Knowledge of basic statistics is not required. The course introduces the statistical methods that may be used by businesses to forecast large amounts of time series . During the course, delegates will use one of the software packages mentioned above to produce forecasting models and calculate forecasts. Although there is some discussion of the forecasting methodology, the primary focus of the course is teaching the user to operate the software. In addition to the examples shown by the training leader, delegates will be requested to study and forecast some time series.
Delegates are welcome to work with their own data.
The course takes place over the Internet. Course participants are part of a closed e-mail list and receive course materials through this list. The list may also serve as a forum for discussion of ideas and problem solving. The course is scheduled to take place over 4 sessions. At the beginning of each session, participants receive the relevant material, in addition to answers to exercises from the previous session.