Abstract:
A computer network-based method for managing information relating to business objectives includes, for example, providing a server into which users enter information relating to business objectives, and from which users obtain information relating to progress toward achieving business objectives.

Description:
COPYRIGHT STATEMENT  
         [0001]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material that is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever.  
         BACKGROUND OF INVENTION  
         [0002]    This invention relates to computer network-based communication systems, and more particularly, to computer network-based methods and systems for managing information used by business executives.  
           [0003]    The global computer network known as the Internet has produced a dramatic improvement in electronic communications and information access. Particularly with the introduction of the World Wide Web, and the use of remote terminals and local area networks connected with the Internet, individuals and organizations are now able to easily communicate electronically, by sending messages, and relaying, displaying and accessing information.  
           [0004]    Despite the advantages offered by the Internet, many large organizations continue to face problems in intra-organizational communications. In particular, organizations having widely dispersed employees working on the same project face difficulties in disseminating objectives and monitoring employees&#39; progress toward attaining those objectives. It is difficult for a manager to ensure that all project participants, who may be scattered across the world, know the goals that the manager is trying to achieve, how each project participant&#39;s objectives contribute toward those goals, and how the goals relate to the business objectives set forth by the corporation.  
           [0005]    The manager also must devise a method to gather information on progress toward achieving those goals, and to report that progress to other layers of management.  
           [0006]    Typically every employee and manager has a separate tracking and reporting system, leading to divergent approaches and an unwieldy process when a company grows beyond a certain size. Each manager must collate the progress of each individual to produce a summary of the progress for the entire team. The next higher manager is faced with the same summarization task. At the highest level of management questions pertaining to the status of an individual team or person can only be answered by walking the summarization chain backwards, through each of the personalized systems that were used to create the summaries initially. This problem impedes the flow of information up and down the management structure, and thereby imposes a cost in time, efficiency, and potentially performance.  
           [0007]    In addition to these tasks facing the manager, the individual employee must track his progress toward fulfilling those goals, not least for purposes of any future performance appraisal. As with any annual process, the employee may only consider his accomplishments and results at the time of performance appraisal, instead of ideally as they occur. Few employees actually do this, however, and even if they were to do so, the absence of a standardized format would lead to a multitude of idiosyncratic approaches, thereby compounding the summarization problem facing the employee&#39;s manager. Furthermore, most corporations use manual methods that entail substantial effort by employees. Even those that provide a computerized user interface for entering information still rely upon manual summarization of the information for reporting purposes, with consequent duplication of effort expended in combining information into summary results.  
           [0008]    It would therefore be desirable to provide computer network-based methods and systems for disseminating business objectives both for project groups and for each of the project participants. It would also be desirable to provide methods and systems for tracking the progress of the project group and of each member of that group toward achieving those objectives. It would further be desirable to provide such dissemination and tracking abilities that function in real-time. It would also be desirable to provide computer network-based methods and systems that provide uniformity in the form of the tracking and reporting, while permitting flexibility in their content.  
         SUMMARY OF INVENTION  
         [0009]    In one embodiment of the invention, a personal scorecard provides managers with a simple and easy way of disseminating business objectives to their employees around the world, and tracking their progress toward meeting those objectives. The scorecard simplifies the manager&#39;s task in preparing progress reports by providing a consistent format while allowing flexibility in content. With a “roll up” method of the system, the scorecard provides managers with instant information as objectives are met. It also provides employees with an easy and convenient method to obtain their objectives, to track their progress toward meeting their objectives, and to record achievements as they occur. With the personal scorecard, performance appraisals become a matter of transferring the information from the scorecard to the performance appraisal. The personal scorecard thus reduces the burden on the employee and ensures that all accomplishments will be noted.  
           [0010]    In an exemplary embodiment, a computer network-based method for disseminating business objectives and tracking progress toward achieving these objectives is implemented through use of a Web-based system. The system includes a central server containing multiple Web-enabled clients, and multiple interactive Web pages linked to or within multiple Web-based pages corresponding to individual projects for which results are tracked. The Web pages are used to access and store information relating to business objectives in the Web-enabled databases, and to track progress toward achieving these objectives as described below. Elements of the system are accessible by remote users with a user interface such as a Web-browser on a computer coupled to the computer network.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS  
       [0011]    [0011]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary network-based system for implementing a method in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.  
         [0012]    [0012]FIG. 2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of an alternative system.  
