Forecast Intelligence
Last Updated: Sep. 14, 2015
Our Qualifications
Most professional forecasters make projections based on short-term linear models that project unchanging characteristics about each phase of life. These projections are reliable at best over just one or two years, because they assume unchanging characteristics of each phase of life. At LifeCourse, our approach is different. We are the only company that offers a long-term strategic perspective on how each phase of life is being transformed by each new generation aging into it.
Our proven historical methods forecast major nonlinear shifts decades into the future—shifts both in the overall national mood and within particular age brackets and economic sectors. Our actuarial capabilities allow us to run multiple scenario modeling to quantify potential future states.
In 2007, the Harvard Business Review invited us to share this unique generational insight in a featured article, "The Next 20 Years: How Customer and Workforce Attitudes Will Evolve."
LifeCourse Associates helps our clients navigate the future by using a proprietary, multi-disciplinary approach to strategic planning. Our models are based on four primary disciplines: demography, economics, technology, and generational theory. We help draw a map of the future and determine the best way to navigate new territory, maximizing future trends and minimizing obstacles.
By looking at the changing nature of demography, economics, and generations, we gauge the conditions that surround and influence both customers and employees.
How We Do It
LifeCourse conducts meta-level strategic reviews to evaluate various corporate strategic initiatives. We use generational drivers on market decisions and public mood to help make long-term strategic investment decisions, test-market strategies against changing generational preferences, and assist clients in building powerful, flexible plans for the future. Click the images below to view our model and process.
Forecast Intelligence Examples
International Investments
We have been tasked by a Central European investment company to conduct a structured analysis of how generational and demographic trends converge to affect a variety of industries in their region. Using quantitative and qualitative information, we built non-linear models to project shifts within certain industries.
Association Forecasting
Faced with a new generation approaching retirement, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) relied on us to craft a comprehensive strategy to attract and retain members while adhering to its policy objectives.
Political Analysis
2008 was a seminal U.S. election; an emerging new generation turned out in record numbers to tip the balance for Obama. LifeCourse partnered with the New America Foundation to publish a comprehensive political analysis of this generation, the Millennials, and their likely influence in American political landscape over the next several years.
Military Planning
LifeCourse partnered with a structural design and product development company to anticipate future resource requirements for the U.S Air Force. Our analysis was based on generational preferences of Millennials and how this could influence design considerations for architecture, design, layout, and building within Air Force support services.
Demand for Advertising in China
A major advertising agency relied on us to forecast market potential for company advertising in China. LifeCourse has been a trusted advisor to the agency on broad topics such as culture, demographic, and economic shifts, as well as the influence of geo-political dynamics and trade policy.
Consumer Demand in Media
LifeCourse helps a major media conglomerate to continuously forecast consumer entertainment demand at all age levels. We provide real-time trend analysis to C-suite executives and research departments. We advise on the execution of test-marketing strategies against generational preferences—how customers are likely to evolve into next phase of life.
Workforce Planning
LifeCourse is helping a risk assessment firm execute a strategic workforce management project by looking at the effectiveness of organizational functions such as performance management, training and development, recruiting and on-boarding, leadership and culture, and customer interaction.
