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3D printing has been warmly welcomed by clothing enterprises for its customization capacity in recent years. However, such clothing enterprises have to face the digital transformation challenges brought by 3D printing. Since the business model is a competitive weapon for modern enterprises, there is a research gap between business model innovation and digital transformation challenges for 3D-printing garment enterprises. The aim of the paper is to innovate a new business model for 3D-printing garment enterprises in digital transformation.

A business model innovation canvas (BMIC), a new method for business model innovation, is used to innovate a new 3D-printing clothing enterprises business model in the context of digital transformation. The business model canvas (BMC) method is adopted to illustrate the new business model. The business model ecosystem is used to design the operating architecture and mechanism of the new business model.

First, 3D-printing clothing enterprises are facing digital transformation, and they urgently need to innovate new business models. Second, mass customization and distributed manufacturing are important ways of solving the business model problems faced by 3D-printing clothing enterprises in the process of digital transformation. Third, BMIC has proven to be an effective tool for business model innovation.

The new mass deep customization-distributed manufacturing (MDC-DM) business model is universal. As such, it can provide an important theoretical reference for other scholars to study similar problems. The digital transformation background is taken into account in the process of business model innovation. Therefore, this is the first hybrid research that has been focused on 3D printing, garment enterprises, digital transformation and business model innovation. On the other hand, business model innovation is a type of exploratory research, which means that the MDC-DM business model’s application effect cannot be immediately observed and requires further verification in the future.

The new business model MDC-DM is not only applicable to 3D-printing garment enterprises but also to some other enterprises that are either using or will use 3D printing to enhance their core competitiveness.

A new business model, MDC-DM, is created through BMIC, which allows 3D-printing garment enterprises to meet the challenges of digital transformation. In addition, the original canvas of the MDC-DM business model is designed using BMC. Moreover, the ecosystem of the MDC-DM business model is constructed, and its operation mechanisms are comprehensively designed.

This study aims to analyze and synthesize the design features of existing digital transformation maturity models with a developed classification scheme and propose a generic maturity model development wireframe based on design science research.

A systematic literature review is conducted on digital transformation maturity models in peer-reviewed journals, including the Emerald Insight, Science Direct, Scopus, Taylor & Francis and Web of Science databases, which resulted in 21 studies. A concept-centric tabular approach is used to analyze the studies, and intersectional demonstrations are used to synthesize the findings regarding the design features.

The classification scheme derived from the tabular concept-centric approach and iteratively evolved results in three main and 25 subcategories related to the design features. Analysis and synthesis of the studies reveal the granularity of the existing digital transformation maturity models concerning the design features. Furthermore, considering the design features in the classification scheme, a generic maturity model development wireframe is proposed to guide the researchers.

The generic maturity model development wireframe and the classification scheme that represents the design features of existing maturity models guide the researchers for the maturity model development roadmap.

The existing literature review studies do not focus on the design feature of digital transformation maturity models within a systematic literature review perspective. A unique classification scheme derived from the tabular concept-centric approach aims to analyze the granularity level of the existing models. Furthermore, the generic maturity model development wireframe includes the guidelines and recommendations of design science studies and presents a roadmap for maturity model researchers.

Scholars and practitioners acknowledge that digital leadership can help organizations gain a competitive advantage. This article focuses on the characteristics, styles and skills needed for effective digital leadership. It looks at the role of digital leaders in innovating business models and introducing organizational change required for a successful digital transformation.

This paper is based on a comprehensive literature review of digital transformation, digital leadership, business model innovation, and organizational culture. It draws on institutional theory (INT) the neo-institutional theory (NIT). It draws from Science Direct, Web of Science and Google Scholar publications. A proposition and a conceptual framework are developed based on evaluating and synthesizing the literature.

We find that specific leader characteristics (agility, participative, innovativeness and openness), styles (democratic and transformational) and skills (cognitive, social, technological and digital) enable successful business model innovation and organizational change, all of which allow successful digital transformation of firms.

The literature on digital transformation has not been well integrated with the leadership literature. This is particularly true in terms of the role digital leaders play in the successful digital transformation of firms. The conceptual framework and a way forward proposed in this paper introduce future research directions on the topic.

This study aims to focus on numerical simulation investigations of phase transformation during cooling of 55SiMnMo steel, which is commonly applied to improve mechanical properties.

A mathematical model based on the finite element method (FEM) and the phase transformation kinetics model has been proposed to predict microstructure changes during continuous cooling of 55SiMnMo steel. This model can be employed to analyze the variation of austenite, special upper bainite and lump-like composite structure with cooling time at different cooling rates.

According to the continuous cooling experiments, when the cooling rate is lower than 0.1°C/s, the special upper bainite is the only transformation product which decreases with increasing cooling rate; when the cooling rate is above 0.5°C/s, the transformation products include special upper bainite and lump-like composite structure. Meanwhile, the results of continuous cooling experiment verified the correctness of this finite element model.

