Abstract: The illustrative embodiments provide a computer implemented method, computer usable program code, and system for managing special requests of meeting attendees through an electronic calendar application. A host lists prospective attendees to a meeting in an electronic calendar application. The calendar application searches the attendees' profiles for any special requests the attendees may have. Upon finding a special request, the calendar application contacts an appropriate special requests service vendor and arranges for the special requests service. The calendar application then follows up by confirming the meeting with the special requests service vendor and inviting the meeting attendees.

Abstract: The method of extending floats in the critical path method (CPM) method allows for extending the project duration while keeping the networking basic parameter of total float intact. The method allows for rescheduling of the start times of some activities so that the resource requirements never exceed the specified resource limit. The extendable network transforms the process of seeking an extended schedule that fulfils resource constraints from searching in a boundless solution space to searching in a well-defined and definite solution space. The definite searching space harnesses for the mathematical formulation of the optimization techniques, i.e., integer programming, which provides the optimum solution as a schedule that fulfills the resource constraint and yet minimizes the project duration.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to selecting a project portfolio. A processor may select a project portfolio based on a list of projects and lists of objectives. In one embodiment, a project portfolio is selected from the list of projects based on the degree to which each project portfolio fulfills the lists of objectives. The lists of objectives may be stakeholder objectives.

Abstract: A computer implemented method is provided for flexible project governance based on predictive analysis. Project complexity factors are analyzed to determine a project complexity index. Initial development gates are selected for a project based on the project complexity index. Project governance factors are periodically analyzed to determine a project governance index. Actions for project reporting and for the initial development gates are selected based on the project governance index.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments of the invention provide computer programs, methods, apparatus and systems that describe techniques providing improved evaluation of business processes based on considerations such as throughput and/or parallelization. As a non-limiting example, such techniques may be useful for evaluating agreements between entities, such as service level agreements between a service provider and another entity (e.g., a supplier or customer of the service provider), for example. In one exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method includes: obtaining a workflow model having a plurality of atomic processes, each atomic process having a distribution of throughput; determining an overall distribution of throughput for the workflow model using the distributions of throughput of the atomic processes; and outputting a determination of whether an agreement relating to the workflow model is fit based on the determined overall distribution of throughput.

Abstract: A method of managing supplier intelligence is provided. The method includes collecting procurement data from a plurality of data sources. The procurement data includes information regarding a plurality of business divisions of a business entity. The method further includes generating spend formulas for each business division for determining spending associated with each business division. The method further includes generating a set of supplier intelligence business rules that interrelate at least one spend formula associated with a first one of the business divisions with at least one spend formula associated with a second one of the business divisions. The method further includes automatically analyzing a portion of the procurement data based on the supplier intelligence business rules to determine the financial effects of a decision made by the first business division on the second business division.

Abstract: Systems and techniques relating to associating a procedure with actions and resources are described. In general, in one implementation, the technique includes: specifying a list of one or more actions corresponding to a specified procedure and, for each action, one or more resources associated with the action; indicating an action order, including indicating whether two or more actions in the action list are to be performed in an order-dependent manner or in an order-independent manner; formatting the list of actions into a presentation format; and enabling a user to access the resources associated with the specified procedure. The actions can be grouped into one or more phases and a navigation model may include a phase indicator to navigate by phases of the procedure and display of actions and deliverables associated with a phase. The techniques can include associating deliverables, contributors and resources with an action.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to IT, and more particularly, to a method and system to achieve project-based diffusion of IT innovations. In accordance with aspects of the invention, the system comprises three integrated components. The first component is directed to the project management stages taken by an organization to deploy new technology innovations. This in turn consists of four stages: visioning, matching vision, deployment, and evaluation and improvement. The second component is directed to knowledge barriers to IT innovation diffusion. The third component is directed to critical success factors (CSF) of IT innovation implementations. In one embodiment the system includes of a Program Management Module (PMM) to implement corporate strategy for project management and to transform the organization into a learning one. In further embodiments, system is explained in detail using an example of ERP implementation.

