Answer:
a small alpha value is used.
Explanation:
The exponential smoothing forecasting technique is used for forecasting a time series when there is no trend or seasonal pattern, but the mean of the time series is slowly changing over time.
The choice of the smoothing constant α (alpha) is important in determining the operating characteristics of exponential smoothing. The smaller the value of α (alpha), the slower the response. Therefore when a small alpha value is used the exponential smoothing forecasting technique slowly responds to changes in the mean level of demand.
When the values of α (alpha) are larger this makes the smoothed value to react quickly – not only to real changes but also random fluctuations.