This model has a great value for proper controlling of the cooling process which can improve the quality of hollow drill steel and increase the service life of the final product.

The logistics industry has undergone a tremendous transformation. This transformation is necessary to cope with the fundamental changes in customer expectations and the need for digitalization imposed by the pandemic, changes in the socioeconomic world, and innovative technology solutions. This paper aims to present digital transformation as an integrated framework for transforming the operating model and applying advanced solutions to the ecosystem of a quintile logistics (5PL) company. 5PL operators are typically an ecosystem. Loosely coupled or self-organized entities that collaborate in a symbiotic relationship represent this ecosystem. They aim to jointly develop capabilities, create innovative services or solutions, share knowledge, facilitate transactions, and leverage network synergies in a logistics environment to provide optimized or novel customer- or partner-centric solutions (Lamberjohann and Otto, 2020).

Currently, there is no single definition of an integrated logistics operations model in 5PL practice, so the qualitative method used in this paper allows for investigation from an exploratory perspective. The paper follows a qualitative research methodology, collecting and analyzing data/facts through interviews and visits to subject matter experts, industry practitioners, and academic researchers, combined with an extensive review of academic publications, industry reports, and written and media content from established organizations in the marketplace. This paper follows a qualitative research methodology, as it is an inquiry rather than a statistical study. The qualitative method allows the study of the concepts of phenomena and definitions, their characteristics, and the defining features that serve as the basis (Berg, 2007). It emphasizes generalized interpretation and deeper understanding of concepts, which would be more difficult in quantitative, statistically based research. Fact-finding was conducted in two ways: in-depth interviews with experts from academia, information and communication technology organizations, and key players in the logistics industry; and academic publications, industry reports, and written and media content from established national and international organizations in the market.

The operations model introduced considers six aspects: persons, processes, platforms, partners, protection and preservation. A virtual team approach can support the personal side of the 5PL ecosystem’s digital transformation. Managing a 5PL ecosystem should be based on collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment methods (Parsa et al., 2020). A digital platform can support trust among the stakeholders in the ecosystem. A blockchain solution can powerfully support the 5PL ecosystem from partner relationships’ points of view. The implementation of a cybersecurity reference model is important for protection (Bandari, 2023). Reverse logistics and an integrated approach support the preservation of the ecosystem.

While the author has experience applying the different components of the operations model presented, it would be interesting to find a 5PL that would use all the components presented in an integrated way. The operations model presented applies to any similar ecosystem with minor adaptations.

This paper addresses operations models and digital transformation challenges for optimizing 5PL operators. It provides several opportunities and considerations for 5PL operators interested in improving their management and operations to cope with the growing challenges of today’s world.

The competitiveness and long-term performance of 5PL operators depend on selecting and carefully implementing their operations models. This paper emphasizes the importance of using advanced operations models.

The operations model derives from the author’s personal experiences in research and the innovative application of these models to logistics operators (DHL, UPS, Poste Italiane and others). This paper brings together academic and industry perspectives and operations models in an integrated business digital transformation. This paper defines an original optimal operations model for a 5PL operator and can add sustainable value to organizations and society. In doing so, it outlines different solution requirements, the critical success factors and the challenges for solutions and brings logistical performance objectives when implementing a digital business transformation.

This study aims to develop a modular and prescriptive digital transformation maturity model whose constituent elements have conceptual integrity as well as reveal the priority weights of maturity model components.

A literature review with a concept-centric analysis enlightens the characteristics of constituent parts and reveals the gaps for each component. Therefore, the interdependency network among model dimensions and priority weights are identified using decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL)-based analytic network process (ANP) method, including 19 industrial experts, and the results are robustly validated with three different analyses. Finally, the applicability of the developed maturity model and the constituent elements are validated in the context of the manufacturing industry with two case applications through a strict protocol.

Results obtained from DEMATEL-based ANP suggest that smart processes with a priority weight of 17.91% are the most important subdimension for reaching higher digital maturity. Customer integration and value, with a priority weight of 17.30%, is the second most important subdimension and talented employee, with 16.24%, is the third most important subdimension.

The developed maturity model enables companies to make factual assessments with specially designed measurement instrument including incrementally evolved questions, prioritize action fields and investment strategies according to maturity index calculations and adapt to the dynamic change in the environment with spiral maturity level identification.

A novel spiral maturity level identification is proposed with conceptual consistency for evolutionary progress to adapt to dynamic change. A measurement instrument that is incrementally structured with 234 statements and a measurement method that is based on the priority weights and leads to calculating the maturity index are designed to assess digital maturity, create an improvement roadmap to reach higher maturity levels and prioritize actions and investments without any external support and assistance.

