1. Do any of the forecasting models studied in this chapter work with the national sales data?
2. Do any of the forecasting models studied in this chapter work with the actual Murphy Brothers' sales data?
3. Which data set and forecasting model should Julie use to forecast sales for 1996?
Julie Murphy knows that most important operating decisions depend, to some extent, on a forecast. For Murphy Brothers Furniture, sales forecasts impact adding new furniture lines or dropping old ones; planning purchases; setting sales quotas; and making personnel, advertising, and financial decisions. Specifically, Julie is aware of several current forecasting needs. She knows that the production department has to schedule employees and determine raw material orders for the next month or two.