Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for teaching fundamentals of finance to a young child. Using colorful currency cards, the young child is taught such principles as cash-flow, savings, investing and banking by a hands-on participation in ongoing, life-like financial events.

Abstract: A simulation game method is disclosed for teaching basic personal financial skills and the application thereto of character, time management, responsibility, and accountability. A user completes instruments such as checks and time slips, and receives directly responsive financial statements, such as bank statements and credit card statements, as well as financial demands such as invoices and credit card statements that simulate both planned and unexpected expenses. A simulated game period, such as six weeks, can proceed at a compressed rate. The game can require incurring of debt, but allow for debt elimination through skillful financial management. Guidance and suggestions can be provided by a managing staff, and a game score can be based on demonstrated financial responsibility and/or quality of life achieved. The game can be played using paper statements prepared by a supervising staff, on a local computer, or on a remote computer accessed over the internet.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for determining stock option pricing in which the interplay of short-term interest rates and expected long-term rates of return on the underlying security results are factored to yield a more accurate forecast of options prices as compared to conventional models. The method of the present invention employs an expected long-term rate of return parameter and a conditional probability volatility parameter and an adjustment factor to address the put-call parity theorem which addresses the accuracy problems of the Black-Scholes model. The method can also be applied using a known current option prices to determine an assumed long-term rate of return.

Abstract: A method of teaching accounting principles is disclosed in which two different colors are used to distinguish that which is owned and owed from that which has been used and earned. This is to establish the concept of double entry accounting. Question sets are used to distinguish assets, liabilities, income and expenditure from one another to facilitate their proper treatment in books of account. Words other than commonly accepted accounting words are used to denote accounting concepts before the teaching method moves on to using the commonly accepted accounting words.

Abstract: A method (200) for preparing a supervisor to manage an employee and for managing the employee includes the provision of a management scorecard document (400). The management scorecard document (400) can include a metric analysis portion (402), a behavior analysis portion (421), and a performance target section (434). The supervisor uses the management scorecard document (400) in a coaching session, such as a face-to-face meeting, to focus on developing employee behavior rather than simply delivering employee feedback.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe the implementation and execution of situational response training (SRT). In some embodiments, a sales team can use an SRT to implement real-time, peer-reviewed and/or focused training. For example, a manager can prepare a training situation through a web interface and then verbally record the training through a telephone interface. The training situation can include any number of questions, scenarios, fact patterns, etc. that can require a response by members of the sales team. Once prepared, the manager can send the training situation to his sales team. The sales team can then prepare and respond to the training situation over the phone using an interactive voice response (IVR) system or through another communication channel. For example, the training situation can be sent via email requesting that each member of the sales team respond to the training situation through a telephone interface.

Abstract: A method of, and tool for, enhancing a student's knowledge and skill in Six Sigma concepts. The tool is computer-based and enhances and evaluates a student's knowledge of and skill in the DMAIC process of Six Sigma. The tool allows the student to apply his newly-obtained knowledge of Six Sigma methodologies to a simulated real-world situation.

Abstract: A game that teaches principles of dynamic business management by advancing tokens (20) along a work flow path (22) on a playing surface (24) to simulate multiple processes of a fictitious business enterprise over time. The work flow path (22) includes at least three distinct and progressive processing areas (30, 32, 34, 36), each representing a different value-added function of the fictitious business. A constraint zone (38) having a specified token (20) capacity is established in each processing area (30, 32, 34, 36), and all tokens (20) must pass through each constraint zone (38) during the play of the game. The token (20) capacity of at least one of the constraint zones (38) may be changed by the players by adding or subtracting work capacity squares (50, 52) during a round to provoke variations in the rate of token (20) advance along the work flow path (22) to thereby simulate a management decision on a dynamic system over time so that its effects can be observed.

Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.

Abstract: Electronic media for teaching others financial principles includes an interactive game that includes a financial lesson. The interactive game may be remotely accessed by users via a network such as the Internet. In certain embodiments the interactive game includes (i) a lesson portion; (ii) a game play portion; and, optionally, (iii) a lesson reinforcement portion. In other embodiments the interactive game includes one or more rewards for successfully completing each interactive game. Such rewards may include a certificate of achievement and/or access to an otherwise inaccessible game.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product for optimizing a Business Process Model (BPM) having at least one work process are presented. At a simulation client, a determination is made whether a simulated business outcome associated with a test BPM satisfies a business value deficiency associated with a current BPM. In response to a determination that the simulated business outcome does not satisfy the business value deficiency, the test BPM is optimized. Once the simulation client determines that the simulated business outcome satisfies the business value deficiency, the test BPM is implemented as an actual BPM. Moreover, an actual business outcome associated with the actual BPM is generated. A determination is made whether the actual business outcome satisfies the simulated business outcome. In response to a determination that the actual business outcome does not satisfy the simulated business outcome, the actual BPM is optimized.

