Chapter 3 PDF
Chapter 3 PDF
Chapter 3 PDF
nI
Student: ___________________________________________________________________________
1.Forecasting techniques generally assume an existing causal system that will continue to exist in the
future.
TrueFalse
2.For new products in a strong growth mode, a low alpha will minimize forecast errors when using
exponential smoothing techniques.
TrueFalse
3.Once accepted by managers, forecasts should be held firm regardless of new input since many plans have
been made using the original forecast.
TrueFalse
4.Forecasts for groups of items tend to be less accurate than forecasts for individual items because forecasts
for individual items don't include as many influencing factors.
TrueFalse
5.Forecasts help managers plan both the system itself and provide valuable information for using the
system.
TrueFalse
6.Organizations that are capable of responding quickly to changing requirements can use a shorter forecast
horizon and therefore benefit from more accurate forecasts.
TrueFalse
7.When new products or services are introduced, focus forecasting models are an attractive option.
TrueFalse
8.The purpose of the forecast should be established first so that the level of detail, amount of resources, and
accuracy level can be understood.
TrueFalse
9.Forecasts based on time series (historical) data are referred to as associative forecasts.
TrueFalse
10.Time series techniques involve identification of explanatory variables that can be used to predict future
demand.
TrueFalse
11.A consumer survey is an easy and sure way to obtain accurate input from future customers since most
people enjoy participating in surveys.
TrueFalse
12.The Delphi approach involves the use of a series of questionnaires to achieve a consensus forecast.
TrueFalse
13.Exponential smoothing adds a percentage (called alpha) of last period's forecast to estimate next period's
demand.
TrueFalse
14.The shorter the forecast period, the more accurately the forecasts tend to track what actually happens.
TrueFalse
15.Forecasting techniques that are based on time series data assume that future values of the series will
duplicate past values.
TrueFalse
16.Trend adjusted exponential smoothing uses double smoothing to add twice the forecast error to last
period's actual demand.
TrueFalse
17.Forecasts based on an average tend to exhibit less variability than the original data.
TrueFalse
19.The naive forecast is limited in its application to series that reflect no trend or seasonality.
TrueFalse
20.The naive forecast can serve as a quick and easy standard of comparison against which to judge the cost
and accuracy of other techniques.
TrueFalse
21.A moving average forecast tends to be more responsive to changes in the data series when more data
points are included in the average.
TrueFalse
22.In order to update a moving average forecast, the values of each data point in the average must be
known.
TrueFalse
24.An advantage of a weighted moving average is that recent actual results can be given more importance
than what occurred a while ago.
TrueFalse
26.A smoothing constant of .1 will cause an exponential smoothing forecast to react more quickly to a
sudden change than a smoothing constant value of .3.
TrueFalse
27.The T in the model TAF = S+T represents the time dimension (which is usually expressed in weeks or
months).
TrueFalse
29.An advantage of "trend adjusted exponential smoothing" over the "linear trend equation" is its ability to
adjust over time to changes in the trend.
TrueFalse
30.A seasonal relative (or seasonal indexes) is expressed as a percentage of average or trend.
TrueFalse
31.In order to compute seasonal relatives, the trend of past data must be computed or known which means
that for brand new products this approach can't be used.
TrueFalse
32.Removing the seasonal component from a data series (de-seasonalizing) can be accomplished by
dividing each data point by its appropriate seasonal relative.
TrueFalse
33.If a pattern appears when a dependent variable is plotted against time, one should use time series
analysis instead of regression analysis.
TrueFalse
34.Curvilinear and multiple regression procedures permit us to extend associative models to relationships
that are non-linear or involve more than one predictor variable.
TrueFalse
35.The sample standard deviation of forecast error is equal to the square root of MSE.
TrueFalse
37.MAD is equal to the square root of MSE which is why we calculate the easier MSE and then calculate
the more difficult MAD.
TrueFalse
38.In exponential smoothing, an alpha of 1.0 will generate the same forecast that a nave forecast would
yield.
TrueFalse
39.A forecast method is generally deemed to perform adequately when the errors exhibit an identifiable
pattern.
TrueFalse
40.A control chart involves setting action limits for cumulative forecast error.
TrueFalse
41.A tracking signal focuses on the ratio of cumulative forecast error to the corresponding value of MAD.
TrueFalse
42.The use of a control chart assumes that errors are normally distributed about a mean of zero.
TrueFalse
43.Bias exists when forecasts tend to be greater or less than the actual values of time series.
TrueFalse
47.A proactive approach to forecasting views forecasts as probable descriptions of future demand, and
requires action to be taken to meet that demand.
TrueFalse
48.Simple linear regression applies to linear relationships with no more than three independent variables.
TrueFalse
50.Forecasting techniques such as moving averages, exponential smoothing, and the naive approach all
represent smoothed (averaged) values of time series data.
TrueFalse
51.In exponential smoothing, an alpha of .30 will cause a forecast to react more quickly to a large error than
will an alpha of .20.
TrueFalse
54.Which of the following features would not generally be considered common to all forecasts?
A.Assumption of a stable underlying causal system.
B.Actual results will differ somewhat from predicted values.
C.Historical data is available on which to base the forecast.
D.Forecasts for groups of items tend to be more accurate than forecasts for individual items.
E.Accuracy decreases as the time horizon increases.
56.Minimizing the sum of the squared deviations around the line is called:
60.Which of the following would be an advantage of using a sales force composite to develop a demand
forecast?
A.The sales staff is least affected by changing customer needs.
B.The sales force can easily distinguish between customer desires and probable actions.
C.The sales staff is often aware of customers' future plans.
D.Salespeople are least likely to be influenced by recent events.
E.Salespeople are least likely to be biased by sales quotas.
