Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of strategic learning and, in particular, to a system and method that allows evaluation to occur in real-time, shifts evaluation from the researcher to the program manager, and provides a feedback loop regarding evaluation findings. In one embodiment, the method comprises steps of: 1) learning preparation, wherein a team is established to implement a model, 2) roadmap development, wherein tangible outcomes are created and identified, 3) focused learning, wherein a plurality of outcomes from step 2) are identified and then considered critical, 4) systematic data collection wherein one asks how to collect data that is meaningful, and 5) strategies improvement, wherein data collection is used to change strategy.

Abstract: A method and system for capturing and analyzing human behavior data is disclosed. The present disclosure describes a method and system for a plurality of people, wherein each person wears a badge. The badge transmits data collected from a plurality of sensors from the badge to a base station. The data is sent from the base station to a server, which aggregates the data from a plurality of base stations, and then analyzes and processes the data to create raw human behavior data. From the raw human behavior data and plurality of metrics is calculated, which can be displayed on a computer screen according to whichever metrics a user wishes to view.

Abstract: A method and a system for analyzing traffic on a website are disclosed, the website being arranged on a server. The method comprises the steps of allowing a visitor to perform multiple visits on the website, and monitoring navigations and/or actions performed by the visitor during each visit while accumulating value points in accordance with content viewed by the visitor and actions performed by the visitor, and in accordance with predefined value point settings associated with content of the website, thereby obtaining a value point score for each visit. An origin of the first visit, leading the visitor to the website, is registered and categorized according to type of origin in accordance with two or more predefined categories of origin. An accumulated value point score for the visitor is obtained by adding the obtained value point scores of the first visit and each of the subsequent visit(s).

Abstract: A dynamic system and method for efficiently measuring organizational compliance with multiple, overlapping, selected sources of compliance requirements by making associations of individual source controls and survey questions with a limited set of discrete compliance objectives, and by enabling creation of compliance surveys and analysis of survey answer sets based on user-selected criteria that may include selection of a specific source or sources; one or more discrete compliance objectives, and/or a choice of questions from a master question pool. Custom surveys with weighted questions and dynamic reporting enables responses to compliance audits to be analyzed against a predetermined benchmark result, against responder's own prior results, or against other responders.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to monitor in-store media and consumer traffic related to retail environments are disclosed herein. In a disclosed example method to monitor a monitored establishment, a survey is presented to an auditor and a user-provided survey response is received indicative of a condition in a monitored establishment that affects an accuracy of shopper count information provided by the auditor. Instructions are displayed to the auditor to sequentially move to a plurality of predetermined locations in the monitored establishment and collect a shopper count corresponding to each of the predetermined locations. The example method also involves receiving and storing each of the plurality of shopper counts.

Abstract: The present invention enables an overlay capability to be invoked on network systems and elements that are designed to support multiple customer bases. Depending on the registered identification of the user, screens and other user interfaces that provide access to functions can be overlaid on the network component and segmented along customer classifications.

Abstract: The computer method for managing performance of a customer service representative comprising: establishing a target performance grade, collecting a set of quantitative data generated as a result of customer contact; collecting a set of qualitative data input characterizing service representative performance; generating a performance grade based on the sets of quantitative and qualitative data; and determining if the target performance grade has been met; and if the performance grade has been met, paying the service representative based upon said successful performance grade and if the performance grade has not been met, then paying displaying a the performance grade.

