Forecasting and Estimation Techniques

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Questions and Answers

Forecasting models and techniques are completely free from human biases and errors.

False (B)

Budgeting primarily aims to predict future economic trends.

False (B)

Forecasting can be either a short-term or long-term process.

True (A)

Economic systems are simple and easy to predict accurately.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The output of budgeting includes forecasts of future events.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Zero Based Budgeting requires justifying every expense to avoid budget creep.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The S Curve indicates that growth occurs in a linear fashion.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The 50/30/20 budgeting rule should be strictly followed regardless of income changes.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In Zero Based Budgeting, monitoring and adapting the budget is unnecessary once it is set.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Long-term predictions inherently possess higher reliability compared to short-term predictions.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Unusual data points can serve as indicators of potential risks in budgeting.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

A primary benefit of Zero Based Budgeting is the promotion of better cost control.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Resource intensive processes are not a concern when applying the 50/30/20 rule.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Incremental budgeting is known for its user friendliness and ease of implementation.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activity based budgeting focuses solely on departmental spending without considering activity costs.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One of the advantages of incremental budgeting is its risk of budgetary slippage.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activity based budgeting can help eliminate bottlenecks for smoother functionality within an organization.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The value proposition in budgeting is easy to quantify and does not require much time.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Forecasting in incremental budgeting accounts for new product lines or mixes.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Activity based budgeting simplifies understanding of resource consumption across departments.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

One key advantage of value proposition budgeting is that it aligns business and IT strategies effectively.

<p>True (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

<h1>=</h1> <h1>=</h1> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Budgeting

The process of creating a financial plan outlining expected income and expenses over a specific period, assigning funds to various activities, and comparing actual spending to the plan.

Forecasting

Predicting future trends in economic variables like sales, demand, and production, for informed business decisions.

Human Error in Forecasting

A common cause of inaccurate forecasts, arising from human limitations like personal biases and incorrect judgments.

Complexity of Economic Systems

The intricate and interconnected nature of economic systems, making exact future predictions challenging.

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Forecasting vs Budgeting

A comparison between forecasting and budgeting, highlighting their unique purposes, time frames, and outputs.

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Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB)

A budgeting method that involves starting from zero and justifying every expense. Every cost is analyzed and prioritized, promoting efficient resource allocation and reducing waste.

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50/30/20 Budget Rule

A budgeting method where you allocate a fixed percentage of your income to different categories, such as needs (50%), wants (30%), and savings (20%).

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S-Curve Growth Pattern

The tendency for growth to follow a pattern of slow start, rapid increase, and eventual leveling off, resembling the letter 'S'.

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Adjusting 50/30/20 During Income Changes

The 50/30/20 budget rule may require adjustments during periods of rapid income changes, like salary increases or unexpected windfalls.

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Uncertainty in Long-Term Forecasting

Long-term predictions are less reliable due to increased uncertainty and potential changes in factors.

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Regular Budget Review

It's essential to review your budget regularly to ensure it aligns with your current financial goals, especially with the 50/30/20 rule.

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Identifying Outliers in Data

Unusual data points, like unexpected expenses, can signal potential risks and need further investigation.

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Overlooking Significant Expenses

A fixed budgeting rule like 50/30/20 might overlook rare, significant expenses, like a new car purchase.

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Incremental Budgeting

A budgeting method that uses the previous year's budget as a starting point and adjusts it based on expected changes. It's simple and practical but can lead to unnecessary spending and a lack of innovation.

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Activity-Based Budgeting

A budgeting method that focuses on the activities required to achieve specific goals. It breaks down costs by activity, allowing for better resource allocation and cost control.

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Value Proposition Budgeting

A budgeting approach that aligns business and IT strategies, focusing on the value proposition for customers. It helps improve customer experience and return on investment.

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Incremental Budgeting

A budgeting method that starts with the prior period's budget and adjusts it based on expected changes. It's easy to use and predictable, but can lead to overspending and stifle innovation.

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Activity-Based Budgeting

A budgeting method that breaks costs down by the activities needed to achieve a goal. It provides a detailed analysis of resources and helps identify inefficiencies.

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Value Proposition Budgeting

A budgeting method that aligns IT with business strategies. it aims to maximize the value for customers and is focused on ROI.

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Activity Based Budgeting

A budgeting method that focuses on activities required to achieve a goal, using detailed analysis of each action.

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Value Proposition Budgeting

A budgeting method that focuses on the value that an organization delivers to customers, aligning IT with business strategies.

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Study Notes

Forecasting and Estimation Techniques

  • Forecasting is predicting future conditions/trends/outcomes using historical data, current conditions, and statistical analysis.
  • Examples include: What will sales be next year? How much demand will a product have? What resources will be needed in the future?
  • Forecasting is important for better planning, risk reduction, improved decision-making, operational efficiency, and gaining a strategic advantage.

Importance in Managerial Decision-Making

  • Better Planning: Managers establish realistic goals and effectively allocate resources.
  • Risk Reduction: Identifying potential challenges/opportunities helps managers prepare for economic downturns or market changes.
  • Improved Decision-Making: Data-driven forecasts provide a basis for investments, pricing, and expansion strategies.
  • Operational Efficiency: Optimizing inventory, preventing overproduction, and minimizing waste are enhanced by accurately predicting demand.
  • Strategic Advantage: Anticipating market trends and adapting strategies proactively gives businesses a competitive edge.

Qualitative Methods in Forecasting

  • Qualitative methods use professional judgment to forecast future company performance.
  • Skilled staff members determine the connection between current and potential future company performance to estimate future performance.
  • Methods may include Delphi Method and Market Research.
  • The Delphi Method: A panel of specialists are interviewed one-on-one to gather insights. This avoids group pressure and ensures independent expert opinions shape predictions.
  • Market Research: Assessing the success of a company's services/products using real-world customer interactions. Various methods exist, like focus groups, surveys, and product testing.

Quantitative Methods in Forecasting

  • Quantitative methods involve mathematical processes to forecast future performance based on past trends and data patterns. These methods commonly apply statistical models to forecast a company’s potential future performance using past data.

  • Naive Forecasting: A simple method that assumes future performance will match the most recent past performance.

  • Seasonal Forecasting: Evaluating historical data to identify seasonal patterns and trends to predict future performance.

  • Revenue Run Rate: A financial performance indicator that converts a company's current revenue into an annual figure.

  • Historical Growth Rate: A method for predicting future growth in business performance by studying how much in the past the business changed and finding a comparison by the change in percentage.

  • Linear Regression: A method that analyzes a given dataset to determine variables that have the most relation that leads to understanding certain variables.

Time Series Analysis

  • Time series analysis examines data patterns and trends over time to predict future values. It analyzes how data values in a series change over time. Each data observation is dependent on preceding values.

Econometric Models

  • Econometric models use statistical and mathematical models to develop economic theories, test hypotheses, and forecast future trends using historical data.

Combined/Hybrid Approach to Forecasting

  • A combined approach integrates qualitative and quantitative forecasting methods to produce more accurate forecasts and improve reliability.
  • This improves a business's ability to respond effectively to market dynamics and uncertainties using diverse methodologies, incorporating statistical and machine learning techniques to maximize adaptability and accuracy.

Zero-Based Budgeting

  • Requires starting from nothing to justify each expense or budget item.
  • Focuses on efficiency, accuracy, and reducing waste.
  • Requires extensive planning and potentially more resources.

50/30/20 Budget Rule

  • Suggests allocating 50% of income to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings.
  • Offers a basic budgeting framework, but adjustments are recommended based on individual financial situations and circumstances.

Key Limitations of Forecasting

  • Unexpected events (disasters, crises, etc.) may invalidate forecasts.
  • Data inaccuracy or unavailability can lead to unreliable forecasts.
  • Human error from data interpretation or model assumptions can contribute to inaccuracies.
  • The complexity of economic systems makes it hard to predict the future perfectly.

Forecasting vs. Budgeting

  • Forecasting focuses on predicting future trends.
  • Budgeting allocates resources for specific activities.
  • Forecasting is used to inform the budgeting process.

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