Introducing Time Series Modeling & Time Series Analysis

Introduction To The Time Series Model

Time series modeling is a type of forecasting that exploits the relationship between variables in non-random time to make predictions. This includes correlating variables such as price and quantity demanded, or amount of advertising and sales. The use of time series modeling is prevalent in fields such as Economics, Finance, and Marketing.

Time series models are often used to forecast future values for this variable by looking at past values for the same variable over a specific period of time (e.g., last 5 years). A linear regression model can be used to create forecasts by estimating coefficients using historical data on the dependent variable (i.e., response) vs independent variables (i.e., predictor), which are then used to generate predicted values for new observations based on the formula:

Forecast = α + β1 * Past Value + β2 * (OtherPredictor)

Where: α is the intercept, β1 and β2 are the estimated coefficients for Past Value and (OtherPredictor), respectively. The forecast error is the difference between the actual value and the predicted value.

Benefits And Drawbacks 

Benefits

  • Models can be used to predict the future values of a single variable or a group of related variables.
  • Times series models are often more accurate than other types of forecasting models, such as regression models and trend lines.
  • Models can be used to identify and predict trends, patterns, and seasonality in data.
  • Structural breaks in the data model provide insights into the problem you are trying to solve.
  • Time series analysis can help you understand the underlying factors that influence a variable’s value.

Drawbacks

  • Time series are often more complex than other types of forecasting models.
  • Time series data can be difficult to obtain and may not be available for all variables of interest.
  • A time series plot is sensitive to the inclusion and exclusion of data, so it is important to use the correct data set when constructing a model.
  • It can be difficult to identify the appropriate time series model for a given set of data.

Despite these drawbacks, time series modeling is a powerful tool for forecasting that can be used in a variety of fields.

How To Use A Model For Forecasting

A time series model can be used to predict the future values of a single variable or a group of related variables. This is done by looking at the correlation between variables and how they change over time, which can provide some insight into whether they will continue to change in this way. The forecast error is the difference between the actual value and the predicted value, and it is important to remember not to rely on any one forecast as an indicator of what will happen.

Examples Of Time Series Models That Can Be Used In Different Fields

There are a variety of time series models that can be used in different fields, depending on the type of data that is being analyzed. Some common examples include:

  • ARIMA (Arbitrary Impulse Response Modeling): Used for modeling time series data that exhibit seasonality and non-linearity.
  • Exponential Smoothing: Used for estimating future values of a time series by smoothing out the data to see the underlying trend.
  • State Space Models: Used for modeling time series data that exhibit non-linearity and/or feedback loops.

Each type of time series model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to choose the right model for the data that is being analyzed. In some cases, it may be necessary to use more than one type of time series model in order to get a complete picture of the data. 

Economics

In the field of economics, models are often used to forecast future values for a time series by looking at past values for the same variable over a specific period of time. Time series forecasting also includes identifying and predicting trends, patterns, and seasonality in data. Businesses can use this information to make better decisions, such as setting prices or deciding how much inventory to store.

Finance

In corporate finance, time series are used to forecast future market behavior based on past market behavior. It is possible that a company may want to invest in stocks that have historically been on an upward trend - after all, what goes up must come down.

Healthcare

In healthcare, a linear regression model can be used to create forecasts by estimating coefficients using historical data. This is done in an attempt to predict future events, such as how many patients will be admitted to the hospital on a given day. Time series  analysis can also be used to predict patient outcomes by taking into account factors such as the amount of care that has been provided in the past.

Marketing

In marketing, time series data can be used to understand how promotional campaigns affect the sale of a product. For example, if there was an increase in sales after increasing advertising for a product, it might make sense to continue this type of campaign.

Time series analysis is used in several other fields as well, including meteorology and hydrology/agriculture.

Time Series Analysis

Time series analysis analyzes sequences of data points over a set period of time. A test can be preformed to determine patterns and trends.

There are a variety of different time series analysis types that can be used, depending on the data that is being analyzed. Some common examples include:

  • Classification - Categorizes the data.
  • Curve fitting - Studies the relationship of the variables within the data by assigning data plots along the curve.
  • Segmentation - Splits data to reveal properties of the underlying source information.
  • Forecasting - Using historical data, attempts to predict future plot points.


Analysis Types

  • Descriptive analysis - Identifies trends, cycles, or seasonal variations.
  • Explanative analysis - Tries to determine relationships within the data.
  • Exploratory analysis - Typically shown in a visual format. Focuses on the main characteristics of the data.
  • Intervention analysis - How data can change based on future events.


Stationary Time Series

A stationary time series is a time series that does not show any trend, seasonal pattern, or cyclical behavior. In order to determine if a time series is stationary, a number of tests can be performed, such as the Dickey-Fuller test, the Phillips-Perron test, and the augmented Dickey-Fuller test. If the test indicates that the time series is stationary, then it can be safely said that it does not have any trend, date or seasonal pattern, or cyclical behavior.