         [0013]    [0013]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of a network-based personal scorecard system.  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 4 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal value scorecard Six Sigma and IP page.  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 5 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal value scorecard organization and targets page.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 6 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal value Atlas projects page.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard productivity and customers page.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 8 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard report generation page.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 9 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard CTQ drilldown page.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 10 is an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard report page.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 11 is a continuation page of the personal scorecard report page shown in FIG. 10.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 12 is a further continuation page of the personal scorecard report page shown in FIG. 10. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION  
       [0023]    [0023]FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a personal scorecard system  10  in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. System  10  includes a server sub-system  12  and a plurality of user devices  14  connected to server sub-system  12 , sometimes referred to herein as server  12 . In one embodiment, devices  14  are computers including a web browser, and server  12  is accessible to devices  14  via a network such as an intranet or the Internet. In an alternative embodiment, devices  14  are servers for a network of customer devices.  
         [0024]    Devices  14  are interconnected to the network, such as a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), through many interfaces including dial-in-connections, cable modems and high-speed ISDN lines. Alternatively, devices  14  are any device capable of interconnecting to a network including a web-based phone or other web-based connectable equipment. Server sub-system  12  includes a database server  16  connected to a centralized database  18  containing personal scorecard information, as described below in greater detail. In one embodiment, centralized database  18  is stored on database server  16  and can be accessed by potential users at one of user devices  14  by logging onto server sub-system  12  through one of user devices  14 . In an alternative embodiment centralized database  18  is stored remotely from server sub-system  12 .  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 2 is an expanded version block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a server architecture of a personal scorecard system  22 . Components of system  22 , identical to components of system  10  (shown in FIG. 1), are identified in FIG. 2 using the same reference numerals as used in FIG. 1. System  22  includes server sub-system  12  and user devices  14 . Server sub-system  12  includes database server  16 , an application server  24 , a web server  26 , a fax server  28 , a directory server  30 , and a mail server  32 . A disk storage unit  34  is coupled to database server  16  and directory server  30 . Servers  16 ,  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32  are coupled in a local area network (LAN)  36 . In addition, a system administrator workstation  38 , a user workstation  40 , and a supervisor workstation  42  are coupled to LAN  36 . Alternatively, workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42  are coupled to LAN  36  via an Internet link or are connected through an intranet.  
         [0026]    Each workstation  38 ,  40 , and  42  is a personal computer having a web browser. Although the functions performed at the workstations typically are illustrated as being performed at respective workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42 , such functions can be performed at one of many personal computers coupled to LAN  36 . Workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42  are illustrated as being associated with separate functions only to facilitate an understanding of the different types of functions that can be performed by individuals having access to LAN  36 .  
         [0027]    In another embodiment, server sub-system  12  is configured to be communicatively coupled to various individuals or employees  44  and to users  46  via an ISP Internet connection  48 . The communication in the exemplary embodiment is illustrated as being performed via the Internet, however, any other wide area network (WAN) type communication can be used in other embodiments, i.e., the systems and processes are not limited to being practiced via the Internet. In addition, and rather than a WAN  50 , local area network  36  could be used in place of WAN  50 .  
         [0028]    In the exemplary embodiment, any authorized individual or an employee of the business entity having a workstation  52  can access server sub-system  12 . One of user devices  14  includes a senior manager&#39;s workstation  54  located at a remote location. Workstations  52  and  54  are personal computers having a web browser. Also, workstations  52  and  54  are configured to communicate with server sub-system  12 . Furthermore, fax server  28  communicates with employees located outside the business entity and any of the remotely located user systems, including a user system  56  via a telephone link. Fax server  28  is configured to communicate with other workstations  38 ,  40 , and  42  as well.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 3 is a flow diagram  60  for a web-based method for implementing a computer network-based method for disseminating business objectives and tracking progress toward their achievement. System  10  (shown in FIG. 1) receives  62  information relating to business objectives from a user. In one embodiment, the user inputs the information into a device (such as device  14  shown in FIG. 1) which transmits the information to a server (such as server  12  shown in FIG. 1). The business objectives information is received from the user via a graphical user interface as will be described in greater detail below. The received business objectives information includes an identification of a project and of a goal associated with the project. Exemplary project features include, but are not limited to, savings, deflation, cost avoidance, scrap, and other savings, with estimated, planned, and actual figures recorded.  
         [0030]    Server  12  compares  64  the received information to pre-stored information accessible by server  12 . In one embodiment, the pre-stored information is stored in a database that resides on server  12 . In an alternative embodiment, the pre-stored information is stored in a database remote from server  12 . The pre-stored information includes business objectives information. Server  12  compares the received information to the pre-stored information to determine if any business objectives information contained in the pre-stored information satisfy the specifications submitted by the user.  
