Muhammad A. Razi

A comparative predictive analysis of neural networks (NNs), nonlinear regression and classification and regression tree (CART) models

Numerous articles comparing performances of statistical and Neural Networks (NNs) models are available in the literature, however, very few involved Classification and Regression Tree (CART) models in their comparative studies. We perform a three-way comparison of prediction accuracy involving nonlinear regression, NNs and CART models using a continuous dependent variable and a set of dichotomous and categorical predictor variables. A large dataset on smokers is used to run these models. Different prediction accuracy measuring procedures are used to compare performances of these models. The outcomes of predictions are discussed and the outcomes of this research are compared with the results of similar studies.

E‐fulfillment: the strategy and operational requirements

An e‐fulfillment system is designed to meet the high order volume and stringent customer service requirements of global business‐to‐consumer e‐commerce. The system converts the traditional warehouse into a multi‐channel e‐fulfillment center. In the e‐commerce environment, some of the toughest decisions must be made on little or no hard information. In this study, the nature of e‐business and the typical fulfillment process are discussed. The authors further examine the strategy and operational requirements for e‐fulfillment. This article is concluded with the implication of a successful e‐fulfillment system, a suggested design of an e‐fulfillment center, and the future research focuses.

An applied model for improving inventory management in ERP systems

Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems provide functions to calculate safety stock (SS), make demand forecast and determine reorder point (ROP) for each item contained in the database based on the item’s demand history. Most ERP systems are ill‐equipped to deal with the demand of slow moving items such as spare parts. Based on data from a Fortune 500 company, presents the development and evaluation of a spare parts inventory control model. Compares the proposed model with the results achieved using the forecasting and inventory management modules of a popular ERP system. Tested with computer simulation, the proposed model significantly outperforms the commercial ERP model on both measures of service level and expected total annual cost.

Exploring the failure and success of DotComs

The Internet added another dimension to traditional commerce when online business became available. Because of the mushroom growth of online businesses in the late 1990s, DotCom bubbles began to burst after the initial euphoria of e‐commerce. Since mid‐2000, the mass failure of DotComs has had a significant impact on the e‐ecosystem. However, there were strong survivors and successful DotComs as well. Employing a comparative analysis, this study investigates the causes for DotCom failures and successes. The examination found that successful DotComs overcame the technical, operational and behavioral shortcomings of their failed counterparts and led the way in logistics, customer support, Web design, promotion and Internet security.

Linking ERP and SCM systems

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Supply Chain Management (SCM) systems have been growing in popularity across various segments of the electronic industry over the past few years. New initiatives in resources planning, electronic commerce and extended supply chain are fuelling the trend among corporations toward integrating strategic business applications. ERP systems assist enterprises in automating and integrating corporate cross-functions. SCM systems support information flow from various players in the supply side, reducing transaction cost and facilitating supplier-customer interactions. Given the popularity and importance of ERP and SCM systems, this research aims to examine and compare these two systems from the standpoint of organisational and technological implementation and explores the trend and opportunity of their system integration. Furthermore, the authors present and analyse two potential approaches to linking ERP and SCM systems, which indeed promote their integration. This article is concluded with the challenges and implications of the ERP and SCM system integration.

An analysis of attributes that impact adoption of audit software: An empirical study in Saudi Arabia

Purpose - Audit software and IT-based auditing are widely used in developed countries and is an emerging trend in other parts of the world. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the adoption of audit software by Saudi industries. This research extends current knowledge by focusing on technology adoptions issues and comparing the results with the results of past adoptions in Western industries. Design/methodology/approach - Demographic and psychometric factors related to adoption decision were identified and incorporated in the research model. A web-based survey instrument was used to collect data. The reliability score of each construct was measured with Cronbachs alpha. Results from descriptive statistics, correlation, and regression were used to examine the influence of demographic and psychometric factors on adoption decision. Findings - Contrary to existing literature, this study shows that external pressure has no impact on the adoption decision. In addition, similar to earlier findings, the results showed that Company Readiness and Perceived Benefits are reasonably good predictors of Adoption Intention of audit software. Research limitations/implications - Contrary to current evidence, this research points to the result that external pressure has no impact on the adoption decision. This leads to an interesting research avenue to explore the reasons why companies in Saudi Arabia do not see external pressure as a significant factor behind decision to adopt certain technology. Originality/value - This article extends current technology adoption knowledge by providing a comparison of adoptions in the west and in Saudi Arabia. Results of this research can assist software adopters with adoption decisions and vendors in software implementation, sales, and service in Saudi Arabia.

The Community Health Information System (CHIS): delivering web-based customised healthcare using an AI-infused expert system

The Community Health Information System (CHIS) is an integrated, patient-centric, web-based application that assists all stakeholders in healthcare management. CHIS is a single sign-on portal that allows users to query an immense interconnected database of medical research, healthcare providers, regulations, nurses and physicians. A three member faculty team at Western Michigan University has developed a system prototype using a collection of technologies to deliver the content via a variety of interfaces such as the web, mobile devices, voice and kiosks. The focus of this paper is on the technical building blocks such as decision-making process, system models and functional components.