A study to examine the importance of forecast accuracy to supply chain performance, the ocntributing factors and the improvement enablers in practice : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Logistics and Supply Chain Management at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2015
DOI
Open Access Location
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Massey University
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Abstract
Forecast accuracy plays a critical role in supply chain performance. Various researches have
studied this topic from different angles, inspired by these studies, objectives are set up to
investigate the recognition of the importance of forecast accuracy in supply chain
performance in practice, identify the contributing factors and improvement enablers
recognised in practice. This research attempts to comprehensively examine the findings and
conclusions that are drawn from literatures in the real supply chain environment, at the
same time aims to discover good practices as well as issues from the supply chain practice
for future studies, and provides recommendations to the practitioners based on findings and
conclusions from both literature review and this research.
An exploratory research approach utilizing a combined quantitative and qualitative method
has been taken. The research starts with an on-line questionnaire, then complemented by
follow up telephone interviews subject to the candidates’ willingness to participate.
Information collected through the survey and interviews are analysed using different Excel
tools and methods, conclusions and recommendations are then drawn based on the findings
and discussions.
It has been concluded that the importance of forecast accuracy for supply chain
performance has been well recognized in practice. The contributing factors and
improvement enablers identified from the literature review have been commonly
acknowledged by the practitioners, however, the level of understanding on these subjects
varied among these businesses, and different opinions and approaches have also been
discovered. In some cases, actions taken to seek improvement are well lagging behind.
Furthermore, new views, fresh ideas, good practices, issues and constraints are also revealed
through this research. Recommendation based on both literature review and the research
findings are then made to the practitioners. At the same time, suggestions are given for
future studies.
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Keywords
Forecast accuracy, Supply chain performance