Abstract: A method and system for arranging, displaying, conveying, learning, and communicating project management intelligence utilizes a device formed of a plurality of 3-dimensional geometric polytopes movably connected together and movable relative to one another. The polytopes represent the domain of project knowledge, the domain of project process groups, and the domain of project management competency, respectively and each polytope has surfaces or sections bearing indicia representing clusters of functional information and aspects of project management relative to the respective project management intelligence domain. The polytopes are manipulated individually to align selected surfaces or sections of each polytope relative to one another so as to collectively visually display selected combinations of interrelated and conjoined functional information and aspects of project management intelligence within the domains.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. The system is architectured around a table of components to manage and control the system.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the invention are directed to portfolio optimization and related techniques. For example, the invention provides a method for multi-objective portfolio optimization for use in investment decisions based on competing objectives and a plurality of constraints constituting a portfolio problem, the method comprising: generating an initial population of solutions of portfolio allocations; performing a first multi-objective process, based on the initial population and the competing objectives, to generate a first interim efficient frontier; performing a second multi-objective process, based on the initial population and the competing objectives, to generate a second interim efficient frontier; and fusing the first interim efficient frontier with the second interim efficient frontier to create an augmented efficient frontier for use in investment decisioning.

Abstract: A method of enhancing learning at a learning institution about innovation and the protection of intellectual property comprises establishing a course in innovation and/or intellectual property protection at the learning institution. Students desiring to register for the course at the learning institution may be required to assign to an entity designated by the learning institution any intellectual property right that student might achieve by reason of that student being allowed register to take the course. Students constituting a class taking the course conceive an innovation and learn about innovation and how to protect innovative intellectual property by participating in a patent application (or other intellectual property application) that is filed at a patenting authority on the innovation conceived as a result of the class taking the course being offered at the learning institute, and at least one student registered for the course is a named inventor on the application.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and an apparatus for reward-based learning of policies for managing or controlling a system or plant. In one embodiment, a method for reward-based learning includes receiving a set of one or more exemplars, where at least two of the exemplars comprise a (state, action) pair for a system, and at least one of the exemplars includes an immediate reward responsive to a (state, action) pair. A distance measure between pairs of exemplars is used to compute a Non-Linear Dimensionality Reduction (NLDR) mapping of (state, action) pairs into a lower-dimensional representation. The mapping is then applied to the set of exemplars, and reward-based learning is applied to the transformed exemplars to obtain a management policy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a learning system and method that allows students with basic literacy to learn essential principles of accounting. No prior learning in accounting is presumed or required. Using a simple business simulation, students develop an accounting system for themselves. The learning system and method employs many of the key human learning senses of visual, auditory, kinesthetic, gustatory and olfactory. By creating a three dimensional accounting system and continually telling the story of the business as it evolves, students are using all of the necessary senses for effective and lasting learning.

Abstract: A process for providing replacement electrical motors to a number of disparate users that employ large, industrial electric motors for driving electrical generators or other rotary equipment. The process comprises providing a cooperative motor repair and replacement program and alliance for the repair and replacement of the electric motors; ascertaining the specifications and condition of the motors of each user who participates in the program, and transferring the motors of each user to one or more common climate-controlled storage locations, so that they will be in good condition and available when required. Desirably, the inventory of the user's own motors is supplemented by new motors in a sufficient quantity to satisfy the replacement motor requirements of all the users. To the extent required, an inventory is maintained of transition bases that are used to position a replacement motor so that it matches the specifications of the driven apparatus.

Abstract: A personal savings bank, for use by children, which is attachable to a computer as a peripheral device and simulates interactions with a teller as paper money and coins are deposited into and withdrawn from the device is described. The invention includes a money storage peripheral, a communications system, and software executed by a computer adjacent to and separate from the money storage device. The money storage peripheral is attached to the computer via a wire or wireless link. The software program controls a teller displayed on the computer which interacts with a child in response to cues from the money storage peripheral. The teller could include a real person or an animated character who speaks, commands, and responds to a child during use of the money storage peripheral.

Abstract: A system and method for simultaneously advertising and educating students which uses a corporate sponsor of consumer products or service which pays for a modular hands-on real-life simulation of an occasion for encountering the products or service and provides ability to learn and to permit revenue sharing via an internet teaching and testing component.

