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:

Accounting Services

Professional services involving the management of financial records, including bookkeeping, auditing, and preparation of financial reports.

Automatic Novation Clause

A contractual clause wherein all parties agree to automatically substitute a new contract or contractual obligation for an old one.

Promoter

A person who organizes and operates a business venture and assumes much of the associated risk.

Contract

A legally upheld agreement involving two or more entities that carries legal obligations.