Abstract: To construct at least one cluster of data records of a scatter plot, cells representing the data records are placed in a visualization screen according to values of a first attribute and a second attribute of the data records. Visual indicators are assigned to the cells according to values of a third attribute of the data records. In response to detecting data records having a particular pair of first attribute and second attribute values, cells representing the data records having the particular pair of first attribute and second attribute values are placed in nearby positions according to similarity of values of the third attribute to form the at least one cluster of cells having similar visual indicators.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and computer readable media with executable instructions stored thereon for resource planning using FTEs are provided. Example methods of the present disclosure can include identifying full time equivalent (FTE) requirements of jobs, skills corresponding to the jobs, resources corresponding to the skills, and FTE capacity of resources [572]. Qualified resources are determined, by a computer, with respect to each job based on the corresponding skills of the resources relative to the skills corresponding to the jobs [574]. FTE capacity of qualified resources is allocated, by a computer, to jobs in a manner that maximizes FTE requirements of jobs having resources allocated thereto, such that a qualified resource is allocated to a job at most to the lesser of the FTE requirement of the job or the FTE capacity of the resource [576].

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel simulation based method for analyzing new auction formats and rules, from limited and partially observable bidder characteristics. A simulation platform under this method is general enough to be easily modified to a specific design of auctions. This method will utilize the known results, if any, on some aspects of the auction rules under consideration, and simultaneously recover an extended set of bidder characteristics from limited and partially observed, existing bidder data, and will predict bidder behavior under the new auction rules. Advantageously, this method applies known results on some aspects of an auction format to the new learning of this format.

Abstract: Methods, machines, systems and machine-readable instructions for producing marketing items are described. In one aspect, a user is prompted to specify campaign parameters, including one or more campaign topics, defining a scope of the campaign. The user is prompted to specify for each of the one or more campaign topics a corresponding set of one or more attributes of intended recipients of the marketing campaign. The one or more specified campaign topics are associated to respective sets of targeted recipients selected from a database of records of potential recipients based on mappings of the respective sets of recipient attributes to the campaign topics and the specified campaign parameters defining the scope of the marketing campaign. For each of the targeted recipients, a respective marketing item containing a respective set of one or more contents matched to the campaign topic associated to the targeted recipient is composed.

Abstract: To construct at least one cluster of data records of a scatter plot, cells representing the data records are placed in a visualization screen according to values of a first attribute and a second attribute of the data records. Visual indicators are assigned to the cells according to values of a third attribute of the data records. In response to detecting data records having a particular pair of first attribute and second attribute values, cells representing the data records having the particular pair of first attribute and second attribute values are placed in nearby positions according to similarity of values of the third attribute to form the at least one cluster of cells having similar visual indicators.

Abstract: A method for generating a demand estimate for a product includes gathering a set of auction data which is relevant to the product, removing from the auction data all but a highest bid from each unique bidder in the auction data, and correcting a bias in the auction data caused by a set of characteristics of an auction from which the auction data is obtained. In one embodiment, the auction data is obtained from an on-line auction which is characterized by bidders not necessarily knowing the start time of the auction.

Abstract: A method to define an optimal integrated action plan for procurement, manufacturing, and marketing is disclosed. In one method embodiment, the present invention accesses materials planning parameters. The present invention further accesses pricing parameters. The present invention then evaluates the materials planning parameters and the pricing parameters in conjunction to define an optimal integrated action plan for marketing and manufacturing. This plan describes procurement amounts, manufacturing amounts, and pricing for end products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel simulation based method for analyzing new auction formats and rules, from limited and partially observable bidder characteristics. A simulation platform under this method is general enough to be easily modified to a specific design of auctions. This method will utilize the known results, if any, on some aspects of the auction rules under consideration, and simultaneously recover an extended set of bidder characteristics from limited and partially observed, existing bidder data, and will predict bidder behavior under the new auction rules. Advantageously, this method applies known results on some aspects of an auction format to the new learning of this format.

Abstract: A method for generating a demand estimate for a product includes gathering a set of auction data which is relevant to the product, removing from the auction data all but a highest bid from each unique bidder in the auction data, and correcting a bias in the auction data caused by a set of characteristics of an auction from which the auction data is obtained. In one embodiment, the auction data is obtained from an on-line auction which is characterized by bidders not necessarily knowing the start time of the auction.