62.The forecasting method which uses anonymous questionnaires to achieve a consensus forecast is:
B.MAPE
C.Linear decision rules
D.MAD
E.Hindsight
69.Using the latest observation in a sequence of data to forecast the next period is:
A.a moving average forecast
B.a naive forecast
C.an exponentially smoothed forecast
D.an associative forecast
E.regression analysis
70.For the data given below, what would the naive forecast be for the next period (period #5)?
A.58
B.62
C.59.5
D.61
E.cannot tell from the data given
72.Which is not a characteristic of simple moving averages applied to time series data?
A.smoothes random variations in the data
B.weights each historical value equally
C.lags changes in the data
D.requires only last period's forecast and actual data
E.smoothes real variations in the data
73.In order to increase the responsiveness of a forecast made using the moving average technique, the
number of data points in the average should be:
A.decreased
B.increased
C.multiplied by a larger alpha
D.multiplied by a smaller alpha
E.eliminated if the MAD is greater than the MSE
74.A forecast based on the previous forecast plus a percentage of the forecast error is:
76.Which of the following smoothing constants would make an exponential smoothing forecast equivalent
to a naive forecast?
A.0
B..01
C..1
D..5
E.1.0
77.Simple exponential smoothing is being used to forecast demand. The previous forecast of 66 turned out
to be four units less than actual demand. The next forecast is 66.6, implying a smoothing constant, alpha,
equal to:
A..01
B..10
C..15
D..20
E..60
78.Given an actual demand of 59, a previous forecast of 64, and an alpha of .3, what would the forecast for
the next period be using simple exponential smoothing?
A.36.9
B.57.5
C.60.5
D.62.5
E.65.5
79.Given an actual demand of 105, a forecasted value of 97, and an alpha of .4, the simple exponential
smoothing forecast for the next period would be:
A.80.8
B.93.8
C.100.2
D.101.8
E.108.2
80.Which of the following possible values of alpha would cause exponential smoothing to respond the most
quickly to forecast errors?
A.0
B..01
C..05
D..10
E..15
81.A manager uses the following equation to predict monthly receipts: Yt = 40,000 + 150t. What is the
forecast for July if t = 0 in April of this year?
A.40,450
B.40,600
C.42,100
D.42,250
E.42,400
82.In trend-adjusted exponential smoothing, the trend adjusted forecast (TAF) consists of:
A.an exponentially smoothed forecast and a smoothed trend factor
B.an exponentially smoothed forecast and an estimated trend value
C.the old forecast adjusted by a trend factor
D.the old forecast and a smoothed trend factor
E.a moving average and a trend factor
83.In the "additive" model for seasonality, seasonality is expressed as a ______________ adjustment to the
average; in the multiplicative model, seasonality is expressed as a __________ adjustment to the average.
A.quantity, percentage
B.percentage, quantity
C.quantity, quantity
D.percentage, percentage
E.qualitative, quantitative
85.A persistent tendency for forecasts to be greater than or less than the actual values is called:
A.bias
B.tracking
C.control charting
D.positive correlation
E.linear regression
86.Which of the following might be used to indicate the cyclical component of a forecast?
A.leading variable
B.Mean Squared Error (MSE)
C.Delphi technique
D.exponential smoothing
E.Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD)
89.Which of the following corresponds to the predictor variable in simple linear regression?
A.regression coefficient
B.dependent variable
C.independent variable
D.predicted variable
E.demand coefficient
D.6
E.12
E.written
99.A managerial approach toward forecasting which seeks to actively influence demand is:
A.reactive
B.proactive
C.influential
D.protracted
E.retroactive
101.Given the following historical data, what is the simple three-period moving average forecast for period
6?
A.67
B.115
C.69
D.68
E.68.67
102.Given the following historical data and weights of .5, .3, and .2, what is the three-period moving
average forecast for period 5?
A.144.20
B.144.80
C.144.67
D.143.00
E.144.00
105.Develop a forecast for the next period, given the data below, using a 3-period moving average.
Using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, and assuming the forecast for period 11 was 80, what would
the forecast for period 14 be?
107.A manager is using exponential smoothing to predict merchandise returns at a suburban branch of a
department store chain. Given a previous forecast of 140 items, an actual number of returns of 148 items,
and a smoothing constant equal to .15, what is the forecast for the next period?
108.A manager is using the equation below to forecast quarterly demand for a product:
Yt = 6,000 + 80t where t = 0 at Q2 of last year
Quarter relatives are Q1 = .6, Q2 = .9, Q3 = 1.3, and Q4 = 1.2.
What forecasts are appropriate for the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year?
109.Over the past five years, a firm's sales have averaged 250 units in the first quarter of each year, 100
units in the second quarter, 150 units in the third quarter, and 300 units in the fourth quarter. What are
appropriate quarter relatives for this firm's sales? Hint: Only minimal computations are necessary.
110.A manager has been using a certain technique to forecast demand for gallons of ice cream for the past
six periods. Actual and predicted amounts are shown below. Would a naive forecast have produced better
results?
111.A new car dealer has been using exponential smoothing with an alpha of .2 to forecast weekly new car
sales. Given the data below, would a naive forecast have provided greater accuracy? Explain. Assume an
initial exponential forecast of 60 units in period 2 (i.e., no forecast for period 1).
112.A CPA firm has been using the following equation to predict annual demand for tax audits: Yt = 55 + 4t
Demand for the past few years is shown below. Is the forecast performing as well as it might? Explain.
113.Given the data below, develop a forecast for period 6 using a four-period weighted moving average and
weights of .4, .3, .2 and .1
114.Use linear regression to develop a predictive model for demand for burial vaults based on sales of
caskets.
115.Given the following data, develop a linear regression model for y as a function of x.
