Electronic commerce e-fulfilment in Gulf Cooperation Council consumer markets

Paper originally presented at the 20th Annual Logistics Research Network Conference, 9th to 11th September 2015. This paper reports on an ongoing study investigating electronic commerce fulfilment (ECF) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets, and presents the theoretical background and empirical findings to date. The growth of online retailing in the GCC has motivated this current research

Investigating e-fulfilment in Gulf Cooperation Council business-to-consumer markets

Paper presented at 20th ISL, 5th – 8th July 2015, Bologna Italy This paper reports on a literature review and research objective development pertaining to a current PhD research project on electronic commerce (EC), specifically e-fulfilment, in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) business-to-consumer markets (B2C). The increase in the number of Internet users and GCC government investment has prompted this research to investigate how EC firms provide e-fulfilment services and what kind of logistical processes they implement. This research has also been motivated to explore e-fulfilment logistics in GCC countries, which have similar language, religion and beliefs. The overarching aim of this study is to suggest new strategies to make EC and e-fulfilment more efficient, effective and relevant in GCC countries. The study has the following three research objectives: 1. To investigate extant electronic commerce (EC) and related e-fulfilment logistics processes in GCC B2C markets; 2. To explore differences between international and GCC e-fulfilment purchase and delivery methods; and 3. To determine the extent of a cultural effect on e-fulfilment process in the GCC. This study investigates three categories of actors: pure player (PP) and multi-channel (MC) e-stores, third-party logistics (3PL) service providers, and consumers from different cities within the six GCC countries (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia or KSA, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates or UAE, and Bahrain)

E-commerce fulfilment in the Gulf Cooperation Council

Paper delivered at the 21st Logistics Research Network annual conference 2016, 7th-9th September 2016, Hull. Abstract: Purpose: This paper reports on an exploratory study of electronic commerce fulfilment (ECF) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets based on three objectives: effective and efficient operations, a local and global purchase approach using reverse logistics processes, and consideration of cultural factors particular to the GCC countries including differences between small and large cities. Research Approach: There has not been much logistics and supply chain research in the Middle East in general, and the GCC countries in particular. Thus, this study used a qualitative approach to obtain respondent perspectives regarding e-commerce logistics, whether pure player and multi-channel, grocery or non-food, local or global third-party logistics companies (3PLs), or consumers to reflect a suitable model that could fit and help firms in GCC countries develop an online market. One of the cultural factors related to Arabic managers and owners preferring to speak rather than complete surveys or write, hence 55 interviews were conducted with 27 e-commerce firms, 10 3PLs and 18 consumers (men and women equally). Findings and Originality: This study found a lack of communication between e-commerce firms and 3PLs. However, despite this issue 3PLs were focussed more on business-to-business (B2B) activities and relationships rather than business to consumer (B2C). Local 3PLs firms have achieved some success by providing services regionally, with global 3PLs having an advantage in importing and then using local drivers for fast deliveries. Cash on delivery (COD), trust, policy and warehouse management emerged as major issues affecting e-fulfilment with a small scale of satisfaction in small countries like Bahrain and Kuwait and small cities in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Research Impact: This research enhances the logistics literature through presenting an in-depth study covering aspects of e-commerce in the GCC. Further, the study indicates that 3PLs will have to provide different types of services in these markets e.g. depending on whether they are working under global strategies in UAE or under agents in KSA. Finally, findings related to cultural factors in both business and consumer settings are important for e-commerce firms and 3PLs to consider in this marketplace. Practical Impact: This study investigated electronic commerce fulfilment (ECF) in the GCC, including pure-player and multi-channel e-retailers or Internet firms and global and local 3PL service providers, and provides guidance for all of them regarding the right factors for successful ECF in the GCC, including understanding policy regulation regarding global firms, helping local firms to become aware of the importance of logistic systems and their effectiveness, and dealing with consumer behaviours based on cultural factors

The relationship between demographic characteristics, personality traits and users’ seek values in multiple service industries in Saudi Arabia

This study is an attempt to examine the relationship between demographic characteristics, personality traits and users’ seek values in multiple service industries in Saudi Arabia.The sample is comprised of 400 sampling where data is obtained through a distributed questionnaire.This study used multiple regressions to test the relationship between independent variables and dependent invariable.The results found that there is a positive relationship between demographic characteristics and users’ seek values.In addition, there is a positive significant association between personality traits and users’ seek values.Finally, this research provided some limitations and suggestions for future researchers at the end of the study. © 2014, Mediterranean Center of Social and Educational Research. All rights reserved

The impact of the users’ seek values on consumer intention to use SST in multiple service industries in Saudi Arabia

