Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable program product for optimizing loss leader merchandizing. The process parses event data to identify physical patterns of customer behavior, wherein the event data is derived from a continuous video stream captured at a retail facility, and associates the physical patterns of customer behavior with customer profile data to form dynamic customer profiles. The process then analyzes the dynamic customer profiles to identify types of customers and presents marketing incentives for a set of loss leader items to customers of a selected customer type, wherein the set of loss leader items are selected based on the dynamic profiles.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are presented with which to conduct information surveys. Contemporary methods of accessing and exploiting information resources, including search techniques and category browsing, have become less effective and efficient at these tasks due to the growing infoglut and the widening knowledge gap between the content, structure, and navigational paths of information resources on the one hand, and what users know and desire of these on the other. The information survey method and apparatus disclosed herein enables a user to survey information in order to rapidly discover the area of the information resource that is most useful to them, the survey niche, and evaluate the knowledge and information found there.

Abstract: A method and system to select one or more participants in an online collaborative process are provided. The method includes receiving selection information and identifying a potential list of the participants from an information system based on the selection information, the information system containing transaction data relating to prior collaboration processes with the participants. In particular, the method establishes trust parameters for each of the participants, the trust parameters representing at least qualifications, credentials or trustworthiness properties of the participants. The establishing of trust parameters includes identifying the trust parameters and quantifying the trust parameters. The trust parameters are identified by performing a search for relevant ones of the transaction data that matches the selection information, the selection information relates to trustworthiness properties of the participants.

Abstract: A method for forecasting a future inventory demand includes receiving historical demand data associated with a part number and statistically analyzing the historical demand data associated with one or more part numbers to identify each part number as one of a seasonal part number, a quasi-seasonal part number, a high variability part number, or a non-seasonal part number. If the part number is identified as a seasonal part number, a first inventory requirement for a first predetermined portion of a future demand period is estimated. If the part number is identified as a quasi-seasonal part number, a second inventory requirement for a second predetermined portion of a future demand period is estimated, wherein the second predetermined portion of the future demand period is a multiple of the first predetermined portion. If the part number is identified as a high variability part number, a third inventory requirement for a third predetermined portion of a future demand period is estimated.

Abstract: HOPS™, which stands for “Hands On Proactive Strategy” is software and a business management method about making routine things happen routinely, and about having everyone be able to find the information they need, when they need it, to do the job they need to do. The solution to information sharing (and other closely related process) problems is an elegant set of software combined with behaviors that help the organization share information.