$4\mathrm{.}1.$Discuss any three $(3)$ strategic importance of demand forecasting in supply chain and operations

$(4$ Marks$)$

management.

$4\mathrm{.}2.$Using the quarterly sales data extracted by the demand planner, prepare the $3-$quarter moving$-$

$(4$ Marks$)$

average $(3$QMA$)$ forecast for each of the fourteen quarters spanning from Q$42020$ to Q$12024.$ Ensure that your calculations are clearly presented in a table, with all forecast values displayed.

$4\mathrm{.}3.$Using the quarterly sales data extracted by the demand planner, prepare the simple exponential

$(4$ Marks$)$

smoothing $($SES$)$ forecast for each of the sixteen quarters spanning from Q$22020$ to Q$12024.$ Assume that the forecast for Q$12020$ is R$300000$ and use a smoothing constant $($a$)$ of $0\mathrm{.}5.$ Ensure that your calculations are clearly presented in a table, with all forecast values displayed.

$4\mathrm{.}4.$Calculate the Mean Absolute Percentage Error $($MAPE$)$ for both the $3$QMA and SES forecasts over

$(6$ Marks$)$

the thirteen quarters from Q$42020$ to Q$42023.$ Show the detailed calculations for obtaining the MAPE values and round off answers to two decimal places.

$4\mathrm{.}5.$Based on the results obtained in question $4\mathrm{.}4,$ which of the candidate forecasting methods should be

$(2$ Marks$)$

selected by the demand planner?

QUESTION $5$

$(20$ Marks$)$

$5\mathrm{.}1.$ Examine the information provided below and answer the following questions.

INFORMATION

Royal Bank $($RB$)$ employs three loan officers, each working eight hours per day and processing an average of seven loans per day. The bank's daily payroll cost for all the officers is R$2400,$ and the daily overhead expense is R$1000.$ The bank has recently acquired new advanced computer software, which is expected to increase each officer's loan processing capacity to twelve loans per day. However, the overhead expense will rise to R$1200,$ and there will be an additional software license cost of R$20$ per officer per day.

REQUIRED:

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}1.$ Calculate the labour productivity per labour$-$hour before and after implementation of the new computer software. Show all calculations and round off answers to three decimal places.

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}2.$ Based on the answers obtained in question $5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}1,$ evaluate the percentage change in labour productivity. Show all calculations and round off the answer to three decimal places.

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}3.$ Calculate the multifactor productivity per Rand before and after implementation of the new computer software. Show all calculations and round off answers to four decimal places.

$5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}4.$ Based on the answers obtained in question $5\mathrm{.}1\mathrm{.}3,$ evaluate the percentage change in multifactor productivity. Show all calculations and round off the answer to two decimal places.

$5\mathrm{.}2.$ Study the information provided below and answer the following question.

$(4$ Marks$)$

$(2$ Marks$)$

$(7$ Marks$)$

$(2$ Marks$)$

$(5$ Marks$)$

INFORMATION

Last week, employees at Greenstreet Enterprises produced $46$ chairs after working a total of $200$ hours. Labour is compensated at R$25$ per hour. Of the $46$ chairs produced, $12$ were damaged due to a problem with the new sanding machine. The damaged chairs were discounted and sold for R$150$ each, while the undamaged chairs were sold to a retail store for R$500$ each. Calculate the labour productivity for last week.

QUESTION $6$

$(20$ Marks$)$

Review the case study provided below and answer the following questions.

Mountainview Engineering $($ME$),$ a leading firm in the precision machinery industry in East Africa, is grappling with a series of complex decisions that have far$-$reaching implications for its future. Renowned for its innovative engineering solutions, ME seeks to align its strategic, administrative, and operational choices to maintain its competitive edge and financial stability.

ME's Mission: To lead the precision machinery industry in East Africa by delivering innovative engineering solutions that enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability for our clients, while cultivating a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.

ME's Vision: To transform the global precision machinery landscape through cutting$-$edge technology and strategic innovation, establishing Mountainview Engineering as the premier partner in advancing industrial capabilities and shaping the future of engineering.

ME is evaluating several critical decisions across its strategic, administrative, and operational domains. The company is considering a substantial investment in Research and Development $($R&D$)$ to create a next$-$generation machinery line that could revolutionize the industry. This would require reallocating resources and shifting focus towards advanced technology. In addition, ME is dealing with operational inefficiencies caused by outdated administrative procedures and is contemplating implementing a new enterprise resource planning $($ERP$)$ system to enhance efficiency and streamline operations. The company is also addressing supply chain disruptions affecting production schedules, and the operations