Patent ID: 8630891
Filing Date: 2014-01-14
Classification: G06Q

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of evaluating a target business metric, comprising: receiving a selection of a target business metric; receiving a selection of a plurality of input business metrics correlated with the target business metric, wherein the plurality of input business metrics have corresponding observed values; using the observed values of the input business metrics to generate a predicted value for the target business metric; receiving one or more predetermined goal values corresponding to a predetermined goal change in the target business metric; for each of a plurality of predetermined goal changes in the target business metric, solving, using a goal seeking module in a computer-implemented system, for an amount of change for each input business metric of the plurality of input business metrics, wherein the amount of change for each input business metric corresponds to the respective predetermined goal change in the target business metric, and wherein solving for the amount of change for a respective one of each input business metric includes solving for a value of the respective one of each input business metric that generates the respective predetermined goal change in the target business metric when all other input business metrics remain constant, wherein the solved value is calculated using a system of nonlinear equations of a nonlinear econometric model; generating a graphical report displaying, for each of the plurality of predetermined goal changes, a value corresponding to the respective predetermined goal change as applied to the target business metric, and the solved value for each input business metric; determining for at least one of the plurality of predetermined goal changes, a resource need for a plurality of the solved values for at least two of the plurality of the input business metrics; and comparing the resource needs for the at least two of the plurality of the input business metrics, wherein resources are proportioned based on said comparing.