Abstract: Methods and arrangements for generating process recommendations. Customer information is assimilated, the customer information including a number of present customers. An efficiency matrix is assimilated, which indicates efficiency for each of a plurality of actual resources with respect to each of a plurality of services. At least one hypothetical resource is created, which incorporates a best efficiency from among the actual resources with respect to each of the plurality of services, and a scheduling policy is assimilated. A customer queue is generated with respect to each hypothetical resource and in accordance with the at least one scheduling policy. Each hypothetical resource is mapped to each actual resource and a minimum parameter increase from among pairs comprising a hypothetical resource and an actual resource is determined.

Abstract: A plurality of application profiles are obtained, for a plurality of applications. Each of the profiles specifies a list of resources, and requirements for each of the resources, associated with a corresponding one of the applications. Specification of a plurality of constraints associated with the applications is facilitated, as is obtaining a plurality of cost models associated with at least two different kinds of servers on which the applications are to run. A recommended server configuration is generated for running the applications, by formulating and solving a bin packing problem. Each of the at least two different kinds of servers is treated as a bin of a different size, based on its capacity, and has an acquisition cost associated therewith. The size is substantially equal to a corresponding one of the resource requirement as given by a corresponding one of the application profiles. Each of the applications is treated as an item, with an associated size, to be packed into the bins.

Abstract: A method and structure for a computerized method for providing an optimization solution, includes, for a process, wherein is defined a linear functional form y=f(X,c), where X comprises a set of independent variables X={x1, . . . xn}, c includes a set of functional parameters c={c1, . . . cn}, and y comprises a dependent variable, where the independent variables set X is partitioned into two subsets, X1 and X2, receiving data for the process and minimizing y with respect to X1. Dependent variable y is maximized with respect to X2, subject to a set of constraints. The maximizing y includes a global optimum for the process.

Abstract: A plurality of application profiles are obtained, for a plurality of applications. Each of the profiles specifies a list of resources, and requirements for each of the resources, associated with a corresponding one of the applications. Specification of a plurality of constraints associated with the applications is facilitated, as is obtaining a plurality of cost models associated with at least two different kinds of servers on which the applications are to run. A recommended server configuration is generated for running the applications, by formulating and solving a bin packing problem. Each of the at least two different kinds of servers is treated as a bin of a different size, based on its capacity, and has an acquisition cost associated therewith. The size is substantially equal to a corresponding one of the resource requirement as given by a corresponding one of the application profiles. Each of the applications is treated as an item, with an associated size, to be packed into the bins.

Abstract: A plurality of application profiles are obtained, for a plurality of applications. Each of the profiles specifies a list of resources, and requirements for each of the resources, associated with a corresponding one of the applications. Specification of a plurality of constraints associated with the applications is facilitated, as is obtaining a plurality of cost models associated with at least two different kinds of servers on which the applications are to run. A recommended server configuration is generated for running the applications, by formulating and solving a bin packing problem. Each of the at least two different kinds of servers is treated as a bin of a different size, based on its capacity, and has an acquisition cost associated therewith. The size is substantially equal to a corresponding one of the resource requirement as given by a corresponding one of the application profiles. Each of the applications is treated as an item, with an associated size, to be packed into the bins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for strategic budgeting of initial response for managing wildfires. According to the present invention, stochastic-integer-programming-based constrained optimization techniques are employed to develop a strategic budget by optimally allocating disaster management resources to disaster events belonging to scenarios associated with occurrence probabilities. According to the invention, certain machine-readable data describing fires may be subjected to computerized data processing, ultimately producing a determination of valid disaster management resources for each fire event, which may be used for strategic budgeting of initial responses for managing wildfires.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for determining an alternative representation of an optimization model reduces model input through compact representation of model parameters. Model generation is performed at varying levels of complexity (approximation) depending on pre-defined, business approved thresholds. The computer receives a set of functions representing a set of events where each function includes sets of first and second axis coordinate values. Each of the functions are transformed to a compacted function which includes a set of pieces including an anchor point, break points, and slopes. Successive pieces having the same slope value are removed. Alternate optimization models are generated based on the set of pieces representing a compacted function and on a predetermined accuracy value.

Abstract: At least a first future external event is obtained as input. At least one future effect of the at least one future external event is predicted. The at least first future external event is similar to at least a first past external event. Future utilization of at least one tangible resource is forecast by superimposing events-normalized forecasted data and the at least one predicted future effect of the at least one future event similar to the at least first past external event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for developing an optimal sales plan for multiple products with multiple price classes contingent on different possible realizations of uncertain demand over multiple time periods with the objective of maximizing expected revenue over a constrained capacity. The present invention formulates a multistage stochastic program that generates a quantity of each of the multiple products to be sold in each of the multiple time periods and a recommendation for when realized demand for at least one of the multiple time periods exceeds a planned sales volume; estimates a likelihood that the realized demand for the at least one of the multiple time periods exceeds the planned sales volume; and collects realized order data for each of the multiple time periods; and executes the multistage stochastic program using the likelihood and the realized order data to generate a sales plan.

