Abstract: Methods, including service methods, articles of manufacture, systems, articles and programmable devices are provided for a service-oriented architecture governance model. Each of a plurality of governance dimension attributes of a service-oriented architecture are calibrated and mapped to each of a plurality of governance evolution element attributes. A maturity and capability assessment is performed for the service-oriented architecture as a function of the mapping, and a maturity-based and capability-based governance model is generated for the service-oriented architecture as a function of the maturity and capability assessment. In one aspect a programmable device is configured to perform at least one of the calibrating, the mapping, the performing the maturity and capability assessment and the generating the maturity-based and capability-based governance model.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention is directed toward identifying a number of high-ranking sectors requiring additional communication resources in a network composed of a number of sectors. A set of wireless-service subscribers that have churned are identified. Various sector profile data is captured for sectors serving the churners. The sectors are ranked based on the sector profile data that is collected. A number of high-ranking sectors are identified, based on the ranking.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer-readable media provide for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf. According to embodiments, a method for determining a plurality of turfs from where to reallocate a workforce to a given turf is provided. According to the method, an indication of the given turf is received. Optimal turfs from where to reallocate technicians to the given turf are determined from a plurality of turfs. Visual cues for identifying at least a portion of the optimal turfs are generated.

Abstract: Methods and systems to dynamically configure a process model based on process execution context are described. In one example embodiment, a system to dynamically configure a process model can include a context engine, a rules engine, and a business process engine. The context engine can maintain context information related to an executable business process model. The context information is dynamically extensible during execution of the executable business process model. The rules engine can obtain a relevant context form the context information. The relevant context can be associated with a step and a rule to control the step within the executable business process model. The business process engine can execute the executable business process model and can dynamically configure the executable business process model during execution based on application of the relevant context by the rules engine.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus includes a processor and a memory. The memory is communicatively coupled to the processor. The memory stores software instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to receive a trading order for a particular quantity of a trading product. The trading order specifies that a first portion of the particular quantity is a displayed quantity and that a second portion of the particular quantity is a reserved quantity. The trading order specifies at least one of a decay rule, a decay interval, a decay rate, decay quantity, and one or more conditions. The software instructions, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to cause the reserved quantity to decay based at least in part on at least one of the decay rule, the decay interval, the decay rate, and the decay quantity, and one or more conditions.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method, system and computer program product for carbon management for sourcing and logistics. In one embodiment, the method comprises using a computer for quantifying both a cost and a carbon impact of one or more logistics policies relating to a manufacturing process; and minimizing the cost and carbon impact using a defined equation including a first component representing a transportation cost, and a second component representing a carbon cost. In an embodiment of the invention, the quantifying includes using an analytics engine to quantify the cost and carbon impact. The analytics engine may include a shipment analysis module to calculate an optimal transportation policy, a sourcing analysis module for testing alternate sourcing options, a scenario analysis module to find an optimal order frequency, and a sensitivity analysis module to test the impact of various changes.

Abstract: An engineering simulation tool uses boundary regions of proposed design modifications to a finite design element to assess the impact of those proposed design modifications. This tool allows a designer to incorporate a new design feature into a proposed model and generate simulated performance results for the proposed design without re-execution of finite element method.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for client/customer-centric macro (e.g., business-wide) monitoring of business performance and determination of business-wide customer impact trends associated with the client's/customer's composite relationship with the business. Additionally, embodiments provide for determining customer impact trends at other levels of the business relationship, such as at business unit/line of business levels, product/service levels and the like. Based on the determined customer impact trends, further determinations may be made regarding whether alerts are warranted based on the trends, and generating and communicating the alerts if warranted. Determining business-wide customer impact trends provides for the business to identify problems or potential problems that may adversely impact the global relationship between the overall client entity and the business implementing the performance monitoring system.

Abstract: A production system includes an information handling system (IHS) having a carrier capacity prediction tool that receives a customer order that may include packaging and carrier requirements. The carrier capacity prediction tool partitions the customer order into work units. The carrier capacity tool determines work unit carrier capacity requirements from historical data that a volumetric weight database stores. If the volumetric weight database does not include sufficient historical information to determine carrier capacity requirements, the carrier capacity tool predicts carrier capacity requirements from best fit or actual packaging data during final packaging of customer goods for shipment. The carrier capacity tool sums all work unit packaging and volumetric weight data for each customer order to generate an aggregate of the total carrier capacity needs for a particular time period for production system shipping.

Abstract: Methods and systems for calculating parameters for a transaction that includes item purchase, item storage, and item sale, by receiving input parameters related to the transaction and executing a software module that is responsive to at least some of the input parameters to concurrently calculate optimized or maximized output transaction parameters comprising purchase cost of items, selling price of items, and item inventory forecasts, while meeting tradeoffs between or among, and meeting constraints relating to, the output parameters.

