General Step Method

The General Step method is used when the requirements are based on the forecast values. Consider the following requirements matrix for the General Step method:

Table 9-1 Example Requirement Matrix for General Step – One Forecast Value

Standards (Forecast Value)	Requirements
Greater than or equal to 0	1
Greater than or equal to 150	4
Greater than or equal to 500	7

In the preceding table, if the forecast value is 120, the staff requirement is 1. Similarly, if the forecast value is 300, the staff requirement is 4.

You can also define the requirements based on the grouping of two forecast values. Consider the following requirements matrix for the General Step method based on two forecast values:

Table 9-2 Example Requirement Matrix for General Step – Two Forecast Values

Standards (Forecast Value) Driver #1	Standards (Forecast Value) Driver #2
	Greater than 0	Greater than 125	Greater than 230
Greater than or equal to 0	1	3	8
Greater than or equal to 150	4	N/A	N/A

For example, in the preceding table, Labor Management determines the staff requirements based on two forecast values. If the first forecast value is between 1 and 150 and the second forecast value is between 125 and 230, the staff requirement is three employees.