Provide a forecast of the number of clinic visits for

Question

Using the Northern College Health Services visit volume in Appendix 6-1 on page 113 of the textbook, for this assignment, you will be providing a forecast of the number of clinic visits for November 2008 using the average change, confidence interval, average percent change, moving averages, and exponential smoothing forecasting methods. Use the Internet or research at least two (2) examples of the forecasting methods being used in health services organizations.

Write a two to three (2-3) page paper in which you:

1. Explain each step in the forecasting process for each method.
2. Provide a brief summary of your researched health services organizations implementing the forecasting methods.
3. Provide a forecast of the number of clinic visits for November 2008 using each method of the forecasting process.
4. Conclude which forecasting method provides the best forecast, and provide a rationale for your conclusion.

The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are:

• Evaluate forecasting strategies and methods.
• Use technology and information resources to research issues in quantitative methods for health services.
• Write clearly and concisely about quantitative methods for health services using proper writing mechanics.