TRL4861
Assignment 2 \ 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: September 2025
FORECASTING DEMAND FOR A ROAD FREIGHT BUSINESS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
INTRODUCTION
Forecasting demand is one of the most important steps in setting up a transport business. A
road freight company planning to move building materials to rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN) must estimate how much demand will exist for these services in 2025 and 2026. The
construction sector in rural regions is shaped by many factors, including government
housing projects, infrastructure development, seasonal activity, and private building by
households. A clear demand forecast can help the business plan its fleet size, workforce,
routes, and pricing strategy.
There are many methods for forecasting demand. Broadly, they can be divided into two
groups: demand forecasting methods, which are more qualitative and judgmental, and
quantitative forecasting methods, which rely on numerical data and statistical techniques.
This essay will explain the differences between these two groups, show how they
complement each other, and then apply five demand forecasting methods and five
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
FORECASTING DEMAND FOR A ROAD FREIGHT BUSINESS IN KWAZULU-
NATAL
INTRODUCTION
Forecasting demand is one of the most important steps in setting up a transport
business. A road freight company planning to move building materials to rural areas
of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) must estimate how much demand will exist for these
services in 2025 and 2026. The construction sector in rural regions is shaped by
many factors, including government housing projects, infrastructure development,
seasonal activity, and private building by households. A clear demand forecast can
help the business plan its fleet size, workforce, routes, and pricing strategy.
There are many methods for forecasting demand. Broadly, they can be divided into
two groups: demand forecasting methods, which are more qualitative and
judgmental, and quantitative forecasting methods, which rely on numerical data and
statistical techniques. This essay will explain the differences between these two
groups, show how they complement each other, and then apply five demand
forecasting methods and five quantitative forecasting methods to the context of a
rural road freight company in KZN. Finally, it will identify the most suitable methods
and justify why they fit best with this type of business.
DEMAND FORECASTING METHODS AND QUANTITATIVE FORECASTING
METHODS
Demand forecasting methods focus on predicting demand using market knowledge,
expert judgement, and qualitative insights. They often consider factors such as
customer preferences, social trends, policy changes, or local conditions that may not
be reflected in historical data. For example, insights from local builders, municipal
officials, or housing NGOs may help predict the scale of construction activity in rural
KZN. Demand forecasting methods are usually applied when there is limited past
data, when the market is changing, or when demand is influenced by qualitative
drivers (Kumar, 2019).
Assignment 2 \ 2025
2 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: September 2025
FORECASTING DEMAND FOR A ROAD FREIGHT BUSINESS IN KWAZULU-NATAL
INTRODUCTION
Forecasting demand is one of the most important steps in setting up a transport business. A
road freight company planning to move building materials to rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal
(KZN) must estimate how much demand will exist for these services in 2025 and 2026. The
construction sector in rural regions is shaped by many factors, including government
housing projects, infrastructure development, seasonal activity, and private building by
households. A clear demand forecast can help the business plan its fleet size, workforce,
routes, and pricing strategy.
There are many methods for forecasting demand. Broadly, they can be divided into two
groups: demand forecasting methods, which are more qualitative and judgmental, and
quantitative forecasting methods, which rely on numerical data and statistical techniques.
This essay will explain the differences between these two groups, show how they
complement each other, and then apply five demand forecasting methods and five
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
FORECASTING DEMAND FOR A ROAD FREIGHT BUSINESS IN KWAZULU-
NATAL
INTRODUCTION
Forecasting demand is one of the most important steps in setting up a transport
business. A road freight company planning to move building materials to rural areas
of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) must estimate how much demand will exist for these
services in 2025 and 2026. The construction sector in rural regions is shaped by
many factors, including government housing projects, infrastructure development,
seasonal activity, and private building by households. A clear demand forecast can
help the business plan its fleet size, workforce, routes, and pricing strategy.
There are many methods for forecasting demand. Broadly, they can be divided into
two groups: demand forecasting methods, which are more qualitative and
judgmental, and quantitative forecasting methods, which rely on numerical data and
statistical techniques. This essay will explain the differences between these two
groups, show how they complement each other, and then apply five demand
forecasting methods and five quantitative forecasting methods to the context of a
rural road freight company in KZN. Finally, it will identify the most suitable methods
and justify why they fit best with this type of business.
DEMAND FORECASTING METHODS AND QUANTITATIVE FORECASTING
METHODS
Demand forecasting methods focus on predicting demand using market knowledge,
expert judgement, and qualitative insights. They often consider factors such as
customer preferences, social trends, policy changes, or local conditions that may not
be reflected in historical data. For example, insights from local builders, municipal
officials, or housing NGOs may help predict the scale of construction activity in rural
KZN. Demand forecasting methods are usually applied when there is limited past
data, when the market is changing, or when demand is influenced by qualitative
drivers (Kumar, 2019).
