The Modules

Introduction to Forecasting
Learn how to transform your forecasts from being always wrong to becoming key data points for decision making

• Understanding what needs to be forecasted
• Consider different forecasting techniques
• How to add value with forecasting

Driving Improvement The Planning Cycle
Learn the role planning plays in implementing your strategic objectives.  Understand the importance of your role and how you can help others.

• Understand how the strategic objective is implemented into a forecasting, scheduling and real-time plan.
• Learn about the importance of effective data checkpoints, change governance and hand-overs
• Play a part in driving continuous improvement and become the nerve-centre of the business

Operating & Budgets Plans
Learn how important it is to define the operating model and then agree the key assumptions to form the budget.  See practical examples of budget and operating models and explore the importance of accurate forecasts and agreed assumptions.

• Understand the key assumptions to start calculating FTE requirement.
• Classic mistakes and pitfalls to avoid

Bottom Up v Top Down Planning
There are two different ways to approach budget planning – but some organisations find themselves involved in a hybrid third approach. There is no right or wrong way but it is vital to understand the process and to understand if it is appropriate.

• Learn the benefits and drawbacks of each approach
• Look at how your overall business strategy should determine your budget process
• Understand if your business is led by demand or by supply

An Introduction to Accuracy and Confidence
Understand the key statistical considerations that will ensure your conclusions are well founded and can drive confidence. The separate Statistical Confidence box set is an opportunity to drive this further

Descriptive Statistics
In this module we be exploring the Descriptive Statistics tool in excel. We will cover:

• How to use descriptive statistics
• How to use the output to better understand your data
• Alternative ways of calculating

How to Calculate Standard Deviation
Standard deviation is an essential tool for statistical analysis. In this module, we will talk through how to calculate this manually

Descriptives Statistics Example - Using Averages
In this worked example we will be exploring the pitfalls to avoid when using averages. And when to use Mean, Median & Mode

Descriptive Statistics Example - Understanding our data
In this module, we are going to look at descriptive statistics in action and explore how we can use this to better understand our data.

Descriptive Statistics Example - Measuring Benefits
In this module, we are going to look at descriptive statistics in action and explore how we can use this to ensure we are measuring benefits correctly.

Descriptive Statistics Example – Calculating the Accuracy of your Forecast
In this module, we are going to look at a use of descriptive statistics that is essential to every organisation, and that is measuring the accuracy of a forecast. Or to put this another way, setting clear expectations around volatility.
 

The cost of this mini series including accreditation is great value at £325 + VAT and free for students on our assisted learning pathway.

Complete the form below and we will be in touch to arrange payment if necessary.