Includes bibliographical references and index.

"A comprehensive collection of the field's most provocative, influential new work Business Forecasting compiles some of the field's important and influential literature into a single, comprehensive reference for forecast modeling and process improvement. It is packed with provocative ideas from forecasting researchers and practitioners, on topics including accuracy metrics, benchmarking, modeling of problem data, and overcoming dysfunctional behaviors. Its coverage includes often-overlooked issues at the forefront of research, such as uncertainty, randomness, and forecastability, as well as emerging areas like data mining for forecasting. The articles present critical analysis of current practices and consideration of new ideas. With a mix of formal, rigorous pieces and brief introductory chapters, the book provides practitioners with a comprehensive examination of the current state of the business forecasting field. Forecasting performance is ultimately limited by the 'forecastability' of the data. Yet failing to recognize this, many organizations continue to squander resources pursuing unachievable levels of accuracy. This book provides a wealth of ideas for improving all aspects of the process, including the avoidance of wasted efforts that fail to improve (or even harm) forecast accuracy. Analyzes the most prominent issues in business forecasting Investigates emerging approaches and new methods of analysis Combines forecasts to improve accuracy Utilizes Forecast Value Added to identify process inefficiency The business environment is evolving, and forecasting methods must evolve alongside it. This compilation delivers an array of new tools and research that can enable more efficient processes and more accurate results. Business Forecasting provides an expert's-eye view of the field's latest developments to help you achieve your desired business outcomes"-- Provided by publisher.

"This title provides many of the most important and though-provoking articles by the leading business forecasting practitioners and academics. It exposes the reader to many of the best minds (and most provocative ideas) in the forecasting profession, with thorough referencing to related material for further reading. It provides: - A critical look at many of the vexing problems in business forecasting, such as volatility, forecastability, performance metrics, and human interaction in the forecasting process. - Introduces emerging new approaches such as combining data mining with forecasting and aggregating/reconciling across time hierarchies. - Addresses the often overlooked topic of data preparation and data quality (part of the "pre-processing" of data prior to forecasting. - Covers the proven (yet rarely used) method of combining forecasts to improve accuracy. Contains a mix of more formal/rigorous pieces, with brief chapters (adapted from blog posts) dealing narrowly with very specific topics"-- Provided by publisher.