Abstract: This disclosure provides apparatus and methods for rehabilitating an underperforming service center operated by an entity. The service center may be included in a plurality of service centers. A service center may be characterized as underperforming based on a calculated health score. The health score may be based on a technology malfunction that occurred at the service center. The health score may be based on an intensity score. The health score may be based on an incident count. The health score may be based on a network count. The health score may be compared to a threshold. If the health score is below the threshold, the service center may be characterized as underperforming. A service center characterized as underperforming may be included in a chronic list. The chronic list may be mined for patterns characteristic of an underperforming service center.

Abstract: An architecture, system, and method are provided for a commitment loop solution for on demand business activity management. A Business Performance Management (BPM) loop is defined as a set of nodes each relating to different tasks for processing performance management trigger data generated by a business entity in real time, where the beginning or sensing element of the loop is triggered by a token (representing a business event from a business process) and the ending or executing element provides a business action to be implemented by the business entity. The token is passed from node to node sequentially in a particular order around the loop. Processing of the data represented by the token is governed by policies, which can be changed dynamically and follow a life cycle. On demand business activity management of larger aggregates of business entities (i.e.

Abstract: A method of adaptively updating a first recommended user group list of a first user connected to a network, in which a predetermined number of second users are selected from the first recommend user group list that is a list of users having a high similarity to the first user in consuming contents. A predetermined number of third users having a high similarity to the first user is selected from second recommend user group lists respectively of the selected second users possess. The first recommend user group list is updated to include the selected third users. As the preference of a user changes, the recommend user group may be reconfigured with updated recommend users by reflecting a corresponding preference. Also, quality contents can be provided by recommending a user of a corresponding terminal with the contents preferred by other users in the updated recommend user group list.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating an efficiency report, which in one embodiment among many, can be broadly summarized by a representative method of obtaining a set of switching statistics from a database of a communication switch and integrating this set of switching statistics with a set of work statistics of an operator to generate an efficiency report. Another embodiment can be described as an efficiency report generator that has logic configured to receive an operator work statistic that has been generated in a first computing element using a first entry code, to translate the first entry code into a second entry code, to use this second entry code to store the operator work statistic together with a call statistic received from a communication switch, in a database of the efficiency report generator, and to process these statistics to generate an efficiency report.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for troubleshooting a fault to determine a root cause of the fault. A Bayesian network model is created based on information obtained from a Fault Isolation Manual (FIM), where the FIM provides tests to be performed in troubleshooting the fault to determine a root cause of the fault. Heuristics are used to determine a structure and conditional probabilities for the Bayesian network. A plurality of test costs inherent in the FIM are imputed by first generating a plurality of constraints between the cost of each test and fault probabilities that hold for all fault scenarios. A linear programming algorithm is used to solve the plurality of constraints, and to construct a tuned Bayesian network model. The tuned Bayesian network model is used to iteratively rank likely faults according to their probabilities given accumulating test evidence, and to rank pending tests according to their value.

Abstract: According to one example, a test portfolio optimization system includes a test repository, an activity repository, an exception repository, and an optimization engine. The optimization engine is operable to generate a plurality of test portfolios. Each test portfolio comprises different types of tests of a plurality of tests. The optimization engine is also operable to determine a test cost for each portfolio over the period of time. The test cost for each portfolio is equal to a sum of costs for each test type within the portfolio over the period of time. The optimization engine is also operable to determine an impact per portfolio period of time. The impact per portfolio is equal to a sum of impacts per test type for each test type over the period of time.

