Abstract: A fiber optic probe assembly comprises an optical engine and a fiber optic probe. A proximal end connector comprises a self-aligning connector for connecting optical fibers of the fiber optic probe to the optical engine and an integrated fiber optic-based polarizer. A disposable cover is provided for enclosing at least a portion of a fiber optic probe assembly. The disposable cover comprises an elongated tubular housing and a sheath portion adapted to receive at least a portion of the fiber optic probe between ends of the housing. A handle is disposed on a proximal end of the housing, the handle comprising a self-tensioning device. An optical window is disposed on a distal end of the housing, the optical window adapted to provide for alignment with optical elements of the fiber optic probe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is in responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: A single helix chiral fiber grating of a predetermined grating strength is provided that is operable to control light transmission in a predetermined wavelength range. The novel fiber grating comprises a first optical fiber with a first interface portion at a first end, a second interface portion at a second end, and a middle portion therebetween. The first optical fiber is configured with at least one fiber core, surrounded by a corresponding at least one cladding, with a first longitudinal section disposed within the first interface portion, a second longitudinal section disposed within the second interface portion, and also includes a longitudinal helical section, disposed therebetween within the middle portion, that comprises a longitudinal helix structure of a single predetermined handedness, having a predetermined pitch profile, and having a predetermined helix diameter profile selected and configured to produce the predetermined grating strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is in responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: A system is described for providing workforce planning services. The system may include a memory, an interface, and a processor. The memory may store a baseline dataset describing current employees of an organization. The processor may be operative to determine a projected workforce dataset based on the baseline dataset, the projected workforce dataset describing projected employees required by the organization. The processor may assess the baseline dataset and employee movement strategies to determine a forecasted available workforce dataset describing forecasted employees available to the organization. The processor may determine a gap between the projected workforce dataset and the forecasted available workforce dataset. The processor may generate a workforce service plan which describes strategies for eliminating the gap and may provide the plan to a user. The processor may receive updates to the baseline dataset and may assess the updates to determine whether the plan is being effectively implemented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are learning solutions that utilize a content development module that is nested inside a total learning solution and identifies, develops, and manages required course content. A content development module is particularly adapted to assemble and compile custom learning content materials for use in the learning solution by appropriately taking business strategy alignment and other information into consideration. The learning content may be developed as a third party service in accordance with a service level agreement. A service level agreement is a contract between the learning solution services provider and the learner (i.e., outsourcing) organization that establishes the requisite quality and effectiveness levels of the learning solution services as measured by one or more performance metrics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: A single helix chiral fiber grating of a predetermined grating strength is provided that is operable to control light transmission in a predetermined wavelength range. The novel fiber grating comprises a first optical fiber with a first interface portion at a first end, a second interface portion at a second end, and a middle portion therebetween. The first optical fiber is configured with at least one fiber core, surrounded by a corresponding at least one cladding, with a first longitudinal section disposed within the first interface portion, a second longitudinal section disposed within the second interface portion, and also includes a longitudinal helical section, disposed therebetween within the middle portion, that comprises a longitudinal helix structure of a single predetermined handedness, having a predetermined pitch profile, and having a predetermined helix diameter profile selected and configured to produce the predetermined grating strength.

Abstract: Disclosed is a delivery module and related platforms and processes for a business driven learning solution for managing the learning and training needs of an enterprise in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. The inventions employs sub-modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the planning of the learning delivery, execution of the delivery, wrap-up of the learning delivery effort, and a compilation of delivery operations support processes. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include a delivery module and related platforms and processes may be outsourced by organizations whereby the processes of the learning solution are implemented by a third party learning services provider under contract to an organization. As a result, learning content is presented in a consistent, cost-effective and high-quality manner while continuously tied to an organization's strategic business objectives.

Abstract: Disclosed are learning solutions and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of an organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business timelines, goals and strategic objectives. The learning solutions and related methods employ modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration of learning efforts. Also disclosed are networks of learning platforms that together implement the learning solution by providing electronic tools and information sharing capabilities needed by a learning solution services provider to efficiently implement and manage learning efforts according to the business desires of a complex learner organization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are learning solutions that utilize a content development module that is nested inside a total learning solution and identifies, develops, and manages required course content. A content development module is particularly adapted to assemble and compile custom learning content materials for use in the learning solution by appropriately taking business strategy alignment and other information into consideration. The learning content may be developed as a third party service in accordance with a service level agreement. A service level agreement is a contract between the learning solution services provider and the learner (i.e., outsourcing) organization that establishes the requisite quality and effectiveness levels of the learning solution services as measured by one or more performance metrics.

Abstract: Disclosed are decision support and resource synchronization tools and platforms and related methods for synchronizing learning services in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. In particular, disclosed is a decision support tool that enables learning solutions to be responsive to an organization's business timelines, goals and strategic objectives so as to enable an organization to have its learning needs managed effectively in a manner similar to the management of a traditional business. Also disclosed is a synchronization platform for a learning solution network that uses electronic tools and information sharing capabilities to efficiently track and report various performance metrics to ensure that ongoing learning efforts are aligned with the business strategies and learning objectives as measured by quantifiable performance metrics.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.