using the PRISMA methodology with a PEO framework. Then, the research aims to provide information on how demand-responsive transportation operates in Central Eastern European countries by collecting and analyzing the characteristics of DRT service processes with a business process modeling approach. The findings aim to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the effectiveness and potential of DRT systems, facilitating informed decision making and policy formulation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024079040

Lack of Collaboration on the CEP Market and the Underlying Reasons—A Systematic Literature Review

Edit Süle László Buics Csilla Bartucz

Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland

Publication Date: 2023-07-01

Volume: 15

Issue: 13

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The scientific community has been addressing the topic of last-mile delivery for years. To improve parcel delivery efficiency, a variety of different technologies have been created. Over the past 15 years, the focus has shifted from the operational efficiency of the individual organization to restoring sustainability and making cities more livable. As a result of the increased environmental burden, governments are enacting a growing number of restrictive measures, which will intensify economic challenges. To remain competitive, more cost-effective solutions are required. The goal of this article is to examine the significance of collaboration between CEP partners based on scientific interest, with the help of a systematic literature review. This examination is important since, despite the fact that working together with other service providers and competitors could be a favorable option for last mile suppliers looking to improve their efficiency, results show little interest in this approach. Although this strategy appears straightforward due to the potential financial and environmental benefits, there are only a few examples of collaboration in the field of last mile parcel delivery according to the results of the review. Since cooperation seems to be an inevitable operating model of the CEP market in the future, it is of utmost importance for scientific research to investigate the factors hindering the development of cooperation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/su151310361

Sustainability Aspects of Drone-Assisted Last-Mile Delivery Systems—A Discrete Event Simulation Approach

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Réka Koteczki Bence Lukács

Publication Name: Energies

Publication Date: 2023-06-01

Volume: 16

Issue: 12

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The goal of this article is to examine the advantages and disadvantages of the application of drones in last-mile delivery systems from a sustainability point of view regarding CO2 emissions and energy consumption. As commercial drones are developing rapidly, the application of such tools in the field of last-mile delivery and transportation can offer many opportunities to increase service flexibility, reduce delivery time and decrease CO2 emissions and energy consumption. In this article, a discrete event simulation is applied to examine how the assistance of drones in parcel delivery services can influence the sustainability aspects of such services regarding CO2 emissions and energy consumption in an urban environment. Based on factory parameters, a vehicle-based delivery scenario is compared to a drone-assisted scenario under ideal conditions. According to the results, within the simulation parameters with the assistance of drones, a decrease in CO2 emissions and energy consumption is possible in last-mile delivery services, but more environmental, technological and financial limitations should also be addressed and incorporated to determine whether such a development is worthwhile from a last-mile delivery company’s point of view.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/en16124656

The Role of Blockchain and IOT in Reverse Logistics: the Impacts on the Environmental and Economical Sustainability – A Structured Literature Review

Edit Süle László Buics Marah Almelhem

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 433-438

Description:

This paper aims to present the potential of the Internet of Things and Blockchain applications in enhancing the sustainability of reverse logistics processes. Logistics operations play a vital role in supply chain management and are often referred to as the "dynamo" of the process. Reverse logistics is imperative to bridge the gap between forward logistics (the initial movement of goods) and backward logistics (the movement of products in the opposite direction) to close the supply chain loop and achieve a more sustainable operation that is both environmentally and economically efficient. To achieve this objective, the paper undertook a structured literature review using three renowned databases, namely, Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science, via a mapping study. The investigation focused on exploring the sustainable aspects of reverse logistics, which can help organizations attain better environmental and economic returns. Additionally, the paper emphasizes how the Internet of Things and Blockchain applications can contribute to more economical and environmentally sustainable management of reverse logistics operations. The results highlight the key strategies, benefits, barriers, research gaps, and future research directions associated with the integration of these technologies in reverse logistics operations.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107073

Sustainability of On-Demand Public Transportation from the Customer Perspective

Edit Süle László Buics Márk Szalay

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 427-432

Description:

The goal of this article is to examine the sustainability aspects of on-demand public transportation systems. Demand-based transport systems have many benefits, including reducing traffic congestion, thereby reducing air pollution, and offering more sustainable transport alternatives in urban areas. In addition, they can provide complementary systems to existing transit networks and increase overall mobility, as these services can efficiently meet high-level transportation needs. In this adaptive service context, sustainability aspects are also of great importance, both in terms of reducing harmful emissions and energy consumption. There is a great need for process-based approaches in terms of service development and operation. The present research examines the preferences of potential travelers with the help of a questionnaire, aiming to examine what attributes customers would prefer in case of such a service, including time, flexibility, and sustainability, showing what type of service would be the most popular based on the respondents' opinion. 229 answers were collected, showing that respondents value flexibility and the shortening of waiting time and traveling time, but they would also like services that offer more environmentally friendly vehicles, such as electric vans or buses.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107072

Sustainability in Textile Manufacturing Processes by Waste Reduction: A Case Study from Bangladesh

Md Abdullah Al Mamun László Buics

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 439-444

Description:

As the level of automation is increasing among industries, the increasing amount of waste has become one of the main barriers to having a sustainable environment. That’s why the sustainable manufacturing concept came to bring economic benefits while focusing on minimizing negative environmental impacts. The purpose of this study is to show the importance of waste reduction in manufacturing processes to achieve a higher level of sustainability. This work uses the production processes of a textile garment factory located in Bangladesh as a case study to examine how waste reduction can be achieved. First, the major steps of the production process are mapped and visualized to identify improvement opportunities by using the Business Process Modeling Methodology and discrete event simulation. Second, after the production process is improved, an experimental test was conducted to see how much waste reduction can be achieved by the proposed solution. The research found that the in-sewing wastage in the factory was too much and used compressed air as a suggested solution to minimize this problem. The final result of the test showed that the in-sewing fabric wastage percentage had been reduced almost by 75 %, indicating the possible benefits of this solution regarding sustainability, if applied on a larger scale within the factory.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107074

Decision of Construction Technology from a Sustainability Aspect, Life Cycle Analysis Based on Transport and Construction

O. Kegyes-Brassai Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 103

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 355-360

Description:

In the case of the different types of construction processes, an important aspect from the sustainability point of view is the organization of construction, the total construction time and cost, and their influence on CO2 emissions. In this study, in the case of construction projects, we examine the impact of the decided technology on the environmental impact. We take into consideration the aspects of transport and construction organization. Using life cycle analysis methods, we present the comparison of alternatives and sustainable solutions. Discrete event simulation is used to determine the CO2 emission rate under different maintenance approaches. In the simulation model, a 2 x 2 lane I2 type bridge is simulated with altered traffic lines according to the different scenarios of maintenance. In the case of a half-track closure, the capacity of a 2 × 2 lane road is reduced by half, while the capacity of a 2 × 1 lane road due to alternating traffic directions is reduced by more than 50 %. The extent of the reduction depends on the length of the closed section, which greatly affects the emptying time. According to the results of the simulation, the CO2 emission might be lower in the case of narrowed traffic alteration than in the case of half-track closure, but the maintenance timeframe is also an important factor.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23103060

A Big Data Approach to Improve Productivity and Sustainability in the Clothing Manufacturing Industry: Case Study from Bangladesh

László Buics Md Abdullah Al Mamun

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 445-450

Description:

