Abstract: A computerised method of managing the performance of an employee or a group of employees of an organisation, the method comprising the steps of: a) creating a job description containing job description data for an employee or group of employees, b) creating an objectives file containing objectives data relating to objectives to be achieved by the employee or group of employees in the performance of their job description, c) processing of the job description data and the objectives data to obtain defined performance expectation data for employee or group of employees, d) receiving performance data obtained from the organisation relating to the performance of employee or group of employees, e) comparing the performance data with the defined performance expectations data and f) creating and/or modifying a development plan for the employee or group of employees.

Abstract: Work item rules for a work item tracking system are provided. Work item rules may be accessible, usable and subject to interpretation by multiple software entities. Further, work item rules may be configured to be subject to creation and change by users, for example, by exposure to users through a user interface. A work item rule may specify an identifier by which the abstraction can be identified and/or a name, and may specify, or be indicative of, a condition and an action to be taken if the condition is satisfied. In response to a first user action affecting a first work item rule, one or more work item rules corresponding to the first user and/or the first work item may be determined. The one or more work item rules then may be interpreted, and the user action responded to based on the interpretation.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to manage and track changes in enterprise architectures. The invention provides a hierarchical visual management tool to manage and update relational information within an enterprise in a controlled fashion. The relationship may be maintained in a database and displayed via graphical user interface. Enterprise assets are categorized into such categories as goals, customer values or requirements, capabilities, resources, and the like. A hierarchy is constructed so that relationships between these various categories are identified and captured using the invention. Weights may be assigned to each element of the categories so that any proposed change to an enterprise architecture may be viewed so that a value can be ascertained and compared between other values of other proposed changes. In this manner, tracking and management of evolutionary changes to an architecture may be accomplished using relational information.

Abstract: A system and method for providing search assistance over a communications network to an employer or a job seeker advertising positions at or applying to positions at higher education learning institutions. The method enables an employer to submit information about their open positions into categorized online system accessible to persons looking for employment in higher education. The categories are specially selected to reflect current market conditions in higher education. Employers utilize a specialized posting system to make their postings. Postings are viewed and polished prior to being made available to job seekers to ensure proper categorization, content, and completeness. Job seekers may view posted positions by entering search criteria into a search engine to produce a list of jobs matching the criteria. Job seekers may also browse listed positions by clicking through a series of categories that describe an academic discipline or administrative department.

Abstract: A facility control system includes lab, field and construction equipment with a wireless transceiver to transmit machine generated actual initial measurement (AIM) data including GPS information from a field activity to a wide area network; a mobile computer with a wireless transceiver to transmit human generated data from an office, a remote lab, or a field test or inspection to the network; and a server coupled to the network, the server including a database to receive machine and human generated AIM data, wherein the server applies statistics and engineering methods to predict specification compliance and performance, wherein the AIM data is used with pre-formatted engineered designed data sheets that reflect the exact location of the event and required standards including incorporating best construction practices for installation of one or more construction items and materials quality to promote standardization, uniformity that insures contract compliance and minimizes non-conforming items in real time.

Abstract: A method of improving a traffic pattern through web page nodes of a website is provided, including selecting web page nodes. The traffic pattern includes a sequence of nodes. Each node represents a first page having a link to a second page in a subsequent node. A visitor to a node prior to a conversion node either navigates to a subsequent node or fails to progress to a subsequent node. The method also includes, for each web page, identifying display elements on the web page node that are associated with a decreased probability that the user progresses through the traffic pattern to a subsequent web page node in the predetermined traffic pattern, determining a metric representing an impact on a conversion attributable to the display elements, ranking the plurality of web page nodes based on the metrics for each web page node.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system and computer program product for implementing an automated inventory replenishment process between a manufacturer and a business partner. In one embodiment of the invention, a method is provided comprising the business partner purchasing and maintaining an inventory of goods from the manufacturer, and the manufacturer providing price protection to the business partner for the purchasing of the goods. This embodiment further comprises managing said inventory by using an automated process that takes into account said price protection for the purchasing of the goods.

Abstract: A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that assesses the importance of projects in a portfolio of projects and allocates labor resources to multiple concurrent projects is provided. The method includes specifying clear project schedules that are readily testable for various projects and using labor categories for project schedule tasks requiring labor resources. The present design determines each project team member's productivity for each supported labor category and allocates project team members to the project tasks on a periodic basis such that the most important project tasks receive the most productive available project team members for each project's specified labor categories.

