You are on page 1of 126

Operations And Supply Chain Management The Core 3rd Edition Jacobs Test Bank

Full Download: http://testbankreal.com/download/operations-and-supply-chain-management-the-core-3rd-edition-jacobs-test-bank

Chapter 03

Forecasting

True / False Questions

1. Continual review and updating in light of new data is a forecasting technique

called second-guessing.

True False

2. Cyclical influences on demand are often expressed graphically as a linear

function that is either upward or downward sloping.

True False

3. Cyclical influences on demand may come from occurrences such as political

elections, war or economic conditions.

True False

4. Trend lines are usually the last things considered when developing a forecast.

True False

This is sample only, Download all chapters at: testbankreal.com


5. Time series forecasting models make predictions about the future based on

analysis of past data.

True False

6. In the weighted moving average forecasting model the weights must add up to

one times the number of data points.

True False

7. In a forecasting model using simple exponential smoothing the data pattern

should remain stationary.

True False

8. In a forecasting model using simple moving average the shorter the time span

used for calculating the moving average, the closer the average follows volatile

trends.

True False

9. In the simple exponential smoothing forecasting model you need at least 30

observations to set the smoothing constant alpha.

True False
10. Experience and trial and error are the simplest ways to choose weights for the

weighted moving average forecasting model.

True False

11. Bayesian analysis is the simplest way to choose weights for the weighted moving

average forecasting model.

True False

12. The weighted moving average forecasting model uses a weighting scheme to

modify the effects of individual data points. This is its major advantage over the

simple moving average model.

True False

13. A central premise of exponential smoothing is that more recent data is less

indicative of the future than data from the distant past.

True False

14. The equation for exponential smoothing states that the new forecast is equal to

the old forecast plus the error of the old forecast.

True False
15. Exponential smoothing is always the best and most accurate of all forecasting

models.

True False

16. In exponential smoothing, it is desirable to use a higher smoothing constant when

forecasting demand for a product experiencing high growth.

True False

17. The value of the smoothing constant alpha in an exponential smoothing model is

between 0 and 1.

True False

18. Simple exponential smoothing lags changes in demand.

True False

19. Exponential smoothing forecasts always lag behind the actual occurrence but can

be corrected somewhat with a trend adjustment.

True False
20. Because the factors governing demand for products are very complex, all

forecasts of demand contain error.

True False

21. Random errors can be defined as those that cannot be explained by the forecast

model being used.

True False

22. There are no differences in strategic and tactical forecasting. A forecast is a

mathematical projection and its ultimate purpose should make no difference to the

analyst.

True False

23. Random errors in forecasting occur when an undetected secular trend is not

included in a forecasting model.

True False

24. When forecast errors occur in a normally distributed pattern, the ratio of the mean

absolute deviation to the standard deviation is 2 to 1, or 2 x MAD = 1 standard

deviation.

True False
25. MAD statistics can be used to generate tracking signals.

True False

26. RSFE in forecasting stands for "reliable safety function error."

True False

27. In forecasting, RSFE stands for "running sum of forecast errors."

True False

28. A tracking signal (TS) can be calculated using the arithmetic sum of forecast

deviations divided by the MAD.

True False

29. A restriction in using linear regression is that it assumes that past data and future

projections fall on or near a straight line.

True False

30. Regression is a functional relationship between two or more correlated variables,

where one variable is used to predict another.

True False
31. Linear regression is not useful for aggregate planning.

True False

32. The standard error of the estimate of a linear regression is not useful for judging

the fit between the data and the regression line when doing forecasts.

True False

33. Multiple regression analysis uses several regression models to generate a

forecast.

True False

34. For every forecasting problem there is one best forecasting technique.

True False

35. A good forecaster is one who develops special skills and experience at one

forecasting technique and is capable of applying it to widely diverse situations.

True False

36. In causal relationship forecasting leading indicators are used to forecast

occurrences.

True False
37. Qualitative forecasting techniques generally take advantage of the knowledge of

experts and therefore do not require much judgment.

True False

38. Market research is a quantitative method of forecasting.

True False

39. Decomposition of a time series means identifying and separating the time series

data into its components.

True False

40. A time series is defined in the text as chronologically ordered data that may

contain one or more components of demand variation: trend, seasonal, cyclical,

autocorrelation, and random.

True False

41. It is difficult to identify the trend in time series data.

True False
42. In decomposition of time series data it is relatively easy identify cycles and

autocorrelation components.

True False

43. We usually associate the word "seasonal" with recurrent periods of repetitive

activity that happen on other than an annual cycle.

True False

Multiple Choice Questions

44. In time series data depicting demand which of the following is not considered a

component of demand variation?

A. Trend

B. Seasonal

C. Cyclical

D. Variance

E. Autocorrelation
45. Which of the following is not one of the basic types of forecasting?

A. Qualitative

B. Time series analysis

C. Causal relationships

D. Simulation

E. Force field analysis

46. In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken down into several

components. Which of the following is not considered a component of demand?

A. Average demand for a period

B. A trend

C. Seasonal elements

D. Past data

E. Autocorrelation
47. In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken into several

components. Which of the following is considered a component of demand?

A. Cyclical elements

B. Future demand

C. Past demand

D. Inconsistent demand

E. Level demand

48. In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken into several

components. Which of the following is considered a component of demand?

A. Forecast error

B. Autocorrelation

C. Previous demand

D. Consistent demand

E. Repeat demand
49. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a qualitative

forecasting technique?

A. Simple moving average

B. Market research

C. Linear regression

D. Exponential smoothing

E. Multiple regression

50. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a time series

forecasting technique?

A. Simple moving average

B. Market research

C. Leading indicators

D. Historical analogy

E. Simulation
51. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a time series

forecasting technique?

A. Delphi method

B. Exponential averaging

C. Simple movement smoothing

D. Weighted moving average

E. Simulation

52. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a causal

forecasting technique?

A. Exponential smoothing

B. Weighted moving average

C. Linear regression

D. Historical analogy

E. Market research
53. Which of the following forecasting methods uses executive judgment as its

primary component for forecasting?

A. Historical analogy

B. Time series analysis

C. Panel consensus

D. Market research

E. Linear regression

54. Which of the following forecasting methods is very dependent on selection of the

right individuals who will judgmentally be used to actually generate the forecast?

A. Time series analysis

B. Simple moving average

C. Weighted moving average

D. Delphi method

E. Panel consensus
55. In business forecasting, what is usually considered a short-term time period?

A. Four weeks or less

B. More than three months

C. Six months or more

D. Less than three months

E. One year

56. In business forecasting, what is usually considered a medium-term time period?

A. Six weeks to one year

B. Three months to two years

C. One to five years

D. One to six months

E. Six months to six years

57. In business forecasting, what is usually considered a long-term time period?

A. Three months or longer

B. Six months or longer

C. One year or longer

D. Two years or longer

E. Ten years or longer


58. In general, which forecasting time frame compensates most effectively for random

variation and short term changes?

A. Short-term forecasts

B. Quick-time forecasts

C. Long range forecasts

D. Medium term forecasts

E. Rapid change forecasts

59. In general, which forecasting time frame best identifies seasonal effects?

A. Short-term forecasts

B. Quick-time forecasts

C. Long range forecasts

D. Medium term forecasts

E. Rapid change forecasts

60. In general, which forecasting time frame is best to detect general trends?

A. Short-term forecasts

B. Quick-time forecasts

C. Long range forecasts

D. Medium term forecasts

E. Rapid change forecasts


61. Which of the following forecasting methods can be used for short-term

forecasting?

A. Simple exponential smoothing

B. Delphi technique

C. Market research

D. Hoskins-Hamilton smoothing

E. Serial regression

62. Which of the following considerations is not a factor in deciding which forecasting

model a firm should choose?

A. Time horizon to forecast

B. Product

C. Accuracy required

D. Data availability

E. Analyst availability
63. A company wants to forecast demand using the simple moving average. If the

company uses four prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2010 = 100, year 2011 =

120, year 2012 = 140, and year 2013 = 210), which of the following is the simple

moving average forecast for year 2014?

A. 100.5

B. 140.0

C. 142.5

D. 145.5

E. 155.0

64. A company wants to forecast demand using the simple moving average. If the

company uses three prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2011 = 130, year 2012 =

110, and year 2013 =160), which of the following is the simple moving average

forecast for year 2014?

A. 100.5

B. 122.5

C. 133.3

D. 135.6

E. 139.3
65. A company wants to forecast demand using the weighted moving average. If the

company uses two prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2012 = 110 and year 2013

= 130), and we want to weight year 2012 at 10% and year 2013 at 90%, which of

the following is the weighted moving average forecast for year 2014?

