A Management Analyst Is Using Exponential Smoothing to Predict Merchandise

question 84

Essay

A management analyst is using exponential smoothing to predict merchandise returns at an upscale branch of a department store chain. Given an actual number of returns of 154 items in the most recent period completed, a forecast of 172 items for that period, and a smoothing constant of 0.3, what is the forecast for the next period? How would the forecast be changed if the smoothing constant were 0.6? Explain the difference in terms of alpha and responsiveness.

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Definitions:

Crossover Point

A point in finance where two or more rates or options meet and either the advantages or disadvantages of one equals the other.

Mutually Exclusive

Refers to a situation where the occurrence of one event precludes the occurrence of another event in a scenario.

Independent Project

In project management, a project that does not depend on the acceptance or completion of other projects.

Mutually Exclusive Projects

Investment opportunities such that if one is chosen, the others must be rejected.