Abstract: The price of digital content is set by a pricing module using data obtained from a statistics module. The statistics module includes historical information about a content author's previous works, including demand for those works, and tracks data such as how many downloads are requested for the current content being priced, how many users are watching or listening to previews of the digital content, and where users are located. The pricing module may make content available for free initially; alternatively an initial non-zero price is chosen. The pricing module increases the price and observes changes in demand to determine a best-fit demand curve. Once the best-fit demand curve is determined, a price for the content is selected to maximize revenue. As the demand curve shifts, the price is adjusted to maintain optimal demand. Price is also adjusted proactively based on demand predictions determined according to statistical and historical data.

Abstract: Defining service ownership for an SOA including defining, in response to an event requiring a change in service ownership and in dependence upon data describing business functions within a business, a service domain; reviewing, by a service domain ownership review board, the defined service domain for approval; upon approval of the defined service domain, identifying potential impact upon currently existing service domains caused by implementation of the defined service domain; identifying a potential owner of the defined service domain in dependence upon a service type of the defined service domain and funding requirements of the service domain; presenting, to relevant stakeholders in the business, the potential owner of the defined service domain for approval; and upon approval of the potential owner of the defined service domain, assigning the potential owner of the defined service domain responsibility for managing the defined service domain.

Abstract: A system is described for optimizing lead close rates. The system may create a seller scoring model that may be “trained” by a sales lead data over a period of time. The scoring model may be used to measure the performance of sellers in terms of handling and closing sales leads. The scoring model may be used to predict the sellers' close rates for future leads. The system may normalize the sellers based on lead volume to increase the confidence level in the scoring model. The system may utilize the scoring model to determine lead specific handling instructions for future leads to optimize sellers' close rates.

Abstract: A system for determining an optimal forecasting hierarchy includes setting a plurality of hierarchies by setting each hierarchy in terms of a hierarchy structure. The system also includes generating top level forecasts for a training period and a testing period, each top level forecast being based upon an aggregation of the base forecast levels. The system further includes calculating a forecast error. An optimization routine includes determining an optimal hierarchy and an optimal base level, both being based upon a smallest associated forecast error. The optimization routine also includes calculating a deficiency ratio for each level within each hierarchy by comparing forecast errors associated with the optimal base level and the optimal hierarchy to forecast errors associated with each of the other base levels and hierarchies. The optimal forecasting hierarchy is determined by comparing the deficiency ratio to a significance level.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process and system for matching buyers and sellers of either goods or services, or goods and services for a project. The invention enables a buyer to specify a project in terms of physical, functional, temporal, financial, and transactional parameters that can be automatically converted, by the present invention, into at least one request for either goods or services, or goods and services to perform work related to the project. The requests are suitably provided to at least one seller. Upon receiving a request, the seller may submit a response to the request, as desired. The invention provides a forum for the negotiation of any agreements and the formation of contracts to provide the requested, or alternative goods or services, or goods and services, as well as reconciliation of purchase orders, actual field costs, and invoices.

Abstract: A pricing optimization system can solve a constrained optimization problem by generating one or more prices for one or more items that satisfy a maximum number of prioritized constraints. The one or more generated prices can be one or more prices that represent a minimal deviation between the generated one or more prices and one or more original prices for the one or more items. By satisfying a maximum number of prioritized constraints, and by minimizing a deviation from the one or more original prices for the one or more items, the generated one or more prices are one or more optimal prices.

Abstract: A system comprises a memory operable to store a trading order for a particular quantity of a trading product, wherein a first portion of the particular quantity is a displayed quantity and a second portion of the particular quantity is a reserved quantity. The system further comprises a processor communicatively coupled to the memory and operable to disclose the displayed quantity to one or more market centers. The processor is further operable to identify a decay rate associated with the trading order. The processor is further operable to cause the reserved quantity to decay based at least in part on the identified decay rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and tool for systematizing introduction of a change to a process. The method and tool provide a virtual representation of the process, which includes at least one method having a plurality of steps. Then, the method and tool identify an input required, an output produced and corresponding control logic of at least one intervening resource involved in at least one of the steps. Finally, the method and tool evaluate, based on the input require, output produced and the control logic of the at least one intervening resource, impact of the change to the at least one intervening resource.

