The Little Book of Operational Forecasting

The Little Book of Operational Forecasting PDF Author: Dr Steve Morlidge
Publisher: Matador
ISBN: 1789013429
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 206

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Book Description
Operational forecasting sits at the heart of many businesses because it informs every decision taken to get the right amount of product (or service capacity), in the right place, at the right time. But is also one of the most misunderstood and undervalued activities. As a result, most businesses carry enormous amounts of unnecessary inventory while simultaneously failing to offer their customers the level of service that they expect. So, any efficiency or performance improvement initiative is automatically held back by having to drag around this wastage At best, the managers in these businesses may suspect there is scope for improvement but have no idea how much ‘weight’ they can lose or how to go about shedding it. At worst, they assume that trying harder and investing in more “sophisticated” software will automatically take care of the problem because they are blind to the amount of surplus baggage they are dragging around. This book demystifies operational forecasting through a series of bite sized ‘lessons’ supported by simple illustrations, that address the fundamental questions that anyone with an interest or stake in operational forecasting needs to be able to answer: · Why forecast? · What do we need to understand before we start forecasting? · How do we forecast? · What does success look like? · How can we improve? Aimed primarily at forecasting practitioners and anyone responsible for, or reliant on, what they do, this book also is an excellent primer for anyone wanting to understand the process but not the mathematics that comes with most books on the subject. And if you need extra motivation to keep reading, research has shown that poor forecasting is often the single largest source of corporate waste – adding around 2% to your cost of sales. So, read on – your only risk is becoming a corporate hero!

The Little Book of Operational Forecasting

The Little Book of Operational Forecasting PDF Author: Dr Steve Morlidge
Publisher: Matador
ISBN: 1789013429
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 206

Get Book Here

Book Description
Operational forecasting sits at the heart of many businesses because it informs every decision taken to get the right amount of product (or service capacity), in the right place, at the right time. But is also one of the most misunderstood and undervalued activities. As a result, most businesses carry enormous amounts of unnecessary inventory while simultaneously failing to offer their customers the level of service that they expect. So, any efficiency or performance improvement initiative is automatically held back by having to drag around this wastage At best, the managers in these businesses may suspect there is scope for improvement but have no idea how much ‘weight’ they can lose or how to go about shedding it. At worst, they assume that trying harder and investing in more “sophisticated” software will automatically take care of the problem because they are blind to the amount of surplus baggage they are dragging around. This book demystifies operational forecasting through a series of bite sized ‘lessons’ supported by simple illustrations, that address the fundamental questions that anyone with an interest or stake in operational forecasting needs to be able to answer: · Why forecast? · What do we need to understand before we start forecasting? · How do we forecast? · What does success look like? · How can we improve? Aimed primarily at forecasting practitioners and anyone responsible for, or reliant on, what they do, this book also is an excellent primer for anyone wanting to understand the process but not the mathematics that comes with most books on the subject. And if you need extra motivation to keep reading, research has shown that poor forecasting is often the single largest source of corporate waste – adding around 2% to your cost of sales. So, read on – your only risk is becoming a corporate hero!

Intermittent Demand Forecasting

Intermittent Demand Forecasting PDF Author: John E. Boylan
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119976081
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 403

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Book Description
INTERMITTENT DEMAND FORECASTING The first text to focus on the methods and approaches of intermittent, rather than fast, demand forecasting Intermittent Demand Forecasting is for anyone who is interested in improving forecasts of intermittent demand products, and enhancing the management of inventories. Whether you are a practitioner, at the sharp end of demand planning, a software designer, a student, an academic teaching operational research or operations management courses, or a researcher in this field, we hope that the book will inspire you to rethink demand forecasting. If you do so, then you can contribute towards significant economic and environmental benefits. No prior knowledge of intermittent demand forecasting or inventory management is assumed in this book. The key formulae are accompanied by worked examples to show how they can be implemented in practice. For those wishing to understand the theory in more depth, technical notes are provided at the end of each chapter, as well as an extensive and up-to-date collection of references for further study. Software developments are reviewed, to give an appreciation of the current state of the art in commercial and open source software. “Intermittent demand forecasting may seem like a specialized area but actually is at the center of sustainability efforts to consume less and to waste less. Boylan and Syntetos have done a superb job in showing how improvements in inventory management are pivotal in achieving this. Their book covers both the theory and practice of intermittent demand forecasting and my prediction is that it will fast become the bible of the field.” —Spyros Makridakis, Professor, University of Nicosia, and Director, Institute for the Future and the Makridakis Open Forecasting Center (MOFC). “We have been able to support our clients by adopting many of the ideas discussed in this excellent book, and implementing them in our software. I am sure that these ideas will be equally helpful for other supply chain software vendors and for companies wanting to update and upgrade their capabilities in forecasting and inventory management.” —Suresh Acharya, VP, Research and Development, Blue Yonder. “As product variants proliferate and the pace of business quickens, more and more items have intermittent demand. Boylan and Syntetos have long been leaders in extending forecasting and inventory methods to accommodate this new reality. Their book gathers and clarifies decades of research in this area, and explains how practitioners can exploit this knowledge to make their operations more efficient and effective.” —Thomas R. Willemain, Professor Emeritus, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Business Forecasting

Business Forecasting PDF Author: Michael Gilliland
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 1119782473
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 435

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Book Description
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.