Abstract: An improved performance management technique allows automatic determination dynamic thresholds of a metric based on a baseline of the matching pattern. A pattern matching process is conducted against a set of baseline patterns to find the matching pattern. If a matching pattern is found, the baseline of the matching pattern is used as the dynamic threshold. A series of sanity checks are performed to reduce any false alarms. If the metric does not follow any pattern, a composite of baselines is selected as the dynamic threshold.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and system for peer-to-peer advertising between mobile communication devices. A subsidy program is set up based on a profile of an advertiser having at least one advertising media. A qualified subscriber is identified for the advertiser based on a profile of a subscriber. One or more advertisers and subsidy programs for the qualified subscriber is selected. In addition, when a communication transmission is received from a source communication device, at least one advertising media is associated with the communication transmission and the communication transmission is transmitted from a source communication device to a destination communication device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media are described for estimating real estate property values based on an adjusted repeat sales model using a regularized estimator. In one exemplary embodiment, a computer-implemented method calculates data for estimating the adjustments from an aggregated level to a first disaggregated level by marking a first transaction to a second transaction using a repeat sales house price index function at the aggregated level. The method also determines, using the calculated data, a regularized estimate of the deviation between the repeat sales house price index at the aggregated level and a repeat sales house price index at the first disaggregated level. The method further calculates the repeat sales house price index at the first disaggregated level based on the determined regularized estimate of the deviation from the aggregated level.

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 second review process comprises: recording a performance of a candidate in assessment exercises in an examination of the candidate and producing a candidate performance record; providing the candidate with a performance rating in the exercises and an opportunity to view the candidate performance record; providing the candidate with an option to request a second review of the performance in at least one of the assessment exercises; accepting a request from the candidate for a second review of the performance; convening a panel of assessors to perform the second review of the performance; performing the second review of the performance to produce a second review decision, wherein the second review decision addresses the performance rating; recording the second review decision by the panel of assessors; and providing a record of the second review decision to the candidate and to an administrator.

Abstract: A system for rapidly generating minimum length pilot training schedules which uses a branch and bound, and a mixed integer programming model with constraints to produce student and resource schedules at a device period level for all pilots of an airline.

Abstract: A method of monitoring input devices to discover units of work and type of work includes recording uses of input devices of a computer, analyzing the recorded uses against pre-defined use patterns to determine sets of the recorded uses that correspond to one of a plurality of units of work, and outputting an indicator indicating which of the units of work have occurred. A method of accessing a call center includes performing speech to text transcription on audio recordings from the center, determining an identifier identifying an operator for a call from the text, estimating a phase of the call based on the text, recording ant entry including the identifier, the phase, and a time period of the phase, correlating the entry with another entry including information on an application run during the estimated phase to generate a correlated entry, and determining quality level of operator based on correlated entry.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and computer readable storages for identifying experts with particular talents among participants in an online social network. Identification of experts with particular talents identified by talent-labels can take into account multiple factors. One factor that can be applied is self-nomination. Individuals who offer to help others can be expected to offer assistance in areas where they have strong talents. Another factor that can be applied is endorsements by others. A co-worker making an endorsement can be encouraged or required to supply narrative that describes experience with the nominee's actual work. Another factor that can be applied is data mining by semantic analysis or other techniques, taking advantage of access to fielded databases that describe a nominee's work activities.

Abstract: A high performance capability assessment model helps a pulp and paper business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the pulp and paper business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste that result from unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the high performance capability assessment model helps the pulp and paper industry business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made and understand how to make the improvements, and establishes levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal.

Abstract: A real-time activity monitor (RTAM) operates within or in association with a machine (such as a desktop) within a back office environment to automatically track and record desktop processing activities, application usage, as well as manual processing. The real-time activity monitor provides visibility into real-time task processing at the client desktop to enable an enterprise to address back office operational inefficiencies that are exposed by the data.

Abstract: A method for collecting data to measure market-share for a defined telecommunication market. A market of interest is defined and a random panel of numbers is created. A call set-up is initiated to the created random panels by generating signaling messages wherein the signaling messages access a Calling Name Services (CNAM) database, a Local Number Portability (LNP) database, an E-911 Automated Location Information (ALI) database and a Line Information Database (LIDB) using signaling system 7 (SS7) protocol. Generated signaling messages access ENUM (Telephone Number Mapping) database and Internet Protocol (IP) Peering database using IP. The response to the generated signaling messages are used to determine assignment status, business ownership, businesses versus residential status and the technology employed for a given number in the created panel. In one embodiment, the process is repeated over a period in order to determine changes to the market-share and derivative metrics for the telecommunication market.

