Abstract: A method and system for selecting an agent to service a contact at a contact center accounts for the state of the contact center and for individual agent proficiency and performance. A software-implemented method includes an algorithm that adjusts the agent-selection process according to variations in state such as fluctuating call volume. When two or more metrics describe distinct aspects of an agent's performance and both aspects are relevant to agent selection, the algorithm can weigh each according to relative importance to the center's operational effectiveness. The present invention couples to the information infrastructure of a computer-based contact center and interfaces with the components of the center that acquire and maintain information pertinent to the agent-selection process. This connectivity delivers real-time information to the software algorithms and thereby facilitates rapid response to changing conditions.

Abstract: Managing the rate of delivering performance interventions, such as training sessions, to agents in a contact center, such as a call service center benefits the operations of the contact center. Managing this rate can include adjusting the number of performance interventions delivered in an increment of time according to the state of the contact center. The state of the contact center can be determined by monitoring or predicting contact center performance. Contact center performance increasing above or falling below a management input level can trigger an increase or decrease in intervention delivery rate. In coordination with determining delivery rate, agents can be selected to receive interventions based on ranked performance or need.

Abstract: Managing the selection of performance interventions, such as training sessions, for delivery to agents in a contact center, such as a call service center benefits the operations of the contact center. Managing performance intervention selection can include selecting performance interventions according to the state of the contact center. State can be a monitored or a forecast performance of the contact center. Contact center performance meeting a management input criterion can trigger the selection of specific performance interventions. Performance interventions can be prioritized. When contact center performance is poor, high-priority interventions can be preferentially selected over less important interventions. In coordination with selecting performance interventions, agents can be selected to receive interventions based on ranked performance or need.

Abstract: Improving the frequency with which agents complete training in a call center or other constituent contact environment. Agents working in call centers are typically given periodic training to improve their skills. Training breaks are scheduled at various times throughout the day that can depend on the workload of the call center. However, often times the agents are unable to receive or complete their training during the scheduled training break due to unexpected work loads and other interruptions. The present invention enables monitoring and recording of whether training is received and completed during a training break. If the training was not completed, the training break is stored and rescheduled for a later time. The invention also facilitates completion of missed training breaks by providing spontaneous training breaks during periods of unexpectedly lower workload at the call center.

Abstract: A recurrent training method comprising the steps of configuring a computer to provide training-related information on a particular subject to a user of the computer, presenting through a computer training-related information to the user of the computer during a first training session at a first time, and initiating subsequent training sessions at recurrent times thereafter under computer control. Upon initiation of the subsequent training sessions, either by presenting training-related information to the user or by prompting the user for approval to present training-related information, the training method interrupts the user's interaction with other on-going activities on the computer, thereby reminding the computer user, at various times, of the need to perform training and, at the user's discretion, providing the user with recurrent training through recurrent training sessions.