System, method and article of manufacture for a simulation enabled retail management tutorial system

• US 20030163361A1
• Filed: 06/22/2001
• Published: 08/28/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/1998
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
• Original Assignee: Accenture Global Services Limited (Accenture PLC)
• Inventors: Nichols, Mark Stewart, Poon, Alexander Han Leung, Haff, Lauren E., Lannert, Eric Jeffrey, Walsh, Michael Joseph, Bertrand, Benoit Patrick, Zabloudil, Maureen Therese, Levitt, Murray David, Smith, John Kenneth, Burgess, Olivia Ruth, Wills, Kerry Russell, Smith, Karen Therese, Willow, Michael James, Ciancaglini, Joseph Michael
• Granted Patent: US 7,856,410 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/10
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/10 Office automation; Time management
• CPC Class Codes: G09B 7/04 characterised by modifying the teaching programme in response to a wrong answer, e.g. repeating the question, supplying a further explanation
• CPC Class Codes: Y10S 706/927 Education or instruction

Abstract

A system is disclosed that provides a goal based learning system utilizing a rule based expert training system to provide a cognitive educational experience. The system provides the user with a simulated environment that presents a business opportunity to understand and solve optimally. Mistakes are noted and remedial educational material presented dynamically to build the necessary skills that a user requires for success in the business endeavor. The system utilizes an artificial intelligence engine driving individualized and dynamic feedback with synchronized video and graphics used to simulate real-world environment and interactions. Multiple “correct” answers are integrated into the learning system to allow individualized learning experiences in which navigation through the system is at a pace controlled by the learner. A robust business model provides support for realistic activities and allows a user to experience real world consequences for their actions and decisions and entails realtime decision-making and synthesis of the educational material. A store management tutorial system is enabled for providing active coaching on aspects of inventory management, stocking, advertising, return on revenue, markdown, assortment strategy and other aspects of retail management. Techniques for process sensitive help are also integrated into the system to provide contextual examples to guide a user in performing a task.

Claims

1. A method for creating a presentation, comprising the steps of:

(a) receiving an indicia representative of a store goal;

(b) integrating retail information that provides assistance with achieving the store goal;

(c) monitoring progress of a student toward the store goal; and

(d) providing feedback assisting the student in accomplishing the store goal.

2. A method for creating a presentation as recited in claim 1, including the step of indexing media information to enhance the integration of the media information into the presentation.

3. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, wherein inventory control is integrated into the presentation.

4. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, wherein pricing strategy is integrated into the presentation.

5. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, wherein return on revenue is integrated into the presentation.

6. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, wherein markdown is integrated into the presentation.

7. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, wherein stocking is integrated into the presentation.

8. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, wherein assortment strategy is integrated into the presentation.

9. A method for creating a presentation that simulates the operations of a store as recited in claim 1, including the step of adjusting an example based on the student'"'"'s progress.

10. An apparatus that creates a presentation, comprising;

(e) a processor;

(f) a memory that stores information under the control of the processor;

(g) logic that receives indicia representative of a store goal;

(h) logic that integrates retail information that provides assistance with achieving the store goal; and

(a) logic that monitors progress of a student toward the store goal and provides feedback that assists the student in accomplishing the store goal.

11. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein advertising information is integrated into the presentation.

12. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein inventory control is integrated into the presentation.

13. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein pricing strategy is integrated into the presentation.

14. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein return on revenue is integrated into the presentation.

15. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein markdown is integrated into the presentation.

16. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein stocking is integrated into the presentation.

17. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, wherein assortment strategy is integrated into the presentation.

18. An apparatus that creates a presentation as recited in claim 10, including logic that adjusts an example based on the student'"'"'s progress.