116.Given the following data, develop a linear regression model for y as a function of x.
117.Develop a linear trend equation for the data on bread deliveries shown below. Forecast deliveries for
period 11 through 14.
118.The president of State University wants to forecast student enrollments for this academic year based on
the following historical data:
What is the forecast for this year using the naive approach?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,000
E.22,800
120.A manager wants to choose one of two forecasting alternatives. Each alternative was tested using
historical data. The resulting forecast errors for the two are shown in the table. Analyze the data and
recommend a course of action to the manager.
121.A manager uses this equation to predict demand: Yt = 20 + 4t. Over the past 8 periods, demand has
been as follows. Are the results acceptable? Explain.
The president of State University wants to forecast student enrollments for this academic year based on the
following historical data:
122.What is the forecast for this year using a four-year simple moving average?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
123.What is the forecast for this year using exponential smoothing with alpha = 0.5, if the forecast for two
years ago was 16,000?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
124.What is the forecast for this year using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
125.What is the forecast for this year using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = .05 and beta =
0.3, if the forecast for last year was 21,000, the forecast for two years ago was 19,000, and the trend estimate
for last year's forecast was 1,500?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
The business analyst for Video Sales, Inc. wants to forecast this year's demand for DVD decoders based on
the following historical data:
126.What is the forecast for this year using the naive approach?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
127.What is the forecast for this year using a three-year weighted moving average with weights of .5, .3,
and .2?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
128.What is the forecast for this year using exponential smoothing with alpha = .4, if the forecast for two
years ago was 750?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
129.What is the forecast for this year using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
130.What is the forecast for this year using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = 0.3 and beta =
0.2, if the forecast for last year was 310, the forecast for two years ago was 430, and the trend estimate for
last year's forecast was -150?
A.162.4
B.180.3
C.301.4
D.403.2
E.510.0
Professor Very Busy needs to allocate time next week to include time for office hours. He needs to forecast
the number of students who will seek appointments. He has gathered the following data:
C.52
D.65
E.78
133.What is this week's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, if the forecast for two weeks
ago was 90?
A.49
B.50
C.52
D.65
E.77
134.What is this week's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.49
B.50
C.52
D.65
E.78
135.What is this week's forecast using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = 0.5 and beta = 0.1, if
the forecast for last week was 65, the forecast for two weeks ago was 75, and the trend estimate for last
week's forecast was -5?
A.49.3
B.50.6
C.51.3
D.65.4
E.78.7
A concert promoter is forecasting this year's attendance for one of his concerts based on the following
historical data:
D.15,000
E.12,000
137.What is this year's forecast using a two-year weighted moving average with weights of .7 and .3?
A.19,400
B.18,600
C.19,000
D.11,400
E.10,600
138.What is this year's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, if last year's smoothed
forecast was 15,000?
A.20,000
B.19,000
C.17,500
D.16,000
E.15,000
139.What is this year's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.20,000
B.21,000
C.22,000
D.23,000
E.24,000
140.The previous trend line had predicted 18,500 for two years ago, and 19,700 for last year. What was the
mean absolute deviation (MAD) for these forecasts?
A.100
B.200
C.400
D.500
E.800
The dean of a school of business is forecasting total student enrollment for this year's summer session
classes based on the following historical data:
143.What is this year's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .4, if last year's smoothed
forecast was 2600?
A.2,600
B.2,760
C.2,800
D.3,840
E.3,000
144.What is the annual rate of change (slope) of the least squares trend line for these data?
A.0
B.200
C.400
D.180
E.360
145.What is this year's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.3,600
B.3,500
C.3,400
D.3,300
E.3,200
The owner of Darkest Tans Unlimited in a local mall is forecasting this month's (October's) demand for the
one new tanning booth based on the following historical data:
147.What is this month's forecast using a four-month weighted moving average with weights of .4, .3, .2,
and .1?
A.120
B.129
C.141
D.135
E.140
148.What is this month's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, if August's forecast was
145?
A.144
B.140
C.142
D.148
E.163
149.What is the monthly rate of change (slope) of the least squares trend line for these data?
A.320
B.102
C.8
D.-0.4
E.-8
150.What is this month's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.1,250
B.128.6
C.102
D.158
E.164
151.Which of the following mechanisms for enhancing profitability is most likely to result from improving
short term forecast performance?
A.increased inventory
B.reduced flexibility
C.higher-quality products
D.greater customer satisfaction
E.greater seasonality
152.Which of the following changes would tend to shorten the time frame for short term forecasting?
A.bringing greater variety into the product mix
B.increasing the flexibility of the production system
C.ordering fewer weather-sensitive items
D.adding more special-purpose equipment
155.Which of the following is the most valuable piece of information the sales force can bring into
forecasting situations?
A.what customers are most likely to do in the future
B.what customers most want to do in the future
C.what customers' future plans are
D.whether customers are satisfied or dissatisfied with their performance in the past
E.what the salesperson's appropriate sales quota should be
158.What is this year's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .25, if last year's smoothed
forecast was 45?
159.What are this and next year's forecasts using the least squares trend line for these data?
160.What is this year's forecast using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = 0.2 and beta = 0.1, if
the forecast for last year was 56, the forecast for two years ago was 46, and the trend estimate for last year's
forecast was 7?
161.What is the centered moving average for spring two years ago?
163.What is the linear regression trend line for these data (t = 0 for spring, three years ago)?
ch3 Key
1.Forecasting techniques generally assume an existing causal system that will continue to exist in the
future.
TRUE
2.For new products in a strong growth mode, a low alpha will minimize forecast errors when using
exponential smoothing techniques.
large alpha for strong growth mode
FALSE
If growth is strong, alpha should be large so that the model will catch up more quickly.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #2
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
flexible
3.Once accepted by managers, forecasts should be held firm regardless of new input since many plans have
been made using the original forecast.
