Method and apparatus for retrieving relevant records from a database using prediction models

A computer-implemented method for enhancing data records in an expert database, wherein the records include information about experts in specific fields of endeavor, the method comprising:

• parsing a record in the expert database that includes information about an expert in at least one specific field of endeavor
• selecting a taxonomy directed to a business aspect relevant to the at least one specific field of endeavor wherein the taxonomy is used to generate keywords;
• creating search criteria including the keywords and an identity of the expert
• querying at least one external database based on the search criteria;
• retrieving matching records from the at least one external database that match the search criteria;
• and
• enhancing the record in the expert database with information contained in the matching records.

A computer system for retrieving relevant records from a database, wherein the records include information about experts in specific fields of endeavor, the system comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor cause the at least one processor to carry out steps comprising:
• receiving a project request from a user device over a computer network, the project request including a description of a project for which an expert is desired;
• parsing the project request for categories and keywords;
• determining at least two relevant prediction models, from a plurality of prediction models, that are relevant to the categories, each of the plurality of prediction models being based on a different aspect of expert search;
• independently applying each of the relevant prediction models to at least one of the keywords to obtain search criteria;
• querying the database with a search query based on the search criteria;
• retrieving matching records from the database that match the search query;
• and
• ranking the matching records based on relevance to the project request.

A computer system for enhancing data records in an expert database, wherein the records include information about experts in specific fields of endeavor, the system comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions, which when executed by the at least one processor cause the at least one processor to carry out steps comprising:
• parsing a record in the expert database that includes information about an expert in at least one specific field of endeavor selecting a taxonomy directed to a business aspect relevant to the at least one specific field of endeavor wherein the taxonomy is used to generate keywords;
• creating search criteria including the keywords and an identity of the expert
• querying at least one external database based on the search criteria;
• retrieving matching records from the at least one external database that match the search criteria;
• and
• enhancing the record in the expert database with information contained in the matching records.