$1.$ Select a dataset with a variable you would like to forecast. You may use a different source other than the ones listed above $($be sure to reference the website$).$

$2.$ State the variable you are forecasting.

$3.$ Select at least eight consecutive data values.

$4.$ Using the Time Series Forecasting Templates, determine the following for the selected variable:

$$ moving average,

$$ weighted moving average, and

$$ exponential smoothing

$5.$ Copy$/$paste the results of each method into your post. Be sure to state:

$$ the number of periods used in the moving average method.

$$ the weights used in the weighted moving average.

$$ the value of $\backslash$alpha used in exponential smoothing.

$6.$ Clearly indicate the $$next period$$ prediction for each method.

$7.$ Choose one of the following:

$$ Write a sentence that identifies the prediction.

$$ Circle, draw, etc. on the chart to indicate which value is the prediction for the next time period.

$8.$ Suppose that the forecasting results are from three different branches of a company.

$$ Based on the MAD $($mean absolute deviation$)$ value, how would you prioritize the need to update the forecasting methods to improve overall predictions? Note: The higher the MAD value the worse the forecast.

$$ Indicate a rank of $1,2,$ or $3$ for each forecast with a $1$ being the highest priority.

$$ Provide a brief recommendation to the company concerning the order in which the forecasts should be completed including why they are ranked in that order.