Abstract: A method for estimating supply chain settings comprises receiving historical supply chain data and generating one or more supply chain simulation files based on the historical supply chain data. A plurality of supply chain settings associated with the one or more supply chain simulation files is established and the one or more supply chain simulation files are simulated based on the plurality of supply chain settings. The performance of the supply chain is predicted over a time period associated with the historical supply chain data based on the simulation, and data indicative of the predicted performance of the supply chain is provided to a subscriber.

Abstract: A method for generating supply chain performance standards comprises receiving historical supply chain data associated with a supply chain and determining a confidence factor associated with the historical supply chain data. The method also includes generating one or more supply chain simulation files based on the historical supply chain data and establishing a plurality of supply chain settings associated with the one or more supply chain simulation files. Performance of the supply chain is predicted by simulating the one or more supply chain simulation files based on the plurality of supply chain settings. One or more supply chain performance standards are estimated based on the predicted performance of the supply chain and the confidence factor associated with the historical supply chain data.

Abstract: The Global Education Savings Fund (GESF) addresses the need for reliable and comprehensive funding for educational expenses. The GESF provides access to capital on a non-recourse basis, provides targeted capital at terms to fund education, provides a tactical allocation that increases probability of success, and provides capital guarantees that protect household/enterprise set-aside funds.

Abstract: A pension support fund provides disintermediation between capital markets and a pension fund whose credit rating is so poor it cannot access the capital markets on its own. The pension support fund, having a high credit rating (for example, AAA) facilitates access to capital on a non-recourse basis, and provides principal insurance such that capital invested is protected at term. Furthermore, it facilitates the creation of domestic investment vehicles in local currency to facilitate achieving liability hurdle rates of return—thereby hedging against long term liabilities.

Abstract: The intent of the debt redemption fund discussed herein is to structure a process by which the sovereign or institutional investor can access liquidity on preferential terms, provision for future obligations while meeting current domestic or existing short term obligations, and garner a credit rating that would facilitate future direct access to capital markets on an unfettered basis.

Abstract: The Fund is structured as a fixed income note. Underlying the Fund is (a) a calibrated global fixed income index structured to generate 6%-8% per annum and (b) fund of private equity funds organized to generate short and frequent realizations. These short realizations fall under the category of secondaries, leverage buyouts and special situation deals.

Abstract: A controller for an appliance operated by a microprocessor has a rotatable control knob mounted on a shaft that extends through an outer surface of the appliance. A disk with a plurality of apertures spaced around the circumference thereof is mounted on the inner end of the shaft such that the rotation of the control knob generates a succession of signals readable by the microprocessor. Markings around the circumference of the control knob indicate the cycles that the appliance can perform and the various stages of the cycles. Each of the markings has an indicator such as an LED associated therewith and the microprocessor is configured to successively energize the indicator adjacent the marking as the knob is turned and to indicate the indicated cycle or stage when a stage switch is activated.