A. 120

B. 128

C. 133

D. 138

E. 142

66. A company wants to forecast demand using the weighted moving average. If the

company uses three prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2011 = 160, year 2012 =
140 and year 2013 = 170), and we want to weight year 2011 at 30%, year 2012 at

30% and year 2013 at 40%, which of the following is the weighted moving

average forecast for year 2014?

A. 170

B. 168

C. 158

D. 152

E. 146
67. The exponential smoothing method requires which of the following data to

forecast the future?

A. The most recent forecast

B. Precise actual demand for the past several years

C. The value of the smoothing constant delta

D. Overall industry demand data

E. Tracking values

68. Given a prior forecast demand value of 230, a related actual demand value of

250, and a smoothing constant alpha of 0.1, what is the exponential smoothing

forecast value for the following period?

A. 230

B. 232

C. 238

D. 248

E. 250
69. If a firm produced a standard item with relatively stable demand, the smoothing

constant alpha (reaction rate to differences) used in an exponential smoothing

forecasting model would tend to be in which of the following ranges?

A. 5 % to 10 %

B. 20 % to 50 %

C. 20 % to 80 %

D. 60 % to 120 %

E. 90 % to 100 %

70. If a firm produced a product that was experiencing growth in demand, the

smoothing constant alpha (reaction rate to differences) used in an exponential

smoothing forecasting model would tend to be which of the following?

A. Close to zero

B. A very low percentage, less than 10%

C. The more rapid the growth, the higher the percentage

D. The more rapid the growth, the lower the percentage

E. 50 % or more
71. Given a prior forecast demand value of 1,100, a related actual demand value of

1,000, and a smoothing constant alpha of 0.3, what is the exponential smoothing

forecast value?

A. 1,000

B. 1,030

C. 1,070

D. 1,130

E. 970

72. A company wants to generate a forecast for unit demand for year 2014 using

exponential smoothing. The actual demand in year 2013 was 120. The forecast

demand in year 2013 was 110. Using this data and a smoothing constant alpha of
0.1, which of the following is the resulting year 2014 forecast value?

A. 100

B. 110

C. 111

D. 114

E. 120
73. As a consultant you have been asked to generate a unit demand forecast for a

product for year 2014 using exponential smoothing. The actual demand in year

2013 was 750. The forecast demand in year 2013 was 960. Using this data and a

smoothing constant alpha of 0.3, which of the following is the resulting year 2014

forecast value?

A. 766

B. 813

C. 897

D. 1,023

E. 1,120

74. Which of the following is a possible source of bias error in forecasting?

A. Failing to include the right variables

B. Using the wrong forecasting method

C. Employing less sophisticated analysts than necessary

D. Using incorrect data

E. Using standard deviation rather than MAD


75. Which of the following are used to describe the degree of error?

A. Weighted moving average

B. Regression

C. Moving average

D. Forecast as a percent of actual

E. Mean absolute deviation

76. A company has actual unit demand for three consecutive years of 124, 126, and

135. The respective forecasts for the same three years are 120, 120, and 130.

Which of the following is the resulting MAD value that can be computed from this

data?

A. 1

B. 3

C. 5

D. 15

E. 123
77. A company has actual unit demand for four consecutive years of 100, 105, 135,

and 150. The respective forecasts were 120 for all four years. Which of the

following is the resulting MAD value that can be computed from this data?

A. 2.5

B. 10

C. 20

D. 22.5

E. 30

78. If you were selecting from a variety of forecasting models based on MAD, which

of the following MAD values from the same data would reflect the most accurate

model?

A. 0.2

B. 0.8

C. 1.0

D. 10.0

E. 100.0
79. A company has calculated its running sum of forecast errors to be 500 and its

mean absolute deviation is exactly 35. Which of the following is the company's

tracking signal?

A. Cannot be calculated based on this information

B. About 14.3

C. More than 35

D. Exactly 35

E. About 0.07

80. A company has a MAD of 10. Its wants to have a 99.7 percent control limits on its

forecasting system. It's most recent tracking signal value is 3.1. What can the

company conclude from this information?

A. The forecasting model is operating acceptably

B. The forecasting model is out of control and needs to be corrected

C. The MAD value is incorrect

D. The upper control value is less than 20

E. It is using an inappropriate forecasting methodology


81. You are hired as a consultant to advise a small firm on forecasting methodology.

Based on your research you find the company has a MAD of 3. Its wants to have

a 99.7 percent control limits on its forecasting system. It's most recent tracking

signal value is 15. What should be your report to the company?

A. The forecasting model is operating acceptably

B. The forecasting model is out of control and needs to be corrected

C. The MAD value is incorrect

D. The upper control value is less than 20

E. The company is using an inappropriate forecasting methodology

82. Which of the following is the portion of observations you would expect to see lying

within a plus or minus 3 MAD range?

A. 57.05 percent

B. 88.95 percent

C. 98.36 percent

D. 99.85 percent

E. 100 percent
83. Which of the following is the portion of observations you would expect to see lying

within a plus or minus 2 MAD range?

A. 57.04

B. 89.04

C. 98.33

D. 99.86

E. 100.00

84. If the intercept value of a linear regression model is 40, the slope value is 40, and

the value of X is 40, which of the following is the resulting forecast value using

this model?

A. 120

B. 1,600

C. 1,640

D. 2,200

E. 64,000
85. A company hires you to develop a linear regression forecasting model. Based on

the company's historical sales information, you determine the intercept value of

the model to be 1,200. You also find the slope value is minus 50. If after

developing the model you are given a value of X = 10, which of the following is

the resulting forecast value using this model?

A. - 1,800

B. 700

C. 1,230

D. 1,150

E. 12,000

86. Heavy sales of umbrellas during a rain storm is an example of which of the

following?

A. A trend

B. A causal relationship

C. A statistical correlation

D. A coincidence

E. A fad
87. You are using an exponential smoothing model for forecasting. The running sum

of the forecast error statistics (RSFE) are calculated each time a forecast is

generated. You find the last RSFE to be 34. Originally the forecasting model used

was selected because it's relatively low MAD of 0.4. To determine when it is time

to re-evaluate the usefulness of the exponential smoothing model you compute

tracking signals. Which of the following is the resulting tracking signal?

A. 85

B. 60

C. 13.6

D. 12.9

E. 8

Fill in the Blank Questions

88. Name the four basic types of forecasting.

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

4. ______________________________

________________________________________
89. A company has calculated its running sum of forecast errors to be 400 and its

mean absolute deviation is exactly 25. What is the company's tracking signal?

_________________________________

________________________________________

90. A company has calculated its running sum of forecast errors to be 1,000 and its

tracking signal is 50. What is the company's mean absolute deviation?

_________________________________

________________________________________

91. A company wants to forecast demand using the simple moving average. If the

company uses three prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2011 = 185, year 2012 =

215, and year 2013 =230), what is the simple moving average forecast for year

2014? __________________________________

________________________________________

92. A company wants to forecast demand using the weighted moving average. If the

company uses two prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2012 = 11,000 and year

2013 = 13,000), and we want to weight year 2012 at 35% and year 2013 at 65%,

what is the weighted moving average forecast for Year 2014?

__________________________________________

________________________________________
93. As a consultant you have been asked to generate a unit demand forecast for a

product for Year 2014 using exponential smoothing. Actual demand in year 2013

was 950 but the forecast for that year 1,060. Using this data and a smoothing

constant alpha of 0.5, which of the following is the resulting year 2014 forecast

value? ________________________________________

________________________________________

94. A company has had actual unit demand for four consecutive years of 100, 110,
125, and 150. The respective forecasts using exponential smoothing were 120 for

each of those four years. What value of alpha, the smoothing constant, was the

firm using? ____________________________________

________________________________________

95. What are the five steps of CPFR (collaborative planning, forecasting and

replenishment?)

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________
4. ______________________________

5. ______________________________

________________________________________
96. When analyzing time series data, if demand data contains both seasonal and

trend effects at the same time, what are the two ways that they can relate to each

other discussed in the text?

1) ___________________________

2) ___________________________

________________________________________

97. What do we call forecasts that are for very high-level demand analysis?

_______________________________________

________________________________________

98. What do we call forecasts needed for how a firm operates on a day-to-day basis?

_______________________________________

________________________________________

Essay Questions
99. What does the text mean when it states that rather than to search for the perfect

forecast one should learn to live with inaccurate forecasts?

100.Describe the collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR)

technique.
101.Distinguish between strategic and tactical forecasts.
Chapter 03 Forecasting Answer Key

True / False Questions

1. Continual review and updating in light of new data is a forecasting technique


(p. 50)
called second-guessing.

FALSE

Second guessing is not a forecasting technique.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: Types of Forecasting
2. Cyclical influences on demand are often expressed graphically as a linear
(p. 50)
function that is either upward or downward sloping.

FALSE

By their nature, cyclical influences are non-linear.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking


Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Components of Demand

3. Cyclical influences on demand may come from occurrences such as political


(p. 51)
elections, war or economic conditions.

TRUE

Cyclical influence on demand may come from such occurrences as political

elections, war, economic conditions, or sociological pressures.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Components of Demand
4. Trend lines are usually the last things considered when developing a forecast.
(p. 51)

FALSE

Trend lines are the usual starting point in developing a forecast.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Components of Demand

5. Time series forecasting models make predictions about the future based on
(p. 52)
analysis of past data.

TRUE

Time series forecasting models try to predict the future based on past data.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
6. In the weighted moving average forecasting model the weights must add up to
(p. 54)
one times the number of data points.

FALSE

A weighted moving average (model) allows any weights to be placed on each

element, providing, of course, that the sum of all weights equals 1 (one).

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

7. In a forecasting model using simple exponential smoothing the data pattern


(p. 52)
should remain stationary.

TRUE

See exhibit 3.3

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
8. In a forecasting model using simple moving average the shorter the time span
(p. 53)
used for calculating the moving average, the closer the average follows volatile

trends.

TRUE

While a shorter time span produces more oscillation, there is a closer following

of the trend. Conversely, a longer time span gives a smoother response but

lags the trend.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
9. In the simple exponential smoothing forecasting model you need at least 30
(p. 56)
observations to set the smoothing constant alpha.

FALSE

In the exponential smoothing method, only three pieces of data are needed to

forecast the future: the most recent forecast, the actual demand that occurred

for that forecast period, and a smoothing constant alpha. This smoothing

constant determines the level of smoothing and the speed of reaction to

differences between forecasts and actual occurrences. The value for the

constant is determined both by the nature of the product and by the manager's

sense of what constitutes a good response rate.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

10. Experience and trial and error are the simplest ways to choose weights for the
(p. 55)
weighted moving average forecasting model.

TRUE

Experience and trial and error are the simplest ways to choose weights for the

weighted moving average forecasting model.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

11. Bayesian analysis is the simplest way to choose weights for the weighted
(p. 55)
moving average forecasting model.

FALSE

Experience and trial and error are the simplest ways to choose weights for the

weighted moving average forecasting model.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

12. The weighted moving average forecasting model uses a weighting scheme to
(p. 54)
modify the effects of individual data points. This is its major advantage over the

simple moving average model.

TRUE

The weighted moving average has a definite advantage over the simple moving

average in being able to vary the effects of past data.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

13. A central premise of exponential smoothing is that more recent data is less
(p. 55)
indicative of the future than data from the distant past.

FALSE

If the premise that the importance of data diminishes as the past becomes

more distant is valid then exponential smoothing may be the most logical and

easiest method to use.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
14. The equation for exponential smoothing states that the new forecast is equal to
(p. 56)
the old forecast plus the error of the old forecast.

FALSE

The equation for exponential smoothing states that the new forecast is equal to

the old forecast plus a portion of the error (the difference between the previous

forecast and what actually occurred).

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

15. Exponential smoothing is always the best and most accurate of all forecasting
(p. 49)
models.

FALSE

No model is best and most accurate in every situation. That is why there are so

many models. A perfect forecast is virtually impossible. Too many factors in the

business environment cannot be predicted with certainty. Therefore, rather

than search for the perfect forecast, it is far more important to establish the

practice of continual review of forecasts and to learn to live with inaccurate

forecasts.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Create
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: From Bean to Cup: Starbucks Global Supply Chain Challenge

16. In exponential smoothing, it is desirable to use a higher smoothing constant


(p. 56)
when forecasting demand for a product experiencing high growth.

TRUE

The more rapid the growth, the higher the reaction rate (e.g., smoothing

constant) should be.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

17. The value of the smoothing constant alpha in an exponential smoothing model
(p. 59)
is between 0 and 1.

TRUE

Exponential smoothing requires that the smoothing constant alpha be given a


value between 0 and 1.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

18. Simple exponential smoothing lags changes in demand.


(p. 57)

TRUE

Single exponential smoothing has the shortcoming of lagging changes in

demand.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

19. Exponential smoothing forecasts always lag behind the actual occurrence but
(p. 57)
can be corrected somewhat with a trend adjustment.

TRUE

The forecast lags during an increase or decrease but overshoots when a

change in direction occurs. To more closely track actual demand, a trend factor

may be added.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
20. Because the factors governing demand for products are very complex, all
(p. 69)
forecasts of demand contain error.

TRUE

Demand for a product is generated through the interaction of a number of

factors too complex to describe accurately in a model. Therefore, all forecasts

certainly contain some error.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

21. Random errors can be defined as those that cannot be explained by the
(p. 70)
forecast model being used.

TRUE

Random errors can be defined as those that cannot be explained by the

forecast model being used.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
22. There are no differences in strategic and tactical forecasting. A forecast is a
(p. 48)
mathematical projection and its ultimate purpose should make no difference to

the analyst.

FALSE

In considering what forecasting approach to use it is important to consider the

purpose of the forecast. Some forecasts are for very high-level demand

analysis. What do we expect the demand to be for a group of products over the

next year, for example? Some forecasts are used to help set the strategy of

how, in an aggregate sense, we will meet demand. We will call these strategic

forecasts. Forecasts are also needed for how a firm operates processes on a

day-to-day basis. For example, when should the inventory for an item be

replenished, or how much production should we schedule for an item next

week? These are tactical forecasts where the goal is to estimate demand in the

relative short term, a few weeks or months.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: From Bean to Cup: Starbucks Global Supply Chain Challenge
23. Random errors in forecasting occur when an undetected secular trend is not
(p. 70)
included in a forecasting model.

FALSE

Random errors can be defined as those that cannot be explained by the

forecast model being used.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

24. When forecast errors occur in a normally distributed pattern, the ratio of the
(p. 70)
mean absolute deviation to the standard deviation is 2 to 1, or 2 x MAD = 1

standard deviation.

FALSE

When the errors that occur in the forecast are normally distributed (the usual

case,) the mean absolute deviation (MAD) relates to the standard deviation as:

one standard deviation = 1.25 MAD.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
25. MAD statistics can be used to generate tracking signals.
(p. 70)

TRUE

In recent years, MAD has made a comeback because of its simplicity and

usefulness in obtaining tracking signals.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

26. RSFE in forecasting stands for "reliable safety function error."


(p. 71)

FALSE

RSFE (stands for) running sum of forecast errors.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
27. In forecasting, RSFE stands for "running sum of forecast errors."
(p. 71)

TRUE

RSFE (stands for ) running sum of forecast errors.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

28. A tracking signal (TS) can be calculated using the arithmetic sum of forecast
(p. 71)
deviations divided by the MAD.

TRUE

A tracking signal can be calculated using the arithmetic sum of forecast

deviations divided by the mean absolute deviation

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
29. A restriction in using linear regression is that it assumes that past data and
(p. 59)
future projections fall on or near a straight line.

TRUE

The major restriction in using linear regression forecasting is, as the name

implies, that past data and future projections are assumed to fall about a

straight line.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

30. Regression is a functional relationship between two or more correlated


(p. 59)
variables, where one variable is used to predict another.

TRUE

Regression can be defined as a functional relationship between two or more

correlated variables. It is used to predict one variable given the other.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
31. Linear regression is not useful for aggregate planning.
(p. 59)

FALSE

Linear regression is useful for long-term forecasting of major occurrences and

aggregate planning.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

32. The standard error of the estimate of a linear regression is not useful for
(p. 62)
judging the fit between the data and the regression line when doing forecasts.

FALSE

The standard error of estimate indicates how well the line fits the data.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
33. Multiple regression analysis uses several regression models to generate a
(p. 74)
forecast.

FALSE

Multiple regression analysis, (is where) a number of variables are considered,

together with the effects of each on the item of interest.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Causal Relationship Forecasting

34. For every forecasting problem there is one best forecasting technique.
(p. 50)

FALSE

When forecasting, a good strategy is to use two or three methods and look at

them for the commonsense view.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking


Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: From Bean to Cup: Starbucks Global Supply Chain Challenge
35. A good forecaster is one who develops special skills and experience at one
(p. 50)
forecasting technique and is capable of applying it to widely diverse situations.

FALSE

When forecasting, a good strategy is to use two or three methods and look at

them for the commonsense view.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking


Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: Types of Forecasting

36. In causal relationship forecasting leading indicators are used to forecast


(p. 73)
occurrences.

FALSE

Often leading indicators are not causal relationships, but in some indirect way,

they may suggest that some other things might happen.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: Causal Relationship Forecasting
37. Qualitative forecasting techniques generally take advantage of the knowledge
(p. 75)
of experts and therefore do not require much judgment.

FALSE

Qualitative forecasting techniques generally take advantage of the knowledge

of experts and require much judgment.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Qualitative Techniques in Forecasting

38. Market research is a quantitative method of forecasting.


(p. 75)

FALSE

Market research is used mostly for product research in the sense of looking for

new product ideas, likes and dislikes about existing products, which

competitive products within a particular class are preferred, and so on. Again,

the data collection methods are primarily surveys and interviews. It is a

discussed under the qualitative techniques in forecasting topic area.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Qualitative Techniques in Forecasting
39. Decomposition of a time series means identifying and separating the time
(p. 63)
series data into its components.

TRUE

Decomposition of a time series means identifying and separating the time

series data into its components.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04 Use decomposition to forecast when trend and seasonality is present.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

40. A time series is defined in the text as chronologically ordered data that may
(p. 63)
contain one or more components of demand variation: trend, seasonal, cyclical,

autocorrelation, and random.

TRUE

A time series can be defined as chronologically ordered data that may contain

one or more components of demand: trend, seasonal, cyclical, autocorrelation,

and random

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04 Use decomposition to forecast when trend and seasonality is present.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
41. It is difficult to identify the trend in time series data.
(p. 63)

FALSE

In practice, it is relatively easy to identify the trend and the seasonal

component (by comparing the same period year to year).

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04 Use decomposition to forecast when trend and seasonality is present.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

42. In decomposition of time series data it is relatively easy identify cycles and
(p. 63)
autocorrelation components.

FALSE

It is considerably more difficult (than trend detection) to identify the cycles,

autocorrelation, and random components.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04 Use decomposition to forecast when trend and seasonality is present.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
43. We usually associate the word "seasonal" with recurrent periods of repetitive
(p. 64)
activity that happen on other than an annual cycle.

FALSE

We usually associate seasonal with a period of the year characterized by some

particular activity. We use the word cyclical to indicate other than annual

recurrent periods of repetitive activity.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-04 Use decomposition to forecast when trend and seasonality is present.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

Multiple Choice Questions


44. In time series data depicting demand which of the following is not considered a
(p. 70)
component of demand variation?

A. Trend

B. Seasonal

C. Cyclical

D. Variance

E. Autocorrelation

Variance is a measure of the degree of error, not a component of demand

variation. E.g., Several common terms used to describe the degree of error are

standard error, mean squared error (or variance), and mean absolute deviation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
45. Which of the following is not one of the basic types of forecasting?
(p. 50)

A. Qualitative

B. Time series analysis

C. Causal relationships

D. Simulation

E. Force field analysis

Forecasting can be classified into four basic types: qualitative, time series

analysis, causal relationships, and simulation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: Types of Forecasting
46. In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken down into
(p. 50)
several components. Which of the following is not considered a component of

demand?

A. Average demand for a period

B. A trend

C. Seasonal elements

D. Past data

E. Autocorrelation

In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken down into six

components: average demand for the period, a trend, seasonal elements,

cyclical elements, random variation, and autocorrelation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Components of Demand
47. In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken into several
(p. 50)
components. Which of the following is considered a component of demand?

A. Cyclical elements

B. Future demand

C. Past demand

D. Inconsistent demand

E. Level demand

In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken down into six

components: average demand for the period, a trend, seasonal elements,

cyclical elements, random variation, and autocorrelation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Components of Demand
48. In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken into several
(p. 50)
components. Which of the following is considered a component of demand?

A. Forecast error

B. Autocorrelation

C. Previous demand

D. Consistent demand

E. Repeat demand

In most cases, demand for products or services can be broken down into six

components: average demand for the period, a trend, seasonal elements,

cyclical elements, random variation, and autocorrelation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-02 Identify the basic components of demand: average; trend; seasonal; and random variation.
Topic: Components of Demand
49. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a qualitative
(p. 75)
forecasting technique?

A. Simple moving average

B. Market research

C. Linear regression

D. Exponential smoothing

E. Multiple regression

Market research is used mostly for product research in the sense of looking for

new product ideas, likes and dislikes about existing products, which

competitive products within a particular class are preferred, and so on. Again,

the data collection methods are primarily surveys and interviews. It is a

discussed under the qualitative techniques in forecasting topic area.

AACSB: Reflective Thinking


Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Qualitative Techniques in Forecasting
50. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a time series
(p. 52)
forecasting technique?

A. Simple moving average

B. Market research

C. Leading indicators

D. Historical analogy

E. Simulation

Simple moving average is the only choice that attempts to predict future values

of demand based upon past data.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
51. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a time series
(p. 52)
forecasting technique?

A. Delphi method

B. Exponential averaging

C. Simple movement smoothing

D. Weighted moving average

E. Simulation

Weighted moving average is the only choice that attempts to predict future

values of demand based upon past data.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
52. Which of the following forecasting methodologies is considered a causal
(p. 50)
forecasting technique?

A. Exponential smoothing

B. Weighted moving average

C. Linear regression

D. Historical analogy

E. Market research

Causal forecasting, which we discuss using the linear regression technique,

assumes that demand is related to some underlying factor or factors in the

environment.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Causal Relationship Forecasting
53. Which of the following forecasting methods uses executive judgment as its
(p. 75)
primary component for forecasting?

A. Historical analogy

B. Time series analysis

C. Panel consensus

D. Market research

E. Linear regression

In a panel consensus, the idea that two heads are better than one is

extrapolated to the idea that a panel of people from a variety of positions can

develop a more reliable forecast than a narrower group. Panel forecasts are
developed through open meetings with free exchange of ideas from all levels of

management and individuals. When decisions in forecasting are at a broader,

higher level (as when introducing a new product line or concerning strategic

product decisions such as new marketing areas), the term executive judgment

is generally used.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Qualitative Techniques in Forecasting
54. Which of the following forecasting methods is very dependent on selection of
(p. 76)
the right individuals who will judgmentally be used to actually generate the

forecast?

A. Time series analysis

B. Simple moving average

C. Weighted moving average

D. Delphi method

E. Panel consensus

The step-by-step procedure for the Delphi method is: 1. Choose the experts to

participate. There should be a variety of knowledgeable people in different

areas.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Qualitative Techniques in Forecasting
55. In business forecasting, what is usually considered a short-term time period?
(p. 52)

A. Four weeks or less

B. More than three months

C. Six months or more

D. Less than three months

E. One year

In business forecasting short term usually refers to under three months.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
56. In business forecasting, what is usually considered a medium-term time
(p. 52)
period?

A. Six weeks to one year

B. Three months to two years

C. One to five years

D. One to six months

E. Six months to six years

In business forecasting medium term (refers to) three months to two years.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
57. In business forecasting, what is usually considered a long-term time period?
(p. 52)

A. Three months or longer

B. Six months or longer

C. One year or longer

D. Two years or longer

E. Ten years or longer

In business forecasting long term (refers to) greater than two years.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
58. In general, which forecasting time frame compensates most effectively for
(p. 52)
random variation and short term changes?

A. Short-term forecasts

B. Quick-time forecasts

C. Long range forecasts

D. Medium term forecasts

E. Rapid change forecasts

In general, the short-term models compensate for random variation and adjust

for short-term changes (such as consumers' responses to a new product).

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
59. In general, which forecasting time frame best identifies seasonal effects?
(p. 52)

A. Short-term forecasts

B. Quick-time forecasts

C. Long range forecasts

D. Medium term forecasts

E. Rapid change forecasts

Medium-term forecasts are useful for capturing seasonal effects.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
60. In general, which forecasting time frame is best to detect general trends?
(p. 52)

A. Short-term forecasts

B. Quick-time forecasts

C. Long range forecasts

D. Medium term forecasts

E. Rapid change forecasts

Long-term models detect general trends and are especially useful in identifying

major turning points.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
61. Which of the following forecasting methods can be used for short-term
(p. 52)
forecasting?

A. Simple exponential smoothing

B. Delphi technique

C. Market research

D. Hoskins-Hamilton smoothing

E. Serial regression

See exhibit 3.3

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
62. Which of the following considerations is not a factor in deciding which
(p. 53)
forecasting model a firm should choose?

A. Time horizon to forecast

B. Product

C. Accuracy required

D. Data availability

E. Analyst availability

Which forecasting model a firm should choose depends on: (1) Time horizon to
forecast; (2) Data availability; (3) Accuracy required; (4) Size of forecasting

budget; (5) Availability of qualified personnel.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Types of Forecasting
63. A company wants to forecast demand using the simple moving average. If the
(p. 53)
company uses four prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2010 = 100, year 2011 =

120, year 2012 = 140, and year 2013 = 210), which of the following is the

simple moving average forecast for year 2014?

A. 100.5

B. 140.0

C. 142.5

D. 145.5

E. 155.0

Forecast for 2014 = (100+120+140+210)/4 = 570/4 = 142.5

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
64. A company wants to forecast demand using the simple moving average. If the
(p. 53)
company uses three prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2011 = 130, year 2012

= 110, and year 2013 =160), which of the following is the simple moving

average forecast for year 2014?

A. 100.5

B. 122.5

C. 133.3

D. 135.6

E. 139.3

Forecast for 2014 = (130+110+160)/3 = 400/4 = 133.3

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
65. A company wants to forecast demand using the weighted moving average. If
(p. 54)
the company uses two prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2012 = 110 and year

2013 = 130), and we want to weight year 2012 at 10% and year 2013 at 90%,

which of the following is the weighted moving average forecast for year 2014?

A. 120

B. 128

C. 133

D. 138

E. 142

Forecast for 2014 = (110x0.1) + (130x0.9) = 11 + 117 = 128

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
66. A company wants to forecast demand using the weighted moving average. If
(p. 54)
the company uses three prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2011 = 160, year

2012 = 140 and year 2013 = 170), and we want to weight year 2011 at 30%,

year 2012 at 30% and year 2013 at 40%, which of the following is the weighted
moving average forecast for year 2014?

A. 170

B. 168

C. 158

D. 152

E. 146

Forecast for 2014 = (160x0.3) + (140x0.3) + (170x0.4) = 158

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
67. The exponential smoothing method requires which of the following data to
(p. 56)
forecast the future?

A. The most recent forecast

B. Precise actual demand for the past several years

C. The value of the smoothing constant delta

D. Overall industry demand data

E. Tracking values

In the exponential smoothing method, only three pieces of data are needed to

forecast the future: the most recent forecast, the actual demand that occurred

for that forecast period, and a smoothing constant alpha.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
68. Given a prior forecast demand value of 230, a related actual demand value of
(p. 56)
250, and a smoothing constant alpha of 0.1, what is the exponential smoothing

forecast value for the following period?

A. 230

B. 232

C. 238

D. 248

E. 250

Forecast = 230 + 0.1 x (250-230) = 232

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
69. If a firm produced a standard item with relatively stable demand, the smoothing
(p. 56)
constant alpha (reaction rate to differences) used in an exponential smoothing

forecasting model would tend to be in which of the following ranges?

A. 5 % to 10 %

B. 20 % to 50 %

C. 20 % to 80 %

D. 60 % to 120 %

E. 90 % to 100 %

If a firm produced a standard item with relatively stable demand, the reaction

rate to differences between actual and forecast demand would tend to be

small, perhaps just 5 or 10 percentage points.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
70. If a firm produced a product that was experiencing growth in demand, the
(p. 56)
smoothing constant alpha (reaction rate to differences) used in an exponential

smoothing forecasting model would tend to be which of the following?

A. Close to zero

B. A very low percentage, less than 10%

C. The more rapid the growth, the higher the percentage

D. The more rapid the growth, the lower the percentage

E. 50 % or more

If a firm were experiencing growth, it would be desirable to have a higher

reaction rate, perhaps 15 to 30 percentage points, to give greater importance to

recent growth experience. The more rapid the growth, the higher the reaction

rate should be.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
71. Given a prior forecast demand value of 1,100, a related actual demand value of
(p. 56)
1,000, and a smoothing constant alpha of 0.3, what is the exponential

smoothing forecast value?

A. 1,000

B. 1,030

C. 1,070

D. 1,130

E. 970

Forecast = 1,100 + 0.3 x (1,100-1,000) = 1,030

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
72. A company wants to generate a forecast for unit demand for year 2014 using
(p. 56)
exponential smoothing. The actual demand in year 2013 was 120. The forecast

demand in year 2013 was 110. Using this data and a smoothing constant alpha

of 0.1, which of the following is the resulting year 2014 forecast value?

A. 100

B. 110

C. 111

D. 114

E. 120

Forecast = 110 + 0.1 x (120-110) = 111

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
73. As a consultant you have been asked to generate a unit demand forecast for a
(p. 56)
product for year 2014 using exponential smoothing. The actual demand in year

2013 was 750. The forecast demand in year 2013 was 960. Using this data and

a smoothing constant alpha of 0.3, which of the following is the resulting year

2014 forecast value?

A. 766

B. 813

C. 897

D. 1,023

E. 1,120

Forecast = 960 + 0.3 x (960-750) = 897

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
74. Which of the following is a possible source of bias error in forecasting?
(p. 70)

A. Failing to include the right variables

B. Using the wrong forecasting method

C. Employing less sophisticated analysts than necessary

D. Using incorrect data

E. Using standard deviation rather than MAD

Bias errors occur when a consistent mistake is made. Sources of bias include

the failure to include the right variables; the use of the wrong relationships

among variables; employing of the wrong trend line; a mistaken shift in the

seasonal demand from where it normally occurs; and the existence of some

undetected secular trend.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
75. Which of the following are used to describe the degree of error?
(p. 70)

A. Weighted moving average

B. Regression

C. Moving average

D. Forecast as a percent of actual

E. Mean absolute deviation

Several common terms used to describe the degree of error are standard error,

mean squared error (or variance), and mean absolute deviation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
76. A company has actual unit demand for three consecutive years of 124, 126,
(p. 70)
and 135. The respective forecasts for the same three years are 120, 120, and

130. Which of the following is the resulting MAD value that can be computed

from this data?

A. 1

B. 3

C. 5

D. 15

E. 123

MAD = ABS((124-120)+(126-120)+(135-130))/3 = 15/3 =5

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
77. A company has actual unit demand for four consecutive years of 100, 105, 135,
(p. 70)
and 150. The respective forecasts were 120 for all four years. Which of the

following is the resulting MAD value that can be computed from this data?

A. 2.5

B. 10

C. 20

D. 22.5

E. 30

MAD = ABS((100-120)+(105-120)+(135-120)+(150-120))/4 = 80/4 =20

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
78. If you were selecting from a variety of forecasting models based on MAD,
(p. 71)
which of the following MAD values from the same data would reflect the most

accurate model?

A. 0.2

B. 0.8

C. 1.0

D. 10.0

E. 100.0

Mean absolute percent error (MAPE) gauges the error relative to the average

demand. For example, if the MAD is 10 units and average demand is 20 units,

the error is large and significant, but relatively insignificant on an average

demand of 1,000 units. Since the same data is being used in the question,

MAPE would be least when MAD was smallest. Therefore A is the correct

answer.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Understand
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
79. A company has calculated its running sum of forecast errors to be 500 and its
(p. 71)
mean absolute deviation is exactly 35. Which of the following is the company's

tracking signal?

A. Cannot be calculated based on this information

B. About 14.3

C. More than 35

D. Exactly 35

E. About 0.07

The tracking signal is RSFE/MAD = 500/35 = 14.29.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
80. A company has a MAD of 10. Its wants to have a 99.7 percent control limits on
(p. 71)
its forecasting system. It's most recent tracking signal value is 3.1. What can

the company conclude from this information?

A. The forecasting model is operating acceptably

B. The forecasting model is out of control and needs to be corrected

C. The MAD value is incorrect

D. The upper control value is less than 20

E. It is using an inappropriate forecasting methodology

Tracking Signal = RSFE/MAD hence, 3.1 = RSFE/10 or RSFE =3.1 x 10 = 31.

MAD = 10, SD = 1.25 x MAD = 12.5. Since 99.7 percent corresponds to 3

standard deviations from the mean, RSFE would have to be higher than 3 x

12.5 or 37.5 for the forecasting model to be out of control.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Create
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
81. You are hired as a consultant to advise a small firm on forecasting
(p. 71)
methodology. Based on your research you find the company has a MAD of 3.

Its wants to have a 99.7 percent control limits on its forecasting system. It's

most recent tracking signal value is 15. What should be your report to the

company?

A. The forecasting model is operating acceptably

B. The forecasting model is out of control and needs to be corrected

C. The MAD value is incorrect

D. The upper control value is less than 20

E. The company is using an inappropriate forecasting methodology

Tracking Signal = RSFE/MAD hence, 15 = RSFE/3 or RSFE =15 x 3 = 45.

MAD = 3, SD = 1.25 x MAD = 3.75. Since 99.7 percent corresponds to 3

standard deviations from the mean, (3 x 3.75 = 11.25). Since RSFE is 45, the

forecasting model is out of control.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Create
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
82. Which of the following is the portion of observations you would expect to see
(p. 70)
lying within a plus or minus 3 MAD range?