The goal of this article is to examine opportunities and show the approach of using big data analytics to boost productivity in the case of clothing manufacturing factories in a sustainable way. The Bangladeshi manufacturing industry is mainly dominated by the apparel and textile sector for a long time now, and this has seen a large growth over the years. However, this industry is still far from using the latest technologies to improve productivity even further and bring sustainability. Usually, manufacturing operations involve the generation of a large amount of structured or unstructured, useful or non-useful data on a daily basis. This huge amount of information is known as big data, which is difficult to handle by using traditional data management and analysis tools. However, with the help of big data analytics used in a proper method, the collected information can be used to track insufficiencies in different areas of manufacturing operations. This research is conducted based on a similar idea where problems are identified, and production data collected from a garments manufacturing plant in Bangladesh are analyzed. Based on real factory data, several hypothetical frameworks were developed to implement and analyse the production data with the help of big data analytics, computerized sewing machines, radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and passive infrared sensors. The paper also shows an estimated implementation cost and return on investment of the suggested approach.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107075

Technological and Environmental Challenges of On-Demand Transportation Systems: A Systematic Literature Review

Adhie Prayogo László Buics

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2023-01-01

Volume: 107

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 421-426

Description:

On-demand transportation is a mobility service that adapts to the passengers, including the route, location of picking-up and dropping-off, and time. In general, an area with less travel demand is highly suitable for its operation as it moves according to the request only, unlike the typical public transit that operates within a fixed route leading to an inefficient operation and environmental burden. Although the system introduction seems appealing, the operation possibly encounters technical or organizational problems. Therefore, detailed consideration of system operation is mandatory for stakeholders to maintain operation sustainability while simultaneously satisfying the passengers. In this paper, the authors aimed to highlight various challenges of the service and the implemented technologies in the demand-responsive transportation (DRT) system. A systematic literature review with the help of mapping studies was conducted to give broader insights into these research questions: What problems does the already-existing DRT system have and how do researchers propose the solution? What are the main technologies used within the DRT services? What are the possible improvements or innovations for the system? The study will collect and evaluate related papers from the Scopus database to answer the research questions. With the presented information, the paper simultaneously aims to provide insight for other stakeholders on DRT systems for policy consideration and present literature for researchers in this field. In relation to the development opportunities, the study revealed that the integration of DRT systems with micro-mobility services such as bike-sharing and scooters, integration between existing transport services, and autonomous vehicles may elevate the current DRT system.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET23107071

The Role of Hungarian Traffic Rules Education and Examination System – a Quality Function Deployment Approach

Peter Foldesi Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Zsolt Csaba Horváth

Publication Name: Acta Polytechnica Hungarica

Publication Date: 2022-01-01

Volume: 19

Issue: 7

Page Range: 7-26

Description:

This paper examines the traffic rules education and examination system in Hungary, by using the Quality Function Deployment (QFD) method, as a new approach towards this complex topic. The education and examination of traffic rules are necessary for the stakeholders, but they have slightly different goals and objectives. This system has two separate stakeholders, the citizens and the authority, with their own set of goals, objectives, desires and ideas, about this system. The QFD reveals the connections between these layers. The paper analyses statistical data regarding road safety and presents the QFD model of both stakeholders and their inter-connections. The results of this work can be used to redesign education and examination methods, during the application of digitalized e-government solutions and as a general approach to match individual and public interests.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: DOI not available

Examination of online education experiences from stakeholder perspective a Hungarian case study

Peter Foldesi Orsolya Putz Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Zsolt Csaba Horváth Zoltán Varjú

Publication Name: International Conference on Higher Education Advances

Publication Date: 2022-01-01

Volume: 2022-June

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 159-167

Description:

With the rise of Covid-19, higher education has undergone a major transformation. Prior to the pandemic, many universities offered online courses, but the majority of universities were characterized by face-To-face teaching. The goal of this research is to find out students' and teachers' opinions on the online education introduced in the first phase of Covid, with the help of a survey. As teachers had to react very quickly to the situation, the research would like to assess what worked well and what didn't during the online education period, what is in the focus of positive and negative opinions. The aim of this survey is to get feedback from students and faculty members regarding their experiences with online education during Covid.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.4995/HEAd22.2022.14601