Abstract: A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.

Abstract: A technique for performing commercial venture analysis involves establishing an empirically-derived structure and evaluating companies using analytical techniques within that structure. The technique may involve defining jobs, or goals a customer is attempting to reach, with dozens or even hundreds of outcomes. Ideally, the structure and tools facilitate analysis that would not be possible otherwise. Moreover, the nature of the system enables real-time input for changing conditions and the ability to calculate returns for new markets in which products or services do not exist.

Abstract: A method including obtaining metadata specifying screens based on a business logic of the matter management workflow, generating, based on the metadata, the screens each including screen objects, where the matter management workflow includes a sequence of the screen objects specified by the metadata based on the business logic, receiving a matter management user input via the screen objects to navigate the matter management workflow, receiving a screen tester user input specifying a test instruction including a first specification based on the screen objects, generating, using the first specification and without further user intervention, a test sequence including a second specification based on the metadata, applying the test sequence to the screen objects to generate a first result depicting an evaluation of navigating the matter management workflow according to the business logic, and generating an alert in response to the first result indicating a violation to the business logic.

Abstract: A system for directing behavior of a first patient of a plurality of patients towards a behavioral objective includes a patient behavioral path calculator, a patient goal calculator, and a patient monitoring processor. The system also includes an information communication processor and a statistical processor. The patient behavioral path calculator calculates a patient behavioral path based on a statistical profile. The patient goal calculator calculates patient goals along the patient behavioral path toward a behavioral objective. The statistical processor can modify the statistical profile based on a response to a targeted message sent by the information communication processor.

Abstract: An architectural planning system, that includes software and the process thereof, which actively tracks the relationship of organizational groups as well as the required connections therebetween, which information can be actively taken into account during an architectural planning phase. Generally, this provides an improved software tool and process for planning the physical locations of organizational groups within the building space. Further, changes in organizational needs can be readily modified and adapted through direct and dynamic collaboration between these parties.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for assigning surplus slabs in the slab yard to orders before hot rolling process, the method comprises steps of: S100: quantitatively describing assignment of surplus slabs in the slab yard to orders with a mathematical model; S200: setting mathematical model parameters in step S100; S300: grouping order data and slab data according to steel grades; S400: obtaining an assignment scheme for surplus slabs and orders in each group with the mixed scatter search algorithm; S500: assigning said surplus slabs in the slab yard to orders before hot rolling process according to said assignment scheme. In the present invention, many factors are considered in a comprehensive way from a viewpoint of global optimization, and hence realizing effective and reasonable matching of surplus inventory in the slab yard before hot rolling process.

Abstract: A hierarchical budgeting structure is generated and used for generating and reviewing budgets during the budget planning process. Automated workflows for generating the budget and iteratively reviewing the budget are determined based upon the hierarchical budgeting structure. The hierarchical budgeting structure is first defined and that hierarchical budgeting structure is used to control flow of the information during the budget planning process. Nodes in the hierarchal structure each have an associated workflow and a set of rules that control activities that can be performed at a given node and that control security features corresponding to that node.

Abstract: A print job planning system determines a current state of a print shop and a set of expected disturbances for the print shop. It uses the current state and the set of expected disturbances to determine a cost for anticipated work in progress associated with various actuations. It also identifies a minimum cost from the determined costs, along with an actuation that corresponds to the minimum cost. It may then generate a report of the actuation, generate a work schedule based on the identified actuation, and/or cause the identified actuation to be implemented by at least one print device of the print shop.

Abstract: A system and article are disclosed for annotating resource variation. In one example, the system discloses an installation 102, having a device 128 associated with a user 118, and a resource manager 107, 120 programmed with executable instructions, which detect a resource 104 variation 308 associated with the device 128, and label the resource variation with a user annotation 316 generated by the user. In another example, the system discloses a network resource manager service 107 programmed with executable instructions, which interface with an installation 102, having a set of sensors 126 and a set of devices 128 associated with a user 118, receive data from at least one of the sensors which detects a resource 104 variation 308 associated with at least one of the devices; and label the detected resource variation with a user annotation 316.

