QUESTION $1$

When calculating forecasts using methods that rely on weighting factors$--$such as simple exponential smoothing or Holt$-$Winter's methodwe 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.

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

minimize expected demand in a future time period.

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