×
Home Current Archive Editorial board
Instructions for papers
For Authors Aim & Scope Contact
Original scientific article

METARFM: A META-LEARNING FRAMEWORK FOR THE ADAPTIVE SELECTION OF RFM MODEL ARIANTS IN CUSTOMER SEGMENTATION

By
F. Mary Magdalene Jane Orcid logo ,
F. Mary Magdalene Jane

Professor, Department of Computer Science with Data Analytics, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College, India

V. Pream Sudha Orcid logo ,
V. Pream Sudha

Professor, Department of Computer Science with Data Analytics, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College India

S. Saranya Orcid logo ,
S. Saranya

Associate Professor, Department of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College , Coimbatore , India

P. Usha Orcid logo ,
P. Usha

Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College , Coimbatore , India

V. Santhana Lakshmi Orcid logo ,
V. Santhana Lakshmi

Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science with Data Analytics, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College , Coimbatore , India

S.R. Kalaiselvi Orcid logo
S.R. Kalaiselvi

Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science, Dr. N.G.P. Arts and Science College , Coimbatore , India

Abstract

The Recency-Frequency-Monetary (RFM) model is a widely used method for customer segmentation, but its effectiveness depends on selecting the appropriate variant (e.g., weighted or entropy-based) for a given dataset. This selection process is typically manual and task-specific, leading to inconsistent results and limited generalizability. To address this issue, we present MetaRFM, a novel automated framework for selecting optimal RFM variants. MetaRFM mines a set of meta-features—such as sparsity, diversity, and skewness—extracted from customer transaction datasets, including both personal transaction data and product purchase information. These meta-features characterize the dataset at a high level, enabling the framework to predict which RFM variant would perform best. A meta-learner is trained to map these meta-features to the performance of different RFM variants, which are evaluated using both cluster quality metrics (Silhouette Score, Davies-Bouldin Index) and business-relevant metrics (predictive lift, churn prediction accuracy). Extensive experiments conducted on real-world datasets from retail, e-commerce, and subscription services show that MetaRFM consistently outperforms static and single-variant models. On average, MetaRFM improves cluster separation by 15.7% and campaign lift by 22.3%. This framework provides a systematic, scalable solution for selecting the most appropriate RFM model, improving segmentation robustness and business relevance. The results highlight the substantial potential of meta-learning for adaptive, context-aware analytics in marketing, offering a more effective approach to customer segmentation and optimizing marketing strategies.

