Search results

1 – 10 of 12
Per page
102050
Citations:
Loading...
Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 13 March 2017

Samira Khodabandehlou and Mahmoud Zivari Rahman

This paper aims to provide a predictive framework of customer churn through six stages for accurate prediction and preventing customer churn in the field of business.

4948

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a predictive framework of customer churn through six stages for accurate prediction and preventing customer churn in the field of business.

Design/methodology/approach

The six stages are as follows: first, collection of customer behavioral data and preparation of the data; second, the formation of derived variables and selection of influential variables, using a method of discriminant analysis; third, selection of training and testing data and reviewing their proportion; fourth, the development of prediction models using simple, bagging and boosting versions of supervised machine learning; fifth, comparison of churn prediction models based on different versions of machine-learning methods and selected variables; and sixth, providing appropriate strategies based on the proposed model.

Findings

According to the results, five variables, the number of items, reception of returned items, the discount, the distribution time and the prize beside the recency, frequency and monetary (RFM) variables (RFMITSDP), were chosen as the best predictor variables. The proposed model with accuracy of 97.92 per cent, in comparison to RFM, had much better performance in churn prediction and among the supervised machine learning methods, artificial neural network (ANN) had the highest accuracy, and decision trees (DT) was the least accurate one. The results show the substantially superiority of boosting versions in prediction compared with simple and bagging models.

Research limitations/implications

The period of the available data was limited to two years. The research data were limited to only one grocery store whereby it may not be applicable to other industries; therefore, generalizing the results to other business centers should be used with caution.

Practical implications

Business owners must try to enforce a clear rule to provide a prize for a certain number of purchased items. Of course, the prize can be something other than the purchased item. Business owners must accept the items returned by the customers for any reasons, and the conditions for accepting returned items and the deadline for accepting the returned items must be clearly communicated to the customers. Store owners must consider a discount for a certain amount of purchase from the store. They have to use an exponential rule to increase the discount when the amount of purchase is increased to encourage customers for more purchase. The managers of large stores must try to quickly deliver the ordered items, and they should use equipped and new transporting vehicles and skilled and friendly workforce for delivering the items. It is recommended that the types of services, the rules for prizes, the discount, the rules for accepting the returned items and the method of distributing the items must be prepared and shown in the store for all the customers to see. The special services and reward rules of the store must be communicated to the customers using new media such as social networks. To predict the customer behaviors based on the data, the future researchers should use the boosting method because it increases efficiency and accuracy of prediction. It is recommended that for predicting the customer behaviors, particularly their churning status, the ANN method be used. To extract and select the important and effective variables influencing customer behaviors, the discriminant analysis method can be used which is a very accurate and powerful method for predicting the classes of the customers.

Originality/value

The current study tries to fill this gap by considering five basic and important variables besides RFM in stores, i.e. prize, discount, accepting returns, delay in distribution and the number of items, so that the business owners can understand the role services such as prizes, discount, distribution and accepting returns play in retraining the customers and preventing them from churning. Another innovation of the current study is the comparison of machine-learning methods with their boosting and bagging versions, especially considering the fact that previous studies do not consider the bagging method. The other reason for the study is the conflicting results regarding the superiority of machine-learning methods in a more accurate prediction of customer behaviors, including churning. For example, some studies introduce ANN (Huang et al., 2010; Hung and Wang, 2004; Keramati et al., 2014; Runge et al., 2014), some introduce support vector machine ( Guo-en and Wei-dong, 2008; Vafeiadis et al., 2015; Yu et al., 2011) and some introduce DT (Freund and Schapire, 1996; Qureshi et al., 2013; Umayaparvathi and Iyakutti, 2012) as the best predictor, confusing the users of the results of these studies regarding the best prediction method. The current study identifies the best prediction method specifically in the field of store businesses for researchers and the owners. Moreover, another innovation of the current study is using discriminant analysis for selecting and filtering variables which are important and effective in predicting churners and non-churners, which is not used in previous studies. Therefore, the current study is unique considering the used variables, the method of comparing their accuracy and the method of selecting effective variables.