A. 57.05 percent

B. 88.95 percent

C. 98.36 percent

D. 99.85 percent

E. 100 percent

3 MAD x 0.8 = 2.4 Standard Deviations. From Appendix E, 2.4 standard

deviations includes = 0.4918 of the area x 2 = 0.9836 or 98.36%

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
83. Which of the following is the portion of observations you would expect to see
(p. 70)
lying within a plus or minus 2 MAD range?

A. 57.04

B. 89.04

C. 98.33

D. 99.86

E. 100.00

2 MAD x 0.8 = 1.6 Standard Deviations. From Appendix E, 1.6 standard

deviations includes = 0.4452 of the area x 2 = 0.8904 or 89.04%

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
84. If the intercept value of a linear regression model is 40, the slope value is 40,
(p. 59)
and the value of X is 40, which of the following is the resulting forecast value

using this model?

A. 120

B. 1,600

C. 1,640

D. 2,200

E. 64,000

The linear regression line is of the form Y = a + bX, where Y is the value of the

dependent variable that we are solving for, a is the Y intercept, b is the slope,

and X is the independent variable. Hence, Y = 40 + 40 x 40 = 1,640.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
85. A company hires you to develop a linear regression forecasting model. Based
(p. 59)
on the company's historical sales information, you determine the intercept

value of the model to be 1,200. You also find the slope value is minus 50. If

after developing the model you are given a value of X = 10, which of the

following is the resulting forecast value using this model?

A. - 1,800

B. 700

C. 1,230

D. 1,150

E. 12,000

The linear regression line is of the form Y = a + bX, where Y is the value of the

dependent variable that we are solving for, a is the Y intercept, b is the slope,

and X is the independent variable. Hence, Y = 1,200 + (-50) x 10 = 700.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
86. Heavy sales of umbrellas during a rain storm is an example of which of the
(p. 72)
following?

A. A trend

B. A causal relationship

C. A statistical correlation

D. A coincidence

E. A fad

We can expect that an extended period of rain will increase sales of umbrellas

and raincoats. The rain causes the sale of rain gear. This is a causal

relationship, where one occurrence causes another.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Causal Relationship Forecasting
87. You are using an exponential smoothing model for forecasting. The running
(p. 71)
sum of the forecast error statistics (RSFE) are calculated each time a forecast

is generated. You find the last RSFE to be 34. Originally the forecasting model

used was selected because it's relatively low MAD of 0.4. To determine when it

is time to re-evaluate the usefulness of the exponential smoothing model you

compute tracking signals. Which of the following is the resulting tracking

signal?

A. 85

B. 60

C. 13.6

D. 12.9

E. 8

Tracking Signal = RSFE/MAD = 34/0.4 = 85.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

Fill in the Blank Questions


88. Name the four basic types of forecasting.
(p. 50)

1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

4. ______________________________

(1.) qualitative; (2.) time series analysis; (3.) causal relationships; (4.)

simulation

Forecasting can be classified into four basic types: qualitative, time series

analysis, causal relationships, and simulation.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: Types of Forecasting

89. A company has calculated its running sum of forecast errors to be 400 and its
(p. 71)
mean absolute deviation is exactly 25. What is the company's tracking signal?

_________________________________

16

Tracking Signal = RSFE/MAD = 400/25 = 16.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

90. A company has calculated its running sum of forecast errors to be 1,000 and its
(p. 71)
tracking signal is 50. What is the company's mean absolute deviation?

_________________________________

20

Tracking Signal = RSFE/MAD. Hence, 50 = 1,000/MAD = 50 x MAD = 1,000.

MAD = 20

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 1 Easy
Learning Objective: 03-05 Show how to measure forecast error.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

91. A company wants to forecast demand using the simple moving average. If the
(p. 53)
company uses three prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2011 = 185, year 2012

= 215, and year 2013 =230), what is the simple moving average forecast for

year 2014? __________________________________

210

Forecast for 2014 = (185+215+230)/3 = 630/3 = 210.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

92. A company wants to forecast demand using the weighted moving average. If
(p. 54)
the company uses two prior yearly sales values (i.e., year 2012 = 11,000 and

year 2013 = 13,000), and we want to weight year 2012 at 35% and year 2013

at 65%, what is the weighted moving average forecast for Year 2014?

__________________________________________

12,300

Forecast for 2014 = (11,000 x 0.35) + (13,000 x 0.65) = 3,850 + 8,450 = 12,300

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
93. As a consultant you have been asked to generate a unit demand forecast for a
(p. 55-
product for Year 2014 using exponential smoothing. Actual demand in year
56)
2013 was 950 but the forecast for that year 1,060. Using this data and a

smoothing constant alpha of 0.5, which of the following is the resulting year

2014 forecast value? ________________________________________

1,005

Forecast for 2014 = 1,060 + 0.5 x (950-1,060) = 1,005

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

94. A company has had actual unit demand for four consecutive years of 100, 110,
(p. 56)
125, and 150. The respective forecasts using exponential smoothing were 120

for each of those four years. What value of alpha, the smoothing constant, was

the firm using? ____________________________________

0 (zero)

If the forecast deviates from the actual but the forecast for the next year does

not change then the value of alpha must be zero.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Analyze
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-03 Show how to make a time series forecast using moving averages; exponential smoothing; and
regression.
Topic: Time Series Analysis

95. What are the five steps of CPFR (collaborative planning, forecasting and
(p. 76-
replenishment?)
78)
1. ______________________________

2. ______________________________

3. ______________________________

4. ______________________________

5. ______________________________

(1.) Create a front-end partnership agreement; (2.) Joint business planning; (3.)

Development of demand forecasts; (4.) Sharing forecasts; (5.) Inventory

replenishment

CPFR uses a cyclic and iterative approach to derive consensus supply chain

forecasts. It consists of the following five steps:

Step 1. Creation of a front-end partnership agreement.


Step 2. Joint business planning.

Step 3. Development of demand forecasts.

Step 4. Sharing forecasts.

Step 5. Inventory replenishment.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 3 Hard
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Web-Based Forecasting: Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment

96. When analyzing time series data, if demand data contains both seasonal and
(p. 63)
trend effects at the same time, what are the two ways that they can relate to

each other discussed in the text?

1) ___________________________

2) ___________________________

1) additive and 2) multiplicative

When demand contains both seasonal and trend effects at the same time, the

question is how they relate to each other. In this (text), we examine two types

of seasonal variation: additive and multiplicative.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-04 Use decomposition to forecast when trend and seasonality is present.
Topic: Time Series Analysis
97. What do we call forecasts that are for very high-level demand analysis?
(p. 48)
_______________________________________

Strategic Forecasts

Some forecasts are for very high-level demand analysis. What do we expect

the demand to be for a group of products over the next year, for example?

Some forecasts are used to help set the strategy of how, in an aggregate

sense, we will meet demand. We call these strategic forecasts.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: From Bean to Cup: Starbucks Global Supply Chain Challenge

98. What do we call forecasts needed for how a firm operates on a day-to-day
(p. 48)
basis? _______________________________________

Tactical Forecasts

Forecasts are needed for how a firm operates processes on a day-to-day

basis. For example, when should the inventory for an item be replenished, or

how much production should we schedule for an item next week? These are
tactical forecasts.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: From Bean to Cup: Starbucks Global Supply Chain Challenge

Essay Questions

99. What does the text mean when it states that rather than to search for the
(p. 49-
perfect forecast one should learn to live with inaccurate forecasts?
50)

The text makes this statement in the context of "perfect forecasts are virtually

impossible." And, further, analysts should not go to unreasonable lengths to

improve the precision of a forecast. Rather, the analyst should look at several

methodologies for forecasting the same phenomena and try to cull out the

"commonsense" view from them. It is far more important to continually review

forecasts and learn to live with inaccurate forecasts than it is to try to pin down

a forecast with too much precision.

Feedback: See discussion in answer, above.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Create
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: Types of Forecasting
100. Describe the collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR)
(p. 76-
technique.
78)

CPFR is described in the text. It is a sharing of information between trading

partners across multiple levels in a supply chain which allows the overall supply

chain to operate with lower levels of inventory and increased responsiveness.

In the words of the textbook, CPFR is a Web-based tool used to coordinate

demand forecasting, production and purchase planning, and inventory

replenishment between supply chain trading partners. CPFR is being used as a


means of integrating all members of an supply chain, including manufacturers,

distributors, and retailers.

Feedback: See answer, above.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-06 Describe the common qualitative forecasting techniques; such as the Delphi method and
collaborative forecasting.
Topic: Web-Based Forecasting: Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment
Operations And Supply Chain Management The Core 3rd Edition Jacobs Test Bank
Full Download: http://testbankreal.com/download/operations-and-supply-chain-management-the-core-3rd-edition-jacobs-test-bank

101. Distinguish between strategic and tactical forecasts.


(p. 48)

Strategic and tactical forecasts are described in the chapter introduction. A

successful response to this question will contain some of the following

explanation.

