Which forecasting method is described as extrinsic and uses external indicators?

• A. Intrinsic forecasting method
• B. Judgmental forecasting method
• C. Time-series forecasting method
• D. Extrinsic forecasting method

Answer: (D)

Extrinsic forecasting methods rely on external indicators to predict demand. Instead of just looking at past sales, these models connect future demand to factors outside the company, such as macroeconomic trends, industry statistics, consumer confidence, weather patterns, or promotional activity in the market. By quantifying how changes in these external variables influence demand—often through regression or econometric approaches—you can forecast future needs even when internal history isn’t sufficient or when external conditions are expected to shift.

This approach is especially useful when demand is driven by outside forces or when past patterns aren’t reliable indicators of the future. It contrasts with time-series methods, which depend on historical internal data and patterns to project future sales, and with judgmental methods, which rely on expert opinion. In short, using external indicators to forecast is the hallmark of an extrinsic forecasting method.