The initial sales forecast uses assumptions such as inventory carryovers, forward buying, packing trends, etc., which are entirely derived from corporate headquarters’ analyses. As divisional managers are in charge of managing the operations of each division, they should be given the responsibility of making their own detailed sales forecast and getting approval from
corporate head office on the final numbers. This will increase the overall accuracy of the initial forecast, making it less subject to change during subsequent reviews of the budget and creating a more efficient process.