This study investigated the effect of users’ seek values on consumer intention to use SST in multiple service industries in Saudi Arabia.The sample consists of 400 sample units where data is gathered with the help of a questionnaire.The study employed regression analysis to examine the independent variables-dependent variables relationship.Moreover, the outcome of the study revealed that a positive and significant association is present between user’s seek values and consumer intention to use SST.The research provides limitations and suggestions for future research before the study is concluded

Development of novel continuous flow reaction methodology for fine chemical production

At present, synthesising complex chemical compounds is a process that is facilitated by employing conventional batch based laboratory approaches. This path, which can to some extent be automated, frequently suffers from inefficient and uncontrollable chemical conversions cannot be controlled over the course of the numerous possible steps of the synthesis process and, which in turn leads to generally lacks in terms of product yields and a poor of product selectivity.In this research chemical synthesis was conducted in combination with small meso (μm) and micron-scale flow reactors, to offer more effective control over chemical reactions compared to conventional batch chemistry. The work capitalised the unique high surface area and excellent thermal transfer characteristics available in meso/micro flow systems, facilitating the creation of controllable, non-uniform, and time-dependent localised reactant, intermediates, and product concentrations, which generate a novel dimension in reaction control that is similar to the chemical control engaged in with biological systems. One factor investigated in the current research was the production of a stable monolithic structure via a sol-gel approach. The macroporous silica-monoliths were fabricated through controlled processes from two precursors tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) and tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with different polymer templates. Commercial available Candida antarctica lipase (CAL) was employed, to produce an active and stable microreactor for biocatalysis reactions. Its activity was investigated through the hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenyl butyrate by using a water-decane biphasic system.The kinetic studies were performed using Candida antarctica lipase (CAL) immobilized on macroporous silica monolith. Interestingly, the kinetic studies had identified that a similar value for kcat is obtained for the immobilized Candida antarctica lipase was (in the range 0.13 to 0.61 min-1) and the free lipase in solution (0.12 min-1) whilst the immobilized apparent Michaelis constant Km was 12 times lower than the free lipase in solution. The considerable higher rates gained with the immobilised lipases, due to the establishment of a favourable biphasic system in the continuous flowing microreactor setup. In addition to this, it was found that the optimisation of the outward features of the monolith eliminate lipase aggregation and pore obstruction, thereby increasing lipase specific activity and the accessibility of the substrate to the biphasic system. A range of studies in the literature also, attest to this finding. It should be noted that these optimised monoliths were revealed as highly efficient with regard to various reactions including transesterification reactions. This is important as, owing to this, beneficial aspects could be generated in biodiesel production.The quest for alternative sources of energy has received extensive coverage owing to the increasing pace with which the current fossil fuel stores are being consumed. An additional factor is that there are a range of concerns relating to growing prices and, critically, climate change brought about by the use of carbon-based fuels. In light of these considerations, biodiesel, also known as fatty acid methyl ester, is notable as it is obtained from the transesterification of triglycerides and, hence, is a possible replacement for petroleum-based diesel. Biodiesel exhibits several advantages over diesel fuel such as low toxicity, high biodegradation, lower emission of particulate matter and its derivation from renewable energy sources. In this work, the use of lipase immobilised on a silica monolith as a microreactor for performing transestrification reactions is reported. Silica monolithic microreactor channels provide a large surface area for enzyme immobilisation. Candida antarctica lipase was trapped onto the silica monolith and was tested for the transestrification of tributyrin (TB). TB was quantitatively transformed into methyl butyrate when using flow rates of 0.8 μL min-1. The immobilised lipase microreactor was also shown to be reusable without loss of activity for 105 hours when operated at 30o C and flow rates of 0.8 μL min-1.Two simple, reproducible methods of preparing evenly distributed gold (Au) nanoparticle-containing mesoporous silica monoliths were also, investigated. These Au nanoparticle containing monoliths were applied as flow reactors for the selective oxidation of cyclohexene. In the first strategy, the silica monolith was directly impregnated with preformed Au nanoparticles during the formation of the monolith. The second approach was to pre-functionalise the monolith with thiol groups tethered within the silica mesostructure. These can act as evenly distributed anchors for the Au nanoparticles to be incorporated by flowing an Au nanoparticle solution through the thiol functionalised monolith. Both methods led to an even distribution of Au nanoparticles along the length of the monolith as demonstrated by ICP-OES. However, the impregnation method led to a strong agglomeration of the Au nanoparticles during subsequent heating steps while the thiol-anchoring procedure maintained the nanoparticles in the range of 6.8 ± 1.4 nm. Both Au nanoparticle containing monoliths as well as samples with no Au incorporated were tested for the selective oxidation of cyclohexene under constant flow at 30 °C. The Au-free materials were found to be catalytically inactive with Au being the minimum necessary requirement for the reaction to proceed. The impregnated Au-containing monolith was found to be less active than the thiol-functionalised Au-containing material, attributable to the low metal surface area of the Au nanoparticles. The reaction on the thiol-functionalised Au-containing monolith was found to depend strongly on the type of oxidant used: tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was more active than H2O2, likely due to the thiol-induced hydrophobicity of the monolith.In conclusions, this project was successfully completed, and a stable monolithic structure through a sol-gel method was successfully produced. One implication of this was the production of a considerable quantity of molecular information for all of the reactions that were operated. The project’s goals were achievable with the model set-up due to the fact that it fulfilled a degree of appropriateness and versatility. The main topics addressed by the project were the improvement of catalyst immobilisation methods, and the flow reaction system represented a movement in the direction of the development of an entirely automated flow synthetic optimisation system