Strategic forecasts are for very high-level demand analysis. What do we expect

the demand to be for a group of products over the next year, for example?

These forecasts are used to help set the strategy of how, in an aggregate

sense, we will meet demand.

Tactical forecasts are also needed for how a firm operates processes on a day-
to-day basis. For example, to answer questions like when should the inventory

for an item be replenished, or how much production should we schedule for an

item next week? These tactical forecasts' goal is to estimate demand in the

relative short term, a few weeks or months. Tactical forecasts are important to

ensure that in the short term we are able to meet customer lead time

expectations and other criteria related to the availability of our products and

services. With this question, some student responses go too far and attempt to

distinguish forecasting methodologies that are "best" for one type of forecast or

the other. Typically, these responses are far from the mark.

Feedback: See answer, above.

AACSB: Analytic
Blooms: Remember
Difficulty: 2 Medium
Learning Objective: 03-01 Understand the role of forecasting as a basis for supply chain planning.
Topic: From Bean to Cup: Starbucks Global Supply Chain Challenge

This is sample only, Download all chapters at: testbankreal.com


More news on internet:
Acoustics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of all mechanical
waves in gases, liquids, and solids including topics such as vibration, sound,
ultrasound and infrasound. A scientist who works in the field of acoustics is an
acoustician while someone working in the field of acoustics technology may be
called an acoustical engineer. The application of acoustics is present in almost all
aspects of modern society with the most obvious being the audio and noise control
industries.

Hearing is one of the most crucial means of survival in the animal world, and
speech is one of the most distinctive characteristics of human development and
culture. Accordingly, the science of acoustics spreads across many facets of human
society—music, medicine, architecture, industrial production, warfare and more.
Likewise, animal species such as songbirds and frogs use sound and hearing as a
key element of mating rituals or marking territories. Art, craft, science and
technology have provoked one another to advance the whole, as in many other
fields of knowledge. Robert Bruce Lindsay's 'Wheel of Acoustics' is a well
accepted overview of the various fields in acoustics.[1]

The word "acoustic" is derived from the Greek word ἀκουστικός (akoustikos),
meaning "of or for hearing, ready to hear"[2] and that from ἀκουστός (akoustos),
"heard, audible",[3] which in turn derives from the verb ἀκούω (akouo), "I
hear".[4]

The Latin synonym is "sonic", after which the term sonics used to be a synonym
for acoustics[5] and later a branch of acoustics.[6] Frequencies above and below
the audible range are called "ultrasonic" and "infrasonic", respectively.

Contents
1 History
1.1 Early research in acoustics
1.2 Age of Enlightenment and onward
2 Fundamental concepts of acoustics
2.1 Definition
2.2 Wave propagation: pressure levels
2.3 Wave propagation: frequency
2.4 Transduction in acoustics
3 Acoustician
3.1 Education
4 Subdisciplines
4.1 Archaeoacoustics
4.2 Aeroacoustics
4.3 Acoustic signal processing
4.4 Architectural acoustics
4.5 Bioacoustics
4.6 Electroacoustics
4.7 Environmental noise and soundscapes
4.8 Musical acoustics
4.9 Psychoacoustics
4.10 Speech
4.11 Ultrasonics
4.12 Underwater acoustics
4.13 Vibration and dynamics
5 Professional societies
6 Academic journals
7 See also
8 Notes and references
9 Further reading
10 External links
History
Early research in acoustics

The fundamental and the first 6 overtones of a vibrating string. The earliest records
of the study of this phenomenon are attributed to the philosopher Pythagoras in the
6th century BC.
In the 6th century BC, the ancient Greek philosopher Pythagoras wanted to know
why some combinations of musical sounds seemed more beautiful than others, and
he found answers in terms of numerical ratios representing the harmonic overtone
series on a string. He is reputed to have observed that when the lengths of vibrating
strings are expressible as ratios of integers (e.g. 2 to 3, 3 to 4), the tones produced
will be harmonious, and the smaller the integers the more harmonious the sounds.
If, for example, a string of a certain length would sound particularly harmonious
with a string of twice the length (other factors being equal). In modern parlance, if
a string sounds the note C when plucked, a string twice as long will sound a C an
octave lower. In one system of musical tuning, the tones in between are then given
by 16:9 for D, 8:5 for E, 3:2 for F, 4:3 for G, 6:5 for A, and 16:15 for B, in
ascending order.[7]

Aristotle (384–322 BC) understood that sound consisted of compressions and


rarefactions of air which "falls upon and strikes the air which is next to it...",[8] a
very good expression of the nature of wave motion.

In about 20 BC, the Roman architect and engineer Vitruvius wrote a treatise on the
acoustic properties of theaters including discussion of interference, echoes, and
reverberation—the beginnings of architectural acoustics.[9] In Book V of his De
architectura (The Ten Books of Architecture) Vitruvius describes sound as a wave
comparable to a water wave extended to three dimensions, which, when interrupted
by obstructions, would flow back and break up following waves. He described the
ascending seats in ancient theaters as designed to prevent this deterioration of
sound and also recommended bronze vessels of appropriate sizes be placed in
theaters to resonate with the fourth, fifth and so on, up to the double octave, in
order to resonate with the more desirable, harmonious notes.[10][11][12]

During the Islamic golden age, Abū Rayhān al-Bīrūnī (973-1048) is believed to
postulated that the speed of sound was much slower than the speed of
light.[13][14]

Principles of acoustics have been applied since ancient times : A Roman theatre in
the city of Amman.
The physical understanding of acoustical processes advanced rapidly during and
after the Scientific Revolution. Mainly Galileo Galilei (1564–1642) but also Marin
Mersenne (1588–1648), independently, discovered the complete laws of vibrating
strings (completing what Pythagoras and Pythagoreans had started 2000 years
earlier). Galileo wrote "Waves are produced by the vibrations of a sonorous body,
which spread through the air, bringing to the tympanum of the ear a stimulus which
the mind interprets as sound", a remarkable statement that points to the beginnings
of physiological and psychological acoustics. Experimental measurements of the
speed of sound in air were carried out successfully between 1630 and 1680 by a
number of investigators, prominently Mersenne. Meanwhile, Newton (1642–1727)
derived the relationship for wave velocity in solids, a cornerstone of physical
acoustics (Principia, 1687).

Age of Enlightenment and onward


The eighteenth century saw major advances in acoustics as mathematicians applied
the new techniques of calculus to elaborate theories of sound wave propagation. In
the nineteenth century the major figures of mathematical acoustics were Helmholtz
in Germany, who consolidated the field of physiological acoustics, and Lord
Rayleigh in England, who combined the previous knowledge with his own copious
contributions to the field in his monumental work The Theory of Sound (1877).
Also in the 19th century, Wheatstone, Ohm, and Henry developed the analogy
between electricity and acoustics.

The twentieth century saw a burgeoning of technological applications of the large


body of scientific knowledge that was by then in place. The first such application
was Sabine’s groundbreaking work in architectural acoustics, and many others
followed. Underwater acoustics was used for detecting submarines in the first
World War. Sound recording and the telephone played important roles in a global
transformation of society. Sound measurement and analysis reached new levels of
accuracy and sophistication through the use of electronics and computing. The
ultrasonic frequency range enabled wholly new kinds of application in medicine
and industry. New kinds of transducers (generators and receivers of acoustic
energy) were invented and put to use.

Fundamental concepts of acoustics


Jay Pritzker Pavilion

At Jay Pritzker Pavilion, a LARES system is combined with a zoned sound


reinforcement system, both suspended on an overhead steel trellis, to synthesize an
indoor acoustic environment outdoors.
Definition
Acoustics is defined by ANSI/ASA S1.1-2013 as "(a) Science of sound, including
its production, transmission, and effects, including biological and psychological
effects. (b) Those qualities of a room that, together, determine its character with
respect to auditory effects."

The study of acoustics revolves around the generation, propagation and reception
of mechanical waves and vibrations.
The fundamental acoustical process
The steps shown in the above diagram can be found in any acoustical event or
process. There are many kinds of cause, both natural and volitional. There are
many kinds of transduction process that convert energy from some other form into
sonic energy, producing a sound wave. There is one fundamental equation that
describes sound wave propagation, the acoustic wave equation, but the phenomena
that emerge from it are varied and often complex. The wave carries energy
throughout the propagating medium. Eventually this energy is transduced again
into other forms, in ways that again may be natural and/or volitionally contrived.
The final effect may be purely physical or it may reach far into the biological or
volitional domains. The five basic steps are found equally well whether we are
talking about an earthquake, a submarine using sonar to locate its foe, or a band
playing in a rock concert.

