Explain The Steps / Process of Demand Forecasting In Detail?


  • The objective of demand forecasting is achieved only when forecast is made systematically and scientifically and when it is fairly reliable.
  • The Following steps are generally taken to make systematic demand forecasting
  1. SPECIFYING THE OBJECTIVE
  2. DETERMINING THE TIME PERIOD
  3. SELECTING METHOD FOR DEMAND FORECASTING
  4. COLLECTION OF DATA & DATA ADJUSTMENT
  5. ESTIMATION & INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

SPECIFYING THE OBJECTIVE

  • The objective or purpose of demand forecasting should be clearly specified. The objective may be in terms of 
    • Short term or Long term Demand
    • The overall demand for a product or for firm's own product
    • The whole or only a segment of the market for its product
    • Firm's market share
  • The objective of demand forecasting should be determined before the process of forecast is started

DETERMINING THE TIME PERIOD

  • Depending on the firm's objective, demand may be forecast for short term i.e. for next 2-3 years or for a long period
  • In demand forecasting for a short period of 2-3 years, many determinants of demand can be taken to remain constant or not to be change significantly.
  • In the long run, however, demand determinants may change significantly. Therefore, the time perspective of demand forecasting must be specified.

SELECTING METHODS FOR DEMAND FORECASTING

  • There are number of methods available to forecast the demand.
  • However, all methods are not suitable for all kinds of demand forecasting because the purpose of forecasting, data requirement of a method, availability of data and time frame of forecasting very from method to method.
  • The demand forecasting has therefore to choose a suitable method keeping in view his purpose and requirements.
  • The choice of forecasting method is generally based on purpose, experience and expertise of the forecaster. it depends also to a great extent on the availability of required data
  • The choice of suitable methods saves not only time and cost but also ensures reliability of forecast to a great extent.

COLLECTION OF DATA & DATA ADJUSTMENT

  • Once methods demand forecasting is decided, next step is to collect required data-primary or secondary or both.
  • The required data is often not available in the required mode. In that case, data needs to be adjusted- even message, if necessary- with the purpose of building data series consistent with data requirement.
  • Sometimes the required data has to be generated from the secondary sources.

ESTIMATION & INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS

  • As mentioned above, the availability of data often determines the method and also the trend education to be used for demand forecasting.
  • Once required data is collected and forecasting method is finalized, the final step in demand forecasting is to make the estimate of demand for the predetermined years or the period.
  • Where estimates appear in the form of education, the results must be interpreted and presented in a usable form.

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