If we do not have quantitative data to make predictions, there are several qualitative techniques which can be used instead. According to our textbook, "The greatest value of survey and opinion-polling techniques is that they may help to uncover if consumer tastes are changing or if business executives begin to lose confidence in the economy; survey techniques may be able to uncover these trends before their impact is felt." (McGuigan, Moyer, & Harris, 2014, p.157). An example of a survey that could be used in this situation is to poll their sales force. The logic behind a company polling their own sales force is that these employees may have meaningful insights into how well sales will do due to the nature of their job. Another example mentioned in the scenario is the use of the Delphi method. The Delphi method involves surveying a panel of experts for their opinions. In this case, experts could include independent economists.
Do you think the results of the employees' polling would be biased? Why and why not?