Abstract: Start-up companies, as well as new businesses within established firms, have the challenge of creating a sensible intellectual property (IP) portfolio. With resources usually tight, not all of the IP can be protected due to cost or resource availability considerations. Accordingly, disclosed herein is an apparatus and method that provide an effective solution for management of identified intellectual property. By providing an effective scoring scheme and a simple display, management decision making is made simple and straightforward, while providing in a glance the entire distribution of the firm's IP.

Abstract: A system and method for managing requests for services, in particular via the use of the Internet, where requests for service may be refined before they are accepted. In response to the receipt of a service request from a service requester, a work order is created and routed to one or more of the service providers for the purpose of having one or more of the selected service providers indicate an acceptance of the work order. This work order can be later refined, for example if changes need to be made, especially in response to queries from the service providers.

Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for determining at least one association between at least one business process and at least one network entity. The system maps at least one user to the business process. The system maps the user to at least one network end-point. The system maps the network end-point to at least one application. The system maps the network entity to the application. The system identifies the association among the business process, the user, the network end-point, the application and the network entity based on one or more of the mappings.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing wireless enabled inventory peering are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a system for providing wireless enabled inventory peering includes a wireless enabled inventory peering vehicle system (WEIPVS). The WEIPVS is configured to receive an inventory search request. In response to receiving the inventory search request, the WEIPVS searches inventories of proximate technician vehicles. If a needed inventory item is located in an inventory of a proximate technician vehicle, the WEIPVS generates a request for an inventory transfer and sends the request to the proximate technician vehicle. When the item is received at the WEIPVS, the WEIPVS updates the inventory associated with the WEIPVS.

Abstract: A service model of resources is created and the resources are mapped to a plurality of templates. The service model represents real-time characteristics of resources for an enterprise. Rule-based Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) are then configured on the templates and thereby applied to the depicted resources, and the overall health of the system that utilizes the depicted resources depicted is determined. These KPI's can be chained in a way that allows the user a large amount of flexibility to report the metrics most relevant to the health of the business.

Abstract: A business-support system for financial advisors accepts personality information from investors and market-activity indicators such as share price, trade volume and natural-language news tone and sentiment reporting, to identify investors who may benefit from counseling from their advisors. The advisors may be notified to contact their clients, or a conference may be scheduled via a Customer Relationship Management (“CRM”) system. Additional features and extensions are described and claimed.

Abstract: A graphical forensic scheduling system is described. The system may receive a data date on a time-scaled project schedule. The system may calculate link gaps based on predecessor and successor relevant dates on either side of the data date. The system may automatically correct logic ties if actual dates for related activities are out-of-sequence. The system may calculate and display forensic floats, forensic drifts, and forensic total floats for actualized activities based on an algorithmic function of all link gaps on either side of the data date, i.e. forensic gap or otherwise. The as-built critical path may be determined based on the forensic total floats. The system may continuously and automatically refresh in real-time, forensic float, forensic drift and forensic total float any time a gap on either side of the data date takes on a revised value due to activities being repositioned on the timescale.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to selecting a portfolio. One embodiment of the present invention includes identifying a network comprising a source node, a target node, a first set of intermediate nodes that correspond to a set of objects from which a portfolio is selected, a second set of intermediate nodes, and a plurality of directed links. Also, the embodiment comprises initializing a network flow through the directed links and redistributing the flow through a subset of the plurality of directed links including directed links extending between the source node and the first set of intermediate nodes, between the first set of intermediate nodes and the second set of intermediate nodes. Further, the embodiment includes identifying members of the portfolio by determining which nodes of the first set of intermediate nodes have a network flow from the source node equal to or greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A service management system and method. In one embodiment, the service management system includes: (1) a service description repository configured to contain service descriptions that define services in terms of a set of systems and devices that assume roles based on at least one of capabilities and attributes thereof and (2) a service management engine coupled to the service description repository and configured to employ one of the service descriptions to repair a corresponding one of the services using a predefined relationship among a subscriber, at least one of the systems and devices and optimal values.

Abstract: A method and system for identifying management zones for variable-rate crop inputs, wherein the zones are developed using soil, water and topography base maps. The base maps are combined into various different zone maps, and a final zone map is selected on the basis of observed field characteristics.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium for utilizing the design centers, assembly line and job shops of a global delivery network across multiple software factories are presented. Pre-qualified factory organizational units in a software factory are identified. Identified qualified factory organizational units, including design centers, assembly lines and job shops, are matched to customer requirements. If the identified qualified factory organizational units are available, then they are load balanced and deployed to create software deliverables to the customer.