Abstract: A computerized system and method for generating a delivery bill of materials (BOM) for use at a production facility. Input includes parts data identifying the parts used in the production process, delivery/process location data identifying areas on the production line where parts are delivered, and packaging data related to containers in which parts are delivered. Each delivery BOM has a code for an associated product and data that defines a relationship between a trailer loaded with case packs of parts, a delivery process code, and a tugger for delivering the packs to line locations. Each trailer holds multiple packs assigned to different delivery process codes. The delivery process code ties the case packs on the trailer to the tuggers and is associated with one or more assembly processes. Each delivery process code is assigned to an associate that coordinates case pack and tugger staging according to supported production processes.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for managing data for researchers. A research data server receives and manages experimental data and research data and results from the researchers, and operates with a virtual storage device to maintain the experimental data and research data and results. A reference data access server receives and manages external reference data relating to the research and operating with the virtual storage device to maintain the external reference data. Computational resources allow researchers to capture, process and analyze experimental data to obtain results. A research data network connects the virtual storage device, research data server, reference data access server and the computational resources to allow transfer of data there between. Security management services authenticate and authorize access by the researchers to the system.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for producing a capital plan for the built environment of an organization. Data relating to components of the built environment such as buildings, assets, infrastructure, systems, components, energy infrastructure, and security infrastructure can be collected. Plan items for recommended projects can be produced through analysis, modeling, and scheduling routines based on the data. Organizational objectives can be identified and the plan items can be evaluated through configurable algorithms to determine which plan items best meet the organizational objectives. The execution of plan items can be managed through completion and the resulting ongoing performance can be monitored.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a customer project invoicing agreement, an engineering change case, a product design, a product design version hierarchy, and/or a project expense view business object.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and related system for assisting and expediting an organization production of a more mature product. The method and system may include implementation of processes using a combination of both electronic hardware and software and implementation locally or over a network such as an intranet or the Internet. In another embodiment, the method may be implemented using a document management system to administer files related to the steps in the method. These files may assist a user in the creation of required documentation. A document management tool may be integrated with the document management system to associate documentation with steps in the method. A navigator tool may be employed to create a graphical display of the steps in the method using data contained in the files. Another embodiment of the present invention uses WebDAV-based communication to coordinate access to multiple document repositories.

Abstract: A method includes a first phase of characterizing waste of a plant and a second phase of selecting at least one system for treatment and determination of associated predicted streams of waste. The first phase includes a step of physical characterization and radiological characterization of each area, a step of physical characterization and radiological characterization of all the items of equipment present in the areas as a function of the step of characterization of the areas, and a step of compiling the physical and radiological characteristics of the items of equipment in which a description of a waste item to be produced is associated with the physical and radiological characteristics of each item of equipment. The second phase makes the selection of at least one system for the treatment and the determination of the associated predicted streams as a function of the descriptions of the waste to be produced and of the physical and radiological characteristics of the areas.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer-readable media for evaluating business-critical criteria relating to exploring entity mobility/productivity opportunities are provided. A method according to the invention may include calculating a hierarchy of a plurality of decision elements regarding the opportunities. The calculating can include forming a matrix of values corresponding to the relative importance of each of the decision elements with respect to one another. The method can also include calculating a weighted composite score for each sub-process specified in each of the plurality of decision elements. The method may include compiling a favorability rating for each sub-process. The favorability rating for each sub-process may be based, at least in part, on the weighted composite score for each sub-process and the matrix of values corresponding to the relative importance of each of the decision elements with respect to one another.

Abstract: A system for monitoring orders processed by order processing applications implemented on computer systems is provided. The order processing monitor comprises an application to process a portion of an order and to write application data to a log file, the application data related to the processing of the order by the application, a log adapter operable to communicate with the log file to obtain at least a portion of the application data, a log agent operable to monitor a resource data related to a computer system used by the application to process at least some of the order, and a monitor component in communication with the log adapter to obtain the portion of the application data and operable to obtain at least a portion of the resource data, the monitor component using the application data and resource data to determine order status information.

Abstract: A business object model, which reflects data that is used during a given business transaction, is utilized to generate interfaces. This business object model facilitates commercial transactions by providing consistent interfaces that are suitable for use across industries, across businesses, and across different departments within a business during a business transaction. In some operations, software creates, updates, or otherwise processes information related to a budget availability control register, a financial accounting view of work order, a funds commitment document, an insurance contract, and/or a project cost estimate business object.

Abstract: A method is provided for implementing a computer network system for managing a supply chain, wherein the computer network system comprising a plurality of application server computers.

Abstract: An estimation system for deriving multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications with self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models, the system includes: a view layer configured to act as a user interface for user inputs and system outputs; a model and control layer configured to implement rules based on a series of estimation and implementation models, and to perform self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models for multi-dimensional project plans; an estimation knowledge base layer configured to hold and derive the series of estimation and implementation models; and wherein the system for self-calibration and refinement of project estimation models for multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications is carried out over networks comprising: the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).

