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Overview

Public sector organisations are increasingly being asked to improve performance, make more effective business decisions and deliver better services. It is therefore essential that professionals are able to understand and utilise effective forecasting and trend analysis techniques, in order to handle these increased pressures.

This Understanding Forecasting and Trends course gives those with a limited understanding of analysing forecasts and trends, the confidence to make more effective decisions, based on data reports.

By attending this Understanding Forecasting and Trends training course: you will gain a very practical overview of common forecasting techniques; the knowledge to utilise basic measures and correlation techniques when predicting trends, and the confidence to apply the right forecasting technique for your organisation.

Through a series of highly practical workshops and use of personal laptops, you will gain the confidence and knowledge to forecast and analyse trends. Leave the day with the ability to make greater sense of your data.

NB: Delegates who attend the day will be asked to bring their own laptops.

What did previous delegates say about this course?

“Extremely insightful course, where a much greater understanding and basic using of excel.” – Head of Patient Safety, RCHT NHS

“Well organised, excellent trainer and fantastic venue.” – Business and Systems Development Officer, Norfolk County Council

“Sue was really engaging and extremely helpful. She made the course fun and understandable. Easy to follow and good documentation.” – Senior Business Management Advisor, Southend-On-Sea Borough Council

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Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how you can forecast trends
  • Learn how forecasting and trends can improve the performance of your organisation
  • Confidently interpret data in the most meaningful way
  • Learn how to effectively forecast to help make more effective business decisions
  • Examine trends that may impact your organisation

In-House Option

Hello

Agenda

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09:15 - 09:45

Registration

09:45 - 10:00

Trainer's Welcome & Clarification of Learning Objectives

10:00 - 10:45

Workshop 1: Understanding the Language of Forecasting and Trends

  • Overview of common forecasting techniques
  • Understand key terms such as: time series trends, averages and linear patterns
10:45 - 11:00

Morning Break

11:00 - 12:00

Workshop 2: Basic Measures Needed for Trends

  • Different types of averages: mean, median, mode
  • Using an average and the range to compare sets of data
  • Calculating a moving average
  • Considering accuracy of measures
12:00 - 13:00

Workshop 3: How to Choose the Right Forecasting Technique

  • Determine the purpose and desired outcome of the analysis – what do you want to discover: estimation, validation or prediction?
  • Understand different forecasting models: Linear Trends
  • Identify common patterns in your data, averages and begin interpreting data charts
13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

14:00 - 14:45

Workshop 4: Correlation

  • Understand the difference between correlation and causation
  • Think about different variables, and their interaction
  • Learn to calculate and use Pearson rank and product moment calculations to show ‘fit’ with your models
  • Understand how to measure and graph two different variables
14:45 - 15:00

Afternoon Break

15:00 - 16:00

Workshop 5: Regression

  • Learn how to conduct regression analysis
  • Interpret regression models to make predictions
16:00 - 16:15

Feedback, Evaluation & Close