Matching Pairs Forecasting MethodsOnline version Forecasting is a risky adventure and the forecaster has the challenge of selecting the best forecasting method. Practice matching the forecasting method with its definition/use. by Tamara Strom 1 Linear trend equation 2 Quantitative method 3 Moving average 4 Seasonal additive 5 Market research 6 Delphi method 7 Regression analysis 8 Qualitative method 9 Exponential smoothing 10 Naive method Creates and adds a seasonal index for historical data that does not have a trend and does not increase over time but displays seasonality. Type of regression analysis model used when there is a constant trend Time series method that uses a moving average plus a percentage of forecast error. Method used by defining the relationship between independent and dependent variables Time series method using the average of a fixed subset, taking out the first number of the series and adding the value that follows in the subset series. Method attempting to achieve a consensus forecast based on expert knowledge. A subjective judgment based on opinion (no historical data) Method using last period's actuals as this period's forecast. Objective analysis of historical data Qualitative method using polls, interviews, questionnaires, etc. to gather information to enable a sales forecast