A method and system schedules inbound inquiries, such as inbound telephone calls,
for response by agents in an order that is based in part on the forecasted outcome
of the inbound inquiries. A scheduling module applies inquiry information to a
model to forecast the outcome of an inbound inquiry. The forecasted outcome is
used to set a priority value for ordering the inquiry. The priority value may be
determined by solving a constrained optimization problem that seeks to maximize
an objective function, such as maximizing an agent's productivity to produce sales
or to minimize inbound call attrition. The inbound call may be placed on a virtual
hold or be responded to on a real-time basis based on the inbound inquiry's priority
value. A modeling module generates models that forecast inquiry outcomes based
on a history and inquiry information. Statistical analysis such as regression analysis
determines the model with the outcome related to the nature of the inquiry. Forecasted
outcomes are based on the goal of the inbound calls and include factors such as
probability an inbound caller will hang up, probability that an inbound caller
will alter a business relationship based on hold time, probability that an inbound
caller will make a purchase, and the relative probable reward of responding to
an inbound call.