Abstract: The system includes a comparison unit that identifies products in an initial assortment of products, a desired assortment of products and the performance metric for each product. The comparison unit compares the initial assortment of products and the desired assortment of products to determine kept products, added product and deleted products. The system includes an interaction unit simulating the interaction of the kept products, the added products and the deleted products based on the performance metric. The system generates simulation results identifying the interactions between the kept products, the added products and the deleted products.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses enable triggering a work action from instantiation of a document. A system identifies instantiation of a document that has an associated business scenario. Based on the business scenario, a work action or activity as part of an stand-alone workflow is generated to accomplish the work of the business scenario. In one embodiment, a workflow is generated that includes multiple actions, including actions that may be performed by users other than a user that instantiated the document. In one embodiment, the workflow generated is a distributed workflow generated from reusable workflow building block components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for energy management includes receiving parameters from commercial building management system components; generating a stochastic programming model of electric vehicles (EVs) as mobile energy storage (MES) for optimal planning, operation, and control purposes; and controlling operation of EVs according to the stochastic programming model to lower operating cost and carbon emission.

Abstract: Improved approaches to notifying others of publications are disclosed. These improved approaches enable notifications to be timely and reliably made. In one embodiment, a notifor requests notification of certain publications be performed in an automated and controlled manner, and then notifications for such certain publications are automatically prepared and electronically transmitted to one or more notifees.

Abstract: A method and system for paratransit run-cutting is provided. A target number of paratransit vehicles is determined for each of a set of time intervals. A target number of trips corresponding to the target number of paratransit vehicles is generated for each time interval, each of said mock trips being defined such that a vehicle performing one of said mock trips in one of said time intervals is able to perform any of said mock trips in an immediately subsequent one of said time intervals. The target number of mock trips for each of the time intervals is entered into a fixed-route transit run-cutting application. Paratransit runs are created using fixed-route transit runs generated by said fixed-route transit run-cutting application.

Abstract: A method for providing an energy map may include receiving an indication of status for each of a plurality of individual entities with respect to corresponding priorities defined for each respective individual entity, correlating received indications of status to respective group priorities, providing a representation of a plurality of the group priorities, and mapping an amount of energy associated with the group priorities by providing a graphical representation of a respective amount of resources associated with the group priorities based on the received indications.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer-readable storage medium to efficiently create and model ERP representations of an organization (ORG). Predefined ERP entities may be presented to a user. The user may instantiate (or create) one or more of the presented entities. The user may be presented with predefined dimension types and available dimension values for the instantiated entity. The user may select/assign values to the dimension types, and as a result, the available values for other dimension types of one or more instantiated entities may decrease.

Abstract: A healthcare provisioning system improves efficiency in providing healthcare services. Healthcare supply and demand models are analyzed by a healthcare provisioning system to efficiently allocate healthcare supply resources to satisfy healthcare demand. Healthcare supply resources are allocated so as to avoid tipping points that can result in increased costs and negative patient outcomes.

Abstract: A virtual production control system (VPCS), and a virtual production control method and a computer program product thereof are provided. At first, the VPCS processes historical work-in-process (WIP) information and a current shipping plan sent from a supplier side, thereby obtaining a plurality of sets of WIP input/output historical data and a goods output schedule. Then, the VPCS performs an integer programming (IP) method to find the latest output schedule in accordance to the current shipping plan; uses a genetic algorithm (GA) to fit the historical distributed-parameters; adopts a neural network (NN) method to predict the future distributed-parameters of production; and finally utilizes a Petri Nets to simulate and obtain a latest feasible input schedule and a latest feasible output schedule.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing asset utilization using satellite aided location tracking. Smart sensor technology incorporated into mobile tracking hardware affixed to an asset can be used to support decision processes related to management of multiple assets. Automated decision processes based on customized business rules can operate on asset positions at various defined landmark locations and customized geographical areas.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for entry and presentation of project planning information, showing activities in their geographic context. Information relating to activities and groupings of activities is entered, updated and presented. Information associated with one or more groupings of activities is associated with a graphical icon, with the appearance of the icon changing in response to changes in the associated information. The icon is placed in a graphical display, with the graphical display showing geographic information, such as a map, and the icon being placed in a map location showing the location of the activities associated with the icon. The graphical display maintains links to the information associated with the icon so that updating the information changes the appearance of the icon, calling attention to changes in their geographic context.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products, for implementing a software architecture design for a software application implementing ad-hoc goods movement. The application is structured as multiple process components interacting with each other through service interfaces, and multiple service operations, each being implemented for a respective process component.

