Bangladeshi Researcher Ali Azam Proposes AI Innovation for U.S. Small Businesses

Bangladeshi researcher Md. Ali Azam has proposed a new research initiative aimed at helping small and medium-sized businesses in the United States use artificial intelligence (AI) more effectively and affordably.

The research focuses on improving business operations, increasing owners’ confidence in AI-driven decision-making and delivering measurable economic benefits to small businesses.

Azam is currently pursuing a PhD in Business Analytics at the University of the Cumberlands in the United States. His proposed research will focus particularly on small businesses in the retail and food-service sectors, with an emphasis on affordable predictive analytics tools, inventory planning and demand forecasting technologies.

His published research has covered areas including business analytics, digital transformation, IT governance and explainable artificial intelligence. Building on that experience, Azam plans to develop a specialized dashboard that will allow business owners to review AI-generated recommendations and make practical business decisions.

The proposed system is expected to help businesses reduce inventory waste and respond more quickly to changing market conditions.

The research will also establish guidelines for data quality, human oversight and continuous monitoring of AI performance. It will examine whether AI-based approaches can deliver greater benefits at lower implementation costs compared with conventional business practices.

Azam’s goal is to ensure that the impact of the research extends beyond individual businesses. He plans to disseminate the findings through academic publications, reusable dashboard templates and easy-to-use training materials that could benefit a broader range of small businesses.

Over the next five to 10 years, Azam hopes to develop a practical strategy that encourages U.S. small businesses to adopt AI responsibly while contributing to greater productivity, efficiency and long-term sustainability across the business sector.