Abstract: A system for managing changes to obviate inefficiencies in business processes involves identifying business activities (36) being performed and categorising (34) the activities. Using the category designations (34) to reveal non-contributory activities, drivers of the causes of inefficiencies are identified. A second set of activities (46) incorporates outcomes of proposed improvements. Linking (38, 40, 42, 44) between existing (36) and improved (46) activity sets ensures necessary activities are incorporated to achieve the desired outcome. Linkages between the activities within the activity set and the business function that performs them also enables accountability and measures to be assigned.

Abstract: A non-transitory computer readable medium can be programmed to provide an operational-behavioral business intelligence system that includes an idea manager programmed to manage ideas submitted by a user. Each idea can be stored in a knowledgebase and be capable of validation and conversion into an experiment. An experiment manager can be programmed to manage each experiment, including design, execution and analysis thereof. Each experiment can employ a performance indicator to provide a measure of performance based on behavior probe data captured via a behavior probe, the measure of performance being stored as experiment data for each respective experiment. A continuous positive reinforcement (CPR) engine can generate CPR data to provide substantially continuous reinforcement to users based on the data stored in the knowledgebase to drive business processes innovation.

Abstract: In relation to an entity such as a business having customers, a determination is made of at least one incremental satisfaction improvement value associated with increasing customer satisfaction of at least one customer by a fixed increment relative to a satisfaction scale. Based on the at least one incremental satisfaction improvement value, decision support data corresponding to a plurality of customer satisfaction improvement techniques is then determined, which decision support data may be presented in any desirable manner such as on a display device.

Abstract: Changing a business process model involves several aspects: (1) given a set of change operations, dependencies and conflicts are encoded in dependency and conflict matrices; (2) given a change sequence for a process model M, the change sequence is broken up into subsequences such that operations from different subsequences are independent; (3) given a change sequence for a process model V1 and another change sequence for a process model V2, conflicts between operations in the different change sequences are determined; (4) the process structure tree can be used to localize dependency computations, yielding a more efficient approach to determining dependencies; and (5) the process structure tree can be used to localize conflict computations, yielding a more efficient approach to determining conflicts.

Abstract: A method and a system disclosed for determining measures being taken across an organization based on the performance specifications of a cross-level value-chain. The method includes designing the value-chain. The value-chain defines various strategic business goals, such as customer goals, financial goals, and differentiator goals of the organization. Once the value-chain is designed, outcome, input, and moderating parameters are identified to realize the strategic business goals. Thereafter, the performance of the value-chain designed to realize the strategic business goals is simulated. The performance of the value-chain is simulated in one or more scenarios to output uncertainties in achieving the strategic business goals. Thereafter, the probability of achieving the strategic business goals is determined. Subsequently, one or more measures to be taken in the organization are generated based on the have been method described above.

Abstract: A method, and apparatus for software and resource management with a model-based architecture.

Abstract: Enabling dynamic routing or mapping information, or combinations thereof, based on one or more user specified tasks may include determining one or more locations where one or more user specified tasks can be accomplished and dynamically determining at least one of routing and mapping information from current location of a user to said one or more locations.

Abstract: The present invention is a carpool arranger and a method of operating the carpool arranger. The carpool arranger comprises at least one passenger internet device, at least one vehicle internet device and a central processing module. The method of operating the carpool arranger comprises steps of transmitting information from each passenger internet device and each vehicle internet device to a central processing module; planning an optimal route for a passenger internet device that transmits a carpool request; choosing appropriate vehicles; planning carpool routes for the chosen vehicles; and transmitting information from the central processing module to each passenger internet device and each vehicle internet device.

Abstract: A demand forecast system and method. A planning module normalizes historical forecast data, and generates a forecast error interval according to the historical forecast data and a Grey forecast model. An adjustment module adjusts a target forecast value of a target-planning bucket according to the forecast error interval and/or the distance between the forecast error interval and a benchmark.

Abstract: Productivity prediction technique and system, in which user input defining workforce capability parameters is received and a prediction model is accessed. The prediction model quantifies an impact of workforce capability on productivity. The model was generated by applying statistical analysis on historical workforce data for projects and historical process metrics data for the projects. The prediction model is used to calculate a distribution of productivity for a given set of workforce capability parameters and the predicted productivity range for the workforce capability parameters is provided.

Abstract: The method of the invention for monitoring a thrust reverser of a turbojet having an actuator controlled by an electric motor consists in determining a maintenance notice from a weighted combination of provisional notices, each provisional notice relating to a category of parameters associated with at least one phase of an operating cycle of the reverser, the category being selected from a category of parameters representative of a duration of said phase, of an energy seen by the motor during said phase, of a torque seen by the motor at a predefined instant of said phase, and of a duration during which the setpoint speed of rotation and the measured speed of rotation of the motor differ during said phase, each provisional notice being generated by analyzing values obtained during at least one cycle for at least one parameter of said category relative to a degradation threshold.