Abstract: A system and method for augmenting healthcare-provider performance employs a head-mounted computing device that includes camera and microphones to capture a patient encounter and events immediately before and after: video, dictation and dialog. Wearing the device by the provider during the encounter permits normal interaction between provider and patient, encouraging the provider to maintain focus on the patient. An “ears-open” earpiece delivers audio data from a remote location without obstructing the ear canal. Augmented reality multimedia is displayed via a heads-up display over the eye(s). Real-time capture of audio and video enables dramatic cost reductions by saving doctor time. Using the system, a doctor no longer need spend hours daily on transcription and EHR entry. A patient encounter is captured and transmitted to a remote station. Relevant parts of the encounter are saved or streamed, and updates to an EHR are entered for provider confirmation after the patient encounter.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system and computer program product are provided for determining one or more current or future conditions regarding capacity and allocation of resources in an institution. The apparatus enables personnel to utilize predictive tools to identify in real-time or in the near future areas of capacity constraints within the institution. The apparatus includes a processor configured to analyze data which includes information associated with the institution. A portion of the data is generated in real-time during an actual time in which events occur. The processor is capable of using at least a portion of the data to identify current conditions or generate one or more predictions regarding conditions to occur in the future that are associated with resources and capacity of the institution. Also, the processor is capable of analyzing results of the predictions and allocating resources of the institution on the basis of the predicted results.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein for scoring and ranking financial advisors based on their sales histories. The system includes a database and an advisor rating system processor in communication with the database. The database stores sales history data related to a plurality of financial advisors. The advisor rating system processor obtains data related to financial advisors from the database and calculates a score for each financial advisor based on their sales revenue and sales frequency. The advisor rating system processor then compares the advisors based on these scores and generates a report indicating to which financial advisors a company should market financial products.

Abstract: Solutions are provided for assessing and consolidating contractor data in an organization from a plurality of data sources. Contractor data from a plurality of data sources is collected, wherein the data sources comprise existing information systems, surveys and interviews. The collected contractor data is segmented using a decision matrix, wherein the decision matrix comprises a plurality of predefined functional units and a plurality of vendors, roles and experience bands. The segmented contractor data is evaluated for its impact on ongoing business activities in the organization, wherein the evaluation of the segmented contractor data comprises performing at least contractor assessment and application assessment. Further, the evaluated contractor data is consolidated to form at least one logical cluster within a plurality of predefined categories, wherein the predefined categories comprise functional unit, application platform, and technology platform and service type and presented to a user.

Abstract: A business system generating and utilizing trust linkages and professional linkages between members for the synthesis of economic value in business entities.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for evaluating and managing multi-dimensional performance data of individual entities and their group as a whole by producing unbiased bell curved distributions according to organizational, product, manufacturing, or other goals and/or guidelines. An exemplary two dimensional performance management model may display a grid with potential along a first axis and performance along a second axis. Individual entities are placed into boxes defined by an evaluation metric grid matrix. Unbiased and evenly distributed performance rankings are produced with automated bell curve distribution simulation from the matrix data. A user may view the bell curve distributions as a holistic result or according to one or more independently calculated factors or criteria(s). The bell curve distribution simulation method will alert the manager if the operational and strategic guide lines of the organization are not followed.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the collection of business performance data and the identification of patterns or rules from such data that are key predictors of future business performance. The performance data are preferably collected using one or several questionnaires containing a plurality of questions that probe into specific performance areas of companies. The questionnaires are used to collect responses applicable to a plurality of companies and the responses applicable to each company are stored in a database as separate company profiles to define the knowledge-base from which a rule induction engine may identify the key discriminators of business performance.

Abstract: Process studies are performed to determine improvements to processes, such as manufacturing or service related processes. One or more instances of a process may be captured (e.g., recorded) and annotated. A user is enabled to interact with a recording included in the process instance of a process being performed. The user is enabled to apply a process step tag selected from a plurality of process steps to a section of the recording. The user may be enabled to interact with the recording to apply an attribute value selected from a list of attribute values to the process instance. The user may be enabled to interact with the recording to apply discovery information to the process instance. Annotation information associated with the process instance is generated that includes the process step tag, any applied attribute values, and any applied discovery information.

Abstract: A high performance capability assessment model helps an automotive industry business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the automotive industry business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high performance capability assessment model helps the automotive industry business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made and understand how to make the improvements, and establishes levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal.