FALSE
4.Forecasts for groups of items tend to be less accurate than forecasts for individual items because forecasts
for individual items don't include as many influencing factors.
FALSE
Forecasting for an individual item is more difficult than forecasting for a number of items.
5.Forecasts help managers plan both the system itself and provide valuable information for using the
system.
TRUE
6.Organizations that are capable of responding quickly to changing requirements can use a shorter forecast
horizon and therefore benefit from more accurate forecasts.
TRUE
If an organization can react quicker, its forecasts need not be so long term.
7.When new products or services are introduced, focus forecasting models are an attractive option.
FALSE
Because focus forecasting models depend on historical data, they're not so attractive for newly introduced
products or services.
8.The purpose of the forecast should be established first so that the level of detail, amount of resources, and
accuracy level can be understood.
TRUE
All of these considerations are shaped by what the forecast will be used for.
9.Forecasts based on time series (historical) data are referred to as associative forecasts.
FALSE
10.Time series techniques involve identification of explanatory variables that can be used to predict future
demand.
FALSE
11.A consumer survey is an easy and sure way to obtain accurate input from future customers since most
people enjoy participating in surveys.
FALSE
12.The Delphi approach involves the use of a series of questionnaires to achieve a consensus forecast.
TRUE
13.Exponential smoothing adds a percentage (called alpha) of last period's forecast to estimate next period's
demand.
FALSE
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #13
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
14.The shorter the forecast period, the more accurately the forecasts tend to track what actually happens.
TRUE
15.Forecasting techniques that are based on time series data assume that future values of the series will
duplicate past values.
FALSE
Time-series forecast assume that future patterns in the series will mimic past patterns in the series.
16.Trend adjusted exponential smoothing uses double smoothing to add twice the forecast error to last
period's actual demand.
FALSE
17.Forecasts based on an average tend to exhibit less variability than the original data.
TRUE
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #17
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
19.The naive forecast is limited in its application to series that reflect no trend or seasonality.
FALSE
When a trend or seasonality is present, the nave forecast is more limited in its application.
20.The naive forecast can serve as a quick and easy standard of comparison against which to judge the cost
and accuracy of other techniques.
TRUE
Often the nave forecast performs reasonably well when compared to more complex techniques.
21.A moving average forecast tends to be more responsive to changes in the data series when more data
points are included in the average.
FALSE
22.In order to update a moving average forecast, the values of each data point in the average must be
known.
TRUE
The moving average cannot be updated until the most recent value is known.
Capacity decisions are made for the future and therefore depend on forecasts.
24.An advantage of a weighted moving average is that recent actual results can be given more importance
than what occurred a while ago.
TRUE
Weighted moving averages can be adjusted to make more recent data more important in setting the forecast.
The most recent period is given the most weight, but prior periods also factor in.
26.A smoothing constant of .1 will cause an exponential smoothing forecast to react more quickly to a
sudden change than a smoothing constant value of .3.
FALSE
27.The T in the model TAF = S+T represents the time dimension (which is usually expressed in weeks or
months).
FALSE
One is for the trend and one is for the random error.
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #28
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
29.An advantage of "trend adjusted exponential smoothing" over the "linear trend equation" is its ability to
adjust over time to changes in the trend.
TRUE
A linear trend equation assumes a constant trend; trend adjusted smoothing allows for changes in the
underlying trend.
30.A seasonal relative (or seasonal indexes) is expressed as a percentage of average or trend.
TRUE
Seasonal relatives are used when the seasonal effect is multiplicative rather than additive.
31.In order to compute seasonal relatives, the trend of past data must be computed or known which means
that for brand new products this approach can't be used.
TRUE
32.Removing the seasonal component from a data series (de-seasonalizing) can be accomplished by
dividing each data point by its appropriate seasonal relative.
TRUE
33.If a pattern appears when a dependent variable is plotted against time, one should use time series
analysis instead of regression analysis.
TRUE
Patterns reflect influences such as trends or seasonality that go against regression analysis assumptions.
34.Curvilinear and multiple regression procedures permit us to extend associative models to relationships
that are non-linear or involve more than one predictor variable.
TRUE
35.The sample standard deviation of forecast error is equal to the square root of MSE.
TRUE
37.MAD is equal to the square root of MSE which is why we calculate the easier MSE and then calculate
the more difficult MAD.
FALSE
38.In exponential smoothing, an alpha of 1.0 will generate the same forecast that a nave forecast would
yield.
TRUE
39.A forecast method is generally deemed to perform adequately when the errors exhibit an identifiable
pattern.
FALSE
Forecast methods are generally considered to be performing adequately when the errors appear to be
randomly distributed.
40.A control chart involves setting action limits for cumulative forecast error.
FALSE
41.A tracking signal focuses on the ratio of cumulative forecast error to the corresponding value of MAD.
TRUE
Large absolute values of the tracking signal suggest a fundamental change in the forecast model's
performance.
42.The use of a control chart assumes that errors are normally distributed about a mean of zero.
TRUE
Over time, a forecast model's tracking signal should fluctuate randomly about a mean of zero.
43.Bias exists when forecasts tend to be greater or less than the actual values of time series.
TRUE
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #43
Topic Area: Monitoring the Forecast
Bias would result in the cumulative sum of forecast errors being large in absolute value.
Seasonal relatives are used to de-seasonalize data to forecast future values of the underlying trend, and they
are also used to re-seasonalize de-seasonalized forecasts.
47.A proactive approach to forecasting views forecasts as probable descriptions of future demand, and
requires action to be taken to meet that demand.
