Abstract: In one arrangement, a method for estimating sales of a particular type of item by a first entity through a first channel versus sales of the particular type of item by the first entity through a second channel.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe an automatic, adaptive system and method for efficiently and effectively scheduling advertising spots in commercial break locations across various networks, zones, channels, dates, times, and specific products, for example. The disclosed embodiments make use of fixed and relative factors, that may be user-defined, which assign a “cost” to one or more particular breaks which thereby allow for quick and accurate scheduling of spots. The “costs” may represent a value, or desirability, of a break for the advertiser and may be a function of both the fixed and relative factors. The fixed and relative factors may be configurable and may change for different advertising clients, different contract lines, different networks, different spot placement, etc. The placement of spots may be accomplished through the use of an ordered list which may be generated based on a number of inputs that may be user-selected.

Abstract: A plurality of questions are displayed. Responses to the plurality of questions are received, wherein a response to a question included in the plurality of questions includes an indication of a likelihood of occurrence of an answer to the question. A value for a quality measure is determined, based on the responses to the plurality of questions.

Abstract: A method for reporting one or more results that occur based on a price change includes receiving price planning input including at least one price change from at least one of an automated pricing engine and a manual pricing engine. The method further includes generating at least one result that will occur based on the price planning input and reporting the at least one result along with the at least one price change.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forecasting demand for objects, such as products, parts, etc. in a managed supply chain. In one embodiment, a method for forecasting demand is provided that comprises the step of determining a forecast profile including a forecast model and a forecast parameter to be assigned to a set of data forming the basis of the forecast. The determining step may include the steps of performing at least one forecast test on the set of data to identify the significance of a forecast model in the set of data, and determining iteratively the value of a forecast parameter, wherein the forecast parameter is determined based on the outcome of performing the at least one forecasting test. Further, the method may include the step of automatically assigning the determined forecast profile to the set of data.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments describe an automatic, adaptive system and method for efficiently and effectively scheduling advertising spots in commercial break locations across various networks, zones, channels, dates, times, and specific products, for example. The disclosed embodiments make use of fixed and relative factors, that may be user-defined, which assign a “cost” to one or more particular breaks which thereby allow for quick and accurate scheduling of spots. The “costs” may represent a value, or desirability, of a break for the advertiser and may be a function of both the fixed and relative factors. The fixed and relative factors may be configurable and may change for different advertising clients, different contract lines, different networks, different spot placement, etc. The placement of spots may be accomplished through the use of an ordered list which may be generated based on a number of inputs that may be user-selected.

Abstract: A method for resource management and planning includes receiving manufacturing information associated with multiple distributed enterprise facilities; generating manufacturing plans based at least in part on the manufacturing information; receiving feedback regarding execution of the manufacturing plans; identifying at least one of the manufacturing plans describing manufacturing activities planned to occur within a fixed time period in the future; modifying the identified manufacturing plan based on the feedback; and communicating the modified manufacturing plan to the distributed enterprise facilities.

Abstract: The invention provides a user with substantial flexibility in requesting and generating analysis projects on transaction and/or consumer data that is stored in one or more databases. Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a method for retailers and other authorized users, such as suppliers, to access and perform sophisticated, highly specialized analysis on transaction and/or consumer data, such as retail sales and consumer data, from a remote location using an internet connected computer. The transaction and/or consumer data that is accessed can be a compilation of retail transaction data (collected from EPOS systems, for example) and/or consumer data (which has been collected from frequent-shopper or loyalty cards used by consumers when they shop, for example). Projects are generated as spreadsheet based interactive reports, which are easy to manipulate for further analysis and presentations.

Abstract: Combining multiple objective functions to perform algorithmic problem solving is described. A first algorithm performs processing on a complex problem and generates multiple solutions to the problem. One or more solutions as generated by the first algorithm are send to one or more additional algorithms for further processing of complex sub-problems bounded by the first algorithm. The solutions to the first algorithm are used as input to the additional algorithms, where those solutions include at least one boundary condition under which the additional algorithms process the sub-problems. Ultimate solutions satisfy boundary conditions of the first algorithm, and all conditions of the additional algorithms. Algorithms may be executed in combinations of parallel and/or sequential operation to generate a final solution considering multiple different sub-problems to the complex problem.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for forecasting with model-based PDF (probability density function) estimates. Some method embodiments may comprise: estimating model parameters for a time series, calculating a PDF for the time series, and generating a forecast from the PDF. The model parameters may comprise a variance for a hidden noise source, and the PDF for the time series may be based at least in part on an estimated variance for the hidden noise source.

Abstract: A system for customer care complexity management is disclosed that comprises a processor, a customer care index forecast module, and a project launch capability assessment and threshold module. The customer care index forecast module establishes a customer care index forecast model based on a plurality of historical customer care data and a plurality of historical performance metrics data. The customer care index forecast module also forecasts a customer care index using the established customer care index forecast model and a plurality of projected performance metrics data. The project launch capability assessment and threshold module identifies a number of projects to be launched in a current project launch plan based on the forecast customer care index and a pipeline project complexity index for the project launch plan. The project launch capability assessment and threshold module also identifies an adjustment to the project launch plan.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring transferability of workers between and among occupations by means of the mathematical relationships between those occupations' key attributes, as defined by publicly available data on the competencies required as specified by a complete catalog of U.S. occupations known as O*NET. This method provides a concise, informative measurement for comparing the relative requirements of abilities, skills, knowledge, and other relevant attributes of occupations, enabling users to gauge the feasibility of transferring workers from one occupation to another.