Abstract: A system for determining price models of a print market port including a processor and a computer-readable storage medium in communication with the processor, wherein the computer-readable storage medium comprises one or more programming instructions for: partitioning a job dataset into a plurality of categories, each of the plurality of categories having a pricing model; determining one or more factors within the job dataset that influence a price of each job; developing an input/output model for each job in the job dataset that influences the price of the job; performing an iteration to compute a prediction error for each job in the job dataset that influences the price of the job; removing one or more jobs from a subsequent iteration that include prediction errors that exceed a prediction error threshold; and performing a plurality of iterations on remaining jobs until a predetermined average error prediction is reached.

Abstract: Methods and systems for measuring retail store display compliance are provided. One or more images of one or more retail store conditions are captured and associated with related information. The one or more captured images and the related information are transmitted to a processing location for storage and processing. The one or more captured images and the related information are received at the processing location, stored in a repository and processed. The one or more retail store conditions in the one or more captured images are compared with a library to identify them and obtain identification information. The one or more identified captured images and identification information for the one or more retail store conditions are stored in the repository. The one or more retail store conditions in the one or more captured images and identification information are analyzed and one or more summary reports or one or more alerts are generated based upon the analysis.

Abstract: Certain examples relate to computer implemented methods and systems including at least three modules whose combined functionality provides for interpretation and optimization of usual and unusual patterns in energy consumption; the identification, quantification, and monetization of hidden operating and financial waste and the accurate measurement of the results of implemented energy management solutions. The first, “Expert Module”, provides information that assists with the accurate interpretation of the information provided in the Operations module. The second, “Costs Module”, allows users to modify consumption and price components and derive the resulting operating costs based on the facility's applied or available rate structures. The third, “Operations Module”, charts and evaluates the current operating performance of a facility down to 15-minute intervals in comparison to the operating performance of a pre-selected “base year”.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for modeling and projecting future storage requirements and analyzing the associated storage system costs including storage system costs associated with multi-tier storage systems. Storage environment data corresponding to a first storage environment is received, where the first storage environment data includes one or more variables associated with a cost of the first storage environment. Target storage environment data corresponding to a target storage environment is also received. Target storage environment data includes one or more variables associated with a cost of the target storage environment. A cost associated with the first storage environment based on the received first storage environment data and a cost associated with the target storage environment is determined based on the received target storage environment data. The determined cost of the first storage environment is compared to the determined cost of the target storage environment.

Abstract: The present invention accepts attribute information of evaluation subject parts, and judgment standards of parts category by a data acquiring unit; acquires attribute information and chemical substance information relating to a part already inspected; categorizes the relevant attribute information and the relevant chemical substance information to a part group having attribute information of the evaluation subject parts, and a part group not having it; carries out calculation of statistic values of the content rate of a specified chemical substance in each of the parts groups, comparison between difference of said statistic values in each of the parts groups and the relevant judgment standards, and extraction of said attribute information; extracts attribute information and chemical substance information of said parts already inspected, coincident with all of attribute information extracted; and calculates the statistic value such as an average value relating to the content rate of the chemical substance of t

Abstract: A geoposition is determined at a point using a geoposition determining mobile communication device. A crop management zone is identified based on one or more predetermined crop management boundaries and the geoposition of the point. Information about the field is wirelessly communicated between the geoposition determining mobile communications device and a remote site. Analysis may be performed at the remote site with the results of the analysis communicated to the mobile communication device at the growing point. Information may be collected at the point which is stored or analyzed at the remote site. Information may include digital images of plant conditions which may be analyzed to determine conditions such as disease or pest infestation. Contextual information from a number of different types of sources may be used to provide meaningful analysis and feedback to the producer. The producer may define crop management zones using the geoposition determining mobile communication device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for generating a score for use in automated processing of correction submissions are presented. In one embodiment, a submission value from a correction submission obtained from a submitter is obtained. The submission value corresponds to a proposed correction of an attribute of an item, the item having a plurality of attributes that describe the item, and the submission value corresponds to one of the plurality of attributes of the item. The current attribute value of the item that corresponds to the submission value is obtained. A first set of characterization values is generated for the submission value according to a first set of criteria. A second set of characterization values for the current attribute value is generated according to a second set of criteria. Using the first and second sets of characterization values, a score is generated for the correction submission. The score is stored in a data store in association with the correction submission.