FALSE
48.Simple linear regression applies to linear relationships with no more than three independent variables.
FALSE
Regardless of the model chosen, so long as there is no fundamental bias average forecast error will be zero.
50.Forecasting techniques such as moving averages, exponential smoothing, and the naive approach all
represent smoothed (averaged) values of time series data.
FALSE
51.In exponential smoothing, an alpha of .30 will cause a forecast to react more quickly to a large error than
54.Which of the following features would not generally be considered common to all forecasts?
A.Assumption of a stable underlying causal system.
B.Actual results will differ somewhat from predicted values.
C.Historical data is available on which to base the forecast.
D.Forecasts for groups of items tend to be more accurate than forecasts for individual items.
56.Minimizing the sum of the squared deviations around the line is called:
A.mean squared error technique
B.mean absolute deviation
C.double smoothing
D.least squares estimation
E.predictor regression
Least squares estimations minimizes the sum of squared deviations around the estimated regression
function.
60.Which of the following would be an advantage of using a sales force composite to develop a demand
forecast?
A.The sales staff is least affected by changing customer needs.
B.The sales force can easily distinguish between customer desires and probable actions.
C.The sales staff is often aware of customers' future plans.
D.Salespeople are least likely to be influenced by recent events.
Members of the sales force should be the organization's tightest link with its customers.
62.The forecasting method which uses anonymous questionnaires to achieve a consensus forecast is:
A.sales force opinions
B.consumer surveys
C.the Delphi method
D.time series analysis
E.executive opinions
A bandwagon can lead to popular but potentially inaccurate viewpoints to drown up other important
considerations.
Seasons happen within time periods; cycles happen across multiple time periods.
MAPE depicts the forecast error relative to what was being forecast.
69.Using the latest observation in a sequence of data to forecast the next period is:
A.a moving average forecast
B.a naive forecast
C.an exponentially smoothed forecast
D.an associative forecast
E.regression analysis
70.For the data given below, what would the naive forecast be for the next period (period #5)?
A.58
B.62
C.59.5
D.61
E.cannot tell from the data given
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #70
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
72.Which is not a characteristic of simple moving averages applied to time series data?
A.smoothes random variations in the data
B.weights each historical value equally
C.lags changes in the data
D.requires only last period's forecast and actual data
73.In order to increase the responsiveness of a forecast made using the moving average technique, the
number of data points in the average should be:
A.decreased
B.increased
C.multiplied by a larger alpha
D.multiplied by a smaller alpha
E.eliminated if the MAD is greater than the MSE
74.A forecast based on the previous forecast plus a percentage of the forecast error is:
A.a naive forecast
B.a simple moving average forecast
C.a centered moving average forecast
D.an exponentially smoothed forecast
E.an associative forecast
Exponential smoothing uses the previous forecast error to shape the next forecast.
The most recent period of demand is given the most weight in exponential smoothing.
76.Which of the following smoothing constants would make an exponential smoothing forecast equivalent
to a naive forecast?
A.0
B..01
C..1
D..5
E.1.0
77.Simple exponential smoothing is being used to forecast demand. The previous forecast of 66 turned out
to be four units less than actual demand. The next forecast is 66.6, implying a smoothing constant, alpha,
equal to:
A..01
B..10
C..15
D..20
E..60
A previous period's forecast error of 4 units would lead to a change in the forecast of 0.6 if alpha equals
0.15.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #77
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
78.Given an actual demand of 59, a previous forecast of 64, and an alpha of .3, what would the forecast for
the next period be using simple exponential smoothing?
A.36.9
B.57.5
C.60.5
D.62.5
E.65.5
Multiply the previous period's forecast error (-5) by alpha and then add to the previous period's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #78
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
79.Given an actual demand of 105, a forecasted value of 97, and an alpha of .4, the simple exponential
smoothing forecast for the next period would be:
A.80.8
B.93.8
C.100.2
D.101.8
E.108.2
Multiply the previous period's forecast error (8) by alpha and then add to the previous period's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #79
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
80.Which of the following possible values of alpha would cause exponential smoothing to respond the most
quickly to forecast errors?
A.0
B..01
C..05
D..10
E..15
81.A manager uses the following equation to predict monthly receipts: Yt = 40,000 + 150t. What is the
forecast for July if t = 0 in April of this year?
A.40,450
B.40,600
C.42,100
D.42,250
E.42,400
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #81
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
82.In trend-adjusted exponential smoothing, the trend adjusted forecast (TAF) consists of:
A.an exponentially smoothed forecast and a smoothed trend factor
B.an exponentially smoothed forecast and an estimated trend value
C.the old forecast adjusted by a trend factor
D.the old forecast and a smoothed trend factor
E.a moving average and a trend factor
Both random variation and the trend are smoothed in TAF models.
83.In the "additive" model for seasonality, seasonality is expressed as a ______________ adjustment to the
average; in the multiplicative model, seasonality is expressed as a __________ adjustment to the average.
A.quantity, percentage
B.percentage, quantity
C.quantity, quantity
D.percentage, percentage
E.qualitative, quantitative
The additive model simply adds a seasonal adjustment to the de-seasonalized forecast. The multiplicative
model adjusts the de-seasonalized forecast by multiplying it by a season relative or index.
The centered moving average serves as the basis point for computing seasonal relatives.
85.A persistent tendency for forecasts to be greater than or less than the actual values is called:
A.bias
B.tracking
C.control charting
D.positive correlation
E.linear regression
Bias is a tendency for a forecast to be above (or below) the actual value.
86.Which of the following might be used to indicate the cyclical component of a forecast?
A.leading variable
B.Mean Squared Error (MSE)
C.Delphi technique
D.exponential smoothing
E.Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD)
Leading variables, such as births in a given year, can correlate strongly with long-term phenomena such as
cycles.