Crystal structure of 1,1-dimethyl-3-(2-phenylethyl)urea, C11H16N2O

Abstract C11H16N2O, orthorhombic, Pbca (no. 61), a = 10.7388(6) Å, b = 9.8449(5) Å, c = 21.1259(14) Å, V = 2233.5(2) Å3, Z = 8, R gt (F) = 0.0582, wR ref (F 2) = 0.1795, T = 293 K.</jats:p

Residues, Bernoulli Numbers and Finding Sums

A large number of infinite sums, such as , cannot be found by the methods of real analysis. However, many of them can be evaluated using the theory of residues. In this thesis we characterize several methods of summations using residues, including methods integrating residues and the Bernoulli numbers. In fact, with this technique we derive some summation formulas for particular Finite Sums and Infinite Series that are difficult or impossible to solve by the methods of real analysis

Risk Assessment Using Predictive Analytics

Purpose: This research paper uses design science methodology to develop and evaluate a predictive analytics model for audit risk assessment. This research therefore contributes to improving the accuracy and efficiency of audit risk assessment through predictive analytics.   Theoretical framework: This study involved developing and evaluating a predictive analytics model for audit risk assessment, with it being tested during the audit of a publicly listed Saudi company.   Design/methodology/approach: This study adopted the design science research methodology, which is a problem-solving approach that involves the creation of innovative solutions to practical problems. This methodology is particularly relevant for developing and evaluating predictive analytics models for audit risk assessment, because it provides a structured, systematic approach to the problem-solving process. In the context of this research paper, the design science research methodology was used to develop and evaluate a predictive analytics model for audit risk assessment.   Findings: The proposed predictive analytics model for audit risk assessment was found to be an effective tool for helping auditors to make informed decisions based on data analysis. The model accurately identifies high-risk factors associated with an organization, provides valuable insights for decision-making, and highlights areas of potential risk that may require further investigation.   Research, practical &amp; social implications: Future research could explore several areas related to predictive analytics in audit risk assessment. One important area to investigate would be the impact of using predictive analytics on audit quality. The ethical implications of using predictive analytics in audit risk assessment and the potential biases that could affect a model’s accuracy are also important areas to explore.   Originality/value: This paper helps improve our understanding of how predictive analytics can be effectively applied to audit risk assessment and how design science methodology can be used to develop and evaluate predictive analytics models. Furthermore, this study provides insights about the effectiveness of predictive analytics for improving audit risk assessment, thus contributing to the existing literature on the topic

An Investigation of the Barriers that Influence Extension Employees\u27 Attitudes toward Social Media Use at Mississippi State University

Many Extension organizations in the United States utilize social media to communicate with clients and deliver Extension educational programs. The purpose of this study was to investigate what social media platform Extension employees were using as a communication tool to deliver educational programs, and to examine factors influencing Extension employees’ attitude toward using social media with Mississippi State University Extension. The study followed a descriptive correlational design, using a researcher- developed questionnaire. Data were collected via Qualtrics. A total of 170 Extension faculty and agents responded to the questionnaire. Most of respondents were Extension agents, white, with an equal percentage of male and female. Their age ranged from less than 25 to over 65 years old, and 51.2% were in age range from 25 to 44 years old (f = 87). Facebook and Twitter were the most-used social media platforms by Extension faculty and agents. Based on 135 usable responses of social media users, two principle component analyses were conducted. The result of principle component analyses on organizational and social media scales revealed five components that influence social media use. These five variables were named social media characteristics, clients’ interest and skills, graphic skills, organizational support, and availability of equipment and Internet. The results revealed that Extension faculty and agents’ social media users and nonusers have a positive (in range of agree) attitude toward using social media in Extension. Social media users have positive (in range of agree) perceived usefulness of social media in Extension. Extension faculty and agents Facebook self-efficacy was in the range of agree, and their Twitter self-efficacy was in range neither agree nor disagree. Perceived usefulness, clients’ interest and skills, and social media characteristics were the significant factors that influenced Extension faculty and agents attitude toward social media with Mississippi State University Extension