Abstract: A method, computer readable medium and system for capacity management and predictive planning includes monitoring one or more factors related to an overall load on at least one of one or more server systems and trending a rate of change of at least one of the one or more monitored factors. A determination on when to at least one of increase capacity in at least one of the servers systems and add one or more additional server systems is made based on the monitoring and the trending.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a data movement system comprises a rules repository configured to store rules associated with regulations of the first jurisdiction and the regulations of the second jurisdiction. A workflow manager is configured to determine jurisdictional complexity of the project as a function of the regulations of the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. The workflow manager is configured to determine jurisdictional exposure of the project as a function of an organization's exposure to the first jurisdiction and the second jurisdiction. The workflow manager is configured to determine the risk of the project as a function of the jurisdictional complexity of the project and the jurisdictional exposure of the project.

Abstract: Disclosed is a business driven learning solution and related methods for managing the learning and training needs of a sales-oriented organization in a manner that is in responsive to dynamic business needs. The invention employs modules of interrelated and interdependent business processes for the identification and prioritization of learning needs, the selection of learning approaches, the development of learning content, the coordination and delivery of learning instruction, and the overall management and administration learning efforts. Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include sales training objects to provide a template for sales training that is focused on a solution, and how to position and sell the solution, rather than on the products that make up the solution. As a result, the sales force is educated, understands the customers' business requirements, and is able to craft specific value propositions to a given customer with respect to that solution.

Abstract: A method and system for providing for the management of resources wherein the method and system provide an ordered collection of projects, tasks, and checklists that may be manipulated and converted between types.

Abstract: A system and method for allocating inventory to satisfy online demand and demand at physical locations includes allocating a first portion of media rental inventory for online fulfillment and a second portion for fulfillment at physical rental locations. The method further includes making a determination of in-store rental activity for the second portion of inventory, and reallocating the first and second portions of inventory based on that determination.

Abstract: Methods and systems for directed creation of construction documentation are provided. Example embodiments provide a Directed Documentation System (a “DDS”), which directs, in a computer-assisted manner, the creation of a historical record of a portion or an entire construction project. In one embodiment, the DDS comprises a directed construction data organization process/component, a directed documentation data acquisition process/component, a construction documentation data retrieval process/component, and a construction documentation data distribution process/component. These components cooperate to direct the documentation of a construction project in a manner that insures that all desired aspects of the project are documented thoroughly and uniformly. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure provide a method and a system for providing a selection of golden tools for better defect density and product yield. A golden tool selection and dispatching system is provided to integrate different components for robust golden tool selection and dispatching. The golden tool selection system selects a set of golden tools based on performance of a set of manufacturing tools and provides a fully automated operational environment to produce a product using the set of golden tools.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to data management techniques that feature storing, on a computer system, storing on a computer system a data set arranged in a plurality of tables that correspond to multiple sections of a project, with each of the multiple sections defining properties of the project. A BOM resolution is produced by querying the data set in response to parameters of a BOM query that generates a resolved BOM. The resolved BOM includes a subgroup of the data in the data set, with the data outside of the subgroup corresponding to a revision associated with an item object that is included in the subgroup. Determined from the subgroup are the properties of the sections.

Abstract: A system for calculating financial benefit estimations and generating reports for multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications, the system includes: a view layer configured to act as a user interface for user inputs and system outputs; a model and control layer configured to implement rules based on a series of estimation and implementation models, and to perform calculations to determine financial benefits of implementing multi-dimensional project plans; an estimation knowledge base layer configured to hold and derive the series of estimation and implementation models; and wherein the system for generating financial benefit estimations and reports for the implementation of packaged software applications is carried out over networks comprising: the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).

Abstract: A method and system using a component business model (CBM) architecture provides a staff assignment service to an enterprise. A staff assignment scenario is described in terms of business components in a CBM architecture of the enterprise, the applicable business components forming a staffing service network. For each business component in the staffing service network, functionalities supporting the scenario are identified, and collaborative links among the business components are established, sufficient to enable the service functionalities within the staffing service network to operate so as to assign staff to a project of the enterprise. The staff assignment service is adapted dynamically by repetition of this technique as new scenarios are developed.

Abstract: The adaptive product conditioning is a computer-implemented method for identifying product configurations that can be provided to customers in reaction to supply imbalances. The methodology uses data mining techniques to collect and analyze business level meta data to coordinate supply and sales goals in terms of optimizing profits or managing product and technology transitions.

