Abstract: The embodiments the systems and methods described herein attempt to optimally select a group or portfolio of control locations for each test location. The optimization can be generally performed in two steps. First, an objective function is defined that scores the similarity of a set of control locations averaged together. Second, given the large number of potential solutions, a computationally-feasible algorithm that identifies an optimal set of control locations and is based on the objective function is executed. In order to obtain the optimal set of control locations in an efficient manner for use in business analytics, the algorithm may use a hill-climbing algorithm. As a result, an optimization function can be incrementally improved in an efficient manner.

Abstract: The embodiments the systems and methods described herein attempt to optimally select a group or portfolio of control locations for each test location. The optimization can be generally performed in two steps. First, an objective function is defined that scores the similarity of a set of control locations averaged together. Second, given the large number of potential solutions, a computationally-feasible algorithm that identifies an optimal set of control locations and is based on the objective function is executed. In order to obtain the optimal set of control locations in an efficient manner for use in business analytics, the algorithm may use a hill-climbing algorithm. As a result, an optimization function can be incrementally improved in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for determining optimal parameter settings for a business initiative testing model used for testing initiatives for business locations included in a business network. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes defining a first test type of a business initiative testing model having a set of parameter settings. Each parameter setting may include a set of one or more parameter setting options. The method may also include performing virtual tests on a set of virtual test sites based on the defined test type. Each virtual test site may reflect a selected business location in the business network. Also, the method may include determining a set of optimal parameter settings for the first test type of the business initiative testing model based on results from the virtual test.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for developing and managing a the test of a business initiative for a business network including business locations. In one aspect of the invention, a method is performed that includes performing a process for developing a business initiative to apply to the business network and performing a process for designing a test for the initiative. Further, the method includes executing the initiative at a set of test sites in accordance with the designed test, each test site corresponds to a selected business location in the business network. Also, performance results of the executed initiative may be analyzed and a rollout plan is created for implementing the initiative at a first set of business locations.

Abstract: A system, method, and article of manufacture is disclosed for determining optimal parameter settings for a business initiative testing model used for testing initiatives for business locations included in a business network. In one aspect, a method is disclosed that includes defining a first test type of a business initiative testing model having a set of parameter settings. Each parameter setting may include a set of one or more parameter setting options. The method may also include performing virtual tests on a set of virtual test sites based on the defined test type. Each virtual test site may reflect a selected business location in the business network. Also, the method may include determining a set of optimal parameter settings for the first test type of the business initiative testing model based on results from the virtual test.