Status of menu item forecasting in dietetic education

The status of forecasting techniques included in educational programs and the need for instructional material on this topic were investigated. A survey instrument was developed to determine which forecasting techniques were included in instructional programs. The validated questionnaire was mailed to directors of coordinated undergraduate programs or to Plan IV representatives at all universities with programs approved or accredited by the ADA. The response rate was 59%, or 156 dietetic programs. Analysis of the survey data revealed that mathematical techniques (Box-Jenkins, regression, exponential smoothing, moving average) were not taught in the majority of educational programs. Educators responded that forecasting was an important concept and that continuing education concerning forecasting techniques that may be employed in foodservice management was needed. As a result of the analysis of the data, two self-instructional modules that could be utilized by both practitioners and educators to enhance the level of practice and education were developed. Graduate and undergraduate students at 11 universities and 35 randomly selected practitioners tested the self-instructional modules. For all groups--undergraduate, graduate, and practitioners--the t-statistic was significant at the p less than .0000 level; thus the modules were effective in teaching foodservice forecasting concepts.