1. Forecasting drives many other OM decisions. Create a list of decisions that require some sort of forecast can help make this point quite clear.

2. NCAA college football rankings represent, in some sense, a forecast of the relative likelihood of success of the top 25 teams in the country.

A. Identify the components that likely influence voter polls the most, as well as the actual components that make up computer-based rankings.

B. Discuss the pros and cons of the subjective voter rankings (forecasts) vs. the more objective computer rankings (forecasts).

3. Several research studies have suggested that, based on linear regression, the relationship between college entrance scores and grade point average in college is generally weak. (Similar claims can be made about GMAT scores and grade point averages in MBA schools.) Yet these exams are extensively used. Why? Note: discussion will likely generate several different reasons.