Cost Matters: How to Manage without Budgets, and help Lean and Agile Fly

Cost Matters: How to Manage without Budgets, and help Lean and Agile Fly PDF Author: Dr Steve Morlidge
Publisher: Beyond Books Press
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 148

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Book Description
Over the last few decades businesses have learned to use Lean concepts to make their productive processes more responsive and efficient. And Agile approaches have helped them manage innovation and change more effectively, faced with a climate of uncertainty. But while we have new, better ways to manage the practice of work itself the mechanisms used to manage the associated costs using rigid detailed annual budgets have changed very little in a century. This book describes how to manage costs without budgets and all the other bureaucratic paraphernalia of the past. The result is a holistic approach to managing work that helps unleash the power of Lean and Agile. In a series of short lessons supported by simple illustrations Steve demonstrates how to address the day-to-day challenge of managing costs in a world where change and uncertainty are embraced. Rikard Olsson, Managing Director, Beyond Budgeting Advisory. In this book, with a good sense of humour, Steve explains the concepts of Lean, Agile and why the “old habits” of cost control don’t fit. And what would. Peter Coesmans, Chief Agility Officer, Agile Business Consortium. This is a must-read for any Finance professional, and for anyone interested in Lean and Agile. Bjarte Bogsnes, Chairman, Beyond Budgeting Roundtable.

Strategic Business Forecasting: A Structured Approach to Shaping the Future of Your Business

Strategic Business Forecasting: A Structured Approach to Shaping the Future of Your Business PDF Author: Simon Ramo
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071626174
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 239

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Book Description
“A helpful read not just for corporate strategists but for almost anyone looking ahead.” Los Angeles Times What's Your Next Big Move? At the turn of the century, Western Union passed on the chance to dominate the telephone industry. Later, General Electric concluded that a new invention called television was doomed to fail. And very recently, decision makers at the highest level were taken off-guard when the global economy dropped from under their feet--and took their companies with it. Today, only those business leaders with the power of long-term foresight will seize and hold true competitive advantage. But can managers really predict the future? Yes, to a greater extent than one might expect. Strategic Business Forecasting shows how to identify and quantify possible events that may affect your business. Applying creativity, personal experience, and the lessons of history, you can use such forecasting to develop plans that will help your organization compete. Drs. Simon Ramo and Ronald Sugar, two giants of the aerospace industry, share their Four-Measures Rating system to help you explore the world of possibilities--thoroughly and systematically. Under their tutelage, you will be equipped to: Create a comprehensive list of possible scenarios concerning your business Utilize a scoring system to rate each scenario's merit as a serious and useful prediction Develop an effective plan that strategically shapes the future of your organization The authors provide vivid illustrations of the Four-Measures system at work with real-world examples of both forecasting failures and successes. No one can predict perfectly, and the authors don't promise magic. With the approach described in Strategic Business Forecasting, however, you can ensure your organization is better poised to seize future opportunities, avoid pitfalls, and handle anything the increasingly volatile global economy throws your way.

Future Ready

Future Ready PDF Author: Steve Morlidge
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470662212
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 328

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Book Description
The recent crisis in the financial markets has exposed serious flaws in management methods. The failure to anticipate and deal with the consequences of the unfolding collapse has starkly illustrated what many leaders and managers in business have known for years; in most organizations, the process of forecasting is badly broken. For that reason, forecasting business performance tops the list of concerns for CFO's across the globe. It is time to rethink the way businesses organize and run forecasting processes and how they use the insights that they provide to navigate through these turbulent times. This book synthesizes and structures findings from a range of disciplines and over 60 years of the authors combined practical experience. This is presented in the form of a set of simple strategies that any organization can use to master the process of forecasting. The key message of this book is that while no mortal can predict the future, you can take the steps to be ready for it. ’Good enough’ forecasts, wise preparation and the capability to take timely action, will help your organization to create its own future. Written in an engaging and thought provoking style, Future Ready leads the reader to answers to questions such as: What makes a good forecast? What period should a forecast cover? How frequently should it be updated? What information should it contain? What is the best way to produce a forecast? How can you avoid gaming and other forms of data manipulation? How should a forecast be used? How do you ensure that your forecast is reliable? How accurate does it need to be? How should you deal with risk and uncertainty What is the best way to organize a forecast process? Do you need multiple forecasts? What changes should be made to other performance management processes to facilitate good forecasting? Future Ready is an invaluable guide for practicing managers and a source of insight and inspiration to leaders looking for better ways of doing things and to students of the science and craft of management. Praise for Future Ready "Will make a difference to the way you think about forecasting going forward" —Howard Green, Group Controller Unilever PLC "Great analogies and stories are combined with rock solid theory in a language that even the most reading-averse manager will love from page one" —Bjarte Bogsnes, Vice President Performance Management Development at StatoilHydro "A timely addition to the growing research on management planning and performance measurement." —Dr. Charles T. Horngren, Edmund G. Littlefield Professor of Accounting Emeritus Stanford University and author of many standard texts including Cost Accounting: A Managerial Emphasis, Introduction to Management Accounting, and Financial Accounting "In the area of Forecasting, it is the best book in the market." —Fritz Roemer. Leader of Enterprise Performance Executive Advisory Program, the Hackett Group

