Our forecasting approach ITM believes that forecasts should be prepared as part of a collaborative, integrated process involving both quantitative and qualitative analysis. Our forecasting approach has been developed to optimise the level of inputs from a variety of sources to provide our customers with the most comprehensive forecasts available.

Gareth Sims Head of Forecasting

ITM’s forecast methodology can be split into five stages:

• Forecast scope
• Market mind-map
• Data collection
• Model design
• Validation

It is important to understand that in practice each stage may be carried out more than once and that the process rarely follows a neat sequential order. As new research and analysis is performed, inputs and models may need to be modified so that the quality of the forecasts can be improved.

An integrated approach

One of the key differentiators of ITM’s forecasts is that we employ an integrated approach.

At the core of this process is a centralised team of four forecasters who maintain and develop methodologies and models that sit across the Telecoms and Media landscape.

The forecasters work closely with our regional and sector analysts to harness their knowledge. This ensures that the division of labour of forecast production is split according to the various levels of expertise and prevents forecasts from being produced in isolation.

This collaborative working relationship allows us to create a holistic view of the market which ensures that we produce the most comprehensive forecasts available.

A comparison between an integrated and isolated approach to forecasting: