Download or read book Sales Forecasting written by Mark Blessington and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2015-10-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sales Forecasting is a practical guide for beginning and intermediate sales forecasters. The book does not use complex formulas. Instead, it is designed around the author's application of the learning curve to sales forecasting. Millions of sales forecasts are made by hundreds of thousands of people every year. Sales forecasts for every product and every sales territory in the world are made at least once a year, if not monthly. Then there are various aggregations of these forecasts, such as product to product line to division, and territory to district to region. Further, multiple functional areas across the company make sales forecasts. Sales, marketing, finance and manufacturing are all involved, at least on an annual basis, and often much more frequently. The sad truth is that few forecasters have any formal education or training on the subject. Part of this is because most forecasting books use numerous complex formulas, which are arcane, intimidating and off-putting. Another reason is that sales forecasters are encouraged to place too much trust in forecasting software by vendors who tend to make exaggerated and unsubstantiated claims about forecasting accuracy. Sales Forecasting breaks new ground. It re-invents the process of teaching the subject of sales forecasting. It is designed around the learning curve. The author's experience in day trading, along with decades of sales and marketing consulting, taught him the essential ingredients of sales forecasting. These are provided in Part 1 of the book. The first and most important skill is error measurement. The author makes a clear declaration about the best method and demonstrates its use throughout the book. The second skill is testing, and the author demonstrates how to divide historical sales data into in- and out-samples, calibrate models on the in-sample, and assess model accuracy by forecasting the out-sample. The third and fourth skills are avoiding linear extensions and mastering exponential smoothing. Part 1 is concluded with a description of the whole forecasting process and what is called "five-step forecasting." Part 2 moves into intermediate forecasting. Leading software packages are assessed through the author's research. Very little is published on forecasting software assessment, so this chapter plays an important role. Then ARIMA and ARIMAX are taught and demonstrated through multiple examples. These two methods, combined with exponential smoothing, form the foundation of intermediate forecasting. Perhaps the most exciting chapters in Part 2 involve aggregation. This is a fairly new field and it is growing rapidly. The author identifies some important gaps in the field, then fills them with his own research. Anyone involved in sales forecasting can benefit from these important findings. A chapter is dedicated to demonstrating the application of sound techniques to common forecasting challenges in marketing and sales departments: product planning and quota setting. It becomes quite clear that traditional methods generate far more error than the basic sales forecasting techniques taught in this book. The author also examines the topic of handicapping, or determining how much confidence to place on a forecast. He introduces the concept of "true confidence ranges" and also demonstrates the application of Bayesian probabilities to sales forecasting. To conclude the book, the author explores economic forecasting and closes with a discussion of common forecasting pitfalls to be avoided at all costs.
Download or read book Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies written by Conrad Carlberg and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-06-23 with total page 408 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excel at predicting sales and forecasting trends using Microsoft Excel! If you're a sales or marketing professional, you know that forecasting sales is one of the biggest challenges you face on the job. Unlike other books on the subject, Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies, 2nd Edition leaves arcane business school terms and complex algebraic equations at the door, focusing instead on what you can do right now to utilize the world's most popular spreadsheet program to produce forecasts you can rely on. Loaded with confidence boosters for anyone who succumbs to sweaty palms when sales predictions are mentioned, this trusted guide show you how to use the many tools Excel provides to arrange your past data, set up lists and pivot tables, use moving averages, and so much more. Before you know it, you'll become a forecaster par excellence—even if numbers aren't your jam. Choose the right forecasting method Find relationships in your data Predict seasonal sales Filter lists or turn them into charts Consider this guide your crystal ball—and start predicting the future with confidence and ease!
