Muhammad Adeel Zaffar

Diffusion dynamics of open source software: An agent-based computational economics (ACE) approach

The rising popularity of open source software (OSS) calls for a better understanding of the drivers of its adoption and diffusion. In this research, we propose an integrated framework that simultaneously investigates a broad range of social and economic factors on the diffusion dynamics of OSS using an Agent Based Computational Economics (ACE) approach. We find that interoperability costs, variability of OSS support costs, and duration of PS upgrade cycle are major determinants of OSS diffusion. Furthermore, there are interaction effects between network topology, network density and interoperability costs, which strongly influence the diffusion dynamics of OSS. The proposed model can be used as a building block to further investigate complex competitive dynamics in software markets.

An agent based modeling approach for determining optimal price-rebate schemes

Abstract Delayed incentives in the form of cash mail-in rebates have become very popular. While some research has been conducted on consumer perception and behavior toward rebates, little research has been undertaken with respect to a seller’s optimal rebate strategy. We use an agent-based modeling approach for jointly determining optimal price and rebate value. This approach has been previously applied to pricing and can capture some aspects of the problem which are difficult to analyze using traditional mathematical modeling. The model indicates that rebates are much more profitable when their values are jointly determined with price. In addition, the profitability of rebates at a given time depends on past consumers’ experience with rebates and that consumers’ memory of their past rebate redemption behavior plays an important role in determining the profitability of rebates. Also, the analysis shows that agent-based modeling may provide an alternative method for analyzing problems in which interactions between participants in the systems, i.e. consumers, sellers, and regulating agencies, are important in determining the overall behavior of the system.

Impact of Interorganizational Relationships on Technology Diffusion: An Agent-Based Simulation Modeling Approach

Interorganizational relationships are an integral part of an organizations decision-making process. The reason is that an organizations decision affects and is affected by the decision of its partners, particularly in the context of technology adoption and diffusion. Therefore, it is important to explore the role of this social network of organizations in shaping the process of technology diffusion. We conduct a series of experiments using the agent-based simulation modeling technique to identify strategically located firms in a network that can significantly influence the process of software diffusion. Our findings suggest that: 1) structural location of organizations does significantly influence the process of diffusion; and 2) the criteria for identifying strategically located firms depend on contextual factors, such as network topology, network density, and interoperability costs. To illustrate the practical use of these results, we propose a “network-aware” pricing strategy that takes advantage of information regarding organizational social networks. We illustrate that contrary to prevalent practice in the enterprise software market, where firms are generally targeted on the basis of their size, network-aware pricing has the potential to facilitate the development of a more effective market penetration strategy.

Multimodal Logistics in Disaster Relief

This chapter aims to study multimodal logistics planning in disaster scenarios through literature review and two case studies. It builds a framework around the types of problems addressed in operations research literature and the two phases of disaster operations—preparation and response. The multimodal logistics literature in disaster scenarios is mapped on this framework. It uncovers research gaps by comparing the literature with real-life settings. It finds that the coordination problem is an important aspect of multimodal logistics in disasters that requires further attention in order to close the gap between literature and practice.

Improving Security Awareness in the Government Sector

The increasing use of internet and smart mobile devices for accessing, storing and generating sensitive e-government data makes them an attractive attack vector for cyber-criminals. New technology adoption typically requires specialized training and awareness campaigns where people acquire new skills, learn about best practices and potential pitfalls of adoption. In this paper, we present results from a survey in Pakistan to help understand the level of cyber security awareness and understanding in the Government sector. The goal of the survey is to help identify at-risk demographics, problems, risks and key areas of concern that need to be addressed through customized education material and trainings. We then discuss design strategies to reduce the security and privacy risk faced by mobile device users of Government departments.