Forecasting In Business Strategy Quiz
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Which of the following is a characteristic of demand?
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Mean absolute variation
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Seasonal variation
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Average variation
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Standard deviation
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This Forecasting in Business Strategy Quiz assesses knowledge on demand characteristics, forecasting techniques, and the importance of error estimation and forecast monitoring. It's designed to enhance strategic decision-making skills in business environments.
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Product A is made from components B and C. Component B is made from parts D and E. Which items should be forecast?
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Only A
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A, B, and C
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D and E
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B, C, D, and E
Correct Answer
A. Only AExplanation
The correct answer is Only A. Since Product A is made from components B and C, forecasting only Product A is sufficient. Components B and C are not directly sold to customers, so there is no need to forecast them separately. Additionally, since Component B is made from parts D and E, forecasting D and E is not necessary as they are not directly used in the final product.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Which of the following is the best statement about the general principles of forecasting?
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Forecasts are more accurate for individual items than for groups of items
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Forecasts are more accurate for distant periods of time
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Every forecast should include an estimate of error
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Forecasts are usually accurate
Correct Answer
A. Every forecast should include an estimate of errorExplanation
Including an estimate of error in every forecast is the best statement about the general principles of forecasting. This is because forecasting is inherently uncertain and involves making predictions based on available data and assumptions. By including an estimate of error, it acknowledges the potential margin of error or uncertainty in the forecast. This helps decision-makers understand the level of confidence they can have in the forecast and make more informed decisions based on the range of possible outcomes.Rate this question:
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- 4.
What important assumption is made about statistical (quantitative) forecasting methods?
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The past is a valid indicator of the future
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Demand trend is seldom linear
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Seasonal variations are small
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Random variations are small
Correct Answer
A. The past is a valid indicator of the futureExplanation
Statistical forecasting methods assume that the past data can accurately predict future outcomes. This assumption is based on the belief that historical patterns and trends will continue to exist in the future. By analyzing past data, statistical models can identify patterns and relationships that can be used to forecast future demand or trends. However, it is important to note that this assumption may not always hold true, especially in situations where there are significant changes or disruptions in the market or industry.Rate this question:
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- 5.
Which forecasting technique takes the average demand for some past number of periods?
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Trend time average
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Moving average
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Demand smoothing
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Qualitative analysis
Correct Answer
A. Moving averageExplanation
Moving average is a forecasting technique that calculates the average demand for a specific number of past periods. It is commonly used to smooth out fluctuations and identify trends in data. By taking the average, it provides a more stable and reliable estimate of future demand. This technique is particularly useful when there is a consistent pattern or seasonality in the data.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Why is it important to monitor the forecast?
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To compare the actual sales with the forecast
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To improve our forecasting methods
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To utilize actual sales data
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To satisfy marketing's need to know
Correct Answer
A. To improve our forecasting methodsExplanation
Monitoring the forecast is important because it allows us to compare the actual sales with the forecast. By doing so, we can identify any discrepancies or variations between the two, which helps us understand the accuracy and reliability of our forecasting methods. This information is crucial in improving our forecasting techniques and making necessary adjustments to ensure more accurate predictions in the future. Additionally, monitoring the forecast also enables us to utilize actual sales data, which can provide valuable insights and inform decision-making processes.Rate this question:
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- 7.
Which of the following stateents is most accurate?
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Demand fluctuations that depend on the time of the year, week, or day are called trend
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The season index is an estimate of how much the demand during the season will be above or below the average demand
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Seasonality always occurs in summer, winter, spring, and fall
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Random variation is constant from period to period
Correct Answer
A. The season index is an estimate of how much the demand during the season will be above or below the average demandExplanation
The season index is an estimate of how much the demand during the season will be above or below the average demand. This means that it provides a measure of the fluctuation in demand during specific seasons compared to the overall average demand. It helps in understanding the patterns and variations in demand that occur during different seasons of the year.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Which of the following causes forecast error?
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Random variation from average demand
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Errors in monitoring the forecast
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Differences in lead times
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Differences between sales and demand
Correct Answer
A. Random variation from average demandExplanation
Random variation from average demand can cause forecast error because it refers to the unpredictable fluctuations in demand that deviate from the average. These variations can occur due to various factors such as seasonality, market trends, customer behavior, or external events. When forecasters fail to accurately predict these random variations, it leads to errors in the forecasted demand, resulting in forecast error.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Which of the following statements is most accurate?
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Independent demand items should be forecast
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A forecast for sales next year will not be as accurate as a forecast for a year from now
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Forecasts for families of products should be built up from individual product forecasts
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Forecasts are almost always accurate
Correct Answer
A. Independent demand items should be forecastExplanation
Independent demand items refer to items that are directly demanded by customers, as opposed to dependent demand items that are components of finished products. Forecasting is necessary for independent demand items because their demand cannot be directly determined. This statement is accurate because forecasting helps in estimating the demand for independent demand items, which in turn helps in planning production, inventory, and supply chain activities.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Which of the following statements is most accurate?
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If we wish to forecast demand, past sales must be used for the forecast
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Forecasts made in dollars for total sales should be used by manufacturing
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Forecasts should be made for individual items in a group
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The circumstances relating to demand data should be recorded
Correct Answer
A. The circumstances relating to demand data should be recordedExplanation
To accurately forecast demand, it is important to record the circumstances relating to demand data. This means taking into account factors such as seasonality, market trends, customer preferences, and any other relevant information that could impact future demand. By recording these circumstances, manufacturers can make more informed decisions and create more accurate forecasts. Simply relying on past sales or making forecasts in dollars for total sales may not take into account the specific factors that influence demand, leading to less accurate predictions.Rate this question:
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Current Version
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Mar 22, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Feb 09, 2012Quiz Created by
Blondz_rule2
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