         [0031]    System  10  then identifies pre-stored business objectives information that matches the information entered by the user and selects  66  that businesses objectives information. System  10  retrieves  68  business objectives information pertaining to the selected project. In one embodiment, the business objectives information includes a project number. Server  12  then displays  70  the retrieved information on user device  14  so that the user can view the information.  
         [0032]    [0032]FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard Six Sigma and IP page, as depicted in screen shot  100 . Screen shot  100  includes a Six Sigma &amp; IP tab  102 , an Organization &amp; Target tab  104 , an Atlas Projects tab  106 , and a Productivity &amp; Customers tab  108 . Selection of Six Sigma &amp; IP tab  102  in one embodiment results in screen shot  100 , which includes a Six Sigma Status (YTD) display area  110  that includes a set of check boxes to allow the user to indicate whether the user has fulfilled objectives of the Six Sigma program. Screen shot  100  also includes an Intellectual Contributions (YTD) display area  112 , which includes a set of text boxes where the user can indicate the number of patent disclosures, technical papers, technical courses, customer technical seminars, videos, instructional books, brochures, and web submissions that the user has contributed in the year. Another text box in display area  112  allows the user to specify the number of technical committees in which the user participated. Screen shot  100  further includes a display area  114  that includes a set of text boxes where the user can indicate how many patent violations were reported, how many patent licensing opportunities were reported, how much patent revenue was generated, and how many patent awards were received year-to-date. Screen shot  100  still further includes an Update Metrics push button  116 , selection of which updates metrics. Screen shot  100  also includes a Specific Contributions response area  118 , with which the user can specify the details concerning committees on which the user participated, and on patents, papers, courses, seminars, and other contributions the user has made year-to-date. Response area  118  also includes a set of Add and Delete push buttons for adding and deleting items in Specific Contributions area  118 . Screen shot  100  also includes a checkbox to cause the display to show contributions from the prior year.  
         [0033]    [0033]FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard Organization &amp; Targets page, as depicted in screen shot  120 . Screen shot  120  includes a Six Sigma &amp; IP tab  102 , an Organization &amp; Target tab  104 , an Atlas Projects tab  106 , and a Productivity &amp; Customers tab  108 . Selection of Organization &amp; Targets tab  104  in one embodiment results in screen shot  120 , which includes a display area  122  that includes a Select Immediate Manager pull down menu and a Select Your Team pull down menu to allow selection of the user&#39;s immediate manager and team. Selection of the manager and team enables the system to generate reports for the manager which includes all of their direct or indirectly reporting employees. This functionality enables automatic construction of the organizational hierarchy with no administration.  
         [0034]    [0034]FIG. 6 shows an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard Atlas Projects page, as depicted in screen shot  130 . Screen shot  130  includes a Six Sigma &amp; IP tab  102 , an Organization &amp; Target tab  104 , an Atlas Projects tab  106 , and a Productivity &amp; Customers tab  108 . Selection of Atlas Projects tab  106  results in screen shot  130 , which includes a Project Referencing You display area  132  that displays in one embodiment such information as the Atlas number, descriptions, role, status, YTD effort, and months of the year where the user can indicate the allocation of effort over the year to a given Atlas project. Screen shot  130  also includes a Project Details (Benefits this year only) display area  134 , that in one embodiment displays savings, deflation, cost avoidance, scrap, and other savings, with estimated, planned, and actual figures recorded. Display area  134  also includes a Base Cost Warranty and an Investment Expense breakout, with estimated, planned, and actual figures recorded. Display area  134  changes to show the details for each project selected in display area  132 . In this example, display area  134  shows data for project # 5683 . Screen shot  130  further includes a Contribution Summary—All Projects (Atlas only) display area  136  that in one embodiment displays savings, deflation, cost avoidance, scrap, and other savings, with estimated, planned, and actual figures recorded. Display area  136  provides a summary of the contribution value for all of the employees” projects shown in display area  132 . Lastly, screen shot  130  includes a Load Projects push button  138 . Button  138  is selected once to display a customized list of projects in display area  132 .  
         [0035]    [0035]FIG. 7 shows an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard Productivity &amp; Customers page, as depicted in screen shot  140 . Screen shot  140  includes Six Sigma &amp; IP tab  102 , Organization &amp; Target tab  104 , Atlas Projects tab  106 , and Productivity &amp; Customers tab  108 . Selection of Productivity &amp; Customers tab  108  results in display of screen shot  140 , which includes an Outside—in Contributions &amp; Productivity Contributions display area  142  that includes within it a Customer Focus Actions list box and a Productivity Actions/Accuracy Actions/Speed Actions list box area. Each list box has associated Add and Delete push buttons to maintain the list contents. Display area  142  also includes a checkbox to cause the display of list box entries from the prior year. Each list box is reset to empty at the beginning of a new year.  
         [0036]    [0036]FIG. 8 shows an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard Report Generation page, as depicted in screen shot  150 . Screen shot  150  includes a Print Scorecard For Which Year text box  152 , where the user indicates the year for which the report is to be generated, and a print details selection area  154 , where the user indicates the printer to be used, the number of copies to a made, and whether the report is to be printed in color. Not shown in this screen shot is a listbox showing a list of employees. The employee listbox is only shown if the user is a manager. This allows the manager to print a scorecard for one or more employees in his organization.  
         [0037]    [0037]FIG. 9 shows an exemplary embodiment of a Personal Scorecard CTQ Drilldown page, as depicted in screen shot  160 . Screen shot  160  includes a Category display area  162  that displays a variety of categories relating to Six Sigma objectives, a set of Quarterly Targets text boxes, and a Contributor Comments text area for narrative comment. Screen shot  160  also includes a CTQ Report Card display area  164  that displays the names of individuals and their targets on a quarterly basis. Display area  162  shows a hierarchical list of CTQ metrics organized by categories. The categories are configured using an administrative tool and the specific metrics are defined using this administrative tool. Additionally, managers allocate specific metrics for members of their team. For each metric, the manager specifies quarterly targets and provides comments to the employee about their expectations. Display area  164  provides a hierarchical display of all employees who have been assigned this metric along with their progress. The actual values are color-coded Red, Yellow, or Green to indicate whether the actual is off, near, or on-target. The top-most manager&#39;s actual values are automatically summarized from the immediate reports actual values.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 10 shows an exemplary embodiment of a personal scorecard report page, as depicted in screen shot  170 . Screen shot  170  includes a Six Sigma Status (Year-to-date) display area  172  that displays the user&#39;s progress toward meeting Six Sigma goals, and an Intellectual Metrics (Year-to-date) display area  174  that displays the user&#39;s intellectual contributions in the form of patent disclosures, technical papers, and the like. Screen shot  170  also includes a Specific Contributions display area  176  to display details of the user&#39;s specific contributions. Screen shot  170  also includes an Organization and Team—Team Targets display  178  that summarizes progress toward team targets. This report represents the data entered by the user on the displays discussed previously.  
         [0039]    [0039]FIG. 11 shows a continuation of the personal scorecard report page shown in FIG. 10, as depicted in screen shot  180 . Screen shot  180  includes an Atlas Projects and Other Projects That Involve You display area  182  to display the Atlas number, description, role, status, and effort by month for each of a variety of Atlas projects. Screen shot  180  also includes a Contribution Summary of Your Atlas Projects display area  184  that displays the description, cost out, growth, quality, and total sum for material savings, material deflation, cost avoidance, scrap, base cost, incremental contingent margin, and warranty.  
         [0040]    [0040]FIG. 12 shows a further continuation of the personal scorecard report page shown in FIG. 10, as depicted in screen shot  190 . Screen shot  190  includes an Customer Focus Actions display area  192  to display actions for a selected individual. Screen shot  190  also includes a Productivity Actions, Accuracy Actions, Speed Actions display area  194  that displays the various applicable scorecards.  
         [0041]    In use, system  100  provides global access to the business objectives of an organization, allowing the rapid dissemination of those objectives to employees around the world and a way of tracking the progress of those employees toward meeting those objectives. System  100  allows managers to ensure that all employees reporting to them know and are working toward their assigned objectives, and to allow managers and employees alike to track individual and collective progress in real time. In so doing it further allows managers and employees to prepare periodic assessments of employee performance in an efficient and accurate fashion.  
         [0042]    The personal scorecard system provides for not only gathering employee information, but also for summarizing and retrieving the information. The personal scorecard system offers managers an easily grasped overview of a team&#39;s progress, as well as the ability to “drill down” into the details of how the team achieved the results. Because changes are reflected instantaneously, the scorecard system allows managers to take any necessary action to assure that a team meets its business objectives.  
         [0043]    The personal scorecard system also allows the manager to tailor global or personal goals for the particular organization. The very act of defining these goals immediately makes these goals available to his employees, without the intense manual effort of dispersing and tracking both organizational and team goals. Employees are more likely to update their personal information as it happens instead of waiting for the periodic reviews. The manager and employee also have the opportunity to discuss performance on a more timely and frequent basis, instead of annually. Furthermore, the employee can always know where he or she stands in relationship to what is expected of him or her.  
         [0044]    While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims.