DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1. Think of some of the leading indicators that could be used as a major input to
causal forecasts in the economy. Discuss their use.

2. Which type of forecasts would most likely be used for Sales and Operations
Planning (S&OP), and why are they the most appropriate?

3. What value does it bring to an operation if a forecasting method is used that
only forecasts for families of products?

4. Think of at least three products recently introduced that would probably use
life-cycle analogy. What products would they “copy”? Why is life-cycle
appropriate for those products?
The list here will vary. One could look at the Apple I-pod or the Sony PSP. The Sony
product could be compared to other had-held video games (Nintendo Game Boys).
Automobiles can fit here with year model changes. It seems these particular markets
turnover about every 18 months to 24 months.
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