Abstract: A system for effective project size estimation. In response to receiving an input to predict a size of effort required to complete a project, a set of metrics associated with the project is identified. All possible subsets of metrics are constructed from the identified set of metrics associated with the project. One project size prediction model is generated for each constructed subset of metrics from the identified set of metrics associated with the project. An accuracy score is calculated for each generated project size prediction model. A project size prediction model is selected with a highest calculated accuracy score to identify a subset of effective metrics for the project. The subset of effective metrics is associated with the project size prediction model with the highest calculated accuracy score. Then, the project size prediction model with the highest calculated accuracy score is outputted for use by a project developer.

Abstract: One method for transferring funds includes receiving at a web server computer a request to transfer funds from a sender to a receiver. The request includes information identifying the sender and a payment vehicle for providing funds to transfer. The payment vehicle is validated and a transaction identifier is generated or assigned. The transaction identifier may be transmitted from the web server computer to the sender. When ready to receive the funds, the transaction identifier is entered into an ATM. If the transaction identifier is validated, the funds are dispensed from the ATM.

Abstract: A payment card comprises a processor, a trigger source coupled to the processor, and a display for outputting at least a portion of a dynamic account number under control of the processor responsive to the trigger source. The dynamic account number is determined based at least in part on a seed stored in the payment card and an output of the trigger source. In an illustrative embodiment, the dynamic account number is generated utilizing a time-based or event-based one-time password algorithm. For example, in a time-based embodiment, the trigger source may comprise a time of day clock, with the dynamic account number being determined based at least in part on the seed and a current value of the time of day clock. In an event-based embodiment, the trigger source may comprise an event counter, with the dynamic account number being determined based at least in part on the seed and a current value of the event counter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dynamically producing and managing events are disclosed. In various embodiments, an event sequence generator is used to generate a production schedule or script that includes content elements and event milestones. Methods of generating a production schedule and a promotion schedule are also disclosed. The production schedule and reports based on the event can be produced and accessed remotely.

Abstract: An on-line interactive and partner-enhanced credit card application system is disclosed. The system utilizes partner-supplied data of an applicant in credit decision. The system structures an on-line credit card application interactively with a tree-type series of questions and answers such that the next set of questions are based on the answers given. The system offers an appropriate bounty to a partner by the credit card issuer based on the data supplied by the partner and obtained during the interactive questions and answers. The system enables a credit card issuer to make an optimum product offer such as pricing and credit line assignment. The system offers commercial incentives, and utilizes the partner-supplied data during a statement process to generate further revenue and ensure cardholder retention.

Abstract: The discovery cost forecasting system uses incomplete information to generate forecasts of discovery expenses. Models are generated with different levels of granularity depending upon the available facts and user preferences. An expert provides real-time information to improve the accuracy of the predictions. A scenario analysis is generated that evaluates how changes to the parameters of the matter could affect the forecasted cost. An estimate is generated of the degree of advancement of the matter in its lifecycle as part of the cost forecast. The cost associated with each data source and custodian is tracked and reported. A configurable and extensible cost equation is defined. A dashboard user interface is generated to monitor the entire portfolio to extract easy to understand facts, trends, and early warning signs related to discovery cost management.

Abstract: A method of tracking entities for identity resolution in database systems comprises assigning each account of a plurality of accounts a unique entity belonging only to the account and in which the account is contained; keeping track of the age of each account of the plurality of accounts; and assigning an identifier to any entity as the identifier of the unique entity of the oldest account contained in the entity. This simple method of assigning identifiers to accounts and entities solves a number of identity resolution problems known in the art including: lost entity identifier problem, lost entity version problem, entity switched warm bodies/accounts problem, and account drift problem.

Abstract: A method of selecting potential hires for progression through a hiring process is provided. The method comprises selecting at least one performance indicator for a position, obtaining the at least one performance indicator for a plurality of incumbents in the position, and placing each incumbent in the plurality of incumbents along a performance continuum according to their performance indicator. The method also comprises surveying incumbents from at least both halves of the performance continuum, generating an ideal profile for the position based upon the incumbent survey and the at least one performance indicator of the incumbents, using a survey to generate a candidate profile of a potential hire, comparing the candidate profile of the potential hire with the ideal profile to determine a result for the potential hire, and determining whether to progress the potential hire to a next stage in the hiring process based upon the result.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring and presenting customer impressions of a company uses weighted response values of survey questions to develop a customer experience score and a customer interaction score. The two scores are added to produce a composite score. The three scores for a company may be presented with other score sets for other companies to provide a simple and consistent comparison of companies. When different businesses or even different industries have different customer experiences and interactions, weighting of response values can be adjusted to more accurately reflect the importance of that factor on the overall customer experience, which models customer satisfaction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a software tool that interfaces with a campaign's Field Operations and allows for voter education, motivation and getting voters out to vote is presented. The software tool incorporates a number of voter informational data fields to provide users of the software with a Voter Score, Voter Scorecard, Post-Election Voter History, Household Visualization, Voter Support Visualization, Household Mailing Labels, E-Mail Voter Footer, and Voter List of Friends and Family.