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: A method and system for planning of employee training based on the current skill possession status of the company and the company strategy is provided. A company evaluation value concerning the number of employees in the company who have a skill equal to or higher than a predetermined level in a field selected by the company is compared with a reference evaluation value in the selected field. Upon the company evaluation value being lower than the reference evaluation value, a number of employees needed to have a skill equal to or greater than the predetermed level, in order to make the company evaluation value equal to or greater than the reference evaluation value is calculated. Thus, it is possible to comprehend the needs of employee training in accordance with actual status of the company and the company strategy.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which enable students to participate in a simulated, electronic trading environment. The concept is one where the eSpeed rules based system and GUI may be used to educate students on the trading of financial products. The system may be “live” using real-time information and held either in a private virtual community (i.e. intra-school) or a wider community (i.e. inter-school). Fixed rules may be pre-programmed into the system or modified/customized by the participants. Participants may access the simulation via, for example, the Internet. The products traded in the simulation may include any simulated fixed income financial product. However, the simulation may not involve trading real financial products where there would be real financial risks. Simulated trading may be compared to real-world trading to create new financial products that may be tested and traded in the system.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed that provides a learning environment useful for teaching students about the structure, characteristics, and behavior of a complex system. The learning experience is centered around a quantitative model-based simulation, whose state is updated according to defined algorithms with each successive execution of the model. The learning environment provides the student with user-friendly means for reviewing state information and choosing actions and/or “instrument” values. Several design strategies are combined and implemented to manage the student's cognitive load and engender insights. The student may partially delegate control to automated agents, obtain qualitative descriptions of changes and of model entities, and access algorithmic details that explain causes and effects. The designer can vary simulation behaviors in different problem scenarios to achieve teaching objectives.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for strategy development and resource management for achieving a goal. The goal is divided into a plurality of first-generation sub-goals to form a goal hierarchy. At least one parameter is defined for the first-generation of sub-goals. The sub-goals are further divided into subsequent generations of sub-goals if the number of generations of sub-goals is less than a threshold value. A multi-level concentric representation of the goal hierarchy is created, based on the at least one parameter. The multi-level concentric representation is used for developing a strategy for achieving the goal.

Abstract: A customer support system for improving the skill of a person engaged in a business with reduced cost for technical training support and enhancing practical training. The customer support system includes a computer system for introducing training contents from a service providing side to a customer side through a computer network; an instructor training facility for training an instructor based on training contents; and a remote technique training support device for the instructor, for supporting technical training on the customer side, from the service providing side, through the computer network.

Abstract: An education set used for education of a work including a series of work steps. The education set includes segment diagrams (105a, 105b, 105c) where work directions for executing the series of work steps, work directions including work guide information from which part of information is excluded, or work guide information are shown and subsegment diagrams (106a, 106b, 106c) where the information excluded from the segment diagrams are shown.

Abstract: The present invention analyzes the impact of known or unknown events on the fulfillment of business goals. In light of a defined business strategy, a performance outcome related to the business goal is analyzed to determine the effect of an event on the business goal. For training evaluation, the actual impact of training given for particular skills on job and business performance is readily determined.

Abstract: A method for performing business training communications includes determining a targeted business and performing a needs analysis to determine a plurality of recipient events in accordance with the targeted business. A plurality of business training messages is determined in accordance with the plurality of determined recipient events. The method also includes providing an animation for each of the business training messages in accordance with the plurality of determined business training messages to provide a plurality of animation systems and providing the plurality of animation systems to a message user. A recipient event and a targeted message recipient are determined by the message user and an animation system of the plurality of animation systems is selected in accordance with the recipient event and the business training message of the selected animation system.

Abstract: A multiple player game has objects corresponding to projects to which resources are allocated by the players of the game. The players include a plurality of groups. A resource bank mechanism determines a bank of resources to be made available to each group of players for allocation to the projects controlled by the players the group. A first game mechanism allows each player to make independent resource allocations to a project controlled by that player. A second game mechanism requires each group of players to make joint resource allocation decisions. A third game mechanism requires a plurality of the groups to make team level decisions affecting resource allocations to projects controlled by the groups of players. A scoring mechanism assigns a respective project score to each project of each group, a group score to each group of projects, and a team score to the plurality of projects.