Abstract: A system for matching entities having needs to entities having capability to meet the needs. A plurality of needs profiles are created, where each need profile comprises a data record specifying attributes about a need. A plurality of capability profiles are also created, where each capability profile comprises a data record specifying set of attributes of an entity having a capability of meeting a need. A matching engine is coupled to repetitively and automatically examine the needs profiles and capability profiles to identify matched profiles, wherein a match comprises a set of profiles judged to be substantially compatible based upon correspondence of the attributes specified therein.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to an automated way for a non-technical person to create or modify software functionality in support of a business process without needing expertise in software. According to the invention, an automated matching tool may apply user input expressed semantically to a database of semantic information associated with syntactic information, to match the user input with a service (e.g., an application program) capable of performing a business process step corresponding to the input.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method and system for validating a task of a plurality of tasks of a project. A computing application executes routines to automatically identify errors associated with one or more tasks. The routines generate exception reports that facilitate correction of the errors via user-determined selections of actions or via corrective actions automatically displayed by the computing application. The error identification facilitates validation of project elements including milestones, dependencies and deliverables, key work products, tasks in a work breakdown structure (WBS), predecessors and successors in the WBS, resources, work and labor rates, links between project plans, and an update of a project. Further, the error identification facilitates an analysis of schedule conflicts between give and get tasks.

Abstract: A method is provided for risk management in project management. A risk is identified for a project during a concept phase for the project prior to an analysis phase for the project. A probability for an identified risk and an impact severity for the identified risk are analyzed to determine a risk exposure for the project. A risk response plan is developed based on the risk exposure. The risk exposure is mitigated by executing a portion of the risk response plan.

Abstract: A system for estimating and generating project plans for implementing packaged software applications, the system includes: a view layer configured to act as a user interface for user inputs and system outputs; a model and control layer configured to implement rules based on a series of estimation and implementation models, and to perform calculations of project plan details and project plan schedules; an estimation knowledge base layer configured to hold and derive the series of estimation and implementation models; and wherein the system for estimating and generating multi-dimensional project plans for implementing packaged software applications is carried out over networks comprising: the Internet, intranets, local area networks (LAN), and wireless local area networks (WLAN).

Abstract: A computer implemented method for a plan workbook is provided that comprises recording charter-scope data, management structure data, planning and control data, and supporting plans in the plan workbook for project management. The management structure data is based on the charter-scope data and comprises project management role data that identities individuals associated with the project management. The planning and control data is based on the management structure data and comprises a work breakdown structure (WBS). The supporting plans data is based on the planning and control data and comprises risk register data and variance report data. The method also comprises promoting project management by displaying the plan workbook.

Abstract: Provided are, inter alia, systems, methods and techniques for controlling workflow by identifying an individual job that is part of an overall deliverables package that covers multiple jobs. An aggregate utility function is obtained, specifying utility based on an aggregate metric across the overall deliverables package, and a current operating point is determined on the aggregate utility function. An effective utility is calculated for the individual job based on the aggregate utility function and the current operating point, and the execution of work is controlled based on the effective utility for the individual job.

Abstract: Systems, methods and software applications for managing programs, projects, and various aspects thereof. A program may include a number of related aspects, such as, assets, contracts, projects, entities, and funding sources. Users may select one or more projects to be grouped as a program. The systems, methods, and software may use a program management application that is configured to provide users with tools for effectively managing programs and projects that may be fully or partially funded from one or more funding sources.

Abstract: Described are methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for optimizing allocation of resources across projects in a project portfolio. The method includes receiving, at a computing device, (i) resource information, (ii) a portfolio of project definitions and (iii) one or more portfolio-level optimization criteria. The resource information representing a plurality of resources available for allocation to the projects, and each project definition includes a unique identifier and one or more project-level constraints. The method also includes generating, using the computing device, a plurality of project portfolio allocation scenarios and determining one or more optimized project portfolio allocation scenarios from the plurality of project portfolio allocation scenarios. Each project portfolio allocation scenario satisfies the one or more project-level constraints associated with each project definition.

Abstract: Systems and program product for managing/assessing heat exchanger network energy efficiency and retrofit for an industrial facility, are provided. An embodiment of a system can include a heat exchanger network analysis and design computer and heat exchange network analysis and design program product configured to cause the heat exchange network analysis and design computer to perform various operations including those for determining an optimal heat exchanger network retrofit projects sequence extending between a current heat exchanger network retrofit project satisfying a current desired waste energy recovery goal and a future heat exchanger network retrofit project satisfying the final waste energy recovery goal. The heat exchanger network retrofit projects sequence can be configured so that each subsequent project within the heat exchanger network retrofit projects sequence does not contradict any of the previous projects within the heat exchanger network retrofit projects sequence.

Abstract: A method of procurement in the program planning procurement stage of a project by a project partner for a procurement Client including the steps of: establishing a no scope, no value contract arrangement between the procurement Client and the project partner; provision of resources by the project partner for the planning procurement stage under the no value arrangement; engaging the project partner in the program planning stage, and upon the execution of a project order, conferring full responsibility for delivery of goods and services to the project partner.

Abstract: A method for total resource management of at least one project for at least one knowledge-based practice, comprising: receiving, in at least two practice management applications, employee data for at least one employee and/or client data for at least one client; integrating data from the at least two practice management applications utilizing at least one enterprise application; and creating, at least one project management model utilizing the integrated data, the at least one project management model enabling clients and employees to interact and/or manage metrics of the knowledge-based practice.

Abstract: A method, system and program product for optimally managing fulfillment of orders that are channeled through a diversified manufacturing environment that utilizes different process models, product nomenclatures and communication methods. The method includes sending by a contemporary fulfillment application to a legacy application a scheduling request for an order that includes a code recommending that the order is deemed eligible for fulfillment by a specific manufacturing site. The method further includes returning by the legacy application a scheduling response providing scheduling information for the order and confirming that the order is to be fulfilled by the specific manufacturing site.

Abstract: Managing change in the design of a route-based project. Receiving data (a ticket) regarding a proposed change to the design of a route-based project. Associating the ticket with a project in a geographic information system (GIS). Communicating the ticket to an Analyst. Receiving spatializing data regarding the ticket. The ticket and spatializing data comprising a spatialized ticket. Communicating the spatialized ticket to a Quality Control Administrator. Receiving quality control approval of the spatialized ticket. Communicating the quality control approved ticket to at least one reviewer. Receiving recommendation from reviewers. The recommendations and the quality control approved ticket comprising a reviewed ticket. Communicating the reviewed ticket to at least one approver. Receiving approval from the approver. The approval and the reviewed ticket comprising an approved ticket. Committing the change described in the approved ticket to the GIS.

Abstract: Techniques for project management instantiation and configuration are provided. A master project includes policy directives that drive the dynamic instantiation and configuration of resources for a project. The resources are instantiated and configured on demand and when resources are actually requested, in response to the policy directives.

Abstract: A decision support system is presented for generating data pertaining to solutions to constrained project management scenarios. The system comprises: a scenario generator for generating project management scenarios, a feasible solution generator for generating solutions to constrained project management scenarios, a scenario simulator for interactively simulating project management scenarios in a stochastic environment, and a database for storing historical data generated by the scenario simulator. Methods are presented for using the decision support system as a tutorial mechanism and as a data gathering mechanism for supporting project managers.

Abstract: A scheduler combines characteristics of a forward and backward schedulers to determine a schedule for activities that require the use of resources. The system handles conflicting requirements for resources by considering target dates and the relative priority of the activities. As a result, higher priority activities are more likely to be scheduled to complete on or before their target date than are lower priority activities.

Abstract: The invention describes a computer-implemented method and system for assessing the progress of a project in terms of its schedule. The method includes receiving project data and based on the project data, calculating a first period (PE) after which a current earned value (EV) was expected to be realized. The method also includes calculating a second period (PR) in which the current EV has been realized. Further, the method includes calculating a fraction component (EF) of a period when the current EV was expected to be realized and finally, calculating an earned schedule performance index (ESPI) based on PE, PR and EF, wherein the ESPI indicates whether the project is on schedule.

Abstract: A computer executable method for producing a feedback metric for use in Project Portfolio Management (“PPM”). The method includes collecting data about a plurality of project proposals and collecting data about a plurality of completed projects, such that some of the data about proposals and completed projects pertain to the same project. The collected data is then used to estimate the parameters of a model by using a maximum likelihood technique, executed as an algorithm in the computer, that overcomes a Missing Data Problem (“MDP”). The method uses the estimated parameters generated by the algorithm to create feedback metrics for use in PPM and that are output from the computer.

Abstract: A method for managing a program relating to a product, the program including a plurality of program requirements for performing a plurality of program tasks, includes: (a) establishing a location reference system for a representation of the product in three dimensions; (b) identifying a plurality of task-loci in a display; the display presenting the representation of the product according to the location reference system; each respective task-locus of the plurality of task-loci being associated with a respective program task of the plurality of program tasks; (c) characterizing each respective task-locus associated with an accomplished respective program task as a respective completed task-locus; and (d) accounting for accomplishment of the respective program tasks by accounting for the respective completed task-loci.