Servitization of public service processes with a simulation modelling approach

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics

Publication Name: Engineering Management in Production and Services

Publication Date: 2020-09-01

Volume: 12

Issue: 3

Page Range: 116-131

Description:

This article aims to examine how the theory of co-production can be connected with servitization and digitalisation and used together for the public service development with the help of discrete-event simulation modelling to highlight time-related deficiencies of a complex public service process, which is most commonly used by patchwork families. Data was taken from the Guardianship Office in Gyor (Hungary), based on which in-depth interviews were conducted. Based on the legal background and the interviews, the authors of the article created the process model of the contacting procedure. Based on the model, discrete-event simulation was used to identify the process elements for potential improvement through servitization. Discrete-event simulation showed the insufficiency of national regulation regarding the whole process and weaknesses of the contacting procedures in terms of quality and success. Basic reasons were found for the dissatisfaction expressed by participants of the procedures (administrators and customers). The increasing customer demand for high quality and efficient public services and failures in the New Public Management (NPM) in Eastern European countries require other approaches to advance. The paper connects the theory of co-production and servitization in a public service context and demonstrates how a complex public service can be examined with this approach to find possible improvements. The government must change the process regulation considering the number of the cases, the workload of administrators and family types (divorced or patchwork). The emphasis should be placed on the training and experience of administrators.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.2478/emj-2020-0023

Advancing Towards Sustainable Retail Supply Chains: AI-Driven Consumer Segmentation in Superstores †

László Buics Golam Sakaline

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 79

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Artificial intelligence has revolutionized retail by enhancing business decision-making. This research applies the RFM (Recency, Frequency, Monetary) framework for customer segmentation, promoting sustainable consumer behaviour and eco-friendly products. Mobility issues, such as efficient goods movement and customer access, are also pivotal in sustainable retail supply chains. A systematic literature review (SLR) and Python-based clustering techniques (K-Means, hierarchical, DBSCAN) are employed to analyse a four-year dataset of customer data. The SLR identified six key areas from 71 articles. Clustering results varied: RFM binning found four clusters, K-Means and Mean Shift found three, and hierarchical and DBSCAN found two. The study emphasizes a data-centric retail strategy and the transformative impact of machine learning on customer engagement.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2024079073

Industry 4.0 for sustainable reverse waste collection: A systematic literature review

Edit Süle László Buics Marah Almelhem Ricardo Simoes

Publication Name: Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 19

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Background: Despite ongoing efforts to improve resource recovery, waste continues to end up in landfills. Companies are increasingly pressured to address sustainability, particularly under the extended producer responsibility (EPR) frameworks. Objectives: This article examines how Industry 4.0 technologies can enhance the sustainability of waste collection within reverse logistics systems. By exploring the link among waste management, reverse logistics and Industry 4.0, the study identifies opportunities to improve resource use, reduce environmental impact and boost operational efficiency. Method: A systematic literature review was conducted using ScienceDirect and Web of Science database, two major databases, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)-guided mapping study clearly, illustrated inclusion and exclusion steps. Keywords were structured using the PEO (Population, Exposure, Outcome) approach, resulting in 47 articles analysed and categorised into five themes. Results: The review identifies five key thematic areas in the integration of Industry 4.0 technologies with reverse logistics: collection system design and optimisation, application of core Industry 4.0; stakeholder engagement and consumer participation, policy frameworks and governance and barriers to efficient collection. While Industry 4.0 tools improve routing, traceability and efficiency, their impact increases when aligned with supportive policies and user engagement. Decentralised models, EPR schemes and incentive-driven systems significantly enhance return rates and environmental outcomes. Conclusion: The synergy between technological innovation, infrastructure planning and behavioural incentives is vital for effective reverse logistics. The review highlights limited empirical validation and calls for research on aligning technology adoption with local policy and informal sector realities. Contribution: This review introduces a conceptual framework integrating five interdependent dimensions, offering a unified framework for sector-wide sustainable reverse logistics.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.4102/jtscm.v19i0.1179

