87,374 research outputs found
Sequential Recommendation with Self-Attentive Multi-Adversarial Network
Recently, deep learning has made significant progress in the task of
sequential recommendation. Existing neural sequential recommenders typically
adopt a generative way trained with Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE). When
context information (called factor) is involved, it is difficult to analyze
when and how each individual factor would affect the final recommendation
performance. For this purpose, we take a new perspective and introduce
adversarial learning to sequential recommendation. In this paper, we present a
Multi-Factor Generative Adversarial Network (MFGAN) for explicitly modeling the
effect of context information on sequential recommendation. Specifically, our
proposed MFGAN has two kinds of modules: a Transformer-based generator taking
user behavior sequences as input to recommend the possible next items, and
multiple factor-specific discriminators to evaluate the generated sub-sequence
from the perspectives of different factors. To learn the parameters, we adopt
the classic policy gradient method, and utilize the reward signal of
discriminators for guiding the learning of the generator. Our framework is
flexible to incorporate multiple kinds of factor information, and is able to
trace how each factor contributes to the recommendation decision over time.
Extensive experiments conducted on three real-world datasets demonstrate the
superiority of our proposed model over the state-of-the-art methods, in terms
of effectiveness and interpretability
Reputation in multi agent systems and the incentives to provide feedback
The emergence of the Internet leads to a vast increase in the number of interactions between parties that are completely alien to each other. In general, such transactions are likely to be subject to fraud and cheating. If such systems use computerized rational agents to negotiate and execute transactions, mechanisms that lead to favorable outcomes for all parties instead of giving rise to defective behavior are necessary to make the system work: trust and reputation mechanisms. This paper examines different incentive mechanisms helping these trust and reputation mechanisms in eliciting users to report own experiences honestly. --Trust,Reputation
The use of intellectual capital information by sell-side analysts in company valuation
This paper investigates the role of intellectual capital information (ICI) in sell-side analystsâ fundamental analysis and valuation of companies. Using in-depth semi-structured interviews, it penetrates the black box of analystsâ valuation decision-making by identifying and conceptualising the mechanisms and rationales by which ICI is integrated within their valuation decision processes. We find that capital market participants are not ambivalent to ICI, and ICI is used: (1) to form analystsâ perceptions of the overall quality, strengths and future prospects of companies; (2) in deriving valuation model inputs; (3) in setting price targets and making investment recommendations; and (4) as an important and integral element in analystâclient communications. We show that: there is a âpecking orderâ of mechanisms for incorporating ICI in valuations, based on quantifiability; IC valuation is grounded in valuation theory; there are designated entry points in the valuation process for ICI; and a number of factors affect analystsâ ICI use in valuation. We also identify a need to redefine âvalue-relevantâ ICI to include non-price-sensitive information; acknowledge the boundedness and contextuality of analystsâ rationality and motives of their ICI use; and the important role of analystâclient meetings for ICI communication
Power Struggle in the Food Chain? Lessons from Empirical Studies on Power Influences in Chains and Marketing Channels
Power plays a key role in any chain relationship. In the past large manufacturers such as Unilever and Nestle were the most dominant players in the chain. However, as a result of consolidation among retailers, power has shifted towards retailers. Nowadays such retailers as Wal-Mart, Carrefour, and Tesco are seen as powerful gatekeepers controlling the access to the end consumer. Moreover, branded manufacturers and large multinational retailers become increasingly dependent on fewer and larger suppliers who can deliver high quality products at competitive prices. Since many decades there is discussion going on about the role of power in chains and marketing channels. In order to understand how power and its interactions with other constructs in the chain can be used beneficially for management of the whole chain, it is of great importance to investigate the influences and effects of power. Some of the phenomena which are said to be influenced by power include performance, satisfaction, commitment, relationship quality, conflict, compliance, problem solving, chain integration and collaboration. In this context, the aim of our work is to analyze and systemize existing empirical studies, which measure the influences of power on other phenomena, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of existing conceptualizations of power, in order to add clarity to the existing turmoil in the literature and contribute to the understanding of the role of power in chains and marketing channels for managerial purposes.Power, Power Conceptualization, Supply Chain, Supply Chain Network, Marketing,
A model of university choice: an exploratory approach
In order to attract the best students, institutions of higher education need to understand how students select colleges and universities (Kotler and Fox, 1995). Understanding the choice process of a university is an instrument with high potential for developing universities marketing strategies (Plank and Chiagouris, 1997). Although many studies have tried to investigate which criteria students use to select a college or university, few have tried to analyse this trough a model that allows the interaction of all these criteria. This study presents a model of university choice, analysed through structural equations modelling using the Partial Least Squares approach.Marketing; student recruitment and selection; high institution development; strategic planning
Evaluating whether a change in organisational structure would improve its competitive advantage
The purpose of this research is to study and analyse the internal and external structure of Ultimate Clean ltd, where I do work. We have put concentration on background of the company in the starting. This information is followed by aim and scope of research, which shows that what is the research question and what is scope of our research. After that Literature review is elaborated under five main subheadings. These subheading gives us deep information about the literature of organisation structure, competitive advantage. After that, Organisational context with internal and external analyse of the company is given which highlight the strengths, weaknesses, threats and opportunities of the company. Some external factors like political, economic, social and legal, are also discussed in this report. Then some information is given for method of research that why we use it, where and when it is used. Some limitations are also discussed in this report of method. After this, result section comes. In this section, we discussed deeply about the answers of customers, employees and employer. We prepare a discussion of the result and conclude it wisely. In the end, some recommendations are also given to improve organisational structure of Ultimate Clean ltd. We suggest a new structure for the organisation to develop within company to have a good competitive advantage in market place. A big list of references is also given in the end of this report
- âŠ