89.Which of the following corresponds to the predictor variable in simple linear regression?
A.regression coefficient
B.dependent variable
C.independent variable
D.predicted variable
E.demand coefficient
Demand is the typical dependent variable when forecasting with simple linear regression.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Explain three measures of forecast accuracy.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #91
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Explain three measures of forecast accuracy.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #92
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #93
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
The mean squared error leads to an estimate for the sample forecast standard deviation.
More accurate forecasts cost more but may not be worth the additional cost.
Demand in the future could be subject to decision-making prompted by prices, promotions, inventory or
competition. Accuracy will be affected if these are (or are not) taken into consideration.
99.A managerial approach toward forecasting which seeks to actively influence demand is:
A.reactive
B.proactive
C.influential
D.protracted
E.retroactive
More accurate short-term forecasts enable organization's to better accommodate customer requests.
101.Given the following historical data, what is the simple three-period moving average forecast for period
6?
A.67
B.115
C.69
D.68
E.68.67
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #101
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
102.Given the following historical data and weights of .5, .3, and .2, what is the three-period moving
average forecast for period 5?
A.144.20
B.144.80
C.144.67
D.143.00
E.144.00
Multiply period 4 (144) by .5, period 3 (148) by .3 and period 2 (142) by .2, then sum these products.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #102
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Explain three measures of forecast accuracy.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #104
105.Develop a forecast for the next period, given the data below, using a 3-period moving average.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #105
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
Using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, and assuming the forecast for period 11 was 80, what would
the forecast for period 14 be?
Feedback: The forecast error in period 13 (2.84) is multiplied by the smoothing constant. This is then added
to the period 13 forecast to get the period 14 forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #106
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
107.A manager is using exponential smoothing to predict merchandise returns at a suburban branch of a
department store chain. Given a previous forecast of 140 items, an actual number of returns of 148 items,
and a smoothing constant equal to .15, what is the forecast for the next period?
Feedback: The forecast error in the previous period is multiplied by the smoothing constant. This is then
added to the previous period's forecast to get the upcoming period's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #107
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
108.A manager is using the equation below to forecast quarterly demand for a product:
Yt = 6,000 + 80t where t = 0 at Q2 of last year
Quarter relatives are Q1 = .6, Q2 = .9, Q3 = 1.3, and Q4 = 1.2.
What forecasts are appropriate for the last quarter of this year and the first quarter of next year?
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #108
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
109.Over the past five years, a firm's sales have averaged 250 units in the first quarter of each year, 100
units in the second quarter, 150 units in the third quarter, and 300 units in the fourth quarter. What are
appropriate quarter relatives for this firm's sales? Hint: Only minimal computations are necessary.
Feedback: Since a trend is not present, quarter relatives are simply a percentage of average, which is 200
units.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #109
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
110.A manager has been using a certain technique to forecast demand for gallons of ice cream for the past
six periods. Actual and predicted amounts are shown below. Would a naive forecast have produced better
results?
Summary:
Current method: MAD = 3.67; MSE = 16.8; 2s Control limits 8.2 (OK)
Nave method: MAD = 4.40; MSE = 30.0; 2s Control limits 11.0 (OK)
Feedback: Either MSE or MAD should be computed for both forecasts and compared. The demand data are
stable. Therefore, the most recent value of the series is a reasonable forecast for the next period of time,
justifying the nave approach. The current method is slightly superior both in terms of MAD and MSE.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #110
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
111.A new car dealer has been using exponential smoothing with an alpha of .2 to forecast weekly new car
sales. Given the data below, would a naive forecast have provided greater accuracy? Explain. Assume an
initial exponential forecast of 60 units in period 2 (i.e., no forecast for period 1).
Summary:
Exponential method: MAD = 1.70; MSE = 6.34
Nave method: MAD = 3.00; MSE = 15.25
Feedback: The exponential forecast method appears to be superior because both MAD and MSE are lower
when it is used.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #111
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
112.A CPA firm has been using the following equation to predict annual demand for tax audits: Yt = 55 + 4t
Demand for the past few years is shown below. Is the forecast performing as well as it might? Explain.
MSE = 11/6 and s = = 3.41. Even with 2s limits (6.82) all values are within the limits. It seems, then, that
only random variation is present, so one might say that the forecast is working. One might also observe that
the first three errors are negative and the last three are positive. Although six observations constitute a
relatively small sample, it may be that the errors are cycling, and this would be a matter to investigate with
additional data.
Feedback: Either a tracking signal or a control chart is called for. To conduct these assessments, it is
necessary to generate the forecasts so that errors can be determined.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #112
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
113.Given the data below, develop a forecast for period 6 using a four-period weighted moving average and
weights of .4, .3, .2 and .1
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #113
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
114.Use linear regression to develop a predictive model for demand for burial vaults based on sales of
caskets.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #114
Topic Area: Associative Forecasting Techniques
115.Given the following data, develop a linear regression model for y as a function of x.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #115
Topic Area: Associative Forecasting Techniques
116.Given the following data, develop a linear regression model for y as a function of x.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #116
Topic Area: Associative Forecasting Techniques
117.Develop a linear trend equation for the data on bread deliveries shown below. Forecast deliveries for
period 11 through 14.
Feedback: Formulate the regression equation using least squares estimation, then apply the result to periods
11 through 14.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #117
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
118.The president of State University wants to forecast student enrollments for this academic year based on
the following historical data:
What is the forecast for this year using the naive approach?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,000
E.22,800
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #118
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
Feedback: The nave approach leads to absolute forecast errors of 2 units in each period.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06 Explain three measures of forecast accuracy.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #119
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
120.A manager wants to choose one of two forecasting alternatives. Each alternative was tested using
historical data. The resulting forecast errors for the two are shown in the table. Analyze the data and
recommend a course of action to the manager.
Feedback: Although Alternative #1 has the smaller MSE, it appears to be cycling and steady; Alternative #2
errors after the first three periods are small or zero. For the last six periods, Alternative #2 was much better,
suggesting that approach would be better.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #120
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
121.A manager uses this equation to predict demand: Yt = 20 + 4t. Over the past 8 periods, demand has
been as follows. Are the results acceptable? Explain.
Feedback: s = 2.10; 2s control limits are 4.20. Although all values are within control limits, the errors may
be exhibiting cyclical patterns, which would suggest nonrandomness.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-07 Compare two ways of evaluating and controlling forecasts.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #121
Topic Area: Approaches to Forecasting
The president of State University wants to forecast student enrollments for this academic year based on the
following historical data:
Stevenson - Chapter 03
122.What is the forecast for this year using a four-year simple moving average?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #122
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
123.What is the forecast for this year using exponential smoothing with alpha = 0.5, if the forecast for two
years ago was 16,000?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
Multiply last year's forecast error by the smoothing constant, then add that adjusted error to last year's
forecast to get this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #123
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
124.What is the forecast for this year using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #124
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
125.What is the forecast for this year using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = .05 and beta =
0.3, if the forecast for last year was 21,000, the forecast for two years ago was 19,000, and the trend estimate
for last year's forecast was 1,500?
A.18,750
B.19,500
C.21,000
D.22,650
E.22,800
Smooth both the trend and the forecast to get this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #125
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
The business analyst for Video Sales, Inc. wants to forecast this year's demand for DVD decoders based on
the following historical data:
Stevenson - Chapter 03
126.What is the forecast for this year using the naive approach?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #126
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
127.What is the forecast for this year using a three-year weighted moving average with weights of .5, .3,
and .2?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
Multiply the last three periods of demand by the appropriate weights, then sum the resulting products.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #127
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
128.What is the forecast for this year using exponential smoothing with alpha = .4, if the forecast for two
years ago was 750?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #128
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
129.What is the forecast for this year using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.163
B.180
C.300
D.420
E.510
Treat the earliest period of demand as period 0, then formulate least squares estimates and proceed.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #129
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
130.What is the forecast for this year using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = 0.3 and beta =
0.2, if the forecast for last year was 310, the forecast for two years ago was 430, and the trend estimate for
last year's forecast was -150?
A.162.4
B.180.3
C.301.4
D.403.2
E.510.0
Smooth both the trend and the forecast to get this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #130
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
Professor Very Busy needs to allocate time next week to include time for office hours. He needs to forecast
the number of students who will seek appointments. He has gathered the following data:
Stevenson - Chapter 03
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #131
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
D.65
E.78
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #132
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
133.What is this week's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, if the forecast for two weeks
ago was 90?
A.49
B.50
C.52
D.65
E.77
Formulate the forecast for last week, then use that to get this week's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #133
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
134.What is this week's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.49
B.50
C.52
D.65
E.78
Treat the earliest period as period 0, then formulate least squares coefficients and proceed.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #134
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
135.What is this week's forecast using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = 0.5 and beta = 0.1, if
the forecast for last week was 65, the forecast for two weeks ago was 75, and the trend estimate for last
week's forecast was -5?
A.49.3
B.50.6
C.51.3
D.65.4
E.78.7
Smooth both the trend and the forecast to get this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #135
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
A concert promoter is forecasting this year's attendance for one of his concerts based on the following
historical data:
Stevenson - Chapter 03
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #136
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
137.What is this year's forecast using a two-year weighted moving average with weights of .7 and .3?
A.19,400
B.18,600
C.19,000
D.11,400
E.10,600
Multiply the two most recent periods by the appropriate weights, then sum the resulting products.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #137
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
138.What is this year's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, if last year's smoothed
forecast was 15,000?
A.20,000
B.19,000
C.17,500
D.16,000
E.15,000
Multiply last year's forecast error by the smoothing constant, then add that product to last year's forecast to
get this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #138
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
139.What is this year's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.20,000
B.21,000
C.22,000
D.23,000
E.24,000
Treat the earliest year as period zero in formulating least squares coefficients.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #139
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
140.The previous trend line had predicted 18,500 for two years ago, and 19,700 for last year. What was the
mean absolute deviation (MAD) for these forecasts?
A.100
B.200
C.400
D.500
E.800
Convert each period's forecast error into absolute value, then average.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06 Explain three measures of forecast accuracy.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #140
Topic Area: Forecast Accuracy
The dean of a school of business is forecasting total student enrollment for this year's summer session
classes based on the following historical data:
Stevenson - Chapter 03
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #141
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #142
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
143.What is this year's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .4, if last year's smoothed
forecast was 2600?
A.2,600
B.2,760
C.2,800
D.3,840
E.3,000
Multiply last year's forecast error by the smoothing constant. Add the product to last year's forecast to get
this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #143
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
144.What is the annual rate of change (slope) of the least squares trend line for these data?
A.0
B.200
C.400
D.180
E.360
Treat the earliest period as period 0, then formulate the least squares slope.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #144
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
145.What is this year's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.3,600
B.3,500
C.3,400
D.3,300
E.3,200
Treat the earliest period as period 0, then formulate the least squares coefficients and proceed.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #145
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
The owner of Darkest Tans Unlimited in a local mall is forecasting this month's (October's) demand for the
one new tanning booth based on the following historical data:
Stevenson - Chapter 03
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #146
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
147.What is this month's forecast using a four-month weighted moving average with weights of .4, .3, .2,
and .1?
