SEVEN PROCESSES OF PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT - PART 1B
Forecasting
This is a function of management as proposed by Henri Fayol. It is a process of predicting a future event and forms the basis for reducing the risk in all decision making. Successful forecasting depends on effective qualitative (judgemental) and quantitative (mathematical) methods and the ability to analyse data and results. Forecasts are rarely perfect because of their random nature and are more accurate for grouped data and over shorter time periods. The correct model needs to be chosen based on the amount and kind of available data, the degree of accuracy needed, the timeline and the presence of data patterns and trends. Forecasts affect the way a business is run and any decisions that are made by supporting strategic and tactical planning. Forecasting is extremely important in all areas of management.
There are steps to be taken by managers when forecasting;
• Decide what to forecast
• Draw up a timeline
• Select and test the model to be used
• Evaluate and analyse appropriate data
• Write a forecast
• Monitor the accuracy of the forecast
Every forecast should include an estimate of error and should be tested before choosing a model, which should reflect the organisation’s needs and match the data available. No single technique works in every situation but enough time must be allowed to bring in any necessary changes. Forecasts may be subject to human error. The forecasting process is there to help managers
Forecasts are extensively used to support business decisions and direct the work of operations managers. The two major types of forecasts are qualitative and quantitative. Within each of these types are multiple methods and models. Qualitative forecasts are based upon subjective data. Quantitative forecasts are derived from objective data. Both methods are not suitable for all situations and circumstances. Each has inherent strengths and weaknesses. The forecaster must understand the strengths and shortcomings of each method and choose appropriately. One example of forecasting is the United States Marine Corps use of forecasting techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, to predict ammunition requirements.
The current demand forecasting method is based on qualitative techniques more than quantitative ones. If the forecast is not accurate, the company would carry both inventory and stock out costs. It might lose customers due to shortage of supply or carry additional holding costs due to excess production. If the actual demand doesn’t match the forecast ones, and the forecast was too high, this will result in high inventories, obsolescence, asset disposals, and increased carrying costs. When a forecast is too low, the customer resorts to a competitive product or retailer. A supplier could lose both sales and shelf space at that retail location forever if their predictions continue to be inaccurate. The tolerance level of the average consumer
* Forecasting is an impartial strategic ingredient that will ensure apt base for reputable planning. Our forecast is always the first step in developing plans in running the business along with our future plans of growth strategies. With this tool, we are able to anticipate our sales within reason that then can allow for us to control our costs in conjunction with inventory which will then help us to enhance our customer service. Sales forecasting is a vital strategic tactic in our company’s methodology.
Forecasting: It is an important step required to anticipate the future events that might occur with the mentioned changes. There may be a possible need for expansion of services to compete with the technological advances; continued mergers; increased spending on operations as well as research and development.
Good information. I like how one can forecast information between relationships and different variables. Especially how easy it is to read and determine what might be the next task at hand, depending on what the end result is looking like and wanting to determine. Forecasting is part on a planning process based on predictions.
However, from the case study, it is difficult to do so due to two main reasons which are insufficient information and long production’s lead time. Information would slowly become more obvious when it approaches the peak season while the long production’s lead time is a constraint which prevents the company from producing at the point where adequate data are available. Therefore, to improve company’s performance, the first thing is to forecast demand more accurately from the first beginning. Wally now only based his first phase production decision on individual forecasts. However, from the exhibit 5, it shows how demand forecasts improve with increasing information. With the lack of information, Wally might take into account and use past statistical deviation between initial and final forecast, which is the closest to the real demand, when he makes a decision. In textile and fashion industry where things change rapidly, people who have more experience and close to customers are those who are most likely to accurately foresee the future trends. So inviting retailers, especially salesmen or shop managers, to help with the demand forecasting is a good idea (Giordano also used this effective strategy to forecast demand).
Forecasting is the methodology utilized in the translation of past experiences in an estimation of the future. The German market presents challenges for forecasting techniques especially for its retail segment. Commercially oriented organizations are used to help during forecasting as general works done by academic scientists are not easy to come across (Bonner, 2009).
Fixing the forecasts allows to build the communication between the different departments of a firm (communication between the operational staff, the financial staff, etc.). It should be also a guide for financial planning and monitoring the activity and the performance. It is a tool to evaluate profitability and productivity, to identify an eventual gap between actuals and OP (operating plan), and to fix it.
M&L Manufacturing Company is an example of a company that could benefit from forecasting. In the past the company has made an educated guess to determine necessary production for
But even this is not possible in case of a new product or innovation. A forecast of sales, demand, cash, requirements and several such business valuables are extremely essential for a business in order to be able to appropriately plan and conduct its operations in an effective and efficient manner. Yet, forecasts cannot be made accurately as there are several factors and changes in the current environment that leads to variations in forecasts and impacts or causes a manager to make changes in the forecasts.
The company understands that in a fast changing business environment it is essential to forecast the future trends and bottlenecks thus helping them prepare for any circumstances that may come up. The 2020
Sociotechnical Systems Theory, Quantitative Management, Organizational Behavior, and Systems Theory are The Four Contemporary Approaches to Management.
There are four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading and controlling. The four basic principles of management found in all businesses and corporations. Management is a process designed to achieve an organization's objectives by using its resources effectively and efficiently in a changing environment.
Business forecasting is the process of studying historical performance for the purpose of using the information gained to project future business conditions so that decisions can be made today that will assist in the achievement of certain goals. Forecasting involves taking historical date and using it to project future data with a mathematical model. Forecasts are extensively used to support business decisions and direct the work of operations managers. In this paper I will introduce different types of forecasting techniques.
A manager that has all five types of powers is a strong leader. Occasionally employee’s posses power too. Effective managers use their powers in a way that they maintain a healthy balance between their own power ant that of their employees.