title: Survey of foodservice production forecasting.
abstract: Assessment of the state of practice in forecasting production demand in foodservice operations is needed to provide a base for research in model development and implementation. A survey to document the forecasting techniques utilized by foodservice directors was administered to the 464 members of the National Association of College and University Food Services; 282 questionnaires (60.7%) were returned. Fewer than 16% of the respondents used mathematical models for forecasting demand. The moving average technique was the most frequently used mathematical model (8.5%). Variations of the naive or nonmathematical model were used by the majority of respondents. Judgment based on the past records was the most frequently cited variation (89.4%). The foodservice director/manager was the person most frequently responsible for forecasting decisions (83.7%). Typically, determining production demand was conducted 1 week in advance (36.5%). Computers were used by fewer than 38% of respondents for production forecasting. Approximately 79% indicated that forecasting was very important. Respondents indicated a need for improvement in practice and additional training in the area of forecasting. Therefore, continuing education in forecasting should remain a priority for dietetic practitioners.
authors.affiliation: Department of Human Nutrition and Food Management, Ohio State University, Columbus 43210-1295.
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Repko
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Miller
mesh_terms: D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D004046:Dietetics; D005522:Food Services; D005523:Food Supply; D005544:Forecasting; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D012984:Software; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States; D014495:Universities