Details

Journal of Systems and Information Technology, vol. 19 no. 1/2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1328-7265

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 8 September 2012

Jian‐Rui Liu, Yi‐Na Guo and Wei‐Dong Huang

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a chromium‐free conversion coating treatment for magnesium with phytic acid solution.

257

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate a chromium‐free conversion coating treatment for magnesium with phytic acid solution.

Design/methodology/approach

Pure magnesium was selected for the tests. Phytic acid solution was used as the conversion solution of surface treatment. The samples of magnesium were immersed in the solution under certain conditions to form a conversion coating on the surface of magnesium. The formation process of phytic acid conversion coating was studied by detecting the open circuit potential (OCP) and weight change of the pure magnesium for different conversion treatment times. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron energy spectrum (EDS) were used to examine the morphologies and compositions of the coatings, respectively.

Findings

The experimental results showed that the conversion coating had a multideck structure with netlike morphology, which is similar in nature to chromate conversion coatings, and was composed mainly of Mg, P, O and C. The contents of C and P and the size of the cracks in different conversion layers decreased from the external layer to the inner layer. The thickness of the conversion coating varied from 1.0μm to 15μm according to the processing parameters. The hydroxyl groups and phosphate carboxyl groups in the coating, which have similar properties to an organic paint coat, are beneficial to the combination of substrate and organic paint coating. The formation mechanism and thickness variation of the conversion coatings also are discussed.

Originality/value

The paper shows that phytic acid conversion coating could improve the electrochemical properties of magnesium and provide effective protection, which can improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium.

Details

Anti-Corrosion Methods and Materials, vol. 59 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0003-5599

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 1 May 2009

He Huang, Zhi-Ping Mao and Wei-Dong Yu

Stimuli-sensitive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) [poly (NiPAAm-co-SA)] hydrogels are prepared by free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAAm) and…

31

Abstract

Stimuli-sensitive poly (N-isopropylacrylamide-co-sodium acrylate) [poly (NiPAAm-co-SA)] hydrogels are prepared by free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NiPAAm) and sodium acrylate (SA) using N, N'-methylene bisacrylamide (BIS) as a crosslinking agent. The effects of SA content, crosslinking agent concentration and the pre-gel solution concentration on the swelling behavior of poly (NiPAAm-co-SA) hydrogel are investigated systematically. The results indicate that the swelling capacities increase with an increase in the amount of hydrophilic poly (sodium acrylate) anionic units, and thermo-sensitivity is weakened simultaneously. The effect of the pre-gel solution concentration on the swellabilities of poly (NiPAAm-co-SA) is more than that of the crosslinking agent concentration. Furthermore, the pH-sensitivity of the networks is also investigated, and it is found that the swelling behavior of poly (NiPAAm-co-SA) hydrogels obviously improves when the pH value is 5.

Details

Research Journal of Textile and Apparel, vol. 13 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1560-6074

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 10 November 2021

Guanhua Li, Wei Dong Zhu, Huiyue Dong and Yinglin Ke

This paper aims to present error compensation based on surface reconstruction to improve the positioning accuracy of industrial robots.

224

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present error compensation based on surface reconstruction to improve the positioning accuracy of industrial robots.

Design/methodology/approach

In previous research, it has been proved that the positioning error of industrial robots is continuous on the two-dimensional manifold of six-joint space. The point cloud generated by positioning error data can be used to fit the continuous surfaces, which makes it possible to apply surface reconstruction on error compensation. The moving least-squares interpolation and the B-spline method are used for the error surface reconstruction.

Findings

The results of experiments and simulations validate the effectiveness of error compensation by the moving least-squares interpolation and the B-spline method.

Practical implications

The proposed methods can control the average of compensated positioning error within 0.2 mm, which meets the requirement of a tolerance (±0.5 mm) for fastener hole drilling in aircraft assembly.

Originality/value

The error surface reconstruction based on the B-spline method has great superiority because fewer sample points are needed to use this method than others while keeping the compensation accuracy at the same level. The control points of the B-spline error surface can be adjusted with measured data, which can be applied for the error prediction in any temperature field.

