Business Forecasting

Preface

In our 2015 compilation, Business Forecasting: Practical Problems and Solutions, we brought together 49 of the most interesting, important, and influential articles published in the field since 2000. The selection centered around fundamental issues in business forecasting, forecasting methods, performance evaluation and reporting, and forecasting process and politics. While these topics are just as relevant today as they were five years ago, we've seen a spectacular rise in interest in a new direction – in the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in business forecasting. Hence the subtitle of this new volume.

Now in 2020, we are writing about forecasting against the backdrop of another spectacular forecasting failure – an unforeseen pandemic. The new compilation features over 60 articles, commentaries, and “op-ed” pieces – all either original or published since 2015. We are pleased to have assembled input from the top academics, consultants, vendors, and industry practitioners – many of the most recognized and respected names in the forecasting profession. Each provides their own unique vision of the issues, current state, and future direction of business forecasting.

There has been much progress in the last five years, and we have attempted to reflect that progress in the selected contributions. After an introductory review of business forecasting's “state of the art,” the material is organized into five chapters:

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine ...