What is the process of making predictions about future events based on past event analysis called?

The process of making predictions about future events based on an analysis of past events is known as forecasting. Forecasting utilizes historical data to identify trends and patterns, allowing analysts and practitioners to estimate future outcomes. This practice is essential in various fields such as finance, economics, and resource management, as it helps organizations to plan and make informed decisions based on anticipated future states.

While the terms projection and prediction might seem similar, they are typically used in different contexts. Projection usually refers to estimating a value based on existing trends without the same rigorous analysis of patterns as forecasting. Prediction is a broader term that can apply to any form of estimating future outcomes but does not specifically imply the structured analysis of past data that forecasting entails. In contrast, analysis is a general term encompassing the examination of data, but it does not explicitly indicate the forward-looking bias necessary to make predictions about future events.

Thus, forecasting is the most precise term for the described process of using past data to inform future predictions, making it the correct choice.