Abstract: Instrumenting or modeling a bio-manufacturing process is disclosed. A data store holds information regarding one or more bio-manufacturing processes. For each process, the data store information includes workflow steps and per step indications of required equipment, services and consumables according to best practice and/or experts. A videographic user interface enables user interactive input regarding a subject bio-manufacturing process from the data store. The user-interface presents a model representation of deployment of the subject bio-manufacturing process. The user interactively navigates and makes selections in the displayed model representation. The user selections include certain bio-manufacturing products, equipment and services from an image database. The images from the image database enable the views of the model representation to appear true to life demonstrating equipment/product layout and physical equipment/computer connections used in the subject bio-manufacturing process.

Abstract: Instrumenting or modeling a bio-manufacturing process is disclosed. A data store holds information regarding one or more bio-manufacturing processes. For each process, the data store information includes workflow steps and per step indications of required equipment, services and consumables according to best practice and/or experts. A videographic user interface enables user interactive input regarding a subject bio-manufacturing process from the data store. The user-interface presents a model representation of deployment of the subject bio-manufacturing process. The user interactively navigates and makes selections in the displayed model representation. The user selections include certain bio-manufacturing products, equipment and services from an image database. The images from the image database enable the views of the model representation to appear true to life demonstrating equipment/product layout and physical equipment/computer connections used in the subject bio-manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method of social interaction between communication device users across a network (14, 16), the method including: at a first communication device (18, 20), selecting a user communication group of a communication group type corresponding to one of: (a) a known user; (b) a group of users with a previously established relationship; or (c) a group of users with no previously established relationship; and communicating with users in the selected communication group.

Abstract: A method and system for classifying small collections of high-value entities with missing data. The invention includes: collecting measurement variables for a set of entity cases for which classifications are known; calibrating standard weights for each measurement variable based on historical data; computing compensating weights for each entity case that has missing data, computing case scores for each of one or more dimensions as a sum-product of compensating weights and variables associated with each dimension; executing an iterative process that finds a specific combination of compensation weights that best classify the entity cases in terms of distinct scores; and applying a resulting model, which is determined by the specific combination of compensation weights, to classify other entity cases for which the classifications are unknown.

Abstract: A method and system for classifying small collections of high-value entities with missing data. The invention includes: collecting measurement variables for a set of entity cases for which classifications are known; calibrating standard weights for each measurement variable based on historical data; computing compensating weights for each entity case that has missing data, computing case scores for each of one or more dimensions as a sum-product of compensating weights and variables associated with each dimension; executing an iterative process that finds a specific combination of compensation weights that best classify the entity cases in terms of distinct scores; and applying a resulting model, which is determined by the specific combination of compensation weights, to classify other entity cases for which the classifications are unknown.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium that includes: inputting a Throughput (T), an Investment (I) and an Operating Expense (OE) into a Throughput Accounting logic to create performance measures, resource measures, decision support measures and control measures; storing the performance measures, resource measures, decision support measures and control measures in a database; and inputting queries and contents of the database into a decision support logic to create a supported decisions output.

Abstract: A method and system for classifying small collections of hi-value entities with missing data. The invention includes: collecting measurement variables for a set of entity cases for which classifications are known; calibrating standard weights for each measurement variable based on historical data; computing compensating weights for each entity case that has missing data, computing case scores for each of one or more dimensions as a sum-product of compensating weights and variables associated with each dimension; executing an iterative process that finds a specific combination of compensation weights that best classify the entity cases in terms of distinct scores; and applying a resulting model, which is determined by the specific combination of compensation weights, to classify other entity cases for which the classifications are unknown.

Abstract: A method and system to optimally route telephone calls between shared service centers is presented. Using a combination of service tiers, Agent Directory, Instant Messaging (IM), and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) provides optimal routing of incoming calls for assistance. The method utilizes different protocols during normal operations, transitional operations, and emergency operations, and addresses Shared Service Center (SSC) planning and management.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method of and system for sizing service resource buffers. The method comprises the step providing a model for determining a buffer size and upper and lower thresholds for said buffer, said model including a plurality of parameters and constraints. Values for said parameters are entered into the model, and the model is solved. The method comprises the further steps of identifying at least one most sensitive of said parameters of said model, calibrating said at least one most sensitive of said parameters, and after said calibrating step, resolving the model to calculate the buffer size and the upper and lower thresholds for said buffer.

Abstract: A method and system for establishing an Efficient Frontier (EF) and Attainment Rate (AR) for Business Transformation Outsourcing (BTO) is presented. EF is the maximum service level achievable at a point in time for a specific business process or business process area. AR is the pace at which the EF can be reached from an initial value. Clients, outsourcers, and third-parties determine whether proposals are infeasible (above EF) or inefficient (below AR). Fact-based discussions of the merits and limitations of various implementation initiatives are supported. A determination is made as to whether there are any business segments to which different EF and AR apply. Any underlying factors for the EF and AR of each business segment are determined, and any change (rise or fall) of EF over time is predicted to maintain an optimally accurate EF and/or AR for each business segment.

