Comparison of estimation and prediction methods for a zero-inflated geometric INAR(1) process with random coefficients.

This study explores zero-inflated count time series models used to analyze data sets with characteristics such as overdispersion, excess zeros, and autocorrelation. Specifically, we investigate the process, a first-order stationary integer-valued autoregressive model with random coefficients and a zero-inflated geometric marginal distribution. Our focus is on examining various estimation and prediction techniques for this model. We employ estimation methods, including Whittle, Taper Spectral Whittle, Maximum Empirical Likelihood, and Sieve Bootstrap estimators for parameter estimation. Additionally, we propose forecasting approaches, such as median, Bayesian, and Sieve Bootstrap methods, to predict future values of the series. We assess the performance of these methods through simulation studies and real-world data analysis, finding that all methods perform well, providing 95% highest predicted probability intervals that encompass the observed data. While Bayesian and Bootstrap methods require more time for execution, their superior predictive accuracy justifies their use in forecasting.