Abstract: A computer executable method for producing a feedback metric for use in Project Portfolio Management (“PPM”). The method includes collecting data about a plurality of project proposals and collecting data about a plurality of completed projects, such that some of the data about proposals and completed projects pertain to the same project. The collected data is then used to estimate the parameters of a model by using a maximum likelihood technique, executed as an algorithm in the computer, that overcomes a Missing Data Problem (“MDP”). The method uses the estimated parameters generated by the algorithm to create feedback metrics for use in PPM and that are output from the computer.

Abstract: A computer executable method for producing a feedback metric for use in Project Portfolio Management (“PPM”). The method includes collecting data about a plurality of project proposals and collecting data about a plurality of completed projects, such that some of the data about proposals and completed projects pertain to the same project. The collected data is then used to estimate the parameters of a model by using a maximum likelihood technique, executed as an algorithm in the computer, that overcomes a Missing Data Problem (“MDP”). The method uses the estimated parameters generated by the algorithm to create feedback metrics for use in PPM and that are output from the computer.

Abstract: Developing decision-making skills of a user through practice in a simulated environment comprises defining a simulated situation to be influenced by the user including a set of objects that are represented by an attribute-characteristic representation, presenting information concerning a current state of the simulation, obtaining decisions from the user that at least partially determine object designs to be evaluated, evaluating an object design using a value function having multiple optima, updating the simulation with the results from the evaluation, and permitting continued practice by selectively repeating several of these steps. A system executes simulation software that simulates such a situation on a processor, and includes evaluation software for selecting and evaluating design objects by applying a value function having multiple optima. At least one terminal and communication links are provided for information transfer and implementation of the simulated situation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for simulating real-world scenarios are disclosed in which value functions having multiple optima process objects submitted by a user. The methods and system, among other things, can develop decision-making skills of the user and can assist in diagnosing the cognitive approach of a student. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention is implemented on a computer and represents changes in design opportunities for objects in a simulated environment. The design opportunities can represent, for example, new or changed features in a product made by a particular firm. The objects are defined through an attribute-characteristic representation. Participants in the simulation acquire limited information to guide their going-forward decisions, preferably at a cost. A network preferably interconnects plural simulation participants to a central computer that runs the simulation.

Abstract: A management training simulation system and method are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention is implemented on a computer and represents changes in design opportunities for objects in a simulated environment. The design opportunities can represent, for example, new or changed features in a product made by a particular firm. The objects are defined through an attribute-characteristic representation. A multipeaked value function is used to process designs throughout the simulation instead of a distance-value function as in conventional simulations. At some time during the simulation, the domain of one or more attributes, the number of attributes, or both are changed to thereby alter the set of valid designs for the objects in the simulation. Such changes can simulate technological advances including incremental and radical innovations, government regulation, shortages in raw materials, union strikes, and the like.

Abstract: A management training simulation system and method are disclosed. A method in accordance with one aspect of the invention is implemented on a computer and develops the decision-making skills of a user in a defined, simulated situation which includes one or more firms controlled by participants in the simulation which cause particular object designs to be injected into the simulation. Each object design is defined through an attribute-characteristic representation. A multipeaked value function is used to process the designs throughout the simulation instead of a distance-value function as in conventional simulations. The participant is selectively provided with information about at least some of the objects in the simulation, preferably at a cost, as well as a valuation of those objects and is also apprized of the current state of his or her firm. The participant digests this information and creates revised object designs which are sent to the simulation and processed using the multipeaked value function.

Abstract: In a fuel economy measuring circuit a first train of pulses having a rate which is a function of the velocity of the vehicle or of the fuel consumption rate is fed into one input terminal of an up-down counter for causing the counter to count up or down as the case may be. A second train of pulses having a pulse rate which is a function of the fuel consumption of the vehicle per unit time or velocity of the vehicle is fed into one input of a rate multiplier for multiplication with the output of the up-down counter to derive a product output train of pulses having a pulse rate which is a function of the product of the output signal of the counter and the other input. The output pulse train of the rate multiplier is fed to the other input terminal of the up-down counter.