Running head: QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS 1 Quantitative Analysis Student's Name Institution QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS 2 Quantitative Analysis The simple moving average is a method of forecast that uses a substantial number of demand values during the recent passed in order to develop the forecast. This dampens the random increase and decrease of the forecast that uses only one method of forecast. This method is more useful in forecasting demand that does not show any pronounced demand behavior such as demand patterns and is essentially stable. On the other hand weighed moving average involves selecting different weights for each data and then calculating the values of the most recent constant forecast values as the forecast (Francis, 2004). Exponential smoothing is a method of averaging that involves weighing the most recent data more strongly. This forecast reacts to the most recent demand changes and is useful if the recent changes in the data are as a result of market patterns rather than random fluctuations. Linear regression analysis is a casual the method of forecasting where mathematical relationship is developed between demand and some factors that influences demand. It is more useful when demand displays a constant trend over a period of time. ` Market research is where researchers are hired to do the forecast out of data analysis of the market (Sharma, n.d). It may take the way where each respondent contributes to the overall result. It could be research for product demand through opinion surveys amongst employees and other stakeholders. Panel consensus is mostly used to formulate strategy through seeking opinions from the stakeholders of the organization. The rationale is that a panel of people from different positions can develop a more reliable forecast than a narrower group. QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS 3 Historical analogy is used for forecasting demand of a product in the market as similar as the previously introduced new product. This is based on believe that the same factors influencing demand may apply. In this regard the existing product is used as a model in forecasting the demand of a new product. Delphi method is where the opinion held by the higher level employees is valued as more important than that from the lower level employees, though this may not always be the case. It involves sending questionnaires to a panel of experts in regard to a forecast subject. QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS 4 References Francis, A. (2004). Business Maths and Statistics ,6th edition. Sharma, M (n.d). Forecasting Techniques for Market Research http://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/economics/market/forecasting-techniques-for-marketresearch/48947/ \f