FORECASTING PRACTICES

The research problem consisted of unveiling the current forecasting practices in termsof techniques, processes, resources/functions in the manufacturing sector in Mauritius.The methodology consisted of sending a self-completed questionnaire that respondentswho were mainly managers from the manufacturing sector had to answer. The resultsobtained were analysed mainly through descriptive statistics with some inferentialstatistical methods.The findings of the research are threefold. Firstly in terms of techniques it was foundthat there was a lack of recent developments and the major types of techniques werejudgemental techniques with rules of thumb and gut feel.Secondly in terms of process, it was found that it was very unclear whether standardprocedures existed for carrying forecasts and forecasts were found not to be credible inorganisations.Finally in terms of resources/functions it was found that there was insufficient training,little use of computer and computer software, no holistic approach to managing theforecasting function and that on the whole there was no organisational support toforecasting