Abstract: A method and system for calculating savings routes for display on a portable computing device (PCD) are described. The method includes receiving at least one of a product category and a service category from an operator of a PCD. The PCD may also receive a destination address. With this information, circle of influence data based on an offer for at least one product or service corresponding to the product category or service category may be generated and provided to the PCD. The circle of influence data may impact edge weights of a graph search algorithm. The graph search algorithm solves a single-source shortest path problem for a graph with non-negative edge path costs. The circles of influence in combination with the graph search algorithm allow a PCD to calculate one or more savings routes based on a start point and the desired destination address provided by the operator of the PCD.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for structured implementation of business adaptability changes. In some embodiments, a pre-defined resource vocabulary is utilized to assist a decision making entity in selecting an appropriate response to a change trigger event. The pre-defined resource vocabulary provides a mechanism for a plurality of different organizations to consider resource selection for responding to change trigger events in a uniform, repeatable, and consistent manner so as to increase decision agility. In other embodiments, a pre-defined common vocabulary defines a range of business adaptability. The pre-defined common vocabulary provides a mechanism for a plurality of different organizations to consider changes in business adaptability in a uniform manner and provides a mechanism to produce consistent repeatable results for considered changes in business adaptability.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for dynamically pricing electronic content. In one aspect, a method includes determining a likelihood that a group of users will repurchase an item of electronic content, determining that a particular user is more or less likely to repurchase the item of electronic content than the users of the group, in response to determining that the particular user is more or less likely to repurchase the item of electronic content than the users of the group, adjusting a base price associated with repurchasing the item of electronic content, and providing the particular user with an offer to repurchase the item of electronic content at the adjusted price.

Abstract: A demand forecasting system and a demand forecasting method capable of forecasting demands for IT resources in a data center accurately are provided. The demand forecasting system includes: a classification unit that classifies a plurality of users who use IT resources in a data center into a plurality of user's behavior classes; an event characteristics model generation unit that generates an event characteristics model representing a variation over time in a usage state of the IT resources caused by an event and the number of the users moving among the user's behavior classes caused by the event; an event influence calculation unit that calculates a predicted value of the variation over time in a usage state of the IT resources and a predicted value of the number of the users moving among the user's behavior classes that will be caused by an event scheduled to be held in the future using the event characteristics model; and a demand forecasting unit that calculates a variation in load on the IT resources.

Abstract: A facility control system includes lab, field and construction equipment with a wireless transceiver to transmit machine generated actual initial measurement (AIM) data from a field test 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 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, wherein the AIM and AFM data is determined on the server o

Abstract: A system for identifying a discrepancy between a quantity of equipment ordered for a project and a quantity of equipment used for the project is provided. The system includes a procurement module, an engineering planning module, and a comparison module, each stored on one or more computer readable media and executed on one or more processors. The procurement module promotes identifying equipment estimated to be needed for the project and creation of a first list of the identified equipment. The engineering planning module promotes creation of a detailed project design for the project and creation of a second list of equipment deployed for the project. The comparison module provides an integration of the procurement module with the engineering planning module and compares the first list with the second list, and creates a report that promotes identifying discrepancies between the first list and the second list.

Abstract: A metadata management system for importing, integrating and federating metadata, including a configurable metamodel, a metadata repository for storing metadata whose structure reflects the metamodel, at least one external metadata source, which is able to persist metadata in accordance with the structure of a meta-schema, a mapping module for mapping the meta-schema to the metamodel, and a transformation module, operatively coupled to the metadata mapping module, for translating specific metadata from the at least one external metadata source to the metadata repository, for use in import, export or synchronization of metadata between the external metadata source and the metadata repository. A method and a computer-readable storage medium are also described.

Abstract: A system for detecting suspect meter reads in a print environment may include a computing device and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the computing device. The computer-readable storage medium may include one or more programming instructions for receiving historical meter read values associated with a print-related service, selecting a model set including one or more of the historical meter read values, using a predictive model to determine an anticipated meter read value and a corresponding forecast error value from the model set, determining an updated forecast error value, determining a threshold value, identifying an actual meter read value, determining an average rate associated with the actual meter read value, and flagging the actual meter read value as suspect based on a comparison of the average rate and the threshold value.

