Building a Large-Scale, Automated Forecasting System from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Specialization Overview (Review)

In this module you get an overview of the courses in this specialization and what you can expect. Note: This same module appears in each course in this specialization.

Course Overview

Introduction to Large-Scale Forecasting

In this modules you'll get an overview of the functionality used in the course. We'll describe how objects and methods in the Automatic Time Series Modeling, or ATSM, package in SAS Visual Forecasting can be combined to solve the large-scale forecasting problem. We'll also describe how the configuration of objects and information flows change depending on what stage of the automatic forecasting process you are in.

Exploring and Processing Timestamped Data

In this module we'll use the TSMODEL procedure to perform time series accumulation and missing value interpretation. We'll use packages for PROC TSMODEL, which are blocks of code that can be inserted within the flow of your PROC TSMODEL code to perform specialized tasks for both data preparation and analysis. Then, we'll discuss time series hierarchies and how to use a BY statement in PROC TSMODEL to create a hierarchy.

Automatic Forecasting: Model Specification and Selection

In this module, we'll use the ATSM package in PROC TSMODEL to perform automatic forecasting, model selection, and specification. We'll walk through the process for declaring and using the many different ATSM objects and discuss how and where each object fits within the automatic forecasting process.

Creating Custom Models and Managing Model Lists

This module describes and illustrates functionality for creating your own custom models in the forecasting system. We'll provide step-by-step instructions for building a custom specification and then modifying the automatic model selection process to include your model as a candidate for all series in a given level of the data hierarchy.

Event Variables in the Forecasting System

In this module, we'll generate event variables three different ways. First, we'll use the ATSM package to create and implement predefined event variables. Second, we'll create event variables using the HPFEVENTS procedure. Third, we'll perform conditional BY-group processing for event variable creation. Next, we'll use and identify ARIMAX and ESM models, produce model selection lists, and select a champion model. Using the selected champion model and passing the predefined event variables to the TSMODEL procedure, we'll generate automatic forecasts and output model estimates and fit statistics.

Reconciling Statistical Forecasts

Reconciling statistical forecasts occurs after the automatic model generation, selection, and forecasting processes are done. In this module, we describe the reconciliation process and illustrate system tools and options for reconciling statistical forecasts we generated earlier in the course.

Setting Up the Forecasting System and Generating Best Forecasts

This module covers a variety of topics. First, we'll discuss system tools and best practices that have the potential to improve the precision of your system forecasts. These include best practices like honest assessment for champion model selection and system tools like outlier detection and combined model forecasts. Next, we'll describe options and best practices associated with rolling the system forward in time.

Course Review

In this module you test your understanding of the course material.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Provides an entry point into forecasting concepts and is suitable for beginners

Focuses on forecasting methodology and is not industry-specific

Requires familiarity with an object-oriented language

Designed for intermediate to advanced learners in time-series forecasting

Taught by instructors from SAS, a prominent software provider in analytics

Appropriate for analysts seeking to enhance their machine learning skills with forecasting analysis

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Building a Large-Scale, Automated Forecasting System with these activities:

Read Forecasting Principles and Applications

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the principles and techniques used in forecasting.

View Forecasting: Principles and Practice on Amazon

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Read the book thoroughly.
Take notes on the key concepts and techniques.
Complete the exercises at the end of each chapter.

Review Time Series Analysis concepts

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Ensures that you have a solid understanding of time series analysis principles before starting the course.

Browse courses on Time Series Analysis

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Review the definition and characteristics of time series data.
Understand the different types of time series analysis.
Practice analyzing time series data using statistical techniques.

Identify a mentor

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Connects you with an experienced professional who can provide guidance and support.

Browse courses on Time Series Forecasting

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Identify potential mentors in your field.
Reach out to your potential mentors and introduce yourself.
Meet with your mentor regularly to discuss your progress and get advice.

Four other activities

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Follow SAS Visual Forecasting tutorials

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Provides you with practical experience using the SAS Visual Forecasting software.

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Review the SAS Visual Forecasting documentation.
Complete the SAS Visual Forecasting tutorials.
Practice using SAS Visual Forecasting to analyze time series data.

Practice Automatic Forecasting

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Reinforces the techniques for performing automatic forecasting using SAS Visual Forecasting.

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Review the steps involved in automatic forecasting.
Practice using SAS Visual Forecasting to perform automatic forecasting on a dataset.
Evaluate the results of your automatic forecasting.

Join a study group

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Enables you to collaborate with other students and learn from their experiences.

Browse courses on Time Series Forecasting

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Find a study group or organize one with your classmates.
Meet regularly to discuss course material and work on projects together.
Share your knowledge and insights with other group members.

Build a Forecasting Model

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Provides you with hands-on experience in building and evaluating a forecasting model using SAS Visual Forecasting.

Browse courses on Time Series Forecasting

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Identify a suitable dataset for forecasting.
Use SAS Visual Forecasting to build a forecasting model.
Evaluate the performance of your forecasting model.
Present your forecasting model to others.

Career center

Learners who complete Building a Large-Scale, Automated Forecasting System will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineers design, develop, and maintain machine learning systems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in machine learning to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Machine Learning Engineer

Quantitative Analyst

Quantitative Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to analyze financial data. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in financial analysis to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system in the financial industry.

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Data Scientist

Data Scientists use statistical methods and machine learning to extract knowledge from data. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in data analysis and machine learning to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Statistician

Statisticians use statistical methods to collect, analyze, and interpret data. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in statistics to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Data Analyst

Data Analysts use data analysis to identify and solve problems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in data analysis to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

See salaries and explore the career path for Data Analyst

Business Analyst

Business Analysts use data analysis to identify and solve business problems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in business analysis to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system for a business.

See salaries and explore the career path for Business Analyst

Operations Research Analyst

Operations Research Analysts use mathematical and statistical methods to solve business problems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in operations research to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system for a business.

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Financial Analyst

Financial Analysts use financial data to make investment decisions. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in financial analysis to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system in the financial industry.

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Database Administrator

Database Administrators maintain and administer database systems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in database administration to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Network Administrator

Network Administrators maintain and administer computer networks. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in network administration to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Systems Administrator

Systems Administrators maintain and administer computer systems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in systems administration to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Data Architect

Data Architects design and implement data management systems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in data architecture to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Computer Scientist

Computer Scientists research and develop new computer technologies. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in computer science to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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IT Manager

IT Managers plan and direct the activities of an organization's IT department. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in IT management to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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Software Engineer

Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software systems. In this role, you would use your knowledge of SAS Visual Forecasting tools to build and maintain large-scale forecasting systems. You would also use your skills in software engineering to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. This course would be particularly helpful for you because it would provide you with the skills and knowledge you need to build and maintain a large-scale forecasting system.

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