Explain each step in the forecasting process for each method.

Using the Northern College Health Services visit volume in Appendix 6-1 on page 113 of the textbook, for this assignment, you will be providing a forecast of the number of clinic visits for November 2008 using the average change, confidence interval, average percent change, moving averages, and exponential smoothing forecasting methods. Use the Internet or Strayer Library to research at least two (2) examples of the forecasting methods being used in health services organizations.
Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:
1. Explain each step in the forecasting process for each method.
2. Provide a brief summary of your researched health services organizations implementing the forecasting methods.
3. Provide a forecast of the number of clinic visits for November 2008 using each method of the forecasting process.
4. Conclude which forecasting method provides the best forecast, and provide a rationale for your conclusion.
Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements:
· Be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides; citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions.
· Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date. The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length.
Appendix 6-1 Visit Volume for Northern College Health Services

 
Month
Visits to Health Services
 
 
 

2005
Jan
21
2007
Jan
32

 
Feb
19
 
Feb
34

 
Mar
16
 
Mar
39

 
Apr
20
 
Apr
42

 
May
15
 
May
41

 
Jun
18
 
Jun
21

 
July
16
 
July
24

 
Aug
14
 
Aug
28

 
Sept
18
 
Sept
47

 
Oct
25
 
Oct
45

 
Nov
30
 
Nov
46

 
Dec
16
 
Dec
44

2006
Jan
22
2008
Jan
39

 
Feb
26
 
Feb
41

 
Mar
31
 
Mar
34

 
Apr
39
 
Apr
39

 
May
44
 
May
38

 
Jun
17
 
Jun
19

 
July
22
 
July
28

 
Aug
18
 
Aug
29

 
Sept
27
 
Sept
37

 
Oct
33
 
Oct
39

 
Nov
29
 
 
 

 
Dec
33