SURE-Autometrics algorithm for model selection in multiple equations

The ambiguous process of model building can be explained by expert modellers due to their tacit knowledge acquired through research experiences. Meanwhile, practitioners who are usually non-experts and lack of statistical knowledge will face difficulties during the modelling process. Hence, algorithm with a step by step guidance is beneficial in model building, testing and selection. However, most model selection algorithms such as Autometrics only concentrate on single equation modelling which has limited application. Thus, this study aims to develop an algorithm for model selection in multiple equations focusing on seemingly unrelated regression equations (SURE) model. The algorithm is developed by integrating the SURE model with the Autometrics search strategy; hence, it is named as SURE-Autometrics. Its performance is assessed using Monte Carlo simulation experiments based on five specification models, three strengths of correlation disturbances and two sample sizes. Two sets of general unrestricted models (GUMS) are then formulated by adding a number of irrelevant variables to the specification models. The performance is measured by the percentages of SURE-Autometrics algorithm that are able to eliminate the irrelevant variables from the initial GUMS of two, four and six equations. The SURE-Autometrics is also validated using two sets of real data by comparing the forecast error measures with five model selection algorithms and three non-algorithm procedures. The findings from simulation experiments suggested that SURE-Autometrics performed well when the number of equations and number of relevant variables in the true specification model were minimal. Its application on real data indicated that several models are able to forecast accurately if the data has no quality problem. This automatic model selection algorithm is better than non-algorithm procedure which requires knowledge and extra time. In conclusion, the performance of model selection in multiple equations using SURE-Autometrics is dependent upon data quality and complexities of the SURE model

Hearing-impaired specialized career education: does it benefit the hospitality industry?/ Norhayati Mohd Yusof...[et al.]

For many years, disabled graduates particularly with impaired hearing have been accepted as key equity group on the basis that their overall participation levels are limited to specialised education to equip them for certain type of employment. This scenario is also occurring in Malaysia with a number of tertiary institutions offering specialised career education including the hospitality program. The numbers of these graduates are increasing, but there are still a large number of them who are excluded from employment. What may cause for such situation is yet to be investigated. Therefore, this paper attempts to review the development of special education in Malaysia, the employability of disabled persons at global scenario, and highlighting the issues of hearing impairment graduates and their employability in Malaysia hence subsequently proposed for further investigation

Algorithmic approaches in model selection of the air passengers flows data

Algorithm is an important element in any problem solving situation.In statistical modelling strategy, the algorithm provides a step by step process in model building, model testing, choosing the ‘best’ model and even forecasting using the chosen model.Tacit knowledge has contributed to the existence of a huge variability in manual modelling process especially between expert and non-expert modellers.Many algorithms (automated model selection) have been developed to bridge the gap either through single or multiple equation modelling.This study aims to evaluate the forecasting performances of several selected algorithms on air passengers flow data based on Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Geometric Root Mean Square Error (GRMSE).The findings show that multiple models selection performed well in one and two step-ahead forecast but was outperformed by single model in three step-ahead forecasts

Assessing the simulation performances of multiple model selection algorithm

The Autometrics is an algorithm for single equation model selection.It is a hybrid method which combines expanding and contracting search techniques.In this study, the algorithm is extended for multiple equations modelling known as SURE-Autometrics.The aim of this paper is to assess the performance of the extended algorithm using various simulation experiment conditions. The capability of the algorithm in finding the true specification of multiple models is measured by the percentage of simulation outcomes.Overall results show that the algorithm has performed well for a model with two equations.The findings also indicated that the number of variables in the true models affect the algorithm performances. Hence, this study suggests improvement on the algorithm development for future research

The role of human and organizational culture in the context of technological change

The purpose of this paper is to understand the role of three main factors of management: information technology (IT), people, and organizational culture. The first section identifies some managerial challenges, which are inherent in any technological change. Essentially, the change process highlights the interdependent relationship of those three main factors. In the second section, issues of technology, people and organizational culture are discussed in further detail, with some examples from literature. Why people change, what it takes to minimize resistance and how to make change successful are questions that emerge again and again and need further understanding. Consequently, by reviewing the relevant literatures, the authors summarize some of the research with a focus on the decisions made by management when selecting new systems. They investigate those decisions with respect to the three distinct "threads" or factors that directly influence technological change. Lastly, by establishing fundamental propositions, the final two sections provide some implications and conclusions as well as possibilities for future researc

Islamic perspective: Virtual worlds as a western-centric technology

Although the number of virtual worlds and their participants is growing rapidly, this phenomena is primarily a Western Culture dominated environment. There is little if any attention paid to other cultures.This article examines this issue from an Islamic perspective? It examines the assumption that if virtual worlds are to become a truly global platform for collaboration, particularly in multinational enterprises, then it will be essential to "encode" the flexibility for social interactions to take place in a way that is sensitive to other cultures

Exploring the state of discipline on the formation of swift trust within global virtual teams

The study of global virtual teams (GVTs) is important in the Information System (IS) field because GVTs employ a work structure that is heavily dependent on information communication technology.Besides the use of technology, GVTs are also composed of people from different cultural backgrounds.As such, GVTs are challenged not only to collaborate and coordinate projects in a virtual environment, but also to promote a trusting working relationship among culturally diverse members. In this meta-synthesis research, we sampled 3239 documents spanning fifteen (15) years, from 1995-2010 in seven (N=7) top IS journals.Trained coders read through all the articles systematically and coded the contents manually; only 55 useable articles were found that matched three or four of the codes (i.e., GVTs, virtual teams, trust, and swift trust).In the 15-year period, we found a startling result: less than 2% of articles published in the selected top IS journals have discussed this crucial topic. Hence, many more studies are warranted in order for the topic to be fully understood by IS scholars. We present the findings based on two thematic analyses: 1) GVTs vs. virtual teams and 2) GVT and trust and swift trust

Effect of Beams Structures on Dynamic Behavior of Piezoresistive Accelerometer Sensors

This paper presents the design and simulation analysis of MEMS piezoresistive accelerometer sensor which can be used as airbag sensors. In this study, five different shapes of accelerometer structures with identical proof mass volume are designed and simulated by using Comsol Multiphysics software. The static analysis and modal analysis were conducted to investigate the stress, displacement, strain and resonant frequency of each structure. From the static analysis, it can be observed that structure with four beams parallel to the proof mass and attached at the edge of it, perform the highest value of stress, 6.78 X10 8 N/m 2. In this study, the minimum natural frequency of 2 kHz is chosen as a hard constraint in order to obtain a bandwidth at least of 400 Hz to meet requirements for airbag application. From the modal analysis, the structure with four beams connected in the middle of each of the four sides of the proof mass and the structure with eight beams surrounding the proof mass has demonstrated more than the acceptable natural frequency with 6.79 kHz and 2.00 kHz respectively. From this study, it has been shown that the structure with a proof mass surrounded by eight beams is the best choice for achieving maximum mechanical sensitivity and desirable resonant frequency for airbag sensor applications

Determinants of UiTM Students’ Revisit Intention to Kopitiam in Penang

AbstractKopitiam has been modified and being acceptable to all level of people. Although the kopitiam has own specialties and becomes popular among the teenagers including the college and university students as a social center, the main factors influence students to revisit kopitiam is still unknown. Therefore, this study explores the factors influence students to revisit the establishment. Quantitative approach to using survey was undertaken which involved 150 respondents. Result revealed quality of food found as the main factor that contributes the students’ intention revisit kopitiam restaurant as compared to service quality and good ambiance of the foodservice organization