A.120
B.129
C.141
D.135
E.140
Multiply the four most recent periods of demand by the appropriate weights, then sum the resulting
products.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #147
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
148.What is this month's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .2, if August's forecast was
145?
A.144
B.140
C.142
D.148
E.163
First calculate September's forecast, then use that to calculate this month's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #148
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
149.What is the monthly rate of change (slope) of the least squares trend line for these data?
A.320
B.102
C.8
D.-0.4
E.-8
Treat the earliest period as period 0, then formulate the least squares slope.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #149
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
150.What is this month's forecast using the least squares trend line for these data?
A.1,250
B.128.6
C.102
D.158
E.164
Treat the earliest period as period 0, then formulate the least squares coefficients and proceed.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #150
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
151.Which of the following mechanisms for enhancing profitability is most likely to result from improving
short term forecast performance?
A.increased inventory
B.reduced flexibility
C.higher-quality products
D.greater customer satisfaction
E.greater seasonality
Short term forecast performance won't necessarily improve product quality, but it does allow firms to better
satisfy their customers.
152.Which of the following changes would tend to shorten the time frame for short term forecasting?
A.bringing greater variety into the product mix
B.increasing the flexibility of the production system
C.ordering fewer weather-sensitive items
D.adding more special-purpose equipment
E.none of the above
An increasingly flexible system permits more rapid responses to changing conditions, which allows firms to
reduce their forecast time horizon.
Sharing forecasts and/or demand data is a means of ensuring that the supply chain's overall forecast is as
accurate as it can be.
Firms often react to poor forecasts by building safety capacity into their systems.
AACSB: Reflective Thinking
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-02 Outline the steps in the forecasting process.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #154
Topic Area: Forecasting and the Supply Chain
155.Which of the following is the most valuable piece of information the sales force can bring into
forecasting situations?
A.what customers are most likely to do in the future
B.what customers most want to do in the future
C.what customers' future plans are
D.whether customers are satisfied or dissatisfied with their performance in the past
E.what the salesperson's appropriate sales quota should be
Knowledge about what customers are likely to do is much more valuable than information regarding what
customers plan or want to do.
Stevenson - Chapter 03
49
Feedback: This year's forecast would be last year's demand.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #156
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
(45.5)
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #157
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
158.What is this year's forecast using exponential smoothing with alpha = .25, if last year's smoothed
forecast was 45?
(45.8)
Feedback: Multiply last year's forecast error by the smoothing constant. Add the resulting product to last
year's forecast to get this year's forecast.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #158
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
159.What are this and next year's forecasts using the least squares trend line for these data?
(62; 69)
Feedback: Treat the earliest period as period 0 in formulating least squares coefficients, then proceed.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #159
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
160.What is this year's forecast using trend adjusted (double) smoothing with alpha = 0.2 and beta = 0.1, if
the forecast for last year was 56, the forecast for two years ago was 46, and the trend estimate for last year's
forecast was 7?
(61.76)
Feedback: Smooth both the trend and the forecasts using the appropriate smoothing coefficients.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03
161.What is the centered moving average for spring two years ago?
29
Feedback: First average the four periods beginning fall three years ago. Then average the four periods
beginning spring two years ago. Then average these two averages.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #161
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #162
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
163.What is the linear regression trend line for these data (t = 0 for spring, three years ago)?
(y=17 + 2.33t)
Feedback: Used de-seasonalized data points to formulate least squares coefficients.
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #163
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Apply
Difficulty: Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Describe averaging techniques; trend and seasonal techniques; and regression analysis; and solve typical problems.
Stevenson - Chapter 03 #164
Topic Area: Forecasts Based on Time-Series Data
ch3 Summary
Category
AACSB:Analytic
AACSB:ReflectiveThinking
Blooms:Apply
Blooms:Remember
Blooms:Understand
Difficulty:Easy
Difficulty:Hard
Difficulty:Medium
LearningObjective:03-01Listtheelementsofagoodforecast.
LearningObjective:03-02Outlinethestepsintheforecastingproces
s.
LearningObjective:03-03Evaluateatleastthreequalitativeforecast
ingtechniquesandtheadvantagesanddisadvantagesofeach.
LearningObjective:03-04Compareandcontrastqualitativeandqua
ntitativeapproachestoforecasting.
LearningObjective:03-05Describeaveragingtechniques;trendand
seasonaltechniques;andregressionanalysis;andsolvetypicalprobl
ems.
LearningObjective:03-06Explainthreemeasuresofforecastaccura
cy.
LearningObjective:03-07Comparetwowaysofevaluatingandcont
rollingforecasts.
LearningObjective:03-08Assessthemajorfactorsandtradeoffstoconsiderwhenchoosingaforecastingtechnique.
Stevenson-Chapter03
TopicArea:ApproachestoForecasting
TopicArea:AssociativeForecastingTechniques
TopicArea:ChoosingaForecastingTechniques
TopicArea:ElementsofaGoodForecast
TopicArea:FeaturesCommontoAllForecasts
TopicArea:ForecastAccuracy
TopicArea:ForecastingandtheSupplyChain
TopicArea:ForecastsBasedonTime-SeriesData
TopicArea:Introduction
TopicArea:MonitoringtheForecast
TopicArea:OperationsStrategy
TopicArea:QualitativeForecasts
TopicArea:StepsintheForecastingProcess
TopicArea:UsingForecastInformation
#ofQuestions
66
98
66
61
37
38
40
86
3
13
9
2
101
11
18
7
172
4
13
2
3
5
16
2
94
2
7
3
9
2
2
TopicArea:OperationsStrategy
TopicArea:QualitativeForecasts
TopicArea:StepsintheForecastingProcess
TopicArea:UsingForecastInformation
3
9
2
2