The purpose of this thesis is to analyse, assess and evaluate the potential of commercial applica-tions of artificial intelligence in electronic businesses. Therefore the main research question of this paper is whether artificial intelligence is reasonably applicable in Internet-related busi-nesses, first in terms of effectiveness and second in terms of efficiency. In the assessment the application of artificial intelligence in electronic businesses is represented by the employment of intelligent agents. In harmony with the major research question emphasized above, the paper provides a thorough discussion about the economic impact of the most common and relevant application types of intelligent agents on electronic commerce environments. In addition the driving underlying technologies of intelligent agents are analysed with respect to artificial intelligence techniques and methods, and current standardisation efforts.
The assessment itself constitutes of theoretical and practical instruments that measure the com-mercial applicability of artificial intelligence in electronic businesses. First, the effectiveness of employing intelligent agents will be measured with a cost-benefit analysis to prove whether it is the right thing to do for an electronic business. Second, the efficiency of such an application will be assessed with a detailed SWOT-Analysis in order to determine whether employed agents do their job right. Finally, the results from a range of expert interviews with dominating devel-opers in the field of intelligent systems technology will be integrated into the assessment. Expert interviews as a research method seem to be appropriate for this assessment as they investigate the phenomenon within its real-life context. Furthermore they extend experience or add strength to what is already known through previous research. In a final summary and evaluation the answer to the given research question is provided. By the end of the thesis, the reader should have gained a strong comprehension of the linkages between electronic commerce and intelligent agents and should understand the resulting implications of the technology’s application on electronic businesses.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Problem Statement
- Scope of the thesis
- Course of the investigation
- Intelligent Electronic Business
- The need for intelligent system technologies
- Mediators in traditional and electronic markets
- Consumer and buyer behaviour in electronic commerce
- Artificial Intelligence in Electronic Commerce
- Artificial Intelligence
- Theories of human intelligence
- The 'Artificial' Intelligence
- Intelligence in computers
- Intelligent Agents: Embedding Artificial Intelligence in e-businesses
- The agents' intelligence
- A taxonomy for intelligent agents
- Agent interactivity according to the Consumer Buyer Behaviour stages
- Mediating agents in the electronic business scenarios
- Technology and Business Application Analysis
- Business Application Areas in Electronic Commerce
- Individualization through Recommendation
- Intelligent Partnering
- Online Bargaining
- Ontology-based product content management
- Intelligent Customer Relationship Management
- Current state of Intelligent Agent Technology
- The technologies employed by Intelligent Agents
- Agent communication and protocol standards
- Assessing the commercial applicability of Intelligent Agents
- Cost-Benefit-Analysis for Intelligent Agents
- Cost analysis: A quantitative and qualitative approach
- Benefit analysis: The Return on Intelligence
- A discussion of social, ethical and legal issues and dilemmas
- SWOT-Analysis for Intelligent Agents in electronic businesses
- Strengths
- Weaknesses
- Opportunities
- Threats
- Real-world practices of Intelligent Agents: Expert interviews
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This thesis aims to assess the commercial applicability of artificial intelligence, specifically intelligent agents, in electronic businesses. It examines the potential benefits and drawbacks of utilizing these technologies within various business applications. Key themes explored include:- The role of intelligent agents in bridging the gap between human intelligence and the digital world.
- The potential of AI to enhance customer experience, personalize services, and streamline business processes.
- The challenges and opportunities presented by intelligent agents in terms of cost, ethical considerations, and integration into existing business models.
- The significance of intelligent agents in shaping the future of electronic commerce and business strategies.
- The practical implementation of intelligent agents in real-world business scenarios and the insights gained from expert interviews.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the problem statement, scope of the thesis, and outlines the course of the investigation. It provides a clear context for the exploration of artificial intelligence in electronic businesses.
- Intelligent Electronic Business: This chapter dives into the concept of intelligent electronic business, highlighting the growing need for intelligent system technologies to navigate the complexities of online marketplaces. It examines the role of mediators in both traditional and electronic markets and explores the dynamics of consumer behaviour in e-commerce.
- Artificial Intelligence in Electronic Commerce: This chapter delves into the multifaceted world of artificial intelligence, exploring its various forms and applications in electronic commerce. It examines theories of human intelligence, the evolution of AI, and the concept of intelligence in computers. Furthermore, it introduces intelligent agents and their role in embedding AI within e-businesses. The chapter concludes by outlining a taxonomy for intelligent agents and analyzing their interactivity within the stages of consumer buyer behaviour.
- Technology and Business Application Analysis: This chapter examines the practical applications of intelligent agents across various business areas in electronic commerce. It explores specific use cases such as individualization through recommendation, intelligent partnering, online bargaining, ontology-based product content management, and intelligent customer relationship management. It also delves into the technologies employed by intelligent agents and the importance of communication and protocol standards.
- Assessing the commercial applicability of Intelligent Agents: This chapter delves into the crucial aspect of assessing the commercial viability of intelligent agents in electronic businesses. It conducts a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis, considering both quantitative and qualitative factors, and examines the potential returns on investment. This chapter also explores social, ethical, and legal dilemmas associated with the implementation of intelligent agents. A detailed SWOT analysis provides a thorough evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats associated with the technology.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This thesis centers on the intersection of artificial intelligence, intelligent agents, and electronic business. The core concepts explored include intelligent system technologies, consumer buyer behaviour, cost-benefit analysis, SWOT analysis, and real-world applications of intelligent agents in various business domains. The thesis aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of the commercial applicability of intelligent agents, considering their potential benefits, challenges, and future implications for the evolving landscape of electronic commerce.- Citar trabajo
- Thomas Kramer (Autor), 2002, Assessment of the commercial applicability of artifical intelligence in electronic Businesses, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/185747