Details

Industrial Robot: the international journal of robotics research and application, vol. 49 no. 4
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0143-991X

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 23 November 2021

Zhangxiang Zhu, Jiapei Liu and Wei Dong

The conclusions of studies on the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews are inconsistent due to differences in research perspectives, research…

1596

Abstract

Purpose

The conclusions of studies on the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews are inconsistent due to differences in research perspectives, research objects, research methods and data types. This study conducted a meta-analysis to verify a proposed model of perceived usefulness to obtain general conclusions.

Design/methodology/approach

A meta-analysis was conducted to study the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews based on 51 studies.

Findings

The results indicate that, with the exception of negative reviews, the order of relevance for the perceived usefulness of online reviews is as follows: the trust tendency of review readers, review replies, review depth, review pictures, reviewer trustworthiness, positive reviews, reviewer expertise, review time and reviewer information disclosure. Perceived usefulness was significantly positively correlated with purchase intention. Review time, positive reviews and negative reviews were also more significantly correlated with perceived usefulness for search products than for experiential products. Review depth, reviewer trustworthiness, reviewer expertise and purchase intention had greater positive correlations with perceived usefulness for experiential products than for search products.

Originality/value

This study proposes an extended information adoption model based on argument quality and source credibility. The model includes personal factors such as the trust tendency of review readers, constructs a theoretical model of the factors correlated with the perceived usefulness of online reviews and considers the moderating effects of product type.

Details

Aslib Journal of Information Management, vol. 74 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2050-3806

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 3 July 2023

Wei Dong, Meimei Zhou, Meiyan Zhou, Bihan Jiang and Jijian Lu

The purpose of this paper is to study the application ways of extended reality (XR) in teaching, the specific teaching effects and how to implement teaching integration.

521

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the application ways of extended reality (XR) in teaching, the specific teaching effects and how to implement teaching integration.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts an umbrella review approach, locates and screens 20 pertinent meta-analysis studies published in international journals and conducts a systematic review of the effects of teaching applications of XR technologies in terms of subject categories, education levels and teaching cycles.

Findings

The study finds that the effects of virtual reality and augmented reality technologies on teaching effectiveness can reach up to 0.723 and 0.951, indicating that XR technologies can improve teaching.

Practical implications

Through the systematic analysis of 20 related element analysis studies published in international journals, the specific methods and effects of XR technology applied to teaching are finally obtained and put forward the new application trend of XR promoting teaching effect.

Originality/value

In the past decade, more and more research has also focused on the specific methods and effects of XR technology applied to teaching. However, there are still problems such as unclear technology application path and unclear effect. Based on this, it is necessary to further conduct an overall overview and analysis of the impact of XR technology on teaching effect when it is integrated into teaching, systematically study the teaching effect of XR technology in different education levels and subject types and provide a theoretical basis for more detailed research on XR technology integration into teaching.

Details

The Electronic Library , vol. 41 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 25 September 2018

Ling Zhang, Wei Dong and Xiangming Mu

This paper aims to address the challenge of analysing the features of negative sentiment tweets. The method adopted in this paper elucidates the classification of social network…

895

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to address the challenge of analysing the features of negative sentiment tweets. The method adopted in this paper elucidates the classification of social network documents and paves the way for sentiment analysis of tweets in further research.

Design/methodology/approach

This study classifies negative tweets and analyses their features.

Findings

Through negative tweet content analysis, tweets are divided into ten topics. Many related words and negative words were found. Some indicators of negative word use could reflect the degree to which users release negative emotions: part of speech, the density and frequency of negative words and negative word distribution. Furthermore, the distribution of negative words obeys Zipf’s law.

Research limitations/implications

This study manually analysed only a small sample of negative tweets.

Practical implications

The research explored how many categories of negative sentiment tweets there are on Twitter. Related words are helpful to construct an ontology of tweets, which helps people with information retrieval in a fixed research area. The analysis of extracted negative words determined the features of negative tweets, which is useful to detect the polarity of tweets by machine learning method.