Abstract: A contact center or enterprise communication system is provided. The system includes a first contact associated with a first task offer; one or more resources operable to accept the first task offer; and a contact center or enterprise communication system operable to determine a broadcast group of the one or more resources as a function of an acceptance factor for one or more of the resources.

Abstract: A method for workforce scheduling by a computer system is provided. The method includes receiving a first workforce schedule describing initial assignments of a plurality of workers to a plurality of shifts, each shift comprising one or more work activities, each work activity comprising an activity and a time interval, and storing the first workforce schedule in a memory. The method also includes receiving a cell size associated with each activity, and determining a quantity of workers in each work activity associated with each activity in the first workforce schedule. The method further includes determining cell size violations by dividing the quantity of workers assigned to each work activity by the cell size for the activity associated with the work activity. The method also includes modifying the first workforce schedule to minimize cell size violations, resulting in a second workforce schedule, and storing the second workforce schedule in the memory.

Abstract: A labor resource decision support system, in which labor resource data is maintained across multiple units within an organization using a standardized data record format. A demand measurement for a first type of labor resource having a unique combination of values for fields of the standardized data record format is determined based on input describing forecasted demand for the first type of labor resource within the organization and a supply measurement for the first type of labor resource is determined based on input describing forecasted supply for the first type of labor resource within the organization and the labor resource data. A gap measurement is calculated based on the determined demand measurement and the determined supply measurement and an output is provided based on the calculated gap measurement.

Abstract: A schedule for a network of transportation resources is produced by iteratively generating sets of variables for each market pair using an objective function and based on at least an identified range of permissible departure or arrival times for each market pair and spacing parameters. Each variable represents a different set of possible departure or arrival times for a particular market pair. The proposed schedule is built based on the generated sets of variables for each market pair and a set of constraints.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatuses that efficiently provides for end user reporting from interactive applications. One embodiment provides an approach for implementing dynamic field selection for a user to select report parameters for an end user report using the user interface of an ERP application. User inputs are used to automatically generate queries to form a report data model usable by a reporting tool.

Abstract: An apparatus having a processing unit for using information stored in a storage unit to calculate a producible number of each item is disclosed. The processing unit sets up a steady mode or a non-steady mode based on input information or the information stored in the storage. The processor unit operates, in the steady mode, to calculate a producible number by using a supply path stored in a supply path storage unit. In the nonsteady mode, the processor sets up a time taken for an item to be moved between hubs not being stored in the supply path storage unit, and repeatedly computes, from end-piece parts of an item configuration up to the product, a quantity of a parent item having the item as its component when this item is transferred between the hubs by use of an inventory or work-in-process quantity, thereby calculating the product producible number.

Abstract: An incident management and monitoring system, including: at least one central controller configured to receive global resource data, user data, and organizational data; and at least one user interface in direct or indirect communication with the at least one central controller and configured to display content comprising at least one of the following: at least a portion of the global resource data; at least a portion of the user data, at least a portion of the organizational data, at least one selectable element, at least one configurable element, at least one control element, at least one user input area, visual data, processed data, or any combination thereof. A user interface for incident management and monitoring is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cost-based fulfillment tie breaking are disclosed. In some embodiments, a method may include receiving an indication of an order for an item stocked in a plurality of fulfillment centers, where a difference between a cost of fulfilling the order with one of the plurality of fulfillment centers and a cost of fulfilling the order with another one of the plurality of fulfillment centers is within a specified amount. The method may also include selecting a given one of the plurality of fulfillment centers to fulfill the order based, at least in part, upon expected costs corresponding to inventory positions that would result from fulfilling the order with each of the plurality of fulfillment centers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for developing software. In one embodiment, a method for facilitating the distributed development of software components includes providing a skill rating for software developers, communicating specifications for a software component to a subset of the developers, receiving submissions from the developers, scoring the submissions, and selecting one submission to be included in a software repository. In another embodiment, a method for compensating a software developer includes soliciting software developers for the submission of computer software components, receiving software components in response to the solicitation from the developers, evaluating the received software components, selecting one or more of the submissions for potential distribution to the public, and allotting the proceeds from the distribution to the developers.