Abstract: Equipment failures are diagnosed using an integrated approach of case-based reasoning (CBR) and statistical reliability analysis. The method outputs a single list of suggested failed components, ranked by an overall probability of failure, and their associated past solutions from the case base. The overall probability of failure is calculated using the combined logic of case based reasoning and statistical reliability analysis. The method is typically used in a real-time decision support system to aid equipment diagnosis by a maintenance technician working in the field.

Abstract: A plurality of application profiles are obtained, for a plurality of applications. Each of the profiles specifies a list of resources, and requirements for each of the resources, associated with a corresponding one of the applications. Specification of a plurality of constraints associated with the applications is facilitated, as is obtaining a plurality of cost models associated with at least two different kinds of servers on which the applications are to run. A recommended server configuration is generated for running the applications, by formulating and solving a bin packing problem. Each of the at least two different kinds of servers is treated as a bin of a different size, based on its capacity, and has an acquisition cost associated therewith. The size is substantially equal to a corresponding one of the resource requirement as given by a corresponding one of the application profiles. Each of the applications is treated as an item, with an associated size, to be packed into the bins.

Abstract: A system for workforce optimization in a service oriented industry, the system comprising a workforce optimization unit configured for planning and executing a business scheme which include providing as input business planning parameters relevant to the business scheme; developing a business plan to execute the business scheme based on the business planning parameters; identifying and allocating relevant resources for executing the business plan; intimating the identified resources with the plan to execute the business scheme.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for workforce optimization in a service oriented industry, the method comprising planning and executing a business scheme which include providing as input business planning parameters relevant to the business scheme; developing a business plan to execute the business scheme based on the business planning parameters; identifying and allocating relevant resources for executing the business plan; intimating the identified resources with the plan to execute the business scheme.

Abstract: A content repository of a system stores items of content to be disseminated to users. The content repository generates a content profile for each item of content as the item of content is received. The content profile for each item of content includes information regarding the item of content. A user repository of the system generates and stores a user profile for each user. The user profiles are generated from one or more information sources. The user profile for each user includes information regarding the user. A recommendation engine of the system determines which items of content should be delivered to each user based on the content profiles of the items of content and on the user profile of each user, to yield relevant items of content for each user. The recommendation engine then delivers the relevant items of content to each user.

Abstract: A method for determining an alternative representation of an optimization model reduces model input through compact representation of model parameters. Model generation is performed at varying levels of complexity (approximation) depending on pre-defined, business approved thresholds.

Abstract: A stochastic integer programming based constrained optimization technique enables optimal allocation of classrooms and instructors to requested classes associated with cancellation probabilities. An analytical tool allows optimization of overall operational revenue/profit under different planning scenarios involving chaining of various classes, prerequisite relationships, and inter-class spacing requirements. This system allows the description and input of a list of classes, their cancellation probabilities and the input of available classrooms and instructors for determining the most revenue-generating/profitable class schedule. The revenue/profit optimization model corresponds to a two-stage mixed integer program.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for strategic budgeting of initial response for managing wildfires. According to the present invention, stochastic-integer-programming-based constrained optimization techniques are employed to develop a strategic budget by optimally allocating disaster management resources to disaster events belonging to scenarios associated with occurrence probabilities. According to the invention, certain machine-readable data describing fires may be subjected to computerized data processing, ultimately producing a determination of valid disaster management resources for each fire event, which may be used for strategic budgeting of initial responses for managing wildfires.

Abstract: Equipment failures are diagnosed using an integrated approach of case-based reasoning (CBR) and statistical reliability analysis. The method outputs a single list of suggested failed components, ranked by an overall probability of failure, and their associated past solutions from the case base. The overall probability of failure is calculated using the combined logic of case based reasoning and statistical reliability analysis. The method is typically used in a real-time decision support system to aid equipment diagnosis by a maintenance technician working in the field.

Abstract: A computer method for providing optimization for business processes for situations wherein there is defined a functional form y=f(x,b), where x comprises a set of independent controllable variables x={x1, . . . xn}, b comprises a set of functional parameters b={b1, . . . bm}, and y comprises a dependent uncontrollable business variable, f(x,b) subject to constraints on the dependent uncontrollable business variable y. The method comprises the steps of converting the constraints on y to constraints on b by using a functional estimate of y and its business variables (parameters) b; optimizing the function f(x,b) subject to the converted constraints on its business variables (parameters) b; and generating from step (ii) a set of optimized values of b which can optimize the dependent business variable y.