Originality/value

The research provides an initial exploration of a negative document classification method and classifies the negative tweets into ten topics. By analysing the features of negative tweets, related words, negative words, the density of negative words, etc. are presented. This work is the first step to extend Plutchik’s emotion wheel theory into social media data analysis by constructing filed specific thesauri, referred to as local sentimental thesauri.

Details

The Electronic Library, vol. 36 no. 5
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 0264-0473

Keywords

Access Restricted. View access options
Article
Publication date: 12 March 2018

Donghua Zhao, Weizhong Guo, Baibing Zhang and Feng Gao

The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the…

896

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review available technologies, analyse their features, propose a new approach of 3D sand mould printing based on line forming, introduce the manufacturing principle and show advantages of this approach, especially for larger parts with large Z steps in the build, such as 2 mm stepwise.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces 3D sand mould printing, compares and analyses technological process and existing fabrication approaches among available technologies first. Then, a new approach of 3D sand mould printing is proposed to improve build speed. In addition, the proposed system will be analysed or benchmarked against existing systems.

Findings

A new approach based on line forming of sand mould printing is put forward by reviewing and analysing available technologies, to improve build speed from the aspect of basic moulding movement instead of optimization of moulding methods and process parameters. The theoretical calculation and analysis shows that build speed can be improved greatly, and it is more suitable for the manufacture of large-scale casting’s sand mould when considering dimensional accuracy and printing error, as well as uniformity of each layer.

Research limitations/implications

The specific implement scheme of line forming and nozzle’s specific structure of this new approach need further study.

Practical implications

Much higher build speed of 3D sand mould printing with new approach brings evident implication for moulds companies and manufacturing industry, having a far-reaching influence on the development of national economy.

Originality/value

This paper reviews available technologies and presents a new approach of 3D sand mould printing for the first time. Analysis of the new approach shows that this new method of sand mould printing can boost build speed greatly. So, its application prospect is great.

Details

Rapid Prototyping Journal, vol. 24 no. 2
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 1355-2546

Keywords

Available. Open Access. Open Access
Article
Publication date: 31 March 2023

Liangqiang Li, Boyan Yao, Xi Li and Yu Qian

This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review…

1955

Abstract

Purpose

This work aims to explore why people review their experienced online shopping in such a manner (promptness), and what is the potential relationship between the users’ review promptness and review motivation as well as reviewed contents.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate the customers’ responses regarding their shopping experiences, in this paper, the “purchase-review” promptness is studied to explore the temporal characteristics of users’ reviewing behavior online. Then, an aspect mining method was introduced for assessment of review text. Finally, a theoretical model is proposed to analyze how the customers’ reviews were formed.

Findings

First, the length of time elapsed between purchase and review was found to follow a power-law distribution, which characterizes an important number of human behaviors. Within online review behaviors, this meant that a high frequency population of reviewers tended to publish relatively quick reviews online. This showed that the customers’ reviewing behaviors on e-commerce websites may have been affected by extrinsic motivations, intrinsic motivations or both. Second, the proposed review-to-feature mapping technique is a feasible method for exploring reviewers’ opinions in both massive and sparse reviews. Finally, the customers’ reviewing behaviors were found to be mostly consistent with reviewers’ motivations.

Originality/value

First, the authors propose that the “promptness” of users in posting online reviews is an important external manifestation of their motivation, product experience and service experience. Second, a semi-supervised method of review-to-aspect mapping is used to solve the data quality problem in mining information from massive text data, which vary in length, detail and quality. Finally, a huge amount of e-commerce customers’ purchase-review promptness are studied and the results indicate that not all product features are responsible for the “prompt” posting of users’ reviews, and that the platform’s strategy to encourage users to post reviews will not work in the long term.

Details

Journal of Electronic Business & Digital Economics, vol. 2 no. 1
Type: Research Article
ISSN: 2754-4214

Keywords

Available. Content available
Book part
Publication date: 23 September 2019

Yi-Ming Wei, Qiao-Mei Liang, Gang Wu and Hua Liao

Abstract

Details

Energy Economics
Type: Book
ISBN: 978-1-83867-294-2

1 – 10 of 12
Per page
102050