Abstract: Studies of call center activities are performed by using a tool having timer buttons for timing call activities during a live or recorded call. Code values are assigned to specific activities and activity subtypes. The calls are assigned to a plurality of reviewers who gather data using the tool. Reviewer data is consolidated into a master database. The data is normalized with agent performance ratings. The normalized data is analyzed statistically to determine leverage points for improvement.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, a system and a computer program for managing services of human resources. The method comprises the steps of modeling human resources delivery services from a services provider to a client company to determine outputs from inputs and constraints; and constructing an objective function representative of services resources at said services provider. The method also comprises the steps of determining optimum levels of human resources based on said modeling, said constraints, and said objective function; and allocating said human resources based upon said optimum levels. Preferably, said optimum levels of resources are determined over tiers, sites and time periods. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a system and a method for resource allocation on BTO projects. This preferred system includes an optimization model, along with its inputs and outputs. This system may be used to address dynamic client needs before and during BTO projects.

Abstract: A method of managing capacity in a business process on demand for providing a service to a service requester. The method comprises the steps of providing a business process having one or more service inputs, at least one service output, at least one capacity constraint having a capacity level and a queue located ahead of the capacity constraint having an upper queue threshold and a lower queue threshold. The method further comprises gathering with a performance monitoring subsystem a set of business process data, and adjusting with a capacity management subsystem the capacity level of the capacity constraint in response to the set of business process data gathered by the performance monitoring subsystem.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method, system and computer program for managing multiple projects. The method comprises the steps of defining a plurality of projects requiring resources, each of said projects having a project manager; and managing said resources with resource buffers and replenishment times. Said replenishment times are incorporated by said project manager, into resource view plans for said plurality of projects. The preferred embodiment of the invention employs a technique called Replenishment to manage resources when Critical Chain (CC) is used on diverse projects. This embodiment of the invention overcomes problems with the Strategic Resource approach by (1) not requiring identification of a common strategic resource, (2) providing heuristics to determine how much spare capacity to provide for each resource type, and (3) allowing projects to be started or completed on demand.

Abstract: Under the present invention when a business process is desired to be outsourced from a client (e.g., a company or governmental unit) to a third party outsourcer, an outsourcing project is initially planned. Typically, the plan includes a plurality of overlapping phases that extend over several time periods. Thereafter, a cost for implementing the outsourcing project is estimated. Should the cost exceed a planned budget of the client, the excess/investment is addressed while an agreement between the client and the outsourcer for the outsourcing project is being reached. This can involve reducing scope, restructuring the overlapping phases to reduce or eliminate the excess cost, and/or integrating funding options to address the cost as part of the agreement.

Abstract: Under the present invention, a call center study is planned and managed. Specifically, a call center study is first designed based on specific parameters such as customer segments, products, call types and population size. Thereafter, target values and assumed resource values are provided so that a target sample size and a required resources value can be computed. The call center study can then be planned based on the target sample size and required resources. As the study is being performed, calls will be tracked and monitored so that actual sample sizes can be determined. These values will be used to compute actual accuracy levels for the study, which will be compared to a previously provided target accuracy level. Based on this comparison, it can be decided whether the study should be terminated or continued.

Abstract: A method and system for determining investor participation driven stock purchase indices. Raw customer trading data is received from an accounting system. The raw customer trading data is then aggregated to generate daily transaction total counts for all stocks (that is, total shares bought and sold, total market value, etc.) as well as daily transaction total counts for each individual stock. Aggregation of the raw customer data also addresses customer privacy concerns. The aggregated data is processed to produce moving averages, stock purchase indices, and stock rankings. The stock purchase indices are based on a diffusion index technique of segregating buyers from sellers, and with these relative counts, measures the breadth of investor purchasing participation. The stock purchase indices are then displayed to a graphical user interface. The display includes stock buy and sell ranking lists.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises: performing a spending simulation, process simulation, information technology simulation, and value simulation, providing interactions among the simulations, and representing with the simulations the use by a client organization of one or more business transformation outsourcing services, such as sourcing, procurement, and payables.

Abstract: An example of a solution provided here comprises: performing a benefits simulation, performing a process simulation, performing an information technology simulation, performing a value simulation, providing interactions among the simulations, and representing with the simulations the use of at least one business transformation outsourcing service by a client organization.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for determining the thickness of a layer of aerated sludge floating on a layer of heavier liquid in a tank used in the treatment of sewage. The apparatus comprises a frame which can be positioned to extend vertically into the tank, an indicator supported by and movable vertically with respect to the frame, the indicator being positionable at the highest level of sludge in the tank, a horizontally-extending lower base attached to the frame at or near the bottom thereof, a horizontally-extending upper base attached to the frame at or near the top thereof, and a line carrying a float, the line being movably secured at the upper and lower base. The float is movable between the upper and lower base, is floatable on the liquid, and includes a horizontally extending portion presenting an upwardly directed, generally planar surface.