Abstract: A benchmarking tool generates reports for delivery to a merchant illustrating a performance of the merchant as compared to the performance of the merchant's peers. The performance is illustrated through metrics that algorithmically combine data on transactions of consumers with the merchant or its peers, respectively. The metrics may be further subdivided into consumer groups such as new consumers, consumers that have shopped within the merchant in the past, consumers that no longer shop within the merchant, or consumers that use a commercial account to pay for purchases. The reports may be rendered in a graphical display for use by the merchant.

Abstract: A methodology for standards registrars to meet requirements of governmental accrediting agencies includes a unique set of procedures and work instructions for certifying or registering an organization as conforming to one or more national or international standards. The procedures and work instructions assure adherence to the international guidance document government registrars, while providing easily used and maintained instructions for employees. The procedures and work instructions are amenable to translation into various foreign languages. In one embodiment, the methodology includes procedures and work instructions governing the quotation process and scheduling of audits, including selection of auditors, as well as audit package review and issuance of appropriate certificates of compliance are. The procedures and work instructions for all audits and certifications are preferably controlled (150) and directly auditable via a single location or office, such as the registrar's headquarters.

Abstract: A sales force automation method (30), comprises providing instructions which operatively direct a computer system (100) to employ one or more predetermined input-parameters (60), wherein each input-parameter is applicable to one or more clients. Sets of input-values are operatively sorted to the input-parameters for a corresponding, individual client, and the input-values that pertain to a selected client-set (62) are operatively gathered. The computer system sorts the input-values from the client-set according to sales-parameters (64) that pertain to the selected client-set. The sorted input-values are compiled and analyzed to generate an actual sales-performance-value (84) for each sales-parameter. Upon a comparison between the sales-performance-value for a sales-parameter and a corresponding parameter-target-value or target-range, the computer system can determine an appropriate sales performance-rating.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments of the invention, functional data analysts may use a functional data authoring module to capture functional metadata in a consistent manner. Conflict reports for the business processes may be generated for a subset of the business processes or as an overall report across all business processes. One or more embodiments of the invention may provide early detection of data usage and type conflicts from functional data requirements, automated detection of conflicts from functional data requirements, reports listing detected conflicts, conflicts resolution tracking mechanism, ongoing notification regarding changes in functional data requirements or detected conflicts, and avoidance of conflicting functional requirement in the realization phase, thereby reducing costs and project risks and avoiding project delays.

Abstract: A telecommunications environment management operating system and method is provided. The system and method helps organizations achieve and sustain optimal financial, operational and technical performance in the field of telecommunications.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and computer program products are provided for facilitating the exploration and evaluation of the comparative performance of agricultural inputs. Methods are provided that include receiving selection of one or more primary agricultural inputs and one or more comparison agricultural inputs. The methods further include accessing one or more primary data points comprising at least one performance measurement regarding the primary agricultural input and accessing one or more comparison data points comprising at least one performance measurement regarding the comparison agricultural input. The methods also include determining one or more comparative performance data points based on the primary and comparison data points and causing information regarding the comparative performance data points to be displayed.

Abstract: Methods, computer-readable media, and systems for gathering gamification data from business applications. Common gamification data that describes a user that accesses a business software environment, and specific gamification data that describes the user and is specific to a particular computer system in the business environment are identified at a user interface of a client device in response to a request from a gamification engine. By executing gamification logic in the user interface, the common gamification data and the specific gamification data are collected at the user interface and provided to the gamification engine. For example, the gamification data can be gathered by monitoring interactions between the user and the client device that is connected to the gamification engine at the user interface, and provided to the gamification engine independent of the business computer system to which the client device is connected.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide improved computer systems for the evaluation of the performance of employees. Embodiments may use an engagement algorithm to calculate a single engagement score for each employee. Embodiments may use a second algorithm for skills to calculate a single skills score for each employee. A third algorithm may plot the employee's engagement score against the employee's skills score on a two-dimensional graph and indicate what scores are needed for a good evaluation and what scores are needed for a great evaluation. Various embodiments of the invention prescribe specific aspects of a job to coach to improve the employee's performance. Embodiments of the system archive and maintain all evaluations and scores for employees and provide access to them to subsequent supervisors.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, method, and computer program product are disclosed for systems management. The method includes receiving user information and systems management data as machine learning inputs. The user information labels a state of one or more computing resources. The method includes recognizing a pattern, using machine learning, in the systems management data. The method includes modifying a configuration of a systems management system based on the labeled state and the recognized pattern.