Abstract: Gaming rewards are provided as an incentive for performing business goals. A business goal can be comprised of one or more tasks and a threshold for each task. When one or more participants perform tasks which satisfies the corresponding thresholds, a corresponding gaming reward is awarded to the participants. A business goal may require a single participant to satisfy a single task threshold, multiple participants to satisfy a threshold for one or more tasks, or a single participant to satisfy one or more thresholds for several tasks.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for computing a variance for the difference between two business metrics. In one embodiment, the method accesses a response model and a plurality of activities with start and end values for each of the plurality of activities. Furthermore, the method computes a variance for the difference between the first and second business metrics for each of the plurality of activities using the response model by setting that activity to one of the corresponding starting and ending values and setting others of the plurality of activities to the value state opposite of that activity, wherein the variance for an activity is the change in contribution for that activity between the start and end sales volumes.

Abstract: Tools and/or resources which newly become available to a re-entrant flow manufacturing line, data processing pipeline or the like are allocated in substantially real time to processing operations independent of and consistent with a scheduling segment previously generated by dispatching items such as workpieces or data to tools and/or resources of a manufacturing line until the newly available tool or resource can be conveniently included in a subsequently generated schedule segment in order to avoid productivity loss due to schedule latency. Items can be dispatched in a priority order to accelerate completion of processing. A schedule segment including the newly available tool or resource can be facilitated by merging allocations of a real time dispatch list with allocations of a dispatch list corresponding to a previously generated schedule segment.

Abstract: A demand side management (DSM) portfolio manager system for processing DSM data to implement DSM programs for an energy service provider includes a DSM workflow management module. The DSM workflow management module may determine a workflow plan for processing the DSM data throughout phases of a DSM portfolio lifecycle to create and evaluate the DSM programs for the energy service provider. The system includes a DSM evaluation, measurement and verification module to evaluate the DSM programs. The evaluation may include determining key performance indicators for the DSM programs based on the DSM data and comparing the DSM programs to benchmarks and analyzing the DSM data for the DSM programs utilizing performance-based analytics to predict future performance of the DSM programs. A DSM reporting module may report results of the evaluation in a dashboard.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for end-to-end retail store one-stop site configuration integrates multiple data sources, identifying key customers, forecasting merchandise demand. Site configuration is formulated as a mathematical optimization problem with both in-store and external data as input to the problem whose solution provides proper suggestions for retail store transformation.

Abstract: As embodied and broadly described herein the invention includes a system for computing a preferred sequence in which cars in a switching queue of a railway switchyard are to be sequentially switched to classification tracks. The system has a processing entity for determining within a given set of cars at least two possible sequences in which the cars in the set can be switched and applying logic rules for identifying among the sequences a preferred sequence. The system also has an output for releasing data describing the preferred sequence.

Abstract: Using adaptions of option pricing techniques from the financial industry, the invention provides systems and methods for structured development of migration options in a legacy transactional enterprise. Components and risk factors of the legacy enterprise are identified and determined, as well as components and risk factors of unmet opportunities, and potential components for the enterprise. Migration options for the enterprise are developed using the components and risk factors.

Abstract: Computerized methods and systems for creating and documenting protocol orders in a molecular diagnostic laboratory environment are provided. Utilizing the methods and systems described herein, protocol statements may require values to be entered in association therewith prior to permitting access to subsequent protocol orders. Accordingly, more accurate test runs and, consequently, more accurate test results, may be achieved. Additionally, as values associated with protocol statements are electronically captured, in accordance with embodiments hereof, such values may be searched to evaluate trends or identify protocol orders and/or results that may be affected by a later discovered error or the like.

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 change management system includes a data capture module to capture metrics associated with phases of a project and associated with a change management model. A prediction engine generates predictions indicating a level of readiness to move to a next phase of the project based on the model and also indicates actions for achieving goals of the project based on the predictions. A reporting module generates, via a user interface, predictions, actions and current change management state of the project.

Abstract: Embodiments of systems, methods, and software associated with the development of a resource or production plan within an enterprise's integration system are described in the present disclosure. In one of many embodiments, a method is described. Upon obtaining a master planning schedule, the method includes evaluating an inventory of resource associated with the master planning schedule. A production schedule associated with the master planning schedule is evaluated. Also, the method includes estimating carbon emission information associated with the master planning schedule.

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: Embodiments of the present invention relates to a method, apparatus and computer program product for processing, analyzing and/or display data related to performance metrics, for example, predicted performance metrics. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes one or more computers, a user input device(s), and a display device(s). In some embodiments, the one or more computers are operative, to compute, from historical KPI-related data, predicted future KPI-related behavior. In some embodiments, the display device is operative to display indications of predicted KPI values and/or predicted influencer values and/or a predicted future influencer-ranking-hierarchy and/or calculated deviating influencer values and/or one or more of the deviating future KPI values. In some embodiments, one or more user input devices are configured to receive indications of user-proposed influencer values and/or any other relevant data.