Graph the demand data in Problem 12.3. Can you identify any trends, cycles, and/or seasonal patterns?
The LawnPlus Fertilizer Company distributes fertilizer to various lawn and garden shops. The company must base its quarterly production
- a. Compute a three-quarter moving average forecast for quarters 4 through 13 and compute the forecast error for each quarter.
- b. Compute a five-quarter moving average forecast for quarters 6 through 13 and compute the forecast error for each quarter.
- c. Compute a weighted three-quarter moving average forecast using weights of .50, .33, and .17 for the most recent, next recent, and most distant data, respectively, and compute the forecast error for each quarter.
- d. Compare the forecasts developed in parts (a), (b), and (c) using cumulative error. Which forecast appears to be most accurate? Do any exhibit any bias?
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