Scenario-Based Optimization of Public Service Workflows Using Control Theory and P-graph Methodology

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Boglárka Eisinger

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 120

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 403-408

Description:

Administrative workflows in public services, such as university enrolment are increasingly recognized as complex systems characterized by nonlinear dynamics, interdependencies, and variable operational constraints. These characteristics often lead to inefficiencies in resource allocation and compromise process sustainability. This study develops a novel control-theoretic optimization framework that integrates feedback, adaptive, and predictive control strategies with the P-graph methodology to address these challenges. The proposed approach models enrollment workflows using system dynamics and P-graph-based network optimization, enabling structured representation, real-time control, and scenario-based decision-making. To assess sustainability and efficiency, the model simulates varying scenarios of student demand, digital transformation levels, and administrative capacity. Key performance indicators (KPIs) such as resource utilization, delay reduction, and process flexibility are used to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of Model Predictive Control (MPC), discrete-event control, and feedback control strategies. Results show that optimized scenarios achieved a 50 % reduction in CO2 emissions and over 2 h reduction in average processing time, significantly improving sustainability. This research uniquely applies control-theoretic methods to public administration and extends the P-graph methodology beyond industrial domains. The outcome is a scalable decision-support framework for policymakers aiming to enhance the resilience and sustainability of administrative service processes under dynamic conditions.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET25120068

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency in Administrative Processes: A Control Theory Approach with P-graph Optimization

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Boglárka Eisinger

Publication Name: Chemical Engineering Transactions

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 120

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 415-420

Description:

As institutions seek to reduce their environmental impact, administrative processes must be optimized for energy and resource efficiency. This study integrates control theory with P-graph methodology to develop a structured framework for sustainable administrative workflows, focusing on university enrollment systems. P-graph-based optimization identifies minimum-energy pathways and optimal resource configurations, while Model Predictive Control (MPC) and nonlinear control enable real-time process adaptation under dynamic conditions. A Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) compares the carbon footprint of digital and paper-based workflows, evaluating IT infrastructure energy use versus traditional operations. Simulated control strategies support energy-efficient decision-making, highlighting best practices for emission reduction and operational flexibility. The result is a decision-support framework that embeds P-graph into a dynamic control context, guiding control strategy selection to minimize energy use and emissions. This scalable approach supports sustainability-oriented process management across public service domains.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3303/CET25120070

Toward a Theoretical Framework for Digital Twin Readiness Assessment in Logistics: Conceptualization and Model Development †

László Buics Lahiru Vimukthi Bandara

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 113

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Digital Twins provide comprehensive capabilities to solve critical logistics problems such as visibility, monitoring, optimization, prediction, and simulation. This study explores the existing DT readiness assessment models in SCs and logistics, discovers their limitations, and proposes a conceptual model based on an organization’s internal and external attributes to strategize DT implementation in logistic functions. The results showed that the existing readiness assessment models have weaknesses and drawbacks, motivating the researchers to develop a new logistic DT readiness assessment model. This study identified six main organizational dimensions directly affecting measuring overall logistics’ DT readiness, which are management readiness, personnel readiness, information readiness, organization readiness, product readiness, and process flow readiness. Their relationship is mediated by Technology Integration and moderated by Supply Chain Complexity, which was tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling to show the importance of strategizing DT implementation in logistics.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025113066

A Comprehensive Model for the Assessment of Digitalization Transformation in Supply Chain Management †

László Buics Ngoc Quynh Tran Nguyen

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 113

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The rise of Industry 4.0 has made digital transformation a critical element of modern supply chain management, offering organizations a pathway to competitive advantage. While the prior literature has examined aspects of digitalization, few studies present a comprehensive view of the transformation process through to its practical application. This study proposes and aims to validate a digital transformation model developed by the author, based on a systematic literature review of 284 articles from Scopus and Web of Science. The model outlines a progression from data management to the integration of enabling technologies, culminating in enhanced supply chain decision-making. It introduces three key metrics—readiness, adoption, and Digital Maturity—to guide companies through distinct stages of transformation. Validation will be conducted using a mixed-methods approach, combining expert interviews and a quantitative survey with SCM professionals. This study offers both a theoretical framework and practical roadmap to support organizations in evolving their digital transformation strategies.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025113064

