Time series forecasting presents a dynamic challenge marked by the continual evolution of temporal data patterns. Even though several machine learning models have been used to tackle this task, it's widely acknowledged that there isn't a single model universally applicable across all scenarios and persistently effective over time. Hence, models that excel in one time interval may prove inadequate in another. This stems from the realization that various models exhibit distinct "Regions of Competence" (RoCs) within the time series, signifying their superior performance in specific temporal contexts. Consequently, the need arises for a well-informed and dynamic process of selecting models in real-time to address the ever-changing characteristics inherent in time series data. This can be achieved by implementing mechanisms capable of discerning the evolving nature of the data, recognizing the RoCs associated with different models, and choosing the model most likely to yield accurate predictions for the present time period. This adaptability and agility in model selection are pivotal for sustaining the accuracy and relevance of time series forecasting in the face of temporal fluctuations. The Regions of Competence (RoCs) serve a dual purpose: they not only direct the model selection process but also enrich the narrative explaining why specific models were preferred during distinct time intervals or instants. This dynamic adds depth to our comprehension of the reasoning behind the decisions in time series forecasting, significantly enhancing transparency and making the decision-making process more accessible and comprehensible to stakeholders.
Dr. Amal Saadallah received her Ph.D. degree from the Computer Science faculty at TU Dortmund in 2022. Since January 2023, Dr. Saadallah is a postdoctoral researcher at the Lamarr Institute for Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence at the Technical University of Dortmund, Germany. She has worked as a Research Assistant in the collaborative research center SFB 876-subproject B3: Data Mining on Sensor Data of Automated Processes, with her area of expertise being in time series analysis, with a particular focus on time series forecasting, online learning, and explainability. In addition, she has worked on applied machine learning for Industry 4.0, particularly on online early-quality prediction of industrial processes, with an emphasis on explainability. She has been involved in the organization of several Workshops and competitions at ECML/PKDD and EPIA, whilst she served as a PC member for several top conferences, including ECML PKDD, AAAI, IEEE ITSC, IDA, and IEEE DSAA.