MUMBAI, India, March 31 /PRNewswire/ --

The IBF will hold its landmark Supply Chain Forecasting & Planning Training & Forum: A Hands-On Workshop in Mumbai on 19 & 20 May 2008. This 2-day workshop will teach key forecasting methods and processes that are vital to a firm's success. The Mumbai workshop is paired with a Supply Chain Forecasting Forum where attendees can share forecasting & planning knowledge with peers in an open atmosphere.

The need to raise customer service levels and minimize costs is ever-present today. This IBF event offers an understanding of forecasting and planning to help meet those goals. Attendees will be able to use these how-to lessons immediately upon returning to their office.

-- Analyzing/treating data -- Designing a forecasting process -- Measuring forecasting performance -- Preparing forecasts using different models/techniques -- Using forecasts to reduce inventory, avoid stock-outs, and increase profit margins -- Improving forecasts with S&OP and CPFR -- Presenting forecasts

As with all IBF forums, seasoned forecasting practitioners will lead discussions on topics like these and more. Eager to help attendees expand their business forecasting and planning skills, this year's forum leaders come from Hewlett-Packard, CEAT Ltd., Great Lakes Institute of Management, Infosys Technologies, and the IBF. This forum is an outlet for networking and gaining practical knowledge that can be put to use right away. This wealth of knowledge makes the conference a worthwhile investment. To get details and to register, visit www.ibf.org/0805indiapr.cfm.

The workshop leader, Mark Lawless, has extensive experience in planning, forecasting, and financial management in a wide range of industries. He has published numerous articles in the IBF's Journal of Business Forecasting, has been an editorial advisor to the JBF, and has given a variety of lectures/discussions (e.g., IBF's Executive Forum). He helped develop IBF's Certification Program and ran on-site training for Sanford Brands, America Online (AOL), Bombardier, Wyeth Healthcare Products, among others. His undergraduate degree is in Economics and his graduate degrees are in Economics, Finance, and Accounting.

The IBF is recognized worldwide as the premier provider of forecasting and planning education, training, and certification. This global organization's membership includes many of the world's largest and renowned companies; also, it is known for its flagship publication, the Journal of Business Forecasting (JBF). The IBF has helped organizations improve forecasting accuracy and overall performance for over 25 years. For more information, visit www.ibf.org

Jonathan Tafarella Marketing Coordinator Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning Tel +1-516-504-7576 x 105 Fax +1-516-498-2029 Email: jonathan.tafarella@ibf.org Web: http://www.ibf.org Web site: http://www.ibf.org http://www.ibf.org/0805indiapr.cfm

Jonathan Tafarella, Marketing Coordinator of the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning, +1-516-504-7576 x105, Fax: +1-516-498-2029, jonathan.tafarella@ibf.org