Abstract: A system, method, and/or machine readable medium including a set of stored instructions that, if executed by a processor, may cause one or more computers to receive user input via a platform independent web-based interface, wherein the user input is to identify application logic and one or more data repositories. The instructions can also cause one or more computers to generate a reusable web service based at least in part on the user input, and construct an application workflow based at least in part on the reusable web service. As a result of usage of such a web-based application development platform, users can create/assemble/generate both traditional & non-traditional software applications/services to perform a specific business functions or operations. Moreover, non-traditional software components are sharable web services, which can be used to create/generate a composite application.

Abstract: Systems and methods for playing games and using other educational tools are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, entertaining and educational game systems are provided for increasing players' global awareness. In other embodiments, players can experience life challenges faced by denizens of emerging markets and/or countries. In one embodiment, a game system for playing games includes a playing surface having an image of a representative geographical location and a plurality of spaced-apart player movement spaces for positioning player tokens. The system further includes a plurality of vocation indicia for communicating vocation based information. The vocation based information can include a vocation description (e.g., describing a possible vocation of a denizen of the representative geographical location) assumable by a player. The system can also include a plurality of instructional play indicia for communicating a possible life experience that the denizen may experience.