$4$ Points

When calculating forecasts using methods that rely on weighting factors$--$such as simple exponential smoothing or HoltWinter's method$-$we can use the power of Excel to "optimize" the weighting factor$($s$).$ By "optimize" we mean that Excel can determine the specific weighting factor$($s$)$ that

produce the greatest possible forecast for a future time period.

minimize expected demand in a future time period.

further decrease negative mean errors $($for example, from $-10$ to $-20).$

decrease the average extent to which forecasts deviate from actual demand.

maximize the weight of the trend component relative to base levels and seasonal components.

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