Abstract: A system and method for encouraging the exchange of feedback in an enterprise. An example method includes providing one or more user interface controls for configuring a feedback reminder to automatically include predetermined insight pertaining to a potential participant in a future feedback exchange; sending the feedback reminder to a messaging system or application; providing a user option to view content of the feedback reminder; and displaying the feedback reminder in response to user selection of the first user option. Another user option enables selection of particular insight, derived from a talent management system, for inclusion in the feedback reminder. The messaging system may include an email application or an application for displaying a worklist.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods and computer program products for determining a risk score for an agent associated with an entity. In some embodiments, a method includes: (a) receiving first information associated with an agent's action related to an account and/or an agent's actions over a predetermined period of time related to one or more applications, and (b) determining a first risk score based at least partially on the first information. In some embodiments, the method further includes: (c) receiving, from a data system, second information associated with the agent, where the second information comprises one or more entitlements granted to the agent by the entity, and (d) determining a second risk score based at least partially on both the first information and the second information.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a data movement system comprises a rules repository configured to store rules associated with regulations of the first jurisdiction and the regulations of the second jurisdiction. A workflow manager is configured to determine jurisdictional complexity of the project as a function of the regulations of the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. The workflow manager is configured to determine jurisdictional exposure of the project as a function of an organization's exposure to the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. The workflow manager is configured to determine the risk of the project as a function of the jurisdictional complexity of the project and the jurisdictional exposure of the project.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer readable medium for identifying and partitioning atomic services in an information technology (IT) environment are included within the invention. More specifically, the invention provides a method and system for identifying service boundaries and partitioning services into atomic services based on the services boundaries. In order to more efficiently provide services in an IT environment, this invention in at least one embodiment utilizes a method of partitioning services into atomic services based on natural services boundaries such that those atomic services may be standardized and reused as needed.

Abstract: A data processing system coupled to a rules database and a customer database is responsive to transaction requests representative of money transfers. The rules database includes information representative of transaction rules such as location-based rules, transaction type-based rules, customer-based rules, aggregated transaction value rules and currency exchange rules, at least some of which include an aggregation threshold. The system processes the transaction requests during transaction processing sessions to enable enforcement of governmental money transfer compliance requirements. Responses including requests for additional information, approvals and denials are provided by the system.

Abstract: A collaboration event framework can be used to schedule and automatically invoke a collaboration event. An event coordinator may schedule a collaboration event, and the framework will automatically initiate contact with event participants using participant contact preferences. Participants can be asked to enter an identifier to verify the participant's identity. An event coordinator may be presented with a display that indicates the status of participants of the collaboration event. A system administrator may review all scheduled collaboration events to determine resource shortages.

Abstract: A service workflow including ordered services is received, and a heuristic utility value is calculated for each service. A best node having a smallest heuristic utility value for a service is selected, and a best node identifier is placed in a node list. If the best node includes a parallel sub-workflow, potential next nodes are identified by generating potential next nodes from a data center that can perform a service associated with the best node with a minimum run-time value. Otherwise, potential next nodes are generated based on a data center associated with the service. A heuristic utility value is determined for each potential next node, and a new best node is selected based on the heuristic utility values. The identifying, determining, and selecting operations are repeated until the best node contains only the last ordered service. Data centers for each ordered service are identified based on the best node.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for financing a transition of a borrower between ownership of a prior home to ownership of a new home in conjunction with services. The transition is associated with an increase in living situation cost of the borrower between a prior living situation cost and a new living situation cost, the new living situation cost including the new home and the services. The method alleviates cash flow burden to the borrower by allowing minimal or no monthly payments for as long as the borrower occupies the home.

Abstract: A system, method, apparatus, and technique for gathering and providing information forecasts is disclosed. An example of a system according to the technique includes a graph module having at least and interactive portion and an optional static portion. The interactive portion of the graph can be capable of plotting future data points provided by a user. The static portion of the graph can contain a plot of past data points. The graphical forecasting interface provides a simple mechanism for a user to make one or a plurality of future predictions as to an information item using a graphical input.

Abstract: An Internet-based check ordering system includes an Internet-based server having a check order entry user interface, a bank transit number computer system in operable communication with the Internet-based server computer system, a client computer system in operable communication with the Internet-based server computer system and a printing system in operable communication with the Internet-based server computer system to print the ordered checks.