Abstract: A computerized method for evaluating human judges, products and services. An amount of currency for bidding and a corresponding plurality of items, with each item having a defined price, may be presented to a user. A bid for one or more of the plurality of items may be obtained. The one or more bids may each be compared with a defined price of the corresponding item. A score may be determined based on the one or more bids. Products, services, and search algorithms and techniques may be evaluated based on the bids, and search algorithms and techniques may be developed based on the bids. Human judges may be evaluated based on results of the corresponding bids.

Abstract: A method, social services data management system, and computer program product for managing data about social services. In response to receiving the data about the social services provided to a group of clients at a data collection application running on a computer system, the data collection application running on the computer system places the data into a first database in a first format using a content model identifying entities for the social services and relationships between the entities. The computer system changes the data in the first database from the first format to a second format used by a second database. The computer system moves the data in the second format to the second database. A report application running on the computer system generates a number of reports using the data in the second format in the second database.

Abstract: Computer-based systems and method are disclosed for grading active money managers. The grading system attempts to identify active money managers with the ability to outperform relevant benchmark indexes and peer active money managers. This may be accomplished by using a point system for calendar years (or other time periods) that awards points based on the degree of difficulty for active money managers to outperform their relevant benchmark index during the calendar year for their investing style. The yearly point total are used to determine a baseline point total, and the money managers are award fractions of the baseline point total based on, for example, (i) how close the money manager's investments match constituents of the money manager's benchmark, and (ii) how close the money manager's return is to the benchmark for the money manager.

Abstract: A condition storage unit (40) retains generation conditions including requested freshness of resource information serving as a collection target and a polling time interval. A collection schedule generating unit (10) sorts the pieces of resource information, which has the same value as an update interval derived from the requested freshness, into a same group, generates collection schedules for the groups respectively, the collection schedules are of the resource information belonging to the groups, and stores them in a collection schedule storage unit (50). An information collecting unit (20) collects the pieces of resource information in accordance with the generated collection schedules and stores the information in an information storage unit (60).

Abstract: A method and a system for analyzing infrastructure are provided. In one embodiment, a system for analyzing infrastructure is provided. The system includes a grid intelligence quotient as a service (GIQAAS) system. The GIQAAS system includes an infrastructure data gathering system having a first input form configured to collect an economic data related to an infrastructure. The GIQAAS system further includes an economic modeling system configured to import the economic data and to derive an economic analysis based on the economic data. The GIQAAS system is configured to provide the infrastructure data gathering system to a first user for collection of the economic data, and to provide the economic modeling system to a second user for derivation of the economic analysis.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods, apparatus and systems for assessing an extent of green shipping activities practised by a shipping company. The invention is based on enquiring the shipping company with questions in the dimensions of Company Policy and Procedure, of Shipping Documentation, of Shipping Equipment, of Shipping Cooperation, of Shipping Materials, and of Shipping Design Compliance. These six dimensions constitute six dimensions empirically validated to be essential for assessing the extent of green shipping activities. After the shipping company gives the answers, the answers to questions of each dimension are processed to yield an intermediate result. The resultant six intermediate results are then processed to evaluate the extent of green shipping activities, in order that all the six dimensions are considered in assessing the extent of green shipping activities.