Examining Lean Management Principles in SMEs Through Empirical Data Analysis and Systematic Review †

László Buics Eszter Sós Abishae Noel

Publication Name: Engineering Proceedings

Publication Date: 2025-01-01

Volume: 113

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

While Lean methodologies have been widely adopted in large enterprises, their application in small and medium enterprises remains an area requiring further exploration. This study aims at a hybrid approach combining a systematic literature review based on the PEO framework and PRISMA methodology with comprehensive data analysis from 780 respondents to examine the direct relation between Lean and SMEs. Various statistical methods were used to identify different patterns and themes. The findings suggest that while resource constraints pose significant challenges for SMEs in adopting Lean, tailored approaches with a significant reliance on leadership commitment can considerably enhance operational efficiency, resilience, costs, and waste reduction. Insights from the analysis further revealed a preference for operational methods with limited adoption of complex and strategic methods of Lean across SMEs. The paper concludes with practical recommendations for SMEs and lays a foundation for future directions in terms of integration with ESG and sustainability.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025113054

Sustainable Digital Transformation in Public Administration: A Framework for University Enrolment

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Boglárka Eisinger-Balassa

Publication Name: Journal of Sustainable Development of Energy Water and Environment Systems

Publication Date: 2026-03-01

Volume: 14

Issue: 1

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

The increasing pressure on public institutions to adopt digital solutions has raised new questions about the actual sustainability of such transformations, particularly in administrative systems that remain resource-intensive despite partial digitalisation. While digitalisation is widely promoted as a path to greater efficiency and environmental responsibility, its sustainability outcomes are far from guaranteed. This study critically examines these assumptions through the case of a university enrolment system, identifying inefficiencies and exploring how digitalisation can optimise resource use and improve performance. The widely assumed link between digitalisation and sustainability is not universally valid, as outcomes depend on context, implementation, and infrastructure. The economic, environmental, and social impacts of digital transformation are assessed using process mapping, a conceptual sustainability framework, and estimates of paper and processing efficiency. Digital workflows are shown to reduce administrative workload, lower paper waste, and enhance accessibility, while underscoring the need to avoid unnecessary information technology practices, redundant communication flows, and poorly structured information management that may offset sustainability gains. For example, annual carbon dioxide emissions were reduced from 85,926 kg to 85,006 kg when transitioning from a hybrid to a fully digital enrolment process, primarily by eliminating paper-related emissions and reducing electricity use. The study provides a policy-oriented sustainability indicator framework to guide decision-makers in evaluating public sector digitalisation efforts, while also offering a structured approach to assess trade-offs and implementation conditions. The research contributes methodologically by combining process modelling with sustainability indicators - a rarely integrated approach in public administration - and lays a foundation for future computational optimisation models focused on institutional governance and sustainability-oriented digital transformation.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.13044/j.sdewes.d13.0639

The Impact of Workplace Narratives on Organizational Behaviour – A Systematic Literature Review

László Buics Anikó Makkos Veronika Nagy

Publication Name: International Scientific Business Conference Limen Leadership Innovation Management and Economics Integrated Politics of Research

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Narratives and the behaviours they support play a key role in shaping the workplace climate. The positive effects — for example, building team cohesion through leadership narratives — increase employee morale and performance, while the negative effects — for example, caused by ineffective leadership communication — decrease loyalty and work performance. The purpose of this article is to examine the impact of narratives, leadership communication, and communities of practice (CoPs) on organisational climate. The importance of CoPs is highlighted: these formal or informal communities are a breeding ground for organisational innovation and positive behaviours. Trust as a key factor is also examined, as it is particularly important in vertical and horizontal communication. The article applies the PRISMA methodology and the PEO framework to conduct a systematic literature review in the Scopus database to collect data and present the currently available knowledge in the field.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.31410/LIMEN.S.P.2024.1

