Business Forecast Essay -- Business Forecasting Research Essays

Business ForecastThis Paper examines and compares various forecasting techniques utilize for qualitative and quantitative caper forecasting and their use in Firstlogic Inc., to forecast the demand under conditions of ambivalentty. Time series and Delphi forecasting methods are considered for this research to evaluate their ability to make rough-and-ready decisions regarding the future.Business ForecastingBusiness forecasting is the process of studying historical performance for the purpose of using the knowledge gained to project future business conditions so that decisions can be made today that will aid in the achievement of established goals. Forecasting plays a crucial role in todays uncertain global marketplace. Forecasting is traditionally either qualitative or quantitative, with each offering specific advantages and disadvantages.Qualitative and Quantitative Forecasting Techniques Forecasting can be classified into qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative techniques a re subjective or judgmental and are based on estimates and opinions. The Delphi technique, a common form of qualitative forecasting, allows experts to earn an effective forecast under conditions of extreme incertitude. Time?s series forecasting, a quantitative technique, uses a statistical analysis of past sales in order to effectively predict future outcomes, but can be limited under conditions of uncertainty (Chase, 2003, p.364). Business forecasting can be utilise in a wide variety of contexts, and by a wide variety of businesses. For example, effective forecasting can determine sales based on attendance at a trade show, or the consumptioner demand for products and services (Business and Economic Forecasting, p.1). One of the most important assumptions of business forecasters is that the past acts as an important guide for the future. It is important to note that forecasters must consider a number of newfangled information, including rapidly changing economic conditions a nd globalization, when creating business forecasts based on past sales.Globalization and economic slowdown has made businesses subject to a great deal of uncertainty. In this time of rapid change, economies worldwide change rapidly, new markets open up and old ones change, and demand for products is often uncertain. As such, businesses must be flexible and adaptable in the types of methods that they use... ...forecasts. Given the high degree of uncertainty in todays marketplace, qualitative forecasting techniques like the Delphi technique may help Firstlogic to better-forecast future sales.ConclusionIn conclusion, business forecasting methods must be used in order to fit current conditions of uncertainty. Delphi technique and time series forecasting both are valuable forecasting tools when used in the good circumstance. The Delphi technique is useful for short-term forecasts therefore, it is often a more valuable tool for business forecasting during conditions of uncertainty.Refer encesUniversity of Phoenix(Ed.).(2003) Operations management for competitive advantageUniversity of Phoenix custom edition e-text. New York McGraw-Hill. Retrieved February 01, 2005, from university of phoenix, Resource, MGT554- operations management website https//mycampus.phoenix.edu/secure/resource/resource.aspBusiness and Economic Forecasting. Retrieved February 24, 2005, from http//www.sbeusers.csuhayward.edu/acassuto/econ3551/summary/chapter6.htmNamvar, Bob . (2000). Economic Forecasting. Retrieved February 24, 2005, from http//gbr.pepperdine.edu/001/forecast.html