The central stage in the acoustical process is wave propagation. This falls within
the domain of physical acoustics. In fluids, sound propagates primarily as a
pressure wave. In solids, mechanical waves can take many forms including
longitudinal waves, transverse waves and surface waves.

Acoustics looks first at the pressure levels and frequencies in the sound wave and
how the wave interacts with the environment. This interaction can be described as
either a diffraction, interference or a reflection or a mix of the three. If several
media are present, a refraction can also occur. Transduction processes are also of
special importance to acoustics.

Wave propagation: pressure levels


Main article: Sound pressure

Spectrogram of a young girl saying "oh, no"


In fluids such as air and water, sound waves propagate as disturbances in the
ambient pressure level. While this disturbance is usually small, it is still noticeable
to the human ear. The smallest sound that a person can hear, known as the
threshold of hearing, is nine orders of magnitude smaller than the ambient
pressure. The loudness of these disturbances is related to the sound pressure level
(SPL) which is measured on a logarithmic scale in decibels.

Wave propagation: frequency


Physicists and acoustic engineers tend to discuss sound pressure levels in terms of
frequencies, partly because this is how our ears interpret sound. What we
experience as "higher pitched" or "lower pitched" sounds are pressure vibrations
having a higher or lower number of cycles per second. In a common technique of
acoustic measurement, acoustic signals are sampled in time, and then presented in
more meaningful forms such as octave bands or time frequency plots. Both of
these popular methods are used to analyze sound and better understand the acoustic
phenomenon.

The entire spectrum can be divided into three sections: audio, ultrasonic, and
infrasonic. The audio range falls between 20 Hz and 20,000 Hz. This range is
important because its frequencies can be detected by the human ear. This range has
a number of applications, including speech communication and music. The
ultrasonic range refers to the very high frequencies: 20,000 Hz and higher. This
range has shorter wavelengths which allow better resolution in imaging
technologies. Medical applications such as ultrasonography and elastography rely
on the ultrasonic frequency range. On the other end of the spectrum, the lowest
frequencies are known as the infrasonic range. These frequencies can be used to
study geological phenomena such as earthquakes.

Analytic instruments such as the spectrum analyzer facilitate visualization and


measurement of acoustic signals and their properties. The spectrogram produced
by such an instrument is a graphical display of the time varying pressure level and
frequency profiles which give a specific acoustic signal its defining character.

Transduction in acoustics
An inexpensive low fidelity 3.5 inch driver, typically found in small radios
A transducer is a device for converting one form of energy into another. In an
electroacoustic context, this means converting sound energy into electrical energy
(or vice versa). Electroacoustic transducers include loudspeakers, microphones,
hydrophones and sonar projectors. These devices convert a sound pressure wave to
or from an electric signal. The most widely used transduction principles are
electromagnetism, electrostatics and piezoelectricity.

The transducers in most common loudspeakers (e.g. woofers and tweeters), are
electromagnetic devices that generate waves using a suspended diaphragm driven
by an electromagnetic voice coil, sending off pressure waves. Electret microphones
and condenser microphones employ electrostatics—as the sound wave strikes the
microphone's diaphragm, it moves and induces a voltage change. The ultrasonic
systems used in medical ultrasonography employ piezoelectric transducers. These
are made from special ceramics in which mechanical vibrations and electrical
fields are interlinked through a property of the material itself.

Acoustician
An acoustician is an expert in the science of sound.[15]

Education
There are many types of acoustician, but they usually have a Bachelor's degree or
higher qualification. Some possess a degree in acoustics, while others enter the
discipline via studies in fields such as physics or engineering. Much work in
acoustics requires a good grounding in Mathematics and science. Many acoustic
scientists work in research and development. Some conduct basic research to
advance our knowledge of the perception (e.g. hearing, psychoacoustics or
neurophysiology) of speech, music and noise. Other acoustic scientists advance
understanding of how sound is affected as it moves through environments, e.g.
Underwater acoustics, Architectural acoustics or Structural acoustics. Others areas
of work are listed under subdisciplines below. Acoustic scientists work in
government, university and private industry laboratories. Many go on to work in
Acoustical Engineering. Some positions, such as Faculty (academic staff) require a
Doctor of Philosophy.

Subdisciplines
These subdisciplines are a slightly modified list from the PACS (Physics and
Astronomy Classification Scheme) coding used by the Acoustical Society of
America.[16]

Archaeoacoustics
Main article: Archaeoacoustics

The Divje Babe flute


Archaeoacoustics is the study of sound within archaeology. This typically involves
studying the acoustics of archaeological sites and artefacts.[17]

Aeroacoustics
Main article: Aeroacoustics
Aeroacoustics is the study of noise generated by air movement, for instance via
turbulence, and the movement of sound through the fluid air. This knowledge is
applied in acoustical engineering to study how to quieten aircraft. Aeroacoustics is
important to understanding how wind musical instruments work.[18]

Acoustic signal processing


See also: Audio signal processing
Acoustic signal processing is the electronic manipulation of acoustic signals.
Applications include: active noise control; design for hearing aids or cochlear
implants; echo cancellation; music information retrieval, and perceptual coding
(e.g. MP3 or Opus).[19]
Architectural acoustics
Main article: Architectural acoustics

Symphony Hall Boston where auditorium acoustics began


Architectural acoustics (also known as building acoustics) involves the scientific
understanding of how to achieve a good sound within a building.[20] It typically
involves the study of speech intelligibility, speech privacy, music quality, and
vibration reduction in the built environment.[21]

Bioacoustics
Main article: Bioacoustics
Bioacoustics is the scientific study of the hearing and calls of animal calls, as well
as how animals are affected by the acoustic and sounds of their habitat.[22]

Electroacoustics
See also: Audio Engineering and Sound reinforcement system
This subdiscipline is concerned with the recording, manipulation and reproduction
of audio using electronics.[23] This might include products such as mobile phones,
large scale public address systems or virtual reality systems in research
laboratories.

Environmental noise and soundscapes


Main article: Environmental noise
See also: Noise pollution and Noise control
Environmental acoustics is concerned with noise and vibration caused by
railways,[24] road traffic, aircraft, industrial equipment and recreational
activities.[25] The main aim of these studies is to reduce levels of environmental
noise and vibration. Research work now also has a focus on the positive use of
sound in urban environments: soundscapes and tranquility.[26]
Musical acoustics
Main article: Musical acoustics

The primary auditory cortex is one of the main areas associated with superior pitch
resolution.
Musical acoustics is the study of the physics of acoustic instruments; the audio
signal processing used in electronic music; the computer analysis of music and
composition, and the perception and cognitive neuroscience of music.[27]

Psychoacoustics
Main article: Psychoacoustics
Psychoacoustics explains how humans respond to sounds.[28]

Speech
Main article: Speech
Acousticians study the production, processing and perception of speech. Speech
recognition and Speech synthesis are two important areas of speech processing
using computers. The subject also overlaps with the disciplines of physics,
physiology, psychology, and linguistics.[29]

Ultrasonics
Main article: Ultrasound

Ultrasound image of a fetus in the womb, viewed at 12 weeks of pregnancy


(bidimensional-scan)
Ultrasonics deals with sounds at frequencies too high to be heard by humans.
Specialisms include medical ultrasonics (including medical ultrasonography),
sonochemistry, material characterisation and underwater acoustics (Sonar).[30]

Underwater acoustics
Main article: Underwater acoustics
Underwater acoustics is the scientific study of natural and man-made sounds
underwater. Applications include sonar to locate submarines, underwater
communication by whales, climate change monitoring by measuring sea
temperatures acoustically, sonic weapons,[31] and marine bioacoustics.[32]

Vibration and dynamics


Main article: Vibration
This is the study of how mechanical systems vibrate and interact with their
surroundings. Applications might include: ground vibrations from railways;
vibration isolation to reduce vibration in operating theatres; studying how vibration
can damage health (vibration white finger); vibration control to protect a building
from earthquakes, or measuring how structure-borne sound moves through
buildings.[33]

Professional societies
The Acoustical Society of America (ASA)
The European Acoustics Association (EAA)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Institute of Acoustics (IoA UK)
The Audio Engineering Society (AES)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Noise Control and Acoustics Division
(ASME-NCAD)
International Commission for Acoustics (ICA)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Aeroacoustics (AIAA)
International Computer Music Association (ICMA)
Academic journals
Main category: Acoustics journals
Acta Acustica united with Acustica
Applied Acoustics
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America (JASA)
Journal of the Acoustical Society of America, Express Letters (JASA-EL)
Journal of the Audio Engineering Society
Journal of Sound and Vibration (JSV)
Journal of Vibration and Acoustics American Society of Mechanical Engineers
Ultrasonics (journal)

You might also like