References

1.
Rungruang C, Riyapan P, Intarasit A, Chuarkham K, Muangprathub J. RFM model customer segmentation  based on hierarchical approach using FCA. Expert Systems with Applications. 2024 Mar 1; 237:121449.
2.
Cooke S. Database Marketing: strategy or tactical tool?. Marketing Intelligence & Planning. 1994 Jul 1;12(6):4-7.
3.
Khajvand M, Zolfaghar K, Ashoori S, Alizadeh S. Estimating customer lifetime value based on RFM  analysis of customer purchase behavior: Case study. Procedia computer science. 2011 Jan 1;3:57-63.
4.
McCarty JA, Hastak M. Segmentation approaches in data-mining: A comparison of RFM, CHAID, and logistic Journal of business research.  2007 Jun 1;60(6):656-62.
5.
Ernawati E, Baharin SS, Kasmin F. A review of data mining methods in RFM-based customer segmentation. Journal of Physics: Conference Series. 2021 Apr 1;1869(1):012085.
6.
Castiñeira M, Francis K. Model-driven design approaches for embedded systems development: A case  study. SCCTS Journal of Embedded Systems Design and Applications. 2025;2(2):30-8.
7.
Anh VP, Thihuyen TN, Anh TL. How Is the Performance Assessment System in Small and Medium  Enterprises in The Manufacturing? Experimental Study in Vietnam. Quality-Access to Success. 2025 Mar 1;26(205).
8.
Brahmana RS, Mohammed FA, Chairuang K. Customer segmentation based on RFM model using K means, K-medoids, and DBSCAN methods. Lontar Komput. J. Ilm. Teknol. Inf. 2020 Apr;11(1):32.
9.
Akter J, Roy A, Rahman S, Mohona S, Ara J. Artificial intelligence-driven customer lifetime value (CLV)  forecasting: Integrating RFM analysis with machine learning for strategic customer retention. Journal of  Computer  Science  and  Technology  Studies.  2025  Mar  1;7(1):249-57.
10.
Taşabat SE, Özçay T, Sertbaş S, Akca E. A new RFM model approach: RFMS. In: Industry 4.0 and the digital transformation of international business. Singapore: Springer Nature Singapore; 2023. 143–172.
11.
Salwadkar M. Probabilistic Physics-Guided Learning Frameworks for Trustworthy Decision-Making in  Distributed Cloud-Native Services. Transactions on Internet Security, Cloud Services, and Distributed  Applications. 2025 Jun 17:16-23.
12.
Gupta A, Agarwal P. Enhancing customer relationship management: Integrating interpurchase time with RFM segmentation for advanced customer insights. In: 2024 OPJU International Technology Conference (OTCON) on Smart Computing for Innovation and Advancement in Industry 4.0; 2024 Jun 5. IEEE. 1–6.
13.
Talaat FM, Aljadani A, Alharthi B, Farsi MA, Badawy M, Elhosseini M. A mathematical model for  customer segmentation leveraging deep learning, explainable AI, and RFM analysis in targeted marketing.  Mathematics. 2023 Sep 15;11(18):3930.
14.
Sarkar M, Puja AR, Chowdhury FR. Optimizing marketing strategies with RFM method and K-means  clustering-based AI customer segmentation analysis. Journal of Business and Management Studies.  2024;6(2):54.
15.
Trianasari N, Permadi TA. Analysis of product recommendation models at each fixed broadband sales  location using K-means, DBSCAN, hierarchical clustering, SVM, RF, and ann. Journal of Applied Data Sciences. 2024 May 27;5(2):636-52.
16.
Ramya V. Selective Learning Activation Strategies for Scalable Autonomous Distributed Systems. SECITS  Journal of Scalable Distributed Computing and Pipeline Automation. 2025 Jun 24:38-44.
17.
Anitha P, Patil MM. RFM model for customer purchase behavior using K-Means algorithm. Journal of  King Saud University-Computer and Information Sciences. 2022 May 1;34(5):1785-92.
18.
Wong CG, Tong GK, Haw SC. Exploring customer segmentation in e-commerce using RFM analysis with  clustering techniques. Journal of Telecommunications and the Digital Economy. 2024 Sep;12(3):97-125.
19.
Bose N, Chopra A, Joshi P, Reddy A. Leveraging Reinforcement Learning and Predictive Analytics for  Enhanced Customer Lifetime Value Optimization. International Journal of AI Advancements. 2023 Nov  9;12(8).
20.
De S, Prabu P. Predicting customer churn: A systematic literature review. Journal of Discrete Mathematical  Sciences and Cryptography. 2022 Oct 3;25(7):1965-85.
21.
Pynadath MF, Rofin TM, Thomas S. Evolution of customer relationship management to data mining-based  customer relationship management: a scientometric analysis. Quality & quantity. 2023 Aug;57(4):3241-72.
22.
Kanchanapoom K, Chongwatpol J. Integrated customer lifetime value (CLV) and customer migration  model to improve customer segmentation. Journal of Marketing Analytics. 2023 Jun;11(2):172-85.
23.
Pio PB, Rivolli A, Carvalho AC, Garcia LP. A review on preprocessing algorithm selection with meta learning. Knowledge and Information Systems. 2024 Jan;66(1):1-28.
24.
Vettoruzzo A, Bouguelia MR, Vanschoren J, Rögnvaldsson T, Santosh KC. Advances and challenges in  meta-learning: A technical review. IEEE transactions on pattern analysis and machine intelligence. 2024  Jan 24;46(7):4763-79.

Citation

This is an open access article distributed under the  Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (CC BY-NC) License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. 

Article metrics

Google scholar: See link

The statements, opinions and data contained in the journal are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publisher and the editor(s). We stay neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.