Principles of Forecasting

Principles of Forecasting PDF Author: J.S. Armstrong
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 9780792374015
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 880

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Book Description
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.

The Little Book of Cybersecurity

The Little Book of Cybersecurity PDF Author: Harry Katzan Jr.
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1663237786
Category : Education
Languages : en
Pages : 263

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Book Description
Many people believe that cybersecurity is a complicated and complex subject that involves computer security, information assurance, comprehensive infrastructure protection, commercial integrity, and ubiquitous personal interaction. The concepts apply to information, computers, networks, and other elements of coordination, cooperation, and control and involve government, business, education, and the day-to-day lives of private individuals. The concerns normally involve the Internet as a communication facility - hence the name Cybersecurity. Achieving and maintaining cybersecurity is a never-ending process, much like national security, bank security, and so forth, so it is important to know the essential foundations of how to manage the risks of using technical interactions in order to obtain the inherent benefit. Some of the concerns that immediately come to mind are identity, personal privacy, intellectual property, secure maintenance of the critical infrastructure, and the continued operation of necessary organizations. There is a plethora of printed and online literature on various aspects of Cybersecurity - including computer security, information assurance, infrastructure security, personal security, and associated government policy informations. The purpose of this book is to give a composite picture of what Cybersecurity is all about, identify the important literature of the subject, and describe how it differs from everyday information security affecting individuals and computer activities. This book requires knowledge of basic information systems, computer technology, and network security considerations for an understanding of the implications or many of the topics. No knowledge of mathematics, physics, and engineering is required. The author, Harry Katzan Jr., has spent many years in basic computer security, cryptography, and modern methods including artificial intelligence and advanced software development. He is the author of Computer Data Security, The Standard Data Encryption Algorithm, and Privacy, Identity and Cloud Computing, and has done development work on security for a major bank.

Weather Modeling and Forecasting of PV Systems Operation

Weather Modeling and Forecasting of PV Systems Operation PDF Author: Marius Paulescu
Publisher: Springer Science & Business Media
ISBN: 1447146492
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 364

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Book Description
In the past decade, there has been a substantial increase of grid-feeding photovoltaic applications, thus raising the importance of solar electricity in the energy mix. This trend is expected to continue and may even increase. Apart from the high initial investment cost, the fluctuating nature of the solar resource raises particular insertion problems in electrical networks. Proper grid managing demands short- and long-time forecasting of solar power plant output. Weather modeling and forecasting of PV systems operation is focused on this issue. Models for predicting the state of the sky, nowcasting solar irradiance and forecasting solar irradiation are studied and exemplified. Statistical as well as artificial intelligence methods are described. The efficiency of photovoltaic converters is assessed for any weather conditions. Weather modeling and forecasting of PV systems operation is written for researchers, engineers, physicists and students interested in PV systems design and utilization. “p>

Deepak’s Little Book of Real Estate Finance and Investment

Deepak’s Little Book of Real Estate Finance and Investment PDF Author: Deepak Singh
Publisher: Athena Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 187

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Book Description
In 'Deepak's Little Book of Real Estate Finance and Investment,' seasoned expert Deepak Singh demystifies the complex world of real estate investment and finance, making it accessible to both newcomers and experienced professionals. This comprehensive guide takes you beyond basic property ownership to reveal the sophisticated strategies that drive successful real estate investments. Whether you're considering your first investment property or managing an extensive portfolio, Singh provides clear, actionable insights into property valuation, financing options, and portfolio management. Drawing from years of industry experience, Singh breaks down complex financial concepts into digestible pieces, offering practical advice on everything from site selection to corporate real estate management. Readers will discover proven methods for evaluating investment opportunities, structuring deals, and maximizing returns while minimizing risks. Written in an engaging, straightforward style, this book serves as both a primer for beginners and a valuable reference for seasoned investors. Singh's approach combines theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, featuring relevant case studies and examples that bring key concepts to life. Perfect for property investors, real estate professionals, business students, and anyone interested in building wealth through real estate, this concise yet comprehensive guide will help you make informed decisions and navigate the dynamic world of real estate finance with confidence.