Download or read book Sales Forecasting Management written by John T. Mentzer and published by SAGE. This book was released on 2004-11-23 with total page 369 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Incorporating 25 years of sales forecasting management research with more than 400 companies, Sales Forecasting Management, Second Edition is the first text to truly integrate the theory and practice of sales forecasting management. This research includes the personal experiences of John T. Mentzer and Mark A. Moon in advising companies how to improve their sales forecasting management practices. Their program of research includes two major surveys of companies′ sales forecasting practices, a two-year, in-depth study of sales forecasting management practices of 20 major companies, and an ongoing study of how to apply the findings from the two-year study to conducting sales forecasting audits of additional companies. The book provides comprehensive coverage of the techniques and applications of sales forecasting analysis, combined with a managerial focus to give managers and users of the sales forecasting function a clear understanding of the forecasting needs of all business functions. New to This Edition: The author′s well-regarded Multicaster software system demo, previously available on cassette, has been updated and is now available for download from the authors′ Web site New insights on the critical area of qualitative forecasting are presented The results of additional surveys done since the publication of the first edition have been added The discussion of the four dimensions of forecasting management has been significantly enhanced Significant reorganization and updating has been done to strengthen and improve the material for the second edition. Sales Forecasting Management is an ideal text for graduate courses in sales forecasting management. Practitioners in marketing, sales, finance/accounting, production/purchasing, and logistics will also find this easy-to-understand volume essential.
Download or read book Sales Forecasting written by Thomas F. Wallace and published by T. F. Wallace & CO. This book was released on 2002 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Sales Forecasting Management written by John T. Mentzer and published by SAGE Publications, Incorporated. This book was released on 1998-02-03 with total page 296 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Serving as a graduate level text as well as a guide for practitioners of sales forecasting management, this volume discuses the techniques and applications of sales forecasting analysis. Chapters cover managing the sales forecasting process; performance measurement; time- series forecasting techniqu
Download or read book Forecasting Pharmaceutical Sales written by Gary Johnson and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 152 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Sales Forecasting a New Approach written by Thomas F. Wallace and published by Steelwedge Software. This book was released on 2002 with total page 186 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This book represents a new - some may say radical - approach to forecasting. The authors explain how: -- Forecasting less, not more, can yield higher customer service and lower inventories. -- Teamwork, good communications, and clear accountabilities are more important than complex statistical forecasting models, -- It's more beneficial to pursue process improvement than to focus narrowly on forecast accuracy. This is an exciting, new, breakthrough approach to a traditionally difficult and frustrating task.
Download or read book Business Forecasting written by Michael Gilliland and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-05-11 with total page 435 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Discover the role of machine learning and artificial intelligence in business forecasting from some of the brightest minds in the field In Business Forecasting: The Emerging Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning accomplished authors Michael Gilliland, Len Tashman, and Udo Sglavo deliver relevant and timely insights from some of the most important and influential authors in the field of forecasting. You'll learn about the role played by machine learning and AI in the forecasting process and discover brand-new research, case studies, and thoughtful discussions covering an array of practical topics. The book offers multiple perspectives on issues like monitoring forecast performance, forecasting process, communication and accountability for forecasts, and the use of big data in forecasting. You will find: Discussions on deep learning in forecasting, including current trends and challenges Explorations of neural network-based forecasting strategies A treatment of the future of artificial intelligence in business forecasting Analyses of forecasting methods, including modeling, selection, and monitoring In addition to the Foreword by renowned researchers Spyros Makridakis and Fotios Petropoulos, the book also includes 16 "opinion/editorial" Afterwords by a diverse range of top academics, consultants, vendors, and industry practitioners, each providing their own unique vision of the issues, current state, and future direction of business forecasting. Perfect for financial controllers, chief financial officers, business analysts, forecast analysts, and demand planners, Business Forecasting will also earn a place in the libraries of other executives and managers who seek a one-stop resource to help them critically assess and improve their own organization's forecasting efforts.
Download or read book Sales Forecasting A Practical Proven Guide to Strategic Sales Forecasting written by Gerard Assey and published by Gerard Assey. This book was released on 2024-01-08 with total page 103 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: "Sales Forecasting: A Practical & Proven Guide to Strategic Sales Forecasting" navigates the intricate landscape of sales forecasting, providing a holistic understanding of its intricacies, contemporary significance, and practical applications. From the responsibilities of Sales Managers to the benefits of accurate predictions for strategic planning, resource allocation, and risk mitigation, this guide equips readers with the tools to excel in the dynamic world of business strategy. Real-life case studies, interactive exercises, and workshops bring theoretical concepts to life, fostering active engagement. With a focus on diverse methods, techniques, and addressing common challenges, the book serves as a comprehensive toolkit for refining forecasting strategies. The conclusion encourages continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring readers are poised to navigate the ever-evolving realm of sales forecasting with confidence and mastery.
Download or read book Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies written by Conrad Carlberg and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2011-04-08 with total page 394 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: When they first told you that forecasting sales would be part of your job, did you feel just the tiniest bit of panic? Did you momentarily consider consulting the Yellow Pages for listings of “Psychics” or “Tea Leaf Readers”? Well, fear not. Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies can help you predict the future without incense or a crystal ball. Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies shows you how to use the number one workbook program, Microsoft Excel, to predict trends and future sales based on something not quite so ethereal—numbers. You use data about the past to forecast the future. Excel provides all sorts of tools to help you do that, and this book shows you how to use them. From recognizing why forecasting is a good idea to making sense of exponential smoothing, Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies has you covered. If you have a basic grasp of how to use Excel, you’ll be ready to discover how to Select and use the right forecasting method for your business Choose and arrange data in lists, then manage that data with pivot tables Filter lists and turn them into charts that illustrate what’s going on Find relationships in your data Use Excel’s Analysis Toolpak feature to create forecasts automatically, or venture into advanced forecasts using worksheet functions Gain more control over your forecasting and target specific types of predictions Use moving averages and predict seasonal sales Written by Conrad Carlberg, a nationally recognized expert on Excel who also has experience in sales and marketing, this friendly guide gets you up and running quickly and easily. You’ll soon be setting up a baseline you can chart and label, summarizing data with pivot tables, making forecasts based on regression, understanding correlation, and discovering how smoothing lets us profit from our mistakes. You’ll find your confidence in your ability to make sales predictions has soared right off the chart.
Download or read book Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies written by Conrad Carlberg and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2016-07-12 with total page 421 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Excel at predicting sales and forecasting trends using Microsoft Excel! If you're a sales or marketing professional, you know that forecasting sales is one of the biggest challenges you face on the job. Unlike other books on the subject, Excel Sales Forecasting For Dummies, 2nd Edition leaves arcane business school terms and complex algebraic equations at the door, focusing instead on what you can do right now to utilize the world's most popular spreadsheet program to produce forecasts you can rely on. Loaded with confidence boosters for anyone who succumbs to sweaty palms when sales predictions are mentioned, this trusted guide show you how to use the many tools Excel provides to arrange your past data, set up lists and pivot tables, use moving averages, and so much more. Before you know it, you'll become a forecaster par excellence—even if numbers aren't your jam. Choose the right forecasting method Find relationships in your data Predict seasonal sales Filter lists or turn them into charts Consider this guide your crystal ball—and start predicting the future with confidence and ease!
