Peer Review

Forecasting for Educators

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Oct 7, 2005 by Business

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:: Forecasting for Educators is a collection of materials developed to accompany
the textbook Principles of Forecasting: A Handbook for Researchers and
Practitioners (Armstrong, 2001). The portion of the site referenced in this
module is specifically targeted to business students and faculty. Included on
the site are links to: a summary of forecasting principles, description of
forecasting textbooks, forecasting course syllabi, a forecasting listserv for
educators, and famous forecasting quotes. Although this site is designed to support a textbook on forecasting, there are
some valuable links and resources for instructors of forecasting. In addition to
a discussion forum for educators, there is a link to a journal article
regarding the principles of forecasting, and some humorous quotes and cartoons
about forecasting. Additionally, there are links for researchers, practitioners,
and links to data sources, books, articles, and software.
Type of Material:: Collection of reference material.
Recommended Uses:: The module can be used by students/practitioners interested in gaining more
knowledge of forecasting or by faculty interested in designing/teaching a
forecasting course. This site also contains a journal article by the site owner that could be required or optional reading for students.
Technical Requirements:: Web browser access and a computer enabled with Adobe Acrobat reader are required
to use this module.
Identify Major Learning Goals:: The purpose of the site is to provide information relevant to the teaching of forecasting techniques.
Target Student Population:: Advanced undergraduate business and economics students, graduate business and
economics students, faculty interested in teaching or research in forecasting
and practitioners interested in finding forecasting training.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:: A basic knowledge of forecasting and forecasting terminology/methods is necessary.

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: - The sample chapter provided is helpful for those interested in a description of a variety of forecasting principles.
The site contains relevant and academically significant information on
forecasting. The description and listing for forecasting textbooks provides an excellent resource for those interested in building their forecasting library. The links to forecasting syllabi (as well as the grid providing summary
details of each course) are helpful to those interested in teaching forecasting. The "For Practitioners" link provides useful information on how forcasting is conducted in business and industry. The forecasting dictionary provided is an excellent resource to help better define terminology.
Concerns:: Some context is required in order to be useful to students of forecasting.
Users of the module should clearly undertand that it was produced to accompany the Principles of Forecasting textbook.

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: This site contains much information that an instructor could use to structure
readings and assignments. The Discussion Group for Forecasters listserv is a useful tool for those interested in communicating with others interested in forecasting.
Concerns:: This site is not designed as a self-contained teaching tool; the instructor
would need to set the context and teach a variety of forecasting methods before
integrating the material in the site into an assignment. This module presumes a prerequisite knowledge of basic forecasting principles and terminology. Without this background, much of what is provided would be difficult to use and understand.

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The module is generally easy to navigate with clearly identified links. The design of the site is straight-forward and well organized.
Concerns:: This is a very text-based site with lots of links. The design is somewhat dated.

Other Issues and Comments:: The module is not a teaching and learning tool as much as it is a reference for faculty interested in developing a forecasting course or for advanced students with a real interest in forecasting. For these users, Forecasting for Educators, provides a great deal of information on a variety of textbooks available in the area as well as ideas for syllabus development. Additionally, the forecasting listserv is an excellent mechanism for subscribers to connect with others interested in the field as we often best learn from the questions, problems and experiences of our peers.
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