The manpower forecasting techniques commonly employed by modern organisations are given below:
i. Expert forecasts: In this method, managers estimate future human resource requirements, using their experiences and judgements to good effect.
ii. Trend analysis: HR needs can be estimated by examining past trends. Past rates of change can be projected into the future or employment growth can be estimated by its relationship with a particular index.
Trend Analysis (An Example)
2001-02 Production of Units : 5,000
2002-03 No. of Workers : 100
Ratio : 100:5000
2003-04 Estimated Production : 8,000
100
No. of Workers required : 8000 × ------- = 160
5000
If supervisors have a span of 20 workers, 8 supervisors are also needed in 2003-04.