Exploring the Influencing Factors of Big Data Analytics Adoption in Manufacturing Firms: A Survey Analysis

László Buics Mouhyar Saad Eddin

Publication Name: International Scientific Business Conference Limen Leadership Innovation Management and Economics Integrated Politics of Research

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 689-697

Description:

Due to its attractive possibilities and potential benefits, the use of big data analytics is gaining popularity in both real operations and theoretical discourse. The goal of this research is to identify the factors that influence the adoption of big data analytics and their impact on the performance of supply chains in the manufacturing industry, examining how information sharing between firms affects this relationship with the help of a survey to collect and analyze data, with a sample size of 200 respondents. The study discovered that technological, organizational, environmental, and perceived risk factors all had a significant impact on big data analytics adoption. The study's findings also show a substantial and favorable relationship between big data analytics adoption and supply chain performance. Finally, it was observed that the act of sharing information had a moderating effect on the link between big data analytics adoption and firm performance.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.31410/LIMEN.2024.689

Regional Inequality Through Income Disparities and Migration Patterns: Systematic Literature Review

László Buics Tihana Vasic Tihana Czakó-Vasic

Publication Name: International Scientific Business Conference Limen Leadership Innovation Management and Economics Integrated Politics of Research

Publication Date: 2024-01-01

Volume: 2024

Issue: Unknown

Page Range: 427-436

Description:

Regional inequality nowadays represents a big issue when it comes to economic and social growth. This inequality is present in internal migration patterns and in income distribution as well. In order to be able to find the relationships between these variables and to investigate how do they or whether they affect regional disparities, this paper uses a systematic literature review (SLR). This research examines 101 papers published between 2014 and 2024. The methodology of the paper is PRISMA and PEO frameworks, with these methods, the scientific papers are researched in a transparent and reproducible manner. The results show that regional disparities are mostly researched in a quantitative way, using mostly economic and demographic data. Next to this, most of the papers conclude that there is a need for a better policy intervention from the government’s side. This study contributes to the existing body of knowledge by identifying gaps in current research and suggesting pathways for future inquiry.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.31410/LIMEN.2024.427

Sustainability Challenges of the Interior Design Supply Chain Processes—A Mixed Method Approach with Critical Incident Technique

Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa László Buics Antónia Payer Boglárka Eisingerné Balassa

Publication Name: Sustainability Switzerland

Publication Date: 2026-04-01

Volume: 18

Issue: 7

Page Range: Unknown

Description:

Environmental awareness is playing an increasingly important role in all segments of the world, with sustainability and recycling being key elements. The aim of the research is to examine the challenges companies face in terms of sustainability when implementing procurement and supply chain management processes related to interior design. The research focused on four main questions: how procurement and supply chain management are reflected in construction processes, what challenges these processes face, and how they can influence the sustainable use of materials in architectural supply chains. The literature review was based on a systematic literature review using the PRISMA screening process and the PEO framework, utilizing the SCOPUS database and processing 70 scientific articles following the selection process. During the research, I also used the Critical Incident Technique (CIT), in which I asked interior designers about their positive and negative experiences with the procurement of sustainable materials and supply chain management processes. The methodology thus provided deeper insight into the decision-making processes of professionals, where sustainability conflicts with economic and operational realities. The qualitative research was supplemented by a questionnaire survey, which aimed to assess sustainability, its prevalence, and professional obstacles. The results of the research show that this topic is a research gap, but the openness of professionals shows a positive trend. Companies face numerous challenges related to new technologies and environmental awareness in order to create or transform well-functioning supply chain management processes.

Open Access: Yes

DOI: 10.3390/su18073169