Abstract: A method for teaching production cycle project development utilizing a construction set having at least one construction set component designed to be alterable (e.g., robot) for constructing a user-definable apparatus. The teaching may include providing instructions for constructing the user-definable apparatus including at least one construction set component designed to be alterable. The instructions provided may include a task to be completed by the user-definable apparatus. A test environment for the user-definable apparatus to be tested to satisfy predefined specifications may be established. The test environment may be established on top of a desk. The user-definable apparatus may be tested in the test environment to verify that the predefined specifications are satisfied. A determination may be made as to whether the user-definable apparatus satisfies the predefined specifications.

Abstract: An education set used for education of a work including a series of work steps. The education set includes segment diagrams (105a, 105b, 105c) where work directions for executing the series of work steps, work directions including work guide information from which part of information is excluded, or work guide information are shown and subsegment diagrams (106a, 106b, 106c) where the information excluded from the segment diagrams are shown. FIG. 6.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for training and organizing on-site event professionals in the hospitality and tourism industry. The system has at least one server computer having a processor, an area of main memory for executing program code under the direction of the processor, a storage device for storing data and program code and a bus connecting the processor and the storage device, at least one relational database stored on the storage device, a data communications device connected to the bus for connecting the server computer to the Internet and Web-based training for on-site event professionals computer program code stored in the storage device and executing in the main memory under the direction of the processor.

Abstract: Analyzing employees based on results of an education business simulation. A network is utilized to present a training simulation to a user for achieving a training goal. Information is integrated into the training simulated utilizing the network that helps motivate achievement of the goal by the user. Progress of the user towards achieving the goal is measured utilizing the network. For further motivating achievement of the goal, feedback is also provided to the user utilizing the network. There are three levels of feedback, where each is progressively more detailed and is selected based on the number of mistakes made by the user, the user's progress towards the goal is subsequently reported to the employer of the user utilizing the network.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which enable students to participate in a simulated, electronic trading environment. The concept is one where the eSpeed rules based system and GUI may be used to educate students on the trading of financial products. The system may be “live” using real-time information and held either in a private virtual community (i.e. intra-school) or a wider community (i.e. inter-school). Fixed rules may be pre-programmed into the system or modified/customized by the participants. Participants may access the simulation via the Internet or any applicable method of communicating information among more than one computer. The products traded in the simulation may include any simulated fixed income financial product. However, the simulation may not involve trading real financial products where there would be real financial risks. Simulated trading may be compared to real-world trading to create new financial products that may be tested and traded in the system.

Abstract: Electronic media for teaching others financial principles includes an interactive game that includes a financial lesson. The interactive game may be remotely accessed by users via a network such as the Internet. In certain embodiments the interactive game includes (i) a lesson portion; (ii) a game play portion; and, optionally, (iii) a lesson reinforcement portion. In other embodiments the interactive game includes one or more rewards for successfully completing each interactive game. Such rewards may include a certificate of achievement and/or access to an otherwise inaccessible game.

Abstract: The tool for contemplation comprises a paper on which a main unit and a sub unit that surrounds the main unit are printed. The main unit includes a subject display cell that displays a subject and a plurality of thought results display cells that display a plurality of thought results found from the subject. Each sub unit includes a new subject display cell that displays each thought result as a new subject, and a plurality of new thought results display cells that surrounds the new subject display cell and that display a plurality of thought results found from the new subject. Thereby, the tool for contemplation enables readily seeing and utilizing a plurality of thought results found from a subject.

Abstract: A user is regularly asked questions on his/her lifestyle, physical condition, and mental condition. The user regularly inputs his/her own vital data and personal information. A voice input by the user is subject to analysis. Optimum advice is presented which is compatible with the present condition of the user, based on the answers to the questions, vital data, and results of the voice analysis. Extraction of items with problems from the medical questions and items of input data determines which medical questions and items of input data should be asked with attention from next time and the frequency of asking, simultaneously with optimization of an advice presenting algorithm.

Abstract: A system and method which evaluates the efficacy of tailored online health related behavioral materials provided to a human subject. More particularly, a method of evaluating the efficacy of online behavioral material in a clinical study including enrolling a plurality of customers, performing a computerized initial, randomly segregating the plurality of customers into a first group which accesses tailored behavioral material online and a second group which accesses non-tailored behavioral material online, providing the first group with tailored behavioral material, providing the second group with non-tailored behavioral material, providing the first group and the second group with a computerized first and second series of questions, analyzing the responses of the first group and the second group to the first and second series of questions according to predetermined factors, and evaluating the efficacy of the behavioral material.

Abstract: A method of teaching financial management of an enterprise, comprising: providing objects representing a balance sheet and income statement, also providing a source of monetary markers, the source representing the general economy, selecting an instruction to illustrate a financial transaction, directing the movement of the monetary markers among the objects to represent the selected instruction, and representing, by the distribution of the monetary markers among the objects, a financial condition of the enterprise.

