Scenario Planning
Forecasting is predicting the outcome of a future event that has not been analyzed yet. Forecasting can be done in any science or social experiment—for instance, forecasts in economics, weather, education, and economics, etc. The forecast can also be qualitative or quantitative, depending on the scenario. Surveys or interviews are used to make qualitative forecasts, whereas quantitative forecasts are used for statistical analysis. However, with the frequent changes in the market due to globalization changes, it is hard to predict the future based on past or current trends based on facts. The traditional technique failed to incorporate such changes that are coming due to frequent market changes.
When
it comes to scenario planning, strategic planning helps the organization make a
flexible future that addresses traditional forecasting issues. Scenario
planning is also called scenario thinking. KaufmanHall(2016) stated scenario
planning is used in military planning. Global(2008) described that
scenario-planning differs from prediction techniques but a technique that
incorporates various views that assist in managing risks and seizing market
opportunities.
Traditional
forecasting uses mathematical techniques or qualitative analysis to find the
future results of a projected event. For instance, regression analysis and
interviews. Whereas scenario planning uses matrix approaches with quadrants and
other strategic planning techniques. Second, the expected outcome in
traditional forecasting is more fixed and not expected to change; however, the
outcomes in the scenario planning are flexible and can be adjusted depending on
the uncertainties and risks associated with the planning(Amer, Daim, & Jetter, 2013).
Moreover,
traditional forecasts help find a direct or one dimension or a two-dimensional
forecast value. Still, scenario planning helps find alternative solutions that
can be characterized by 3D dimensions. The advantages of traditional
forecasting are more of non-human involvement as it uses mathematical
projections or qualitative research methods. However, scenario planning is less
flexible in finding alternative solutions to adjust the projection results
based on current environmental changes. Moreover, if the projection is based on
historical data, it fails to incorporate current and future. However, the
advantage of scenario planning is that we can adjust the projection results
based on current changes in circumstances.
References
Amer,
M., Daim, T.U., & Jetter, A. (2013). A review of scenario planning. Futures, 46, 23-40.
Global(2008). Introduction to
scenario planning. Retrieved
May 2, 2016 from
https://www.mwcog.org/uploads/committee-documents/aV5eWFtX20080731094534.pdf
KaufmanHall
(2016). Scenario planning. Retrieved
May 2, 2016 from
http://www.axiomepm.com/solutions/core/budgeting/scenario-planning?gclid=CjwKEAjw9Zu5BRCS_OuVibujhQ0SJAD7t4KrtylNeDnd_IB5syWMOeRBDl2QziIjc99IxeUyEQWyqRoCUt3w_wcB
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