A fundamental principle of materials engineering is that the microstructure of a material controls the properties. The phase transformation is an important phenomenon that determines the final microstructure. Recently, many analytical and numerical methods were used for modeling of phase transformation, but some limitations can be seen in relation to the choice of the shape of growing grains, introduction of varying grain growth rate and modeling of diffusion phenomena. There are also only few comprehensive studies that combine the final microstructure with the actual conditions of its formation. Therefore, the objective of the work is a development of a new hybrid model based on lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and cellular automata (CA) for modeling of the diffusional phase transformations. The model has a modular structure and simulates three basic phenomena: carbon diffusion, heat flow and phase transformation. The purpose of this study is to develop a model of heat flow with consideration of enthalpy of transformation as one of the most important parts of the proposed new hybrid model. This is one of the stages in the development of the complex model, and the obtained results will be used in a combined solution of heat flow and carbon diffusion during the modeling of diffusion phase transformations.

Different values of overheating/overcooling affect different values in the enthalpy of transformation and thus the rate of transformation. CA and LBM are used in the hybrid model in part related to heat flow. LBM is used for modeling of heat flow, while CA is used for modeling of the microstructure evolution during the phase transformation.

The use of LBM and CA in one numerical solution creates completely new possibilities for modeling of phase transformations. CA and LBM in comparison with commonly used approaches significantly simplify interface and interaction between different parts of the model, which operates in a common domain. The CA can be used practically for all possible processes that consist of nucleation and grains growth. The advantages of the LBM method can be well used for the simulation of heat flow during the transformation, which is confirmed by numerical results.

The developed heat flow model will be combined with the carbon diffusion model at the next stage of work, and the new complex hybrid model at the final stage will provide new solutions in numerical simulation of phase transformations and will allow comprehensive modeling of the diffusional phase transformations in many processes. Heating, annealing and cooling can be considered.

The paper presents the developed model of heat flow (temperature module), which is one of the main parts of the new hybrid model devoted to modeling of phase transformation. The model takes into account the enthalpy of transformation, and the connection with the model of microstructure evolution was obtained.

This paper describes how non‐orthogonal geometric models may be transformed into orthogonal polyhedral models. The main purpose of the transformation is to obtain a geometric model that is easy to describe and further modify without loss of topological information from the original model.

The transformation method presented in this paper is based on fuzzy logic (FL). The idea of using FL for this type of transformation was first described by Takahashi and Shimizu. This paper describes both philosophy and techniques behind the transformation method as well as its application to some example 2D and 3D models. The problem in this paper is to define a transformation technique that will change a non‐orthogonal model into a similar orthogonal model. The orthogonal model is unknown at the start of the transformation and will only be specified once the transformation is complete. The model has to satisfy certain conditions, i.e. it should be orthogonal.

The group of non‐orthogonal models that contain triangular faces such as tetrahedra or pyramids cannot be successfully recognized using this method. This algorithm fails to transform these types of problem because to do so requires modification of the structure of the model. It appears that only when the edges are divided into pieces and the sharp angles are smoothed then the method can be successfully applied. Even though the method cannot be applied to all geometric models many successful examples for 2D and 3D transformation are presented. Orthogonal models with the same topology, which make them easier to describe, are obtained.

This transformation makes it possible to apply simple algorithms to orthogonal models enabling the solution of complex problems usually requiring non‐orthogonal models and more complex algorithms.

The purpose of this paper is to conveniently and accurately design partial knitting knitted fabrics based on matrix transformation.

Using mathematical modeling, the pattern diagram block matrix and process design matrix of partial knitting knitted fabrics are established, and the process knitting diagram with parameter information is generated. Based on the establishment of the mathematical model of the process knitting diagram, a loop deformation method based on three-dimensional (3D) coordinate point matrix transformation is proposed.

The matrix transformation method can provide a suitable deformed loop mode for partial knitting knitted fabrics and helps to generate a 3D modeling diagram conveniently.

This paper proposed a method of design and modeling of partial knitting knitted fabric based on matrix transformation. Taking the 3D modeling effect of conventional partial knitting as an example to test the modeling method, the results show that after matrix transformation, the loop model can realize the rapid transformation and calculation of the coordinates of the control point and generate a 3D modeling diagram.

This paper presents a maturity model for digital transformation effectiveness in laboratories (labs) with education and research purposes.

The model was developed using design science research methodology, expert interviews and case studies.

The model fulfills three practical goals: (1) to establish comparability of the effectiveness of the digital transformation of labs, (2) to provide lab operators from academia and industry with a guide for (further) transformation and (3) to build initial trust among lab users. In addition, the maturity model contributes to the literature on digital lab transformation by capturing, describing, structuring and evaluating relevant dimensions, items and levels. Model strengths and weaknesses, areas for improvement, international applicability and practical and reusable recommendations are presented as well as the added value in assessing lab functionalities and lab sustainability.

Although originally developed as a maturity model driven by lab education, the model is also suitable for the transformation of research labs in manufacturing technology management. Digital labs can efficiently support industry training and research and development activities as well as simulate the development of new processes prior to their implementation.

Especially for these use cases, the authors see application potentials for the use of online labs from an organizational perspective and from the perspective of stakeholders such as industry users and operators with a manufacturing background, who use and develop transformed labs for teaching and research.