Abstract: A method of visualizing data including displaying wheels, which represent functional units of a system, wherein each wheel is subdivided into segments collectively representing a process within the functional unit, identifying at least one communications pathway, connecting a hub of each of the wheels to the communications pathway, rotating the wheels around the communication pathway, periodically noting rotational positions of the plurality of wheels, and correlating the rotational positions with the timing of information that is transmitted via the communications pathway as the information passes one or more of the wheels.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing personalized health maintenance advice to a user. According to one illustrative embodiment, a method for determining the degree to which a user complies with a health maintenance program is provided that includes: providing a plurality of prevention elements; weighting the prevention elements relative to one another; determining to what extent the user complies with each prevention element; and determining an overall preventative maintenance score for the user based on the extent to which the user complies with each prevention element.

Abstract: Methods are presented for improving performance within an organization, including enhancing sales or service productivity of members of the organization. Desired characteristics for the organization are initially ascertained from the perspective of customers of the organization. Leaders are then employed to define cultural characteristics for the organization using, in part, the desired characteristics, and to define the cultural characteristics in behavioral terms. Action plans are generated for changing the organization to implement the defined cultural characteristics not already present and diminish present characteristics that are inconsistent with the defined cultural characteristics. Leaders of the organization validate the cultural characteristics and the action plan with a focus group including managers within the organization. Owners for implementing the action plans are assigned and progress in implementing the plans is measured.

Abstract: An educational interactive money management method for use in an arrangement comprising at least one computer network connecting at least one display device to at least one information-provider computer. The method having the steps of: displaying a graphic user interface connected to an electronically accessible financial account having at least one game; establishing a system of authorization governing access and transfer of information to and from the graphic user interface and the financial account; and processing information and transactions to and from the graphic user interface as permitted by the system of authorization.

Abstract: An educational interactive game of the invention includes a system for teaching financial skills to players, and in particular, children in the context of an interactive electronic game. Each player is initially provided a predetermined amount of periodic earned income, periodic expenses and a predetermined amount of cash on hand. These items are represented by corresponding indicia on an electronic display. An object of the game is for a player to generate passive income greater than the player's expenses by encountering game events that provide a player the opportunity to make financial choices to affect the desired outcome.

Abstract: Electronic media for teaching others financial principles includes an interactive game that includes a financial lesson. The interactive game may be remotely accessed by users via a network such as the Internet. In certain embodiments the interactive game includes (i) a lesson portion; (ii) a game play portion; and, optionally, (iii) a lesson reinforcement portion. In other embodiments the interactive game includes one or more rewards for successfully completing each interactive game. Such rewards may include a certificate of achievement and/or access to an otherwise inaccessible game.

Abstract: An options simulation engine for an options trading game. The present invention comprises a game engine for keeping track of game time and game settings, an options market simulator for providing a real-world options trading environment, and a portfolio manager engine for keeping track of a player's portfolio. The options market simulator comprises a basic stock price generator for moving stock prices, a news/rumor generator for moving stock prices, and an options pricing generator for pricing options.

Abstract: A method of training brokers in a multi-level marketing business to make sales of a product and to recruit new brokers includes the steps of presenting materials to train brokers on order form procedures. The order form procedures include collecting identification information and payment information. The method also includes presenting materials to train brokers on recruiting form procedures. The recruiting form procedures include collecting identification information, payment information, and the selection of sales packages. The method also includes presenting materials to train brokers on sales procedures. The sales procedures include the steps of listing prospects, approach prospects, provide a sales presentation, enroll members and brokers, and continually repeat the sales procedure.

Abstract: An educational interactive money management method for use in an arrangement comprising at least one computer network connecting at least one display device to at least one information-provider computer. The method having the steps of: displaying a graphic user interface connected to an electronically accessible financial account having at least one game; establishing a system of authorization governing access and transfer of information to and from the graphic user interface and the financial account; and processing information and transactions to and from the graphic user interface as permitted by the system of authorization.

Abstract: A multi-disciplinary educational tool having a plurality of commodity representations, a plurality of instruction cards, and at least one cargo transfer means that is moved among a plurality of geographical regions is disclosed. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a playing surface to represent a plurality of geographical regions. The commodity representations comprise physical samples, pictorial representations or a combination of physical samples and pictorial representations of the represented commodities. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a quantity of money for use during trading and exchange rates, wherein the exchange rates can set prices and exchange rates for the plurality of commodity representations. The multi-disciplinary educational tool can also comprise a plurality of impact cards that affect trading.