Abstract: A method of determining a set of future actions includes providing an interface to a user, the interface including an adjustable element associated with a future value of an influencer. The influencer is associated with an action. The method further includes receiving via the interface an adjusted future value of the influencer, projecting a future value of a performance indicator based at least in part on the adjusted future value of the influencer, and providing a results interface to the user indicative of the future value of the performance indicator.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a difference calculation module, an addition module, and an output module. The difference calculation module calculates a difference between a first information amount that is generated between a first person in charge and a second person in charge when a business that constitutes a business process is finished and a second information amount that is estimated to be generated between the first person in charge and the second person in charge when the business that constitutes the business process is finished. The addition module adds the differences calculated by the difference calculation module in a combination of the first person in the business process and the second person in the business process or in other business process related to the business process. The output module outputs the sum of the differences calculated by the addition module as risks of the business processes.

Abstract: A monitoring system is disclosed for acquiring output activity, utilization capacity and/or effluent data from an facility on a facility-by-facility and/or an industry-by-industry basis. The system is designed to generate a plant and/or industry output activity database that is updated on a continuous, near continuous, periodic and/or intermittent basis so that subscribers are apprised of changes in plant or overall industry output. A clearing house is also disclosed for distributing the acquired data to subscribers to aid in analyzing, predicting trends, pricing, maintaining, adjusting, minimizing, and/or maximizing individual plant or overall industry output.

Abstract: A computer implemented method and system for monitoring a business process of an executing business application. Runtime information of a business process element of the executing business application is received. The runtime information is then associated with design time information of the executing business application by a processor. Next, a representation of the business process associated with the business process element is generated to determine a problem in the business process of the executing business application.

Abstract: A holistic approach to management and oversight of locate and marking operations is provided. Initial requests to perform such operations are improved, and such requests are intelligently assessed to appropriately allocate resources to perform operations. Technicians are effectively dispatched and may be provided with process guides to facilitate performance. A host of information regarding the performance of locate operations and their environs is acquired (e.g., via improved intelligent instrumentation employed by technicians). A quality of operations (e.g., completeness, accuracy, efficiency) is assessed, corrective actions may be taken in essentially real-time as necessary, and information regarding operations and their quality assessments is archived for auditing purposes.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed towards providing dynamic recommendations of reserving information technology resources over time that may be visually displayed over that time. In one embodiment, the recommendations may be determined based on an analysis of actual usage data obtained over a prior time period and used to predict future resource demands. The subject innovations enable a user to dynamically perform various ‘what-if’ analysis to determine optimum purchase times, and configurations. In some embodiments, the user is further provided information about currently purchased resource under-utilizations to enable the user to redistribute work, release resources, or take other actions directed towards improving management of their IT budget.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a system and method for providing agent referrals for real estate transactions. The system and method provides buyers and/or sellers with a real estate agent referral based on the type of real estate involved in the transaction and/or preferences of the buyer/seller. The real estate agent provided through the referral will be the highest performing real estate available with the performance of the real estate agent based on criteria received from the seller/buyer and transaction history of the real estate agent.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a computer implemented method and component configured to assess the value of goods and services provided by a vendor to a service agency. An embodiment of the method includes the act of storing, in an electronic database, a total-budget value, an amount-paid value, a case-score value, a total-case-score value, a vendor-service-score value, and a total-vendor-services-score value. The embodiment includes selecting a vendor, forming a vendor-score-contribution value, distributing the case value of one or more service items provided by the vendor, and computing the net contribution of the vendor.

Abstract: A method of providing financial advice that includes presenting financial related questions to a user, recording answers to the presented questions and preparing and displaying an advice report by simultaneously displaying one of the recorded answers and a benchmark that represents a predetermined level of practice corresponding to the one of the recorded answers, wherein advice on how to achieve a desired level of practice is rendered by such simultaneous displaying. Providing advice to the user based on the advice report so that the user achieves the desired level of practice.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a system for communicating vehicle information can provide equipment for use inside a fleet vehicle to facilitate prompt and efficient transfer of vehicle and driver information. In particular embodiments, the system may include an electronic onboard recorder mountable in a vehicle and a mobile communication device that is configured to wireless communication with the electronic onboard recorder.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide techniques for using video footage to manage the performance of business processes in a restaurant. In some embodiments, certain types of events to be evaluated are identified, such as those which relate to an order received from a customer in which the customer requests that a standard menu offering be customized in some way. Data describing various aspects of restaurant operations may be queried to identify occurrences of the specified event type, and records describing these occurrences may be identified. Information in the records may be used to retrieve corresponding video footage depicting the processes being performed, and the video footage may be analyzed to verify that processes are being performed as specified.

