con�nue . Alterna�vely , if there has been an overall increase , but the numbers fluctuate up and down from year to year , one might use 3- year rolling averages to forecast a trend .
In most cases , there will either be insufficient quan�ta�ve data , or a need to account for factors that are not easily measured numerically . So , qualita�ve approaches are frequently employed as well . This can include , but is not limited to : a . Environmental scans . b . Surveys of small panels of experts ( Delphi method ). For example , business media might conduct such a survey of a panel of economists to aid in economic forecas�ng . c . Responses from focus groups . d . Opinions of in-house experts . e . Market research that has relevance to the trends and issues being analyzed .
( Note : the data does not all need to be produced in-house and could possibly come from myriad sources . Also , PDA will rarely , if ever , use all the above to forecast a single trend / issue .)
4 . How is the role of the PDA Strategic Forecas�ng Commitee ( SFC ) and SIGMA Teams different from the roles of the Board of Trustees ( BOT ), commitees , task forces , advisory groups , etc .? Ideally , the roles of each of these en��es are reinforcing and interdependent . The SIGMA teams , with representa�on and input from various commitees , will assess data , develop forecasts , and make strategy recommenda�ons to the SFC . The SFC , with representa�on from the BOT , will refine and priori�ze the forecasts and strategies . This can include referring recommenda�ons from the SIGMA Teams to commitees , etc . for further input . The BOT will develop policies as necessary to align with high priority strategies , allocate resources as necessary to implement those strategies and recommenda�ons it receives from the SFC . The BOT also may assign implementa�on of strategies to a commitee , task force or advisory group . The BOT , commitees , task forces and advisory groups can also refer issues to the SIGMA Teams for assessment , based on trends those en��es observe .
5 . How will all these different groups keep abreast of what the other groups are doing ( and avoid duplica�on of effort , etc .)? There will be overlapping membership in all cases . The SFC will have BOT and COD members serving . SIGMA Teams will have COD And commitee members serving . All commitees have a liaison from the BOT . And so on . Basically , those members serving in more than one capacity will act as the conduits through which informa�on will flow between the different bodies , keeping them all aware of the others ’ ac�vi�es . This informa�on exchange will primarily be managed by reports from those dual-role members during mee�ngs of the bodies on which they serve .
6 . What qualifica�ons does one need to have in order to serve on the Strategic Forecas�ng bodies ?