Abstract: The difference between estimated costs predicted for performing a first workscope and actual costs for performing the first workscope is determined. The model used to generate the estimated costs is adjusted to compensate for the difference, resulting in an improved model. Before beginning a second scope of work that is comparable to the first workscope, the improved model is used to predict estimated costs and a price for the second workscope. The estimated costs for the second workscope include predicted productivity gains. The price for the second workscope can be reduced relative to the price for the first workscope as a result of the improved model and the predicted productivity gains.

Abstract: The difference between estimated costs predicted for performing a first workscope and actual costs for performing the first workscope is determined. The model used to generate the estimated costs is adjusted to compensate for the difference, resulting in an improved model. Before beginning a second scope of work that is comparable to the first workscope, the improved model is used to predict estimated costs and a price for the second workscope. The estimated costs for the second workscope include predicted productivity gains. The price for the second workscope can be reduced relative to the price for the first workscope as a result of the improved model and the predicted productivity gains.

Abstract: A system is provided for linking together a system of trading financial instruments to a system of clearing transactions in financial instruments. In a first aspect of the present invention, the linking system includes a network linking a plurality of trading systems and a clearing system. An external interface couples the trading systems to the network while a clearing interface couples the clearing system to the network. A transmitter module transmits trading information in a plurality of kinds of securities along the network from the trading system to the clearing system. That transmitting selectively occurs approximately simultaneously with the arrival of the trading information at the external interface. The transmitting also occurs independently of the selection of trading algorithm or clearing algorithm. A second aspect of the present invention involves a computerized method for coupling a plurality of trading systems and a clearing system with a network.

Abstract: A system is provided for linking together a system of trading financial instruments to a system of clearing transactions in financial instruments. In a first aspect of the present invention, the linking system includes a network linking a plurality of trading systems and a clearing system. An external interface couples the trading systems to the network while a clearing interface couples the clearing system to the network. A transmitter module transmits trading information in a plurality of kinds of securities along the network from the trading system to the clearing system. That transmitting selectively occurs approximately simultaneously with the arrival of the trading information at the external interface. The transmitting also occurs independently of the selection of trading algorithm or clearing algorithm. A second aspect of the present invention involves a computerized method for coupling a plurality of trading systems and a clearing system with a network.