Abstract: A normalized contextual performance metric quantifies the susceptibility of fatigue-related risk in a fatigue environment with activities conducted within a fatigue level range of interest. Fatigue incidents are quantified by one of a plurality of values associated with fatigue-incident measurement. Activities are quantified by one of a plurality of values associated with activity measurement. A normalized contextual performance metric is determined by identifying a fatigue level range of interest, summing all values of incidents occurring at the fatigue level range of interest, summing all values for relevant activities occurring at the fatigue level range of interest, and then dividing the first sum by the second. The normalized contextual performance metric thereby allows operational managers to assess risk of fatigue incidents by monitoring activities and fatigue levels within the fatigue environment.

Abstract: Quality of modularization of source code is tested using different perspectives such as a structural modularity perspective, an architectural modularity perspective, a size perspective, and a similarity of purpose perspective. A history of changes in modularization may be kept such that the degree to which given source code is well-modularized can be determined over time. The changes made to the code by individual programmers may be kept, such that the degree to which their coding enhanced or harmed modularization may be tracked.

Abstract: A generation technique and an analysis technique of a large number of explanatory variables to derive effective measures by using various data are provided. Specifically, a factor which lurks in a large amount of data and affects business performance is identified by automatically generating a large number of explanatory variables and performing correlation analysis between the explanatory variables and an objective variable. Three operators representing condition, target, and arithmetic which are variable generation conditions are defined in advance for data inputted into an analysis system and a large number of explanatory variables are automatically generated by these operators.

Abstract: Student growth can be defined, tracked, and analyzed using a method that comprises PLAN, ASSESS and REFLECT steps, potentially in conjunction with related sub-steps. This type of method can be facilitated using computer software that can be deployed over a remote network, and that can present a number of screens relevant to defining, tracking and analyzing student growth to a user.

Abstract: A holistic approach to management and oversight of locate and marking operations is provided. Initial requests to perform such operations are improved, and such requests are intelligently assessed to appropriately allocate resources to perform operations. Technicians are effectively dispatched and may be provided with process guides to facilitate performance. A host of information regarding the performance of locate operations and their environs is acquired (e.g., via improved intelligent instrumentation employed by technicians). A quality of operations (e.g., completeness, accuracy, efficiency) is assessed, corrective actions may be taken in essentially real-time as necessary, and information regarding operations and their quality assessments is archived for auditing purposes.

Abstract: One embodiment includes employee engagement software instructions encoded on a nontransitory computer readable medium that, when executed, cause a processor to perform operations that permit a company to measure both employee sentiment and employee performance and combine these two to generate a real-time employee engagement score.

Abstract: Systems and methods that identify and manage partner relationships are disclosed. A third-party trustee collects and processes confidential customer information from more than one interested parties. The third-party trustee acts as a neutral intermediary between the parties. The third-party trustee processes and analyzes the information received from the various parties to identify mutual and/or prospective customers between the interested parties. The processing results may then be used for further analysis to help at least one of the interested parties to improve their marketing efforts, risk management, and servicing of their customers.

Abstract: Computer system for controlled creation, processing, administration and display of quality information within an enterprise. Linkages may be defined among enterprise entities, process/product development attributes, strategies, goals, process improvement opportunities, etc. Visual analysis of data associated with the linkages is provided in an interactive fashion. Linkages may also be defined among online quality-related documentation throughout an enterprise such that information is automatically propagated/reconciled through the enterprise in a controlled and efficient fashion. The creation of process documentation for new products is facilitated based on a concept of content/document inheritance.