Download or read book Sales Forecasting written by George C. Michael and published by Marketing Classics Press. This book was released on 2011-09-15 with total page 45 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Practical Guide to Business Forecasting written by Chaman L. Jain & Jack Malehorn and published by Institute of Business Forec. This book was released on 2005 with total page 516 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:
Download or read book Demand Driven Forecasting written by Charles W. Chase and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2009-07-23 with total page 335 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Praise for Demand-Driven Forecasting A Structured Approach to Forecasting "There are authors of advanced forecasting books who take an academic approach to explaining forecast modeling that focuses on the construction of arcane algorithms and mathematical proof that are not very useful for forecasting practitioners. Then, there are other authors who take a general approach to explaining demand planning, but gloss over technical content required of modern forecasters. Neither of these approaches is well-suited for helping business forecasters critically identify the best demand data sources, effectively apply appropriate statistical forecasting methods, and properly design efficient demand planning processes. In Demand-Driven Forecasting, Chase fills this void in the literature and provides the reader with concise explanations for advanced statistical methods and credible business advice for improving ways to predict demand for products and services. Whether you are an experienced professional forecasting manager, or a novice forecast analyst, you will find this book a valuable resource for your professional development." —Daniel Kiely, Senior Manager, Epidemiology, Forecasting & Analytics, Celgene Corporation "Charlie Chase has given forecasters a clear, responsible approach for ending the timeless tug of war between the need for 'forecast rigor' and the call for greater inclusion of 'client judgment.' By advancing the use of 'domain knowledge' and hypothesis testing to enrich base-case forecasts, he has empowered professional forecasters to step up and impact their companies' business results favorably and profoundly, all the while enhancing the organizational stature of forecasters broadly." —Bob Woodard, Vice President, Global Consumer and Customer Insights, Campbell Soup Company
Download or read book Sales Forecasting for Busy People written by Paul Arinaga and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2016-04-25 with total page 78 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Sales Forecasting for Busy People is for people who want to improve their sales forecasting skills, but without having to go back to school, study statistics or spend hours surfing the Internet for tiny pieces of information. The book teaches you everything you need to know about sales forecasting in a single compact format. In Sales Forecasting for Busy People you'll learn: 16 fast and effective sales forecasting techniques: learn or review the tried and true "classic" techniques as well as several more creative techniques that are not found anywhere else. When to use which technique: it's not enough to know a technique, you also need to know when and how to apply it. How to make a forecast step-by-step: there's a process behind sales forecasting, and it's helpful to be aware of it. How to validate your sales forecast so that it's accurate and credible: your job doesn't stop at building a forecast; you also need to validate it. How to present your sales forecast: presenting your sales forecast persuasively is almost as important as the sales forecast itself. "What if's?" or obstacles and how to overcome them: learn how to overcome or minimize the impact of five of the most common roadblocks.As its title suggests, Sales Forecasting for Busy People is designed for people who don't have a lot of time and need to get-up-to speed fast. The book contains summaries of all key concepts, as well as clear simple examples. There is no fluff here; only useful, pragmatic advice and techniques that you can put into practice immediately.
Download or read book Demand Driven Forecasting written by Charles W. Chase and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2013-07-16 with total page 390 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: An updated new edition of the comprehensive guide to better business forecasting Many companies still look at quantitative forecasting methods with suspicion, but a new awareness is emerging across many industries as more businesses and professionals recognize the value of integrating demand data (point-of-sale and syndicated scanner data) into the forecasting process. Demand-Driven Forecasting equips you with solutions that can sense, shape, and predict future demand using highly sophisticated methods and tools. From a review of the most basic forecasting methods to the most advanced and innovative techniques in use today, this guide explains demand-driven forecasting, offering a fundamental understanding of the quantitative methods used to sense, shape, and predict future demand within a structured process. Offering a complete overview of the latest business forecasting concepts and applications, this revised Second Edition of Demand-Driven Forecasting is the perfect guide for professionals who need to improve the accuracy of their sales forecasts. Completely updated to include the very latest concepts and methods in forecasting Includes real case studies and examples, actual data, and graphical displays and tables to illustrate how effective implementation works Ideal for CEOs, CFOs, CMOs, vice presidents of supply chain, vice presidents of demand forecasting and planning, directors of demand forecasting and planning, supply chain managers, demand planning managers, marketing analysts, forecasting analysts, financial managers, and any other professional who produces or contributes to forecasts Accurate forecasting is vital to success in today's challenging business climate. Demand-Driven Forecasting offers proven and effective insight on making sure your forecasts are right on the money.
Download or read book Principles of Forecasting written by J.S. Armstrong and published by Springer Science & Business Media. This book was released on 2001 with total page 880 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This handbook summarises knowledge from experts and empirical studies. It provides guidelines that can be applied in fields such as economics, sociology, and psychology. Includes a comprehensive forecasting dictionary.