This study posits that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) enables supply chains (SCs) to dynamically react to volatile environments, and alleviate potentially costly decision-makings for small-medium enterprises (SMEs). Building on a resource-based view, this work examines the impact of AI on SC risk management for SMEs. A structural model comprising of AI-risk management capabilities, SC re-engineering capabilities and supply chain agility (SCA) was developed and tested based on data collected from executives, managers and senior managers of SMEs The main methodological approach used in this study is partial least squares-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN). The results identified the use of AI for risk management influences SC re-engineering capabilities and agility. Re-engineering capabilities further affect and mediate agility. PLS-SEM and ANN were compared and the results revealed consistency for models A and B. Current levels of demand uncertainties in the SC challenges managers in making complex trade-off decisions that require huge management resources in very limited time. With AI, it is possible to model various scenarios to answer crucial questions that archaic infrastructures are not able to. This study combines a multi-construct agility concept and identified non-linear relationships in the model.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the innovative characteristics, benefits, and barriers influencing internet‐based information and communications technology (ICT) adoption among the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).Design/methodology/approach: A questionnaire‐based survey was used to collect data from 406 managers or owners of SMEs in the southern region of Malaysia.Findings: The results suggest that internet‐based ICT adoption provides a low cost yet effective communication tool for customers. However, security continues to be a major barrier. Finding on cost as a barrier is mixed. The inferential statistics reveal that relative advantage, compatibility, complexity, observability, and security are significant factors influencing internet‐based ICT adoption.Research limitations/implications: The study focuses only on the SMEs in the southern region of Malaysia.Practical implications: The findings offer valuable insights to policy makers in general and to the SMEs in particular on the significance of the measured characteristics and the associated benefits and barriers of internet‐based ICT adoption.Originality/value: The study is perhaps one of the first to comprehensively address internet‐based ICT adoption among the SMEs through the use of a wide range of variables.

Purpose: This paper aims to empirically examine the factors that affect the adoption of online banking in Vietnam. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, trust and government support were examined to determine if these factors are affecting online banking adoption. Design/methodology/approach: A survey was distributed to 156 respondents in Vietnam with 103 usable samples giving a response rate of 66 percent. Data were analyzed by employing correlation and multiple regression analysis. Findings: The results showed that perceived usefulness, trust and government support all positively associated with the intention to use online banking in Vietnam. Contrary to the technology acceptance model, perceived ease of use was found to be not significant in this study. Research limitations/implications: This study was conducted in Vietnam and future research can use this model to study the adoption of online banking in other countries. Practical implications: The results allow banks' decision makers to develop strategies that can increase the adoption of online banking. Banks should improve the security and privacy of the web sites, which will increase the trust of users. Banks should also create features which are useful to users and make sure users are aware of these features. Lastly, government should also play a role to support banks in their efforts to increase online banking adoption. Originality/value: The findings allow the factors that can influence the adoption of online banking in Vietnam to be understood. Unlike existing studies based on Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this study includes both security and government support on top of the existing variables used in TAM. Most studies on adoption of online banking are focused on developed countries. By focusing on Vietnam, this model can also be applied to other countries which are relatively new to e‐commerce and online banking.

We have used synchrotron radiation to study organic monolayers on water ("Langmuir films"). At high monolayer pressures, lead stearate [Pb${\left({\mathrm{C}}_{17}{\mathrm{H}}_{35}\mathrm{C}\mathrm{O}\mathrm{O}\right)}_2$] shows a powder peak at 1.60 ${\mathrm{\AA }}^{-1\mathrm{}}$, implying an area per unit cell of 17.8 ${\mathrm{\AA }}^2$ if the lattice is triangular. The correlation length is about 250 Å. Lignoceric acid (${\mathrm{C}}_{23}$ ${\mathrm{H}}_{47}$COOH) shows a similar peak even though no heavy ions are attached. When the pressure is reduced, the peak in lead stearate does not observably move or broaden; below the "knee" in the isotherm, however, the peak height decreases slowly with increasing area, implying a first-order melting transition.