Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention relates to a computer-based method and system for gathering materials and technology information from internal as well as external sources, integrating the information into a format accessible to disparate systems, storing the information in a centralized system, updating the stored information as needed, and providing continuous access to the information for authorized users of the system. The Development Toolkit Network (DTN) of the present invention is a set of applications designed to facilitate the gathering of technical information about supplier product offerings, and to disseminate that information to an organization's development engineers around the globe.

Abstract: The principles of the present invention include a system and method for assessing business activities. The method includes retrieving historical data associated with a business activity. At least one statistical model is generated based on the historical data. Knowledge is developed based on the statistical model(s). The knowledge is applied to at least one predetermined rule. Validity of the statistical model(s) is assessed based on the application of the knowledge using the predetermined rule(s). A valid statistical model is recommended to a user.

Abstract: A trouble ticket tracking system and method including a server in communication with an electronic network and a database for storing trouble tickets in communication with the server. A user computer is in communication with the network and has access, via a graphical user interface (GUI), to the server. The graphical user interface includes at least one screen which is operable to enter a new trouble ticket along with (i) a person responsible for resolving the ticket and (ii) a severity level for the trouble ticket, and to store the trouble ticket in the database. A paging system is also in communication with the server and when the severity level associated with a new trouble ticket is above a predetermined threshold, the server automatically initiates a call to the person responsible via the paging system.

Abstract: Techniques for facilitating evaluation, in connection with the procurement or delivery of products or services, in a context of at least one of (i) a financial transaction and (ii) operation of an enterprise, such context involving a member of a first class of parties in a first role and a member of a second class of counterparties in a second role, are disclosed. The techniques involve deriving in a first computer process using conjoint analysis, from responses to forced choice questions, such responses attributable to each party and to each counterparty, a preference profile for each such party and counterparty; and analyzing in a second computer process the preference profiles of the parties and the counterparties to derive a list by which parties and counterparties are matched according to preferences determined by conjoint analysis of responses of both the parties and the counterparties to forced choice questions.