Abstract: A method for providing a supply chain management tool may include generating a representation of a supply chain of an organization where the representation is generated responsive to identification of supply chain entities and corresponding flows therebetween. The flows may include transactional layer activities at a stock keeping unit level. The method may further include referencing the representation to determine historical data indicative of supply chain performance, and utilizing processing circuitry to employ the historical data to generate at least one prediction regarding future operating performance of the supply chain.

Abstract: A method for providing a supply chain performance management tool may include profiling a supply chain by obtaining data indicative of stock keeping unit level activity associated with flows of items between entities within the supply chain of an organization, cleansing, via processing circuitry, the obtained data based on reconciliation of input from each functional category of entities within the supply chain, and providing performance results based on the cleansed data.

Abstract: A system and method to increase the transparency of electronic work product created by one or more workers. The system and method consists of a development environment for each worker, wherein the environment records work being done along with appropriate metadata. The method provides and management tools to facilitate easy access and analysis of this data. The invention further generates work related event streams, which contain summaries of worker changes of particular interest to a given supervisor. These event streams are generated by the system and sent to the supervisor in real time, or almost real time, in the form of easy to read messages that can quickly let the supervisor see work progress at a glance.

Abstract: A method for providing a supply chain performance management tool may include receiving an identification of supply chain entities and corresponding operational activities therebetween for an organization to generate a functional representation of the supply chain, receiving natively formatted data from the entities of the organization where the natively formatted data is indicative of transactional layer activities, converting, via processing circuitry, the natively formatted data to processed data using a rule set for data conversion developed for the organization, and associating the processed data to the functional representation for generation of one or more reports indicative of supply chain performance.

Abstract: A trust look-up protocol is described that allows a meta-trusted third party, or trust directory, to mediate between parties of potential business collaborations and trusted third parties that are counted on to authorize or otherwise validate the business collaborations. The trust directory receives a trust request for a collaboration from one or more parties, and, based on the request, determines a specialty of a trusted third party that is suited to the request and the collaboration. The trust directory then obtains interface information for the trusted third party for forwarding to the requesting party. In this way, the trusted third party may make a determination as to whether the requesting party should proceed in the business collaboration. Afterwards, the trust directory may monitor communications that take place as part of the collaboration, for use in evaluating future requests and collaborations.

Abstract: A capability analysis structure helps a modern business meet the challenges of the global marketplace. As a result, the business can achieve the clarity, consistency, and well-defined execution of its core processes that reduce inefficiencies and waste due to unnecessary process complexity and exceptions. In addition, the capability analysis structure helps the business to identify specific areas in which improvements may be made and understand how to make the improvements, and establishes levels of capability along the way to reaching an ultimate capability goal.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring engagement effectiveness with respect to a service agent by analyzing a conversation between the agent and a customer in a social media environment. A conversation history between the agent and the customer can be mapped into a multi-resolution space based on different time frames via a mapping module. A polarized topical and sentimental distance between the continuous conversations can be calculated by applying a topic-sentiment mixture model and a divergence theorem onto the conversation history with respect to the time frame. Finally, the polarized topical distances can be aggregated in a time-sensitive way based on a time function and an effectiveness score can be calculated and represented as a weighted pyramid kernel of multiple levels. Such a time-sensitive pyramid kernel function based on the implicit topical and sentimental correspondences between daily conversations enables discriminative evaluation for the agent engagement in a customer care.

