Business Forecasting for Management

Business Forecasting for Management is a comprehensive and clear introduction to forecasting methods within a business context. The intention is to demistify the subject so that forecasting methods are more widely used and understood. To this end the theory is presented with an emphasis on its use and overly complex theory which may prevent practical application is avoided. Many forecasting methods are based upon statistics and the text fully explains a number of techniques. However, statistical methods are seen as one technique among others that the forecaster may wish to employ. Other valuable tools are available to the forecaster and in this respect the text seeks to broaden the customary approach to business forecasting. Though spreadsheets are a useful tool to forecasters, few books in the market describe Possible applications. This text uses Excel as an example of possible applications. Only the most basic commands are used in order not to compromise clarity. These basic commands age similar to the commands used with many of the other leading spreadsheet packages. These spreadsheet examples enable everyone to successfully conduct forecasts. A particular example of the book's strength it its coverage of the Box and Jenkins' method. This method is frequently presented as extremely complex. With this text's emphasis upon clarity and the use of very simple spreadsheet tools this method is presented afresh. There are end of chapter exercises and additional exercise examples placed within the text with solutions provided at the end of the book. The text also includes a glossary and pointers to further reading.