Predicting Future Two Approaches to Predition Extrapolation: Use past experiences for predicting future. One looks for patterns over time. Predictive models: Observed relationship between dependent and independent factors. Goodness of fit: estimated by analysis of residuals. Commonly Used Methods Bivariate Regression/simple regression. Y=a+bx Multiple Regression. Y=a+b1x1+b2x2+b3x3+…+dnxn Time Series Analysis y=a+bt Bivariate Regression y=a+bx A ‘least square’ criteria produces the lowest residual. It is a test of linear association and not a test of causal relationship. Should not be used to prediction outside the bounds of the data used. Multiple Regression Y=a+b1x1+b2x2+b3x3+…+dnxn Special Cases: Use of Dummy Variable (0 and 1 option as in nominal scale) Use of standardized betas to compare the importance of independent variables. Using Multiple Regression as a screening device. Stepwise Regression. Time Series Analysis y=a+bt Simple trend. Exponential Smoothing. F(t+1) = GXt+(1-G)Ft Moving Averages. F(t+1) = {Xt - X(t-N) }/N + Ft Cycle and Seasonality Where: F= forecast for the period. X= actual value at a time. N= number of values included in average, and G=exponential smoothing parameter (gamma) and 0<=G<=1