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Forecasting and Trend Analysis Questions

Covers the full set of forecasting methods and trend analysis techniques used to project future business performance and validate predictions. Topics include time series techniques, moving averages, exponential smoothing, regression analysis, seasonality adjustments, straight line and percentage growth projections, and regression to the mean. Also covers driver based and bottom up build up models, top down allocations, scenario and sensitivity modeling, judgement based forecasts, and sales forecasting approaches such as pipeline based forecasting, deal probability weighting, collaborative forecasting, and historical trending. Includes model validation and accuracy assessment techniques, methods to identify and correct forecast bias, back testing against historical data, assessing confidence intervals and uncertainty, and communicating assumptions and forecast limitations.

MediumTechnical
60 practiced
Describe methods to detect forecast bias over time for monthly forecasts. Include which metrics to compute, statistical tests or tracking signals you would use, how to set thresholds for action, and corrective measures (recalibration, bias term, model retraining). Give specific calculations you would report to stakeholders.
HardTechnical
68 practiced
Design an algorithm (pseudo-code or SQL plus optimization approach) to allocate a top-down regional revenue target to individual products. Requirements: preserve historical product mix proportions as much as possible, respect per-product minimum/maximum constraints, and allow manual overrides. Discuss computational approach and edge cases (zero historical sales, binding constraints).
HardTechnical
84 practiced
Implement a Python function that accepts multiple point-forecast arrays from different models (same horizons), and returns an ensemble forecast using weights inversely proportional to each model's validation RMSE. Then compute empirical 90% prediction intervals by bootstrapping residuals. Outline assumptions, edge cases, and computational complexity.
MediumTechnical
60 practiced
Explain the ARIMA model components: AR(p), I(d), MA(q). For each component give intuition about what it captures, how you would identify appropriate orders using ACF/PACF and stationarity tests, and when to include seasonal terms (SARIMA).
HardTechnical
73 practiced
Explain overfitting in the context of forecasting models (including subtle cases like calendar feature leakage or hyperparameter over-tuning). Describe detection methods (out-of-sample holdouts, residual analysis), and mitigation strategies (regularization, simpler models, proper time-series CV, feature-leakage checks).

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