If a time series is found to be non-stationary, then some type of transformation must be performed in order to make it stationary. This could involve taking the natural logarithm of the data, differencing the data, or using some other type of transformation to plot data. Once the stationary time series is established, it can be safely modeled using a variety of different time series.

Multivariate Time Series

Multivariate time series is a type of time series that includes more than one variable. This can be done in order to gain a better understanding of the data, or to improve the accuracy of the forecasts. For example, these models might include the amount of rainfall and the temperature on a given day. This would allow for the identification of any relationships between the two variables.

There are a number of different types of this time series, including:

-Vector Autoregression (VAR): Used for modeling time series data that exhibit dependence between multiple variables.

-Cointegration: Used for modeling time series data that are integrated of order 1 or 2.

- Granger Causality: Used for determining if one variable has a causal impact on another variable.

- Volatility Models: Used for modeling the volatility of multiple variables over a specific period of time.

Each type of multivariate time series model has its own strengths and weaknesses, and it is important to choose the right model for the data that is being analyzed. In some cases, it may be necessary to use more than one type of time series model in order to get a complete picture of the data.

Univariate Time Series

Univariate time series is a type of time series that includes only one variable. This type of time series is used for analyzing data that is linearly related to time. Some common examples of this time series  includes:

-The number of people who visit a website over time

-The number of sales made by a company over time

-The temperature over time

There are a number of different univariate models that can be used, including:

-AutoRegressive Moving Average (ARMA): Average is used for modeling data that has a linear trend and shows no seasonal pattern.

-AutoRegressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA): Average is used for modeling data that has a linear trend, shows no seasonal pattern, and is stationary.

-Exponential Smoothing: Used for forecasting future values based the average of past data.

-Linear Regression: Used for modeling data that has a linear trend.



Time Series Forecasting Methods

There are a number of different time series forecasting methods that can be used, depending on the data that is being analyzed. Some common methods include:

Time Series Decomposition

Time series decomposition is a method for breaking a time series down into its individual components. This can be useful for understanding the behavior of the data, or for improving the accuracy of the forecasts.

There are a number of different methods, including:

- Additive decomposition: Breaks the time series down into a sum of individual components.

- Multiplicative decomposition: Breaks the time series down into a product of individual components.

- Seasonal decomposition: Breaks the time series down into its seasonal components.

- Trend decomposition: Breaks the time series down into its trend and components.

Smooth-Based Time Series

Smooth-based time series is a type of time series that uses a smooth function to model the data. This can be helpful for reducing the amount of noise in the data, and for improving the accuracy of the forecasts.

There are a number of different types of smooth-based time series, including:

- Moving Average: Uses a moving average of the data to model the time series. To test if the moving average series and error term is auto correlated, use W-D test, ACF, or PACF. 

- Weighted Moving Average: Uses a weighted moving average of the data to model the time series.

- Exponential Smoothing: Uses an exponential smoothing algorithm to model the time series.

- Holt's Method: Uses Holt's Method to predict future values based on past values.

Moving Average

A moving average time series is a mathematical tool used to smooth out fluctuations in data so that the trend can be more easily identified. It does this by calculating the average of a certain number of past data points and using that number as the weight for the most recent data unit. By using the average, it less susceptible to noise or random variation in the data.

Exponential Smoothing Time Series

Exponential smoothing is a technique used to predict future values based on past values. It does this by using a weighted average of the past data points, with the most recent data point having the greatest weight. The data average enables the nonsystematic components of each unit to cancel eachother out. 

There are a number of different exponential smoothing algorithms, including:

- Simple Exponential Smoothing: Uses a single smoothing parameter to predict future a value.

- Double Exponential Smoothing: Uses two smoothing parameters to predict future values.

Weighted Double Exponential Smoothing: Uses two smoothing parameters to predict future values, with different weights assigned to each parameter.

- Triple Exponential Smoothing: Uses three smoothing parameters to predict future values.

Holt's Method Time Series

There are many different types of time series forecasting, but one of the most popular is Holt's Method. This approach looks at past data to identify a trend and then uses that information to predict future values. The trend can be linear or nonlinear, and the method accounts for both by using two separate equations. This approach is often used when there is a seasonal component to the data, such as sales figures that fluctuate monthly.

Conclusion

Time series modeling is a powerful tool for forecasting that can be used in a variety of fields. By understanding the correlation between variables and how they change over time, time series modeling can provide valuable insight into an organization’s future performance.

To use a time series model in a forecasting project, it is important to select the right type of model given the nature of the data that is being analyzed.

If you are interested in learning more about time series modeling and how to use it for forecasting, talk to one of our DATA BOSSES! Our team is happy to partner with you and create a roadmap that provides you with predictive analytics and a design engine. Thanks for reading. Happy forecasting!



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