This article examines the usefulness of leading economic indicators in predicting shortterm demand for communications technology products. Causal models are developed using diff erent economic indicators including the Industrial Production Index, Consumer Confi dence Index, and Main Competitor Stock Index. These models are then compared with existing forecasting techniques to see if they make any improvement. The multiple regression model outperforms the marketing and statistical forecast accuracy. This article also shows that leading economic indicators are very valuable in predicting short-term demand for communications technology products, and should also be considered to forecast demand for technology products that are heavily impacted by economic swings.

From Issue: Five Trends That Will Impact S&OP Over the Next 10 Years
(Fall 2016)

image
Forecasting Communications Technology Products with Leading Economic Indicators