Abstract: A computer device is provided for implementing a system configured to provide greenhouse gas footprint information used in evaluating an environmental impact of one of a commercial and municipal facility. The computer device receives a query from a user, the query being associated with a plurality of facility parameters associated with the facility. The computer device determines from the facility parameters at least one of a greenhouse gas emission estimate indicative of an amount of emitted greenhouse gas associated with the facility and a greenhouse gas reduction estimate indicative of an amount of greenhouse gas sequestered by the facility. The computer device further provides an indicia of at least one of the greenhouse gas emission estimate and the greenhouse gas reduction estimate via a display device in direct response to the query. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for improving processes in a healthcare organization by mining historical data for information that can be used to more effectively allocate resources and process components. Factors used for the analysis include time, information, motivation, skills, and authority for particular resources. Arbitrage processing is used to minimize opportunity costs and increase efficiency.

Abstract: A task fulfillment system is provided for facilitating the management and completion of activities by both single and team users. The system uses a social network platform to bring local community members together for the purpose of participating in activities and achieving life goals. Both personal and business users may submit tasks to the system, which are then available for others to view. Interested users select tasks to participate in and the system tracts their progress towards task completion. Users can participate individually or group together in teams to undertake larger projects. Earned points may be used for special promotions, discounts with website advertisers, or discounts on future task activities. The system provides a ranking method based on points earned for task completion. It thus inspires competition amongst community members and instigates participating in a variety of activities.

Abstract: An approach is provided for enabling the accounting of closures to support query requests established by a device. A computation processing and accounting infrastructure determines one or more closures based, at least in part, on a query request. One of the one or more closures based, at least in part, on one or more predetermined policies is selected to generate a response to the query.

Abstract: Evaluation of a business case based on the cost of poor process opportunities. In at least some embodiments, an evaluation of a cost of poor process opportunity (COPPO) in an “as-is” process can include calculating a cost per step for each of the plurality of steps or tasks in an activity. COPPO can be determined based in part on whether each step or task in a process or activity is a non-value-add step, and also based in part on a cost of poor quality (COPQ) target percentage. In some embodiments a total cost of poor business process relative to a total cost for each of the plurality of steps can be displayed for a user. The COPPO evaluation can further be used to facilitate the evaluation of a business case for a “to-be” process.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided to perform an analysis of the accounts receivable of a business. Each component of the accounts receivable is reviewed individually and all factors related to that particular component are accounted for. A data tool is then implemented to analyze the data and to recognize the areas of all of the components that are susceptible to improvement. A strategy is then developed to maximize the efficiency of the accounts receivable.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a service exception analysis system for identifying the existence of one or more service exceptions incurred during actual transport of one or more of a plurality of packages. The system comprises one or more computer processors configured to receive actual data related to one or more observed parameters associated with transport of at least one of the plurality of packages; retrieve at least a portion of forecast data contained in one or more memory storage areas, the forecast data being related to one or more expected parameters associated with transport; compare the actual and forecast data to identify one or more discrepancies; analyze the one or more discrepancies to verify whether one or more service exceptions exist; and in response to one or more service exceptions being identified, generate one or more service exception reports. Associated computer program products and computer-implemented methods are also provided.

Abstract: A customer experience is improved through data mining and text mining technologies and that derive insights about a customer by analyzing interactions between the customer and a customer service agent. One or more numerical measurements of customer satisfaction are derived and recommended actions are provided to an agent to enhance the customer experience throughout a customer service lifecycle.

Abstract: Methods, computer readable media, and apparatuses for evaluating compliance with laws, regulations, and/or policies are presented. A metric definition for a metric may be received, the metric measuring an aspect of a business process. The measured aspect may represent a compliance concern. A first sigma score for the metric may be determined based on a number of opportunities and a number of defects. A second sigma score for the business process may be determined. A third sigma score for a business unit may be determined, the business unit implementing the business process. A fourth sigma score for a business segment may be determined, the business segment managing the business unit. A report may be generated, the report including the first sigma score, the second sigma score, the third sigma score, and the fourth sigma score.

Abstract: Techniques are described for facilitating interactions between task requesters who have tasks available to be performed and task performer users who are available to perform tasks, such as interactions that enable improvement of unsatisfactory task performance results from human task performer users. In some situations, after a task performer user has generated initial results from performance of a task supplied by a task requester, the task requester indicates that the initial results are only partially satisfactory (e.g., only partially satisfy one or more criteria for the task performance results), and may result in only a partial payment rather than a full payment amount associated with fully satisfactory performance of the task. The task requester may also supply information to provide one or more opportunities to the task performer user to supply additional improved supplemental results (e.g., so as to receive the full payment amount).

Abstract: Methods and systems for making decisions and risk mitigation for professional contracts and related collaboration. The use of a Collaboration Network is used with one or more Trust Layers and Professional layer to identify matches for collaboration separately on professional reputation and on integrity.

Abstract: A system for determining a level of optimality for countries in which to perform a specified business function includes a data storage unit, a mapping engine and a mapping generator. The data storage stores a composite business environment index, a composite input resources index, and an innovation index. The mapping engine receives the specified business function and input factors related to the specified business function and selects at least two of the composite business environment index, the composite input resources index, and the innovation index based on the input factors. The matrix generator determines the level of optimality indicating a measure of success in achieving the specified business function for each of the countries based on scores in the at least two selected indices.

Abstract: Target setting, forecasting, and budgeting methods and tools are provided in which targets are selected at a high level of management through a process of strategic planning to select targets based on a combination of value expected to be added and manageability of the candidate targets, including computer simulations of increased cash flow expected to be generated by the target strategies. The strategically planned targets are then flowed down to the various levels of management, budgets are constructed around those target strategies, and the budgets are then consolidated and flowed upward. By defining organizational targets and then aligning those targets with strategic goals from the beginning, the number and scope of iterations of budget adjustments can be reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed is a remote program development mediation system and method for enabling remote program development by mediating a program development contract between a development consignor and a developer, constructing the development environment of a developer terminal for developing a program in a Client/Server (C/S) environment in a virtualization server, and allowing a virtualization server to provide the developer terminal with a development tool image of a virtualized development framework. When a consignor requests a plurality of development pools to develop programs, a chronic difficulty to secure developers can be solved, and developers can develop programs remotely.

Abstract: A method for optimizing search results for an entity includes categorizing a plurality of web pages into a plurality of page types. The method may also include performing a search of a network in order to obtain business performance data for each of the page types. Thereafter, business performance data may be analyzed to determine how to optimize the performance of a particular page type.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed to consolidate workload on cloud-based computers by co-locating one or more high-penalty tenants on one or more cloud-based servers; reducing service level agreement (SLA) violations by over-provisioning the cloud-based server; and maximizing an SLA profit.

Abstract: A method for scoring a haptic device using subjective and objective measurements is disclosed. A method of process, in one embodiment, is configured to obtain multiple objective measurements and the subjective measurements, wherein the objective measurements describe the performance of the haptic device. The subjective measurements indicate users' feedback and/or experience in connection with the haptic device. The process is capable of generating a score in response to the objective measurements and the subjective measurements. The score, for example, can be used to rate and/or evaluate the performance of the haptic device.

Abstract: The subject invention relates generally to satisfaction metrics, their methods of administration, and computer programmable products loaded with the satisfaction metrics. The satisfaction metrics of the subject invention allow the participant to assess his or her satisfaction with general and specific attributes of any organization and to assign a relative value to the attribute relative to the other attributes. A weighted satisfaction score can be computed from the relative values and raw satisfaction scores of the general and specific attributes.

Abstract: A method and system to establish a safety assessment of a process industry plant including multiple organizational units. The method and system store scores relating to a rating of one of an inspection, undertaken in one of the organizational units regarding an aspect of the plant, and an answer, given by a human representative of one of the organizational units in response to defined questions relating to one of the aspects. The scores are assigned to respective of the organizational units and respective of the aspects. Aspect-specific scores are then calculated. Safety assessment can then be established from the aspect-specific scores of the organizational units.