This is the most comprehensive book written in the area of demand planning and forecasting, covering practically every topic which a demand planner needs to know. It discusses not only the different models of forecasting in simple and layman terms, but also how to use forecasts effectively in business planning. It covers forecasting processes from Silo to Consensus Forecasting to Sales & Operation Planning(S&OP) to Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) to Integrated Business Planning (IBP), and describes how each one improves over the other. It gives many real life cases and examples to make the point. No matter how accurate forecasts are they have no value unless they are used. For that, it explains how to report, present and sell forecasts to management. Nothing improves unless it is measured. It discusses in detail key performance indicators, which are used or should be used in business. Also, what we can do to improve forecasts. Above all, it brings out a number of worst practices, with the thinking once companies recognize what they are doing wrong, they will do something about them. Also, the book discusses the criteria for selecting a forecasting & planning package or system and more.

Effective demand management is becoming critical to acompany's profitability. Demand Management BestPractices: Process, Principles, and Collaborationprovides best practice solutions that will improveoverall business performance for supply chain partnersand all functions within a company impacted by the demandmanagement process. The ......

"This book is an insightful, well-balanced, stimulating SCM Strategy book that clearly tells managers, consultants, as well as educators that the SCM concept is not a fad but a must strategy to gain competitive advantage in today′s dynamic global market place. There are three major strengths. First, it is an unprecedented interdisciplinary SCM strategy book that explains how companies obtain, maintain, and even enhance competitive advantages based upon a well-laid SCM strategy. Second, it provides readers a unique, well-balanced framework for SCM strategy formulation. Third, it is a valuable contribution in the area of SCM in that it does a good job in explaining such a complicated SCM strategy to readers in such a simple manner." —Soonhong (Hong) Min, University of Oklahoma Author of the bestselling text Supply Chain Management, John T. Mentzer′s companion book Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management: Twelve Drivers of Competitive Advantage has been developed as a supplemental text for any course dealing with strategy and supply chains. Written in an entertaining, accessible style, Mentzer identifies twelve drivers of competitive advantage as clear strategic points managers can use in their companies. Research from more than 400 books, articles, and papers, as well as interviews with over fifty executives in major global companies, inform these twelve drivers. The roles of all of the traditional business functions—marketing, sales, logistics, information systems, finance, customer services, and management—in supply chain management are also addressed. Complete with cases and real-world examples from corporations around the world, the book′s exemplars will help students and practicing managers to more effectively understand, implement, and manage supply chains successfully.

Forecasting is required in many situations. Stocking an inventory may require forecasts of demand months in advance. Telecommunication routing requires traffic forecasts a few minutes ahead. Whatever the circumstances or time horizons involved, forecasting is an important aid in effective and efficient planning. This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to forecasting methods and presents enough information about each method for readers to use them sensibly.

Most decisions and plans in a firm require a forecast. Not matching supply with demand can make or break any business, and that's why forecasting is so invaluable. Forecasting can appear as a frightening topic with many arcane equations to master. For this reason, the authors start out from the very basics and provide a non-technical overview of common forecasting techniques as well as organizational aspects of creating a robust forecasting process. The book also discusses how to measure forecast accuracy to hold people accountable and guide continuous improvement. This book does not require prior knowledge of higher mathematics, statistics, or operations research. It is designed to serve as a first introduction to the non-expert, such as a manager overseeing a forecasting group, or an MBA student who needs to be familiar with the broad outlines of forecasting without specializing in it.